Book Review: The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow/3 Stars

About the book:

Charlotte Farrow, maid in the wealthy Banning household on Chicago's opulent Prairie Avenue, has kept her baby boy a secret from her employers for nearly a year. But when the woman who has been caring for her son abruptly returns him, Charlotte must decide whether to come clean and face dismissal or keep her secret while the Bannings decide the child's fate. Can she face the truth of her own past and open her heart to a future of her own? Or will life's tragedies determine the future for her? 

This compelling story set against the glittering backdrop of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition captures the tension between the wealthy class and the hardworking servants who made their lives comfortable. Author Olivia Newport expertly portays social classes while creating a story of courage, strength, and tender romance.

My thoughts:

After reading Olivia Newport's exceptional debut novel, The Pursuit of Lucy Banning, I was oh-so-eager to return to Prairie Avenue to catch the latest happenings in the Banning household.  While Lucy's story had a definite taste of the rich and cultured "upstairs" life, Charlotte's story was all about the "downstairs" life of service.

The story started out great, but before too long, I grew bored.  Believe me, I didn't want to.  The arrival of Henry at the house, and the reasons why he was there, seemed contrived and not believable.  The lack of romance also played a factor in my disappointment.  Archie's attraction to Charlotte never appeared to be fully explored initially, and her reluctance to entertain a relationship with him lingered too long.  And like the first book, the spiritual elements were lacking again.

But on the flip side, the continuance of the Chicago World's Fair and the history of their mayor were thoroughly enjoyable.  The addition of the anarchist movement, while not mentioned at great detail, was a perfect element to include and showed the early beginnings of what we now know as the eight-hour workday.

I do wish to finish the series, and am curious as to which heroine will be the focus of the third and final book.

3 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to Revell for providing a copy for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book Review: Love's Reckoning by Laura Frantz/5 Stars

About the book: 

On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in Lancaster. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege's daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other's jealousy destroy their love?

In this sweeping family saga set in western Pennsylvania, one man's choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. "Love's Reckoning" is the first entry in The Ballantyne Legacy, a rich, multi-layered historical quartet from talented writer Laura Frantz, beginning in the late 1700s and following the Ballantyne family through the end of the Civil War.

My thoughts:

There are few books anymore that I am wildly eager to read, but hand me a book with Laura Frantz's name on the cover, and I promise you, I will go into hiding until I've read that book from cover to cover.  When I had no choice at times but to place my bookmark inside this haunting novel, my heart just ached to be back within its pages.

That was my journey with Love's Reckoning--a breathtakingly beautiful tale of a yearning love between two gentle souls.  Eden's sweet spirit was always in danger of being squashed under her father's stern manner, and Silas's quiet strength was the rock in an otherwise tumultuous household.  But their love prevailed in spite of dangerous ploys, hurtful lies, and long distances apart from one another.

I could feel the tension lurking within the walls of the Lee house because of the secret they were forced to keep or the alienation they would face in their small town.  I could sense the jealousy Elspeth felt toward Eden, even though she oftentimes got what she wanted anyway.  And I could imagine that, if Elspeth was standing right in front of me, I just might be tempted to slap her face.  There were so many feelings and emotions for me here...many more than I'm used to experiencing in a typical novel.

That, my friends, is what makes Laura's books so exceptional.  Her characters work their way into my heart and mind until their like my friends and family.  I want to invite them over for some tea or hot chocolate and talk for hours and hours.  And quite possibly, the characters from Love's Reckoning may just be my favorite.  Granted, I have loved Lael, Morrow, and especially Roxanna, but Eden and her loving soul will always leave a lasting memory.

So...bravo, Laura.  You continue to impress this reader with each and every novel you write, and I know I'm not the only one.  Our next journey with the Ballentynes can't begin soon enough.

5 Stars

**Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.

Book Review: The Ride of Her Life by Lorna Seilstad/3.5 Stars

About the book: 

The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six year old. Widowed two years ago, Lilly leaves the shelter of her intrusive in-laws' home to stand on her own and provide for her young son by working for the summer as a cook at Lake Manawa. However, her in-laws find that life utterly unsuitable for their grandson, and when a row ensues, a handsome stranger--who designs roller coasters, of all things--intercedes on her behalf. Still, Lilly is not about to get involved with any man, especially this cocky (though charismatic) gentleman. Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life.Filled with delightful characters and the romance of summer, The Ride of Her Life is another supremely entertaining story from the witty Lorna Seilstad. Readers will laugh out loud and sigh contentedly as they spend the summer of 1906 in Lake Manawa.

My thoughts:

While I have thoroughly enjoyed the last two book offerings by up-and-coming CHF author Lorna Seilstad, her latest book, unfortunately, left me wanting.  The heroines from her first two books had oodles of spunk, sass, and no-nonsense personalities that I was itching to meet another one in The Ride of Her Life.  In spite of this one qualm, Lorna still managed to create an exciting story with a great message at it's core--that "God has not given us a spirit of fear..."  Now that the Lake Manawa series has come to a close, I'm curious to see what Lorna will think up next.  Just give me a spunky heroine and a handsome hero and there's no doubt I'll be one happy reader!

3.5 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy for review.

 

Book Review: The Pursuit of Lucy Banning by Olivia Newport/4 Stars

About the book: 

Lucy Banning may live on the exclusive Prairie Avenue among Chicago's rich and famous, but her heart lies elsewhere. Expected to marry an up-and-coming banker from a respected family, Lucy fears she will be forced to abandon her charity work--and the classes she is secretly taking at the newly opened University of Chicago. When she meets an unconventional young architect who is working on plans for the upcoming 1893 World's Fair, Lucy imagines a life lived on her own terms. Can she break away from her family's expectations? And will she ever be loved for who she truly is?

Readers will love being swept away into a world of mansions, secrets, and romance as they follow Lucy through the streets of the Windy City during one of the most exciting times in the city's history. From opulent upper-class homes to the well-worn rooms of an orphanage, Olivia Newport breathes life and romance into the pages of history--and everyone is invited.

My thoughts:

What a lovely journey back to the Gilded Era in fiction!  I tell ya, this has got to be my favorite period of history to read about.  I love the fashion, the manners, the occasions--all of it just makes me smile.  And what's even better is now this era has a new author to add to it's ranks--Olivia Newport.

Considering this was her debut novel, I was extremely impressed with the balance throughout the story.  There was a small bit of romance, a little air of mystery and suspicion, and a glorious backdrop of the 1893 World's Fair.  All three blended together made for a delightful read.

What was a bit disappointing, though, was that it didn't really feel like a Christian fiction novel.  There were a couple of instances where church was mentioned, but Christian elements did not weave themselves through the story like the books I've read by other authors published through Revell.  However, for someone looking for simply a clean novel, I'd have no trouble recommending this one.

Olivia looks like she'll be one busy lady in the next few years with all the books she's slated to release!  I, for one, am anxious to see what her style is like with some other genres, but will be even more eager to take another journey back to Prairie Avenue in Chicago with the next book in this series.

4 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  There were a couple doses of it, yes, but Lucy still tried to maintain her image of a dutiful daughter even if not everyone knew her secrets.

**Many thanks to Revell for providing a copy for review.

 

Cover Attraction: The Ride of Her Life by Lorna Seilstad

I have LOVED both novels that Lorna has written in the past couple of years (see here and here), so it's only fitting that a Cover Attraction post spotlight her newest book releasing just in time for summer.  Isn't that cover just so much fun?!  :o)  I can't wait to get my hands on it!

Title:  The Ride of Her Life
Author:  Lorna Seilstad
Release Date:  May 1, 2012
Publisher:  Revell

About the book:

The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six year old. Widowed two years ago, Lilly leaves the shelter of her intrusive in-laws' home to stand on her own and provide for her young son by working for the summer as a cook at Lake Manawa. However, her in-laws find that life utterly unsuitable for their grandson, and when a row ensues, a handsome stranger--who designs roller coasters, of all things--intercedes on her behalf. Still, Lilly is not about to get involved with any man, especially this cocky (though charismatic) gentleman. Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life.

Filled with delightful characters and the romance of summer, The Ride of Her Life is another supremely entertaining story from the witty Lorna Seilstad. Readers will laugh out loud and sigh contentedly as they spend the summer of 1906 in Lake Manawa.

Book Review: Summer of Promise by Amanda Cabot/4 Stars

Ever since I devoured every single book in Amanda Cabot's Texas Dreams series, I have been eagerly awaiting the start of her newest series set in the West.  Her characters have a way of finding a place in my heart, and I find myself thinking about them days, weeks, and months since our acquaintance.

Summer of Promise, while a great start to a new series, didn't quite resonate with me the way Amanda's previous books have.  Abigail seemed a bit uppity to me at first, yet slowly and surely won me over.  Ethan was a commanding officer with a devotion to his soldiers, and underneath his tough exterior lay a gentle soul.  Charlotte and Jeffrey oftentimes shared a strained relationship that suffered a painful ending.  All the characters were well-written, but as a whole, it took longer than I would've liked to make a connection with them.

What I did find interesting, though, was that the story was set during the early days at Fort Laramie.  Amanda wove in a handful of details about the fort that were true to the time period, such as the progress of certain factual buildings or the characteristics of the general area.  It seemed odd to me that there was no mention of a church anywhere near the fort, and I can't help but think (and/or hope) that one will be introduced in a later book.

And as a dog lover to the core, I couldn't help but smile every time I read about Puddles!  My husband and I briefly had a puppy in our house, and Puddles' multiple antics reminded me several times what it was like to clean up after a muddy dog, or to have them cover my face with doggie kisses.  :o)

Fans of historical romance will enjoy this first book in the Westward Winds series.  Personally, I'm glad to know that just like Amanda's first series, each book in this new series will center around a different heroine.  It will be interesting to see how Charlotte handles the new challenges that have come her way in book 2.

4 Stars

Southern?  No
Sassy?  No

Summary of Summer of Promise:

Though she had planned to spend the summer in Vermont with her sweetheart, Abigail Harding cannot dismiss her concerns over her older sister. Charlotte's letters have been uncharacteristically melancholy, and her claims that nothing is wrong ring false, so Abigail heads West to Wyoming. The endless prairie seems monotonous, but when her stagecoach is attacked, Wyoming promises to be anything but boring. Luckily, the heroics of another passenger, Lieutenant Ethan Bowles, save the day. 

When circumstances--and perhaps a bit of matchmaking--put Abigail and Ethan together, there's certainly attraction. But Abigail is planning to marry another man and return to life in Vermont as soon as she is finished attending to her sister. And Ethan loves his life in the Army and the wilds of Wyoming. When summer ends, will Abigail go back East? Or will she fall in love with this rugged land herself? 

Book 1 of the new Westward Winds series, Summer of Promise is a tale of following your heart to unexpected places. Readers will enjoy Amanda Cabot's passionate characters and vibrant setting in the beautiful high prairie.

**Many thanks to Revell for providing a copy for review.

Book Review: A Necessary Deception by Laurie Alice Eakes/4 Stars

About the book:

When young widow Lydia Gale helps a French prisoner obtain parole, she never dreams she will see him again. But just as the London Season gets under way, the man presents himself in her parlor. While she should be focused on getting her headstrong younger sister prepared for her entrée into Society, Lady Gale finds herself preoccupied with the mysterious Frenchman. Is he a spy or a suitor? Can she trust him? Or is she putting herself and her family in danger?

Discover a world of elegance and intrigue, balls and masquerades as Laurie Alice Eakes whisks you into the drawing rooms of London Society on this exciting quest to let the past stay in the past--and let love guide the future.

My thoughts:

The last time I read a Regency novel, I was less than thrilled.  The lifestyle and culture of that time was so slow and methodical--far different from our current society.  There was hidden meaning in almost every action, and one had to be so careful to be seen or not to be seen with just the right people.  So, I won't lie...I was a little nervous about picking up another Regency.  I was so afraid I would be disappointed.

Thankfully, Laurie Eakes exceeded my expectations with A Necessary Deception.  There was mystery and intrigue mixed with a plentiful dose of romance.  Oh, the romance...  I tell ya, I couldn't get enough of it.  I could picture Christien as one of the most handsome heroes I've read in a long time, and his love, Lydia, a lovely and beautiful member of London Society.  Together, they were thrust into danger more than once, and each time, I couldn't help but hold my breath until I knew they were safe.

However, the mystery portions of the book left me unsatisfied.  I don't know a lot about the history of England and France in the 19th century, so I didn't fully understand the disdain that the English felt toward the French.  I thought that the final reveal would revolve more around uncovering someone up to no good within one of the governments.  Instead, the ending was anticlimactic and left me unfulfilled.

All in all, I think Laurie Eakes has greatly improved since her last full-length novel.  This was only my second opportunity to read one of her books, and overall, I'm glad that I gave her books another chance.  She clearly conveyed the atmosphere of the Regency Era in a believable manner, and I'm anxious to return for another visit.

4 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to Revell for providing a copy for review.

Book Review: The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller/5 Stars

About the book:


Her heart seeks sanctuary in the deep woods. But will trouble find her even here?

The Civil War has ended, but in Katie Calloway's Georgia home, conflict still rages. To protect herself and her young brother from her violent and unstable husband, she flees north, finding anonymity and sanctuary as the cook in a north woods lumber camp. The camp owner, Robert Foster, wonders if the lovely woman he's hired has the grit to survive the never-ending work and harsh conditions of a remote pine forest in winter. Katie wonders if she can keep her past a secret from a man she is slowly growing to love.

With grace and skill, Serena Miller brings to life a bygone era. From the ethereal, snowy forest and the rowdy shanty boys to the warm cookstove and mouth-watering apple pie, every detail is perfectly rendered, transporting you to a time of danger and romance.

My thoughts:

I never knew spending time with an ornery old cook, a group of dirty loggers, and a frightened Indian who could barely speak would make for one of the best historical books I've read all year!  Serena Miller successfully transported me to the cold forests of Michigan with this charming tale, and I absolutely hated to leave.  While I enjoyed the ebb and flow of camp life, as well as the subtle romance that steadily built between Katie and Robert, what I really loved to read about was the food.  Oh, the food!  Juicy apple pie, warm peach cobbler, and mouth-watering flapjacks had me itching to jump into the kitchen to cook up a mess of yummy food!  The one thing that would have made the book complete would've been some recipes at the end.  :o)  Oh, well...  It was still a delightful book. 

Serena Miller's realistic tale of life after the Civil War was one that deserves a permanent place on the keeper shelf.  I'm anxious to recommend it to my friends and family, and as far as I'm concerned, her next book can't get here soon enough!

5 Stars

Southern?  Yes
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to Revell for providing a copy for review.

Book Review: The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz/5 Stars

About the book:

Laura Frantz’s The Colonel’s Lady is historical fiction at it’s best, capturing readers with a powerful story of love, a search for the truth and, finally, forgiveness.

It’s 1779 when Roxanna arrives from Virginia to the Kentucky fort commanded by Colonel Cassius McLinn. Told that her officer father has died, Roxanna suddenly finds herself penniless and destitute and is forced to take her father’s place as the fort’s scrivener. It soon becomes clear that Cassius is attracted to her, but she realizes the colonel has secrets of his own, some of which have to do with her father’s sudden death.

Can Roxanne ever love Cassius as long as the possibility remains that he was, even in some small way, involved in her father’s demise?

My thoughts:

Very rarely does a mixture of heartache, forgiveness, and love come together in a more beautiful picture than The Colonel's Lady.  Very rarely am I entranced by a book with characters that are so flawed, yet completely human.  And very rarely do I discover an author whose books are like water to my parched soul. I drank in every drop of this book, and when finished, sat back and breathed a very contented sigh of happiness. 

There are a lot of talented authors in this world, but Laura Frantz is truly in a class of her own.  She takes a period in American history wrought with strife and bloodshed, and then creates beauty from ashes with a love story that is forever enduring.  It is a love story that, at times, is painful to read because war is on the horizon, not only with the enemy, but within the hearts of several at Fort Endeavor.  But it also a story of hope that lies in the eyes of a sweet girl named Abby who captures the hearts of both the colonel and his lady.

Out of Laura's three novels, this one is by far her very best.  Early American history has never been as fascinating to me as it is when I'm reading one of her well-researched stories.  I sincerely hope that Laura will never stray from writing about this particular era of history where life-changing decisions were made for so many, but love lasted for a lifetime.  My rating is a well-deserved 5 Stars.

Southern?  Yes
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to Revell for providing a copy for review. Available August 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz/4.5 Stars

About the book:

Caught between the wilderness and civilization, Morrow Little must find her way to true love

Morrow Little is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men--ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable--vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones--and garner suspicion from her friends--by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn't love?

This sweeping tale of romance and forgiveness will envelop you as it takes you from a Kentucky fort through the vast wilderness of the West.

My thoughts:

Okay, I may need a second for my heart to once again resume it's regular rhythm...  Whew!

Rarely do I have the pleasure of reading a love story as beautiful as this one.  Laura Frantz has a skill with words that very few authors can replicate.  Her ability to make me feel as though I'm in the midst of a cold, dark forest, or at the edge of a trickling lake is a wondrous feeling to experience as a reader.  And if that isn't enough, she can pull my emotions along for the wild roller coaster of a new relationship between a husband and wife.

I truly believe that the Christian fiction genre is blessed to have Laura as part of its wide repertoire of talented authors and superb novels.  If you're a fan of historical fiction set during the early beginnings of our country that's paired with authentic, three-dimensional characters, Laura Frantz is the author for you.  I guarantee you won't be disappointed.  :o)

Southern?  Yes
Sass?  No

Click here to read my review of Laura's first novel, The Frontiersman's Daughter.

Book Review: The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz/4.5 Stars

About the book:

One woman searches for love--and herself--in a wild land.

Lovely and high-spirited, Lael Click is the daughter of a celebrated frontiersman. Haunted by her father's ties to the Shawnee Indians and her family's past, Lael comes of age in the fragile Kentucky settlement her father founded. As she faces the many trials of life on the frontier, Lael draws strength from the rugged land. But the arrival of a handsome doctor threatens her view of her world, her God, and herself. Can the power of grace and redemption break through in this tumultuous place?

This epic novel gives you a glimpse into the simple yet daring lives of the pioneers who first crossed the Appalachians, all through the courageous eyes of a determined young woman who would not be defeated.

My thoughts:

It was clear to me right away why all of my friends love Laura Frantz's books. Seriously, she has got a way with words that very few authors can replicate.  It's an almost lyrical, haunting style that transported me to the back hills of Kentucky (referred to as Kentucke), and drew me into the relationships between Lael, Ma Horn, Ian, and Susanna, that it was oh-so-very-hard to turn that final page.

I couldn't help but compare The Frontiersman's Daughter to two other stories that I've watched and/or read about over and over--Christy by Catherine Marshall (book) and Dr. Quinn (tv show).  Ian reminded me a great deal of the doctor (his name escapes me, but he's also from Scotland) from Christy that had to slowly gain acceptance in an area full of superstitious people, while also silently carrying a torch for Christy herself.  Then, Lael reminded me a bit of Dr. Quinn because of her care and concern for the Indians.  Lael didn't have as much contact with them in this book as Dr. Quinn did in the tv show, but her father did when she was a young girl, and the lessons he taught her early on about them stayed with her the rest of her life.

For those who can't get enough stories about this area and these people, and also enjoy a slow-paced story, I would suggest checking out Jan Watson (Sweetwater Run and Still House Pond are two that I've read).  Personally, all these back-woods-type stories are starting to grow on me, and I know it won't be long before Courting Morrow Little makes it way into my hot little hands, quickly followed by The Colonel's Lady.  :o)  My rating is 4.5 Stars.

Southern?  Yes
Sass?  Yes

Book Review: A Great Catch by Lorna Seilstad/5 Stars

About the book:

It is the beginning of a new century at Lake Manawa Resort in Iowa, but some things never change. When 22-year-old Emily Graham's meddlesome aunts and grandmother take it upon themselves to find her a husband among the resort guests, the spunky suffragist is determined to politely decline each and every suitor. She has neither the time nor the need for a man in her busy life.

Carter Stockton, a recent college graduate and pitcher for the Manawa Owls baseball team, intends to enjoy every minute of the summer at Lake Manawa, Iowa, before he is forced into the straitlaced business world of his father.

When Emily crashes into Carter at a roller skating rink, neither could guess what would come next. Will Carter strike out? Or will Emily cast her vote for a love that might cost her dreams?

My thoughts:

Ever since reading Making Waves last year by this very talented author, I have been eagerly anticipating a return to Lake Manawa with a book called A Great Catch.  Well....let's just say that I wish I could go back 100 years, and take up permanent residence there!  It's such a unique little place that is full of fun and adventure waiting to be experienced.

The beginning of this delightful story was laugh-out-loud hilarious!  Emily's two aunts were a piece of work with their matchmaking and nosiness...and boy, some of the fellas they wanted to set her up with had some of the goofiest names I've ever heard of!  Thank goodness that a certain Mr. Wormsley made a quick appearance along with a hasty exit because I knew he was not the one to assure Emily's future happiness. 

And then, there was Carter.  My, my, my...he'd make any girl's heart go to pitter-patterin'!  His attraction to Emily was the sweetest thing, too.  He didn't run off despite her horrible clumsiness, and even volunteered to teach her how to play baseball--definitely took a big risk there!

The biggest lesson I took from this book was that we should be cautious not to get too busy with "stuff."  For example, Emily was busy with being the president of her local suffragist organization, and that carried a load of responsibilities.  She was busy writing articles for local newspapers, giving speeches, and organizing a huge baseball event with a ladies baseball team.  Oh, and then there's Carter, and the makings of a promising relationship.  And through it all, her sweet grandmother kept asking her, "What about God, Emily?"  It took her awhile to recognize that God had fallen to last place on her list of priorities, but she soon realized that He had never left her side.

Lorna has created such an exciting place at Lake Manawa with neighborly people that are so much fun to read about!  I was so happy to read about some of the characters from book one, too...made me feel like I'd never left.  :o)  I imagine it'll be another year before I'll get to make another trip to Lake Manawa, but I'll have my bags packed and ready to go when the time comes!

5 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  Oh, yes!

**Many thanks to Revell for providing a copy for review.
**Click here to read my review of Lorna's first book, Making Waves.

Book Review: A Heart Divided by Kathleen Morgan/4.5 Stars

About the book:

When fate brings them together, they must choose between family ties and love.
The Caldwells and Wainwrights have been feuding for decades. Still, Sarah Caldwell has misgivings when her father pressures her into distracting a ranch hand while he and her brothers rob the Wainwright place. When it becomes clear that hand is actually Cord Wainwright, heir of the Wainwright holdings, Sarah realizes things have gone too far.

As the feud boils over, Cord and Sarah make a most inconvenient discovery--they just might be falling in love. Can they betray their families to see where this attraction leads? Or will their families betray them?

Against the beautiful and wild backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in 1878 comes this sweeping saga of romance, betrayal, and forgiveness from beloved author Kathleen Morgan.

My thoughts:

What a wonderful experience I had with A Heart Divided!  Except for a very few pages early on, I read this book from start to finish, and loved it. Stories involving feuds are not something new to the world of fiction, but this one will surely rank high on my recommendations list.  The last feud story I read was a great deal more humorous than this one, so from the get-go, I appreciated the fact that I was in for an adventure all it's own.

I didn't have to wait long for things to grab my interest.  Right from the start, there was one heck of a kiss that was enough to make my hair stand on it's end!  (Well, not really...but you get the picture.)  :o)  Then, there was the introduction of a brother, which brought on a whole new set of decisions of the heart.  And if all that wasn't enough...there's the feud itself!  It was no wonder that I couldn't put the book down!

I'm no stranger to Kathleen Morgan's books, and without a doubt, A Heart Divided has to be one of her very best.  I'm quite curious what the next book in the series will be about, as this story had no loose ends.  So long as a certain girl named Allis and a certain fella named Spence are not part of it, I'll be a very happy reader.  :o)

4.5 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  You betcha!  Sarah was eat up with it!  :o)

**Many thanks to Revell for providing a copy for review.

Book Review: Tomorrow's Garden by Amanda Cabot/4.5 Stars

About the book:

Harriet Kirk is certain that becoming Ladreville's schoolteacher is just what she needs--a chance to put the past behind her and give her younger siblings a brighter tomorrow. What she didn't count on was the presence of handsome former Texas Ranger Lawrence Wood--or the way he slowly but surely claims her fragile heart. But can Harriet and Lawrence ever truly put the past behind them in order to find happiness?


Readers will love this story of overcoming powerful odds and grabbing hold of happiness. Book 3 in the Texas Dreams series.

My thoughts:

Amanda Cabot has quickly become one of my go-to authors.  I can't even count the number of times I've recommended her books to my book friends....they're just that good!  Her latest offering is the last book in the Texas Dreams Series, and I'm so sad that my time with the citizens of Ladreville has come to an end.

I enjoyed seeing the town through the eyes of Lawrence and Harriet.  I have to confess that Lawrence wasn't one of my favorite characters in the last book.  He was too stiff and rugged for my taste, and his infatuation with Priscilla got annoying after awhile.  However, he was a completely different person in this book.  He said goodbye to the life of a Texas Ranger, and stepped into the dual roles of town sheriff and mayor, two jobs that suited him quite well.

Meanwhile, Harriet stepped in to fill the vacancy for school teacher in Ladreville.  Not only was she excited to be teaching in a new town, she was anxious to forge a new life for herself and her siblings.  I couldn't help but smile at the friendship that developed between Harriet and Isabelle.  Isabelle has been one of the most genuine characters throughout the series, and her sweet spirit in this book is not one that I'll soon forget.  If it hadn't been for Isabelle, poor Harriet would have never softened her uptight exterior.  She also would've been destined to be a victim of the Fashion Police for a LONG time if Isabelle hadn't come to her rescue!

Even more that the two previous books, I felt like I was a part of the town in Tomorrow's Garden.  I wanted to scream at Harriet that she needed to keep her distance from Karl.  I wanted to convince the townsfolk how important the bridge building was.  And I wanted to cheer with joy at Ruth's gradual growth into a more confident young woman.  Who wouldn't want to be part of such a community?  :o)

If you enjoy such authors as Lori Copeland and Kim Vogel Sawyer, I would strongly suggest you give Amanda Cabot a try.  Each book in this series has been filled with so much emotion, and all of them have been nearly impossible to put down!  I don't know how in the world I will be able to wait until next year to read her next offering which will be set in Wyoming.  :o)

4.5 Stars

Southern?  No (I don't consider Texas to be part of the South.)
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to Revell for providing a copy for review.

**Click here to read my review of book 1, Paper Roses.
**Click here to read my review of book 2, Scattered Petals.

Book Review: Scattered Petals by Amanda Cabot/4 Stars

About the book:

Longing for adventure, Priscilla Morton leaves Boston in 1856 and heads for the Texas Hill Country, never dreaming that the adventure she seeks could have heartbreaking consequences. Although attracted to her, ranch foreman Zachary Webster knows Priscilla deserves a cultured East Coast gentleman, not a cowboy who's haunted by memories of his mistakes.

When necessity draws them together, Priscilla and Zach begin to forge a life filled with promise. But then the past intrudes.

Book 2 of the Texas Dreams series, Scattered Petals weaves a tale of drama, love, and second chances as beautiful as the Hill Country itself.

My thoughts:

Amanda Cabot certainly knows how to weave an incredible story.  When I read her first book, Paper Roses, last year, I completely fell in love with her writing.  The way she created the most beautiful love story between Sarah and Clay was so romantic, it gave me goose bumps.  Because of that, it was a no-brainer that I would eventually read her second novel, Scattered Petals.

While I recommend that any series of books be read in order, Scattered Petals was a book that was easily read as a stand-alone novel.  It shared the story of Priscilla, the sister-in-law of Clay, and Zach, a member of the local town and a friend to Clay and Sarah.  Priscilla and her parents were on their way to share in the joy of Clay and Sarah's upcoming wedding when their stagecoach was attacked.  In a matter of minutes, Priscilla watched as her parents were shot, and experienced the subsequent act of being raped.  From that point on, she didn't want anything to do with men, regardless of their good intentions.

Meanwhile, Zach had a host of memories that he would rather forget.  He made a stupid mistake in his teenage years, and he's never been able to forgive himself for it.  When he met Priscilla, he thought there was no way in the world she would ever give him a second look...until circumstances forced them to make some crucial decisions about one another.

Being that it's been a year or so since I read book one, I struggled a little bit with remembering some of the characters in this story.  Yes, the introduction of Priscilla and Zach was easy to follow as their story stood alone, but it was the other townsfolk that I had some trouble with.  The town was settled by both German and French immigrants, and even after a few years of living amongst each other, there were prejudices that still existed.  It wasn't until I was almost half-way through the book that I was able to better follow the story, and understand the direction it was heading.

There's one other thing that bothered me.  I believe I noticed this in Paper Roses, but it wasn't as obvious as it was in Scattered Petals.  Occasionally, there were sections of the story that appeared to be lumped together.  For example, a character would mention an activity that they wanted to do that evening, and that event would appear in the very next paragraph.  There was no break in the page.  I really didn't understand the reasoning for this as all the chapters in the book were very long; a break here or there would have been very helpful.

In my opinion, Paper Roses was a book worthy of 5 whopping stars, but I can only give 4 stars to Scattered Petals.  I feel bad that I am comparing these books against each other because I like to judge each book I read on it's own merits.  I was literally glued to the pages of Paper Roses, but I didn't have that same urgency to find out what would happen in Scattered Petals.  In spite of that, I am anxious to see how the series wraps up in book 3, Tomorrow's Garden, releasing in April 2011.

Southern?  No (Texas is not part of the South in my opinion...sorry.)
Sass?  No

**Click here to read my review of Paper Roses.

Free Kindle Books!! Yay!

This is not something I normally post on my blog, but I wanted to let everyone know about a couple of great NEW free books on the Kindle.  Yep, I said new......and.......*FREE*!  Woohoo!!  :o)  Both of these books are Christian historical fiction published by Revell, and first in their respective series.  Be on the lookout in the next few weeks for the 3rd book in each series to be released very soon.

First up, The Edge of Light (At Home in Beldon Grove, Book 1)

It is the summer of 1838 in St. Lawrenceville, Missouri, and Molly McGarvie's life is about to change forever. When her beloved Samuel succumbs to cholera, Molly is heartbroken but determined to take care of herself and her children. But when Samuel's unscrupulous brother takes over the family business and leaves Molly to fend for herself, she knows she must head out on her own. It is a dangerous journey and Molly has to leave her old life behind. Somehow she must find a way to make a living, keep her family together, and fend off some over-eager suitors. Book one in the At Home in Beldon Grove series, The Edge of Light will captivate readers with the true-to-life emotions of one woman's struggle to survive.

Next we have Paper Roses (Texas Dreams Trilogy #1)

The future stretches out in front of Sarah Dobbs like the pure blue Texas sky. Leaving the past behind in Philadelphia, mail-order bride Sarah arrives in San Antonio ready to greet her groom, Austin Canfield, a man she has never met but whose letters have won her heart from afar. But there is one problem--he has died. And Sarah cannot go back East.

As Sarah tries to reconcile herself to a future that is drastically changed, Austin's brother, Clay, struggles with his own muddled plans. Though he dislikes working on the family ranch and longs for a different life, Clay is driven to avenge his brother's death. But something between them is growing and neither Clay nor Sarah is ready to admit it.

Book 1 of the Texas Dreams series, Paper Roses will sweep readers into the Hill Country with a tale of love and loss, closed doors and beautiful possibilities that will leave them wanting more.

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Now, of these two books, I've only had the pleasure of reading Paper Roses, and to tell you that I loved it is an understatement.  If you'd like to read my thoughts on this book, you can click here to read my review.  I promise you....you'll have a hard time putting this book down!

But don't wait!!  Snatch up these two Kindle freebies while you can!  :o)