You're the One That I Want (Christiansen Family, Book 6) by Susan May Warren

Book Description:

Owen Christiansen has been in a downward spiral since an injury ended his NHL career. But a job on an Alaskan crabbing boat offers a fresh start . . . maybe even a shot at romance with Elise “Scotty” McFlynn, the captain’s daughter.

Used to being one of the guys, to never relying on anyone, Scotty doesn’t believe in happily ever after—especially with someone like Owen. Her instinct is confirmed when Casper Christiansen arrives to drag his prodigal brother home, bringing with him a truckload of family drama—and even worse, the news that Casper is wanted for questioning in connection to a crime back in Minnesota.

But Owen is more than the sum of his mistakes, a truth both he and Scotty discover when she escorts both brothers to Deep Haven as part of her new job on the Anchorage police force. Thrust into an unfamiliar world of family, faith, and fresh starts, Scotty begins to see potential for a happy ending . . . if she’s brave enough to embrace it.

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To say I have been anticipating this book would be to put it mildly. There is a fear with that, that maybe you have built something up so much in your mind, that reality can not compete. I had that moment with each book in the series, and in each and every one, Susan May Warren did not fail to write not only a well written, captivating story, but one with heart and depth that reaches you and holds on. One of the things I love about her books, is her ability to write real people, not perfect people but people with faults and the way she brings deep truths to light and teaches us lessons on faith, grace, hope, love and so much more; all the while doing it without being preachy. Her messages of faith are so woven into the fabric of the story, that it just feels natural and flows. Her characters could be us or someone we know, and every battle and victory feel real.

The other thing about her writing is... well, let's just be honest the romance is so well done! She comes at it from several different angles but no matter what it speaks to you and you eat it up! This series has been phenomenal! Seriously, I have loved it and I hate that it is now at an end. Come on, I really want more! I have loved this family, their highs and lows, the love, the grace, the romance and so much more! I love the way they love big and large, the interactions, on and on I could go.

You're the One That I Want, is Owen's story but really it is so much more. It is the wrap up story for the whole gang; especially dealing with Owen, Casper and Raina. Which is something I have been waiting to see play out for a while now. Seeing them deal with the consequences of sin, the prodigal coming home, relationships and fractures in them, on and on... this story is powerfully packed. I jumped in and could have read straight through, if life would have allowed it. I had to settle for reading it in snatches and longing to jump back in it when I was away. I did not want this one to end; maybe because it is the end of the series too. I just wanted the story to keep going. I wanted a little more time with Owen and Scotty. Warren wraps things up, don't get me wrong; I was joyful and content at the final page.

All this to say, read this book! If you haven't read the series, read it! I would read them in order.

This is some top notch storytelling! Loved it!

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!

BARON OF EMBERLY: Book Two (The Feud 2) by Tamara Leigh

Book Description:

A WARRIOR DANGEROUSLY IN CONTROL 
England, 1334 ~ In the second book of The Feud series, Baron Magnus Verdun is a warrior whose handsome face gives little indication of the darkness he struggles to contain. While pursuing the murderous brigands who plague his lands, he becomes the unwitting savior of the woman the king has decreed he wed—the reckless Lady Thomasin, whose very presence threatens his carefully ordered life. And more so when she proves outspoken beyond what is required of a dutiful wife. Can he tame this woman whose willful ways ought to offend, but instead captivate? More, dare he allow her near and risk exposing the secret that could push her away? 

A LADY PERILOUSLY IMPROPER 
Despite efforts to make a proper lady of her, the illegitimate Thomasin de Arell knows she is no match for the Baron of Emberly. Though she expects her new husband will think her beneath him, she is unprepared when he insists on separate chambers. When he also demands she control her behavior, the spurned Thomasin rebels—and unknowingly becomes the pawn of forces determined to further the feud. But upon finding herself in Magnus’s arms, she discovers he is not as indifferent as he would have her believe. And when she glimpses his torment, she is determined to shine light on his darkness. Will he let her in? Or will their enemies use the distrust between husband and wife for their own ends? 

In this sequel to the bestselling medieval romance, Baron Of Godsmere, join Baron Verdun and his lady as they discover that true love seeks first the soul, and is as easily seen in the dark as in the light.

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Fans of Leigh's Age of Faith series will be held captive once again in her new series, The Feud; especially with Book 2, Baron of Emberly! I will admit to skimming back through Book 1 to refresh my memory. You will find it important to set right in your mind who is who and in which family, as well as each families part in the betrayal. While each story is a separate story with different main characters, the story is a continuing one in which all the characters will play a part either in the forefront or as secondary characters. This is a series that does need to be read in order.

Baron of Emberly, swept me up and had me fully engaged throughout the whole book! Thomasin and Magnus are characters you can root for and ones that are well fleshed out. There were several themes woven into the book, but one that I want to mention is that of the importance of inner beauty and what is lasting. Leigh did a wonderful job of bringing this truth to light. She also had me on the edge of my seat at the end! Truly, a wonderful and exciting novel!

I enjoyed every moment of this journey with these characters and cannot wait for the final book, Baron of Blackwood due out in 2016!

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!!!