Olivia Keene flees from her parents' home after she hits a man who was trying to kill her mother. Dorthea, Olivia's mother, gives her a little bag with money and other items, and tells her they shall meet again. Olivia ends up trespassing on Lord Bradley's property, Brightwell Court, overhearing a secret of Lord Bradley's. Olivia gets caught, gets thrown in jail, but is injured in the process. She ends up recovering her injuries at Brightwell Court.
Lord Bradley hires Olivia as a servant to keep her under his eye for fear of her revealing his secret. His secret could ruin his chances of being earl and other responsibilities. Lord Bradley becomes protective of Olivia as well as falling in love with her. He soon realizes Olivia has is a mysterious person and is not revealing much of her past. She has her own secrets to deal with.
This regency novel has mystery and romance, as well as some comedic parts. It is a great read. 4 out of 5 stars
FTC: Received a copy of this book for review from Bethany House. Image is of Amazon.
The cover of The Hidden Flame
Abigail is a young woman who was recently reunited with her brother Jacob, after her parents' tragic death. Although not much detail is given about the reunion between Jacob and Abigail, the reader should be reminded that this book is part of a series. I did not read the Series #1. It might be helpful to read the first book,then this book, and then Series #3.
Abigail is constantly praying and seeking advice from God. She seems to be in a weak position. She is portrayed as a delicate female. There are two suitors: Erza, a wealthy Judean merchant and Linuix, a Roman soldier. Although not too religious, Erza is well known amongst his community. Linuix is considered a nonbeliever, however, he is a good friend of Alban, a Roman who converted to Christianity and left the Roman Army. Erza and Linuix both want to marry Abigail, but she ends up marrying someone else. (Don't want to mention who she marries--read teh book to find out).
The Hidden Flame was a sort of disappointment read for me. The story line didn't flow that well, there were too many characters to remember as well as plots--too many details being forced in the book.
3 out of 5 Stars. It was ok.
FTC: I was given a copy of this book via Bethany House. Image is of Amazon.
Three friends who were raised in an orphan home go off to college together in Missouri. Libby Conley majors in journalism, Pete Leidig is majoring in theology, and Bennett Martin wants to major in engineering.
One semi-tragic moment brings Libby, Pete and Bennett closer again--the face that they have to help save Pete's family.
This is a great read, however, I felt the ending was a bit rushed, when all of the sudden Libby "sees" the religious light. It should have been a gradual process of conversion instead of all at once.
FTC: I received a copy of this book through Bethany House.
4 out of 5 stars.
I have never read any works by Tamera Alexander, until I picked up a copy of "Within My Heart". I truly enjoyed the book. It is set in the middle to the late 1800s in Timber Ridge, Colorado.
Rachel Boyd, a young widow, is struggling to keep her late husband Thomas' dream alive by running a ranch and raising her two boys there as well. Rachel is not doing to well financially either. She already is in debt. Rachel also is determined not to fall in love again because she doesn't want to get hurt again. However, that becomes a challenge when she and Dr. Rand Brookstone are brought together due to medical circumstances.
Rachel is not the only one with her own issues, Rand also has fears of his own, and it has something to do with stocking up on lantern oil he claims are needed for his clinic. Rand has feelings for Rachel. He sees that she is not interested at first, but he is determined to win her heart no matter at what cost.
Will Rachel be able to save the ranch? Will she and Rand fall in love? Read the book to find out.
4 out of 5 stars. A very powerful read.
FTC: I was given a copy of this book through Bethany House. Above image is an Amazon link.
Cover: Peaceful, colors blend well together.
Ruth doesn't seem to have much an identity before her father was charged with a scandal. She seems she was living a sheltered life and doesn't really come off as an aggressive person. Ruth finds comfort in an abandon garden, until a person name Jack Spencer decides to move into the property. Jack has a secret of his own including not using his real name. Despite his conflicting interests and secrets, Jack and Ruth begin to fall in love.
Is it possible? Read the book to find out.
Love's First Bloom by Delia Parr is an enjoyable read. Parr highlights the issue of prostitutes as a societal issue.
FTC: I received a copy of this book through Bethany House. The image above is an Amazon link.
Clara Carter of New York City is making her debut into New York City in the 1890s. Clara had other plans--like going to college. Clara's aunt dismissed Clara's governor, and told Clara she had to be groomed to go into society and catch the eldest son of the de Vries family of New York City.
Clara sorts through all sorts of emotions as she goes through the debutante society. She remains loyal to Lizzie, her best friend, who also is going through the debutante society. Frank de Vries the eldest boy doesn't seem to be all that in Clara's opinion. Instead of winning Frank, Clara and Harold, Frank's brother. Who remain mysterious are Clara's father and aunt. They have their own motives for wanting Clara to win Frank. It seems as though the de Vries family and the Carter family have had some unfortunate business relations in the past, and Clara's father and aunt want to make up for the monetary losses.
This is a great read for young adults interested in historical fiction. The cover is beautiful and elegant.
FTC: I received this book through Bethany House. The above image is through Amazon.
***(3 out of 5 stars)
