Firefly Island by Lisa Wingate

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 This was my first book by Lisa Wingate, and it was just okay. I received the book free in order to review it, or else I might not have bothered finishing it. The beginning was a tad unbelievable (know someone a month, marry them, and move across the country???). Then we're given all this backstory, and it was just boring. I think the story could've been improved a lot if it hadn't been written in first person. The rest of the characters weren't fleshed out enough, especially Daniel considering he was her husband.
But, I will say it picked up eventually. Lisa Wingate is AWESOME at describing environments. I think I would enjoy her style if the story wasn't in first person. Also, it finally gets really interesting....and then it's over. Way too rushed ending. I was like, "Huh? That's it?".
Overall, it's an okay read. I might read another one from this series if I find it cheap.
I'll still give this author another shot.

Backcover Blurb:

Mallory Hale's life quickly veers off course when she falls hopelessly in love. After a whirlwind romance, Mallory finds herself leaving the bustle and action of Capitol Hill for the remote town of Moses Lake, Texas--with husband, stepson, and a U-Haul in tow.

A sweet, mishap-filled journey into marriage, motherhood, and ranch living ensues, and Mallory is filled with both the wonderment of love and the insecurities of change. But what she can't shake is the unease she feels around her husband's new boss, Jack West. Jack's presence--and his mysterious past--set her on edge, and when hints of a scandal emerge, Mallory finds herself seeking answers . . . and comes to realize that the middle-of-nowhere home she wasn't sure she wanted is the very place she'll risk everything to save.

The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

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 I have read all but one of Julie Klassen's books, and her latest is my favorite. The Tutor's Daughter has the perfect mix of suspense and romance. The setting is incredible. Have you ever read Northanger Abbey? This story reminded me of that one.

It tells the tale of Emma Smallwood, the tutor's daughter, who only wanted to help her father by moving with him to the home of two boys who need education. But the home also belongs to two men, one who plagued her childhood...

I loved the mystery of this book.

I loved Emma.

I'll probably reread this one soon.

Backcover Blurb:

Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father when his boarding school fails, accompanies him to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But soon after they arrive and begin teaching the two younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte at night, only to find the music room empty? And who begins sneaking into her bedchamber, leaving behind strange mementoes?

The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry Weston, wrestle with problems--and secrets--of their own. They both remember the studious Miss Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. But now one of them finds himself drawn to her. . .

Filled with page-turning suspense, The Tutor's Daughter takes readers to the windswept Cornwall coast--a place infamous for shipwrecks and superstitions--where danger lurks, faith is tested, and romance awaits

***

Courting Cate by Leslie Gould

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I LOVED this book! And I'm not even normally a fan of this genre or Shakespeare.

Leslie Gould based her story off of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, but that was a chore for me to read in college and this book most definitely was not!

Cate isn't your typical heroine in women's fiction. She isn't a giggly, man-obsessed, super-shopper that is cute for a time but leaves no lasting impression. No, Cate is a woman who struggles with her attitude and dealing with the expectations of others. I could relate so much with her.

But Cate isn't unlikeable -- she just has many layers to her character. I wanted to cry when she was hurt. I was angry when she was angry. I felt her emotions and wanted justice for her. I'd love to read more stories with women like her.

And Pete -- wow! I don't want to give anything away, but his dealings with Cate were so much fun to read. He also has multiple dimensions to his character.

Even though I knew how Shakespeare's play ended, this story was not in the least boring. It was full of intrigue and will keep you wondering what exactly is going on...

Read it! I know you'll love it!

*I received this book free from the publisher. This review is my honest opinion.

Against The Tide by Elizabeth Camden

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 Against The Tide by Elizabeth Camden follows the story of Lydia, an immigrant who was orphaned as a child. She nows works as a translator for the U.S. Navy but everything changes when she becomes involved with Alexander Banebridge...

This novel was like none other I have read before, dealing with subjects such as drug abuse and child abduction. I loved the author's style, her ability to place the reader in this time period. Very real emotions were shown which I appreciated. There is suspense and definitely romance. There is nothing boring about this story.

And of course, the cover draws you in.

I plan to find more books by Elizabeth Camden just because I enjoyed this one so much.

***This review is my honest opinion. I received it free from the publisher.

Unending Devotion by Judy Hedlund

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I received this book free from the publisher, and I'm so glad I did:) 

 This was my first book by Hedlund. And apparently I've been missing out. I was afraid the storyline might be boring--lumber camps??--but no, no, no. I was captured by the winter setting, the strong-willed characters, and heinous villains. While the theme is a tad mature(probably late teen appropriate), it shows a part of history that I hadn't thought much about before. And I loved that some parts were actually based on real events. The spiritual ribbon throughout was WELL done. I think I have a little of Lily's impulsiveness.

My one problem was a cuss word that occurs once. I don't want to read that.

Otherwise, I really, really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading another by this author!

*I was not required to give a positive review. This is my own opinion.

When Hope Blossoms by Kim Vogel Sawyer

The first word that comes to my mind about this story is sweet.

When Hope Blossoms was my first story by this author, and I didn't know what to expect. Like I've told you before, I'm not a big fan of Amish (or Mennonite) novels. Some catch my interest; others just lack enough of a plot.

The beginning was slow. The back of the book uses the term blossom, and that is accurate. Just as flowers take loooots of time to blossom, this story takes plenty of time to gain momentum.

I did like the characters. The children were adorable, and Bekah's perspective was a welcome addition. Also, learning about the Mennonites was a plus. I loved the spiritual depth ! It was inspiring how fully Amy and her family relied on the Lord. Some "Christian" books are too light on their spiritual aspects, but this story most definitely was not. I respect stories like this one because of that.

So, while this wasn't my favorite read, I did enjoy it. I only hoped for more action, something to drive the story. Ultimately, I'd give it a three out of five stars.

*I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

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Over The Edge by Mary Connealy

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       This is one of my all-time favorite authors. These are the kind of books that I know I will enjoy reading. Humor, wit, cowboys, and strong females. These stories make me wish I lived back then, near a handsome cowboy ;)

Of course, I'd read the two books before this one -- I mean, duh! Reading the previous stories definitely adds to the enjoyment of reading this one. Honestly, I was soooo excited to be able to review this book that I was going to enjoy it no matter what!
Mary Connealy has a definite voice that separates her from other writers -- she is distinct. Sure, I knew somewhat what to expect, but the fun was getting there. Seth was seriously loco which added buckets of laughter to every scene.
I did, however, have an issue. . . *insert sad face here*.
The amount of talk about, um, passionate situations, was too much for me. I understood, to a point, why those feelings were shown, but they were laid on too thick for my comfort. Yes, this story is about a married couple, but still . . .I believe too much emphasis was placed on that part of marriage.
Don't get me wrong though. It's a clean book that deals with the brothers' flaws that are keeping them from trusting fully in the Lord.

I wish --Mary Connealy, please read this!--there would be another book about this family . . .let's not forget about that other brother . . .

;)