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.