Review ~ The Sisters of Sea View (on Devonshire Shores Book 1) by Julie Klassen

Paperback, 448 pages

Expected publication: December 6th 2022 by Bethany House Publishers

About the Book

When their father’s death leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers convinces her sisters to open their seaside home to guests to provide for their ailing mother. Emily and Georgiana agree, but Viola, who wears a veil to cover a scar, detests the idea. Determined to stay together, the sisters begin the new venture. Instead of the elderly invalids they expect, however, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah is torn between a growing attraction to a mysterious Scottish widower and duty to her family. Meanwhile, the new situation exposes Viola’s scars--both the visible and those hidden deep within--and her cloistered heart will never be the same.

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My Review 4 STARS

There are many nods to Jane Austen’s classic novels in this latest accomplishment from award winning author Julie Klassen. Delightful words of wonder grace the pages of The Sisters of Sea View in a gentle yet engrossing manner. There is a slow pace to this story that rings true to the time period while exerting just enough adventure to keep readers turning pages. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, perhaps this one will offer you several hours of diversion from life’s cares. I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the lives and loves of The Sisters of Sea View. I received an electronic copy from the publisher through Netgalley with no expectation of a favorable review.

 

Review | Turn to Me | A Misty River Romance #3 | Becky Wade

His promise will cost him far more than he imagined.

Guilt has defined Luke Dempsey's life, but it was self-destructiveness that landed him in prison. When his friend and fellow inmate lay dying shortly before Luke's release, the older man revealed he left a string of clues for his daughter, Finley, that will lead her to the treasure he's hidden. Worried that she won't be the only one pursuing the treasure, he gains Luke's promise to protect her until the end of her search.

Spunky and idealistic, Finley Sutherland is the owner of an animal rescue center and a defender of lost causes. She accepts Luke's help on the treasure hunt while secretly planning to help him in return--by coaxing him to embrace the forgiveness he's long denied himself.

As they draw closer to the final clue, their reasons for resisting each other begin to crumble, and Luke realizes his promise will push him to the limit in more ways than one. He'll do his best to shield Finley from unseen threats, but who's going to shield him from losing his heart? 

My Review 3.5 STARS 

'Luke Dempsey was a tragic and thorny case. Many would say he was a lost cause.'

Wade wraps up her Misty River Romance series quite well in Turn to Me. I was delighted to finally read Luke’s story, and at the same time see Ben get his as a small side story in the book.

The redemption thread here for “bad boy” ex-con Luke is phenomenal! Maybe that is why there was so much emphasis put on his physical desire for Finley. It’s pretty descriptive. I appreciated the author repeatedly, through Finley and others, communicating to Luke that he was not beyond redemption. Our past does not have to define us in the present. This message came across very strong. And it was a beautiful thing to see work out in Luke.

The best part of Finley’s story for me was reading about her dad and how she grew up a “free spirit” and dresses sort of Bohemian. But I’m not a dog fanatic or interested in constantly hearing about animal rights etc. so that really put a damper on this part of the story for me.

All in all, fans of Wade will be satisfied with this series and its ending. I know I thoroughly enjoyed the overall story of The Miracle Five. I look forward to whatever she has coming next year!

I was provided an electronic copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley. No compensation has been received.

Review ~ Abandoned London by Katie Wignall

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• Publisher : Amber Books (July 6, 2021) | Hardcover : 224 pages

With 150 outstanding color photographs, Abandoned London presents a poignant pictorial exploration of the English capital—from forgotten railways lines and underpasses to lost industrial places, movie theaters, churches, and cemeteries. London is both a bright, modern city with soaring skyscrapers as well as a metropolis hundreds of years old—and, despite its gleaming surface, there is another side to the city, one of secrets, dilapidation, and mystery. Wander through disused stations on the Underground; immense, ornate Victorian sewers and waterworks; crumbling but beautiful Art Deco cinemas and empty swimming pools; bombed-out churches and eerie docklands; and ruined mansions and overgrown cemeteries, all haunting relics from a time gone by. Arranged thematically from transport and industry to residential and recreational, these entries cover both the modern city and the historical metropolis. 

Book releases in the UK in May, and here in the US in July 2021. 

Pre-order at Amazon.

My Review  4 STARS!!!

Fascinating history of London and some of its most enigmatic buildings is contained within the pages of Abandoned London. The photography, coupled with the narrative, captivated me. As someone who will probably never travel to London, I was delighted to experience some of its lesser known history through the eyes of the storyteller and photographer. It’s wonderful that these places time may have forgotten are being resurrected in this book.

As someone who reads a lot mysteries my mind was quite intrigued by the car found when civil engineers drained Hampstead Heath in 2015. I want to know more about this and what they may have found inside the car.

One of the most amusing anecdotes is about a man who applied to the city to put in a tank and his application was approved. Except it wasn’t the kind of tank the city expected. It was a literal tank, as in military! That gave me a chuckle and made me contemplate what fun it would be to see something like that just sitting on a residential lot.

If you’re an armchair traveler, this book would definitely be a great choice. There are so many interesting accounts of history contained within. I received an electronic copy from the publisher through Netgalley. No compensation received.

Review ~ Vying for the Viscount (Hearts on the Heath) by Kristi Ann Hunter

• 352 pages; Bethany House Publishers

When a strange man appears to be stealing horses at the neighboring estate, Bianca Snowley jumps to their rescue. And when she discovers he's the new owner, she can't help but be intrigued--but romance is unfeasible when he proposes they help secure spouses for each other. Will they see everything they've wanted has been there all along before it's too late?

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My Review

3.5 STARS

Vying for the Viscount is a strikingly descriptive story that fans of historical fiction, especially Regency, will want to read.

I’m a huge fan of Kristi Ann Hunter and always look forward to her stories but while I liked Vying for the Viscount, I didn’t love it. The beginning seemed slow and tedious to me. Hudson didn’t come across as a very strong character. He was raised in India and although he kept saying he had been prepared his whole life to take over the role as Viscount, it didn’t seem like it when he got to England. I found him sort of ‘soft’ for lack of a better word. Bianca is a smart, horse-loving woman in a kind of sad situation at home. Each morning, she goes next door to help exercise the Viscount’s horses. Their first meeting is sort of funny but I was hoping for a bit more spunk and spark between her and Hudson.

Aaron, on the other hand, is the character whose story I wanted to hear most. He’s an emotionally wounded man, not in an overt manner but you can tell he’s experienced deep hurt at the hands of others. He has a familial connection to someone in the story but it’s a bit before we find out who it is. I’m really hoping his story is next.

I was provided an electronic copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Review ~ A Return of Devotion (Haven Manor #2) by Kristi Ann Hunter

Paperback, 352 pages

Published February 5th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers 

Daphne Blakemoor was perfectly happy living in her own secluded world for twelve years. She had everything she needed—loved ones, a true home, and time to indulge her imagination. But when ownership of the estate where she works as a housekeeper passes on, and the new marquis has an undeniable connection to her past, everything she's come to rely upon is threatened.

William, Marquis of Chemsford's main goal in life is to be the exact opposite of his father. Starting a new life in the peace and quiet of the country sounds perfect until his housekeeper turns his life upside down.

They've spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, find a new path for the future together?

My Review

4 STARS

Regency is my favorite genre to read. I like the intertwining of the culture with mystery and romance and manners. When the setting is an out-of-the-way manor house used to house illegitimate children of the upper crust, my interest is piqued. These things happened. A lot. This is not a subject that is delved into in any of the books I had previously read until this series from Hunter. While it may sound slightly uncomfortable, the matter is dealt with compassion and sensitivity.

William, Lord Chemsford, was a delight to read. When he meets Daphne, whom we met in book one, A Defense of Honor, his thoughts made me chuckle more than once. She comes off as slightly dimwitted (okay maybe a lot dimwitted) and says and does strange things to keep him occupied and away from certain areas of the house. Of course, he begins to become suspicious as to why and then the game is on. His character is sort of gruff but then his true gentlemanly nature comes out and oh my. He is something!

There are sections of the book that seemed to drag with too much info but then I am a dialogue driven reader. Truly, the banter was such fun to read I would have liked more of that. It’s an entertaining and moving story though and one I highly encourage fans of Regency to read. I look forward to the third book coming out this fall. That will feature Jess and if you’ve read either of these books, you know she is a spitfire!

I was provided an electronic copy of the book through Netgalley and the publisher. No review required. No compensation received.

Review ~ Miss Serena's Secret (Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #2) by Carolyn Miller

Published July 24th, Kregel Publications

With devastating scars in her past, Serena Winthrop is sure no man can be trusted—especially not men like the far-too-smooth Viscount Charmichael. His reputation as a charmer and a gambler is everything she despises. And the young artist makes sure that this disreputable heir to an Earldom knows of her deep disapproval whenever they encounter one another.

Henry, Lord Carmichael, is perfectly aware of his charms to the women of the ton. He's gambled with plenty of their hearts as easily as he does their husband's money—it's all in good fun to him. But lately he's been wondering if there's more to life—and confronting the idea that his actions might not prove worthy of the admirable wives his friends have found.

When Serena's brother-in-law asks his best friend to protect his young ward, Henry promises to be on his best behavior and not woo her. But the more he learns of her, the more he realizes she might be his best reason for changing his character. Then the lady's art leads her to London infamy. Now Henry must choose between the life mapped out for him as the Earl apparent, and the love of his life. And Serena's secret may mean the end of his titled family line.

The second in a new series by internationally popular author Carolyn Miller is full of the same rich historical detail and evocative writing that readers enjoyed, and familiar characters make appearances here. The witty banter will continue to draw in fans of Jane Austen, Sarah Ladd, and Julie Klassen.

My Review
4.5 STARS!!!

Sharp wit, dramatic undertones, and romance equal a lovely Regency rendering in Miss Serena’s Secret.  Serena is a young woman highly gifted in the arts, making for lovely word pictures painted throughout the story. I had no trouble envisioning the scenery of England and was quite keen to be there to see something so beautifully grand for myself. After an unfortunate incident, Serena is left disillusioned toward men and filled with sorrow, thinking to put painting aside forever. What shall restore her spirit and cause her to pick up a brush once again, illuminating canvas with color?
 

Henry, Viscount Carmichael, is a bit older, making for the perfect rogue-turns-hero. He really does live a sin-filled life but isn’t that who Christ came to save…the sinner? Of course we know in the end he is going to turn to Christ but it is the getting there that makes the story. 

‘His thoughts darkened, yet he forced himself to act his part, all the while conscious of feeling like a snared hare, caught by this foppish, fleshly reputation he’d cultivated over many years, bound forever to expectation and obligation, even as the morals of the Winthrops whispered freedom for the man he wanted to be.’ 
~Henry, Viscount Carmichael, Miss Serena’s Secret

Henry senses something mysterious in Serena’s countenance upon meeting her and it intrigues him. He is decidedly focused in finding out what her secret is. As he gets to know her, a protective side that he had never built upon but one that will both frustrate and draw Serena to him, manifests itself. Will Henry be one of the instruments God uses to heal her fractured heart?

 ‘If he claimed affection for her in his heart, then that affection should be outworked in his attitude and actions.’ ~Henry, Viscount Carmichael, Miss Serena’s Secret

Broaching mysterious medical maladies in a heroine is not something you see often and I was quite surprised at Serena’s final diagnosis. It perplexed me the whole time and kept me guessing, which I have to say was quite good on the author’s part. Henry’s father, the Earl of Bevington, likewise suffers an ailment that today is quite openly spoken of but long ago could not possibly have been understood, causing much discomfiture and probably confinement in horrendous manners, although this does not happen to the earl in the book. I thought this aspect added much depth to the story between Henry and his parents, and it genuinely tugged at my emotions.

Fans of Regency and Christian fiction will enjoy the latest quintessential offering from Miller. I was provided a digital copy from the publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. No compensation has been received.

  

 ~Happy Reading~ 

Review ~ Falling for You by Becky Wade

Paperback, 368 pages

Published May 1st 2018 by Bethany House Publishers

Willow Bradford is content taking a break from modeling to run her family's inn until she comes face-to-face with NFL quarterback Corbin Stewart, the man who broke her heart--and wants to win her back. When a decades-old missing-persons case brings them together, they're forced to decide whether they can risk falling for one another all over again.

About Becky

During her childhood in California, Becky frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins. These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending. She's been a fan of all things romantic ever since.

Becky and her husband lived overseas in the Caribbean and Australia before settling in Dallas, Texas. It was during her years abroad that Becky's passion for reading turned into a passion for writing. She published three historical romances with Avon Books, then put her career on hold for several years to care for her three kids, then recently returned to writing sheerly for the love of it. She felt led to move to the genre of contemporary Christian romance and couldn’t be more thrilled with it.

These days Becky can be found failing but trying to keep up with her housework, sweating at the gym, carting her kids around town, playing tennis, hunched over her computer, eating chocolate, or collapsed on the sofa watching TV with her husband.

Connect with Becky: 

Website: www.beckywade.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbeckywade/ 

Purchase Links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
CBD

 

The prequel novella, Then Came You, is FREE on Kindle @ Amazon

 

My Review

4 STARS!!!

I have been chewing on this review for over a week now and still am not sure how to go about doing the book justice. The struggles that Willow and Corbin have are incredibly plausible. Falling for You is full of deep hurt, passion, real life struggle with temptation, sin, forgiveness, and love. I enjoyed the insight into Willow’s personality as the oldest sibling. The relationship between the three sisters is extremely lifelike. At times open and honest, others not so much but through it all they can depend on one another to be there.

Corbin’s new faith in Christ, trying to understand the tenets of it and live by them, strikes a chord of familiarity within me. It is not easy in the beginning when you to come to faith as an adult. Change in attitude takes time. Learning to rely on the Holy Spirit to teach can be challenging but the rewards are great, which Corbin will sort of discover. I wish he had more page time but it is about the Bradford sisters, after all.

Searching for the missing aunt was truly one of the most enjoyable parts of the story for me! My first love is mystery/suspense and Wade wrote these elements superbly.

Fans of contemporary romance will enjoy this second full length book in The Bradford Sisters series. I was provided a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. A review was not required. No compensation has been received.

~Happy Reading~