When the Heart Heals (Sisters at Heart #2) - Ann Shorey

I read the first book in this series, Where the Wildflowers Bloom, last year.  I still have tons of books on my Kindle and decided to read this one since the third one in the series is due out next week.

Rosemary needs to find a way to support herself.  Since she was a nurse during the Civil War, she feels drawn to that kind of work again.  Unfortunately, it isn't a popular career for women.  She approaches the new doctor, Elijah, in hopes that he will give her a chance. Her stubborn streak gets her in trouble and she finds herself having to choose between what she feels is right and taking care of herself.

Elijah likes having Rosemary as a nurse, but she seems determined to undermine him, especially when it comes to her prescribing her herbal treatments.  His father is also a doctor, but some of the ways he's earned his income have caused Elijah to distance himself and guard his reputation.  While he is drawn to Rosemary, it seems like she is determined to work against him at every turn.

Once these two figure out they're a good pair, they still have to figure out who is threatening Rosemary.  She's getting ominous notes and the danger is escalating.  Later, Rosemary has cause to question Elijah's affections, but she doesn't seem to want to listen to his explanation.

I really enjoyed this book and read through it in two days.  I was a little agitated at Rosemary when she wouldn't let Elijah explain, but as always, we get the happy ending I ask for in my books.  The third book is called Love's Sweet Beginning and comes out February 4.  It is the story of Cassie, a character that stays with Rosemary for a time. While Faith, the heroine of the first novel, is mentioned quite a few times, I think it is safe to read these out of order and not be lost.  Good Book!

Grave Consequences (Grand Tour Series #2) - Lisa T. Bergren

It has been almost a year and a half since I have read the first book in this series, Glamorous Illusions.  I enjoy Bergren's writing a great deal, but I admit this one sat on my Kindle for a long time.  While I enjoy her writing, her books are a little on the long side and I know it will take me some time to get through them.

This book definitely picks up right where the last one left off.  Cora is on her grand tour, but she's not free of the kidnappers who tried to abduct her in Paris.  They seem to follow her from place to place and seem willing to stop at nothing to get a hold of her.

Will can't deny that he's falling in love with Cora, but he doesn't feel he'll ever be worthy of her.  She's so far above him and everyone seems more than willing to point that out.  While he wants to be the man Cora needs, he's afraid he'll never achieve that dream.

This book was full of great descriptions of the places these people visit, but there were times I felt the story got a little lost and the book read more like a travel guide.  I've personally never been to any of these places, so reading about them made me a little jealous.  The action picks up more in the second half of the book and we're left with another cliffhanger.  My recommendation is to read these in order and have a short gap between reading them.  Even though the author does a nice job bringing you up to speed, I definitely felt a little lost at times.  A year and a half is too long!

Fortunately, I have the third book in the series, Glittering Promises, waiting for me on my Kindle.  I made a promise to myself to get it read in the near future.  We'll see how that goes.  Don't let the scowling man on the cover dissuade you from reading this book.  Just make sure you have the time and dedication to devote to the whole series - otherwise you'll never find out what happens in the end!  Good Book!

 

Moonlight Masquerade (London Encounters #1) - Ruth Axtell

This is my first read by this author.  I have seen her books pop up on my recommendations more than once and was glad to finally give her a chance.  This Regency romance is set in 1813 England.

Celine escaped from France, but lost her father and lands.  While she has been able to make a life for herself in England, she has been doing what she can to help shape France into what she hopes it can be once Napoleon is ousted.  When her butler has an accident, his replacement raises her suspicions.  Could he have been sent to spy on her?

Rees may not be the best candidate for a spy.  Celine suspects him pretty early on, and the more he gets to know her, the more drawn he is to the woman.  He finds that he is more interested in protecting her than being patriotic to his country.  When her life is in danger, will he choose to help her or betray her to his country?

I was a fan of this book for the most part, but the end really dragged on for me.  Once we get resolution to the main problem, there was just way too much explanation and randomness for my taste.  It ends in a weird way and then you have to read the epilogue for things to get wrapped up.

The next book in this series is called A Heart's Rebellion and is due out February 25, 2014.  It follows the story of Jessamine, a minor character in this book.  Due to the minimal interactions between Jessamine and the main characters in this book, it seems a safe bet that it would be okay to read these out of order.  All in all, a decent read, but I'm not sure that I'll be on the lookout for more books by this author.

The Captive Maiden - Melanie Dickerson

After accumulating many price drops over the past month and half, I'm getting back into my reading groove and trying to lessen my "pile" of books.  First up is The Captive Maiden, the latest from Melanie Dickerson.  I really enjoy her interpretations of old fairy tales and have read The Healer's Apprentice, The Merchant's Daughter and The Fairest Beauty in the past.

Gisela has to deal with her stepmother and stepsisters abusing her and threatening to take away the only thing she really cares about: her horses.  A chance encounter with the heir to the Duke's kingdom will change her life.  Being declared the Queen of Beauty and Love at the Tournament enrages not only her family, but also a man who is so set on revenge that he is willing to use Gisela as a pawn to hurt the Duke's son.

Valten's fiance fell in love with his brother while he was resting up from a broken leg.  Now his life has become one tournament after another and he has been driven by the need to be the best for a long time.  He has started to question whether it is time for a change in his life and whether Gisela might be a part of his new future.  He'll risk life and limb to rescue her, but doesn't always have the words to say what he feels.

This is the story of Cinderella and a good telling it was.  The Fairest Beauty is the story of Valten's brother, Gabe, and his romance with Sophie.  There's a teaser at the end of this book in case you haven't read the other one yet.  I hadn't made the connection with The Healer's Apprentice to Valten and Gabe's parents until reading this one, but I don't think The Merchant's Daughter was related.  In any case, you can read any of these as a stand alone story and not be lost or disappointed.

On the whole, I enjoyed this book, although I found Ruexner to be a pain in the rear after a time and wish they could have dealt with him a little sooner.  A good story and I look forward to her next one, although I can't see anything coming out soon.  I heartily recommend any of these fairy tale books with no reservations.  Good Book!

The Dancing Master - Julie Klassen

Julie Klassen is one of my favorite authors.  When I see that she has another book getting ready to come out, I look forward to it with anticipation.  In the past, I have read The Tutor’s Daughter, Lady of Milkweed Manor, The Maid of Fairborne Hall, The Girl in the Gatehouse and The Silent Governess.

Julia would love to leave Beaworthy.  Her mother is smothering her and always criticizing her.  She looks for a way out and imagines what it would be like to escape.  Never feeling love from her father and doubting her mother’s love, she acts impulsively and doesn’t think about consequences.  The story of her birth is going to turn everything she believes upside down.

Alec and his family have come to town to escape the scandal in London.  Not wishing to bring further shame on his family, he is determined to keep the details of the scandal to himself and quietly start up his dancing and fencing school.  To his dismay, he finds out that dancing, while not illegal, is frowned upon by Julia’s mother – the leading lady of the area.  As a result, Alec takes a job as Lady Midwinter’s clerk, but he dreams about teaching.

Julie Klassen’s books always remind me of a Jane Austen story and I really love that.  I appreciated the research that went into this book.  I never connected fencing and dancing, but when I think about it, it does make sense.  This book has it all: mystery, suspense, romance.  You get resolution for all the main characters in the epilogue, which is a great addition.  As usual, this book is a winner and I have no problems giving it my Good Book! review.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review.

Beowulf (A Breed Apart #3) - Ronie Kendig

It’s been quite some time since I’ve read a book by Ronie Kendig.  Back when I first started this blog, I read Dead Reckoning and thought it was great.  I know that I had her other books on my watch list at one point, but when I looked, they were not there.  Not sure what happened, but they are definitely back on there now!  When I had the opportunity to read Beowulf, I was excited for the chance to read it.

Timbrel has a huge wall around her heart.  She is determined never to get close to a man.  Tony, on the other hand, is drawn to Timbrel like a moth to a flame.  He sees that she’s hurting and wants to show her that not everyone is an enemy.  It’s going to take every bit of patience he has to deal with her deep-seated fears.

On a mission, Beowulf, an explosives detection dog, senses something but a thorough search turns up nothing.  Something is off about the whole situation and Timbrel stands by her dog’s response.  Since the place they are at is a bookmaking place, her dog’s reactions are written off since both the weapons he’s trained to seek and bookmaking use some of the same chemicals.  Little do they know there’s a man involved determined to take revenge for the death of his family out on Americans.

I read this book in two days.  I originally planned to pace myself, but the book was just too good.  If I had one complaint, it would be the number of names the author uses to identify characters.  It especially bugged me during one section where the team was meeting and I couldn’t remember everyone’s last names.  There was a glossary at the beginning to explain the military abbreviations, which was helpful.  I bookmarked it on my Kindle so I could refer to it if I didn’t know what one meant.  I almost wish there had been one for the characters!

Overall, a great read with a great message.  Parts of it tore at my heart and I was practically in tears.  The author brings awareness to The Battle Buddy Foundation at the end of the book and I think it’s a noble thing.  Make sure to read about them at the end of the book and spread the word.  We should support our troops no matter what.  You can find them on Facebook and donate at their website.

I haven’t read the other two in the series, Trinity and Talon, though I hope to get the chance in the future.  I took a quick peek and the characters from the first two books show up briefly, but you would be safe reading these out of order.  Highly recommended.  Great Book!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.