Book Description
1906After a summer of successful pirate-treasure hunting, Lady Emily Scofield and her friends must hide the unprecedented discoveries they've made, thanks to the betrayal of her own family. Horrified by her brother, who will stop at nothing to prove himself to their greedy father, Emily is forced to take a stand against her family--even if it means being cut off entirely.
Bram Sinclair, Earl of Telford, is fascinated with tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table--an interest he's kept mostly hidden for the last decade. But when a diary is unearthed on the islands that could lead to a secret artifact, Bram is the only one able to piece the legends together.
As Bram and Emily seek out the whereabouts of the hidden artifact, they must dodge her family and a team of archaeologists. In a race against time, it is up to them to decide what makes a hero worthy of legend. Is it fighting valiantly to claim the treasure . . . or sacrificing everything in the name of selfless love?
My Review
Worthy of Legend is a wonderful story! Filled with good friends, treasure, and a mystery that needs solved. It was also really interesting getting a closer look into the lives of Emily and Bram. Even though Emily may have looked like she led a privileged life from the outside, her life had been anything but easy. She went through many hard things, and watching how she handled them was pretty inspiring.
Bram was also a really great character. With his unique way of doing things, and his habit of rescuing animals, it lead to some interesting plot twists. I have really enjoyed this series by Roseanna White, and I look forward to seeing what she writes next!

I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

Written on the Wind by Elizabeth Camden

Book Description
Count Dimitri Sokolov has been charged with overseeing construction of the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway, but during this work, he witnesses an appalling crime, the truth of which threatens the Russian monarchy. In an effort to silence him, the czar has stripped Dimitri of his title, his lands, and his freedom . . . but Dimitri has one asset the czar knows nothing about: his deep and abiding friendship with Natalia Blackstone. 
Natalia is the lead analyst for her father's New York banking empire and manages their investment in the Trans-Siberian Railway. Her bond with Dimitri has flourished despite the miles between them, but when Dimitri goes unexpectedly missing, she sets the wheels in motion to find him. Once they join forces, they embark on a dangerous quest in which one wrong move could destroy them both.  
From the steppes of Russia to the corridors of power in Washington, Dimitri and Natalia will fight against all odds to save the railroad while exposing the truth. Can their newfound love survive the ordeal? 
My Review

This book was well worth waiting for! As with other books by Elizabeth Camden the settings felt very real, and the characters were wonderful. I loved how it began with Dimitri still in Russia, as it gave you a chance to see what his struggle was like before reaching Natalia. It was almost like watching two different worlds, that then mixed together into one amazing story! If you are new to Elizabeth Camden, or even a long time fan, I highly recommend this book!

I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

To Treasure an Heiress by Roseanna M. White

Book Description

1906

Beth Tremayne has always been drawn to adventure. During her childhood, she fed that desire by exploring every inch of the Isles of Scilly. Now, after stumbling across an old collection of letters and a map buried on her family's property, she's found more adventure than she ever anticipated in the hunt for pirate treasure. But in order to discover where the clues lead, she must search alongside Lord Sheridan, a man she finds insufferable.

Sheridan has spent years pursuing whatever archaeological interests pique his imagination. And when he discovers that Beth's search connects with one of his far-removed pirate ancestors, he can't help getting involved. Plus, he finds her irresistible, even though she insists he stole a prized possession of hers.

As they work together following different clues and drawing closer to danger, they start to piece together a story of tragic love and piratical adventure. But which treasure will bring the greatest surprise--the one they find in each other or the one just out of their reach?

My Review
This has got to be one of my new favorite books! I normally love books by Roseanna M. White. But this one was especially great in my opinion. The plot was great, the mystery was intriguing, and the characters were a fun group. But my favorite part? That would probably have to be Sheridan. His sense of hummer, the way he would think/talk, his personality, it was all just priceless. And when you add Beth into the mix it gets even better. I wish there was a whole series about him and Beth during future archaeological adventurers. But for now back to the book at hand. To Treasure an Heiress has been a wonderful adventure, and I highly recommend it. And I look forward to seeing what Roseanna M. White comes out with next!




I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

Between the Wild Branches by Connilyn Cossette

Book Description

Ten years ago Lukio fled Kiryat-Yearim, where he'd been adopted by the Levite family who guarded the Ark of the Covenant. Feeling betrayed by everyone, he returned to his birthplace in Philistia to become a famous fighter. Now the champion of Ashdod, Lukio has achieved every goal with the help of his ruthless cousin. But just as he is set to claim the biggest prize of all, the daughter of the king, his past collides with his present in the form of Shoshana.

After a heartbreaking end to her secret friendship with Lukio, Shoshana thought to never see the boy with the dual-colored eyes and the troubled soul again. But when she is captured in a Philistine raid and enslaved

in Ashdod, she is surprised to find that the brutal fighter known as Demon-Eyes is Lukio himself. 

With explosive secrets and unbreakable vows standing between them, finding a way to freedom for both may cost them everything.

My Review

Connilyn Cossette is one of my favorite authors, and there is a good reason why. Her stories have a great plot, wonderfully developed characters, and the beautiful setting gives you a glimpse into history from long ago. And this book, as expedited, was another wonderful story. The story pulled me right in, and kept me coming back to see what would happen next. 
I loved seeing what would happen to Lukio and Shoshana. The story started with a unique twist, and the plot only grew bigger and better from there. There were plenty of surprises along the way, and the struggles they faced felt very real.  This was a memorable book and I highly recommend it!



I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

Carved in Stone by Elizabeth Camden

Book Description
After years of tragedy, Gwen Kellerman now lives a quiet life as a botanist at an idyllic New York college. She largely ignores her status as heiress to the infamous Blackstone dynasty and hopes to keep her family's heartbreak and scandal behind her.
Patrick O'Neill survived a hardscrabble youth to become a lawyer for the downtrodden Irish immigrants in his community. He's proud of his work, even though he struggles to afford his ramshackle law office. All that changes when he accepts a case that is sure to emphasize the Blackstones' legacy of greed and corruption by resurrecting a thirty-year-old mystery.
Little does Patrick suspect that the Blackstones will launch their most sympathetic family member to derail him. Gwen is tasked with getting Patrick to drop the case, but the old mystery takes a shocking twist neither of them saw coming. Now, as they navigate a burgeoning attraction and growing danger, Patrick and Gwen will be forced to decide if the risk to the life they've always held dear is worth the reward.
My Review

This book had me from the beginning, and it kept me coming back until the end. The characters were great, and there were some very surprising twists in the plot. I feel like there is something unique about the way Elizabeth Camden does her stories/characters. And she has done it again with this one. It's a great story and I highly recommend it. And now I can hardly wait for book two in The Blackstone Legacy series to come out!





I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

The Nature of a Lady by Roseanna M. White

Book Description1906Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn't favored in society. She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles into the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage's former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished. 
Oliver Tremayne--gentleman and clergyman--is determined to discover what happened to his sister, and he's happy to accept the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth's summer cottage . . . especially when he realizes it's the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can't quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him.
As Libby and Oliver work together, they find ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: love.
My ReviewI loved the unique plot this story had. Two young lady's with the same name getting mixed up makes for quite an adventure. With twists and dangers waiting around every corner it easily kept my interest. And with the help of their friends and family, the cast of characters is one to remember. And the setting was so amazing, I loved hearing about the isles of Scilly! With the way the plot and settings where laid out, it felt different and refreshing from other books I have read. It was a great story, and I highly recommend it.


I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden

Book Description
Luke Delacroix has the reputation of a charming man-about-town in Gilded Age Washington, DC. In reality, he is secretly carrying out an ambitious agenda in Congress. His current mission is to thwart the reelection of Congressman Clyde Magruder, his only real enemy in the world.
But trouble begins when Luke meets Marianne Magruder, the congressman's only daughter, whose job as a government photographer gives her unprecedented access to sites throughout the city. Luke is captivated by Marianne's quick wit and alluring charm, leading them both into a dangerous gamble to reconcile their feelings for each other with Luke's driving passion for vital reforms in Congress.
Can their newfound love survive a political firestorm, or will three generations of family rivalry drive them apart forever?
My Review
This was another wonderful book by Elizabeth Camden! The characters, setting, and plot were very nicely formed. And it was really interesting to get a look into the early days of food preservatives being used in mass production. It was scary the way it was being used back then! And I loved getting a deeper look in the story of Luke, since he was a very interesting character I first met in the earlier books of this series. Plus the plot had a very interesting twist to it with Luke being a Delacroix and Marianne being a Magruder. Personally I think this was the perfect story to wrap up the series, and I highly recommend it!

I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

A Castaway in Cornwall by Julie Klassen

Book Description

Set adrift on the tides of fate by the deaths of her parents and left wanting answers, Laura Callaway now lives with her uncle and his disapproving wife in North Cornwall. There she feels like a castaway, always viewed as an outsider even as she yearns to belong.
While wreckers search for valuables along the windswept Cornwall coast--known for its many shipwrecks but few survivors--Laura searches for clues to the lives lost so she can write letters to next of kin and return keepsakes to rightful owners. When a man is washed ashore after a wreck, Laura acts quickly to protect him from a local smuggler determined to destroy him.
As Laura and a neighbor care for the survivor, they discover he has curious wounds and, although he speaks in careful, educated English, his accent seems odd. Other clues wash ashore, and Laura soon realizes he is not who he seems to be. Despite the evidence against him, the mysterious man might provide her only chance to discover the truth about her parents' fate. With danger pursuing them from every side, and an unexpected attraction growing between them, will Laura ever find the answers she seeks?
My Review
I loved the plot Julie Klassen had in this book! With windswept coastlines, shipwreck survivors, and a little bit of lost treasure, what is not to love? The characters and settings were nicely done, and the story kept me coming back for more. I also loved getting a peek into the time period this book was set in. There was some very interesting historical bits that I loved learning about. I am already looking forward to the next book from Julie Klassen, and can not wait for it to come out!




I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

To Dwell among Cedars by Connilyn Cossette

Book Description
Eight years ago, when the Philistines stole and then surrendered the ark of the covenant back to the Israelites, Eliora left her Philistine homeland to follow the ark to the community of Kiryat Yearim. There, the family she was adopted into has guarded the ark at the top of a mountain in seclusion. 
Ronen is a Levite musician determined to secret away the ark to a more fitting resting place, watched over by priests who would restore the Holy of Holies. He never expected that the Philistine girl he rescued years ago would now be part of the very family he's tasked to deceive.
As Ronen's attempts to charm Eliora lead them in unexpected directions, betrayal leaves Eliora with strained family ties and Ronen questioning his own loyalties. Ultimately, Eliora and Ronen are caught up in the battle for the soul of Israel and its future under the leadership of Samuel, the last judge before the era of the kings begins.

My Review

This is another wonderful book by Connilyn Cossette! The characters were great, and I really liked how Eliora and her brother came from such a different background because of being Philistines. It gave the story a very interesting point of view, and I really enjoyed getting to know them.

The plot was also really interesting, and had some great twists and turns to keep you coming back for more. Which is good, because you have got to see the surprising place this story goes! And now I can not wait for the next book to come out!

I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White

Book DescriptionZivon Marin was one of Russia's top cryptographers until the October Revolution tore apart his world. Forced to flee to England after speaking out against Lenin, Zivon is driven by a growing anger and determined to offer his services to the Brits. But never far from his mind is his brother, whom Zivon fears died in the train crash that separated them.
Lily Blackwell sees the world best through the lens of a camera and possesses unsurpassed skill when it comes to retouching and re-creating photographs. With her father's connections in propaganda, she's recruited to the intelligence division, even though her mother would disapprove if she ever found out.
After Captain Blackwell invites Zivon to dinner one evening, a friendship blooms between him and Lily that soon takes over their hearts. But both have secrets they're unwilling to share, and neither is entirely sure they can trust the other. When Zivon's loyalties are called into question, proving him honest is about more than one couple's future dreams--it becomes a matter of ending the war.

My Review

This was simply an amazing book! It had a unique plot that kept my interest, and the characters felt very real. Lily was a very kind and helpful person. And with her amazing talent in photography, she was able to help the war effort in a very special way.

 Zivon had a very interesting story behind him. He went through some very hard things in Russia, ran for his life to a new country, and faces new trouble even there. I really enjoyed getting to see what was waiting around the corner. I also loved how smart and watchful he was, it was really interesting seeing him work at figuring out the clues that he found. It's a great book and I highly recommend it! 

I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden

Book Description
Caroline Delacroix is at the pinnacle of Washington high society in her role as secretary to the first lady of the United States. But beneath the faade of her beauty, glamorous wardrobe, and dazzling personality, she's hiding a terrible secret. If she cannot untangle a web of foreign espionage, her brother will face execution for treason.

Nathaniel Trask is the newly appointed head of the president's Secret Service team. He is immediately suspicious of Caroline despite his overwhelming attraction to her quick wit and undeniable charm. Desperate to keep the president protected, Nathaniel must battle to keep his focus fully on his job as the threat to the president rises.

Amid the glamorous pageantry of Gilded Age Washington, DC, Caroline and Nathaniel will face adventure, danger, and heartbreak in a race against time that will span the continent and the depth of human emotion.

My Review
Elizabeth Camden is one of my favorite authors, so this is a book I was excitingly waiting for. This story had a very interesting plot that kept my interest, and I loved seeing where the twists and turns would take me. Caroline, Nathaniel, and the others really brought the story to life. And I enjoyed getting to know them. 
I also really enjoyed getting a closer look at this point in history through the viewpoint of the characters. Especially since it took place in Washington during a very interesting era. I would probably recommend reading book one in this series before beginning this one. But I definitely recommend this book, and I am already looking forward to the next one in the series!




I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

The Art of Tapestry Weaving by Rebecca Mezoff

Book Description
Put aside those preconceptions of dusty, medieval tapestries hanging on castle walls! Tapestry weaving has a whole new look, and fiber enthusiasts of all levels are eager to try their hand at creating images with yarn. Rebecca Mezoff, a renowned teacher of contemporary tapestry weaving, shares her techniques in this in-depth guide to every aspect of the process, from developing a color palette to selecting yarn, warping the loom, and weaving the image. Crafters can choose from inexpensive tabletop and hand-held looms to larger floor looms. Detailed step-by-step photos and inspiring examples from a range of weaver-artists make this a one-stop resource for tapestry weaving how-to.

My Review

I love weaving, so when I seen this book it was love at first sight. I was really excited to dive in and find out what this book had to offer. It includes a lot of info about what tools you will need and how to use different types of looms. Which is very helpful for getting a beginner off to a good start. I also really loved that this book included info on how to build different types of tapestry looms yourself. This book also has wonderful info about yarn types/sizing, an in depth look at colors, how to weave using amazing tapestry techniques, and so much more!

Because I had an ARC of the book for review a lot of the pictures were not yet placed in the book, but the pictures it did have in place were simply breathtaking. The pictures were very clear, detailed, and made things very easy to understand.

I think it would be a great book for someone who wanted to get started with tapestry weaving. It has a ton of info packed into one convenient place, and the pictures make it very inspiring to look through. And even if you are already an experienced weaver, you will probably learn some amazing new tips and techniques from this book.

I received this book free through NetGalley from Storey Publishing for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano

Book Description
When Miss Beatrix Waterbury's Chicago-bound train ride is interrupted by a heist, Mr. Norman Nesbit, a man of science who believes his research was the target of the heist, comes to her aid. Despite the fact that they immediately butt heads, they join forces to make a quick escape.

Upon her arrival in Chicago, Beatrix is surprised to discover her supposedly querulous Aunt Gladys shares her own suffragette passions. Encouraged by Gladys to leave her sheltered world, Beatrix begins working as a salesclerk at the Marshall Field and Company department store. When she again encounters Norman on a shopping expedition, he is quickly swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract.

But when another attempt is made to part Norman from his research papers, and it becomes clear Beatrix's safety is also at risk, they soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.

My Review
This is possibly one of the best books I have ever read from Jen Turano! I loved the plot, the twists in the story, and the interesting characters. Miss Beatrix Waterbury is surely one to keep you on your toes! Ever since learning of Beatrix from past books in this series, I had really been looking forward to hearing more of her story. And this book did not disappoint!
 I also really liked how many different locations were used in this story. Even though I love my other books by Jen Turano, they can sometimes feel like the whole book takes place in only a few locations. But this book feels much more fully rounded, and takes place in a lot of interesting places. I highly recommend this book!



I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette

Book Description
Strong-willed Tirzah wants to join her people in driving the enemy from the land of Israel and undergoes training for a secret mission inside the stronghold of Shechem. But soon after she has infiltrated the ruthless Aramean commander's kitchen, she makes a reckless decision that puts her and her allies in grave danger.

Fresh off the battlefield, Liyam returns home to discover his beloved daughter is dead. After his vow to hunt down her killer leads to months of fruitless pursuit, his last hope is in a family connection that comes with strings attached. Strings that force him to pose as a mercenary and rescue an infuriating woman who refuses to leave her mission uncompleted.

When an opportunity to pave a path to a Hebrew victory arises, can Tirzah convince Liyam to fight alongside her in the refuge city of her birth? Or will Liyam's thirst for vengeance outweigh his duty to his people, his God, and the woman he's come to love?

My Review
This was another wonderful book by Connilyn Cossette. And it would probably be safe to say this is my new favorite book in the "Cities of Refuge" series! The characters were wonderfully done and easy to connect with. Really drawing me into the story and making the book very enjoyable. The plot had a lot of amazing twists and turns to keep you coming back for more. The details and setting were also nicely done and felt very real. And even though this book was a work of fiction, it was interesting to see how the story brought up a real point in history. I highly recommend this book, and all of the others in the "Cities of Refuge" series! 


I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green

  Book Description Meg and Sylvie Townsend manage the family bookshop and care for their father, Stephen, a veteran still suffering in mind and spirit from his time as a POW during the Civil War. But when the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago's business district, they lose much more than just their store.

The sisters become separated from their father and make a harrowing escape from the flames with the help of Chicago Tribune reporter Nate Pierce. Once the smoke clears away, they reunite with Stephen, only to learn soon after that their family friend was murdered on the night of the fire. Even more shocking, Stephen is charged with the crime and committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum.

Though homeless and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life, but prove her father's innocence before the asylum truly drives him mad.   My Review   

 I love how Jocelyn Green can take a point in history and turn it into an amazing story that feels so real. When this book first started I was surprised I was getting to see the story through the viewpoint of so many of the characters. But I found out I loved that, and it rounded the story out much nicer than I could have guessed. The characters were all very well done, with their own flaws and struggles. This book is not the kind where everything is good as new by the end as if nothing bad ever happened. It is more real than that. It shows people facing struggles and working to overcome them. To find a new path in life, and work though the problems that are holding them back. It was really quite inspiring.

The parts about Chicago during and after the fire were also very well done. I had always heard of it, but this is probably the first time I got a closer look into what it may have really looked and felt like. And the added mystery was also very interesting and I really enjoyed following it. Jocelyn Green is very good at adding twists and turns into the story to throw you off the trail and keep you guessing. 

          I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.    

On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna M. White

Book Description   All of England thinks Phillip Camden a monster--a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But as nurse Arabelle Denler watches the so-dubbed "Black Heart" every day, she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their paths twist together and he declares himself her new protector, she realizes she has her own role to play in his healing.

Phillip Camden would have preferred to die that day with his squadron rather than be recruited to the Admiralty's codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved. What comes as a shock is the reborn desire to truly live that Arabelle inspires in him.

But when an old acquaintance shows up and seems set on using him in a plot that has the codebreakers of Room 40 in a frenzy, new affections are put to the test.   My Review   I am not sure how it is possible, but the books in this series seem to keep getting better and better! This book had a really unique plot that had me hooked early on. As the story unfolded I enjoyed seeing what twists and turns would happen next. And it kept me up far to late on more than one night. I also enjoyed watching how the characters charged during the story. And the story even included a few characters from the last book, which I really enjoyed seeing! So reading this series in order would probably be best.  I highly recommend this book, and the whole series!         I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.  

The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen

 

      Book Description   After a humiliating mistake, lawyer Benjamin Booker resolves to never again trust a beautiful woman. When an old friend is killed, the senior partner isn't satisfied with Bow Street's efforts and asks Benjamin to investigate. Eager to leave London for a while, Benjamin agrees. Evidence takes him to a remote island on the Thames, a world unto itself, shrouded in mist and mystery. Soon he finds himself falling for the main suspect--a woman who claims not to have left the island in ten years. But should he trust her?

On Belle Island, Isabelle feels safe and leads a productive life, but fear keeps her trapped there. When Mr. Booker arrives with news of her trustee's murder in London, Isabelle is stunned. She has not left the island, yet she has a recurring dream about the man's death. Or is it a memory? She had been furious with him, but she never intended . . . this.

When a second person dies and evidence shockingly points to her, Isabelle doesn't know who to trust: the attractive lawyer or the admirer and friends who assemble on the island, each with grudges against the victim. Can she even trust her own mind? While they search for the truth, secrets come to light and danger comes calling.   My Review  This was a wonderful story! I normally love books by Julie Klassen, so I knew this should be a good story. But it was even better than I expected! The characters were well done, and I enjoyed getting to know them as the interesting story unfolded. The plot had some very interesting twists in it, and the mystery was amazing! Who would have thought a little island like this could hold such a story. The book is simply a must read in my opinion, and I can not wait for the next book by Julie Klassen to be released!       I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.    

A Pursuit of Home by Kristi Ann Hunter

 Book Description  In early 1800s England, Jess Beauchene has spent most of her life in hiding and always on the move in an effort to leave her past far behind her. But when she learns the family she thought had died just might be alive and in danger, she knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long.

Derek Thornbury loves the past, which has led him to become an expert in history and artifacts. He knows Jess has never liked him, but when she requests his help deciphering the clues laid out in an old family diary, he can't resist the urge to solve the puzzle.

As Jess and Derek race to find the hidden artifact before her family's enemies, they learn as much about each other as they do about the past. But can their search to uncover the truth and set history right lead to a future together?     My Review  Jess was an amazing character, she is inspiring while at the same time thought provoking. Although she has lived a hard life for many years, a life of working in the shadows, she has learned many amazing skills that help keep her alive. But she still has a few more things to learn. And it was interesting to watch her work through them while trying to solve an old family mystery. One that has the power to change the destiny of many people. I love a good mystery, and this one was great. Pair that with other wonderful characters and an interesting setting, and you have a book that kept me coming back for more!  
          I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano

 Book Description   To save her family from financial ruin, Miss Poppy Garrison accepts an unusual proposition to participate in the New York social season in exchange for her grandmother settling a family loan that has unexpectedly come due. Ill-equipped to handle the intricacies of mingling within the New York Four Hundred, Poppy becomes embroiled in one hilarious fiasco after another, doomed to suffer a grand societal failure instead of being deemed the diamond of the first water her grandmother longs for her to become.

Reginald Blackburn, second son of a duke, has been forced to travel to America to help his cousin, Charles Wynn, Earl of Lonsdale, find an American heiress to wed in order to shore up his family estate that is in desperate need of funds. Reginald himself has no interest in finding an heiress to marry, but when Poppy's grandmother asks him to give etiquette lessons to Poppy, he swiftly discovers he may be in for much more than he bargained for.      My Review    This was another wonderful book by Jen Turano! I love the quick wit and humor her stories are so well know for, and this book was no exception. The plot was great and I loved the twists and turns the story took.    Any problem worthy of the name was bound to find Poppy, and it was interesting to see how each event would play into the larger picture. Her Grandmother was also a very interesting character, adding another layer to an already great story. This was a great book and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good story that takes the term adventure in a very unique direction!




I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.        

Protecting the Poor by Amanda Tero

 

     Book Description  Sheriff Feroci is now lord over the province, and Abtshire has become a pit of injustice. Being forced into the lord’s service does not give Dumphey as many opportunities to help the poor as he desires. When attempts on his life drive him into the forest, this freedom opens a world of possibilities for helping others. But how can he do so when he is running for his life? And does God want him to do more than simply feed the poor?    Noel has always hidden behind the shadow of his older brother, Dumphey. When life forces him to stand on his own, will he still follow God in the corrupt world in which he lives? Would God really call him to do something that is beyond his power to do? As Lord Feroci's sinister plot comes to light, each lad has a choice to make. A choice that could cost them their lives.     My Review I am not sure how it is possible, but each new book in this series seems to be better than the last one! I loved this retelling of Robin hood so much. The characters were nicely done and I loved the message that was woven into the story. It was done in a graceful way where it really felt like a part of the story.
  And I loved the way the plot went, with all of it's twists, turns, and unexpected surprises. I was so excited to see how it would all end, but now I am sad that the story is over already. I normally do not re-read books very often, but with this one I almost feel like reading it again right now!            I received this book free from the author, Amanda Tero, for my honest review. The opinions are my own.