The Chapel Car Bride by Judith Miller

This is a story about Hope Irvine and how she joins her father on his chapel car ministry to help the people in West Virginia. She plays the piano and teaches the children about the Bible while her father teaches the adults. She meets up with Luke who is anxious to learn about God and become a preacher himself. While the two of them work to improve the mining town they live in, they encounter various problems. But as they spend more time together their friendship deepens and is threatened by the mine owner's son. It is a story of growth and love and compassion.
For me, this story was a bit disappointing. While it was well written, it moved too slow for me. I felt like I was struggling to pick it back up and slog through to the end. I didn't feel a real connection to any of the characters. I liked them, but wasn't wanting to invite them to dinner. It was a nice story, just not a five star for me. I was asked for my honest opinion in exchange for a copy of the story.

To the Farthest Shores by Elizabeth Camden

I don't how authors like Elizabeth Camden do it. They come up with the most interesting story lines and every book is different and intriguing. I feel like I learn so much from her books and enjoy every bit of them. I know a book is good when it takes me 3 days to read the final chapter because I am not ready to be finished. To the Farthest Shores was different than I expected. It was about a nurse and a soldier, but not at all in the typical sense. Throw in some spies, a kind sailor and his bird, oysters and pearls. a precious child, and deceit and you have a wonderful story. Oh, not to forget the flirty neighbor next door and hidden, yet exposed secrets. This book makes you question whether one can trust another to take a chance on love once they have been badly burned. I found myself wondering if I was in that situation would I have done it that way? I honestly don't know. Decisions of the heart are painstaking and sometimes unable to be undone. Pain and vulnerability must be involved at some points. It is a tough call, but all one can do is hope to do what is right. This book was involved, action packed, humorous, and delightful. I highly recommend it. I was allowed by the author through Bethany House to read it in exchange for my honest opinion.

A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander

All that master violinist, Rebekah Carrington, wanted to do was play her instrument before an audience and be appreciated for her talent and love of music. She didn't want to make a ton of money, just to share the deep affection she had for the violin and stir others to love it as well, Unfortunately, in her time period, women were not allowed to play the violin publicly, and sometimes even privately. It was very much looked down on and even the Nashville Philharmonic was made up entirely of men. The conductor, Nathaniel Whitcomb, was never going to budge and let her join. Mainly because doing so would put his reputation and career at risk. He did not deny the talent she possessed. However, Nathaniel had secrets of his own. And when Rebekah stumbles upon them, a bond stronger than one's reputation is forged. But, how can these two people fight for the love they want and against the external factors of society and serious health issues? I won't tell you how or whether this works out, but rather that this is an amazing, uplifting, frustrating, and wonderful story. Tamera Alexander touches the heart and soul of her readers once again. I was so thankful to Bethany House for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review. I truly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it to all age groups and types of people

Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green

This was my first read from Jocelyn Green. She is now on my favorite author list. I really enjoyed this story. I was given it free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. I am so glad I got a chance to read this story. It opened my eyes to a lot of history that I did not realize happened the way it did. This book had major heartache, surprises, twists, turns, and very enjoyable moments. If you want a fluff read, this is NOT it. Be prepared. It will rip your heart out, paste it back together, rip it apart again, and hand it back to you. WONDERFUL!! Emotional!! I loved every minute of it and feel like I was right there feeling the mud suck between my toes and mosquitoes biting me all over. (ick) I highly recommend this story to anyone looking for a good adventure!!

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen

This is Julie Klassen's first series. I am so excited to continue reading about the characters of Ivy Hill. While this had a bit of romance to it, I would not call it a romance. It is more about strength to overcome what life sends at you. It is about relying on your friends to keep you going and how a small town works together to keep thriving. Forgiveness plays a big role. Another story plays along in the background that I really enjoyed about one of the main character's friends. I was quite enamored with that story as well, As always, Julie Klassen delivers an interesting and involved story that keeps you reading right until the very end...wanting more. This is a very enjoyable read and I look forward to her next book and many more to come. I was allowed by the author to read this book and give my honest review. SO glad I did!

Waves of Mercy by Lynn Austin

Well, I just don't know where to begin. This is such an amazing story of decisions, forgiveness of oneself and others, and moving forward. It brings to life the age old question: Do I do what is right or what my heart tells me? It is a story of an older woman reliving her story as she writes it down and a young girl and how their lives and decisions are very similar and yet so very different. I really enjoyed the way the book was laid out and the writing involved. It felt as if you were right there with the person and going through all the things they were. Your heart ached for her to make the right decision while you aren't really sure what that is. It is an amazing story. Parts of it are predictable, but its like you know what is going to happen and you cannot wait because it is going to be so amazing. But there are a number of twists and turns involved also. Some total shockers! I highly recommend reading this book. It is NOT a fluff piece, but totally filled with weighty issues and emotions. LOVE IT! Thank you, Lynn Austin, for another great read that has touched my life!
*The author gave permission for me to read this book and asked that I give an honest opinion of it. I was not asked to give it a positive rating if I did not like it.

A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M. White

Maybe this should be named A Book Unrivaled!! It is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Wow, don't really know where to start. I guess I love the fact that it includes two stories in one. The main character, Lady Ella, won over my heart immediately. She sees the world from a happy place and sees the best in every situation. Her way of looking at and loving life is something I aspire to. Then we have Kira who enters as a maid/spy and is living a life she thinks she wants until she gets a reality check. Although her and Lady Ella have little contact, the sunshine that Lady Ella spreads is contagious! She brightens and influences everyone's life for the better while she herself struggles with some issues she must control. The male character is included in some of the previous books of this series and I was NOT thrilled about him being a match to this wonderful girl. However, once you get to know him, well, he is a pretty awesome guy who has made some serious changes. He struggles with overcoming his past and being who he wants to be. No one better to encourage him than Lady Ella. And then there comes the entire story of the Fire Eyes and intrigue, mystery, and danger abound! How can one not love this story. One of my new favorite authors!! Thanks for an awesome read. Roseanna M. White!
*This book was given to me free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

The Captive Imposter by Dawn Crandall

Wow! There really is not enough good that I can say about this book! I have loved the whole Everstone series so far, but this one is my ultimate favorite! I was grabbed by the first sentence and intrigued as to why things were going the way they were. I instantly felt a connection with "Elle" that I was not sure was going to happen. Reading other books in the series, this particular character played a small role and was always kind of just there in the background. Well, let me tell you... this book clears all of that up and you just want to hang out with dear Elle (Estella). I also instantly had my interest piqued when Dexter comes on the scene. For one thing, he rides in the coach with his dog - which was really all it took to steal my heart - and he is gruff but yet mysterious. You see his good heart right off and I totally fell for him also. This book contains romance, mystery, intrigue, heartbreak, forgiveness, and is a wonderful story about gaining self-confidence in who you really are. It is a great book and I highly recommend it. You do not have to read the others in the series, although I recommend doing so as they are just as enjoyable and they do help you fit the pieces together. Totally looking forward to reading the next book! Thank you, Dawn Crandall, for all your amazing talent and sharing it with us!

No Way Up by Mary Connealy

This book is packed full of drama, mystery, excitement, and real cowboys! Who could ask for more? I doesn't take very long to fall in love with the hero and heroine of the book and her family members! I enjoyed this read by Mary Connealy. It was a lesson about how to relate to and get along with siblings in a family setting and how to face past issues that may have driven siblings apart. With a serious mystery involved that did not get settled until near the end, the book was a page turner for sure. The characters were well developed and very realistic. This was a great story by a great author. I was given the book free of charge for my honest opinion.

From This Moment by Elizabeth Camden

I find Elizabeth Camden's books to be so rich in word pictures that I often feel as if I am right there at the moment in time it is all happening. This book did not disappoint. I was intrigued and engaged throughout the story. It was actually two intertwined stories in one and I loved that about it. Sadly, I did not read the novella Toward the Sunrise first and although its not necessary, I highly recommend that you do. It will pull a lot of the pieces together for you. This story also has a good deal of mystery in it and finding the answer will shock you as it did me! I did not expect the ending to go as it did, which always makes a great read for me. The characters, though stubborn and frustrating at times, are quite lovable. I was given this book free for my honest opinion and I really did enjoy it. It gets a five star rating. It is clean and appropriate for any age. If you pick it up to read, be ready to be taken underground to Boston's first subway in a long ago time. ENJOY!

The Bound Heart by Dawn Crandall

Book two has not been a let-down. In fact, I think I love it just a little more than book one, The Hesitant Heiress. I feel like I can totally relate to what "Mer'edy" is going through! She has such an internal struggle going on within her heart and mind that she cannot allow herself to see or experience happiness. When it starts to creep up within her, it scares her so badly that she shuts down immediately. And, not until she is absolutely confident and ready to let go, will it happen. I feel like at one time or another we have all been there. That place where we did something wrong or have had something done to us that we feel we must be punished for. It doesn't matter that God doesn't hold it against us, what matters is that WE hold it against ourselves. It is a real struggle with self-worth and guilt. Often, as in Meredith's case, someone comes along and as the saying goes 'holds us so tight that all the broken pieces come back together'. (I know I read that on Pinterest somewhere..lol) This is a wonderful story of forgiving not only ourselves, but those that have wronged us. Also, seeing the pure heart of a person, not what they have done in the past. I know that you will love reading this book as much as I did. You do not have to read the first book to enjoy this one, but if you do, it will be nice to see those characters pop up once again. A great story. Written beautifully! I have no doubt you will love it as much as I did!
PS> I also very much enjoyed the story of Wynn, a homeless girl that hopes to find love. She is so sweet!

The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall

I have been wanting to read this author's books for quite awhile. Finally got to do just that. This book was the first in the Everstone Chronicles. I really loved reading it. It is full of depth. Not just a fluff piece, but something you really have to take time to think about. I love those kinds of books. This is a story of Amaryllis who, I will tell you, will frustrate you a time or two throughout the book. She has lived a rather sheltered life and does not believe that she will ever be good enough. So, she has talked herself into spinsterhood and a life without love. She also lives with a ton of guilt about her mother's death that weighs her down on a daily basis. Although the man of her dreams continues to try to convince her that he really does care about her, she just cannot believe him. I wanted to just sit her down and have a talk with her!! Then I wanted to scream at her, but then hug her because she is so damaged and adorable. You will love her and that will take over the fact that at some points you want to choke her! There is a fair amount of mystery in this story also, which I adore. You are never really sure who the bad guy is until he reveals himself. It is a well written, intriguing, frustrating, wonderful story that I encourage you to read. While you are doing that, Amaryllis and I are scheduled to have tea. :)

The Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna M. White

So, I got this book free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. Well, honestly... I LOVED it! It is the second book in a series and the frustrating thing for me was that I HAD the first book, but did not realize it was a series. I was like... Should I go back and read the first one? I decided not to and I must say that Roseanna White did such a good job of incorporating enough of the first story that I was not at all lost. I was so impressed with her writing. This story really gets to your heart. The entire time I was reading it I kept thinking of poor Rowena. What will she do? Will she make the right choice? Even while not reading, she was always on my mind. This book does have a sensitive subject of abuse. The author says that she has never suffered abuse and I am so glad, but I was captivated by how she understood the feelings and emotions that go along with it so vividly. This is a great story and keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat throughout. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you, Bethany House and Roseanna White for a great read!

Flirtation Walk by Siri Mitchell

The latest book I received for free from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review is Flirtation Walk by Siri Mitchell. I was a little unsure of it because I am not really a big fan of military novels and this one takes place on and near West Point. So, I started out with a little skepticism, but quickly got over it. I LOVED it. Not exactly what I imagined it would be about at all, much better! It was, also, my first Siri Mitchell book. She is wonderful author. I would give this book a solid 4.5 stars. There wee times I wanted to scream, laugh, and cry...but it all worked out as it should have. It is a great story of overcoming self-esteem issues, growing into who you really are, and not compromising standards to accomplish something. I am sure any age group would love it. It is definitely a book I would recommend to friends and family. Thank you Bethany House.. and Siri Mitchell for being a great writer!

Undaunted Hope by Jody Hedlund

Once again, Jody Hedlund does not disappoint! Being that she is one of my favorite authors, you know I jumped at the chance to review this book for Bethany House (free in exchange for my honest opinion). I have also read the other two books in the series. There is a common thread among these books of a symbol of hope that gets passed on. Without giving anything away, I will say, that if you have read the other two books, you will LOVE how that symbol plays into this story. If you haven't read the other two books, you can still read this one and enjoy it, It is a great story about leaving your past behind and trying to create a new future for yourself, The struggles involved with past mistakes and getting over them. The hard choices we make on a daily basis to keep our heads above water. This girl went from someone I really didn't like in the last book, to someone I adore in this book If that is not good writing, I don't know what is. The male characters in the book are also quite intriguing. There is a good amount of hardship happening in the town where the story takes place and it will tear at your  heart. It is overall a very enjoyable read. Thanks, Jody Hedlund, for keeping me so entertained! Looking forward to her next book!!

The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klaussen

WOW! I have no words. This is probably my new favorite book. The Tutor's Daughter (also by Julie Klaussen) has been my favorite book up to this point. I really, REALLY, REALLY loved this book. I felt like I lived it while I was reading it. More like being part of it than reading it. It is a story of mistakes and forgiveness, responsibility and acceptance, mystery and intrigue. I wanted to yell, scream, and laugh so many times. I wanted to pull the characters aside and have a little chat with them so many times. I LOVED the ending. I wasn't really sure how everything would work out until the very end. To me, that is a well-written book. The characters are lovable, annoying, frustrating, endearing, and amazing! If you like Jane Eyre, this is the book for you. You will really enjoy this book! I am SURE of it. Julie Klaussen does it again and I sure hope she has A LOT more to come!!
* I was given this book free in return for my honest review for Bethany House. Thank you, Bethany House!

Rising Darkness (Finding Sanctuary3) by Nancy Mehl

This is the third book in Nancy Mehl's series Finding Sanctuary. I did read her first two. This is another great read!  The three books are similar, but NOT the same.  Each one has a little twist that makes it interesting. I thought the character development in this one was amazing. Sophie (Emily?), the lead character, is very complex. She is immature, yet insightful; weak, yet so very strong; untrusting of others, yet wanting so badly to trust.  It is nice to see her character develop and grow. She also has a good idea of who she is and not so sure about who she wants to be, which makes things interesting. The male lead character is amazing, but not perfect.  The mystery in the story keeps you guessing and not at all what I expected.  Overall, it was an enjoyable read that I got through pretty fast (which translates.. I couldn't put it down).  I do like Nancy's books and would read her literature again. Thank you to Bethany House for allowing me to read this book in return for my honest review.

Fire & Ice by Mary Connealy

This was the first book I have read by Mary Connealy. I LOVED IT! I had a few of her other books I had gotten on Amazon and just hadn't gotten around to reading yet. I didn't really know what to expect from her. But I was impressed!  She has great detail and really draws you into the story. The only disappointment I had was that this was book three in the series and I had not read books one and two. It can be a stand-alone book, I was not at all lost. I just felt that if I had read the first two books  I would have enjoyed the third a little more and gotten a deeper understanding of some issues. But, all in all, I really liked the characters and the overall development of the story.  If you like stories about love and trust, a feisty main character, and a loving, caring hero with lots of patience, and a mystery to figure out.. then you will love Fire and Ice. I got the book free from Bethany House for my honest review. And here it is.

Chivalrous by Dina Sleiman

This is the second book in the Valiant Heart series and the second book I have read of Dina Sleiman's.  I got the book free in exchange for my honest review. I liked it.  It had the same flavor of the firstbook, but a definitely different story. You can read this book as stand alone, but I think by reading the first book, you understand one of the main characters better.  But you would love him just as much by not reading the first book.  It's kinda like knowing someone from your childhood or just meeting them today. You can love them the same, the second way just takes a bit longer.  The  story line is really well developed. I love a story of a feisty girl, but not because she is spoiled, rather because she has to be to survive. I also enjoy reading some from this time period. It is so different that the usual Victorian era.  Things are more primal in some ways and more elegant in others.  The author does a great job of letting you live in the era for a time and feel what they feel.  I give this book a solid 4 stars and look forward to reading more of Dina's books.

Not By Sight by Kate Breslin

WOW!  I do not have enough words to describe how much I loved this story! It is definitely a 5 plus star rating. Kate Breslin has just joined my list of favorite authors!!  In some ways I feel like the story line was very loosely based on The Beauty and the Beast type story, which is one of my favorite childhood stories.  This is a grown up version. It has so many twists and turns that you are not really sure how this will end up. When all goes well and things are working out just how you hoped, major change happens. I won't say much because I feel like the surprises are such a part of the enjoyment of the story that any tidbit can send your mind thinking too far ahead. But trust me when I say you will LOVE this story. Especially if you like intrigue, romance, mystery and suspense and some more romance..hehe.. Everything is very clean, but it touches your heart.  I really am having a hard time saying all I want to say to make you read this story. I believe Kate Breslin only has one other book and I am going on a hunt for it. She is an excellent author, comparable with Julie Klassen and Jody Hedlund.  LOVED THIS STORY!  Thank you Bethany House for giving me a free copy in return for my honest review.