The Truth about Miss Ashbourne

The Truth about Miss Ashbourne
Joanna Barker

Juliana Ashbourne is working as a governess until she can save up enough money to start her own school for girls. Although her current position is trying--she loves the children but their parents are horrible--she is determined to stick it out. Then she finds out her grandfather, whom she has never met since he disowned her mother when her mother dared to run away with a sailor, a man beneath her station, changed his will to include her--leaving her a large sum of money contingent on her spending one month at the family estate, Havenfield. Juliana doesn't want to go, but she does want the money to start her school, but when her job circumstances change, she reluctantly heads to Havenfield. At Havenfield, though, Juliana finds that her family is kinder and more welcoming than she expected, and the new heir to the estate, William Rowley proves to be a wonderful friend. While he does tease her constantly, he also listens to her and is genuinely interested in her dreams--dreams that might not be quite what she always imagined.

 AH! This book was terrific! I loved the teasing--no, banter--between Juliana and William. They were both excellent characters. The plot and writing were excellent as well. This book captured me from the first page and I really loved it. I'll definitely be looking forward to more books from this author. If you're a fan of Sarah M. Eden or Julianne Donaldson and need something to read, this is definitely the book for you! This is one of my picks for the best of 2018. 5 stars!

Searching for You

Searching for You
By Jody Hedlund

Sophie Neumann will do whatever it takes to take care of Olivia and Nicholas; although she may not be related to them by blood, she's the only family they have ever known and she is determined that they will stay together. When she witnesses a murder, she realizes that for her own safety and that of the children, they need to flee, she takes the only option she can find--joining an orphan train heading west. Sophie plans to separate from the orphan group in Chicago, but when Olivia refuses to go, Sophie stays with the children--only to have Nicholas quickly placed with a family who only reluctantly allows Olivia to stay with them. Heartbroken to be separated from the children, Sophie goes to work for a good-hearted farmer's wife who lives nearby. Sophie soon finds that one of her new neighbors is an old friend, Reinhold Weiss.
Reinhold is doing all he can to succeed at farming. When Sophie shows up, all grown up, he finds himself drawn to her, but he needs to focus on his farm and doesn't trust himself not to turn out like his angry, abusive father. He can't steer clear of Sophie, though, especially when she begs him for help with Olivia and Nicholas.


I've been waiting a long time to read Sophie's book, and it didn't disappoint at all. There were times when I got a little frustrated with Sophie's stubbornness, but that also made her such a dynamic and real character; she had flaws and she didn't always make the best choices, but she had a good heart and really was a lovable character. As for Reinhold, well, I've been waiting since the first book in the series for him to get the girl, and while I was a little wary about how I'd feel about him and Sophie (I am highly prejudiced against books where a man once liked one woman but ends up with her sister), but it just felt right to me (which is really saying something about Jody Hedlund's writing, if she can make me enjoy a plot line I normally loathe). I loved the overall message of hope and how even when we make a mess of our lives, God can make something beautiful out of them. Another excellent book from a fantastic author.

I read an ARC via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

No One Ever Asked

No One Ever Asked
By Katie Ganshert

When the South Fork school district loses its accreditation, the school district has to provide solutions--one of which is busing students to the Crystal Ridge district, a top-tier district in an affluent community.

Camille Gray, PTA supermom in Crystal Ridge, is worried about how having students with low academic performance and troubled backgrounds will affect her three kids and the other kids in the Crystal Ridge district--but she insists it's not about race. At the same time, her marriage of twenty-plus years is falling apart. All Camille wants is what's best for her family.

Jen Covington, who has recently adopted a daughter from Africa, wants to make sure her daughter has a diverse class and despite living in the Crystal Ridge district is considering enrolling her daughter in South Fork. When South Fork kids are allowed to enroll in Crystal Ridge, Jen sends Jubilee to a Crystal Ridge school, but just getting her daughter a black teacher isn't enough to help her navigate the ins and outs of being a new mom to a daughter who is different, and taking a job as the high school nurse doesn't fill that gap in her heart that she thought being a mom would fill.

Anaya Jones wanted to follow in her father's footsteps and teach at South Fork, but with the district a mess, she accepts a position teaching second grade and coaching high school track in the Crystal Ridge district., knowing all the while that parents like Camille Gray don't want her people--including her high school age brother--in their district. As their lives intersect, all three women will come to see that they have much to learn about life and about each other.

DANG! This is the first book I've read by Kaite Ganshert and it blew me away. This book is so thought-provoking and heartwrenching. I loved seeing how each woman made good and bad choices; they just felt so real and so very human. I loved the message that they (and others) are more than just one bad choice and that learning and changing are possible. This book serves as a great reminder that we need to be really careful about judging people and situations because there are usually so many more factors and details than we realize. I read this by myself but I will definitely be recommending it to my book club because this is the sort of book you definitely need to talk about with others.
 This is one of my picks for the best of 2018. 5 stars.

 I read an ARC via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Shelter of the Most High

Shelter of the Most High
by Connilyn Cossette

Eitan has spent eleven years in a Kedesh, a City of Refuge, and more and more, he wants to be able to leave, to be able to protect his family and his people and to do more than just make weapons as a blacksmith. When Sofea and Prezi, the sole survivors of a raid on their Sicilian village, are brought to Kedesh, Eitan is immediately drawn to Sofea, even though they don't speak the same language. Eitan is determined to be patient as Sofea learns about his language and his religion and hopes that once she does, she will care for him in return, even when he tells her about the secrets of his past.

Sofea is the daughter of a pagan priest, so she initially wants nothing to do with the Hebrew God; she knows He must be just another blood-thirsty god to whom priests offer human sacrifices; in fact, she's afraid she and Prezi will be the next sacrifices. However, as she spends more time with Eitan's family, she comes to see that Yahweh is vastly different--and that with Him and with Eitan, perhaps she can find peace like she never has before. Before she can truly find out, though, Sofea and Eitan are betrayed and their very lives are threatened.

I love how Connilyn Cossette can take a little bit from the Bible (the refuge cities) that I've never given a second thought and make it completely fascinating. It's so fascinating to see how she portrayed life in one of those cities--and the desire to be able to escape. I also loved seeing, through Sofea, the contrast between the pagan gods and Yahweh and His love; it was sweet (but not at all sappy) seeing Sofea's realizations about Yahweh and her own worth and seeing both her and Prezi heal. The plotline was really interesting--twists and turns and excellent pacing--and I loved the characters. This book was just beautiful; I really loved it.

Although you probably don't have to read the first book in the series before you read this one, you totally should because it's a fantastic book as well.
5 stars. One of my picks for best of 2018.
I read an ARC via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Blog Tour/Giveaway for Long Journey Home by Sarah M. Eden

You may have already seen my review of Long Journey Home; if so, you know how excited I am about this book (it is quite possibly my favorite of ALL the books I've read this year!)--and now you have a chance to win a copy! Read through the post and then look for the contest info below.

From Sarah M. Eden, the USA Today Bestselling author of the Longing for Home series, LONG JOURNEY HOME is a new romance novel set in the beloved world of Hope Springs. 


Widowed by war, Maura O’Connor has raised her son alone under the weight of poverty in the unforgiving slums of New York City. That harsh and difficult life has taken a toll on them both. Desperate to save her son from the misery around them, she moves them both to the tiny western town of Hope Springs, where her late husband’s family lives, hoping that the decade of silence between them does not mean she and Aidan will be rejected outright. Her son needs family, and she would endure anything to see him happy. Ryan Callaghan has worked the land belonging to the late Granny Claire for years, dreaming of one day claiming it as his own. Living in his brother’s home affords him no freedom, no stability, no joy. The arrangement is even harder on his mother, whose health is quickly deteriorating. A risky investment in the land has finally begun to pay off, and he is at last in a position to secure a better future for them both. When use of the home is, without warning, offered to a newly arrived widow and her son, that future is entirely uncertain. Both Maura and Ryan desperately need the Claire farm, for their own futures as well as those of the loved ones who depend on them. Neither can remain in Hope Springs without the house and land, but only one can claim it in the end. 



Longing for Home Series: 
Longing for Home 
Hope Springs 
My Dearest Love 
Love Remains 
Long Journey Home    

Find Sarah M. Eden online:

Sarah M. Eden on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahMEden/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMEden

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_m_eden/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sarah-M.-Eden/e/B004XKCQZK

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sarah-m-eden

Check out the blogs on the tour:

Sept 10: LDS Writer Mom / Min Reads and Reviews

Sept 11: LDS and Lovin’ It / Wishful Endings

Sept 12: The Bibliophile Files / Joy in the Moments / Bonnie Gets a Say

Sept 13: Why Not Because I Said So / Heidi Reads...

Sept 14: Getting Your Read On / Literary Time Out / Singing Librarian Books

Enter the contest here:
Rafflecopter: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Louisiana's Way Home

Louisiana's Way Home
By Kate DiCamillo
Louisiana Elefante is cursed--it's a curse of sundering passed down through her family, and because of that curse, her grandmother wakes her up in the middle of the night and drags her to the car. Louisiana's granny has pulled plenty of stunts before, but when Louisiana realizes Granny plans to leave Florida behind for good. When they get to Georgia, they wind up in a motel as Granny recovers from having all of her teeth removed, and it's there that Louisiana's life falls apart--and comes together again.

Kate DiCamillo is one of the best storytellers of our day, and this book is just as fantastic as all of her others. First-person-narrator Louisiana is fabulous--I love her life lessons and getting the chance to follow her on her journey. There are humorous moments, bittersweet moments, heartrending moments, and hopeful moments. There are characters you'd like to slap upside the head and characters you wish you could take right off the pages into your own family. This is a beautiful book, and I highly recommend it.

5 stars. One of my picks for best of 2018.

I read an ARC via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Long Journey Home

Long Journey Home
By Sarah M. Eden

As an impoverished widow, Maura O'Connor has done her best to care for her son Aidan, working and living in the slums of New York City. Realizing that Aidan is miserable and that she has the dreaded "brown lung" from working in a factory, Maura decides to join her deceased husband's family out west in Hope Springs. Maura has been estranged from the O'Connors for years, but she hopes that the family will welcome them at least a little and that they'll be a family to Aidan when she dies. Arriving in Hope Springs, Maura is amazed and delighted that the O'Connors give her a home to stay in.

Ryan Callaghan has been working Granny Claire's land for years, planning that soon he'll be able to buy it outright and move his mother from the cramped home they share with his brother's family. Before he has the chance, though, Maura O'Connor arrives and is given use of the home, thoroughly upsetting the plans. Ryan needs the home for himself and his mother, but he also can't be the one to put out a widow and her son, especially as he comes to know them better.


Do you ever read a book and then because it was so good, you just want to bask in it rather than moving onto one of the many other books on your to-read list? This is one of those books. I finished it in the morning and had a lot of time during the day when I could have picked up another book, but I just couldn't do it because I had to hold onto this one. I love, love, love it. It's fantastic.

What makes it so great? Well, for starters, the O'Connor family. I think if I could pick a book family to be mine, I would pick the O'Connors. I just love them. Next, Sarah Eden is the BEST at character development. Her characters are so terrific--she really knows them and their personalities and quirks and stuff and that comes through to the reader. I love that, because the characters are consistent, which in turn makes them extra-lovable. (Drives me nuts when I read a book and the characters are all over the place and I can't really get a feel for who they are.) I loved Maura and Ryan from the get-go--both strong, good people that you can't help but root for. (And with the addition of some new characters, I'm excited for the possibility of books about them in the future!) The plot was fresh and interesting, and the setting is terrific--you feel like you're right in Hope Springs, wrapped up in the Irish culture there.

So, I have to say, I was a little afraid I wouldn't love this book--because I loved the third book in the series so much. Tavish, the main character in that one, is my favorite and I was worried the series would peak with his story. However, I'm happy to report that this book is just as awesome. I loved everything about. This is one of my picks for the best books of 2018! Emphatic 5 stars.

I read a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Loving Lieutenant Lancaster

Loving Lieutenant Lancaster
by Sarah M. Eden

Linus Lancaster, having spent years at sea, isn't entirely sure what to do as a gentleman. When his brother-in-law, Adam, the infamous Duke of Kielder, insists that Linus accompany him to a house party hosted by the dandy Philip, the Earl of Lampton, in order to make the trip tolerable (or, at least to keep Adam from strangling his annoying host), it gives Linus an excuse to avoid the estate he never wanted to inherit, since it should have gone to his now-deceased older brother and best friend. He soon comes to realize his sisters see this house party as an opportunity to find him a match. As he dodges their attempts, Linus finds a friend in Arabella, the dowager Lady Lampton's companion. Both used to being on the fringes in the lives of those around them, they soon come to the center of each other's lives.

Ah! I have been waiting forever to see a meeting between the Duke of Kielder and the Earl of Lampton--and this was better than I could have imagined. Loved it. That said, even though I've been eager for that particular plotline, it didn't overshadow Linus's and Arabella's story. They are both sweet and kind, and I truly enjoyed watching their friendship blossom love. True to form, Sarah Eden gives you deep characters that you wish were real, scenes and comments that will have you snorting with laughter, and polished writing. Fantastic read; lots of fun. You probably could read this as a stand-alone, but it's much better if you're read the previous books in the two series it ties together (The Lancaster Family and The Jonquil Brothers) to fully appreciate its awesomeness.

5 stars. Best of 2018.

Sons of Blackbird Mountain

Sons of Blackbird Mountain
by Joanne Bischof

Aven Norgaard goes to Blackbird Mountain in Appalachia, expecting to her late husband's aunt care for three young boys--only when she arrives, she finds that the aunt is deceased and the "boys" are grown men. The Norgaard brothers live a somewhat isolated life, brewing liquor and keeping to themselves, but Aven is drawn to them all--the eldest, Jorgan, is a brotherly caretaker; the youngest, Haakon is outgoing and interested in Aven; the middle, Thor, is deaf, but Aven is drawn into his world. As Aven works alongside the brothers, Aven realizes she has come to find home--and she hopes she has found love as well.

From the first time he saw her picture, Thor has been captivated by Aven; her arrival on the farm only strengthens his interest in her. Although Thor is a master brewer, creating liquors that have let his family thrive and have given Thor a purpose in life, he decides it's time to break the hold liquor has on him and see if he has finally found someone who will truly listen to him. Both his desire to quit the liquor and to pursue Aven will have profound consequences for his family, however.

Wow! This book is amazing! It's really well written, from details that pull the reader right onto Blackbird Mountain so you can almost smell the cider and the flowers, to characters who tug at your heart, to societal subjects that make you think (but don't get preachy.) Thor's struggles--from his deafness to his difficulty expressing himself to trying to break his addiction--were heart-rending. He's such a complex character--as is Haakon. Irish Aven was just terrific--compassionate and kind but with a little spunk. The subjects--alcoholism racism, brotherly relationships, hurting and healing and forgiveness--are woven into the story skillfully, which keeps it from being overwhelming (or depressing). The beautiful writing really lets the characters shine--there's a lot going on, but the plot doesn't overrun the characters, which happens all too easily with books that have a lot going on. Instead, Bischof has written about about the characters, who deal with various issues (that might not be coming across as clearly as I hope, but I mean that as a very high compliment.)

This was a fantastic book, and I can't wait for the sequel! One of my picks for the best of 2018. 5 stars!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Daring Venture

A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden

After her parents died of cholera, Rosalind Werner dedicated her life to eradicating the disease through water purification. Now, as a scientist, she and her research supervisor, Dr. Leal, have 90 days to convince a judge that chlorine, not more filtration systems, is the answer.
Nicholas Drake, Commissioner of Water for New York is on the opposing side--he wants clean water as much as Rosalind does, but he doesn't want chlorine in his water until it has been thoroughly tested.
 When Rosalind meets with Nick to try to sway him, the attraction is instantaneous, and they hope that their professional work won't get in the way of a personal relationship. But when Rosalind discovers her supervisor has decided to start chlorinating water without getting approval, she must choose between doing what she knows will save thousands of lives and being upfront with the man she's fallen hard for. 


Loved it, loved it, loved it. Nick is awesome--because he's so real. He is passionate about his beliefs--including protecting his family and others--but he also has a temper and he gets out of line and he has to apologize, and I love him for it because he's such a realistic character. Rosalind is so smart and determined and yet wary of the limelight--but I loved seeing her put Nick in his place a time or two when he needed it. Who knew water and diseases would make for such an interesting story line? It was awesome. Highly recommend this one--and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

5 stars! One of my picks for best of 2018!

I read an ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

More Than Meets the Eye

More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer

Logan Fowler is finally going to get justice. He's spent years preparing to face the man who cheated his father in a card game, winning the deed to the Fowler farm, which led Logan's father to kill himself. Now Logan has purchased the land next to his former home and he's ready to force Zacharias Hamilton to play another round of cards. What Logan isn't ready for is Zach Hamilton's sister, Evangeline, who is friendly and cheerful and brings sunshine and laughter into his life.
Evie isn't used to being accepted--with one brown eye and one blue, she's viewed as odd or even evil--so when Logan doesn't seem to mind her eyes and enjoys her company, she's happily surprised. She knows he has secrets and has been hurt in the past, but she also knows that God's grace can help him, if Logan will only let Him.

I love this book! Eva is terrific--so spunky and cheerful and fun. The attraction between her and Logan, who has a great mixture of good characteristics and flaws, is well-developed and believable. Zach might have stolen the show a little bit, though--I'm a sucker for a man who is tough on the outside but a softie on the inside, so I can't wait for his book! There were so many laugh-out-loud moments in this book, as well as swoon-worthy sweet romantic moments, and good reminders about God's grace. I thoroughly enjoyed this book--there wasn't anything I dislike other than the fact that now I have to wait awhile until Karen Witemeyer's next book comes out.

5 stars! This is one of my picks for Best of 2018!

I read an ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Orphan Band of Springdale

The Orphan Band of Springdale by Anne Nesbet

Gusta's father is a labor organizer who was born in Germany, and as WWII sweeps across Europe, Americans are increasingly tense--and Gusta's father becomes a wanted man. When he has to flee, Gusta is sent to stay with her maternal grandmother in Maine, while her mother stays behind in New York to keep her job. Gramma Hoopes runs an orphanage, and while Gusta quickly comes to like everyone at the home, things don't go as smoothly at school, where her extreme nearsightedness and her German heritage raise the hackles of some. Gusta finds comfort in playing her French horn, her only memento from her father, but when she's given the chance to sell it and pay for a surgery to help her injured Uncle Charlie, Gusta wonders if she can let go of something she loves so dearly to help her family.

Dang! This book is FANTASTIC! For starters, how can you not love a book that gives you such awesome phrases as "the general effect being that of a short, human-shaped icicle"? The writing is terrific and fresh, not the same old cliched phrases. Gusta just stole my heart--she's such a serious girl, so concerned about others, and I just adored her as the narrator. She's so interesting, with her survivalist attitude (she has gotten by without needed glasses for years, and she doesn't even mind because she doesn't want to cost anyone money), her willingness to speak up for and help other (even people she doesn't necessarily like), and her wisdom (she's very aware of the labor movement, for example). She's just this brave, good, kind little person. Secondary characters are great as well--we don't get a whole lot of depth with them, but the glimpses we do get are just terrific. (I love Georges!) The details are so interesting and make the book so real--like a patriotic health contest being run in the school. It really takes you back to 1941 and what life was like. There are terrific themes and topics to discuss, such as the labor movement, loyalty, "alien" foreigners and what it means to patriotic, family relationships, etc. There's a lot of depth here, but it's not overly weighty. I was really surprised when I found out the book is 448 pages (I read the Kindle version), because it flew by for me.
This is an easy 5 stars from me.

 I read a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Miss Wilton's Waltz

Miss Wilton's Waltz by Josi Kilpack

After spending her life as the "shy" daughter with only her musical talent to make her stand out in any way in her large family, Lenora Wilton reached her breaking point with a broken engagement. Heading to Bath to stay with her Aunt Gwen in order to soothe her wounds, she began to find herself. Now she has begun to establish a life in Bath--she's learning to come out of her shell and not retreat from social interactions, and she is enjoying her position as a music teacher at a girls' school.
Things get a lot more complicated for her, however, when Catherine Manch arrives at the school. The obstinate twelve-year-old appears not to like school in general and Lenora in particular. However, her uncle Aiden Asher, armed with a bit of information Lenora needs kept secret, leaves Lenora little choice but to help his niece succeed. As Lenora does her best to help Catherine, she finds herself growing closer to Aiden and starts to dream of possibilities to come--until she finds out that Aiden neglected to tell her a significant detail about himself, one that threatens to break Lenora all over again.

 I really enjoyed this book! It's full of engaging, well-developed characters; I really liked seeing Lenora blossom and try to face things she might have run from in the past. Aiden had such a good heart and makes an excellent leading man. Catherine is a brat, but Kilpack has done a great job showing WHY and how she is calling out for help that even she is lovable. The writing is excellent and made the characters feel very real, with realistic struggles and emotions.

This is a follow-up to The Vicar's Daughter, which I enjoyed but not nearly as much as this one. (You don't have to read the first one to understand this one, but it is a good book, too!)

I read a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

5 stars.

Falling for You

Falling for You by Becky Wade

Corbin Stewart, who was an NFL star until a shoulder injury ruined his career, has moved to Washington to be near family and to heal his shoulder. He isn't planning on running to his ex, Willow Bradford, but she's running her parents' inn while taking a break from her modeling career. When Corbin's niece Charlotte insists that she has a secret she can only tell Willow, Corbin reluctantly reaches out to the woman who broke his heart. Willow doesn't want anything to do with Corbin--he shattered her world years ago and she is determined not to let him close again. But they work with Charlotte to find Charlotte's long-missing great-aunt, Willow must face the past and decide if there's any chance for them in the future.

I loved the layers and depth of this story--it's so much more than just a romance. There are important (but not preachy) messages about forgiving others and oneself as well as receiving forgiveness from God. I love the fact that the characters flawed people who are trying to do their best, not all "perfect" Christians. The characters are realistic--both Willow and Corbin have solid, deep reasons for who they are, their fears and shortcoming, and the choices they've made. The story about Charlotte's aunt and Corbin, Willow, and Charlotte's efforts to figure out what happened to her was interesting and unexpected--it was a fresh plot line for a Christian novel. There are so many things to like about this book! While this is part of a series, the book don't have to be read in order. (I actually have read the prequel novella but haven't read the first book yet.)

This is one of my top picks for 2018. 5 stars!

I read a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Together Forever

Together Forever by Jody Hedlund

Marianne Neumann started working with the Children's Aid Society in order to try to find her sister Sophie, who has she believes might have been placed with a family somewhere. On her first trip taking orphans west to try to find homes for them, she is paired with Andrew Brady, who is handsome, charming, and wonderful with the children. Marianne is hoping to find Sophie as well as Reinhold, the man Marianne has long hoped to marry. She's certainly not planning on falling for Drew. Drew likes to flirt but he knows better than to get involved with a woman--last time he did, things didn't work out well at all. But Marianne's sweet heart and tenderness with the children, combined with her spunkiness, make her entirely too hard to resist.

I loved this book! Drew was dashing and charming, but also caring--and hurting. Sophie was gentle and thought she wasn't strong, but I loved seeing her come to understand what courage really is and to find ways to solve problems. I loved the romance and the banter between Drew and Sophie, but this book is so much more than just a romance. There were terrific themes of forgiving one's self for mistakes and sins and moving forward with life. Following along with an orphan train as Marianne and Drew try to find good situations for the orphans was enlightening and heartbreaking and hopeful all at the same time. This is emotionally gripping and the writing is terrific. I loved this book, as well as the previous book in the series. I cannot wait for the next book!

I read a copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

5 stars!

The Heart's Appeal

The Heart's Appeal by Jennifer Delmare

Julia Bernay knows exactly what she wants to do with her life--she's going to be accepted to medical school and become a doctor so she can then go to Africa as a medical missionary. Michael Stephenson is establishing his career as a barrister and planning to court the daughter of a viscount in order to improve his social standing and his sister's. When an accident leaves Michael severely injured, Julia is able to save his life, only later finding out that he is one of the barristers working on a case that could shut down the very medical college she wants to attend. Julia asks Michael to tutor her in Latin--her weakest subject on her upcoming entrance exams--and as he does, he finds her changing his mind about the lawsuit, his plans in life, and God...but honor and circumstances stand in the way of them exploring their growing feelings.

This is such a great series! I love reading about the Bernay sisters, all so different from each other. (The series doesn't have to be read in order.) The setting (Victorian England) is so interesting; I really liked seeing how someone from Julia's station lived, as well as the poorer classes she tried to help. I felt like the characters--not just Michael and Julia but others as well--were well-developed and intriguing. The plot moved well and definitely made me want to keep reading! Highly enjoyable!

 I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.

A Loyal Heart

A Loyal Heart by Jody Hedlund

Olivia will do whatever she can to help her family, so when she and her sister Isabelle are captured by one of their father's enemies, Olivia is determined to find a way for them to escape. Aldric, the commander of her enemy's forces, though, is just as determined to keep them from escaping. As Aldric takes the women to Lord Pitt, he finds himself caring for Olivia in a way he hasn't cared for anyone since his deceased wife--but knowing what a failure he was in his previous marriage, he can't let anything come of his feelings, even if there was a way to do so. But he can try to protect Olivia when she starts snooping around Lord Pitt's castle, determined to do what her father has asked of her.

I have loved the previous books in this series, so I was super excited when I found out there was going to be a fourth one, and I absolutely loved it! Aldric was just so good and strong, and Olivia was so feisty and determined; I just loved both of them. Really terrific characters--and then you throw in a captivating plot, some suspense and intensity as we wait to see how things play out--and this was a really terrific book. I'm really hoping there will be more books in this series!

Although it's the fourth book in the series, you do not have to read the other books for this one to make sense.

I received a copy of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.

A Light on the Hill

A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette

Ever since she was captured and taken to Jericho, where she was branded before being rescued, Moriyah has kept her face veiled and stayed close to home, not wanting to bring further shame to her family as those who see her gossip and speculate about what happened to her. When her father tells her he has found a match for her, Moriyah is surprised and nervous, especially since her betrothed, Raviv, does not seem particularly kind and obviously only wants her dowry. Still, she wants to honor her father, but when she tries to prepare a special meal for Raviv and his sons, the unthinkable happens, and Moriyah must flee, heading for a sanctuary city in an attempt to save her life long enough to receive a fair trial. Along her perilous journey, she finds unexpected allies--including the God she thought had abandoned her years before.

I was hooked from the very beginning of this book. I absolutely loved Moriyah's story. She was such a compelling character. The plot was so interesting--it was so fascinating to see what it might have been like for someone who needed to seek refuge in these cities. I absolutely loved seeing Moriyah's developing romance, too. All around great read! I loved it!


 I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Sea before Us

The Sea before Us by Sarah Sundin

Wyatt has fled home after an accident led to the death of his brother's fiancee. Feeling guilty for his mistakes and sins, Wyatt joins the Navy, and now he's a part of planning the invasion of Normandy. Stationed in England, he works alongside British officers to play the attack--including a female officer, Dorothy, and is drawn to her. He doesn't feel he deserves happiness because of what he's done, but as Dorothy encourages him to reconcile with his family, he finds himself hoping that just maybe he can get forgiveness from his family and maybe, if Dorothy ever realize the man she's been pining after isn't right for her, a chance with her. 

Dorothy has lost her mother and two brothers to the war, and her father has completely shut himself off from her. Although it hurts her to know her own father doesn't love her, she takes her duty to care for him seriously, and when he won't respond to the possibility of embezzling going on in his company, Dorothy asks Wyatt to take a look at the books. As he helps her, Dorothy finds herself comparing him to Lawrence Eaton, the man she's longed for for ages, and how Wyatt seems to care for her as she is, while with Lawrence, she has to suppress who she truly is. And when Wyatt encourages her to return to church, she begins to reconsider her relationship with God, whom she has come to fear and distrust.

I was totally hooked by this book. I've never read anything by Sarah Sundin before, but I'll be adding her to my need-to-read-everything-of-hers-I-can-find list. Wyatt and Dorothy were such well-developed characters; their motivations and desires, their hurts and their hopes, were so realistic. I enjoyed seeing both of them resolve spiritual concerns, and I love learning more about history, so it was really neat to see some behind-the-scenes D-Day preparations. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

 I read a copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

5 stars!

Ashes on the Moor

Ashes on the Moor by Sarah M. Eden

After the death of most of her family, Evangeline's aunt brings her to Smeatley, a factory town totally different from her previous home. Raised in the upper class, Evangeline now must work as a schoolteacher--despite having no experience and barely understanding the Yorkshire accent--if she is to prove herself worthy of the inheritance her grandfather has saved for her and, more importantly, to be reunited with her sister Lucy, who has been sent away to attend school elsewhere. Evangeline's aunt is cruel to her, refusing to acknowledge that they are related, constantly critical of all of Evangeline's efforts, and reluctant to give Evangeline anything that might help her succeed. Irish brick mason Dermot is the only other person she knows, and while he initially seems reluctant to speak to her any more than necessary, he comes to be her dearest friend and biggest support. Dermot's son, Ronan, is different from other children and Dermot is worried about how he'll do at school, but Evangeline seems to understand his needs and he thrives under her attention. As Evangeline tries to do her best for her students, she finds herself clashing with school administrators and must decide how to move forward if the school inspector demands she change her teaching style to the detriment of her students. Changing her style could help her efforts to be reunited with Lucy, but they could also alienate all of the students; refusing to change could cost her her job and force her to leave Smetley--and Dermot.

I absolutely loved this book. Sarah Eden is fantastic at writing snappy dialogue and incorporating humor, and I laughed so many times at Dermot's and Evangeline's interactions. Eden also does a great job at developing her characters, and I loved not only the main characters but also secondary characters. I really enjoyed the look at Victorian England and the working class--it was really interesting to learn about issues such as mill workers' housing and factory conditions in the context of the story. I also really enjoyed reading about the dialect differences and how the people of Smetley's language wasn't considered "proper" and how it was difficult for children to learn to read English that was spelled so differently from their own dialect. That was just a really interesting addition to the story--the type of addition that makes this book stand out from other historical romances. The romance is sweet, the characters are terrific, and I loved everything about the book. I've loved Sarah Eden's Regency books, but I'm excited about her venture into the Victorian Era and hope she'll be writing more books in this time period!

I read a copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.