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.

Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason

I got this book free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. I really did enjoy it. At first I got a little confused because it is the story of two sisters. Not realizing that or paying attention to names I got a bit mixed up, but once I figured it out I really did enjoy the book.  I wish the cover had the two girls on it, because both of their stories were equally entertaining.  I actually enjoyed Colleens story a bit better.  But both were very interesting. Its a nice story that keeps you engaged throughout.  Stories about trust and overcoming insecurities.  Stories about being true to yourself or doing what someone you care about expects of you.  Stories about true love and how deeply it takes root in your heart. Stories about caring for others more than you care for yourself.  I truly enjoyed reading it and would be happy to read more from Sarah Anne Mason.  I am sure you will enjoy this book as I did!

Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund

Once again Jody Hedlund writes an intriguing, heart wrenching story of love and forgiveness and the weight of responsibility.  I really enjoyed Jody's latest book.  It is the second in the Beacons of Hope series, but it can definitely stand alone. I cannot tell you how much I loved this book. Jody's style of writing really draws you into her characters lives. They become a part of your life.  My heart broke for each of the main characters at one time of another.  There were such frustrating parts of this story I wanted to scream, but it was only because they were real life struggles that I could relate to.  Does love rule over obligation?  Or is it a sacrifice you must make to care for those you must?  It is not an easy decision and one the strong female lead character must struggle with throughout the entire book.  You want so badly to tell her what to do, but the truth is - do you really even know what is best?  To trust someone that is hurt and broken or trust someone who can provide a home?  This book will keep you intrigued until the last page.  Twists and turns around every corner and a feeling of satisfaction when you are done reading it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.  I was given a copy to review from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion.

Together With You by Victoria Bylin

This was a great story about a little girl with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and those that love her. I love the unique perspective we get in a few instances where the author speaks from the child's point of view. It really drove home to me the way a child with FASD thinks and why they respond the way they do.  I also enjoyed the main character and the struggles she went through from a mistake in her past. The guilt she carried with her did not allow her to experience joy in her life. How she is helped to overcome this and other struggles makes it an interesting read. I enjoyed the book. I got it from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.  Honestly?  Its a good story and I recommend it -especially if you know and love someone that suffers from FASD.