Remnants: Season of Fire (Book 2, in the Remnants series) by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Book Description:
After tackling her first mission and coming to terms with her power of empathy, Andriana discovers her first battles were only a taste of what is to come. She and her knight, Ronan, have admitted their feelings for each other, but their bonds are tested when Dri is captured by their mortal and spiritual enemy—Sethos—and his master, Keallach, emperor of Pacifica. Andriana is certain Keallach can be convinced to follow the Maker's plan and join the other Remnants … but in time, she must decide whether she really can pull him back to the Way, or if Sethos's web of darkness has slowly and thoroughly trapped them both … forever.

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Bergren has done it again! She has crafted not only a well told tale, but also characters, depth, mystery and suspense. To say I am beyond anxious for Book 3 to release is putting it mildly. (Remnants: Season of Glory - late 2016).

Book 2, continued with Dri as our main protagonist, but adds dashes of Ronan's thoughts here and there. I love how Bergren adds depth, not only to the story but also to the characters and how well you can relate to them. And not just in and of themselves, but also in their relationships; all the while, Bergren keeps you on edge, hoping to see these characters pull through victorious and transformed. Like Dri, even I am not sure about Keallach; is he completely lost and given over to the darkness or is there still hope for a transformation coming!?! Come on Book 3!!!

This is a series not to be missed! I just hate the books are releasing spaced so far apart. I had to skim back over Book 1 before starting this one. And with the final book set to release in late 2016, I am sure I will have to do it again. Either way, it will be worth the read!

Hats off to Bergren!

On Shifting Sand by Allison Pittman

Book Description:
Long before anyone would christen it “The Dust Bowl,” Nola Merrill senses the destruction. She’s been drying up bit by bit since the day her mother died, leaving her to be raised by a father who withholds his affection the way God keeps a grip on the Oklahoma rain. A hasty marriage to Russ, a young preacher, didn’t bring the escape she desired. Now, twelve years later with two children to raise, new seeds of dissatisfaction take root.

When Jim, a mysterious drifter and long-lost friend from her husband’s past, takes refuge in their home, Nola slowly springs to life under his attentions until a single, reckless encounter brings her to commit the ultimate betrayal of her marriage. For months Nola withers in the wake of the sin she so desperately tries to bury. Guilt and shame consume her physically and spiritually, until an opportunity arises that will bring the family far from the drought and dust of Oklahoma. Or so she thinks. As the storms follow, she is consumed with the burden of her sin and confesses all, hoping to find Russ’s love strong enough to stand the test.

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On Shifting Sand is a story that while being fiction is more like real life. It is gritty, hard, sinful, hopeful, and about real love and grace. I had a hard time deciding how to rate this book, because, while I didn't love it, it was a very good novel and I liked it. I liked the depth, the heart and truths found within its pages, ones that sort of sink in and hit you as you go or maybe as you finish it. I found myself reflecting on it late last night after I finished it. While we might not all be able to relate to Nola and her exact sin, we are all sinners. We all can at times lie to ourselves, as well as others in our lives and if we are truly honest we know; we know our struggles, our weaknesses and like Nola we might say and even want to be forgiven and to not sin, but until we truly resolve, deep down, to CHOSE to repent and turn from our sin, flee from it and be steadfast in keeping our eye on our Maker and the One who not only forgives, but redeems, we seem to swim in a vicious circle of our own making.

This is not a fun or light read, but really one that speaks to you and may continue to speak to you long after you finish its pages. I do recommend it, and hope that like me you might reflect on the truths within and how they apply to you/your life.

The Vow: A novella [Prequel Novella] Jody Hedlund

Book Description:

In this ebook historical romance novella by Jody Hedlund, young Rosemarie finds herself drawn to Thomas, the son of the nearby baron. But just as her feelings begin to grow, a man carrying the Plague interrupts their hunting party. While in forced isolation, Rosemarie begins to contemplate her future—could it include Thomas? Could he be the perfect man to one day rule beside her and oversee her parents’ lands? 

Then Rosemarie is summoned back to her castle in haste. The disease has spread, and her family is threatened. And the secret she discovers when she returns could change her future forever.

This novella also serves as a prequel to Jody Hedlund’s An Uncertain Choice.

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Hedlund does a beautiful job of painting the portrait of not only a time, and place but the emotions and trials of our young heroine's life. An excellent prequel to Hedlund's novel, An Uncertain Choice. I quickly flew through the pages and greatly anticipate starting the novel, and the rest of Rosemarie's story!

How to Catch a Prince (The Royal Wedding Series, Book 3) by Rachel Hauck

A completely captivating and delightful addition to The Royal Wedding series by Hauck! I loved this one, and found it hard to put down. There are so many wonderful layers found within this novel; well layered characters, relationships, spiritual truths and the romance too! I found this novel to be a sweetly romantic and enjoyed every moment found within its pages.

The characters are ones you will love and their story one that you will root for. The spiritual truths and struggles found within are all things that will bless the reader. I loved the theme throughout the novel of loving well.

Hauck caught my attention, heart and soul with this installment! Bravo!

Price of Privilege (Price of Privilege, Book 3) by Jessica Dotta

Book Description:

Having finally discovered the truth of her birthright, Julia Elliston is determined to outwit Chance Macy at his own game. Holding a secret he’d kill to keep, however, is proving more difficult than she imagined.

Just when Julia thinks she’s managed to untangle herself from Macy’s clutches, he changes tactics with a risky ploy. As the scandal of the century breaks loose, drawing rooms all over London whisper what so far newspapers have not dared to print: Macy’s lost bride is none other than Lord Pierson’s daughter—and one of the most controversial cases of marital law ever seen comes before Victorian courts.

Though Julia knows Macy’s version of events is another masterful manipulation, public opinion is swaying in his favor. Caught in a web of deceit and lies, armed only with a fledgling faith, Julia must face her fiercest trial yet.

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An exceedingly, exceptional series! Dotta has garnered a big fan in me. The writing is sublime and will hold you completely enthralled. I found myself so completely engrossed with in its pages, that it was as if I was part of the story. Every word, decision, hurt,  & danger pressed upon you. There were a few moments I found humorous,  there were as well, moments that had tears pouring forth from my eyes.

Initially, I wasn't sure at the beginning of Book 3 if I was going to like the direction the novel was heading; still it held me captive. Dotta, surpassed my expectations and left me with the profound feeling that I not only read a great novel but one that moves you and speaks to you as well.

The characters, the story, the intrigue are so well penned, I find myself a bit undone that it is all over! I am sad to say farewell, and I feel confident that this is not only a story I will recommend to others, but one that I will pickup to read again. Bravo!

Mark of Distinction (Price of Privilege, Book 2) by Jessica Dotta

Book Discription:

London is said to be the glittering jewel of society, a world unto itself—but to Julia Elliston it is a city of shadows. Her life is swiftly dissolving into scandal. And in Victorian society, even a whisper of scandal—substantiated or not—can be the death of a young woman’s reputation.

Now under the watchful eye of Lord Roy Pierson, one of most influential men in England, Julia begrudgingly accepts his protection. But Chance Macy’s power is far-reaching as well, and he is eager to assert his claim over her.

Thrust into society as the Emerald Heiress, Julia is the toast of London, a celebrated curiosity. But in reality she’s trapped between the clutches of two powerful men. Aided only by a gentleman whose intentions she prays she can trust, Julia must finally take control of her own fate—but outwitting one’s foe rarely goes according to plan.

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Dotta continues to keep readers on the edge of their seats and glued to the pages! Book 2 in the Price of Privilege series, is another brilliantly written novel. The setting, characters, mystery and intrigue are exquisitely penned and have left this reader eagerly anticipating the conclusion in Book 3. 

I do have to add my one complaint ... While I was thrilled with 99% of the book, the ending was not where I hoped the story was going. That said, I am still eager for Book 3! Who knows what will come forth out of it! 

Born of Persuasion (Price of Privilege, Book 1) by Jessica Dotta

Book Description:

The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.

With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.

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Wow, Dotta's debut novel, and the first book in her series, Price of Privilege, is a wonderful, fascinating piece of literature! This Gothic romance, will bring to mind novels by Austen and Bronte. Truly a work of art.

Initially, it took me a little bit to get sucked into the story. It was interesting but not gripping yet. However, by the time Julia finds herself at Mr. Macy's estate, Eastbourne, you will find the intrigue and wonder so great that you are completely absorbed into the tale and hard put to set it down! Even, after finishing it late last night, this story has continued to play upon my mind, and I find myself very eager to pick up Book 2 and delve in.

Born of Persuasion, is told from Julia's perspective, which helps add to the suspense of the story. Just as Julia must wonder at everyone else's motives, so must you. Who can you trust, what is true, what should she do?! On and on, it leaves you held fast to the story and on edge as you suspect things and people are not all that they seem.

So for those looking for a novel that is not predictable but instead leads you through all the mazes, with just enough tidbits to help you along and keep you in suspense, this novel is for you. It abounds with great writing, depth of character, mystery, intrigue and Gothic romance. It engages the mind and thrills.

Sure, there will be many occasions that you wish you could impress upon Julia to err on the side of caution, and long to shake her; but in truth is that not how we often look back at our own youthful choices and wish we had known then what we know now.

Picking up this novel is a journey, Book 1 is just the introduction and a meaty one at that; but it is absolutely worth the time!