Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson

 

Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson

After reading Julianne Donaldson’s first book (Edenbrooke), I was excited to learn she’d written a second.

Let’s begin with the summary:

Kate Worthington knows her heart and she knows she will never marry. Her plan is to travel to India instead—if only to find peace for her restless spirit and to escape the family she abhors. But Kate's meddlesome mother has other plans. She makes a bargain with Kate: India, yes, but only after Kate has secured—and rejected—three marriage proposals.

Kate journeys to the stately manor of Blackmoore determined to fulfill her end of the bargain sooner rather than later and enlists the help of her dearest childhood friend, Henry Delafield. But when it comes to matters of love, bargains are meaningless and plans are changeable. There on the wild lands of Blackmoore, Kate must face the truth that has kept her heart captive.

Will the proposal she is determined to reject actually be the one thing that will set her heart free? 

Set in Northern England in 1820, Blackmoore is a regency romance that tells the story of a young woman struggling to learn how to follow her heart.

And now, my review:

As I mentioned, I was thrilled to find another book by this author after reading her debut (which became a bestseller and which I reviewed here). Blackmoore differs from Edenbrooke in that it's little darker. But the variety between stories is what makes a good author.

Again, we have first person in the regency setting, which I loved. Again, we have a heroine somewhat unaware of her admirer’s admiration. Great romance, but not as much as the first book.

Two of the themes were shame, and overcoming the past. The author explored escape as a means of overcoming shame. She used the symbolism of a caged bird, and we watch to see if her heroine will become strong and find freedom. I was a little disappointed, as can happen when a book does not include overt Christian messages, to not see the aspect of how God helps people (the ultimate characters) overcome shame and the pain of their pasts. At the same time, I realize the purpose of the story was to entertain. The book does that with great hooks throughout, keeping readers engaged. 

Reader who enjoy wholesome romance in regency settings will enjoy this story. I'm looking forward to reading more books in this Proper Romance series from Shadow Mountain Publishers.

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

I’m a little late to this party, but so glad I came! I generally review current books and new releases. This book released in 2012, but upon a recent recommendation from someone I respect, I decided to pick it up. Even though it’s a regency romance and I generally read contemporaries for review, I had to give this one a try. Glad I did!

As always, let’s begin with the summary:

Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she'll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry.

From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will Marianne be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke.

And now, my review:

This story is written in first person, which I love to read. There was a hint of blindness about what the other characters were thinking, but it was so fun to uncover the other character’s secrets.

Julianne writes in a way that makes you want to reread her books. She keeps secrets from the reader that she slowly unveils. So if someone read the book a second time, they could pick up on the clues they may have missed the first time around. She also keeps you hooked from the opening pages to the end by closing her chapters in the perfect spot. So a reread would be just as much fun as the first time around.

Oh, the romance! I try very hard to avoid spoilers in my reviews. In fact, I often skip reading the back cover copy of books because I feel they give away too much of the story, so why bother reading? So, I won’t go into detail here except to say: the regency period was the beautiful backdrop for this very romantic story. I devoured this book.

So glad I stumbled upon this publisher and this Proper Romance series from Shadow Mountain Publishers. These are pure romances. I’ve recently finished Julianne Donaldson’s second book (Blackmoore) and will review that one here soon. And I’ve got a pile more waiting for me. Can’t wait!

Highly recommended.

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

 

Sarah’s been a favorite of mine for a long time, since her first book. I’m thrilled she’s begun this new three-book series!

Let’s begin with the summary:

War is coming. Can love carry them through the rough waters that lie ahead?

It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Handsome and outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. On shore, Jim encounters Mary Stirling, a childhood friend who is now an astute and beautiful Boston Navy Yard secretary.

When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is discovered, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges—and dangers—await them.

And now, my review:

Whenever I pick up one of Sarah’s books, I know I’ll get tons of historical facts thrown in. These become talking points for conversations with others. Her books are well-researched, which I respect and appreciate.

I also know I’ll get a good romance when I read her novels. With a cover like that, you know we will. (You can see the behind-the-scenes cover creation video here.)

This story is a mystery, with the heroine acting as a sleuth who counts on invisibility to take shorthand notes and gather clues for the FBI. Because the first few chapters were chock-full of characters, I got a little lost in the opening pages. And it took me a little while to get into this book. But it was worth it.

One of the themes was a misunderstanding of pride. Mary, our heroine, is conscientious, modest, and humble—only she doesn’t see herself this way and fear holds her back.

That same theme is mirrored in the hero’s life. Jim has let fear of failure cause him to coast along in life. But he’s called to leadership, to making tough decisions. Like the heroine, whom God has called to the spotlight, the hero will have to change in order to follow God’s path.

I kept watching for WWII-era elements as I recall them from history, which made the reading even more interesting and engaging. And I liked that we were on a naval ship in this book. Perhaps we will be in the next two because the series is called “Waves of Freedom.” Can’t wait to read the story of Jim Avery’s brothers in books two and three.

The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren

The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren

I love Susie’s writing! And I’m enjoying these Christiansen family novels. This book followed Amelia and her European (boy)friend, Roark. 

Let’s begin with the summary:

Mortified after her semester abroad is cut short, Amelia Christiansen returns to Deep Haven, certain she isn’t brave enough for the adventures she’s dreamed of. The last thing she expects is for the man who broke her heart to cross the Atlantic and beg forgiveness.

Heir to a European hotel dynasty, Roark St. John has trekked from one exotic locale to another, haunted by tragedy and the expectations that accompany his last name. Amelia is the first woman to give him a reason to stop running. He’ll do anything for a second chance―even contend with Amelia’s old flame, who is intent on sending Roark packing.

While one surprise after another leaves Amelia reeling, Roark’s continued presence only highlights the questions pursuing her. Like him, is she running from the life God has called her to? Could finding her new place mean leaving home behind?

And now, my review:

Amelia is the youngest Christiansen child, so all her siblings serve as pseudo-parents, hovering and over-protective. This hovering and micromanaging has left her second-guessing her own abilities and competence, especially as she hasn’t always made the best decisions. I love how Susie lets birth order influence her characters’ personalities—a clever element to this family-based series. That influence makes them move believable and realistic.

This story reminded me of the recently re-released novellas in the compilation Somewhere, My Love in regards to some overlapping themes. 

I love Roark’s heart—that he chases Amelia to the states, then this businessman makes a fool of himself attempting to learn the ways of the Minnesota lumberjack. That he found some allies among the earlier naysayers was fun too. 

Throughout the novel we see Roark’s heroism, though he’s flawed and broken. And we see Amelia’s competence, though she doubts. 

One of the themes was letting God shine truth on our perceptions, both of Him and of our past. Sometimes we assume the worst of Him, believing lies about imHimHimHim and ourselves. I’m grateful he demonstrates the truth and sets us free.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this unforgettable series!

Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth K. Vogt

Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth K. Vogt

Released today!

Let's begin with the summary:

Wedding bells and storm clouds collide in the first engaging novel in a brand-new series about destination weddings, the power of love, and the possible mishaps and missteps that happen on a couple’s journey down the aisle to “I do.”

Paramedic Vanessa Hollister has put her adolescence behind her, including the unwanted label of being the new kid in town over and over again, thanks to her father’s military career. She’s overcome what her mother called “the biggest mistake of her life” and is planning an elegant destination wedding in Destin, Florida with her new fiancé. But will the reappearance of her first husband from her what-were-you-thinking teenage elopement disrupt her dream of an idyllic beach wedding?

As a professional storm chaser, Logan Hollister is used to taking risks. However, a reckless decision during the last tornado season has him questioning the future of his team, the Stormmeisters. Coming face to face with his ex-wife eight years after their divorce compels him to confront his greatest regret: losing Vanessa. Does their past give him the right to interfere with her future?

A fast-moving, powerful hurricane throws Vanessa and Logan together as they evacuate to a storm shelter along with other residents of the Florida Gulf Coast. Forced to spend time together, the pair battles unexpected renewed feelings for each other.

Vanessa and Logan are faced with a choice: Should they accept, once and for all, their teenage marital mistake? Or is God offering them a second chance at happily ever after?

And now, my review:

Our heroine has moved on from her past. Gone are her high school sweetheart and the memory of their two-year marriage. Well, mostly. Until their paths cross again.

Our hero lives with regrets, both personal and professional. He has some decisions to make about the future.

These two had great chemistry. Beth’s writing voice is very strong. She layers characters and plot in purposeful ways. She used flashbacks to show us the hero’s and heroine’s history. At first, I didn’t like losing forward momentum, but then the technique clicked for this reader and I enjoyed them.

“For old time’s sake.” That phrase stirs these two up. Problem is the heroine’s engaged.

Vanessa believes lies about God. She’s never had a stable home, so she’s always looking for it. She keeps people at a distance, isn’t too great with relationships. I liked that she journaled her experiences.

One of the themes in the story was trusting God. The characters learned to recite the truth, “God, You are who you say You are” as they learned to trust Him. 

I really enjoy Beth’s writing. I’ll be watching for her next book!

Rori's Healing by Dora Hiers

Rori's Healing by Dora Hiers

Dora is a fellow White Rose Publishing author, and I haven’t read her work before, so I was thankful for an opportunity to read this title for review.

Let’s begin with the summary:

Still stinging from the publicity surrounding her father's death, social phobic Rori Harmon prefers the solitude of her animal sanctuary, and accepts that marriage isn’t in her future.

Race car Driver Graham Decker refuses to be wrangled into a relationship by another money-hungry female. On a philanthropy mission, he arrives just in time to assist Rori with a llama birthing, but his appearance thrusts her into the media spotlight again.

Has Graham found a woman who doesn't care how deep his wallet extends? Has Rori finally met a man who will stick around when times get tough? Is healing for a hurting heart finally within Rori's reach?

And now, my review:

Dora has penned a sweet romance. Our heroine runs an animal shelter and tries to stay out of the spotlight. Enter the hero, a nationally renowned race car driver—a celebrity. The hero is tired of others taking advantage of his wealth, but though Rori needs money for her non-profit (the animal shelter), she doesn’t want his. Are these two the perfect match?

One of the story’s themes was overcoming fear—Rori had some challenges. Though readers may not struggle with the same fears, I believe this is a relatable issue. I liked how the hero honored her throughout the story. And I appreciated the spiritual element in this story. The book begins with a Scripture of trusting God no matter what others might do, a lesson our heroine must learn. (see Psalm 56:11)

There were some elements that weren’t my favorites—the llama’s activity when he didn’t like or trust someone. I wouldn’t have minded seeing that element once, but it appeared several times. 

Today is release day! Congratulations, Dora!