Along a Storied Trail

 

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Kentucky packhorse librarian Tansy Calhoun doesn't mind the rough trails and long hours as she serves her Appalachian mountain community during the Great Depression.  Yet she longs to find love like the heroines in the books she loves. When a charming writer comes to town, she thinks she might have found it - or is the perfect man actually closer than she thinks?

Perdita Sweet has called these mountains home for so long that she's nearly as rocky as the soil around her small cabin. Long ago she thought she could love, but when the object of her affection up and married someone else, she stopped giving too much of herself away to others.

As is so often the case, it's easier to see what's best for others than to see what's best for oneself. Perdita knows who Tansy should choose, but why would anyone listen to the romantic advice of an old spinster?

Review

In true Ann H. Gabhart fashion, Along a Storied Trail is a beautifully penned story about a community of people as strong and resilient as the mountains they inhabit. For these hill-born folks, they are no stranger to hardships. Death comes far too frequent and sudden, often in the most tragic of ways. Each day can be a test of survival whether it be a fight against illness, sorrow, hunger, or the inclement weather. But amongst these trials is a yearning for love and belonging. 

Tansy has long oft dreamed of a husband and family to call her own. She's watched her older sister and other young people in the region fall in love, exchange wedding vows, and raise their families. Some stay in the hill country they were born in, but others, like Tansy's sister, left for the city. When the dashing city reporter, Damien comes to town in his flashy automobile, Tansy feels the tug of adventure and desire to explore places bigger than she'd ever known. But she loves her community and her family and the rugged forests she traverses on her daily packhorse routes. And she thrives in her job whereby she brings smiles and good to cheer to all on her book route with her gifts of books to read. But along with Damien's appearance is another man from her past, one who opens up other possibilities she had long since buried. Along a Storied Trail explores Tansy's fears, hopes, and dreams and pulls in not one, but two other endearing love stories. 

I have long been a fan of Ms. Gabhart's novels and her beautiful writing style. She creates places I wish I could explore, and people I would love to meet. It's always bittersweet closing the final page on her novels; bitter in that it's the end of that particular wonderful story, but all too sweet with anticipation for the next one that will be written. Pick up Along a Storied Trail, and you will enjoy a lovely historical tale of love lost and found.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  

Winning the Gentleman

 

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Aaron Whitworth hasn't had control over most aspects of his life, but he's always taken pride in being an honourable businessman and better-than-average horseman.  When both of those claims are threatened, he makes the desperate decision to hire the horse trainer of a traveling circus as a temporary jockey for his racehorses.

Sophia Fitzroy knows that most horseman don't take her seriously because she's a woman, but she can't pass up the opportunity to get away from the tumultuous world of travel and performing.  As she fights for the right to do the work she was hired for, she learns the fight for Aaron's guarded heart might be an even worthier challenge.

As secrets come to light, will Aaron and Sophia's past vulnerabilities be an insurmountable stumbling block, or will they sacrifice their former dreams and forge a new one together?

Review

I'm so thrilled that Aaron finally has his story! He's be a strong supporting character in many of previous novels by Kristi, and deserved to have a full-length novel about him. And what can be better than a story revolving around magnificent horses, a brave heroine, and an honourable hero?  I loved every piece of this story and found it incredibly hard to put down (even eliciting a comment from my husband, "Wow, you're addicted!"). Being an horse enthusiast, I fell in love with the setting surrounding beautiful Thoroughbreds, the intense world of horse racing, and beginnings of the dressage discipline. 

The juxtaposition of Aaron's quiet, composed character with that of the chatty and vibrant Sophia was equally humorous and swoon-worthy as their budding romance developed. I giggled and sighed my way throughout their story and loved how the author weaved in faith into each page, allowing the characters to grow, and not remain stagnant. 

Winning the Gentleman is such a fun story and a wonderful addition to the "Hearts on the Heath" series. I'm really hoping that Lord Rigsby and Miss Hancock also get their own stories.  Is it possible one of their characters will be the protagonist in the next book? Will have to wait until next year to find out! 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  

To Find Her Place

 

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Can they find their way to the right future 

amid the uncertainty that faces them?

In the midst of WWII, Jane Linder pours all her energy and dreams for a family into her career at the Toronto Children's Aid Society. As acting directress, Jane hopes for a permanent appointment so she can continue making a difference in the lives of children. But if the board were to find out she is divorced, everything would change.

Garrett Wilder has been hired to overhaul operations at the Children's Aid Society and investigate a report of misused funds. He hopes to impress the board members with his findings and earn the vacant director's position. A war injury ended his dream of taking over his parents' farm, but with the security of the director's job, he'd be able to contribute financially and help save the family business.

Despite their competing interests and Garrett's early suspicions, a friendship grows and feelings begin to blossom. But then Jane receives an unexpected opportunity that could fulfill her deepest desires, she finds herself at a crossroads. Can she discern the path to true happiness?

Review

This was a beautiful, albeit, heart-rending story that revolves around loss.  Loss of children, spouse, health, etc. Life is meaningful and wonderful, but as To Find Her Place aptly describes, we can encounter many trials and times of despair along the way.  

Jane and Garrett both suffered through enormous loss and relied heavily on their faith and family to pull them through. And now they are chasing after the same goal.  From the outward appearance, they are both vying for the position of directorship of the Toronto Children's Aid Society. Indirectly, they are both seeking recognition and acceptance in the eyes of their peers. The position provides them both with an opportunity to visibly overcome the obstacles they've faced in their lives and also be involved in providing meaningful futures for children in need.

I was swept along in Jane's and Garrett's stories. They are characters you cheer on from the sidelines, hoping against hope they achieve their dreams...and find love along the way of course! The author did a great job in making the characters' journeys fraught with difficulties which made me wonder if there would actually be a happy ending! I won't spill the beans other than to say, you must read the story in order to find out - you'll be glad you did! It's a fantastic continuation of the "Redemption's Light" series and a truly wonderful story.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  

A Lady in Attendance

 

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Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel's real name.  So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watt's lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias.  In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.

As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, he can't help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye.  Can the questions that look between them ever be answered? Or will the deed of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities?

Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man and a hardened woman, as well as the friends who stand by them, as they work toward a common purpose - to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving - and perhaps find love along the way.

Review

This is the first book I've read of Rachel Fordham's, but it won't be my last! She has penned a tender tale of redemption and love in the lives of the out-going Hazel and shy Gilbert. What really struck me the most about their relationship was how very respectful they acted towards one another - something that I find sorely lacking in society. It was refreshing reading their interactions and how they always strove to put the other ahead of themselves. 

The other surprising element for me was the suspense and intrigue! I thought this was going to be a sweet historical romance, but it is so much more. For a large chunk of the back end of the book, it is quite the wild ride of danger and mystery that really spiced up the story in a fantastic way.

Finishing the story made me want more, so you can be sure I'll be checking out other published works by Ms. Fordham!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  

The Nature of a Lady

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Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn't favored in society.  She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles onto the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage's former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished.

Oliver Tremayne - gentleman and clergyman - is determined to discover what happened to his sister, with the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth's summer cottage...especially when he realizes it's the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology.  But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can't quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him.

As Libby and Oliver work together they uncover ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: love.

Review

Roseanna M. White is one of my favourite authors, and she does not disappoint with The Nature of a Lady, the first novel in her brand new series, "The Secrets of the Isles". First off, I have to say the cover is absolutely GORGEOUS! Kudos to the design department for pulling together such a beautiful cover!

The mystery and intrigue I came to know and love in two of the author's previous series, "Shadows over England" and "The Codebreakers", shine through in this new adventure story revolving around pirates, hidden treasure, and lost love. Libby's character is incredibly endearing as she struggles to stay true to the pursuit of her own dreams despite the society and family pressures dictating otherwise. Oliver becomes a safe harbor for her - someone who shares her scientific passions and encourages those within her, as opposed to stifling. 

The storyline was incredibly fun and adventurous more characters enter into the fray in a single-minded pursuit of long-lost treasure. The author intricately wove a thread of suspense throughout the pages, keeping the tension taut until the final chapter. There were a number of plot twists and surprises along the way that were fantastic. Loved this novel and cannot wait to read the next instalment in the series!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  

On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor

 

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Foxglove Manor would twist its way into your soul until one day it owned you, and it called to you, and it didn't cease haunting you until you came back.

In 1885, Adria Fontaine has been sent away from her home to recover goods her malevolent father pirated on the Great Lakes during the Civil War.  Hoping to find freedom away from her father, Adria arrives at Foxglove Manor - a stone house on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior - but senses only wickedness hovering over the property.  The mistress of Foxglove is an eccentric and seemingly cruel old woman who has filled her house with dangerous secrets, ones that may cost Adria her life.

Centuries later, Kailey Gibson takes on a position as a nurse's aide at a senior home in a renovated old stone manor. Abducted as a child, she has nothing but locked-up memories of secrets and death, overshadowed by the chilling threat from her kidnappers that they may return. When the residents of Foxglove start sharing stories of whispers in the night, hidden treasure, and a love willing to kill, it becomes clear this home is far from a heaven.

As the sinister mysteries of Foxglove Manor haunt two women separated by time, they will have to risk it all to banish the past's demons - including their own.

Review

It took me a couple chapters to sink my teeth into this meaty novel, but once I did, I was carried along a fantastical journey revolving around ghost stories, tales of hidden treasure, and two heroines battling the demons of their past. Though separated by centuries, both Adria and Kailey end up searching for the same thing: hidden treasure.  For Adria, she is faced with immense shame and heartache over a tragic decision, and feels doing her father's evil doing will be the only way to redeem herself. She begins a search for missing gold at Foxglove Manor, but is rebuffed at every turn.  No one seems to know anything...or is doing a very good job of hiding the truth.  

Kailey has determined once and for all to find out the mystery behind her childhood kidnapping and returns to the place that started it all. Through hidden messages and whispered secrets, she begins to realize there is more than meets the eye at Foxglove Manor. And the threats are still all too real.

On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor is another mysterious split-time novel by the wonderful Jaime Jo Wright. I must admit that the ending too me by surprise!  I did NOT see that one coming!  I love the twist, but most of all, I love how even while the story starts in darkness, the author doesn't shy away from shining the light of faith through it all. Faith is the undercurrent across the pages, bringing richness and depth to the story, and leaving a lasting impression upon the reader.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  

Night Fall

 

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For any little boy or girl who hears the Train Man speak,

Who feels his rancid breath caress their pretty cheek,

Must close their eyes, pretend to sleep, and very softly pray,

Or else the evil Train Man may carry them away.

Finally free of her troubled upbringing, Alex Donovan is able to live out her childhood dream of working for the FBI. But soon after she becomes a member of FBI's elite Behavioral Analysis Unit, authorities in Missouri contact them about bodies found on freight trains - all killed in the same way.

Alex never expected to be forced to confront her past in this new job, but she immediately recognizes the graffiti messages the killer is leaving on the train cars.  When the BAU sends her to gather information about the messages from her aunt in Wichita, Kansas, Alex is haunted by the struggles she thought she'd left behind forever.

In a race against time to solve4 the case and recover a deadly virus sample the killer intends to spread, Alex must face how far she'll go - and what she's willing to risk - to put a stop to the Train Man.

Review

Night Fall is...certifiably creepy. I was super excited for a new Christian crime novel - a chance to cheer on the good guys while they chase down the bad ones while also showing growth in faith. But I struggled with this one. I had picked up this book many times to start it, but had to put it back down for something different as I couldn't get past the first few pages. While I'm a huge fan of suspense novels, this one set me on edge, and not in a thrill-seeking way. By diving in deep into the depraved Train Man's mind, you learn more of his story of growing up in a perverted cult and having absolutely terrible parents. It creates somewhat of an understanding of how he came to be, but the double-edged sword is that you have to read through a whole lot of darkness to get to that point. This certainly isn't a lighter police procedural drama like "Castle", but a dark and twisted ride without a whole lot of light at the end of the tunnel. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.