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.”