A Game of Hearts by Joanna Barker

About the Book

If you can't join them, beat them.

Marigold Cartwell has only one goal: to defeat her long-time rival on the archery field. She knows she can outshoot irritating, cynical Tristan Gates, but the local bowmen’s society—the one he belongs to—refuses to allow women to compete. Spurred on by their rejection, Marigold decides to start a new society. Naturally, it has only one rule: no men.

Tristan Gates is used to Marigold Cartwell always getting her way, so he is far from surprised when she forms her own society. He knows how relentless she can be, something he learned firsthand facing her at the targets. But Tristan has enough worries of his own, what with his bachelor uncle falling in love with a fortune hunter. He has no time to entertain Marigold’s ambitions.

However, after a visit to the seashore ends in disaster—and scandal—Marigold and Tristan soon realize how little they know about each other. The strained tension between them quickly turns to simmering attraction, but an important archery competition looms ahead. Lines are drawn all around them, with Marigold and Tristan on opposite sides, and neither can afford to lose. Yet winning might be the very thing to tear them apart.

My Thoughts

This is one of those books that was just a complete delight from start to finish! Enemies to more can be hit or miss for me but the author absolutely hit the bull's-eye (pun totally intended) with this one! Tristan and Marigold had such fun wit and banter and their dislike for each other was completely genuine at the start but it slowly turned to a different emotion all together! I loved their every interaction and they had me laughing out loud several times! They were so perfectly matched in every way and I loved watching them slowly discover that!

I won’t spoil anything but I was highly satisfied with the way things played out and certain problems were resolved! I kept fearing things would go one way only for them to go a much better route!

I also really enjoyed the side characters and their relationships with Tristan and Marigold-they truly had a great support system!

The archery angle was unique and fun and added a cool layer to the story!

This book will for sure be one of my favorites this year and I cannot recommend it enough!

Meet the Author

Joanna Barker firmly believes that romance makes everything better, which is why she has fallen in love with writing Regency romances. When she’s not typing away on her next book, you’ll find her listening to podcasts, eating her secret stash of chocolate, or adding things to her Amazon cart. Joanna is a three-time Whitney Awards finalist, and her books have received praise from Publisher’s Weekly, the Historical Novel Society, Readers’ Favorite, and more. She thinks being an author is the second-best job in the world—right after being a mom. She is just a little crazy about her husband and three wild-but-loveable kids.

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. 

A Hope and A Prayer by Julie Lessman

About the Book

She’s in love with her best friend. 

He’s in love with her cousin.

But when the war reveals a gift so rare, 

will they be saved by a hope and a prayer?

As Head Nurse at 2d Hospital in Nancy, France, Lieutenant Hope Dennehy is known for her healing touch, especially when it comes to mending the wounds and spirit of her best friend, Lieutenant Bren O’Neill. When Hope’s cousin breaks Bren’s heart, Hope is always there, helping to heal him with a friendship so anointed and deep, it threatens to break her heart too.

Flying high as a daredevil aeromedical evac pilot in the European Theatre, “Lieutenant Love” O’Neill crashes and burns when the woman he loves falls for another. Depending on the support and prayers of Nurse Hope Dennehy to save him, Bren re-evaluates his free-wheeling lifestyle when he witnesses the heinous atrocities of the Buchenwald concentration camp. Suddenly nothing in life is as important as taking care of those he loves … or is it? Battling demons from his past, Bren learns that only one thing can truly save him from himself.

My Thoughts

The O’Conners have long been one of my absolute favorite fictional families so I’m always excited to reenter their world! This time it’s the first of the O’Conner grandchildren’s turn to find love.

Hope is a very selfless and loving person and her faith shines through everything that she says and does. Bren appears to be her opposite with his reputation and drinking but he also has the biggest heart and would do anything for those closest to him. He’s a bit thick headed though and it took him far to long to get his act together despite the love and care of his friends, sobering experiences, and the risk of losing everything he cared about. He finally does wake up and he and Hope are very well matched, she softens him and he brings out some of her fire.

There were times where the story dragged a little and I wasn’t as engaged with the plot but I did still enjoy Hope and Bren’s journey and was happy to see them come together in the end.

It was also great to get to see more of the rest of the O’Conners and catch up on their lives!

*Couldn’t end this review without a little bit of a disclaimer/warning. There are a few chapters that take place at a liberated concentration camp and it gets a little more descriptive than necessary at times. Plus there are a few comparisons that’s aren’t particularly sensitive so just a heads up if that's something that bothers you.

About the Author

A lover of all things Irish, Julie Lessman writes close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together.

Author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, Heart of San Francisco, Isle of Hope, and Silver Lining Ranch series, Julie was American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered over 21 Romance Writers of America and other awards. Voted #1 Romance Author in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Reader’s Choice Awards, Julie’s novels also made Family Fiction magazine’s Best of 2015, Best of 2014, and “Essential Christian Romance Authors” 2017-2020, as well as Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction.

Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets. Contact Julie through her website at www.julielessman.com.

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. 

A Seaside Wonder by Melissa Tagg

About the Book

In one evening, Indi's world falls apart. Enter the shy professor her family mistakes for her fiancé . . . make that ex-fiancé.

Professor Philip West never wanted to return to Maine . . . or his grandfather’s miserable old house. But after his mother’s death, he’s now the guardian of a teenage half sister who doesn’t want anything to do with him. He longs to help her heal, but he’s exhausted and numb, desperate for relief of his own. Maybe that’s why he’s so easily distracted when he happens upon the little shop with an intriguing owner—one who happens to share a name with someone from his grandfather's mysterious past.

More than a decade has passed since Indi Muir made the heartbreaking decision she’s never recovered from—though she’s certainly tried. She has a full life running her shop and creating the artsy pieces that fill its shelves. If she can just stay busy, she’ll keep her hurt and regret at bay. But when her ex-fiancé returns to Muir Harbor, he brings news that shatters her carefully built walls. Things only get worse when lurking danger comes calling at her childhood home.

The one bright spot amid Indi’s turmoil is the shy stranger who wandered into her shop months ago and his moody but lovable sister. As she confronts her past and the mysterious threat facing her family, she’s intent on helping Philip win over his sister. He just might win over Indi, too, if they can overcome old secrets and wounds, outrun rising peril . . . and take a chance on love.

My Thoughts

The wait is always worth it for a Melissa Tagg novel! I have be anxiously awaiting this second book in the Muir Harbor series since I read the last page of the first one and I’m so happy to report that it is every bit as beautiful as I knew it would be!

Indi intrigued me from the moment we met her and I loved getting to know her more as we got to get in her head. She had a very vibrant personality that circumstances and regrets had dulled but I loved seeing her start to come to life again.

I absolutely loved Philip! I definitely have a soft spot for the nerdy and slightly awkward heroes and he definitely fit the bill. He was so gentle and unassuming with Indi and was just the steady presence that she needed in her life. And the way he stepped in with his half sister and was willing to do whatever necessary to mend their relationship and help her was entirely endearing. Honestly everything about him was endearing from the way he stuttered when he was uncomfortable to his calling Indi “Farmgirl” I just loved it all!

Holland, Philip’s half sister, had a lot of snark and just enough sweet to make her lovable, which was the perfect mix!

It was really fun to escape back to Muir Harbor and spend more time with all the Muirs! We got some more pieces of the mystery figured out and I can’t wait for book 3 to find out the rest! Also Wilder and Lillian’s story is just going to be the best!

Meet the Author

Melissa Tagg is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and Carol Award-winning author of swoony and hope-filled small-town contemporary romances. She’s also a former reporter, current nonprofit marketing strategist, and total Iowa girl.

Melissa has taught at multiple national writing conferences, as well as workshops and women’s retreats. When she’s not happily lost in someone else’s book or plugging away her on own, she can be found spoiling her nieces and nephews, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next fictional hero. Connect with Melissa at melissatagg.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. 

Sunburst by Susan May Warren

About the Book

When former Navy SEAL and lifelong bachelor Ranger Kingston is called upon to take part in a rescue mission to save his brother Colt, who has been kidnapped by terrorists in Nigeria, he is shocked to find among the hostages a woman he knows and could never forget.

Noemi Sutton was attempting to return a young girl to her family in Boko Haram territory when she and the girl found themselves taken hostage, along with several others.

And while Ranger Kingston may be able to get the hostages away from their captors, he'll need Noemi's help if he ever hopes to get out of Nigeria alive.

Her solution? Pose as husband and wife. But when her uncle discovers the union, he insists on a traditional Nigerian wedding--binding Noemi to a man destined to break her heart. Worse, she's discovered the real reason she was kidnapped, and anyone around her is bound to be caught in the cross fire. Including her so-called new husband.

She'll need to figure out a way to leave the man she loves if she wants to save his life.

USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren throws you into the thick of the action in this high-stakes, globe-trotting romance.

My Thoughts

I always jump at the chance to read a Susan May Warren novel and this one was another stellar story!

I loved that we got to experience Africa and Alaska-two very different cultures but Warren was able to immerse us in both!

There was plenty of action but not so much that you couldn’t catch your breath which is the perfect balance in my opinion!

Ranger intrigued me from what we got to know of him in the last book so I was really excited to dive into his story and he did not disappoint! I loved his determination to do whatever needed to be done and felt for him as he tried to figure out his next steps after his life plan was derailed.

Noemi was a great match for Ranger, her stubbornness got her in trouble sometimes but it also gave her strength to do hard things.

The two of them were fantastic together and I loved the sparks between them! I also liked how they had a bit of history to their romance!

All in all another fantastic SMW novel and it left me highly anticipating book 3!

Meet the Author

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly 90 novels with more than 1.5 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and the Montana Rescue series, as well as Sunrise and Sunburst. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers' Choice Awards, Susan makes her home in Minnesota. Find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook @SusanMayWarrenFiction, and on Twitter @SusanMayWarren.

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. 

Crossfire by Lynette Eason

About the Book

She's never lost a hostage. Surely she can manage to take care of her sister.⁣

FBI special agent Julianna Jameson is a top-notch negotiator, but when her much younger sister, Dottie, needs a place to live while she finishes high school, Julianna's skills will be put to the test.⁣

Former sniper Clay Fox left the army after a tragic incident that he can't get past. Until he can figure out what to do with the rest of his life, he's working as a resource officer at a school. Dottie's school. ⁣

When Julianna is called in to negotiate a courtroom hostage situation involving Clay's sister, he's impressed--and, if he's honest, a bit intimidated--by the calm, capable woman with the dark hair and blue eyes, and invites her to speak at the school. ⁣

But as the anniversary of a school shooting from Julianna's past approaches, it becomes clear that her perfect record is about to be tested and that Dottie is at risk. If Julianna and Clay can't figure out who's behind the attacks, more innocent people will die--and Dottie is next in line.

My Thoughts

After hearing positive things about this one from my bestie I was really excited to dive in and it did not disappoint! ⁣

I loved that it started off with a hostage negotiation scene! Not only did it immediately hook me into the story but it reminded me of one of my favorite books (The Negotiator by Dee Henderson). Hostage negotiator is not a common career in books and that made it even more fascinating to read about!⁣

Clay and Julianna were both really great characters and I liked them together as a couple. They both had some trauma in their past to make peace with but they were able to help each other.⁣

The mystery and suspense angles were well done in this book, there was enough to keep me guessing throughout yet I was able to figure out some of the pieces-the perfect balance! ⁣

This was a great follow up to the last book and I am already looking forward to book 3! ⁣

⁣

*On a side note that did not affect my opinion of the book, if anyone can explain to me why this book is called Crossfire I would really appreciate it because it made no sense as a title to me!

Meet the Author

Lynette Eason is the USA Today bestselling author of Life Flight and Crossfire, as well asthe Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master's degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

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. 

The Catch by Lisa Harris

About the Book

After a harrowing attempt on a judge's life at the courthouse, Deputy US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are tasked with finding a missing woman and an endangered child in connection to the murder of the judge's wife. What seems like a fairly straightforward case becomes hopelessly tangled when the marshals discover that the woman they are searching for is not who they think she is.

Madison and Jonas are forced into a race to find the woman and the child before the men who want her dead discover her location. And in a final showdown that could cost her everything, Madison will come face-to-face with the person who murdered her husband.

USA Today bestselling author Lisa Harris concludes her thrilling US Marshals series with this breathless tale of secrets kept, lies exposed, and ultimately, justice prevailing.

My Thoughts

This series has been an amazing ride and this book was the perfect conclusion!

I loved how the author balanced the conclusion to the mystery behind who had killed Madison’s husband with the new case of trying to find a missing woman and baby. It never felt like there was too much going on and I was invested in both outcomes! There were countless twists and turns as well as plenty of page turning action that kept me hooked into the story and reading as fast as I could!

Jonas and Madison have been fantastic characters throughout the whole series and their slow burn romance has been building with expert timing and it was so fun to finally see them get together!

In short I completely enjoyed this book and highly recommend the whole series!

Meet the Author

Lisa Harris is a USA Today bestselling author, a Christy Award winner, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel from Romantic Times for her novels Blood Covenant and Vendetta. The author of more than forty books, including The Escape, The Chase, The Traitor's Pawn, Vanishing Point, A Secret to Die For, and Deadly Intentions, as well as The Nikki Boyd Files and the Southern Crimes series, Harris and her family have spent over 17 years living as missionaries in southern Africa. She is currently stateside in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Learn more at www.lisaharriswrites.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. 

Fatal Code by Natalie Walters

About the Book

In 1964, a group of scientists called the Los Alamos Five came close to finishing a nuclear energy project for the United States government when they were abruptly disbanded. Now the granddaughter of one of those five scientists, aerospace engineer Elinor Mitchell, discovers that she has highly sensitive information on the project in her possession--and a target on her back.

SNAP agent and former Navy cryptologist Kekoa Young is tasked with monitoring Elinor. This is both convenient since she's his neighbor in Washington, DC, and decidedly inconvenient because . . . well, he kind of likes her.

As Elinor follows the clues her grandfather left behind to a top-secret nuclear project, Kekoa has no choice but to step in. When Elinor learns he has been spying on her, she's crushed. But with danger closing in on all sides, she'll have to trust him to ensure her discoveries stay out of enemy hands.

Natalie Walters sucks you into the global race for space domination in this perfectly paced second installment of her SNAP Agency romantic suspense series.

My Thoughts

I’m pretty sure that Natalie Walters improves with each book and this one was my favorite yet!

Kekoa was a fun character in book one but I wasn’t sure how he would transition into a leading man but he stepped into the role seamlessly. He was the quirky tech guy but he also was willing to step into danger to protect those close to him. I will admit that his Hawaiian surfer dude lingo was distracting to me at first (even though it was totally authentic to his character and where he was from) but eventually it grew on me enough that I didn’t even notice it by the end.

While Kekoa was techy, Elinor took nerdy to a whole new level, but she wore it well and it was actually super endearing on her. She was just one of those genuinely kind and sweet people and you couldn’t help but love her.

The two of them were really cute together and I enjoyed watching them start to fall for each other!

The intrigue and suspense was engaging and had me trying to figure things out until the end!

Definitely Walters’ best yet and I can’t wait for the next one!

Meet the Author

Natalie Walters is the author of Lights Out, as well as the Harbored Secrets series. A military wife, she currently resides in Texas with her soldier husband and is the proud mom of three. She loves traveling, spending time with her family, and connecting with readers on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more at www.nataliewalterswriter.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. 

Out of the Blue by Susan L. Tuttle

About the Book

Falling in love again wasn’t on her checklist, but he’s about to pencil it in.⁣

Nate Reynolds’s ugly history has dogged him long enough. He has spent years reforming himself, but there has to be a purpose for all the pain in his youth. When he discovers the perfect campground for rehabbing juvenile delinquents, he sees his chance for redemption. Even if it means butting heads with the owner’s granddaughter, Gwen Doornbos, a woman who, for all her sharp edges, possesses a heart similar to his. The more time he spends with her, the more he envisions a future he once thought impossible.⁣

Four years ago, Gwen Doornbos lost her husband at the hands of a troubled teen. Her dream of ministering to kids died with him, and she returned home to help her grandfather run their family summer camp until his retirement. That day has finally arrived, except her grandfather has other plans for Camp Hideaway, and they include the irritatingly handsome Nate, a do-gooder with more brawn than sense who insists on bringing the past right to her door.⁣

When an accident requires Gwen to temporarily assist Nate, she discovers that the campers challenge her in ways she’s not ready to face. Yet if she can find the courage to stay, the darkness that has shrouded her for so long may lift to reveal a love arriving out of the blue.

My Thoughts

Anyone else get a little nervous when one of your favorite author’s releases a new book? I always get just a little worried that each new book just might be the one I don’t enjoy. But thankfully Susan Tuttle’s streak remains unbroken. This one didn’t unseat my favorites of hers but I still thoroughly enjoyed it! ⁣

Gwen was a tough nut to crack for sure. After facing unimaginable grief she had closed herself off and allowed bitterness and anger to to root and poison her outlook on what had once been her ministry. She came across very unlikable at first but I was also able to see through her pointed words to the hurt that lay underneath-not excusing her harshness but understanding what caused it. And I loved seeing her growth and softening as the story progressed. It wasn’t an easy journey but slowly she was able to release her anger and see things through eyes of grace.⁣

I absolutely loved Nate. He had the biggest heart and was willing to do whatever it took to help even just one kid. Yes, he was a little naive at moments but he truly wanted to give everyone a chance to prove they could be better. And I loved the way he gently prodded Gwen toward seeing the good as well. He also was endlessly patient with the kids and Gwen, guiding and pushing when needed but never forcing. And the respectful way he handled honoring Gwen’s late husband while carving space in her life for him was definitely well done. ⁣

Nate and Gwen were definitely opposites in most regards but they balanced each other out and were exactly what the other one needed. ⁣

I was thoroughly caught up in this story and, other than Gwen’s less than stellar moments, enjoyed every moment. I also really hope there will be some follow up books about certain characters!

Meet the Author

ACFW Carol Award finalist, Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan, the Mitten State, where she’s a mom of three and happily married to her best friend. Between homeschooling her youngest and leading the women’s ministry at church, she finds time to write stories filled with inspiration, hope, and encouragement. Connect with Susan at susanltuttle.com.

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. 

In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh

About the Book

It seems like a dream come true . . . until it forces her to question everything.

Brielle Adebayo is fully content teaching at a New York City public school and taking annual summer vacations with her mother to Martha's Vineyard. But everything changes when her mom drops a bombshell--Brielle is really a princess in the island kingdom of Ọlọrọ Ilé, off the coast of Africa, and she must immediately assume her royal position, since the health of her grandfather, the king, is failing.

Distraught by all the secrets her mother kept, Brielle is further left spinning when the Ọlọrọ Ilé Royal Council brings up an old edict that states she must marry before her coronation, or the crown will pass to another. Brielle is uncertain if she even wants the throne, and with her world totally shaken, where will she find the courage to take a chance on love and brave the perils a wrong decision may bring?

My Thoughts

Some books you go into with certain expectations and this was one of those. With this stunning and eye catching cover I was instantly intrigued and then sweetening the pot with it being a royal romance I knew I had to check it out! Adding to that the fact that I’ve been hearing lots of good things about this author and I was excited for my chance to read it.

Unfortunately this quickly became a case of expectations not being met. At the start I was interested and hopeful but then things started to go off the rails and it became a bit of a struggle for me to finish.

Brielle had a big heart and she handled the crazy life changes about as well as could be expected. I just wanted a little more maturity from her because she read a little more like a YA heroine rather than a 25 year old teacher.

The hero in a novel that is written in first person from the heroine’s perspective is always a little tricky to make stand out and sadly Tomori just read kind of flat in my opinion. I appreciated the way he supported and was there for Brielle but I still wanted him to have a little more of a backbone and personality.

As with most royal stories the author created a fictional country and she definitely spent a lot of time crafting it which was very evident. The unique names and language were a bit hard to follow and took me out of the story at times trying to pronounce them but they did add some authenticity.

The faith element was extremely strong in this book, but it felt more forced in there rather than being a natural out flowing. It’s a difficult balance to find between clearly displaying the faith thread and not hitting the reader over the head with it and unfortunately in this book it came across a bit disingenuous.

There was also a little bit of a mystery thread which was a fun surprise (though I totally called the whodunnit).

Ultimately I think this book will hit the right spot with other readers but for me it was a miss.

Meet the Author

Toni Shiloh (www.tonishiloh.com) is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. Her novel Grace Restored was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist, and Risking Love was a 2020 Selah Award finalist. As a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Toni loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. 

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. 

Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

About the Book

As the Nazis march toward Paris in 1940, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. Lucie struggles to run Green Leaf Books due to oppressive German laws and harsh conditions, but she finds a way to aid the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books.

Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. After they meet in the bookstore, Paul and Lucie are drawn to each other, but she rejects him when she discovers he sells to the Germans. And for Paul to win her trust would mean betraying his mission.

Master of WWII-era fiction Sarah Sundin invites you onto the streets of occupied Paris to discover whether love or duty will prevail.

My Thoughts

Sarah Sundin is one of the many reasons that WWII is my favorite historical time period, no one writes this genre quite like she does!

Sometimes I forget just how long WWII was brewing in Europe before the US joined and I’ve been really appreciating the way Sundin has been highlighting what things were like in those early days in this book and her last novel.

Paris isn’t my favorite city for books to be set in (don’t come at me) but it was also fascinating to see how things progressed in the city of love as the Germans invaded.

Lucie was such a bright soul, seeing beauty wherever she went. But she also had a strength and resilience to her.

Paul was much more on the serious side, seeing life through rules and order, but had a good heart and a desire to see good prevail.

Paul and Lucie fell for each other hard and fast, they were like puzzle pieces fitting together, each having what the other needed to balance them out. They didn’t have an easy road though and they had to fight countless battles to be together.

I greatly admired the way both of them did their part to help the Allies even at great risk to themselves and their livelihoods. They stood strong under pressure and thought quickly on their feet in ways that I just don’t think I could.

This book had me on the edge of my seat, anxiously turning pages to see what would happen but also had many sweet and romantic moments to balance it out.

Overall this was another hit from Sundin and I cannot wait for her next one!

Meet the Author

Sarah Sundin is the bestselling author of When Twilight Breaks and several popular WWII series, including Sunrise at Normandy, Waves of Freedom, Wings of the Nightingale, and Wings of Glory. She is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award winner, and her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly, and have appeared on Booklist's "101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years." Sarah lives in Northern California. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information

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. 

To Treasure an Heiress by Roseanna M. White

About the Book

1906

Beth Tremayne has always been drawn to adventure. During her childhood, she fed that desire by exploring every inch of the Isles of Scilly. Now, after stumbling across an old collection of letters and a map buried on her family's property, she's found more adventure than she ever anticipated in the hunt for pirate treasure. But in order to discover where the clues lead, she must search alongside Lord Sheridan, a man she finds insufferable.

Sheridan has spent years pursuing whatever archaeological interests pique his imagination. And when he discovers that Beth's search connects with one of his far-removed pirate ancestors, he can't help getting involved. Plus, he finds her irresistible, even though she insists he stole a prized possession of hers.

As they work together following different clues and drawing closer to danger, they start to piece together a story of tragic love and piratical adventure. But which treasure will bring the greatest surprise--the one they find in each other or the one just out of their reach?

My Thoughts

I wasn’t fully sure what to expect going into this book after the last couple from this author weren’t my favorites. But thankfully this one seemed to be more in the direction of her previous works!

We met Beth and Sheridan in the last book but didn’t really get to know them all that well so I didn’t have a lot of preconceived notions about them.

Sheridan was a delight-he had a bit of boyish enthusiasm and charm to him but could also be serious when the situation called for it. The way he was utterly enchanted with Beth from the start was so entertaining and sweet. He was unashamed in his affection and unwavering as well and it could have slipped into obnoxious but he rode the line perfectly and I found it endearing.

Beth was slower to come around to Sheridan but she made her way there and they were adorable together. They both had a similar passion for adventure and discovery and just fit together so perfectly.

This book had a secondary story like the first one did (which was one of my least favorite parts about that one) but it was a lot less in your face so I didn’t mind it as much.

The continued search for pirate treasure didn’t capture me as much as it probably will other readers but it was entertaining at times (occasionally the research bits got a little dry) and overall enjoyable.

The cast of side characters continued over and they’ve slowly won me over to their charming island ways.

All in all this book was a great read and I’m curious about book three!

Meet the Author

Roseanna M. White (www.roseannamwhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. She pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of numerous novels, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to Edwardian British series. Roseanna lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.roseannamwhite.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. 

To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano

About the Book

When a man arrives at the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, anxious to hire them to find a missing heiress, Eunice Holbrooke realizes her past has finally caught up with her . . . and that she may no longer be able to hide under the disguise that has kept her safe for so long.

Arthur Livingston's goal in life is to make his mark on the world as a mining industrialist, but after the man who could help him achieve his goal is murdered, Arthur feels compelled to seek justice for the family--but he's left with more questions than answers after the eccentric Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency refuses to take on his case.

Desperate to conceal her real identity and avoid the irritatingly handsome Arthur, Eunice takes on a different case that requires her to go deep undercover and entangles her in one troublesome situation after another. When other secrets come to light, Eunice has no choice but to confront her past, hopeful that it will set her free but knowing it could very well place her life--and the lives of those she loves--in jeopardy.

My Thoughts

Nobody does eccentric historical humor like Jen Turano! Going in you know exactly what you are going to get except you have no idea just how it will play out!

Eunice has been quite the mysterious character in the first books of this series so it was fun to get to finally know her backstory and get a better look at who she was. She was definitely independent and tenacious but she also had a softer side that had been mostly hidden as she kept a low profile.

I wasn’t sure what to make of Arthur at first but he quickly grew on me and I liked the way he was determined to see to Eunice’s safety and best interests.

They made a strong couple and I liked them together!

There were some parts of the story that confused me as to why they were included since they didn’t seem necessary and were overly detailed. And things definitely got a little chaotic at the end but that’s par for the course with a Turano novel!

Overall this was a fun read and a satisfying conclusion to the series!

Meet the Author

Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers 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. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado. Readers can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and at jenturano.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. 

Dancing With Dandelion by Tara Grace Ericson

About the Book

They can’t agree on anything—except that the job comes first.

Dandelion “Andi” Bloom has sacrificed a lot for her career in the Army. Now that she’s retired, playing security guard at Bloom’s Farm for high-profile events is a welcome change of pace. That is, until hosting a string of political events means working with a Secret Service detail – including a certain special agent she would have rather left behind in Virginia.

Special Agent Ross McClain takes his job seriously. Even if he has to come to Middle of Nowhere, Indiana to work events for the vice presidential candidate. On Bloom’s Farm, Ross runs into a familiar—and unwelcoming—face. Could this assignment get any worse?

Despite their mutual disdain, Andi and Ross must work together to provide security for the farm and the candidate. As the assignment goes on, it becomes impossible not to clash over every decision—and even harder to deny their growing chemistry.

My Thoughts

And just like that we’ve reached the end of the Bloom Sisters!

We haven’t gotten to see a whole lot of Andi in the previous books so it was interesting to get to see her character fleshed out. I’m not gonna lie, she did rub me wrong at some points (like her unfounded dislike for Ross basically just because he was a confident male) but I did warm up to her at times.

Ross was great-he knew how to be professional and get the job done but also had a fun side. I enjoyed seeing him wear down Andi’s prickly sides.

The two of them were kind of hot and cold throughout, but they had some good moments of banter and seemed to make sense as a couple.

The little bit of a mystery was a fun edition and a good precursor to this author’s upcoming suspense series!

I enjoyed getting to catch up with all the Bloom siblings in the epilogue and get a glimpse of where they were now.

Fans of this series will be satisfied with this conclusion I’m sure!

Meet the Author

Tara Grace Ericson lives in Missouri with her husband and three sons. She studied engineering and worked as an engineer for many years before embracing her creative side to become a full-time author and mom.

She loves cooking, crocheting, and reading books by the dozen. She also loves a good “happily ever after” with an engaging love story.

That's why Tara focuses on writing clean contemporary romance, with an emphasis on Christian faith and living. She wants to encourage her readers with stories of men and women who live out their faith in tough situations.

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. 

Life Flight by Lynette Eason

About the Book

EMS helicopter pilot Penny Carlton is used to high stress situations, but being forced to land on a mountain in a raging storm with a critical patient--and a serial killer on the loose--tests her skills and her nerve to the limit. She survives with FBI Special Agent Holt Satterfield's help. But she's not out of the woods yet.

In the ensuing days, Penny finds herself under attack. And when news reaches Holt that he may not have gotten his man after all, it will take all he and Penny have to catch a killer--before he catches one of them.

Bestselling and award-winning author Lynette Eason is back with another high-octane tale of close calls, narrow escapes, and the fight to bring a nefarious criminal to justice.

My Thoughts

This author’s books tend to be hit or miss for me, either I’m raving about them or struggling to get through. Somehow this book was a little bit of both.

The suspense angle and villain were exceptionally done. Intriguing and dark but not pushing the creepy too far for me. I was invested in all the aspects of the hunt for the serial killer the entire time.

The characters themselves were great but the romance angle is kind of where this fell apart for me because there really wasn’t any. They had had some previous interactions and continued to have moments together throughout the story but there was no chemistry or spark. They felt like two people involved in a case together. Not saying that they didn’t work as a couple, because I could see how they’d be compatible, but nothing that was on the page screamed “these people are romantically involved.”

I was also a little confused about the inclusion of the stuff with the hero’s sister. I don’t know why we needed another whole crime to be on the back burner throughout, and the guy was being an absolute idiot not telling the girl about what was going on while at the same time being mad that she hadn’t told him things about her past-major eye-roll moment.

I did overall enjoy reading this book though and the small problems I had with things were never enough to make me question finishing the book. Overall I think this will be a hit with fans of this author and I’m curious about future books in the series.

Meet the Author

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Life Flight and the Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master's degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.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. 

Sunrise by Susan May Warren

About the Book

Pilot Dodge Kingston has always been the heir to Sky King Ranch. But after a terrible family fight, he left to become a pararescue jumper. A decade later, he's headed home to the destiny that awaits him. 

That's not all that's waiting for Dodge. His childhood best friend and former flame, Echo Yazzie, is a true Alaskan--a homesteader, dogsledder, and research guide for the DNR. Most of all, she's living a life Dodge knows could get her killed. One of these days she's going to get lost in the woods again, and his worst fear is that he won't be there to find her.

When one of Echo's fellow researchers goes missing, Echo sets out to find her, despite a blizzard, a rogue grizzly haunting the woods, and the biting cold. Plus, there's more than just the regular dangers of the Alaskan forests stalking her . . .

Will Dodge be able to find her in time? And if he does, is there still room for him in her heart?

My Thoughts

Susan May Warren always provides a rollercoaster of an adventure and this book was no different!

I loved the setting of Alaska, and felt like the author did a great job of portraying the beauty and danger of the state.

I love how SMW keeps connecting her series so the fact that Dodge is the little brother of a heroine from another series was really fun! I liked Dodge and the way he was a man of honor who tried to do the right thing even when it was hard. And the way that he loved Echo even through their years apart was so sweet. Echo was a tough cookie and she definitely had a lot of resentment from her past but she still had a good heart and was willing to take risks if it meant saving someone else. Both Echo and Dodge had some growing to do but I enjoyed seeing them find their way back to each other!

There wasn’t really a mystery in this book but there were several high suspense scenes to keep you on the edge of your seat!

This book was definitely an adventure and I already can’t wait for the next two books about the other triplets!

Meet the Author

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 85 novels with more than 1 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and the Montana Rescue series, as well as Sunrise and Sunburst. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers' Choice Awards, Susan makes her home in Minnesota. Find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook @SusanMayWarrenFiction, and on Twitter @SusanMayWarren.

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. 

Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews

About the Book

Victorian high society's most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London's most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor.

Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she's worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she'll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London's attention she'll need a habit-maker who's not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.

Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row's infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.

But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following their hearts?

My Thoughts

I discovered Mimi Matthews’ books a couple years ago and instantly became a fan. So I always get very excited when she has a new release and jump at any opportunity to read it.

I loved the connection to the Parish Orphans of Devon series since we were first introduced to Ahmad in the second book. He was an intriguing character so it was cool for him to get a story all of his own. His dedication and passion for his work was clearly evident in every thing he did and it was very admirable.

Evelyn had some fanciful ideas but overall she was rather sensible and was willing to do whatever necessary to accomplish her plans.

The two of them were well suited despite the class and cultural differences that created a myriad of obstacles for their relationship.

The descriptions of all of the fashion as well as constant horse talk did bog down the story at times but you could tell that the author had done prolific research and deeply cared about the subjects.

Also, as a PSA for those who care: There was a decent bit of mention about spiritualism, seances, crystal balls, and the like. The main characters themselves didn’t buy into all of it and it was all historically accurate so it didn’t bother me much but I know other people might take issue with it.

Overall this was a well-written story that certainly won’t be usurping my favorites of hers but was still an enjoyable read!

Meet the Author

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.

Photo credit: Berkley Jove (TR)

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.