Loving Helen & Marrying Christopher/Michele Paige Holmes

Synopsis:
   
    "Eighteen-year-old Helen Thatcher grew up under the protection of her older siblings, Grace and Christopher. Living in their shadows and keeping to herself suited Helen just fine—until she met widower Samuel Preston. Watching Mr. Preston care for his young daughter and seeing his concern extend to her own family, Helen felt her reserve slipping away, as she learned first to trust him and then realized she had fallen in love with him. But instead of returning—or even noticing her affection—Mr. Preston developed his own tender, and unrequited feelings, for Grace.

In the midst of each silently nursing their broken hearts, Helen and Samuel are faced with a daunting task—reuniting Grace with her fiancé, Nicholas Sutherland. Now it is Helen who must look out for her sister and sacrifice her own fragile heart, as she and Samuel pretend to be engaged. Helen finds the role surprisingly easy to play, allowing herself to imagine that Samuel’s loving remarks are sincere. As the time for their charade to end draws near Helen must summon her courage and tell Samuel the truth of her feelings, or risk losing him forever."

Review: 

    This is the second book in the Heartfire Romance. The first was Grace, which I reviewed earlier in the year. This book follows Helen's journey on the other side of the stone wall. Though it seems like hope may be lost for Helen in getting Samuel Preston's heart, when his lies with her older sister.
    Schemes abound and attachments form for the greater good when Christopher, Helen and Grace's brother, makes his move in steering his sisters in loves direction. 
    Romance, Drama, and a little bit of comedy make for a great read. This has the same timeline as it did in Grace's story but through Helen and Samuel's eyes. I enjoyed it as much as the first.

Synopsis:

    "Having seen both his sisters Grace and Helen happily married, Christopher Thatcher is free to pursue his dream of life in America. With adventure in his heart and mind, he boards one of the first steamships set to cross the Atlantic in the record breaking time of only twenty-five days. Within the first two of those, his resolve—to avoid women and the complications they often bring to a man’s life—falters when he meets Marsali Abbott, a young woman with a past even more troubling than his own. Whether from years of habit protecting his sisters, or simply because he feels drawn to Marsali, Christopher chooses to help her and becomes her friend. As the truth about what awaits Marsali in America becomes evident, he is faced with a more difficult choice, one that will impact their lives far beyond four weeks together at sea."
 
Review:

    Christopher is now free to travel to America, When the chance now comes he plans to make a life for himself with only the commitment of owning his own property and making his own way in the world. Then he can think of finding a woman to settle down with and having a family.
    Marsali, who is glad to be rid of the last years with her abusive relatives, shows up on the same ship as Christopher, and is just as happy to leave England behind as he is. But it seems like trouble will always seem to find both of them while crossing the ocean. The only solution, stick together.
    The third book in the Heartfire series brings twists and turns. You don't want to miss out on the opportunity to now follow Grace and Helen's brother in his own journey to find himself, and the love that he wasn't searching for but gladly embraced.

The Moses Chronicle, Volume 1, Bondage/H.B. Moore

Synopsis:

    "Moses has always felt like an outsider in his powerful Egyptian family, even though his close relationship with Ramses, the prince of Egypt, and their cousin Pentu keeps him entwined in the dealings of royalty. But when their youthful antics get them in trouble, the Pharaoh decides it’s time for all three of them to grow up and own their respective responsibilities. Now betrothed to a woman he cares nothing for, Moses wonders where his life is headed.

    Miriam, a Hebrew slave, lives with a secret she cannot share with anyone. And though it has been eighteen years since she saved her baby brother, she is constantly getting in trouble for spying on him. In a desperate attempt to control Miriam, her older brother, Aaron, and her father look to find her a husband, something Miriam has never been interested in—until Caleb, a young, handsome man, confesses his feelings for her and asks her father for her hand in marriage.
    When Libya advances on Egypt, Moses and Miriam are suddenly thrown together as the Egyptian royals and soldiers flee. Hebrew slaves are forced to defend the kingdom, and Miriam and Caleb are enlisted under Moses’s direction. Moses quickly sees there is more to this downtrodden people than what he’s been taught. When he witnesses the atrocities enacted against the slaves, he realizes he must leave—he must find out who he really is.
    A gripping account of the events that lead to Moses’s flight into the wilderness, The Moses Chronicles: Bondage will take you back to a rich period of history replete with scandal, strife, love, and hope as God prepares a prophet to lead His chosen people."

Review:

    This first volume of the Moses Chronicles sets Moses when he is still living in the palace with his Mother. All he knows is what he grew up hearing, he had no father, the Pharaoh only tolerates him and his Mother because they are family, even that doesn't really matter. He is struggling to find his place, to make a difference to everyone, including the Hebrews. Against his Grandfather and Cousins rules (to keep the Hebrews in the slave category) Moses listens and comes to care for those his family looks down on.
    Miriam knows who Moses really is and is finding it hard coping with the loss of her baby brother. After all these years she is still keeping a close an eye on Moses as she dares, or until she gets caught!
    I liked the plot. Heather mentioned in the back of the book that she had planned to do three books, one with Miriam's point of view then the second with Moses', then third Aaron's. But I enjoyed getting to know each of them in this first book so I got a better understanding of each character in the same timeline. We also get the perspective of Moses' adoptive Mother Bithiah and her struggles within her own royal family.
    Most all of us know the story of Moses, Miriam, and Aaron through the scriptures, but what happened to them before they even knew each other? Before Moses left to find what his purpose truly was? With these books it opens up those possibilities and gives us a better insight on what it would have been like to live as a slave and a royal.

Summer In Snow Valley/Various Author's

Synopsis:

    "*Catching Caytie by Cindy Roland Anderson

On the night Caytie Holbrook intends to break up with her cheating boyfriend, he blindsides her by announcing their engagement at a dinner party. When Caytie discovers her father is in on the scheme, she runs away from her home in Beverly Hills to hide out at her uncle’s ranch in Snow Valley, Montana. While Snow Valley is a beautiful place, Caytie only plans to stay until her twenty-fifth birthday when she’ll inherit a trust fund her grandmother left her, allowing her to pursue her dream to move to Italy. That is until she meets Jace McAllister, an incredibly sexy—although somewhat grumpy—cowboy who threatens to disrupt her plans.

*Tin Foil Tiaras by Jeanette Lewis

Cameron Elliott has come to Snow Valley to coach Annalisa Drake in the Miss Snow Valley pageant, and prove to her demanding boss that she deserves a place at the prestigious Westbrooke Agency. But Annalisa’s handsome and protective big brother, Kyle, is determined to keep his sister from becoming a reluctant beauty queen. As Cameron tries to win Kyle over, Kyle insists some things are more valuable than a title and as crazy as it sounds, Cameron might just believe him.

*A Touch of Love by Cami Checketts

Annie Stirland has endured a lifetime of teasing, embarrassment, and isolation due to her speech impediment. When irresistible cowboy, Luke Wilson, seems to be falling for her, she’s certain he’s too good to be true. A tragedy involving his ex-girlfriend proves she’s right. What man can resist sheltering someone they once loved? Annie knows she should walk away, but Luke isn’t ready to give her up.

*First Love by Taylor Hart 

Janet Snow doesn’t expect to get caught in a full-blown make out session at her brother’s wedding. Especially not with Michael Hamilton, the boy she’d written off ten years ago. Even though they both agree to no complications, Janet’s not sure they can stick to it given their past. After a trip to the hot springs, a helicopter ride, and a proposal, even the most cautious single mother would start to wonder if true love really is just about the timing. Now Janet has to make a choice—play it safe or trust that her first love could also be her last.

*Romancing Rebecca by Kimberley Montpetit

Rebecca Dash loved spending her teen summers swooning over Jane Austen and helping her aunt at the Starry Skies Bed & Breakfast in Snow Valley. But as a recent college grad, she’d rather write sappy romance novels than go out with guys that make her a nervous wreck. When a team of fire-fighters set up camp on the lawns of the B&B and Captain Wade catches her eye, Becca soon learns that there’s more to a happily-ever-after than a flirty fireman with muscles the size of the Montana hills.

*Love in Light and Shadow by Lucy McConnell

Mercedes O’Shay has sworn off gorgeous men because they have a tendency to break her heart. When she meets her new neighbor, Chet Bauer, she immediately puts him in the Do Not Date category based on his well-defined muscles and stunning blue eyes. But the more Mercedes learns about the cowboy who reads classics and forges iron, the more she realizes the heart doesn’t see in black and white; it sees light and shadows."

 

Review: 

    If you haven't read Christmas in Snow Valley, you can still get your hands on it through Amazon! Summer in Snow Valley is just as great, in fact, I loved it even more then the Christmas one, if that is possible! So much fun. I loved all the different character's and dynamics that each of the Author's brought to the table.

    You get glimpses of the characters from the Christmas books and can see the progress they have made since their stories took place. You still have Pastor John, along with his nephew Pastor James as a constant in each book. 

    I have to say I did love some of the stories more then some, but they all were fantastic in their own way. Romance, Drama, Comedy are just some of the genres. If you women love Cowboys, Firefighters, Teachers, Businessmen, then you have hit the jackpot! For the Men you have Beauty consultants, Business Women, Childhood sweethearts, Mother's, Cancer survivors. Packed with what the reader wants and for me that is always the happily ever after!

   

Crooked House/Marlene Bateman

Synopsis:


    "Quirky private investigator Erica Coleman is no stranger to murder and mystery—which is why her best friend’s daughter Megan is confident in Erica’s unique ability to unravel a disturbing mystery developing in the ramshackle old house she shares with her college roommates, Liz and Beth. In the quaint historic district of Dover, Delaware, lies Crooked House—an apt name for the once magnificent home. Following an alarming rise in the number of “accidents” surrounding Liz, the girls enlist Erica’s help to stop the mysterious assailant. Soon the mishaps become blatant attempts on Liz’s life, and Erica’s initial skepticism disappears when things go from disturbing to deadly. As she uncovers a tangled web of love, money, and greed, Erica must draw upon her investigative prowess to crack the case before she becomes an unwitting victim herself ." 

Review: 

    I haven't read the first two books of this saga (Motive for Murder, and Death in the Family) but I honestly didn't need to. You could read this as a stand alone and get all the information you need to know about Erica and her background just reading this book. 
    This is a fun mystery with a touch of romance and comedy. Not to mention a good amount of delicious recipe's that I am going to have to make because they sounded delicious! There are some twists and turns while Erica does her sleuthing. One minute you think you know who the murderer is (yes there is a murder) the next thing you know you suspect an entirely different person. 
    Marlene kind of sneaks in some hints throughout the book on who the guilty person is, but you need to pay attention and not second guess yourself. But then again, that is what a good mystery is! 
    You can find this book at Deseret Book and Seagull Book the actual stores. You can also click on these links to purchase online: 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Crooked-House-Erica-Coleman-Mystery/dp/162108521X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426788931&sr=1-1&keywords=crooked+house+marlene

Deseret Book: https://deseretbook.com/products/crooked-house-marlene-bateman-95187

Seagull Book; http://www.seagullbook.com/seagull/product/873826.html

Saving Grace/Michele Paige Holmes

Synopsis:

    "After the death of Grace Thatcher’s grandfather, the Duke of Salisbury, Grace wants nothing more than to live quietly in the country with her younger siblings. But her father’s debts thwart those plans, and to protect her sister, Helen, Grace must marry a man of her father’s choosing.
    As each suitor proves less than desirable, Grace comes up with clever schemes, causing each to reject her. While staying at the mysterious Sutherland Hall, a middle-of-the-night mishap sends Grace into the arms of a stranger, Nicholas Sutherland—and provides inspiration for her grandest plan yet—one that will leave her reputation in tatters yet free both her and Helen from all possibility of marriage. But when Grace meets Mr. Samuel Preston, a true gentlemen and sworn enemy of Nicholas Sutherland, instead of being free, Grace is caught between two men—each with his own agenda."

Review:

    Grace just wants a normal life not just for her, but her younger brother and sister. Away from her Father's debt and greedy tendencies. To do that she has to create a scandal. Nicholas seems to know all about scandal and when Grace includes him in her plans, without his knowledge, things end up the exact opposite of what she had planned. They will both end up needing each other, not just for business. They don't realize it, but they are both in need of each others love.
    Loved this novel! It was a bit long, but well worth the trouble. Lots of fun and excitement. Romance, Drama, Intrigue are all waiting inside these pages. I am excited to read the sequels that are with Helen, Graces younger sister, and her brother Christopher. I am a fan of Michele's books and own a few others. Cant go wrong!

All Regency Collection/Various Authors

Synopsis: 

"THE WEDDING GIFT: A PRIDE AND PREJUDICE STORY, by Anna Elliott, the story opens two weeks before Elizabeth Bennet’s wedding to Mr. Darcy. He has given her the perfect wedding gift, and now she must come up with one for him. But what do you give a man who has everything? Elizabeth soon discovers that the gift of love is more important than any one thing.

DREAM OF A GLORIOUS SEASON, by Sarah M. Eden, we meet Elizabeth Gillerford who envies her sister only one thing—that she’s been intended for Julian Broadwood since they were children. The trouble is that Elizabeth is hopelessly in love with Julian too. When Julian discovers that Elizabeth has been denied a Season because her older sister is yet unwed, he undertakes his own stealthy measures to introduce her to society, only to find himself falling in love with her himself.
 

THE MENDER, by Carla Kelly, Thankful Winnings takes a sea voyage with her cousin on the Ann Alexander, in a last adventure before she settles down to marry one of her beaus. Unexpectedly they come upon the aftermath of a fierce ship battle, and Thankful is commissioned to help in the place of an injured surgeon on one of the Royal Navy ships. Adam Farnsworth, surgeon, has been at sea for years. Tired of war, but devoted to his post, it takes a resourceful lady such as Thankful to give him the hope of love and help heal his own wounds, the ones that show and the ones that don’t.
 

BEGIN AGAIN, by Josi S. Kilpack, Regina Weathers gives up on marrying for love the day that Ross Martin walks out of her life. Now, fifteen years later, Ross shows up at a ball and thinks he can woo Regina. But she is set on her lonely path and stitched-up heart, no matter the excuse Ross gives for his years of silence and neglect. When Ross insists he wrote many letters during his military years, Regina discovers a secret long-since buried by her father, and the revelation might be enough to thaw the coldness of her heart.
 

THE AFFAIR AT WILDEMOORE, by Annette Lyon, Mrs. Ellen Stanhope escorts her three daughters to a ball. As her oldest flirts with a beau, Ellen is reminded of her courtship and early years of marriage with Anthony, before tragedy struck with the death of their infant son. The marriage has faded and dulled. Not until she sees Anthony dancing with a woman he courted years before does Ellen realize how much she misses him, still loves him, and yearns for him to yet feel the same way for her.
 

THE DUKE’S BROTHER, by Heather B. Moore, Mr. Gregory Clark is having an awful day, and it only gets worse when he’s ran over by … a woman. Mabel Russell reluctantly visits her sister in London for the Season, even though she’d rather stay in the country cataloging insects and aphids. When she runs into Gregory Clark, quite literally, she’s afraid to show any interest, especially since he’s a member of the dreaded ton. But getting to know Gregory becomes an unexpected delight."

Review:  

    Another great set of Novella's! Also one of my favorite genres: Regency! For me I can lose myself in a good book, and having six different stories put in one to indulge myself in, just adds to the pile of books I have already enjoyed, and hopefully can bring others to that same mindset.

    I wont put the descriptions of the books, since they are already posted. They all have different plots and twists. Two of them actually had the same name Elizabeth as the main female character's, but that is all that is the same. Romance, Drama, and Comedy are in these pages. Read just one, or two more in the same sitting. 

    Great Authors who bring a different light to the Regency time period, and making it their own, and share their gifts with all who are willing to let them into their lives.

Letters to My Future Husband/Lisa McKendrick

Synopsis:

    "Sophie doesn't know what kind of man she's looking for, so her father suggests she write letters to her future husband-and come to know him in the process. But Sophie soon learns her letters aren't the most reliable key to her heart. This hilarious coming-of-age novel is a guaranteed laugh-out-loud read you'll want to share with all your friends."

Review: 

    This book definitely had some great comedy that brought loads of laughter. It starts off with Sophie as a young girl and devastated that she was not allowed to marry the man of her dreams. Skip to the age of 19 and a trip to Europe that changes her outlook on her teenage crush.We finally end up at the age of 30 and her journal she had written to her future husband was still sitting in her childhood home closet, mostly forgotten, gathering dust. Will she finally be able to transfer that journal to the man it was meant for?
    This book is something you need to read when your in the mood for a good laugh. I did have a problem with the whole future daughter thing, but I can look past that. That part just seemed a bit to annoying for my taste. But what is a few pages in a book? The Author did a great job at keeping my attention. Especially the parts with Peter. Fun read!