Friday, June 29, 2018

More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer #REVIEWED




Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes--one bright blue, the other dark brown--Eva has fought to find her way in a world that constantly rejects her. Yet the support of even one person can help overcome the world's judgments, and Eva has two--Seth and Zach, two former orphans she now counts as brothers.

Seeking justice against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in 1880s Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his father's death. Only instead of finding a solitary ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself with an unusual family. When Zach's sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time their paths cross, Logan finds his quest completely derailed. Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline?

The prologue for this book is powerful. Had me tearing up within the first few minutes of opening the cover. From that point on, you have to know what will happen to the orphan characters, because you've become connected to them on a heart level, every single one.

Logan and Eva are both beautifully flawed characters, and their journey is a delight to read. From the heroine's unique family and newfound friends to a horse and pet pig named after Old Testament prophets (one of which wears a red bow to avoid becoming ham steaks), the secondary characters display show-stealer potential. Their plot weaves in and out with the main characters' goals so well. I have a hunch we'll be seeing Zach's story soon, and the anticipation is getting to me already. The jaded son of a riverboat gambler who gave up his dreams to raise two orphans? I have a feeling his story is going to be well worth the wait.

I was delighted to see a dual romance thread in this book. Smart, protective men and strong-but-feminine women shine through all the ups and downs of finding love in tough circumstances. The nerd in me loved to see a bookish romance between secondary characters, while the western-loving part of me smiled at the roguish antics of the tough and gruff leading man with his Lady Sunshine.

One aspect that sets apart the main romantic story, is the hero's "wooing" the heroine to get information from her that will advance his goals, which of course accidentally turns into a real courtship, leaving our hero with lots of well-deserved inner conflict! I enjoyed watching him squirm under the glaring light of his conscience while wrestling between serving up justice and admitting his heart had found its home with a plucky little farm-girl sporting mismatched eyes.

Overall, this story delighted me with surprises and fueled my curiosity for the next book in the series. There were only a couple times I didn't quite understand the hero's decisions in relation to the villain, but the resulting danger and edge-of-your-seat moments saw me turning pages faster to keep up with the action! The author's trademark wit, adventure, and warm western charm saturates this story. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys inspirational western romance with a giggle.


*I received a copy of this book from the publisher free of charge. My review is voluntary, and the opinions expressed are my own.

Friday, June 8, 2018

A Chance at Forever by Melissa Jagears #REVIEWED

 



Doesn't this cover just grab your heart? Gives me a case of the warm fuzzies. <3


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From the back cover:
In early 1900s Kansas, Mercy McClain, determined to protect Teaville's children from the bullying she experienced as a child, finds fulfillment working at the local orphanage and serving on the school board. When Aaron Firebrook, the classmate who bothered her more than any other, petitions the board for a teaching position, she's dead set against him getting the job.

Aaron knows he deserves every bit of Mercy's mistrust, but he's returned to his hometown a changed man and is seeking to earn forgiveness of those he wronged. He doesn't expect Mercy to like him, but surely he can prove he now has the best interests of the children at heart.

Will resentment and old wounds hold them back, or can Mercy and Aaron put the past behind them in time to face the unexpected threats to everything they're working for?


The Characters:
Both the main characters and the secondary characters in this story are unique and have unexpected qualities.


The Romance:
One thing I love about Melissa Jagears' books is that the romance stories are so unique and unexpected in how they play out. Aaron and Mercy, given their past and present struggles, have to become very vulnerable with one another in order for a relationship to work. Watching them grow brave enough to open up and trust was a joy that kept me turning pages to see what happened next.

The Faith Element:
Melissa always has a practical and challenging Scriptural message for readers, one the characters show organically through their struggle to learn and use the truth in everyday life.

The Author's Trademarks:
There is also such relatability and practical, homey flavor to Melissa's stories. No matter the book is set around the turn of the century, I can empathize with the characters' struggles, their goals, and even the world in which they operate. The conflicts are simple, but so strong and personal, a reader can't help but relate.

Overall Impression:
While I'm sad to see the close of a great series, it was great to revisit familiar characters and see some long, twisted threads tied up into a satisfying resolution. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys clean historical romance filled with hope. The way the characters learn to stand up for truth and for the ones they love is touching and rewarding for the reader. I look forward to seeing what Melissa has coming in the future!


Comment Fodder:
I’d love to know… What are some things you look forward to experiencing in historical novels? Unique historical facts? Simpler times? Chivalry and old-fashioned values? Descriptions of clothing and daily living? A closer look at historical world events? 

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher free of charge. My review is voluntary, and the opinions expressed are my own.

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

June 2018 Fiction Releases #ACFW

June 2018 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.



Contemporary Romance:


The Sleuth’s Miscalculation by Kimberly Rose Johnson -- Librarian Nancy Daley loves a good mystery and enjoys moonlighting as a consultant for the sheriff’s department. When license plates go missing in Tipton County, she’s on the case. But she’s been partnered with the new deputy, Carter Malone, and he’s not interested in her help. When the minor case they are working morphs into something more, things quickly go from harmless to scary. Can they solve the mystery before it’s too late, and more importantly, what will they do about their growing attraction? (Contemporary Romance from Mountain Brook Ink)



Falling for the Cowgirl by Tina Radcliffe -- Hiring Amanda “AJ” McAlester as his assistant at the Big Heart Ranch isn’t foreman Travis Maxwell’s first choice—but his sisters insist she’s perfect for the job. And AJ’s determined to prove she’s just as qualified as any man. But with money on the line, AJ and her innovative ideas could put him at risk of losing everything…including his heart. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])



Enduring Love by Toni Shiloh -- Belle Peterson is hiding a secret. Seeking sanctuary in the small town of Maple Run, she’s intent on starting her life over—one she hopes honors Christ. The plan was going great until an undeniable attraction to Micah Campbell has her wondering if she’s changed at all. Can love really conquer all or will Belle’s past be too much for Micah to handle? (Contemporary Romance from Celebrate Lit)


General Contemporary:


A Firm Place to Stand by Lori Altebaumer -- Out of options, Maribel takes a safe enough seeming job, but soon finds herself in the middle of a murder, a search for a missing girl, and a race to find a lost treasure. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)



Kuwaiti Seeker by Jim Carroll -- A young Kuwaiti Muslim searches for truth in Islam, but God finds him anyway. (General Contemporary, Crosslink Publishing)

General Historical:


Where the Fire Falls by Karen Barnett -- Watercolorist Olivia Rutherford has shed her humble beginnings to fashion her image as an avant-garde artist to appeal to the region's wealthy art-collectors. When she lands a lucrative contract painting illustrations of Yosemite National Park for a travel magazine, including its nightly one-of-a-kind Firefall event, she hopes the money will lift Olivia and her sisters out of poverty. After false accusations cost him everything, former minister Clark Johnson has found purpose as a backcountry guide in this natural cathedral of granite and trees. Now he's faced with the opportunity to become a National Parks Ranger, but is it his true calling? As Clark opens Olivia's eyes to the wonders of Yosemite, she discovers the people are as vital to the park's story as its vistas--a revelation that may bring her charade to an end. (General Historical from Waterbrook/Multnomah [Random House])


Historical Romance:


Orphan Train Sweetheart by Mollie Campbell -- Spring Hill is the orphan train’s last stop—a final chance for Simon McKay to find homes for his young charges. When his fellow placing agent quits, Simon enlists help from the frontier town’s pretty schoolteacher. Cecilia Holbrook is as intriguing as she is independent, yet Simon’s devotion to his mission will soon call him back to New York. Long overshadowed by her flirtatious sister, Cecilia is done with waiting for a man to choose her. She’s already fighting the school board to keep her position. Now she’s struggling not to lose her heart to Simon. Could their shared concern for the children show them how to follow a new dream, together? (Historical Romance Love Inspired [Harlequin])



A Love Restored by Kelly Goshorn -- She was nothing like the woman he'd envisioned for his bride, but he was everything she'd ever dreamed of-until a promise from his past threatened their future. (Historical Romance from Pelican Book Group)



The Road to Magnolia Glen by Pam Hillman -- In 1792, Quinn O’Shea leaves Ireland for Natchez, Mississippi, ready to force his oldest brother to reclaim the role of family guardian so Quinn can be free to pursue his own adventures. While aboard ship, a run-in with tenacious yet kind Kiera Young and her two Irish sisters lands him in the role of reluctant savior. Upon arriving in the colonies, Kiera realizes her intended groom never existed and a far more sinister deal has been negotiated for her and her sisters. Quinn offers to escort his charges safely to Breeze Hill Plantation and his brother’s care, fully intending to seek his freedom elsewhere. But the longer he remains, the greater his feelings toward Kiera grow and the more he comes to realize true freedom might be found in sacrifice. (Historical Romance from Tyndale House)



A Defense of Honor by Kristi Ann Hunter -- When Katherine "Kit" FitzGilbert turned her back on London society more than a decade ago, she determined never to set foot in a ballroom again. But when business takes her to London and she's forced to run for her life, she stumbles upon not only a glamorous ballroom but also Graham, Lord Wharton. Graham, intent on finding his friend's missing sister, is convinced Kit knows more about the girl than she's telling. After meeting Graham, Kit finds herself wishing things could have been different, but long ago, she dedicated herself to helping women escape the same scorn that drove her from London and raising the innocent children caught in the crossfire. As much as she desperately wishes to tell Graham everything, revealing the truth isn't worth putting him and everyone she loves in danger. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])



More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer -- Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes--one bright blue, the other dark brown--Eva has fought to find her way in a world that constantly rejects her. She’s made a safe haven with Seth and Zach, two former orphans she now counts as brothers. Seeking justice against the gambler who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in 1880s Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his father's death. Instead, he discovers a man not much older than himself with an unusual family. When Zach's sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time their paths cross, Logan finds his quest completely derailed. Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline? (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])


Romantic Suspense:


Justice Betrayed by Patricia Bradley -- It's Elvis Week in Memphis, and homicide Detective Rachel Sloan isn't sure her day could get any stranger when aging Elvis impersonator Vic Vegas asks to see her. But when he produces a photo of her murdered mother with four Elvis impersonators--one of whom had also been murdered soon after the photo was taken--she's forced to reevaluate. When yet another person in the photo is murdered, Rachel suddenly has her hands full investigating three cases. Lieutenant Boone Callahan offers his help, but their checkered romantic past threatens to get in the way. Can they solve the cases before the murderer makes Rachel victim number four? (Romantic Suspense from Revell - A Division of Baker Publishing Group)



A Vast and Gracious Tide by Lisa Carter -- After losing his closest friends and now his girlfriend to the ravages of war, Caden Wallis arrives on the Outer Banks for one final mission--to thank the woman who sent him a quilt while he was recuperating at Walter Reed Army Hospital. McKenna Dockery knows about loss. She juggles the family business, her ailing father, and an aging grandmother. Much to Caden's surprise, she--not some elderly lady--is the quilter. The quilt was something she'd begun for her future husband but shipped to the military hospital after the tragic death of her fiancé. When a man is found snared in a net and murdered on McKenna's property, she and Caden must work together to bring the killer to justice. (Romantic Suspense from Gilead Publishing)



Ransom of the Heart by Susan Page Davis -- Police Captain Harvey Larson’s exhausting day takes a big detour when a teenaged girl approaches him at the diner, announcing that she is his daughter. When Harvey is on his way home from work a few hours later, his sister-in-law Abby calls him. She went to meet her husband for a dinner date and found a dead man on the floor at his place of business, and Peter has vanished. Harvey calls in his detectives and turns his car around. It’s going to be a long night, too. Once again, Harvey depends on his wits, his faith, and his squad, the Priority Unit, to solve a tough case and carry out Maine Justice. (Romantic Suspense from Tea Tin Press)


Speculative:


Song of Leira by Gillian Bronte Adams -- Reeling from her disastrous foray into the Pit, Birdie, the young Songkeeper, retreats into the mountains. But in the war-torn north, kneeling on bloodstained battlefields to sing the souls of the dying to rest, her resolve to accept her calling is strengthened. Such evil cannot go unchallenged. Torn between oaths to protect the Underground runners and to rescue his friend from the slave camps, Ky Huntyr enlists Birdie’s aid. Their mission to free the captives unravels the horrifying thread connecting the legendary spring, Artair’s sword, and the slave camps. But the Takhran’s schemes are already in motion. Powerful singers have arisen to lead his army—singers who can shake the earth and master the sea—and monsters rampage across the land. As Leira falters on the verge of defeat, the Song bids her rise to battle, and the Songkeeper must answer. (Speculative High Fantasy from Enclave Publishing)

*All authors whose books are included on the ACFW New Releases list attest that their book meets CBA standards for clean, Christian content. The posting of this list on the Sweet South Blog is not a review or an endorsement of any book on the list.