The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah Ladd (Review)

 

• Series: Whispers On The Moors (Book 2)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (December 31, 2013)
• ISBN-13: 978-1401688363

Patience Creighton has devoted her life to running her father’s boarding school. But when the enigmatic master of the estate appears at her door, battered and unconscious, the young headmistress suddenly finds her livelihood—and her heart —in the hands of one dangerously handsome gentleman.

At twenty-five, Patience Creighton is already a spinster. The busy headmistress of Rosemere always expected a dashing man to sweep her off her feet and take her away . . . but that man never came. And since her father’s death, keeping the school running and her mother happy has been plenty to keep her occupied.

William Sterling dallied his way into financial trouble and mortal danger. When he is assaulted by his creditors’ henchmen on the road home from a tavern, he guides his horse to the doorstep of his tenant, the Rosemere School for Young Ladies. After being tended to by Patience, the wounded William rides off into the dawn—but makes a point to learn more about the lovely headmistress.
As he spends more time at Rosemere, something delicate begins to develop between William and Patience. But that will not deter William’s creditors. With little money to repay his debts, and less for the upkeep of his estate, it becomes clear that sacrificing Rosemere may be the only way to preserve his legacy. But it may also cost him his happiness.


 My Review:

 I really enjoyed reading this regency era book. Patience was born and raised at  Rosemere which is a boarding school for girls her family owns. When her father passes away her mother falls to pieces and her brother runs away to London. She has to rise to the task of being the headmistress and does a good job. One night William Sterling, the owner of the land Rosemere is located on, ends up at the house after being attacked. She takes care of him and he goes on his way. They hit it off and he finds reasons to come by the school to see her. He needs money really bad to save the estate and is talking with some other men about putting a factory on his land by the school. Patience knows nothing about it. When the school barn burns down she writes her brother again. Out of nowhere one day he shows up with his new wife. Her life is now complicated in ways it never was before. The plot and characters were interesting and held my attention from page one. I love William and Patience together. There are also some plot twists. The faith element is nicely done not overwhelming. Highly Recommended especially for fans of Bronte sisters and Jane Austen. :)





 Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.

Review copy provided by Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

No One to Trust by Lynette Eason (Review)

Series: Hidden Identity (Book 1)

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Revell (January 7, 2014)

ISBN-13: 978-0800722081

She doesn't know who she's running from--and the man she loves may be someone else entirelySummer Abernathy wakes up one morning to find her husband missing, three men in her home intent on finding him, and the life she's been living based on a lie. Which Kyle Abernathy did she marry? The computer programmer she met in line at the bank? Or the one who was apparently using that image as a cover?

The search for her husband--and answers--takes Summer ever deeper into a world of organized crime where people are used one moment and discarded the next. And with her deepest relationship of trust already shattered, Summer doesn't know who to believe.

Always thrilling, bestselling author Lynette Eason outdoes herself in this taut, breakneck story of lies, loyalties, and love that will have you up all night to discover the truth hidden in the shadows.


My Review:

I thought this was an okay start to a new series. I thought the plot and characters were interesting and had potential. I felt like parts were repetitious and overall not suspenseful. I had a hard time connecting with some of the characters. Summer's sister annoyed me but that might have been the point also. Also the relationship between David and Summer bothered me a little. He was too perfect and she was a little off. The author's previous works kept me more engaged.  I am looking forward to the next book in the series. This is one of my favorite Christian romantic suspense authors. I have read most of her works.




 Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice series and the Deadly Reunions series. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She has a master's degree in education from Converse College and she lives in South Carolina. Find out more at www.lynetteeason.com

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

Songs of the Shenandoah by Michael Reynolds

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Songs of the Shenandoah B&H Books (January 1, 2014) by Michael Reynolds

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael K. Reynolds is a writer with more than two decades of experience in crafting fiction, non-fiction, journalism, copywriting and documentary production. He is the author of a series of Irish historical novels published by B&H Publishing Group. These highly acclaimed books are available in bookstores and libraries across the nation and beyond.

Michael is the writer and producer of an Emmy and Telly award-winning series of documentaries titled, Crystal Darkness. These thirty minute anti-meth films have been heavily promoted and broadcast in cities and states throughout the United States and Mexico. They have been viewed collectedly by more than 10 million people and the message has reached more than 30 million to date.

He also has wide experience as a speaker and on-air personality and has been interviewed on a variety of newspapers, radio stations and televisions networks throughout the nation. Michael earned his B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of California, San Diego and lives in Reno with his wife and three children. He is active in marketplace, marriage, small group and men’s ministries as a leader and speaker.

ABOUT THE BOOK

At the onset of the Civil War, Seamus heeds his wife’s wishes to return to her beloved family farm in the South, where he takes a post as chaplain for General Stonewall Jackson’s brigade. As Seamus ministers to the troops, his sister Clare ministers in a different way—by being a powerful voice in the Northern cause toward freeing the slaves. All this while their youngest brother Davin, who became wealthy during the Gold Rush, struggles to find love and identity in a fallen world. It’s a clash of loyalties and beliefs that threaten the entire family, each of them trying to hear God’s encouragement in the midst of the tragedy of war. The dramatic conclusion to the acclaimed Heirs of Ireland Series.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Songs of the Shenandoah, go HERE.

Tempest's Course by Lynette Sowell

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Tempest's Course Abingdon Press (December 17, 2013) by Lynette Sowell

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lynette Sowell is an award-winning novelist. Her most recent novel, Tempest’s Course, is part of the Quilts of Love line from Abingdon Press. When Lynette’s not writing, she divides her time between editing medical reports and chasing down news stories for the Copperas Cove Leader-Press. Lynette was born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland but makes her home in Coppress Cove, Texas, with her husband and a herd of cats who have them well-trained.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Kelly Frost, a textiles conservator, is invited to the Massachusetts coastal city of New Bedford to restore a 150-year-old Mariner's Compass quilt. But there is one stipulation: she must live and work in Gray House, a former whaling captain's home, where the quilt is stored. There she meets Army veteran Tom Pereira, the caretaker of Gray House, whose heart seems as hard as the rocky Massachusetts coastline. Over the long-lit months as Kelly works to restore the quilt, she and Tom grow closer. And as she reads stories in a daily journal penned by Mary Gray, she learns the secrets of the quilt and Mary's own sad tale of regret. Then Tom learns secrets of his own family's past, and both Tom and Kelly learn they are tied to Gray House in ways they never imagined.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Tempest's Course, go HERE.

2013 Books Read

List of Books Read in 2013

January
1. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
2. Pat of Silver Bush by L. M. Montgomery (RR)
3. Cat Daddy by Jackson Galaxy
4. Daybreak by Shelley Shepard Gray
5. The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen
6. 1Q84 by Haurki Murakami
February
7. A New Home for Lily by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher
8. Submerged by Dani Pettrey
9. 5 Days to a Clutter Free House by Sandra Felton and Marsha Sims
10. Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene (RR)
11. Morning is a Long Time Coming by Bette Greene (RR)
12. Shattered by Dani Pettrey
13. Trauma Plan by Candace Calvert
14. Red Velvet Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke
March
15. The Moviegoer by Walker Percy
16. Moonlight Masquerade by Ruth Axtell
17. Abducted by Janice Cantore
18. More Than Love Letters by Rosy Thornton
19. The Song Remains the Same by Allison Winn Scotch
20. Poison Me by Cami Checketts
21. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
22. The Primal Connection by Mark Sisson
23. The Chase by Diann Mills
24. The Survivor by Diann Mills
25. Secretly Smitten by Diann Hunt Kristen Billerbeck Denise Hunter Colleen Coble
26. All for a Song by Allison Pittman
27. Scorned Justice by Margaret Daley
April
28. The Street Sweeper by Eliot Pearlman
29. The Virgin Diet by JJ Virgin
30. The Last Plea Bargain by Randy Singer
31. The Lost Art of Mixing by Erica Bauermeister
32. The Guardian Duke by Jamie Carie
33. The Forgiven Duke by Jamie Carie
34. Jennifer by Dee Henderson
35. A Duke's Promise by Jamie Carie
36. Leaving Everything Most Loved by Jacqueline Winspear
37. When a Secret Kills by Lynette Eason
38. Crossed Wires by Rosy Thornton
39. The Amen Solution by Dr. Daniel Amen
40. The Love Goddess Cooking School by Melissa Senate
41. The Ashford Affair by Lauren Willig
May
42. Faithful Place by Tana French
43. Rescue Team by Candace Calvert
44. Wounds by Alton Gansky
45. Charlotte Au Chocolat by Charlotte Silver
46. Lethal Remedy by Richard Mabry MD
47. Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
48. When Love Calls by Lorna Seilstad
49. Avenged by Janice Cantore
50. Murphy's Law by Rhys Bowen
51. Death of Riley by Rhys Bowen
52. For the Love of Mike by Rhys Bowen
53. In Like Flynn by Rhys Bowen
54. Injustice for All by Robin Caroll
55. To Write a Wrong by Robin Caroll
56. Strand of Deception by Robin Caroll
57. Evans Above by Rhys Bowen
58. Oh Danny Boy by Rhys Bowen
59. Living with Fred by Brad Whittington
60. Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard
61. That Certain Summer by Irene Hannon
62. A Spear of Summer Grass by Deanna Raybourn
June
63. Afloat by Erin Healy
64. Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle
65. Deployed by Mel Odom
66. Paige Torn by Erynn Mangum
67. Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales by Randy Singer
68. In Dublin's Fair City by Rhys Bowen
69. Tell Me Pretty Maiden by Rhys Bowen
70. In a Gilded Cage by Rhys Bowen
71. The Last Illusion by Rhys Bowen
72. Bless the Bride by Rhys Bowen
73. Hush Now, Don't You Cry by Rhys Bowen
74. The Family Way by Rhys Bowen
75. Tangled Ashes by Michele Phoenix
76. Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter
77. A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet by Sophie Hudson
78. In Broken Places by Michele Phoenix
79. Beyond Ordinary by Justin and Trisha Davis
80. A Plain Death by Amanda Flower
81. All In Good Time by Maureen Lang
82. Secrets Over Sweet Tea by Denise Hildreth Jones
83. Small Town Girl by Ann Gabhart
84. A Bride for all Seasons by Margaret Brownley Debra Clopton Mary Connealy Robin Hatcher
85. TJ and the Time Stumblers: AAARGH! by Bill Myers
86. TJ and the Time Stumblers: OOPS! by Bill Myers
87. A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams
88. The Astronaut Wives Club by Lily Koppel
July
89. Dolled Up to Die by Lorena McCourtney
90. TJ and the Time Stumblers: New Kid by Bill Myers
91. C. S. Lewis A Life by Alister McGrath
92. Grounded by Dave and Neta Jackson
93. A Big Year for Lily by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher
94. Damascus Countdown by Joel Rosenberg
95. TJ and the Time Stumblers: Ho-Ho-NOOO! by Bill Myers
96. TJ and the Time Stumblers: Switched by Bill Myers
97. You Don't Know Me by Susan May Warren
98. Renegade by Mel Odom
99. The Passion of the Purple Plumeria by Lauren Willig
100. Misery Loves Company by Rene Gutteridge
101. TJ and the Time Stumblers: Yikes! by Bill Myers
102. Rutherford Park by Elizabeth Cooke
103. The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher
104. Take a Chance on Me by Susan May Warren
105. Grace's Pictures by Cindy Thompson
106. Sinner's Creed by Scott Stapp with David Ritz
107. The Cross Examination of Oliver Finney by Randy Singer
108. If You Have a Craving, I Have a Cure by Sheri Rose Shepherd
August
109. Rules of Murder by Julianna Deering
110. Dirty Deeds by Christy Barritt
111. Borders of the Heart by Chris Fabry
112. Wings of Glass by Gina Holmes
113. Frame 232 by Wil Mara
114. Chivalry by Zach Hunter
115. Confessions of a Raging Perfectionist by Amanda Jenkins
116. The Icing on the Cake by Janice Thompson
117. Impact Player by Bobby Richardson
118. She's Got Issues by Nicole Unice
119. Courageous Grace by Gayle Haggard
120. Willing to Walk by Caroline Barnett
121. Heaven Hears by Lindy Boone Michaelis
122. The Outcast by Jolina Petersheim
123. Prototype by Jonathon Martin
September
124. On Distant Shores by Sarah Sundin
125. Trapped by Lynette Eason
126. The Promise by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley
127. Ray of Light by Shelley Shepard Gray
128. Eventide by Shelley Shepard Gray
129. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
130. Critical Pursuit by Janice Cantore
131. Dangerous Passion by Lisa Harris
132. Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta
133. Welcome to Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong
134. Protection for Hire by Camy Tang
135. Stranded by Dani Pettrey
136. A Plain Scandal by Amanda Flower
137. Made to Last by Melissa Tagg
138. A Plain Disappearance by Amanda Flower
139. The Nurse's Secret Suitor by Cheryl Wyatt
140. Nick of Time by Tim Downs
141. Seal Under Siege by Liz Johnson
142. Princess in Peril by Rachelle McCalla
143. Pretty is as Pretty Does by Debby Mayne
144. Bless Her Heart by Debby Mayne
145. Tickled Pink by Debby Mayne
146. A Christmas Gift for Rose by Tricia Goyer
October
147. Unspoken by Dee Henderson
148. Inescapable by Nancy Mehl
149. Edenbrooke: A Proper Romance by Julianna Donaldson
150. Divergent by Veronica Roth (RR)
151. Insurgent by Veronica Roth (RR)
152. A Reluctant Courtship by Laurie Alice Eakes
153. The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins
154. Greetings from the Flipside by Cheryl McKay and Rene Gutteridge
155. The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman
156. Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay
157. Allegiant by Veronica Roth
158. Every Waking Moment by Chris Fabry
159. The Cat in the Window Edited by Callie Smith Grant
November
160. Paige Rewritten by Erynn Mangum
161. Derailed by Neta and Dave Jackson
162. A Simple Christmas Wish by Melody Carlson
163. Anomaly by Krista McGee
164. Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma
165. Stones for Bread by Christa Parrish
166. Is This Tomorrow by Caroline Leavitt
167. A Marriage in Middlebury by Anita Higman
168. Merry Humbug Christmas by Sandra Bricker
169. The Scum of All Fears by Christy Barritt
December
170. Strait of Hormuz by Davis Bunn
171. To Love, Honor, and Perish by Christy Barritt
172. Her Minnesota Man by Brenda Coulter
173. Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
174. The Supreme Macaroni Company by Adriana Trigiani
175. Yuletide Jeopardy by Sandra Robbins
176. Amish Prayers by Beverly Lewis
177. Unbreakable by Nancy Mehl
178. Unforeseeable by Nancy Mehl
179. A Christmas for Katie by Shelley Shepard Gray
180. Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer
181. NomNom Paleo by Michelle Tam and Henry Fong
182. 21 Day Sugar Detox by Diane Sanfilippo

First Book of the Year 2014 Read a long

Sheila at Book Journey is hosting this reading challenge. The goal is to list what book you are going to be reading on January 1, 2014. If you would like to participate go here to sign up: http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/2013/12/06/first-book-of-the-year-2014/


Edit: I will be reading The Calling by Suzanne Woods Fisher