Book Review: Heart on the Line

Heart on the Line

Karen Witemeyer
Bethany House Publishers

Grace is in trouble Hiding from the very people who killed her father, she has something that they want. She just out to figure out where it is. Amos Bledsoe has been communicating with Grace over the wire for some time. When he realizes she is in trouble, he travels to Harper's Station to help. Can the two of them solve the mystery before trouble shows up to town?

If I'm terribly honest, the first time I started this book I wasn't sure. It didn't hook my attention the way Karen's books normally do. I'm used to spunky, quick witted heroines and dashing, tough heroes so I put it on hold after a few chapters when the main characters weren't up to my "expectations". I ended up setting a reminder to pick it up another day when I could give it the chance it needed. A few days turned into a few weeks, and then I panicked when I realized I still had it on my to-do list and hadn't finished it. So I picked it back up.

AND IT WAS DIFFERENT THIS TIME. Knowing that the characters were different than what I was expecting, I found myself enjoying the story! Especially when a set of secondary characters showed up later in the book. In my opinion, they were the real reason I got hooked. I could have read an entire book about them! And Grace and Amos did end up becoming the heroine and hero that I needed them to be-they just did it in their own way, not the way that I expected them to. Karen did a great job of growing her characters, not evolving them. Because you shouldn't have to change who you are to overcome hard times. You can grow through hard times. And I think that's what Karen did with Amos and Grace. Their characters experienced growth, not change. And that growth ended up resulting in a sweet story line mixed with all the adventure I have come to expect from a Witemeyer novel.

Sorry my review is longer than normal, but I think that this book was important to me as a reader. Heart on the Line was not what I expected. But I think that Karen used this book to teach me a valuable lesson. I can't change characters into who I expect them to be. But that doesn't mean I can't still enjoy their story.

Book Review: Long Time Gone

Long Time GoneMary Connealy
Bethany House Publishers

The Bodens are back and the danger that found them in the first book of the Cimmaron Legacy has only escalated. Justin is the Boden sibling who is the most comfortable on behind the attacks on his family. Angie DuPree is new to town. Ironically, while Angie left home to seek shelter, she ended up finding herself in the middle of the the ranch. He desperately wants to figure out who is danger surrounding Justin and his family.

Angie wants control. Justin wants control. In the end, will these two be able trust each other?

This is the second book of the series, and I liked how the mystery has continued through each book. The author does a great job of pacing the story and keeping readers guessing as to who is behind all of the mayhem targeting the Boden family. What I wasn't quite expecting was how much more serious this series was compared to Connealy's other books. However, while Justin and Angie aren't my favorite "Connealy couple", it didn't keep me from enjoying the story as a whole. I look forward to the next book most of all!

Book Review: An Elegant Facade

An Elegant Facade

Kristi Ann Hunter

Bethany House Publishers

Georgia needs to find a husband.

To be exact, Georgia needs to find a titled husband that will allow her to live a comfortable life with the protection that a well established man can give to her. Plagued by flaws that the rest of the world can’t see, she knows that only the best match will keep her reputation intact. Colin is a shrewd businessman who owes his own success to his hard work. He may find himself surrounded by people with titles, but he is merely a gentleman with his own insecurities. Both Colin and Georgia have their own fears to conquer. As their friendship deepens, will these fears keep them from realizing they may be the best match for each other after all?

I have to admit something. It took me a long time to read this book. I LOVED the first book, A Noble Masquerade, and I thought I would love this book as quickly as I loved the last. However, Georgia annoyed me a little at first. I couldn’t figure out why she had such a need to be perfect. So….I stopped reading. It wasn’t until recently that I decided to give Georgia another chance.

A great storyteller entrances their audience by creating a powerful story with captivating characters and storylines. However, an excellent storyteller knows how to shock their audience. When I realized WHY Georgia acted the way she did, it all fell into place. And I felt shocked. So much so, that it made me realize how much the author truly developed the character so that you almost had to dislike her at first so that you could truly understand the depth of her facade.

So, long story short, I would definitely recommend this book. I look forward to the next book in this series, and I know you will, too!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: From This Moment

From This Moment
Elizabeth Camden
Bethany House Publishers

Romulus White is the publisher of a well known scientific magazine and the only thing that would make his magazine even better is the artistic skill of Stella West, a famous artist living in England. Despite his many offers, Stella hasn’t had a reason to come to the United States to work for him. However, when her sister dies under mysterious circumstances, she finds herself in the same city as Romulus hoping to prove that her sister was murdered.

I was very amused by both Stella’s and Romulus’ personalities as they are both stubborn, ambitious, and proud. What have easily been annoying traits were obviously written by a talented author who knew how to develop well rounded characters. Even though they thought they were strong on their own, Stella and Romulus needed each other to break down their pride and open themselves up to grow. The issue of pride was a major theme throughout the book, and we saw this not only with our two main characters, but also with Evelyn and Clyde (who are the stars of their own novella, Summer of Dreams. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone wanting an amusing, historical novel with a touch of mystery. Well done, Elizabeth Camden!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: Her One and Only

Her One and Only
Becky Wade

Bethany House Publishers

When Dru Porter is assigned as protection agent for NFL player Gray Fowler, she knows that she will have her hands full. Dru is determined to move beyond her past mistakes, but that might prove tricky with this particular assignment. Gray is self assured, infuriating, and not too worried about the threats that he has been getting lately, which means he is not too happy that his agent is a spunky, headstrong woman who is determined to control his every movement. Dru just wants to keep her assignment safe. Gray just wants to play football and move on. But they might just find that protecting Gray will change both of their lives forever.

This is the fourth book in the Porter family saga and did not disappoint! I especially loved the themes that resonated throughout the book. The most impactful theme that I noticed in this book was forgiveness and moving beyond your past. Both Dru and Gray had issues from their past that shaped their characters and both had to come to a point of surrender in order to move forward. This truth just seemed to resonate throughout the book, and it was really interesting to see these characters evolve. Another bonus of this novel is that I loved that readers will also get an opportunity to catch up with the characters from Wade’s other Porter novels!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Until the Dawn

Until the Dawn
Elizabeth Camden
Bethany House Publishers

Sophie van Riijn is quite content manning her beloved weather stations at the Vandermark mansion. Now an attraction for tourists, its owners have left it alone for years due to an unspeakable tragedy. At least, they did leave it alone until Quentin Vandermark returns to tear it down. Sophie and Quentin have very different ideas for the future of the Vandermark estate. But will the mystery of the mansion bring these two together or will past hurts and stubborn hearts tear them apart?

I have read quite a few of Camden’s novels and I am always impressed by her character development. I’ve read many books where authors are unable to create unique identities separate from their other novels. In Until the Dawn, I liked Sophie’s passion for her weather station and her ability to persevere despite so many obstacles. Additionally, I was especially impressed by the mystery and darker feel to this book, which was not what I was expecting. For anyone who has read any of her previous novels, I would consider this novel a solid addition to Camden’s collection.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: Chivalrous

Chivalrous

by Dina L. Sleiman

Bethany House Publishers

Gwendolyn is strong, heroic, and brave. But in the eyes of her father, she is merely someone who can marry well to keep the family strong. Allen of Elsworth is a man who has risen to the top, but who has never forgotten his roots. Both Gwendolyn and Allen have destinies they want to change and hardships to overcome as they try to find out where their true destinies lie. Will their destinies bring them together or tear them apart?

We know Allen from the previous book in the series, Dauntless. I think we really wanted to see where Allen ended up, especially since he didn’t get his happy ending that he probably would have wanted in the first book. And Gwendolyn is someone who definitely has a lot going for her, but has been knocked down by the world she lives in. Both heroes have things worth living for, and both need each other. What I really like about this novel is that it sets the stage for the next book in the series, which I will definitely look forward to.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: After a Fashion

After a Fashion

Jen Turano

Bethany House Publishers

It was Harriet Peabody’s birthday. But when a delivery goes awry, it seems that the only birthday gift she will get is unemployment. Oliver Addleshaw just needs to make a good impression on some important people in order to make a business deal. He just needs a temporary solution for a temporary situation.

When Oliver meets Harriet, he realizes that he might have figured out how to solve his problem. He proposes a deal to Harriet that will benefit them both and then they can part ways after the business deal. Neither of them expect anything more, until they realize that sometimes temporary solutions don’t always want to be just temporary.

Jen Turano is one of my favorite authors. Therefore, I get excited whenever I open a package and see one of her books, just waiting to be read and re-read. (Yes, re-read) And this book did not disappoint! I love how Turano develops her characters. Their backstories and personalities are often a little quirky (sometimes very quirky) but this is what draws me to her novels. Both Harriet and Oliver are independent people who find that they have to depend on each other for at least a little while. It was enjoyable to see how they change each other. Like any other Turano novel, I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting read a book that just makes you smile.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: Sabotaged

Sabotaged

Dani Pettrey

Bethany House Publishers

Kirra Jacobs was only supposed to work the Iditarod race and get back to her quiet life. However, a twist of fate changes everything she knows. In order to save her cousin, she must work with Reef McKenna to solve the mystery about the group of people targeting her family. In the process, she will also be forced to confront a past she’d rather forget and a future she can only dream of.

This installment of the Alaskan Courage novels starts with danger and intrigue almost immediately. I is well paced, with complex characters who both struggle with their past. While I often find that some novels “de-mystify” their plot, this book actually caught me unaware at times, which I really liked and appreciated. Pettrey does a great job with the flow of the novel and dealing with the topic of Kirra’s past. I would definitely recommend not only this book, but this author as well, to anyone wanting a face-paced adventure.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: Beyond All Dreams

Beyond All Dreams

Elizabeth Camden

Bethany House Publishers

Anna O’Brien leads a quiet life as a map librarian at the prestigious Library of Congress. Having lost her father at sea when very young, these maps are a tie to the family that she lost. Luke Callahan is an ambitious politician who is determined to have his voice heard in Washington D.C. His fearlessness has caused him to gain a reputation, and he soon finds himself in need of a librarian to help him with his political climb. When Anna and Luke team up, neither is prepared for what happens next. As tensions mount, relationships are tested,  and a big mystery becomes unveiled as Anne tries to uncover what really happened to her father. In the midst of governmental secrets, can the truth be unveiled?

Elizabeth Camden has wormed her way onto my book-shelf with her past few novels. However, this book wormed its way into a special spot in my heart. As someone who has a Master of Library and Information Science degree, I cannot even begin to say how excited I was that this book was centered around a librarian (not to mention one that was confident and spunky!) and around one of the most famous libraries!

Camden does an excellent job of diversifying her characters. As mentioned before, I have read several other of her novels. Her characters are unique and flawed. Both Anna and Luke are flawed. Both characters develop throughout this story, which makes it all the more compelling to see where their friendship leads.  I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a little romance, history, and mystery all in one book. Or anyone who loves to read a book featuring librarians!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: The Secret of Pembrooke Park

The Secret of Pembrooke Park
Julie Klassen 
Bethany House Publishers

Abigail Foster bears the weight of her family’s financial misfortune on her shoulders. When the chance to inhabit an abandoned manor arises, she encourages her father to move their family into it, despite local dark rumors surrounding its past. But the manor is only as mysterious as the neighbors of Pembroke Park and Abigail soon discoveries that some mysteries can only be hidden for so long.

The sheer amount of pages threatened to overwhelm me when I first glanced at Julie Klassen’s latest book. Therefore, it sat on my shelf for a little while before I picked it up to read.

I fully regret that decision.

Despite its volume, I was immediately drawn into the characters and plot that Klassen weaved together. This book is a truly well done mystery, set in a historical time period, and is a perfect example to others that there can be a balance between the two. It is not often that I find myself surprised, and this book definitely accomplished that! I was second-guessing myself most of the way, and was impressed that, at its core, the book didn’t seem improbable unlike some mysteries. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who feels that they have been mislead or worn out by this genre. Give it another chance! You won’t be disappointed.

I recieved a free copy of this book from the publishers in exchange for this honest review. 

Book Review: A Matter of Heart

A Matter of Heart
Tracie Peterson
Bethany House Publishers


When the man she thought she would marry ends up marrying another woman, Jessica Atherton has a wake-up call. Tired of being considered self-centered and spoiled, she decides to change her actions so that others know her real character. As her hometown strives to become an official town, this change brings two very different men into her life. Will Jessica’s goal to become genuine help her realize where her heart truly belongs?


Tracie Peterson’s latest book is a tender story, and while romance is definitely a theme, so is identity. Jessica’s struggle with her own identity and how others perceive her is something that is relatable to readers, and Peterson deals with this theme while keeping the trilogy moving. The story is a little slower than the others, but is still a worthwhile addition to the trilogy. It was nice to see what happens to characters that we were first introduced to in a completely different series.

I recieved a free copy of this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: With Every Breath

With Every Breath
Elizabeth Camden
Bethany House Publishers


Ever since they were young, Trevor and Kate have lived up to their competitive spirits which often left them competing against each other. Despite going different directions as young adults, both embrace life with a passion and the same commitment that often kept them on opposite sides. Years later, Kate finds herself in the employment of none other than the boy who used to drive her crazy. Except Trevor is no longer a young boy, but a man on a mission to save lives.

Trevor is dedicated to finding a cure for tuberculosis. Desperate for help in recording his research, he hires the one person tough enough and driven enough for the job: Kate. When the situation becomes dangerous, and Trevor becomes targeted by someone out to ruin his research, the two will have to work together to protect their lives and relationship.

I loved this book. It didn't catch me immediately, but slowly took me by the hand and led me down an adventurous journey. I became hooked, and could not wait to see what mysteries Trevor was hiding. It takes a lot to surprise me, but that's exactly what Camden did. I also appreciate books that become informational, and the topic of tuberculosis was introduced and discussed in a way that made sense for a fictional novel. I was able to learn about the disease, but Camden made it flow well with the story and not seem out of place. I will be "holding my breath" in anticipation of Camden's next novel.

I recieved a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Undeniably Yours

Undeniably Yours
Becky Wade
Bethany House Publishers

After her father dies, Meg Cole returns home to his ranch to take over the business and ranch that she has inherited. Doing so requires her to work alongside Bo Porter, the man who runs the the family racehorse farm. Meg is hesitant to begin a relationship again, but will overcoming her past help her begin a new future with Bo?

I had read a book by Stephanie Wade before, and I enjoyed this book, too. I thought that her characters were well developed yet complex individuals. Despite Becky's obvious financial security and social status that can sometimes make her hard to relate to for readers, she was still down to earth and likable, and her relationship with Bo seemed natural and sweet. It was definitely worth the read, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes contemporary romances.

*I received a copy of this book for free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: A Most Peculiar Circumstance

A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano
Ladies of Distinction #2
Bethany House Publishers


This engaging second installment in the Ladies of Distinction series is sure to be a hit!

Miss Arabella Beckett is an independent, driven woman whose goals to help fellow women sometimes land her into trouble. But when she finds herself in jail, and help comes in the form of Theodore Wilder, a private detective, she is not pleased. Theodore was merely helping out a family friend by tracking down his younger sister. Little did he know that the woman he was tracking would bring so much trouble into his life and have views so differently than his own. How can two people with such very different views tolerate each other, much less fall in love?

I absolutely loved this second book in the series. Jen Turano has created witty, engaging characters that will delight any reader. I finished this book in one sitting because I had to know what would happen! While predictable at times, it was still entertaining enough to continue reading. I appreciate Turano's strong lead characters, as well as the secondary characters who keep you wondering who will be in the next book. I cannot wait for the third book!

 I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Guardian

The Guardian
Beverly Lewis
Bethany House Publishers

Jodi Winfield is going through a hard time. After losing her sister and her job, she finds herself estranged from her fiancé and losing her faith in God. While spending some time housesitting in Lancaster, she believes that the time away will help her heal. But when she finds a young girl abandoned on the side of the road, little does she know that finding Sarah would bring her into a close knit Amish community, and ultimately help her to find her faith again.

I found The Guardian to be an uplifting story of how two very different families could be brought together and help each other grow. It was a little slow at first, but readers will want to see what happens to the characters as the story develops.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: A Change of Fortune

A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano
Bethany House Publishers
Ladies of Distinction #1

Lady Eliza Sumner has lost everything. Her fortune and livelihood were stolen from her and she will do anything to get them back, including posing as a governess for a wealthy socialite family while looking for the man who ruined her life. When her plans are forced to change, she finds herself teaming up with Hamilton Beckett, a family man with no interest in falling in love. Before the search is over, they will find something else being stolen, too: their hearts.

I found Jen Turano to be an excellent storyteller, with rich characters, an interesting plot, and dialogue filled with humor and spunk. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a little taste of adventure and romance. I eagerly await its sequel.

I received this book for free in exchange for this review.

Review: Shattered

Shattered (Book #2 Alaskan Courage)
Dani Pettrey
Bethany House Publishers


The McKennas return for another suspense driven adventure. When her brother Reef becomes the prime suspect in a tragic murder, Piper McKenna is determined to prove his innocence. Deputy Landon Grainger wants to believe in his friend's innocence, but the evidence proves otherwise. Teaming up, Piper and Landon must find the truth before time runs out.

Pettrey has once again created a page turner with this second installment in the series. Readers who enjoy a mixture of love, danger, and suspense will definitely be waiting for the next one!

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers in exchange for this review.

Book Review: A Home in Drayton Valley

A Home in Drayton Valley
Kim Vogel Sawyer
Bethany House Publishers

 

Tarsie Raines is a woman in need of a change of scenery. When the opportunity arises, she joins her friends Joss and Mary Brubacher and their two children on a move from New York City to Kansas. When tragedy occurs, Tarsie and Joss are thrown together as they try to provide better lives for themselves and their family in a new home. Will past hurts and prejudices stop them from creating a better future?

Kim Vogal Sawyer has created a thought-provoking novel that will keep readers entertained from beginning to end. With a spunky female lead, and delightful supporting characters, I thought this book was an absolutely wonderful novel about loss, love, and forgiveness.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for this review  from Bethany House Publishers and I received no monetary compensation.