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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Now and Forever (Wild at Heart Book #2) by Mary Connealy

Adventure and suspense from the beginning to the end!

A new Christian Historical Romance from Bethany House. This is not your girly girl regency style romance - not at all. Of course the setting in the Dakota/Idaho Territory in 1866 might give you a clue to that. As would the great cover of the book with the cute girl who has a short haircut and cowboy hat on.

The girls in this story, folks, all served in the Civil War pretending to be men. That must have been a great story. This is one of the few books that I think I would have been better off reading the previous book first. It took me a bit of perseverance to stick with the explanations at the beginning of the book, and then as the earlier story is revealed bit by bit along the way things start to make more sense. 

This is the story of the middle sister, Shannon, who connects with mountain man Tucker. It's full of adventure right from the beginning, blended with a great deal of humor and biblical & faithful lessons.  You hear these days about people who come back from serving in the military and the issues they deal with. You don't hear as much about those who fought in the Civil War and what it was like when they returned. How they coped. Usually you read about how those left at home survived.  You truly feel for Shannon who was forced to sign up for the war and then had to do things during it that none of us would want to do, let alone a young girl. And a tough girl can still only take so much. And then you wonder if a mountain man is a good match or a bad one. This is a good read with lots of adventure and mystery to keep you page-turning until the end!

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 in Advertising”. http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html

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To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander

Christian historical romance set in 1869 Nashville, Tennessee. An excellent read! Great for a summer read or any time you want to soak into a good book. There are so many good points to mention about this book!

Taking place after the Civil War is over, Maggie and her father have been trying to hang onto their farm. Little by little as their wealth decreases so does their social standing. They're right at the point of having the farm and everything on it put up for auction, when Irishman Cullen comes to town looking to purchase some land.

I knew that the Irish were not exactly popular when they came to America, and often competed with African Americans for jobs, but I didn't realize that Southerners persecuted the Irish and they were run out of town just as African Americans were.

This is also based on the real Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville and the thoroughbred horses that came from there and the neighboring Plantation. Maggie has raised Bourbon Belle and hopes to race her, win the purse and save their farm. But they're about to lose the farm before the race takes place. Maggie's father meets Cullen who is riding on the grounds and gets to know him. He sells the farm to Cullen with the agreement that he will also marry and take care of Maggie.

This story is made of endearing strong characters and biblical wisdom, life after the Civil War and struggle of social and racial class. Nothing comes easy to any of these characters, and you find yourself wanting to fight their battles right along with them. This is one of those books that you don't want to put down, and you don't want to end! It's the second book in the series, but works as a stand alone.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan Fiction 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”.

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As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad

An excellent summer read! Delightful Christian Historical Romance set in 1913 St. Paul, Minnesota. Women weren't supposed to do gardening other than in their own back yard, but Tessa had studied Horticulture at the University of Minnesota. Which was no easy feat in itself, as the college also favored the men, even setting up classes in the evening after curfew for the women. As the youngest sister she's tried a few different occupations before, and this summer she's set her sights on working for Mr. Nussbaumer at his prestigious Park.

Reese is a Master Gardener for Como Park. Tessa showed up deadheading pansies in his area of the park, and a policeman caught her - clearly picking the flowers - and so the story begins.

This is the third book in The Gregory Sisters series. You don't have to read the other books first, but it's highly recommended because they're such good stories. The girls' father had said: "...the Lord blessed him with girls because there were enough foolish men in the world. He planned to raise smart daughters to make up the difference."  These are all strong and intelligent women grounded in faith and this book, as the others, is rooted in scripture. You become fully involved with the characters; you laugh and your heart tugs, breaks and grows with them as they protect their secrets and eventually love blooms. Another beautiful cover!

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