Wedding Dress Sewing Circle

Jennifer Ryan's newest book The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle is an enjoyable, satisfying read. Set in World War 2 England, the book centers specifically on three women who are tied together in numerous ways but most significantly through mending and making over a wedding dress. While initially quite different in personality and outlook, the three main characters all grow significantly during the six months time frame of the book. The war, and particularly the clothing rations, play into the story line by providing the context and backdrop for the story which focuses on the hardships of those at home. With an emphasis on a wedding dress, there is definitely some romance involved and some definite twists and turns.

Recommended for high school and up. A great, fun summer vacation read. This is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading her toher titles.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle from Random House Publishing--Ballantine Books via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Return to Cornwall

The Light at Wyndcliff by Sarah E. Ladd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having previously read books by Sarah Ladd and specifically the previous books in her Cornwall novels series The Governess of Penwythe Hall and The Thief of Lanwyn Manor, I had some insight into what to expect in reading The Light at Wyndcliff and was not disappointed. Ladd continues to create strong female characters who defy both the social conventions of their day and their positions to do the right thing even when it means going against their family. In The Light at Wyndcliff, Ladd gives more attention to the male character who also is willing to do the right thing even when it is not what his expected of his position and status. Individuals who have read the previous novels will recognize family names that are continued. While having read the previous books is useful, this novel stands on its own as well. All in all an enjoyable story for a light relaxing read.

I recieved a complementary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley.

Thief of Lanwyn Manor

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Like the first book in the Cornwall series, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor contains an element of mystery and suspense. I also enjoy that the main character, Julia, has a bit more spunk than typical. Readers will find themselves frustrated with her aunt and uncle, but will enjoy that everything works out in the end. Astute readers will pick up on the numerous clues and have figured out much of the story before the end arrives. All in all a nice enjoyable story for a winter weekend.

I received a complementary copy via NetGalley and was not required to give a positive review.

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Lost Love Reunited

Recently I finished the third book in the Colorado Grooms series by Jill Lynn. As I had previously read the first two books in the series, I felt like I was meeting up with old friends and looked forward to catching up with the characters and find out what would happen next. Although several misunderstandings hamper the characters in the beginning, by the end of the book these, along with several from the past, have been cleared up. This story was a satisfying conclusion to the series.

The Bullrider's Secret was simply an enjoyable read. The plot is interesting although somewhat predictable and the characters are wholesome. It truly is a book that was fun to read but requires very little extra thought to keep the plot or characters straight. These characteristics make it a perfect book for vacation or after a hard day at work.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Bull Rider's Secret from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

No Ocean Too Wide

Having read numerous other books by author Carrie Turansky, I was excited to obtain a copy of her newest release No Ocean Too Wide!

Like many books of this genre and by Turansky, the story line involves a lower class serving girl and an upper class male. However, there are several twists and turns in this book that moves it beyond the typical. No Ocean Too Wide focuses on three siblings who are removed from their family and placed in a children's home. Through several misfortunes, the siblings are sent to Canada to be placed with families. Their older sister leaves her job to help find them. To learn more about what happens to the delightful Mcallister family, you need to read the book yourself but I guarantee you won't be disappointed. I'm particularly excited that this is the first of three is a new series titled Mcallister Family. I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for the next releases!

Although set a century ago and involving children sent from Great Britain to Canada, while reading this book the reader will inevitably draw parallels to events and issues that occur today such as human trafficking, global orphan care, immigration issues, etc. Book clubs may find this an enjoyable book to discuss that will provide a natural segue to contemporary issues as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received No Ocean Too Wide via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Not Your Typical Governess

The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Governess of Penwythe Hall caught my eye as I had read several other books by author Sarah Ladd which I had enjoyed greatly. I was also seeking something a little more light-hearted and fun to read. This book fit both categories.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall is your basic Christian Regency romance. This book stands out because the governess is not your typically naive, innocent young lady who is trying to earn a living. Instead, the governess is widowed and fleeing a secret from her past. This secret provides a slight mystery element to the book. Ladd does a nice job of providing some clues but yet not giving away the secret until near the end. There are several twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. Beyond the suspenseful, mystery aspect, The Governess of Penwythe Hall follows the basic plot readers of this genre will recognize. As this book does feature a governess, I enjoyed that the characters of the children in the book were somewhat developed and played a role in the story instead of being invisible. I look forward to additional volumes in this series.

I received a complementary copy of this book via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review.

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Romance with an Unexpected Twist

I recently finished The Light Over London by Julia Kelly. When I saw this book I was sold because I haven't read a World War II book that I haven't enjoyed. However, when I started reading this book I found that it is a marvelous blending of a contemporary story and a war romance with several unexpected twists.

Author Julia Kelly uses a found diary as the bridge to combine the story of Cara, a contemporary divorced woman who works for an antique dealer, and Louise, the author of the World War II era diary. The diary also is one aspect which leads to Cara learning her Gran's never before told war story and serves as the connecting point for a blossoming relationship between Cara and her charming new history professor neighbor. Kelly seamlessly transitions from contemporary times to World War II and back again. The story is so well told that readers will be surprised by at least one of the three twists which occurs at the end of the story.

On an "appropriate scale" this book barely registers a blip. Foul language was pretty much non-existent. This is a romance geared toward adult readers so there were veiled references to sex but nothing tantalizing or descriptive. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to high school readers on up.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book The Light Over London free via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Regency Romance

Recently when I needed a break from some non-fiction reading, I picked up Making of Mrs. Hale a fun regency romance by Carolyn Miller.

It turns out this book is the third in the series Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope. I had not read the previous books in this series but did not find that a problem when reading the book although familiarity with the others may be useful.

Author Carolyn Miller utilizes alternating viewpoints to tell the story of Julia and Thomas. This works very well particularly at the beginning of the book when the recently wedded couple is separated and is uncertain if their relationship is intact. Given a variety of meddling relatives who are more concerned about societal opinion mixed with a bit of mystery and military intrigue and the reader is left wondering if Mr. and Mrs. Hale will survive. As this is a Christian romance published by Kregel, there is a Christian element to the story. For the first half of the book, the Christian element was largely unnoticeable beyond the romance being very "clean" and no inappropriate language. Later in the book, the Gospel message is woven into the story and also emphasizes the importance of not judging others.

Overall, I found Making of Mrs. Hale an enjoyable book. It was also an appropriate read for the season as Christmas is a brief part of the story. I would recommend this book to others looking for a fun, lighthearted book to read. It is appropriate for teens and up. I am also intrigued enough that I will most likely seek out the previous books in the series and other books by this author as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book, Making of Mrs. Hale, free from Kregel via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Her Texas Family

Her Texas Family by new to me author, Jill Lynn, is a great breezy summer read. Part of the Love Inspired series, this book was a departure from my typical historical fiction. However, it was a very enjoyable departure. A brief synopsis of the book is available on the Amazon page and I don't wish to give away any more of the story than necessary, so instead I'd like to focus on a specific aspect of the story--the in-laws. Her Texas Family focuses on the creation of a new family and involves what is left of a previous family. Unfortunately, the in-laws are controlling and cause all kinds of problems for the potential new couple. While reading the story, I found myself quite angry at the in-laws for their socially elite attitudes and controlling behavior. As such, beyond a lovely and clean romance, several life-lessons about how people treat each other or should treat each other are rolled into the story as well.

Recommended as a great vacation read whether you are camping, at the beach, or poolside. Appropriate for teens as well as grown-ups and would provide opportunity for great mother-daughter discussion. I look forward to reading additional books by Jill Lynn as well.

I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Governess of Highland Hall

Carrie Turansky has a winner with her book The Governess of Highland Hall. I had not read any of her novels before but the description of this novel enticed me to try it out.

Julia Foster seeks a governess position to help support her family who had been missionaries in India until her father's failing health forced them to return to England. As governess she is charged with the education and training of four children including two young children whose mother has recently passed away and two young ladies preparing for the coming out season. The two young ladies feel they are too old for a governess and resent her presence and her lack of experience with high society. Julia also find herself at odds with the other house staff who resent her being taken into confidence by William, the master of the house, as well as his sister, Sarah.

The Governess of Highland Hall does a wonderful job of portraying the ins and outs of the differences between the various tiers of society in pre-World War I England and how those tiers are beginning to break down. Highland Hall shows not only the titled class but also the titled class without wealth and the servants. Julia finds herself caught in the middle as the educated but penniless governess. As you may imagine, several romantic relationships ensue between various characters in this novel which cross the appropriate social lines. Adding to the plot is the fact that William must find a way to pay the inheritance taxes on Highland Hall or lose the family estate and that a wealthy marriage seems to be the only way to obtain the needed funds.

To tell anymore would give away the ending of this charming novel. While predictable in the outcome, there are multiple twists and turns in the execution which keep the reader guessing until the very end. Downton Abbey fans will enjoy The Governess of Highland Hall as will other fans of clean historical romance.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Blogging for Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Is this the end for Gideon and Lonnie?

My Hope Is Found,the third book in Joanne Bischof's series The Cadence of Grace, did not disappoint. Continuing with the story of Gideon and Lonnie, a love triangle emerges in the Appalachian mountains which is not resolved until the end.

Picking up at the end of Though My Heart Is Torn, Gideon is heading back to his beloved Lonnie and Jacob. Unfortunately, several setbacks keep him from arriving at his destination quickly and even once he has arrived the paperwork indicating his freedom to marry Lonnie has not been completed. While Gideon is gone, Lonnie struggles to begin a new life for herself, her son Jacob, and young sister Addie. An eligible bachelor introduced in the previous book finds himself smitten with Lonnie and declares his intentions. When Gideon re-appears, the two young men find themselves both vying for Lonnie's hand and tangling with each other as well. Fortunately , Jedediah Bennett intervenes forcing them to resolve their differences.

Bischof does a good job of developing all three of characters in this triangle. Each one struggles with a variety of self-doubts and concerns over past choices and future decisions as they seek to both follow God and find everlasting love. Gideon in particular experiences difficulty resolving his feelings of love for Lonnie and his knowledge of the respectability and good name her other suitor would provide for his young family.

My Hope Is Found is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys gentle frontier romances. Libraries will definitely want to stock this series and the included reader's guide makes it perfect for book groups. I would highly recommend reading all three of these books in sequence as the story line develops in each book. I hope that Bischof continues this story. I would be interested in knowing what the future holds in store for Cassie and Toby as well as enjoying more tales of Lonnie and Gideon's sure to be growing family. Readers may learn more about this book and others in the series by listening to a podcast with author Joanne Bischof and by reading the first chapter of each title.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Blogging for Books (http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Gentle Frontier Read

An advertisement mentioned Janette Oke fans would enjoy this book. Since Janette Oke was the first Christian author I read and I devoured all of her books, I knew I had to see if Be Still My Soul by Joanne Bischof would live up to this claim.

At the beginning of the story which was originally published as Cry of My Heart, still is not an adjective that describes anything about the characters. Instead,both characters have a horrible home life. Unfortunately, a mostly innocent walk home and a kiss results in a shot gun marriage which neither Gideon or Lonnie desired. This rocky start becomes even rockier as the young couple heads out on their own.

Heading out Gideon and Lonnie experience more than their share of downs as they getto know each other and begin a journey to where they can hopefully find jobs. Completely down on their luck, they are taken in by an elderly couple who love and mentor them particularly when they find Lonnie is expecting. Love grows gradually between the couple as they realize they are the only family they have. The example of a godly marriage is critical in forming a new Christ-honoring family. Heart break is necessary before a strong marital bond can be formed.

The Janette Oke comparison is apt as "love comes softly" between the two young people and they are mentored in marriage by an older couple. Be Still My Soul is a good heart warming story for a chilly fall afternoon or a cold winter's night. The story was enjoyable but not a gripping tale that you can't put down. However, the story was engaging enough that I will watch for the sequel Though My Heart Is Torn slated to published in April, 2013.

As usual, a free copy of this book was provided by Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.