[Book Review] The Mistress of Tall Acre

Hello readers! I would like to apologize for my long absence. I recently gave birth to my first son and my life has been full of preparing for his arrival and now of course spending time with my baby. I still make time to read but haven’t had the chance to read for reviews – mostly when I’m reading, I just try and enjoy it. I do have some old reviews that I need to post though and that is what I will be posting the next couple months. I hope someday that I will get back into blogging for books but for now, I will play “catch up” and make sure to post once or twice a month. Hope you all have read some great books lately!

The Mistress of Tall Acre

by

Laura Frantz

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

My review:

I always look forward to any new release from Laura Frantz. She has found her way to the top of my favorite author’s list and I don’t see her leaving that spot any time soon!

The Mistress of Tall Acre was slightly different from Laura Frantz’s previous novels but that didn’t change the fact that it was still beautifully written and entrancing. Her novels have a way of drawing you in and refusing to let go until long after you’ve read the last page. I took my sweet time reading this book because I didn’t want to rush through it and miss the magic. I was glad I did because I was able to savour it more with each page.

I was a little disappointed with the description of this book because I feel like it gives too much of the story away. Especially since part of the description doesn’t even happen until the last quarter of the book! So because of that, I’m only going to give you a small description – though you’ll probably go read the book description anyway because don’t we all?

The Mistress of  Tall Acre is set in the post-American Revolution. Sophie is awaiting news from her brother as her home is on the verge of being taken from her and leaving her homeless. Her neighbor Seamus, a widower with a young daughter, takes a shine to Sophie and they both must decide what is best for their futures.

Laura Frantz created another winning cast of characters. Lily Cate is liable to steal your heart – she is so innocent and sweet, you can’t help but love her.

I’m always disappointed when I finish a Laura Frantz novel because I know I have to wait a while for the next one. But I love that for a short amount of time I can be whisked away to another time and place and be entertained for several hours. Whatever Laura Frantz writes, I will read!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I received no compensation for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review. If you liked this review, or if it was in any way helpful to you, please help me by:

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As always, I love reading your comments, so please feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts!

[Book Review] A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade

A Love Like Ours

by

Becky Wade

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

My Review:

The Porter family has certainly made their way into my heart. Becky Wade is one contemporary author who has made me fall in love with contemporary. While I still prefer Historical Fiction, I will still venture outside that genre to read a Becky Wade novel!

Jake Porter is an ex-Marine who suffers from PTSD. His childhood friend Lyndie James has moved back to Holley, Texas but he sees no good in opening up to her. Lyndie is determined to find her way back into Jake’s life. She wrangles a job out of him and is determined to become the jockey for a new horse at the ranch that has great potential. But Lyndie’s determination goes far deeper as she seeks to heal Jake from his emotional scars. Lyndie soon realizes that without God, it will be impossible for Jake to heal.

Not only are Jake and Lyndie fantastic characters, but Becky Wade has created a loveable cast of other characters. From Lyndie’s ill sister Mollie, to Amber’s adorable son Jayden, all these characters come together to create a touching story of healing and redemption. I’m not sure if this is the last we’ll see of the Porter’s (there’s still sister Dru!!) but either way I look forward to reading future novels from Becky Wade!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. I received no compensation for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review. If you liked this review, or if it was in any way helpful to you, please help me by:

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Clicking “yes” on Amazon

As always, I love reading your comments, so please feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts!

Monthly Wrap Up [May in Review]

It’s been a lousy month of reading. I hate to say it but I’m kind of in a reading slump. I only finished one book in May and the 3 books I’m currently reading are taking me forever to get through! I’m hoping to finish the three I’m currently reading and then find something that will grab my reading attention again 🙂 Any suggestions while I’m talking about it?

Books Read in May:

Books I am Currently Reading:

Reviews Posted in May:

From the Start by Melissa Tagg

Other Blog Posts Posted in May:

Monthly Wrap Up [April in Review]

Books to Read in June:

I’m not going to limit myself for June – my goal right now is to just finish the three I’m reading. Wish me luck!

What books did you read in May?

What books do you want to read in June?

What do you do to get out of a reading slump?

[Book Review] From the Start by Melissa Tagg

From the Start

by

Melissa Tagg

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

My Review:

What do football and romance movies have in common? Well, you’re probably thinking absolutely nothing! But Melissa Tagg has combined two complete opposites to make an endearing story that will touch your heart.

 

Kate Walker has been wounded by love yet she spends her life writing tv romances. When she hits a slump, she heads back home to see if she can figure out what’s next for herself.

Colton Greene was a star quarterback in the NFL but when he is left with a permanent injury, he’s unsure what’s next in his life. He decides to hide away from the media in one of his friend’s hometown while he decides what’s next.

When Kate and Colton’s lives connect, they find themselves working on a project that they both hope will lead them onto whatever is next for their lives. But what they don’t expect is to make such a huge impact on each other. However, past hurts make it difficult for them to move on.

 

I really enjoyed Melissa Tagg’s first series so I was really excited to dig into this novel. You should plan on reading Melissa Tagg’s free e-novella Three Little Words because it will open up the scene for From the Start as well as provide you with an entertaining read! The characters that Ms. Tagg has created are so lovable and they become your family as you dive into their world. If you like contemporary romance novels then you will definitely enjoy From the Start!

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. I received no compensation for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read my review! If you liked this review or if it was in any way helpful to you, please help me by:

Clicking “like” on this post

Clicking “like” on Goodreads

Clicking “yes” on Amazon

As always, I love to read your comments! So please leave a comment and share your thoughts.

Monthly Wrap-Up [April in Review]

Books Read in April:

Books I Am Currently Reading:

Reviews Posted in April:

An Uncertain Choice by Jody Hedlund

Truth Be Told by Carol Cox

Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg

Other Blog Posts Posted in April:

Monthly Wrap-Up [March in Review]

Books to Read in May:

There are the top two books I’m hoping to read in May. I haven’t had a lot of time to read lately so I don’t want to overwhelm myself with goals. These both look so good and I’m really looking forward to reading them!

What is your favorite book you read in April?

What book are you looking forward to reading in May?

[Book Review] Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg

Here to Stay

by

Melissa Tagg

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

My Review:

I absolutely loved Melissa Tagg’s debut novel, Made to Last. I think most of us readers can agree that Blaze was a favorite character so I was excited that Ms. Tagg gave him his own story in Here to Stay.

In Here to Stay, Blake, “Blaze,” returns to his hometown. Having left town several years earlier due to a traumatizing event, he is unsure of what kind of welcome he will receive.

Autumn has been running the family inn for several years. However, she has a dream job opportunity in Paris. Not wanting to leave the inn in shambles, she does what she can to fix it up for a potential investor.

When Blake is offered the job of coordinating the Christmas festival, he knows he can’t do it alone, so he enlists the help of Autumn in exchange for some handiwork around her inn.

Blake and Autumn’s families have not gotten along for several years. In a race to make everything perfect for the Christmas festival, the two of them must put their differences aside and learn to work together.

As I said before, many readers became endeared to Blake in Made to Last. Ms. Tagg only increased our love for him in this novel. Autumn was a believable character – big dreams, big hopes, big disappointments. Ms. Tagg did a great job of creating these characters and bringing them to life.

I received a free ecopy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I received no compensation for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review! If you liked this review or if it was in any way helpful to you, please help me by:

Clicking “like” on this post

Clicking “like” on Goodreads

Clicking “yes” on Amazon

As always, I love to read your comments! So please leave a comment and share your thoughts.

 Have you read any of Melissa Tagg’s books?

If so, what is your favorite?

[Book Review] Truth Be Told by Carol Cox

Truth Be Told

by

Carol Cox

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

My Review:

I love the mysterious aspect to Carol Cox’s novels. Mysteries have always intrigued me but for some reason I don’t read a lot of them.

In Truth Be Told, Amelia is arrives in Arizona for what she thinks will be a nice visit with her father. But what she doesn’t expect is to arrive and find her father on his deathbed and the newspaper now left in her hands. Amelia is determined to fulfill the motto of the newspaper in only telling the truth. What Amelia soon finds out is that she’s been left with a big mess with the Great Western Investment Company. Her father wrote some articles that the company did not appreciate and now they want Amelia to print a reprieve. This sets Amelia off on the quest for the truth of what’s really going on with the Great Western Investment.
Benjamin Stone has been tasked by the Great Western Investment to keep tabs on Amelia. As Amelia uncovers revealing facts about the Great Western Investment, Benjamin questions whether he is really loyal to his company.

An intriguing novel that will keep you on your toes and turning the pages until you know what’s going to happen. The author did a great job of drawing you in. I have enjoyed Carol Cox’s novels and look forward to seeing what novels she writes in the future.

I received a free ecopy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I received no compensation for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review! If you liked this review or if it was in any way helpful to you, please help me by:

Clicking “like” on this post

Clicking “like” on Goodreads

Clicking “yes” on Amazon

As always, I love to read your comments! So please leave a comment and share your thoughts.

Have you read any books by Carol Cox?

Do you enjoy mysteries?

[Book Review] An Uncertain Choice by Jody Hedlund

An Uncertain Choice

by

Jody Hedlund

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

My Review:

I know whenever I pick up a Jody Hedlund novel that I am going to be in for a treat. An Uncertain Choice is her first dip into the Young Adult genre and if you ask me, Jody Hedlund did a fantastic job!

 

In An Uncertain Choice we are transported back to medieval times. Rosemarie is preparing to become a nun on her eighteenth birthday due to the vow her parents made before they passed away. Rosemarie has come to peace with her fate so when the duke shows up with three handsome knights and proclaims that if she falls in love and gets married before she turns eighteen that she does not have to enter the convent, she is shocked.

 

So Rosemarie starts to court three of those most handsome knights in the land. They all have unique traits and talents that make Rosemarie instantly drawn to each of them. But when danger starts to arise and the knights are put in danger, Rosemarie begins to think that maybe it is her destiny to join the convent after all and give up the idea of marriage.

 

I love the medieval time period and it is so wonderful to have one of my favorite authors dive into that era! I love the ideas of knights and a pretty princess and it is interesting to read about how different things were back then. I would highly suggest buying Jody Hedlund’s prequel novella The Vow and reading that before An Uncertain Choice. The Vow opens up the setting and will help answer a few questions that may arise in An Uncertain Choice. Either way just read these books because they are wonderful!

 

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher Zondervan through BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. I received no compensation for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read my review! If you liked this review or if it was in any way helpful to you, please help me by:

Clicking “like” on this post

Clicking “like” on Goodreads

Clicking “yes” on Amazon

As always, I love reading your comments. So please leave a comment and share your thoughts!

How you read any Jody Hedlund books?

Do you enjoy reading about the medieval time period?

Monthly Wrap-Up [March in Review]

Books Read in March:

Books I am Currently Reading:

Reviews Posted in March:

Like a Flower in Bloom by Siri Mitchell

Tears of the Sea by MaryLu Tyndall

How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck

Other Blog Posts Posted in March:

Monthly Wrap-Up [February in Review]

Reading Goals for April:

Read 5-8 books

Post 3-5 Reviews

Books to Read in April:

Obviously I want to read more than the three listed here but these are the ones I know for sure I want to read. The rest is a mystery that you’ll find out at the end of April. Looking forward to more great reading in April! Now if only I would get more motivation to post all these reviews for all these books I’m reading…

What did you read in March?

What books are you hoping to read in April?

[Book Review] How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck

How to Catch a Prince

by

Rachel Hauck

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

My Review:

Wow, I LOVED this book! I don’t know what I was expecting but this book exceeded all expectations and made me fall in love with the characters and storyline.

How to Catch a Prince is the third book in the Royal Wedding series. I have enjoyed the first two books but neither of them caught my fancy the way this book did. If you haven’t read any of these books then I suggest that you do because they are some of the sweetest modern day fairy tale reads that you will ever find!

Once upon a time Prince Stephen and American heiress Corina Del Rey fell in love. However, pain and guilt drove them away from each other after Stephen’s tour in Afghanistan. They haven’t spoken in several years so when Stephen shows up at Corina’s doorstep and tells her they’re still married and he wants an annulment, Corina’s world goes spinning out of control. She thought she had put her past to rest so instead of signing the annulment papers, she goes back to Brighton to see if she can win back her husband. But the years have been rough on both Stephen and Corina and if neither of them are willing to put aside their past hurts, then there will be no future for them.

*Sigh* Have I mentioned I like fairy tales? Because I absolutely love fairy tales! This book had it all with a handsome prince, sweet romance and a magical feel to it. I am so glad I decided to read this book as it has made it’s way to one of my favorite contemporary novels. You’ll fall in love with the characters and your emotions will jump and slide all over with them. These aren’t just fairy tale characters that are perfect – these characters have their weaknesses and that helps them to be more believable.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher Zondervan through Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. I received no compensation for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review! If you liked this review, or if it was in any way helpful to you, please help me by:

Clicking “like” on this post

Clicking “like” on Goodreads

Clicking “yes” on Amazon

As always, I love to read your comments! So please leave a comment and share your thoughts!

Have you read any books in the Royal Wedding Series?

If so, which book was your favorite?

Have you read any other books by Rachel Hauck?