Bookish Thoughts: A Match in the Making

 

Description:

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America's most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the employ of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond irritating.

Walter Townsend is reluctantly in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly motherless children who cannot keep a governess for long. What he wasn't expecting was Miss Brinley, an amateur matchmaker who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle. Constantly besieged by society ladies on a mission to win his affection, Walter must find a way to overcome their inundating attention--and his unexpected attraction toward Gwendolyn.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

About the Author:

 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

My Thoughts:

A new Jen Turano book!  Exactly what my tired heart was needing.  Ms. Turano is without a doubt one of my very favorite authors and I love to read (or re-read) her books, especially when a good laugh is in order.  Her stories always bring a smile to my face and I love being able to reply to the question “what’s so funny?” with the words, “oh, this book!  Let me tell you about it!”

So, in the interest of continuing to answer that question, allow me to expound a bit:  Matchmaking -  Always great for escapades.  Newport - a place I know little about, but was suddenly very interested in.  Three small children -  Perfect for mischief and stealing hearts.  A pony.  A cat lady (I absolutely adored Adelaide!  I can’t wait for her story in November!).  And Gwendolyn who is very no-nonsense, especially with the schemes and craziness found in Society.  I think she and I would get along wonderfully, if she wasn’t simply a fictional character.  And Walter, who isn’t the typical completely oblivious hero (though he does have a couple moments).  I loved seeing the two of them go from annoyance to tolerance to comradery to love.  

Also, did I mention there’s a shark? 

What is a humorous book you've read recently? Please leave a comment and let me know! I can always use more suggestions (as my bookcases groan)!

Have a lovely day!

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Bookish Thoughts: The Maid of Ballymacool

 

Description:

Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School as an infant. She has worked there since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.

Fan favorite Jennifer Deibel invites you back to the Emerald Isle in the 1930s for this fresh take on the Cinderella story, complete with a tantalizing mystery, a budding romance, and a chance at redemption.

About the Author:

Jennifer Deibel is the author of A Dance in Donegal (winner of the Kipp Award for Historical Romance) and The Lady of Galway Manor (a Parable Group bestseller). Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and in other publications. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at www.jenniferdeibel.com. 

My Thoughts:

I had the pleasure of reading Ms. Deibel’s prior novel, “The Lady of Galway Manor” and so enjoyed it.  So, when I saw she had a new book, I didn’t even think twice about grabbing it.  I’m not entirely sure, but I may have enjoyed this one even more than the former!

Ms. Deibel does a beautiful job of bringing Ireland in 1935 to vivid life.  Her descriptions paint pictures so vibrant,I often felt as though I was walking the halls of Ballymacool or wandering the woods alongside the characters.  It’s apparent from the beginning how much the author loves the people, history, and culture of Ireland.  I loved “seeing” it through a lens of understanding and love.  

As always, the characters are what makes or breaks a story for me, and I adored Brianna, Michael, Batty, and Finnuala.  Brianna and Michael both have such kind hearts, and the contrast between how Michael cares for Brianna versus how she’s treated by the mistress of Ballymacool broke my heart for her.  I loved getting to see her from Michael’s perspective and how he slowly fell in love with the young woman who was so often overlooked.  Their relationship builds slowly and is so sweet.  And who doesn’t love someone named “Batty” or the supposedly “crazy” woman from the woods (Finnuala)?  I also really appreciated how the dialogue is written as it would be heard/said - as opposed to proper English.  I could almost “hear” the lovely accent as I read.  

I also really appreciated the message of belonging and hope, especially for those who may find themselves feeling isolated or alone.  This story sought to offer hope, something the world often seems to be sorely lacking.  My only mildly negative comment is that I thought the ending was a little rushed.  Brianna spends a few pages trying to understand and accept things (I don’t want to spoil anything), but within a paragraph or two, everything is mostly okay, again.  But maybe that’s just me. 

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book!  I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and is looking for a trip to Ireland, lived vicariously. 

*My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book!  I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise, and have not been compensated for it in any way.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

If you couldn't tell from my review, I greatly enjoyed this trip to Ireland! What is your favorite place to "visit" via stories? Please leave a comment and let me know!

As always, links are below!

Have a ducky day!

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Bookish Thoughts: Yesterday's Tides

 

Description:

In 1942, Evie Farrow is used to life on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same–until the German U-boats haunting their waters begin to wreak havoc. And when special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie’s inn, her life is turned upside down. While Sterling’s injuries keep him inn-bound for weeks, making him even more anxious about the man he’s tracking, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own.

Decades earlier, in 1914, Englishman Remington Culbreth arrives at the Ocracoke Inn for the summer, but he doesn’t count on falling in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper’s daughter. When war breaks out in Europe, and their relationship is put in jeopardy, will their love survive?

As Evie and Sterling work to track down an elusive German agent, they unravel mysteries that go back a generation. The ripples from the Great War are still rocking their lives, and it seems yesterday’s tides may sweep them all into danger again today.

Bestselling and award-winning author Roseanna M. White whisks you away to two periods fraught with peril in this sweeping and romantic dual-time tale.

About 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

My Thoughts:

If we could sit down for tea, I would ramble on about this book.  I would excitedly hold it out for you to see the cover, read the description.  I would happily wait for you to be enticed to start this beautiful story of life, loss, war, peace, love, faith, and family . . . . Since we can’t do that, I suppose I’ll go ahead and ramble and maybe you’ll see if this is a story that could find a space in your heart, like it did mine. 

While this book stands entirely on its own, if you’ve had the pleasure of reading Ms. White’s prior series, you’ll find many familiar names and faces.  I so enjoyed finally getting to learn Rem’s story (from the Codebreakers Series) and I loved all of the cameos - they made me want to start at the beginning (The Culper Ring series) and read them all over again!  That said, if this is your first foray into her books, I don’t believe you’d feel as though you were missing anything by starting here.  And, you would have all of her other fabulous books to look forward to finding! 

As always, I loved the characters!  They, as I’ve come to expect from this author’s stories, had become dear friends by the time I turned the final page.  I had to whisper to them a quiet farewell and promise to read their book again, soon.  And the setting!  I have vague memories of visiting Ocracoke Island a decade ago and so enjoyed getting to revisit it through Evie and Louisa’s stories.  I thoroughly enjoyed how Ms. White brought the dual time-lines to life, though I did occasionally want to groan with frustration when we left one to go back to the other, because I just wanted to know what was going to happen!  The suspense definitely wasn’t lacking!  All in all, I would say that though the year is just beginning, this book will definitely be one of my favorites for the year! 

I would love to tell you so much more, but I don’t want to spoil anything.  I also know most people won’t read this far, or if you did make it here, you wouldn’t read much further.  So thank you for spending time on my ramblings!

*My thanks to the author and publisher for my copy of this book!  I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way.  All opinions expressed are my own.  

As always, thank you for taking the time to stop by and see what I've been reading! I hope I maybe sparked your interest in this book that I so enjoyed. If so, links are below!

My munchkins are calling, so until next time -

Have a beautiful day!

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Most Anticipated books for 2023!

 Happy New Year!!  I was looking at the books coming out in 2023 and I am so excited!  I'm also excited because I've decided to do something a little different this year.  I'm hoping to catch up on some of my Kindle books that have been languishing as they await my attention, as well as reading (and rereading) some books I own in paper that keep coming to mind.  So for this list, the new books will in at the top, in release date order and then the books already available will be in some sort of order below.

Critical Threat by Lynette Eason - 1/3/2023

So this one I have mixed emotions about this one. I didn't finish the first book in the series,

but I so enjoyed the second one.  So I'm very curious about this one! 

Hearts of Steel by Elizabeth Camden - 1/17/2023

The Final book in the series!  I'm excited for Liam's story!

Yesterday's Tides by Roseanna M. White - 1/23/2023

I'm excited for a new dual-time novel from one of my favorite authors! 

Brooke by Ronie Kendig - 2/6/2023

I've been waiting for Brooke's story and have already pre-ordered it!

A Match in the Making by Jen Turano - 2/21/2023

A new series!!!!! 

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin - 2/23/2023

I'm always up for Sarah Sundin's books!

Love Makes Way by Hallee Bridgeman - 3/7/2023

I so enjoyed the other books in this series and am looking forward to this one!

A Beautiful Disguise by Roseanna M. White - 8/22/2023

As previously mentioned, I always love Roseanna's books, so her books 

are always on the list!

The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar 

I missed this one in 2022 and I'm hoping to acquire it sometime this year. 

When The Day Comes  by Gabrielle Meyer

I had the pleasure of receiving this book for Christmas and

am excited to have a moment to dive in!  Also, dual-timeline. :)

The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano 

I found this one at my library!  I've so enjoyed all of Joanna's books so far

and am hoping to borrow it whenever it becomes available again.

The Book of Wars Series by Ronie Kendig

I confess, I read the first book when it released and my sweet husband

bought me the second and I haven't ever finished the series.  Hopefully that will 

change in 2023! 

Abiassa's Fire series by Ronie Kendig

This is another of those, I read the first and by the time the second one came out, I forgot

about it.  But we bought this box set, so I can finally know how it ends!

Prophet by R. J. Larson

I read this one shortly after it came out and I remember it was 

so good and it's been on my mind to read the series again. 

So what about you?  What books are on your list? 

Favorite books of 2022!

 It's that time of the year again!  The day, or maybe a week or two, that we spend remembering the past year and considering the future we expect to have (hopefully).  This is also when all the book nerds remember our favorite books that we've read this year and eagerly think about the list we're compiling for next year.  So these are my top 10 books of 2022!  Not all of these were published in 2022, I just happened to read them this year.  Also, one of them isn't actually a favorite (though it was very good!), but it surprised me so much, that it has to be here for an honorable mention.  So I suppose it's actually my top 9 books of the year?  Eh, close enough.  :)   (also, these are just in order by author's last name)

Harvest of Rubies by Tessa Afshar - I originally read this book several years ago, 

shortly after it first came out.  I remembered it fairly recently and something about

 it kept prodding me to read it again.  And I'm so glad that I did!  

Daughter of Rome by Tessa Afshar - I bought this book several months 

before actually reading it.  I love how God uses Ms. Afshar's books to remind me of

truths, something I particularly needed after the miscarriage. 

Range by Ronie Kendig - Honestly, this book was a difficult read.

Ms. Kendig seldom pulls punches in her writing, but this series in particular is 

explosive and abrasive to the conscious, as it attempts to very authentically portray human trafficking.

 

Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin - I always love Ms. Sundin's books and this

 one is no exception!  I also want to note that it's currently on sale on the Kindle for

 $1.59  if you haven't read it yet! 

To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano - This has to be one of my 

very favorite books by Ms. Turano!  I can't even give a specific reason, just that

it was so good!  If you haven't read it yet, it needs to be on your list for next year!

Turn To Me by Becky Wade - I think Ms. Wade's newest book is always 

on my list.  I'm really hoping that doesn't change. 

Sunburst by Susan May Warren - This is another book that surprised me!

I hadn't read anything from Ms. Warren in at least a couple years and this one just

 drew me right in!  And best of all, I adored the characters!

Sundown by Susan May Warren - See above comments.  Also, I just really

enjoyed how she finished this series.  It was beautifully done.  

Worthy of Legend by Roseanna M. White - Again, I think at least of

Ms. White's books is on my list every year.  And this is not a complaint!  This series

 conclusion was very satisfying. 

The Gifting by K.E. Ganshert - This is the one that surprised me.

I've honestly been looking at this book for several years and I just wasn't picking it

 up. Does anyone else have that one book that just keeps staring at you? (In the

 case of this cover, literally) I finally started it and just got sucked in!  And then

 dumped back out, as I haven't been able to get the other 3, yet.  Maybe next year.

So that's my list for the year!  What's on yours?  Anything I should be adding to my list for the new year?

Bookish Thoughts: Sundown

 

Description:

Former Delta Operative Colt Kingston knows when someone is lying. He may not know the truth, but he sure doesn't trust Tae, the woman who is caring for his ailing father at Sky King Ranch. Behind those beautiful blue eyes, he can tell there is a troubled--and smart--woman.

A few of her stories prove true--he's found the crashed plane and the dead body inside. Still, her story of survival seems too incredible to believe . . . until the thugs she claims to be hunting her show up and threaten Sky King Ranch. Now Tae must disappear, along with her secrets.

But Colt's not about to let her go it alone. And when they discover that her secrets include the antidote to a plague that threatens the world, it'll take all three Kingston brothers to save the country they've vowed to protect.

Susan May Warren brings her Sky King Ranch series to a climactic close with this high-stakes race against the clock.

About 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.

My Thoughts:

This is the third book in the Sky King Ranch series and I keep debating if this one or the second book is my favorite . . . still undecided.  It might be a tie . . . .  For this book, I would definitely recommend reading the first two before diving in.  It picks up right where the former one left off and seldom lets up on the suspense.  I’ve been excited for this book and eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the series. 

This is Tae and Colt’s story and I so enjoyed the build up to this one.  If you haven’t read the other ones, they meet in book 2, so the romance here moves pretty quickly.  As does the action.  Though it’s labeled “romance” there was definitely plenty of suspense to keep me reading well past bedtime and secretly hoping my munchkins would nap “just a few more minutes.”  

As much as I loved Tae and Colt’s story, I also really enjoyed getting to continue to follow Ranger and Noemi’s relationship, as they navigate his vision problems and her fear of losing him.  I so appreciated the messages woven throughout the pages.  Messages of redemption, forgiveness, closure, and learning to lean into who God has made you to be.  

I would highly recommend this book if you enjoy romantic suspense!  This one definitely has both.

*My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book!  I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way.  All opinions expressed are my own.

I'm just a couple blog posts away from 300!!! I believe I shall have to do something to celebrate the occasion - any thoughts or suggestions (requests)?

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Bookish Thoughts: Body of Evidence

 

Description:

Forensic pathologist Grace Reilly has seen her share of unusual deaths in rural Missouri. But when she begins to notice a curious pattern in autopsies of elderly residents whose demise appears to be natural, she takes her concerns to Sheriff Nate Cox.

Nate is skeptical about the link Grace is seeing between the deaths--and her suspicions of foul play. But her persistence is compelling. Once she finally convinces him her theory is credible and they join forces to investigate, danger follows. Because exposing the truth could destroy several lives--including Grace's.

About the Author:
Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 60 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA's elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.

My Thoughts:

As many other reviews point out, this book is the third in a series.  But it can definitely be read as a stand-alone.  I greatly enjoyed the first two books, so I was excited to start this one.  As much as I wanted to love this story, it fell more into the “eh” category and I’ll probably donate my copy to our local library that already has the rest of the series. 

I read some other reviews before writing mine and this book has great ratings.  So maybe the disconnect is just with me, but I struggled to get into the story.  After a couple chapters, I found the rhythm though and began anticipating my next chance to read it.  Then somewhere in the middle, it just started dragging.  The suspense was minimal to me, more threats from the villain than actual action.  Sure, the heroine was supposed to be in danger, but nothing really even happened except some vandalism until right at the end. I actually ended up putting the book aside and reading and finishing two other books before I finished this one.  And I very seldom read more than one novel at a time.  Okay, and I do have to say that I found part of the epilogue very unrealistic.   

I will say that the author did a great job of keeping who the villain was a surprise!  I figured it out a couple chapters before the characters, the clues started adding up, but it did keep my curiosity until close to the end.  

Overall, I suppose I would recommend this book if you read the other two and are looking for closure to Grace’s story.  

*My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book!  I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for my review in any way.  All opinions expressed are my own.

While this wasn't the book for me, I believe there is a book for every reader and a reader for every book (mostly. I also know there are some truly terrible books out there, but I don't believe this is one of them), so please don't just take my word for it. Reading and purchase links are below so you can see other opinions and decide for yourself if this is the book for you.

Have a lovely day!

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