"A Bound Heart" by Laura Frantz

Laura Frantz’ “A Bound Heart” is the story of childhood friends Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall who grew up together on the charming and beautiful isle of Kerrera (off the Scottish coast).

Although they had many of the same opportunities as children, they lead quite different lives as adults; Magnus is Laird of Castle Kerrera and Lark is the Keeper of the Bees. Lark has always been quite fond of Magnus and was heartbroken when he returned a few years ago to the isle with a wife. So, she busies herself taking care of her elderly Granny and her beloved bees. She also has a flirtatious friendship with the handsome captain of the Merry Lass, Rory MacPherson.

The inhabitants of the isle soon learn that Magnus’ wife, Lady Isla, hates the isle and living there. She is mean, rude and often physically ill. Furthermore, she does not like “the help” to be seen (including Lark). Matters only worsen when she is unable to produce an heir. Lady Isla is desperate to have a child and dies after ingesting one of Lark’s potions. Lark is soon tried and found guilty or murder. Lark and Magnus’ trials and tribulations and ensuing love story comprise the rest of the book.

Both Magnus and Lark are Christians and Frantz reminds us that it is “better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and angry woman” and also that “husbands, love your wives.” She also reminds us that “the true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good!”

If you require a lovely historical romance, this is for you! Frantz describes the isle of Kerrera so beautifully you will feel as if you are there. This book is great for any age reader.

Hoping that this may become a series (although the cover did not designate as such). I would love to read more about their lives after the ending of the book.

#ABoundHeart #NetGalley

Publication Date: January 1, 2019

Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Scottish

Cover: Stunning and absolutely perfect!

Rating: 5 stars

Source:  I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

“Women of the Dunes” by Sarah Maine

It isn’t often that I finish a book and immediately look to see if I own any others by that author so that I can start reading another. “Women of the Dunes” by Sarah Maine was that good! Betrayal, murder, romance, archaeology, myth, handsome Scottish men… this one has it all!

The author laces together a story of different generations with three alternating time lines. Set in Ullanessm, an island off the western coast of Scotland, Libby Snow arrives to excavate the site of Scottish legend Ulla in an attempt to find burial sites and artifacts. Ulla is a Viking who arrived with her lover, several warriors and treasure centuries ago. The travelers are met by a monk who tries to save the lover’s life but fails. Several legends and poems are written about them and they even inspire the name of the island.

Libby has long had the desire to visit Ullanessm after hearing stories of her great-great-grandmother, Ellen, who previously lived and worked on the island. However, shortly after arriving, Libby discovers a body… an unexpected body that cannot be connected to the legend since it is clearly much more recent.

She then meets the handsome caretaker of Sturrock House, Rodri, who seems to be hiding some secrets of his own.

What happened to Ulla, her lover, the monk and the treasure? What will Libby find? What is the identity of the latest body? Lots of questions that the author fully answered.

Such a great story that was perfectly written. The three story lines were expertly woven together to complete the picture of all three generations. Her writing made me feel as if I was there on Ulanessm. A great book with an excellent ending that would be a perfect vacation/beach read.

Oh, by the way, “The House Between Tides” is next; I’ll let you know.

Publication Date: July 24, 2018

Genre:  Women’s Fiction, Historical, Mystery, Suspense

Cover: Perfect and beautiful!

Rating: 5 stars

Source:  I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

#NetGalley #WomenOfTheDunes #SarahMaine

"Blind Betrayal (Defenders of Justice Book #3)" by Nancy Mehl

“Blind Betrayal” is not your typical, run of the mill, syrupy sweet Christian fiction book. The third installment in the Defenders of Justice series by Nancy Mehl is a nonstop, action packed thrill ride! It is well-researched, very realistic and an excellent story. Having never read a book by this author, I was unsure about beginning with a book other than the first in the series, but it in no way hindered the story or my enjoyment.

Casey Sloane’s latest assignment is escorting a witness from St. Louis to Washington to testify in front of a grand jury. However, before she and her partner can even leave town, the Marshal’s Office is attacked. Are the two events connected? Is there a mole in the Marshal’s Office?

Casey, her partner, and another Marshal (a handsome man from Casey’s past) go on the run to hopefully deliver the witness unharmed.

I highly recommend this book and have found a new Christian fiction thriller series and author! I would start the first if you can, just because this one was awesome and you will want to read the others when you finish.

Publication Date: April 17, 2018

Genre:  Christian Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

Cover: Perfect

Rating: 5 stars

Source:  I received this book from the publisher, Bethany House, in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

"In Places Hidden (Golden Gate Secrets Book #1)" by Tracie Peterson

Caleb Coulter, an attorney in San Francisco, is known for his character and deep faith. The decision to defend his friend Patrick Murdock, who he believed to be falsely accused of murder, came easy for him. However, it seems to be a decision that may have cost him his life.

Headstrong Camrianne Coulter travels to San Francisco in an attempt to find her brother Caleb as their family has not heard from him in three months. Along the way, she makes friends with two other young ladies traveling to San Francisco and agrees that it would benefit them all if they stayed together at her brother’s home and pooled their resources to live and search for Caleb.

The trail seems mostly cold by the time she arrives, but with she and her friends begin their investigation which leads them to take a look at the pollical corruption abounding in the city. Caleb’s business partner, house servants and even Patrick are not honest with her and she begins to feat that she will never find Caleb, dead or alive.

Several beautiful biblical truths/stories are woven throughout the book: we are all the same in the eyes of God, God is always waiting for you to return to him no matter how far you may have strayed, God has a plan for each of us, and The Prodigal Son. My favorite, though, was trust God, no matter your circumstances!

One of my favorite lines in the book was “Camri refrained from pointing out the celebrating Christmas didn’t make one a Christian.” Isn’t that the truth! Sometimes we all need to be reminded of that.

I can honestly say that I have never read a Tracie Peterson book that I did not like and this one is no exception. It was interesting and well researched. I can’t wait to read the next two books in the series to find what happens with her two friends, Judith and Kenzie and how their mysteries are resolved. The second book in the series, “In Dreams Forgotten” will be published on July 3, 2018 and tackles Judith and the hunt for her long-lost aunt.

Publication Date: April 10, 2018

Genre:  Christian Fiction, Romance, Mystery,  Historical

Cover: Perfect (and beautiful)!

Rating: 4.5 stars

Source:  I received this book from the publisher, Bethany House, in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

"Out of the Ordinary (Apart from the Crowd Book #2)" by Jen Turano

"Out of the Ordinary (Apart from the Crowd Book #2)" by Jen Turano

Gertrude Cadwalader is employed by Mrs. Davenport as a companion, but she is so much more: model of Mrs. Davenport’s strange hair and clothing designs and returner of stolen goods. Mrs. Davenport is not a thief, not really, as she doesn’t keep the things she steals, but tasks Gertrude with returning them. This setup works pretty well until Mrs. Davenport swipes some things during a party on board the Sinclair yacht. Later, Gertrude is caught by the Sinclair matriarch while trying to return those items.  Things become a bit tricky as Gertrude is friends with the Sinclair heir, Harrison, who happens to be quite handsome.

I loved the setting of the yacht and the part of the story that takes place on it.

I also loved the theme of “God doesn’t expect His children to live ordinary lives, but extraordinary ones.” Such a great reminder to hand your “life over to God, trusting Him to lead the way to the path of extraordinary.”

I won’t lie, I would have loved a bit more of Mrs. Davenport and her mystery. It played such a small part in the story and unfolded rather quickly.

Also, I was surprised to find this is the second book in the series as the print copy had no number on the cover, spine or cover page (it did say “Apart From the Crowd”).

This is my first Jen Turano book, but it won’t be my last. She is an excellent Christian Fiction writer and the book was first-rate.

Publication Date: November 7, 2017

Genre:  Religious, Christian Fiction, Historical, Romance

Cover:  Lovely (would have enjoyed  seeing Gertrude in one of Mrs. Davenport’s outlandish outfits… perhaps on the back.)

Rating: 4 stars

Source:  I received this book from the publisher, Bethany House, in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

"Cherished Mercy" by Tracie Peterson

 

 

 

I love Tracie Peterson and have read many of her novels; I was looking forward to reading “Cherished Mercy”, which is the third and final book in her Heart of the Frontier series. She tackles lots of tough issues including the treatment of natives by the government, murder, rape, racism and adoption.

The book begins with Mercy Flanagan receiving a letter from a family friend requesting that she come to her aid as she is having a difficult pregnancy and could use her assistance as a healer, housekeeper, and baby sitter. Mercy struggles with the decision. She wants to help her friend, but does not want to leave her family. To travel to her friend, Eletta, would mean traveling to an area in Oregon where the native people are clashing with the white people who are invading their land. Some natives are peaceful, but many are not. Not only is this frightening, but Mercy also has a history with Native Americans. She survived the Whitman Massacre and was taken captive along with her sisters as a child. They were treated horribly and abused, but all survived.  However, the vivid memories haunt Mercy as does her sister’s child… a child that was adopted by Eletta at birth.

Mercy chooses to assist her friend, Eletta. Along the way she meets many natives and Adam, Eletta’s Brother-In-Law. The local tribe seems friendly enough, but rumors or massacres are running rampant. Will there be peace in the Rogue River Valley? If so, will Mercy survive it?

“Cherished Mercy” was a great read and an excellent reminder of how important prayer is in our daily lives.  It also reminds us that “faith isn’t faith unless it’s tested” and  God always has a plan! The book is a reminder of how important peace is and that we must fight for it.

I have not read the first two books in the series, but that in no way lessened my enjoyment. The author gave just enough tidbits about the first two so that everything made sense. She also researched the well and gave excellent descriptions of life in that era and the Oregon area.

Release Publication Date: September 5, 2017

Genre:  Christian Fiction, Romance, Western, Frontier, Historical

Cover: Perfect

Source: I received this book for free from the publisher, BethanyHouse, in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

Rating: 4.5 stars

 

 

"The Return" by Suzanne Woods Fisher

What does true love look like? We tend to think of it as Prince Charming coming to sweep us off our feet or true love’s kiss awaking us from “The Sleeping Death.”  True love or agape love is sacrificial love. What does that look like?

In “The Return” (Amish Beginnings #3) by Suzanne Woods Fisher tackles true love and several controversial topics: jealousy, Indian raids, kidnapping, racism, hatred, bigotry and vengeance.
Several children are kidnapped when an Indian raiding party attacks homesteads in Pennsylvania. We discover how they were treated, how those left behind felt and how some involved became bitter and angry and turned to unlawful methods as an outlet for that anger. We learn that “Vengeance is a dangerous master to feed. Its appetite has no end.”

But we also learn that people can change and about kindness, forgiveness and love… true love. A character in the book risks his life to right a wrong not once, but twice. He defends and helps those who cannot help themselves at great risk. Throughout the book the characters grow and learn that no matter what, they belong to the Holy One even when they belong to no one or no group on Earth.

This is the third book in the series. Not having read the first two in no way hindered my enjoyment/understanding of this book. There were a couple of references to prior events, but those were explained. The author also included a cast of characters and short note explaining the time line at the beginning of the book.

Solid 4.5 stars for this excellent reminder that “God doesn’t answer our prayers because we wish Him to. And he doesn’t dislike the people we dislike either. That would amount to making God in our own image.”

Release Publication Date:  August 1, 2017

Genre:  Christian fiction, Amish, Mennonite, Indian, romance

Cover: Perfect!

Source: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

Rating: 4.5 stars

“Everything We Left Behind” by Kerry Lonsdale

 “Everything We Left Behind” by Kerry Lonsdale is Carlos/James’ story. It picks up right where the first book of the series “Everything We Keep” left off with Carlos coming out of his fugue state. He remembers nothing of the last six and a half years… not his marriage, wife or children. It is as if the last six and a half years never happened.

I did read the first book, but if you didn’t, don’t fret. I think you would be OK. You would miss tiny details (and a great book), but the author fills you in on the large picture of what happened in the first one. It was well written and was interesting till the end (read it in less than 24 hours). I figured this book was going to end one of two ways… wrong again. Lots of twists and turns and a very satisfying ending.

There were a couple of heartbreaking scenes with Carlos/James and his son. He does not remember being a father or his sons. He was quite smart and loved his sons enough as Carlos to attempt to assist himself if he ever did emerge from his fugue state. He kept extensive journals and spoke to his older son so he would know what to do if Carlos, at some point, did not know him.

Release/Publication Date:  July 4, 2017
Genre:  Romance, suspense
Cover: Great.
Source: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!
Rating: 4 stars

"Everything We Keep" by Kerry Lonsdale

“On our wedding day, my fiancé, James, arrived at the church in a casket.” What an opening… I was hooked!

Instead of walking down the aisle in her wedding gown, Aimee is sitting in the same church, looking at the same flowers attending her fiancé’s funeral. There would be no wedding or children. They would not open a new art gallery or new restaurant together; all their hopes and dreams as a couple would be buried that afternoon.

Just two months prior, Aimee’s fiancé James disappeared while on a business trip in Mexico. He simply went missing during a fishing trip… simply falling off the boat when other’s backs were turned.

Outside the church, Aimee is approached by a physic who tells her “I have information about James’ accident”...  “James is alive.” Aimee ignores her, but she keeps turning up in expected places dropping clues along the way.

Sometimes she hears his voice, “Let’s get out of here” and she feels like James is still with her. She was not allowed to view the body as it had been in the water for weeks. Is she losing it or was James’ death not a mere accident. Is he even dead?

“Everything We Keep” by Kerry Lonsdale is Aimee’s search for the answer to James’ death. Well written and intriguing it kept me interested till the end. A few bits that were not hard to figure out, but a great read nonetheless. Great ending and an excellent debut novel.

The sequel, “Everything We Left Behind”, comes out tomorrow, July 4, 2017! Can’t wait to see how the story ends!

Release/Publication Date:  August 1, 2016

Genre:  Romance, suspense

Cover: Great.

Source: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book!

Rating: 4 stars