A Bride at Last by Melissa Jagears

(Unexpected Brides Book #3) Christian Historical Romance set in Missouri 1885. Kate and Silas both grew up without parents in abusive, lonely backgrounds. Kate had been a mail-order bride once, and Silas had married one - each with less than perfect results - and neither is ready to act so quickly again. Anthony is Kate's student, but she has been supporting him and his mother for some time. As his mother dies, Kate is planning on taking Anthony in to raise, but his mother said that she notified the boy's father. The person Anthony's mother wrote to is Silas, not the man he had been calling Pa.

Silas was never aware that he had a son. However this other man had been using Anthony to support his gambling habit, so he's not ready to give up custody. Neither is Kate, and Silas becomes attached to Anthony even before having proof that he's his father.

In the meantime, fearing he'll be separated from Kate by either of the men, Anthony runs away. Silas has to get back to his ranch, but doesn't want to give up looking for the boy. As time goes by both Kate and Silas have to come to grips with mistakes they made in the past and in learning how to trust another person. Yet each is desperate for real love in their lives. There were several times I thought that the story would be wrapped up, but another twist appeared - and I was glad that it continued. I think it's wonderful that the author included an epilogue to tell what happened as time went on. I highly recommend this as an excellent 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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Among the Fair Magnolias, Four Southern Love Stories

by Tamera Alexander, Dorothy Love, Shelley Gray, Elizabeth Musser 

I don't normally go for short stories. Oh, I was already a fan of the authors, but  I love to invest myself in a nice big book, where I can settle in and really enjoy the characters. I've got to say I was quite surprised that I loved this book. After reading them I can say that they didn't feel at all like short stories. All are set in time shortly after the Civil War, and all are faithfilled Christian Romances. Each was richly told and I was hooked on the characters, romances and stories. Each and every one will pull on your heartstrings! There's enough depth in each novella to keep you entertained, with satisfying finishes. 

 

From the book publishers: "In the most turbulent decade of our nation's history, four Southern women—their destinies forged by birth and heritage—face near impossible choices on their journeys in life . . . and in love."

To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander
This is a continuation of one of the characters in To Win Her Favor (A Belle Meade Plantation Novel). Savannah has lost her family home, and she has an old letter that her father wrote indicating there is something he hid inside the house that could possibly restore her fortune. The house has been purchased by a Yankee who met a Southerner on the battlefield and convinced him to come to the area. He's having the house redecorated by his fiancée, and by happenstance Savannah is chosen to do the work. 

An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray
A young man is forced to protect the honor of his girlfriend - from his abusive step-father. After he kills the man, he is rejected by both his mother and his girlfriend, so he runs away and eventually joins a band of outlaws. For various reasons, that comes to an end and he returns home to see his estranged mother, who as it turns out is very ill. She is being attended to by his former girlfriend, so he has the chance to see them both again before he leaves. This is a time for healing all around, and each character's life is enhanced by the other.

A Heart So True by Dorothy Love
Abigail and her family return to their summer home on Pawleys Island, SC. She is in love with a friend whom she quarreled with the last time she saw him, and she wonders if he will reconnect with her again. Her father expects her to marry Charles, the son of family friends - a young man with investment talents that he believes will enhance their family funds and aid in his quest for an elected seat in the new government after the war. Abigail hasn't told her father about Charles and his abusive behavior and doesn't know how to begin to make him understand. A story full of tension, heartache and testing of relationships in and out of the families involved. 

Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser
In this story a young girl grows up on her family's plantation, and as is typical is partly raised by a slave - who has a son. They are now freedmen, and Emily is in love with the woman's son - who is now a preacher and very politically active during this volatile time. Emily is expected to marry the son of a neighboring plantation, but they disagree on all their values - he is even seen riding with the KKK. You'll find heartache, murder, mystery and romance full of twists throughout.

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 andTestimonials in Advertising.”.

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The Trouble with Patience by Maggie Brendan

A heartwarming Christian Historical Romance! This is definitely a good one to add to your reading list. You'll quickly find all of the characters endearing, and feel right at home with them in 1866 Montana, where Patience has inherited a boardinghouse from her Grandmother. Patience has an early run in with the sheriff. Her struggles with him and her own opinion of herself are endearing. She learns Christian based lessons about herself and helps others to learn and grow, making the town a better place and enriching the lives of others she's touched.. Even her mother is changed throughout the story. You'll also find a murder mystery and other romances entwined. Maggie Brendan is a new author to me - I'll be sure to read any other books she's written! I'm a fan. There's an excerpt from the next book at the end of this one - I'm hooked - can't wait till it comes out.

A previous book written by Maggie is free on Amazon (double check before buying).

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher from Revell 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.” http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.

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In Good Company by Jen Turano

Cheer up! Read a Jen Turano book. Girly girl books with smart, strong female characters who always seem to get into trouble, but then learn a lesson. Christian Historical Romance at its slapstick best.

Another great addition to the series, this one is centered on Millie, who is an orphan and loves children. She truly wants to be a Nanny but keeps getting dismissed for one reason or another. This time she goes to work for Everett - who doesn't have a choice as he's gone through several Nannies who leave within days. An interesting mix of comedy, mayhem, murder, mystery and Christian lessons, wrapped up in a Pride and Prejudice style story. A mix of the classes, strong women characters and just plain silliness. Add in a few adorable children and you've got a Jen Turano hit! I think some of my favorite parts are when the peacocks are on the scene.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Baker Publishing, Bethany House and The NetGalley book review. 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 “GuidesConcerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”. 

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