Kate Landry Has a Plan 


Kate Landry's life is full. She's raising her niece and running a successful business. Her 20-year-plan is working.

Until an amazing new business expansion opportunity comes up, her niece is suddenly singularly focused on getting a dog, and a childhood friend with the potential to be more returns to her life. On top of all this, a wild parrot has suddenly taken to wreaking havoc all over her courtyard, adding daily frustration on top of her more pressing matters.

Kate Landry Has a Plan is a story about seeking God, forgiving others, and keeping priorities straight. Kate's past hurts greatly affect her present, clouding her decision-making skills. Through the course of the novel, she is gently reminded by the people in her life about which risks are worth pursuing and which should be regarded with more caution.

I liked Kate as a parent to her niece, and I loved the hero Micah Guidry. The New Orleans culture shines through this novel and you'll feel like you're strolling through the streets of the Big Easy and tasting their distinctive cuisine. The animal characters also add a lot to the story.

I would recommend this novel to fans of humorous novels with deep themes. 

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

A n Overdue Match


Evangeline Kelly believes love has passed her by. Surely no man would ever find her attractive since alopecia has claimed all of her hair. But that doesn't mean she can't be a part in other people's love stories. As a librarian, she knows what people are interested in. What if she used checkout histories to play matchmaker for her patrons? Aren't mutual interests a great place for love to bloom?

But perhaps love is not as over Evangeline as she believes it to be. She keeps crossing paths with tattoo artist Tai Davis, and there's something about him that she can't quite define. He lives free while she lives held back, terrified to face more rejection and humiliation over her autoimmune disorder. Could she trust him to see her heart and indeed all of her?

I enjoyed this story. I thought it took a little while to get off the ground, but I loved the themes in the novel and also that the book didn't follow a traditional formula. There are many unique things about it! Conservative readers who are not comfortable with tattoos might not enjoy the story, given the protagonist's profession. The spiritual arc is very well done.

"We prayed... that you'd stop running away from love long enough to see that love will never stop pursuing you." (Chapter 37)

If you like contemporary stories with a different beat that will make you laugh out loud and touch your heart, you'd definitely enjoy this book.

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

When Stars Light the Sky


The streets of Berlin come to life in this newest novel from Elizabeth Camden. As Germany perches on the edge of war, Inga Klein takes a position with the American Embassy in the German capital. As secretary for the ambassador, she has a front row seat of the diplomatic relationships between Kaiser Wilhelm II and the other nations trying to keep peace.

Inga has always been light and carefree, and her cheerful ways draw the ire of one Benedict Kincaid. Benedict is all business all the time. Even Inga's unflagging spirit begins to dim as war draws closer, and as a German citizen her future is uncertain. Could Benedict possibly be the key to securing her safety?

This book reminded me very much of Sarah Sundin's writing, which is a huge compliment. I liked the opposites attract storyline, though this story takes slow burn to the extreme. As you might expect, politics and talk of the war are heavy topics in this novel, which some readers may enjoy more than others. You can tell the book is very well-researched and is sure to delight true historical fans.

Overall, I would recommend this to any fans of Elizabeth Camden, Sarah Sundin, or historical novels based on real life events.

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


In 2024 I read significantly fewer books than I usually do. It turns out that moving slows your reading time, and so does starting a new relationship, getting engaged, and planning a wedding! It's been a busy year. 😉😍

Reading remains a joy, though, and I fit it in where I can. After surveying my completed titles in 2024, here are the five that rose to the top. They're arranged alphabetically by author's last name. You can click on any book to check out the title on Amazon.

Loyally Luke "Loyally, Luke" by Pepper Basham
This whole series was a blast, and in the finale of the trilogy handyman Luke, despiser of Hallmark movies, gets his own Hallmark-worthy romance when he falls in love with a woman he doesn't realize is an actual princess of the country of Skymar. Could he, a simple Appalachian, ever truly win the heart of European royalty?

Love in Tandem "Love in Tandem" by Becca Kinzer
How far would you go for charity? Would you go on a 500-mile tandem bike ride while faking a romantic relationship with your teammate, who also happens to be your former fiance's brother? I mean, really, what could go wrong in this scenario? Pretty much everything does go wrong, but Charlotte and Zach learn valuable lessons about life and faith along the way.

Rocky Road "Rocky Road" by Becky Wade
FBI agent Jude is as buttoned-up as they come. Serious. Guarded. But when he meets perfumer Gemma Clare and has to pose as her boyfriend for a case, everything about Jude starts coming undone. Gemma is a creative free spirit who also happens to be in more than a little danger. Protecting his heart might be even more difficult than completing the assignment.

The Rhythm of Fractured Grace "The Rhythm of Fractured Grace" by Amanda Wen
While the first three books on this list have all had their humorous side, this book's deep theme of redemption is not one to treat lightly. In this split-time novel, the historical storyline follows a woman who survived a scalping, while the contemporary storyline explores the topic of sexual abuse within the church. Deep subjects, beautiful writing, and God's grace on display in very tough situations.

A Noble Scheme "A Noble Scheme" by Roseanna M. White
Here's another book with forgiveness and relationships at its core. The Imposters are a group of social elites who moonlight as private investigators, but they are hiding secrets of their own. This book weaves intrigue, emotion, and faith in a compelling way as the Imposters seek to find a kidnapped child and restore relationships that have been broken.
Cloaked in Beauty

Are you read for another Texas fairy tale retelling? Cloaked in Beauty blends Little Red Riding Hood with Sleeping Beauty for a romantic adventure with a little danger thrown in for good measure.

Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael has been given an unusual task. Scarlett Radcliffe has been hidden away since she was a child, cared for by her grandmother and her faithful pet wolf. Though her father's death was ruled an accident, Scarlett's mother believes her uncle was behind the tragedy and that he will go further and harm Scarlett in order to claim as much of the family wealth for himself as he can. Now that Scarlett's twenty-first birthday is approaching, the time has come to find Scarlett and bring her home to claim her inheritance and legally move it out of her uncle's grasp.

While Philip is up for the hunt, he's unprepared for the depth of his feelings that blossom for Scarlett, now known as Letty, once she's in his care. He cannot take advantage of such a sheltered and generous young woman, but how could he do less than fall in love with her?

If you enjoy romantic fairy tale retellings, you'll love this one. I personally felt the love story was a little too prominent, and Letty as an isolated character didn't ring true for me. Uncle Drake was also entirely one-dimensional as a villain.

However, readers who enjoy getting swept away and suspending disbelief might be thrilled by the very things that bothered me, so I hope you'll check out the book for yourself. It's imaginative and you'll enjoy recognizing pieces of the fairy tales as they come across the page.

I received my copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.
An Honorable Deception
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This story gets off to an explosive start when a young gentlewoman is ambushed, shot, and left for dead. Thankfully, the private investigator she was meeting with, who is none other than Lord Yates Fairfax of the Imposters, is there to rescue Lady Alethia and take on the case to find her missing nanny. Who would want to silence Lady Alethia's quest to the point of attempting murder?

The Imposters are back in the third and final novel of this captivating series. Although the group's numbers have stayed small out of necessity to their identity a secret, some things are going to require letting others in. Lady Lavinia Hemming, longtime neighbor of the Fairfaxes with haunting secrets of her own, takes to private investigative work like a duck to water and quickly becomes a valuable member of the team.

While I appreciated the quick start to the novel, the middle lagged a bit until the pieces fell into place. Once the team grasps the full consequences of where Lady Altheia's missing nanny might be, it is then full steam ahead until the dramatic conclusion.

Although done with careful language and extreme grace, this story takes on what we would call today trafficking and grooming. As I said, it is handled very well, but this might be an issue some readers should be aware of.

It was great joy to reenter the world of the Imposters and catch up with these characters who have become friends. The love triangle trope is not my favorite, but I must say it's done quite intriguingly and I kept waffling in deciphering if Yates would choose Lady Alethia or Lady Lavinia. It worked out exactly as it was supposed to in the end.

If you're a fan of Roseanna's other series, you'll enjoy seeing familiar characters who make cameo appearances in this book. Overall, I would recommend this for all who enjoy historical romance with a side of suspense.

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


About the Author

Roseanna M. White

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling, 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.

The Imposters, 3

In the trying art of balancing investigations and love, a detective must determine his priorities when faced with dangerous circumstances that could threaten everything he holds dear.

As the leader of the Imposters, an elite private investigative firm, Lord Yates Fairfax has made an art of concealing his identity. But when his newest client, the beautiful Lady Alethia Barremore, is shot while leaving their meeting, he throws caution to the wind and rushes to her air. Though Lady Alethia thought she was only looking for her missing former nanny, she has clearly stumbled upon something much more dangerous.

Lady Lavinia Hemming suspects her longtime friends hold more secrets than they're willing to admit, and when she stumbles upon the truth that they're the esteemed Imposters, she recruits herself into the firm. While she is happy for the distraction of an investigation, Lavinia's own family secrets continue to haunt her. And the one thing bringing laughter back into her life—her friendship with Yates—lands her squarely on the disagreeable side of her best friend: his sister.

Tormented by a past she doesn't dare voice aloud, Lady Alethia does what she can to help her handsome host, her new friends, and the investigators. But as clues lead them deeper into the dark side of society, Alethia, Yates, and Lavinia learn anew that the gentry isn't always noble . . . even as they fight to hold fast to their honor.
 
 
Of Gold and Shadows


Ami Dalton grew up the daughter of a renowned Egptologist and she's working hard to follow in his footsteps. She holds a secret identity as the Shadow Broker, seeking to find Egyptian artifacts and either place them where all can enjoy or send them back to their homeland. Her greatest desire is to one day lead an archaeological dig herself.

But when she literally stumbles into Edmund Price, England's most eligible bachelor, her short-term goals are sidetracked. Edmund has imported a shipment of Egyptian artifacts and needs someone to evaluate them and price them to sell quickly. Ami agrees to help with the ulterior motive of convincing him to sell them not to the public but to a museum in Cairo.

Edmund has never met anyone like Ami. She cares about different things and expresses herself unlike any woman he's ever met. It's refreshing to meet a female who isn't chasing after him. When strange things begin happening around his manor home, could they be related to the curse of the golden griffin than was found in one of his crates? Or is something more sinister and human in nature at work?

This is an adventurous novel full of intrigue and romance. I enjoyed the main characters and found them to be believable and worth cheering for. Though I saw some of the twists and turns coming, others took me by surprise. The romance was sweet and clean. I actually thought there was a little too much romance for my taste, if only because it seemed to dominate the middle part of the story. Your taste may differ. There are also beautiful layers of faith that will stir your heart even as the story stirs your imagination.
 
I'd recommend this story for all fans of historical romance with threads of suspense.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.
 A Noble Scheme
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Gemma Parks does not want to forgive Graham Wharton. That much is clear in the first book of the series, though we were left guessing the reason. Now, as Gemma and the other Imposters take a case to restore a kidnapped child to his family, she and Graham are forced to work closely together.

Graham wants to win Gemma back, but the priority has to be the missing boy. From one grand manor house to another, the whole group must rely on their training and their alter egos to solve the case before it's too late.

This story weaves from intrigue to emotion and back again. I'd heard that there was a twist that readers won't see coming, and that was definitely true for me. That makes the story go from interesting to compelling as you turn page after page to see how things will resolve. 

There's also a strong faith theme as characters ask tough questions and process grief. I thought this was perhaps the greatest faith theme Roseanna has woven into any of her novels, and it was extremely well-done.

I'd recommend A Noble Scheme for all fans of historical suspense, especially if you don't mind some emotion along the way.

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


About the Author

Roseanna M. White

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning 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.

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About The Book

A Noble Scheme

A Noble Scheme
 
The Imposters, 2
1909

In the opulent and perilous world of high society's most elite—and most dangerous—families, two investigators must set aside their broken hearts to uncover the truth.

Gemma Parks is known to the London elite as G.M. Parker, a columnist renowned for her commentary on the cream of society. Behind the scenes, she uses her talents to aid the Imposters in their investigations by gathering intel at events and providing alibis for the firm's members through her columns. Yet her clandestine work would be more exhilarating if it weren't for the constant presence of the gentleman who broke her heart.

Graham Wharton has never had eyes for anyone but Gemma, and she left his heart in tatters when she walked away from him. When the Imposters take on a new job to recover a kidnapped boy mistaken for his aristocratic cousin, Graham is determined to use the time with Gemma to not only restore the missing boy, but to also win back the only woman he's ever loved. As they trace the clues laid out before them, Graham and Gemma must devise a noble scheme to save the boy's life and heal their hearts.
 
 
 
If the Boot Fits


If you love fairy tale retellings, make sure you check out this Cinderella-inspired story. With a little gender-swapping and a lot of Texas flair, you'll be swept along on this epic adventure.

Samantha Dearing returns from finishing school in Boston, ready to settle back into the ranch life she loved as a girl. Much to her dismay, her father seems intent on marrying her off to a wealthy suitor as soon as possible, but Samantha isn't going to stand for this.

Asher Ellis is dismayed to learn his stepmother has been evicted from her home, and he sneaks into Samantha's ball in order to search her father's home for evidence of corruption toward his tenants. When things go wrong, he ends up making a hasty escape and leaving a boot behind in the process.

In order to resettle into her community, Samantha begins to get involved in charity work. This leads to her tutoring Asher's younger brother and helping a friend who has fallen into dire circumstances. This allows Samantha's personality to come to life and show the compassionate side of her passionate nature. But it soon becomes clear that someone is out to cause her serious harm. Who could it be? Asher becomes one of her protectors as they try to find the man with ill intentions.

This book has strong faith themes and encourages helping those in need. Overall, I felt the story was a little lacking for me personally. I never quite connected to the characters, and there's a journal that is discovered toward the end of the book that contained a twist I really wish had been handled differently. Was it necessary? It was pretty disappointing to me. However, the Cinderella aspects of the story were top notch and often brought a smile to my face. It was fun to find familiar names and see classic scenes playing out in a unique way.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.
A Winter By The Sea 


The Summers sisters from Sea View return in this second book in the On Devonshire Shores series. This time there's royalty in the neighborhood, as a Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathern, takes a house nearby. Real Sidmouth history comes to life as the sisters interact with the duke and duchess and their baby girl.

There's a love triangle as the past reappears and new friends are made. Who is trustworthy? Will anyone claim a sister's heart before the end of the novel?

One of my favorite parts of the story had to do with the poorhouse and how the Summerses and others banded together to help with the needs of this part of their community.

I enjoyed catching up with the sisters again, though I found it a bit hard to dive back into their world without more of a refresher on the personality of Sarah, Emily, and Viola. That could have more to do with this reader than any fault of the author. I am very much looking forward to the conclusion of this series, which has brought so many delightful characters to life.

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

I read some really great books this year! Here are my ten favorites, separated by genre. Click any cover to visit the book's Amazon page.



"Positively, Penelope" by Pepper Basham

Penelope ventures across the ocean to help restore a 100-year-old family-owned theater. Along the way, the pure joy of her personality proves infectious, even in the face of difficulties.



"Memory Lane" by Becky Wade

Remy rescues a man suffering from amnesia. As she helps him find his memories, she fights to keep her own at bay.



"The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass" by Katie Powner

Garbage truck driver Pete sees a side of people that most do not—and I'm not just talking about their trash. He sees beauty and value in others that may be overlooked by those not paying attention.



"Dear Henry, Love Edith" by Becca Kinzer

A mix-up leads Henry and Edith to share a house without ever having met. He thinks she's an elderly widow, and she thinks he's a nice little old man. Such a fun story!



"Wedding at Sea" by Melissa Tagg

Can two decades-old mysteries be solved? Can two people who have never gotten along plan a wedding for someone very dear to them?



"The Sound of Light" by Sarah Sundin

The Danish resistance during WWII takes center stage. A baron and a physicist must both decide what they will do to protect their country and save their friends.



"An Elegant Facade" by Kristi Ann Hunter

Lady Georgina has a closely-held secret. Colin is a businessman in a world of gentlemen who look down on honest work. Can they see past their dislikes of the other to find true depth of character?



"A Beautiful Disguise" by Roseanna M. White

Lady Marigold and her brother use the talents gained from their unusual upbringing to run a secret spy ring among highbrow society in Edwardian London.



"Kiss Me on Christmas" by Sarah Monzon

A single mom and her neurodivergent son travel for the holidays to help with a family wedding, and on the way they meet the boy’s favorite YouTuber, who happens to be the best man at the same wedding.



"This and Every Christmas" by Jaycee Weaver

One family's December 23rd tradition plays a pivotal role in their daughter's romance. Visit this one special day through the years to see the story unfold.

Find more Top Ten Tuesday posts at That Artsy Reader Girl.
 Calling on the Matchmaker


In 1849 St. Louis, RIley Rafferty is more interested in doing good deeds and becoming mayor than in remarrying. His first marriage was anything but happy before his wife's passing. But his father's ill health forces him to consult with a young matchmaker, who insists the perfect woman for him is the one who has vowed never to marry.

Finola Shanahan's interests lie in joining a convent. She believes she is not worthy of love or a family of her own. But her well-established family won't accept this for their oldest daughter, and they are certain their thirteenth round with the matchmaker will be the one that sticks.

The first thing I was surprised about in this book was that the matchmakers were both male. Maybe I've seen too much Mulan or Fiddler on the Roof, but I thought matchmaking was a singularly female pursuit. The second thing I was surprised about was how much physical attraction played a role in the story. One knows to expect a certain level of that with a Jody Hedlund book, but this pushed it a little too far for me personally. Another surprise was just how scheming Riley, Finola, and the matchmaker each were. Constant schemes! Always trying to work things out the way they wanted. None of them came across as very realistic characters to me.

The best part of this book focused on Riley's work within the city and the portrayal of St. Louis in this time frame. The worst part of this book were the scenes involving romance at a cholera sickbed. 

This end did set up the next book in the series very well and I am curious to see it unfold.

I received my copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Julia Monroe Begins Again


Julia's ready for life in her 40s. It's been a decade since she lost her husband in an accident, and now her sons are out of state going to college. She's not looking for a new chapter, just improvements on the comfortable one she's made for herself. But then Samuel Reed shows up and throws her whole world into chaos.

Samuel broke her heart when she was 18, and seeing him brings up all the memories of both the good and the bad of their relationship. How could she ever trust him, even if he seems intent on pursuing her once more?

I related to Julia on so many levels, and she really grabbed me as a character in the first few chapters. I liked her friendship with Kate and the colorful New Orleans setting. You'll be craving beignets as you read this story!

This book is pretty much a straight romance, in the sense that there's not much going on that doesn't relate to the main characters' relationship. I didn't feel like any of the male characters in this book were especially realistic, foremost the hero, but it wasn't to such a degree that it detracted from the heart of the story. I loved that there was a strong faith message and a healthy church atmosphere, with conversations about faith and many things it entails. This story does have its serious moments, as it deals with some deep topics and long-held wounds.

Overall, I feel like I am the target audience for this book, and it hit its mark. I'd recommend it to my friends of a similar age. However, younger women or teenagers would probably have a hard time understanding Julia's feelings and choices. But I hope that if you're around your 40s, are a recent empty nester, or are facing a new season of life, you'll take a chance on Julia Monroe Begins Again. There's lots to enjoy here!

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.
All's Fair in Love and Christmas


Mackenzie Graham just wants to make beautiful graphics, take care of her mom, and not attract anyone's attention. Her social anxiety keeps her from more than surface relationships with most people, and it especially keeps her far away from Jeremy Fletcher, her attractive coworker. Then her boss declares that the holiday promotion will go to either her or Jeremy, and the competition is on. Who can out-Christmas the other and win the promotion?

Mackenzie needs the promotion to help with her mom's bills at the memory care facility. Jeremy needs it because he's raising his twin preteen niece and nephew. Both are grieving their own losses during the holiday season—Mackenzie with her mom's early onset Alzheimer's, Jeremy over the death of his sister. 

Jeremy had never really noticed Mackenzie before, but now that they are rivals he is paying a lot more attention. Her quiet but thoughtful ways make him take notice in a completely different way.

I thought the portrayal of social anxiety was realistic and well done. Mackenzie desires to do better, but it's not an obstacle easily overcome, and even when she makes strides there is the occasional regression. While I enjoyed all the Christmas activities, I also wondered where Mackenzie and Jeremy had the funds to pull off their festive feats. The romance was super sweet and slow burn, though at the same time it somehow felt a little rushed, probably due to the length of this shorter novel. Also the whole forced workplace rivals thing and its resolution was kind of gimmicky. Though it did seem a bit of a stretch, the story is fun, has some depth and a faith arc, and also captures the spirit of the season. If you're looking for something new to read this holiday, All's Fair in Love and Christmas might be the book for you.

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


On the day Samuel anointed Saul king of Israel, four young men sneaked to the top of the ridge to watch the proceedings. One year later, when Saul calls his first troops to assemble, the same four youths leave their homes, eager for battle. Avidan knows he goes without his Levite family's permission. He is not supposed to be near the fighting, but he longs for adventure.

Keziah knows her father will soon seek a husband for her, but she never guessed it would be to a man who is so loathsome. Will she even be safe in his household? A daring flight sets her free but leaves her on the run.

When Avidan, fresh from the battle but seeking what was lost, stumbles upon Keziah, the two join together for the remainder of their journey. Will they each find what they are looking for?

I've enjoyed most of Connilyn Cossette's books, and have eagerly waited for this one, which was delayed while Conni was fighting (and beating!) breast cancer. But the story didn't grab me. It has a very slow start, and the main characters don't meet until the 45% mark of the story. Things definitely pick up from there, and the interaction between Avidan and Keziah is the strongest part of the story. I also liked how Avidan came to embrace his true calling, and both characters come to know and rely on God in deeper ways.

I think the setting of this series, during the years of King Saul, will prove interesting. Looking forward to the next book!

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.
A Beautiful Disguise
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If you like stories about spies and people with unexpected talents, you'll want to check out A Beautiful Disguise. Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother had a most unusual upbringing, surrounded by circus entertainers, trained animals, and acrobats. After their father died and they realized their estate was almost penniless, Marigold and her brother put the unusual skills they had acquired to work and formed The Imposters—a group who can blend into any social scene and find out the secrets of the aristocracy.

When Sir Merritt Livingstone finds himself staring at puzzles that his own connections cannot solve, he reaches out to The Imposters. Are the threats to young officers really coming from those higher up in his own office of the War Department?

I liked Lady Marigold right away. She puts on a socialite front but she has so much depth that she doesn't let just anyone see. It's hard to balance being one of London's most sought-after guests but also the one who knows all her hosts' secrets. However, she finds herself wanting to show her true self where Sir Merritt is concerned, but how can she do that without risking the anonymity they've so carefully crafted?

There's good intrigue in the plot and a wonderful cast of characters who drive the story forward. Although I guessed some of the plot twists, others took me by surprise. I think all fans of this author will appreciate her blend of historical romance and suspense. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series!

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


About the Author

Roseanna M. White

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning 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.


The Imposters, 1
1909

Left with an estate on the brink of bankruptcy after their father’s death, Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother open a private investigation firm marketed to the elite . . . to spy on the elite. Dubbed The Imposters, Ltd., their anonymous group soon becomes the go-to for the crème of society when they want answers delivered surreptitiously. But the many secrets Marigold learns about her peers pale in comparison to her shock when she and her brother are hired to investigate her best friend’s father as a potential traitor.

Sir Merritt Livingstone has spent a decade serving the monarch in the most elite guard, but when pneumonia lands him behind a desk in the War Office Intelligence Division just as they’re creating a new secret intelligence branch, he’s intent on showing his worth. He suspects a man of leaking information to Germany as tensions mount between the two countries but needs someone to help him prove it, so he turns to The Imposters, Ltd. No one knows who they are, but their results are beyond compare.

Lady Marigold is determined to discover the truth for her friend’s sake, and she’s more determined still to keep her heart from getting involved with this enigmatic new client . . . who can’t possibly be as noble as he seems.
 
 
The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass


One man's trash is another man's treasure.

Pete Ryman considers himself barely above the refuse he collects every day. A mother who left him, a sister he's disappointed, a string of rash choices made from emotions he didn't know how to handle. At least being a trash collector allows him some self-sufficiency in his middle age without having to interact much with the public. All he needs is his potbellied pig Pearl and Windy Ray, his one friend.

There's something inside Pete that I don't think he even realizes. He has the ability to see the things others overlook or even discard and find the value and beauty in them. Whether that was rescuing Pearl after she was dumped at the landfill, nabbing what someone has put out with their trash and restoring it to give to someone in need, or even the way he looks at the people in the town of Sleeping Grass. He sees a part of them that no one else sees.

So it is with Windy Ray, with Wilma, with Lily and Dani and Braedon. As each one enters his life, Pete sees the good and is willing to give his all to promote the safety and well-being of each vulnerable one.

This novel invites you into Sleeping Grass and quickly grabs hold of your heart. Real world griefs, regrets, and hope spill out over the pages for Pete and his friends. People whom others overlook and even reject hold great value. Just like life, things in this story are not tied up in a neat bow, but I think that stirs my heart even more.

I highly recommend this and all of Katie Powner's other novels. They'll make you laugh, make you cry, and leave you thinking long after you turn the last page.

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

Snow White comes to Texas in this fairy tale retelling by Karen Witemeyer. Our heroine is Penelope Snow, a beautiful orphan now trying to make her way in the world as a personal maid to the vain Narcissa LaBelle, actress extraordinaire. Madame LaBelle insists no one shine brighter than she, so Penelope wears shapeless gowns and stays in the shadows. But one night, while wearing some of Madame's clothing so the seamstress can make the appropriate alterations, Penelope's beauty captures the wrong attention. As punishment, Penelope is taken out to the woods and left to die. Unbeknownst to her, in her possession is Madame LaBelle's secret stash of jewels, sewn into the boning of her corset.

Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley is suspicious of lovely females after what happened to his brother, but Penelope Snow and her sweet spirit draw him in. He leaves Penelope in the care of his grandfather and the six other older men who live together at the Diamond D Ranch and continues on his quest to find a jewel thief that is traveling the state. When the evidence leads to Madame LaBelle's troupe, he begins to wonder if Penelope's sweetness was an act. Has he endangered his grandfather and the other men?

This is a fun story with lots of Snow White nods, both hidden and overt. I loved spotting them as I read. It was amusing to extrapolate the seven dwarfs into the personalities of the old men at the Diamond D, and the scene where the cover comes from is simply lovely.

I would recommend this book for fans of western romances and fairy tale retellings. I wouldn't recommend it for younger readers because Madame LaBelle relies heavily on her seductive power to get what she wants, and Penelope's own assets are well discussed. It just seemed like that was more of a focus than it needed to be, though the rest of the story was a great adventure and held many laugh-out-loud moments.

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


I love the writings of A.W. Tozer, and worship has always been very important to me, so I was excited to have the chance to read this book. Tozer is so rich that you have to read slowly. While I enjoyed this book, I didn't get as much out of it as I hoped, and that could be just because it's a very busy time of year and it was hard to focus. Perhaps if I read it again I would feel more immersed in the writing.
 
I still highly recommend Tozer, especially the transformative A Cloud By Day, A Fire By Night, or his devotional A Daily Pursuit. Thanks to Bethany House for continuing to get Tozer's works in front of today's audience.

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


Griffith, Duke of Riverton, has waited to get married until all his siblings were paired off. Now he must do his duty and provide an heir for his title, but he wishes to make a love match as his siblings did. He's been scrupulous over the years so that his name has never been linked with any young lady, which means any overtures on his part will practically be a declaration of marriage. He studies the field and picks out the woman he intends to court: Miss Frederica St. Claire.

It seems, however, that Miss St. Claire's affections might be otherwise engaged. And Griffith can never see her without seeing her beautiful debutante cousin, Miss Isabella Breckenridge. Miss Breckenridge is nothing like the woman Griffith is looking for. But why isn't his heart listening to his head?

Isabella came to London under every false pretense. Her scheming uncle is assuring her family's future in exchange for a few months of her time lighting up high society's ballrooms. She's actually twenty-four years old, but she's pretending to be several years younger than Frederica. A few months of pretending and then she can go back to the farm she loves.

I enjoyed the first half of this book. It had some great scenes that forced Griffith and Isabella to spend time together with their masks and roles dropped. The second half of the story grew too convoluted, too political, and unfortunately the characters' choices no longer made sense to me. 

My favorite book in this Hawthorne House series was An Elegant Facade. That one is a gem! I hope if you read any of these books, that will be the one you select.

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