The Orphan's Wish by Melanie Dickerson

A new telling of the story of Aladdin. In the streets of Palestine he is orphaned, saved by a priest from living the life of a thief, and is taken to Germany. He is a stand out - different with his dark skin, hair and eyes - and is forever ashamed by his background. He's constantly trying to prove himself worthy to others.

Aladdin is befriended by one of the Dukes daughters and they become close friends. He is very bright and courageous even when so young. He soon realizes that he must make something of himself if he ever wants a chance to wed Lady Kirstyn, and decides to leave town and try. On his journey out of town he rescues a wealthy merchant who takes him in.

I became quickly wrapped up and enamored with the characters, and looked forward to reading about this new opportunity for Aladdin. It doesn't disappoint. There's danger, success and depth of love as well as much introspection, as both Aladdin and Kirstyn try to find their way through everything. They both come to realize that God has a plan for them and that they are perfect in His sight and wonderfully made.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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A Stranger's Secret (Cliffs of Cornwall series Book 2) by Laurie Alice Eakes

One of the most suspenseful books I've read. It keeps you wondering from beginning to end.

A Christian Historical Romance set in 1813. I think it would have been helpful to have read the first book. You can read it as a stand alone, but I think it would have been a richer experience to have had the full background from the first book. Lady Morwenna Trelawny Penvenan is a widow wanting to hang onto her husband's impoverished estate for her son's inheritance. She won't accept help from her overbearing, wealthy Grandparents and tries to handle everything on her own. But her scandalous past and that of her husband holds her back.

David washes up on Morwenna's beach after wreckers lure the ship to unsafe waters along her shore. The wreckers are setting her up to make it look like she is doing it. But there was a reason he was on that ship. He was looking for answers about his father's death and the significance of the Trelawny medallion that his father had. The medallion that David had until Morwenna left him to get help.  They both are seeking answers from each other, and both keeping secrets.

There's lots of "romantic tension" throughout. There were some parts that seemed more like "formula" writing to me. Like the scene where Morwenna goes for a horse ride with others, only to turn back and fall off her horse. Unless I missed something, it seemed the only point was that her clothes were too tight, popped open and became too revealing when she fell.

Other than that, it was a very good read and grabs your attention from the first paragraph. There are good Christian lessons here and there throughout the book about pride, honoring parents and trust in others and in God.  The characters become endearing.  I would like to know what becomes of everyone as time goes on! Love the cover. Zondervan seems to have a lot of great books.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan Publishers  and BookLook Bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”.

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A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

Heartache as a young girl is wrenched from her home and forced to grow up alone. After living at a school for girls, she is thrust into a world of elegant living, afraid that her secrets will be revealed. But Willowgrove Hall has secrets of it's own.

I just love Regency settings with wonderful descriptions of gowns and a ball. I used to do a lot of sewing and embroidery, but it's been quite some time. The main character is taught by her mother to be a seamstress and loves to embellish her clothes - a talent I greatly admire. I may have been inspired to get back into it!

This is Christian Historical Fiction that opens at Aradelle Hall, Detham,England 1814. Cecily is 16 and running away to get married with the heir of the Hall, but her father catches them and hauls her away to a school for girls. Completely cutting all ties from her. She writes several letters trying to reconnect with her twin sister, but none are ever returned as her father had been let go from his position and they were forced to leave.  So without any family or means of support, Cecily has to take a job as a lady's companion at Willowgrove Hall - a position she is blessed to get. She is dropped off at the gate, struggling to find her way in and is met by the Steward, Nathaniel, and his dog.  He takes her to his family's humble home to rest and dry out and thus begins their tale.

This is a very well told story that you sink right into and don't want to put down. There are painful secrets at Willowgrove Hall and Cecily has her reasons to keep her background to herself. Little did she know that the one she was to run away with years ago is actually the heir to Willowgrove Hall - she's to be his Aunt's companion. As far as she knew, he had never bothered to try to find her after she was taken away. The difference in their social standing is more apparent now, since she was merely the daughter of a blacksmith.

There is a lot of personal struggle between the characters and little by little you gain insight as to why. It's a pleasure to see love bloom, even with the difficult Aunt that Cicely becomes a companion to. The Christian message is light throughout the book until towards the end as Cicely is drawn to a scripture and realizes the importance of leaning on God's assurance and His plan for our lives rather than our own ideas alone. Yet even when we stray from his path He uses all for good as we lean on Him.  Sarah E. Ladd is a new author to me, and I'm now a fan! This was the third in a series. I didn't miss the earlier books in reading this, but now I want to go back and read the others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Thomas Nelson - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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