Touching the Sky

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Though their first encounter is hardly auspicious, Laura Marquardt soon discovers herself drawn to the dashing Captain Brandon Reid.  As an officer over the colored troops, he eagerly supports her desire to educate blacks and seek harmony in a town where the defeats of the South is a bitter reality.

When Laura’s sister marries her confederate beau, Laura finds herself in a difficult situation after overhearing a discussion with frightening consequences.  In her heart she feels she should confide in Brandon, but Laura fears to do so may endanger her sister’s life.  Yet as the stakes continue to rise and Brandon’s motives for pursuing her come into doubt, Laura questions where to turn…and wonders if her own dreams of love may be forsaken.

Review

Touching the Sky is the second book in the “Land of the Lone Star” series.  (You can read my review on the first book, Chasing the Sun, here.) 

Touching the Sky is Tracie Peterson at her best.  A tale richly woven in history, every effort was made to instill the reader into the thinking and mannerisms of the day.  The reader feels along with the characters and sympathizes with their beliefs and dreams.  I felt that one of the subtle points of the story was finding out God’s will for one’s life and following through.  For Captain Reid, it was whether or not to go back home to Indiana to work on his father’s Thoroughbred horse breeding farm, or start up his own in Texas.  And for Laura, she strongly wants to help the recently emancipated blacks with reading and writing in order that they may have better job opportunities. 

This novel is also one about healing. 

Even though the Civil War was over, it was far from over in the hearts of many people.  Acceptance and forgiveness are things not easily given when hurt has been inflicted.  The lines were still drawn in the sand between former neighbours, friends, and family.  And most certainly between those who fought for the South and the newly freed slaves.  But through God’s grace, which he has so generously showered among us, healing may begin.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Short-Straw Bride

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No one steps on Archer land.  Not if they value their life.  But when Meredith Hayes overhears a plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a long-standing debt compels her to take the risk.

Years of constant vigilance harden a man.  Yet when Travis Archer comes across a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can’t bring himself to send her away.  And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt prompt him to attempt to rescue her once again. 

Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she vows to stand by his side.  But will love ever be hers?  Or will Travis always see her as merely a short-straw bride?

Review

Short-Straw Bride was a perfect read.  As soon as I turned the last page of the book, I wanted to start it all over again.  The only thing that stopped me was the fact that I had another book to read and review for this month!

Orphaned at a young age and left to take charge of his three brothers, Travis built a "fortress" in order to protect his family.  He has to control everything that goes on in the family to ensure the safety of his brothers.  With Meredith, who is passionate, out-going, and very trusting, his control is challenged, and he is forced to look at his brothers as the men they have become, and not the boys they were. 

This novel encapsulates the perfect balance of romance, wit, and adventure.  The interactions amongst the four Archer brothers often had me grinning and the sparking moments between Travis and Meredith will draw out a sigh from even the hardest of hearts.  I loved it from beginning to the end and would highly recommend it.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Love in Disguise

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Jobless and down to her last dime, Ellie Moore hears about a position with the Pinkerton Detective Agency and believes it’s the perfect chance to put her acting skills and costumes to use.  Reluctantly, the agency agrees to give her one assignment, one chance to prove herself.  Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie travels to Arizona to begin her investigation.  When the need arises, she also transforms into the dazzling Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.

Mine owner Steven Pierce is going to lose his business if he can’t figure out who’s stealing his silver shipments.  In his wildest dreams, he never expected to receive help from a gray-haired widow…or to fall in love with her beautiful niece.

Then the thieves come after Lavinia and Jessie.  Ellie isn’t safe no matter which character she plays!  Should she give up and reveal her true identity?  What will Steven do when he realizes the woman he’s falling in love with doesn’t really exist?

Set in 1880s Arizona, Love in Disguise blends romance, humor and mystery for a can’t-put-down read.

Review

This was a very delightful read!  Combining the world of theatre, old western towns, hint of romance, and a Murder, She Wrote-type mystery, and you come up with Love in Disguise.

Ellie is desperate for a job, nearly any job, and she jumps at the chance to work for the Pinkerton Detective Agency.  To her, it sounds like a thrilling adventure one reads about in dime novels, and it finally provides her with a stage to use her acting skills. 

For Steven, all he ever wanted was a chance to redeem himself to his father.  When his grand dream is failing due to nefarious deeds, he becomes desperate to have the wrong-doer caught.  He first meets Ellie as elderly Lavinia Stewart, tripping over a broken board in the mercantile and falling into his arms.  He immediately has a soft-spot for the sweet Mrs. Stewart, who has promises of investing into his mine.  When Mrs. Stewart’s niece, Jessie Munroe, arrives, he is blown away by her vivacious personality, looks, and charm.

Ellie now not only has to determine who is stealing the silver, but balance both of her characters (and keep those wigs in place!), and stop her heart for falling for Steven.  Because it’s Jessie he’s falling in love with…right?  When the stakes are raised by suspicious “accidents”, Ellie realizes that she must find out who the thief is, or else she may pay with her very life.

Full of charming characters, delicious dialogue, and mysterious twists and turns, Love in Disguise is one novel you shouldn’t miss!


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

My Stubborn Heart

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Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure.  When her grandmother asks her to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.

Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man hired to renovate the house.  Kate can’t help being attracted to him, drawn by both his good looks and something else she can’t quite put her finger on.  He’s clearly wounded – hiding from people, hiding from God, and from his past.  Yet Kate sets her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light…whether he likes it or not.

When the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart?  Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed?

Review

My Stubborn Heart was a very refreshing read - something I had been waiting a long time for.   The story flowed nicely and was well-developed.  The dialogue felt natural and the characters were real.  I could envision them in my mind and feel their emotions as the story unfolded.  Kate Donovan held a spark of optimism to bounce off Matt’s more reserved, brooding character. Kate’s strong faith was evident and encouraging.

Reading about the relationship develop between Kate and Matt was liking watching a butterfly come out of a cocoon - beautiful and incredibly touching.  

This is a very promising debut novel for Becky Wade.  I started and finished this book in one day and it left me wanting more.  I rarely read books twice, but I know I definitely will be reading My Stubborn Heart again.

…and again…



Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Submerged

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Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey, Alaska, again.  She has a past, and a reputation – and Yancey’s a town that doesn’t forget.  She’s returned only to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash, but then dark evidence emerges and Bailey’s expertise becomes invaluable for the case.

Cole McKenna can face dangerous rescue dives.  He can face the fear a murder may be threatening his town.  But facing the reality of Bailey’s reappearance is a tougher challenge.  She broke his heart…but doesn’t seem to be the same girl who left Yancey ten years ago.  And he’s not the same guy she left behind.

Racing against the clock and a rising body count, Bailey and Cole must move beyond the hurts of their pasts to work together until the truth of what is hidden in the depths finally surfaces.

Review

Submerged is an intriguing story that mixes history, romance, tragedy, and suspense.  Bailey is on a journey of forgiveness and redemption, and pulls the reader along for the ride.  One can never underestimate the power of change – especially at the hands of an all-powerful God.  Sometimes it takes other people awhile before they can accept a changed person, but sometimes, it takes time before the changed person can accept themselves.  That is where Bailey is at.  She has changed, and she knows that, but she still doesn’t feel worthy to accept any good gift God gives her.  In this story, the gift comes in the form of Cole McKenna, her former love.

I enjoyed following Bailey’s journey and seeing the growth her and several other characters experienced.  This novel had a very satisfying ending and I look forward to book two in the “Alaskan Courage” series. 


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The Pursuit of Lucy Banning

 

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Lucy Banning may live on the exclusive Prairie Avenue among Chicago’s rich and famous, but her heart lies elsewhere.  Expected to marry an up-and-coming banker from a respected family, Lucy fears she will be forced to abandon her charity work and squeeze herself into the mold of the well-dressed wife who spends most of her time and money redecorating.

When she meets Will, an unconventional young architect who is working on plans for the upcoming 1893 World’s Fair, Lucy imagines a life lived on her own terms.  Can she break away from her family’s expectations?  And will she ever be l9oved for who she truly is?

Get swept away into the lavish world of Chicago’s high society as Olivia Newport brings to life an age of glitz and grandeur, stark social contrasts, and one woman who dares to cross class lines for what she believes.

Review

Lucy Banning is a rebel in her own way.  Even though she has grown up in a lavish lifestyle, she expresses distaste for extravagance and prefers to spend her time assisting the local orphanage or attending college classes—both of which would be frowned upon by those of the same class, not to mention, her parents.  Lucy finds herself performing a balancing act between her family’s expectations and her true desires. 

The Pursuit of Lucy Banning was a nicely, well put-together novel.  I enjoyed the characters, and the budding romance between Lucy and Will.  This novel is a great start to Olivia Newport’s “Avenue of Dreams” series.  I look forward to the following books in the series, and especially to learn more about the mystery surrounding Lucy’s maid, Charlotte.  All in all, a satisfying read.


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The Discovery

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When aspiring writer Michael Warner inherits his grandfather’s venerable Charleston estate, he settles in to write his first novel.  But within the confines of the stately home, he discovers an unpublished manuscript that his grandfather, a literary giant whose novels sold in the millions, had kept hidden from everyone—but which he clearly intended Michael to find.  As he delves deep into the exciting tale about spies and sabotage, Michael discovers something that has the power to change not only his future but his past as well.

Laced with suspense and intrigue, The Discovery is a richly woven novel that explores the incredible sacrifices that must be made to forge the love of a lifetime.  Author Dan Walsh delivers yet another unique and heartfelt story that will stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Review

The Discovery is truly a wonderful story within a story.  The novel shifts back and forth between Michael in “modern day” and to the old manuscript that he is reading, which is set in 1942.  Dan Walsh was careful not to move back and forth too often, and I appreciated the fine balance he created.

Dan Walsh is a great writer and this book truly shines.  The romance thread was so tender and added vibrancy throughout the setting of war and espionage.  I definitely recommend The Discovery.



Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.