The Innkeeper's Daughter by Michelle Griep

Breath taking, tense mystery and drama. Set in England in 1808 at a little run-down Inn, Johanna and her mother (with some help from her little brother) are trying to keep the business afloat and keep up with the payments. Little do they know the danger about to surround them.  Alex is a Runner who is undercover, and more or less living a lie as far as Johanna is concerned. But he can’t reveal himself until his job is done. Neither is expecting to fall in love, but each supports the other and they are strengthened in their faith – which is what sees them through. This one is nearly impossible to set down, and I held my breath entirely too much! Although there was more Dickens style darkness to this than I had expected the story was VERY good.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Barbour Publishing - 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.”

Description from The Publisher
A London officer goes undercover to expose a plot against the Crown

Dover, England, 1808: Officer Alexander Moore goes undercover as a gambling gentleman to expose a high-stakes plot against the king—and he’s a master of disguise, for Johanna Langley believes him to be quite the rogue. . .until she can no longer fight against his unrelenting charm.

All Johanna wants is to keep the family inn afloat, but when the rent and the hearth payment are due at the same time, where will she find the extra funds? If she doesn’t come up with the money, there will be nowhere to go other than the workhouse—where she’ll be separated from her ailing mother and ten-year-old brother.

Alex desperately wants to help Johanna, especially when she confides in him, but his mission—finding and bringing to justice a traitor to the crown—must come first, or they could all end up dead.

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Wingbound by Heather Trim

Wow, what a great book! An easy-to-get-lost-in science fantasy that keeps you on edge to the very end and leaves you wanting more of the story. Heather has created an interesting world, in some ways similar to ours, but with some twists. Like a floating island called Ellery that comes by once a year. It’s floating very high in the air with the clouds, and its inhabitants have big beautiful wings. Unfortunately, they use those wings to fly down and take food from Ledger’s village during the harvest, and it’s a war that lasts as long as the island is overhead.

When Ledger is 10 he sneaks out during the war, just to get a look at the Ellerians. While hiding he meets a girl who flew down from Ellery with the same idea. Her name is Alouette and Ledger finds her beautiful and fascinating. For several years they continue their yearly meeting until one year the Ellerians didn’t fly down as the island floats over. Ledger is a blacksmith and quite an inventor and has been trying to find a way to fly up to Ellery. Concerned for Alouette, he goes against the Elders wishes and tries his latest invention, but doesn’t count on the company of his brother and three friends. Thus starts an adventure that goes deeper into this interesting world. Heather describes it in a way that lays it out in front of you in beauty and depth, yet it’s not so complicated that you have to struggle to remember details that would take you away from the story being told.

From the beginning this book keeps you engaged every second, and it’s hard to put down. Oh yes, and there are dragons too. The only disadvantage of reading the first book in a new series is having to wait for the next one. But then the biggest advantage of reading a book in a series is that there will be more!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Publisher. 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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From the Publisher:
Ledger is supposed to fear and despise the Sky People of Ellery. When an Ellerian girl named Alouette with beautiful, white wings sneaks into his village, everything changes. With his village at war with the winged people who live on the floating island that circles their world, he does the unthinkable: he befriends her. In Ledger’s seventeenth harvest, Ellery returns empty. The Sky People are gone, Alouette is missing, and Ledger must make a difficult choice—continue life as usual in the blacksmith workshop or board the island against the elders’ wishes and find her From debut author Heather Trim comes a vibrant fantasy where following the rules isn’t always the right thing to do when you were born to be the exception.

A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White

A story to get thoroughly wrapped up in without even realizing it.
Rosemary is from a world of orphans and thieves in London.  Peter is from a well to do family of property, and a friend of the King of England. Rosemary isn't a simple thief, she's more of a grifter. She's quite intelligent and is hired to act as a librarian, go to Peter's home and find proof that he's a German spy.  But he's not a spy. He has a personal reason for being somewhat reclusive, and his ancestors were from Germany. He’s a Gentleman, and Rosemary and her “family” have learned not to trust Gentlemen so it makes it easier for her to take the job.

Peter believes that he was born in England, but those records are not easy to find, since his family saved every bit of correspondence over the years and their manor home has a huge room full of books – many with his family in them. Rosemary has earned a reputation as being the best at what she does, and Mr. V comes to her for the job at Peter’s house. She taught herself German for another “project” and learned in a short amount of time how to act as a librarian.

It's interesting that Rosemary doesn't try to make up a story about herself, but instead talks of her "Family" by name.  It's Peter who is keeping something well hidden. There's great depth to the story that while you become more endeared to the unveiling of the characters, it gives you much to ponder. A layering of mysteries, spies and danger that keeps you hooked. Also one of the best laid out lessons of becoming a Christian I’ve read in a novel. Excellent read that you will love every minute of.

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.”

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Publishers Description
Edwardian Romance and History Gains a Twist of Suspense
Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins that helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they concentrate on stealing high-value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. But when Rosemary must determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany, she is in for the challenge of a lifetime. How does one steal a family's history, their very name?
Peter Holstein, given his family's German blood, writes his popular series of adventure novels under a pen name. With European politics boiling and his own neighbors suspicious of him, Peter debates whether it might be best to change his name for good. When Rosemary shows up at his door pretending to be a historian and offering to help him trace his family history, his question might be answered.
But as the two work together and Rosemary sees his gracious reaction to his neighbors' scornful attacks, she wonders if her assignment is going down the wrong path. Is it too late to help him prove that he's more than his name?

Across the Blue by Carrie Turansky

This story takes place in England when aviation was just getting started. The Wright brothers had just made their historic flight in Paris and inspired others to try their skills at making their own plane and flying. It also inspired their onlookers and made investors of some. And pointed out a country's vulnerabilities to planes being able to fly over.

Bella's father is a wealthy self-made newspaper man looking for prestige in society to go with his wealth. She of course is expected to marry a man with a title to bring that social connection to the family. But she is like her father and likes to write and be in the middle of current affairs.  And Bela and her father share a fascination for aviation.

Jack happens to crash land his plane on the Grayson's field as they're touring their new estate. His mother wasn't married and he doesn't know who his father is. He's in the running to design airplanes and fly across the channel and has captured the attention of Grayson and his daughter. With only these facts he wouldn’t be in the running as a suitor for Bella – unless he wins perhaps, and captures the prize money and fame.

It's not unusual for any of us to examine our self-worth and standing with others we live around. It's easy to let others conception of who or what we are to limit us. It's just so satisfying to watch people break out, stand tall and prove to themselves and others what they really are capable of. In this story it applies to both Jack and Bella, standing on both sides of high society lines. Each has to follow their own plan that God has for them in order to excel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free – from the WaterBrook & Multnomah 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.”

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Publisher’s Description
Set in Edwardian England and ideal for readers who enjoy Julie Klassen novels, this romance about an English aviation pioneer and the girl who falls in love with him is filled with adventure and faith.

Isabella Grayson, the eldest daughter of a wealthy, English newspaper magnate, longs to become a journalist, but her parents don't approve. They want her to marry well and help them gain a higher standing in society. After she writes an anonymous letter to the editor that impresses her father, her parents reluctantly agree she can write a series of articles about aviation and the race to fly across the English Channel, but only if she promises to accept a marriage proposal within the year. When James Drake, an aspiring aviator, crashes his flying machine at the Grayson's new estate, Bella is intrigued. James is determined to be the first to fly across the Channel and win the prize Mr. Grayson's newspaper is offering. He hopes it will help him secure a government contract to build airplanes and redeem a terrible family secret. James wants to win Bella's heart, but his background and lack of social standing make it unlikely her parents would approve. If he fails to achieve his dream, how will he win the love and respect he is seeking? Will Bella's faith and support help him find the strength and courage he needs when unexpected events turn their world upside down?

The Honey Bride by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

 Sweet short story set in 1887 Illinois (Christian Historical Fiction).

Katie's family is in debt and going to lose their farm. Her father is determined to provide for her, Oma and her brother and has great love for them. She learns that honey and products made from beeswax can bring in good income, and might be what they need. But she gets stung and is afraid of the bees. A great story of love and caring for each other when times are tough as well as easy, for how would we get through alone? Through tragedy and triumph, these people stick together - a three-strand cord is stronger than one. Pushing through your fears, being strong, because you have to. But it's easier when you have people who love you. Love that cover!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Publisher. 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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From the Publisher:
Katie Tucker—afraid of her own shadow—is now in charge of her family’s future.
A tragic barn fire takes Katie’s father leaving her with a debt she can’t pay. Forced into a provider role for her brother and grandmother, she must overcome her shyness and find a way to save the farm.
Pete Dent has pined for Katie a long time, but he can’t even get a smile from her. He’s given up on settling down and ready to ride out of town. When lightning strikes the Tucker’s barn, he offers to help Katie with the farm and hopes to win her heart.
Will Katie overcome her shyness and learn to trust Pete, a man with no family?
The Honey Bride is a sweet Christian historical novella is set in Trenton, Illinois in the late 1800s. If you like memorable characters, lighthearted humor, and wholesome spiritual messages, then you'll love Diana Lesire Brandmeyer's powerful tale.

The Mayflower Bride Daughters of the Mayflower (book 1) by Kimberley Woodhouse

Travel to America with the first residents!

What a pleasure to be able to read the first in this new series. My husband and I have been tracing our ancestry back as far as we can. In each instance, we would love to have a journal or something that belonged to our people so that we can understand their journey and know more about how they lived. Stories like this are so helpful to us. The author did a LOT of research before writing this story. I still find it fascinating how an author takes facts, creates new characters to illustrate, and fills in an individual’s day to day thoughts and actions to tell the tales. Kimberly is another great author who brings history and the people to life.

The two main characters of the book had their trip on the Mayflower decided for them.  They both grew in strength and learned how to live in faith. And found each other to share their troubles, individual thoughts and fears.

I bookmarked two of the passages, the first a quote from scripture, that go to the heart of this story:
“. . . Count it exceeding joy when ye fall into diverse temptations, knowing that the trying of your faith bringeth forth patience. And let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing. “
And
“…but it wasn’t until I found salvation through Jesus Christ and my new faith that I was able to let go of the past.”

All of the passengers on the Mayflower (and that of other immigrants after) went through exceedingly hard times. It’s a wonder that any from this voyage made it at all, or that others still kept coming afterward. Timing is everything, and theirs was not good yet it's God who directs all of our lives, and uses many of us in one way or another to help and shape the lives of others.

Mary Elizabeth is carried along on the journey by her father and her best friend. They are very enthusiastic about the opportunity, but she would rather stay where they are in Holland. Yet the Separatist community they lived in felt that this was getting to be as bad as what they had left in England, so it was decided to emigrate.

William was orphaned as a baby and given to relatives to raise, who used him as a slave then kicked him out at 9 years of age. He lived on his own, working as he could to live, until a man found him, took him in and taught him the trade of being a carpenter. His mentor purchased a share on the Mayflower and a place in developing the new colony in America – so his path was set for him. A good and honest person, he had developed an excellent reputation – but because he was an orphan he would never have a social standing if he stayed in England. However, that early life had shaped him too, and fed his fears. He knew something was missing in his life, and found it when he sailed to America with the Separatists.

This is an excellent read that makes you wish you could learn even more about this time and the people who lived through it. I highly recommend it!

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.”

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Description from the Publisher

Can a religious separatist and an opportunistic spy make it in the New World?
A brand new series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.

Mary Elizabeth Chapman boards the Speedwell in 1620 as a Separatist seeking a better life in the New World. William Lytton embarks on the Mayflower as a carpenter looking for opportunities to succeed—and he may have found one when a man from the Virginia Company offers William a hefty sum to keep a stealth eye on company interests in the new colony. The season is far too late for good sailing and storms rage, but reaching land is no better as food is scarce and the people are weak. Will Mary Elizabeth survive to face the spring planting and unknown natives? Will William be branded a traitor and expelled?

Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series begins with The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse.

More to come in the Daughters of the Mayflower series:
The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1620 Atlantic Ocean (February 2018)
The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1725 New Orleans (April 2018)
The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep – set 1760 during the French and Indian War (June 2018)
The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1774 Philadelphia (August 2018)?
The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear – set 1794 on the Wilderness Road (October 2018)
The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall – set 1814 Baltimore (December 2018)

Mountain States Medicinal Plants by Briana Wiles

Identify, Harvest And Use 100 Wild Herbs For Health And Wellness

Interesting book with lots of good information. Beautiful pictures. I have studied plants in our area of Upstate NY for a long time so I'm pretty picky when it comes to a book like this. I think it's very well written. While I think that you need to be very careful, I feel we could be using more plants to heal and keep us healthy.  It was the original medicine after all. You do have to be very careful to make sure that you properly identify the plant you harvest, and prepare it correctly as well. With some plants only certain parts are good to use – other parts of the same plant can poison you. This book has information for plants in the mountain states and puts it right at your fingertips.

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

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