Review: Heart of a Princess by Hannah Currie

About the book:

To the watching world, Princess Alina has it all – maids to serve her, a kingdom to revere her, a prince to marry her, and a wardrobe filled with enough frills, flounces and shades of pink to rival a flower shop. But behind the smiles and designer clothes, Alina has a secret. She’s barely holding it together.

After a moment of panic almost ends in tragedy, Alina is sent to a refuge far from the palace to recuperate. Her family claim it’s for her own good but – faced with cows, knife-beaked ducks and far too many of her own insecurities – Alina is pretty sure it will kill her first. And Joha Samson, infuriating man that he is, will laugh as it does.

Only there’s more to Joha than she realizes, and more to herself too. When the time comes to make a stand, will she find the courage?

My rating:
5 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

Another fantastic read from Hannah Currie! After reading and loving the first Daughters of Peverell book, Heart of a Royal, I had to immediately start this book. It was just as amazing of a read!

I wasn't too sure what kind of main character Princess Alina would be after the way she was towards the end of book one, but I shouldn't have doubted as her story was one of redemption and I loved the way she grew. The romance was sweet and, while I would have liked an epilogue, I'm just hoping for a book three. 

All in all, I loved Heart of a Princess and recommend the series. I think you should definitely read the books in order. 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: An Uncommon Courtship by Kristi Ann Hunter

About the book:

Lord Trent Hawthorne couldn't be happier he is not the duke in the family. Free to manage his small estate and take his time discovering the life he wants to lead, he has grand plans of someday wooing and falling in love with the woman of his choice. When he finds himself honor bound to marry a woman he barely knows, his dream of a loving marriage like his parents' seems lost forever.

Life for Lady Adelaide Bell was easier when she hid in her older sister's shadow--which worked until her sister got married. But even with her socially ambitious mother's focus entirely on her, the last thing she expected was a marriage of convenience before she's been introduced to society.

With nothing going as expected, can Trent and Adelaide's marriage of obligation survive their own missteps and the pressures of London society to grow into a true meeting of hearts and minds?

Links to the first two books:
A Noble Masquerade: http://amzn.to/2ASctRE
An Elegant Facade: http://amzn.to/2AUOGk0

My rating:
2.5 stars

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My thoughts:

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Review: Murder Simply Brewed by Vannetta Chapman

About the book:

When the coffee shop manager is murdered in Middlebury’s Amish Artisan Village, two women from different walks of life must join together to solve the mystery.

Spring has arrived in Middlebury, Indiana, and Amber Wright is optimistic about the growing profit from her collection of Amish shops—until she receives a call that Ethan Gray is dead. Hurrying over to A Simple Blend, she finds a solitary hole in the front window and the store manager lying next to the espresso machine, dead from an apparent heart attack. All the money is still in his register.

When Amber hires a young Amish woman, Hannah Troyer, to take over the shop’s duties, the two women become fast friends—as well as amateur sleuths. The police believe Gray’s death is a by-product of vandalism, but Amber and Hannah aren't convinced.

Clues that don't add up, a neighbor who is pulled into the midst of the investigation, a town with secrets to hide, and a blossoming romance—all will combine to push Amber and Hannah into unfamiliar roles in order to reveal answers to the mysteries around them.

My rating:

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My thoughts:

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Review: A July Bride by Beth Wiseman

About the book:

In a moment of total panic, Brendan left Alyssa at the altar. What will it take for him to win her back?

When Brendan Meyers became a “runaway groom,” Alyssa Pennington’s heart broke. But she’s returned the unopened gifts, exchanged the dress, and is ready to get on with her life…and forget Brendan.   

The problem is, Brendan can’t forget. He can’t forget the love he and Alyssa shared and can’t forgive himself for what he put her through on their wedding day. He can never undo his actions, but at least he can try to win Alyssa’s forgiveness. And maybe, someday, another shot at her love.

Dalton Landreth was the only person not disappointed about that botched wedding. He had been eyeing Alyssa since high school—with his gorgeous, magnetic blue eyes—and when Brendan ran out the church doors, Dalton heard opportunity knocking.

Within months of being jilted at the altar, Alyssa finds herself being simultaneously wooed by the love of her life and the best-looking man she’s ever seen. Not bad for a small-town girl with a broken heart.

My rating:

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My thoughts:

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Review: Own It: Leaving Behind a Borrowed Faith by Hayley DiMarco & Michael DiMarco

Own It: Leaving Behind a Borrowed Faith by Hayley DiMarco & Michael DiMarco
B & H / 2013

About the book:

It's time to stop borrowing or faking your faith . . . own it!

The feature film Grace Unplugged tells the story of Grace Trey, an eighteen year-old small town pastor's daughter who is also a phenomenal singer. But when she abruptly leaves home and finds instant Hollywood fame, the faith and relationships she grew up with are put to the test.

As seen in the movie, Own It challenges readers by asking what it means to really "own" your faith rather than just automatically or blindly following in the footsteps of friends or parents. Bestselling authors Michael and Hayley DiMarco will help you navigate what to do when faith meets real world challenges.

Renting, borrowing, or faking your faith is a waste of time. Own It is all about the supernatural reality that when you take hold of your faith, it's really God's love that takes hold of you. 

My rating:

My thoughts:

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Review: With Autumn's Return by Amanda Cabot

With Autumn's Return by Amanda Cabot
Westward Winds series: Book Three
Revell / 2014
Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

She's planning on instant success. She didn't plan on love.

When Elizabeth Harding arrives in Cheyenne to open her medical practice, she is confident that the future is as bright as the warm Wyoming sun. Certain she'll have a line of patients eager for her services, she soon discovers the town may not welcome a new physician--especially a lady doctor. Even Jason Nordling, the handsome young attorney next door, seems to disapprove of her chosen profession.

When a web of deceit among Cheyenne's wealthiest residents threatens to catch Elizabeth and Jason in its snare, they must risk working together to save one of Elizabeth's patients--even if it means falling in love.

My rating:

My thoughts:

After reading and loving the first two books in the Westward Winds series, I was looking forward to With Autumn's Return - the conclusion to the series. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the book as much as I had hoped.

With Autumn's Return started off really good and I thought it was going to be another great read, but then little things in the story started to frustrate me and hampered my enjoyment of it.

For instance, some things in the story seemed to be repeated several times. I'm fine with something being repeated once or twice for clarification or as a reminder, but otherwise I don't like it. I also felt that the ending wasn't much of a surprise and was predictable, for the most part. Another thing that bothered me was how we weren't told what happened with a certain character in the end.

It may not sound like it from above, but there were things I liked about With Autumn's Return. I really liked Gwen's and Harrison's story. I also liked how Elizabeth cared more about helping her patients and people in general than other people's opinions and gossip. Something else I liked was how Abigail and Charlotte (Elizabeth's sisters) were in this book (although I do wish they would have been in the story a little more). The writing was also very good.

Overall, With Autumn's Return was not my favorite in the series. There were things I liked and things I didn't. If you enjoy historical fiction, you might really enjoy this book, even though it wasn't a favorite of mine. There seems to be a lot of people who loved it.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

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Review & Giveaway: A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano

A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano
Ladies of Distinction: Book Three
Bethany House / 2013
Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

For years, Miss Felicia Murdock's every thought and action have been in pursuit of becoming a minister's wife. When the minister she'd set her sights on has other ideas, she decides something in her life needs to change--and soon--before she wastes any more time pretending to be someone she's not. If that means spreading her wings and embracing a more lively way of life, who's to say nay?

Grayson Sumner, Lord Sefton, has had more than enough of spreading his wings and only hopes to settle into the life of a respectable New York gentleman. Prompted by some friends to lift the spirits of the disappointed-in-love Miss Murdock, he is surprised to encounter an adventurous young lady with an unfortunate knack for stumbling into troublesome situations.

Just as Grayson decides he's had quite enough of her antics, his past comes back to haunt him and his presence in Felicia's life endangers her. As they work together to extricate themselves from this latest complication, will Grayson and Felicia decide they want to spend the rest of their lives keeping one another out of trouble?

My rating:

My thoughts:


I didn't enjoy A Talent for Trouble as much as I thought I would, and I think one of the reasons for that is because I read this one right after finishing books one and two - there were just too many similarities in the stories and that just annoyed/frustrated me. I think if I would have only read this book (or read it months after the others), I would have enjoyed it more. Also, there were some things in A Talent for Trouble that just didn't seem believable to me.

I was surprised by how much I liked the main hero. I think he might be my favorite from the books so far. I didn't love Felicia's character, but she wasn't horrible either. I am still really looking forward to Agatha's book - her story sounds so good!

The plot to this story might be my favorite, but overall I just didn't enjoy it all that much. There were parts I really liked, but also things I didn't and it was just an okay read for me. I see many people on Goodreads have loved A Talent for Trouble, so I could be the only one that didn't connect to it and you might like it.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

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Review: Captured by Moonlight by Christine Lindsay

Captured by Moonlight by Christine Lindsay
Twilight of the British Raj: Book Two
WhiteFire Publishing / 2013
Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Prisoners to their own broken dreams…

After a daring rescue goes awry, Laine Harkness and her friend Eshana flee to the tropical south of India…and headlong into their respective pasts.

Laine takes a nursing position at a plantation in the jungle, only to discover that her former fiancé is the owner…but fun-loving Laine refuses to let Adam crush her heart like he had years ago.
Eshana, captured by her traditional uncle and forced once more into the harsh Hindu customs of mourning, doubts freedom will ever be hers again, much less the forbidden love that had begun to flower.

Amid cyclones, epidemics, and clashing faiths, will the love of the True Master give hope to these searching hearts?

Check out the book trailer:

My rating:

My thoughts:

Captured by Moonlight is the second book I've read by Christine Lindsay and, while I didn't enjoy it quite as much as Shadowed in Silk, it was still an interesting read that broadened my knowledge of the Indian culture.

I liked the characters in Captured by Moonlight, but I don't think I have a favorite - though I really liked Adam. The romance story between Adam and Laine was sweet, but I did get a little frustrated with the flip-flopping emotions/feelings that Laine felt. I also thought the subplot romance story was good. Another thing I liked was how the main characters from book one were in this book a little bit and we got updates on their lives. :)

There were a couple tense scenes in Captured by Moonlight, which I thought really added to the story. The one real negative I personally had was how some characters heard replies from God and/or saw a vision. It's just a pet peeve of mine and something I don't like.

All in all, Captured by Moonlight was a nice one-time read. I did enjoy the story, there were just a couple things that annoyed/frustrated me, personally.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

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Review: A Reluctant Courtship by Laurie Alice Eakes

A Reluctant Courtship by Laurie Alice Eakes
The Daughters of Bainbridge House series: Book Three
Revell / 2013
Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

A woman without a prospect. A man without a homeland. Can love give them a future?

Honore Bainbridge has been courted by two men, one of whom turned out to be a traitor, the other a murderer. Banished to her family’s country estate, where she will hopefully stay out of trouble, she finally meets the man she is sure is exactly right for her: Lord Ashmoor. Tall, dark, and handsome—what more could a girl ask for?

But he too is under suspicion because of his American upbringing and accusations that he has helped French prisoners escape from Dartmoor Prison. If he’s to keep out of a British prison himself and secure his place in British society, Lord Ashmoor needs a wife beyond reproach—something the vexingly beautiful Honore certainly is not. Though they find themselves drawn to each other, family obligations may conspire to keep them apart forever.

For the sake of her heart, Honore determines to prove Ashmoor’s innocence—even if doing so risks her own life.

From the first sentence, award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes thrusts you into high drama amid the rocky cliffs of Devonshire, England, and keeps you suspended there until the final page.

My rating:

My thoughts:

A Reluctant Courtship was a read about which I had really mixed feelings. After I finished the first chapter (which had me laughing and smiling), I thought it was going to be my favorite book of The Daughters of Bainbridge House series but, as I continued reading, my feelings kept flip-flopping and I was a little disappointed in the end.

I don't know how to express what it was exactly that didn't click with me, but I'll try my best. For one thing, the story seemed kind of redundant at times and there were times while reading this book that I found myself bored and wanting to just skim-read -- though towards the end, the story was very good and not boring at all! Hence, why I have such mixed feelings about A Reluctant Courtship -- parts of it were very good; others, not so much (in my opinion).

There were several things about A Reluctant Courtship that I liked. The characters were good and I really liked both Ashmoor and Honore. Their romance story was sweet. :) I didn't care all that much for Honore's brother, but I think that was the intention. I also liked the mystery/suspense aspect and how it was possible for the reader to guess who the culprit was - my guess was correct!

Overall, while not my favorite in the The Daughters of Bainbridge House series, A Reluctant Courtship was a nice one-time read. I'm glad I read it and definitely plan on reading more of Eakes' books.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

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Review: Lady Anne's Quest by Susan Page Davis

Lady Anne's Quest by Susan Page Davis

Prairie Dreams: Book Two

Barbour Books / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Love Lost. . .and Found

Lady Anne Stone believes her prayers are answered and she’s at last found her long lost uncle. Unwilling to let her meet him on her own, Daniel Adams accompanies her to her uncle’s ranch. But instead of answers, Anne is left with more questions. Both Dan and Anne are convinced the man introduced as her uncle is an imposter and decide to continue the search for the new Earl of Stoneford.

But now the swindler is on their trail, hoping to steal Uncle David’s inheritance. Dan has his hands full trying to protect Anne, but he finds he must guard his heart just as carefully. Even though he’s good at keeping her safe, he knows he’ll never convince Anne to become a farmer’s wife in Oregon when she has her sights set on returning to her home in England. But as Anne’s quest becomes even more difficult — and dangerous — Anne begins to see Dan differently. Will she soon be envisioning a new life in America?

My rating:

My thoughts:

Lady Anne's Quest is the second book in the Prairie Dreams series and, while I haven't read book one yet, I was still able to enjoy it - though I think I'd have liked it more had I read The Lady's Maid first.

I had a hard time getting into the story, probably because sometimes it felt like scenes ended too quickly/abruptly, so it was hard for me to really connect.

Anne's character annoyed me a little bit for most of the book - she just seemed a little uppity, at least to me, though I did start to like her more towards the end. Dan was a nice character and probably my favorite from Lady Anne's Quest.

I thought Anne's "quest" was really interesting and added a little mystery/suspense to the story. I liked the bit of danger in the book. I have to say, some parts of Lady Anne's Quest didn't seem believable to me. I won't go into much detail because I don't want to give away too much of the story, but suffice it to say that some of the choices characters made didn't seem realistic to me.

The ending to Lady Anne's Quest was sweet and very nice. The book leaves a couple of things unanswered, though, and makes me interested in reading A Lady in the Making to find out what happens next.

*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

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Review + Giveaway: Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station by Deborah Heal

Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station by Deborah Heal

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

If Only the Walls of the Old House Could Talk. . .

Tutoring an eleven-year-old for the summer seemed like the perfect college service project for Abby Thomas. But that was before she found herself in a dilapidated old house in Nowhereville, trying to teach Merrideth—a sullen girl who doesn’t want her help. All she has is a pile of useless, musty old books, and Merrideth’s definitely not interested.

But who says the only way to teach is with books? When they discover a freaky program on their new computer, history comes alive in ways that Abby and Merrideth could never expect. But is this program only the creative genius of some computer nerd—or are they really seeing Charlotte Miles, the girl who lived in their house 160 years before?

Their friends just laugh when they try to explain. But if it really is Charlotte, Abby and Merrideth must find a way to warn her about the danger waiting in the woods behind their house.

Time and Again: Charlotte at Miles Station is a story told in the past and in the present. A story of three girls—their perspectives, their relationships, and their journey of self-discovery and faith.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Time and Again was a very intriguing novel, that at times I thought was really good, but other times just okay. The characters weren't that gripping to me and I found myself slightly annoyed by Abby during parts of the story (she seemed like a know-it-all).

I thought the whole thing about the computer game, that might have gone back in time to show you what had happened in Charlotte's life, was very interesting! I think those scenes with Charlotte might have been my favorites in Time and Again!

At times, the writing was a little hard for me to follow, but it doesn't seem like any other reviewers had that problem, so I may be alone there. :) The "N" word was said a couple times in this book, and even though it was during the back-in-time scenes, I didn't like it.

I really liked all of the history in Time and Again! There was a lot about Lincoln and the State of Illinois. Overall, I think Time and Again was a good one-time read that young readers especially, but also adults, who like books with some time-travel-ness, might enjoy. I plan on reading the sequel, Unclaimed Legacy, because I'm interested in finding out what happens next. :)

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Links to learn more about the author and series:

About Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station ~ The History behind Miles Station

About Unclaimed Legacy, the second book in the series ~ The History behind Unclaimed Legacy

 About the Author: Website: http://www.deborahheal.com, Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeborahHeal

Where to buy the books: Amazon, Barnes & Noble

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Review: Echoes of Titanic by Mindy Starns Clark and John Campbell Clark

Echoes of Titanic by Mindy Starns Clark and John Campbell Clark

Harvest House / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Christianbook, Goodreads

About the book:

Kelsey Tate comes from sturdy stock. Her great-grandmother Adele endured the sinking of Titanic and made it safely to America, where she not only survived but thrived. Generations later, Kelsey works for the firm Adele founded nearly 100 years ago. 

Now facing a hostile takeover, the firm’s origins are challenged when new facts emerge about Adele’s actions on the night Titanic sank. Kelsey tries to defend the company and the great-grandmother she has long admired, but the stakes are raised when Kelsey’s boss is murdered and her own life threatened. 

Forced to seek help from Cole Thornton, a man Kelsey once loved—and lost, thanks to her success-at-all-costs mentality—she pursues mysteries both past and present. Aided by Cole and strengthened by the faith she’d all but forgotten in her climb up the corporate ladder, Kelsey races the clock to defend her family legacy, her livelihood, and ultimately her life.

My rating:

My thoughts:


I have read many of Mindy Starns Clark's suspense books and loved most of them, but unfortunately, Echoes of Titanic wasn't that great to me. I found myself easily bored throughout most of the novel (although it did get better later on in the story) and sometimes thought there were too many details.

I did like the mystery, though, of who really survived from the sinking of the Titanic (whether Adele or Jocelyn posing as Adele). There were other things that happened present day that added suspense/mystery, too, which I also enjoyed. I was surprised when it was made known what had happened regarding the person who was found dead - I wasn't expecting it.

Overall, I liked Echoes of Titanic, but because it was somewhat boring at times, I'm giving it 2.5 stars. Even though this book isn't one of my favorites, if it sounds like something you might like (and you like books dealing with the Titanic), you might want to try it.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

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