Favorite Christian Fiction of 2021

 Here are my favorite releases from 2021!

  

Winning the Gentleman by Kristi Ann Hunter (Bethany House); Hearts on the Heath, book 2

A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano (Revell)

To Write a Wrong by Jen Turano (Bethany House); Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency, book 2

 

 

Every Word Unsaid by Kimberly Duffy (Bethany House)

Proposing Mischief by Regina Jennings (Bethany House); Joplin Chronicles, book 2

The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden (Bethany House); Hope and Glory, book 3

  

When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin (Revell)

Let It Be Me by Becky Wade (Bethany House); Misty River Romance, book 2

Autumn by the Sea by Melissa Tagg (Indie); Muir Harbor, book 1

"The Journey of Runs-Far" by Lori Benton

While Runs-Far, beloved elder of the Cherokee, lays dying, he dreams of Sedi, the wife who bore him two children and was carrying a third when she was captured by white soldiers, and never seen again. For the next forty years, Runs-Far taught his people the ways of Jesus, yet Sedi’s loss distanced him from the God he served. In his dream, his long-vanished wife accuses him of abandoning his search too soon. Even Creator is telling him it is not his day to die—he has unfinished business. But Runs-Far is old. Learning what happened to Sedi will lead him through lands settled by white men. He cannot go alone. Blue-Jay, his son, must go with him. Blue-Jay fears to lose a father as once he lost a mother—a loss over which he still carries guilt. Dare he believe forgiveness lies in making a journey seemingly born more of folly than faith? If he and his father find what they seek, will they wish they hadn’t? Knowing only that the journey begins where Runs-Far abandoned his search long ago, the two set out from the mountains of their home with little more than hope to guide them.

 I think the story could just as accurately be called The Journey of Blue-Jay, from whose perspective we follow most of the story. He's the one who is reluctantly along for the ride, and whose heart is in need of as much as if not more healing than his father's. Blue-Jay has suffered significant loss--his mother, two wives, and his children. He very nearly lost his father, and he doesn't want to lose him on what is likely to be a fruitless journey.

I probably should have made the connections sooner as to who Runs-Far is searching for, but it was a delight when I realized precisely who it was--all the clues were there, tucked between the pages of various novels, but I had completely missed it until this story!

To understand Runs-Far's journey, it helps to be familiar with pretty near all of the author's books. The King's Mercy tells how Runs-Far met Sedi, and the Kindred duology (Mountain Laurel and Shiloh) definitely precede this story. However, Burning Sky is helpful for understanding Shiloh, and there are cameos of characters from Many Sparrows and The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn along the journey. So if you're like me and have read every book by Lori Benton, it's a wonderful opportunity to look in on beloved characters a few years--or decades--later than their stories took place. But if you haven't read all her other books, it may feel like there are things you're missing. I'd highly recommend her novels, just for how excellent they are, and then read this novella for a satisfying conclusion to a story that has secretly spanned several novels.

Related novels in chronological order:

The King's Mercy (tells how Runs-Far met Sedi)

Many Sparrows (character cameos)

Burning Sky (helpful to read to best understand Shiloh)

The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn (character cameos)

Kindred
1. Mountain Laurel
2. Shiloh
2.5 The Journey of Runs Far

"Shadows of Swanford Abbey" by Julie Klassen

News of her brother's worrisome behavior spurs Miss Rebecca Lane to return home to her village. Upon her arrival, he begs her to go to nearby Swanford Abbey, a medieval monastery turned grand hotel rumored to be haunted. She reluctantly agrees to stay at the abbey until she can deliver his manuscript to a fellow guest who might help him get published--an author who once betrayed them. There she encounters Sir Frederick--baronet, magistrate, and former neighbor--who long ago broke her heart. Now a handsome widower of thirty-five, he is trying to overcome a past betrayal of his own. When the famous author is found dead, Sir Frederick makes inquiries and quickly discovers that several people held grudges against the author, including Miss Lane and her brother. As Sir Frederick searches for answers, he is torn between his growing feelings for Rebecca and his pursuit of the truth. For Miss Lane is clearly hiding something. . . .

This book put me in mind of the author's Ivy Hill books, but with a murder mystery in it; there's the same close-knit sense of village life, with all its connections and shared history--both the positives and negatives. It isn't a fast-paced mystery by any means, and definitely more of a classic mystery than suspense, as there's very little sense of danger to the story. I'd hoped there would be a more Gothic flavor like some of the author's earlier novels, but in spite of the supposedly ghost-haunted abbey, the story didn't have a dark or spooky feel. It was interesting learning more about the police procedurals of Regency village life--or nearly lack thereof, since any investigation beyond cause of death falls to Sir Frederick as magistrate and the village constable, who is even greener in his elected position than Frederick. 

There was nothing particularly objectionable about Frederick or Rebecca, though they didn't stand out to me like some of the main characters in other books by the author; maybe it's because the investigation took up more of the spotlight, leaving less room to delve as deeply into their dreams and desires. I did like Sir Frederick's patience and kindness--he knows that Rebecca is hiding something if not outright lying, but instead of pushing her into a confrontation, he lets her know that he will be willing to listen whenever she's ready to talk; he doesn't impute his unfaithful wife's actions upon Rebecca. And I can't blame Rebecca for wanting to protect her brother--fearing he's done something terrible, castigating herself for thinking such things, and hoping against hope she's wrong.

It was not my favorite, but it was still a pleasant read.

"Proposing Mischief" by Regina Jennings - Joplin Chronicles, book 2

Maisie Kentworth is stuck on the ranch. Having fallen in love with the wrong guy, she can't risk inflaming things between her former beau and her protective family. Left to rue her mistakes, she keeps busy exploring the idle mine at the edge of their property. Boone Bragg is also stuck. With his parents on vacation, the management of Bragg Mining falls on him, and one of his advisors wants him as a son-in-law. One wrong move, and Boone will end up either offending an associate or getting married to a woman he can't endure. While closing up a spent mine, Boone gets two surprises. One is an untamed farm girl who's trespassing with a pickax, and the other is the amazing crystal cavern that she's discovered. Suddenly Boone sees a way to overhaul the family business. With part of the cavern on Kentworth land, Boone makes Maisie a proposal that he hopes will solve all of their problems. Instead it throws Joplin into chaos.

This was a fun marriage of convenience story. I enjoyed the progression of strangers marrying for practical reasons to friends to finally in love, with all sorts of shenanigans in the meantime. 

Although they come from two very different worlds, Boone and Maisie ended up being a fun and believable couple. They're both awkward in their own special ways--Maisie mostly out of country bumpkin-ness, and Boone out of extreme single-minded focus. But they do have one other trait in common--sheer practicality. It's a bit scary what creative activity Maisie might get up to when bored, but it's amazing that how no matter how off the wall her decision might be--like breaking into a locked trunk to borrow equipment for her trespassing expedition in a mine, or marrying a basic stranger--it's undergirded with practical thinking. And they both have a strong sense of commitment and loyalty. Perhaps they do have a lot in common after all!

It was fun learning more Joplin history, like the fact that a crystal cave did (and does) exist--it's just no longer physically accessible. And getting more of the Kentworth cousins was a delight--from rough-and-tumble Hank and Amos, to dogged--but elegant--former Pinkerton agent Calista, to genius architect Olive. Hopefully Olive will star in the next book, but I'm looking forward to it, whichever cousin it will feature!

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

Joplin Chronicles
1. Courting Misfortune
2. Proposing Mischief
3. Engaging Deception

"You and Me" by Becky Wade; Misty River Romance book 2.5

Easy-going, artistic Connor Bryant fell hard for his friend Shay Seaver when they were both in the seventh grade. Now, sixteen years later, he's returned to Misty River. She's finally between boyfriends. And his crush on her hasn't wavered. Now's his chance. He tells Shay that he's found someone he wants to date and is in need of a makeover when it comes to his appearance and dating strategies. He asks if she'll serve as his consultant -- in hopes that he'll learn how he can become her ideal man. What he doesn't tell her? That she's the one he wants to date. Shay immediately agrees to Connor's request because he's one of the best guys she knows. However, she quickly realizes she's in over her head. She's pledged to help him win the affection of another woman -- even though she dearly wants to claim his heart.

If you're looking for a short, sweet romance, look no further! It's full of the author's trademark humor (gotta love Connor's mom's quirky relationship with food), which enhances the fully satisfying romance. Those who love Christmas romances will take joy in the setting. I was glad, though, that the author doesn't attribute the story to nebulous Christmas magic--rather, she turns Shay's focus to the true reason for the season, and that's not her desires, or Connor, or her family. 

While connected to the novels in the series--with cameos by most of the main characters from Stay With Me and Let It Be Me--this story stands on its own; it's not actively about the Miracle 5 like the novels. So it's a fun supplement without being vital to the series, and vice versa. I enjoyed it.

Misty River Romance
0.5: Take a Chance on Me (prequel novella)
1. Stay With Me
2. Let It Be Me
2.5: You and Me (novella)
3. Turn to Me

"The Lines Between Us" by Amy Lynn Green

Since the attack on Pearl Harbor, Gordon Hooper and his buddy Jack Armitage have done “work of national importance” in the West as conscientious objectors: volunteering as smokejumpers, parachuting into and fighting raging wildfires. But the number of winter blazes they’re called to in early 1945 seems suspiciously high, and when an accident leaves Jack badly injured, Gordon realizes the facts don’t add up. A member of the Women’s Army Corps, Dorie Armitage has long been ashamed of her brother’s pacificism, but she's shocked by news of his accident. Determined to find out why he was harmed, she arrives at the national forest under the guise of conducting an army report...and finds herself forced to work with Gordon. He believes it’s wrong to lie; she’s willing to do whatever it takes so justice will be done. As they search for clues, Gordon and Dorie must wrestle with their convictions about war and peace and decide what to do with the shocking secrets they discover.

I love learning new bits of history, and this book has a plot hinged on a fascinating aspect of WWII homefront danger that I'd never heard of before (and won't share, for spoiler reasons). 

For all that the story begins with Dorie and Gordon's brief love affair via letters, it isn't a romance--just a journey to restored friendship, which I think works better; those two would have a lot of points of contention in fundamental areas, which would make marriage a challenge. I wasn't too keen on Dorie at first--despite her convictions in supporting the war so far as to become a WAC, she practically lives to thumb her at authority when it interferes with what she wants. But her audacity is admirable at other times (and I know the value of a friend who can talk their way into or out of anything), and she grew on me. I related much more with Gordan's quieter, more introspective personality. 

A major facet of the story is pacifism vs serving in the war effort. Gordan lands squarely on one side and Dorie on the other, but in the end both learn some value of the other's stance. I think the author strikes an excellent balance between the two sides. Even within the pacifist side, there are different viewpoints expressed by various characters--a non-religious communist, an extremely religious dogmatic, a black man, a jokester. It's a group of men who are united by a job and a shared moral belief, but they're still all just men with different personalities and histories that shape the way they view life. 

"As Dawn Breaks" by Kate Breslin

Amid the Great War in 1918 England, munitions worker Rosalind Graham is desperate to escape the arranged marriage being forced on her by her ruthless guardian. When the Chilwell factory explodes, killing hundreds of unidentified workers, Rose realizes the world believes she perished in the disaster. Seizing the chance to escape, she assumes a new identity, taking a supervisory position in Gretna, Scotland, as Miss Tilly Lockhart. RAF Captain Alex Baird is returning home to Gretna on a secret mission to uncover the saboteur suspected in the Chilwell explosion, as Gretna's factory is likely next. Alex is surprised to discover a young woman, Miss Lockhart, renting his boyhood room, but the two eventually bond over their mutual affection for his family--until Alex receives orders to surveil her. Rose squirms beneath Alex's scrutiny while she struggles to gain her workers' respect. But when her deception turns to danger, she and Alex must find a way to put their painful pasts behind them and together try to safeguard the future.

I'd known of the women who worked in munitions factories for the war effort in WWII, but I hadn't realized how many women had in WWI as well, or what dangerous jobs they held--where the atmosphere was so physically explosive that one couldn't even have metal bra hooks or silk stockings, lest a spark from the static electricity blow the factory. And I can't imagine that so much exposure to TNT that one turned yellow was good for long term health. It was a fascinating bit of history!

As with any time one is lying about one's identity, there's the expectation that it will blow up worse than a munitions factory when one's secrets are revealed, and such is the case for Rose. I loved how she grew through the story, but I can see why Alex takes such great affront at her lies--she does look highly suspicious regarding the Chilwell explosion, and when there's a threat of sabotage where she's currently employed . . . it would be all too easy to come to the wrong conclusions. I greatly enjoyed some Mission Impossible-esque elements, though as is the case with any master of disguise plot, my head was left spinning trying to figure out who and what I has missed throughout the story. It was a pleasure to catch some cameos of characters from a previous book (High as the Heavens).

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

Kimberly Duffy's "Every Word Unsaid"

Augusta Travers has spent the last three years avoiding the stifling expectations of New York society and her family's constant disappointment. As the nation's most fearless--and reviled--columnist, Gussie travels the country with her Kodak camera and spins stories for women unable to leave hearth and home. But when her adventurous nature lands her in the middle of a scandal, she's forced to leave America entirely. Arriving in India, she expects only a nice visit with childhood friends, siblings Catherine and Gabriel, and adventures that will further her career. Instead, she finds herself facing a plague epidemic, confusion over Gabriel's sudden appeal, and the realization that what she wants from life is changing. As she grows closer to friends, old and new, and allows their words of truth to heal parched places, she pictures a new future. But when the fallout of her past decisions finds her in India, will it ruin her chance to finally stop running?

I was expecting Gussie to be more of a hardened journalist, but instead she is a delightful, fun-loving, soft-hearted adventurer. She could stand to be less impulsive and thoughtless, but I loved her right from the start. I loved that "proving herself in a man's world" wasn't even on the table. She is great at her job and doesn't doubt it (though, to be fair, her family hates it). Now, when it comes to pushing herself to write where she is feeling led to write (as opposed to what she was hired write), there the doubts assail her, and every word that people have spoken against her come back to haunt her. 

Words . . . they can build us up or tear us down, both the words spoken and the words withheld. Gussie has grown up with constant iterations of what she does wrong and rarely an affirmation for what she does right, or even affirmations she deserves simply for being a beloved daughter and sister. It's no wonder she is constantly running away to see the world when she feels so unloved at home. 

No one in the book is perfect (except maybe her uncle--I loved him and the way he's constantly following and keeping an eye on Gussie while still allowing her her freedom); her friends are fighting fear, feelings of worthlessness, the desire to control. Sure, sometimes they feed off each other, but most of the time they are able to encourage each other, uphold each other, and speak truth into each other's lives.

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

"The Merchant and the Rogue" by Sarah M Eden -- Dread Penny Society, book 3

Vera Sorokina loves reading the Penny Dreadfuls and immersing herself in tales of adventure, mystery, and romance, though her own days are filled with the often mundane work of running the book and print shop she owns with her father. Brogan Donnelly was born and raised in Ireland, but has lived in London for several years, where he’s built a career as a penny dreadful writer. Brogan and Vera’s paths cross, and the attraction is both immediate and ill-advised. Vera knows from past experience that writers are never to be trusted, and Brogan has reason to suspect not everything at Vera’s print shop is aboveboard. When a growing criminal enterprise begins targeting their area of London, Brogan and Vera must work together to protect the community they’ve both grown to love. But that means they’ll need to learn to trust each other with dangerous secrets that have followed both of them from their home countries.

Having studied Russian in college, I was delighted to have Vera--a Russian--as a main character, though she is admittedly very British, having spent most of her life on London's south side. But her father certainly has a fascinating history. As immigrants, Brogan and Vera have a lot in common, even if they have quite different backgrounds, and I liked how they formed a friendship before moving into romance. 

It's light and fun read, though the danger to the Dread Penny Society--and all of London--is ramping up. I'd have liked a bit more detail at the end--some decisions are made, but we don't see the results of them yet. Hopefully it will be resolved in the next book. I look forward to getting to know more of the society members better!

The Dread Penny Society 
1. The Lady and the Highwayman
2. The Gentleman and the Thief
3. The Merchant and the Rogue

Karen Witemeyer's "Under the Texas Mistletoe" novella collection

Spend Christmas in Texas this year with these charming holiday novellas from bestselling historical romance author Karen Witemeyer, whose writing is spiced with her signature blend of humor, thrilling frontier action, and sweet romance.

A Texas Christmas Carol: in which a town's wealthy, Scrooge-like bachelor finds his world invaded by a woman set on earning his donation for helping the local poor.

~It's obviously a Texas-romance retelling of A Christmas Carol, and there were a lot of sneaky references to it throughout the story. My favorite line was when Evan Beezer yells to his assistant, "Bob, scratch it!" It was cleverly told. I'm not a huge fan of the original story, but I did enjoy this version.

An Archer Family Christmas: in which the Archer clan encounters an unexpected request for help that will require all their effort and a Christmas miracle to see them through.

~It was wonderful to see the Archer clan again, and I really appreciated that Jim and Cassie finally get their own short story! Their whirlwind romance and marriage took place as a subplot in Short-Straw Bride, so they haven't had a story told from their perspective until now. I hurt for Jim and Cassie right off the bat, but they do get a bittersweet miracle after a pretty hair-raising encounter with an outlaw gang. While not a romance, it is about a couple who are still very much in love and uphold each other in their deepest hurts.

Gift of the Heart (Previously published in The Christmas Heirloom: Four Holiday Novellas of Love Through the Generations): in which a widow uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local resort owner, but the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love this Christmas.

~The problem with including children in a story is that they tend to steal the show, and Naomi is adorable--both sweet and wise for one so young, as she demonstrates in her unreserved love Beauregard, even before he (by worldly standards) earns it. But the romance is sweet too. Really, Bo is just plain sweet and not at all the stereotypical wealthy tycoon one would expect.

Related novels:

Archer Family 
Short-Straw Bride
Stealing the Preacher
"A Cowboy Unmatched"
"An Archer Family Christmas"

"The Heart of a Cowboy" by Jody Hedlund - Colorado Cowboys, book 2

After watching his ma suffer and die in childbirth, Flynn McQuaid has sworn off women and marriage forever. Headed west to start a new life, he has his hands full not only taking care of his younger siblings but also delivering cattle to his brother. He doesn't need more complications. When Flynn rescues scientist Linnea Newberry from drowning during a river crossing, Dr. Powell promptly hires Flynn--unbeknownst to Linnea--to act as her bodyguard for the rest of the trip. As Flynn fights against the many dangers of the trail, he soon finds himself in the greatest danger of all--falling for a woman he's determined not to love.

Given my love for botany, it was exciting to have a heroine who is a botanist cataloging the flora of the Great Plains and Rockies. It would have been nice if she hadn't spent the book worrying about proving her worth (the trope of a woman proving her worth in a man's profession gets a little old), but it wasn't unrealistic. I always enjoy learning something new, and this time I learned about all the renegade bands of confederate soldiers harassing the trail all the way to Denver--I hadn't realized the Civil War spilled over that far west. 

With the journey on the Santa Fe Trail, it reminded me of the author's earlier work (and my favorite of hers), The Doctor's Lady. They feature different routes west and different time periods, but there's a lot of similar hardship along the trail (and, funnily enough, problems the direct opposite of each other). For me, this one didn't have the emotional punch that loved in The Doctor's Lady, but I enjoyed it. 

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

Colorado Cowboys
1. A Cowboy for Keeps
2. The Heart of a Cowboy
3. To Tame a Cowboy

"Autumn by the Sea" by Melissa Tagg - Muir Harbor, book 1

Abandoned as a toddler, Sydney Rose has spent years wondering who she really is, homesick for a life she's never lived. When a private investigator crashes into her world, she finds herself heading to a tiny seaside town in Maine to meet a woman named Maggie, who's searching for the granddaughter she lost decades ago. If not for Maggie, Neil MacKean might still be back in Scotland, bereft and alone. Instead, he has a full life in Muir Harbor with an adopted family he loves and a blueberry farm to run. But the farm is struggling and strange occurrences have him concerned. Worse, Maggie's once again caught up in the past, convinced she's finally found her long-lost granddaughter. Worried for Maggie, Neil is suspicious of the city girl who shows up at the farm. But there's something about Sydney that tugs on him, drawing out secrets he never meant to share. While Neil grapples with the future of the farm, Sydney wrestles with a past that's messier than ever. Together, they're pulled into a mystery complete with a centuries-old legend, unexpected danger . . . and a love as deep and wild as the sea.

I don't read a lot of contemporary fiction, but Melissa Tagg is an author whose books I can't resist. This story lived up to that standard and raised it a level (I need the next book! There's a presumably-series-long mystery that is yet unsolved!).

Given her backlist of books full of adorable and/or hilarious meet-cutes, I have no idea how she always manages to top them--she has so many spectacular ones. But this one really cracked me up. There's plenty of humor (in case you couldn't guess that by my previous comment), but Tagg knows how to write a poignant storyline too. I teared up multiple times; Sydney is simply trying to find her place--trying to find out if she has a family somewhere that actually wants her--but is met with suspicion and hostility by the rest of the Muir clan. It reminded me of the 1997 animated film Anastasia, though subverted in many fun ways.

As aforementioned, I'm definitely looking forward to the next book and the one after that! Indi, Lillian, and the dashing private detective all caught my attention--I can't wait to read their stories!

Muir Harbor

1. Autumn by the Sea

2. A Seaside Wonder

3. Wedding at Sea

"Shiloh" by Lori Benton - Kindred, book 2

A year has passed since Ian Cameron reluctantly sent his uncle's former slave Seona and their son, Gabriel, north to his kin in Boston. Determined to fully release them, Ian strives to make a life at Mountain Laurel, his inherited plantation, along with Judith, the wife he's vowed to love and cherish. But when tragedy leaves him alone with his daughter, Mandy, and his three remaining slaves, he decides to return north. In Boston, Seona has taken her first tentative steps as a free woman, while trying to banish Ian from her heart. Then Ian arrives, offering a second chance Seona hadn't dared imagine. But the wide-open frontier of Shiloh feels as boundless and terrifying as her newfound freedom--a place of new friends and new enemies, where deep bonds are renewed but old hurts stand ready to rear their heads. It will take every ounce of faith and courage Ian and Seona can muster to fight for their family and their future . . . together. 

This is essentially the second half of the story begun in Mountain Laurel, but at the same time, it's also a sequel to Burning Sky. It was a surprise how closely the characters of Burning Sky are entwined with the characters introduced in Mountain Laurel, and how some unfinished business from Burning Sky has come to haunt them all. I think the story summarizes events from the related novels well enough, but I'd highly recommend reading both before reading Shiloh. 

I'm glad that there is, at last, a happy ending. There's a part of me that felt like it should have come a lot sooner--doors opened quickly enough for it--but Benton takes a slow, realistic approach. Seona is now a free woman, but she doesn't know how to be free. She has never been forced to make choices before, since as a slave, she'd had none. She'd been hurt badly when Ian broke his promise and married Judith while handfasted to her. Now she has the chance to marry Ian in the eyes of the law, but she's weighed down with fear. He can't keep his promises of safety. As she is reminded, as a savior, Ian will always disappoint. But there is a Savior who won't. 

I did like Ian more in this book; he's much steadier, with a faith that now sustains him. But he has a rough go of trying to woo Seona back to him while making sure that she is choosing him, not just doing what she's told. We get to know Ian's family much better, with all their heavy undercurrents, and even see what comes of Joseph Tames-His-Horse a decade after Burning Sky. It was good; slow, for the majority of the book, but good.

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

Kindred
1. Mountain Laurel
2. Shiloh
2.5 The Journey of Run's Far

Related Novels:
The King's Mercy
Burning Sky

"A Midnight Dance" by Joanna Davison Politano

All theater romances are tragedies. Ella Blythe knows this. Still, she cannot help but hope her own story may turn out different than most--and certainly different than the tragic story of the Ghost of Craven Street Theater. Yet as she struggles to maintain her tenuous place in the ever-shrinking ballet company, win the attentions of principal dancer Philippe, and avoid company flirt Jack, Ella cannot deny the uncanny feeling that her life is mirroring that of the dead ballerina. Is she dancing ever closer to the edge of her own tragic end? Or will the secrets that are about to come to light offer release from the past?

This was definitely my favorite of the author's books so far--I loved the romance, as well as Ella's personal journey. I could easily relate with her: she's doing what she loves (dancing), but somewhere along the line, joy has become second to the work of being the best she can be (and when one loses joy, that leads to burnout, even--or especially--when doing something that one loves). 

This is book I'd read again just to catch all the foreshadowing and hints I missed before the big reveal in the end. Again, I loved the romance--just something about it struck the right chord in me, though it is definitely second in prominence to Ella's personal journey and the search for answers about her mother. It was beautifully written and an overall delight.

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

"The Mistletoe Countess" by Pepper D Basham

Mistletoe is beautiful and dangerous, much like the woman from Lord Frederick’s Percy’s past, so when he turns over a new leaf and arranges to marry for his estate, instead of his heart, he never expects the wrong bride to be the right choice. Gracelynn Ferguson never expected to take her elder sister’s place as a Christmas bride, but when she’s thrust into the choice, she will trust in her faithful novels and overactive imagination to help her not only win Frederick’s heart but also to solve the murder mystery of Havensbrook Hall before the ghosts from Frederick’s past ruin her fairytale future.

This is a fun, light-hearted story that references just about every classical novel under the sun. I don't think I know anyone with Grace's extremely wide taste in books; I love to read, but some classics are more a chore than pleasure to get through, and I don't think Grace has a critical word for any of them. Grace is a lot like Anne of Green Gables, red hair and all, but even more entrenched in her imagination and the world of books. And while she doesn't float down the river like the Lady of Shallott, she does attempt swinging down a rope like Tarzan. Even from the meet-cute, she's clearly a much better match for Frederick than her sister, though the reasons grow deeper as the story goes on.

The first half of the book is more focused on the romance, and the second half delves deeper into the mystery of the attempts on Frederick's life. If you enjoy kissing books, there's a lot in this one. I'm not 100% convinced of Grace's sleuthing skills, or that even with her convolutedly clever mind she should be taking on murderers, but it all works out, and the story is entertaining all the way through. 

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

"Love on the Range" by Mary Connealy - Brothers in Arms, book 3

Wyatt Hunt is temporarily bedridden and completely miserable. Somehow Molly Garner's limited skills have made her the most qualified in their circle to care for Wyatt. But by the time he's healed, she's fed up with him and the whole ungrateful family. For even worse than his grumpiness were the few unguarded moments when he pulled at her heartstrings, and she has long determined to never marry. Molly gets a job as the housekeeper at Oliver Hawkins's ranch. But really she's with the Pinkertons, spying to find out if Hawkins has abused women and if he's guilty of murder. Wyatt refuses to let her risk it alone, convincing Hawkins that he's abandoning his own ranch, angered by his two brothers' coming to claim a big chunk of it. But when another Pinkerton agent gets shot, they realize Hawkins isn't the only danger. The Hunt brothers will have to band together to face all the troubles of life and love that suddenly surround them.

This was an enjoyable end to the Brothers in Arms series. It has a slightly stronger focus on Molly and Wyatt, but a fair amount of the story is told from the perspectives of Cheyenne, Falcon, Kevin, and Winona (so if you missed them, then you can look forward to more of them!). Regardless, it would probably help to read the first two books in the series to best understand this one, as it takes place immediately after book 2 and continues a major ongoing plot.

I was pleased that I was right about certain hints I picked up on in the first couple books, but there was a major surprise I did not see coming in this one. I like being right, but I like being surprised (so long as it makes sense) even more, and with this book I was both!

I wouldn't have minded if Molly's journey to healing was a little more prominent, since she has a pretty heavy past to work past, but I'm glad about the choices she makes in the end, even if it's a lot easier than would be realistic. But this is a romantic comedy (albeit a highly suspenseful one), so it doesn't really bother me to suspend my disbelief that far. Overall, it was a good ending to series. (Oh, and there's a cameo from a previous series--watch for it!) 

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

Brothers in Arms
1. Braced for Love
2. A Man with a Past
3. Love on the Range

"Carved in Stone" by Elizabeth Camden - The Blackstone Legacy, book 1

Gwen Kellerman is an heiress to the infamous Blackstone family, whose history of scandal nearly destroyed her. She now lives a quiet life at the idyllic college founded with her family's fortune and hopes to keep the tragedies of her past safely 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 to challenge 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, Patrick is the only one who can save Gwen from new danger on the horizon.

I enjoyed this introduction to the Blackstone family. I was glad that the book veered in another direction from the initial lawsuit--what happens afterward was far more interesting to me than a mere courtroom drama. I loved how it pushed both Gwen and Patrick to confront their class prejudices--a huge hurdle in their romance, particularly for Patrick (the rich aren't the only ones who can be snobs). 

One thing I trust Camden for is well-researched history, and she always delivers. This time she incorporates the formation of US Steel (altered slightly for the Blackstones), as well as the research and development of vaccines and medications for common diseases such as tetanus. Who knew that the serum to treat tetanus was created by harvesting antibodies from horse blood? 

I'm glad this is a series, as there is so much potential for future books among the supporting characters. I'm really hoping to get a story about Natalia and her Russian count--I loved their dynamic, even as small a part as it was. But I'd also love to see what Liam makes of himself, and where his relationship with old Grandfather Blackstone goes. I'm very much looking forward to the next book. 

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

The Blackstone Legacy

1. Carved in Stone

2. Written on the Wind

3. Hearts of Steel

"Yours is the Night" by Amanda Dykes

Private Matthew Petticrew arrives in France as part of the American Expeditionary Forces, an arrival which a war-weary France desperately hopes will help to end the turmoil. Having faced unthinkable things on the front, he is captivated by the sound of a lullaby, sung by a voice so pure he knows he must have imagined it. But rumors sweep through the trenches like wildfire, dubbing the voice "The Angel of Argonne." Raised wild in the depths of the Forest of Argonne, France, Mireilles finds her world rocked when war comes crashing into the idyllic home she has always known, taking much from her. When Matthew discovers Mireilles, three things are clear: She is alone in the world, she cannot stay, and he and his two unlikely companions might be the only ones who can get her to safety.

This was a beautiful and poignant story of WWI, from an area with which I was unfamilar: the forests of Argonne in NE France, near the Belgian border. There's the expected: trench warfare, snipers, gases; and some unexpected: aristocracy in hiding, a chaplain with no concept of faith, an angel in the wood. It has an almost fairy tale quality to it--Mira is like a princess hidden deep in the wood, though Matthew resembles more a lucky woodcutter's son than prince (which is as much or more a common trope in fairy tales anyway).  They fall in love as swiftly as in any fairy tale, but it works in this story.

As usual, the author's prose is beautiful. As there are five different points of view and all share the author's lyrical style, I did have trouble keeping track of perspective (granted, all I had to do was read the name at the chapter heading and remember it--it really shouldn't have been that hard). Chaplain George's voice was most distinguishable by his ironic irreverence. He was pretty funny, but absolutely not anyone I would entrust with spiritual lives. They were all interesting perspectives, but I wouldn't have minded if it had been limited to Mira and Matthew. Nonetheless, it's a lovely, sometimes heart-wrenching story.

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

"The Barrister and the Letter of Mark" by Todd M Johnson

As a barrister in 1819 London, William Snopes is a strong advocate who chooses to defend the poorer classes against the powerful. That changes the day a struggling heiress, Lady Malissa Jameson, arrives at his door. In a last-ditch effort to save her faltering estate, Lady Jameson invested in the acquisition of a merchant brig, the Padget, allowed by a letter of marque from the king's regent to legally capture cargo from French traders operating illegally in the Indian Sea. Yet when the ship returns to the London harbor, it's met by constables and soldiers ready to seize its goods, accusing the sailors of piracy. And the letter proving their legality has disappeared. Moved by the lady's distress, intrigued by the claimed letter, and goaded by an opposing solicitor, William Snopes cautiously takes the case. But as he gets deeper into the mystery and prepares for trial, he learns that the forces arrayed against Lady Jameson, and now himself, are even more powerful than he'd imagined. 

I've read a fair number of Regency novels, and I think this is the first one that isn't a romance, barring Naomi Novik's fantasy series Temeraire (which is focused on the use of dragons in the Napoleonic Wars and less on the general drama of the period). Sure, some novels have been romances with a heavy dose of suspense (generally involving French spies), but at their heart, they are romances. This book does have a small dash of romance, but it is a bit of icing on what is most definitely a conspiracy and courtroom drama. This book definitely features a darker side of some historic figures that are often only represented in a fond, indulgent way, offering a layer of depth we rarely see. 

The piracy scam seems simple on paper, but as Snopes is trying to figure it out, it reveals just how complex it is, with many moving pieces. Even though the reader is shown glimpses of the villains' movements to give us a better idea of what's going on than Snopes, it doesn't come all together until the end, when Snopes pieces the mystery together. I enjoyed being right about the significance of certain characters, but had my share of surprises in the story too--particularly how they work everything out in the end. It was an enjoyable historical mystery.

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

"To Write a Wrong" by Jen Turano - The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency, book 2

Miss Daphne Beekman is a mystery writer by day, inquiry agent by night. Known for her ability to puzzle out plots, she happily works behind the scenes for the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, staying well away from danger. However, when Mr. Herman Henderson arrives on the doorstep of the agency, desperate for someone to investigate numerous attempts on his life, Daphne soon finds herself in the thick of a case she's determined to solve. Mr. Herman Henderson is also a mystery writer, but unlike the dashing heroes he pens, he prefers living a quiet life, determined to avoid the fate of his adventurous parents, who perished while searching for the Lost City of Gold. As the list of suspects grows and sinister plots are directed at Daphne, the situation quickly deteriorates, and a revealed secret jeopardizes their newfound affection. Only time will tell if Daphne will be able to regain Herman's trust and save both their lives.

This book was delightful, full of Turano's trademark humor. Daphne cracked me up, both her actual personality and whatever peculiar persona she adopts under cover. Some of her peculiarities make a lot more sense as we learn her history, and it was fun to meet her family (whom she clearly loves dearly, but is also frequently exasperated with). In spite of being a man who avoids adventure, Herman manages to be quite dashing anyway, especially as his affection for Daphne grows. 

There are some mature themes in the story--primarily related to assault--that were handled well: neither graphic nor victim-shaming, but also neither downplaying the wrong. I wouldn't hesitate to let a teenager read it. On the mystery aspect, I was highly amused by the author's treatment of "trite tropes," as Daphne called them. 

I loved their discussion on the famed notion of love at first sight--that maybe it's not love at first sight, but the possibility of love from one glimpse. I think that's a more accurate description; it's hard to truly fall in love with someone you don't know, but sometimes one can recognize that this is someone I could easily fall in love with after meeting only once. I wasn't expecting such a thought-provoking line, but there you go!

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

Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency
1. To Steal a Heart
2. To Write a Wrong
3. To Disguise the Truth

"A Man with a Past" by Mary Connealy - Brothers in Arms, book 2

Falcon Hunt awakens without a past, or at least not one he can recall. He's got brothers he can't remember, and he's interested in the prettiest woman in the area, Cheyenne. Only trouble is, a few flashes of memory make Falcon wonder if he's already married. He can't imagine abandoning a wife. But his pa did just that--twice. When Falcon claims his inheritance in the West, Cheyenne is cut out of the ranch she was raised on, leaving her bitter and angry. Soon it's clear someone is gunning for the Hunt brothers. When one of his brothers is shot, Falcon and Cheyenne set out to find who attacked him. As love grows between these two independent people, Falcon must piece together his past if they're to have any chance at a future.

This book covers some of the same ground as book 1--mostly that relevant to Falcon's amnesia, which is helpful if you haven't read book 1, or if it has been long enough to forget some of the salient details. If you've just read book 1, it may be tempting to skim the first couple chapters. 

As Falcon was a might taciturn before losing his memory in book 1, he's the brother we knew almost nothing about, so it was fun to finally learn his story. It's funny how he is almost the opposite of Cheyenne--he's as calm and steady as they come, while she's (presently) a quivering bundle of rage--and yet they're really similar too. Both are highly skilled, especially in tracking and knowing the land, and they respect each other's skills; it draws them together. 

While they do a good job weeding out the bad guys in this book, I have some strong suspicions about one villain who has largely slipped their notice. I'm excited to see how it all goes down in the next book with Molly (who I've been most intrigued by since book 1) and Wyatt.

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

Brothers in Arms
1. Braced for Love
2. A Man with a Past
3. Love on the Range

"Chasing Shadows" by Lynn Austin

Lena is a wife and mother who farms alongside her husband in the tranquil countryside. Her faith has always been her compass, but can she remain steadfast when the questions grow increasingly complex and the answers could mean the difference between life and death? Lena's daughter Ans has recently moved to the bustling city of Leiden, filled with romantic notions of a new job and a young Dutch police officer. But when she is drawn into Resistance work, her idealism collides with the dangerous reality that comes with fighting the enemy. Miriam is a young Jewish violinist who immigrated for the safety she thought Holland would offer. She finds love in her new country, but as her family settles in Leiden, the events that follow will test them in ways she could never have imagined. The Nazi invasion propels these women onto paths that cross in unexpected, sometimes-heartbreaking ways. Yet the story that unfolds illuminates the surprising endurance of the human spirit and the power of faith and love to carry us through.

I haven't read a lot on the role of the Dutch in WWII, so this book was a pleasant way to rectify that.  Through following one family and their friends, it paints a broad picture of the resistance work in the Netherlands. I liked how the author took into account many kinds of people, not just the whole, hearty, and brave: Eloise, with her PTSD-induced bipolar disorder from her experiences in WWI; Miriam, with her anxiety disorder; the residents of the home for the mentally handicapped; those who were too afraid to fight back; even a young Nazi soldier who just longs for home.

For all that it largely takes place under German occupation, with the laws an ever-tightening noose around the Jews and Dutch resistance, I didn't feel a lot of tension in the story. When Miriam was being moved, or Ans out on assignment for the underground, I never had the tightening in my gut, that worry of, "is this the time they get caught?" There were so few consequences to their activities early on that it was a surprise when things actually did happen. I didn't think it was boring, but at the same time, I found it easy to put down. There's a strong, encouraging element of faith that runs through the story. It was good, but I like a lot of the author's other works significantly more. 

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

"Come Back to Me" by Jody Hedlund - Waters of Time, book 1

The ultimate cure that could heal any disease? Crazy. That's exactly what research scientist Marian Creighton has always believed about her father's quest, even if it does stem from a desire to save her sister Ellen from the genetic disease that stole their mother from them. But when her father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water believed to contain traces of residue from the Tree of Life, Marian must question all of her assumptions. He's left behind tantalizing clues that suggest he's crossed back in time. Insane. Until Marian tests his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising. William Durham, a valiant knight comes to Marian's rescue and offers her protection . . . as his wife. The longer Marian stays in the past, the more she cares about William. Can she ever find her father and make it back to the present to heal her sister? And when the time comes to leave, will she want to?

I like the premise for the series and am certainly interested to see where it goes from here. The time travel theory was one that I had not heard before, but it posed some interesting challenges, and it certainly made me wonder how it would work out in the end--particularly the conundrum of having a physical body simultaneously in two timelines, yet only one spirit to inhabit them (and thus able to die if something should happen to either body). The one thing that I struggled to suspend my disbelief over--and only because I love languages--is that Middle English is not modern English. Between the lexicon, cadence, and sentence structure, the inhabitants of the 1300's would have been pretty much incomprehensible to Marian, and vice versa. I do think that could have been a really interesting problem for Marian to overcome, along with the other significant cultural differences that she encounters.  

I liked Marian, but she falls in love awfully quickly--within two weeks, she's willing to set aside her entire life for a near-stranger of a completely different time and culture, though with no guarantee she can stay in either time period. If you like steamy romance, though, this would fit the bill. Marian's story concludes well enough to stand on its own; some related threads are left open for Ellen's story in the next book, but there's no cliffhanger to worry about.

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

"The Heart's Charge" by Karen Witemeyer--Hanger's Horsemen, book 2

Members of Hanger's Horsemen, Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks arrive in Llano County, Texas, to deliver a steed, never expecting they'd deliver a baby as well. Left with an infant to care for, they head to a nearby foundling home, where Mark encounters the woman he'd nearly married a decade ago. After failing at love, Katherine Palmer dedicated her life to caring for children, teaming up with Eliza Southerland to start Harmony House. From mixed ancestry, illegitimate, and female, Eliza understands the pain of not fitting society's mold. Yet those are the very attributes that lead her to minister to outcast children. The taciturn Jonah intrigues her with his courage and kindness, but there are secrets behind his eyes--ghosts from wars past and others still being waged. However, when a handful of urchin children from the area go missing, a pair of Horsemen are exactly what the women need. Working together to find the children, will these two couples find love as well?

I always enjoy Karen Witemeyer's books. The humor, the heart-felt story, the loveable characters. For a book with four protagonists, I found it nicely balanced between the four perspectives; I didn't feel that one couple was given preference over the other. And I liked that it was truly one story--not a different plot thread for each couple, but rather a cohesive whole, with everyone working together for a common goal. 

The multi-racial cast was very well done. Jonah and Eliza were well thought out in how they were portrayed; they don't feel like white characters of a different color. They don't react the same way as their white comrades. They often compensate for the expected prejudice, and Jonah especially is careful to avoid situations that could be misconstrued. He doesn't let Mark run the show--he chooses to interact with local lawmen regardless of the prejudice he might encounter. But he is careful in what he says, how he reacts, and who he is willing to be alone with. 

Over all, a fun story!

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

Hanger's Horsemen
1. At Love's Command
2. The Heart's Charge
3. In Honor's Defense

"On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor" by Jaime Jo Wright

1885: Adria Fontaine has been sent to recover goods her father pirated on the Great Lakes during the war. But when she arrives at Foxglove Manor--a stone house on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior--Adria senses wickedness hovering over the property. The mistress of Foxglove is an eccentric and seemingly cruel old woman who has filled her house with dangerous secrets, ones that may cost Adria her life.

Present day: Kailey Gibson is a new nurse's aide at a senior home in a renovated old stone manor. Kidnapped as a child, she has nothing but locked-up memories of secrets and death, overshadowed by the chilling promise from her abductors that they would return. When the residents of Foxglove start sharing stories of whispers in the night, hidden treasure, and a love willing to kill, it becomes clear this home is far from a haven. She'll have to risk it all to banish the past's demons, including her own.

Treasure hunts, conspiracies, and a haunted mansion . . . This is the closest thing to a ghost story I've ever read in fiction without an actual supernatural element. While I knew there couldn't be an actual ghost, there had to be some explanation for people seeing the same apparition over a hundred years apart--and I loved how it all tied together as variations on a theme! Jaime Jo Wright writes the most complex stories--not complicated and confusing, but truly complex, with an incredible attention to the details that are interwoven and connected throughout the book, even (or especially?) across timelines. 

The setting is marvelous. Having lived along the shore of Superior for several years, I can picture the haunting landscape perfectly, from the brooding lake to the high, windy cliffs to the sea caves. It's no wonder both Kailey and Adria feel the desolation the lake can inspire. Of course, both heroines are fighting their own battles with trauma, heightened by the manipulation around them. If you're looking for a superb Gothic tale of suspense that spans more than a century, look no further!

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

Bethany Turner's "Plot Twist"

February 4, 2003, promises to be a typical day for Olivia Ross—a greeting card writer whose passion project is a screenplay of her own. But after she and a handsome actor have a magical meet-cute in a coffee shop, they make a spontaneous pact: in ten years, after they’ve found the success they’re just sure they’re going to achieve, they’ll return to the coffeehouse to partner up and make a film together. The only problem? Olivia neglected to get the stranger’s name. But she doesn’t forget his face—or the date. Every February 4 for the next ten years, Olivia has a day full of coincidences and ironies. As men come and go and return to her life, she continues to write, but still wonders about the guy from the coffee shop—the nameless actor she’s almost certain has turned out to be Hamish MacDougal, now a famous A-lister and Hollywood leading man. But a lot can happen in ten years, and while waiting for the curtain to rise on her fate, the true story of Olivia’s life is being written—and if she’s not careful, she’ll completely miss the real-life romantic comedy playing out right before her eyes.

This was a fun story, with the feel of a classic rom-com, yet it's also subverted: meet-cutes and plot devices that one would expect to follow the classic patterns don't always. There were definitely twists I didn't see coming (and some I did), but one of the biggest twists on a rom-com is that this is as much a story about friendship as it is romance. Olivia's long-term friendship with Fiona is one of the most important things in her life, and regardless of the pain it may cause her, she will put their friendship first--even before love. 

I enjoyed that the book took place almost entirely on February 4th each year over a decade; it reminded me a bit of the film Groundhog's Day, with Olivia's inability to escape the "curse" of weirdly coincidental encounters each year. She makes some selfish decisions, some selfless decisions, and sometimes has no idea how to react to the weirdness. Over all, I quite enjoyed it. It was clean and funny, tugged the heartstrings, and was a welcome diversion from a particularly busy season! 

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

"Paint and Nectar" by Ashley Clark - Heirloom Secrets, book 2

In 1929, a spark forms between talented watercolorist Eliza and William, a charming young man who has been hired to forge her popular paintings. Her aunt makes it clear Eliza should stay away from him because of a feud over missing heirloom silver. But the source of the rivalry was long ago, and the two fall in love. William regrets the job that desperation led him to take and their families' ongoing bitterness, but setting things right comes at a cost. In present-day Charleston, Lucy Legare has just inherited an old house along with all the secrets it holds, possibly including an old silver heirloom. Declan Pinckney is determined to buy the house for his family's development company. But as Lucy uncovers secrets about the house, garden, and silver, she becomes more determined than ever to preserve the historic Charleston property, not only for history's sake but also for her own.

As is often the case with two storylines, I confess to finding myself more invested in one than the other--in this case, the historical timeline more than the contemporary. How can one resist a forger falling in love with the artist he's forging? I was actually quite surprised by how their story turned out, especially given the way facts revealed in the contemporary timeline made things appear for a while!

I did struggle to understand the exact connections between storylines. It's probably more my fault than the author's--I was pretty exhausted when I read the book (and fell asleep for a while about a third of the way in), and I suspect it strongly affected my comprehension. I also might have been more invested if I knew anything about Charleston or antique silver. But as an artist who loves botanicals, I most certainly appreciated Eliza's occupation and subject matter!

I enjoyed all the connections to The Dress Shop on King Street--while I don't think one would have to read that book first, there are a lot more connections than I anticipated between the two stories. It makes me wonder if book 3 will be so thoroughly intertwined as well! I recognized a bit of set-up for it, especially near the end.

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

Heirloom Secrets
1. The Dress Shop on King Street
2. Paint and Nectar

"The Paris Betrayal" by James R Hannibal

After a rough mission in Rome involving the discovery of a devastating bioweapon, Company spy Ben Calix returns to Paris to find his perfectly ordered world has collapsed. A sniper attack. An ambush. A call for help that brings French SWAT forces down on his head. Ben is out. This is a severance--reserved for incompetents and traitors. Searching for answers and anticipating a coming attack, Ben and a woman swept up in his misfortunes must travel across Europe to find the sniper who tried to kill him, the medic who saved his life, the schoolmaster who trained him, and an upstart hacker from his former team. More than that, Ben must come to grips with his own insignificance as the Company's plan to stop Leviathan from unleashing the bioweapon at any cost moves forward without him--and he struggles against the infection that is swiftly claiming territory within his own body.

One thing I have gathered from the books I've read by James Hannibal, you can count on a fast-paced international thriller with plenty of twists and turns. The villains are so clever you'd think the hero has no chance--until it proves that the good guys are cleverer yet. 

The story seems to be set post-corona--there are references to the pandemic, but more so in past tense. At this point I'm pretty sick of anything pandemic-related, but it didn't bother me in this book--rather surprising, given that the plot centers on weaponizing plague. But that's the power of engaging characters and captivating plots. I loved how this book continued to surprise me. It would make a great action movie. The author tosses in the occasional spy tip, and the weird thing is, some of them are actually practical for everyday life--like how to survive going through the ice on frozen lake. 

While the story never mentions God or Christianity, it has an allegorical feel; it wasn't until I read the author's notes at the end that I discovered that the story derives a lot from the book of Job (which sounds strange, given this is a spy thriller, but it actually works).

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

"The Nature of a Lady" by Roseanna M White - The Secrets of the Isles, book 1

Lady 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.

As one who enjoys botany, I was looking forward to an in-depth look at naturalists of the early 1900's. While it is a subject important to both Libby and Oliver, lets just say the story turned in a different--but plenty exciting--direction: towards local lore and pirates and treasure hunts. I was surprised to discover that the pirate John Mucknell--commissioned by the Prince of Wales in exile himself--is an actual part of the history of the Isles of Scilly (even if the treasure was fiction). As they say, sometimes truth is stranger than fiction!

Oliver is as sweet and kind as can be (when not dealing with his arch nemesis, at least), an excellent match for Libby. Libby lacks confidence early in the book, but she grows more of a backbone as time goes on. If I had a problem with the story, it's that Libby's lady's aid, Mabena, is a supremely compelling character--to the point that she overshadowed Libby, and I wanted to skip ahead to Mabena's parts. A decent portion of the book is from her point of view, and she has a fascinating backstory so at odds with her current appearance and profession. And an equally entertaining romance.

I'm excited to spend more time with the characters! Hopefully we'll be seeing a lot more of Beth and Sheridan and Emily in the books to come. I suspect certain disreputable characters will continue to make life difficult for them as well.

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

Secrets of the Isles
1. The Nature of a Lady
2. To Treasure an Heiress
3. Worthy of Legend

"Let It Be me" by Becky Wade - Misty River Romance, book 2

Having graduated college at 18, Sebastian Grant has continued to leverage his intelligence and determination to become a pediatric heart surgeon. Then he meets high school math teacher Leah Montgomery, and his fast-spinning world comes to a sudden stop. A math prodigy, Leah has always wanted to pursue her PhD, but after her parents' abandonment, she willingly put that dream on hold to raise her brother. Now that he is of age, she's set on avoiding any obstacles to her goal--including romance. When Leah receives surprising news in the process of taking a test for tracking her ancestry, she asks Sebastian to help her comb through aged hospital records to learn more. Soon his presence isn't so easily ignored. When Sebastian learns his best friend also has feelings for Leah, he feels honor-bound to step back.  Attaining their deepest desires may require more sacrifices than they ever imagined.

Leah is funny. Really funny. When I think of personality traits that might characterize a math prodigy, a solid sense of humor is not one of them, but I loved Leah's way of expressing herself. She's not funny because she's socially inept--in fact, though she is well aware of her lack of skills in the department of interpersonal relations, she's not actually an awkward person. And when she senses she's verging into awkward territory, she will flat out state what she means and and ask what she wants to know--no beating around the bush. While Sebastian can be funny, he's super intense, and Leah's humor balances him nicely. 

Sebastian and Ben's relationship was one of the hardest--and most rewarding--factors in the book, as Ben has been openly (to Sebastian, that is) in love with Leah for two solid years. As infatuated as Sebastian is with Leah, he absolutely refuses to cross the line in pursuing Leah while Ben is in love with her. And even after Ben offers his blessing, it is more important to Sebastian to make sure his relationship with Ben is on solid ground. Theirs is a friendship for the ages.

I can't wait for Luke and Ben's stories--we get a hint of what Luke is up to (freshly released from prison), and we know that Ben is nursing a broken heart, made more complicated by the fact that the girl of his dreams is in love with his best friend. 

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

Misty River Romance
0.5: Take a Chance on Me (prequel novella)
1. Stay With Me
2. Let It Be Me
2.5: You and Me (novella)
3. Turn to Me

"The Gentleman and the Thief" by Sarah M Eden

From the moment Hollis Darby meets Ana Newport, he’s smitten. Even though he’s from a wealthy, established family and she isn’t, he wishes he could have a life with her by his side. But Hollis has a secret: he supports himself by writing penny dreadfuls under a pseudonym. If not for the income from his novels, he would be broke. Ana Newport also has a secret. Though she once had a place in society thanks to her father’s successful business, bankruptcy and scandal reduced his fortune to nothing more than a crumbling town house. So Ana teaches music during the day, and at night she assumes the identity of the “Phantom Fox.” She breaks into the homes of the wealthy to reclaim trinkets and treasures she feels were unjustly stolen from her family when they were struggling. When a spree of robberies rocks the city, Ana and Hollis join forces to solve the crimes, discovering that working together deepens the affection between them. After all, who better to save the day than a gentleman and a thief?

A second fun installment of the Dread Penny Society. It's been quite a while since I read book one, but my forgetfulness in no way impeded my reading of this book--it stands on its own quite well, while at the same time advancing the ploys of the Big Bad.

Hollis is delightful--a charming gentleman with more skills than he appears, but more importantly, a permanently sunny (if, occasionally, good naturedly snarky) attitude. Ana appears pretty demure at first, but once she is caught out, she blooms with confidence (and competence) and is quite a lot of fun as well. The two have a wonderful rapport.

I look forward to further escapades of the Dread Penny Society and their vendetta against London's criminal underworld!

Dread Penny Society:
1. The Lady and the Highwayman
2. The Gentleman and the Thief
3. The Merchant and the Rogue

"Winning the Gentleman" by Kristi Ann Hunter - Hearts on the Heath, book 2

Aaron Whitworth hasn't had control over most aspects of his life, but he's always taken pride in being an honorable businessman and better-than-average horseman. When both of those claims are threatened, he makes the desperate decision to hire the horse trainer of a traveling circus as a temporary jockey for his racehorses. Sophia Fitzroy knows that most horsemen don't take her seriously because she's a woman, but she can't pass up the opportunity to get away from the tumultuous world of travel and performing. As she fights for the right to do the work she was hired for, she learns the fight for Aaron's guarded heart might be an even more worthwhile challenge. Will Aaron and Sophia sacrifice their former dreams and forge a new one together--against all odds?

I am so glad to finally have Aaron's story, after meeting him four books ago and getting to know him better in the previous book! Since he is the illegitimate yet acknowledged son of an aristocrat, he doesn't quite fit in anywhere; he's always on the fringes, a position that I think a lot of people can relate to. But he is a great guy. Definitely has some hang-ups and issues to work through, but I thoroughly enjoyed his story. 

I got quite a kick out of Sophia's inability to stop talking, but she has much more to recommend her as well: she's brave, fun, and not afraid to acknowledge when she needs help. The supporting cast was wonderful as well, with lots of old friends from previous books. Makes me want to start rereading Hunter's books from the beginning!

As usual, I loved the humor of Hunter's novel, balanced beautifully with an engaging story full of heart.  I can't wait for her next book! I'm hoping it will be about the eccentric Harriet and/or good-hearted Lord Rigsby . . .

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

Hearts on the Heath
1. Vying for the Viscount
2. Winning the Gentleman

Related series: (Chronologically Hawthorne House comes first, Haven Manor second, and then Hearts on the Heath)

Hawthorne House
0.5 "A Lady of Esteem" - a free novella introduction to the Hawthornes and friends!
1. A Noble Masquerade
2. An Elegant Facade
3. An Uncommon Courtship
4. An Inconvenient Beauty

Haven Manor
0.5: "A Search for Refuge" (free prequel e-novella)
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 Indebted Earl" by Erica Vetsch - Serendipity and Secrets, book 3

Captain Charles Malvern owes a great debt to the man who saved his life--especially since Major Richardson lost his own life in the process. The best way to honor that hero's dying wish is for Malvern to escort the man's grieving fiancée and mother safely to a new cottage home by the sea. But along the way, he learns of another obligation that has fallen on his shoulders: his uncle has died and the captain is now the Earl of Rothwell, and with the earldom comes some unexpected complications. . .

I enjoyed Charles and Sophie's relationship, from strangers to allies to friends to lovers. The progression felt natural; Sophie starts with some understandable feelings of anger toward Charles in that he shoulders (rightfully or wrongfully) some of the blame for her fiancé's death, but as circumstances push them together more and more, they grow all the closer, learning to forgive each other and themselves, and bonding over shared love of the people in their care. 

I enjoyed the references that one has to read the rest of the series to understand (like Sophie's brother Marcus's enigmatic actions). It was nice of Marcus to impart some of the wisdom he gained (belatedly) in the previous novel. I would have liked to see what happens with Cilla, who is on the periphery in these two later books--maybe someday there will be a fourth book or novella so we can know she's not at the mercy of her domineering mother-in-law the rest of her days?

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

Serendipity and Secrets
1. The Lost Lieutenant
2. The Gentleman Spy
3. The Indebted Earl