The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck by Kathleen Y'Barbo (Review)

 

About the book:

Unlikely romance is sometimes just an inconvenient marriage away…

Charlotte Beck may be entering adulthood, but she can’t seem to keep to her stubborn, independent spirit from bucking social protocol. Fed up with her behavior, Charlotte’s father Daniel pressures her to settle into a nice marriage despite knowing she is set on going to college.

Then Daniel sees Charlotte with the handsome but annoying English astronomer Alex Hambly, and everything changes.

Though Alex and Charlotte can barely stand one another, Daniel offers them a deal they can’t refuse: if they agree to marry, he will save Alex’s family from financial ruin and grant Charlotte the freedom to go to college. Reluctantly the couple agrees, but in private they plot to annul the marriage as soon as possible.

But when Alex’s feelings change and he refuses to dissolve their contract, will Charlotte find a way out of her vows? Or will she discover that maybe this marriage isn’t so inconvenient after all?

 

 

My Review:

This was a light at times humorous Christian historical fiction book. There is barely any faith element in it though. Charlotte does not have a relationship with God for most of the book. Her father does mention it some and tries to have conversations with her about it. Alex seems to have a relationship with God which is good. I like the chemistry between Alex and Charlotte. She is a spoiled brat for at least half the book but Alex still thinks she is attractive. Alex is a Viscount in England when they meet and Charlotte is there to meet and party. Although at times they bicker it makes for a rousing book. It is third in a series but you do not have to read the first two for this one to make sense.

 

About the author:

Kathleen Y'Barbo is a bestselling author of 40 award-winning novels and novellas with over 950,000 books in print. Kathleen is a tenth generation Texan, a graduate of Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School, and the mother of three grown sons and a daughter. She recently enlisted for a happily-ever-after of her own with her hero in combat boots. Find out more about Kathleen at http://www.kathleenybarbo.com/.

Review copy provided by publisher which in no way influenced my review.

Short Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer (Review)

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingShort-Straw BrideBethany House Publishers (June 1, 2012)byKaren Witemeyer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Karen Witemeyer is a deacon's wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.

After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.

Karen is living her dream by writing Christian historical romance novels for Bethany House.



ABOUT THE BOOK

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.

Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.

if you would like to read the first chapter of Short-Straw Bride, go HERE.

My Review:
This is one of the best Christian historical fiction books I have read this year. I enjoyed the authors first two books too but this one is my favorite. I love the characters and the way Meredith and Travis fall in love. Travis Archer swore to his father on his deathbed that he would protect his younger brothers and stay only on family property. Meredith stumbles on the land when she is young and Travis rescues her. Years later Meredith ends up on Archer land to warn them that someone is coming to burn them out to get possession of their land. She has been thinking about Travis since he rescued her. Meredith ends up staying and has to marry one of the brothers which turns out to be Travis. True love does not always work out without kinks though. There are several lol moments in the book too. The brothers are delightful secondary characters and I hope there is a book about where they end up too. Recommended. :)

Attracted to Fire by Diann Mills (Review)

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

DiAnn Mills believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” She is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spirit with unforgettable characters to create action-packed novels. Her books have won many awards through American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005, 2007, and 2010. She was a Christy Award finalist in 2008 and a Christy winner in 2010. DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and is the Craftsman Mentor for the Christian Writer’s Guild. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops. DiAnn and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her website at: http://www.diannmills.com/ or find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diannmills

ABOUT THE BOOK

Special Agent Meghan Connors’ dream of one day protecting the president of the United States is about to come true. Only one assignment stands in her way. After the vice president’s rebellious daughter is threatened, Meghan is assigned to her protective detail on a secluded ranch in West Texas. Unfortunately, working with Special Agent in Charge Ash Zinders may be as tough as controlling her charge. Ash has a reputation for being critical and exacting, and he’s also after the same promotion as Meghan. But when the threats escalate and security on the ranch is breached, it becomes clear this isn’t the work of a single suspect—it’s part of a sophisticated plan that reaches deeper and higher than anyone imagined. And only Ash and Meghan can put the pieces together before it’s too late.

My Review:
I enjoyed reading this Christian romantic suspense book. It is a fun read too. I liked the chemistry between Ash and Meghan. Some parts were a little hard to believe but for me I made it past fine and still liked the book. I love this genre of books. This author reminds me of my all time favorite author Dee Henderson. I recommend both of there books especially if you like this genre. :)

Watch the book trailer:



I received this book from the publisher for free which in no way influenced my review.

Dead Running by Cami Checketts (Review)

Publisher: Birch River Publishing

Release Date: April 21, 2012

ISBN: 978-1475166606

Size: 246 pages, 6×9, softcover


About the book:

Cassidy Christensen is running.
Running from the mercenaries who killed her parents.
Running from a scheming redhead intent on making her life miserable. 
Running from painful memories that sabotage her dreams of happiness.
With two very tempting men competing for her attention, she hopes she’ll finally have someone to run to, but can she trust either of them? When secrets from her past threaten her family, Cassidy decides to stop running and fight for her future.

My Review:

I really enjoyed reading this romantic suspense book. This is my first book by this author and I will be reading more. It held my attention and the characters were well developed. There were also some funny things in it too like Cassidy's nicknames for other characters like hot redhead for Elizabeth and Dr. Tattoo. There was definite chemistry between Cassidy and the two male love interests and the author kept you guessing on whether either one of them turns out to be one of the bad guys. You will have to read the book to find out. The ending was okay. I am glad she is writing a sequel write now to hopefully wrap things up better. Recommended. :)

A portion of the proceeds from Cami’s books will be donated to The Child & Family Support Center. For more information on this worthy cause, please go to http://www.cachecfsc.org/

About the author:

 

Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction.

Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. She writes health and fitness articles for The Christian Pulse, Your LDS Neighborhood, and online at http://fitnessformom.blogspot.com.

Cami and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn't snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.

http://www.camichecketts.com/

 

 

Review copy provided by author which in no way influenced the review.

13 Rue Therese by Elena Shapiro (Review)

Hardcover: 288 pages

Publisher: Reagan Arthur Books; 1 edition (February 2, 2011)

ISBN-13: 978-0316083287

Book Summary:

American academic Trevor Stratton discovers a box full of artifacts from World War I as he settles into his new office in Paris. The pictures, letters, and objects in the box relate to the life of Louise Brunet, a feisty, charming Frenchwoman who lived through both World Wars.

As Trevor examines and documents the relics the box offers up, he begins to imagine the story of Louise Brunet's life: her love for a cousin who died in the war, her marriage to a man who works for her father, and her attraction to a neighbor in her building at 13 rue Thérèse. The more time he spends with the objects though, the truer his imaginings of Louise's life become, and the more he notices another alluring Frenchwoman: Josianne, his clerk, who planted the box in his office in the first place, and with whom he finds he is falling in love.

My Review:
I thought the premise of this novel was unique and interesting. It did keep my attention. But I was disturbed by the sensual and s*x content which grew as the novel progressed. There were a lot of images in the book of the objects Trevor found in the box. I liked that historical aspect of it. The book did jump around time wise which made some parts a little confusing. Otherwise the prose was fine. The ending had a twist I did not see coming and I do not quite know how I feel about it. It definitely left me speculating. No spoilers though from me. lol Some people will love it, some in the middle, and some won't. I am leaving it up to you to determine if its a book you would like. :)


About the author:

Elena Mauli Shapiro grew up in Paris, and currently lives in California with her husband. She has accumulated literature and writing degrees in and around the Bay Area (Stanford, Mills, Davis). Her novel 13 rue Thérèse will be published in February 2011. For more information visit Elena Mauli Shapiro’s blog.

Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Sunday Salon June 3, 2012

* It's been awhile since my last Sunday Salon post. Life has been busy and I've been so tired.

* I will not be reading the 50 Shades of Grey book. It is not my cup of tea, I do not like funky s*x in my books. I have read several reviews and several people I work with are reading it too.

* I have read Divergent and Insurgent by Veronica Roth recently and they were both good. The second one had some stuff in it that made me a little upset at the author because these are supposed to be teen books. I still can't wait for the third book next year to see how it ends. If you liked Hunger Games or dystopian fiction I recommend these.

* I am changing my workouts up some so hopefully I will be home a little earlier from now on. I want to do my strength training in the morning and train for a half marathon in December in the afternoons. The only thing is every time I run the groin area on my left side hurts bad which worries me some. Does anyone run and know what I can do to fix it? Any suggestions welcome.

* I need to clean floors tonight but I despise sweeping and mopping. What is your least favorite thing to clean?

* I want to read but I need to clean so off I go to clean hopefully quick. lol

* I hope everyone has a great week and lots of reading time. :)

The Ride of Her Life by Lorna Seilstad (Review)

Paperback: 381 pages

Publisher: Revell; Original edition (May 1, 2012)

ISBN-13: 978-0800734473

From the Back Cover
 She's planted firmly on solid ground. He's ready to sweep her off her feet. The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six-year-old. Widowed for three years, Lilly has decided to leave the home of her intrusive in-laws to stand on her own. However, her in-laws find her new life as a cook at Lake Manawa utterly unsuitable for their grandson. When an argument ensues, a handsome stranger--who designs roller coasters, of all things--intercedes on her behalf. But Lilly is not about to get involved with any man, especially this cocky gentleman. Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life. Filled with the sweet romance of summer, The Ride of Her Life will have you laughing out loud and sighing contentedly as you spend the summer of 1906 at Lake Manawa. "With her expected wit and humor, Lorna Seilstad has penned another winner. Hang on and enjoy--this book is truly a fun ride."--Judith Miller, bestselling author of the Daughters of Amana series "Buckle up! With a sparkle of humor, heart-pumping romance, and a writing style that is fresh, fun, and addictive, Lorna Seilstad takes you along the fun-filled shores of Lake Manawa."--Julie Lessman, award-winning author of the Daughters of Boston and the Winds of Change series

My Review:
I enjoyed reading this third book in the Lake Manawa series. It can stand alone although characters from the previous books are side characters in it. Lilly reminded me of my own mother in how overprotective she is of her son. She only does it because she loves him and lost his father in a train accident. I loved the sparks between Lilly and Nick and how Nick would not give up on her. I also liked being back in Lake Manawa setting which makes it a perfect summer read. Overall this was a good Christian historical romance novel. Recommended. :)



About the Author
A history buff, antique collector, and freelance graphic designer, Lorna Seilstad is the author of Making Waves and A Great Catch. She draws her setting from her home state of Iowa. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing awards and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers

Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Thank you Donna at Revell for my review copy.