Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano

"Everyone at the table seemed to hold their breath as the snail continued its flight right before it smacked some poor gentleman in the back of the head. Splatters of snail flew from the shell, gasps rang out from numerous guests, and then utter silence descended."

Marvelous mayhem. As I always say, cheer up, read a Jen Turano book! Certainly one of the best authors ever.

1885. Perfectly capable Poppy leaves her parents horse farm to spend a Season with her socially fashionable Grandmother of the Four Hundred. A Grandmother determined that Poppy will be considered a Diamond of the first water. Her Propensity for mishaps will of course keep you in stitches, rolling on the floor laughing, then in awww for the sweetness and heart of these characters.
Reginald is there from England to help his cousin find a suitable bride. He is conscripted by Poppy's Grandmother to teach Poppy how to behave properly in society,  something very necessary for her to be considered as a bride in England's Social circles. Sweet people struggling to make their way, and never a dull moment with Poppy around. She can ride, run and shoot em up with the best. Not valuable traits to those in Society. But maybe its time for Society's rules to change. Poppy has her own kind of influence. As always, an excellent 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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What Comes My Way by Tracie Peterson

1902. Jump right back into the drama! This is such a memorable series that you'll have no problem doing so. After all, this is a wild west show, with riding and shooting tricks, and it's all girls. Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza is an all-female show filled with women of extraordinary beauty and bravery. Their families and support staff go along as well, weaving a rich story. There are personal struggles, mystery, danger and breathtaking suspense as they travel the United States and Europe. Lots of wonderful Christian lessons, as Tracie does best, especially forgiveness. Secrets are uncovered, lives are changed. A special group of people, all endearing and easy to be attached to. Excellent 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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Thank you Cindy and TCBN!

A new way to get wrapped up in a book you're reading! I received this beautiful, soft, comfy throw from author Cindy Regnier in a drawing on https://www.bookfun.org. It has the first few chapters of her new book - Mail-Order Refuge - printed on one side, fleece on the other side. Thank you Cindy and TCBN! A lot to love :)

The British Brides Collection

". . . if God found the earth perfect enough to create people, then we should never be too proud to till the soil .” 
Beautiful. Christian Historical Romances set 1631 to 1865, England to Scotland, some are linked by  Kennerith castle. Nothing boring here! Unique love stories that keep you entertained and eager to know how they turn out. Not possible to choose a favorite.
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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Safe Refuge By Pamela S. Meyers

Christian Historical Romance set in 1871 when the Chicago fires destroyed the homes and businesses of wealthy and poor alike. Anna is from a wealthy family, set to marry an abusive man by her family's arranged marriage. The fire provides a delay she welcomes as they flee their burning, prestigious home to safety in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.  She had assisted at a mission school in Chicago and was pleased to find a similar school in Lake Geneva. She hoped that a special little girl at the school was still alive, as so many had died in the fire. Anna was even more happy that this girl's Uncle Rory, who had been a janitor at the school in Chicago, had survived as well and that he came to make his way in Irish Woods near the lake. The story takes a rough turn as Anna and Rory pray for a way that they can be together. Her wealthy family has financial issues that would be solved by the arranged marriage, so the pressure is on. As they pray and wait on God's will for them, their lives take a surprising roller coaster ride. Fabulous read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and 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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A Rebel Heart by Beth White

"She shoved away her terror, drawing on some reserve that hadn’t been there before this morning."

Christian historical takes place in Mississippi first during, then 5 years after the civil war. A former Union man, now a Pinkerton agent investigating a series of robberies, and a young woman from a local plantation travelling on family business are passengers together on a horrible train crash. The atrocities of the war, and later adjustment to getting along after the war must have been incredibly hard to live through. The train crash was historical fact. The characters come to life and are artfully woven around the restoration of the estate and the Pinkerton investigation. Selah employs former slaves to bring the plantation back, and she and her sisters work just as hard along side them. A benefit to them all, but not approved by all. Struggle, danger, mystery and murder along with love, strength and faith make for a strong story and lay the ground for a wonderful new series.
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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Hidden Among the Stars by Melanie Dobson

 

"Only God knows the entire score of our lives , but we all have our assigned parts, measures to sing solo or with a choir."

Modern time - Callie and her sister have a bookstore, and she reads stories to children. She hides painful things in her life and needs someone she can trust in her life. She blogs about second hand books they bring into the store, and is given one that belonged to an Austrian girl just before Hitler took their country over. It's interesting to go back in time (1938) and learn more about her and those in her life at that time. The story weaves back and forth through both times, and is so well written it leaves you on the edge of your seat wondering how it will turn out for those in both time frames. Who would ever dream that someone like Hitler could ever come along. Sure, we all have people who don't like us for one reason or another, but never on the scale that was. Who would dream up the torture and mistreatment at that time and the evil that some could commit on others. Thankfully very few, but we all deal with situations in our own way. This is a very good story in a beautiful setting. I don't like to see books come to and end, but I needed to get to the end to know what happened.
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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