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!