Friday, March 4, 2022

THE DARTMOOR GIRL by Tania Crosse

 




1952 Lily is 15 years old and on a small train going to live with a father she had never known about, who lives in a remote area. She had lived in London with her mother, but she just died. As she was dying, her mother left Lily a letter telling her who she really was. Quite a shock for a young girl alone. Even though she had quit school and had a job, the authorities wouldn't let her stay by herself. When she gets there, her father treats her as if he hates her. As time goes on Lily adjusts, meeting new people and learning very little at a time about her family. Her life is full of both tragedy and loving people who help her. She is resilient and a good, hard-working girl. Very interesting story as the people in her life are uncovered as she grows up in the after-war era of World War 2 then Korea. Very well told and hard to put down. Clean read until one or so page near the end, which was easy to flip over. Mystery, danger, heartache and love.
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. 
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Tuesday, March 1, 2022

To Treasure an Heiress by Roseanna M. White

 



Searching for treasure on the Scillies islands. 1906 Christian Historical. Beth has been searching for the treasure that was part of her family's heritage, at first alone then joined by others. It's a pleasure getting to know so many characters from the previous book that carried over to this book and learn more about them. And their legends. Beth and Sheridan both have a need for adventure and seeking things buried. They, and others in the group, need to learn things about themselves, and to anchor themselves in faith and wisdom. These relationships, all kinds, are what make the stories so interesting.  At first, I had trouble getting into the story, but about halfway through it started picking up pace and was difficult to put down all through the rest. Lots to think about. A pirate Prince and Island ladies romance has a telling. 

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. #ToTreasureanHeiress #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

My Reviews

THE GIRL AT HOLLY COTTAGE by Tania Crosse

 




1955 Anna is a young girl who overcame every hardship that she was forced into, and found wonderful, loving people along the way. She started out with an abusive father, a result of an accident he had had, her mother was killed, and she had to run away. She found a job where she excelled, working at an aristocrat's manor, until the heir changed that for her. But she found wonderful elderly Queenie who helped her during one of the most difficult times of her life. Brought down many times, she perseveres and makes it through. Excellent read, hard to put down. 
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.
#THEGIRLATHOLLYCOTTAGE #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

My reviews

Monday, February 14, 2022

Drawn by the Current by Jocelyn Green

 




Note from the author: More passengers died on the SS Eastland than on the Titanic, although when counting crew, the Titanic did have a greater loss of life. Yet this shocking Chicago disaster seems to have largely faded from public memory.

Chicago 1915. Loved the others in the series, this third one is quite tense as well as endearing, doesn't disappoint.  A twisted story of tragedy, trauma and mistaken identities, this is very much like an Elliott Ness or Dragnet story. Detailed sleuthing and entwined people. You have to love the truly good people in this book. And admire Olive's tenacity and courage. And melt a little over Erik and admire him too. Shows how people can do things for good reason, but they're still wrong. Brings to life the horrific sinking of the SS Eastland, while still tied to the dock, with thousands on board and no way off or out. Olive works as a life insurance agent but wants to move up into an investigator position. Mysteries and conflict appear in some of the most unlikely places and people in Olive's life. Thoroughly engaging, excellent read.
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. 
#DrawnbytheCurrent #NetGalley #JocelynGreen #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

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Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Slashed Canvas by Liz Tolsma

 






I found this story gripping right from the start. A Princess who had escaped from Russia when her husband was killed in front of her ran to Paris, where her husband had previously set things up for them to flee to. She gave birth to twin girls right after she got to Paris. She was pretty much still in shock 6 years later. She always been taken care of, had not been brought up to do anything, including take care of her girls. It wasn't done in Nobility. To feel more secure, she spent her days at the Louvre where a painting from her country hung, just looking at it. It was the only peace that she had in her life. Even though they lived in the same building, Georges got to know her there when he took over the job as janitor at the Louvre. He was a wounded war Vet on crutches, this a better job than he was able to find before. When her children are kidnapped, they become closer as they look for clues. Through it all she is brought to reality and begins to learn and change. She also brought him strength. Great story straight through. 
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. 
#LisTolsma #SlashedCanvas #ChristianHistoricalFiction

My Reviews

The Oregon Trail Romance Collection

 



1800s Christian Historical Romance
Excellent choice for a book to get thoroughly lost in. It's hard to out down. Unique stories of the struggles involved with wagon trains and with relationships. Amazing creativity that brings the journey West alive. 
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. 
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ChristianBook

The Homestead Brides Collection 9 Pioneering Couples Risk All for Love and Land

 



Christian Historical Romance. Wow. What unique stories. A book of substance. The only thing in common between the stories was women who left home to make a new start. Interesting information contained in them, like what it took to make a soddy. Different areas of the country, each with pluses and minuses, each with beauty and danger. Nothing simple about any of the situations. It's easy to become completely immersed in each tale. Special people involved in quite individual lives, using their skills and adapting as needed, each with special people to love. Excellent, deep read.
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. 
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