Mini Reviews, Four of Them

Title: The Painter's Daughter

Author: Julie Klassen

Genre: Christian Fiction

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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source: publisher

Sophie Dupont, daughter of a portrait painter, assists her father in his studio, keeping her own artwork out of sight. She often walks the cliffside path along the north Devon coast, popular with artists and poets. It's where she met the handsome Wesley Overtree, the first man to tell her she's beautiful.

Captain Stephen Overtree is accustomed to taking on his brother's neglected duties. Home on leave, he's sent to find Wesley. Knowing his brother rented a cottage from a fellow painter, he travels to Devonshire and meets Miss Dupont, the painter's daughter. He's startled to recognize her from a miniature portrait he carries with him--one of Wesley's discarded works. But his happiness plummets when he realizes Wesley has left her with child and sailed away to Italy in search of a new muse.

Wanting to do something worthwhile with his life, Stephen proposes to Sophie. He does not offer love, or even a future together, but he can save her from scandal. If he dies in battle, as he believes he will, she'll be a respectable widow with the protection of his family.

Desperate for a way to escape her predicament, Sophie agrees to marry a stranger and travel to his family's estate. But at Overtree Hall, her problems are just beginning. Will she regret marrying Captain Overtree when a repentant Wesley returns? Or will she find herself torn between the father of her child and her growing affection for the husband she barely knows? 

I was so excited for new Julie Klassen. I've loved all of her books, which is no small feat. While I still enjoyed this one, I don't think I loved it quite as much as all of her other books.

Of course, this one one starts with quite the scandal. Sophie has yet to tell anyone that she's pregnant, when she finds herself abandoned by the father. When his brother Stephen arrives to collect his stuff and find where he's gone, he proposes. Sophie accepts, and they return to his home. They are just getting to know each other, when Wesley comes back.

As always, Klassen writes her characters so well. I enjoyed Sophie and Stephen, and thought they were well fleshed out. I feel that we really got to know them. Klassen always does a really great job of writing secondary characters, and we get to know them just as much as the main characters. I always appreciate authors who do that, and love seeing the other stories and characters intertwining with our main story.

I usually do not like historical either, but Klassen always has a way of writing that draws me in. With her beautifully detailed setting, and surprising plot twists, Klassen's writing will hook you from the start. I wouldn't say this one was quite as plot twisty as her others, and there was nothing too unpredictable, but I still found this to be a great story.

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Title: Undaunted Hope

Author: Jody Hedlund

Series: Beacons of Hope, #3

Genre: Christian Fiction

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

source: publisher

Tessa Taylor arrives in 1870s Upper Peninsula, Michigan, planning to serve as a new teacher to the town. Much to her dismay, however, she immediately learns that there was a mistake, that the town had requested a male teacher. Percival Updegraff, superintendent and chief mine clerk, says she can stay through winter since they won't be able to locate a new teacher before then, and Tessa can't help but say she is in his debt. Little does she know that Percival will indeed keep track of all that she owes him. 

Determined to become indispensable, Tessa throws herself into teaching, and soon the children of the widowed lighthouse keeper have decided she's the right match for their grieving father. Their uncle and assistant light keeper, Alex Bjorklund, has his own feelings for Tessa. As the two brothers begin competing for her hand, Tessa increasingly feels that someone is tracking her every move, and she may not be able to escape the trap that has been laid for her.

When I saw that the main character in this one was a secondary character from book 2, I was intrigued. Tessa was not the most liked character from that story, so I was interested to see how the author would turn the tables. And in fact, Tessa might have been my favorite of the MC's from this series.

Tessa has been running since the events of the previous book. She is trying to put her past behind her, and has matured into a lovely young lady. She arrives as a teacher for this new town, only to find that they are not willing to have a female teacher. She talks them into agreeing to let her stay through the winter, and then throws herself into proving she deserves to stay.

Tessa has become a very strong, independent character, and I loved her for it. She hates the way the townspeople are treated, and starts to do something about it. I loved seeing this change in her. She still has a lot to work through, but it's obvious she is now a very different person.

I loved the other characters in this one too, from the kids to Alex and his brother. I did have issues with Alex when he and his brother tried to make decisions for Tessa as if it was their right, but Tessa quickly put a stop to that, which I admired her for. All in all, I thought this was a great addition to the series.
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Title: At Love's Bidding

Author: Regina Jennings

Series: Ozark Mountain Romances #2

Genre: Christian Fiction

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

source: NetGalley

After helping her grandfather at their Boston auction house, Miranda Wimplegate discovers she's accidentally sold a powerful family's prized portrait to an anonymous bidder. Desperate to appease the furious family, her grandfather tracks it to the Missouri Ozarks and makes an outlandish offer to buy the local auction house if they promise not to sell anything until he arrives.

Upon their arrival, however, they discover their new business doesn't deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its manager, ruggedly handsome Wyatt Ballentine, is frustrated to discover his fussy new bosses don't know a thing about the business he's single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more cattle than they can count--but no mysterious painting--Miranda and Wyatt form an unlikely but charged partnership to try and salvage a bad situation getting worse.

This is only the second book I've read by Regina Jennings, and while I don't think I liked it as much as the first book in this series, I did still enjoy this second installment.

Miranda has always done what she is told. She just wants to be a good daughter and keep the peace. But when she is charged with accompanying her grandfather to find a lost painting, Miranda has to learn how to take charge. I liked Miranda. She was sweet, and just wanted what was best for her family. And we get to see her grow and learn what's best for herself as well.

I did like Wyatt, as well as the other characters, some of which we saw book 1. The plot didn't really hook me though, as I put the book down a few times, and wouldn't pick it up again for a very long time in between. The communication issues did frustrate me a little bit, as I was screaming at them to "just talk already". I also got a bit lost there at the end, with everything that happened. It seemed a bit fast, everything at once. However, I did think this was a cute story, and I did enjoy it.

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Title: Every Bride Has Her Day

Author: Janice Thompson

Series: Brides with Style #3

Genre: Christian Fiction

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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source: publisher

Katie Fisher is ecstatic. Pro basketball star Brady James has proposed, and she can't wait to start planning their life together. She's confident she'll make it down the aisle this time--but it still may be easier said than done. A high-society Houston bride has Katie and the Cosmopolitan Bridal team scrambling to get the perfect dress done in time for her spectacular wedding. Meanwhile, Katie finds herself bombarded with everyone's competing visions regarding her own special day--and she's beginning to worry that her own ideas will get lost in the crossfire. Will she ever manage to settle all of the details for "her" perfect day? Or will bridal shop chaos and overzealous friends and family make a mess of everything? 

I have loved this series, and I thought this was a cute, fun end to the series. I love Janice Thompson's books for how fun and sweet they are, and this one was no different.

I did have a few more issues with this one. I felt like...nothing happened. As in, there was no real plot. Yes, I know Katie is getting married, but it seemed very lacking. I felt like a lot of the conversations were repeated, even Katie's inner monologue. They were just saying the same things over and over again, and nothing was really happening. Also, I know it's a romance, and they tend to be slightly unrealistic anyway, but the amount of engagements/weddings/etc. in this one seemed over-the-top and excessive. I mean, I could see why Jane was feeling a little bitter.

But in true Thompson fashion, the story was hilarious and quirky and sweet. It was still a fun read, and I'm glad we got to see the whole gang one last time, all together. I thought it was super cute, and I can't wait for more from Janice Thompson.

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Mini Reviews: A Daring Sacrifice, The Beautiful Pretender

Title: A Daring Sacrifice
Author: Jody Hedlund
Series: An Uncertain Choice, #2

Genre: Christian fiction
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Source: publisher

The only thing harder than fighting for what’s right…is fighting their feelings for each other.
For three years, the Cloaked Bandit has terrorized Wessex, robbing the nobility by knifepoint and a well-placed arrow. But little dos anyone know, this bandit is in fact Juliana Wessex, the rightful ruler of the land and a girl her tyrannical uncle—the current Lord Wessex—believes was killed along with her father.
Juliana has become skilled at hiding from Lord Wessex in the forest, using her stolen goods to provide food and shelter to the peasants her uncle has taxed into poverty. But when she robs Collin Goodrich, her red hair betrays her true identity. Lord Collin remembers Juliana from their childhood—and challenges her to stay on his estate for a week in hopes she will leave her thieving ways and become a proper lady once more. Juliana is intrigued by Collin and his charms, but only time will tell if he can overcome her distaste of the nobility—as well as win her heart.

I love my Jody Hedlund books, and am very glad that she has ventured out into the world of YA. I adored the first book in this series, but unfortunately this one did not quite cut it for me. There was just something lacking, and it was not up to par to what I have come to expect from one of her books.

I did wish, after reading the first one, that we would get stories about the other two knights, and so I am glad that we got that. It was fun to see a story about Collin, get to know him a little more. As for Juliana...I liked her, I did. However, we were told that she was basically a female Robin Hood and yet I did not see that. I'm not sure how she survived as the Cloaked Bandit for years, because Collin seemed to rescue her at every turn.

I also did not really connect to either of the characters. Collin was nice, and funny, but also arrogant. I was very bothered by his ideas of needing to show Juliana that she "belonged" with the nobility and protect her, not taking into account what she wanted. It came from a good heart, sure, but very overbearing. I think both of them had the potential to be great characters, but they felt a little flat.

There was some insta-love, which led to some plot points that I felt were too fast/too much for the point these characters were at, but its Christian Fiction and that's how it goes so I won't even touch on that.

It was a fun, enjoyable read, although it could have been so much more. Of course, our favorite Sirs Derrick and Brennan also made an appearance, which was nice. Although this book felt a little short, I will be continuing with this series, because I do very much enjoy this author, and I am excited to continue Sir Brennan's story.

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Title: The Beautiful Pretender

Author: Melanie Dickerson

Series: Thornbeck #2

Genre: Christian Fiction
Rating:4 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Source: publisher



What happens when a margrave realizes he’s fallen in love with a servant?
The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.
Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave’s bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.
Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?

I love Melanie Dickerson's books, and this one was no exception. From the medieval setting, to the Bachelor-esque feel of the book, and just how cute it was. I didn't get a particular fairy tale vibe from this one - I could see Beauty and the Beast elements, I guess? Although I felt more Queen Esther-vibes, actually. 

Lord Thornbeck is a gruff, angry, and generally reserved. But when the King commands him to find a bride, he has no choice. So, he invites the daughters of ten nobles to his castle, to get to know them. Unbeknownst to them, he also puts them through a series of tests to see who would be the best fit for his bride. Then we have Avelina, who has been sent in the place of one of the ladies, and is only trying to make it through without anyone noticing her deception.

I really liked all the characters, especially Avelina. I felt as if they were fleshed out, and that we got to know them individually. The friendship Avelina forms with Magdalen, the deep conversations between Avelina and the margrave, and even the soft side of himself that the margrave showed sometimes all led to help create complex and interesting characters. 

I would also say that the climax happened sooner than I would have thought it would, or what we would assume would be the climax, leaving room for more things to happen in the story, which I very much enjoyed. We got to see more of them, working together, and I loved that the story did not end where we thought it would.

This can be read as a standalone, although our favorite Jorgen and Odette from book 1 are recurring characters. I fully enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next one.

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Hearts Made Whole {by Jody Hedlund}

Title: Hearts Made Whole

Author: Jody Hedlund
Series: Beacons of Hope, #2

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Source: publisher

After her father’s death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren’t supposed to have such roles, so it’s only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper–even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.
Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He’s been given the post as lighthouse keeper, and the isolation where he can drown in drink and hide from his past is appealing. He’s not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who’s none-too-pleased to be giving up her position. They both quickly realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but Ryan’s unwilling to let anyone close, ravaged by memories and guilt. Caroline’s drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope…and possibly love?

I will admit, the first in this series was my favorite. However, this was a light, enjoyable read as well. This book follow's the brother of the MC from the first book. He's now grown-up, has fought in the war, and is coming back broken and disabled, trying to put his life back together. He ends up getting a job as a lighthouse keeper. The only problem? The current lighthouse keeper, who is being kicked out of the job simply because she is a woman. She has four younger siblings to take care of, and no way to take care of them now.

I think this one definitely dealt with some deeper and darker issues than the first one. Ryan has a serious problem with drinking and being addicted to his pain pills. But slowly we get to see the person he is underneath, the person he is trying to get back to. Caroline is a strong character. First being a mother to her siblings, and then taking over the lighthouse duties when her father died, as well as running the house. And now, being kicked out only because she's a woman.

This was your typical light romance story. There was a darker sense of mystery and foreboding around it that added a layer of complexity and interest. It was still a pretty light and fast read, but enjoyable.

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An Uncertain Choice {by Jody Hedlund}

Title: An Uncertain Choice

Author: Jody Hedlund
Genre: YA Historical
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Source: eARC via NetGalley

 

Due to her parents' promise at her birth, Lady Rosemarie has been prepared to become a nun on the day she turns eighteen. Then, a month before her birthday, a friend of her father's enters the kingdom and proclaims her parents' will left a second choice. If Rosemarie can marry before the eve of her eighteenth year, she will be exempt from the ancient vow.
Before long, Rosemarie is presented with the three most handsome and brave knights in the land. But when the competition for her heart seemingly results in a knight playing foul, she begins to wonder if the cloister is the best place after all. If only one of the knights the one who appears the most guilty had not already captured her heart.

 

Guys, I loved this book so much. It was cute, sweet, and romantic. I love my medieval stories, and knights. I've heard this being called a "medieval Bachelorette" story, which kind of sounds terrible (since I hate the show) but it was actually a lot of fun.



Rosemarie has been promised to the convent on her 18th birthday. Since her parents' deaths, she has been focused on ruling her people kindly and fairly, and not on suitors, since she is not allowed to marry. It's taken her years to come to peace with this decision, but she has. Until that is thrown in disarray by the discovery of a loophole: if she marries before her 18th birthday, she is saved from the vow. So, her father's friend the duke brings three of his noblest knights, and asks her to at least give them a shot. If, by the end of the month, she hasn't fallen in love with any of them, she can enter the convent as planned. And so, Rosemarie agrees.

I loved Rosemarie. Although there was some question of whether historically, a underage girl would have been allowed to keep her lands and rule them, I did appreciate that the author tried to keep this historically accurate. She didn't have full power, and she had those that advised her, and we also saw those that did not believe she could rule, and would try to undermine her. But Rosemarie has a kind heart. She does whatever she can for the poor, even giving her own money. She wants to make life better for them. If anything, she is too trusting, and does let people walk all over her.

I did enjoy the knights, although of course we all know who was my favorite (the same one that has her heart). While some would say it is unrealistic to expect to fall in love in a month, these are people in times where most people wouldn't get the chance, since marriages were arranged among nobility. And I loved that their feelings for each other weren't instant, they developed over the month, and weren't based on shallow things. He pushed her to be a better ruler. He was also kind, concerned for the poor, and selfless. While I did like the other two knights, it was mostly for the comic relief they provided. I did love the dynamic between the three, and how they were there for each other, even while competing.

But everything isn't all roses and sunshine. While the guilty party was kind of predictable and easy to guess, it was still suspenseful and exciting. I managed to fly through the book, because it was well-written and kept my interest, but also had me needing to know what would happen next for Rosemarie. I actually have no idea how I missed that this was series, but I am definitely glad to be getting more.

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Love Unexpected {by Jody Hedlund}

Title: Love Unexpected

Author: Jody Hedlund

Series: Beacons of Hope, #1

Genre: Christian Historical fiction

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Received via NetGalley

All she's ever wanted was a home. But stranded at Presque Isle port after their steamboat sank, Emma Chambers and her brother, Ryan, couldn't be farther away from security. While Ryan at least can find work, Emma can't even find a place to stay. An unlikely solution arises when the lighthouse keeper, who recently lost his wife and is struggling to raise his young son, arrives in town. A traveling preacher believes they might be the answer to each others' problems, and after a hasty marriage, Emma is headed back to the lighthouse with this handsome but quiet stranger.

But nothing in her wandering life has prepared her for suddenly being asked to raise a child and keep a house. Struggling at every turn, Emma also suspects Patrick may be keeping something hidden from her. In town she hears whispers about strange circumstances surrounding his previous wife's death, and it seems as though Emma's answered prayer for a home and family may actually be something much more dangerous.

Back in January, when I was off from school, I had a Jody Hedlund binge-read. I don't know what happened, as I usually don't read this type of book. But I do enjoy Hedlund's books, and so also gave this one a try. And I did enjoy it.

I don't know, arranged/convenience marriages in books have always kind of fascinated me, I think because it's so not what we're used to. A part of me wonders if any of this would actually happen, but at least it's enjoyable to read about.

Emma just wants to marry and settle down, have a family. But her life has been one of wandering, never staying in one place long enough to attract suitors. When she and her brother are stranded, Emma has no place to stay and no way to earn a living. The solution? Marry this guy who is currently burying his wife, the lighthouse keeper with a young son. So, Emma goes with them, but she has no idea how to keep house, cook, or take care of a young child.

I loved Emma, and felt sorry for her at the same time. She was easy to relate to, and was very realistic. At the same time, caring for a 2-year-old is hard work, and she has no idea how to do it. She feels inadequate, and embarrassed that she can't do these simple things, and you feel for her and with her. But thankfully, Patrick is kind and used to taking care of everything anyway (can you imagine how bad of an idea this would be if Patrick wasn't nice?) and doesn't expect too much of her. Not to say that Emma was lazy, because she definitely wasn't.

There was a lot of suspense and mystery with this one as well. Trying to figure out exactly what Patrick is hiding and how everything ties together. I was definitely intrigued for the whole book, needing to know what happened next.

This was a great book. I loved the characters, and the story (and of course the little boy! He was the cutest.) It will definitely keep your interest, and you will fall in love with the story.

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