The Viscount and the Vicar's Daughter - Mimi Matthews

This is the first book I've read by this author.  I saw it recommended by an author, and since it was on sale, I decided to give it a shot.

Valentine has a job as a companion, but her employer is terrible.  When something Valentine treasures is destroyed, she ends up on the grounds and discovered by a notorious rake.  She doesn't know it at the time, but she soon finds out.  When they're later found in a compromising position, secrets are told and an engagement is entered into.  Can the rake reform and prove his love to Valentine?

The book wasn't bad, but there were a few typos.  It's on the shorter side, so it's a nice, quick read.  I appreciated the epilogue at the end to let me know what happened to the characters.  I wish the book had been a bit longer so there could be more interactions between Valentine and Tristan.  There's mild language and mild passion, but it didn't bother me too much.  All in all, enjoyable enough, but I'm torn on whether I would read more from the author.

The Land Beneath Us (Sunrise at Normandy #3) - Sarah Sundin

This is the third book in the series.  The other two are The Sea Before Us and The Sky Above Us.

This is the conclusion of the series and revolves around Clay, the youngest brother.  He’s part of the Rangers, and the dream of his death is becoming more frequent.  He’s been unhappy for a long time, so he sees the premonition as a release and a certainty.

Leah is an orphan, and all she wants is a family.  Getting together with Clay wasn’t what either of them had planned, but he wants to see that she’s taken care of, and she wants to have a family.  As the time approaches for Clay’s dream to come true, they begin to realize what they could mean to each other.

I think it’s important to know that there’s rape and a subsequent pregnancy in the book.  The feelings associated with it felt a bit glossed over, but you should be aware it’s in there if the topic bothers you.

I enjoyed this book and getting to know the characters.  I always like Sundin’s WWII novels and all the little details.  For example, I was especially drawn to Clay’s Bible in this book.  I actually have my grandfather’s pocket New Testament (his has a gold-plated steel cover), complete with the slipcover it was mailed in.  Details like that remind me to remember the past.  History shouldn’t be forgotten.

A big thank you to the author for creating a nice post-war wrap-up at the end of the book.  Updates on all three brothers wrapped up in a nice little bow.  This was a good series that I really liked reading.  Good Book!

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