Tuesday, June 25, 2013

A Lady of High Regard

Get your pom-poms out cuz this book is
F-U-N! YEEEAAAH!!!!

Book Rating: Up All Night'er

Raise your hand if you have read (or at least seen the BBC version of) Emma. OK, good. Now, raise your hand if you've read (or seen the BBC version of) North and South. Yeah! I'm so proud of you! To me this was kind of like a combination of those two stories...in some ways. So, you're gonna like it at least a little--if not a lot. *wink*

Mia Stanley was born into money, but she never forgets those who have less. She has become deeply concerned/involved in the plight of women much less fortunate than she--and she uncovers something that will put her in grave danger. (LOVE IT!)

Garrett Wilson is another great hero. *sigh* I tend to prefer the more rugged type, but there's nothing wrong with a well dressed-man, now is there? Garrett sees Mia is a "little sister" type. Initially he is only concerned with keeping her out of trouble, but when he realizes she's put herself in real danger and that his feelings are more than "brotherly"...well, that is where things take a fun turn.

As you know, Peterson never fails you on Christian elements and that is one of the main reasons I keep reading her stuff. I am so uplifted by her books! In a world where things are becoming increasingly more difficult, we have to turn to Christ in everything. Thanks, Tracie for always following God's path in your writing!

So, find this book and enjoy. I know you will.

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

The Icecutter's Daughter

This book makes living in a freezing place sound fun! Especially when you can snuggle-up next to a hunky hero like Rurik. Merrill's got it made.

Book Rating: Up All Night'er

Another great novel from Tracie Peterson. I'm really beginning to get hooked--and I LOVE that she has so many historicals!!! I'm set for life! *teehee* Well, not really for life, but you know what I mean.

My historical romance must-have check list:

Great characters? Check! I really enjoyed the people in this story. The relationships were developed well, and I got pretty attached.

Good plot? Check! There is some good romantic tension here, but not quite as much as in The Quarryman's Bride, at least in my opinion. Which is one of the reasons why I couldn't give this book my highest rating.

Damsel in distress? Nope. Unfortunately, there isn't much of this and I was kinda bummed. I could imagine all kinds of awesome "rescue" opportunities, but they didn't happen. Bummer.

Happy Ending? Check! You can always count on a happy ending. Gotta have it!

(I have more things on my list, but I won't go into them until another review...)

Merrill and Rurik have eyes for each other from day one, but there are some major problems keeping them apart. One being Rurik's leech-like ex-fiance who is spreading some terrible rumors....yikes!

As always the Christian element shines through. I'm finding that books from Bethany House are excellent for bringing very strong spiritual themes--as do Revell books--and I really love that! That's one of the main reasons I read these books. I like to be spiritually fed in all I do, if I can help it.

This story is very sweet and reminded me quite a bit of a Robin Lee Hatcher. Very simple and straightforward. Excellent read, though I would have enjoyed more drama. But you know how I am about that kind of thing. *wink*

Happy Reading!
Buy it!


Monday, June 10, 2013

The Quarryman's Bride

Below are the top three reasons you might NOT want to read this book. (Hee, hee, hee. Stay with me here... *toothy grin*)

Book Rating: Up All Night'er

Here are they are in no particular order....

Reason 1: Don't read this book if you value sleep.
I had the HARDEST time putting this book down, and I'm suffering for it. But its worth it, even if I do walk around acting (and looking) like a zombie. My husband loves me anyway.

Reason 2: You will be VERY tempted to rename your children Tavin and Emmalyne.
These main characters are AWESOME! This is the first HCR that I've read (that I can remember...) where the main characters have a history. They were in love before--engaged actually--and now, eleven years later, they are throw back into each others lives. The romantic tension is fabulous. Tavin, well, he's completely wonderful--tough and tender all at the same time. And Emmalyne is just as sweet. (As a side note, I already have a daughter named Emmalyne--no joke! Though we spell it a bit different. So, if I son someday, I already have a name picked out.)

Reason 2: The next book you read might not be quite as good. 
You might be worried whatever you read next won't be as good. Has that ever happened to you before? Well, if it hasn't already, it might happen now. *wink* But, thankfully we HRC lovers know that really great stories like this aren't hard to find.

Seriously, folks. This book had excellent characters, fun drama and marvelous spiritual messages throughout the story. If nothing else, you should read the book because the cover is magnificent.

Thank you very much to Bethany House for the free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Happy Reading, ya'll!
Buy it!