Review: HEAD IN THE CLOUDS by Karen Witemeyer (Bethany House, 2010)

From Bethany House: Adelaide Proctor longs to find a real-life storybook hero to claim as her own. But when a husband-hunting debacle leaves her humiliated, she interviews for a governess position on a remote Texas sheep ranch and vows to leave her silly romantic yearnings behind.

Gideon Westcott left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in America's wool industry, never expecting to end up with a child. To his dismay, five-year-old Isabella hasn't uttered a word since she lost her mother. The unconventionality of the new governess concerns Gideon—and intrigues him at the same time. But he can't afford distractions.When Isabella's uncle comes to claim the girl—and her inheritance—Gideon and Adelaide must work together to protect Isabella from the man's evil schemes. Soon neither can deny their growing attraction. But after so many heartbreaks, will Adelaide be willing to get her head out of the clouds and put her heart on the line?

Audience: Adult (Clean)
Genre: Historical Romance, Inspirational Romance
Length: 370 pgs

Rating: **** (Love it)

Review: I'm not sure which of Ms. Witemeyer's books I read first, but I know that I like her stuff. I loved the originality in this one: an English sheep rancher in Texas! A mute young girl! And, though it seems as if it would be common place, a girl wishing for a husband. (It's not really in historical romances these days. Authors try so hard not to be cliche, that they've created the new one: an independent woman struggling in a society where women were dependent.) The romance between them grows at a perfect pace, and everything about it moved me. Great book.

Source: Bought on Amazon via Cheap Reads (Free promotion)

Content:
Sex - 1/5 (Them becoming man and wife in the true sense is discussed; Addy sleeps in Gideon's bed after they are married.)
Language - 0/5
Violence - 3/5 (People are shot; Murder is discussed; an attempted rape)
Preaching - 1/5 (Flows well into the plot.)

Review: FALLING FOR YOU by Krista Lynne Jensen (Covenant, 2014)

From Amazon: Jetsetter Elizabeth Embry is the toast of the town. A rising star in the fashion industry, she has traveled the world and lived a life of glamour and fortune. But beneath her carefree façade, Elizabeth is running from a past that won’t let her rest. When a former colleague reaches out with a job offer in the sleepy town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Elizabeth feels a spark of hope—perhaps this drastic change of scene will finally allow her to slow down. Envisioning an idyllic getaway at the mountainous bed & breakfast that has been arranged for her, Elizabeth is caught off guard by her immediate attraction to the aloof innkeeper. Ryan Brennan is certainly handsome, but what secrets hide behind that withdrawn exterior? Surrounded by people bent on playing matchmaker, the stage is set for a picture-perfect romance. But as past heartache threatens to overwhelm them both, can Elizabeth and Ryan let go of their pain and grab hold of a promising future together?

Audience: Adult (Clean)
Genre: Romance, Inspirational Romance, LDS Romance
Length: 272 pgs

Rating: *****

Review: Right off I loved getting to know Elizabeth. In The Orchard she's snooty and icy, so seeing what's beneath all of that, and especially how her sister's new faith has changed Elizabeth is really great. Krista has a thing about writing masterful characters. They are always deep and involved. I wanted to hug Ryan, and I loved the way Krista just nailed his kids too. The setting was so pretty too. The whole thing draws you in and yanks at your heartstrings. It's just lovely. So lovely.

Content:
Sex: 1/5 (Things in Elizabeth's past are discussed, and a friend tries to take advantage of her.)
Violence: 1/5 (Elizabeth pushes a man away and he is injured; there is an incident with a bear)
Language: 0/5
Overall Rating: PG

Source: Bought a copy via Deseret Book

Read this. Follow up by reading Krista Lynne Jensen's Of Grace and Chocolate.

Mini-Review: A JANUARY BRIDE by Deborah Raney (Zondervan, 2013)

From Amazon: A year’s worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed. In A January Bride by Deborah Raney, what will happen when novelist Madeleine Houser’s “pen pal” friendship with a lonely widower takes an unexpected turn? Who can work in a house that's overrun by contractors and carpenters? Not Madeleine Houser, a successful novelist who gladly accepts the help of her octogenarian friend, Ginny, to arrange for a temporary office in the charming bed and breakfast owned by Ginny's friend, Arthur. Maddie's never met the innkeeper - but a friendship grows between them as Maddie and Arthur leave messages for each other each day. To Maddie's alternate delight and chagrin, she seems to be falling for the inn's owner - a man who's likely many years her senior - and who she's never even met.

Audience: Adult (Clean)
Genre: Romance, Inspirational Romance
Length: 99 pages

Rating: ***+

Review: Novellas are really in right now, and I love that. I'm impatient and can really get into a quick resolution of a romance. Plus, because so many authors are doing it, I can enjoy my favorites much more often, especially when it seems like I just don't have enough time to read!
I really enjoyed the first I read in this series, A DECEMBER BRIDE, and this one didn't disappoint. It had some fun characters, the lighthearted romance but with a dash of seriousness that's necessary. I loved exploring and imagining the old Inn with Maddie as she drew inspiration to write. I thought that Arthur's character was well developed and thought out. To be quite honest, though, I spent the better part of the book just wishing the two would meet in person so I could see some real sparks.

Content: Rated 1-5; 1 being minor instances, 5 being saturated
Sex - 0
Violence - 0
Language - 0
Preaching - 2
Overall rating - G

Source: Received a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Try This. Want to read about more people falling in love through letters? Enjoy Annette Lyon's novella "Between the Lines" in the TRA: LOVE LETTER COLLECTION.

Review: THE LADY OF BOLTON HILL (Bethany House, August 2011)

From Bethany House: When Clara Endicott and Daniel Tremain's worlds collide after twelve years apart, the spark that was once between them immediately reignites into a romance neither of them thought possible.

But time has changed them both.

Daniel is an industrial titan with powerful enemies. Clara is an idealistic journalist determined to defend underprivileged workers.

Can they withstand the cost of their convictions while their hearts--and lives--hang in the balance?

Audience: Adult (Clean)
Genre: Inspirational Romance
Length: 336 pgs

Rating: ***+ (Really liked it)

Review: This one was almost a four for me. I loved the characters. I loved how things weren't simple and easy for Daniel and Clara when she got back, but that they didn't shy away from their feelings. The drama was good, the plot was different and interesting. There were some things that felt out of place historically for me, but the author has a post-graduate degree in history, so it had to have been just me. :) It was a lovely book that I'd recommend to anyone who liked reading historical/inspirational romances.

Content: Rated 1-5; 1 being minor instances, 5 being saturated
Sex - 1 (Minor passion while kissing)
Violence - 1
Language - 0 (Not any that I remember, but as I type, I think the d-word might have been used.)
Preaching - 3 (BUT it fit right in with the story and flowed with the narrative, so I didn't mind it at all.)

Source: Kindle copy via Amazon during a sale.

Try this If you liked historical inspirational romances, try STEALING THE PREACHER by Karen Witemeyer

Review: A GIRL TO COME HOME TO by Grace Livingston Hill (Barbour Publishing, January 2014)

From Amazon.com: A war hero wounded by love, Rodney Graeme returns home to face the aftermath of a broken engagement. But the past won’t fade without a fight. His ex-fiancée, Mrs. Jessica De Groot, insists on keeping old friendship alive. Meanwhile, New Yorker Diana Winters is visiting a friend in town and sorting through her own love woes after receiving a marriage proposal she’s not sure she should accept. Just as Diana’s presence begins to salve Rodney’s hurt, Jessica’s jealousy flares and the real reason for her interest in her ex-beau comes to light, threatening new love. . .and government secrets.

Audience: Adult (Clean)
Genre: Inspirational Romance, Historical Romance
Length: 256 pgs.

Rating: ** (It was okay)

Review: One of the things that colored my reading of this is not knowing that it was a reprint of an older book. I did like the charming way the narrative was told in that old, head-hopping style that they used to use. The girls were so cute and fun and the boys real heroes. The villains were all nasty and non-religious. One of the storylines didn't resolve, but I understand there are other books in this series. In reality, the love story played second or third fiddle to the gospel message in the book, which is fine, but not really my thing.

Content: Rated 1-5; 1 being minor instances, 5 being saturated
Sex - 0 (The kisses were all very chaste)
Violence - 0
Language - 0
Preaching - 5+

Source: I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Review: SNOW ON TULIPS by Liz Tolsma

From the Thomas Nelson website: A stranger’s life hangs in the balance. But to save him is to risk everything.

The war is drawing to a close, but the Nazis still heavily occupy the Netherlands. After the losses she’s endured, Cornelia is only a shadow of the woman she once was. Her main objective is protecting her younger brother, Johan, who lives in hiding.

But when Johan brings Gerrit Laninga, a wounded Dutch Resistance member, to Cornelia’s doorstep, their lives are forever altered. Although scared of the consequences of harboring a wanted man, Cornelia’s faith won’t let her turn him out.

As she nurses Gerrit back to health, she is drawn to his fierce passion and ideals, and notices a shift within herself. The thought of opening her heart, however, is almost more terrifying than the thought of losing her life.

But Gerrit’s intensity challenges her, making her want to live fully, despite the fear that constrains her. When the opportunity to join him in the Resistance presents itself, Cornelia must summon every ounce of courage imaginable.

She is as terrified of loving Gerrit as she is of losing him. But as the landscape slowly thaws, so too does her heart. Will she get a second chance at true love? She fears their story might end before it has even begun.

Audience: Adult (Clean)
Genre: Historical Romance, Inspirational Romance
Length: 336 pgs

Rating: *** (Liked it)

Review: I saw the cover of this book, read a couple lines about this taking place during World War II and really wanted to read it. (The cover is gorgeousness. So. Much. Gorgeousness.) I liked that the author kept things realistic, while still letting a happy ending win out. There's plenty of danger, conflict, and intensity. The setting is very in depth. The language is sometimes stilted, and since I always have to comment on how *preachy* inspirational books are, this one is kind of high on the scale.

Source: Received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

Content: 1-5 (1 being minor instances, 5 being saturated)
Sex: 1 (some kissing with passionate feelings)
Language: 0
Violence: 2+ (War scenes are described)

Review: STEALING THE PREACHER by Karen Witemeyer (Bethany House, July 2013)

Publication Date: July 2013

From Bethany House's website: A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw's daughter who wants to change his mind.
On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can't believe it when he's forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He's determined to escape--which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request.
For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be?
With her signature blend of humor, history, and lively western romance, two-time RITA Award finalist and bestselling author Karen Witemeyer delivers a Texas love story sure to steal your heart.

Review: A MOST PECULIAR CIRCUMSTANCE by Jen Turano (Bethany House, May 2013)

Publication Date: May 2013

From BakerPublishingGroup.com: Miss Arabella Beckett, defender of the down-trodden women of America, is returning from her travels in support of the women's suffrage movement when she makes a simple offer of assistance to a young woman in need. But things go sadly awry, and both ladies soon find themselves in dire need of rescue. Arabella, always loath to admit she needs help, is particularly reluctant to receive assistance from the arrogant, narrow-minded knight in shining armor who shows up just in time.

Private investigator extraordinaire Mr. Theodore Wilder is on an assignment that began as a favor to his good friend Hamilton Beckett, but swiftly evolved into a merry chase across the country. He is already in a less than pleasant mood, and when Hamilton's sister turns out to have radical ideas and a fiercely independent streak, he's at his wit's end. 

Much to their chagrin, Theodore and Arabella's paths continue to cross when they return home to New York, but the most unusual feelings beginning to grow between them certainly can't be anything serious. When the trouble Arabella accidentally stirred up in her travels follows her home and threatens her very life, the unlikely couple must face the possibility that they might have landed in the most peculiar circumstance of all: love.

Audience: Adult (Clean)

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 353 pgs

Rating:  *** (Liked it)

Review: I sort of hate myself for giving this a three stars. It was a pretty fun book and I enjoyed it. Had it been set in contemporary times I would have certainly given it four stars. I'm pretty open to non-realistic things happening in historical fiction. I'm a fan of absurd stuff. (Have you guys read A CONTEMPTIBLE AFFECTION or A LADY AND A SPY? Check out this review; she thinks the ending of ACA is absurd too... ;) ) And THE GRAND SOPHY is one of my favorite Georgette Heyer books and it's completely absurd. But...it has to be a least 75% based in fact for me to accept absurdity, and there were just too many characters doing too many unbelievable things. It seemed like a plot better suited for maybe somewhere in the West where manners and expectations would have been a lot more relaxed.

Okay, that aside, it was terribly fun with some really fun characters. I saw the word "madcap" used to describe it in a review, and it really fits. And all in all, I'm really a fan of madcap books. :D

Disclaimer: Nothing

Source: I was given an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Try this Do you like fun historical fiction? Read FRIENDS AND FOES by Sarah M. Eden

Check Out Some of Jen Turano's other books.

Review: SECOND CHANCES by Melanie Jacobson

So, you know I went to Storymakers Conference in May? Did you know I sort of went a little crazy when I got into the book store and saw all the books by all my favorites? SECOND CHANCES was one of them. And it's signed. (Melanie Jacobson thinks I'm funny!!)

From Deseret Book: After walking out of a thankless job at a prestigious marketing firm, feisty California entrepreneur Louisa Gibson is going into business for herself. Lou’s pioneering venture, The Mormon Bachelor, is a reality dating web series sure to be fabulous advertising for her new marketing firm. And as a bonus, she can solve a problem close to home: while Huntington Beach is crawling with eligible, sun-bronzed Saints, they’ve forgotten the vital skill of dating. Lou hopes the reality show will finally inspire this group of hangout enthusiasts to pair off. But shortly before filming begins, the unthinkable happens—Trentyn, a.k.a. The Bachelor, gets a girlfriend. And Lou needs a new leading man—fast.

Enter Nick, Lou’s devastatingly handsome ex-boy- friend. He’s the stereotypical actor: shallow, self-serving . . . and perfect for the job. A whirlwind of dating ensues, with Nick at the center of it all. Things are going according to plan—that is, until Lou is forced to step in as a substitute bachelorette, becoming an unwitting cast member on her own show. Despite Nick’s attempts to reestablish their friendship and the growing spark between them, Lou is determined to keep her distance. The show must go on—but what’s a girl to do when the Mr. Wrong of the past just may be the Mr. Right of the future?

Audience: Adult (Clean)
Genre: LDS Romance
Length: 216 pgs

Rating: *****

Review: This one could possibly be my favorite of Melanies. I loved the main character, Louisa, and Nick is so wonderful as the antagonist...ooops, I mean love interest. Both are really different from any of Melanie's other main characters. It has the awesome trademark wit I've come to expect along with a unique love story! (The Bachelor from the POV of someone behind the scenes.) So cool. Pick this one up. You'll definitely love it.

Source: Bought it via the LDStorymakers 2013 Conference Bookstore

Follow Melanie on Twitter.
Buy SECOND CHANCES at Deseret Book.

Review: EMMA: A Latter-Day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison

Publication Date: August 13, 2013

From Amazon: Emma's her name and matchmaking is her game! Quirky life coach Emma wants to help her first-ever client, a lonely nanny named Harriet. But all of her attempts at matchmaking result only in embarrassing miscues and blunders, leaving the pair disheartened and confused. This modern take on the Jane Austen classic shows that sometimes the greatest match is the one we make for ourselves.

Audience: Adult (Clean)
Genre: LDS Romance, Retelling
Length: 256 pgs

Rating: ***+ (Liked it and some)

Review: I love Jane Austen. And I really like the modern retellings that pop up. It's always fun for me to read the story and wonder, "How will that do this...?" This retelling of Jane Austen's Emma was very good. The characters were true to Austen while still fun, modern versions. I especially loved how the author reincarnated Harriet. Emma and Justin were great versions of their former selves as well. Jamison did a great job with a big ensemble cast, while still making it Emma's story.

Source: Received an ebook copy of EMMA: A Latter-Day Tale from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Try This: If you like retellings check out THE ORCHARD by Krista Lynne Jensen.
Check Out other books by Rebecca H. Jamison at Cedar Fort.

Review: THE MEASURE OF A LADY by Deeanne Gist

I read MAID TO MATCH by Ms. Gist quite a while ago and really enjoyed her writing. When I saw two of her other books at a thrift store in my area (and they had beautiful covers!) I snapped them up. 

From DeeaneeGist.com: Rachel Van Buren arrives in Gold Rush San Francisco with two wishes: to protect her younger siblings and to return east as soon as possible. Both goals prove more difficult than she could imagine as her brother and sister are lured by the city's dangerous freedom and a missionary-turned-gambler stakes a claim on her heart. Rachel won't give up without a fight though, and soon all will learn an eloquent but humorous lesson about what truly makes a lady.

Speak Politely. Even when you're the only respectable woman around, protesting the decadence of a city lost to gold fever.

Dress Modestly. Wear your sunbonnet at all times. Ensure nobody sees your work boots muddied by the San Francisco streets.

Remain Devoted to Family. Protect your siblings from the lures of the city, even against their wishes.

Stand Above Reproach. Most difficult when a wonderful man turns out to be a saloon owner.

Rise Above Temptation. No, not even just a little kiss ...

Review: BEFORE THE SEASON ENDS by Linore Rose Burkard

From LinoreBurkard.com: Linore Rose Burkard's debut novel whisks readers into a world of English manners, romance and adventure.

Regency Romance meets Christian Inspiration in this satisfying historical romp into 1813 London, where the principled, sweet heroine, Miss Ariana Forsythe meets her match in Mr. Phillip Mornay.

Trouble at home sends Ariana to her aunt's townhouse in the fashionable Mayfair district of London. There, she soon finds herself neck-deep in high society and at odds with Mr. Phillip Mornay, London's current darling rogue. Then, a scandal changes Ariana forever. Her heart, her faith, and her future are all at stake in an unexpected adventure that gains even the Prince Regent's attention.

Will Ariana's faith survive this test? What about her heart? For it's Ariana's heart that most threatens to betray the truths she has always believed in. When she finds herself backed against a wall, betrothed to the wrong man, how can it ever turn out right?

Audience: Adult

Genre: Regency Romance, Inspirational Romance

Length: 349 pages

Rating: ** (It was okay.)

The Pros: How can you go wrong with a hero named Phillip? In my experience, I've loved heroes with this moniker. This one didn't disappoint. He was my favorite part of the book by far. He was reserved, but still goodhearted deep down. The plot was original and I enjoyed it.

The Cons: I've never come across an inspirational Regency romance before. As inspirational romances go, this one is very preachy, especially the latter half. I never skip pages in a book, but I skipped several in the final chapters of this one, just to get to the end and see what happened. Ariana's insistence that Phillip "come to Christ" made her seem self-righteous and I found myself identifying more with Phillip and Ariana's "heathen" aunt than with Ariana.

Disclaimer: Nothing

You can buy BEFORE THE SEASONS ENDS and it's two companion novels at www.linoreburkard.com.

If you're interested in Regency romance, check out my novella A CONTEMPTIBLE AFFECTION, available on Amazon and Smashwords.

Random Review: A DISTANT MELODY by Sarah Sundin

I'm here to apologize, readers. With four editing projects this month, my pleasure reading has probably come to a halt. So, as a peace offering, I'm doing a random review -- plucking a title out of my fun app that does such things and reviewing the book already on my shelf, probably read months ago. Today's lucky winner? A DISTANT MELODY by Sarah Sundin.

You may not believe this about me now (especially if you've checked out the reviews tab and looked under the heading "romance") but I didn't used to be a big romance reader. However, a couple summers ago my husband packed up our family and hauled us on to a wild life refuge literally in the middle of nowhere. I popped by the inspirational section on Sam's Club -- I don't know why -- and picked up A DISTANT MELODY among a few others.



From Amazon: Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval--even marry a man she doesn't love. Lt. Walter Novak--fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women--takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and their love of music draws them together, prompting them to begin a correspondence that will change their lives. As letters fly between Walt's muddy bomber base in England and Allie's mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart? A Distant Melody is the first book in the WINGS OF GLORY series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II.

Free Review: "Surrender the Heart" by MaryLou Tyndall

I should probably change the title of this to a "Free for Me" Review. I bought this book for my Kindle app, and at the time I downloaded it, it was free. Probably a promotion by Ms. Tyndall, and in my opinion, a good one, because I'm a little bit considering buying more from her for my Kindle app. :) But let's get down to the review.