An Elegant Facade by Kristi Ann Hunter - a book review

This is the third story of the Hawthorne House series.  The author very cleverly begins this story before the previous one ends.  The second book focuses on Miranda Hawthorne.  This book revolves around her sister, Georgina. You would not need to read the other stories in order to enjoy this one.  The author does a great job of filling the reader in on all the important things. In the midst of all the witty conversations and humorous situations, there is a strong theme of reliance on God. It isn’t preachey, but it is clearly an important part of the characters' lives.

The Hawthorne House series is set in London during the Regency period and the author presents it in a very realistic way.  In a very unobtrusive way, she gives us a history lesson about customs, clothing, manners, protocol and cultural standards.

The subject of learning disabilities is presented in a very thoughtful and informative manner.

This is from the back cover:

“Lady Georgina Hawthorne has always known she must marry well. After years of tirelessly planning every detail of her debut season, she is poised to be a smashing success and have her choice of eligible gentlemen.

With money and powerful business connections but no title, Colin McCrae is invited everywhere but accepted nowhere. He intends to marry someday, but when he does it will not be to a shallow woman like Lady Georgina, whose only concerns appear to be status and appearance.

But beneath her flawless exterior, Georgina's social aspirations stem from a shameful secret she is desperately trying to keep hidden--and that Colin is too close to discovering. Drawn to each other despite their mutual intent to avoid association, is the realization of their dreams worth the sacrifices they'll be forced to make?”

The ending seemed a bit rushed, which was a bit anticlimactic, but all in all, this was a really enjoyable book.

You can read an excerpt HERE

Learn more about the author, Kristi Ann Hunter HERE 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”

A Flight of Arrows by Lori Benton - a book review

This is the second book of the Path Finders series.  I’m glad I had already read the first one. I found it very helpful in understanding the relationships and background.  The author begins the book with a short review of the story from book one, told in a folklore style. 

This is a book that requires concentrated attention to read. 

It is set during the Revolutionary War in what we now call New England, more specifically, the Mohawk Valley of New York State.  The author does a good job of portraying the confusing political and social culture of the time.

This is from the back cover:

“Hearts are Divided

Loyalties Will Be Tested 

The Fates of Two Families Hang in the Balance

 

Twenty years past, in 1757, a young Redcoat, Reginald Aubrey stole a newborn boy—the lighter-skinned of Oneida twins— during the devastating fall of Fort William Henry and raised him as his own.

 

No one connected to Reginald escaped unscathed from this crime. Not his adopted daughter Anna. Not Stone Thrower, the Native American father determined to get his son back. Not Two Hawks, William’s twin brother separated since birth, living in the shadow of his absence and hoping to build a future with Anna. Nor Lydia, who longs for Reginald to be free from his self-imposed emotional prison and embrace God’s forgiveness— and her love.

 

Now William, whose identity has been shattered after discovering the truth of his birth, hides in the ranks of an increasingly aggressive British army. The Redcoats prepare to attack frontier New York and the Continentals, aided by Oneida warriors including Two Hawks, rally to defend it. As the Revolutionary War penetrates the Mohawk Valley, two families separated by culture, united by love and faith, must find a way to reclaim the son marching toward them in the ranks of their enemies.”

At points the narratives seem overly long and wordy.  They didn’t hold my attention and I found myself tempted to skip them. 

There are so many characters to keep track of, many of them spies and double agents that I found it hard to keep straight who was on which side.

Christian faith is a major theme throughout the book and the merging of the Native American culture and Christianity is very well presented.  The romantic aspect of the story takes a back seat to the war aspect but it is an important part of the story.  I was a little uncomfortable with the intimacy portrayed, it was a bit too provocative for my taste.

This is a story of repentance, forgiveness, friendship, tolerance, acceptance, choices and sacrifice.

You can read an excerpt HERE

I found the author’s notes in the back of the book, and the map in the front to be very helpful.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Press through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”

From this Moment by Elizabeth Camden - a book review

I have read some of this author’s books before and liked them, this was no exception.  While it is listed as an historical Christian romance, I would say it is more of a clean historical romance with a smattering of Christian faith.  That being said, it is a very enjoyable book.  It has a very strong mystery theme throughout. 

This is from the back cover:

“Stella West's artistic talent made her the toast of London, but when her beloved sister dies under mysterious circumstances she abandons everything and heads for Boston. With single-minded determination she fights to pierce the ring of secrecy surrounding her sister's death. Upon meeting Romulus White, a publisher with connections into every important power circle in the city, she quickly realizes he could be a valuable ally in navigating Boston society.

Romulus has been pursuing Stella for years to create art for his magazine. Her luminous illustrations are the missing piece he needs to propel his magazine to the forefront of the industry, and he will stop at nothing to get her on board.

Sparks fly the instant they join forces, but Romulus is unsettled by the unwelcome attraction he feels toward Stella, fearing she might be the one woman who could disrupt his hard-won independence. He may have finally met his match in Stella, but is helping her solve the mystery of her sister's death worth the risk to his publishing empire?”

With the witty dialog that Elizabeth Camden is known for, and the thread of mystery, this is a story worth having in your collection.  It is a story of love, mystery, corruption, danger, greed, rediscovered and new love.  It also deals with the topic of mental illness, not often written about in historical romance.

You can read an excerpt HERE

Learn more about the author HERE

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”

The Magnolia Duchess by Beth White - a book review

This book is part of the Gulf Coast Chronicles series and includes many of the characters from the previous books.  It is set during the War of 1812.  Most of the time, when I think of the War of 1812, I think of the northeastern part of the country.  I never gave much thought to what would have been happening in the rest of the country, particularly, in the Gulf Coast.  This book brings that particular time and place alive. The battle scenes are well researched and presented vividly.  The author includes real life characters and events and also invents characters based on real life personalities.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“As the War of 1812 rages across the newly formed United States, another war rages in Fiona Lanier's heart--one that threatens to tear her family apart.

Fiona can scarcely take in the news of her brother's capture and imprisonment by the British Navy. It is almost as unbelievable as the half-drowned British sailor who is washed ashore on the beach of Navy Cove.
Charlie Kincaid claims to have no memory of his life before being discovered by Fiona, but in a world that seems saturated with treachery, she cannot be sure he is telling the truth.
As Charlie's memory returns in agonizing jags and crashes, he and Fiona discover that falling in love may be as inevitable as the tide. But when political allegiances collide, they'll each have to decide where their true loyalty lies.”

The way the author presents the story keeps the reader on their toes.  There are confusing time leaps that happen without any notice or warning but once you realize it, you get used to the writer's style.

This is a story of sacrifice, spies, mystery, loyalty, patriotism love and faith in God.  This isn’t a preachy kind of book but it is evident that the character’s faith is important to the story,

The author’s website has maps and the family tree of the characters which I wish had been included in the book as they are very helpful.  You can find them HERE.

You can read an excerpt HERE.

I really liked this book and give it four stars. I would have given it five were it not for the awkward time jumps.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”

Faith by Lyn Cote - a book review

This book is the third book of the Quaker Brides series.  I have read the first and liked it.  I’m looking forward to reading the second but not having read it didn’t take away from this one.  It is easily a stand alone book.  The author does a good job of bringing the reader up to date.  It is set in the midst of the Civil War.  It is a very easy book to read.  It’s about love, patriotism, family, slavery and tolerance all in a faith based story.

Here’s what the publisher’s website says:

“The Civil War battlefield is the last place Quakeress Faith Cathwell thought she’d find herself. But with a gift for nursing, Faith seizes this opportunity to join the fight for abolition—and to search for Shiloh, a freeborn childhood friend who was kidnapped and sold south by unscrupulous slave catchers.

Knowing it’s much too dangerous for her to search enemy territory alone, Faith enlists the help of Colonel Devlin Knight, who is indebted to her for saving his cousin’s life. A career soldier, Dev is committed to the preservation of the Union but conflicted about freeing his own slave and confidant, who plans to enlist as soon as Dev gives him manumission papers.

Blazing a trail east with the rest of Grant’s army, Dev and Faith fight their personal battles—and a growing attraction to each other. When beliefs clash and passions flare, they quickly find that the only thing more dangerous than the war surrounding them is the battle within their hearts.”

I really liked this book.  I give it 4 stars mainly because I would have liked a little more depth in the characters.  I wanted to feel more from them.  It is apparent that the author really researched the historical aspects of the story and the nursing profession at that time. It was very interesting to learn about the practices at that time.

You can read an excerpt here:  https://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/FirstChapters/978-1-4143-7563-2.pdf?_ga=1.193101230.2019856146.1474551850

Learn more about Lyn Cote here:  http://www.lyncote.com/

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”

 

Flirtation Walk by Siri Mitchell - a book review

 Flirtation Walk is a historical story based on real life events and places.  It’s set in the pre-civil war days at West Point.  The author obviously has researched the topic thoroughly. 

The publisher describes the story this way:

“At West Point, Only True Love Should Lead You to Flirtation Walk

Lucinda Pennyworth, the daughter of a con man, is trying her best to leave her father's sordid past behind her. When he dies unexpectedly, she takes the opportunity to move to West Point to live with her aunt, ready to take on a new life and determined to marry a respectable man, a West Point cadet, to impress her relatives.                                                                              

Seth Westcott, a cadet at the academy, is proud to be at the top of his senior class. But when his mother dies and his sister loses their inheritance to a swindler, Seth wants nothing more than to head west to track down the con man. But the army will only send the cadets at the bottom of the class to the frontier . . . which leaves Seth with some tough choices.

When a woman trying her best to be good meets a man determined to be anything but, can there be hope for love, or will two lonely hearts be condemned to casual flirtation?”

While there are some comical moments in the story, for the most part it is a drama. The romantic aspect of the story almost takes a back seat to the other story lines.  Many of the characters are based on bits and pieces of real people, so they are very believable. The author also gives a great historical account of the times, places, politics and customs.  Her research into the practices and customs particular to West Point is evident and very informative.  She also includes a small section at the back of the book with notes from her research and the reader will benefit by reading it. This story isn’t a difficult read but it’s not a story you can quickly read through and I found myself not wanting to put it down.  It isn’t a particularly ‘religious’ book, even though it is often included in the Christian fiction genre.  I would classify it as more of a “clean” historical novel. I’ve always enjoyed Siri Mitchell’s books and this one is another hit with me!

You can read an excerpt HERE

Learn more about Siri Mitchell HERE  

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”

A Sweet Misfortune by Maggie Brendan - a book review

I love a story where the main character is a spunky, feisty woman and Maggie Brendan has hit the mark with this one.  Rachel has lost her family but yearns to earn enough money to buy back her family’s ranch.  Her brother had made a deal with his best friend and time is running out.  Employment for young women in the 1860’s was almost non-existent so Rachel did what she felt was the only thing she could do.  She took a job in the local saloon. Reluctantly, her brother’s best friend, rancher John McIntyre, grants his friends request to rescue her and take her to his home.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“Rachel Matthews isn't one to rely on others to take care of her. Homeless and alone, she still wants to make her own way and her own money to buy back the family ranch--even if she's forced into the life of a dance hall girl. Horrified by her circumstances, Rachel's brother, who is away mining for gold, sends a friend to rescue her.

Cattle baron John McIntyre is focused on acquiring as much land as possible in Montana and has little time to deal with a dance hall gal. Rachel isn't sure she can take one more day in John's home--especially once she discovers that he's the one who holds ransom the key to her family's future.

Sparks fly between this spunky, independent heroine and the ruggedly handsome hero as they navigate the snarled terrain of pride, greed, faith, and love in Maggie Brendan's delightful series set in the Old West.”

I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun, faith based story.  The characters are well developed and believable.  The author takes you back in time with her  descriptions of the landscape and living conditions. It always makes a story more enjoyable if you can imagine yourself in the surroundings and this author does a great job of taking you there.  It’s a perfect balance of romance, history, and faith.

You can read an excerpt HERE. 

Read more about the author, Maggie Brendan HERE. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”

Kissed by a Cowboy by Debra Clopton - a book review

This book was a slight departure from my usual reading material.  I usually gravitate toward faith based historical romance, so this faith based contemporary romance was a refreshing change.  I have read other books by this author and liked them so I wasn’t surprised that I liked this one as well.  Her characters are believable her dialog is easy to follow.  You don’t have to try to figure out what the characters are trying to say. 

This is from the back cover:

“Having lived through her parents’ divorces, Cassidy Starr knows when the stakes are not in her favor. Divorced herself and humiliated, her faith on rocky ground Cassidy is done with love. Finished. So over it. …Instead, she’s returned to Wishing Springs Texas and the rundown farm she’s inherited from her great aunt Roxie. She’ll reopen the organic strawberry farm and a Bed & Breakfast– follow in her aunt’s footsteps and remain forever-independent, happy and single…

Rancher Jarrod Monahan’s hands are full running the ranch, helping to look after his ailing grandfather and track rustlers on the loose. He’s pushed all longings for a family of his own right off of his list of priorities. Besides he was in love once and ran scared and lost his shot. But suddenly the regret of his life has moved in next door with a wounded, closed up heart determined to become a spinster…and that’s not happening on his watch.  

Suddenly sparks are flying as Jarod has one thing taking priority and that’s breaking down the walls around Cassidy’s stubborn heart. He’s going to prove that being kissed by this cowboy comes with a lifetime commitment and the matrimonial bliss she’s given up on.

And the good folks of Wishing Springs have decided that falling in love has never been so fun to watch.”

This was a really fun book to read.  While it is definitely faith based, it doesn’t hit you over the head with it, so even readers who don’t necessarily gravitate towards faith based literature will enjoy it.

It’s the 3^rd in the A Four Hearts Ranch Romance series.  There are discussion questions at the end and an excerpt of another of her books. I’m definitely going to read the other three books in the series.

Go HERE to read more about the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and HarperCollins Christian Publishing through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”

A Worthy Heart by Susan Anne Mason - a book review

This is the second book in the author’s series, Courage To Dream.  The author does a very good job of filling us in on what we need to know to make this a good stand-alone book.

I’ve never read a book by this author before and look forward to reading more from her.

This is a story about a family of Irish immigrants.  Maggie and Gabe Montgomery have left their home and family in Ireland to visit their older brother, who had emigrated a few years before.  Gabe is hoping to learn new fire fighting skills to take back with him, while Maggie has left to escape a persistent former fiancée.  

Their brrother, Rylan and his wife Colleen, run an orphanage and Maggie, being a teacher back in Ireland, agrees to help out. One day, as she is outside helping with the children, she sees a strange man “lurking” around.  It turns out to be Colleen’s brother, Adam, recently released from prison.  Adam and Colleen’s family is one of the wealthier families in New York, and their father doesn’t want much to do with him.  There are a lot of characters to keep track of in this book and several side stories.  All in all, I enjoyed this book.

This is from the back cover:

“Will Maggie Listen to the Warnings of Those She Trusts Most or the Leadings of Her Heart?

The answer to Maggie Montgomery's dream of seeing America has arrived at just the right time. Not only will she be reunited with her beloved brother Rylan, but she'll finally be able to escape Neill Fitzgerald and his increasingly unwanted attentions. She's intent on never returning to Ireland, hoping to build her future in the land of opportunity and perhaps find the love of her life.

While visiting Irish Meadows, she meets an intriguing man she thinks is a stable hand. Only when her brother demands she stay away from Adam O'Leary does she learn he's Rylan's brother-in-law, recently released from prison. Nonetheless, Maggie can't seem to make her stubborn heart conform to her brother's request.

Adam O'Leary has never felt worthy of his place in the family. Now a free man, Adam's only desire is to earn back his family's trust. Falling in love with the newly arrived Maggie, however, was never in his plans. Despite everyone's efforts to keep them apart, the two develop a bond it seems nothing can break--but they soon discover the past isn't easy to overcome.”

This book has faith, love, conflict and suspense and, since many of my ancestors were Irish immigrants, the historical aspect was especially appealing to me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”

You can read an excerpt HERE.

Go HERE to learn more about the author.

Love Everlasting by Tracie Peterson - a book review

Abrianna Cunningham, a young girl raised in a school for young girls to prepare them for marriage, has suddenly found out that she is an heiress.  She also has two men sparring for her affections.  Her neighbor and childhood friend, Wade, is a down to earth, hardworking man of integrity. Priam Welby is a smooth talking, money hungry businessman who uses his business contacts to encourage Abrianna to court him by promising to help her start a facility for the homeless.

Abrianna is a spunky character who  “…has always been given to speaking first and rushing in to take charge of a matter.”  She is a delightful character and brings a sauciness to the story.

This is from the back cover:

“Growing up in a Seattle bridal finishing school never prepared Abrianna Cunningham to become one of the brides, but now Wade Ackerman, who has always been the reliable boy next door, is indicating he wants to be more than friends. And even the people closest to Abrianna believe Wade is the man she should marry. So why is she having such a hard time choosing between Wade Ackerman and Priam Welby?

Watching Welby's relentless pursuit of Abrianna is making Wade's blood boil. Welby can offer her wealth and security, but what about character and integrity? Surely Abrianna can see past Welby's smooth tongue and fine clothes. Can't she?

Caught between the devil and the boy next door, either choice she makes will change Abrianna's life forever.”

I really liked this book.  It was interesting and historically accurate.  The dialog moved along at a pace that kept my interest.  This is the third book in the Brides of Seattle series but is a very stand-alone book.  While it would be helpful to read the first two in the series, it isn’t necessary.

You can read an excerpt HERE. 

Learn about the author, Tracie Peterson, HERE.  

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”

  

 

Ties That Bind by Cindy Woodsmall - a book review

This is the first offering in Cindy Woodsmall’s series, The Amish of Summer Grove.  I usually really enjoy her books but this one took me a while to get interested in,  It started out slow and didn’t pick up until about half way through.  The refreshing thing about this book is, unlike some Amish novels, the characters are portrayed as real people, flawed and imperfect. 

As I said, I had read almost half of it before it captured my interest. After that point the plot became more solidified.  The story line incorporates secrets and mysteries, lost loves and new interests.  By the end of the book I was hooked and invested in the lives of the characters.  However, the ending was really a let down for me.  There was no resolution to any of the questions raised.  It was obvious that you would need to read the whole series in order to have all the questions answered and mysteries solved.  I would not call this a stand alone book.  On the other hand, it does make me want to read the next one of the series when it comes out.

This is from the back cover:

“Ariana’s comfortable Old Order Amish world is about to unravel. Will holding tightly to the cords of family keep them together—or simply tear them apart?

Twenty-year-old Ariana Brenneman loves her family and the Old Ways. She has two aspirations: open a café in historic Summer Grove to help support her family’s ever-expanding brood and to keep any other Amish from being lured into the Englisch life by Quill Schlabach.

Five years ago Quill, along with her dear friend Frieda, ran off together, and Ariana still carries the wounds of that betrayal. When she unexpectedly encounters him, she soon realizes he has plans to help someone else she loves leave the Amish. 

Despite how things look, Quill’s goal has always been to protect Ariana from anything that may hurt her, including the reasons he left. After returning to Summer Grove on another matter, he unearths secrets about Ariana and her family that she is unaware of. His love and loyalty to her beckons him to try to win her trust and help her find a way to buy the café—because when she learns the truth that connects her and a stranger named Skylar Nash, Quill knows it may upend her life forever.”

As I’ve said before in many of my previous reviews, this is only my opinion based on my likes and dislikes.  Your opinion might be very different.  You should go to the publisher’s website,   and read an excerpt, then judge for yourself.

You can read more about the author and her books here.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Press  through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”

A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter - a book review

This is a novel set in the early 1800’s in England.  It opens by introducing us to our main character as a young girl.  The author then fast forwards us to when she is a young women.  We sort of ‘grow up’ along with her.  She is the eldest daughter of a wealthy family that consists of and older brother and a younger sister and brother.  Our main character, Miranda, is on the brink of being called a spinster.  She is used to being outshined by her younger, sillier and prettier sister. To vent her frustration, she composes letters to one of her older brother’s friends, who had disappeared 9 years before.  She never mails these letters to her ‘fictitious’ friend until one day, when her older brother’s new valet mails one.  Of course, she is mortified that her ‘imaginary’ friend, the Duke of Marshington, will read it and expose her.  You’ll have to read the book to find out how all that plays out.  At the same time, she begins a strange friendship with her brother’s new valet, Marlow

. 

The author spins an interesting tale of intrigue, suspense and mystery with a good mix of romance, faith and wit. While the main characters profess a strong faith in God, the author doesn’t over power you with it.  It is presented as a basis of their personalities.

I really liked this book and was pleased to find out that there will be another one dealing with some of the peripheral characters.

.

This is from the publisher’s website:

“Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother's old school friend, the Duke of Marshington. Since she's never actually met the man she has no intention of ever sending the letters and is mortified when her brother's mysterious new valet, Marlow, mistakenly mails one of the letters to the unsuspecting duke.

Shockingly, this breach of etiquette results in a reply from the duke that soon leads to a lively correspondence. Insecurity about her previous lack of suitors soon becomes confusion as Miranda finds herself equally intrigued by Marlow, a man she has come to depend upon but whose behavior grows more suspicious by the day. As the secret goings-on at her family's estate come to light, one thing is certain: Miranda's heart is far from all that's at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.”

You can read an excerpt HERE. 

I recommend you visit the publisher's website to learn more about the author, Kristi Ann Hunter.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”

The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz - a book review

I really liked this book.  It is set in the aftermath of the Revolutionary War, a period in time that I love to read about.  This is a clean romance with lots of excitement, mystery and emotion.  The author opens the story introducing us to Sophie, a once-upon-a-time southern belle, who now is struggling to keep her home.  The British army had taken over her home of Three Chimneys and left her with no food or supplies.   Her father fled because of his alliance with the British and her borther has disappeared while fighting in the Patriot army.  Sophie, along with two aging servants, is left to manage the estate.

This is what the publisher says:

“There can be only one mistress of Tall Acre . . .

The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general's past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?”

This is a Christian romance and the faith of the characters plays an important role in the story. However, it is not at all preachy and I think any lover of historical novels would enjoy reading it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”