A Treasure Concealed

::From the back of the book::
There is more than gold to be found in these hills.
Emily Carver longs to have a home of her own, but instead she endures a transient existence in the gold mining camps of Montana, where her father's hopes for riches lie endlessly buried. Promises of wealth from this wild land have brought only hardship and disappointment, causing Emily to wonder if her own modest dreams will ever see the light of day.

Caeden Thibault, a young geologist working for the government, is a man trying to escape the pain of his past, and the idyllic mountains of Montana serve his purposes well. In the course of his work, he has seen more than his share of starry-eyed gold seekers. So when Emily Carver catches his attention, he is intrigued by the fact that she isn't pinning her hopes on striking it rich. 

Will an unexpected discovery come between them or draw them together?


::My Thoughts::
This has got to be by far my favorite book by Tracie Peterson. I have read a few of her books before, but this one just takes the cake.
It has everything within it's pages, love, heartbreak, romance, suspense, mystery, treasure, etc.
I had a hard time putting this book down, and when I did have to take a break I could not wait to delve back into it. I was hooked by this book from the get go, and it has a way of just pulling the reader right in.
I even found myself literally holding my breath in many places wondering what would happen next. The book was well written, and the characters were very well done as well.
Here's a few of my thoughts on the main characters:
-Emily Carver was frustrating at times due to her stubborn nature. However, regardless of her stubbornness she is very admirable. I actually thought I wouldn't like her at first because it was clear from the get go she did not have the life she wanted, and dreamed of another. But she really grew through the story, and even through all that I couldn't help but to like her. In fact she was by far my favorite character. She did her duty by her family, and did the best with what she had. Even though she longed for more she still had a peace about her with what she did have, and she never gave up. She showed bravery, strength, and faith through all of her hardships. It was very touching.
-Caeden Thibault was also very frustrating at times. I liked this character, but I felt like he could have been more protective at times, and more outspoken. I would have liked a bit more fire from this character. I would have liked more passion, but he was by no means flat. He had a lot going for him. He was a strong character that grew the most, in my opinion, and by the end of the novel I couldn't help but adore him.
There is so much unspoken between the two main characters from the get go. Despite their differences there was a pull between them that one cannot ignore. I love that the reader can almost feel that tug as if they are right there.
This book is not vulgar so it is a fantastic read for any christian readers out there.
It is so much more than just a romance book. It really helps you appreciate more in life, and uplift faith. I was touched by the faith of the characters in this book. I could honestly write compliments about this book all day, but instead I'm going to just recommend it. It is really one of my favorite books, and I can't wait to tell all I know about it.
This is the first book in the Sapphire Brides series, and I cannot wait to read the others that follow. I hope they are as good as this one.


::My rating:: 5 out of 5 Stars
::Amazon rating:: 4.5 out of 5 Stars with 67 customer reviews
::Goodreads rating:: 4.24 out of 5 Stars with 126 ratings and 46 reviews


::Get this book::
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::Product Details::

• Series: Sapphire Brides (Book 1)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764213245
• ISBN-13: 978-0764213243

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

A Bride for Keeps

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0764211684

ISBN-13: 978-0764211683

::From the back of the book::
 Everett Cline will never humiliate himself by seeking a mail-order bride. Not again. He's already been jilted by three mail-order brides and figures a wife just isn't in his future. However, a well-meaning neighbor hasn't given up on seeing him settled, so she goes behind his back to bring yet another woman to town for him.

Julia Lockwood has never been anything more than a pretty pawn for her father or a business acquisition for her former fiance. A mail-order marriage in faraway Kansas is a last resort, but she'll do anything to leave her life in Massachusetts and the heartbreak she's experienced there.

Although Everett doesn't see how a beautiful, cultured woman like Julia could be happy sharing his simple life, he could really use a helpmate on his homestead. Determined to prove she's more than just a pretty face, Julia agrees to a marriage in name only. Faced with the harsh realities of life on the prairie and hesitant to explore the tentative feelings growing between them, can Everett and Julia ever let each other in long enough to fall in love?



::My Thoughts::
Let me just start by saying if your a fan of historical fiction that keeps you guessing, particularly when it comes to romance...this is the book for you. I enjoyed this book immensely and was sad to see it end. The plot left me on the edge of my seat guessing what would happen next. The tension between Everett and Julia was so strong the reader can definitely feel it. The author did a fantastic job of bringing everything to life in this novel. Clearly both characters have unmistakable feelings for each other, but due to their unfortunate pasts neither of them will express their feelings.
Poor Everett put his hope in mail order brides only to have himself left being jilted by every one of them.
Julia having a frightening past with love is extremely leery of marriage. However becoming a mail order bride will help her escape the life where she isn't appreciated.
When both characters come together they finally agree upon a marriage in name only, but as feelings surface things are no longer as easy as they thought their arrangement would be. I won't deny that I've seen this plot type time and again, but the twists this one takes makes it new and exciting. I honestly did not know what would happen. I would go into greater detail but I don't want to spoil anything.
This is a very inspirational romance and it is very easy to get swept away in the historical setting. I felt as if I was right there alongside the characters. I found myself siding with each of them on separate occasions as well as becoming frustrated with each one of them at times. This book is the perfect example of faith and how God will work everything out to your own good. It was all in all an amazing read, and one I won't soon forget. I can't wait to see more from this author.


 ::About the author::

Melissa Jagears, an ESL teacher by trade, is a stay-at-home mother on a tiny Kansas farm with a fixer-upper house. Her passion is to help Christian believers mature in their faith and judge rightly. Learn more at www.melissajagears.com

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review.

The Tutor's Daughter ~ Book Review

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (January 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764210696
• ISBN-13: 978-0764210693

I was first drawn to this book by the colorful cover. I couldn't resist the beautiful scenery, and the girl in bonnet on the front was intriguing. All in all I admit I LOVED this book! This is the type of book that you don't want to quit reading. The author does an exceptional job at creating the world to pull you right in. The characters are easily pictured and the mystery contained within is just so hard to figure out. Such a wonderful change from all the typical overdone mysteries that are usually put in romance novels. This book has everything that a historical romance reader could possibly want and then some. Let me give you some more information before I proceed with my review...


::Description from the back of the book::
Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father when his boarding school fails, accompanies him to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But soon after they arrive and begin teaching the two younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte at night, only to find the music room empty? And who begins sneaking into her bedchamber, leaving behind strange mementos? 

The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry Weston, wrestle with problems--and secrets--of their own. They both remember the studious Miss Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her...

When suspicious acts escalate, can Emma figure out which brother to blame and which to trust with her heart?

Filled with page-turning suspense, The Tutor's Daughter takes readers to the windswept Cornwall coast--a place infamous for shipwrecks and superstitions--where danger lurks, faith is tested, and romance awaits.


::My Thoughts::
Emma Smallwood is a character that I can identify with. I must admit had I have lived in the old age days I would have been considered a bluestocking as she is at first depicted in the novel. I always have my head in a book at some time or another, and consider them to be wonderful adventures. Luckily in this day and age women have the freedom to read without being termed as such. But more than that Emma is very courageous, stands up for herself, and is extremely smart. I liked her character throughout the entire story, although she did frustrate me at times for not speaking up when it should have been necessary. Still it added to the allure of the mystery so it wasn't a completely bad thing. Henry is such a strange character not seeming at all as he was depicted from Emma's view at the beginning. I was so smitten by his character by the end of the novel, and I couldn't believe I thought him cold in the beginning! The characters, each and every one, just grow throughout the novel before your very eyes.
I love that this isn't your basic run of the mill romance novel with just romance, but instead holds the mask of mystery that will no doubt keep you intrigued throughout! Just when I thought I had the perpetrator of pranks pegged down I would find myself changing my mind with the next prank pulled! In no way could I have predicted the actual ending although I had inklings that were close. The entire novel is just such a surprise, and pleasant ones at that. I found that all the characters got their just deserved, and I am now a forever fan of Julie Klassen.


Here's a short book trailer::

Interested in this book in any of the following forms?  Paperback  eBook   Nook   Kindle

Disclaimer:: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Conner Prairie and other things...

As I'm writing this the kids are settled with the Fresh Beat Band just riveted. So that gives me about 10 minutes to share with you what we've been up too. I've been a bad blogger I know. Can I bribe you to forgive me with some Krispy Kreme glazed doughnuts? There we go. haha.

Last weekend on Saturday we took the kids to Conner Prairie. It was suppose to be in the mid 70s with plenty of sunshine but ended up being cloudy and windy. It wasn't really cold though so we still were able to have a great time. Here's some of the pics:

on the way to Conner Prairie we couldn't help but enjoy the open road and pretty fall colors.

Arriving in the parking lot we see this huge hot air balloon in back.

the hot air balloon as we are heading to the gates

one of the Lenape Indian huts

Inside the Lenape Indian hut. Bed on the right hand side, fire pit in the middle, bench on the side. There was another bed and more seats on the other side.

The larger, better built Lenape Indian hut. Made from tree bark and on the inside the walls were mud. Again there were some beds inside, pallets on the floor, fire pit, and seating

One of the houses that has sat there for years. I believe this was the Conner house actually. It was so big inside!

This would have been the lady's room. You can see the cradle beside her bed.  The room was actually large in size, but due to the crowd I couldn't get a picture of the whole thing. There was a huge armoir, built in shelves inside a huge cabinet that held blankets, baby items, etc. There was also a smaller room connected to this one that had a writing desk, chairs, etc., which would have acted as her personal sitting room, and of course there was a fireplace in each of the rooms.

Loom

Oh goodness, for some reason blogger is not letting me post any more pictures on this post. How frustrating! I guess I will have to try again later on. What is it with blogger messing up? Does anyone else experience these freak issues or is it just picking on me in particular?

***

In other news they finally came and fixed our thermostat today. Or so they say. I'm skeptical but then again I don't know a lot about gas heat. That's hubby's job and know how. So when he gets home he is going to check it himself to see if it truly is fixed. As you know our thermostat was broke and we could either have heat on and eventually burn up or have heat off and freeze on the cold days.

Well now it's supposedly fixed and it will get hotter as I turn it up, but when I turn it off the heaters are still warm and I can still feel heat coming off of them. Maintenance says it's due to us being on the top floor and the units below us have water running through their pipes, heat rises, and all that. Still I would think the heaters would cool off right? But I could be wrong. Only hubby will be able to tell for sure. I'm glad he knows about things like that. Phew...

We took Levi for his first haircut the other day to a place called Cookie Cutters. He was less than thrilled. As a matter of fact him, me, and the hair stylist were all in a sweat from being nervous. haha. But on the plus note he looks and I'm sure feels so much better. I didn't want to cut his hair because he had those baby curls going on and it looked so sweet, but it started getting in his eyes causing him to scream and cry and swipe his face every few minutes so it was time. We took Lucas there for his first haircut and even though it was hectic it was so much easier! They are completely kid friendly, they are used to screaming crying kids, they generally have a playground inside with toys, books, etc. They also let you play video games or watch a movie while they are cutting your hair and the kids enjoy it. Lucas sat in a police car and got his hair cut and I had to hold Levi in my lap while he got his cut. He wasn't going to fall for sitting in any of their cars or figurines no matter how fun they looked!
They also take a picture and put it on a little poster and they give you the locks of hair in little baggies you can keep or tape onto the poster.

We have had a pretty lazy day today. We've sat around watching cartoons, drinking hot chocolate, playing blocks, and reading books. At some point I'm going to have to drag my lazy self into the kitchen and do the dishes. Luckily that's all there is to do besides pick up toys here and there. I'm thankful for that.

Tomorrow is my mom's birthday so we'll be going to her house and spending most of the day with her. I'm excited about it. You'd think other people's birthdays were my own as excited as I get about them. 

Lucas turns 5 in just a few weeks. Halloween is a little over a week away, and Christmas is right around the corner. Seriously where is the time going? Does it go at lightning speed while we aren't looking or something? I wish it would slow down already!

We've yet to make Lucas's birthday plans, he is always fine at others parties, but tends to get a bit overwhelmed at his own so we may just have a small family thing.

I was going to make the boys costumes this year (they are going as Batman and Robin), but it was going to end up costing more to make them than to just buy them outright so this week we are making a trip to Party City to get them since they have a good selection there.

Also in the works are some great reviews and giveaways coming to Mommy's Musings! I hope your all excited as I am, and make sure to stay tuned so you don't miss it!

I would love to stay and chat, but the fresh beat band has been over for a little while now and as I turn to check on the kids I notice they are close to fighting over blocks and who can build the highest tower. Better settle this before it gets out of hand! Talk to you guys later! Make sure to come back and visit for Happy Homemaker Monday! There will be a Mister Linky posted so you can add your links.

Sincerely,

Tori

To Love and Cherish - Book Review

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (August 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076420887X
• ISBN-13: 978-0764208874

::From the back of the book::
When Melinda Colson's employer announces they'll be leaving Bridal Veil Island to return to their home in Cleveland, Melinda hopes her beau, Evan, will propose  But Evan isn't prepared to make an offer of marriage until he knows he can support a wife and family. Evan works as the assistant gamekeeper on Bridal Veil but hopes to be promoted soon.
Letters strengthen their love, but Melinda remains frustrated at being apart from the man she wants to spend the rest of her life with. Then she learns of a devastating hurricane in Bridal Veil and knows she must give up her position as a lady's maid and make her way back to Evan.
The destruction on Bridal Veil is extensive, meaning every available person is needed to help with cleanup and repairs. Melinda finds a new job on the island, but Evan seems even busier that before, meaning she still never gets to see him. Has she given her heart to the wrong man?
And when Melinda overhears a vicious plot against President McKinley, who is scheduled to visit the island, is Evan the one she should turn to? Will Melinda and Evan ever get the chance to stand at the front of a church and promise "to love and cherish"?



::My Thoughts::
I really couldn't get into this book. There are snippets here and there in each chapter that are interesting, but I just wasn't feeling the characters connections with each other. It seemed like I was struggling to stay interested.
Rather than a love that should bond them together it seemed more as if they felt their relationship was a chore. Neither Melinda nor Evan have the urgency to see each other and despite them being busy with their jobs in the story their reunions were never as sweet as you'd expect from two people in love.
I felt as if Melinda wanted Evan purely to save herself because she wanted the married life, and Evan loved Melinda only because of her pushing. And boy oh boy was she pushing.
Melinda was a respectable lady's maid which was a great job historically speaking when you had no parents and were down on your luck. However not really liking her job and wanting nothing more than to marry Evan and become his wife and the mother to his children she quits her job in search of him when she finds out there has been a hurricane.
Evan is a gamekeeper who is not ready to settle down and has enough on his plate working to provide for himself. He cares for Melinda, but knows there is no way he could support a wife and children on his salary.
Toward the end they come to a mutual understanding of each other, but I still didn't feel their connection to one another.
The characters themselves felt real enough, but surprisingly I liked neither Evan nor Melinda. They seemed to set on their own agenda's and just didn't have the passion one expects from a romance novel.
I liked Melinda in the beginning, but by the middle of the novel I was fed up with her constant pushing and whining. Evan was a logical thinker, but too focused on work and not enough on love.
However the historical aspect of this novel was good. Despite being the second book in the Bridal Veil series it was a great stand alone book. You don't at all feel lost or left out. I myself haven't read the first installment in the Bridal Veil series.

If you think this is a book you may be interested in you can read an excerpt below:

To Love and Cherish


This book is available in:   Hardcover   Paperback   Kindle   Nook   Audible



Disclaimer: I was provided this book for free through Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. Opinions expressed are mine alone.

Short Straw Bride book review

::From the back of the book::
No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.

Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.

Four brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw bride?

::My Thoughts::
The best way I can describe this book is it is kind of a historical fairy tale of sorts. It was a very enjoyable read, and very well written.

The book was a bit predictable towards the end, but not unpleasantly so. You will find yourself so charmed with the plot and characters that you really won't even notice. There are so many parts especially in the beginning that are unpredictable enough to keep your finger twitching to turn the page and find out what will happen next.

I found myself falling in love with all of the Archer's, and Meredith especially. She is so sweet and she holds such great faith in the Lord. There are points where she does follow her own direction, but she always catches herself and rights herself with the Lord. Her faith and perseverance is very inspiring. But don't by far let me make you believe she is a pushover because aside from her never ending faith she is a spitfire who sticks to her guns and does whatever she believes is the right thing to do. Even due to her unfortunate circumstances she isn't a character who whines and complains, but takes things with a determination that could make anyone admire her character.
This book had me sighing wistfully. It's kind of an historical version of the poor princess stuck with a family that doesn't value her rescued by the ever protecting handsome prince.
I loved this novel, and aside from Meredith and Travis you will find yourself on the edge of your seat wanting to learn all about the other characters in this book. It seemed like every character has an interesting back story so only time will tell where they will lead. I for one sure can't wait to find out.
Highly recommendable.

Enjoy this short clip that will give you some more insight on Short Straw Bride::

You can find my review on Goodreads and Amazon

I rated this book 5 stars

This book is available in Paperback   Kindle   Nook    


::Other book info::

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; 1 edition (June 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764209655
• ISBN-13: 978-0764209659

DISCLAIMER: I was provided this book for free through Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. Opinions expressed are mine alone.

Beloved Enemy book review

As you know I love reading historical romance novels. Such is the reason that this novel drew me in.

• Paperback: 364 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah Books
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590529030
• ISBN-13: 978-1590529034

::A bit about the novel::
One of the main characters, Jenny Jordan, takes a job with the federal government, and at the same time covers for her father's Confederate spy missions. Her father warns her never to get involved with a soldier, and that's just what happens. Jenny's father accepts a job offered by Abraham Lincoln, but is not honest in his motives. He feigns loyalty to the North while in reality his loyalties lay with the South. Jenny meets Union soldier Buck Brownell in her line of career and her life is forever transformed by love at first sight. Jenny's loyalties are with her father and her land, but she can't help but carry a forbidden love for Buck despite her father's warnings. Buck equally reciprocates the love feelings between the two and desperately wants Jenny to be his.
Determined to keep her forbidden love and still hold loyalty with her father in some way Jenny tries to please both parties. She agrees to help her father carry a message, but gets caught by Union soldiers over enemy lines. Buck has orders to execute her, but tries to find a way to save his true love.




::My Thoughts::
It took me awhile to get swept up into the story. This is part 3 in Battles of Destiny series, so maybe it was because I didn't read the first 2. I felt that it dragged on a little longer than necessary. This novel has a good mix of battle and romance, but I think it could have shown a bit more detail to some of the characters. Still for a novel centered on the Civil War it was a good read. It isn't one of my favorite novels, but if you are curious you should definitely give it a read.
I really enjoyed Jenny's character and understood her dilemma as far as trying to please her father while trying to please herself and Buck. The endings for all characters were mixed, some good and some bad. I don't think I would want to change the endings though and felt that it was all as should be although some were quite surprising. I won't go into details on that so as not to spoil anything.
I have to admit I was hoping for this novel to be a little more meaty, not meaning that there should be sex scenes or anything, but I felt things could definitely be more heated between the love couple to make their love seem more realistic.
Still this is a well researched novel and despite some of the characters use of wording in conversations I didn't feel like it was set in any other time frame other than the Civil War.
I am glad I did give this book a chance though as now I won't be curious and although it isn't one of my favorites I did still enjoy it.


This book is available in::
Print   Kindle   Nook   




I rated this book 3 stars on Goodreads & Amazon




DISCLAIMER: I was provided this book for free through Waterbrook Multnomah publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. Opinions expressed are mine alone.

The Messenger book review

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; Original edition (March 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764207962
• ISBN-13: 978-0764207969

::From the back of the book::

Hannah Sunderland felt content in her embrace of the Quaker faith...until her twin brother joined the Colonial cause and ended up in jail. She longs to bring some measure of comfort to him in the squalid prison, but her faith forbids it. The Friends believe that they are not to take sides, not to take up arms. She is not allowed to visit him, even if she were able to secure a pass.

Jeremiah Jones, a Colonial spy, needs access to the jail to help rescue men important to the cause. Upon meeting Hannah, a plan begins to develop. Who would suspect a pious Quaker visiting a loved one?

But Jeremiah is unprepared for Hannah, for her determination to do right, to not lie. How can one be a spy and not lie? Hannah, in turn, is surprised by Jeremiah...for the way he forces her to confront her own beliefs, for the sensitivity and concern that he shows her despite the wounds he still carries.

In a time of war, can two unlikely heroes find the courage to act?

::My Thoughts::
I love historical novels, and the fact that this novel is set during the Revolutionary War intrigued me that much more. Revolutionary War novels in Christian fiction is a rarity indeed, and the message of God was felt throughout the story as well. This book will definitely make you take a ride on an emotional roller coaster and that's putting it mildly. There is a new twist and turn with every chapter, and the characters are as real as can be. I was held in utter suspense holding my breath at times to find out what would happen next.
This novel is told in first person from each of the main character's viewpoints, Hannah and Jeremiah. This gives you a very clear insight to each of the characters personal viewpoints and thoughts which was actually refreshing.
Hannah is very admirable, and even though she finds herself questioning her Quaker upbringing later in the novel she holds fast to her beliefs in God no matter what. Although she has to go against her rules of being a Friend she doesn't waver in her honesty, strength, or faith even just when you think she surely can't take anymore without breaking. I think Hannah is easy for many to relate to, as we all have found ourselves questioning different aspects of our upbringing. Ultimately we have to follow our hearts while keeping rooted in our faith, and that is the challenge.
Jeremiah is a very bitter angry man. Although it appears time and again that he cares for no one, least of all himself, his kind heart shows through here and there. I greatly sympathized with him, having been through a previous war he lost an arm because of his birth, and was always thought less of a man because he wasn't born British. This makes him extremely angry and sullen in life.
What I loved the most about this novel is the fact that the two characters, when brought together, ended up bringing out the best in each other. Even though they were definitely not fond of each other time and again, the ultimate result was heart-warming and I found myself in tears at the end of the novel. Another great factor was this novel bared all- the good and bad.
It is definitely a MUST-READ for all you historical fiction fans out there. Everything is researched well, and there's no character large or small that is un-believable. They are all brought to life in this novel.
This was my first novel by Siri Mitchell, but I can't wait to read more. This is going on my favorites shelf no question about that. This book definitely captured my attention, as well as my heart.

::My rating of this book:: 

This book is available in     ::Paperback::    or    ::Kindle::   or    ::Nook::
(if you would like a different format please search under your device)







DISCLAIMER: I was provided this book for free through Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. Opinions expressed are mine alone.

Opal Moon book review

I am fascinated with anything historical in time. Whether it is from the U.S. or another country, I just crave to learn more about the historical way of life, customs, etc. That is one of the reasons I was drawn to this book aside from the mysterious woman on the cover. It promised a great love story, suspense, and the chance to learn of historical customs in China.

• 
  

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co (November 11, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1434912183
• ISBN-13: 978-1434912183

From the back of the book::

The land of China is under the rule of Emperor K'ang-his. As an upright and efficient leader, he favors his fourth son, Yin-chen, a young man of upstanding character, over his corrupt heir apparent, Yin-jeng, who brings nothing but trouble to the family. The latest is an attempt by Yin-jeng on the life of Opal Moon, a teenage orphan girl whom Yin-chen rescues with the aid of his chamberlain.

Captivated by Opal Moon's beauty, he takes her under his care and presents her as a boy to ensure her safety as his ward. But the pretense cannot suppress their feelings and they eventually give in to their hearts' desires, setting off a course of events they could not have foreseen.

My Thoughts::
This book didn’t turn out to be what I thought it would be. There are a lot of events that disturbed me in this novel, and if you surprise easily I wouldn’t recommend it. One of the most disturbing to me was Prince Yin-jeng’s sexual encounters with young boys. I couldn’t hardly stomach the details in which the events were explained, even though that is how things were done in imperial court back then. All in all I felt it was a very sad novel, and I was very upset by the ending. I felt the book focused on more carnage than anything. Without spoiling the novel I will just say that there was no way I could have at all predicted how things would turn out for our characters so the unpredictability of the novel was what kept me reading. The one thing I did like about this novel is Opal Moon’s will to overcome all obstacles thrown her way. Having been abandoned by her mother at a young age and raised by foster parents serving as their maidservant, she had to learn at a young age to be independent and diligent. This shows through her character and it was easy to admire her at times despite her young age. Even though she succumbed to her passions with Prince Yin-chen eventually, and despite her ardent Christian beliefs she continued to try to do the right thing. The problem arose when there became too many obstacles for her to try and overcome all alone and instead of seeking wiser help she tried to take things into her own hands.
I wouldn’t recommend this book for anyone under the age of eighteen due to sexually graphic/disturbing content. Despite the fact that this novel wasn’t quite what I expected it was very well researched, and very well written. I was hooked in by Opal Moon, and I couldn’t wait to see how things would turn out for her in the end.


All in all I would rate this book: 4/5 stars


 I rated this book 4/5 stars on Goodreads.

This book is available in Paperback, Kindle, or Nook
You can also purchase this book in print or ebook format by CLICKING HERE



DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Blue Moon Promise Book Review

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (February 14, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1595549153

ISBN-13: 978-1595549150

This is book one in the Under Texas Stars Series. I cannot wait for the other books to come in this series. I enjoy a good romance, and this book has everything a romance reader wants: intrigue, sass, love, faith, perseverance, forgiveness, etc.

Lucy is someone that we can all identify with in some way. Or at least I know I can. Mainly when it comes to her sense of the need to control. We often forget that only God can control things, and no matter how much we try some things will just be forever out of our control. I often need reminded about things such as this. Because when it all boils down to it there comes a point where we have to just let go and let God.

What truly touched me about this novel is that even though the couple was forced together in a way that neither of then desired and under quite unfortunate circumstances they respected their marriage and families enough to stick it out and make it work. The couple implemented not only prayer in their relationship but bible readings as well. They listened to God, and that is something that we all need to do to have a strong marriage. Over time as Lucy and Nate grew feelings for one another I just couldn’t help but sigh aloud. It was just all terribly romantic and sweet. There were parts where Lucy got so sassy that I just could not but laugh out loud. Considering that I do a lot of my reading when everyone else is asleep this added a bit of fun for my husband in the night. LOL
This novel will really keep you reading, it doesn’t lag AT ALL, and just when you think things are sure to get dull something even more intriguing happens. I was pleasantly surprised at all the mysteries the author was able to keep going, and all the turn of events that were made possible! It was such a nice feature for a romance novel! There are twists with every page turn, and it was truly a hard read to put down. Not just one mystery to unfold, but many. So many that I was constantly trying to guess.
The words just flowed so easily, and I regretted having to put this book down. Even though the characters were fictional I found myself thinking about them throughout my daily activities until I had to remind myself that they were indeed fiction.
The characters themselves have so much life and sass that I could swear I was watching events unfold right in front of me. It was an exciting book to read, and my heart raced in anticipation of what events would unfold next. This book is not only a good read, but I really think that we can learn a lot from it. As I said before it holds a lot of insight on forgiveness, perseverance, faith, and letting go of our constant want to be in control of things.
If you are really into romance novels, particularly historical ones like I am, then this is a book you will want to check out. I just cannot wait to continue in my reading of this series, and plan to keep up on it. If you'd like you can even take a look inside this book HERE.


Want to see my star rating of this book on Goodreads? CLICK HERE




DISCLAIMER: I was provided this book for free through Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. Opinions expressed are mine alone.

It's The Bee's Knee's

Lilies In Moonlight
By: Allison Pittman
　

The Bee’s Knee’s

After reading this novel I can assure that Allison Pittman is now one of my favorite authors. I absolutely ADORED this book! Everything about this book is wonderful. The feel of the cover is just so velvety and soft that I had to double check sometimes that I was indeed holding a book! And the story is so fascinating and REAL that I felt as if I was there the entire time watching real occurrences unfold before my very eyes! It was just so beautifully written, delivered a great message, and I could NOT put it down. I found myself rushing through daily chores just to be able to read more of this novel! If this was a movie as well I would definitely be there opening day to see it, and it is such a great story that it would indeed make a terrific movie!

I think this book is so easy to relate to. Especially the main character Lilly Margolis. A flapper who rebels against her mother’s stern Christian ways and lack of love she finds herself in many different places following different men. Yearning for love she has hope in every relationship and throws caution to the wind taking up with them. Will she realize that God is the only one who’s love should matter? As a salesgirl for Dalliance Cosmetics Lilly finds herself at an immaculate rather high class home and meets the senile yet charming Betty Ruth Burnside. However finding that her mere watered down cosmetics are not good enough for the kind old woman Lilly rushes out expecting never to return. A rather unsavory friend Dina takes Lilly along to a party, and there Lilly has too much to drink and finds herself facedown in the backyard garden of millionaire Cullen Burnside and his senile mother. Lilly suffers from a sprained ankle and bruised body so the Burnside’s take her in and nurse her back to health. Finding love within the Burnside’s home Lilly is reluctant to leave. She becomes almost best friends with the senile Betty Ruth Burnside and gives the woman so much joy that she becomes indispensable to the Burnside household. But with Betty Ruth’s memory quickly faded her son and heir Cullen wonders just how long Betty Ruth will know Lilly. What if she wakes up one day and has no idea who Lilly is or where she came from? If that day comes will Lilly leave quietly and be able to let them go? And will Cullen himself be able to LET Lilly go?
 Every character in this book will touch your heart, even the very minor ones. I think there is a relatable character in this novel for everyone. There is just so much kindness, love, reality, etc in every character and setting. I was amazed and this is definitely one of the best written novels I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I HIGHLY recommend this book, and it is by far the BEST book I have read this year. I was so eager to find out the ending and yet reluctant for it to end! It is definitely going on my shelf of favorites, and I hope you’ll give it a chance as well. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Pick up your copy of this book today by VISITING THIS LINK<<<available in print or eBook

Disclaimer:Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are mine alone.