An Elegant Façade (Hawthorne House Book #2) by Kristi Ann Hunter

Book Description:

Lady Georgina Hawthorne has always known she must marry well. After years of tirelessly planning every detail of her debut season, she is poised to be a smashing success and have her choice of eligible gentlemen. 

With money and powerful business connections but no title, Colin McCrae is invited everywhere but accepted nowhere. He intends to marry someday, but when he does it will not be to a shallow woman like Lady Georgina, whose only concerns appear to be status and appearance.

But beneath her flawless exterior, Georgina's social aspirations stem from a shameful secret she is desperately trying to keep hidden--and that Colin is too close to discovering. Drawn to each other despite their mutual intent to avoid association, is the realization of their dreams worth the sacrifices they'll be forced to make?

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An Elegant Facade, far exceeded my expectations! I have to be honest though, I was not really looking forward to Georgina's story. In Hunter's previous novella and novel, Georgina has been a character I did not care for; for obvious reasons. I really was not sure how Hunter was going to pull this off and cause me to care for her. Colin on the other hand is a very likable hero.

The beginning of the novel did not change my mind on these points. I am not sure it is suppose to. The first portion of the novel is from part of the same time period as Book 1 (Miranda's story), only now we view things from Georgina and Colin's perspective. While I did not love this part of the novel, it does lay down the ground work for their relationship and explain several things. Not to say that the writing is not good, because it is; Georgina just still rubbed me wrong. I am so glad I read it though and even more the last half of the book, because it was fantastic!

I absolutely loved the unfolding story of Georgina and Colin! Seeing the struggles, the heart change and so much more bear fruit, left me giddy!  Do not miss out on this one! Hunter definitely knows how to tell a tale that grabs you, and characters that do not let go. I will be highly anticipating her next novel!

Audette of Brookraven (The Eldentimber Series Book 4) by Shari L. Tapscott

Book Description:

The Final Chapter in The Eldentimber Series 

When Audette pictured her wedding day, she never imagined leaving her intended at the altar. And though Irving, a prince with a reputation for trouble, never cared to picture the grand event (and had rather hoped he could somehow avoid it altogether), he certainly wouldn't have imagined being abandoned. 

But when Audette receives a cry for help from the mysterious, secret order she leads, the princess doesn't think twice about jilting Irving. With her brother and closest friend at her side, and her loyal order of knights anxiously awaiting her arrival, Audette travels to the distant island kingdom of Ptarma, not once expecting Irving to follow her. 

But that's exactly what he does. 

Now, trapped together until the ships sail again in spring, Audette must learn to get along with the infuriating prince if she's to track down the darkness that's wreaking havoc in the night. For in the shadows, the dark beast of legend looms, and only together will they have a chance of defeating it...

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I have absolutely loved this series, and I don't want it to end! This book in particular, is one that I have been waiting on since Book 1, when Irving first stepped onto the scene. He certainly left an impression and Tapscott has continued to feed my hunger to see his story played out. Thankfully, I was not disappointed!

First off, I love the cover! But even more the story inside. Irving is of course himself, which is captivating, playful and humorous; but I loved Audette too! The story was fun, romantic, sweet and had just a dash of mystery and suspense. For fans of the series this is a must read! For those of you who have not read the series yet, start at the beginning; you will not be disappointed!

Playing With Fire: inspirational romantic suspense (Montana Fire Book 2) by Susan May Warren

Book Description:

From RITA award-winning author Susan May Warren comes a new action romance. Book 2 in the Montana Fire: Summer of Fire trilogy. 

She can’t forget the man she walked away from . . . 

Liza Beaumont knew she was playing with fire when she let smoke jumper Conner Young into her life. Just friends, she promised herself, but she couldn’t help but fall for the tall, blond firefighter who needed her. But loving him got her burned, and she’s not about to risk her heart again. 

His one chance to get her back . . . 

Conner Young knows he blew his one chance with Liza. His personal losses—and his profession—made him wary of offering any promises he couldn’t be sure he’d live to keep. So he let her walk away, but he never forgot the place she’d held in his heart. 

A race to find a missing girl . . . 

Until Liza is attacked in the mountains by a rogue grizzly. Her panicked phone call alerts Conner to everything he lost—and still wants. Now, with a teenage girl missing in the woods, and a predator on the loose, Conner and Liza must fight against time and the elements to save her. But when the old friendship ignites into fresh sparks, are they setting themselves up to get burned again? And when disaster happens, will their nightmares pull them apart, or will they find the courage to survive? 

Don’t miss the other books in the series: 
Where There’s Smoke (Book 1) 
Burnin’ For You (Book 3) 

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Another smookn', hot story from Susan May Warren!  Playing With Fire, Book 2 in the Montana Fire series brings back fan fav characters from several of Warren's other novels. I loved catching up with everyone, and the flashbacks to Deep Haven; which is where Liza and Connor first meet.

Their story has a sweet romance, founded upon friendship and faith. Don't worry, there is definitely chemistry there too, and some steamy kisses! Warren, has these two not only battling their personal issues, but also a grizzly, some mysterious happenings with Connor's drones, and the Feds. While the beginning of the story starts out sweet and reflective, soon you will find yourself on the edge of your seat as these two find themselves in some harrowing circumstances, as they search for a missing youth.

Romance, excitement, fun, suspense, faith and a touch of mystery, make this one novel worth reading! So put your feet up and enjoy!

Together With You by Victoria Bylin

Book Description:

Sometimes the most unexpected love can be exactly what a heart needs...When a Lost Child warning blares over the mall's PA system, Carly Mason finds the little girl playing with a stuffed rabbit. Something about Penny Tremaine is different. An ex-social worker, Carly recognizes that the child suffers fetal alcohol effects, and a piece of Carly's past suddenly confronts her. Never again will she become personally involved with a client. The risks are far too great. But something about Penny--and Penny's handsome father--tugs at Carly's heart.

Dr. Ryan Tremaine is trying to put his life back together. With his ex-wife remarried and on a trip far away, his two teenage sons and Penny are living under his roof full time. Ryan has put his faith in his Sink-or-Swim list, a plan to reconnect with his children. The first step: recruit Carly Mason to be Penny's nanny.

Ryan never anticipated being so drawn to Carly, an attraction Carly seems to fight as much as he does. Could Carly be the missing piece that helps his family stay afloat, or will their blossoming romance only complicate things further?

Known for her realistic and engaging characters, Victoria Bylin delivers an emotion-packed story reminiscent of The Sound of Music, one that reminds us all to believe in the power of faith and love.

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Bylin had me engaged from the first page! This story swept me up and had me eagerly, enjoying page after page. Her characters were well fleshed out, the plot was intriguing and there was heart to the story. 

I will say Dr. Ryan Tremaine does not start off as your favorite hero. He has messed up, but he is in the process of trying to make things right. And I have to be honest, I do love a good redemption story. And it is not just Ryan, but also Carly, who is working through something in her past that she carries the weight of. They each have their struggles and their strengths.

Things do wrap up rather neatly at the end. Which is some ways felt a little too perfect, but at the same time, gives you that nice happy feeling. Overall, highly enjoyable story!

* Clean romance, no violence, no language and a spiritual message spread throughout.  

The Thorn Keeper (Penned in Time Book 2) by Pepper Basham

Book Description:
With her newfound faith, Catherine Dougall hopes to take the remnants of her threadbare life and make something beautiful, even if society shuns every choice she makes. 

Dr. David Ross must save his war hospital from ruin, but when his notorious aunt makes an offer he can’t refuse, he must choose between his surprising affection for a reformed flirt or his dreams. 

From the beautiful Derbyshire countryside to the trenches of World War One, Catherine and David must learn to trust in a God who never forgets his children and fashions beauty out of the most broken things.

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The Thorn Keeper, left me swept away! I delighted in the beautiful, unfolding tale of Catherine and David's story. And what a story it was! This novel drew me in and had me devouring the pages, there was a softer flow mid way through, but still just as engaging. However, the last quarter of the novel had me hungrily devouring the pages and enamored with the stunning and glorious way Basham wove this story and its' conclusion.

A story filled with romance, yes, but also with so much grace, love and truth. Basham masterfully, guides you through these lessons and brings such a sweetness and deeper awareness in a completely organic way.

The relationship between Catherine (Kat) and David was so sweet, completely romantic and swoon worthy - yes! The unfolding friendship and romance was well done and will leave you with a grin and a sigh, delighted and challenged too! What is real love? Do you love well? Do you rest in the lavish love of your Savior?

Conclusion; you should read this one for sure!

The Thornbearer (Penned in Time Book 1) by Pepper Basham

Book Description:
BRONZE MEDAL—CHRISTIAN FICTION—READERS FAVORITE BOOK AWARDS 
FINALIST—2015 GRACE AWARDS 
SHORT-LISTED—2015 INSPY AWARDS 

From the decks of the ill-fated Lusitania to the smoke-filled trenches of France, Ashleigh must choose between the forgiveness of her past, life in the present, and a Savior who can rescue her from them all. 

When her fiancé leaves her eight months before their wedding, the unexpected blow ignites a battalion of insecurities stemming from her father’s intimate betrayal. Her worst fears are confirmed – who could ever love a soiled woman? 

In an attempt to escape the shame and disappointment of her past, Ashleigh boards the ill-fated Lusitania to cross the war-torn waters of Europe. Much to her dismay, she isn’t traveling alone. 

Sam Miller is always making up for his best friend’s mistakes. Determined to help Ashleigh, he offers his compassion and protection as she ventures across a perilous sea. With the faint hope of renewing his lost love for Ashleigh’s sister, Sam never expects to find the woman of his dreams in his best friend’s former fiancé and his own childhood companion. 

As they travel across the Atlantic, neither is prepared for the life-altering and heart-breaking journey of their friendship. 

When the truth of Ashleigh’s past explodes in the middle of war and Sam rejects her, Ashleigh must decide if God is enough – or if the double weight of her betrayal and past will crush her life forever.

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As Basham's bio states, her novels are truly romances peppered with grace and humor! The Thornbearer has a good deal of family drama, there are some dark secrets and deep wounds. While Basham covers the topic of abuse, and more specifically sexual abuse, she handles it well. The reader is made aware of the situation and its' repercussions but without all the gory details. This story is focused more on grace, love, redemption and forgiveness.  There are so many truths shining through this novel; the lies we believe, the shame that binds, pride, prejudice, learning to accept grace and give it, as well as forgivness, for not only others but oneself.

This story has many layers and I thoroughly enjoyed pealing my way through every one, until I reached the heart of the story. The romance was sweet, the characters engaging and the novel engrossing.

Looking forward to Book 2!

A Twist of Faith: Will a wager against her future steal her chance at true love? by Pepper Basham

Book Description:

Will a wager against her future steal her chance at true love? 

Dr. Adelina Roseland has worked ten years in research as an accent reduction specialist to attain her dream job. But a secret wager to transform Appalachian cattle farmer Reese Mitchell into corporate material challenges Adelina in ways she never expected, threatening her new position. 

For one, Adelina didn't plan for the faith and friction of Reese, or the unexpected influence of his chaotic family. Now, drawn into a culture she'd tried to forget, Adelina finds the warmth of family, the hope of faith, and the joy of love melting away the deep wounds of her past. 

But when Reese discovers that he's a pawn in her climb up the academic ladder, will he forgive Adelina's deceit or will their miscommunication end in two broken lives? 

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I absolutely loved this novel! Which is a wonderful twist on the My Fair Lady/Pgymalion story. It was the perfect blend of whit, humor, romance, and truth; all wrapped up in one hard to put down story! A Twist of Faith, is the first novel I have read by Basham; but you can believe that it will not be the last.

The characters and plot were very well written and fleshed out. In fact, there are many secondary characters that you will fall in love with. I hope to see them get their own novel as well! But, in the mean time, you should definitely read this one!


*** Currently available with Kindle Unlimited!