A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund

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Whoever designs Mrs. Hedlund's covers is doing an excellent job! I already reviewed Unending Devotion, so I needed the next one. I'm all about following an author if I really enjoy one of her books.

I'd never read a story with this type of plot involving European immigrants, but I'm so glad I chose it from the Bethany House review list. Rarely is there something so satisfying as discovering a book that you don't want to stop reading. The characters were unique, meaning they actually felt like real people. The author chose a fresh setting, a failing farm in Michigan in the 1880s.

Carl was a dynamic character as was Annalisa.

I loved the spiritual thread.

And I didn't guess the ending. Not at all. I found it realistic and definitely interesting--and of course, happy.

Go ahead and buy this one. And the next one from this author.

Backcover Blurb:

Annalisa Werner's hope for a fairy-tale love is over. Her husband failed her in every way, and now his death has left her with few options to save the family farm. She needs a plentiful harvest. That, and a husband to help bring it in. Someone strong, dependable. That'll be enough. A marriage for love. . .that's something she's given up on.

So her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.

Then a man appears: Carl Richards, from their home country of Germany, and a former schoolteacher--or so he says. He's looking for work and will serve on the farm until her husband arrives.

With time running out, she accepts Carl's help, but there's more to this man than he's admitting. He's also gentle, kind, charming--unlike any man she's ever known. But even as he is shining light into the darkness of Annalisa's heart, she knows her true groom may arrive any day.

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

Swept Away by Mary Connealy

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Have I mentioned that Mary Connealy is one of my most favorite authors? That I have read almost all of her books? That she has a hysterical distinct voice and has captured the attitude of a cowboy?

How about this first line: The sharp crack of a cocking pistol brought Lucas Stone's head around.

Gotta love the action!

This is the first of a new series, but I liked the fact that Luke is still connected to a previous series through his sister. The plot was interesting, though not my favorite. If not for Connealy's jolting voice, it might have dragged a bit.

The other characters in the story will obviously be stars in their own books in the future. Actually, I found myself more interested in Dare's story than Luke and Ruthy's. I'm still not sure why Luke and Ruthy fell in love so quickly.

Some parts seemed a bit unbelievable, but I can forgive that because it made for a fun read. And I love happy endings!

I'll be looking for Fired Up, Dare's story, when it is released.

Backcover Blurb:

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won't let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can't just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she's going to have to go with him.

But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?

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





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.