The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Klassen has once again written a novel sure to thrill her fans! For those of you who are not familiar with Klassen's work, this novel will be the beginning of a love affair! Her novels are excellent and completely praiseworthy! This is regency romance done brilliantly; thrilling, engaging and sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!

I wanted to devour this book but had to remind myself not to race through it, despite the urgency I felt to see what would become of the characters. I didn't want to miss the thrill of the journey, because Klassen pens a story so well. The characters come to life, the time & place leap off the pages and enrapture you. Even the secondary characters find a place in your heart and mind. Klassen could do a follow up novel with some of these. However, she has not yet done a series, so I do not expect it. Nevertheless, the story wraps up well! Very well indeed!!! 

Luther and Katharina: A Novel of Love and Rebellion by Jody Hedlund

Book Description:
She was a nun of noble birth. He, a heretic, a reformer…an outlaw of the Holy Roman Empire.  

In the 16th century, nun Katharina von Bora’s fate fell no further than the Abbey. Until she read the writings of Martin Luther.
 
His sweeping Catholic church reformation—condemning a cloistered life and promoting the goodness of marriage—awakened her desire for everything she’d been forbidden. Including Martin Luther himself. 
 
Despite the fact that the attraction and tension between them is undeniable, Luther holds fast to his convictions and remains isolated, refusing to risk anyone’s life but his own. And Katharina longs for love, but is strong-willed. She clings proudly to her class distinction, pining for nobility over the heart of a reformer. They couldn’t be more different. 
 
But as the world comes tumbling down around them, and with Luther’s threatened life a constant strain, these unlikely allies forge an unexpected bond of understanding, support and love. 
 
Together, they will alter the religious landscape forever.

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This is a fictional novel about two historical figures Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora. So while some of the information contained within this novel is historically accurate, other parts of it are fictionalized. That said, let me just say how enjoyable this novel was! I found the time period fascinating, the characters well written, and the story compelling and hard to put down. Per Hedlund, she "... attempted to capture the social, political, and religious climate of the tumultuous times surrounding the Reformation and the Peasants’ War."; and in my opinion she succeeded. For those concerned about the facts verses fiction she gives you a breakdown in the back of the novel.

Hedlund brought these historical characters to life and made them leap off the pages! I enjoyed seeing all of the different personal, physical, emotional and spiritual struggles they battled. At times it seemed they both had issues with pride, in different forms. But isn't that something that we all struggle with, if we are honest. Overall, just a fantastic story!

Veiled at Midnight (Twilight of the British Raj Book 3) by Christine Lindsay

Book Description:

The British empire draws to an end… 
but the turmoil has only just begun. 

The Partition of India has sent millions to the roads, instigated riots as uncontrolled as wildfire…and caught up in its wake Captain Cam Fraser, his sister Miriam, and the beautiful Indian Dassah. Cam has never been able to put Dassah from his mind, ever since they played together at the mission as children. But a British officer and the aide to the last viceroy cannot marry a poor Indian woman, can he? For a while, Dassah believes that Cam loves her. But as the impossibility of a future with him becomes clear, what choice does she have but to run? He may hold her heart—but she cannot let him break it again. Miriam rails against the separation of the land of her birth, and as British forces prepare to leave India, she struggles. She finds purpose in teaching, in helping...but is Lieutenant Colonel Jack Sunderland her soul mate or a distraction from what God has called her to do?

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Wow, this one grabbed hold of me and had me flying through the pages! I was on the edge of my seat through most of this novel; all the way until the end! The characters and the circumstances of their lives were so well fleshed out and absolutely compelling. I have to say, Veiled at Midnight, is the crowning glory of the series; at least to me! I absolutely loved this one! In fact, I was in such a rush to get through and see what became of all the characters, I think I may need to read this one again! YES, IT WAS THAT GOOD!

Lindsay, once again, captures the setting and place perfectly. She also weaves so much truth, heart and soul throughout the novel that you will not only be thrilled by the story itself but edified as well. I like that Lindsay is not afraid to tackle difficult subject matters and bring you through them. This novel deals with issues like alcoholism and racial prejudices. And while these are heavy subject matters, this story is one that shines light and radiates beauty, you do not come away depressed but enthralled. Enthralled by the beauty of grace and love, and encouraged by the truth that even in the midst of darkness, light shines the way through.

Do not miss out on this one! The whole series was wonderful and I look forward to seeing what else Lindsay will create!


*** This novel was sent to me for an honest review. These thoughts and words are all my own.

Captured by Moonlight (Twilight of the British Raj Book 2) by Christine Lindsay

Book Description:

Prisoners to their own broken dreams…
After a daring rescue goes awry, Laine Harkness and her friend Eshana flee to the tropical south of India…and headlong into their respective pasts.
Laine takes a nursing position at a plantation in the jungle, only to discover that her former fiancé is the owner…but fun-loving Laine refuses to let Adam crush her heart like he had years ago.
Eshana, captured by her traditional uncle and forced once more into the harsh Hindu customs of mourning, doubts freedom will ever be hers again, much less the forbidden love that had begun to flower.
Amid cyclones, epidemics, and clashing faiths, will the love of the True Master give hope to these searching hearts?

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As I sit here, contemplating this wonderful novel I just finished, I sit amazed at the beautiful way Lindsay wove the story and brought it to completion. Captured by Moonlight, slowly but sweetly drew me in. The characters and setting are all too real. At time causing me aggravation with them and really with our human condition; the way we try to protect ourselves or take on more than the Lord would burden us with. So much of their heart ache and ours could be avoided if we would not pridefully think we can handle it all on our own.

This novel will sweep you away in time and location, and firmly entrench you within its' pages. This series has been a delight! Just like Book 1, Captured by Moonlight packs in not only a well told story but so many life applying, spiritual truths to ponder. Truths written and woven into the fabric of the story that seem seamless and not contrived. As you turn the last page, I believe you too will find such a sense of satisfaction and delight with a novel well done. Also, I believe you will be as eager as I to begin the final book in the series, Veiled at Midnight.


*** This novel was given to me to consider and review. These thoughts stated are my own honest review.

Shadowed in Silk (Twilight of the British Raj Book 1) by Christine Lindsay

Book Description:

She was invisible to those who should have loved her.

After the Great War, Abby Fraser returns to India, where her husband is stationed with the British army. She has longed to go home to the land of glittering palaces and veiled women . . . but Nick has become a cruel stranger and a cruel father to their three-year old son. It will take more than her American pluck to survive.

Major Geoff Richards, broken over the loss of so many of his men in the trenches of France, returns to his cavalry post in Amritsar. His faith does little to help him understand the ruthlessness of his British peers toward the Indian people he loves. Nor does it explain how he is to protect Abby Fraser and her child from the husband who mistreats them.

Amid political unrest, inhospitable deserts, and Russian spies, tensions rise in India as the people cry for the freedom espoused by Gandhi. Caught between their own ideals and duty, Geoff and Abby stumble into sinister secrets . . . secrets that will thrust them out of the shadows and straight into the fire of revolution.

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Christine Lindsay has crafted an excellent story! I was swept up in the time period, the setting, the characters and in the story being played out. There were so many wonderful nuggets of truth to dig out and meditate upon throughout its' pages. I am sure these lessons and the story itself will linger upon my mind for a while.

Shadowed in Silk, has that broad, sweeping story feel from the beginning; within its' pages you are sure to encounter drama, adventure, action, romance and so much more! It was fascinating to learn about not only this location, but the time period and history, of which I was not familiar. The characters were well fleshed out and I find them lingering upon my mind and hope they will appear again in the second novel of this series. The inner struggles and circumstances of these characters felt very real, and I am sure the reader will find some thread that they can relate with.

I am very eager to begin the next novel in this series. So, for all of you out there looking for a really good novel; one that has heart and substance, while being thoroughly entertaining, this is it!



*** This novel was sent to me for an honest review. The review I have given is my own thoughts and honest.

Told You So (Told You Series Book 1) by Kristen Heitzmann

Book Description:

From the minute Grace Evangeline throws her sweet tea in Devin Bressard’s face, their battle of wits and cross-purposes overtakes their lives. Sassy “angelic” Grace Evangeline will stop at nothing to see her romance novel produced for Broadway. Devin Bressard knows all about the commercial success of Ms. Evangeline’s “novels”—as far from his literary, nerve-striking plays as anything could be. 
Grace intends to pull his head out of the rarified air long enough to make her point, even if it involves stalking him and infiltrating his friends and colleagues. Devin knows she’s trouble, but who would guess the spokesperson for strength and virtue would be a calamity vortex? He mounts a fierce resistance, but when he’s forced to work with Grace, his profession and sanity aren’t the only things at risk. Collapsing walls on both sides bring a détente that could shatter their bond—or resound through more lives than their own. 

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I have to say this is a different style of writing from what Kristen Heitzmann normally writes. However, I really, really, really enjoyed it! It was humorous, witty, had some deeper truths and was overall just a really fun read! The characters get in your head, and the pages just fly!

This is a novel about imperfect people, hope, forgiveness and grace. Also, it's about the choices that we make in life and the reasons why we do what we do. When we mess up can we rest in His grace and forgive ourselves, moving forward into His will? Do we run to Him or do we run away?

I'm excited about this new series and I am look forward to Book 2!!!

Isle of Hope: Unfailing Love (Isle of Hope Series Book 1) by Julie Lessman

Book Description:
She stole his heart. 
He stole her peace. 
Can hope steal their pain? 

At the age of eighteen, Lacey Carmichael was a wild girl bent on fun, promised to Jack O'Bryen, a straight-and-narrow pastor’s kid bent on the seminary. When her father kicks her out of the house, she runs away from Isle of Hope, turning her back on everything she loves. Now, eight years later, she’s back as a woman of faith, hoping to make amends to the father she defied, the boyfriend she deserted, and the best friend she denied. Only the bridges she’s burned are still smoldering, kindled by an adulterous affair by Jack’s pastor father that damaged his son’s faith. But can a turning of tables—and hearts—lead the way back to “hope” for them all? 

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Julie Lessman knows how to write unforgettable characters, that live large in your mind and will stick with you long after you have turned the last page. Her novels are well crafted and make you want to consume them in one sitting (I wish), and this is so true with her latest novel, Isle of Hope. The pages fly rapidly by, all the while you are hoping against hope to not reach the end because you are thoroughly engrossed and enjoying every moment within the story!

This story has not only endearing and swoon worthy characters, it also has heart and a message. A message of hope, faith, love, forgiveness, mercy and grace. I am super excited about not only this new novel, but the series! I cannot wait to catch back up with these characters again and to see what happens in the secondary love story that was in this novel as it plays out,  I hope in Book 2!