Courting Miss Amsel - Kim Vogel Sawyer

I GIVE THIS BOOK: 5 Stars
View all my reviews


Edythe Amsel is delighted with her first teaching assignment: a one-room schoolhouse in Walnut Hill, Nebraska. Independent, headstrong, and a firm believer in a well-rounded education, Edythe is ready to open the world to the students in this tiny community. But is Walnut Hill ready for her?


Having raised his nephews since their parents' untimely deaths, Joel Townsend is thrilled to learn the town council has hired a female teacher. His sons could use a woman's influence. But within the first week, Miss Amsel has the entire town up in arms over her outlandish teaching methods. Of course, Joel can't help but notice that she's also mighty pretty --- and just might make a good mother for his boys.


When Edythe decides to take her pupils to hear Miss Susan Anthony speak on the women's suffrage amendment, the town's outcry reaches new heights. Even Joel isn't sure he can support her newfangled ideas any longer. And if can't trust her to teach the boys, how can he trust her with his heart?


MY THOUGHTS
What a charming & entertaining book by Kim Vogel Sawyer. Edythe Amsel was such a lovable, endearing teacher & Joel Townsend was such a caring & charming caregiver to his two nephews. So many times while reading "Courting Miss Amsel" I felt as though this book was a slightly different "Little House on The Prairie". There are a quite a few similarities: Walnut Grove/Walnut Hill, Troublemaker Willie Olsen/Troublemaker William Sholes, Schoolteacher Miss Pringle/ Schoolteacher Edythe.


What I liked about this book:
How much Edythe cared for her students, I love the character of Luthenia, Edythe's landlady, how she always seemed to know exactly what to say to Edythe. I even liked how hardheaded Hank Libolt was towards Edythe, it made the story much more enjoyable.


What I didn't like about this book was how Joel fell so quickly in love with Edythe. From the moment Joel met Edythe he thought about how she would make a perfect wife and mother to his two nephews. Before he had even found out anything about her, he just assumed that she was a believer and when he found out that she wasn't, he just about called her a liar.


'Courting Miss Amsel' is a book I would read again & it is a book that I would completely recommend to anyone, especially those who enjoy historical romance.

Author's Website:

http://www.kimvogelsawyer.com/

Courting Miss Amsel

Interview & Giveaway - Deborah Lynne

Katie McCurdy has an interview with author Deborah Lynne and is giving away a copy of Lynne's book "Passion From the Heart" on her blog. Here's the link - http://katieslegacy.blogspot.com/2011/05/interview-giveaway-deborah-lynne.html.

100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011!

I joined this reading challenge to challenge myself. For the past five years I have made the goal of reading 100 books in a year, but have never reached that goal (though I have come very close). So I think that this will be the extra push I need to reach it.
I'll keep a list of all the books that I've read here, with links.

1. Psych: The Call of the Mild by William Rabkin
2. The Jewel of His Heart by Maggie Brendan
3. Anna's Return by Marta Perry
4. Pride And Prescience by Carrie Bebris
5. Gold of Kings by Davis Bunn
6. Suspense And Sensibility by Carrie Bebris
7. A Place of Peace by Amy Clipston
8. North By Northanger by Carrie Bebris
9. Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman
10. The Matters at Mansfield by Carrie Bebris
11. The Girl In The Gatehouse by Julie Klassen
12. Pemberley Ranch by Jack Caldwell
13. A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman
14. Psych: A Fatal Frame Of Mind by William Rabkin
15. The Amish Midwife by MindyStarnsClark & LeslieGould
16. Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller
17. An Improper Suitor by Monica Fairview
18. Indivisible: A Novel by Kristen Heitzmann
19. The Other Mr. Darcy by Monica Fairview
20. Hearts Aglow by Tracie Peterson
21. Mrs. Darcy's Dilemma by Diana Birchall
22. The Call of Zulina by Kay Marshall Strom
23. The Intrigue at Highbury by Carrie Bebris
24. The Voyage of Promise by Kay Marshall Strom
25. Charlotte Collins by Jennifer Becton
26. Thicker Than Blood - C.J. Darlington
27. Darcy's Voyage by Kara Louise
28. Heart of Lies by Jill Marie Landis
29. Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad
30. Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer
31. When Sparrows Fall by Meg Moseley
32. Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler
33. Princess Charming by Beth Pattillo
34. Two Brides Too Many by Mona Hodgson
35. Hope Rekindled by Tracie Peterson
36. The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper by Kathleen Y'Barbo
37. Wickham's Diary by Amanda Grange
38. What Would Mr. Darcy Do? by Abigail Reynolds
39. Anna Finch and the Hired Gun by Kathleen Y'Barbo
40. The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck by Kathleen Y'Barbo
41. When Lightning Strikes by Kay & Bobby Bronson
42. Inside Threat by Jason Elam & Steve Yohn
43. A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin
44. A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin
45. No Mo' Broke by Horace McMillon
46. Abe's Lucky Day by Jill Warren
47. Rippler by Cidney Swanson
48. Contingency by Paula Wiseman
49. Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin
50. Coffee at Little Angels by Nadine Rose Larter
51. Most Likely by Craig Hansen
52. Pirate of my Heart by Jamie Carie
53. Seers by Heather Frost
54. Healer by Linda Windsor
55. Passion to Action by Beth & Jay Loecken
56. First Sunday by Donald Elton
57. The Seraph Seal by Leonard Sweet & Lori Wagner
58. Megan's Secrets by Mike Cope
59. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson
60. North! Or, Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson
61. Prom & Prejudice by Elizabeh Eulberg
62. Seventh Day by E'yen A. Gardener
63. Catt Chasin' by Shana Burton
64. Monster in the Hollows by Andrew Peterson
65. Cherished by Kim Cash Tate
66. Waking Hours by Lis Wiehl
67. William & Kate: A Royal Love Story by Christopher Anderson
68. There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones
69. Reclaiming Lily by Patti Lacy
70. Becoming Me by Melody Carlson
71. Falling to Pieces by Vannetta Chapman
72. His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons
73. Carbavoid by Cindy Fleck Howlett
74. Tithing & How to Get There by Paul Stephenson
75. Peace at the Edge of Uncertainty by Neil Hanson
76. Amazing Grace...As Christ Walks By by Carol Cline
77. The "What's For Dinner?" Solution by Kathi Lipp
78. The Seed by Fola
79. A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner
80. Nightfall in Mogadishu by Veronica Li
81. Austenland by Shannon Hale
82. A Most Unsuitable Match by Stephanie Grace Whitson
83. Marian's Christmas Wish by Carla Kelly
84. Chameleon by Cidney Swanson
85. Definitely Not Mr. Darcy by Karen Doornebos
86. Sunrise on the Battery by Beth Webb Hart
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Historical Fiction Challenge 2011

I came across this reading challenge today and it sounds like a lot of fun! I decided to go for the "Severe Bookaholism" level. I have already read many historical books this year, so this shouldn't be a problem for me.  


Here are the five different reading levels you can choose from:

• Severe Bookaholism: 20 books
• Undoubtedly Obsessed: 15 books
• Struggling the Addiction: 10 books
• Daring & Curious: 5 books
• Out of My Comfort Zone: 2 books

I'll keep track of my progress here, with links to my reviews.

1. Pride And Prescience (Or, A Truth Universally Acknowledged) by Carrie Bebris (4 Stars) 
2. Suspense And Sensibility (Or, First Impressions Revisited) by Carrie Bebris (4 Stars)
3. North By Northanger (Or, The Shades of Pemberley) by Carrie Bebris (5 Stars)
4. The Matters at Mansfield (Or, The Crawford Affair) by Carrie Bebris (5 Stars)
5. The Girl In The Gatehouse by Julie Klassen (5 Stars)
6. Pemberley Ranch by Jack Caldwell (2 1/2 Stars)
7. A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman (5 Stars)
8. An Improper Suitor by Monica Fairview (5 Stars)
9. The Other Mr. Darcy by Monica Fairview (4 1/2 Stars)
10. Hearts Aglow - Tracie Peterson (5 Stars)
11. Mrs. Darcy's Dilemma - Diana Birchall (2 1/2 Stars)
12. The Call of Zulina - Kay Marshall Strom (2 1/2 Stars)
13. The Intrigue at Highbury: (Or, Emma's Match) by Carrie Bebris (5 Stars)
14. The Voyage of Promise - Kay Marshall Strom (4 Stars)
15. Charlotte Collins: A Continuation Of Jane Austen - Jennifer Becton (5 Stars)
16. Darcy's Voyage by Kara Louise (5 Stars)
17. Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer (5 Stars)
18. Wickham's Diary by Amanda Grange (5 Stars)
19. What Would Mr. Darcy Do? by Abigail Reynolds (4 Stars)
    
20. His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons (4 1/2 Stars)
21. A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner (5 Stars)
22. The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck by Kathleen Y'Barbo (5 Stars) 

Ireland Reading Challenge 2011

I came across this reading challenge today and even though I will be starting this late,  I think it sounds like a lot of fun. 


The challenge has three commitment levels:


Shamrock level: 2 books
Luck o’ the Irish level: 4 books
Kiss the Blarney Stone level: 6 books


I am choosing the Shamrock level: 2 books.


For the complete details and to sign-up yourself here is the link - Ireland Reading Challenge 2011 .

Darcy's Voyage: A Tale of Uncharted Love on the Open Seas - Kara Louise

In this enchanting and highly original retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet sets out for the new world aboard the grand ship Pemberley's Promise. She's prepared for an uneventful voyage until a chance encounter with the handsome, taciturn Mr. Darcy turns her world upside down.

When Elizabeth falls ill, Darcy throws convention overboard in a plan that will bind them to each other more deeply than he ever could have imagined.

But the perils of their ocean voyage pale in comparison to the harsh reality of society's rules that threaten their chance at happiness. When they return to the lavish halls of England, will their love survive?


I GIVE THIS BOOK: 5 Stars


MY THOUGHTS
'Darcy's Voyage' was such a delightful story, that I just couldn't put it down. To me, this is one of the best 'Pride & Prejudice' sequels/retellings that I have ever read. It is so different from the original and yet keeps the authenticity of the classic story that we know and love.

When Darcy and Elizabeth first meet, it is on a carriage where at first they are annoyed by one another, but soon they become quite comfortable with each other. When Darcy exits the carriage, to finish his trip in his personal carriage that is waiting for him, they both realize that they never got the other's name.

The story then jumps ahead two years to when Elizabeth, who is going to visit her Aunt & Uncle Gardiner in America, again meets Mr. Darcy aboard Pemberley's Promise where they literally bump into one another on two different occasions - though neither of them remember that they had met two years before. Darcy is traveling to America to escort his sister Georgiana home, whose companion has had a family emergency and can't leave America for a unknown amount of time.

Elizabeth cares for the women in steerage who have fallen ill, even giving up her bunk to one of them - she then sleeps on the floor! Darcy keeps noticing Elizabeth, that she cares for her fellow passengers welfare; that she, unlike the rest of the women aboard ship, seems to take little notice of him and that she enjoys taking early morning walks. While on one of these walks, Darcy joins Elizabeth and they begin to converse. After a few days of early morning walks together, they realize that they have a lot in common and that they really enjoy each other's company. With most of the original cast of characters not aboard ship (i.e. Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Wickham, Miss Bingley and Lady Catherine de Bourgh), Darcy and Elizabeth are able to fall in love without anyone or anything to hinder them - though neither lets the other know of their feelings. When Elizabeth falls ill, Darcy is so deeply concerned for her welfare that he makes a most unusual proposal.

I won't get into too much detail about the rest of the story or I might give too much away, but I thought that the characters were very well written and that the story makes you want to keep reading until you reach the end. The story flawlessly intertwines many parts of the original story, such as the conversation where Darcy says that his"good opinion once lost is lost forever".  I loved how even with such a twist in the story, it somehow stays true to Jane Austen's style of writing - you feel as though these are the real Elizabeth and Darcy, just in a different situation and not just someone's interpretation of them.

Darcy's Voyage has now become my favorite Jane Austen fan fiction book. I absolutely love this book and it is one that I could & will read again and again. I highly recommend that you read this book, especially if you love 'Pride & Prejudice' fan fiction books.  I hope that this is one that you will love as much as I do.

AUTHOR'S WEBSITES
http://karalouise.ahhhs.net/
http://www.austenauthors.com/

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOMS IN THE WORLD. I HOPE THIS DAY IS FILLED WITH FAMILY,  LAUGHTER, JOY AND HAPPINESS. THIS VIDEO BROUGHT A SMILE TO MY FACE AND I HOPE IT WILL BRING ONE TO YOURS AS WELL. HAVE A WONDERFUL MOTHER'S DAY!!!!

The Sister Wife by Diane Noble

I read this book about a year ago and it was a book that I loved.  If I remember correctly I believe I read this book in one night, staying up into the wee hours of the morning because I didn't want to put it down. If you want to read a book that captures your attention and never lets it go, you should read The Sister Wife by Diane Noble. Even though it has been over a year since I read this book, it remains fresh in my mind. Also this is a book that I could read again and want to read it again soon. This is a fantastic book that I highly recommend. I am awaiting the second book in this series and hope it is just as great as the first one was.


I give this book . 


The Brides of Gabriel Series

1. The Sister Wife: Brides of Gabriel (Book One) by Diane Noble
2. The Betrayal: Brides of Gabriel (Book Two) by Diane Noble (will be available July 26, 2011)

Author's website
http://www.dianenoble.com/

FREE KINDLE BOOKS

A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer  (I have read this one, it is GREAT!!!)


Relentless (Dominion Trilogy #1) by Robert Parrish


Too Close to Home (Women of Justice Series #1) by Lynette Eason


Disaster Status by Candace Calvert


It Happens Every Spring (The Four Seasons of a Marriage Series #1) by Catherine Palmer & Gary Chapman


Making Waves: A Novel by Lorna Seilstad


Invisible (Ivy Malone Mystery Series #1) by Lorena McCourtney (I have read this one, it is very good)


Hide in Plain Sight by Marta Perry


Homespun Bride by Jillian Hart


When Night Falls by Margaret Daley


A Very Special Delivery by Linda Goodnight


Love Me If You Must (Patricia Amble Mystery Series #1) by Nicole Young


Fools Rush In (Weddings by Bella, Book 1) by Janice Thompson


Daughter of Joy (Brides of Culdee Creek, Book 1) by Kathleen Morgan


Stuck in the Middle (Sister-to-Sister, Book 1) by Virginia Smith


The Call of Zulina by Kay Marshall Strom (I have read this one, click here to see my review)


Light of Eidon (Legends of the Guardian-King, Book 1) by Karen Hancock


Craving God: A 21-Day Devotional Challenge


Two Wars by Nate Self

Thicker Than Blood - C.J. Darlington

Christy Williams never imagined that a stolen Hemingway first edition would lead her back to the sister she left fifteen years ago.But when things begin to unravel, she finds herself on May's doorstep, fearing for her life.


After a bittersweet reunion, will the two discover that some hurts can't be healed, or is there a tie that's thicker than blood?


I give this book: 5 Stars

My Thoughts:

"Thicker Than Blood" is a great read and I couldn't put it down, I finished it in one night. I really enjoyed reading this book and I am looking forward to reading her next book "Bound By Guilt". 

Author's Website:

www.cjdarlington.com

Charlotte Collins: A Continuation Of Jane Austen - Jennifer Becton

Charlotte Collins: A Continuation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice
by Jennifer Becton

                                          View all my reviews


(From back cover)


When Charlotte Lucas married Mr. Collins in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, she believed herself to be fortunate indeed. Her nuptials gained her a comfortable home and financial security. If she acquired these things at the expense of true love, it did not matter one whit. To Charlotte, love in marriage was nothing more than a pleasant coincidence.


As the years of her marriage dragged by, Charlotte began to question her idea of love as she suffered continual embarrassment at her husband's simpering and fawning manners. When Mr. Collins dies, finally relieving everyone of his tedious conversations, she must work feverishly to secure her income and home. She gives no further thought to the prospect of love until her flighty sister Maria begs her to act as her chaperone in place of their ailing parents. Hoping to prevent Maria from also entering an unhappy union, Charlotte agrees, and they are quickly thrust into a world of country dances, dinner parties, and marriageable gentlemen.


But when an unprincipled gentleman compromises Charlotte's reputation, her romantic thoughts disappear at the prospect of losing her independence. As she struggles to extricate herself from her slander, her situation reveals both the nature of the gentleman of her acquaintance and of true love.


I give this book: 5 Stars

My thoughts
I recently discovered "Charlotte Collins: A Continuation Of Jane Austen". This is the first book that I have seen that was focused on Charlotte and I knew that this was a book that I had to read. Charlotte is one of the characters from Pride & Prejudice that I always wanted to know more about. And after finishing the novel, I am delighted to say that I absolutely enjoyed reading Charlotte Collins much more than I even thought I would. Jennifer Becton brought Charlotte to life for me, by making her personality show through more . I saw a more caring, feeling & lovable side to Charlotte (Lucas) Collins that I personally never saw before. I feel like I know Charlotte so much better now. I loved this book from start to finish and I think that this author is an excellent story-teller. I am looking forward to reading Jennifer Becton's next novel Caroline Bingley, which should be available soon. Also I would love to read even more about Charlotte & Maria in future books, even if it is just a small part in the book giving an update on their lives.


Author's website
http://bectonliterary.com/


Jennifer Becton is on Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/JenniferBecton


A short sequel
Maria Lucas: A Short Story in the Personages of Pride & Prejudice Collection [Kindle Edition]

The Voyage of Promise - Kay Marshall Strom

The Voyage of Promise by Kay Marshall Strom

View all my reviews

(From back cover)

She is safe, and she is free...
but she is still alone.


--------------West Africa, 1792-----------------

Slavers burst into Grace Winslow's life with guns blazing and tear her family apart forever. She watches in anguish as her husband is led in chains aboard a tightly packed slave ship bound for America. An old enemy has a more sinister plan for Grace and prepares her for a different kind of servitude in London. But Grace will not be enslaved. And she will not give up on the man she loves. In her determination to be reunited with her husband, she finds God reaching out to her.


This is the second book in the "Grace in Africa" series.


I give this book: 4 Stars




My Thoughts:
I thought that "The Voyage Of Promise" was so much more enjoyable than the first book in the series, "The Call Of Zulina", and well worth my time to read it. I plan on reading the third book "The Triumph Of Grace" soon and hope it is as good as this book was to read. 


Author's Websites:
http://www.kaystrom.com/
http://graceinafrica.com/

The Intrigue at Highbury: (Or, Emma's Match) by Carrie Bebris

The Intrigue at Highbury by Carrie Bebris

View all my reviews

(From inside cover)

       On a dark road outside the village of Highbury, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy's carriage is hailed by a damsel in distress. Ever the gentleman, Fitzwilliam Darcy stops to aid the young woman, little suspecting that gypsies roam these woods, or that both the Darcys' possessions and the woman are about to vanish into the night.


       The Darcys seek out the parish magistrate, who is having a difficult evening of his own. Mr. Knightley and his new wife, the former Miss Emma Woodhouse, are hosting a party to honor the marriage of their friends Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax. The celebration turns sinister, however, when Edgar Churchill, uncle and adoptive father of the groom, suddenly falls ill and dies. The cause of death: poison.


       The circumstances of another recent death in the Churchill family lead Mr. Knightley to suspect that Mr. Churchill's demise was no accident. When connections between the robbery and murder emerge, the Darcys and Knightleys join forces to investigate the crimes. Together they must work quickly to locate the source of the poison and the murderer'd motive---before the killer strikes again.


       The Darcys take center stage as the Regency era's answer to The Thin Man's Nick and Nora. searching for truth between teatimes, amidst the social whirl of Jane Austen's England.


This is the fifth book in "A Mr. & Mrs Darcy Mystery" Series.


I give this book: 5 Stars


My Thoughts
The Intrigue At Highbury captured my attention right away and kept it throughout the book. I didn't want to put this down and it kept me guessing until the end. A very enjoyable story and an excellent book!


Author's Website:
http://www.carriebebris.com/




"A Mr. & Mrs. Darcy Mystery" Series:

1. Pride & Prescience: (Or, A Truth Universally Acknowledged)
2. Suspense & Sensibility: (Or, First Impressions Revisited)
3. North & Northanger: (Or, The Shades Of Pemberley)
4. The Matters at Mansfield: (Or, The Crawford Affair)
5. The Intrigue At Highbury: (Or, Emma's Match)
6. The Deception At Lyme: (Or, The Peril Of Persuasion) (Will be available on 9/27/11)

The Call of Zulina - Kay Marshall Strom

Book 1 in the "Grace in Africa" series.

The Call of Zulina by
          Kay Marshall Strom
                    View all my reviews     
        



  (From Back Cover)

The daughter of slave traders helps lead a revolt against injustice.

----------West Africa, 1781----------

Grace Winslow, the daughter of a mixed marriage between an English sea captain and an African princess, is swept up in a slave revolt after she escapes the family compound to avoid an odious betrothal.

As the truth about the fortress of Zulina unfolds, Grace begins to grasp the brutality and ferocity of the family business - the capture and trade of slaves.

Despite being held for ransom, viciously maimed by a runaway slave, and threatened with death, Grace sympathizes with the plight of the captives. She is especially moved by the African Cabeto's passion, determination, and willingness to sacrifice anything, including his own life, for his people's freedom. Leaning on the faith of her nanny Mama Muco, Grace risks everything to follow her heart.


I give this book: 2 Stars


My Thoughts:


The majority of this story takes place in the fortress of Zulina and the story seemed to just drag on forever. There were parts of it I enjoyed but overall I didn't and I had to force myself to just finish it. The book ends in such a way that I plan on reading the next book (even though most of "The Call Of Zulina" was so boring) because it just left me hanging and I hate not knowing what happens. If anyone has read this book and has a different opinion than the one I have, leave a comment and explain your thoughts on this book. I personally would not recommend "The Call Of Zulina" to anyone.


Author's Websites:
http://www.kaystrom.com/
http://graceinafrica.com/

Mrs. Darcy's Dilemma - Diana Birchall

Mrs. Darcy's Dilemma by Diana Birchall

View all my reviews

(From Back Cover)

It seemed a harmless invitation, after all...

When Mrs. Darcy invited her sister Lydia's daughters to come for a visit, she felt it was a small kindness she could do for her poor nieces. Little did she imagine the upheaval that would ensue. But with her elder son, the Darcys' heir, in danger of losing his heart, a theatrical scandal threatening to engulf them all, and daughter Jane on the verge of her come-out, the Mistress of Pemberley must make some difficult decisions...


I give this book: 2 1/2 Stars

My Thoughts:

While I enjoyed this book, I thought at times it was annoying and Mr. & Mrs. Darcy didn't behave as I would have expected them to behave. "Mrs. Darcy's Dilemma" was just OK.

Hearts Aglow - Tracie Peterson

Hearts Aglow by Tracie Peterson

View all my reviews

(From Back Cover)

Will love remain elusive for the matchmaker?


Life in Perkinsville, Texas, holds great promise for Deborah Vandermark. Content in the embrace of her family, she pursues her medical studies under the tutelage of Dr. Christopher Clayton and delights in the growing affection between them. Yet when tragedy casts a shadow over life in this logging town, Deborah is unprepared for the difficulties that follow.

When a letter from his family sets Christopher in a tailspin, Deborah's carefully laid plans falter. And the arrival of Jake Wythe only adds to her growing uncertainty. As she struggles against the forces of the past and the Texas land itself, will Deborah be forced to turn her back on the love taking root in her heart?

I give this book: 5 Stars
     

My Thoughts:

I absolutely love all of the books that I have read by Tracie Peterson and when I started reading this series I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. "Hearts Aglow" is the second book in the "Striking A Match" series. The first book "Embers Of Love" must be read first because these books are a continuing story . Tracie Peterson is one of the best Christian fiction authors ( if not the best) and she is my favorite author. I totally recommend "Embers Of Love" & "Hearts Aglow" and I would be very much surprised if anyone did not enjoy these books.

Authors Website:

http://www.traciepeterson.com/

The Other Mr. Darcy by Monica Fairview

The Other Mr. Darcy by Monica Fairview

View all my reviews

(From back cover)

Did you know Mr. Darcy had an American cousin?

When Caroline Bingley collapses to the floor and sobs at Mr. Darcy's wedding, imagine her humiliation to discover that a stranger has witnessed her emotional display. Miss Bingley, understandably, resents this unknown gentleman very much, even if he is Mr. Darcy's American cousin.

Mr. Robert Darcy is as charming as Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy is proud, and he is stunned to find a beautiful young woman weeping brokenheartedly at his cousin's wedding. Such depth of love, he thinks, is rare and precious. For him, it's love at first sight. Alas, regaining her good graces seems an impossible mission, and he is left to hope that someday their paths will cross again.


I give this book: 4 Stars




My Thoughts:
"The Other Mr. Darcy"  was a pleasure to read. I loved how the author adds another "Mr. Darcy" to the story. The character of Mr. Robert Darcy was excellently written and in this book you see a completely different side to Caroline Bingley. A great book to read and I very much recommend it.


Author's Website:
http://www.monicafairview.co.uk/


Author's Blog:
http://www.austenauthors.com/

Indivisible: A Novel by Kristen Heitzmann

Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann

View all my reviews

(From back cover)

An Inseparable Bond.
An Insatiable Force.

Battling his own personal demons, Police Chief Jonah Westfall has experienced the dark side of life and is committed to eradicating it. When a pair of raccoons are found mutilated in Redford, Colorado, Jonah investigates the gruesome act, seeking to unmask the perpetrator before the crime escalates and destroys the tranquility of his small mountain town. Jonah fights for answers - and his fragile sobriety - amid a rising drug threat and never-ending conflict with Tia Manning, a formidable childhood friend with whom he has more than a passing history.

But he can't penetrate every wound or secret - especially one fueled by a love and guilt teetering on madness.

From best-selling author Kristen Heitzmann comes a spellbinding tale of severed connections and the consequences of life lived alone.


I give this book: 3 Stars

My Thoughts:


"Indivisible" is a book that kept me guessing almost to the end on some things and very predictable on quite a few other things, but overall a good read.

An Improper Suitor by Monica Fairview

Improper Suitor by Monica Fairview

View all my reviews

(From back cover)

A lady in possession of an independent fortune has no need for a husband. Secure in that belief, Miss Julia Swifton makes no attempt to find one, even after three seasons in London. That is until her grandmother, an advocate of women's rights, rises from her deathbed and threatens to marry her to Lord Thorwynn, a notorious rake. Shocked into action, Julia launches a search for an intelligent, scholarly husband who will suit her. Fortunately, she has a companion - even if Lord Thorwynn is the last person she would ever want to marry.


I give this book: 5 Stars


My Thoughts:


I enjoyed reading "An Improper Suitor" very much and I loved the interaction between Julia Swifton and Lord Thorwynn. This was a great book!!!


Author's Website:
http://www.monicafairview.co.uk/


Author's Blog:
http://www.austenauthors.com/