In Honor's Defense is a Superb Conclusion to a Powerful Series

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In Honor's Defense (Book 3 in the Hanger's Horsemen series) is here and I'm ecstatic! Luke Davenport aka "Preach" finally gets his own story. Readers, myself included have been clamoring for his tale since encountering him in At Love's Command. There was something infinitely intriguing about Luke and you want to know more about him as a person and what has made him who he is today. 

In Honor's Defense, Luke isn't quite ready to hang up his spurs or his gun. He takes a lone job tracking cattle rustlers for a rancher and from there the adventure takes off, running him right into the life of Damaris Baxter. 

Damaris Baxter was a heroine I felt an immediate kinship and relatability to. The youngest of eight she was accustomed to being invisible. "Being invisible had its uses, however. Forgettable girls rarely got called on to recite lessons in front of the class. Or asked to dance when one had a perfectly good book to read...Not only was Damaris on the shelf, she was in the back corner behind the knickknacks, collecting dust." (Witemeyer, 8).  At times, I think we can all connect with Damaris' feeling of being invisible. Becoming a guardian to her teenaged orphaned nephew takes her out of her comfort zone and when she rose to the challenge with bravery and determination it made me love her character even more.

Luke Davenport is a man whose compass for right always pointed due North. He's a man that knows his limits and "he knew his God- the source of all strength. He'd keep going until the Lord stopped him." (Witemeyer, 299).  One character trait I appreciated about Luke was his ability to memorize scripture and recall it to memory when needed was impressive and earned him his nickname "Preach".  This character trait made me want to be more intentional in memorizing scripture. There is a pivotal scene In Honor's Defense when Luke is telling Damaris of his past and how ashamed he is. Damaris' response was perfect. "...I do know the man standing before me today is a man to admire. One who places the well-being of others before himself. One who loves God's Word and inspires loyalty in his friends. One who forgives the faults in others faster than he forgives his own. You're a good man, Luke, and I thank God for bringing you in our lives." (Witemeyer, 147). 

The incomparable Karen Witemeyer further endeared herself to her readers and fans when she once again dedicated her newest release In Honor's Defense to her Posse Facebook group. "To my Posse. I couldn't ask for better barnstormers, more dedicated readers, dearer friends. Thank you for blessing my writing journey and my life. (Quoting dedication from In Honor's Defense.) Dear readers if this heartfelt dedication doesn't affect you you may need to get your pulse checked! (Gift of the Heart part of the Christmas Heirloom collection was the first book Ms. Witemeyer dedicated to her Posse.) Karen, Thank YOU for blessing our lives with your gift of writing and your books.  

It's a struggle for me to be unbiased about Ms. Witemeyer's books because as a reader her books are always consistently rock-solid and check a lot boxes for me. I tend to gravitate towards books where the characters are multidimensional, where you see how the characters change and grow; when there's quick-witted banter between the hero and heroine and a plot that keeps you turning pages. Ms. Witemeyer excels at building up the climax till the end. Sometimes it feels like you're about to have a slight panic attack hoping everything turns out ok in the end.

In Honor's Defense is the third in a three-book series. It can be read as a standalone although if you read the series in order you'll revel more in the experience and saga of the Horseman. If you enjoy action-packed romances mixed with a little bit of mystery, you need to add In Honor's Defense to your TBR pile. You won't regret it. 

~~ In Honor's Defense was provided to me by the author herself and Bethany House in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own, I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~~

Sunburst is Electrifying and Action-Packed

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Sunburst  contains one of my favorite romance tropes... marriage of convenience. It was honestly one of the very fickle reasons I was drawn to this book. This plot is few and far between particularly in contemporary stories. Immediately, became intrigued and curious to see how Ms. Warren would craft a modern marriage of convenience story.

Former Navy SEAL Ranger Kingston is on a mission in Nigeria to rescue his brother Colt. He never thought he'd come face to face with the one woman whose heart he broke. 

Heroine Noemi Sutton was quick-witted, smart and brave. Having a father that was a former SEAL he taught his daughter how to use her wits and defend herself should the need arise. These attributes made her the perfect foil for Ranger. 

Ranger and Noemi had some seriously smoldering chemistry. (Can I use the word smoldering in Christian fiction?) 

Both Noemi and Ranger are dealing with God in different ways during this story. Ranger is discovering he has to rely on God because he is going blind. In Noemi's case she's running from God because in her mind everyone she loves God takes away. Ranger assures her that "I've got news for you, honey. God very much notices you." (Warren, 287).  This gem of truth is so comforting. No matter where we go we can never escape God's omnipresence.

Ranger's "world is always so black and white- and Noemi gives it color. She makes me laugh, and I feel like I can breathe. Like everything isn't life or death. Mostly, she makes me...feel." (Warren, 295)

Susan May Warren is an author I've been happily reading for the past 20 plus years. With over 85 books published and 1.5 million copies sold she's proven she can write any genre and engage her readers with dynamic characters and plots that keep you turning pages long after you should be asleep. (Bookworms need sleep?)

Sunburst reminded me of The Bourne movies with Matt Damon where you have a mission/op in a foreign country. There's the perfect blend of danger and romance leaving you wondering what else can go wrong and will Ranger and Noemi figure out there in love with each before it's too late?

Sunburst is not to be missed and reminds the reader of why they love Susan May Warren's books so much. There is romance, humor, family, and suspense all wrapped up into these pages. While this is book two (Book one is Sunrise) you could read it as a stand alone but the author does suggest reading them in order. This is the perfect summer read for a pool, beach, or even your own backyard!

~~ Sunburst was provided to me by the author herself and Revell in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own, I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~~ 

When the Day Comes is Captivating and Compelling

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When I saw this absolutely stunning cover combined with a captivating plot and I had high expectations for this book. I'm happy to say Ms. Meyer's story exceeded all my expectations. 

The story centers around nineteen-year-old Libby. She is a time-crosser. One life she lives in Colonial Williamsburg 1774 and the other in 1914 New York. On her 21st birthday, she must decide which period to remain in forever- 1774 or 1914. Which time do you think Libby chooses? Which era would you choose? If Libby fell asleep in 1774, she wakes in 1914 and when she falls asleep in 1914, she wakes up in 1774 and so forth. Being a time-crosser, she can't alter history or tell others how it's going to change. Another interesting characteristic about being a time-crosser is if Libby is ill or has a broken limb in one time the alternate period, she is perfectly healthy. 

When the Day Comes was Gabrielle Meyer's first novel published with Bethany House. It's the 1st book in her Timeless series. Guilty reader confession: I always been interested in dual-time stories, and I own several, but I haven't read them yet. However, after reading When the Days Comes, I've became hooked on this genre. I had the tremendous delight and honor of meeting Ms. Meyer last summer at the Mississippi River Readers Retreat in Little Falls, Minnesota and she told us about When the Day Comes and I was instantly spell-bound by the plot. 

The reverberating theme of honoring God no matter what path/time of life you live in rings true and is beautifully illustrated in this book. 

"...you must not let one life dictate the other. There's work to be done here, and God is calling us to do it." (Meyer, 164). 

The struggles and comforts that Libby experienced in each time period were compelling and showed the differences in profound ways that revealed the positives and negatives of choosing to stay in each period of time. I thought this quote beautifully summed up some of the challenges Libby faced and how it can start to affect your heart and mind if you are not grounded in what truly matters in this life. 

"Please Libby, do not let anything turn your heart to stone. Do not let anger or bitterness take root in you. If you do, all of this was for naught. Instead, use what you've learned from me, and from this life to do good and further God's kingdom in the time you occupy." (Meyer 310-311). 

Libby remained true to her values and beliefs whether she was in 1774 or 1914. I admired this trait of her character because I've often wondered if I lived in a different period than my own would the core of who I am remain the same or would I bend to the precepts of the day? Well, the author proves with our heroine it's possible to stay true. 

When the Day Comes is a story that will stay with you long after you close the book and not to be missed. 

~~ When the Day Comes was provided to me by the author herself and Bethany House in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own, I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~~

The Do-Over is Pure Enjoyment

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This book was just what I needed to make it through the last weeks of winter here in the Midwest. 

The story starts with you getting to know workaholic, career-driven McKenna Keaton who has been on the fast-track to senior partner at her New York law firm until the rug is pulled out from under her and she finds herself taking a leave of absence from her job and flying home to spend time with her family in Durham, North Carolina.  I really liked the Keaton sisters' relationships with each other and their parents. Their family was relatable, not perfect but you get the sense that at the core of the Keaton clan is love and unwavering loyalty and support. 

McKenna initially feels that her family does not understand her, but she comes to realize you can spend "so much time convincing yourself that no one could understand you that you occasionally lose sight of the people trying to understand." (Turner, 282). This understanding gives McKenna a deeper sense of a love and appreciation for her family. 

While back home, McKenna runs into high school classmate Henry Blumenthal now known as famed documentarian Hank Blume. McKenna has the cutest crush on Henry and it brings you back to your Highschool crush days, if you had one in that time of your life. This quote sums it up adorably  "The unflappable McKenna Keaton had a major, major crush on a boy," (Turner, 72). The chemistry between McKenna and Henry is off-the-charts. 

Henry Blumenthal might be my new favorite hero. I can see why Ms. Turner dedicated her latest release to her hero Henry. Wow! He's pretty swoon worthy. The whole time Henry was on the page I couldn't wipe the goofy grin off my face. 

I genuinely love that Ms. Turner writes about older heroines. It makes you feel like no matter how old you get you are you're never too old to experience the excitement and flutters of love, which is absolutely true. 

The Do-Over is a delightful romance by the brilliant Bethany Turner who is clearly is in her element and at the top of her game combing romantic comedy sprinkling it with her trademark humor and insightful pop-culture references. Having just finished the book I can't stop smiling! 

 The Do-Over is not to be missed if you need a wonderful reading getaway. 

To Treasure an Heiress: A Journey of Finding Your Worth

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Beth Tremayne finally gets her own story in To Treasure an Heiress and it was totally worth the wait! She has a propensity to explore, a desire for adventure and wanderlust. Her excitement and enthusiasm for quests was so infectious and made me wish I was the "adventurous type."  Upon discovering letters and maps on her family's land she reluctantly shares in the search with a man she despises...Lord Sheridan. Beth considers him the "Lord Insufferable Sheridan would probably snatch it all from her if he saw it. Paw through it. Exclaim over each and every article- her search, her clues, her find." (White, 13).  Beth's gumption and determination were qualities I really admired coupled with her evident love for her family made her a heroine to root for, believe in, and enjoy. 

While Beth has a strong dislike for Theodore Howe, Marquess of Sheridan, he finds Beth "...without question the most beautiful woman he'd ever set eyes on " (White, 28). Anytime Sheridan was on the page I found myself laughing because  of the way he thinks and his obvious ploys to try to get Beth to like him. "At this rate, she'd be Lady Sheridan in a decade, at the most." (White, 30). This reference of it taking Sheridan a decade to woo Beth to be his wife was a running joke through the book and was very funny. Beth and Sheridan are drawn together by their mutual wonder for exploration. Soon Beth finds herself seeing Sheridan in a new light and their relationship blossoms.  They had this chemistry on the page that made you want to keep reading and seeing where their relationship goes. 

To Treasure an Heiress was one of those rare books were I was equally as invested in the sub-plot as the plot. One of the most beloved scenes for me was in the sub-plot with Senara and Ainsley (Sheridan's valet) when he gives her a pearl he'd found on one of his expeditions with Lord Sheridan. It's such a beautiful and powerful scene and if we are believers in Christ it reminds us that no matter how much we've sinned Christ sees us as a pearl. "A pearl cannot be stained. No matter how many centuries it sits in the mud, wash it in a bit of water and it's gleaming again." (White, 332). 

If I had one criticism is that the book ended a little abruptly and I would have liked it to be a little longer (Sorry Ms. White) hopefully giving us more insight into Beth and Sheridan's future. 

Also can you please, please do a book about Sheridan's older sisters Millicent and Abbie? I'm so curious to know more about them and their story. The parts they were in the story were some of my favorite scenes. The relationship Sheridan had with his sisters was the perfect blend of familial love and humor. 

To Treasure an Heiress has it all: mystery, maps,  (possible) pirate treasure, and romance. What more could you ask for in a book? 

P.S. I couldn't help but notice the contrast between the two equally stunning covers in Ms. White's The Secrets of the Isles (Cover to the right). I thought they added to the excitement of cracking open the book and reading these stories.  

~~ To Treasure An Heiress was provided to me by the author herself and Bethany House in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own, I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own.~~

Drift Away in A Heart Adrift

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You will need chocolate  - and lots of it - as you read Laura Frantz’s A Heart Adrift. This is a beautiful story of loss, forgiveness, and love. The story follows Henri and Esmee as they get a second chance at love 10 years after they broke their engagement. Esmee is a chocolatier and makes delicious-sounding chocolates you will want to eat while reading this story. Henri is a sea captain that can’t seem to find his place on “land” despite being at a time where he is ready to leave the sea behind for good.

Having the courage to change, get through daunting moments, and forgive is essential for Henri and Esmee to have their second chance at love. Author Laura Frantz weaves a magnificent story showing how having the bravery to sit in the uncomfortable moments and have difficult conversations is essential for not having regrets in life and opens the door of opportunity for potentially a second chance at love.

The most powerful aspect of Ms. Frantz’s writing is that she doesn’t skip over the hard topics. She addresses them with truth, grace, and love. This story includes acknowledging slavery and indentured workers, which was a prevalent issue during this time. It could be so easy to skip over these painful realities and leave them out, but she fearlessly wades in and speaks into these truths that were happening during this period in our history.

I have learned so much about history, especially American history from her well researched and equally well-written stories. I am always blown away at the details and people woven into her stories with historical accuracy. It makes you want to learn and research more about specific people, topics and places from the time period she is writing about. A Heart Adrift is the perfect blend of engaging and educational. 

This story felt very much like Ms. Frantz getting back to her roots as a storyteller. She just has a way of challenging you to see and think about tough topics in new light. This book especially opened my eyes to seeing how losing someone can turn a person into an “idol” that you value before God because of the love they gave you while here on earth. There is a lot of “loss” in this book and some of the characters' storylines wrapped up too quickly at the end for you to feel like resolution happened. I don’t want to give anything away, but since this is not usually her style as a writer, I believe this might mean that some of the characters' storylines might continue in another book to see full closure of their characters' story and growth. At least I hope so!

I absolutely loved this book overall. However, I was sad that there was no epilogue included at the end. This is not a light read and you were only able to have small sliver of the “happy ending” that Esmee and Henri worked so hard to have happen for them.  The story would have felt more satisfying and complete to have a snapshot at what their life might have looked like in the future after making it through so much suffering and hardship. However, please don’t let this fact stop you from choosing to read this stunning story that weaves together history, faith, and love so smoothly. Just like one of Esmee’s chocolates. Remember, don’t forget the chocolate to make this story that much sweeter when you read it.

P.S. Laura Frantz is one of my best friend’s favorite authors. She graciously helped me formulate my thoughts around this book to make sure I provided the best review possible for all the Laura Frantz book lovers out there : ) 

~~ A Heart Adrift was provided to me by the author herself and Revell in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own, I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own.~~

Proposing Mischief Marries Adventure and Treasure

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Author Regina Jennings' new book in her Joplin Chronicles series, Proposing Mischief, was so enjoyable I didn't want it to end.

The Kentworth cousins are back, and Maisie Kentworth is the heroine in book two. Readers meet her in Courting Misfortune, where she is loyal and honest. In Proposing Mischief, however, we discover another side of Maisie. Her family goes into protective mode after a brief relationship with the wrong man, so she finds herself stuck working on her parents' ranch all the while contemplating her actions. Feeling trapped on the farm, she explores a mine on the edge of her family's land belonging to Boone Bragg and discovers unfound treasure. 

Similarly, to Maisie, the hero in this story, Boone, is also feeling trapped by being thrust into a leadership role at his family's mine (Bragg Mine) while his parents are on vacation. He struggles to tactfully dissuade an associate who wants him to marry his daughter without offending him all while learning to run the mine well. 

Boone saw his "proposal" as a way to gain freedom. Maisie would gain independence and protection by being married to him and he would gain 'autonomy' to run the mine to the best of his ability and not have every single female within a 10-mile radius thrown at him in hopes of matrimony. Neither of them factored love into the equation. 

Maisie has so many qualities I appreciated: her gumption, honesty, and hard-working mindset. She was not one to sit idle and she didn't put on airs. She was just simply unapologetically herself and had such a likeable and refreshing persona. The perfect foil for Boone.  

In Maisie, Boone finds her to be "a diamond in the rough" and "the best treasure [he] found in the mine." (Jennings, 219). 

I really liked how Ms. Jennings developed Boone and Maisie's relationship beginning with friendship and gradually growing into love, respect, and a mutual attraction for each other. It's refreshing to read a book that focused on the more meaningful qualities that build a lasting relationship and did not just focus on the physical aspect of a healthy relationship, which seems so lacking in many books. If you want some good laughs and to feel like you are reading about a healthy romance and not a shallow one, then this is the book for you. 

~~ Proposing Mischief was provided to me by the author herself and Bethany House in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own, I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own.~~