The Christmas Secret

The Christmas Secret

A Cherry Lake Christmas

Jeannie Watt

Lil is tired of the sympathy and looks she's been receiving. She hates sympathy. But everyone is feeling sorry for her since her former fiance is getting married on the very date that he was supposed to marry Lil. Lil is over him, but the sympathy is getting to be a bit much. So she heads for the family cabin in the mountains to get away. The last person she wants to see on her door step is Casey, her ex-fiance's brother. And unfortunately the first brother that she dated. Now they are stuck together in a blizzard and the air is going to be cleared.

Sweet, romantic short story. There wasn't a lot of back story or extra details on either the main couple or the secondary characters. It felt like I was jumping into the middle of the series. But the book worked well as a stand alone and I enjoyed reading it. Since the characters had a previous relationship, it didn't feel rushed. The author worked out some emotional issues with both of the characters and their families. Overall, I would recommend this to someone who wants a quick, sweet, Christmas story to read.

I received this book free of charge from Netgalley and Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

The Clandestine Betrothal

The Clandestine Betrothal

A Regency Romance

Alice Chetwynd Ley

Susan didn't mean to tell her aunt that she was betrothed to Beau. It just kind of came out. Now she's in a very large spot of trouble. Because Beau has no idea that such a betrothal even exists. Between the two of them they end up convincing her aunt, but getting into a bigger mess than either of them imagined.

I really enjoyed this story. It was a typical regency romance complete with misunderstandings, dancing, and the one girl that can change a man. The unknown origin of one of the characters added a touch of mystery to the plot. The characters were well written and likable. The secondary characters added to the story. This is the first book I've read by this author and based on this book I will definitely be checking out her other books. I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys regency romance.

I received this book free of charge from Netgalley in exchange for their honest review.

A Year Without A Purchase

A Year Without A Purchase

One Family's Quest to Stop Shopping and Start Connecting

Scott Dannemiller

The author and his wife realized that their spending was causing a disconnect with their friends and family. Their children were expecting to receive something and the gifts they were giving people weren't creating experiences. So in an effort to recognize their blessings and connect again, they made a vow to go without spending for one entire year. There were some clauses, but for the most part, they wouldn't spend money. What resulted was more than they had imagined. 

The concept is great, but the author really makes this book. His sense of humor and entertaining way of looking at subjects draws the reader in. It's rare to find a non-fiction book that I just can't put down, but this was one of them. It wasn't just entertaining though. I learned a lot and was inspired to find ways to connect without spending money. Written from a Christian perspective, the author gives the reader subtle mentions of faith and Biblical inspiration. Definitely a book I will be keeping and  would highly recommend.

I received this book free of charge from Goodreads in exchange for my honest review.

Rhapsody in Red

Rhapsody in Red

Donn Taylor

Preston Barclay has become a bit of a hermit since his wife passed away. He's a professor who lives for his teaching, but doesn't really have any other life outside of the university. So when a fellow professor, Mara, comes to him for help in mediating a problem with another co-worker, he's reluctant to get involved. Turns out he should have listened to his reluctance. Now he and Mara are neck deep in a murder mystery. With a killer on the loose, an police officer with revenge on his mind, and a inept boss, they need to come together to share clues before they both end up dead.

I've read another book by this author and enjoyed it. But this one was even better. The characters were well defined and fit with the genre. The author adds their backstories without overwhelming the plot. This is labeled as a Christian mystery, but the elements of faith were subtle and flowed well with the story. The mystery was wrapped up in the end, but the author left a couple of things open to lead the way for the next book.

I received this book free of charge from Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

A Sentimental Journey Romance Collection

A Sentimental Journey Romance Collection

9 Love Stories from the Memorable 1940s

Cathy Marie Hake, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Dianna Crawford, Joan Croston, kelly Eileen Hake, Sally Laity, DiAnn Mills, Janell B. Schneider, Lynette Sowell

Nine authors have written romance stories set during the 1940s and the World War. Each couple met under the often difficult circumstances of war. But each were able to find the time for love while still working to save people from the horrors that were happening. Several, but not all, of the stories were connected. So it was nice to follow the thread of the families between the stories.

I had previously read some of these stories, so they must have been in other books. But this didn't detract from my enjoying them. I felt the authors did a great job of finding the sweetness of romance among the darkness of war without making the stories themselves dark. I also liked the elements of faith that the authors wove into each story. The stories were sweet, heart felt, and well written.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Mail-Order Marriage

Mail-Order Marriage

5 Historical Stories of Arranged Letters Between Strangers

Tracie Peterson, mary Davis, Denise Hunter, Judith Miller, DiAnn Mills

Five different couples found marriage through letters in this historical story. Set in the west, each story is tied only by the method the couples came together. Each author has given us a tiny glimpse into her writing style with a romantic novella about love in the west.

Each story was well written and entertaining. I enjoyed the ability to read a short story and come back to the book when I had time. The authors wove faith and trust into the story as well as romance, a touch of drama, and a glimpse into the past. Each story brought out a lesson in faith that the reader can contemplate. It was fun to read a short story by an author I love and I found some new authors to check out as well.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

A Season to Wed

A Season to Wed
Three Winter Love Stories
Rachel Hauck, Cindy Kirk, Cheryl Wyatt

Three love stories are told with a winter wedding theme. The only thing that ties the stories together is the theme. All three women have to overcome a current or past difficulty before they can find the love of their life. Sometimes the past can get in the way of the future. But if each bride can be open to change and forgiveness, she just might find a groom during the winter season.

The stories were sweet, romantic, and entertaining. My favorite was the one written by Hauck, but I enjoyed them all. The novellas provide a glimpse into each writers style. This is a quick read that provides a touch of faith woven throughout a romantic plot. They can be read quickly and as they don't really tie together, can be read separately. I also loved the cover.

I received this book free of charge from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.