Montana Groom

Montana Groom of Convenience

Linda Ford

Carly's father has backed her into a corner. He said if she doesn't get married, she won't inherit the ranch that she's been running ever since he was injured. As she sits in the diner complaining to her friend, Sawyer overhears. Sawyer has just received custody of his orphaned little sister and has no clue how to raise a girl. He offers Carly a solution that he thinks will help both of them out of their predicaments. Can the two fool everyone long enough to get what they both want?

This was a sweet story with a predictable ending. But even though I knew how it would end, I enjoyed the story getting there. The author did a great job of weaving faith, romance, drama, and family together to create an enjoyable story. The characters were entertaining and the secondary characters were just as amusing and deep as the two main people. The author did a great job of portraying the difficulties and blessings of a blended family. Overall, this was a sweet, romantic story that would be enjoyed by readers who enjoy clean, historical romance with elements of faith.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Compromised by the Prince's Touch

Compromised by the Prince's Touch

Bronwyn Scott

Prince Nikolay is exiled from his country of Russian because of his part in a rebellion. He's living in London with his friends, but misses his homeland so much. So when the Russian Ambassador's daughter asks for riding lessons, he agrees. He knows that he shouldn't, but he can't resist her smile. The plot thickens when he meets an earl associated with the ambassador and learns that another rebellion is afoot in Russia. He must play his cards carefully or he'll be accused of treason and lose his life and those he loves.

This book would probably be classified as a romance. But it was full of drama, suspense, and intrigue. There were spies, plots, traps, and politics involved throughout the entire story. The romance was an integral part, but was part of the intrigue. There were some bedroom scenes for those who prefer to read more clean novels. For some reason, despite all of the drama, I just couldn't get into the story. The two main characters didn't seem to connect or fit together well and I think this threw off the plot for me. I think readers who enjoy historical romance with suspense will enjoy the story. And since this author has always been a favorite in the past, I will continue to read her stories and assume this one just wasn't my style.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

His Frontier Christmas Family

His Frontier Christmas Family

Frontier Bachelors #7

Regina Scott

Every single man in Callie's life has abandoned her or broken a promise. Now she's left caring for her younger siblings and her little orphan niece. When a minister named Levi shows up claiming to be her brother's friend and niece's guardian, she's scared. But with no other options, she joins him at his home for Christmas. When strange things start happening, Levi must confront his past and help solve the mystery before Callie is taken from him.

This was a nice addition to the series. I've read book 5 and 6 so I had a little idea of the concept of the town the families were creating and how Levi fit into the story. I don't really think it works well as a stand-alone. I would recommend starting from the beginning. I enjoyed the plot and the little bit of suspense the author wove into the story. I had a hard time connecting to the main characters, but the children stole the show. Overall, this was a fun story, but not my favorite by this author.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Brides of Minnesota

Brides of Minnesota

Lena Nelson Dooley

A Swedish family settles in Minnesota and helps settle the town. The brother's find love in unexpected ways as they navigate their new country. Three novellas written by one author are all written about the same family and town, but can be read as stand-alone stories. Each story focuses on one couple and their journey to love. The author weaves in elements of faith and romance to bring together a sweet book that will be enjoyed by readers of clean, historical fiction.

I really enjoyed this book. I've read a couple other novellas that included stories by this author, but this was the first entire book I'd read by her. I really enjoyed her writing style and look forward to reading more of her books. I think these stories, or at least one of them, was pulled from a previous book. Each story was well written and had intertwining characters that stood out and had depth. I would recommend this book if you enjoy clean romance and sweet plots.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Christmas Ranch Rescue

Christmas Ranch Rescue

Wrangler's Corner #5

Lynette Eason and Lauryn Eason

 Nathan, a DEA agent, is being sent back home to investigate his friend, a girl he'd been in love with, for drug trafficking. He can't imagine that she's involved. He also hopes to reconnect with his family, especially his father. But when Becca witnesses a murder and become a target, he needs to protect her and find the killer before she's murdered as well.

This was a fast paced story that started out with a major scene and didn't really let up the entire book. There is a strong sense of faith and family woven into the story along with elements of romance. I've only read one other book in this series, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment and I didn't feel like I was missing anything. Although I definitely plan on going back and reading the others books to catch up. The author left some openings for other characters to have their own story. I loved how she tied everything up in the end. Overall, this was a great story and I look forward to reading the next one.

 

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

The Calico and Cowboys Romance Collection

The Calico and Cowboys Romance Collection

Mary Connealy

The author has written eight novellas that are full of lighthearted adventure in the Old West. Each story is a stand-alone, but I have read some of the stories in other anthologies or they were a part of a previously read series. The ones that belonged to the series were using secondary characters that needed their own story, but it wasn't enough to make into a whole book. They all tied together by using one family as the main theme throughout. Even the one story that was contemporary had the Hardin family in its family tree. Each story was sweet, romantic, clean, historical, amusing, and faith based. While I enjoyed all of them, since I love this author, I did have a couple of favorites. His Surprise Family and and Hope for Christmas were my two favorites.

This author does a great job of setting the scene so that the reader feels a part of what is happening. Each story is all about romance, but there is some intrigue and drama as well. And each story has family and faith at the very heart. While faith is a very strong element, the reader doesn't feel preached to. The faith is a part of the characters and their lives. So while the characters are flawed, they are authentic and relatable. I really enjoy reading this author's books and can't wait for the next one.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

The Second Chance Bride Collection

The Second Chance Bride Collection
Lauralee Bliss, Liz Tolsma, Pam Hillman, Pamela Griffin, Laura Hilton, 
Angela Breidenback Tiffany Stockton, Grace Hitchcock, Romona Cecil


Nine brides are given a second chance at love in these nine short stories. Each story is written by a different author and is tied with the other stories by the theme of second chances, faith, Love, and family. Each novella showcases the individual authors writing style and gives you a glimpse into what a full length would be like. The stories are perfect for when you only have a short time to read and want to get lost in romance and sweet plots. I enjoyed all of the stories, although a couple were my favorites.

If you enjoy clean romance, stories about redemption and second chances, and finding new authors, than you’ll love this book. It would also make an excellent gift for the bookworm in your life.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

The Captive Brides Collection

The Captive Brides Collection

Susan Page Davis, Jennifer AlLee, Cynthia Hickey, Darlene Franklin, 

Angela Breidenbach, Patty Hall, Lucy Thompson, Carrie Pagels, Gina Wellborn

Nine authors have written historical novellas that all center around the theme of captivity or servant type relationships. Each story is a stand-alone and only ties in with the others by the topic of captivity. Each author brings her own personal style of writing to the book and offers a great opportunity to discover a new author or catch a short story by a favorite author.

I really enjoyed these stories. Some were better than others, but all of them fit well together. I love the chance to pick up the book and read a short story, but not have to be lost if I can't get back to the book quickly. Each story brings faith, clean romance, and flawed, but good relationships to create a sweet, romantic stories that lovers of historical fiction will fall in love with.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

The Austen Escape

The Austen Escape

Katherine Reay

Mary likes her life all wrapped up neatly and orderly. She works for an amazing engineering firm, although recently work hasn't been great. She has a good relationship with her dad and loves helping him with his business. But when he puts pressure on her to accept a trip from her estranged child hood friend, she isn't feeling very grateful. Once on the trip, life takes some turns that Mary never expected. She learns to open up and let go, things that haven't been a part of her in the past.

This novel has 3 main characters that play a huge part in the story. But the secondary characters are just as strong and really add to the depth. This was what I'd call a thinking book. It has a great plot that didn't go where I expected it, and some amazing lines. The characters were authentic and deep. But the best part for me was the emotional and mental changes the author took the character Mary through in her journey back in time as she experienced the trip with her friend. While the romance isn't strong and it took me a while to get the chemistry between both couples, it really wasn't a huge part of the story for me, so I wasn't disappointed. I finished the book liking it way more than when I was about half way through. There is something captivating about it that I just can't put into words. If you are a fan of Austen or love contemporary stories with unusual plots than you'll love this book.

I received a copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own.

My Fair Lord

My Fair Lord#1

Once Upon a Bride

Wilma Counts

Henrietta has turned down quite a few proposals. She knows the men are in love with her wealth and not her. Because of this, she assumes she'll never marry. When her stepsister goads her in to accepting a dare, she heads to the docks to choose a man that she can change into a gentleman to win the bet. If she loses, she'll lose her beloved horse. But she doesn't realize that Jake is not an ordinary dock worker. He's undercover for his country and now must play the part of a low born dock worker when in his natural environment. It just might be the act of a lifetime.

This was such a fun and entertaining story. The characters fit well with each other. There were some slightly suspenseful moments, humor, and sweet romance. There are a couple of "bedroom scenes", but the book is mainly about the interactions of the main female character and her family and the man she's training to be a gentleman. The story ended well, but left an opening for the next book in the series. I thought the author wrote a great romance and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Mail-Order Christmas Baby

Mail-Order Christmas Baby

Montana Courtships #1

Sherri Shackleford

Sterling, a rancher, is at the train depot to pick up some sheep that he ordered. But there is another package waiting for him. It's addressed to him and a single young lady in town. But who in the world would deliver a baby by train? Especially considering the baby doesn't belong to him or Miss Heather. And too bad that a crowd of people see the note attached to the darling little baby and assume it's Miss Heather's since they share the same beautiful red hair.

This book was so fun to read. It was set historically in a small won in the west and followed all of the things that great stories do - there was marriage, adorable children, a "bad" guy out to ruin them, faith, and family. The author really brought out the strengths in the two main characters while showing that they were flawed and in need of a savior. The story was tied up nicely at the end, and yet left an opening for the next book in the series. I look forward to reading it and many more books by this author.

I received a copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Lord Hunter's Cinderella Heiress

Lord Hunter's Cinderella Heiress

Lara Temple

Helen is wonderful with horses and can hold her own with anyone in that area. But place her in front of her shrewish aunt and bullying father and she crumples. But finally one day she snaps and stands up to her aunt's hatefulness. The next day she rushes back to school, unaware that the man she met the previous day, when showing him a horse, will be the person to save her from her awful family.

This was a unique twist on the whole Cinderella plot; no sisters or glass slipper involved. The characters were well defined and fit well with the story. The author did a great job of capturing the time period and I felt the chemistry between the main couple was romantic. This is the first book in the series and I look forward to reading the next ones.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

The Regency Brides Collection

The Regency Brides Collection

 Seven authors come together to tell stories of romance and faith in England during the Regency period. Each young lady searches for a lasting love based on faith and friendship. Each author brings her distinct writing style to these faith based, romantic stories. Each story brings humor, suspense, drama, love of family, faith or intrigue that makes this an enjoyable and fun book.

I loved each of the stories, but one of them was my very favorite. A couple of them didn't have the distinct feel that regency romance typically has, but all of them were well written and had the feel of clean romantic relationships. I loved the romance of each of these stories. Whoever put these particular authors together did a great job, so that the reader enjoys a different type of story, but all the same genre. This book would be  perfect for the busy person who has little time to read so needs a short story. It would also make an excellent gift for Christmas.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Brides of Kansas

Brides of Kansas (50 States of Love)
Tracey V. Bateman

The first story begins with a young woman who is trying to raise her little niece. When she's stranded in a small town due to lack of funds, she finds an advertisement for a wife and agrees to marry a stranger with children. After some difficulties, the two learn to manage their home together and have a possibility at love. The second two stories take the younger generation and tell their story of love in Kansas.

I'd read a couple of these stories previously, but enjoyed reading them again and together in one book. I think it's great that the publisher is reissuing these older books and putting them together in a collection. The book is part of a series by different authors. Each book is a Christian romance set in a different state. The author does a great job of weaving family, faith, and love into a light-hearted, romantic story.The characters were authentic and stood out despite the large number of family and town people added to the plot. There were a couple of times in several of the books that I wasn't crazy about (plot twists, characteristics of people, ways of handling a situation), but overall, I enjoyed the books and would read more by this author.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Montana Bride by Christmas

Montana Bride by Christmas

Linda Ford

Hugh, a minister, has finally located his missing son. He can't keep a nanny and so he does the next best thing. He advertises for a wife. But when Annie applies for the position, Hugh is reluctant to accept her offer. He's seen Annie in the past and he doesn't trust that she'll stay and be responsible. His son has some severe issues stemming from the trauma he experienced while missing and Hugh needs a mature, responsible woman who can help his son speak again. Annie convinces him to agree to a trail period and moves her grandfather and herself into his home. Both will need to learn patience and trust as they work together for his precious son.

This was a unique start to the whole marriage of convenience type story. I loved the grandfather and the little boy and how they added depth to the story. The writer did a great job of creating interesting and authentic characters. She wove the important messages of faith, trust, and reliance on God into the plot without making it come across as a sermon. The book is clearly part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed this book and look forward to more by this author.

I received a copy of this book by NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Christmas on the Ranch

Christmas on the Ranch

Arlene James, Lois Richer

Two Christmas stories, written by two different authors, share only the theme in this little book about romance, faith, family, forgiveness, and the holiday season. The first story is about miscommunication, a second chance at family, and judging by appearances. I enjoyed the unique plot, the message of forgiveness, and the way it was wrapped up in the end.
The second story is also about second chances. The plot was sweet, heartwarming, and all about small town living. I enjoyed how the author portrayed the good and sometimes frustrating aspects of small town living. The romance between the couple was sweet. And the message of faith was woven throughout the story seamlessly. Overall, it was an enjoyable book that put me in the mood for Christmas.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Brides of Montana

Brides of Montana

Kelly Eileen Hake

Three young women from three different generations face hardships and obstacles in their path to love in Montana. But love and faith have a way of winning in the end, and each one finds the man who will stand the test of time and make them the bride.

I enjoy this author's writing style and so knew I would enjoy this set of novellas. Each story can be read alone, but all tied to a small town and a generational family that began with the first story. I enjoyed each story and felt the romance and sense of family was spot on with each couple. Each one had authentic characters that while flawed, showed their faith in God and the importance of family. I did get a bit confused into the second story because of the added numbers of people. Otherwise, I loved the book and can't wait to read more by this author.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

A Convenient Bride

A Convenient Bride for the Soldier

Christine Merrill

Georgiana is horrified when her father and step-mother give her the ultimatum. She must marry her step-mother's cousin. It's time she wed and they don't see why she's rejecting him. But Georgiana has heard horrible things about him and decides to enter a pleasure house to catch him in the act. Little does she know that he wants her for her dowry just as much as he wants her for other, more horrifying things. But her plans go awry and Captain Challenger rushes to the rescue. The outcome is not what either wanted. But they must make the best of it and move forward.

I love regency fiction so picked this book hoping it was all about romance and intrigue. It was, but there seemed to be missing the usual element from the typical regency romance that I enjoy. That isn't to say it wasn't a fun book, it just didn't really fit my style. The author did a great job of creating tension and angst. But the chemistry between the two was slightly off to me. The majority of the book was focused on their relationship, or lack of it, and Mr. Challenger's business issues. I would have preferred less angst and fighting and more connections. So overall, this was a nice story to read, but it didn't really fit with what I was hoping it would be.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Don't Open til Christmas

Don't Open til Christmas

Evergreen Lane #3

Sierra Donovan

Brett is chomping to get his teeth into some real journalism and be challenged in his job. So when his boss is relocated to another paper for a few months, Brett jumps at the chance to take his job. Right before he leaves, his boss hires one of the free lance writers to fill Brett's place. Chloe supplements her writing with working at the local diner. So she's thrilled to land the opportunity for a full time writing job at the paper. But Brett is not the easiest boss to work for. He embodies Scrooge and Chloe loves Christmas. It's not looking like the two of them will ever work out their differences to create a nice working environment, let alone be friends.

This was a good story. It had lots of feels, tension between the two main characters, family, and a tiny bit of drama. It was your typical contemporary romance that has an assured ending. But I think the author did a great job of creating chemistry between the characters. The secondary characters played well with the plot and were authentic. There were several little side stories or characters that led me to believe this might be in a series, but the book worked well as a stand-alone. I enjoyed reading this and will be interested to see what else the author has written.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Courting Danger with Mr. Dyer

Courting Danger with Mr. Dyer

Georgie Lee

Mr. Dyer is working as a spy for the government. He needs to get into the home of a certain high ranking woman. And the only person is the woman who jilted him years ago. Moira is now a widow and can respectably get him the information he needs. But it will put her life at risk. He's already gambled and lost her once.

This was a unique plot. I was expecting more balls and romance. And while it did have some of that, it also had intrigue, suspense, and drama. I'd read another book by Ms. Lee and really enjoyed it. And while this one was set in the same time period, it was completely different. So it was nice to see another side of the writer's style. This book would interest anyone who enjoys a good historical suspense with a little romance thrown in. There are a few more risque scenes, but it wasn't a bodice ripper at all. Overall, fun story that I enjoyed and I look forward to reading more by this author.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.