Wednesday, October 26, 2016

The Pattern Artist by Nancy Moser - Review


BACK  OF  THE  BOOK  BLURB
(copied from Amazon.com)
Born into a life of hard work, English housemaid Annie Wood arrives in New York City in 1911 with her wealthy mistress. Wide-eyed with the possibilities America has to offer, Annie wonders if there's more for her than a life of service. Annie chooses to risk everything, taps into courage she never knew she had, and goes off on her own, finding employment in the sewing department at Macy's. While at Macy's Annie catches the eye of a salesman at the Butterick Pattern Company. Through determination, hard work, and God's leading, Annie discovers a hidden gift: she is a talented fashion designer--a pattern artist of the highest degree. As she runs from ghosts of the past and focuses on the future, Annie enters a creative world that takes her to the fashion houses of Paris and into a life of adventure, purpose, and love.


MY  REVIEW
When I started this book I had trouble getting into the story, but not for long, then I found the story of a very strong woman who left home because she could not take living with her parents any longer. This led to quite an adventure, crossing the ocean, standing up for herself by stepping out on her own in a strange country, and following a dream of living a better life than she came from. The milestones she gets to take because of her 'unknown' ability are amazing and you will be intrigued with her story also. What a great book, different than a lot I read. Grab a copy and enjoy, my recommendation!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the NetGalley  <http://www.netgalley.com/> book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Monday, October 24, 2016

A Convenient Christmas Wedding by Regina Scott - Review of the fifth book in the Frontier Bachelors series


BACK  OF  THE  BOOK  BLURB
Proposing a marriage of convenience to a rugged logger is the boldest move of Nora Underhill's sheltered life. In return for Simon Wallin's protection from her overbearing family, the unassuming seamstress offers prime frontier farmland. But their paper marriage changes when Nora's greedy brother tries to draw her back into a life of drudgery. Her only option: move to Simon's farm, and into the center of his loving, unruly family.

Years of shouldering responsibility have left Simon cynical and reserved. But little by little, Nora's warmth opens his shuttered heart to joy. With their marriage claim under threat, can this practical arrangement blossom over the holidays...and become a love for all seasons?


MY  REVEIW
Very good read, held my interest throughout and, Regina did not let me down with this story. I had a hard time putting this book down. Nora and Simon were raised so completely different and how many times in those days does a woman 'propose' to a man, to a man she didn't really know even. Yes, an interesting storyline and I loved how they dealt with all the family 'interference', from both families. This has been a great series, does it continue, I hope so!

Thank you to Regina Scott for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Lonestar Sanctuary by Colleen Coble - Review of the first book in the Lonestar series


BACK  OF  THE  BOOK  BLURB
(copied from Amazon.com)
Though tragedy has wrecked her life, Allie Siders holds on to the hope that her five-year-old daughter, Betsy, will speak again. But with a stalker out for revenge, all Allie can think about now is their safety. She must sever all ties and abandon life as she knows it. She heads to the peaceful Bluebird Ranch, nestled deep in Texas hill country, and to the only person who can help them.

The ranch is a sanctuary for abused horses, and also for troubled youths: the perfect place for Betsy to grow and recover. Ranch owner Elijah DeAngelo eagerly welcomes the duo. But Rick Bailey--the ranch foreman and DeAngelo's right hand man--hasn't decided to let his guard down . . . yet.

Promises made long ago soon force Rick and Allie to work together to escape danger. Will they discover love along the way?


MY  REVIEW
Be ready to be pulled into this story while reading the prologue! What a road you will be traveling, fear, determination and hope will be some of them. I have read some of Colleen's books before and really enjoyed them, this one is no different and she shows that you can move on with your life even while facing the fear of death to your loved ones and possible yourself. By the way, I never did figure out who was causing the fear or why until it is revealed. A must read!

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

When Love Calls by Lorna Seilstad - Review of the first book in The Gregory Sisters series




BACK  OF  THE  BOOK  BLURB
(Copied from Amazon.com)
Hannah Gregory is good at many things, but that list doesn't include following rules. So when she is forced to apply for a job as a telephone switchboard operator to support her two sisters, she knows it won't be easy. "Hello Girls" must conduct themselves according to strict--and often bewildering--rules. No talking to the other girls. No chatting with callers. No blowing your nose without first raising your hand. And absolutely no consorting with gentlemen while in training.

Meanwhile, young lawyer Lincoln Cole finds himself in the unfortunate position of having to enforce the bank's eviction of the three Gregory girls from their parents' home. He tries to soften the blow by supporting them in small ways as they settle into another home. But fiery Hannah refuses his overtures and insists on paying back every cent of his charity.

When one of Hannah's friends finds himself on the wrong side of a jail cell, Hannah is forced to look to Lincoln for help. Will it be her chance to return to her dreams of studying law? And could she be falling in love?


MY  REVIEW
An excellent book for historical fiction lovers. I've been pleased with every Lorna Seilstad book that I've read and this one was no different. She has an excellent writing style and keeps you reading late into the night. Great characters and a wonderful story. Grab a copy and get ready to be pulled in!

Saturday, October 15, 2016

The Amish Heiress by Patrick E Craig - Review of the first book in The Paradise Chronicles series




BACK  OF  THE  BOOK  BLURB
Rachel Hershberger's life in Paradise, Pennsylvania is far from happy. Her papa struggles with a terrible event from the past, and his emotional instability has created an irreparable breach between them. Rachel's one desire is to leave the Amish way of life and Paradise forever. Then her prayers are answered. Rachel discovers that the strange, key-shaped birthmark above her heart identifies her as the heir to a vast fortune left by her Englischer grandfather, Robert St. Clair. If Rachel will marry a suitable descendant of the St. Clair family, she will inherit an enormous sum of money. But Rachel does not know that behind the scenes is her long-dead grandfather's sister-in-law, Augusta St. Clair, a vicious woman who will do anything to keep the fortune in her own hands. As the deceptions and intrigues of the St. Clair family bind er in their web, Rachel realizes that she has made a terrible mistake. But has her change of heart come too late?


MY  REVIEW
There is a lot going on in this book and oh what a story! Also, you don't usually have this kind of anger within a family or danger when it is an Amish story, so, if you like danger you will love this book. It seems like the danger is lurking in many corners, oh and the double crossing of the characters, then it all comes to a head. Will Rachel survive, will other vital characters survive? I guess you'll have to read the book and find out. This is well worth the money and time to read, grab the book and enjoy!

I would suggest that you read The Apple Creek Dreams series first, the story will make more sense to you. Patrick does some explaining in spots throughout in regards to the first series but I am really glad I read the other series first.

Love Bears All Tings by Beth Wiseman - Review of the second book in the Amish Secrets series




BACK  OF  THE  BOOK  BLURB
Charlotte Dolinsky needs time to recover after breaking up with her boyfriend, Ryan. but when a surprise visitor shows up on her doorstep in Texas, she's forced to put aside her own worries to help her Amish friends in Lancaster County. Soon she is entangled in a we of deception--and this time, she isn't the only one keeping secrets.

Daniel Byler struggles each day in his Amish community to heal from his fiancee's betrayal. When he discovers that a member of his family is in danger of being shunned, his pain turns to fear. His only way to help is by partnering with Charlotte, a woman he barely knows who has already deceived them all before.

Charlotte begins building a friendship with Daniel that she'll need to lean on when more surprises surface from her past and she once again finds herself torn between two worlds. Will Charlotte's friends in the Amish community be able to show her the power of redemption and lead her home? And can she help young Jacob realize that God offers second chances at happiness when she isn't even sure herself?


MY  REVIEW
Yes, yes, yes, this is a must read book! Beth did a wonderful job of pulling me in and not letting me go, I even wanted more. It is a tear at your heart novel. This is a great series and comes highly recommended by 'ME'.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Southern Peach Pie and a Dead Guy by A. Gardner - Review of the first book in the Poppy Peters Mystery series




BACK  OF  THE  BOOK  BLURB
(taken from Amazon.com)
After an injury derails Poppy Peters' ballet career, she gathers the courage to follow in her grandmother's footsteps and attend Calle Pastry Academy in a small-town Georgia. Poppy has her work cut out for her not only fitting in with her charming (and not-so-charming) Southern classmates but also proving her worth to her teachers after her first publicly humiliating attempt a making the school's famous peach pie. But Poppy's pastry problems to from bad to worse when she's suddenly accused of stealing expensive black truffles, and her attempt to clear her name goes awry...resulting in the missing truffles and track down a killer, all while honing her baking skills to compete in the school's dessert competition for a coveted pastry internship in Paris. Can Poppy prove she's one tough cookie? Or is her life about to crumble?

**Recipes included**


MY  REVIEW
This book had a slow start for me, it just could not hold my interest for some reason. I liked the story but at first it reminded me of being in school again, like junior high or high school. It picked up a little but I still did not have a problem putting the book down to do other things. Maybe it was me and I was not in the mood for a cozy mystery at this time, I don't know. I will probably try another book in the series to see how it goes, but that has to be down the road as I have some other commitments right now.