To Capture Her Heart Review

In an uncertain time, she faces a choice that will change her life forever
It is 1653 and Heather Flower, a princess of the Montaukett tribe, is celebrating her wedding feast when a rival tribe attacks, killing the groom and kidnapping her. Though her ransom is paid by an Englishman, she is bound by her captors and left to die--until she finds herself rescued by handsome Dutch Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren.

Still tender from her loss, Heather Flower begins to heal in the home of the Hortons, English friends of her people. Torn between her affection for Dirk and her longtime friendship with Ben Horton, Heather Flower must make a difficult choice--stay true to her friend or follow her heart. 

Okay first off I need to say that I did not read the first book in the series. I didn't know that there even was one before I asked to review To Capture Her Heart. That being said I think my enjoyment of this book was effected slightly because of that. To Capture Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarino was a book that I think I would have liked a lot more if I had read the first book in the series. There were so many characters to get to know and I felt a little lost. The story itself was pretty good. I loved the historical aspect of this story and I learned quite a bit. I just wish I would have paid ore attention and known that this was the second book, then I could have read book one (which sounds amazing by the way!). So I think that if you read book one then To Capture Her Heart will be an amazing read for you. As for me I now need to go find book one so that I can be more prepared when book three comes out!

4 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that would be an appetizing second.

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

Before you go check out this amazing giveaway!

Gone without a Trace Review

The past is repeating itself--and time is running out
It's been more than two years since homicide detective Livy Reynolds's cousin disappeared from Logan Point. Unlike most people in her hometown, Livy has never believed that Robyn left voluntarily. When Dallas private investigator Alex Jennings contacts her concerning a senator's missing granddaughter who was last seen in Logan Point, Livy notices eerie similarities between the two disappearances. With self-doubt plaguing her and an almost instant dislike of the self-assured PI, she's finding this investigation an uphill battle. But with the prospect of finding her cousin on the horizon, she'll have to find a way to work with Alex--before it's too late.

Gone without a Trace by Patricia Bradley was a book that I went through so quickly! In fact I read it almost right after I got it in the mail over a month ago. I almost forgot to write this review in time! But that doesn't mean I forgot about the book. I loved Gone without a Trace! I really fell in love with Alex and have added him to my list of favorite heroes. :) But the reason I loved this book so much wasn't just because of the swoon-worthy hero, it was the amazing writing that had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The mystery and suspense of Gone without a Trace was written perfectly. I was captivated by every page. This is a must read for sure!

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that is going to have you on the edge of your seat!

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

Now and Forever Review

Saddle up for romance and adventure with the Wilde sisters!
Shannon Wilde is the middle sister--and the one who loves animals. She's established her own homestead and is raising sheep for their wool. Things are going fine...until Shannon gets swept over a cliff by Matthew Tucker!

Tucker seizes every opportunity to get away from civilization, but one particular walk in the woods ends with him sprinting away from an angry grizzly and plunging into a raging river, accidentally taking Shannon Wilde with him. Their adventure in the wilderness results in the solitary mountain man finding himself hitched to a young woman with a passel of relatives, a homestead, and a flock of sheep to care for.

As Tucker and Shannon learn to live with each other, strange things begin to happen on Shannon's land. Someone clearly wants to drive her off, but whoever it is apparently didn't count on Tucker. Trying to scare Matthew Tucker just makes him mad--and trying to hurt the woman he's falling in love with sets off something even he never expected.

Now and Forever by Mary Connealy was the amazing second book in her latest series Wild at Heart. I loved this book so much! But that should be no surprise because I love all of Mary's books! I have yet to read one that has left me disappointed! Her books always make me laugh and are a great pick me up. Great characters and great writing make for a great read. Shannon is a character that I think everyone will fall in love with immediately, as well as Tucker. Shannon's a tough heroine that doesn't just stand off to the side and swoon as the men take care of things. No, she gets right in there and helps save the day. Super fun read that you must start as soon as you can!

5 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that I'm sure you'll love now and forever!

 I got a free review copy of Now and Forever from Bethany House Publishers in return for my honest review.

The Innocent Review

She longs for peace--for her land and her heart--but can it truly be found at Harmony Hill?
Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. When the war ends without further word, Carlyn finds herself penniless, in debt, and forced from her home. With nowhere else to go, she seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill.

The Shakers profess peace through simple living, but to Carlyn, the Shaker life seems anything but simple. When mysterious deaths disturb the peace of the village, Carlyn falls under intense scrutiny. Can a kind sheriff help her expose the true culprit?

The Innocent by Ann H. Gabhart was a book that I enjoyed immensely. I liked both of the main characters, Carlyn and Mitchell, and their story. This is the first book I have ever read about the Shaker community and I found it to be very informative. This is also the first time I have read a book by Ann and I now look forward to reading more of her writing. I'm pretty sure I have one of her books in my tbr kindle pile (which is way to big). I have a vacation coming soon though and I think I have one of the books that will be coming with me. :)

5 out of 5. A delightful Afternoon Snack.

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

Blessing Review

An impetuous love swept Blessing Brightman away from the Quaker community, into the highest ranks of Cincinnati society. But behind the glitter of ballroom and parlor, her spirit slowly eroded in an increasingly dangerous marriage. Widowed young, determined never to lose her independence again, Blessing reclaimed her faith and vowed to use her influence to fight for women’s rights and abolition.

Gerard Ramsay, scion of a wealthy Boston family, arrives in Cincinnati hoping to escape his father’s clutches with a strategy that will gain him independence. His plan is soon complicated, however, by the enchanting widow. Never before has a woman spoken as if she’s his equal―or challenged him to consider the lives of others.

In a city nearly ablaze with racial tensions quickly dividing the country, can two people worlds apart possibly find common ground?

Blessing is the second book in Lyn Cote's Quaker Bride series. I really enjoyed Blessings character but I have to be honest, it took me awhile to warm up to Gerard's character. It wasn't until close to the very end that I started to like him. After having finished this book I now like the pairing and felt that this book had a good ending, but while reading it I just kept waiting for Gerard's to become someone that I felt Blessing deserved. It did happen but I just wish it had happened a little sooner. Other than that I really enjoyed Blessing and can't wait to get to know her sister! (The next book if I'm not mistaken) 

4.5 out of 5. 

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

Summer by Summer Review

When Summer took a job as a nanny for a couple vacationing in Belize, she imagined it would be a fresh start before starting college in the fall. And while she adores her charge, Josh, she can't say the same for her employers' oldest son, Bray. He's cocky, inconsiderate, and makes her feel she's a chore he has to put up with. In short, he's everything she dislikes in a guy.

Bray had a plan for the summer: party, hang out with friends, and forget all the responsibilities waiting for him back home. But every time he's forced to be around Summer, her dour, serious mood sets him off. Not to mention she has a habit of picking up on what he already knows is wrong with him.

Then the two find themselves on a dive trip gone wrong, stranded on a remote island. As they focus on survival, their differences melt away, and they find being together may be what both needed all along.

Okay so hopefully by now you know that I really don't like to write negative reviews. But sometimes it can't be helped. I really wanted to love this book, it had a lot of promise but there was also a lot that I didn't like. First, there was the famous YA cliche, Summer went from a kinda mousy, modest dressing girl to a head turning, high lighted, bikini wearing, model almost a few chapters in. After that Bray went right from despising Summer to being super attracted to her. I barely ever felt the dislike between them that the back cover talks about. There was the first meeting and instant dislike then the next day they were attracted to each other. Second I felt their whole relationship was based on physical attraction.  Bray couldn't stop thinking about Summers beauty.  And the same goes for Summers thoughts on Bray. In the matter of about a month I think they went from despising each other (for about one day) to being physically drawn to each other to being in love. It happened way to fast, nothing of substance got to grow between them in my opinion. Also we never find out anything about Brays beliefs. Just that before he met Summer he was a party boy who loved hooking up with hot party girls. After meeting Summer he seemed all to willing to wait for her but not because of any conviction on his part. Anything faith related seemed to come from Summer. From what I saw it seems like Summer is what us Christians call un-equally yoked. As I said before this book had a lot of promise. I really could see it becoming a favorite if there had been more depth to their relationship, if Summer hadn't gone through a make-over in like the third chapter, and if I could have seen any real signs of faith in Bray. I really loved the premise I read on the back cover but I don't feel like I got that book. 

2 out of 5. An Afternoon Snack that I felt could have been so much better.

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

Once Upon a Summertime Review

She's looking for her big break. She never imagined it would depend on a blast from her past.
Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it's a safe choice for a young woman starting out her career.

Then, out of the blue, she gets the opportunity of a lifetime: a chance to reinvent herself and reinvigorate her career by moving to New York City. She applies for a management position at a stylish new hotel, The Rothsberg. But the city is full of surprises--not the least of which is discovering that Sean O'Neil, a once-upon-a-time crush, has applied for the very same position. 

Once Upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson was a sweet summertime read that is perfect to take on your vacation this summer. It was a real quick read with some very likable characters. There were some parts where I found my mind start to wonder and get distracted but for the most part I really loved the sweet predictable romance that Melody created in Once Upon a Summertime. Be sure to grab this book and pack it with you for your next vacation read! 

4.5 out of 5. A satisfying summer Afternoon Snack.

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