A Woman of Fortune (Texas Gold Collection Book #1) (Texas Gold series) by Kellie Coates Gilbert

Book Description:

Texas socialite Claire Massey is living the dream. Her world is filled with designer clothes, luxury cars, and stunning homes. But her Neiman-Marcus lifestyle comes crashing down when her charming cattle broker husband is arrested for fraud. Suddenly, she finds herself facing attorneys, a media frenzy, and a trail of broken hearts. Betrayed and humiliated, Claire must start over against incredible odds to save her family--and discover a life worth living.

Poignant and emotionally gripping, A Woman of Fortune reveals the many ways we deceive ourselves and how resilience of the heart is essential to authentic living. Drawing on her experiences as a legal investigator, author Kellie Coates Gilbert delivers emotionally gripping plots and authentic characters. Readers will love Claire's unbending determination as she strives to keep her family from falling apart and learns to embrace the kind of fortune that lasts.

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Reading A Woman of Fortune is like having a front row seat to a sensational news story. Gilbert sets us up with a glance at how well to do this family is and how they seemingly have it all. Of course, we know appearances can be, and often are deceiving. Physical wealth does not mean that our spirits and souls are well fed and flourishing.

Gilbert did a fantastic job of bringing these people to life and helping to personalize those we see flashed across the headlines through different eyes. Yes, what they, or in this case one person did is no less wrong. However, we see them as a real person and not just their crime. We see how quickly people turn on you, how one person's actions cause big ramifications for others and how people can unravel. Thankfully, we are also given an eye view of God redeeming people and circumstances.

This novel had me gripped, on edge and wondering how Gilbert was going to bring this to a close that satisfied. I went through a range of emotions. And I can honestly say this is some top notch writing. For those looking for a Christian fiction novel, not a romance; this is right up your alley. However, those looking for less real life, light hearted and romantic feel this would not be a novel for you. I guess it all depends on what you are looking for. That said, I found wonderful truths woven through out and I really enjoyed this novel. There is redemption and a well done conclusion. I won't lie, I was really wanting a more fictionalize, happy ever after ending, but still Gilbert did not leave me unsatisfied. A compelling and well told tale.

Within the Veil by Brandy Vallance

Book Description:

They never should have met. But they might be made for each other.

Feya Broon, a Scottish half-gypsy, knows what it is to go hungry. Trapped in the Edinburgh tenements with a father lost to his past and only the faded memory of her mother’s faith, Feya is desperate to provide for her siblings. When an ill-conceived plan leads to thievery, she finds herself in the last place she'd ever want to be—captured by a palace guard. But there's something about this man that tears at every preconceived notion she's even had about the haughty English. 

Alasdair Cairncross never dreamed he’d be forced to transport a gypsy woman halfway across the wilds of Scotland. The timing is disastrous, considering his fiancée’s imminent arrival and his father’s political goals. Not only that, but the fiery young woman threatens to lay bare secrets Alasdair would rather keep hidden. And yet the farther they travel together, the less concerned he finds himself with duty—both to the crown and to the plans his family has for him.

As their walls begin to crumble, Feya and Alasdair must fight to survive a decades-old feud, a Highland kidnapping, and the awakening of their own hearts. 

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After reading several, very positive reviews, I had to read this novel. And I am so glad that I did! While it took me a little while to get completely wrapped up in it, once the story sunk its' hooks in me it did not let go until the very last page! And I have to say that the last part of the story just shines.

Vallance takes us back in time to the Victorian era and brings to life the social and political climate of that time. Specifically, dealing with the Gypsies and how they were viewed and treated. We are caught up in the plight of those set low on the social and economical ladder. We see the prejudices and the corruption that can play out both in society and in politics.

However, what really captured me was how personal Vallance made the plight for us. Seeing Feya's struggle to provide for her siblings and the fear of what might become of them. Journeying with her as she pursued ways to help them, much to her detriment. Fear and desperation claw at her, and she makes some unwise choices. However, I loved seeing through all this how God can take even our mistakes and the things that hurt us and bring forth good; beauty from ashes. This is that kind of story.

Feya and Alasdair's relationship has many ups and downs. Early on, it is most definitely not positive. And to be honest the sudden shift from distrust and dislike to something else was rather quick for me. But that aside, I really enjoyed seeing where their relationship and the adventure went from there. From that point on the pages could not fly fast enough. And I was held with baited breath to see how Vallance would bring forth a desirable end. Which she does! Bravo, one well told and moving story!