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.