The Rose and the Thistle

Back Cover

In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley's father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Blythe quietly awaits the crowning of a new king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known.

No sooner has Everard Hume lost his father, Lord Wedderburn, than Lady Hedley arrives with her maid in tow. He has his own problems - a volatile brother with dangerous political leanings, an estate to manage, and a very young brother in need of comfort and direction. It would be best for everyone if he could send this misfit heiress on her way as soon as possible.

In this whirlwind of intrigue, ambitions, and shifting alliances, Blythe yearns for someone she can trust. But the same forces that draw her and Everard together also threaten to tear them apart.

Review

First off, what a BEAUTIFUL cover! I love the gold imprints of the rose and thistle to coincide with the title. Absolutely gorgeous! And I can heartily say the story is just as beautiful as its cover. The Rose and the Thistle is a sweeping romance sure to please lovers of historical fiction. Having enjoyed previous books by Laura Frantz, I was beyond eager to read this one.

The novel is set during tumultuous times between England and Scotland. Caught in the middle is Lady Blythe who wants to be able to live a simple and quiet life free from the current turmoil in her country. Her father's political beliefs and actions have thrown her into the crosshairs, leading her to seek refuge from her godparents in Scotland. Everard is not the least bit happy to have the danger now thrust into his lap, but he honourably agrees to house her. What follows are a thrilling mix of tensions: romantic, dangerous, and suspenseful. Love it!

What I couldn't reconcile was the fact both characters could so easily compromise their faith and beliefs. Everard is Christian, and Blythe is Catholic. As it goes directly against Christianity to have a romantic relationship, much less a marriage, with an unbeliever, it didn't ring true that Everard would simply ignore that, especially when he is a character of such strong convictions. Not to mention, Blythe just readily recants her faith in name only just to continue their relationship. It would have been easier to believe Blythe, over the course of the story, come to true belief in Christ as her Lord and Savior and had a true conversion to the Christian faith, but that never happened. It was a difficult aspect of the book to try to reconcile and threw a thorn in an otherwise lovely historical romance.

 

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

In Love's Time

Back Cover

In the summer of 1918, Captain Marcus Weatherford arrives in Russia on a secret mission, with a beautiful ballerina posing as his fiancée. He's there to find the Romanov tsarina and her son and glean information about a plot to assassinate Lenin. As the danger intensifies, Marcus's sense of duty battles with his desire to return home to Clare, the woman he truly loves, before it's too late.

Military hospital orderly Clare Danner still suffers from Marcus's betrayal after learning he's engaged to another woman. Clare also fears losing her daughter, Daisy, to the heartless family who took her away once before. Only Marcus can provide the critical proof needed to save Daisy, but when an injury leaves him powerless to help, Clare's fate - and the fate of the top-secret mission - hangs in the balance.

Review

In Love's Time is another wonderful historical war-time novel by Kate Breslin. I love that Marcus finally has his own story - yay! He was such a intriguing side character in Far Side of the Sea, that his story was just begging to be told. 

This book encapsulates a beautiful story of resilience, love, forgiveness, and faith. Once of my favourite aspects of the book was how the author captured Marcus' family. Yes, they had been through some rough times. But through it all, each member pulled together and showed fierce love, loyalty, and support for one another. In a world where entertainment dramas seem to be pointedly trying to drive family units apart, the Weatherfords were a breath of fresh air. 

I really enjoyed this read and highly recommend it to fans of historical fiction!

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

The Clutter Fix

 

Back Cover

Living in a disorganized, cluttered home can leave you feeling chaotic, anxious, and even depressed. You want a change, but you don't know where to begin.

Home coach Shannon Acheson is here to help. She has written the only book you'll ever need to get your entire home sorted and organized for good - in a way that makes sense for you and your family's unique, God-given personalities. 

In The Clutter Fix, Shannon helps you:

• win the battle with all of your stuff by following her step-by-step instructions and checklists
• discover your Clutter Personality and your Organizing Personality
• create rhythms and routines to keep your home decluttered

Clutter isn't just about the stuff. It's about how you feel in your home - and in your mind. This book will give you the peaceful dwelling you've always hoped for.

 

Review

Ah, how I needed this book. I LOVE to be organized. Visual clutter within my home is stressful to me, and makes it harder to relax in what should me an "oasis". Ever since I married and downsized from a house to an apartment nearly three years ago, I've struggled with being organized in a smaller space (not to mention, having to do it with the added stuff that my husband has!). Shannon's book provides some excellent tools and suggestions on how to organize room by room in a way that maximizes its intended use and purpose. I'm also one of those individuals who will hold on to items that I'm not using simply because they were gifts, so I found it helpful to read Shannon's advice regarding that. 

I believe I'll be referencing her book again and again throughout my organizing adventure as I make our cozy apartment a true home with a "place for everything and everything in its place".

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

Targeted

Back Cover

Get ready for triple the thrills with three heart-stopping stories from your favorite romantic suspense authors!

In On the Run, IT Specialist Daria Nevsky is a highly skilled FBI agent with the ability to hack any computer. She must go on the run to find out who wants her dead - and Dr. Ryker Donahue refuses to let her do it alone.

In Deadly Objective, physical therapist Emily Dixon and Secret Service Agent Liam Harper are committed to keeping their relationship professional. But when the vice president's son enters the crosshairs of a killer, some lines will have to be crossed in order to keep him safe.

In Caught in the Crosshairs, there is no love lost between former Army PSYOPS officer Ari Blackman and CIA officer Claudia Gallegos after Claudia is implicated in the murder of a Saudi prince. But to prevent a coup that would put America at risk, they'll have to learn to trust each other - before it's too late.

 

Review

What a thrill ride this book was! What's better than a good suspense story? THREE stories all wrapped up in one book. It's like a BOGO deal at the bookstore, haha! 

Lynette Eason's novella, On the Run, the action is non-stop from the second page. As the pace kept me breathless, I just wish this was a full-length novel. The romance was rushed and Ryker's instant devotion to Daria felt unrealistic. There was quite a bit of assumed back story that had me stumbling a bit over the plot points so I couldn't easily settle into the flow of the story. I discovered that Daria's adoptive parents have their own story, Vow of Justice, so I plan to read that one which should help provide a richer context to this story. Otherwise, Daria is an impressively strong character and the resolution was very fitting.

If I had to choose, Deadly Objective was my favourite of the three. As there was already a somewhat established relationship between Emily and Liam, their budding romance was more realistic. I loved the comradery between the two and their joking interactions with Mason. It doesn't have the same level of suspense as the other two, so was actually a nice breather! While I did guess at the villain a bit early, it did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. Loved it!

Caught in the Crosshairs was another fast-paced story. It was full of political intrigue and Ari and Claudia were quite the interesting characters. Claudia wasn't the easiest character to like as she fostered a strong dislike of Air even before she met him and treats him horribly in the beginning. I enjoyed the twists and turns to this story and the complexity of the plot. 

All in all, this was a solid suspense collection. Novellas are tricky in being able to build a realistic story with strong character growth and believable relationship development in such a short period of time. While readers would benefit from reading previous book series where the characters cross-over, Targeted can still be enjoyed by suspense fans everywhere. 

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

The Blackout Book Club

 Back Cover

In 1942, an impulsive promise to her brother before he goes off to the European front puts Avis Montgomery in the unlikely position of head librarian in small-town Maine. Though she has never been much of a reader, when wartime needs threaten to close the library, she invents a book club to keep its doors open. The women she convinces to attend the first meeting couldn't be more different - a wealthy spinster determined to aid the war effort, an exhausted mother looking for a fresh start, and a determined young war worker.

At first, the struggles of the home front are all the club members have in common, but over time, the books they choose become more than an escape from the hardships of life and the fear of the U-boat battles that rage just past their shores. As the women face personal challenges and band together in the face of danger, they find they have more in common than they think. But when their growing friendships are tested by secrets of the past and present, they must decide whether depending on each other is worth the cost.

Review

This novel is a true treasure. Sarah Sundin was correct in describing the book as "A salute to the power of books and of friendship!" It's a beautifully written story supported by such a wonderful cast of characters. Each lady's story - Avis, Louise, Ginny, and Martina - capture a different aspect of the effects of the war, most notably, in relationships. They all have secrets, and while that would make each lady keep others at arm's length, through their struggles, they learn friends are always willing and ready to help.  One of my favourite parts of the book were the notes taken from each Blackout Book Club meeting. The side comments from the secretary for the meeting were often hilarious and made me wish I could be physically present for the shenanigans. 

The Blackout Book Club is such a unique story concept, and I loved it from start to finish.

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

Honor Bound

Back Cover

It may seem odd to seek peace by moving to a war-torn African country, but for medical missionary Dr. Cynthia Myers, it provided a way to escape a shallow life of unearned wealth, a philandering fiancé, and a father now square in the public eye as vice president of the United States. At least here she knows her work and life have meaning. but all that is thrown into chaos when she fails to save the life of a warlord's mortally wounded son.

As part of the Army Special Forces A-Team on a mission to capture and subdue the warlord, Captain Rick Norton is compelled to use deadly force to save Cynthia's life. Enraged at the violence she witnessed and riddled with guilt that men died because of her, Cynthia doesn't want to life anything about Rick and his team - but an unexpected attraction is taking hold.

With two members of his team badly injured and rebels in hot pursuit, Rick will have to drawn upon all his strength and cunning to get her out alive...because he's beginning to think that, despite their differences, they just may be able to make a life together.

Review

This was quite the adventure story! Just when you think everyone is safe, yet another crisis happens. I thoroughly enjoyed this action-packed read supported by a strong cast of characters. Cynthia and Rick are the perfect juxtaposition of main characters. She's a pacifist and he's a soldier. Her Dad is the Vice-President of the United States of America, and could become his Commander-in-Chief. And yet, they develop feelings for each other. Given their vastly different backgrounds and beliefs, can they actually have a future together? And is their budding romance just a fleeting desire coming out of a near-death situation? Or something deeper and long-lasting? Not to mention - how are they going to get out of the jungle alive? These questions and more swirl together throughout the pages of this fast-paced suspense novel.  A fantastic read! I will definitely be picking up books 2 and 3 in Hallee Bridgeman's "Love & Honor" series.

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

To Win a Prince

Back Cover

As a fashion aficionado and best friend of the queen of the African island country Oloro Ile, Iris Blakely dreams of using her talent to start a sustainable clothing line to help citizens in impoverished areas and honor the country's resources. But when she discovers that Ekon Diallo - the man who betrayed her best friend - will be her business consultant, the battle between her desires and reality begins.

Ekon Diallo has lost everything: his princely title, his material possessions, his friends, and the respect of his fellow Olorans. To pay for his actions against Oloro Ile, he's forced to assist the charismatic Iris Blakely - but he can't allow his hear to distract him from regaining his status.

Thought they come from vastly different worlds, Iris and Ekon are both determined to reach their goals, and the only way to do that is to work together - if they can just keep their hearts from getting in the way...

Review

Toni Shiloh delivers another delightful royal romance from the island of Oloro Ile. It was fun, well-written, and the characters were fantastic. My favourite part? Iris' strong Christian faith and relationship with Jesus. It bled through the pages, and while Iris is a fictional character, it was encouraging to read how she continually sought wisdom and direction from God for every problem that came her way. Some novels are "Christian" in name only, where the story is merely clean and there may be a line or two that reference someone saying a prayer when in trouble. But Toni Shiloh's novels? They are true Christian fiction where the characters have a deep abiding faith and God is at the center of their lives. I loved this book just as much as its precursor, In Search of a Prince, and hope to see another novel by Toni Shiloh soon!

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