ReviewsByErin

This is a character-driven marriage of convenience story, which is normally something I like very much. In this case, I found the opening confusing, as the first scene is at the wedding breakfast after the vows have been exchanged. The reader has to piece together what has happened instead of getting to be a firsthand witness to how the hero and heroine—total strangers!—ended up married to one another.

From there, I found the story more realistic than not in the challenges of two people trying to live together. Both of them are uncertain and somewhat paralyzed in how to proceed in these unforeseen circumstances. However, realistic doesn't necessarily equal gripping fiction. More than ninety percent of the plot seemed to be "two people get to know one another," and I found myself wishing things would liven up. However, when action did happen, it seemed inconsistent with the characters, so it was more of a drawback than an enhancement.

I've seen other reviewers mention the sexual content in this book, and while there were a few sentences that surprised me, I was more impressed than shocked that the author alluded to difficulty and how the characters sought help from others in knowing how to address this. However, if readers are sensitive in this area, please be advised that the book does address it in more detail than one might be comfortable with.

I'd say the book's strength is also its greatest weakness: It's a realistic portrayal of an unexpected marriage between two complete strangers. The realism both makes the plot lacking and the character responses interesting. 

If you'd like a recommendation for a similar story that was a true 5-star read and remains one of my favorites by the author, allow me to suggest The Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna M. White.

Lady Miranda Hawthorne is not looking forward to her fourth season in London. She's never been able to live up to her mother's definition of a lady, and she refuses to marry any man who is only looking at her for the connections she brings as a duke's sister. Meanwhile, in order to process the pressures she's facing, she writes letters she never intends to send to the duke of Marshington, her brother's friend from school who Miranda has never met but whose exploits are legendary. Surely if anyone can understand her, it would be Marshington.

Ryland, duke of Marshington, has been busy serving his country as a spy. His latest role has him disguising himself as a valet to his former schoolmate in order to investigate rumors that someone is sending information to France. One night Ryland happens upon one of Lady Miranda's letters to the duke of Marshington—to him!—and he becomes intrigued by this most unusual woman. 

Circumstances force Ryland and Miranda into close companionship, but Miranda still doesn't know who he is. How will she take it when she learns his identity? As danger swirls, can Ryland manage to keep her safe?

Although I really enjoyed the premise at the beginning of the book, I never fell in love with any of these characters the way I hoped to. Ryland drove me crazy with the games he played once Miranda knew who he was. Miranda didn't come off as sympathetic or consistent in character. I also saw the bad guy coming from a long way off. I know this series is a favorite of many so I'm all set to dive into Book 2. Hopefully I'll end up liking it even more than this one.

Midwife Catherine Remington is not having a good night. First, a young woman dies from childbirth complications after forcing Catherine to promise to deliver the newborn baby to his father in Colorado. Second, she witnesses a politically-motivated murder. Third, the police arrive at her house with a warrant for her arrest and she realizes she's been framed. Catherine grabs the baby and escapes to the train station.

Dylan McQuaid has made a boatload of mistakes in his life, but since leaving Chicago he's committed to the straight and narrow way. When a woman shows up and puts his son in his arms, Dylan knows it's time to atone for his past indiscretions and make things as right as he can.

As Dylan and Catherine navigate a relationship, his past, her past, and current events combine to keep readers glued to the page. I really enjoyed these two characters. Both have good hearts and want to make a positive difference in the lives around them. They have respect for one another and want what is best for the other even more than what they want themselves. I loved the unique twist on a standard trope, and the conflicting stakes keep the plot moving.

I've enjoyed the whole Colorado Cowboys series, and this is definitely my favorite. I'd recommend it for fans of historical romance or those who enjoy stories of someone getting a second chance in life.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Daniel is a reformed thief, set on making up for his crimes and restoring the relationship with his mother. Along the way, he translates an old Italian story about a baby found floating in a basket in a Venice canal. The translation acts as the second timeline in this split time story, and it's full of Venetian history and lore.

While I have enjoyed Amanda's previous books and was very much looking forward to this one, I just couldn't make a connection with the characters or the plot. Amanda's writing is lyrical and lovely as always, but for some reason I wasn't clicking with it. There was nothing wrong with the story, and I've had friends gush about it, so I know it was an issue with me as a reader. Sometimes it's just like that. 

Even though this story wasn't for me, I would never discourage anyone from reading it. If you love Amanda's stories or the city of Venice, definitely consider checking it out. I hope you'll love it!

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.

2022 held so many wonderful books! I'm here today to talk about my favorite in the Historical category. They're listed below in alphabetical order by author's last name.

Click on any title to read my original review, or click on the cover if you're interested in purchasing these books for yourself.

 "Engaging Deception" by Regina Jennings
Olive has a secret and she can't let anyone know—except her talent is just bursting from her. What hijinks will ensue when she becomes a nanny for her biggest competitor?

 "The Lost Melody" by Joanna Davidson Politano
Vivienne has a heart for rescuing others, but her first mission turns her life on its head. Will she end up being the one in need of a rescue?

 "Until Leaves Fall in Paris" by Sarah Sundin
Would you thwart evil if you had the chance? Two Americans contribute to the French resistance during WWII, putting themselves on the side of right in a dark time.


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Olive Kentworth has a secret. She's been hidden away from the world for years, first caretaking and then mourning the loss of her mother. But she's been developing her talents as an architect along the way. Her cousins have allowed her to design plans for some of their buildings, and people have taken notice and inquired after the genius behind the work. Olive agrees to draw up plans for a home addition as long as the design is credited to her cousin Amos.

Maxfield Scott is one of the premier architects in Joplin. Why is someone adding onto the Blounts' house and ruining his beautiful creation? It's hard to believe the uncouth Amos Kentworth could be behind it. Max doesn't need this kind of distraction. He's only looking for distractions that are fun and good, like Ruby Dennis. She takes his mind off the loss of his wife and the responsibility of his young children at home.

Speaking of his children, Max needs someone to watch them during his dates with Ruby. Shy and quiet Olive Kentworth seems like a respectable young lady, even if she is Amos's cousin. But as Maxfield gets to know Olive, the attraction of Ruby's shallow gaiety fades away. Maybe steady and sensible is what he needs.

Olive can't believe her good fortune. Being able to study Maxfield Scott's library while he courts his lady friend is allowing her to expand her education and form more ideas for touches of beauty in her designs. But when his attention swings her way, Olive shrinks back. He can't learn her secret. Wouldn't he only say she was unqualified and merely a woman who should stay away from construction sites?

This novel was my favorite of the Joplin Chronicles series, and probably because I related so well to Olive. I know what it's like to feel like family responsibilities have kept you from doing what you might have otherwise. To see her follow her dreams actually made me cry a couple times. I liked Max too, especially when he was in his role as father. Overall, I recommend this book for anyone who likes their historical stories with a good helping of laugh out loud on the side.

I received my copy of this book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Those of us who have been enjoying Jody Hedlund's Colorado Cowboys series have been waiting for Ivy's story! Ivy, the youngest McQuaid and only girl, has always had an indomitable personality, but she's also had one weakness: Jericho Bliss. After Jericho left two years ago, Ivy has continued to pave her own way and start saving money for her own ranch.

After leaving Colorado, Jericho followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Pinkerton Detective Agency. But Jericho is determined to avoid some of the tragedy that haunted his father's life, and that includes having a family who might be exploited by criminals. When he finds himself back in Colorado and face to face with Ivy McQuaid once again, Jericho realizes he must fight his own attraction to the rambunctious young woman in order to hold strong to his convictions.

Ivy has always fought for what she wanted, and she wants Jericho. But she also wants her independence. When Jericho rebuffs her attention, Ivy sets out to prove she doesn't need him and that she can make her own way.

I really liked the different twists that the author wove into this novel. There were several elements I did not see coming. The romance and the focus on physical attraction was a little too strong for my personal preference, though it was still clean. Every reader is different in this area, so use your own discretion. Another thing the novel does well is set up the final book of the series, to be released next year. I can't wait to read the story of the last McQuaid sibling!

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

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Lady Emily Scofield has found a refuge among friends on the Isles of Scilly. Her friends don't hold the actions of her brother Nigel against her. They don't want her to conform to their whims the way her father does. If only her family loved her so well as this group we've gotten to know through the pages of The Secrets of the Isles series.

There is more treasure to be found. This time it's rumored that an artifact that once belonged to King Arthur himself has been hidden on the islands. Lord Telford has been captivated by Arthurian legend since he was a boy, which makes this quest all the more personal. As a self-proclaimed protector of weak and wounded creatures, he also can't help but see the needs in Lady Emily's life. Can he help her the way he does with furry creatures?

Lord Telford, Lady Emily, and the gang are not the only ones after this hidden treasure. Nigel is pursuing it just as doggedly, and without noble intention. Can they find it before he does? This series comes to an exciting and stormy ending which will satisfy every reader.

This was my favorite book of the series. I really enjoyed and in many ways empathized with Lady Emily as a heroine, and I loved Lord Telford's sensitivity as a friend and then growing into deeper affection and attraction. The theme of worthiness was beautifully woven in. I also felt like the cast of characters was easier to follow, like I finally got them all straight in my mind. Now they're sailing into the sunset with further adventures to live out in our imaginations.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.


Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books...to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.


1906
After a summer of successful pirate-treasure hunting, Lady Emily Scofield and her friends are forced to hide the unprecedented discoveries they’ve made, thanks to the betrayal of her own family. Horrified by her brother who stops at nothing to prove himself to their greedy father, Emily is forced to take a stand against her family—even when it means being cut off entirely.

Bram Sinclair, Earl of Telford, is fascinated with tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table—an interest he’s kept mostly hidden for the last decade. But when a diary is unearthed in the islands that could lead to a secret artifact, Bram is the only one able to piece the legends together.

As Bram and Emily seek out the whereabouts of the hidden artifact, they must dodge her eager family and a team of archeologists. In a race against time, they must decide what makes a hero worthy of legend—is it fighting valiantly to claim the treasure . . . or sacrificing everything in the name of selfless love?

Haunted by the abuse and abandonment that marred his childhood, as well as things that happened while he was in the army, Luke Davenport has found purpose in his faith in Christ and in his position in Hanger's Horsemen, an honorable band that helps those in need. Luke answers the call of a rancher whose cattle are being rustled, but he quickly realizes that there's more happening Madisonville than first meets the eye.

Damaris Baxter has always felt invisible, but her simple life took a dramatic turn when she was named the guardian of her 14-year-old nephew. However, Nathaniel's grief has kept her shut out of his heart, and she's worried about how often he's gone and the pranks he's pulling. When he blurts out that his father was actually murdered, Damaris sets out to investigate that claim.

Circumstances bring Luke, Nathaniel, and Damaris together. Nathaniel reminds Luke of himself at that age, and he longs to help the boy. Being around Damaris makes Luke long for the things he's never allowed himself to dream of, while Damaris finds it hard to believe she could inspire ardor in such a man.

Grave danger lurks around Madisonville, threatening those in its path. Can Luke find the source of the conflict before it claims any more lives, especially the ones he's come to love?

While this book had what seemed like more violence than usual for a Karen Witemeyer novel, I very much enjoyed Luke and Damaris as characters.There were aspects to both of them that I could relate to. I also appreciated the strong reliance upon faith that they portrayed. This book wraps up the Hanger's Horsemen series, and it brings a satisfying conclusion to the tale of heroic men who overcame their shared military tragedy. I would recommend this series to those who enjoy western historical romance, and I can't wait to see what Karen brings us next!

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Brody McQuaid survived the Civil War, but he's not gotten over his survivor's guilt. Plagued by flashbacks and nightmares, he cares about very little. Though his brother Flynn has taken Brody into his home, Brody feels like he's a continual disappointment with his uncontrolled ability to find or create trouble.

Savannah Marshall doesn't want to marry Chandler Saxton. She wants to be free to doctor animals, which is what brings her the most enjoyment in the world. Since her parents are so set on her marrying Chandler, Savannah decides to take matters into her own hands and run away. Surely someone will be willing to hire a female veterinarian.

When Brody crosses Savannah's path, she can see clear as day that he's a good man underneath his gruff exterior. He's willing to put himself in harm's way to save a mistreated horse, and he cares deeply about the wild mustangs roaming the mountains. She asks if she can make the McQuaid ranch her home base, and Brody and Flynn agree.

As the female veterinarian and the wounded soldier form a friendship, Brody takes his first steps toward healing.

I always enjoy a good cowboy book, and this one was no different. I liked the twist with runaway bride Savannah, and the Colorado landscape is richly described. Although at first I had a measure of concern about the way Brody was portrayed, as the novel progressed his healing took priority over the romantic relationship, which is exactly what needed to happen before a true relationship could flourish. Both characters showed tremendous growth over the course of the story. I can't wait for the next installment in this series!

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.