I'm a little concerned that my Bethany House books that I've signed up to review haven't been coming. I haven't received one in quite a while, but I haven't given up hope that a nice little book package will arrive in my mailbox soon. Until then...I've been reading a bunch of freebies I picked up from Amazon!
Torrent by Lisa T. Bergren
Finally! I was able to borrow my sister's Kindle while Joe and I were on our little getaway. It was a treat to finally be able to read the conclusion of the River of Time series. I have really enjoyed these books! This book picks right up where the last one left off. Gabriella is back in 1300's Italy, along with her family. They are searching for Marcello and others that they knew and loved from before. They realize they've been gone for almost a year this time, and see that things have changed. When they finally reach Marcello, it's a sweet homecoming. Shortly after, however, Gabi, Lia, and family decided to enter into a treacherous situation in order to rescue Marcello's brother. Gabi is taken and transported to Rome. Will Marcello and her family find her before she is forced to marry another man? Oh..so good!
The only thing I don't like about it is the lack of a clear Gospel presentation. I know a lot of readers don't like a lot of "preachy" stuff in their books, but I do! I want the characters to understand their need for Christ. It just seems to me like there's a mixture of different religious ideas in these books and it's not really clear where some of the characters stand by the end. I was hoping for more than that. The tension, romance, and action factors are all present and done wonderfully. Even with the lack of spiritual clarity, I still enjoyed the books tremendously. There was never a dull moment!
Highland Blessings by Jennifer Hudson Taylor
Highland Blessings is the story of a highland warrior who kidnaps the daughter of his greatest enemy and clan chief to honor a promise he made to his dying father. Bryce MacPhearson, a highland warrior, kidnaps Akira MacKenzie on her wedding day to honor a promise he made to his dying father. While Akira's strength in the Lord becomes a witness to Bryce, she struggles to overcome her anger and resentment when he forces her to wed him, hoping to end a half-century-old feud between their clans. While Akira begins to forgive, and Bryce learns to trust, a series of murders leaves a trail of unanswered questions, confusion, and a legacy of hate that once again rises between their families. Clearly, a traitor is in their midst. Now the one man Akira loves no longer trusts her, and her own life is in danger. Can Bryce look beyond his pain and seek the truth? Will Akira discover the threat against her before it s too late? How will God turn a simple promise into bountiful Highland blessings? (taken from Amazon.com)
I loved this story and I loved the setting. I don't know why, but there's something about the highlands that is pretty appealing. There was action, romance, tension, surprises...all things that are good in a story. I would definitely recommend it.
Forevermore by Cathy Marie Hake
Like a dandelion in the wind, Hope Ladley blows from one farm to the next, helping cook for the field hands during the harvest. Illiterate and often twisting cliches and Bible verses into mind-boggling observations, Hope leaves widower Jakob Stauffer baffled by her unconventional ways. But her sunny disposition and unstinting love make changes of a different kind around the place. His little daughter and the pregnant sister he's shielding from an abusive husband adore Hope, and things are getting accomplished even if Hope's methods are unique. Then Jakob's brother-in-law shows up and threatens the newfound peace and happiness of the farm. With Jakob's future uncertain and his heart tangled, can the farmer convince Hope to take root and remain as his wife? (taken from Amazon.com)
I have yet to read a Cathy Marie Hake book that I didn't enjoy! This book is no exception! At first I wondered if I could like Hope's character...her way of speaking and ways were a little different. But as the book went on, I grew to love her! Let's be honest, a lot of Christian romance is kind of predictable. It's what the author does with the story, the twists and turns a story takes, that makes it appealing. This book is appealing! I really wasn't sure what the outcome of this story would be and that made it great. I did pay for this one...99 cents! Totally worth it!
Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes
By virtue of her profession as a midwife, Tabitha Eckles is the keeper of many secrets: the names of fathers of illegitimate children, the level of love and harmony within many a marriage, and now the identity of a man who may have caused his wife's death. Dominick Cherrett is a man with his own secret to keep: namely, what he, a British nobleman, is doing on American soil working as a bondsman in the home of Mayor Kendall, a Southern gentleman with his eye on a higher office.
By chance one morning before the dawn has broken, Tabitha and Dominick cross paths on a misty beachhead, leading them on a twisted path through kidnappings, death threats, public disgrace, and . . . love? Can Tabitha trust Dominick? What might he be hiding? And can either of them find true love in a world that seems set against them? (taken from Amazon.com)
This is the first book written by Laurie Alice Eakes that I've read and I really enjoyed it. I'd like to read more of her midwife's series. This story was filled with questions that I really wanted to read on to have the answers! The romantic tension was great. I wanted the hero/heroine to be together, but I didn't see how they could be. That definitely made things interesting. The early American setting was one that I also enjoyed.
There have been a few other books that I've enjoyed lately which include:
When All My Dreams Come True by Janelle Mowery--a story set in the wild west. Bobbie McIntyre gets a job working at Jace Kincaid's ranch. Jace is surprised to see a woman ride up for work instead of a man. He soon sees that Bobbie is a hard worker and good ranch hand...but will she be able to show her femine side as well as help Jace find who is trying to sabotage his ranch? I love westerns : ).
No Place for a Lady by Maggie Brendan--another western book set in Colorado. Our heroine, Crystal, is from Georgia, leaving behind hardship to visit her Aunt Kate's Colorado ranch. We're taken on a journey of friendship, tragedy, and even romance. I really enjoyed Crystal's spunky, determined character!
And right now I'm reading Jane Eyre...for about the third time. I love it. The movie versions are great, but through the book you see the faith of Jane, the intensity of the love she and Rochester had for one another, and her inner thoughts as the story is told from Jane's perspective. I think I'm going to go back and watch the movie again after I read it as I'll be seeing it through different eyes.
Books I hope to read soon:
A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander....I love this author! Not just for her brilliant writing, but also for her sweet spirit that she pours out through her blogs and facebook. This book begins a new series for her. I've loved her books set in the west...this one is set in the south. I look forward to seeing what she does with a new setting. I've signed up to receive this one to review through Bethany House...but I'm still waiting to get it! I hope it comes soon!
The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson....I love this author, too! Melanie and I have been able to communicate a lot over the course of this year and she is so neat! A very gifted writer as well. I read her first book, The Healer's Apprentice, earlier this year and it was great. Even though it is categorized as a Young Adult book, I still thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult. Her new book, a take on the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, looks wonderful! I'm thinking... Christmas gift to me! : )
If you have any good recommendations, let me know! I've still got several more freebies on my Kindle that I haven't read yet. I'm excited about that! : ) The site Inspired Reads has some great posts on Kindle freebies and reduced Christian fiction books. You can find it on facebook or (I believe) at www.inspiredreads.com.
Happy reading!
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