A Woman of Fortune (Texas Gold Collection Book #1) (Texas Gold series) by Kellie Coates Gilbert

Book Description:

Texas socialite Claire Massey is living the dream. Her world is filled with designer clothes, luxury cars, and stunning homes. But her Neiman-Marcus lifestyle comes crashing down when her charming cattle broker husband is arrested for fraud. Suddenly, she finds herself facing attorneys, a media frenzy, and a trail of broken hearts. Betrayed and humiliated, Claire must start over against incredible odds to save her family--and discover a life worth living.

Poignant and emotionally gripping, A Woman of Fortune reveals the many ways we deceive ourselves and how resilience of the heart is essential to authentic living. Drawing on her experiences as a legal investigator, author Kellie Coates Gilbert delivers emotionally gripping plots and authentic characters. Readers will love Claire's unbending determination as she strives to keep her family from falling apart and learns to embrace the kind of fortune that lasts.

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Reading A Woman of Fortune is like having a front row seat to a sensational news story. Gilbert sets us up with a glance at how well to do this family is and how they seemingly have it all. Of course, we know appearances can be, and often are deceiving. Physical wealth does not mean that our spirits and souls are well fed and flourishing.

Gilbert did a fantastic job of bringing these people to life and helping to personalize those we see flashed across the headlines through different eyes. Yes, what they, or in this case one person did is no less wrong. However, we see them as a real person and not just their crime. We see how quickly people turn on you, how one person's actions cause big ramifications for others and how people can unravel. Thankfully, we are also given an eye view of God redeeming people and circumstances.

This novel had me gripped, on edge and wondering how Gilbert was going to bring this to a close that satisfied. I went through a range of emotions. And I can honestly say this is some top notch writing. For those looking for a Christian fiction novel, not a romance; this is right up your alley. However, those looking for less real life, light hearted and romantic feel this would not be a novel for you. I guess it all depends on what you are looking for. That said, I found wonderful truths woven through out and I really enjoyed this novel. There is redemption and a well done conclusion. I won't lie, I was really wanting a more fictionalize, happy ever after ending, but still Gilbert did not leave me unsatisfied. A compelling and well told tale.

Within the Veil by Brandy Vallance

Book Description:

They never should have met. But they might be made for each other.

Feya Broon, a Scottish half-gypsy, knows what it is to go hungry. Trapped in the Edinburgh tenements with a father lost to his past and only the faded memory of her mother’s faith, Feya is desperate to provide for her siblings. When an ill-conceived plan leads to thievery, she finds herself in the last place she'd ever want to be—captured by a palace guard. But there's something about this man that tears at every preconceived notion she's even had about the haughty English. 

Alasdair Cairncross never dreamed he’d be forced to transport a gypsy woman halfway across the wilds of Scotland. The timing is disastrous, considering his fiancée’s imminent arrival and his father’s political goals. Not only that, but the fiery young woman threatens to lay bare secrets Alasdair would rather keep hidden. And yet the farther they travel together, the less concerned he finds himself with duty—both to the crown and to the plans his family has for him.

As their walls begin to crumble, Feya and Alasdair must fight to survive a decades-old feud, a Highland kidnapping, and the awakening of their own hearts. 

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After reading several, very positive reviews, I had to read this novel. And I am so glad that I did! While it took me a little while to get completely wrapped up in it, once the story sunk its' hooks in me it did not let go until the very last page! And I have to say that the last part of the story just shines.

Vallance takes us back in time to the Victorian era and brings to life the social and political climate of that time. Specifically, dealing with the Gypsies and how they were viewed and treated. We are caught up in the plight of those set low on the social and economical ladder. We see the prejudices and the corruption that can play out both in society and in politics.

However, what really captured me was how personal Vallance made the plight for us. Seeing Feya's struggle to provide for her siblings and the fear of what might become of them. Journeying with her as she pursued ways to help them, much to her detriment. Fear and desperation claw at her, and she makes some unwise choices. However, I loved seeing through all this how God can take even our mistakes and the things that hurt us and bring forth good; beauty from ashes. This is that kind of story.

Feya and Alasdair's relationship has many ups and downs. Early on, it is most definitely not positive. And to be honest the sudden shift from distrust and dislike to something else was rather quick for me. But that aside, I really enjoyed seeing where their relationship and the adventure went from there. From that point on the pages could not fly fast enough. And I was held with baited breath to see how Vallance would bring forth a desirable end. Which she does! Bravo, one well told and moving story!

Heir of Hope (Follower of the Word Book 3) by Morgan L. Busse

Book Description:
What would you sacrifice to save mankind?

The great city of Thyra has fallen and shadows spread across the land. Rowen Mar, the last Truthsayer, is taken before the Shadonae. But the Shadonae are not who she thought they were, and now they want to claim her as their own. 

Caleb Tala, former assassin and prince, is now a Guardian of mankind. Exiled from his country, Caleb wanders the desert in search of his mother's past and clues to who he is.

These are the last days of the Eldaran race. Rowen and Caleb must find their way along the dark path set before them by their ancestors: to heal what was wounded and love where hatred grows. But the road is narrow and the darkness beckons. If either of them fails, all will be lost...

And the human race will be no more. 

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The crowning finale to an epic series! Heir of Hope, brings back all the wonderful elements found in Book 1 and 2; well written, captivating, compelling characters, and doses of truth and faith woven in so organically that it is seamless. This novel starts off, right where Book 2 ended, and once you open up the pages you are swept into the story. I was on the edge of my seat through most of the novel and anxious to see what was ahead for these characters. 

And while this is a novel about good vs evil, it is also a novel about so much more. This is a novel that takes us on the journey where we look at who we are, but also, how we have been made new in Christ. A journey of discovering what that looks like and what it means to be this new creation. Also, a journey where we look at the internal battles we face, combating unbelief, fear, pride and forgiving. This is lastly, a journey of awakening to trust, hope, faith and love.

Excellent! I highly recommend this series. 

Son of Truth (Follower of the Word Book 2) by Morgan L. Busse

Book Description:
Arise now, guardian...

The war in the north is over, but the war for all the Lands has just begun. As the Shadonae solidify their hold on the city of Thyra, Rowen Mar, the last Eldaran and savior of the White City, awakens to find herself hunted by those she has saved.

Meanwhile, the assassin Caleb Tala finds himself in the presence of the Word. The time of reckoning has come, and he must pay the price for all the lives he has taken. But in his moment of judgment, Caleb is given a second chance to change his life.

These two hold the power to save the Lands from the Shadonae. One must escape slavery, and one must choose to forsake everything before the world is consumed in darkness.

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Son of Truth, Book 2 in this series, is one fast paced, on the edge of your seat ride - for the most part! Busse brought all the wonderful elements of Book 1 to life again, but with more action, suspense and a dose of romance too. Our main characters face trials of varying sorts. And like us, they can falter, loose their focus and question why - a lot! This at times can be frustrating, but so true to life.

I enjoyed seeing the character transformations; like Caleb's, as he navigates what it means to be a Son of Truth. Also, seeing other characters battle their faith and lack of hope and trust. Viewing others and even their own circumstances through an outlook that is past focused or fraught with feelings not of the light and truth. You want so badly for them to believe, to hope, to trust and reach out.

I am on the edge of my seat now, in anticipation of starting Book 3 and seeing how this will all come together and play out at the end! To be honest, there were a few areas where I skimmed because of the great urge to move forward and see what happens next, and these areas did not seem to be that necessary to the story. This is a double edged sword, on the one hand the story was so good I couldn't wait to find out what was happening next, but at the same time there were areas that were, just to me extra words. That said, the story was most definitely worth the read! Book 3, is calling my name... Adventure, battle, transformation and truth await!

Daughter of Light (Follower of the Word, Book 1) by Morgan Busse

Book Description:

What if with one touch you could see inside the soul?

Rowen Mar finds a strange mark on her hand, and she is banishedfrom her village as a witch. She covers the mark with a leather gloveand seeks sanctuary in the White City. She lives in fear that if shetouches another person, the power inside her will trigger again, aterrifying power that allows her to see the darkness inside the humanheart . . .

But the mark is a summons, and those called cannot hide forever. For the salvation of her people lies within her hand.

Book 1 of the Follower of the Word series.

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Daughter of Light is a Christian fantasy novel; well written both as a fantasy novel and with the allegory woven throughout. The novel stirred my interest early on and I could feel the build up of a bigger and more intriguing story being made. There are several characters, so this adds to the building up phase and the foundation of the story. So while the first half was good, the second half really took it up a notch. And in fact, has me eager to read the second novel.

For those who like epic fantasy stories and would like the Christian themes woven in, in an organic way, this would be a novel you would not want to miss! Most definitely one I can recommend. Better still, this is currently free on Amazon!

A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay

Book Description:

Art restorer Emily Price has never encountered anything she can’t fix—until she meets Ben, an Italian chef, who seems just right. But when Emily follows Ben home to Italy, she learns that his family is another matter . . .

Emily Price—fix-it girl extraordinaire and would-be artist—dreams of having a gallery show of her own. There is no time for distractions, especially not the ultimate distraction of falling in love.

But Chef Benito Vassallo’s relentless pursuit proves hard to resist. Visiting from Italy, Ben works to breathe new life into his aunt and uncle’s faded restaurant, Piccollo. Soon after their first meeting, he works to win Emily as well—inviting her into his world and into his heart.

Emily astonishes everyone when she accepts Ben’s proposal and follows him home. But instead of allowing the land, culture, and people of Monterello to transform her, Emily interferes with everyone and everything around her, alienating Ben’s tightly knit family. Only Ben’s father, Lucio, gives Emily the understanding she needs to lay down her guard. Soon, Emily’s life and art begin to blossom, and Italy’s beauty and rhythm take hold of her spirit.

Yet when she unearths long-buried family secrets, Emily wonders if she really fits into Ben’s world. Will the joys of Italy become just a memory, or will Emily share in the freedom and grace that her life with Ben has shown her are possible?

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   A Portrait of Emily Price, a novel to add to your must read list. I loved Reay's first novel, Dear Mr. Knightley and I thoroughly enjoyed her following novels; this one however, ranks right up there with Dear Mr. Knightley. From the beginning Reay had me captivated. I loved the lure of this story and the discoveries this novel encapsulated. The discovery of new places and people, a new culture, romance, love, sacrifice, secrets, of being stretched and learning more about yourself. The fact that people are flawed, and sometimes despite your best efforts things do not work out perfectly or the way you pictured them. What then? Do you try harder, do you run away or do you let the circumstances speak to you, teach you; do you remain patient and present?

  This is a novel about all these things, but also a novel about seeing our present more than we see our past. About moving forward and letting go when we need to. Not letting go of people, but of the things that hinder and hold us back. I enjoyed the themes of family and the dynamics of seeing that played out, throughout the novel. Also, learning to forgive, not just others but yourself. I could go on and on. I am sure I could read through this novel again and find some more nuggets tucked away.

   I loved the relationship between Emily and Ben; his patience and steadfastness. This novel has all the ingredients necessary to engage the reader, bring delight and satisfaction. Well written and one to place on your keeper shelf, pick this one up!

The Promise of Rayne by Nicole Deese

Book Description:

Rayne Shelby has spent her entire life trying to earn the approval of her high-powered family, with the hope of one day managing her late grandfather’s prestigious Idaho lodge. But when she makes a mistake that puts her future in jeopardy, she faces an impossible choice: defy her family or deny her dream. The only way to fix the mess she’s created is to enlist the help of her neighbor, Levi, the apprentice of her family’s greatest enemy. And if Rayne gets caught crossing the divided property lines, the consequences will be irreparable.

Levi Harding has never forgotten the August night he shared with Rayne when they were teens—or the way she later rejected him. Despite his warring instincts, he can’t ignore her plea for help or the spark that’s ignited between them. But now, as wildfires bear down on their town and family secrets are revealed, their newfound alliance might just go up in smoke.

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Deese has once again crafted a tale sure to delight fans and new readers alike! Her ability to create characters and a setting that feel as real as you and me, is a gift. The drama between family loyalty, right and wrong, trust and faith keeps the pages turning. I could not wait to see the truth come to light and what would happen with this cast of characters.

I really enjoyed seeing the relationship evolve between Rayne and Levi. There were times that I was frustrated for Rayne, and with her. But Levi really was wonderful and patient.

Deese seemed to weave some possible threads in this story that I felt could lead to, and I hope, a new series!?! There are several secondary characters that I would like to see get their own story! I would also like to see what happens next with Rayne and Levi!