The Light Before Day Review

After three years on a whaling voyage, Henry Macy returns to Nantucket to news that his grandmother has passed, bequeathing her vast fortune to him and his sister, Hitty. And it was truly vast. But Lillian Coffin was no fool. The inheritance comes with a steep cost, including when they should marry and whom--a Quaker in good standing, of course. But if they relinquish the inheritance, it all goes to Tristram Macy, their father's thieving business partner.

As Hitty and Henry seek a way to satisfy the will's conditions, they'll be faced with obstacles on every side--and it may be that Lillian Coffin will have the last word after all.

The Light Before Day by Suzanne Woods Fisher was a great read for a cozy afternoon. It is a good blend of historical tidbits and romance that is sure too have you engrossed until the very end. I enjoyed Hitty and Henry's close sibling relationship throughout the book as they both dealt with their respective little love triangles. The Light Before Day is the final installment in Suzanne Woods Fisher's Nantucket Legacy series and I think that everyone would agree that it was a wonderful ending.

5 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.

A Sparkle of Silver Review

Ninety years ago, Millie Sullivan's great-grandmother was a guest at oil tycoon Howard Dawkins' palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Now, Millie plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of the same manor. But when her grandmother suggests that there is a lost diary containing the location of a hidden treasure on the estate, along with the true identity of Millie's great-grandfather, Millie sets out to find the truth of her heritage--and the fortune that might be hers. When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate's private library, he threatens to have her fired. But her story seems almost too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up.

A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson is a sweet story and was perfect for a quiet afternoon of reading. Millie and Ben's treasure hunt was full of intrigue, mystery and the perfect touch of romance. Each characters struggles throughout the story made them very easy to connect with as the reader. A Sparkle of Silver is the perfect start for Liz Johnson's newest series and is a must read for fans of the Prince Edward Island Dreams series. 

5 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.

Freedom's Light Review

A young lighthouse keeper must navigate the dangerous waters of revolution and one man’s obsession with her to find safe harbor with the sea captain she loves.

Hannah Thomas believes she’s escaped Galen Wright’s evil intentions by marrying an older lighthouse keeper. Seemingly safe in faraway Massachusetts, her world is upended when John is killed in one of the first battles of the Revolutionary War. Hannah is allowed to continue the difficult task of tending the twin lighthouses in John’s place, though she faces daily disapproval from John’s family. She thinks her loneliness will subside when her younger sister arrives, but she finds Lydia’s obsession with Galen only escalates the dangerous tides swirling around her.

A stormy night brings a shipwrecked sea captain to Hannah’s door, and though he is a Tory, her heart is as traitorous as the dark-eyed captain. Even though she discovers Birch Meredith isn’t the enemy he seemed at first, Hannah isn’t sure their love will ever see the light of freedom.

Freedoms's Light by Colleen Coble was an engaging blend of romance, faith, history and suspense. I felt drawn into to the narrative very quickly and grew attached to Hannah and her story through-out this novel. I also found the relationship between Birch and Hannah to be charming and engaging as I got to see them come to trust and love each other.  I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical romances with a suspenseful twist. I would also recommend many of Colleen's other books as well!  

5 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from BookLook in exchange for my honest review.

A Rumored Fortune Review

Tressa Harlowe's father did not trust banks, but neither did he trust his greedy extended family. He kept his vast fortune hidden somewhere on his estate in the south of England and died suddenly, without telling anyone where he had concealed it. Tressa and her ailing mother are left with a mansion and an immense vineyard and no money to run it. It doesn't take long for a bevy of opportunists to flock to the estate under the guise of offering condolences. Tressa knows what they're really up to. She'll have to work with the rough and rusticated vineyard manager to keep the laborers content without pay and discover the key to finding her father's fortune--before someone else finds it first. 

A Rumored Fortune was an amazing second novel by Joanna Davidson Politano. Tressa's story throughout this novel captivating, it was so easy to get pulled into her treasure hunt. A Rumored Fortune is an engaging story that I think is the perfect blend of mystery and romance set in the Victorian era. It's filled with several interesting characters that are sure to peak your interests. Joanna Politano is sure to quickly become one of your favorite authors as she has become mine!

5 out of 5.  

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review 

Called to Protect Review

For the past year, Chloe St. John has been working as a K-9 cop with her German shepherd partner, Hank. After being dumped by her fiancé for another woman, Chloe has decided that Hank is just about the only male she likes. She's over the whole romance thing and focuses her attention on doing her job. Because a serious case of human trafficking with connections to her missing cousin just landed in her lap.

When US Marshall Blake MacCallum's daughter goes missing, he's ordered to kill the judge he's protecting and tell no one about his daughter's disappearance or she will die. Blake races against the clock to rescue his daughter while Chloe and Hank are asked to be a part of the task force assembled to bring down the traffickers. Chloe finds herself attracted to the silent, suffering man, but thanks to her previous bad judgment, she wonders if she can trust him. And can Blake trust himself around this firecracker of a woman?

Called to Protect by Lynette Eason is an action packed suspense story that is sure to keep you turning pages well into the night. Chloe is the next St. John sibling to be featured in Lynette's Blue Justice series and her story is just as entertaining as Izzy's was. I have a feeling that by the end of this series the St. John's family will have their own place in my heart as favorite fictional families. Please do yourself a favor and pick up Called to Protect, you won't be disappointed! 

5 out of 5.  

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review 

More Than Meets the Eye Review

Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes--one bright blue, the other dark brown--Eva has fought to find her way in a world that constantly rejects her. Yet the support of even one person can help overcome the world's judgments, and Eva has two--Seth and Zach, two former orphans she now counts as brothers. 

Seeking justice against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in 1880s Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his father's death. Only instead of finding a solitary ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself with an unusual family. When Zach's sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time their paths cross, Logan finds his quest completely derailed. Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline?

More Than Meets the Eye is yet another wonderful novel by Karen Witemeyer. As always Karen Witemeyer delivers a beautifully written historical romance that won't disappoint. With the amazing cast of characters in this story everyone is sure to find a favorite. I'm always a sucker for stories involving found families so that concept pulled me in from the beginning. More Than Meets the Eye is the perfect book for any lover of historical fiction and romance!

5 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. 

When Hope Begins Review

Sometimes we’re allowed to glimpse the beauty within the brokenness . . .

Savannah Barrington has always found solace at her parents’ lake house in the Berkshires, and it’s the place that she runs to when her husband of over twenty years leaves her. Though her world is shaken, and the future uncertain, she finds hope through an old woman’s wisdom, a little girl’s laughter, and a man who’s willing to risk his own heart to prove to Savannah that she is worthy of love.

But soon Savannah is given a challenge she can’t run away from: Forgiving the unforgivable. Amidst the ancient gardens and musty bookstores of the small town she’s sought refuge in, she must reconcile with the grief that haunts her, the God pursuing her, and the wounds of the past that might be healed after all.

When Hope Begins by Catherine West is a beautifully written story with characters who will quickly capture your heart. Savannah's story is an emotional journey with a message full of grace and forgiveness. I enjoyed diving into this moving story with its very real and complex characters.  If you are a fan of emotional books that deal with some tough subjects I suggest you give When Hope Begins a chance, I think you'll love it!

5 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from BookLook in exchange for my honest review.

The Road to Magnolia Glen Review

Bitter since his eldest brother abandoned their family in Ireland, Quinn O’Shea travels to Natchez, Mississippi, ready to shuck the weight of his duty and set off on an adventure of his own. It’s time Connor, as head of the family, took responsibility for their younger siblings. While aboard ship, a run-in with three Irish sisters lands Quinn in the role of reluctant savior. Though it may delay his plans, he cannot abandon the Young sisters, especially the tenacious yet kind Kiera.

Upon arriving in the colonies, Kiera Young prepares to meet her intended and begin her new life. But she soon discovers the marriage her brother-in-law arranged was never meant to be, and a far more sinister deal was negotiated for her and her sisters.

Quinn offers to escort his charges safely to Breeze Hill Plantation and his brother’s care, fully intending to seek his freedom elsewhere. But the longer he remains, the greater his feelings toward Kiera grow and the more he comes to realize true freedom might be found in sacrifice.

The Road to Magnolia Glen by Pam Hillman is a wonderfully written historical fiction. You won't be able to resit this O'Shea brother any better than the previous one and the Young sisters are equally engaging. The Road to Magnolia Glen is an amazing story that will soon become one of your favorites. If you've never picked up a novel by Pam Hillman I encourage you to do so, whether you start with The Road to Magnolia Glen or another of her books I promise you'll soon be hooked by her writing style. 

5 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House in exchange for an honest review.

First Impressions Review

First Impressions: A Contemporary Retelling of Pride and Prejudice

Lawyer Eddi Boswick tries out for a production of Pride and Prejudice in her small Texas town. When she's cast as the lead, Elizabeth Bennet, her romantic co-star is none other than the town's most eligible--and arrogant--bachelor.

First Impressions by Debra White Smith is a great book to start off your summer reading with! First off, I absolutely love Pride and Prejudice so I was slightly worried about how I would feel about this adaptation but I shouldn't have been!  I loved First Impressions, I thought that the author did a great job of staying true to the original book but was still able to make it her own. I liked how she took these well loved characters and stories lines and updated it to be modern and enjoyable to those who might find it hard to read classics like Pride and Prejudice. 

5 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. 

The Hearts Appeal Review

Strong-minded and independent Julia Bernay comes to London to study medicine and become a doctor--a profession that has only just opened up to women. She witnesses a serious accident, and through her quick actions saves the life of an ambitious young barrister named Michael Stephenson.

Coming from a family that long ago lost its money and its respectability, Michael Stephenson has achieved what many would have thought was impossible. Hard work and an aptitude for the law have enabled him to rise above his family's stigma and set him on the path to wealth and recognition. But his well-laid plans are upended when the accident brings Julia into his life. 

Michael soon discovers he's met a woman every bit as stubborn and determined to make her mark on the world as he is. Sparks fly--but will they find common ground?

The Hearts Appeal by Jennifer Delamere is a great second addition to her London Beginnings Series.  This book has everything you expected from a christian historical romance. Great characters, a gripping plot, and a good message. Both main characters in this book have strong determined personalities that make for an interesting chemistry. The historical accuracy in The Hearts Appeal also drew me deeper into the time period. I loved how detailed it was without being overbearing. Please add this book/series to your summer reading list! 

5 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.  

A Light on a Hill Review

Seven years ago, Moriyah was taken captive in Jericho and branded with the mark of the Canaanite gods. Now the Israelites are experiencing peace in their new land, but Moriyah has yet to find her own peace. Because of the shameful mark on her face, she hides behind her veil at all times and the disdain of the townspeople keeps her from socializing. And marriage prospects were out of the question . . . until now.

Her father has found someone to marry her, and she hopes to use her love of cooking to impress the man and his motherless sons. But when things go horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to flee. Seeking safety at one of the newly-established Levitical cities of refuge, she is wildly unprepared for the dangers she will face, and the enemies--and unexpected allies--she will encounter on her way.

A Light on a Hill by Connilyn Cossette is a wonderful start to her newest biblical fiction series Cities of Refuge. I loved that the Moriyah is the main character because ever since finishing Wings of the Wind I wanted to see how her story ends. And I must say that I was not disappointed. The themes of hope and grace, as well as God's mercy and forgiveness are spread throughout this story balancing well with the sweet romance. I'm also super excited for the next book in this series which will feature Eitan a character you'll get to know in A Light on a Hill.  Connilyn's books are perfect for those who love biblical fiction or just amazing storytelling.

5 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.  

Hearts Entwined Review

The Love Knot - When Claire Nevin's troubled younger sibling sends her an unexpected package by rail, the gift and the man who delivers it--an unexpected face from the past--threaten to upend Claire's life forever. Fighting to hold on to all she has built, will she lose what matters most?

The Love Knot by Karen Witemeyer was everything I was expecting from this Harper Station novella and more. I've wanted more of Claire's story from the moment she was introduced in this series and I was not disappointed! The story of Pieter and Claire's romance and forgiveness is sweet and easy to follow.

The Tangled Ties that Bind - Connor Kincaid returns home determined to win the hand of the woman he was too young for when he left. But Maggie is training to be a doctor in a distant town, while Connor's about to settle on a ranch. Will either be willing to give up their dream? Or will they both have to give up the love of a lifetime?

The Tangled Ties that Bind by Mary Connealy was a wonderful read. I loved getting to read Connor all grown up and see how his life ends up. This sweet, humorous story is perfect for any fan of Mary Connealy. (and who isn't?!?!)  

Bound and Determined - As punishment for his recklessness, Private Bradley Willis is sent on an errand to help a retired cavalry officer move a herd across Indian Territory. No one told him the herd would be camels instead of cattle, nor that the officer's headstrong daughter, Ambrosia Herald, would seem to be trying to undermine the whole enterprise. He's definitely been saddled with more than he's bargained for.

Bound and Determined by Regina Jennings is the perfect story to hold you over until the second book in her Fort Reno series. Full of historical details, romance and humor this story is sure to satisfy any reader. 

Tied and True - Wealthy Marianne Lister is in love with business assistant Calvin Hochstetler, but he can't see past the difference in their social status. When Marianne takes a job to prove that she is prepared for a life of hard work alongside the man of her dreams, will it be enough to convince Calvin to risk it all for love?

Tied and True by Melissa Jagears was a great end to Hearts Entwined. I loved the take on the class divides that were so important back then. I fell in love with Marianne and Calvin's story and only wished it could have been longer! 

A Passionate Hope Review

Hannah and her husband, Elkanah, share a deep and abiding love, for each other, for their God, and for his tabernacle at Shiloh. Greatly disturbed by the corruption of the priests, they long for restoration and pray for a deliverer. But nothing changes as the years pass. Years that also reveal Hannah to be barren.

Pressured by his family to take another wife, Elkanah marries Peninnah, who quickly begins to bear children. Disgraced and taunted by her husband's new wife, Hannah turns again to prayers that seem doomed to go unanswered. Do her devotion and kindness in the face of Peninnah's cruelty count for nothing? Why does God remain silent and indifferent to her pleas?

A Passionate Hope by Jill Eileen Smith is an wonderfully retelling of the Biblical story of Hannah. While it could be argued that I'm biased when it come to this particular bible character, (we share the same name) I'm being honest when I say that this is one amazing story of biblical fiction. I've always admired the strong faith that my namesake is known for and the way she is portrayed in this story did not let me down. If your a fan of Biblical fiction A Passionate Hope is something you should pick up. 

5 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.

The Sea Before Us Review

In 1944, American naval officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton arrives in London to prepare for the Allied invasion of France. He works closely with Dorothy Fairfax, a "Wren" in the Women's Royal Naval Service. Dorothy pieces together reconnaissance photographs with thousands of holiday snapshots of France--including those of her own family's summer home--in order to create accurate maps of Normandy. Maps that Wyatt will turn into naval bombardment plans.

As the two spend concentrated time together in the pressure cooker of war, their deepening friendship threatens to turn to love. Dorothy must resist its pull. Her bereaved father depends on her, and her heart already belongs to another man. Wyatt too has much to lose. The closer he gets to Dorothy, the more he fears his efforts to win the war will destroy everything she has ever loved.

The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin is the first book in her new series Sunrise at Normandy. It's set in England, 1940's, during World War II (like I believe all her books are) but this story is unlike the rest. Sarah Sundin never fails to sweep you into a new yet familiar world with each book she writes. If your anything like me you'll fall head over heals for the main characters in this book. Dorothy is such a sweet soul and Wyatt is the perfect hero. The historical details were wonderfully weaved into the plot and make this story so great to read.  

5 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.

Holding the Fort Review

Louisa Bell never wanted to be a dance-hall singer, but dire circumstances force her hand. With a little help from her brother in the cavalry, she's able to make ends meet, but lately he's run afoul of his commanding officer, so she undertakes a visit to straighten him out. 

Major Daniel Adams has his hands full at Fort Reno. He can barely control his rowdy troops, much less his two adolescent daughters. If Daniel doesn't find someone respectable to guide his children, his mother-in-law insists she'll take them.

When Louisa arrives with some reading materials, she's mistaken for the governess who never appeared. Major Adams is skeptical. She bears little resemblance to his idea of a governess--they're not supposed to be so blamed pretty--but he's left without recourse. His mother-in-law must be satisfied, which leaves him turning a blind eye to his unconventional governess's methods. Louisa's never faced so important a performance. Can she keep her act together long enough?

Holding the Fort by Regina Jennings is a great start to what is sure to become a new favorite series of mine. Louisa is a character that immediately draws you into her story. The misunderstandings that this book is based on, dance-hall singer turned governess, makes for a funny, compelling read. Holding the Fort is the perfect combination of historical details, lighthearted romance, and hilarious antics. This book is sure to be loved by any fan of lighthearted historical romances 

5 out of 5. 

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. 

The Lacemaker Review

It is the eve of a new age of freedom in the colonies. 
But can a proper English lady dare hope for her own independence?

Lady Elisabeth "Liberty" Lawson has nearly everything a lady of her position could want. Daughter of the British lieutenant governor of the Virginia Colony and a darling of fine society in a rugged land, she is anticipating an advantageous marriage. That her betrothed is a rake and love is lacking is of little consequence--or so she tells herself.

Though her own life seems in order, colonial Williamsburg is a powder keg on the verge of exploding, and her fiancé's cousin Noble Rynallt carries the flame of revolution in his heart. Those with connections to the British nobility are suspected as spies, and Liberty soon finds herself left with a terrible choice. Will she stay true to her English roots? Or side with Noble and the radical revolutionaries?

The Lacemaker is a great work of historical fiction by Laura Frantz. I have to say that it took me a little bit longer than normal to become really hooked on this story but once I was I finished it in one sitting. I struggled a bit on the first 1/4 of the story but after that I was fully caught up in Liberty and Noble's story. As always Laura did a great job writing with historical accuracy and transporting the reader back in time. 

4 out of 5.  

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.

Oath of Honor Review

A murdered partner. A missing brother. Will Isabelle's silence protect those she loves . . . or delay justice?

Police officer Isabelle St. John loves her crazy, loud, law-enforcement family. She knows they'll be there for her when things get tough. Like when her partner is murdered and she barely escapes with her own life.

Izzy is determined to discover exactly what happened, and her investigation sends her headfirst into a criminal organization, possibly with cops on the payroll--including someone from her own family. With her dead partner's brother Ryan, a handsome homicide detective, shadowing her every move, Izzy's head is spinning. How can she secure justice for her partner when doing so could mean sending someone she loves to prison? And how will she guard her heart when the man she's had a secret crush on for years won't leave her side?

Oath of Honor is the first book in the brand new series by the amazing Lynette Eason. In Oath of Honor we're introduced to another wonderful cast of characters that will be the focus of Lynette's Blue Justice series. Izzy and Ryan are a great couple to start on and the action/suspense in this book will keep you turning the pages deep into the night. Make sure that this book is on the top of you To-Be-Read pile this year, you don't want to miss the St. John's family and the rest of their stories that are sure to be just as enjoyable as Oath of Honor. 

5 out of 5.  

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.

Missing Isaac Review

There was another South in the 1960s, one far removed from the marches and bombings and turmoil in the streets that were broadcast on the evening news. It was a place of inner turmoil, where ordinary people struggled to right themselves on a social landscape that was dramatically shifting beneath their feet. This is the world of Valerie Fraser Luesse's stunning debut, Missing Isaac.

It is 1965 when black field hand Isaac Reynolds goes missing from the tiny, unassuming town of Glory, Alabama. The townspeople's reactions range from concern to indifference, but one boy will stop at nothing to find out what happened to his unlikely friend. White, wealthy, and fatherless, young Pete McLean has nothing to gain and everything to lose in his relentless search for Isaac. In the process, he will discover much more than he bargained for. Before it's all over, Pete--and the people he loves most--will have to blur the hard lines of race, class, and religion. And what they discover about themselves may change some of them forever.

Missing Isaac was a beautiful debut novel for Valerie Fraser Luesse. I have to admit that coming-of-age stories are hit and miss for me most of the time, I either fall head over heals or I end up setting it down and not picking it up again. I'm happy to say that Missing Isaac fell into the first category. Not only was it wonderfully written, but the characters seemed to come to life and I felt instantly transported back to the time. I feel like this book offers a little something for everyone. 

5 out of 5.  

I received a copy of this book from Revell for my honest review.