In Royal Ruins by Serena Clarke

This book is a retelling of a story from a Grimms' Fairytale called King Thrushbeard.  In German it was Koenig Drosselbard.  Being a native German, I hate to admit that this is a Grimms' story that I had not heard of.  So that being said, I can't compare or comment as to how the two stories intertwine.  However, I will review it on it's own merits.  I really enjoyed the story how a very pampered princess learned to live a life of a peasant and was forced to marry someone against her will.  This man, Larik, appears to be a most patient and thoughtful peasant and the story of their lives as husband and wife will be a great challenge for this man.  

It is a very engaging story, one that you will want to finish and find out what happens.  Very good story!

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.
 

A Kiss is Just a Kiss (The Kissing Test Book 1) by Melinda Curtis

This is such a fun read. In the prologue we meet Dotty, not your everyday grandma. And as we meet Kitty, we find she has been caring for her sisters and making sure they make no mistakes in their relationships.  Grandmother Dotty was hilarious.  Was she for real???  It's anyone's guess.

There's a road trip and all kinds of humor and romance happening in this story. 

The book was a great read and very engaging and enjoyable.  And there are more books after this.  So fun!  Great author and a great read.  You will love it!

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

You're Gonna Love Me by Robin Lee Hatcher

me 

This book by Robin Lee Hatcher was so good.  A story of Love, trust, forgiveness and faith.  I really enjoyed the book and there were no dull moments.  The story was well paced and kept my attention.

For me it was extra fun that it took place in my neighbor state and mentioned locations in Idaho where I have been and spent time making it even more easy to relate to.

It was a sweet and clean romance, and a story of second chances. Although the second book of a series, it was great as a standalone.  

Nick and Samantha ended a relationship, both with hurt feelings.  They end up in the same place without knowing that the other was also there.  Will they learn to trust God and one another?

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

Steeplechase by Carrie Fancett Pagels and Giveaway!!!

Synopsis: 

Martha Osborne fears for her six-year-old brother, who was shuffled off to boarding school when his British mother departed to England. 
Set in Hampton Roads, Virginia, in the build-up to the War of 1812, expert rider Martha plans to substitute for her older brother in a “race to the steeple” to win the prize—and a bet with Phillip Paulson, equestrian trainer at Yorkview Academy, to help have her little brother returned home. When Phillip stumbles upon the real reasons behind the secret race he finds he may not be able to keep his end of the bargain. Can he save Martha and her brother? And will his heart be lost in the process? 

My Thoughts

I so enjoyed this book of Carrie Fancett Pagels.  Her vivid descriptions of places and events can stir the imagination and make you feel as though you too were witnessing and living in the events of the books.  

The 1810 time period shows a still somewhat fledgling young country and the events and feelings that still existed from a time recently passed when feelings of old wounds perhaps were not completely healed.  How will this affect Martha Osbourne and a family whose father remarries an English woman who spends much of her time in England?

The Steeplechase has many twists and you will enjoy this book very much.  The author is a very talented writer of historical fiction, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite genres.

Carrie has graciously offered a ebook to one lucky winner who comments below.  Follow my blog and you get an extra chance!  Thanks Carrie and good luck to all that enter.  Last day to enter will Feb. 17th and the winner announced on Feb. 18th!

Disclosure: I received a PDF version of this book from the author for my honest review.