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!