The Socialite by J'nell Ciesielski

This author has a special talent for weaving history and romance together in special characters. That special ability to bring people to life, and show what it was like to live back in time. This time WW2 in Paris, after the German occupation. Kat's sister got herself into Paris and was being kept by a German officer. She was an official organizer of parties for the social elite, a Brit bringing her social talents to the party and living it up to the hilt. Their father sent Kat to bring her home, his wealth and connections getting her into the area. He also hired Barrett to keep them safe, without her knowledge. The story is a balance of the horrors of Hitler and his elite officers and every day life in high social circles, until the shine started coming off, revealing the evil beneath. I don't think I breathed much for the entire last half of the book. I was on edge the whole time. Fabulous story, completely engaging!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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Annabelle by Lisa Prysock

I was glued to this book right from the beginning and loved it to the end. A painfully tall redhead, Annabelle was browbeaten by her Grandmother but kept it to herself. When she had the opportunity to leave Scotland to go to her Aunt in Kentucky and marry a gentleman who she knew, she gladly went. Their love story and her circumstances make for a story hard to put down, and eager to return to. Annabelle had a lot to deal with, and a lot to learn in her personal journey. Set just before, then after Lincoln was elected president. I love reading about the gowns that her Aunt purchases for her. Lovely story with a thorough Christian message throughout.

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When Silence Sings by Sarah Loudin Thomas

This is an interesting and engaging book, right to the end. Step into an Appalachian feud, just like the Hatfield and McCoys, only it's the Harpe and McLean families. They've been in a feud for many years, some don't even know why. Colman Harpe will go through an experience both like Jonah and the Whale and Joseph when he resists God's call. Lots of bible lessons throughout, all good and well applied. Coleman is a preacher, and as good as he thinks he is, he still finds it hard to tolerate a McLean, especially after one just killed his cousin. But he's called to bring the McClean clan to God. Serepta is the head of her clan, and she's tough as nails. There's bootlegging, theft, kidnapping beatings and murders in this story. Just about everything you can think of. It's so well written you can't help but wish salvation and the best for each of them. In fact the characters are so real I caught myself starting to tell my husband something about a character one day (!)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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Redeeming Light by Annette Ohare

Christian Historical Texas 1900
Our lives can be such a muddle, taking us on paths we never dreamed of, connecting us with people in all kinds of various ways. We go through our lives, just living, pleased or irritated with people and situations around us. We also have unique ways that drive us. Then things happen. Sarah recently lost her father, who was a rancher with an esteemed breed of cattle. But they only seemed important to her. The rest of her family had other plans. She sticks to her guns and makes plans with her Uncle to continue ranching, bringing her stock to his ranch, even acting as trail boss herself in moving some stock to sale. She meets Frederick, a lawyer in her Uncle's firm. Her Uncle trust him, but Sarah isn't so sure. Well illustrated Christian lessons and growth, including how good Christians influence others' lives around them. Examples of prayers answered when disaster strikes. Perspectives, and people, change depending on the circumstances they are in. What is important becomes more clear. Excellent read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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A Woman of Fortune

I tend to read just historical, but this is a good book. Claire is living the good life, a Texas woman married to a billionaire. They are social high rollers, as are their kids. Until the Fed's come and arrest her husband at a high profile gathering where a significant announcement was going to be made. It turns out he had been running a ponzi scheme, taking millions from unsuspecting people, even friends, family and church. It was a  process for Claire and their kids to adjust to. Everyone, everywhere they went, turned against them, some with threats and violence. Then they lost everything, becoming homeless. Perspectives change. There's a good Christian message throughout as they find out what's really important, and adjust with help from friends. The biggest surprise is their most rebellious son. Well written - you go through the process and struggle with them.   
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Queen's Fortune by Allison Pataki

"It was a rotten time to be alive in France, a time of fear so thick you could smell it in the streets, you could see it in the faces of those who passed . . ."

Very interesting story of someone you've probably never heard of before - I know I hadn't. Desiree Clary as a young girl during the French revolution met Napoleon and his brother. In fact they saved her brother. The Clarys were a wealthy family at a time when that was a death sentence in France. The Bonapart family was not wealthy, but Napoleon felt called to greatness even at that early age. Desiree is a meek, beautiful girl whose life becomes entangled with Napoleon and his whole family as he rises to power and after. Her life is woven along with theirs and she holds great importance, then and now, through her dependents, yet her name is not a well known one. The history you remember comes to life - the author tells the story in amazing detail and the story is highly interesting right to the end. Not a quick read; one to savor. A strong woman who had to learn how to be strong. Strength and character need to be built sometimes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin

Overcoming obstacles . . . Christian Historical 1944. I'm excited to read this story, back with old friends and learning about the others who had been in the background in the previous books, bringing it all together. This can be read stand alone, but you'll find you want to read the rest. It's easy to become invested in these characters lives. The three brothers have issues that tore them, their family apart. They each join the war effort, under different branches of the service. Their struggles to learn their way in the world on their own after being so close are heart wrenching. Both Clay and Leah, with their backgrounds, need to find their self worth, strengths. He's half Mexican, she's an orphan. Orphans were terribly looked down on at that time. She especially needs to develop courage to step out into the world, other people and groups and find where she fits in. We're all given our own strengths and talents, and she learns that she has a lot to contribute. Expertly told story that weaves these characters lives together, sometimes on bumpy roads. Beautiful story of love as it grows.

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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