Just the Way You Are (A Pleasant Gap Romance Book 1) by Pepper Basham

Book Description:

Single mom, Eisley Barrett, prefers to keep romance housed within a centuries-old mystery, but when she travels to England to unearth the secret, an actor with a sordid past offers her heart a very different type of discovery.

Wes Harrison has a past he's ashamed to confess. Suspicious and cynical, he's managed to avoid romantic entanglements since a tragedy upended his career and life, that is until American Eisley Barrett comes along. Her authenticity and kindness upend his bitter assumptions and send his heart into unscripted territory.

When his past threatens to ruin a second chance at love, can some Appalachian matchmaking and letters from the grave salvage their unexpected romance?

Humor, love, mystery, cute kids, crazy families, and culture clashes make this Britallachian Romance a unique and delightful romantic comedy sprinkled with adventure.

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Fantastic storytelling! Basham captured and held my interest all the way through! Delightful characters, settings, and dialogue; plus a few good laughs were found within the pages of this novel. Both our main characters have dealt with heartache and their past experiences play into the way they view circumstances and others. Seeing them move forward, grow and trust, was part of what made this story so enjoyable. Watching them move from friendship and interest into more was a grin worthy experience, and one I did not want to end. The faith elements were woven in so well, and only enhanced the story; lots of good truths packed in.

I am in love with this cast and really looking forward to Book 2! I hope to see Wes and Eisley's story played out a little more there. Not that this novel did not end well, it did, but I just want to see more of their story! Plus, Basham has created a cast of interesting secondary characters that I look forward to getting to know better!

My only complaint was a few minor inconsistencies; was Eisley's oldest boy 7 or 8?! I am not sure, but it's not that important to the overall story. I can definitely recommend this one! A swoon worthy, but sweet romance; faith, love, hope, and family merge with an ancient mystery, along with a villain at work, and you are sure to be glued to the pages!

A Note Yet Unsung (A Belmont Mansion Novel Book #3) by Tamera Alexander

Book Description:

From beloved USA Today bestselling author Tamera Alexander comes the final and much anticipated novel in the Sweeping Belmont Mansion Series

    

A master violinist trained in Vienna, Rebekah Carrington manages to wheedle her way into an audition with the new maestro at the Nashville Philharmonic. But women are "far too fragile and frail" for the rigors of an orchestra, and Rebekah's hopes are swiftly dashed when the conductor--determined to leave his mark on the world of classical music--bows to public opinion. To make matters worse, Adelicia Cheatham, mistress of Belmont Mansion and Rebekah's new employer, agrees with him.

Nationally acclaimed conductor Nathaniel Tate Whitcomb is Nashville's youngest orchestra leader. And despite a reluctant muse and a strange buzzing and recurring pain in his head, he must finish composing his symphony before the grand opening of the city's new symphony hall. Even more pressing, he must finish it for the one who first inspired his love of music--his dying father. As Tate's ailment worsens, he knows Rebekah can help him finish his symphony. But how can he win back her trust when he's robbed her of her dream?

As music moves us to tears yet makes our hearts soar, A Note Yet Unsung captures the splendor of classical music at a time when women's hard-won strides in cultural issues changed not only world history--but the hearts of men.

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A moving and engaging novel, where history comes to life! Alexander, once again, pens a novel rich and descriptive, where the words flow so easily you feel as if you are there; walking the streets of Nashville, in the hills or listening to the music being brought to life. Beautifully told, this story moved me from joy, to tears, to reflection.

The relationships, complexities and simple affections that move through the pages of this novel are a driving force and some of my favorite moments. If you have read a novel by Alexander before you will be familiar with her style, her talent and will not be disappointed in this novel. She pens a powerful story, and everything from her characters, to their interactions and the deeper truths she shares feel organic. This is one most definitely worth the read!

Moss Forest Orchid (Silver and Orchids Book 1) by Shari L. Tapscott

Book Description:

What happens when a feisty adventuress, a lord looking to make his own way in the world, and a handsome sea captain set out to find Kalae's rarest and most valuable flower?

Trouble—and lots of it.

Lucia needs a job, and she needs one fast. Looting dragon caves hasn't proven profitable lately, and she's tired of waiting tables. Her business partner usually finds the work, but Sebastian isn't speaking with her, and Lucia's getting desperate.

Luckily, Lucia finds a simple request posted on a community board. All the man wants is an orchid. Nothing to it.

Except the flower only grows in a montane cloud forest in Grenalda... And Lucia must take a ship through sea serpent-infested waters to get there... And her new helpful friend—the one and only, dashing Captain Avery Greybrow—just might be a pirate.

At this rate, Lucia's not sure if she'll ever reach the orchid. But she's determined to try.

A new fantasy adventure romance from the author of The Eldentimber Series.

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I absolutely loved this novel! This is one of those books I could read again, and I am sure I will do so right before Book 2 releases. This series has me pumped. While I enjoyed the prequel, Fire and Feathers, Moss Forest Orchid took things to another level; action, adventure, a cast of well developed and intriguing characters, friendships, romance and so much more! Tapscott had me hooked from the beginning and I did not want to put this story down; it did in fact keep me up late finishing it.

If you have a chance visit Tapscott's blog, where you can see pictures and bios for the characters. Lucia is something else! She is one of those characters that just endears herself to you. She is rash, brave, loyal and no matter how much she tries, right smack dab in the middle of trouble! Sebastian too, is brave, loyal and also up for adventure, but unlike Lucia he is levelheaded and prepares; he is pretty much her opposite. Captain Avery is interesting and a rascal, really though it is at the end when you start to see his character emerge more. As his character steps forward you will find yourself not only intrigued but hit with more questions and possibilities. There are other characters we meet on the journey and will become more familiar to us in Book 2.

Through Lucia's eyes we view the story and while we might at times see where she is heading into trouble, there are other areas of the story where Tapscott gives us just enough information that we can be conflicted too about the outcome we are hoping for. This for sure comes to ahead towards the end of the story. Which is great, because honestly it is rare where I read a story and do not see where we are heading to for the end. I am just as conflicted, in a good way as Lucia! I cannot wait for Book 2, which seems like a form of sweet torture! Thank you, Shari Tapscott for not making us wait too long (Book 2 to release June 16, 2017)!

I am not sure what is ahead for this cast of characters, but I know it will be an adventure I do not want to miss out on!


** Young Adult, Clean Read Romance, Adventure, Action, Fantasy
*** There is a really short prequel story out as well. It was a good read. I think around 35 pages or so.

Fire and Feathers: Novelette Prequel to Moss Forest Orchid (Silver and Orchids)