The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green

After being imprisoned and branded for the death of her client, twenty-five-year-old midwife Julianne Chevalier trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling 1720's French colony of Louisiana, where she hopes to be reunited with her brother, serving there as a soldier. To make the journey, though, women must be married, and Julianne is forced to wed a fellow convict.

When they arrive in New Orleans, there is no news of Benjamin, Julianne's brother, and searching for answers proves dangerous. What is behind the mystery, and does military officer Marc-Paul Girard know more than he is letting on?

With her dreams of a new life shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous, rugged land, despite never being able to escape the king's mark on her shoulder that brands her a criminal beyond redemption. 

The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green was an interesting and thought provoking read about a subject and time period I knew very little about. It involves the prison/exile French colony in Louisiana, and it delves into the conditions faced by the prisoners, locals, and soldier in ramshackle town of New Orleans. The plot line was well written and moved at the perfect pace, allowing me to dig deeper into the story and really connect with the characters. The descriptions of the settings, environment, and situations were outstanding, and I felt like I could actually picture what was happening. The characters were well developed and realistic, and I felt as if I could actually feel the emotions that Julianne experienced as she found herself first unfairly imprisoned, then married, and finally across the seas in the wilderness of Louisiana. I was drawn into her conflicts and the decisions she had to make, and I appreciated the other, more minor characters and the depth they added to the story. Overall, I highly enjoyed this novel, and I look forward to reading more of Jocelyn Green's excellent books. 

I received this novel from Netgalley and Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. 

Egypt's Sister: A novel of Cleopatra by Angela Hunt

Five decades before the birth of Christ, Chava, daughter of the royal tutor, grows up with Urbi, a princess in Alexandria's royal palace. When Urbi becomes Queen Cleopatra, Chava vows to be a faithful friend no matter what--but after she and Cleopatra have an argument, she finds herself imprisoned and sold into slavery. 

Torn from her family, her community, and her elevated place in Alexandrian society, Chava finds herself cast off and alone in Rome. Forced to learn difficult lessons, she struggles to trust a promise HaShem has given her. After experiencing the best and worst of Roman society, Chava must choose between love and honor, between her own desires and God's will for her life. 

Egypt's Sister is the first novel in Angela Hunt's new series, the Silent Years, which follows the Jewish people during the time period between the Old and New Testament when they have no communication with God via prophets. I recently wrote a review on the second novel in this series, Judah's Wife, which covers Israel during the Maccabean era. Egypt's Sister is about the Jews living in Egypt during Cleopatra's reign as Egypt begins to fall under the control of Rome. The story centers around Chava and her childhood friendship with Urbi (aka Cleopatra) and what happens to both girls as they age. It was very interesting to see the backstory behind Cleopatra, to see the tragedy and betrayal that existed in her own family, and to watch as the decisions she made led her further and further into uncertainly, lies, and deceit. I also was intrigued to follow the fictional story of Chava as she suffered under the slavery conditions in Rome and had to learn to persevere and to forgive even in the midst of great pain. I was pulled into the story from the first page, and I could not put it down until the end. I was moved to tears at times by the realistic narration and the hardship that both girls experienced for different reasons. Overall, I highly enjoyed diving into this novel, and I look forward to reading more of Angela Hunt's new series. 

I received this novel from Netgalley and Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. 

An Inconvenient Beauty by Kristi Ann Hunter

Griffith, Duke of Riverton, likes order, logic, and control, and he naturally applies this rational approach to his search for a bride. He's certain Miss Frederica St. Claire is the perfect wife for him, but while Frederica is strangely elusive, he can't seem to stop running into her stunningly beautiful cousin, Miss Isabella Breckenridge.

Isabella should be enjoying her society debut, but with her family in difficult circumstances, her uncle will only help them if she'll use her beauty to assist him in his political aims. Already uncomfortable with this agreement, the more she comes to know Griffith, the more she wishes to be free of her unfortunate obligation.

Will Griffith and Isabella be able to set aside their pride and face their fears in time to find their own happily-ever-after?

An Inconvenient Beauty is the fourth and final novel in Kristi Ann Hunter's Hawthorne series, and it was a fitting finale to the series. This novel is about the oldest Hawthorne sibling, the Duke of Riverton. He is the gruff, aloof, and almost cold member of the family, and he has decided it is time for him to take a wife. The story follows the oftentimes entertaining, other times truly moving, adventure as he finds his well made plans are thrown awry by the beautiful Isabella Breckenridge. The plot is well written and moves at an excellent pace, allowing the reader to get settled into the story and setting. The themes are flawlessly interwoven and are thought provoking as the characters deal with their inner issues. The characters are well developed and realistic, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. I enjoyed watching Griffith and Isabella butt heads and learn from their differences and their mistakes. Overall, I have truly enjoyed reading this series, and I look forward to reading more of Kristi Ann Hunter's new books.

I received this novel from Bethany House through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Holding the Fort by Regina Jennings

Louisa Bell never wanted to be a dance-hall singer, but dire circumstances force her hand. With a little help from her brother in the cavalry, she's able to make ends meet, but lately he's run afoul of his commanding officer, so she undertakes a visit to straighten him out. 

Major Daniel Adams has his hands full at Fort Reno. He can barely control his rowdy troops, much less his two adolescent daughters. If Daniel doesn't find someone respectable to guide his children, his mother-in-law insists she'll take them.

When Louisa arrives with some reading materials, she's mistaken for the governess who never appeared. Major Adams is skeptical. She bears little resemblance to his idea of a governess--they're not supposed to be so blamed pretty--but he's left without recourse. His mother-in-law must be satisfied, which leaves him turning a blind eye to his unconventional governess's methods. Louisa's never faced so important a performance. Can she keep her act together long enough?

Holding the Fort by Regina Jennings was an entertaining and well written novel that kept me glued to the pages. The plot moved along at a quick pace, and it alternated in point of view between Louisa and Daniel. The story was filled with moments of suspense, danger, romance, and hilarity. I enjoyed seeing the scrapes that Lousia got herself into and seeing how she managed to worm her way back out of them. It was fun to watch her try to figure out how to be a governess while simultaneously try not to fall for Daniel. The characters in this novel were interesting and entertaining, with the girls and Lousia's brother adding extra depth and comedic effect. It was also nice to see both Louisa and Daniel work through their differences and to see Louisa finally begin to grasp what it means to be saved by God and to rest on His forgiveness for past and future sins. Overall, I thought this book was an entertaining and even thought-provoking read. 

I received this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Together Forever by Jody Hedlund

Marianne Neumann has one goal in life: to find her lost younger sister, Sophie. When Marianne takes a job as a placing agent with the Children's Aid Society in 1858 New York, she not only hopes to give children a better life but seeks to discover whether Sophie ended up leaving the city on an orphan train.

Andrew Brady, her fellow agent on her first placing trip, is a former schoolteacher who has an easy way with the children--firm but tender and funny. Underneath his handsome charm, though, seems to linger a grief that won't go away--and a secret from his past that he keeps hidden. As the two team up placing orphans amid small railroad towns in Illinois, they find themselves growing ever closer . . . until a shocking tragedy threatens to upend all their work and change one of their lives forever.

Together Forever is the second novel in Jody Hedlund's new series, Orphan Train, and it focuses on the second sister, Marianne. I enjoyed this novel and learning more about the placement of young children throughout the west in the 1850's. It was sad to think about children that did not end up with good placements, as well as the lack of background checks or any other type of screening that occurred prior to children being left with new families. On the other hand, the question still remains were the children worse off than being left to wander the streets of New York alone? I thought the author did a good job discussing the morality of the issue, both with her characters' thoughts on the matter as well as in her Afterword. I enjoyed the plot of the novel, I thought it was well developed and captivating at times. The characters were interesting, though I did think that the romance between Marianne and Brady was rushed, which did make it a little less believable. However, overall, I enjoyed this novel, and I look forward to the next book, which will hopefully give us some clues about Sophie. 

I received this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Auschwitz Lullaby by Mario Escobar

Auschwitz Lullaby brings to life the story of Helene Hannemann—a woman who sacrificed everything for family and fought furiously for the children she hoped to save.

On an otherwise ordinary morning in 1943, Helene Hannemann is preparing her five children for the day when the German police arrive at her home. Helene’s worst fears come true when the police, under strict orders from the SS, demand that her children and husband, all of Romani heritage, be taken into custody. Though Helene is German and safe from the forces invading her home, she refuses to leave her family—sealing her fate in a way she never could have imagined. 

Through sheer force of will, Helene provides a haven for the children of Auschwitz—an act of kindness and selflessness so great that it illuminates the darkest night of human history. Based on a true story, Mario Escobar’s Auschwitz Lullaby demonstrates the power of sacrifice and the strength of human dignity—even when all hope seems lost.

Auschwitz Lullaby by Mario Escobar was a truly remarkable read. When I first began the journey into this story, I had no idea of the magnitude of human emotion that lay within the pages, especially as I reflected on the truth of the story. This book tells the story of the Romani gypsies that are so often forgotten in the sheer horror of the atrocities that went on at Auschwitz. The Romani people were persecuted as the Jews were, forced into "little Auschwitz" where they too suffered terribly, including entire barracks being massacred to avoid typhoid outbreaks, medical experimentation, and genetic tortures. Of the over 23,000 Romani sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau, 19,000 perished in the gas chambers at Birkenau before World War 2 ended. 

All of these facts were new to me, as I had never read anything about the Romani's plight during this time period. As I absorbed the horrors that Helene faced, I was overwhelmed by her faith, her persistence, and her courage. She chose life in a death camp to be with her family when she could have walked away free. She demonstrated what it means to love so much that you will sacrifice your life for others. I was so inspired by her choice to use her gifts and her heritage to bring a little joy and love into seemingly hopeless situation. At the end of this novel, I was left in tears as I reflected on the bravery of this real-life woman, especially as I looked further into the real actions and cruelty of the doctor she worked for and the female guards. Overall, this book was an extremely emotional read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wishes to know more about what went on at Auschwitz. 

I received this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Caught by Surprise by Jen Turano

Miss Temperance Flowerdew is on her way to work when a stranger suddenly grabs her off the street and sends her on a Chicago-bound train before she can figure out what happened.

When Mr. Gilbert Cavendish is called upon to rescue a missing woman, he follows the trail to Chicago only to discover that the woman is his good friend Temperance. Before they can discover who was behind the abduction, they're seen alone together by a New York society matron, putting their reputations at risk.

Gilbert is willing to propose marriage--except Temperance will have none of it. She's finally stepped out of the shadow of her relations and won't give up her independence. But when it becomes clear the misunderstanding in Chicago has escalated into a threat on her life and followed her to New York, accepting Gilbert's help in solving the mystery may lead to more than she ever could have dreamed.

Caught by Surprise is the third novel and final novel in Jen Turano's Apart from the Crowd series, aka the Wallflower girls as I like to think of them. All of the novels in this series can be read separately, but you certainly will have the most understanding about the backgrounds of the supporting characters in this novel if you read them in order. Caught by Surprise was an entertaining read, with secret villains, incompetent criminals, lip-reading spinsters, and lots of almost-lists. The plot moved at an appropriate pace and held unexpected twists and turns that took me a little while to figure out. 

I enjoyed the dialogue between characters, particularly between Mercy and her brother at the beginning, as well as the verbal sparring between Temperance and Gilbert throughout the novel. It was fun to see how characters from the previous novels were interspersed as well, which allowed the reader to see how their lives had progressed from the other books. I also liked watching both Gilbert and Temperance work to discover both their similarities and differences and learn to embrace change the habits they had adopted in the decade or so before. One thing I would have liked to see more of was a better weaving of having faith and trust in God into the story. I think the characters' faith could have been expressed more clearly, especially as they began to return to their trust in God throughout the story. Overall, however, I thought this novel was a light and enjoyable summer read, and it was amusing to get to know the characters over the course of the three novels. 

I received this novel from Jen Turano and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. 

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Keturah by Lisa T. Bergren

In 1773 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father's estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.

Although it flies against all the conventions for women of the time, they're determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, proper gender roles are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined--and that's just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this unfamiliar world. 

Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives. 

Set on keeping her family together and saving her father's plantation, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?

Keturah is the first novel in Lisa T. Bergren's new series the Sugar Baron's Daughters. It follows Keturah and her younger sisters as they leave everything they have known in England and travel to their belated father's struggling sugar plantation in the Caribbean. The plot was filled with moments of suspense, danger, tragedy, and romance and it kept me glued to the pages. The characters were interesting and fairly well developed, with each sister having a distinct personality. The other minor characters also added to the depth of the story. I thought the themes in the novel were well described and demonstrated the importance of forgiveness, trusting others and God, and moving beyond one's past mistakes. Overall, I enjoyed this novel, and I look forward to reading the sequels. 

I received this novel from Bethany House through Netgalley and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for an honest review. 

Judah's Wife by Angela Hunt

Seeking peace and safety after a hard childhood, Leah marries Judah, a strong and gentle man, and for the first time in her life Leah believes she can rest easily. But the land is ruled by Antiochus IV, descended from one of Alexander the Great's generals, and when he issues a decree that all Jews are to conform to Syrian laws upon pain of death, devout Jews risk everything to follow the law of Moses.

Judah's father resists the decree, igniting a war that will cost him his life. But before dying, he commands his son to pick up his sword and continue the fight--or bear responsibility for the obliteration of the land of Judah. Leah, who wants nothing but peace, struggles with her husband's decision--what kind of God would destroy the peace she has sought for so long? 

The miraculous story of the courageous Maccabees is told through the eyes of Judah's wife, who learns that love requires courage . . . and sacrifice. 

Judah's Wife by Angela Hunt is the second novel in her Silent Years series. This series occurs between the last Israelite prophet and the birth of Jesus when God was silent with His people, and the series is about different women during different areas/time periods that were critical to the Jewish. These books can be read in any order as a result. This novel is about the Maccabees and their revolt against the terrible cruelty of Antiochus IV. The plot is well written and jumps smoothly between Leah and Judah's perspectives. The storyline spans over a decade and details the hardships that the Maccabees faced as they faced fight after fight and were reliant on the strength and power of God to see them through. The characters were well developed with realistic strengths and weaknesses. As the story progresses, it was interesting to see how Leah changed and began to love and to trust both her husband and God. The end of the novel was incredibly sad, no less so because it was based on historical recordings. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel, and I look forward to reading the next Silent Years book. 

I received this novel from Bethany House through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green

Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard never imagined her craft could threaten her life. Yet in revolutionary France, it is a death sentence when the nobility, and those associated with them, are forced to the guillotine. Vivienne flees to Philadelphia but finds the same dangers lurking in the French Quarter, as revolutionary sympathizers threaten the life of a young boy left in her care, who some suspect to be the Dauphin. Can the French settlement, Azilum, offer permanent refuge?

Militiaman Liam Delaney proudly served in the American Revolution, but now that the new government has imposed an oppressive tax that impacts his family, he barely recognizes the democracy he fought for. He wants only to cultivate the land of his hard-won farm near Azilum, but soon finds himself drawn into the escalating tension of the Whiskey Rebellion. When he meets a beautiful young Frenchwoman recently arrived from Paris, they will be drawn together in surprising ways to fight for the peace and safety for which they long.

A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green was an excellent novel in a setting and time in history that is often not as explored in fiction. The plot was well written and explored the fear of the French Revolution both in France and even in the French Quarter in America as well as the anger of many Americans at the imposition of the Whisky tax and the ensuing Whiskey Rebellion. I was drawn into the fears, anger, and other emotions of the time as both Liam and Vivienne sought to find their place in a changing time. There were instances of suspense, betrayal, and danger that added to the story and kept me glued to the pages. I liked both Liam and Vivienne, and I enjoyed seeing how they adapted to the struggles of farming and rebellion and learned to trust more fully in God as well as one another. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel, and I look forward to reading more of Jocelyn Green's novels. I received this novel from Bethany House through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron

Ellie Carver arrives at her grandmother’s bedside expecting to find her silently slipping away. Instead, the beloved woman begins speaking. Of a secret past and castle ruins forgotten by time. Of a hidden chapel that served as a rendezvous for the French Resistance in World War II. Of lost love and deep regret . . .

Each piece that unlocks the story seems to unlock part of Ellie too—where she came from and who she is becoming. But her grandmother is quickly disappearing into the shadows of Alzheimer’s and Ellie must act fast if she wants to uncover the truth of her family’s history. Drawn by the mystery surrounding The Sleeping Beauty—a castle so named for Charles Perrault’s beloved fairy tale—Ellie embarks on a journey to France’s Loire Valley in hopes that she can unearth its secrets before time silences them forever.

Bridging the past to the present in three time periods—the French Revolution, World War II, and present day—The Lost Castle is a story of loves won and lost, of battles waged in the hearts of men, and of an enchanted castle that stood witness to it all, inspiring a legacy of faith through the generations.

The Lost Castle was an interesting novel with a truly unique unfolding in its storytelling. The novel covers three different time periods and alternates between the three. The first is present day as Ellie Carver travels to rural France to discover the man her grandmother first loved. The second perspective is during WW2 in the same area of France where Violet (Ellie's grandmother) finds herself helping the French Resistance from the ruins of an old castle. The final intertwined perspective is during the French Revolution where the first love story plays out in the same castle. At first I had trouble connecting to all the storylines as the book kept jumping from one story to another. However, as the stories played out, I was caught up in the dangers of the two past time periods and their connections to one another. I fell in love with the area described and was drawn into the emotions of each period. I was brought to tears by Vi's story as Ellie discovered the truth of her grandmother's past, and I rejoiced with members of the original story of the castle. Once I got past the initial confusion in the plot, I highly enjoyed this novel and the interconnections between the castle's rich history. I would highly recommend this novel. 

I received this novel from Thomas Nelson through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All words and thoughts are my own. 

The Kremlin Conspiracy by Joel C. Rosenberg

With an American president distracted by growing tensions in North Korea and Iran, an ominous new threat is emerging in Moscow. A czar is rising in the Kremlin, a Russian president feverishly consolidating power, silencing his opposition, and plotting a brazen and lightning-fast military strike that could rupture the NATO alliance and bring Washington and Moscow to the brink of nuclear war. But in his blind spot is the former U.S. Secret Service agent, Marcus Ryker, trained to protect but ready to kill to save his country.

The Kremlin Conspiracy is a well researched, well written novel that dives into some of the concerns and threats that exist in the modern world today and creates a plausible picture of the potential future. I love how the author takes actual recent past actions (invasions in Georgia, Ukraine, etc), actual characteristics, policies, and election details of current political world leaders and then gives the reader ideas of what could happen in the future if current themes and issues are not addressed. The plot was well developed with sudden and unexpected twists of suspense, murder, danger, and tragedy. I liked how the author wove in Marcus' backstory and how his past actions, skills, and friendships led him to the end results of this novel. I also appreciated the rawness of his guilt and depression in the wake of tragedy and how realistic it was. Overall, I thought this was a well written and engaging political thriller, and I look forward to where the story may go from here. 

I received this novel from Tyndale House through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Falling for You by Becky Wade

Famously beautiful model Willow Bradford is taking a temporary break from her hectic schedule to work as the innkeeper at her family's small-town bed-and-breakfast. She was enjoying the peace of her hometown, Merryweather, Washington, right up until she came face-to-face with Corbin Stewart, the man she loves to hate. A thoughtful rule-follower by nature, Willow threw caution to the wind four years ago when she entrusted her heart to Corbin--and suffered the consequences when it all fell apart.

Former NFL quarterback Corbin is forceful, charming, and accustomed to getting what he wants . . . except where Willow Bradford is concerned. Unable to forget her, he's never stopped regretting what happened between them. When their paths unexpectedly cross again, he's determined to make her give him a second chance.

When a decades-old missing persons case finds Corbin and Willow working together, they're forced to confront their past and who they've become--and whether they can risk falling for one another all over again.

Falling for You is the second novel in Becky Wade's new series Bradford Sisters Romance, but it is perfectly possible to read this novel on its own. The first novel follows Nora's romance, and this second book focuses on Willow, her older sister. I found this novel to be very enjoyable, with a side mystery that initially forces Corbin and Willow to work together as well as flash backs to Corbin and Willow's past relationship as they begin to work through the issues that initially separated them before. I thought that Willow's changes in heart and what perfection really means as a child of God were critical to the story and important for everyone to understand in their own lives. At the same time, it was neat to see Corbin as a new Christian begin to work through his own sins and flaws and him realizing it was only through God's strength that he could do that. I loved still seeing John and Nora and also getting a taste for Britt's story in the next novel as she also had some sections in this novel where she was the focus. Overall, I love this series, and I cannot wait to read the next installment. 

I received this novel from Bethany House through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

The Heart's Appeal by Jennifer Delamere

Strong-minded and independent Julia Bernay comes to London to study medicine and become a doctor--a profession that has only just opened up to women. She witnesses a serious accident, and through her quick actions saves the life of an ambitious young barrister named Michael Stephenson.

Coming from a family that long ago lost its money and its respectability, Michael Stephenson has achieved what many would have thought was impossible. Hard work and an aptitude for the law have enabled him to rise above his family's stigma and set him on the path to wealth and recognition. But his well-laid plans are upended when the accident brings Julia into his life. 

Michael soon discovers he's met a woman every bit as stubborn and determined to make her mark on the world as he is. Sparks fly--but will they find common ground?

The Heart's Appeal is an interesting and enjoyable novel that delves into the heart of the matter...what is more important, love and forgiveness, or one's own ambitions no matter the cost? The plot of this novel moves quickly and is well written with some suspense, moments of sadness and anger, and of course romance. The story was both entertaining and convicting, and I enjoyed learning more about what it meant to be a female doctor in training at a time when it was very much still frowned upon in society. I liked Julia and Michael, and I thought they were well developed with relatable flaws and strengths. I enjoyed watching them work through their difficulties and learn to trust in God's plan instead of their own strengths. Overall, I enjoyed this novel. 
I received this novel from Bethany House through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

A Song Unheard by Roseanna M. White

Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I--to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales. 

Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he's won--until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father's work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.

But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn't--that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.

 A Song Unheard is the second novel in Roseanna White's new series, A Shadow Over England. The plot is well written and fast paced, including elements of mystery, danger, romance, betrayal, and ultimately forgiveness. I loved learning more about what those in Belgium faced during the beginning of WWI as the Germans began the invasion of this country. I liked how the author jumped between Willa, Lukas, and Lukas' family's perspective to allow for a full picture of what was occurring. I was completely drawn into the story and had trouble putting the book down. I loved both Willa and Lukas, and I thought that all the characters were developed well. The other more minor characters really added to the story, especially as some of them were not fictional at all. I enjoyed watching both Willa and Lukas learn from one another and develop into more trusting and forgiving people as they became more understanding of God's love and forgiveness for them. Overall, I highly enjoyed this novel, and I cannot wait to experience Barclay's story in the next novel in this series. 

I received this novel from Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.  

More than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer

Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes--one bright blue, the other dark brown--Eva has fought to find her way in a world that constantly rejects her. Yet the support of even one person can help overcome the world's judgments, and Eva has two--Seth and Zach, two former orphans she now counts as brothers. 

Seeking justice against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in 1880s Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his father's death. Only instead of finding a solitary ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself with an unusual family. When Zach's sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time their paths cross, Logan finds his quest completely derailed. Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline?

More than Meets the Eye is a cute and yet still convicting novel that delves into what it means to truly look beyond one's outer appearance and see the person that God created them to be and who they truly are. I enjoyed seeing Eva and Logan learn to look past their differences, their failings, and their carefully constructed facades to grow and to become people willing to trust in one another and God. I thought the storyline had an enjoyable mix of romance, danger, and suspense, and I look forward to hopefully reading a story about Zach sometime in the future! 
I received this book from Netgalley (and Bethany House) in exchange for an honest review. 

A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden

As a biochemist in early 1900s New York, Doctor Rosalind Werner has dedicated her life to the crusade against waterborne diseases. She is at the forefront of a groundbreaking technology that will change the way water is delivered to every household in the city--but only if she can get people to believe in her work.

Newly appointed Commissioner of Water for New York, Nicholas Drake is highly skeptical of Rosalind and her team's techniques. When a brewing court case throws him into direct confrontation with her, he is surprised by his reaction to the lovely scientist.

While Rosalind and Nick wage a private war against their own attraction, they stand firmly on opposite sides of a battle that will impact far more than just their own lives. As the controversy grows more public and inflammatory and Rosalind becomes the target of an unknown enemy, the odds stacked against these two rivals swiftly grow more insurmountable with every passing day.

A Daring Venture is an interesting and enjoyable novel that is the second in Elizabeth Camden's Empire State series (after A Dangerous Legacy) but can technically read as a standalone book as well, just with a little less depth of story. This novel follows a few years after A Dangerous Legacy and focuses on Nick Drake, the brother of Lucy. The plot line is well written and shows the quandary that scientists faced in New York/New Jersey with wanting to purify the city's water supply to reduce disease risk while facing opposition from the government. The plot follows a true lawsuit that occurred and the scientists that still worked to save hundreds and thousands of lives. The fictional characters of Dr. Werner and Nick Drake were both well developed and entertaining as they learned from their mistakes and learned to trust one another. The one thing I did think was rushed was the initial spark of romance between the two; aside from that their story played out slower with moments of romance, danger, suspense, and also a culmination of a storyline that started in Lucy's novel. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading the next book in the series. 

I received this novel from Netgalley and Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. 

A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter

When Katherine "Kit" FitzGilbert turned her back on London society more than a decade ago, she determined never to set foot in a ballroom again. But when business takes her to London and she's forced to run for her life, she stumbles upon not only a glamorous ballroom but also Graham, Lord Wharton. What should have been a chance encounter becomes much more as Graham embarks on a search for his friend's missing sister and is convinced Kit knows more about the girl than she's telling.

After meeting Graham, Kit finds herself wishing things could have been different for the first time in her life, but what she wants can't matter. Long ago, she dedicated herself to helping women escape the same scorn that drove her from London and raising the innocent children caught in the crossfire. And as much as she desperately wishes to tell Graham everything, revealing the truth isn't worth putting him and everyone she loves in danger.

A Defense of Honor is the first novel in Kristi Ann Hunter's new series, Haven Manor, and it is a fabulously crafted story that delves into what it means to forgive, accept forgiveness, and take responsibility for the consequences of one's actions. I thought the plot and overarching storyline were well written and continued important elements of mystery, romance, and suspense that kept me glued to the pages. At times I was even led to tears as Kit and Phoebe's past was revealed and as Kit and Graham both had to deal with the consequences and their own emotions. I thought the characters were interesting and well developed, and I enjoyed watching Graham and Kit learn more about one another and grow closer to God as they challenged one another's beliefs. Overall, I highly enjoyed this novel, and I look forward to reading the next installment in this new series.

I received this novel from Netgalley and Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.  

To the Farthest Shores by Elizabeth Camden

To the Farthest Shores by Elizabeth Camden was an intriguing and enjoyable read that explored some heart wrenching consequences of duty, secrets, and dueling commitments. I enjoyed learning more about the pearl trade and industry in the early 1900's, and I loved how pearls both tore Ryan and Jenny apart and forced them to work together again. I could certainly see the depth of research Camden put into her story, and it made the novel very believable. The plot line of this novel was superbly written, and featured suspense, danger, intrigue, and romance in a way that left me glued to the pages. The topics of forgiveness, trust, and honesty were beautifully interwoven throughout the novel in a way that left no doubt of their importance in friendships and deeper relationships. I thought the characters in this novel were well developed, realistic, and easy to relate to. Jenny and Ryan were both complex characters that had much to learn from one another and from God as they sought to move beyond their pasts and to not repeat the same mistakes again. I also appreciated the other minor characters and their role in bringing the main characters together. Overall, I highly enjoyed this novel, and I would definitely recommend it and all of Elizabeth Camden's novels to any reader who loves a complex, satisfying historical romance. 

I received this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Artisan's Wife by Judith Miller

The Artisan's Wife was a novel I highly enjoyed reading. The plot line was well written and included themes such as the importance of forgiveness, honesty, persistence, and redemption. Having read the previous books in this novel, I was already familiar with many of the minor characters, and I enjoyed getting to know Ainslee and her spunk even more in this novel. I also really liked Levi and his dedication to both his job and his family. I liked seeing how Ainslee and Levi had to work through their individual secrets and assumptions and learn to work together. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel, and I would highly recommend the entire Refined by Love series.

The Regency Brides Collection by Michelle Griep, Nancy Moser, Erica Vetsch, MaryLu Tyndall, Amanda Barrett, Angela Bell, Susanne Dietze

The Regency Bride collection was sweet and enjoyable, and a great read curled up on the couch. I enjoyed all of the different novellas, and I devoured them in less than a day. The plot lines were well written and allowed me to fully appreciate the main characters and their individual dilemmas even with the shorter length of a novella. I enjoyed the variety of settings (even within the same areas of England) and story lines, but I thought the novellas still complemented one another as a collection. The authors also did a great job incorporating meaningful themes and topics that I could relate to and learn from. Overall, I would highly recommend this novella collection to anyone looking for a charming, yet inspiring read.

I received this novel from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. 

Threads of Suspicion by Dee Henderson

Threads of Suspicion by Dee Henderson is the second novel in her Evie Blackwell Cold Case series, but it can be read as a standalone novel, as far as plot line goes. However, to fully appreciate Evie as a character and to have a better understanding of her development, I would recommend reading Traces of Guilt first. Threads of Suspicion is a well crafted novel that dives into two separate cold cases related to mysterious disappearances...that might not be as separate as they first thought. I enjoyed seeing how Evie and David collaborated with one another, other members of their team, and other agencies to rebuild these cold cases and to begin to track down missing clues. I thought that the storyline flowed well, though there were times when the story dragged some, even if it did match how the characters were feeling about their cold cases. I also appreciated the character development into Evie and David as they learned more about one another and themselves as they were placed under increasing tension and stress related to both their jobs and their personal lives. Overall, I enjoyed the plot and characters of this novel, and I would highly recommend this book (and Dee Henderson's novels in general) to anyone who loves a good suspense/mystery novel that also does not shy away from full character and story development. 


I received this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Journey Toward Home (plus sequel novella) by Carol Cox

Journey Towards Home was an enjoyable novel that was both entertaining and sweet. I thought the plot moved at a good pace, and it included moments of humor, romance, and suspense. I also liked the main characters, and how they had to work together to move past their initial perceptions of one another. The follow up novel, Measure of a Man, concerning Lizzie was also enjoyable, and I liked seeing how the characters I had already become attached to had matured and changed over the years. Overall, a great summer read!

I received this novel from Netgalley in exchange for a review. 

Vibrant India by Chitra Agrawal

Lifelong vegetarian and chef Chitra Agrawal takes you on an epicurean journey to her mother’s hometown of Bangalore and back to Brooklyn, where she adapts her family’s South Indian recipes for home cooks. This particular style of Indian home cooking, often called the “yoga diet,” is light and fresh, yet satisfying and rich in bold and complex flavors. Grains, legumes, fresh produce, coconut, and yogurt—along with herbs, citrus, chiles, and spices—form the cornerstone of this delectable cuisine, rooted in vegetarian customs and honed over centuries for optimum taste and nutrition.  
 
From the classic savory crepe dosa, filled with lemony turmeric potatoes and cilantro coconut chutney, to new creations like coconut polenta topped with spring vegetables 'upma" and homemade yogurt, the recipes in Vibrant India are simple to prepare and a true celebration of color and flavor on a plate. Chitra weaves together the historical context behind the region’s cuisine and how she brought some of these age-old traditions to life thousands of miles away in Brooklyn during the city’s exciting food renaissance. 

Relying on her experience as a culinary instructor, Chitra introduces the essential Indian cooking techniques, tips, and ingredients you’ll need to prepare a full range of recipes from quick vegetable stir frys (corn, basil, and leeks flavored with butter, cumin, and black pepper), salads (citrus red cabbage and fennel slaw with black mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chile), yogurt raitas (shredded beets and coconut in yogurt), and chutneys and pickles (preserved Meyer lemon in chile brine) to hearty stews (aromatic black eyed peas, lentils, and greens), coconut curries (summer squash in an herby coconut yogurt sauce), and fragrant rice dishes (lime dill rice with pistachios). Rounding out the book is an array of addictive snacks (popcorn topped with curry leaf butter), creative desserts (banana, coconut, and cardamom ice cream), and refreshing drinks (chile watermelon juice with mint). Chitra provides numerous substitutions to accommodate produce seasonality, ingredient availability, and personal tastes. The majority of recipes are gluten-free and vegan or can be easily modified to adhere to those dietary restrictions. 

Vibrant India is a fascinating cookbook, filled with gorgeous photos and awesome recipes. My mother has always loved to cook Indian foods, particularly vegetarian Indian dishes, so many of these recipes were not only familiar but also brought back great memories. There were also many intriguing recipes that I had not tried before, and I enjoyed looking through and choosing new recipes to make. The book is separated into sections: Soups, Snacks, Sweets/Drinks, Chutneys, and From Scratch (making different powders as well as Ghee). There are also sample menus and advice on how to plan meals, where to buy ingredients, and sample grocery lists. I found this cookbook to be easy to follow and even fun to read. I enjoyed Chitra's take on different recipes, and I look forward to trying more of them in the future!

I received this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for an honest review.  

Keturah by Lisa T Bergren

In 1772 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father's estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.

Although it flies against all conventions, they're determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, conventions are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined-and that's just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this harsh and unfamiliar world.

Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives.

To keep her family together and save the plantation that is her last chance at providing for them, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?

Keturah is the first novel in Lisa T. Bergren's new series, the Sugar Baron's Daughters. This series follows the lives of these sisters as they inherit property in the West Indies and move there to take over the management of their inheritance. This first novel is about Keturah Tomlinson, and it is filled with romance, suspense, and intrigue. The plot line is well written and easy to follow, and it pulls the reader in with descriptions of the settings and characters. I found the storyline to be enjoyable and reminded me why I love reading Lisa T. Bergren's historical novels. The characters in this novel were fairly well developed, and I look forward to getting a deeper glimpse into the sisters' personalities as the series continues to unfold. I thought Keturah had a good mix of strengths and weaknesses, and it was interesting to watch her make decisions and to figure out what was best for her life. 

Overall, I enjoyed this novel, and I look forward to the next addition to the series. I received this book for free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for an honest review. 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/LBergren

Learn more and purchase a copy.

About the Author:

Lisa T. Bergren has published more than 40 books with more than 3 million books sold combined. She's the author of the Christy Award-winning "Waterfall," RITA®-finalist "Firestorm," bestselling "God Gave Us You," and popular historical series like Homeward, Grand Tour, and more. She's also a recipient of the RT Lifetime Achievement Award. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and three teen-and-older children.

Find out more about Lisa at http://lisatawnbergren.com.