Gold (Heart of a Miner Book 2) by Krystal Anderson {Review}

Gold (Heart of a Miner Book 2) by Krystal M. Anderson

ebook, 134 pages

Published February 28th 2019 

Source: Kindle Unlimited

    

Seeking a fresh start outside of his outlaw father’s shadow, Charlie Montgomery finds Silver City, Idaho Territory to be the perfect boom town for his adventurous soul. But when gold is discovered at the Crown Point silver mine where he is hired on, the gunslingers of his past reappear, putting Charlie and everything he holds dear in danger.

She could never marry a miner, Virginia was sure, not after her father was killed in a mining accident last year. Yet something about Charlie draws her like a bee to honey, and despite pressure from another suitor, she takes a chance on him. With her father's debts to pay, Virginia desperately engages in an unsavory one-time deal, realizing she can't outrun the consequences forever. Can Charlie be the steadfast companion and helpmeet whom she so desperately seeks?

A sweet historical romance packed full of adventure that is sure to inspire!

My Review: 5 Stars

Unfortunately, a father's sins are often reflected onto a child, and in this case, Charlie is trying to get out from under his outlaw father's shadow of the life of crime. He moves to a new town, hoping for a new start, but his father's shadow follows him.

Charlie is such a fun character, with his winsome personality and persistence. He's willing to take risks and do what needs to be done to protect those he cares about, especially Virginia. My favorite lessons from this story are that everyone should be allowed to make a name for himself and that true love can conquer all.

In a perilous adventure, this story has gunslingers, danger, and romance seeping out of the woodwork, and it's all very enjoyable. I love this wild west time period of history and thought this story did well to capture the highlights.

Content: mild romance; mild violence/danger 

Gloved Heart by Charlotte Brentwood {Review}

Gloved Heart (Hearts of Amberley #2) by Charlotte Brentwood

Kindle Edition, 225 pages

Published April 20th 2019 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

Can she ever trust again?

Amy Miller is struggling to come to terms with her new life as a mother, while being a reluctant guest in a rigid gentry household. A victim of abuse, she is determined to never trust a man again.

Henry Russell has loved Amy for as long as he can remember, but his family want nothing to do with her. A chance encounter with Amy rekindles a friendship which might save both of them.

The discovery of a secret which holds the key to Amy’s past will change them both forever, and jeopardise any chance they have for happiness. Can Henry show Amy that true love will give her everything she could ever need?

Sensuality level: sweet (only kissing)
Some content may challenge sensitive readers. 

My Review: 3 Stars

Trust is a difficult thing to regain once it has been lost and Amy is learning that lesson firsthand. Wronged by a man, she struggles to trust anyone of that gender. Her life has been difficult lately, especially as she strives to find the balance between being a new mother and finding her place in society. Her newly rekindled friendship with Henry is a beautiful thing.

I liked Henry and the patience he shows towards a sometimes aggravating Amy. I love how their friendship slowly grows and really enjoyed watching them deal with the secrets that are unearthed as the story progresses.

There is some content that may be difficult for some readers to experience and it does cast a slight shadowy cloud over a good chunk of the story, but it's rewarding to watch the characters work through these hard issues. I enjoyed the story and know things like this must be talked about, but I relish the light and fluffy escapes best.

Content: mild romance (kissing); mild language used somewhat frequently; mild+ violence (vague talk of death, rape, etc)

Kissing the Boy Next Door by Judy Corry {Review}

Kissing the Boy Next Door by Judy Corry

Kindle Edition, 289 pages

Published April 7th 2019 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

Talking to him is forbidden, so why can’t I stay away?

It’s been five years since Wes and I have spoken. Five years since he decided our friendship was less important than our parents’ fight. So when we’re forced to practice a duet together, I expect him to keep our contact to a minimum.

Instead, he’s telling me the feud between our parents has gone on long enough. That he misses me and wants to fix things between us.

But I’m not going to fall for it. I won’t fall for his charms like so many other girls have in the past.

If only my stupid heart would listen to my brain. Because kissing the boy next door is no way to fix a family feud.

Or is it?  

My Review: 4 Stars

Well, since I didn't really read what this one was about, I was caught by surprise--a pleasant surprise. I was expecting a friends-to-lovers story, but it's actually like a modern Romeo and Juliet, with these neighbors as enemies. 

Former best friends, Wes and Lauren, are victims of their parents long-time feud, but when they are forced together, both in running and choir, they realize there might be more to their relationship. There are some undeniable sparks of attraction that intensify as these two try and solve the mystery of the feud, and some pretty hefty secrets emerge as they chip away at it.  

I really enjoyed these characters, especially the easy-going and good-guy, Wes. He's a charmer and really helps Lauren loosen up, yet he's there for her through some hard times. As great as these teens are, their parents have some work to do, hah! I can understand their decisions, yet those choices caused a lot of years of heartbreak and missed relationships. But alas, who's perfect?

This is a great series and I love how each installment builds another piece of Sweet Water High.

Content: mild+ romance (kissing, vague talk of intimacy)

Whatever It Takes by Jessica Pack {Review}

Whatever It Takes by Jessica Pack

Kindle Edition, 352 pages

Publication: May 28th 2019 by Kensington 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

Sienna has no memory of her late mother, yet every significant day of her life—birthdays, the first day of high school, graduation—has been marked by a letter written during her last weeks of life. Sienna knows her father feels grateful to be able to offer up these connections to the loving, talented woman his daughter never got a chance to know. Yet for Sienna herself, the letters have become a dreaded burden, a reminder that every milestone is less than it would be if both parents were still living.

A month before her twenty-fifth birthday, Sienna finds a lump. Facing a cancer diagnosis, Sienna begins to ask questions about her mother’s terminal illness—questions that reveal unsettling inconsistencies and voids in the stories she’s been told. The deeper she digs, the more the image of her mother as a contented homemaker warps into something much darker and far more troubling. If Sienna’s dad lied about this, what else did he lie about?

What does it mean to be a good parent? What role does the past play in who we are? And to what lengths should one go to protect a child? Like the best of Jodi Picoult, Whatever It Takes delves into these fascinating questions of family and identity with power, insight, and love.

My Review: 4 Stars 

Facing a serious health crisis, Sienna decides to ask questions about her mother, who died when she was only two years old, but discovers startling inconsistencies that lead her to dig deeper, finding a complex web of lies.

Marriage is challenging, but when combined with infertility, an overseas job, possible cancer, and other stresses, the breaking point for all of it can be achieved without much effort. My heart went out to Sienna, who tries to be strong and face everything pressing in on her alone. I could feel her desperate need for answers and thought the way the chapters went back and forth between past and present was a clever way to divulge the truth.

This tangled web of deception was interesting to watch unfold and really made me think about the impacts of family relationship and identity. Sienna's relationships are all complicated in one way or another and watching her sort out her connections with others, as well as the mystery surrounding her mother was satisfying. I enjoyed this one and thought it was well done, but wanted the vague threads of the story to have more resolution.

Content: moderate romance (affairs, innuendo, implied intimate relations); mild+ descriptions of drug use; moderate language

Snatching the Catcher by Rebecca Connolly {Review}

Snatching the Catcher by Rebecca Connolly

ebook, 220 pages

Published May 7th 2019 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

Grizz is about to break all of the rules for something he never imagined he would be risking . . . His heart.

Rachel Bennett has spent her entire life reaching for her dreams to dance professionally, and has come close enough that she’s content with where she is. Enter Grizz McCarthy, one of her brother’s best friends and a member of the beloved Belltown Six Pack. Ranked as one of the hottest pro athletes of the year, Rachel finds there is so much more to Grizz than that, and soon he has her reaching for more.

Rachel should be off limits for David “Grizz” McCarthy. That’s a universally accepted fact, courtesy of his bond with his brothers in the Six Pack. But the more time he spends with Rachel, the less he cares about that fact, and what it could do to his friendships.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

It's been so much fun to get to know this group of baseball boys better and to read each man's love story. It's kind of an unwritten rule, or guy code, to stay away from your friend's little sister, but when Grizz runs into Rachel again at her mom's wedding, he's smitten. And after a few cute run-ins with this catcher, Rachel realizes that there's more to him than meets the eye and her eyes will never be the same after seeing his Sports Illustrated picture.

 

Grizz and Rachel have such a cute story, especially since they both share a massive love for baseball and have a sizzling chemistry that can't be ignored. They fall hard and fast, but they share a past, which makes it that much easier for them to take the shortcut to love.

 

This story wrapped my heart up into one big, comfy hug, with its familiar characters and swoony romance, and I'm looking forward to intimately knowing the last few members of the Belltown Six Pack.  

Content: mild+ romance (kissing, making out, swoony); mild language

A Proper Scandal by Esther Hatch {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

A Proper Scandal by Esther Hatch

Paperback, 222 pages

Published May 1st 2019 by Covenant Communications 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

Grace Sinclair has been callously cast out of her home. And though taken in as an orphaned child by the vicar and his wife, her unsurpassed beauty makes it impossible for her to remain in the vicar’s household—with two daughters of their own about to enter Society, the vicar and his wife see Grace as nothing but competition. Thankfully, Grace’s estranged Aunt Bell has agreed to take her in to her home in London. But Grace soon learns her situation has just gotten much worse.

It takes only a moment’s acquaintance for Grace to ascertain that her aunt has married a detestable rake. And Aunt Bell, recognizing the danger of having her lovely niece too near her husband, gives Grace an ultimatum: the young woman has two weeks to find a man to marry, after which she will be turned out. With no experience in the art of attracting a husband, Grace quickly realizes that a worthy suitor might not be so easy to ensnare.

My Review: 5 Stars

Beauty can't give you everything in life, as Grace comes to discover. Unbelievably gorgeous, she's an orphan and has been asked to leave the vicar's home to allow for his daughters to find a match. Her aunt takes her in, but the situation there is dreadful. Her only option is to marry, which is easier said than done.

Grace is utterly adorable! She doesn't know the first thing about flirting and her attempts made me laugh out loud. Her first encounter with Nate was so hilarious, yet charming at the same time, and I couldn't stop smiling (and swooning) as they kept running into each other, especially with Grace's bumbling efforts at snagging herself a match. She definitely isn't comfortable with her situation, but she spares nothing in her endeavors to find her place in society--happy and secure, freedom to be herself, and free from annoying rakes.

I was completely enchanted with this tale and didn't want to put it down. I loved the whimsical characters (and even enjoyed hating the slimy ones) and the story line was a pure delight. This author has a fun writing style that really captured my attention and didn't let go.

Content: mild romance

Giveaway: 
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#SweetOnYouTour - Sweet on You by Becky Wade {Review}

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Sweet on You

(Bradford Sisters #3)

By Becky Wade

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages

April 30th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Britt Bradford and Zander Ford have been the best of friends since they met thirteen years ago. Unbeknown to Britt, Zander has been in love with her for just as long.

Independent and adventurous Britt channels her talent into creating chocolates at her hometown shop. Zander is a bestselling author who's spent the past 18 months traveling the world. He's achieved a great deal but still lacks the only thing that ever truly mattered to him--Britt's heart.

When Zander's uncle dies of mysterious causes, he returns to Merryweather, Washington, to investigate, and Britt is immediately there to help. Although this throws them into close proximity, both understand that an attempt at romance could jeopardize their once-in-a-lifetime friendship. But while Britt is determined to resist any change in their relationship, Zander finds it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings hidden.

As they work together to uncover his uncle's tangled past, will the truth of what lies between them also, finally, come to light?

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Book Depostiory│ChristianBook│BAM│iBooks│Kobo

My Review: 5 Stars

I have absolutely loved this series and have loved each sister's story. I've been (im)patiently waiting for Britt's true love, because she's flirty and flighty, as the baby, but her best friend of over a decade is so perfect for her--and she doesn't seem to see it! She also harbors a bit of guilt and I desperately wanted her to find her happily ever after. But...I wasn't expecting the added bonus that I got.

Not only does this story deliver a sweet, budding, new romance, but the reader is treated to a real live mystery! This element weaves so well into the story, adding a dimension of suspense and drama that really flavors the chemistry wafting off the pages, and forms a truly delicious tale. I couldn't get enough!

I'm a huge fan of the friends-to-lover angle and this one is very well done. I loved how compatible these two friends are and their voices and interactions are charming, engaging, and swoony. This story was definitely worth the wait!

Content: mild romance; mild violence/moments of peril; mild+ religion elements.

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Becky’s a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market before putting her career on hold for several years to care for her three children. When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction. She loves writing funny, modern, and inspirational contemporary romance! She’s the Christy Award and Carol Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, and the Bradford Sisters Romance series.

Website│Blog│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

ONE WINNER WILL RECEIVE:

• Tote bag highlighting Britt’s chocolate shop, Sweet Art
• Paperback copy of Sweet on You
• $100 Visa gift card
• 1 pound box of See’s chocolate truffles
• Set of chocolate scented soap
• Box of colored pencils
• “Tattoo” coloring book

Enter on Becky's website HERE

Chemistry of a Kiss by Kimberly Krey {Review}

Chemistry of a Kiss by Kimberly Krey

Kindle Edition

Publication: May 21st 2019 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

How did I end up in a fake relationship with the gorgeous captain of the basketball team, Jett Bryant? Where do I start?  

I used to dream about kissing Jett, the adorable brown-eyed boy back in kindergarten. He was the pastor's son but that didn't stop me from tackling him on the playground and kissing him smack on the lips.       
  Fast-forward to senior year when Jett and I got partnered to research--of all things--The Chemistry of a Kiss. It had me thinking about those yummy lips of his, which was not good since I was dating bad boy TJ Reynolds.
            But then TJ kissed Jett's ex-girlfriend, causing me to break things off, and that's how the whole fake relationship between Jett and me began.
            Now, all the feelings I had for Jett over the years have come flooding back as we've spent time researching the kiss. We've even started exploring the chemistry of our own mind-blowing kisses while we "pretend" to like each other during our study dates.
            Things really get complicated when Jett starts cozying up to me when nobody's around to witness it. It seems like this whole fake relationship is turning into the real thing. But how can I be sure?

My Review: 5 Stars

Kimberly Krey has a way of writing that takes me back to my own high school years. If only I knew then what I know now...hah! Being a teenager is hard, especially when feelings get involved. Harper doesn't want to make the same mistakes as her mom, yet history has a way of repeating itself. She shows real maturity in recognizing things for what they're worth.

Harper's had a crush on Jett since kindergarten and now they're assigned partners in class and their topic is on the chemistry of a kiss. Can you imagine? Getting to research that topic with your crush would be a dream come true--especially if might want to practice what you read to see if this research holds true (wink, wink). In a make-my-ex-jealous battle, they find themselves in a fake relationship with real, smoldering embers, threatening to explode into a raging hot fire. The chemistry is swoon-worthy, yet sweet, and these characters are extremely likable.

I love a good story that explores young love and dips into realistic topics, yet stays fluffy and fun. Look no further if you want a light, summer escape! This is a great series, especially for teens and inner teens (like me) alike.

Content: mild+ (swoony) romance; very, very mild religion (he's a pastor's son)

Scripted Unscripted by Kristina Miranda {Review}

Scripted Unscripted by Kristina Miranda

Kindle Edition, 267 pages

Published May 14th 2019 by Turner

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

Ellie Quinn has spent most of her sixteen years behind the scenes, helping her father manage a crew of four-legged movie stars. Although she longs to be acknowledged as an animal trainer in her own right, she often gets stuck babysitting actors' personal pets and is known around the studio as "the dog sitter for the stars."

When teen megastar Kate Montgomery's sidekick gets fired while filming a pilot, Ellie is forced to temporarily fill-in. The producers seem to be enamored with Ellie--and so do Kate's two love interests on the show, "it boy" Logan Canfield and brand-new actor Cam Alvarez--causing trouble on and off the set.

Now Ellie must decide between living the drama in front of the camera or behind it. If she quits and the pilot fails, she and her father will have to close their failing business and move to her grandfather's lettuce farm. But if she stays on the road to stardom, it could mean losing the boy she's fallen for--and herself--in the process. Can she save the TV show and her father's business without losing everything else?

My Review: 4 Stars

Fun facts about me: I haven't ever had the desire to be an actress, but I love Hollywood and celebrities. I'm fascinated with the behind-the-scenes of movies/tv shows. I enjoy a good story about an every-day-normal girl rubbing shoulders with the stars. Of course I had to read this one because it incorporated so many of these interests into this story.

Ellie assists her dad with animal handling for Hollywood movies and tv shows and finds herself acting in the pilot of a new show. In a effort to save her family's business, she ends up navigating the cold, brutal, and lonely world of fame. 

The confidence and wisdom that Ellie imparts is atypical of a teen girl her age, but those characteristics made me adore her, especially as a parent. The drama, backstabbing, and good acting allow for an entertaining story, with characters to love and others to hate, but overall, the message and moral of the story is a good one. Mistakes are made and compromises are requested, which makes it hard for some of these characters to stay true to who they are. This is a fun coming-of-age tale, Hollywood style, and I think most teen girls would enjoy it.

One last note--I felt the book ended way too abruptly and would have loved a more solid and complete finale.  

Content: mild romance

Missing in Maplewood by Elizabeth Bromke {Review}

Missing in Maplewood by Elizabeth Bromke

Kindle Edition

Published May 7th 2019 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

 Can a plane ride save a turbulent marriage? Only if the couple survives the flight...

After marrying his high school sweetheart, everything falls into place for Ben Stevens. He nails a college coaching gig. He and his wife have twin boys. Life is perfect.


Erica Stevens disagrees. Desperate to prove she’s as perfect as she seems, she needs more. After an early miscarriage and a cross-country move back to the state she was happy to leave, her picture-perfect image shatters.


Things get worse before they get better…


As if miscarriage and a looming divorce aren’t enough, Ben’s father falls ill. Together the couple boards a private flight to the small mountain town to see his dad. But they never arrive.

Find out if Ben and Erica can survive to save their marriage in Missing in Maplewood, a standalone romantic suspense.

My Review: 4 Stars 

I used to think once a couple said, "I do." and married, the happily ever after began, but that's not true. Marriage is hard and as life progresses, people can get beaten down with grief, changes happen, and a couple may grow apart. High school sweethearts, Ben and Erica, find themselves in exactly this situation and my heart broke for them as their struggles are real and upfront from the very beginning. In a series of unfortunate events, Ben and Erica find themselves digging deep to survive and in the process, may just heal the deep rifts in their marriage.

I would be absolutely terrified to end up missing, especially with the stress and heartache of an impending divorce hanging over my head. Bromke does a good job of conveying these perilous events to the reader, but I would have loved to have more background to their romance and how things fell apart. Yes, we're given snippets, but not enough to invest me emotionally. That said, this is a gripping adventure, where things go from back to worse, and I was entertained and on the edge of my seat.

I've read all of the books in this series and this one can stand alone.


Content: a lot of mild language; mild violence/peril; mild romance (implied intimacy between minors and between a married couple)

Finding Anne de Bourgh by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Finding Anne de Bourgh by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

Paperback, 263 pages

Published May 1st 2019 by Covenant Communications 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

As heiress of Rosings Park, Anne de Bourgh’s health is of utmost importance to her mother, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Thus, following the shock of a recent fire at Rosings Park, the young woman is spirited away to Brighton to take the cure. While her domineering mother is bent on healing her daughter’s sickly constitution to secure her a suitable match, Anne herself is far more concerned with sketching the flora and fauna of the lovely sea town. It is in pursuit of artistic inspiration among the flowers that Anne becomes acquainted with Mr. Owen Talbot, a charming man with whom Anne feels an immediate connection, notwithstanding their differing stations.

But despite their growing esteem for one another, the couple faces an insurmountable problem: Lady Catherine has set her sights on a rich, well-connected man for her daughter, and Mr. Talbot is simply too common. With their love in jeopardy, the couple soon faces far graver problems. There has been a murder in Brighton, and Anne is innocently drawn into an amateur investigation that ultimately traces its roots to her own family. With a frightening foreshadowing regarding the de Bourghs, Anne begins to question whom she can truly trust.

My Review: 4 Stars

Anne de Bourgh isn't a character that I've given much thought to at all. I mean, Elizabeth is Mr. Darcy's true match, so why give a second thought to Anne, his original intended? But Anne has a story to tell and in doing so, she truly finds herself. 

I love how Anne and her mother are at odds--Anne dreams of drawing plants, while her mother is bent on finding her a suitor; Anne feels a connection with a Mr. Talbot, while her mother insists on her forming a match with his younger brother--the one with a title; Anne is content to meander through life, while her mother is intent on finding a cure for her health issues. Sometimes I wanted to tell her overbearing mother to leave her be and to back off already! Hah!

With all the romance blossoming, along with the beautiful gardens, there is a mystery in the wings and this fact gives the story an interesting, slightly dangerous, and deeper element. I really enjoyed Anne's character and loved the pathway she took to discover herself, but I especially loved her brushes with romance. 

This is a great story for any Regency romance and/or Pride and Prejudice lover.

Content: mild romance; mild violence

Giveaway:

 

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Daisies and Devotion (Mayfield Family #2) by Josi S. Kilpack {Review}

Daisies and Devotion (Mayfield Family #2) by Josi S. Kilpack

Paperback, 304 pages

Published May 14th 2019 by Shadow Mountain 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

Timothy Mayfield is ready to marry for love, but, since his personal finances are thinner than he’d like, he knows he’ll also need to find a wife with wealth. After receiving an unexpected inheritance, Timothy’s circumstances change, and he is free to pursue his “perfect woman”—one with blonde hair, blue eyes, a light laugh, arched eyebrows, elegant fingers, and a dazzling smile, among nearly twenty other characteristics.

Maryann Morrington doesn’t match anything on Timothy’s list—except for wealth. An heiress in her own right, she is tired of men pursuing her only for her money. But at nearly twenty-two years old, and not a particularly stunning beauty, she can’t be as picky as her friend Timothy is.

The two friends end up playing matchmaker for each other. Timothy will find a decent gentleman for Maryann, and Maryann will prove to Timothy that his “perfect woman” doesn’t exist.

Until Miss Shaw comes to London.

Now, with Timothy’s heart captivated by the blonde, blue-eyed beauty, Maryann must decide if she should risk her heart and reveal her true feelings for her friend, or if she should settle for someone else. It’s an up-and-down game of “he loves me, he loves me not” with both hearts and friendship on the line.

My Review: 5 Stars

What a delightful story! Maryann and Timothy have a wonderful "accord" with one another and I love how comfortable their friendship is. While Maryann harbors an unrequited crush, she is still willing to help Timothy find his perfect wife, one who matches every quality on his list. She is opposite of everything on his list and can't afford to be choosy, yet Timothy is willing to reciprocate the favor.

Let's talk about the characters. Maryann is "older" and not a stunning beauty. She possess a quick wit, full of sarcasm and honesty, and while she has money, she isn't one to settle for just anyone. I love how resourceful she proves to be. Meanwhile, Timothy is "silly" and full of boyish antics. He's constantly "in the dog house" and resorts to sending daisies and notes of apology. Although these two are opposite, they bring things out in each other that provide stability and balance. Their friendship is what seals the deal for me.

Kilpack delivers a charming tale that isn't full of stereotypical characters and scenarios. The unique breaths of fresh air deliver a newness to this beloved genre that captured my interest and my heart. This is Book 2 in the series, but can stand alone.

Content: mild romance 

Charlotte's Promise by Jennifer Moore {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Charlotte's Promise by Jennifer Moore

Paperback, 218 pages

Published May 1st 2019 by Covenant Communications 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

One year ago Charlotte Bower's life was ripped apart when Creek Indians attacked, killed her parents, and separated her from her young brother—now, she will stop at nothing to find him. After a year of captivity, she has finally made her escape. Her search will begin in New Orleans, where captives were taken after the raid. But how to reach a city hundreds of miles away? As she watches men boarding a waiting ship, Charlotte formulates a bold plan: if it's men they need for the ship's crew, it's a man they'll get. Taking on her childhood nickname, Charlie, it is all too easy to gain passage on the New Orleans-bound vessel. Easy, that is, until Charlie is caught . . .From the moment he sets eyes on the new deckhand, Captain Alden Thatcher knows one thing for certain: Charlie Bower is no man. But for reasons of his own, he keeps her secret. As their journey progresses, however, the voyage is increasingly ill-fated. With danger ever present, Charlie and the captain find themselves relying on one another in ways they'd never imagined. As they draw closer to her goal, Charlotte is faced with the most perilous adventure of all—an adventure that may risk her heart.

My Review: 5 Stars

I cannot even begin to imagine the horrors that Charlotte lived through and yet she perseveres to keep a promise to her younger brother in a very creative and dangerous way, as Charlotte becomes "Charlie." She is so resourceful and amazing--definitely a selfless person to admire.

Jennifer Moore always delivers a fascinating story involving a ship and this one really captivated me. I loved the details surrounding Captain Thatchers pride and joy and the duties that the sailors had to perform to keep it clean and in good repair. I came to respect and love these men, especially as they begin to suspect Charlie's secret.

This adventurous story doesn't lay the danger to rest after arriving in New Orleans. In fact, it seems to intensify and I loved the mounting peril at the peak of the book. This one delivers a highly entertaining tale of the high seas with whispers of loss and romance tossing through the sea breeze. 

Content: mild danger/peril; mild romance

Giveaway:

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Spelled (The Kingdom Chronicles #2) by Camille Peters {Review}

Spelled (The Kingdom Chronicles #2) by Camille Peters

Kindle Edition, 330 pages

Published April 18th 2019 by Rosewood Publications 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

Rosie is fairly certain that there’s nothing wrong with putting a love spell on a foreign prince. At least she hopes there's not, because such a drastic measure is necessary in order for her to ensure that the perfect fairy tale romance she’s dreamt about her entire life includes her own prince charming. As the heroine in her story, she won’t be deterred by well-meaning friends, royal betrothals, hungry dragons, or the intriguing guard who stands in her way.

Luckily, Rosie has access to an enchanted bakery and a recipe book of spells, one of which will ensure she’ll win the royal heart she desires. Unfortunately, no story is complete without a few obstacles, and Rosie’s comes in the form of a most formidable foe—a stoic guard whom Rosie may or may not be developing feelings for, one who is committed to thwarting her at every turn. But nothing will stand in the way of Rosie’s happily ever after. After all, what harm can a simple love spell do?

Inspired by “The Frog Prince”

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

We first meet Rosie in Pathways and are introduced to her dreamy, silly ways. Rosie has to be this type of head-in-the-clouds character for this story to work, although she is slightly aggravating because of her stubborn foolishness. 

 

Rosie has had big dreams of finding her own charming prince and will stop at nothing to get him, going as far as baking up the ultimate spell. I thought for sure her long-time friendship was going to be completely ruined because of her mischievous and disobedient ways. But remember--no happily-ever-after comes easily and that point is only achieved after a lot of hard work, lessons learned, and time.

 

This was a fun story, especially since it's loosely based on The Frog Prince, and it was interesting to see where the author would take this classic tale. I enjoyed the way it all ended up and I'm looking forward to the next one!

 

Content: mild romance