THE NOBLE GUARDIAN By Michelle Griep

This is one of my favorites in a while. It is the last in a series about the Bowstreet Runners but can stand alone. I definitely recommend it for your keeper shelf. From the opening scenes you are thrust into a world of adventure, action, and simmering romance.

Abigail Gilbert has been thrust out to travel alone and unguarded, except for a ladie's maid, across a dangerous expanse of country to get to her intended. Although, it does seem strange that a man who is claiming her for his bride is not concerned that she safely get to him. She is rescued by Samuel Thatcher, a horse patrol captain, who is a dark brooding man and extremely miffed with her for traveling unguarded.

She attempts to purchase Samuel's services but he has a job to do and his life is in danger from the biggest thug in the area since he killed the man's brother in saving Abigail and her ladie's maid.

In the end, Samuel ends up escorting Abigail the rest of the way along with a child that an old friend has gotten him to promise to deliver to her aunt. Things go from bad to worse along the way and Samuel is forced to use his expertise to rescue Abigail several more times. Abigail, finds herself falling in love with the enigmatic Captain and with the motherless child.

Abigail arrives at her intended's home with a severely wounded Captain and child in tow to find all is not as she expects. You definitely will want to read this one. Thanks to Barbour Publishing for allowing me to read this ebook through Netgalley. The views and opinions expressed are my own.

VERITY By Lisa T. Bergren

Those who founded the New World had to be strong courageous people. Verity is about a strong woman with sisters just as strong. This is the second in a series by Lisa T. Bergren, The Sugar Baron's Daughters. 

Verity has been awaiting the return of the man she loves, a sea captain, expecting to become engaged on his return. After, not hearing from him, and needing to restock the store she runs on her island home in the West Indies, she sails for New York to see relatives, restock her supplies, and find news of Captain Duncan Mckintrick. However, she finds Captain Mckintrick in jail--but it's not Duncan but Ian his brother and Ian has tragic news for Verity.

Ian has pledged to find those responsible for his brother's demise. In the meantime, he finds himself drawn into the Rebel's cause in the colonies and against his home country of England.

Having met Verity, he finds they are mutually grieving his brother and his brother has left horses intended for Verity so he takes his ship to help Verity ferry her goods home. He begins to have feelings for Verity and she for him and return but they both feel guilt because of Duncan. At home, Verity and her sisters have their own troubles with an abusive man who disagrees with their stance for freed men versus slavery. This same man has come into power and has no qualms misusing it.

Ian sails back for the colonies and finds trouble waiting for him while Verity runs into her own share of trouble. When will Ian return? Will it be too late? Will their love be torn apart by the looming Revolution for freedom? A very satisfying read. Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read this book through Netgalley. The views and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

A MODEST INDEPENDENCE By Mimi Matthews

The story of Jenny Holloway and Tom Finch is a very romantic read. They both find themselves drawn to each other but prefer to pursue their own interests above a relationship.

Jenny wants to use her recently acquired modest indepence to travel and while she's at it discover what really happened to the Earl of Castleton in India.

Tom wants to continue his safe and secure existence as a solicitor. But, when Jenny approaches him with the desire to use her funds to travel to India. He balks at her traveling unaccompanied. He finds that he has feelings for her and he hopes he can persuade her that she has feelings for him in return.

As they travel from London across seas, through, Egypt, and then India, they find themselves taking liberties and in each other's arms. It is a struggle to maintain their ruse of brother and sister to protect Jenny's reputation. 

Ms. Matthews does a great job with describing the angst of their relationship, allowing, the romance to blossom, while describing the scenic backdrop, and including a little mystery as well.

But will Jenny choose Tom or her new found freedom...and Tom will he let go of Jenny because he loves her? This is a great read, 5 stars, worth your investment of time. Thanks to Victory Editing for allowing me to read this ebook through Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

DRIFTWOOD BAY By Irene Hannon

Irene Hannon is already one of my favorite authors for romantic suspense; but Driftwood Bay is more on the line of simple contemporary romance. Still, it is very good and grabs your attention from the beginning. Dr. Logan West has relocated to the town of Hope Harbor with a grief stricken little girl and destructive pup in hand. He is struggling with the single Father status and finds his neighbor has built walls around herself both literally and physically. 

Jeannette, despite her desire of solitude, finds herself drawn to the little girl, Molly, and to the persevering Doctor who has changed his life completely to help his charge.

Throw in the town of Hope Harbor has decided to befriend a syrian immigrant family who have lost much from their war ravaged home including a wife, father, and brother--leaving a motherless child with a father who has with drawn.

This is another wonderful read from a great series that I highly recommend for your reading shelf. Thanks to Revell Publishing for allowing me to read this book from Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

THE ARTFUL MATCH By Jennifer Delamere

Last in the London Beginnings series, The Artful Match can stand alone. It is a delightful tale that follows Cara Bernay in her search for work and a home for survival while she pursues her gift of art. Cara has recently lost her job as a Nanny due to her brief lapse in judgement which put a child in harm's way. She has decided not to pursue being a child's Governess ever again; however, when she meets Langham Burke an aspiring artist with issues of his own, she finds herself on her way to his country estate under the protection of his brother Henry Burke the Earl of Marstowe. Henry is burdened with the debt of their estate and the precocious child whom everyone believes is his and he knows to be Langham's. 

Cara is drawn into helping with the child against her better judgement but she has a gift with children. She is also drawn to Henry and feels he reciprocates the feelings until a visiting family with a marriageble aged daughter come to visit and Cara is relegated to servant status.

The misunderstandings and mysteries escalate to a near tragic ending. This book is well worth your time and earns 5 stars. Thanks to Bethany House Publisher's for allowing me to read this book throug Netgalley. The views expressed are my own opinion.

THE GOLDEN BRIDE By Kimberley Woodhouse

This is another in the Mayflower series done by several different authors. It is a very good historical series. I've enjoyed most of the books and learned alot of interesting facts shared by the various authors. The Golden Bride can stand alone, however, as a good read. 

Most of the story follows Olivia Brighton as she travels to San Francisco to join her brother after her parents have died. She marries quickly for survival and becomes a widow just as quickly. She arrives in San Francisco jaded and determined to endure a just fate of spinsterhood. But she grows in her faith and in emotional maturity as she helps her brother manage his restaurant and as she joins forces with Daniel's best friend Joseph to improve the plight of their new city.

Romance blooms slowly between Olivia and Joseph while Joseph struggles to find those responsible for an underground slave trade and abuse of children. Daniel has given Olivia a trunk that had belonged to their mother and holds the journals of several of her ancestors including her mother. She finds commonalitiy with them and encouragement from their struggles and achievements.

I recommend this book for your summer reading pile and thank Barbour Publishing for allowing me to read this book through Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

WHEN YOU ARE NEAR By Tracie Peterson

When You Are Near is the first in a new series by Tracie Peterson called the Brookstone Brides. It has an unusual setting of a traveling Wild West Show. Ella is the main performer doing acrobatics from the back of horses and she is the daughter of the owner. Now her father has passed away and she and her mother must find a way to move on.

Ella has decided she will close off her heart to love but she finds her heart being vied for by two men. Jason, who is an investor in the show and now has more say in where they will perform has set his cap for Ella and doesn't intend to take no for an answer. When they return home to their ranch for the winter hiatus, there is Wes, the man whom she has truly given her heart to years before but whom she thinks still sees her as a girl; besides, Wes is married or was, as his wife has died and Wes is full of guilt and also fear for Ella.

Complicating things, is the death of their wrangler, a runaway fiancee, and a vagabond brother. This is a very entertaining read which I recommend for your summer reading. Thanks to Bethany House for allowing me to read this ebook through Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

WHAT'S NEXT By Daniel Ryan Day

So this is a diversion for me, a book that is not a romance (as my blog is normally for Christian or Clean Romances) but a great read and one that all of us can find thought provoking.

Thanks to Discovery House for allowing me to read this ebook through Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own honest thoughts. What caught my eye was the blurb that came with the netgalley email recommending this book. Actually, it was the first sentence: "Stuck in a dead-end job and not sure what to do next?" It caught my eye because my son and I had been discussing this very problem he was struggling with, so, of course, Mom had to read this book and get him a copy.

We all know that, in the end, there won't be a perfect answer to our struggle to answer the above question but the fun and informational thing is digging for the truth.

Now, if you aren't a christian or at least consider yourself a person of faith, then you won't care what Mr. Day has to say; but if you care to know what God might have to reveal to you on the matter then this book is chock full of encouragement and insightful advice--more importantly, backing it up with scripture.

Mr. Day uses his own personal experiences and those of people he knows as well as brings biblical characters to life with apt descriptions of how their stories might impact our own situations while using humor and down to earth conversational tones. The chapters are short with "pull out" quotes for emphasis. You'll find yourself turning pages and wanting to continue with the next chapter because it's like Mr. Day is right there with you chatting about what is so deeply personal and important in your life, the next step. Even more important, you find yourself ready to delve into God's Word and wanting to hear from Him.

I recommend this book for your keeper shelf and to share with others.

A SILKEN THREAD By Kim Vogel Sawyer

I loved this story very much and the style as told from each character's point of view worked very well and kept the story moving right along as if it wasn't a page turner already.

A Silken Thread's setting is about 30 years following the Civil War in Atlanta, Georgia and the author deals with the racism that existed and was aggravated by the emotions evoked from the War. Seeing experiences and feelings through the eyes of Quincey, Willie's friend who is black lent a unique perspective to the story.

Willie and Langston were contrasts in class and character. Laurel began as an immature young lady who deeply cared for her mother and was loyal to family even if her initial goals for husband material were a little misguided.

The Cotton Exposition being held in Atlanta becomes the catalyst for bringing all the characters together. Each has their own desires to achieve. Willie has his ailing Father to support, Laurel, has been dictated by her siblings the responsibility of seeing to her Mother, Langston needs a wife in order to honor the dictates of his parents, Quincey needs money to help his family and more than that, wants respect as a human being and a man.

Against this backdrop, A Silken Thread holds the key if you can find it. I give this 5 stars and my highest recommendation which is to place it on your keeper shelf. Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing for allowing me to read this ebook through Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

THE WARRIOR MAIDEN By Melanie Dickerson

The Warrior Maiden is one of many Young Adult novels by Melanie Dickerson and is a great quality romance for any age group but especially for her target audience of which I'm not one.

I enjoyed the story of Mulan and Wolfgang very much. It is loosely based on a fairytale story. Her Characters, descriptions of battle, and scenery are enthralling. I found myself laughing at the twists Mulan finds herself in when she is pretending to be male.

A very enjoyable read I give 4 stars and recommend for all ages. Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing for allowing me read this ebook through Netgalley. This review is my expressed honest opinion.

SWEET ON YOU By Becky Wade

Final in a series about the Bradford Sisters, Sweet on You, is a sweet summer read. Becky Wade always draws you in and makes you invest in her characters. I give this 4 stars and recommend it for your summer reading stack.

Youngest sister, Britt is in love but mostly with chocolate and cooking; however, she has a best friend Zander with whom she has a vested interest since they were 14. Zander left for a European Book Tour touting his first novel because his feelings for Britt had evolved to the point he couldn't handle just friends anymore. Now his uncle has died supposedly from a heart attack and he is back.

Zander and Britt have a close relationship, able to finish each others sentences, understanding each other's quirks. They value their friendship so much that they want to protect it at all cost; but, for Zander, the cost could be too much.

They find themselves in the middle of a mystery surrounding the death of Zander's uncle; and even stranger, the fact that he might have been leading a double life. Things escalate to a point of danger and to a point of no turning back in their relationship.

It's worth your time to read but I felt it a little anti-climatic at the end or maybe a lack of closure on so much angst and mystery which is unusual for this author--but that is just my impression--and it did have a HEA ending. It may not seem so to others. I still consider her a favorite author and highly recommend her to you.

Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read this ebook through Netgalley. This review is my expressed honest opinion.

THE UNEXPECTED CHAMPION By Mary Conneally

John McCall is a Pinkerton agent sent to find the Chilton's grandson and bring him back to Philadelphia. But he ends up snowbound in the High Sierras and then arrives in the middle of a gunfight. He finds himself paired with Penny Scott as her family tries to find out who is behind the foul man who tried to murdered them all; but Penny and John are kidnapped and almost murdered. They espcape and after several days of misadventures find themselves back in Dismal and forced to marry at gunpoint.

This is a very fun read with many hilarious parts as well as serious issues that the characters must deal with and solve. Mary Conneally is a master of humorous but romantic historical novels. I highly recommend anything she writes. 

The Unexpected Champion is a part of a series although it could probably stand alone; however knowing the other characters history makes it more enjoyable. 5 Star read. Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read this ebook through Netgalley. This review is my expressed honest opinoion. 

SHADOW AMONG SHEAVES By Naomi Stephens

Ruth and Boaz's story in the Bible has always been one of my favorites. Ruth being kind and loyal to her mother-in-law, making her promise to follow her and love her people and her God, and struggling in the fields to glean enough food to help them survive earns my admiration. Boaz coming to her aid, encouraging her, offering his protection, and finally becoming her kinsman redeemer deserves my utmost respect and their story is the ultimate real life romance.

Shadow Among Sheaves  loosely based on the story of Ruth and Boaz set during the time of India's bloody rebellion to Britain's Imperial rule, is an enthralling tale. Ms. Stephens does an excellent job of depicting the time period and culture of the time.

However, I must warn those lovers of  Christian Romance that they might find some offensive language, though not extreme. I believe if you can focus on the characters and their struggles you can find much redeeming qualities.

Rena is Hindu but has pledged to remain faithfully by her English mother-in-law's side after the death of their husbands, even leaving home and family behind to face much abuse and suffering in her new homeland.

I was very frustrated with Barric's treatment of her even as he reluctantly strived to assist her and Nell when he could. He continually set her in her place and even insulted her making sure she knew she was only a beggar at his mercy. It was hard to see his feelings for her and her's for him because their stubborn pride seemed more important and got in the way.

Finally, the climactic scenes where she throws herself on his mercy and has to wait to know the outcome are distressing to me. Even though, the finish is very satisfying, I am not sure how they ever arrive at it because of what Rena is forced to endure. Still I give it 4 stars as it is a better than average read. Thanks to Shiloh Run Press for allowing me to read this ebook through Netgalley. This review is my expressed honest opinion

THE ALAMO BRIDE By Kathleen Y'Barbo

In the beginning, we find ourselves listening in on Ellis Dumont and her grandfather's conversation which sets the stage for The Alamo Bride. The setting is Texas right before the seige of the Alamo. Ellis and her grandfather are transplants from New Orleans.

Then we meet the hero Clay Gentry as he is arriving to join the New Orleans Grays who are pledging their allegiance to the newly formed Republic of Texas. Through his thought processes we realize he has a secret mission as well.

Clay sneaks out of camp and is assaulted by unknowns, shot several times, he ends up floating in a small pirogue and discovered the next morning by Ellis and her little brothers.

Ellis ends up nursing Clay and begins to write down his delirious ramblings in the back of her book of Psalms because she suspects that it might be important; however she does not know if he is friend or foe.

As Clay begins to recover physically, he finds his memory prior to his assault is lost, as he continues to recover and bits and pieces of memory begin to surface, he and Ellis find themselves on the road to the Alamo; both are wary partners and yet find they can't resist the emotional tug of their hearts.

This is a very good historical romance, especially intriguing because it happens among the tragic events of the Alamo; however I was disappointed in the ending because several mysteries involving Clay were never fully explained; but I still give it 4 stars. Thanks to Barbour Publishing for allowing me to read this ebook through Netgalley and this review is my honest opinion.

LADIES OF INTRIGUE By Michelle Griep

This is actually a set of romantic stories. Each is compelling in their own right. I enjoyed each viginette immensely. It is so good I would recommend it for your keeper shelf. 

Each story draws you in quickly, is full of surprises, and has a great ending. One a Lady finds herself falling in love with a smuggler, the second, a Doctor's daughter finds herself assisting another Doctor in the middle of an Indian uprising, the last woman is a fiancee who finds her betrothed keeping secrets.

Thanks to Barbour Publishing for allowing me to read this ebook through Netgalley.

SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH By Connilyn Cossette

Second in the Cities of Refuge series by this author, Shelter of the Most High does not disappoint. It is a book that can not stand alone because you need the history of the characters and the knowledge from the prior book to fully appreciate the storyline; however, I highly recommend this series especially to those who love biblical historical settings.

Sofea is a pagan princess rescued along with her cousin after fleeing from the abuse of sea marauders who had destroyed their village and their families. They don't speak the language of their rescuers and assume that they are now their slaves.

Eitan's Father, Darek was among the men to rescue the girls and now his mother and family intend to take care of them offering shelter, food, and care. Eitan is drawn to Sofea but knows he must be patient and wait until she has assimulated and can communicate with him.

Sofea doesn't trust her benefactors or their God. She searches for ways to get free and return to something she recognizes. But, Eitan's kindness and attempts to communicate with her and woo her begin to win her over. Then her reticent cousin reveals what she has discovered of the city in which they live, how it houses murderers who have sought asylum. Sofea balks and wants to get away until Eitan proposes and reveals his own tragic past.

Things escalate as consequences from Eitan's past capture Sofea and her cousin in the evil web of deceit and danger. Eitan is forced to choose between disobeying his adoptive Father risking his life outside the City of Refuge or failing to rescue the woman he loves. This book and series deserves a place in your reading stack if not on your bookshelf. Thanks to Bethany House for allowing me to read this ebook through Netgalley.

THE TROUBLE WITH COWBOYS By Victoria James

Victoria James is a new author for me but if her work turns out to be like this one, I will definitely add her to my favorite author lists.

The Trouble with Cowboys starts out with Tyler Donnelly returning to Wishing River. He regrets leaving eight years ago but dreads returning; however, his Dad needs him having had a bad stroke. Still, eight years ago, Tyler left following an argument with his Dad where things were said not easily taken back.

Stopping by, the local diner, Tyler finds Lainey has taken over from her grandmother. She has turned into a fine woman. Lainey, however, isn't happy to see Tyler. She is angry at him along with his two best friends for leaving his Dad like he did; but they don't know the whole story.

Lainey has become good friends with Tyler's Dad and takes him food every night but she has a secret of her own she doesn't want to share.

What I really liked about this book is that the author dealt with the subject of the heroine being a virgin and the guy really wanting to have relations with her. Tyler respects Lainey's wishes but doesn't agree with her. The angst between them makes this a page turner.

The other thing I like is how the issues are resolved between Tyler and his Dad. We all say things we wish we could take back. Communication is key and being humble rather than stubborn, though not easy, can go along way to mending fences.

Tyler ends up hurting Lainey before he comes to his senses and realizes he really loves her and needs her.  His solution and subsequent apology make for one of the best HEA reads I have ever read. 5 stars! Thanks to Entangled Publishing LLC for allowing me to read this ebook through Netgalley.

THE LIBERTY BRIDE By Marylu Tyndall

The Liberty Bride continues the Daughters of the Mayflower series which has different authors doing the stories. They have all been great so far. In this story, Emeline Barratt finds herself unwittingly becoming an American spy on a British Royal Navy ship. She has always been an adventurous lady and a breaker of rules; but, now, she feels God is punishing her and she is trying hard to keep the rules. Yet, she is called on to lie and deny even her best friend for the cause of her country after her father's ship is attacked by a Royal Navy ship and the crew and she captured..

Lieutenant Owen Masters serves aboard the Marauder. He intrigues Emeline but his kindness and extra attention turn cold, oddly, when she pledges allegiance to the crown. He is the favorite officer of the Captain, loyal to the crown as well, isn't he?

Unknown to Emeline, Owen, has these past eight years served on the Marauder at the behest of his uncle who heads the department of the Navy for the Americans--serving as an American spy. Both he and Emeline are horrified when the British attack and take Washington D.C. as they both watch helplessly from the Marauder's deck. Neither aware of the other's feelings.

Then the Captain, assured of Emeline's loyalties sends her accompanied by Owen and two other men to shore to extract information before the British attack Emeline's home, Baltimore; but both Emeline and Owen want to get information to the Patriots. However, one of the men accompanying them is certain that Owen is a traitor to the British cause. Things are even more complicated for Owen and Emeline as they are drawn to each other but fear the other is a traitor to their country. This is a page turner and well worth your time to read. Thanks to Barbour Publishing for allowing me to read this ebook from Netgalley.

WHO I AM WITH YOU By Robin Lee Hatcher

This is a sweet novel. Jessica Mason finds herself pregnant with her husband's baby after the tragic loss of her husband and daughter in a car accident. To complicate matters, Jessica's husband admitted cheating on her right before leaving the house. Now she doesn't know whom to trust especially men or even if she believes in love.

Ridley Chesterfield wants some where to hide out until fallout from a political scandal involving him blows over. He's been falsely accused of leaking information involving his boss. His girlfriend ended things saying hurtful things and insisting their relationship is over; however, now, she is stalking him wanting to mend things but for Ridley it is truly over. He just wants to start over completely.

Jessica and Ridley find themselves neighbors and at first try to ignore each other; but slowly things happen to bring them together and they find solace and healing with each other. Can true love grow out of their broken pieces? Add an abandoned dog and you have a page turner. 5 Star read. Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction for allowing me to read this ebook through Netgalley.

A HOLIDAY BY GASLIGHT By Mimi Matthews

A Holiday by Gaslight was a very intriguing read. I enjoyed the ambiance and historical setting; but the most interesting aspect was the lesson for all of us in that first impressions are not always right or the best. Second chances or glances reveal more facets to people and maybe that we are mistaken in our assumptions; and therefore, may miss out on the very best for our futures. Being willing to admit an impulsive mistake, allows Sophie another chance to see Edward Sharpe in a different light. She finds a treasure she might have lost if she had continued with her preformed opinion. I highly recommend this read. Thanks to Victory Editing for allowing me to read this novella on Netgalley.

ALL IN By Shelley Shepard Gray

Ms Gray's Bridgeport Social Club Series has already become a favorite of mine. After reading the first in the series, "Take a Chance", I jumped at the chance to read the second in the series "All In". I haven't been disappointed.

In fact, the second was even better and included characters from the first. But you are grabbed right off by the mugging of main character, Meredith Hunt, the local Pilates instructor who actually owns the business. Ace Vance and his fifteen year old son, Finn, immediately come to her rescue but Meredith is not use to depending on someone; however she needs medical attention and transportation so she reluctantly takes them up on their offer of assistance.

Over time Meredith and Ace begin to see each other and, though they each have their issues, they see the best in the other and reach out of their comfort zones. Finn, in the meantime, struggles at school and in his neighborhood to make friends and belong. It is sweet to see how his kind and gentle neighbor brings the best out of him as well.

I highly recommend this series with 5 stars. Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for allowing me to read this book from Netgalley.

ON MAGNOLIA LANE By Denise Hunter

On Magnolia Lane is part of the Blue Ridge Romance series by Denise Hunter. They have all been captivating tales. This one is unique in that it pairs Daisy, the local florist, with Jack, the Pastor. I was concerned at first, how Ms Hunter would handle a romance with a Pastor; but she made Jack human and believable. Jack has secret feelings of love for Daisy but doesn't know how to tell her. He's afraid that the slight age difference plus his position as her spiritual adviser might turn her off.

Jack's friends decide to create him an online profile on a dating app they know Daisy is using; and against his better judgment, Jack finds himself conversing with Daisy through the app. At the same time, things escalate in real life between Daisy and Jack as they work together on a fund raiser and in dealing with complicated family secrets that threaten to destroy her life.

Daisy trusts Jack and everyone around her seems to be losing her trust but what will she do when she finds out that even Jack has failed her.

This is another 5 star romance. You find yourself loving the characters and the whole community that they are a part of. It's worth a spot on your keeper shelf. Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction for allowing me to read this novel through Netgalley.

HIDDEN PERIL By Irene Hannon

Irene Hannon is already on my list of favorite authors for romantic suspense. Hidden Peril is the second in the Code of Honor series. So far this is a keeper series.

Kristen Dane runs a small retail business which includes the importing of goods that support high risk charities abroad. She comes across her assistant murdered and the circumstances bring her in contact with Detective Luke Carter whom she briefly met at a friend's wedding.

Luke, finds himself reluctantly drawn to the classic beauty but he has sworn off relationships since losing his young wife tragically. However, over the course of the on going investigation, they get to know more about each other. Kristen has a poor connection with her parents that she regrets.

Things escalate when more murders are linked to Kristen's shop and terrorism ties are suspected. A very good read. Thanks to Revell Publishing for allowing me to read this novel through Netgalley.

THE CUMBERLAND BRIDE By Shannon McNear

Shannon McNear has painted a very interesting picture of the early founding of our country and the settlers traveling the wilderness to establish new homes. Her description of Katrina Gruener and her family and of their scout Thomas Bledsoe are very intriguing drawing you into the characters, their history, and budding relationships.

I really enjoyed this book the best of all in this series and they are all good. I recommend it 5 stars. Kate Gruener loves to journal which, turns out, was a task many early settlers like to do. Thankfully they did, so that we know more of what happened, why, and what they thought. But Kate's journaling habit causes problems for her family especially her Dad. She loves to hear others stories to the point that she is a distraction especially for their scout Thomas Bledsoe.

Thomas is a taciturn but very kind person; and, against his better judgment he finds himself looking out for Kate more and more and rescuing her from one predicament after another.

Thomas has and interesting relationship with the Indians and the reasons for that have roots in his past.

Many thanks to Barbour Publishing for allowing me to read this book from Netgalley.

THE RELUCTANT WARRIOR By Mary Connealy

Second in the High Sierra Sweethearts Series, The Reluctant Warrior, is a wonderful story of survival, forgiveness, and love. Cam Scott wakes up to smoke and finds him and his companions trapped in a snowbound cabin. He wakes them in time to rescue the two children and women in another cabin. They discover it was no accident. The same person who attacked the women and children on a Wagon Train has returned to finish the job.

Cam has returned after the war to reclaim his daughter and nephew but they want nothing to do with the loud stranger and prefer the comfort and love of Gwen Harkness who is like a mother to them.

Gwen and Cam dislike each other and barely tolerate each other but after Cam saves her from the burning cabin and then suffers being injured in a bear trap out on the trail they come to a sort of truce.

This is a series worth your reader shelf as most of Ms Connealy's stories are. I enjoyed following Cam and Gwen's story as they try to find their tormentor and as they begin to forge a life together. Five star read.Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read this novel off of Netgalley.

AT HOME IN WISHING BRIDGE By Ruth Logan Herne

Anything by Ruth Logan Herne is worth your time to read and a place on your favorites shelf. This book is the second in a series but could stand alone; however some of the same characters appear again and it helps to know their back story.

Thea Anastas is a nurse practioner who ended up in Wishing Bridge when she got an urgent call from a friend that she needed her help. Now we finds herself working for the only local Doctor who is filling the current medical practice temporarily until he can move on with his future plans.

Dr Ethan Brandenburg has custody of his deceased sister and her deceased husband's two children. He is having trouble dealing with their deaths as much as the children are. His youngest sister shows up to take advantage of his good graces but with no plans to get a job or further her education.

Thea has serious issues from her childhood that only her friends understand and that she is afraid to share with Ethan even more so as their relationship seems to be developing into more than a Doctor-nurse relationship.

When Ethan suffers a heart attack, things come to a climax. You will enjoy this read, getting to know the town, and the characters. I give it 5 stars. Thanks to Waterfall Press for allowing me to read this novel through Netgalley.

A CHRISTMAS PRAYER By Wanda Brunstetter

This is a lovely seasonal story to get you in the mood. If you like stories about the settlers who crossed our country in covered wagon, you will enjoy the exploits of this small group of people: a fiancee, his bride to be and her mother, a bother and sister, and a recently widowed father with his two small children. 

Most of the story is told through the diary of Cynthia Cooper who has promised herself to a man so that her mother and she will be taken care of once they reached California; but it soon becomes obvious that this is not a man she might want to spend the rest of her life with. On the trail, he seldom pitches in to help the other men with hunting food and hard labor. He complains a lot and has no patience for the children.

In the meantime, the other men are more her age, kind hearted and hard working men. Each has their own set of difficulties and concerns. 

A quick and enjoyable read. Thanks to Barbour Publishing for allowing to read this book through Netgalley.