Monday, April 16, 2018

The Pursuit of Lucy Banning by Olivia Newport - Review of the first book in the Avenue of Dreams series




BACK  OF  THE  BOOK  BLURB
Lucy Banning may live on the exclusive Prairie Avenue among Chicago's rich and famous, but her heart lies elsewhere. Expected to marry an up-and-coming banker from a respected family. Lucy fears she will be forced to abandon her charity work--and the classes she is secretly taking at the newly opened University of Chicago. When she meets an unconventional young architect who is working on plans for the upcoming 1893 World's Fair, Lucy imagines a life lived on her own terms. Can she break away from her family's expectations? And will she ever be loved for who she truly is?

Readers will love being swept away into a world of mansions, secrets and romance s they follow Lucy through the streets of the Windy City during one of the most exciting times in the city's history. From opulent upper-class homes to the well-worn rooms of an orphanage, Olivia Newport breathes life and romance into the pages of history--and everyone is invited.


MY  REVIEW
I have read several of Olivia's books and have enjoyed each one, this one was just as enjoyable. A story about a strong young woman going against her wealthy parents wishes, behind their back of course can lead to lots of secrets. I can highly recommend this book as one to keep you reading longer than you should.

Monday, April 9, 2018

The Mail-Order Brides Collection by Kathleen Y'Barbo, Megan Besing, Noelle Marchand, Donna Schlachter, Sherri Shackelford, Michelle Shocklee, Ann Shorey, Liz Tolsma and Jennifer Uhlarik - Review




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Dreams for Marriage Hinge on Mail-Order Promises

Nine advertisements for brides lead to inconvenient complications in romance. Traveling west alone on a promise of marriage, each woman has her reasons to accept a husband sight unseen. Some are fleeing poverty or abuse while others simply seek hope for a brighter future.

Perfect for the Preacher by Megan Besing
The Outlaw's Inconvenient Bride by Noelle Marchand
Train Ride to Heartbreak by Donna Schlachter
Mail-Order Proxy by Sherri Shackelford
To Heal Thy Heart by Michelle Shocklee
Miss-Delivered Mail by Ann Shorey
A Fairy-Tale Bride by Liz Tolsma
The Brigand and the Bride Jennifer Uhlarik
The Mail-Order Mistake Kathleen Y'Barbo

But what the brides find at the end of their journeys doesn't go according to plan--missing grooms, mistaken identities, nefarious traps, undisclosed secrets, and so much more await them. How can each bride possibly find a safe place to call home and a husband she can love?


MY  REVIEW
I think this is one of the best collection of novella books that I've read. It has a little bit of everything, you always think about what the 'bride' is getting in the groom, well in one story you will probably find yourself feeling sorry for the 'groom'. I was also pleased that there was a Pinkerton Detective story in here, love those stories! I can not encourage you enough to grab a copy and find our for yourself, you will NOT be disappointed.

Saturday, April 7, 2018

Protected by Vannetta Chapman - Review of the second book in the Jacobs Family series




BACK  OF  THE  BOOK  BLURB
(copied from Amazon.com)
ERIN Jacobs doesn't hesitate when she receives a desperate call in the middle of the night. As owner of the Noah's Ark Animal Shelter, it's her job to rescue animals. But from the start, this case is different.

The woman's frantic plea.
Directions to a deserted hunter's cabin.
Insistence that she come alone.
Then she's looking down into a washtub at an infant child.

Erin's life changes irrevocably when she becomes involved with a mother who has lost all hope, an orphaned child, millions of dollars and a father who might do anything to get his hands on the money. Social worker TRAVIS WILLIAMS is assigned to her case. Travis sees more in Erin than someone who rescues strays. She's unconventional, strong-willed, and caring. It could be that she would make the perfect parent for Josh.

Before he can work through his feelings and file his report, the situation takes another dangerous turn. Can Erin and Travis guarantee Josh's safety? To do so, they'll need to rely on one another, their families, and the faith of their childhood.


MY  REVIEW
Vannetta does a great job telling the story of Dana's sister. This was a good conclusion to the two book series with a completely different setting than the first book, but a wonderful story that may even pull at your heartstrings a little more