The Swindler's Daughter

 

Back Cover

A surprise inheritance. A cache of family secrets. 

A choice that will change her life forever.

Lillian Doyle has lived her entire high-society life with her widowed mother, believing her father died long ago. But when news arrives that her estranged father only recently passed away - in jail - Lillian is startled to find that he has left a business and all his possessions to her, making her a rather unusual heiress.

When she arrives at her father's house in the backwoods Georgia town, the dilapidated structure is already occupied by a woman who claims it was promised to her son, Jonah. In her attempts to untangle the mess, Lillian will discover not only a family she never knew she had, but a family business that is more than meets the eye - and has put a target on her back.

To discover the truth and take hold of the independence she's always dreamed of, she'll have to make friends with adversaries and strangers - and Jonah, the dusty and unrefined cowboy who has secret aspirations of his own.

Review

This was another sweet, historical read peppered with a lot of mystery. It was the interesting premise and eye-catching cover that compelled me to pick up this book, and I'm glad I did. The questions surrounding Lillian's Dad and his life and business dealings not only moved the story along at a steady pace, but also kept me intrigued. 

My only hiccup was that the timeline of the romantic relationship between Lillian and Jonah felt rushed, and wasn't allowed to grow more organically, especially considering as it was along the lines of an "enemies/strangers to lovers" trope. 

Otherwise, I heartily enjoyed the cast of characters (Jonah's mom is a real hoot) and the theme of being able to trust God with the outcome of every situation.

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

The Heart's Choice

 

Back Cover

After witnessing a wrongful conviction as a young girl, Rebecca Whitman - the first female court reporter in Montana - is now determined to defend the innocent. During a murder trial, something doesn't sit well with her about the case, but no one except the handsome new Carnegie librarian will listen to her.

Librarian Mark Andrew's father sent him to college hoping he would take over the business side of the family ranch, but Mark would rather wrangle books than cows. When a patron seeks help with research in hopes of proving a man's innocent, Mark is immediately drawn to her and her cause.

In a race against time, will Rebecca and Mark find the evidence they need - and open their hearts to love - before it's too late?

Review

When you pick up a novel by Tracie Peterson and/or Kimberley Woodhouse, you know you're guaranteed a sweet, western romance. The Heart's Choice threw in an intriguing mystery element that spiced up the story. I loved the premise of following a female court reporter trailblazing in her own right in a western town. Rebecca is a determined, likeable female lead character and my favourite part was how the authors dove deep into her faith journey. It was a very encouraging part of the story and added a layer of depth to Rebecca's character.

The Heart's Choice is guaranteed to become a favourite of readers who love western romances with its rich characters, strong theme of faith, sweet romance, and a dash of suspense. A perfect summer read!

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

The Sound of Light

 

Back Cover

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity to he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden. American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research - her life's dream - and makes the dangerous decision to print resistance newspapers.

As Else hears rumors of the movement's legendary Havmand - the merman - she also becomes intrigued by the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse. Henrik makes every effort to conceal his noble upbringing, but he is torn between the façade he must maintain and the woman he is beginning to fall in love with.

When the occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech...or in silence.

Review

What a fascinating read! It's the first book I can recall that goes into detail about Denmark during World War 2. Most often, I've found historical novels during that time period are set in America, France, or England. I really appreciated the tiny glimpse into the life for the Danes during this turbulent time in history.

Else and Henrik are incredible characters - one of my favourite duos! They both had such strong and likeable personalities, and I loved reading their romance unfold.

The last half of the book was quite the thrill ride with constant exciting moments. All I can ask is, more please, Ms. Sundin? I can't wait for her next story!

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

The Metropolitan Affair

 

Back Cover

For years her explorer father promised Dr. Lauren Westlake she'd accompany him on one of his Egyptian expeditions. But as the empty promises mounted, Lauren determined to earn her own way. Now the assistant curator of Egyptology for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lauren receives two unexpected invitations.

The first is her repentant father's offer to finally bring her to Egypt as his colleague on a new expedition. The second is a change to enter the world of New York's wealthiest patrons who have been victims of art fraud.

With Egyptomania sweeping the city after the discovery of King Tut's tomb, Detective Joe Caravello is on the hunt for a notorious forger preying on the open wallets of New York's high society. Dr. Westlake is just the expert he needs to help him track the criminal. Together they search for the truth, and the closer Lauren and Joe get to discovering the forger's identity, the more entangled they become in a web of deception and crime.

Review

The Metropolitan Affair is Jocelyn Green at her finest. Rich in historical detail and intrigue, I was swept along with Lauren in a world obsessed with all things Egypt. Growing up, I had my own fascination with the ancient Egyptian culture, so it was a real treat to read a novel that highlighted that colourful time in history.

But while the backdrop glittered in gold and gems, it was the characters that shined above it all. The complicated relationship between Lauren and her father and the budding romance between her and Joe provided no small amount of tension to the story. I loved the thread of faith woven through the pages and how Lauren learns that her relationship with her Heavenly Father is the most important one of all.

The mysteries and secrets throughout the story were the icing on the cake. The Metropolitan Affair was an enthralling read, and one that I'll definitely revisit again!

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

Yesterday's Tides

 

Back Cover

In 1942, Evie Farrow is used to life on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same - until the German U-boats haunting their waters begin to wreak havoc. And when special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie's inn, her life is turned upside down. While Sterling's injuries keep him inn-bound for weeks, making him even more anxious about the SS officer he's tracking, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own.

Decades earlier, in 1914, Englishman Remington Culbreth arrives at Ocracoke Inn for the summer, never expecting to fall in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper's daughter. But when war breaks out in Europe, their relationship is put in jeopardy and may not survive what lies ahead for them.

As the ripples from the Great War rock Evie and Sterling's lives in World War II, it seems yesterday's tides may sweep them all into danger again today.

Review

Yesterdays' Tides, is the newest historical novel by Roseanna M. White, and is also a time-slip story. It took me a few chapters to really capture my attention as it starts slowly and builds page by page, incrementally increasing the tension, and thereby multiplying the questions. The plotlines really picked up steam by the time I hit the middle of the book, and from there, it was hard to stop reading. I did struggle at times with distinguishing between some of the supporting characters (there were many!), and the portrayal of Catholic faith as Christian faith (including praying the rosary) did not sit well with me as those beliefs are not one and the same.

One thing that I was extremely excited to see, were all the connections to the author's previous books. I loved that aspect! Be sure to read the author's note at the end (after reading the book, of course, as there are a numbers of spoilers!) as the story behind the creation of Yesterday's Tides was really neat. Here's one juicy tidbit: this book was first written as a contemporary romance!

Overall, as a historical romance novel, this was a slow-burn, intriguing story with a satisfying ending. 

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

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.