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!!