Book Review: An Uncommon Courtship by Kristi Ann Hunter

Book Details: 
Title: An Uncommon Courtship
Author: Kristi Ann Hunter
2017, Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0764218262
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Book Summary:
Life for Lady Adelaide Bell was easier if she hid in her older sister's shadow--which worked until her sister got married. Even with thepressure of her socially ambitious mother, the last thing she expected was a marriage of convenience to save her previously spotless reputation.

Lord Trent Hawthorne couldn't be happier that he is not the duke in the family. He's free to manage his small estate and take his time discovering the life he wants to lead, which includes grand plans of wooing and falling in love with the woman of his choice. When he finds himself honor bound to marry a woman he doesn't know, his dream of a marriage like his parents' seems lost forever. 

Already starting their marriage on shaky ground, can Adelaide and Trent's relationship survive the pressures of London society?

My Review:
This is the 3rd book in the Hawthorne House series. I read this one as a stand-alone, as I had not read either of the previous books in the series and had absolutely no trouble following the story line. It was fairly obvious that there were books that had come before this one and told other characters stories, but it didn't affect this book at all.

I found the characters really fun and entertaining to read. I enjoyed Lady Adelaide and how she just didn't quite fit the stereotypical London society woman. For all her trying to be what she knew was right, she was forever getting her hair in a mess or loosing a glove. Very sweet. 

Lord Trent was very carefree - or at least he tried to be. In actuality he was a man of strong moral character and I really enjoyed how he struggled with his unconventional marriage, his faith and even the struggles he had surrounding his older brother the Duke.

This was a great story of finding love, faith in God's plan for our lives and family. I would recommend it. I actually went to the local library after finishing this book and checked out the first two books in the series, which I have enjoyed as well. Great writing. 

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for my honest review. No other compensation was received and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill

Book Details:
Title: The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill
Series: Tales from Ivy Hill
Author: Julie Klassen
2016, Bethany House
ISBN:978-0764218132
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Book Summary:
The lifeblood of the Wiltshire village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. But when the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant owner. Jane has no notion of how to run a business. However, with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must find a way to bring new life to the inn. 

Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to find her place in the world. As she and Jane work together, they form a measure of trust, and Thora's wounded heart begins to heal. When she encounters two men from her past, she sees them--and her future--in a different light.

With pressure mounting from the bank, Jane employs innovative methods to turn the inn around, and puzzles over the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place. Will her efforts be enough to save The Bell? And will Thora embrace the possibility of a second chance at love?

My Review:
Another lovely book by Julie Klassen! This is one of my favorite Christian authors of historical fiction. This is the first book in a new series about a little town in England called Ivy Hill. 

This book focuses on Jane Bell, the reluctant innkeeper of the coaching inn. Her mother-in-law Thora is also a main character in this book. I always love the little details in Klassen's books. I learned a lot about coaching inn's during the course of this book and found it pretty interesting. 

There was also the POV of another secondary character to this book, Rachel Ashford. I'm sure she will be featured in the next book of the series and this was almost a little foretelling on the next book. Although this book could be read as a stand alone, you can definitely tell there will be another book in the series. Jane Bell's story also remained unfinished in this first book and I hope it will be worked out in a later book.

There was some romance - surprised me a little who the romance was mostly focused on though. And there were suitor's galore.

I will be looking forward to the next book in the series.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for my honest review from Bethany House Publishers. No other compensation was received and all thoughts were my own.

Book Review: Newton and Polly by Jody Hedlund

Book Details:
Title: Newton & Polly
Author: Jody Hedlund
2016, Waterbrook Press
ISBN: 9781601427649
Genre: Historical Fiction

Book Summary:
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound 
that saved a wretch like me. 
I once was lost, but now am found…

Now remembered as the author of the world’s most famous hymn, in the mid-eighteenth century as England and France stand on the brink of war, John Newton is a young sailor wandering aimlessly through life. His only duty is to report to his ship and avoid disgracing his father—until the night he hears Polly Catlett’s enchanting voice, caroling. He’s immediately smitten and determined to win her affection.

An intense connection quickly forms between the two, but John’s reckless spirit and disregard for the Christian life are concerns for the responsible, devout Polly. When an ill-fated stop at a tavern leaves John imprisoned and bound, Polly must choose to either stand by his side or walk out of his life forever. Will she forfeit her future for the man she loves?

Step back through the pages of history, to uncover the true love story behind a song that continues to stir the hearts and ignite the faith of millions around the globe.

My Review:
I am a huge fan of Jody Hedlund's books. I especially love her novels that focus on a historical figure and this book was one of my favorites. We have all heard the hymn Amazing Grace, but how much do we know about the author or what lead up to it being written.

Hedlund takes us back to 18th Century England to follow John Newton and Polly Catlett. Newton is a irresponsible boy who constantly shirks is duty in favor of whatever has taken his fancy at the moment. Polly Catlett is the girl he falls in love with, but her family has reservations about John and how he would support Polly.... not to mention his lack of faith in God.

Polly loves John in return, but also has a dream of going to school and learning more about music and composing. Also, she wants to have her family's blessing. Through a series of events John is impressed by the Royal Navy and taken off to sea. Will Polly wait for John? Will John get past his anger and bitterness? 

I don't know how historically accurate this story was, but I loved it. I greatly enjoyed the love story between John and Polly even though life seemed to be trying to keep them apart. I especially enjoyed John's journey towards finding God when his eyes were finally opened to all that the Lord was doing in his life. Honestly, I want to do some research of my own on the couple to see how much of the story was true. 

Excellent read!

Disclosure: I recieved a free copy of this book from the publisher at BloggingforBooks. No other compensation was given and all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.

Book Review: Undaunted Hope by Jody Hedlund

Book Details:
Title: Undaunted Hope
Author: Jody Hedlund
2016, Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0-7642-1239-0
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Book Summary:
In a Town Mired in Darkness, She May Shine the Light They Need

Running from the mistakes of her past, Tessa Taylor heads to the uppermost reaches of Michigan, planning to serve as the new teacher to the children of miners. She quickly learns the town had requested a male teacher, but Percival Updegraff, superintendent and chief mine clerk, says she can stay through winter since it's too late to replace her. Tessa can't help but thank him  and say she is in his debt.

Determined to make herself irreplaceable once spring thaw arrives, Tessa throws herself into her work, and soon two students and decided Miss Taylor is the right match for their grieving father. At the same time, charming assistant lightkeeper Alex Bjorklund makes his interest known, surprising Tessa, who has never had men fight for her hand before. But not all is well as she feels that someone is tracking her ever move, and she may not be able to escape the trap that has been laid for her.

My Review:
I have read quite a few of this authors books and have become increasingly frustrated with the last few. I was pleasantly surprised with Undaunted Hope because the main character showed more integrity than some of the past few in the Beacons of Hope series.

This book is set in 1871 in Eagle Harbor, Michigan. Unlike the last couple books in this series, Tessa is not a lightkeeper and she doesn't want to be. She is a schoolteacher. We actually met Tessa in the previous book in the series and although this book could stand alone, I think in order to really appreciate her character, that book should be read first.

Tessa comes to Eagle Harbor as a teacher, but she soon learns that there are many things not right in the small copper mining community. Percival Updegraff, the chief mine clerk, uses many underhanded ways of keeping his employees in line. He preys on women and threatens the children. He seems to know everything that goes on in the community no matter how small.

The only people he seems not to have under his thumb are the two lightkeepers - brothers - Alex and Michael Bjorklund. Tessa befriends Michael's two young children who attend the school and the young girl tries some matchmaking
between Tessa and her father.

I was happy to see that Tessa attempted to keep her reputation from being ruined during her time spent with the brothers. That had been one of my frustrations with the previous books in the series that the main characters seemed rather naive and, if I must say it, stupid when it came to her time spent with men - especially men they were attracted too. Just because you are attracted to someone doesn't mean you throw all your morals and brains out the window and I was happy to see that Tessa, for the most part, kept her brains about her.

Although this is Christian fiction, I didn't feel like it was a huge part of the storyline. It is mentioned, but not really talked about much in the book. This doesn't bother me, but it may be something that someone who likes a strong Christian message takes issue with.

Overall I thought it was a good and interesting book. I always enjoy the Author's Note at the end that reveals the true historical inspirations for the author's stories. I may continue on with the series now that I've read this one!

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. No other compensation was received and all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.

Book Review: Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund

Book Details:
Title: Hearts Made Whole
Author: Jody Hedlund
2015, Bethany House 
ISBN: 978-0764212383
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Book Summary:
1865, Windmill Point, Michigan
Can She Forgive the Hurting Man Who Costs Her the Role She Loves?

After her father's death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren't supposed to have such roles, so it's only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper--even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.

Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He's secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation--the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He's not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who's angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he's in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he's unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Caroline feels drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope...and possibly love?

My Review:
This is the second full novel in the Beacons of Hope series. Let me start by saying that I love the historical aspects of this novel and the previous book and novella. Before this, I'd not been aware that there were so many lighthouses around the Great Lakes (although it makes sense, I'd just never though about it). I have enjoyed learning about the light keepers duties, lives and the women who helped. I always appreciate how the author ties her stories somewhat around a real historical person or event.

That all being said, this wasn't my favorite book. Her characters, as usual, were well developed and the story was richly written, but I sometimes have a few issues with the romance portion.In this case, Caroline Taylor, the daughter of the former light keeper, although a smart woman, allowed herself to become too attached to a drug addict/drunk. I had a hard time believing she would risk her reputation and that of her sister and continue living at the lighthouse with the new (drunk) of a light keeper.

Not that I didn't like the drunk character! Ryan Chambers is the carry-over character from the first novel and I enjoyed hearing about what had become of him. I think his struggle with alcohol is real and the author does a great job of showing how much of a struggle staying sober is even when it is what the person wants to do. He epitomizes the redeeming grace of God and our need to lean on Him instead of ourselves or others.

As for other secondary characters, there was Caroline's younger sister who I couldn't stand from page 1 and the evil tavern owner from town and his weird son who I knew something was off with early on in the story. Unfortunately, even with all the good writing and colorful characters, the story fell a little flat for me. The romance was good, but the circumstances and problems they faced seemed too contrived for me to really enjoy completely. I found myself frustrated with Caroline's character over and over again.

I think this is a great series, and I love the historical elements, but this wasn't my favorite novel. A good read, but not a great one.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book from Bethany House Publishing for an honest review. No other compensation was received and all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.

Book Review: Dauntless by Dina L. Sleiman

Book Details:
Title: Dauntless (Valiant Hearts Series)
Author: Dina L. Sleiman
2015, Bethany House
ISBN: 9780764213120
Genre: YA Christian Historical Fiction

Book Summary:
Though once a baron's daughter, Lady Merry Ellison is willing to go to any lengths to protect the orphaned children of her former village. Dubbed "The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest," her band of followers soon become enemies of the throne when they hijack ill-gotten gold meant for the king. 

Timothy Grey, ninth child of the Baron of Greyham, longs to perform some feat so legendary that he will rise from obscurity and earn a title of his own. When the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest are spotted in Wyndeshire, where he serves as assistant to the local earl, he might have found his chance. But when he comes face-to-face with the leader of the thieves, will he choose fame or love?

My Review:
This book is set in the time period of King John - think Robin Hood. It is told from the POV of Lady Merry Ellison, Timothy Grey and Allen, one of Merry's "men". You also hear from the villain of the story, but you are unsure who he is until near the end of the book.

I liked this book. It didn't really grab me and keep me reading in rapt attention throughout the whole story, but it was good. Merry is an outlaw and is trying to keep a band of orphans safe from being killed by King John. They are a fun group and I felt like the author did a really good job with them. 

There is a love triangle that goes on between Merry, Timothy and Allen. Unfortunately it's pretty obvious what's going to happen from very early on in that situation. For the most part the story is fairly predictable except I wasn't able to guess who the bad guy was until he was revealed. 

It was a clean read, but I was a little surprised with the amount of kissing in it. It wasn't bad, but for a YA Christian book, I was a little surprised. I really appreciated all the historical references and the effort the author obviously made to make a fictional novel as historically accurate as she could.

Update: Want a little explanation on the kissing scenes from the author? Read her view here.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House, for an honest review. No other compensation was received and all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.

Book Review: The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

Book Details
Title: The Secret of Pembrooke Park
Author: Julie Klassen
2014, Bethany House
ISBN: 9780764210716
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Book Summary
Abigail Foster fears she will end up a spinster, especially as she has little dowry to improve her charms and the one man she thought might marry her--a longtime friend--has fallen for her younger, prettier sister. 

When financial problems force her family to sell their London home, a strange solicitor arrives with an astounding offer: the use of a distant manor house abandoned for eighteen years. The Fosters journey to imposing Pembrooke Park and are startled to find it entombed as it was abruptly left: tea cups encrusted with dry tea, moth-eaten clothes in wardrobes, a doll's house left mid-play . . .

The handsome local curate welcomes them, but though he and his family seem to know something about the manor's past, the only information they offer Abigail is a warning: Beware trespassers who may be drawn by rumors that Pembrooke contains a secret room filled with treasure.

Hoping to improve her family's financial situation, Abigail surreptitiously searches for the hidden room, but the arrival of anonymous letters addressed to her, with clues about the room and the past, bring discoveries even more startling. As secrets come to light, will Abigail find the treasure and love she seeks...or very real danger? 

My Review
I have loved most of Julie Klassens books... except the last one I  got. I was cautiously hoping this one was going to be better and  I was not disappointed.  

This book is set at a beautiful manor in the English countryside and has lots of lovely descriptions. You get a good feel for where they are as well as the way the larger manors interact with their tenants, servants and how they all interconnect.

Julie Klassen does a great job building up the suspense with this novel. I wasn't sure what the secret that the manor was keeping was going to be or when it would be discovered. There were several twists and turns throughout the book that I didn't expect. Who was the man in the green cloak that kept being glimpsed? Where was the secret treasure room hidden? Why is Leah so scared all the time?

I really enjoyed the interaction between Abigail and William Chapman, the curate. Although there were a couple scenes I felt were kinda stupid, like when she decided to leave her room in the middle of the night, in her nightgown, to apologize to him. But I decided not to dwell on those and enjoy the rest of the story. 

There were a lot of secondary characters in this book - lots of people to keep track of their stories as well as the main ones. There is Abigail's family, Willliam's family, the neighboring manor, Gilbert, Abigail's childhood friend, the servants, etc. I felt that most of them really added to the story, but I did get a little confused at a couple points.

My only really complaint was that it felt very long. Things kept happening and I wasn't sure how long it was going to be drawn out. But it was good and I would still recommend it. I just think it could have been slightly shorter.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for my honest review from Bethany House Publishers. No other compensation was received and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

Book Details:
Title:  The Daughter of Highland Hall 
Series:  Edwardian Brides #2

Author: Carrie Turansky

2014, Waterbrook Press

ISBN: 9781601424983

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Book Summary:

Eighteen-year-old Katherine Ramsey travels to London with her family to make her debut into society and hopefully find her future husband. Her overbearing aunt insists she must secure a proposal from a wealthy young man who is in line to inherit his father’s title and estate. But Katherine questions her aunt’s plans when she gets to know Jonathan Foster, a handsome medical student and strong Christian who is determined to protect the poor and vulnerable in London’s East End.

When a family scandal puts a damper on Katherine’s hopes for the season, she has time to volunteer with Jonathan, caring for children in one of London’s poorest areas, and romance blossoms. Katherine’s faith grows and she begins to envision a different future with Jonathan. But when Katherine’s work in the East End puts her in danger, Jonathan distances himself from Katherine to protect her. A wealthy suitor reappears, and Katherine must choose which path to follow. 

My Review:

I read the first book in this series The Governess of Highland Hall. This book picks up right after that, but I think it could easily be read as a stand-alone book. There are definitely references to the past book and a tiny bit of the continuing story of Julia Foster and Sir William Ramsey, but I do not think it would make the reader confused.

This was a pretty good story set in London England during the Season in the early 1900’s. Katherine Ramsey is coming out for her debut Season in London and is trying to find a suitable husband. She is looking for a wealthy man with a title, of course. Her aunt takes her to her presentation to the Queen and to all the high society parties.

Jonathan Foster is finishing up his medical training and is trying to make a decision for his future. Does he go back to India to continue in the missionary work of his parents, or does he make is own way and work at the local hospital or the free clinic in the East End. The more he works with the poor in the East End, the more he feels pulled there. Katherine starts volunteering with Jonathan at the clinic and grows to love the work.

There is also an interesting side story going on about Katherine’s lady’s maid Lydia and her sister Helen. Helen has run off from the family farm to London with a man! Lydia is extremely worried for her and Katherine and Jonathon offer to help her find her sister. They come to find her living in a very unsavory place and have to work together to get her out of her situation.

The budding romance between Katherine and Jonathan was very genuine, I thought. It wasn’t forced or contrived and I felt like it moved at a moderate pace. There were the usual misunderstandings, but what relationship isn’t?

I felt like this was a pretty good read. It was interesting to read about places like the East End and their conditions and also about the opposite side of society like the presentation to the royal family.

Additional Book Info:
More Info
Author Bio

Disclosure: I was provided with a free copy of this book free of charge by Blogging for Books for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.

Book Review: Playing by Heart by Anne Mateer

Book Details
Title: Playing By Heart
Author: Anne Mateer
2014, Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0-7642-1065-5
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Book Summary
Lula Bowman has finally achieved her dream: a teaching position and scholarship to continue her college education in mathematics. But then a shocking phone call from her sister, Jewel, changes everything.

With a heavy heart, Lula returns to her Oklahoma hometown to do riht be her sister, but the only teaching job available in Dunn is combination music instructor/basketball coach. Lula doesn't even consider those real subjects!

Determined to prove herself, Lula commits to covering the job for the rest of the school year. Reluctantly, she turns to the boys' coach, Chet, to learn the newfangled game of basketball. Chet is handsome and single, but Lula has no plans to fall for a local boy. She's returning to college and her scholarship as soon as she gets Jewel back on her feet. 

However, the more time she spends around Jewel's family, the girls' basketball team, music classes, and Chet, the more Lula comes to realize what she's given up in her single-minded pursuit of degree after degree. God is working on her heart, and her future is starting to look a lot different than she'd expected.

My Review
Honestly, that summary on the back cover really sums up the whole book. I think it is set during WWII. The book is told from the perspective of Lula and Chet. Lula has received a prestigious mathematics award and is teaching at a university and studies for her PhD. She has reject all her other pursuits from before her mother died and has decided to go far with her education to fulfill the dream of her father ... and herself of course. 

Chet is the school boys basketball coach and math teacher. He's really much more into the basketball part though, I think. Many of the other men are enlisting and going off to war, but Chet has decided to stay home to take care of his widowed mother while his brother goes to fight.

Chet and Lula both have their reasons for not wanting a relationship at the moment, but of course they fall for each other. I liked that even though they had an almost instant attraction, that they took their time with getting around to an actual relationship. It wasn't two weeks long like many of these books. 

I also really enjoyed the parts where Lula was trying to teach basketball to the girls. I could just imagine if I attempted to do such a thing and what a disaster it would be. 

Overall a very enjoyable read and easy read. 

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. No other compensation was received and all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.

Book Review: Captured By Love by Jody Hedlund

Book Details:
Title: Captured by Love
Author Jody Hedlund
2014, Bethany House
AISN: B00GHXRQZ6
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Book Summary:
Michigan Territory, 1814
A voyageur and a young woman swept up in a time of upheaval and danger discover firsthand the high price of freedom.
The British Army has taken control of Michilimackinac Island and its fort, forcing the Americans to swear an oath of loyalty to the crown in order to retain their land. Pierre Durant is a fur trader who returns after being away from the island for years, only to find the family farm a shambles and those he cares about starving and at the mercy of British invaders.

Torn between the adventurous life of fur trading and guilt over neglecting his defenseless mother, Pierre is drawn deeper into the fight against the British--and into a relationship with Angelique MacKenzie, a childhood friend who's grown into a beautiful woman. She now finds herself trapped by the circumstances of war and poverty, and the cruelty of her guardian, Ebenezer Whiley.

As tensions mount and the violence rages on, Pierre and Angelique must decide where their loyalties rest and how much they'll risk for love.

My Review:
I love, love, love Jody Hedlund's books. My favorite part of her novels is that she takes a period of time and delves into the historical facts and integrates them beautifully into her books. This book was no exception to that. 

The author really brings to life what it was like for not only the soldiers on the island of Michilimackinac Island, but also the islanders who called it home. During much of the time of this book, the whole island is starving for food with the soldiers taking more than their share. You also get a look at what island life was like during the early 1800's and soldiering - on both sides. Another thing I learned a lot about was the voyager- or fur traders during this time. The alliances they made with the Native American's or didn't and what that meant for their business.

Of course, then there was the story part of this novel. This book was told from the POV of Angelique MacKenzie, an orphaned girl who is being raised by her rather mean step-father and Pierre Durant, an islander who left his mother and brother behind to become a fur trader. He is working as a spy for the American side.

When Pierre comes back to the island he finds his mother blind and his brother gone - kicked off the island because he wouldn't renounce his American citizenship. Angelique is the one taking care of his mother - when she gets the chance. Pierre and Angelique are drawn together despite all the turmoil going on on the island. 

I mostly liked this story. It was well-written and interesting, but I had a bit of a problem with Angelique. She had been in love with Pierre her whole life, but when he left, she betrothed herself to his brother. When Pierre returns, so do all her feelings, but I have serious issue with the way she went about the whole love triangle business. I don't understand how she could be so caught up in herself that she would disregard another's feelings. I don't want to give too much away, but I felt that it was out of character for her. She turned a bit flaky and stupid in my opinion as the book went on. 

Overall a good book with a lot of history. I was a little disappointed in the story for the reason I mentioned, but if you like historical novels, this is probably a good bet.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. No other compensation was received and all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.

Book Review: Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer

Book Details
Title: Full Steam Ahead
Author: Karen Witemeyer
2014, Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0764209673
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Book Summary
When love simmers between a reclusive scientist and a wealthy debutante, will they abandon ship or is it full steam ahead? 

Nicole Renard returns home to Galveston, Texas, to find her father deathly ill. Though she loves him, Nicole's father has always focused on what she's not. Not male. Not married. Not able to run Renard Shipping.
Vowing to find a suitable husband to give her father the heir he desires before it's too late, Nicole sets out with the Renard family's greatest treasure as her dowry: the highly coveted Lafitte Dagger. But her father's rivals come after the dagger, forcing a change in Nicole's plans.
After a boiler explosion aboard the Louisiana nearly took his life, Darius Thornton has been a man obsessed. He will do anything to stop even one more steamship disaster. Even if it means letting a female secretary into his secluded world.
Nicole is determined not to let her odd employer scare her off with his explosive experiments, yet when respect and mutual attraction grow between them, a new fear arises. How can she acquire an heir for her father when her heart belongs to another? And when her father's rivals discover her hiding place, will she have to choose between that love and her family's legacy?

My Review
This book was interesting in the fact that it talked a lot about Steamships. It really went into the dangers of the boats and how so many people were killed because of the unstable nature of the boilers.
This book was told from the POV of Nicole Renard and Darius Thornton. Nicole ends up running for her life (and her family's lives) to a tucked away estate in Texas. She means to just take a job for a short time to hide from those following her, but she gets engrossed in the work of the eccentric owner who works himself to the bone trying to find a way to make steamships more safe.
As I said, the book is interesting. I like the  characters alright except I felt they were not completely realistic. Nicole was a little too independent and I was pretty sure a single, rich girl would not be traipsing about the country by herself and have it not be super noticeable, but the rest of the story was interesting, so I decided to ignore that part of the story I didn't like. 
If you like stories that are very historically correct then this one is probably not for you. If you like a good story set in a different time and don't really care how accurate it is, then you'll probably like this one!

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. No other compensation was received and all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.

Book Review: Echoes of Mercy by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Book Details:

Title: Echoes of Mercy

Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer

2014, Waterbrook Press

ISBN: 978-0-307-73127-2

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Book Summary:

Sometimes  a secret must be kept for the truth to be revealed.

When a suspicious accident occurs at the Dinsmore’s Wold-Famous Chocolates Factory in Sinclair, Kansas, Caroline Lang goes undercover as a factory worker to investigate the circumstances surrounding the event and how the factory treats its youngest employees – the child workers. Caroline’s fervent faith, difficult childhood, and compassionate heart drove her to become an investigator for the Labor Commission, and she feels compelled to see children freed from heavy adult responsibilities and allowed to pursue an education.

Oliver Dinsmore, heir to the Dinsmore candy dynasty, has his own investigation to conduct. Posing as a common worker known as “Ollie Moore,” he aims to find out all he can about the family business before he takes over for his father. Caroline and Oliver become fast friends, but tension mounts when the two find themselves at odds about the roles of child workers. Hiding their identities becomes even more difficult when fate brings them together over three children in desperate need. When all is revealed, will the truth destroy the love starting to grow between them?

My Review:

This story is told from the POV of Caroline, Oliver, factory manager Gordon Hightower and Letta Holcomb. There are a lot of characters in this story, but it was well told and I did not feel like I had a hard time keeping them all straight.

Caroline had a traumatic childhood and was rescued by Noble and AnnMarie  Dempsey. Noble works for the Labor Commission and now Caroline works for them. She is asked to go to the Dinsmore Chocolate Factory to investigate under-age workers at the factory AND the suspicious death of the last agent who was investigating the factory.

Oliver is also working undercover, but for a totally different reason. He’s trying to learn the family business and figure out ways to make the factory better by working as a laborer in the factory himself and he doesn’t want his true identity revealed.

Gordon Hightower is the factory manager. Mr. Dinsmore plucked him out of orphanage when he was a boy and gave him a “better” life working in the factory. Hightower has risen to a place of trust and power within the company… but is that enough for this man?

Letta, Lesley and Lank Holcomb’s father dies and leaves them alone. Letta is determined to provide for her family – whatever it takes. Caroline befriends the girl and becomes attached to the trio of children. But they have a hard time trusting anyone.

As I said, there is a lot going on here, but the story is woven together very well. Each has their own story to tell and somehow they all blend together. I felt that the characters were intelligent and interesting. They were realistic and not stupid – which is something that always gets me in these types of novels. I appreciated the romance between Caroline and Oliver wasn’t rushed although I was always pretty sure of its eventual outcome.

Not everything was predictable though. I wasn’t sure up until the end what was going to happen with the Holcomb children and if they were going to end up with a family, on their own or in an orphanage.

This was a very enjoyable story and I would recommend it.

More Information:
Author's Website
Read Chapter One

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this  book from Waterbrook Press through the Blogging for Books program for my honest review. No other compensation was received and all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.

Book Review: Through the Deep Waters by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Book Details
Title: Through the Deep Waters
Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer
2014, Waterbrook Press
ISBN: 978-0-307-73129-6
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Book Summary
A past filled with shame can be washed away with a love that conquers all.

Born to an unloving prostitute in a popular Chicago brothel, timid dark, grimy room of her home. Anxious to excape, Dinah purses her dream of becoming a Harvey Girl, waiting tables along the railroad in an upscale hotel. But when she finds out she isn't old enough, her only option is to accept a job as a chambermaid at the Clifton Hotel in Florence, Kansas. Eager to put everything behind her, Dinah feels more worthless than ever, based on a single horrible decision she made to survive.

The Clifton offers a life Dinah has never known, but blinded to the love around her, Dinah remains buried in the shame of her past. When a handsome chicken farmer named Amos Ackerman starts to show interest, Dinah withdraws further, convinced no one could want a sullied woman like her. Despite his self-consciousness about his physical disability and her strange behavior, Amos resolves to show Dinah Christ's love. But can she ever accept a gift she so desperately needs?

My Review
I wasn't too sure about this book... prostitutes and chicken farmers? Seems like a weird combination, but I was pleasantly surprised. 

Set in 1883 first in Chicago and then west to Florence, Kansas. The POV is from Dinah, Amos and Ruthie. 

Until she turns 18 Dinah works as a chambermaid in the Clifton hotel when she can become the waitress she's always wanted to be. The Clifton's waitresses have excellent reputations and must be morally above reproach to work there. Having lived in Chicago and growing up in a brothel, Dinah desperately wants to have these people in this new town see her as a worthy and respectable young woman. 

Amos Ackerman was injured as a boy and cannot carry on the family business of farmer like his father and brothers. He moves away and buys a chicken farm and sells his eggs to families in the local town. He prays his farm can be successful enough to support a family someday and to prove to his father and brothers that he can be good at something even though he has a disability.

These two fall in love, but when Amos learns of Dinah's past, can he see beyond her lies and the terrible lifestyle she comes from? Can he forgive God for allowing him to fall in love with her? Can Dinah learn about a God who loves her regardless of her past?

This book has one more important character - Ruthie. Ruthie is Dinah's fellow chambermaid and roommate at the Cilfton. Ruthie is free-spirited and happy. Her father is the local preacher and she has had a sheltered and loving childhood. I found Ruthie's story to be a very interesting part of this story as she battles jealously of Dinah and Amos's relationship. She initially tries to tell Dinah about Jesus, but as time goes on, she has her own battles with her faith as it is tested beyond what she has always known.

This was a pretty complex novel and I really enjoyed it. The characters were realistic and interesting and the story compelling.

Release Date: May 6, 2014

More Info:
Author's Website
Read Chapter One
Facebook
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this  book from Waterbrook Press through the Blogging for Books program for my honest review. No other compensation was received and all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.

Book Review: Tide and Tempest by Elizabeth Ludwig

Book Details

Title: Tide and Tempest

Author: Elizabeth Ludwig

Series: Edge of Freedom #3

2014, Bethany House Publishers

ISBN: 9780764210419

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Book Summary

Two years ago, her fiancé perished during their voyage to America. 

Now she discovers it may have been murder …

Dreaming of a better life, Tillie McGrath leaves Ireland behind and, with her beloved fiancé by her side, sets sail for America. But when illness robs her of the man she holds dear, she’s left alone with only a handful of tattered memories. While forging on proves difficult, Tillie soon finds some new friends at her New York boardinghouse, and begins pursuing a new dream – to open a home for orphaned children.

Despite two years passing, Captain Keondric Morgan has never forgotten the lass who left his ship so heartbroken. When a crewman’s deathbed confession reveals her fiance’s demise was the result of murder, the captain knows he must try to contact her. But his attention draws the notice of others as well – dangerous men who believe Tillie has in her possession something that could expose their crimes. And to their way of thinking, the best way to prevent such an outcome is to seize the evidence and then hand Tillie the same fate as her naïve fiancé.

My Review

I was excited to read this novel. It is the first, I think, that I’ve read by this author. The title and the cover of the book looked intriguing. This is the 3^rd book in a series, Edge of Freedom, and I have not read the previous two titles. I felt that this book could stand alone. I’m not sure if they are meant to go together or not, but I felt like this was a stand alone novel.

The setting of this novel is in New York City. This book is told from the perspective of Tille McGrath, Captain Morgan and some of the villians. There are many other notable secondary characters – most prominent is Cass Morgan, the captain’s younger brother. Many of the others are resident’s at Tillie’s boardinghouse. They add a lot to the story.

This book moved a little slow for me – but I think it might have just been me. There were quite a few twists and turns in this novel to keep it interesting. Although the romance seemed fairly predictable, the story of Tille’s fiancés death was shadowy the whole way through. I wasn’t sure how that portion of the story was going to resolve itself - or who was involved - until the end.

Overall a very good read. Interesting and well-written and the characters were intelligent and thoughtful. 

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. No other compensation was received and all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.