Hope Rising

Best of the Best

I always enjoy reading Stay Henrie's novels. I feel as if I'm inside a work of art-- as if I'm reading a Monet--so full of gentle beauty that I feel surrounded by color and drawn in with just the right amount of intrigue to keep me interested to the very end.
I highly recommend this book as I do all of her works!! Congratulations, Stacy, on another beautiful piece of writing.

Baron of Godsmere: The Feud

If I could sing a song about this book it might go something like this. "You make me feel... you make me feel... you make me feel like a natural woman!"
Bayard, you had me at "eyepatch".

Book Rating: Best of the Best

Ladies, if you are a fan of Tamara Leigh then you have absolutely no excuse for not buying this book and reading it immediately. You know how expertly she commands her craft, how she captures you with her eloquent prose and how her characters will come to life from the pages and LIVE in your mind and in your heart. I have read every historical Leigh has written and I can honestly tell you that I LOVE every single one.
Bayard (AKA delicious-as-ever-and-totally-feirce-but-seductively-tender) is a fabulous, wounded and totally perfect hero. He NEEDS to keep his lands, but he must marry to do so. And he does marry. A few times.
Wait, what?
That's where the heroine comes in. Lovely, sweet, and unstoppable Elianor. (Which is such a lovely name I think I might name my next daughter after her.) Determined to keep another from suffering as she did, Elianor takes matters into her own hands and changes the course of their lives in a way she never imagined.
I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who is a fan of historical romance. You won't be able to put it down! Congratulations, Tamara, on another completely fabulous novel!!!!

Lady of Fire

SHE'S ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, I am alive, thank you very much. You were beginning to think I'd disappeared, I know. And to be honest, its a little bit true. I've disappeared from many aspects of technology of late, and its been the best detox I've done in years!

However, this does not mean I have have stopped reading or that I have completely forsaken my fellow HCR friends and readers. Never! And to prove my point I have yet another review for you, despite the fact that it's been weeks since I've done my last one.

"Tell us, Amber? What book will you rave about now? Who is the author you will acquaint us with?"

Oh, you know her well. She's only the untouchable Tamara. :)

Book Rating: Best of the Best

Before you roll your eyes at me (I see you doing it!!!) and get all, "Yeah, we know you love her, blah, blah, blah..." let me tell you about her latest release and I can promise y'all, you will not be disappointed. Not at all!! (Do you love how I rhymed that? Totally unintentional.)

Lady of Fire is such a unique story--starting out in a setting I have never before read and it really hooked me from the get-go. With fascinating characters and intense action, this book was sure to have me up at night. And it totally did. You are not surprised, are you? *wink*

Lucien and Alessandra are both incredibly strong-willed characters that burn this book up with their, well, their passion. And I'm not talking about bodice-ripping passion (although they are kind of into each other...) I mean passion for their beliefs, convictions, etc.

The first half of this story was really, absolutely amazing!!! I felt like I WAS IN Algiers!!! Oh man, the blazing hot sun, the soft fabrics, the scents of spices. Seriously! I loved every bit of it. The second half changed dramatically when the setting moved continents, but stayed none-the-less intriguing, bringing readers back to the setting we are all so familiar with in Tamara's medieval books.

If you are ready for a novel that will keep you up for hours (not that you have presents to wrap or cookies to bake or anything...) then git'cherself a copy of this one, ladies! Clean passion, tons of adventure, awesome hero--I mean how greedy can you be? It doesn't get better than this!

Now, readers, I'm totally dead serious here. I need suggestions of new authors/books to read. You know what I like!!! I would LOVE to have some suggestions for great reads that will carry me through the holidays!!

AND I PROMISE that once the holidays are over, and once my edits are done I can get back to reviewing more. I just gotta find some good new books... :D

Happy Reading!
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Lady of Eve

On a day like this (only those unfortunate enough to live in Kennewickistan will know what I'm
talking about) there are few of life's pleasures to be enjoyed. THANKFULLY there are books like this!

Book rating: Best of the Best

What would I do without Medieval heroes and heroines that snatch me from this lone and dreary world and carry me into a far better land of promise! SERIOUSLY?! I LOVE this era/setting!! I have completely binged on Tamara Leigh and here is my last review of her's--at least for a few weeks until her next book comes out . . . *wink*

Lady of Eve was all kinds of perfect. If you read Lady at Arms then you are familiar with the hero, and although the heroine is new, she is marvelous! (Actually--as much as I LOVED Lady at Arms, between the two, this one is my favorite!)

Graeye Charwyck hasn't had it easy. And now, called away from her marriage to Christ, her life is thrown into turmoil! She believes there is only one way out--and friends, I can tell you right now her mom wouldn't be happy with what she's chosen to do . . . gulp . . . but the thought of what awaits her is much more terrible. Yet, the consequences for her actions are more than she ever thought they would be . . .

Gilbert Balmaine is a man with a mission. He's tough, he's grumpy and he's fabulous. LOL I am not one to typically fall for brooding heroes, but Gilbert was so alluring with all his frowns and big muscles all over the place. I don't want to give too much away when it comes to these two, but I really liked their tumultuous relationship. It was super rocky at times, and there were points at which I really wondered if they would get together!!

A wonderful read that will surely consume you with its medieval perfection. I feel compelled to tell you, for those readers who try to keep their literary consumption free of all moral mishaps, what Graeye does is not, um, right, but as with Tamara's other books, there's nothing explicit and I personally would definitely consider this a clean read--but I just wanted to tell you because everyone has different opinions/preferences in that regard.

Sigh. I think I'm going to reread this one. Starting today. I need me some Gilbert.

Happy Reading!
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Lady at Arms

Oh me...oh life.....

I mean, really?! It's been wayyyyyyy too long since I've written a review--because of life--but friends, never fear. I am saving you from this painful dearth with a review that is sure to have you running for this book.

OK, well, my review might not be that great..... It's really the book Tamara Leigh wrote that's so stinkin' fabulous!

Book Rating: Best of the Best

Lady at Arms!!!! Or otherwise titled, "Ranulf the-hero-I-want-to-read-about-over-and-over". Mmmm mmmm GOOD! (Say it like the old Campbell's commercials...)

Maybe I'm biased. Maybe I'm addicted. Maybe I'm crazy--but either way, I'm very, VERY happy when I read a Tamara Leigh book so I don't care what anyone says. If you knew what was good for you, you'd make sure you had all her books on your kindle, em'kay?!

Lady at Arms is all that medieval deliciousness you've come to expect from Tamara. Magnificent setting, wonderful conflict and to-die-for characters. Lizanne is a great heroine, determined to find her attacker of years past and make him pay. She's tough--and I mean, tough!! (And yet, still with that soft femininity she just can't hide.) But, um, Ranulf is tougher--in all those very perfect, masculine ways. :) She believes she's got her man, but quickly finds herself the captured one and everything she thought she knew begins to unravel.... and oh--that's when all the romance and excitement begins!!

I must tell you.... this book is all kinds of romantic--VERY VERY romantic, yet still clean, which is super important to me and one of the reasons I'm so happy to have found Tamara Leigh. Tons of drama, great characters and just a perfectly delightful, exciting historical Christian novel. The rescue at the end of this story satisfied all my girlish desires! (cue soup commercial again...)

If you are gonna get some snow in the next few days and need something to read whilst you snuggle under a blanket, may I suggest inviting Lizanne and Ranulf over for a visit? I do believe you will be quite happy you did...

Happy Reading!
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Love's Fortune

NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! IT CAN'T BE OVER!!!!!

I need a bag to breathe into.... This series is OVER?! WHAT?!?!?!!?


Book Rating: Best of the Best

I'm gonna tell it straight. I had a hard time getting into this book. No explanation for it. For some reason it took me quite a while to warm to it--the plot, the characters...

BUT THEN!......

Then all of a sudden Laura goes all Emeril Lagasse on me, "BAM!" And I was hooked. In one crazy moment everything came together and I couldn't put it down.

If you have read the first two books in this series you KNOW you will be swept away by this one and will be balling like a baby when it's over. These people are REAL, ok, don't try and tell me that they're not!!! *growling breath*

It's ok, I'm ok... I'll get through this.

Wren, granddaughter of Silas and Eden ('member them? oh yeah!), has come to New Hope, and as lovely as it is, she yearns for her simple life in Kentucky. Society sucks her into its frothing swells, drowning her with its lust for money and formality. She cares nothing for it. If not for the charming and courageous James Sackett she might have returned home long before. (Hey, if I were her I would have stayed around for sure!!) Wren is a wonderfully beautiful heroine. She's strong, yet quiet--she knows what she wants and yet she wants other to be happy and is willing to do what it takes to make that happen. I loved her. And wow. I love her name!

Let's talk about James real quick. He's an AMAZING hero. Really unassuming. I LOVED that. Just a kind, charming, regular kind of guy--and then--you get to know him more, and you see his depth, his courage and his willingness to sacrifice his life for others in a way that... GAH! And, not only that, he is super romantic and pretty much the perfect guy. So there you go. Want more? Oh there is more--READ THE BOOK!!!

This book has everything you have come to love from Laura. Drama, amazing historical details, poetic prose and a plot that is both beautifully simple and intricate at the same time. You will be flipping pages like mad. Believe me.

The end.... OH! THE END will kill you--it's absolutely perfect!!!

I can't wait to hear what you think of it!! Bless you, Laura, for a marvelous conclusion to a magnificent series! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

~Thank you to Revell for my free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review~


Happy Reading!
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The Longing

I got a fever and the only prescription is more Everard!!!!!! EVERARD!

And, uh, oh yeah--jus' so ya know....

The Longing is THE BEST HCR I've ever read. That mean's its #1. That means it's my favorite.

FAVORITE!!!

(Have I used enough caps for you? Don't worry...there's more where that came from.)

Book Rating: Best of the Best of the Best of the Best . . . of the Best

At 32 years of age, I have finally reached the zenith of my life. I am complete. The Lord can take me now and I would be-- WAIT! Hold that thought, I can't die! What am I thinking?! I need to go back and read this book again. Right now. I want to memorize it. I want to read that kissing scene on the roof over and over until it is burned into my sub-cranium.

Ladies, listen to me very carefully: The Longing is the best HCR I have ever read. Let me repeat. THE LONGING IS THE BEST HCR I HAVE EVER READ!!! It's been several days now since I have finished, and I still can't stop thinking about Everard and Susanna. Best hero and best heroine, like, ever. Isn't that what makes a story? The characters? We don't immediately think of a plot or a setting, we think of the PEOPLE we read about. And the hero and heroine in this book will consume you.

Not that the story isn't completely amazing. Because. It is. The actual story itself is full and rich and deep and heart-wrenching and rounds out so perfectly at the end that believe me, you will not be able to put it down. Ask my good friend Jennifer about how I was in church and feeling totally guilty because I just wanted to go home and keep reading!! I have since repented for such thoughts, but it makes a point does it not.... ?

Now, to the best and sweetest name ever penned.

Everard.

Sweet mother of mercy! That man KNOWS how to love a woman!!! WOO!! The romance in this book will SLAY you. Slay! I have read gobs of these novels, and in all my reading I have NEVER read a more perfectly romantic kissing scene. Nev. Er. The tenderness, the utter masculine perfection mixed with feminine grace and um, longing--AHHH! Not to mention the way the tension builds and how the plot flows so perfectly up to that moment.... Oh my word!!!! Brilliance. Utter brilliance. For me, right now, there is no other author than Tamara Leigh.

I wish I could be more entertaining and creative in my assessment of this novel. I can't. I can't think of any more fun or interesting ways to express how I feel, expect to tell you straight up. This book is friggin' awesome and you have to read it. I, Amber Perry, have deemed this required reading for all HCR enthusiasts.

Best series. Best book. The end.

HAPPY READING!
BUY IT RIGHT FREAKING NOW!!!

The Kindling

Here's my pitch for a "perfume-esque" commercial for this book.

Picture this:

(In black and white)

An expansive and super-scenic country hill dotted with trees fills the sceen. A woman in the foreground--her gauzy white gown blowing in the wind--looks over her bare shoulder as her long, sumptuous hair waves in front of her face. She peeks behind her as an uber-hunky dude comes up and nudges her cheek with his nose. A horse comes out of nowhere, and suddenly they are riding on the beach. (I know it doesn't make sense but perfume commercials never do, just stay with me). Then, they are back at the hill, lying in each others arms, smiling and snuggling. That's when you hear this sexy woman's voice (English accent of course). She says, "Do you dream in Wulfrith?" Then you hear a whisper as the cover of the book appears at the bottom of the screen: "The Kindling."

I know, right? RIGHT? Super original and you can totally take it seriously. It's amazing. It's a wonder I'm not in Hollywood..... oh wait.....


Book Rating: Best of the Best

Are you at all surprised that I loved this one? I should think not. Not only did this book make me wish for the hundredth time that I had gorgeous red hair, it pretty much made me want to pull a Napoleon Dynamite and try out a time machine, because really, I'm obsessed with all things Medieval. Wait let me clarify--all things Wulfrith.

You absolutely must read these books in order. I mean, I am sure you don't REALLY have to, but it sure makes a biggo-hangin' difference if you do. So, without giving too much away, at the beginning of this book Able is recovering from a heck-of-a-fight. And frankly, he's a grump. But along comes this sweet and strong woman, Helene, and that's about all he needs to help him finally get around to accepting his fate, and embracing his future. (Vague, I know but I don't want to say too much and ruin it for you!!!)

This story is just as wonderful, just as beautifully written and just as expertly crafted as the first three. The plot, the characters--everything. In fact, a certain character that you have grown to love will play a large roll in this intricately woven story. In a word: DURAND! *sigh* I love him. Yes, I still love him even though his last name DOESN'T start with a W. (But you think Durand is ice-bucket worthy, wait until Sir Elias. *Elias*)

I know you love these books too, and it's ok if you dream in Wulfrith. I do.

HAPPY READING!
BUY IT!

The Redeeming

Wanna hear a funny story?......

No?

Well. Too bad..... you're gonna hear it anyway.

(Oh and by the way... I just kinnnnnnnda liked this book.)

Stick around cuz if you follow my FB page, you can enter the giveaway I've got goin' on....

Book Rating: Best of the Best


So you know a book/series is good when it, well, CONSUMES you! I mean CON-SUMES!!

OK, so this is what I mean. It was 4th of July morning and I'd just finished The Redeeming the night before at like midnight. I could-not-stop-reading-this-book! COULD NOT STOP, and it was still swimming in my mind... *sigh* So, before the obligatory small-town parade started, I ran across the street to take my (adorable, if I may say so) 5yo daughter to use the ladies room. Whilst washing hands at the sink, up beside me steps this leggy blonde. And of course, since I was STILL consumed with thoughts of Christian and Gaenor I thought to myself, "Self, that lady kinda reminds me of Gaenor." So I allowed myself a longer look and that was my doom. This woman, whoever she was, was my EXACT idea of what Gaenor looked like and I seriously couldn't stop staring. Tall, long dark-blonde hair, a lovely face....must have been around 25-26 years old, I don't know. I'm sure the lady thought I was a psycho. But here's the thing--I didn't care. (OK, maybe I cared a little bit.) I was THIS close to wanting to stop her and compliment her, as someone might when they see a person who looks like, say {insert name of famous person here}. But in this case I wanted to say, "Excuse me, but has anyone ever told you that you look exactly like Gaenor Wulfrith...or I mean, Lavonne... *giggle*." And in my imagination she would smile, flip her perfectly long, wavy hair over her shoulder (because it WAS perfectly long and wavy) and say with a bit of red in her cheeks, "Well, thank you so much. I love Gaenor--you just made my day!"

No.

Instead, I had the most difficult time not letting my jaw scrape across the bathroom floor as I struggled to help my little-one while (shamelessly) gawking.

This book, this SERIES is amazing. I love that Tamara has this elaborate story world and that her plots seem to flow effortlessly into one another. In fact, sometimes I feel like these stories are so real that they simply EXIST. Do you know what I mean? They are so good that I don't feel Tamara there at all--I feel like these stories just appeared out of nowhere for our blessed enjoyment.

The tension in this story is phenomenal. Let me spell that for you again. PHEN. OM. ENAL. (When you break it apart like that, it's actually Latin for Must. Read. Book.) I really BELIEVED this tension, I believed that these emotions and this intensely difficult situation existed for these two. There is so much going on--the raw, deep, real struggle. Gah! Am I making myself clear?

And the romance! AH! I won't even get started. Not to mention the spiritual side of it? I have no words.

SO.... in honor of my new FAVE series AND the fact that I have just reached (way over) 300 likes on FB, (many, MANY thanks to Jen Turano for that!!!) I am GIVING AWAY, yes, GIVING AWAY 3 COPIES of Tamara's first book in this series, The Unveiling. If you would like to be entered, please make sure you follow my FB page (and this blog, if'n ya want)--but all that good stuff is made easy by RAFFLECOPTER! The drawing will be in two weeks.... so you've got plenty time to do your readers-duty and tell everyone and their puppy about this, ok?! :)

I can't wait to write the next review, but I need to finish it first, so I shall bid thee farewell so I can once again be consumed by my latest obsession.

HAPPY READING!
Buy it!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Beloved

I had read the first few pages of this many moons ago, and uh.... talk about a hook!

Book Rating: Best of the Best

Oh man, is it possible to dislike a hero in a book? I did. At least for the first little bit, and then he changed his tune and I really liked him. LOL Seriously, he was a complete tool... and then he was awesome. And THAT my friends, is what I found so interesting about this story.

Hatcher has has some interesting plots and this was one of her most unique. I don't want to give away the beginning, but once you start you'll be all, "Whaaaaaaaa????"

You won't want to stop reading....

And then you'll be like, "Oh man, I hate that dude. LEAVE HIM DIANA!" (Diana is the heroine, btw...)

Then after a while you'll go, "Hold on a sec, Diana give this guy a chance."

And pretty soon, it'll be midnight and you won't be able to stop until it's done. Really, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I've been a Hatcher fan from day one. Not all of her stories are this great, but I must say this series is my favorite of hers by far.

Have you read this series--this book? It was awesome wasn't it?

Happy Reading!
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The Yielding

There isn't....

I can't begin to....

How can I even....

Uh.... apparently there's only one way to describe this book.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Book Rating: Best of the Best


This is your brain:










This is your brain on Tamara Leigh:

As a reader, you will seriously not be the same. This second book, The Yielding was beyond even my cloud-nine expectations. And considering how much I enjoyed the first one (you read my review of The Unveiling--you know the considerable gushing that took place) I didn't think I could realllllllly like this book as much as I liked the first one. I mean, how can you get better than 100% fabulous? Well, the Age of Faith series has a standard, and I'm gettin' the idea that its met every single time.

This book follows the story of Lady Beatrix, Garr's younger sister. (Hold on a sec did some one say Garr??) Yes, I did, and I know its difficult, but try to keep yourself together. Anyway, Beatrix is accused of something she didn't do and the man who wants to see justice done, ends up getting a lot more than he bargained for! We'll get to Dr. Dreamy in a second but first I want to talk about the heroine....

BLESS MY SOUL! As much as I loved Annyn (she is still one of the best heroine's I've ever read), I think Beatrix is even "more awesomer"! The perfect balance of courage, conviction, faith and femininity. You know those Rambo-esque heroines where they're so tough they scare you? Or the ones that are so blasted stubborn you feel like wringing their little necks and screaming, "Jeez girl, I don't know why he's into you, you're crazy!" Well, enter Lady Beatrix. Beatrix was brave and very courageous, but with all the class of Audrey Hepburn. She stuck to her convictions without once being annoying--IN FACT, I was inspired by her quiet determination and faith that more than once I found myself sighing in awe of her. Her trust in God was so real and so deeply rooted, I determined I want to be more like that.

As with The Unveiling, this story has an incredible spiritual thread. I haven't been so touched by a Christian message in a long time, but this one--of yielding to God--struck me. There was nothing in-your-face or preachy at all. Which, of course, is another one of the reasons why I find Tamara Leigh so out of this world. She is able to weave this thread that is so powerful and makes me want to improve myself without once making me feel like she did it on purpose.

Before I go on, I NEED to talk about our beloved hero, Dr. Dreamy, i.e, Michael D'Arci. This man is Fab. U. Lous! FABULOUS!! *shudder* Not only does he have muscles on top of his muscles (think Chris Hemsworth) and the sheer magnetism of James Bond (Sean Connery, Daniel Craig--take your pick), his spiritual transformation made me literally fall in love with him--like, really in love. There's a scene in this book--oh my word!!--with him in his armor when he and Beatrix... Oh, I can't give anything away, but let me just tell you. I cried. And for me, that's really rare. It was so touching and sweet and so romantic, I mean I nearly died. But I had to stay alive to keep reading...... so..... *wink*

Have you gotten book one yet? Have you let your house go to pot while you blissfully get lost in the world of the Wulfriths? There's still time to repent... go by these now and I won't tell anyone it took you so long. *teehee*

Happy Reading!
BUY IT!!!!

The Unveiling

Oh.

My.

GARR!

I was spell-bound, seriously, DRUGGED by this book's amazing-ness. I Could. Not. Put. It. Down.

Book Rating: Best of the Best

I have been told by many of you, "Amber, will you please grab half a clue and READ TAMARA LEIGH!"

Fine already!!! *hehehehe*

All kidding aside, I eventually took your advice and let me tell you.... it was angels and visions of glory for every blessed PAGE!! This woman knows how to WRITE! I mean, let's be honest, you and I read these books like their goin' outta style. We know there are good books, and awesome books, and Best of the Best books.........

and then there are HER books.

I don't want to.... you know.... over do it and say that this might just be my new favorite HCR (even though it is!!!) because that might lead some people to be skeptical. "Come on, Amber, really. I mean I'm sure it's good but it can't be THAT good."

Oh yeah?????

There are so many AH-mazing things about this story I honest-to-goodness don't know where to begin. The plot (ANGEL CHORUS!!!), the writing style (BLOW YOUR MIND) and the characters (PERFECT!! Did I just say that.....?) And just in case you didn't know, the hero's name is Garr and you spell it: L-O-V-E.

Before we go any father can we just all take a moment and sit down, and talk like civilized adults? UM NO! Because Garr will make any woman start running around and screaming like a fifteen year old at Donny Osmond concert. (That's for you Jenny 'ol girl...) Only this hero is waaaaaaaaaaay more amazing than any pop star. I mean, he IS a knight. As in knight-in-shining-armor. As in that is just about the hottest thing ever. As in I just swooned. Again. For the hundredth time. BUT not only is he strong and super good looking and could kill a bad dude with his pinky finger--he is gentle and righteous and romantic and a really great kisser and .... hold on, I need to stand in front of the fan for a sec...

Anyway, you get the point.

As for the heroine, she is equally fabulous. Right now I would like to stand and applaude Tamara for writing a completely wonderful and beautiful heroine with SMALL BOOBS! I mean, we all know curves are awesome, but size C boobs do not a beautiful, endearing, hero-worthy heroine make! Can I get an amen?! Annyn is brave and tenacious, but she is also wonderfully feminine and sweet. GAH! I loved her. I decided we need to be best friends.

Uh.... before I continue this and run the risk of overdoing it here, I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone for pushing me on the Tamara path because it has changed my HCR life.

I need to get back to reading book two....

HAPPY READING!!!
BUY IT!!!

Hope At Dawn

There are so many great things about this story--none of which have to do with the fact that Stacy wrote the hero to look like Chris Evans. Abbbbbbbsolutely nothing. ;)

Book Rating: Best of the Best

We were enjoying a few blissful days on the Oregon coast whilst I was savoring said book--such a perfect read for a vacation. I kept turning to my husband and saying, "Holy cow! This book is amazing!" And I meant it every single time. Not only does this novel have a gorgeous cover, it has a gorgeous story inside, as well.

Stacy Henrie has done a brilliant job with this first book in her Of Love and War series. Livy Campbell and Friedrick Wagner are so delightful and SO REAL that it made the story truly come to life for me. Their romance bloomed just like you would imagine real romances would--delicately, and faithfully over time and I believe that is what sold me on this from page one.

OK, hold on.... I take that back.....

I LOVED the setting as well!!!! I believe this is the first WWI story I have read and it captured my imagination and really got me thinking about a time in history I know so little about. (Then again I am a history nerd, so I get excited about that kind of thing...)

Livy lands a teaching job in a German community--and during the Great War, that was not something to be taken lightly. Soon, everything she thought she knew about family and love is put to the test. Especially when a strapping young German comes into the picture....

Friedrick loves his adopted country of America, though others in the surrounding areas refuse to believe so and continue to threaten him and his family. As his affections for Livy grow--and his for her--will they be able to keep each other safe amidst the turmoil, or will their hearts be broken as their world crumbles around them?

I can't recommend this book enough! I know you will love it--and please let me know what you think after you've read it!!

Happy Reading!!

For Such a Time

I remember when I first starting hearing the "buzz" about this story.....

Oh my!!

My, oh my, oh my.

I get it now. This book is just a litttttttle buzz-worthy. Just a little. *wink*

Book Rating: Best of the Best

You know how sometimes you just know before you even start reading a book that you are going to like it? My "spidey" senses aren't always "on" but they were in this case. I LOVED this book!!!

I can't summarize this well enough, so I decided to just include the blurb:

"In 1944, blond and blue-eyed Jewess Hadassah Benjamin feels abandoned by God when she is saved from a firing squad only to be handed over to a new enemy. Pressed into service by SS-Kommandant Colonel Aric von Schmidt at the transit camp of Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia, she is able to hide behind the false identity of Stella Muller. However, in order to survive and maintain her cover as Aric's secretary, she is forced to stand by as her own people are sent to Auschwitz.

Suspecting her employer is a man of hidden depths and sympathies, Stella cautiously appeals to him on behalf of those in the camp. Aric's compassion gives her hope, and she finds herself battling a growing attraction for this man she knows she should despise as an enemy.

Stella pours herself into her efforts to keep even some of the camp's prisoners safe, but she risks the revelation of her true identity with every attempt. When her bravery brings her to the point of the ultimate sacrifice, she has only her faith to lean upon. Perhaps God has placed her there for such a time as this, but how can she save her people when she is unable to save herself? "

Oh my goodness! You're dying to read this aren't you!?!? Good! Because you will love it!

Right from the get-go you are hooked. The NEED to keep reading is overpowering. Breslin does an amazing job of keeping you on the edge of your seat--and making you cry! Due to the tender nature of the time and subject, I found myself weeping a time or two. Heartbreaking! Then, in the same instance, the beauty of the story and the faith and hope that is woven into the plot and characters is astounding.

The heroine Stella (Hadassah), was strong and yet vulnerable in all the right ways. I was rooting for her from the beginning and I knew, no matter how the story ended, that I wouldn't be able to forget her. The hero, Aric, was brooding and so dark at times that I wasn't even sure if I could like him--but in the end, he was FABULOUS! This book was not your typical story from Bethany. I haven't seen any historicals like this so far from them (not that I've read them all of course). So deep and heart wrenching-- and SO many STEAMY kisses! Hoo-ee! *fans self* Rest assured, everything was clean and appropriate, of course, but WHOA!

This is not a story that you can sit and read in a day or two. I mean, of course you could if you have that kind of time. For me, I took days to read this because I believed it deserved my time and attention. It almost commanded me to slow down and read every beautiful sentence.

Lastly, the ending clutched me at the throat and wouldn't let go until the last page. I literally thought, "Oh my word, I can't believe it is going to end this way!" Then, well.... I can't say any more, but I promise you will be smiling heartily inside and out!

I cannot recommend this book enough.

You. Will. Love. It.


Happy Reading!
Buy it!

The Pursuit of Tamsen LittleJohn

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways!"

Oh, honey, you're gonna inhale this book, believe me.

Book Rating: Best of the Best

Nothing will prepare you for the sheer brilliance of this story. The prose, the visuals, the characters, the setting--you will LIVE this novel (yes, live) and you will LOVE every minute of it!

Here are the top 5 reasons you won't be able to put it down.

5. Location, location, location. I've said it before and I'll said it again: there are typically three main characters in a great story--a hero, a heroine, and a setting. A good setting knows when to ebb and flow--it never out-shines and it never under-plays. It stays strong and steady, anchoring the characters as the story goes along. This book, had a fabulous setting!!

4. "Villain, villain, bo-billain, billain. Banana-fana . . ." ok, you get the point. ;) I really liked this novel's bad guy!!! AND I really liked that the third point of view, was actually NOT from the villain, but gave you a great idea of what the villain was doing, etc. Very unique.

3. Tamsen. *sigh* She was fabulous. I enjoyed her immensely. She was sweet and gentle, but tough and courageous at the same time. Three cheers for Tamsen. (And doesn't she have such a lovely name??)

2. Two words: Jesse Bird. *shudder in delight* Can I get a cool cloth, please? Seriously. Who cannot like a handsome, rugged, mountain-man-type hero? Jesse could do everything awesome and manly, and yet he could be romantic and gentle, too. You know you're swooning right now.

1. Page turning, edge-of-your-seat excitement! This book will keep you up and you won't care that you're exhausted the next day. The story/plot is wonderful and I loved the history that Lori wove-in. She is a master storyteller!! I adored her writing style and I have no doubt you will, too.

And here's the best part!! Lori has graciously offered to GIVE AWAY one copy of this book!!!! So, if you want to be entered, leave your name, email addy and a comment and in two weeks (April 17) I'll draw the name of the lucky winner.

PLEASE let me know when you've read this and what you thought of it!!!!

Happy Reading!
BUY IT!!!

The Soldier's Secrets

The more I read Love Inspired books, the more I like them.

Let's just say this book REALLY made me want to read the first one in the series, Sanctuary for a Lady. It is now on my TBRRN list. (That's "to-be-read-right-now" for those who didn't know. *wink*) And I JUST heard from Naomi that her third book in the series comes out in January of next year!! Yeah!!

Book Rating: Best of the Best

Holy smokes!! This story was excellent. Naomi is a truly gifted writer and she really knows how to hook you into every scene. There's a lot of excellent action, great history (you know I love history!!) and seriously, there's a kiss in this book that is--well, it's perfect.

Bridgett Dubois, the heroine, is very wonderful. Tough, sweet, generous, thoughtful--I really liked her. She is a widow with several children and works hard to make sure they are safe--which isn't an easy task. Her father-in-law is blackmailing her--and what he's forcing her to do could ruin everything. (Don't want to give too much away here, ladies, but it's pretty exciting!!)

Jean Paul (our beloved hero--really, REALLY fabulous) is haunted by his actions during the French Revolution--even though he had acted in the name of liberty. When he meets Bridgett, he finds that perhaps he can open his heart once again, but he fears what she will think of him when she discovers the truth of what he's done.

The emotions that were woven into these characters were very real and at times, extremely touching. One of things that I found especially interesting was the history. The extent of my knowledge about the French Revolution comes from The Scarlett Pimpernel and Les Mis. Not super great. So, this really opened my eyes on some things I had no idea about.

You can't wait to read it, can you?? *teehee*

Congratulations, Naomi, on another wonderful story! I know readers are going to love it, just like I did!!

Happy Reading!
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The Ransom

Imagine me 13 years younger, in a cute blue and white cheerleader outfit with a smile the size of Montana.... and don't you dare laugh! ....OK, maybe you can laugh a little bit.

Give me an "A": A!
Give me an "L": L!
Give me an "E": E!
Give me an "X": X!

Gooooooooo, ALEX!!! WOOOO!!!!! (Jumping up and down, waving pom-poms kicking--etc, etc.)

Well, I can tell you couldn't imagine such a thing without rolling on the floor, IN TEARS from laughter, but seriously--you will do the same thing when you read MaryLu's new book The Ransom. It is definitely one of THE BEST!

Book Rating: Best of the Best

I knew I was going to love this book. I am a HUGE MaryLu fan--in fact I can't think of a single one of her books that I didn't devour in a matter of days--or hours in some cases! This book was no different.

Juliana Dutton is not unlike many heroine's you have read about--but that doesn't stop her from being fabulous! Stubborn and brave, Juliana is determined to continue her mother's legacy of caring at the orphanage and run her dying father's business no matter what anyone says--or does to stop her! If only she can get that dashing--and frighteningly mysterious--Pirate Earl out of her mind.

Alex Hyde is just about one of the most dashing heroes I have ever read, ladies. (Hence the cheering at the beginning...) The thing I really enjoyed about this hero was his struggle to find himself and his eventual "coming to Christ".  Not only were his good looks (think Chris Hemsworth in Snow White and the Hunstman...) and charm enough to make any woman stay up until three in the morning, you get to enjoy several FABULOUS rescue scenes, and we KNOW ladies love a damsel in distress, right?! *teehee* At least I do....

There are so many fun twists and mysteries in this book, I don't want to say much more for fear of giving anything away. But I will say this--the setting, Port Royal, Jamaica was enchanting! MaryLu can always make you feel, taste and smell everything around you. Let's just say, as much as I loved it, I wouldn't have wanted to visit there! Yikes! (Read it and you'll know what I mean!)

Thank you so much, MaryLu, for allowing me to read this as an influencer! I loved every word and can't wait for more!!

Here's where the GIVEAWAY comes in! If you are interested in being entered to win, please comment below and tell me which of MaryLu's books is your favorite! Don't forget to leave your email addy. This giveaway will be open for two weeks. Tell your friends! Believe me--you'll want to read this!

Can't wait to hear what you think about this one!

HUGS ALWAYS!


Happy Reading!!
BUY IT! (Just FYI, right now it's only available in ebook, but in a few days it will be available in print as well!!)

Elusive Hope

Me at page 1: Holy crud, I already love this.

Me at page 64: Whaaaaaat? Ok. This is BEYOND amazing and I haven't even gotten a hundred pages in.

Me at page 190: I'm creeped out (in a good way, of course--fun mystery)! What's going on in this crazy jungle?! Can't go to sleep yet...must keep reading!

Me at page 245: AHHHHH! This could not be more gripping. Seriously!

Me at the end: I'm ready to start reading it all over again. It is now in my TOP FIVE!

MaryLu, this is your best yet and even though I LOVED everything about it, I must say: You had me at Hayden.

Book Rating: Best of the Best

As you know, I've read a lot of books--not as many as you have perhaps, but I've done my fair share. I've rated a lot of books in my highest category and I've gushed about lots of novels. But PLEASE, please understand that I cannot find words enough to express how INTENSELY I love this story. It had all the right elements, and I seriously could not put it down. For me, this is MaryLu's best and without a doubt it is in my TOP FIVE!!

Magnolia is not your typical heroine--and I loved that! I found her to be deep and complex, even though on the surface she seemed shallow and self centered. She grew so much and I loved watching her learn about herself and also how she understood more about Christ and how He sees each of us. You don't get this kind of leading lady very often and I just adored her.

Hayden (swoon!) is just about perfect. Rugged, dashingly handsome, street smart, cunning and witty. He is on a mission to find his father and nothing is going to stop him. I loved getting in Hayden's head and watching as he struggled to understand what he was dealing with--internally and externally. But even more than that, I LOVED how he was always jumping to her rescue!! *sigh* He changes much like Magnolia (though in different ways) and I found that as they fought, and struggled and as their passion grew--I just loved them more and more.

Never a dull moment--so much excitment! And OH, the romance! Plenty of great kisses in this one!!

Sometimes you can really enjoy a book--love it even, but there might be a part or two that didn't really grip ya. Not so here, ladies. I savored every word.

PLEASE get yourself a copy of this and make it pronto, capiche? You'll have to let me know what you think of it when you are done. I KNOW you will love it.

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

Love's Awakening

Remember when you went to that really expensive French restaurant and had real creme brulee for the first time? Heaven! Remember that other time you watched ROMAN HOLIDAY and were pretty sure it was the best movie ever made? Yea, I remember that too.

Well, this book is like that! Only better, because there are no calories--and let's face it any book is always better than a movie.

Book Rating: Best of the Best

Oh, be still my heart. This book is like the creme brulee of fiction--so exceedingly delectable you won't be the same after reading it. Laura's writing is incomparable. I was transported back in time by her prose. The way she puts together a scene and the words she uses to describe people, settings and emotions will seep into your bones, making the story come magically alive.

Ellie is the daughter of Silas (take a moment to catch your breath, ladies) and Eden Ballantyne and she is SUCH a breath of fresh air. I enjoy most heroines I read about, but Ellie was so sweet and strong without being over-the-top. She seemed real. And I LOVE that.

Now as for Jack, you'll have to excuse me if I blush a bit. *eh hem*  He is SO rugged and there is something about a reformed rogue that is just so appealing, isn't there?!

These two characters have known each other since childhood, and their families are anything but friends. So when Ellie decides to teach Jack's younger sister, a firestorm hinging around the families' rivalry and their need to hide something vital and desperate, begins to rain down!! Its all so marvelous, you will be sucked in and won't be able to stop! . . .  Kind of like creme brulee. *teehee* (OK, I'll stop with the food analogy)

There you have it, my friends. I can't say more though I COULD say more, I just don't want to give too much away. So go read it. And enjoy every delicious, mouth-watering word, knowing that you won't gain a single ounce. *wink*

~~Thank you to Revell for my free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review~~

Happy Reading!
Buy it!

Rebellious Heart

REBELLIOUS HEART, where have you been all my life?!

Book Rating: Best of the Best

I'm pretty sure I haven't ever rated a Hedlund book anything other than a Best of the Best. This is another winner no doubt!!

Here are the TOP FIVE reasons you will love this book:


5: Location, location, location! 
Who can't like pre-RevWar Boston? I mean, really. Talk about endless opportunities for fabulous conflict, right?

4: Character love!
There is something wonderful about this story's characters and the way they are all intertwined. There was no character I didn't really care for, which you sometimes find in even the most delectable novels. Ben and Susanna are marvelous together and their chemistry is so thick you can feel it coming off the pages.

3: Romance 101-501
Jody does it right. She has "romance" figured out from the basic essential components to the minutia that makes your mouth water. I LOVE the scenes in this book where Ben and Susanna are together, because no matter what is happening you feel their attraction growing.

2: History
I am obsessed with all things colonial and have been since I was young. OK, so I'm a nerd, so what. *wink* This story brought to life the colonial era in a way that made you feel the salty air from the beach and smell the apple tansey as it cooked. Jody claims she isn't an expert, but she could'a fooled me. *wink again*

1: Your story ain't nothin' if it ain't got plot:
I thought the plot of this story was beautifully complex and yet I never felt overwhelmed by it as can happen sometimes if there is too much going on. Simply marvelous!! Everything had a purpose--and oh, the drama! Bless my heart, I love intrigue and excitement and drama. A lot!! The spiritual nature of it was lovely as well, and I promise you will not be disappointed on that point either.
It was all there and so magically intertwined, I know you will LOVE this story as much as I did.

Thanks, Jody, for another masterfully written story. *smile*


Happy Reading!
Buy it!