The Last Summer by Brandy Bruce

About the Author
For twenty-something Sara Witherspoon and her group of friends, a perfect Southern summer includes lake-house getaways, wedding planning, outdoor concerts, and a dash of romance. But for these seven friends who love each other like family, this year, summer rolls in with changes for everyone.
Sara's longtime crush, Luke, has been her best friend for as long as she has been a part of the group. When Luke begins seriously dating another of their friends, Sara's forced to deal with her hurt and jealousy, while outwardly try to support them both.
While Sara comes to terms with her own heart and her friends' relationships, an unexpected handsome pilot from North Carolina and an old flame are thrown into the mix. Knowing her heart suddenly becomes much more complicated.
But as time unfolds and friendships begin to unravel, Sara and the others are presented with the reality of what a season of change does to old friendships and new love interests.
Does growing older mean growing apart?

My Thoughts
This book wrecked me in a beautiful way. I loved it and hated it, it was wonderful and awful, basically it was abso-freakin-lutely amazing. The way it was written was so powerful and I felt every emotion like it was my very own. I cried, not out of sadness, but because it honestly felt like it was my heart breaking, not Sara’s. I literally became a part of the story. I would switch from wanting to never put it down to having to step away and catch my breath. I saw a lot of myself in Sara which made everything even more real for me, I could see myself making the exact same choices that she made.
I kept changing my mind on how I wanted the story to go but the way it ended way absolutely how it needed to be.
I loved the message woven throughout the book that we are broken humans but God can use our brokenness and we need to let the grace that He has poured out on us overflow to others. I can’t recommend this book enough and now I am extremely anxious to read the sequel!

Meet the Author
Brandy Bruce is the author of Looks Like Love and the Romano foodie series. She's worked in book publishing for more than ten years--editing, writing, reading, and making good use of online dictionaries. She's a graduate of Liberty University and currently works as a freelance book editor. She and her husband make their home in Colorado with their three children. When Brandy isn't editing manuscripts or writing novels, she loves spending time with her family, baking any kind of cheesecake, watching movies based on Jane Austen novels, or curling up with a favorite book. You can contact her through her blog at brandybruce.blogspot.com. Find her on Twitter at @BrandyBruce.

The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay

About the Book
Love, friendship, and family find a home at the Printed Letter Bookshop
One of Madeline Cullen’s happiest childhood memories is of working with her Aunt Maddie in the quaint and cozy Printed Letter Bookshop. But by the time Madeline inherits the shop nearly twenty years later, family troubles and her own bitter losses have hardened Madeline’s heart toward her once-treasured aunt—and the now struggling bookshop left in her care.
While Madeline intends to sell the shop as quickly as possible, the Printed Letter’s two employees have other ideas. Reeling from a recent divorce, Janet finds sanctuary within the books and within the decadent window displays she creates. Claire, though quieter than the acerbic Janet, feels equally drawn to the daily rhythms of the shop and its loyal clientele, finding a renewed purpose within its walls.
When Madeline’s professional life falls apart, and a handsome gardener upends all her preconceived notions, she questions her plans and her heart. Has she been too quick to dismiss her aunt’s beloved shop? And even if she has, the women’s best combined efforts may be too little, too late.

My Thoughts
I have to start this review by saying that the writing of this book was absolutely wonderful. There’s honestly nothing bad I can say about the book itself. But sadly I didn’t personally love this one as much as I wanted to. I was expecting romance to play a bigger part but it was barely there till the end and it was definitely much more woman’s fiction than romance. Which of course there’s absolutely nothing wrong with I just prefer more romance in my stories. That is the only negative thing I have to say and it’s just a personal genre preference.
There were three heroines and each was written beautifully and you could really feel their emotions as they struggled through the hard things life threw at them. They all had growth to do and it was lovely to watch it happen.
I loved the bookshop and seeing how Maddie lived on through it and the people she loved.
Like I said this was an absolutely wonderful story I just had a genre disconnect. If you love Woman’s fiction you absolutely must check this one out!

Meet the Author
Katherine Reay is the national bestselling and award-winning author of Dear Mr. Knightley, Lizzy and Jane, The Brontë Plot, A Portrait of Emily Price, The Austen Escape, and The Printed Letter Bookshop. All Katherine’s novels are contemporary stories with a bit of classical flair. Katherine holds a BA and MS from Northwestern University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and isa wife, mother, former marketer, and avid chocolate consumer. After living all across the country and a few stops in Europe, Katherine now happily resides outside Chicago, IL. You can meet her at www.katherinereay.com; Facebook: KatherineReayBooks; Twitter: @katherine_reay; or Instagram: @katherinereay.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden

About the Book
Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building his very successful global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before it spirals out of control, he returns to his ancestral home to save his brother and sister before it's too late.
As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience.
Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?

My Thoughts
With a title like The Spice King and this dark intriguing cover I was instantly interested in this book. And it didn’t hurt that it was by an author I thoroughly enjoy!
I was drawn into the story instantly and it wasn’t long before I knew Camden had another winner on her hands! This author never fails to educate me on some obscure part of history while also entertaining me with a good story and that was certainly the case with this book. It was fascinating to see the beginning stages of food companies being required to disclose ingredients. I don’t think I’ve ever thought about how that wasn’t always the case. I appreciated how all of the details about plants and spices and their origins was woven into the story in a way that never bogged it down but instead added to it.
I loved both Gray and Annabelle. They were as different as could be, one as serious as the color whose name he shares and the other a ray of sunshine. But they worked together so well and I loved their relationship. One of my favorite things was the mature way they handled some things that usually cause huge issues. Instead of cringe-worthy moments I found myself wanting to applaud them. All in all this was a fabulous read that I absolutely enjoyed and definitely recommend! Can’t wait for the rest of this series!

Meet the Author
Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in gilded-age America featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Awards and have appeared on the CBA bestsellers list.She lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books. Learn more at www.elizabethcamden.com.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano

About the Book
To save her family from financial ruin, Miss Poppy Garrison accepts an unusual proposition to participate in the New York social season in exchange for her grandmother settling a family loan that has unexpectedly come due. Ill-equipped to handle the intricacies of mingling within the New York Four Hundred, Poppy becomes embroiled in one hilarious fiasco after another, doomed to suffer a grand societal failure instead of being deemed the diamond of the first water her grandmother longs for her to become.
Reginald Blackburn, second son of a duke, has been forced to travel to America to help his cousin, Charles Wynn, Earl of Lonsdale, find an American heiress to wed in order to shore up his family estate that is in desperate need of funds. Reginald himself has no interest in finding an heiress to marry, but when Poppy's grandmother asks him to give etiquette lessons to Poppy, he swiftly discovers he may be in for much more than he bargained for.

My Thoughts
I’ve been a Jen Turano fan since day one, but after her last novel fell just a little short I will admit that I was a smidge nervous about this one. Thankfully my worry was for naught because this book was classic Jen and I loved it!
From the very first page the whirlwind of hilarity began and Poppy’s constant missteps and wit had me laughing frequently! Reginald was a fun hero, a complete gentleman and quite good at coming to Poppy’s rescue. On the outset they seemed like a very mismatched pair but soon you saw how well they balanced each other out. Poppy breaking Reginald out of his brooding and staunch rule-following. And Reginald helping to ground Poppy while also supporting her. In the end they were a wonderfully matched couple.
The best thing about a Turano book is the fact that it is just pure fun! So if you’re looking for a fast-paced book to lighten your mood definitely grab this one! And even though it’s book two, it can totally be read as a stand-alone!

Meet the Author
Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. When she’s not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, CO. She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor/ or visit her on the web at www.jenturano.com. She is represented by the Natasha Kern Literary Agency.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

With You Here by Sarah Monzon

About the Book

Holy Roman Empire, 1527
In the wake of Martin Luther’s religious reforms, Princess Christyne von Heidelbraum is compelled by her sense of duty to help ease the burden of her people. When she stumbles upon a dying man in the woods, she vows to aid him—even when she discovers the arrow shot in his leg was put there by a heretic hunter. With both her physical and spiritual well-being in danger, she must choose between conscience or adhering to the laws of the Empire.
Present Day
Doubting her calling to become a hospital chaplain, Amber Carrington takes time off from her theology studies to volunteer with refugees in Germany. Working with children, making a difference, reconnecting with the conviction that once drove her—these were her expectations. An instant attraction to a professional soccer player wasn’t a part of the plan…and she can’t let him distract her from her purpose.
As a new Christian, Seth Marshall is determined to put his popularity as a world-renowned footballer to good use. Unfortunately, old habits and public opinions are hard to overcome. When he falls hard and fast for Amber Carrington, his former life—and her no-dating policy—may block his perfect shot for the woman he loves.

My Thoughts
Sarah Monzon was an unknown entity to me at the start of this year but after one book I became obsessed and read everything I could get my hands on! I have loved every single one of her stories and the Carrington family has found a special place in my heart. So when I reached the end of book three and realized I would have to wait for book four to release I was so sad! Thankfully I had the wonderful opportunity to be on the author’s launch team and read this gem early!
I of course loved it, that was a no-brainer! Amber and Seth were so much fun and I absolutely loved them together! From the very first moment they met the sparks were flying and I was totally on board! Seth only recently became a Christian but I really admired the way he pursued his relationship with God and how committed he was to changing his ways. He still was a little bit of a cheeky flirt with Amber and I loved that! She needed somebody who wasn’t afraid to be honest with their feelings and straight up declare their interest or she probably would never make a move in their direction. I could relate a lot of Amber’s character and could feel her inner struggle as she tried to figure out if she had heard God’s calling right. These two really just made a perfect couple, they could give as much as they took and they both had kind and generous hearts that longed to help others!
But Seth and Amber weren’t the only characters in this story since it was once again a split time novel. This time the historical storyline took place during the Reformation. I will admit that the contemporary was my favorite and I found myself wanting to get more of Seth and Amber but that in no way discounts the historical! Growing up as a homeschooled Christian you better believe we extensively studied this time in history but I haven’t read many fiction stories set during this time. Christyne and Lorenz meet kind of unconventionally and quickly bond. I enjoyed seeing Christyne’s eyes be opened to Lorenz’s faith and I could feel the emotion as she made her choice, knowing the cost.
Basically every single second of this book was beautifully written and I absolutely loved it! I’m a little sad that this series is over but I can’t wait to see what else this author has for us!

Meet the Author

A Carol award finalist and Selah award winner, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain's wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Freedom's Kiss by Sarah Monzon

About the Book

They were prisoners of the past. Could legacy be the key to set them free?
Florida, 1816
Propelled by a fleeting hope of freedom, Winnie and her family escape slavery and find refuge and new life with the Seminole Indians of Florida. But their future is still uncertain as threats of war, a return to slavery, and removal to the West shake their tentative grasp on freedom. Will they ever step out of the shadow of fear to leave a legacy of deliverance?
Florida, Present Day
Olivia Arroyo knows who she is and where she’s going—her sense of family responsibility a stepping-stone to her dream of becoming a chef. When her employer refuses her the chance to move from server to the kitchen, she makes another opportunity for herself with the owner of a new food truck. But her life derails when a hidden piece of her past suddenly comes to light, and she discovers everything she thought she knew about herself has been a lie.
A single decision can have innumerable consequences—a truth that has changed Adam Carrington’s life. A criminal defense attorney turned food truck owner, he is haunted by his role in an unpardonable act and driven by his need to make restitution. Unexpected help comes in the form of a feisty, raven-haired beauty, but she soon begins challenging his kitchen as well as his heart.

My Thoughts
I’m honestly sad that I have run out of released Carrington books and now have to wait with the rest of the world for book 4! I knew from the moment I first read this author’s writing that she was going to be a favorite of mine, and now seven stories in that is definitely still true!
Adam’s character was quite entertaining in the first two books and I could not wait to get inside his head! The case that caused him to leave the world of law really did a number on him and the guilt and pain he felt from it broke my heart. But while he struggled daily with his past he still remained the charming, teasing, and affectionate Adam we’d come to know and love!
I loved Olivia’s spunky nature and the way she bathed into Adam’s world had me smiling ear to ear! The two of them just clicked from the very beginning. They were very in tune with each other and they were exactly what each other needed. Both of them had some hard stuff to work through and the way they were just there for each other, whether it was a hug, a distraction, or a hard to truth that needed to be heard, they seemed to always know what the other needed. I seriously loved them as a couple and just wanted to keep reading scenes with them together!
Once again there was a historical story woven into the contemporary, and while this one didn’t grab me quite as much as the previous ones (with those I didn’t mind switching back and forth but with this one I found myself often wanting to get back to Adam and Olivia) I still did really enjoy it! It was a time of history I hadn’t really read about and I was intrigued by all the things that were happening. Winnie had not had an easy life but I admired the way she pressed through. Also her and Nokosi’s story was very sweet! I loved his nickname for her and the meaning behind it!
So yes this was another brilliantly amazing Carrington family story and I absolutely cannot wait for book four!

Meet the Author

A Carol award finalist and Selah award winner, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain's wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.

Foremost by Jody Hedlund

About the Book

A second princess. Another key to the treasure. And a cruel king desperate to squelch the growing rebellion.
Raised in an isolated abbey, Lady Maribel desires nothing more than to become a nun and continue practicing her healing arts. She’s carefree and happy with her life…until a visitor comes to the abbey and reveals her true identity as one of the lost princesses.
When he was a young boy, Edmund Chambers helplessly watched King Ethelwulf murder his family. Edmund escaped and has lived in the abbey ever since, uniquely trained to work with wild animals. Secretly, he loves Maribel and desperately hopes she doesn’t complete her holy order vows.
When King Ethelwulf’s army arrives at the abbey to capture Maribel, she flees with Edmund across the desolate Highlands in an attempt to reach Adelaide’s rebel army. Edmund can no longer hide his love, but can Maribel give up her dreams of becoming a nun to love him in return?

My Thoughts
I think this is my favorite of the series so far! I liked Maribel a bit more than Adelaide (not that anything was wrong with Adelaide it was just qualities that made her a good leader are also qualities that sometimes rub me wrong in heroines). I loved Maribel’s desire to help everyone, even if she was a little laser focused at times. Edmund was a great hero, he had more of a quiet strength and his ability to communicate with animals was kinda cool. I felt bad for him as he wrestled with loving Maribel even though it looked like it was doomed to be unrequited but I also admired the way he didn’t force his feelings on Maribel. Even though it was torture he’d rather live with the pain than take her away from what she thought she wanted.
It was fun to see Adelaide and Christopher again and to see them get one step closer to defeating the evil king! Can’t wait to get the end of the story and meet Emmeline!

Meet the Author
Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).
When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

All of You by Sarah Monzon

About the Book
Sometimes the past reaches forward to bring hope to the future.
England, 1944
With the world at war yet again, Alice Galloway rejects her father’s traditional expectations and offers her piloting expertise to the Air Transport Auxiliary. She may be a woman in a man’s world, but when she overhears key intelligence, she must find the strength to transcend boundaries and her own fears...or countless people may die.
Maryland, Present Day
Jacquelyn Rogers can rebuild anything...except the shambles of her past. A restorer of vintage planes, she's worked hard to earn the reputation of being one of the guys. The last thing she needs is a cocky former Navy pilot fighting his own inner demons stepping in to defend her from dangers she thought she’d outrun long ago. Some battles must be fought alone.
After a freak accident severs Lieutenant Michael “Finch” Carrington’s military dreams, as well as two limbs, he’s left with nothing but a fragile faith and a duty-bound promise to watch out for his friend’s baby sister. A promise she insists is as unnecessary as it is unappreciated. But when she turns the tables and begins to weld together the broken parts of his life, it may be his heart that is in need of protection.

My Thoughts
Goodness this book was even better than the first and that one was off the charts amazing so you can only imagine how good this one is! Michael. Oh where to begin? He was a hero in every sense of the word. He fought for our country but was humble about it and even though he was dealt a horrid blow because of a freak accident I admired how he was determined not to let the darkness win. Yes he had questions for God, and yes he got upset at his situation, but he fought to find the positives and search for God’s purpose through it all.
I also loved Jack. She was a smart, strong, independent woman, but wasn’t a jerk about that fact. Yes her brothers’ overprotectiveness grated on her but she was also able to see that it came from love.
Both Michael and Jack saw themselves as less than ideal but they saw all the good in each other. And I loved watching them help the other person see the good in themselves. They were so great together and even though someone was being pigheaded, the sparks were undeniable!
The historical WWII story was also amazing! I loved Alice’s spunk and the budding relationship between her and Henry!
The two stories flowed seamlessly and it was so cool to see how they connected in the end!

Meet the Author

A Carol award finalist and Selah award winner, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain's wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.

Finders Keepers by Sarah Monzon

About the Book
He’s looking for fortune. She’s looking for fame. Together, they find an adventure that spans centuries—and a love story for the ages.
Spain, 1689
The same evil that stole her mother’s life stalks Isabella Castellano. Afraid for her safety, Isabella disguises herself as a cabin boy and hires on to one of His Majesty’s treasure fleet vessels. But has her flight from a known threat only led her to be ensnared in a sea of dangers?
Florida, Present Day
Marine photographer Summer Arnet will go anywhere to capture the perfect shot--even dive into waters haunted by great white sharks, if it will help get her work noticed. When a treasure hunter with a ladies-man reputation approaches her about a sunken ship, she’s all ears. This may be her best shot at launching her career…if his charming smile doesn’t derail her first.
A childhood tragedy has left a hole in Trent Carrington’s life—one he’s tried to fill with women, money, and adventure. When Summer doesn't fall for his charms, he's even more determined to win her over.
As the pair plunge into the mystery of the shipwreck, stakes escalate, and both wounded hearts become entangled in a romance they weren't expecting. The hunt for treasure is no longer a game of fortune and fame.
It’s no longer a game at all.

My Thoughts
Part of me is mad at myself for not discovering this author sooner, the other part of me is delighted that I have a backlog to read! This is my fifth story from her and every single thing I’ve read has been absolutely amazing!
Split-time books can be tricky but the stories flowed seamlessly back and forth and I never once got lost as to which timeline I was in.
I loved all of the characters and was completely invested in both stories. Trent was a little cocky but on him it was charming. His shameless flirting to get a rise out of Summer brought many a smile to my face! I absolutely loved Trent and Summer together, their banter with each other was hilarious and the sparks between them were undeniable! Neither of them were following God as the book began and it was cool to see the way God drew them to Himself.
The historical story was riveting. Isabella didn’t have an easy life but I admired her determination to do what she had to do to make her own way in the world. I loved the relationship between Isabella and Captain Montoya and I wish we could have seen more of their life together!
Basically I loved this book and I’m going to immediately start book two!

Meet the Author

A Carol award finalist and Selah award winner, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain's wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.

The Words Between Us by Erin Bartels

About the Book
Robin Windsor has spent much of her life under an assumed name to avoid association with her infamous parents. She thought she'd finally found sanctuary running her used bookstore in quiet River City, Michigan. But when she receives an eerily familiar book in the mail on the morning of her father's scheduled execution, Robin is thrown back to the summer she met Peter Flynt, the perfect boy who ruined everything. Why would Peter be making contact now? And why does she have a sinking feeling that she's about to be exposed all over again?

With evocative prose that recalls the classic novels we love, Erin Bartels pens a story that shows that words--the ones we say, the ones we read, and the ones we write--have more power than we imagine.

My Thoughts
I love trying new authors, hoping to stumble on a new favorite! This book was a complete gamble for me but with a cover like this how could anyone resist?! Seriously this cover is the stuff every book lover dreams about!

Sadly the story inside just wasn’t my cup of tea and I didn’t end up finishing. The writing was well done and had a similar feel of some classics that I’ve read! There was a lot of death talk and it just was a little too far on the dark side for me. That being said I know that this book will be just the book for many readers and if it sounds like it might be up your alley please don’t take my word for it and go check out some other reviews!

Meet the Author
Erin Bartels is the author of We Hope for Better Things and has been a publishing professional for 17 years. A freelance writer and editor, she is a member of Capital City Writers and the Women's Fiction Writers Association and is former features editor of WFWA's Write On! magazine. Her short story "This Elegant Ruin" was a finalist in The Saturday Evening Post 2014 Great American Fiction Contest. She grew up in the Bay City, Michigan, area and has spent much of her life waiting on drawbridges. She lives in Lansing, Michigan, with her husband, Zachary, and their son. Find her online at www.erinbartels.com.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano

About the Book
Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London's east end when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley and offers her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble life and give her a chance to be a lady. Things she could only dream of might be coming true. But some dreams turn out to be nightmares.
Though Raina has traded squalor for silk and satin, something about the abbey is deeply unsettling. As she wrestles with her true identity, the ruin, decay, and secrets she finds at the heart of the old mansion tear at her confidence and threaten to reveal her for who she really is. Only one man stands between her and the danger that lurks within--and only if he decides to keep her biggest secret hidden.

My Thoughts
Ever since her debut I have been hearing good things about this author. And at the urging of my bookstabestie I requested this one for review and purchased her debut novel. The debut was everything I was told it would be and it made me quite excited to read this one.
Sadly I was a little underwhelmed by this story. It wasn’t that it was bad or anything I just wasn’t in love like I was with Lady Jane Disappears. The author’s beautiful writing style still shone through, and I was again charmed by her way with words. Raina wasn’t my favorite heroine, especially with how she not only allowed herself to be entrapped in this weird situation but also got sucked into the materialistic mindset a bit.
Sully was great, his devotion to Raina and his humble attitude made him a character you could root for. I especially liked their unique way of communicating.
I can honestly say I was surprised with how things ended and the secrets that were revealed, I did not see any of them coming.
All in all this wasn’t a bad read just not a favorite of mine. I will definitely be interested to see what else the author has in store for us!

Meet the Author
Joanna Davidson Politano is the award-winning author of Lady Jayne Disappears and A Rumored Fortune. She freelances for a small nonfiction publisher but spends much of her time spinning tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives. She is always on the hunt for random acts of kindness, people willing to share their deepest secrets with a stranger, and hidden stashes of sweets. She lives with her husband and their two babies in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan and shares stories that move her at www.jdpstories.com.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Evermore by Jody Hedlund

About the Book

An ancient key. A secret treasure. And a princess destined to use them both to fight evil and restore peace.
Raised by a noble family, Lady Adelaide has always known she’s an orphan. Little does she realize she’s one of the lost princesses and the true heir to Mercia’s throne…until a visitor arrives at her family estate, reveals her birthright as queen, and thrusts her into a quest for the throne whether she’s ready or not.
Unable to tolerate King Ethelwulf’s cruelty and lawlessness, Christopher Langley left Mercia years earlier, training a group of rebels in neighboring Norland. When he returns home after his mother’s death, he discovers that not only is Adelaide all grown up, but she’s also the rightful queen of Mercia.
When King Ethelwulf discovers Adelaide’s location, he’ll stop at nothing to capture her and the key she holds to the ancient treasure. Christopher is just as determined to protect Adelaide so she can lead the growing rebellion. When feelings ignite between the two old friends, forces threaten to destroy their love and rip them apart forever.

My Thoughts
This was a great follow-up to the prequel novella! Adelaide was a character you could rally behind, she was definitely queen material. She had a combination of strength and fighting ability with a kind and generous heart. Christopher was a good complement to her, especially since they'd grown-up together so he wasn't cowed by her new found royal status and he wasn't afraid to stand up to her when the situation called for it. Their romance was sweet and I enjoyed watching them reconnect as adults and seeing them reconnect. The other brother, Mitchell, wasn't my favorite character, especially when he got petty. But he wasn't all bad.
Hedlund does a great job of transporting you to her medieval world, without bogging you down with details, and keeping you hooked into the story. Everything moved at a pretty fast pace and kept you turning pages to find out what was gonna happen next. It was definitely written to gear toward the YA market and I know teens will love this story! I enjoyed it even though I'm a few years past my teens!

Meet the Author
Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).
When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Always by Jody Hedlund

About the Book
A fierce elite guard. A loyal lady in waiting. They must work together to save three princesses from certain death.
On the verge of dying after giving birth to twins, the queen of Mercia pleads with Lady Felicia to save her infant daughters. With the castle overrun by King Ethelwulf’s invading army, Lady Felicia vows to do whatever she can to take the newborn princesses and their three-year old sister to safety, even though it means sacrificing everything she holds dear, possibly her own life.
Gravely wounded in battle and knowing all is lost to his enemy, the king of Mercia tasks Lance, one of his fiercest elite guards, to protect his family along with keys to an ancient treasure. As Lance makes plans to sneak the princesses out of the capital city, he doesn’t need or want Lady Felicia’s help.
With the dark enemy in pursuit, Lance and Felicia must put aside their differences to outrun King Ethelwulf and prevent him from killing the princesses. In a desperate attempt to hide the young girls, Lance and Felicia agree to a marriage of convenience, a decision that will change their lives—and hearts—forever.

My Thoughts
This little novella got started with a bigger bang than I anticipated and the story just kept moving right till the end! My heart was racing as Lance and Felicia fought to keep the princesses safe from those who chased them! I greatly admired the way they both thought nothing of sacrificing everything to protect the rightful heirs to the throne! I really liked both of their characters and enjoyed seeing their relationship develop.
Hedlund created a great story world and perfectly set up the books that are coming in this series! I definitely recommend reading this first so you can see how everything gets started! I’m looking forward to reading each of the princesses stories and seeing how the story will end!

Meet the Author
Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).
When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.