THE SISTERS OF SEA VIEW by Julie Klassen, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

(On Devonshire Shores Book #1) 

(book #2 releases Dec 5, 2023))

An enchanting story of the Summers family who must give up their home, move to Sidmouth and open a guesthouse when their patriarch dies. Told from each of four sisters points of view, we meet neighbors, guests and the inhabitants of this seaside village. The eldest, Sarah, feels responsible for organizing things and keeps things going. Self conscious Viola, starts to become more social, demonstrating helpfulness and kindness. Emily is good at hospitality, while Georgiana befriends a guest closer to her own age.

Unexpected romance blooms as the girls show their Christian concern for others. They learn valuable lessons such as forgiveness, tolerance, humility and getting along with others. It was delightful to get to know the family as well as the other characters and it is good to know that some guests will be returning in subsequent books. It is always a pleasure to slip back in time to Regency England through the pen of Ms. Klassen.
* I won a copy of this book from Kav Rees at Best Reads blog in 2022. All opinions are my own.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread.

BackCover Blurb:
Some guests have come for a holiday, others for hidden reasons of their own . . .

When their father's death leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers and her genteel sisters fear they will be forced to sell the house and separate to earn livelihoods as governesses or companions. Determined to stay together, Sarah convinces them to open their seaside home to guests to make ends meet and provide for their ailing mother. Instead of the elderly invalids they expect to receive, however, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah is soon torn between a growing attraction to a mysterious Scottish widower and duty to her family.

Viola Summers wears a veil to cover her scar. When forced to choose between helping in her family's new guest house and earning money to hire a maid to do her share, she chooses the latter. She reluctantly agrees to read to some of Sidmouth's many invalids, preferring the company of a few elders with failing eyesight to the fashionable guests staying in their home. But when her first client turns out to be a wounded officer in his thirties, Viola soon wishes she had chosen differently. Her new situation exposes her scars--both visible and those hidden deep within--and her cloistered heart will never be the same.

Join the Summers sisters on the Devonshire coast, where they discover the power of friendship, loyalty, love, and new beginnings.

Bethany House, December 2022

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook. Buy THE SISTERS OF SEA VIEW at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

VEIL OF WINTER (The Dericott Tales #3), by Melanie Dickerson, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

". . . one day she'd become a political pawn, married off to the person of her father's choosing."

It seemed "one day" had arrived, forcing Princess Elyce of Montciel to defy her father's wishes and take a drastic measure to save her people from dominion by King Claude of Valkenfeld. An arranged marriage to the king's nephew would force her people to work in the greedy king's dangerous underground mines. Could Elyce actually feign her death and then escape across snow covered mountains to find aid? It was a risk she was determined to take.

"O God, let me fall asleep. Darkness dragged her down . . . down . . . and sleep over took her."

He didn't exactly know how or why, but of one thing Sir Gerard of Dericott was certain, the unusual vision from God was real; "Go to Montciel. Help Princess Elyce." Upon Gerard's arrival, the princess appeared to be near death, only to miraculously revive in a severely weakened state and in need of protection, something that Gerard was determined to provide.

Gerard and Elyce faced a long, cold, and treacherous journey towards Prague Castle, where they planned to beseech King Wenceslaus, the mighty King of Bohemia and the King of Germany, for his assistance. Along the way, Elyce would also battle her own inhibitions, after having been discouraged and ridiculed for most of her life . . . was there a man of God's own choosing who would love her regardless . . . "God, I believe, she whispered. . . Help my unbelief."

A romantic tale of a "sleeping beauty" with plenty of personality and the knight whose love stood strong amidst seemingly impossible odds. 

*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 3.5 stars

 

BackCover Blurb:
She’s hounded from every side by treacherous elements and foes, but her greatest enemy lies within.

In the mountains near France, the medieval Princess Elyce is being forced to marry, thus forming an alliance that will enrich her father but enslave her kingdom. Instead, she chooses to feign her death and flee to Prague to beg King Wenceslaus to help save her people.

In England, the young knight Sir Gerard has a vision from God instructing him to help Elyce on her quest. When he arrives to find she has been near death for days, he manages to revive her. However, thinking the stranger was trying to kiss her, the princess immediately distrusts him. But her desperate situation forces her to accept his aid.

Pursued by her enemy’s guards over mountainous terrain, they must also battle the deadly winter elements. Her greatest challenge may be to overcome the voices of disapproval and accusation from her childhood. Will her emotions lead her into her true identity, or will they undermine her ability to work with Gerard and to save her people, who desperately need her help?

In this dazzling and romantic story, New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson takes the classic Sleeping Beauty fairy tale to satisfying new heights. 

 

Thomas Nelson Publishing, June 2022

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy VEIL OF WINTER at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House 

GARDEN OF THE MIDNIGHTS by Hannah Linder, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas

Author Hannah Linder’s talents shine in this intriguing and fascinating historical romance set in England in the early 1800s. The cover is captivating, and I was pulled into the story from the first pages. The main characters, William and Isabella, were well-drawn and engaging, the villains were dastardly and hiss-worthy, and I was wrung out a few times with the situations and trials Linder put her characters through. I felt such compassion with poor William who had so many hardships to overcome in his life. I was rooting for him to get his happy-ever-after.

“Just have to forgive . . . even if you got to do it over and over again.”

With plenty of suspense, intrigue, inspiration, plenty of twists and turns, and a good dose of romance, this is a beautiful story of forgiveness, hope, and resiliency. I’m looking forward to more books from this author. 
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. All opinions are my own. 4.5 stars

SEE REVIEWS BY TRIXI and PAULA

BackCover Blurb:
She begged him once more to meet in the garden at midnight.
“If you love me,” said the letter.
But if he loved her, he would not come at all.
Enjoy another Gothic Style Regency from Hannah Linder.

The accidents are not a matter of chance. They are deliberate. As English gentleman William Kensley becomes aware of the danger at Rosenleigh Manor, he pleads for the truth of his past from the only man he can trust—until that man is murdered.

As the secrets unfold into scandal, William’s world is tipped into destitution, leaving him penniless and alone. His only comfort is in the constant friendship and love of Isabella Gresham. If he does not have their nonsense at the seashore, their laughter, their reckless adventures, has he anything at all?

He should have known that would be ripped from him too. When a hidden foe arises from their acquaintances and imperils Isabella’s life, William may be the only one willing to risk his life to rescue her. But even if he frees Isabella from her captors, will he still have to forsake her heart?

Some sacrifice everything for love. Others sacrifice love for everything else. In this haunting tale of rigid social prejudices and heart-aching regrets, the greatest decision of their life will be determined in the garden of the midnights.  

Barbour Publishing, September 30, 2023
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook
Buy GARDEN OF THE MIDNIGHTS at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PROMISE by Misty M. Beller, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney #newRelease

Sisters of the Rockies Book #2:

A Clean Historical Romance Series Set in Early 1800's Wyoming

 

"I know you're sad, but I'll take care of you. I'll make sure you have a chance to grow big and strong, with plenty of food and a safe place to roam. You'll miss your mama for a little while, but I'll make sure nothing bad happens to you."

Kind, calm, soothing words for a . . . baby buffalo? And a white one at that, for Lorelei Collins has turned her kind heart for animals into a mission . . . to save a very rare calf. (she actually had no idea how rare or . . . valuable) Transporting the small, soon-to-be very large, animal to the ranch that she shared with her sisters beneath the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, Lorelei begins to realize the enormity of the task set before her; a baby of any species needs milk.

Enter Tanner Mason. Who would have thought that the new trading post owner would have had the foresight or fortitude to haul a cow all the way from the east coast? His small outpost turns into a refuge for woman and beast alike after word spreads like wildfire about Curly (the calf now has a name), some of the spectators just want to see the animal with their own eyes, others have more nefarious plans in mind.

Danger has come to Green River Valley. Who knew a baby buffalo could cause such a ruckus?

Enjoy this visit to the western wilderness of 1838 when women had to be cut from very tough cloth in order to survive and the men who loved them discovered a promise worth keeping.
*I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. 3.5 stars

 

BackCover Blurb:
Lorelei Collins possesses a soft heart for any animal in need, so when she finds a buffalo calf bawling beside its lifeless mother, she can't help but bring it home to raise on the ranch she and her sisters are building in the Rocky Mountain wilderness. Little does she realize that its white coloring is rare and considered sacred by Native Americans, which makes it highly valuable to them and European trappers alike. Men soon begin to visit their ranch to regard the marvel, with some trying to woo Lorelei into marriage and others trying to steal the calf outright.

When the men's advances become more sinister, Lorelei approaches Tanner Mason, the quiet and mysterious owner of the new trading post, with an idea: she and the calf will move to his post, along with her family's trusted Blackfoot friend. This will solve both their problems by bringing customers to his trade room and protecting her family from the trouble brought on by so many strangers. Yet as the danger travels with her, Lorelei and Tanner are faced with a threat greater than anything they're prepared for--one that will test the limits of their abilities and the love growing between them.

Bethany House Publishing, November, 2023
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:
Buy ROCKY MOUNTAIN PROMISE at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House