"The Pirate Bride" by Kathleen Y'Barbo

When 12-year-old Maribel Cordova's father is killed when their ship is taken by privateers, she embraces life with the privateers, until she ends up entrusted to an island convent. Years later, an emissary from her family arrives, seeking to reunite her with her mother in New Orleans. But not all is right in New Orleans, and the reappearance of a certain privateer from her youth

There are very few pirate--I mean, privateering--novels in the Christian market, so this was a fun change-up. It reminded me of (and made me want to reread) such swashbuckling classics as Captain Blood and The Black Swan by Rafael Sabatini. I enjoyed Maribel's precocious nature and love of books and high places (having frequently partaken of such pleasures myself, in my youth).

I was surprised by a number of turns the story took. I should have seen the romance coming sooner (more careful attention to the book blurb would have done that for me), but other twists were genuinely surprising. I think the story could have benefited from being longer (especially having Maribel and Jean-Luc spend more time together as adults, as that would make the romance a little more believable), but it's a fun romp.

Thank you Barbour and NetGalley for the free e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

Daughters of the Mayflower
1. The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse
2. The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo
3. The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep
4. The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse
5. The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear
6. The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall

"The Golden Vial" by Thomas Locke

Dally, a kitchen maid from a small village, finds herself thrust into a position of great power when her magical gifts are revealed. She joins Queen Shona in fighting the ancient evil that threatens to destroy the realm, but even with her incredible natural talent, will it be enough?

This book definitely satisfies the question of what happens next in the series, as the over-arching plot is decidedly the focus of the book. I just found myself wanting more than the plot had time to allow.

The beginning (really, the whole book) felt very rushed. I think it would have been better to take time to develop the the main character a bit more before thrusting her into the heart of the action. Even though I've read the first two books of the series (absolutely necessary for this one to make sense), I struggled to catch up with Dally's rapidly changing life and to really connect with her. Untrained though she is, everything magical comes to her without effort, and it felt like her greatest struggles happened before the story began. I wish we could have seen her discover her bond with the wolfhounds while under the tyranny of her mistress, how she found the ability to speak telepathically, and what made it so her myriad of other powers don't seem to faze her in the least, all while living in a land where magic had for years been forbidden outside of special enclaves, not to mention the fact she's a pariah in her village. This would have made a great book! Instead, it's all just backstory, dished out amidst the arrival of Queen Shona's army in the first few chapters.

The story is told at a very swift pace, and I wish it could have been slowed down to develop more and make it more dramatic. It all felt just a bit too easy--I wanted to see more struggle, both externally for the characters and internally for Dally. In the end, I feel like I read half a book--as if all the victories and exciting action parts were pulled out and pieced together for this book, and the rest of the story--the struggles, the failures, the mundane aspects of real life--are languishing somewhere with the character-building backstory.

Thank you Revell for the free book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

Legends of the Realm
1. Emissary
2. Merchant of Alyss
3. The Golden Vial

"The Heart's Appeal" by Jennifer Delamere

When Julia Bernay takes the subway to hear a medical lecture, she never expects the subway to derail, or to be needed to save the life of a man injured in the accident. Or that the man--barrister Michael Stephenson--is actively working a lawsuit against the medical college she hopes to attend. In spite of their opposing goals, Michael tries to remain objective and agrees to tutor Julia in the Latin necessary to admit her into the school. But will their blossoming friendship be enough to withstand Michael's family obligations, not to mention the legal battle to come?

I love that though Julia is a forward-thinking women taking up a man's profession (for that time), she doesn't spend time griping about lack of women's rights or how unfair the world is to women. She's thankful for the opportunity afforded her, and she doesn't take anything for granted. As such, I found her a lot more likable than similarly strong-willed heroines from other stories, who too often reflect the stereotypical pushy, man-hater feminists. Julia is what a feminist should be, not how feminists are so often portrayed.

I was impressed with the authentic historical details the author works into the story, in everything from the subway to the orphanages to legislation against diseased prostitutes to Gilbert & Sullivan. The story is filled with the gospel and hope in God. The romance is sweet and neither too fast nor too slow. I am interested to see what comes of Julia's little sister Cara.

Thank you Bethany House for the free book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

London Beginnings
1. The Captain's Daughter
2. The Heart's Appeal
3. The Artful Match

"A Chance at Forever" by Melissa Jagears - prepare to be challenged

Mercy McClain, a member of the Teaville school board, is shocked to recognize Aaron Firebrook, a bully from her childhood, applying for the open teaching position. She has no intention of letting the bully who ruined her childhood having any authority over the children. While the hiring decision is put off until more candidates can be interviewed, Mercy is shocked yet again to discover Aaron has been hired to tutor some of the children at the orphanage Mercy helps run. Aaron claims to be a changed man, but can a man really change that much?

As with the previous books of the series, Jagears takes on heavy subjects of morality that are relevant both in the past and yet today. The author does a good job being fair in her portrayal of bullies. While bullying is in no way condoned, she makes a point of bringing up that every bully has a history, and sometimes a child is lashing out because of terrible things that happen behind closed doors. It doesn't excuse a bully's choices, but by understanding what can drive a child to bullying, it could mean getting a child help. In the case of Aaron's history, the author doesn't explicitly say what sort of abuse Aaron suffered, but one can draw some grim conclusions. It's brave of the author to delve into another of the grittier parts of reality, and she does so with taste.

If you're looking for light reading, this probably isn't the best choice. The story doesn't suffer for its heavier themes, but the tough questions posed to the characters (and subsequently readers)--not to mention the emotional impact of physical follow-through--can leave one exhausted, even in a story rife with forgiveness and hope. The story isn't a downer--it's actually quite uplifting, especially the epilogue. But it's a hard book to read purely for entertainment purposes without taking the time to ponder some of the issues it brings up.

As with the rest of the series, prepare to be challenged.

Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for the free e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

Teaville Moral Society
0.5: "Engaging the Competition" (Prequel novella from With This Ring? novella collection)
1. A Heart Most Certain
2. A Love So True
2.5: "Tied and True" (novella from collection Hearts Entwined)
3. A Chance at Forever

"All This Time" by Melissa Tagg - a heartwarming conclusion to the series

Years ago, Bear McKinley gave up his reputation and life for family, and now they need help again--this time dumping his niece and nephew on him when he doesn't even have a job or home. Thankfully, Maple Valley, the place where  he'd started over before, is still a refuge--and his friend Raegan is ready and willing to welcome him home. For the record, Raegan Walker is fine. Just because she's stayed at home her whole life, scarcely stepping foot outside town, with no ambition for greatness like all her older siblings, there's nothing wrong with her life. Though sometimes she might wish for a life that is better than merely fine. However, when a commission for a painting--her old love--and Bear arrive in the same week, maybe she can reach for something better--if she can face the fears that have held her back for so many years.

Like each other book by Melissa Tagg I've read, this one can make you smile in one sentence and cry in the next--a heartwarming romance with both depth and humor. She has a way of pinpointing the root of a character's inner struggles, and making it easy to see that root in ourselves, all packaged in a fun and wholesome romance.

I have to say, I didn't expect Raegan's secret or Bear's past, but man, I get Raegan; not that I have panic attacks, or exhibit my fears in the same way, but I understand that fear of sharing when something is wrong, to be able to hold secrets so close to the chest that the people who know you best have no idea they're even there. Not a recommended course of action, but I get it.

I was surprised and intrigued by the touch of suspense to the story--not enough to tip this into the romantic suspense genre, but enough to shake things up for Maple Valley! It was a fun and fitting turn of events, given Bear's history. The romance was just as sweet and satisfying as I expected (and my expectations have been high, since I've been waiting on it since book one!). It's a great conclusion to the Walker Family series, though I am sad to see it end. Can't wait for whatever the author has coming next!

Walker Family
0.5: Three Little Words (novella)
1. From the Start
2. Like Never Before
3. Keep Holding On
4. All This Time

"A Maple Valley Romance" (published in Right Where We Belong collection of small-town novellas)

Related Series:
Enchanted Christmas Collection (now together in the omnibus Enchanted)
1. One Enchanted Christmas
2. One Enchanted Eve

3. One Enchanted Noel

Maple Valley Romance
1. Now and Then and Always

2. Some Bright Someday

"A Search for Refuge" by Kristi Ann Hunter

Margaretta desperately needs to escape London society, and it isn't just the flighty whim of a spoiled miss. Trying to trace the path of a friend who recently vanished into the countryside, she follows the trail to the town of Marlborough, the girl's last known location. While seeking word of her, Margaretta attracts the attention of a local solicitor--and attracting attention is the last thing she wants to do. Will she find her friend, or will she find a better solution to her troubles?

I always love a good story, but I really appreciate it when a prequel sets up a series--and this book does a perfect job. Not only is it a different spin on why a girl might find herself alone and on the run, but it also sets up a haven for others in desperate need, and hence the series. As such, it has a bit heavier subject matter than the author's previous books, but it promises to be both intriguing and moving. I just wish we didn't have to wait until June for the first full-length novel! And in case you were worried, the story is still rich with the author's characteristic humor, and heart-warming as ever.

And it's free! (e-book only)

Haven Manor
0.5: "A Search for Refuge"
1. A Defense of Honor
2. A Return of Devotion
3. A Pursuit of Home
3.5: "Legacy of Love" (published in The Christmas Heirloom novella collection)

"The Innkeeper's Daughter" by Michelle Griep

Bow Street Runner Alexander Moore goes undercover as a gambler in hopes of exposing a traitor against his country. He stay's at Joanna Langley's inn, and quickly has her believing him to be the rogue he portrays. But as he gets to know the young innkeeper--a girl who bears a heavy financial burden to keep herself and her mother and brother out of the workhouse--he wishes she might see him as the man he is and not what he appears.

It's funny how authors will strike on a similar idea at the same time; this is the second novel I've read recently about a female Regency-era innkeeper (the other being Julie Klassen's The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill), though that's where the similarities end. They are very different in tone. This one is more suspenseful, with significantly more danger (not unexpected, given our hero is a lawman working on ferreting out a traitor).

I have to admit, I saw Johanna and Alex's conflict coming a mile away--it's pretty much inevitable that a woman who hates liars will fall for a man who is undercover and can't share the truth. All the expected problems ensue. Otherwise, the author does a good job filling the story with interesting and often quirky characters, the most notable of which being Mr. Nutbrown.

One thing I really liked was the author's ability to show rather than tell--I'd wondered why the two smugglers would insist on dragging other people into their schemes until I caught on to their illiteracy, which is never explicitly stated. The clues are all there pointing to it, but it's up to the reader to figure out. And THAT, by the way, is a legitimate reason for a bad guy to drag the good guys into their schemes--the necessity of a skill set they lack. I enjoyed the twists and surprises at the end; I had wondered how all the complex plot pieces would fit together, and they came together most pleasingly.

Thank you Barbour and NetGalley for the free e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

Related novels: Brentwood's Ward