A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz

Set in the 1700s, first in Scotland along the sea, then America. Lark is descended from a fierce warrior clan whose laird was killed and their castle destroyed. She and her Granny lived and worked at the castle nearby, in the stillroom. Which means they gathered plants and tended bees, for medicinal and other uses, preparing medicines for the Laird and his people. She grew up with Magnus, the current Laird, learned with him. He is a good and handsome man, but forced by his father married another woman - and it didn't go well.  Rich, deep Christian historical fiction. I want to spend more time with these people.

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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Escape to Everly Manor by Chalon Linton

Regency romance (clean). I was fully engaged within the first chapter. And I swear that I held my breath through the whole book.

When both of her parents die, Lizzie is left with her half brother. Their Uncle shows up, an evil man, and takes everything away from them. He arranged for her 9 year old brother to go to sea to work on a ship and allows a suitor that she and her father had rejected, another evil man, to become engaged to her. This is a page turner. And it doesn't end too soon! So many stories go through a set process only to wrap up and end within three pages. This does not. Satisfying romance that keeps you glued to the book until the end. Exquisitely written. Fabulous escape.

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 Tender Hope by Amanda Cabot

The last in a Christian historical fiction series that wraps things up in Cimarron creek 1881. Thea's husband was killed. She's a midwife and takes Aimee with her to Cimarron Creek. Jackson is a Texas Ranger looking for the gang who killed Thea's husband, and maybe he's looking for Thea too. An investigation he finds to be with ties near to his heart. Aimee is hoping to find her mother, and finds so much more. Nice romance and showings of faith. An interesting, satisfying and entertaining read.

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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Anchor in the Storm (Waves Of Freedom) by Sarah Sundin

Christian historical romance, murder and mystery, with characters you'll love.

I've read a lot of series, and I've dearly loved many. But this is the first time as I read the first few paragraphs that I instantly knew/remembered each and every character in the series - they came to life once more.  Sarah's writing makes the characters memorable and I've especially enjoyed these. I read a little each night before going to bed; I rarely have the time to sit and just read as long as I like anymore. I so look forward to picking the story back up each evening. It was so hard to put this down and not read it all the way through at one time.  I found myself from time to time during the day wondering if Arch thought or did this or if  Lillian did that.

This book is perfectly named - each of the lead characters rely on God as their anchor in the storms they weather during the difficult times of WW2. Arch is a wealthy aristocrat who finds solace in a Navy career, until he's been through horrible war situations that have left him with battle fatigue. They called it 'weak nerves' back then and didn't recognize it for what it was - often ending their military career. He ends up falling for his best friend's sister. A beautiful girl who lost part of her leg when she was younger and people look down on her because of it. She went to school and became a pharmacist, then moved to Boston where her brother found her a job at a drug store. While she's working she notices something isn't quite right with the prescriptions being dispensed there. Arch notices that many of his Navy colleagues are also having symptoms of battle fatigue, and some are taking medication that is dulling their senses. They begin putting things they've noticed together, and soon they're both in great danger.  Each has finally found someone who loves them for themselves, just as they are, but they're afraid to take that chance. They both have issues with trust, and push each other away as much as they're drawn to one another. As usual, Sarah has written this so well that you feel you know the characters personally. You don't have to read the previous book, but I highly recommend it as well.  I'm glad that we will have Quintessa and Dan's tale next!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Publishing Group, Revell and the 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”.

From Booklist in their May 15 issue:
Following the celebrated Through Waters Deep (2015), Sundin returns to the Boston Navy Yard in the latest installment in her Waves of Freedom series. With riveting doses of intrigue and inspiration, this delightfully unexpected plot is driven by action and balanced by iconic 1940s elements. Readers will be swept up by the novel's chilling dramatic irony, heartwarming charm, and rich naval history as Sundin tells a compelling story of rising above appearances and finding one's true anchor in faith.

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A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter

Christian Historical Romance at its best. Lady Miranda tries to be a Lady and live up to her mother's expectations, but she has a rather wild streak that she likes to indulge. She is very close to her brother though. Having growing pains in this struggle and after four unsuccessful seasons, she decides to write letters to her brother's closest friend, a Duke, whom he speaks highly of - but only to vent and bare her soul, not to really send. These letters are kept in a secret place in her room. But somehow, she starts receiving responses to these letters. After her mortification wears off, she feels close in reality to her former fictional friend. But at the same time she is drawn to her brother's new manservant, which is really against all rules of society. Something mysterious is going on and there is more depth to the story than is apparent on the surface - and something dangerous. The unfolding story is very entertaining and enjoyable to read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Bethany House Publishers - 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 inAdvertising.” 

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Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

Step back in time with this thrilling Christian historical romance set in 1941! This new series starts off with a bang! The intrigue builds and builds, and so does the romantic tension. Be sure to set aside lots of time, especially when you get near the end, as you will NOT be able to put it down.

Both Jim and Mary have personal issues to deal with at a time of international upheaval right before we get into the war.  Mary is a secretary at the Boston Navy Yard, with a proficiency in shorthand. There is a lot of gossip and intrigue at the shipyard, especially after attempted sabotage on one of the newly built destroyers. Mary decides to take shorthand notes on what the workers are saying and other factual items to turn in to the FBI. She's afraid to step out though, as one of her biggest fears is drawing attention to herself.  Jim is a younger brother to two Naval officers who have distinguished themselves, but he has always been content to be a floater. He's on the new destroyer and discovers the sabotage attempt. Maybe this is the time when he should step out of his comfort zone and be more of a leader. Friends from childhood and trying to uncover this mystery together, both learn to grow in faith and confidence - with their surroundings and in love.

Quote from Sarah: "..this story reflects the extreme tension in the United States in 1941. The nation was divided, anger ran high on both sides, mob violence occurred, and fear and rumors ran rampant."

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Author and Revell/Baker Publishing Group - 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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