Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Arms of Mercy by Ruth Reid

Did I love this book?  Yes, I did.  I am not going to write the details of it, because the synopsis was really well written and tells what you need to know.

As I was reading through some of the trials Elijah and Catharine went through, the tender mercies that they received, reminded me that we are not alone in what we have to go through in life.  It was a sweet reminder that there is a higher Being that knows everything we need to make it through our trials.

It was a very sweet read and I really was happy that I had a chance to read this very good book!

I received an ebook copy from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Thursday, March 22, 2018

This Wilderness Journey Heart of the Mountains 2 series by Misty M. Beller

This was the second book from this author I have read, and they are both full of adventure and great reads.  I enjoyed the fast pace and the characters were very likeable.

Joseph Malcom, who feels he is not good enough anymore because of an accident while caused damage to his hand helps Monti Bergeron arrive at her destination to help her cousin in caring for the needs of the friendly Indians.  Their journey is fraught with adventure and as they continue to come in contact together after their trip, they begin to have feelings towards one another. 

It's an interesting and well written book, and you will not want to miss it. 

I received an ebook copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Sunday, March 18, 2018

The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Book 2 in the Daughters of the Mayflower series was written by Kathleen Y'Barbo and was a really exciting read.  Lots of action and historical scenes to create a wonderfully weritten book.

Taking place in 1725, this historical fiction takes place during a time of great turmoil on the open seas and Maribel Cordoba finds herself deep in the action, on a ship where she is an 11 year old girl, taken by her father and separated from home and all she is familiar with and serves as a crew member as the lookout up in the "crow's nest".

Her life is not the life of a typical 11 year old and she finds herself in an island orphanage where she seems to adapt well only to find  more mystery and intrigue in her life, and romance.

The book is very engaging and I enjoyed it very much.  I had a hard time putting it down when other things needed to be attended to.  I highly recommend this as a sweet, clean and highly interesting read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Lawfully Justified by Lorana Hoopes

Just finished this sweet Western romance by Lorana Hoopes.  Loved it! 

Widower William Cook has lost his wife and faith.  He becomes a bounty hunter in the hopes of revenging his wife's death.

Emma, a doctor's daughter, and also widowed, relies on her faith to help her through her trials.  As they meet under unfortunate circumstances, something kindles.  But yet, does she want the life of a bounty hunter's wife?

Both parties need to heal, learn to trust and forgive.  This story is a sweet story and very enjoyable read!

I received an ebook copy from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Thursday, March 15, 2018

The Amish Teacher's Gift by Rachel J. Good

This was the first book that I have read and reviewed for this author and I loved it. 

Ada is a teacher in a special needs Amish school.  The incidents the author writes about aren't glossed over but very accurate in how it is to have a special needs child and that they can be very difficult at times.  I know this first hand.  That honesty came through and appealed to me, personally.  I enjoyed the characters and the experiences that they shared and the not always perfect lives they led.  They had issues to overcome and to deal with.  Made it real!  Made it believable.

I really loved reading this book and hope I will have a chance to read many more from this very talented author.

I received an ebook copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Sunday, March 11, 2018

My Heart Belongs in San Francisco, California by Janice Thompson

I was so happy to be able to read this addition to the "My Heart Belongs" Series.  It was a sweet story, Abby and Sam's story and I really enjoyed reading it.  If the rest of the series is this good, I for sure will be reading all of them!  That's a lot of reading.

I enjoyed the characters and the discoveries that socialite Abby made bringing many unexpected changes in her life.

San Francisco in the growing years seems to have not been quite the same as we know it now, so it was nice to see the contrasts and the growing pains, so to speak.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

Friday, March 9, 2018

The Postcard by Beverly Lewis

This was an Amish mystery and started out quite strongly and grabs your interest.  During the middle there were some parts I thought were maybe just a little on the slow moving side.  The end was dramatic and really, really good.

The Amish widow, Rachel witnesses the deaths of husband and son and causes her some psychological problems, as of course, a tragedy can cause.  I wanted to see her resolve that, but it didn't happen in this book.

A magazine reporter finds a postcard that starts some unexpected reactions from the locals.  He investigates and this mystery is very interesting and has an emotional resolve.

I really enjoyed the book and was glad that I checked it out from the local library.  It was a good read.

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Band of Sisters by Annette Lyon

This is the first book I have read from this author.  I picked it up at the local library for my mom who was recovering at a rehab.  She loved it and told me that I should read it, too.  So I did and I, too, really enjoyed this book of a group of 5 different ladies in Utah, all LDS religion, whose husbands befriended each other just prior to their deployment. 

The wives met weekly to meet one another and to help one another through the various difficulties and problems they now faced as wives and mothers on their own.

The book was very captivating and a good read.  I definitely enjoyed it! 

Monday, March 5, 2018

Imagine, The Ten Plagues by Matt Koceich

This time travel, Biblical fiction for youth was interesting.  I did feel that it went over really briefly as to how the plagues happened.  But it was a different way of getting children to grasp an interest in the Bible.  And that can be a good handle on children building an interest in ancient history as recorded in the Bible.

It was interesting how the author shows an example of bullying of others and trying to overpower others.  This was probably to relate how the Hebrews were also in a somewhat similar situation and both modern and ancient people have to find ways and the faith to overcome their trials.

It was an interesting book and I enjoy time travel themes, making it feel like you can watch history and actually be a part of it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Sunday, March 4, 2018

Historical Romance: Stories of Rebels, Adventure, and Mystery Guest Post by Linda Weaver Clarke


Historical Romance: Stories of Rebels,
Adventure, and Mystery

My favorite time period is historical because it’s during a time when men defended a lady’s honor and treated women with respect. The women, on the other hand, were not frail by any means. I love strong women characters who fight for what they believe. I love to write stories with a mixture of romance and adventure. My favorite loves stories are about a man and woman who know they are meant for one another, even though there are trials along the way.

The Rebel Series is a Historical Mystery/Adventure Romance set in the 1700s. Many people have asked me why I wrote a story about rebels. Simple! I love a rogue who fights for justice and for the people. It was a bunch of rebels who fought for their freedom in America. They wanted to be free from the dictatorship of a king. How about Robin Hood? He and a bunch of men did the same thing as they helped the needy and poor. Liberty is something that I cherish. So I decided to write about a small country that struggles to be free.

THE REBELS OF CORDOVIA: “This creative take on a Robin Hood-like story is charming and touching, and teaches some great morals about agency and choice. It reminded me of childhood fairytales of good versus evil, with a nice romance weaved into it.” --Author Charissa Stastny

In The Rebels of Cordovia, Robin’s Rebels realize they must fight against the tyranny of a wicked king and help the people survive the oppression. In this battle for freedom, a tender love story begins to blossom. Daniel, a rogue and a leader of the Freemen, doesn’t realize that the sweet feminine woman he has met and is falling for happens to be the leader of Robin’s Rebels. Realizing the importance of uniting all the rebel groups, Daniel tries to recruit Robin’s Rebels but they refuse. Now he has to find a way to convince them. When he finds out the leader is actually a woman, what will his reaction be?

To watch a Book Trailer for The Rebels of Cordovia, click on the link below:

THE HIGHWAYMAN OF CORDOVIA: “Austin and Christine had been friends, as youth, and separated through the years. As their paths cross again after many years, things spark up between them. Yet their lives do not appear to be headed in the same direction. The twists and turns will keep you turning the pages.” --Sunnie Reivews

In book 2, The Highwayman of Cordovia, the people enjoy their new-found liberty, but all is not well. A group of powerful men plan to take over the small country and replace the leader with a king. With the help of a bold highwayman and a pastor’s daughter, they try to save their country from being taken over by a power-hungry leader. As they strive to stop the Kingmen and thwart their plans, Christine finds herself falling in love with Austin Knight. The only problem with their relationship is that she thinks he is her knight in shining armor instead of a highwayman. If she finds out his trade, what will her reaction be? As a pastor’s daughter, will love override her values?

To watch a Book Trailer for The Highwayman of Cordovia, click on the link below:

THE FOX OF CORDOVIA: “I loved this book. It is full of adventure, drama, intrigue and suspense. We've got kidnapping plots, pirate ships, daring rescues and romance. The author weaves an exciting tale and a sweet romance together in a way that will appeal to all readers.” --Inishowen Cailín

In book 3, The Fox of Cordovia, a sinister plot has just been uncovered and its up to a former patriot and a young nurse to discover who is behind it. Caroline is engaged to the future mayor of Laketown, a man of influence and greatly respected. But all that changes when she overhears a conspiracy behind closed doors. After being discovered, she runs for her life. Caroline needs to report her findings, but whom can she trust? When she asks Jesse Conover for help, the adventure begins.

To watch a Book Trailer for The Fox of Cordovia, click on the link below:
https://youtu.be/mCgwRF5nzQ8

I love research. When I did some research about the “waltz” for The Highwayman of Cordovia, I was surprised at what I found. The peasants were the first to dance the waltz. It was such fun that bored noblemen would sneak out and go to the country-dances. The Oxford English Dictionary back then called the waltz “riotous and indecent.”

In a 1771 German novel, someone complains about the “newly-introduced waltz” among the aristocrats. He wrote: “When he put his arm around her, pressed her to his breast, cavorted with her in the shameless, indecent whirling-dance of the Germans and engaged in a familiarity that broke all the bounds of good breeding—then my silent misery turned into burning rage.” I was so intrigued by this description. The waltz finally became fashionable when the wife of a Russian ambassador endorsed it.

To read a sample chapter from each of my books in The Rebel Series, go to http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/historicalromance.html and click on the TITLE.
To purchase a book from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Audible Audiobooks, go to http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/purchasebook.html.

About Author: Linda Weaver Clarke was raised among the Rocky Mountains of southern Idaho and now lives among the red mountains of southern Utah. Linda is the mother of six daughters and the author of 23 books. She has written in several different genres, which include: historical romances, romantic cozy mysteries, a mystery suspense series, a children’s book, and non-fiction. All her books are family friendly. She has also traveled throughout the U.S. and taught audiences how to write their family history, giving more than 500 workshops.



Saturday, March 3, 2018

The Redemption of Sarah Cain by Beverly Lewis

This book was published quite a while ago and I recently found it at my local library.  So because I didn't remember reading it, although I have seen it before, I grabbed it.

And as with most Beverly Lewis books, I loved it!  So if you too, have missed this one.  I would definitely look for it.

It is an easy read and also easy to get into the characters.  Not confusing with too many characters all introduced quickly and making it hard to know who is who.

Loved it's geniune simplicity and the family values presented.  I suggest you look for it!

Friday, March 2, 2018

Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers by Various Authors

I love these collections by Barbour Publishing.  I have quite a collection of them and so happy about it, because they are entertaining, easy to read and just enjoyable.

These connect to one another and make for a great combined book.  I love sampling all of the different author's works. 

Can't miss with such wonderful stories.  So very fun to read!

I received an ebook copy of this book by NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

The Innkeeper's Daughter by Michelle Griep

This is an English historical novel set in 1808.  Johanna runs the inn, helping her widowed mother.

Alex, goes undercover to uncover a plot against the British crown.  He and Johanna are clearly drawn to each other, but circumstances are not such that it is a smooth relationship as Alex becomes engaged to another.

I saw the story as one that they had to grow in their faith and trust in God to see them through their troubles.  There were several side stories that developed and I did see the growth in the characters as the story progressed.  The end became exciting with lots of action going on that keeps you reading it without wanting to stop.

I enjoyed this book and recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.