Last Chance Cowboy by Jody Hedlund

Last Chance Cowboy

What a great cover!

Let’s begin with the summary:

With danger drawing ever closer, their only hope of saving their futures lies in each other.

As a midwife, Catherine Remington is successful in bringing new life into the world, but she’s failed one too many times in finding true love. When she’s accused of a murder she didn’t commit, she’s forced to flee to Colorado to honor a patient’s dying wish by delivering a newborn infant to his father.

The repentant prodigal Dylan McQuaid is finally back in Fairplay. As sheriff, he’s doing his best to prove to the town he’s a changed man and worthy of their trust. When a woman shows up with an infant son he didn’t know he had, Dylan is left with only complicated choices on what to do next.

Having grown attached to Dylan’s son, Catherine doesn’t want to part ways with the infant, but what she doesn’t bargain for is how easily she’ll fall for the charming sheriff, or how quickly the past will catch up with her and put their love and lives in danger.

And now, my review:

The opening scene in this book sets a tone of bloodiness that I feared would carry throughout the book. For that reason, I set the novel aside.

Given the heroine's occupation, perhaps that opening scene's elements shouldn't have come as a surprise. I've seen midwifery handled more gently in other novels, so this threw me.

I’m going to do something a little differently for this review. Since I couldn’t get past the opening scene, which I skimmed due to the content, I’m going to leave off reading it. I may revisit at a later date.

Love and Lavendar by Josi S. Kilpack

Love and Lavender

The books in the Proper Romance series are some of my favorites!

Let’s begin with the summary:

Hazel Stillman is a woman of rare independence and limited opportunities. Born with a clubbed foot, she was sent away as a child and, knowing her disability means a marriage is unlikely, she devoted herself to scholarship and education.

Now working as a teacher in an elite private girls’ school, she is content with the way her story has unfolded. When her uncle Elliott Mayfield presents her with the prospect of a substantial inheritance if she marries, Hazel is offended. What kind of decent man would marry for her money? Besides, she loves her freedom as a professional, respected woman. When she hears rumors of the school possibly being sold, however, she knows she must consider all her options.

Duncan Penhale has a brilliant mind and thrives on order and process. He does not expect to marry because he likes his solitary life, shared only with his beloved cat. When Elliott Mayfield, his guardian’s brother, presents him with an inheritance if he marries a woman of social standing, Duncan finds it intrusive. However, with the inheritance, he could purchase the building in which he works and run his own firm. It would take an impressive and intellectual woman to understand and love him, quirks and all.

Hazel and Duncan believe they have found a solution to both of their problems: marry one another, receive their inheritances, and then part ways to enjoy their individual paths. But when Uncle Mayfield stipulates that they must live together as husband and wife for one year before receiving their inheritances, Hazel and Duncan reluctantly agree. Over time, their marriage of convenience becomes much more appealing than they had anticipated. At the end of the full year, will they go their separate ways or could an unlikely marriage have found unsuspecting love?

And now, my review:

Such an interesting and unusual story! The romance is a subtle slow burn, but it is worth the journey.

We have some epistolary elements, but it's not 100 percent—a nice balance. And I highlighted some instances of great prose.

Each of our main characters has a central limitation, a handicap of sorts. Hers is physical, affecting her mobility. It also affects her belief that she could one day marry. Who’s going to want an imperfect woman? I loved that she was entrepreneurial, highly intelligent, a leader in her circle. She’s resourceful, independent, competent, and struggling. We root for her.

Our hero’s special needs, though unnamed, were fascinating. At times they were so relatable, at others I could understand other characters’ frustration with him. But to him, he was perfectly comfortable thinking and living as he had done. Incredibly intelligent, he learns from everything and everyone around him. He demands routines and feels safest within them. The author skillfully expressed his undiagnosed condition. This historical setting doesn’t lend itself to diagnoses of Asperger's or autism. I felt she handled this element very, very well.

The characters meet at their place of need and intelligence. They can discuss challenging topics together. I liked how this author subtly tackled gender limitations for a modern audience. I.e., our heroine is a top teacher, highly intelligent, capable of intense conversations, surpassing the intelligence of male peers. That approach in historicals is satisfying for today’s audience. There's also the element of helping other females rise through education as well. 

Each of the MCs is either able to overlook the other’s limitation or work with it. What used to be a deal breaker no longer stands in the way, but love is still out of the question.

I liked the arranged-marriage, fake-relationship, and marriage-of-convenience tropes. I enjoyed the unusual characters and their limitations. I found the autistic element interesting and well portrayed.

The whole novel is getting them to see themselves differently, to reconsider what’s possible, to dare to redefine themselves, their world, their perspective. Using their outward limitations to mirror this is a fascinating approach, and one that may have readers rethinking their own assumptions and self-imposed limitations.

Hearts of Steel by Elizabeth Camden

 

Hearts of Steel

Isn't that an eye-catching cover?

Here’s the summary:

His steel empire has catapulted him to the top of the world, but loving her could cost him everything.

Maggie Molinaro survived a hardscrabble childhood in the downtrodden streets of Manhattan to become a successful businesswoman. After a decade of sacrifice, she now owns a celebrated ice cream company. But when she offends a corrupt banker, she unwittingly sets off a series of calamities that threaten to destroy her life's work.

Liam Blackstone is a charismatic steel magnate committed to overhauling factory conditions for the steelworkers of America. Standing in his way is the same villain determined to ruin Maggie. What begins as a practical alliance to defeat a common enemy soon evolves into a romance between two wounded people determined to beat the odds.

And now, my review:

The heroine’s occupation is very original! I enjoyed learning about ice cream making in the 1890s. She’s a competent, intelligent, courageous businesswoman. I liked how determined and capable she was.

The hero suffers from a medical condition that I found interesting as I haven’t seen it very often in fiction. He’s a hothead who acts before he thinks, at times. Flawed but trying. So one theme would be caution and decorum.

I noticed a pattern in this novel of the author telling us something before the following scenes or dialogue showed those elements to us. This order issue was jarring.

Throughout the romance, I wanted to feel more chemistry. His referring to the heroine as gamine (boyish) jarred me from there being much attraction. At times I felt a little lost, as if I’d missed more to Liam’s story in an earlier volume in the series.

I liked that they teamed up to solve the story’s problem. He freely shared his resources, which is noble.

There were some technique issues that bumped me from the story—like having the same chapter hookouts three chapters in a row. Redundancies (of concepts/themes/sentiments) and overused words. I did end up skimming and skipping scenes.

The Bachelor and the Bride by Sarah M. Eden

The Bachelor and the Bride

This is another book in the Dread Penny Society and Proper Romance series.

Let’s begin with the summary:

London,1866

Dr. Barnabus Milligan has always felt called to help people, whether that means setting a broken bone or rescuing the impoverished women of London from their desperate lives on the streets as part of his work with the Dread Penny Society.

Three years ago, he helped rescue Gemma Kincaid by marrying her in secret to protect her from her family, notorious grave robbers who were intent on keeping her working in the trade.

But their unconventional relationship is nearly over before it begins when, six months after they exchange vows, Gemma realizes her love for Barnabus is unrequited. To protect her heart, she leaves, telling Barnabus to contact her if his feelings for her ever grow beyond a sense of duty.

When Gemma finally receives a letter from Barnabus, inviting her to return home, she hopes to find a true connection between them. But she quickly learns that he only wants her help to foil the Kincaids, who have been terrorizing the boroughs of London, eager to gain both money and power.

Heartbroken once more, Gemma agrees to help, but she warns Barnabus that she will not stay for long, and once she goes, he’ll never see her again.

Yet as the couple follow the clues that seem to connect the Kincaids to the Mastiff, the leader of London’s underground criminal network, Gemma and Barnabus both realize they might make a better match than either of them suspected. Perhaps the marriage that had once saved Gemma’s life, might prove the means of saving Barnabus—and his lonely heart—as well.

But before the once-confirmed bachelor can properly court his secret bride, they’ll need to evade the dangerous forces that are drawing ever closer to the hopeful lovers and the entire Dread Penny Society itself.

And now, my review:

Sarah is such a skilled romance writer! She’s one of my favorites.

If you’re like me and you don’t read summaries before choosing a book, I’d like to offer a heads-up. This novel includes a grave-robbing component.

First, that element fits with this Dread Penny Society series, which is at times macabre. Sarah’s one of my favorite authors, but as I’ve read this series, I’ve skipped the ghost story penny dreadful chapters when they’re spooky. This story fits right in with the others.

Next, Sarah does a great job with character relationships in her fiction. I loved the setup—that these two are married, but theirs isn’t a typical relationship. The bride has been living elsewhere for a while, with no expectation that she’ll move back in!

I liked that Gemma is full of joy and exuberance—what a twist since she comes from a grave-robbing family and is starved for affection. She loves her freedom, and she longs to be cherished. She also tempers her expectations and hopes, due to her past.

The hero, Dr. Barnabus, is burdened by his heavy thoughts and his sober-minded approach to life. I made this note: he’s verbose, and dry, and intelligent. He’s also clueless of her affection toward him. A fun aspect as well because he’s drawn to her buoyant personality and wants to be closer to her.

We get to revisit earlier characters, who are part of the Dread Penny Society—they’re all authors of the short, haunting reads. They’re also secretly heroic in rescuing or helping those in need. In this story, they take on a formidable foe.

As always, Sarah’s voice in character is excellent, using realistic (or true) colloquialisms. The author also invents several stories to include in each book as written by the characters, which means using several different characters’ voices. She does this very skillfully!

One of the novel’s themes is rejection, or assuming one’s being rejected. There’s a lack of communication that keeps the main characters in the dark. More themes include freedom, safety, service, and overcoming one’s family history.

I liked the layered characters who had already overcome a lot but had more growth ahead. However, because of the grave-robbing aspect, and because my guess is that it gets more involved, I did not finish this novel.

Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels

 

Everything Is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels

A book about guitars and lyrics? Yes, please!

Let's begin with the summary:

Michael Sullivan is a talented lyricist and a decent guitarist, but since he was kicked out of his band (and his apartment), he’s not sure he’ll ever get a record deal. Living with his loser uncle in a beat-up trailer and working a dead-end job, Michael has little reason to hope for a better future. Until the invitation for a swanky New Year's Eve party shows up in the mailbox. It’s for his uncle, with whom he shares his name, but his uncle is going out of town . . .

On the effervescent night of December 31, 1989—as the Berlin Wall is coming down, the Soviet Union is inching toward democracy, and anything seems possible—Michael will cross paths with the accomplished and enigmatic young heir to a fading musical dynasty, forever altering both of their futures.

And now, my review:

In this story we get to revisit the past—1989 and the early ’90s. We're in Michigan, complete with Vernors. Yum. We’re also immersed in a musician’s world. Such a treat! The author does an excellent job of writing profound prose, skillfully penning realistic male POV, and granting us access to the musical elite via the female MC’s well-connected family.

We are treated to intimate, profound lyrics as our protagonist is an excellent lyricist. I loved this aspect. Clearly the author is gifted at more than novel writing.

I enjoyed the time setting, mentions of the Indigo Girls harmonies. The TV series of the late ’80s early ’90s. The self-reflection of the male protag reminded me that whichever gender, we have the same types of existential questions and concerns, especially as we’re finding our way and discovering ourselves. Stay in the “world” we grew up in? Or intentionally change, find a new “world,” and grow into a new life. Will we drag old bitterness with us into the new life we're striving for? These elements will resonate with readers of any age.

We have several themes, and here are some that stood out to me: kindness, unconditional care but with boundaries, calling friends to a higher level, overcoming lies we believe about ourselves. Even when life stops proving the lies we believe, we stay stuck. Even when circumstances improve, we can’t embrace the newness with positivity. So relatable—the strongest theme, I think.

Our heroine sees what the male MC can’t. I liked how strong she is, how well-adjusted. All her life she has missed people’s disapproving gaze. How insightful of the author to pinpoint an area that can be disabling for so many, especially those whose security depended on avoiding that disapproving gaze no matter what self-betrayal they must do. No matter what they must cooperate with—even the lies of their elders. 

As I wrote this review, revisiting the profound themes of this enjoyable story, I realized—I need more of this author’s books!

Highly recommended!

Authentically, Izzy by Pepper Basham

 

Authentically, Izzy by Pepper Basham

I’ve enjoyed epistolary novels in the past. They’re challenging to write because we don’t see the actions as they happen. Without narration readers may get a little confused. They require more concentration, in some ways.

Let’s begin with the summary:

Dear Reader, My name is Isabelle Louisa Edgewood—Izzy, for short. I live by blue-tinted mountains, where I find contentment in fresh air and books. Oh, and coffee and tea, of course. And occasionally in being accosted by the love of my family. (You’ll understand my verb choice in the phrase later.) I dream of opening my own bookstore, but my life, particularly my romantic history, has not been the stuff of fairy tales. Which is probably why my pregnant, misled, matchmaking cousin—who, really, is more like my sister—signed me up for an online dating community.

The trouble is . . . it worked. I’ve met my book-quoting Mr. Right, and our correspondence has been almost too good to be true. But Brodie lives across an ocean. And just the other day, a perfectly nice author and professor named Eli came into the library where I work and asked me out for a coffee. I feel a rom-com movie with a foreboding disaster nipping at my heels.

But I’ve played it safe for a long time. Maybe it’s time for me to be as brave as my favorite literary heroines. Maybe it’s time to take the adventures from the page to real life. Wish me luck.

Authentically,
Izzy

And now, my review:

I liked the characters, quirks and all. I really enjoyed the sibling dynamic. The author lost her brother before this novel was published, and my heart went out to her as I read her character “Luke’s” dialogue and saw his personality very clearly on the page through his words. I like to think this was a tribute from the author to her brother, and if it was, brava, my friend. Beautiful.

This story centers around books, with multiple literary references. It’s fun watching the heroine and hero relate via online chats. Relatable, in this era to meet someone online and “date” them though the characters live continents apart. Well-read bookworms will relish the references and delight in the subtext.

Fittingly, one of the themes was authenticity. Communicating online gives Izzy license to be real, which is refreshing. At times I could hear Pepper (a fellow ACFW member) defend Christian fiction through the characters’ words. Jesus used parables—stories—to touch hearts. Loved this aspect.

Given it’s epistolary format, readers may struggle to recall who’s who if they step away from this novel for any length of time.

This novel will especially appeal to readers who might enjoy a less formulaic romance.

Harvest Moon by Denise Hunter

 

Harvest Moon by Denise Hunter

It’s release day for this final book in the Riverbend Romance series.

Here’s the summary:

She thought he was arrogant. He thought her walls would never come down. Then they fell in love.

Forever walking the line between passion and conflict, Laurel and Gavin’s relationship ended in divorce after years of miscommunication and unmet expectations. Now pursuing their own separate lives and careers, the two are content . . . though not completely happy.

When their best friends, Mike and Mallory, are killed in a plane crash, Laurel and Gavin are stunned to learn they’ve been named guardians of their friends’ young daughter, Emma. Putting their differences aside, the estranged couple search for a suitable guardian as they care for Emma and manage Mike and Mallory’s apple orchard.

Soon tempers flare—as does the passion they both remember so well. And Laurel and Gavin find themselves working through their past—their mistakes, their miscommunications, and ultimately the tragedy that ended their marriage.

Will the seeds of love, still growing inside them, thrive and flourish? Or will grief and regret strangle the feelings before they can fully blossom?

And now, my review:

I was so excited to read this third book in the series because I knew it would focus on Gavin—the most mysterious family member. This novel reads fast!

I liked that this was a second-chance (reunion) romance. I recommend reading the earlier books in the series to get a clear picture of the family, though you may not be too lost if you begin here. Also, now that they are all out, you could read them back to back.

The hero and heroine’s shared mission brings out their loyalty to mutual friends, their nobility to care for the needy, and their protectiveness. They’re forced into close proximity, and motivated, at certain times, to let their guards down—something they’ve avoided for fifteen years. This helps them see each other differently. Because they have a painful past, they’ll need a different perspective in order to overcome the lies that caused division back then.

They haven’t admitted it to each other, or anyone really, but each of them has missed the other one. Being together in this season brings up both good and bad memories, and some of the good memories are full of their shared romance.

There’s a lot of pain to process, both in the present story and from the past, but the story doesn’t get too heavy.

Distrust, shame, guilt, and regret keep them apart, plus the pestering of Gavin’s nosy family. They’re trying to protect him from the severe brokenness he has only recently begun to overcome. This couple will have to recognize and battle their lies in order to envision a different future where they aren’t imprisoned by their baggage.

The heroine once dreamed of working at the Biltmore Estate’s gardens. I liked this setting and her interest in trees, orchards, plants. The hero has recently joined up with a fellow contractor to grow a new business, and his competence and recovery from the state he was in in books one and two was rewarding to watch.

There were tender moments and well-written characters. I loved it!

Highly recommended!