The Lost Heiress (Ladies of the Manor Book #1) by Roseanna M. White

Book Description:
Sweeping Romance and Mystery in the Edwardian Era
Brook Eden has never known where she truly belongs. When her friend Justin uncovers the fact that she is possibly a missing heiress from Yorkshire, Brook leaves the sun of the Mediterranean to travel to the moors of the North Sea and the estate of her supposed family.

The mystery of her mother's death haunts her, and though her father is quick to accept her, the rest of the family and the servants of Whitby Park are not. Only when Brook's life is threatened do they draw close--but will their loyalty come too late to save Brook from the same threat that led to tragedy for her mother?

As heir to a dukedom, Justin is no stranger to balancing responsibilities. When the matters of his estate force him far from Brook, the distance between them reveals that their friendship has grown into something much more. But how can their very different loyalties and responsibilities ever come together?

And then for a second time, the heiress of Whitby Park is stolen away because of the very rare treasure in her possession--and those who can save her still aren't sure whom to trust.

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This novel, absolutely swept me away and I remained caught up in it until the very end. Even now, a day later the story and its' characters linger on my mind. I simply cannot wait to read book 2, and I wonder about a book 3. This is the first novel by Roseanna M. White that I have read but I do plan to read more.

Set in the Edwardian Era, The Lost Heiress is a beautiful blend of intrigue, discovery, growth, faith, romance and a little suspense too. It is resplendent with a delightful cast of characters. There are not enough good things I could say, so I will suffice to say, read this one!

Sell Out and other novels by Tammy L. Gray

I have been devouring Tammy L. Gray's novels. They are so well written, with fresh honesty, realism, heart and sure to captivate you. Her characters are well fleshed out, they are not cookie cutter but feel all too real in their failures, struggles and are sure to draw you in and have you rooting for them. So if you are looking for perfect people you won't find them here, but you will find people who find their way to a perfect God.

I would read her novels in order. Especially with her Winsor series. However, her other novels I have read have brought forth a minor character from a previous novel and are now a main character. The only exception to this may be her novella, Waves of Summer, which I have not read YET! 

Sell Out (Fight for the Truth, Book 1) - Book Description:

From the author of the Winsor series, comes a new tale of love, betrayal, heartbreak and freedom. 

Like many elite private schools, Madison High has a legacy steeped in traditions, none of which revolve around learning. Survival is simple: keep your head down, don’t say a word, and never question school royalty. 

Cody James, a former victim of Madison’s vicious brand of hazing, wants nothing more than to graduate without breaking the unspoken rules that could land him back in social exile. Cody has breached the elusive inner circle, and he has no intention of losing his hard-earned security. But a beautiful new student shakes up his plan to coast by and causes him question his role as sidekick to the king of the school. 

As the only daughter of rock legend Donnie Wyld, Skylar has been homeschooled her entire life. Now she wants normal, and she hopes that Madison High will offer her an escape from her father’s deteriorating health. She never intended on catching the eye of the school’s self-elected king or falling for his confusing best friend. But one look at Cody James, and she is drawn in by his guarded vulnerability. 

When an average Friday night party turns into a nightmare, Cody is forced to make a decision—fight or follow. But standing up for the bullied and broken means facing a past he’s long buried and risking the future he’s worked so hard to achieve. 

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Hard to put down, and a story that is sure to linger with you long after you finish the last page; Sell Out is gripping! This story is honest, digging into real issues and shining a light on the dark areas where many teens battle in silence. In truth, this is so much more than a story, it is completely heartfelt and captivating. I highly encourage you to read this one! 

NOVELS I'VE READ BY TAMMY L. GRAY:

Winsor series-

Shattered Rose, Book 1

Shackled Lily, Book 2

Splintered Oak, Book 3

Mercy's Fight

Sell Out (Fight for the Truth, Book 1)

For Such a Time by Kate Breslin

Book Description:

In 1944, Hadassah Benjamin feels abandoned by God when she is saved from a firing squad only to be handed over to a new enemy. Pressed into service by SS Kommandant Colonel Aric von Schmidt at the transit camp of Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia, she is able to hide behind the false identity of Stella Muller. However, to maintain her cover as von Schmidt's secretary, she is forced to stand by as her own people are sent to Auschwitz. 

Suspecting her employer is a man of hidden depths, Stella appeals to him on behalf of those in the camp. Aric's indulgence gives her hope even as she risks discovery with every attempt to help the prisoners. When her bravery brings her to the point of ultimate sacrifice, she faces an excruciating choice. God may have brought her to the camp for such a time as this, but how can she save her people when she cannot save herself? 

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For Such a Time, is a novel based off of the biblical account of Esther (Bible) set during WWII. I noticed several low ratings, actually given by people who did not even read the book but were offended at the concept of the story. I do not believe they grasp the point of the novel, or are not familiar with the Esther story. This novel portrays the brutality of what was done to the Jews and in no way paints a picture that is other that what is true to that. In the Author's notes at the back, Breslin goes into actual historical facts and defines the fiction from the facts.

That said... on to the review. Being familiar with the Esther story, I was so curious to see how Breslin would spin the tale in this novel and work things out. The story held me in suspense. The characters, main and secondary were well done. The situations all to real and knowing history scary. I kept awaiting the transformation of Aric, and awaiting to see how "Stella", aka Hadassah would help to deliver her people out of their death sentence. Breslin did not disappoint. This novel was hard to put down! While showing the ugliness, it also showed hope, love, sacrifice and faith. Well written and worth the read!

Not by Sight by Kate Breslin

Book Description:

In the spring of 1917, all of Britain's attention is on the WWI war front and the thousands of young men serving their country on the front lines. Jack Benningham, dashing heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, is young and able-bodied but refuses to enlist despite the contempt of his peers.

A wealthy young suffragette, Grace Mabry will do anything to assist her country's cause. Men like Jack infuriate her when she thinks of her own brother fighting in the trenches of France, so she has no reservations about handing him a white feather of cowardice at a posh masquerade ball.

But Grace could not anticipate the danger and betrayal set into motion by her actions, and soon she and Jack are forced to learn the true meaning of courage when the war raging overseas suddenly strikes much closer to home and their fervent beliefs become a matter of life and death.

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Kate Breslin, captivated me with her novel, Not by Sight. This novel contained the perfect dash of all that makes a highly enjoyable read! I was thoroughly entertained and enchanted by the characters, the plot, and the intrigue. Chapter one sucked me in right away and although I figured out part of the intrigue in the midst of the tale, it in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the novel. Nor, did it lessen my anticipation to see how Breslin would work all the details out!

Breslin goes beyond just a good tale, and grafts insights in and throughout the novel. These nuggets of faith and looks into our weakness were well done and seamless. I will definitely be reading more works by this author!