The Key to Love is a Feel-Good Romance with Depth

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The Key to Love is author Betsy St. Amant’s newest novel. After reading All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes and Love Arrives in Pieces, I knew I had to read her latest release. Ms. St. Amant combines romance and food (is there anything better?) and as an amateur baker this combo tickles me pink!

Baking is in Abrielle “Bri” Duval’s genes.  Having lost both of her parents in a tragic accident, working at the bakery is Bri’s way of remaining close to her mother. She is vehemently determined to save the bakery. 

When online video about the ‘love lock’ wall next to the shop goes viral Bri sees this as an opportunity to help save the town bakeshop.

Jaded journalist Gerard Fortier has been tasked by his editor to do a feature article on the bakery, love lock wall, and “love angel” matchmaking, sisters, Mabel and Agnes who own the Puff Pastry. This feature on the bakery will open doors for him to move up in the reporting world and allow him to write about "things that matter."  

What he doesn’t expect is pretty, petite, baker Bri who loves baking petit fours as much as she loves romance. Gerard's nickname for Bri is 'Cupcake.' "Because it fit. Because she was naïve and sugary and sickeningly sweet- well, until she started verbally berating him, anyway. Then she turned spicy and savory and became much more appealing." (St. Amant, 122). 

I loved the whole quirky small-town vibe of The Key toLove. One of the aspects I appreciated about this tale was how Bri's perception of romance changes. She tended to idolize and put her parents love story on a pedestal so much so that in her mind if the romance was not identical her parents, then she did not want to give it the time of day. Over the course of the story, she discovers her parents’ marriage wasn’t perfect and she comes to realize everyone’s romance story is different. This is what makes every love affair unique and special. Both Bri and Gerard discover that love can change and surprise you all at the same time. The Key to Love was a feel-good romance with depth not to be missed. I cannot recommend reading this book highly enough to restore your faith in good storytelling and believable love stories. 

If you love romance combined with cuisine, Ms. Amant is an author to read. I was thrilled to find out October of this year she has another food adventure coming out called Tacos for Two that I will absolutely be adding this read to my TBR pile. 

(Coming October 2021)

The Nature of a Lady : A Journey to Living Your True Nature

In The Nature of a Lady, Roseanna M. White transports readers back to the Romantic Era; to a story that blends mistaken identity, intrigue, romance, and danger.

I have to confess, I was immediately mesmerized by this spectacular cover. It made me have high expectations about the story. Yes, I know I shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. However, with an author of Ms. White's caliber, I knew my expectations would be met... and exceeded. And they were!

Ecstatic for a taste of freedom, Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair is looking forward to her summer vacation on the Isles accompanied by her maid, Mabena Moon. She is hopeful that the time away will cool her brother's insistence that she marry his best friend, Lord Sheridan. 

I liked Libby. She is not your typical earl's daughter. She has a vivaciousness and exuberance for life. When she is in nature, it's where she feels she belongs. Her joy, curiosity, and excitement over nature gave me a deeper appreciation for God's creation. She feels more comfortable in nature than the upper echelons of society. 

I think that Libby is someone we can all relate to at times. She has moments where she feels she doesn't belong in the world and she doesn't always want to conform to the societal standards of the day. "I was planted in a garden in which I don't belong. And I don't know how to flourish there anymore, (White, 63) she explains. Acknowledging you can't flourish where you are is the first step to finding something new, and we see this unfold for Libby.

While on her summer holiday, Libby is mistaken for Elizabeth "Beth" Tremayne and so begins the tale of mistaken identity.

Mr. Oliver Tremayne, clergyman of Tresco and brother of Beth is on a mission to find his sister. Libby finds herself drawn to Oliver and wanting to help in his quest. Banding together, Oliver, Libby, and Mabena try to unravel the events and clues surrounding Beth's disappearance. Will they find her in time? 

As Libby and Oliver find themselves simultaneously united in their mission they also find themselves surprised by the most compelling reason: love.  From the moment that Libby and Oliver met on the page, I was drawn to their interactions because together than that a natural and easy chemistry that leaves you wanting more scenes between them. Case in point, "...he was a novice at such things. and while the words came naturally with her, he was also keenly aware of his own awkwardness. He didn't know how to court a lady. Frankly, he didn't want to court a lady. He just wanted to get to know her better, from the inside out....He wanted her here at his side, indefinitely." (White, 213-214). 

It's like he could see past what she was labeled, "a lady" and the societal standards that made her feel trapped - and instead saw her true nature. It was a beautiful reminder that the right people will bring out the best of you in a way that let's you grow and flourish. 

This is is one the many poignant reminders Ms. White weaves into the book. Which is why The Nature of a Lady is not to be missed. 

~~ The Nature of a Lady was provided to me by the author 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.~~

Braced for Love Begins a New Family Saga

Mary Connealy's new Brothers in Arms series Braced for Love weaves a tale of family tree that'll make your head spin.

Kevin Hunt receives a life- altering telegram. He has inherited 1/3rd of a ranch in Wyoming and has not one, but two half brothers he didn't know about. His father (Clovis Hunt) was previously married before and after Kevin's mother. Talk about a shock to the system!

 With both of his parents now gone, Kevin chooses to travel to Wyoming along with his younger half siblings Molly and Andy (from his mother's 2nd marriage). Kevin find himself drawn to the kind schoolmarm Winona 'Win' Brewster. She is a family friend of Wyatt, one of his half-brothers and the best friend of Wyatt's sister Cheyenne. 

Not necessarily a criticism more like an observation. I've noticed that Ms. Connealy favors using nick names for her characters and I like that because it makes the characters more relatable and less formal. Although, I felt at times, she perhaps used her nickname for Winona a little too much. I would have preferred switching it up somewhat...meaning altering how much she was called Winona versus Win. I found it was a little distracting to the story if I'm being honest. 

One trait that I liked about Kevin from the start how protective he was of his family. He is kind, hardworking and level-headed. Even though he now owns 1/3rd of the Rolling Hills Ranch (RHR), he doesn't feel right about it about taking the land. His aspirations are simple. He wants to be allowed to farm a portion of the land, pay his half-brother for the land even though he owns it and build a log cabin for himself and his younger siblings. 

At the core of the Hunt men is family first. Despite the fact that Kevin is forced into a difficult situation, he's determined not to take advantage of the circumstances. This speaks volumes about his character. 

Will Kevin and his brothers figure out who is behind these attacks? Can they set aside their differences long enough to realize the blessings of family? 

Between the three Hunt brothers and the numerous half siblings, Ms. Connealy manages to keep their storylines separate, but also weaving them together so that the story flowed, but also kept you wondering what would happen next.

I would say that Ms. Connealy's stories are more plot driven then character driven. Because of this, sometimes it's hard as a reader reconcile a fast paced plot if you don't feel like the characters are changing as well. So if  you have been itching to read a fast paced mystery that keeps you guessing, this one is for you.

Braced for Love ends on a positive note leaving you excited for the future of the eclectic Hunt clan and also curious about the fate of the other two Hunt brothers.  

~~ Braced for Love was provided to me by the author 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.~~

 

Courting Misfortune Marries Suspense and Fun

After meeting Miss Calista York in Intrigue a la Mode, I was delighted to find she gets her own story in Courting Misfortune. This is book 1 in Ms. Jennings new Joplin Chronicles series. 

Calista has been commissioned by her boss Mr. Robert Pinkerton with finding a missing girl. The clock is ticking. She has 30 days to complete her mission or else a fellow Pinkerton associate will be called in to complete said mission. If she successfully closes this case, then she will no longer be on probation with the agency, but a full-fledged agent. If she fails, then she loses this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Failure in Calista's mind means going back to Kansas City as a debutante. Failure is not an option. She feels called to be a Pinkerton agent.  

Adding to the stress of her operation, is her nosy, well-meaning extended family and the fact that she's developing feelings for Matthew Cook, a missionary in Joplin trying to make a difference and fight against the corruption in the town. 

Calista is trying to find her identity. She knows who she is in Christ, but she has a hard time reconciling the deceptive aspects of her vocation with what God's Word says. "She was weary. While she believed she was doing good, she wondered at the sacrifice." (Jennings, 99). 

Matthew Cook is trying to figure out Calista York. He can't decide if she needs saving or if she's a felon with her suspicious behavior. One lesson he learned from his grandfather is "the sweetest moments come from the most offensive fertilizer." (Jennings, 24) and he's bound and determined to help rid the Joplin of their exploitation. A trait that I really liked about Matthew was that he genuinely  tries to befriend people in the town and help them, but he is also concerned for their souls.  This confusion about which side of the law she is on leads to a lot of fun while they are getting to know each other. I also really liked how respectful and thoughtful his character was. Between the fun and chemistry built between Calista and Matthew, along with cheering for the success of the mission, this book is a must read. 

I really liked the humorous dynamics between Calista and her extended family. It reminded me of growing up with my cousins and the bonds you form. As family they can drive you nuts because they do know you so well ,but at the end of the day you love them because they are family.

When Matthew makes his intention knowns to Calista I may have audibly sighed. "I am not your responsibility she said with a smile on her face although her voice growled. "You're my something," he said. Her throat caught as he captured her gaze. She couldn't look away. She'd seen his fierceness directed at others, but this was different. It wasn't anger, it was resolve. He was making a resolution and it was about her...He was making a claim on her personally, and to her surprise Calista welcomed it." (Jennings, 169-170). 

If you were like me and really needed a enjoyable, lighthearted, and engaging story that you didn't feel like was trying to make a political point or preach at you when we are already getting that in everyday life in droves, then this is the book for you!

I liked how dramatic and mysterious the cover art on the front, spine and back of the book are. It really paints a picture and has you wanting to read and figure out what the heroine is up to. 

Get ready to laugh out loud & cheer for these two characters. It was just what my 2021 needed and I cannot recommend this delightful read enough. 

~~ Courting Misfortune was provided to me by the author 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.~~

Dreams of Savannah Will Have You Dreaming of a Different Time

 

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Good-bye 2020 and Hello 2021!!! What better way to ring in the new year then with a brand-new book by Roseanna M. White's Dreams of Savannah. It's a standalone historical work of fiction. 

Cordelia "Delia" Owens is the middle daughter of the family. From the second Cordelia enters the story, I found myself instantly connecting with her because of her fanciful romantic daydreams. The first meeting of Phineas and Cordelia really sets the tone of their relationship. There is a strong bond of friendship, however romantic feelings are lingering on the surface for both Cordelia and Phineas. They are both amorously attracted to each other, but Phineas is convinced because of her family's standing in the community he has nothing to offer and on Cordelia's part, she may be a dreamer, but a true Southern Lady would never tell a gentleman how she feels about him unless he stated otherwise.

Their relationship get's put to the test when Phineas goes off to war and Cordelia stays behind and continues to get pressured to get married. Before Phin left he asked Cordelia to wait for him, and she promised "Forever", which gives him something to live for throughout the horrors of war, but also something for her to cling to as well. This is when the story really started to pick-up. The pacing of the first half of the book was a little too slow for my tastes, but it did pick-up as it went along and Ms. White really started to weave the story together.

This story does a good job of showing you the culture and beliefs that existed in that time that kept the south in a dark place in our history. The relationship between Phin and Luther (Luther, a free black man, whose wife was stolen and sold as a slave) was an important relationship for Phin and the man he becomes and what he stands for.

Throughout this story we see that there is a cost for standing up for what you believe in and that grace is an essential component to love. Will you allow someone to change and grow based on their life’s experiences? Including experiences you were not a part of and may not fully personally understand? 

This book takes on tough topics and really show's how important love is over money or status. But the most important lesson of all is that all lives matter. So while I will be honest is saying that I was hesitant to read a Civil War-era story right now, this story dealt with all these hard topics in a beautiful way that made you want to stick to finishing the story and the important message within. If you're looking for a light and fun read you may want to keep this on your TBR shelf a little while longer until you're ready to dive into more serious topics.  

Just like the cover really draws you in and makes you want to read the pages within the book, Ms. White did not disappoint with her story telling that is so impactful for this time.

~~ Dreams of Savannah was provided to me by the author 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 Kissing Tree is a Delight from Beginning to End

I was surprised (pun totally intended) and overjoyed to be asked by Karen Witemeyer to review her novella Inn for a Surprise part of  The Kissing Tree collection.

Confession: I may have fangirled when getting her e-mail request. E-mails from authors are like fan mail to readers...at least THIS reader. 

This novella introduces us to Phoebe Woodward an aspiring writer and resident of Oak Springs, Texas who dreams of building an inn catered as a romantic retreat for couples capitalizing on the grandeur and romance of the "Kissing Tree." Though she has never been in love, she often reads romance novels and finds inspiration for her stories in the carvings etched into the trunk of the legendary tree.

Barnabas Ackley has been tasked by Phoebe's father, Hollis Woodward, to aid her in the business planning and success of the inn. He is a pragmatic, no-nonsense man who only sees the commercial side and has difficulty incorporating the romantic aspect. Over time, Barnabas perceives Phoebe in a different light. "It also painted a clearer picture of Miss Phoebe Woodward. The inn wasn't just an unrealistic exercise in romanticism dreamt up by a naïve young woman who read too many novels. It was a preservation of the abiding love her parents had shared. Yet instead of hoarding the magic herself, she sought a way to share with others. Rather remarkable, that." (Witemeyer, 124).

Practicality (Barnabas) meets Passion (Phoebe). A battle of wits and clashing ideals ensues between them. He proposes a contest. They each decorate a room in the inn, offer to let couples stay at no charge and collect data through a series of questions as to which room they liked the best and why. The storyline made me think of a historical HGTV design show. Who will win?  (Find out after our next commercial break proudly brought to you by Woodward Land Development Company).

Karen excels at writing the best banter between characters. You just can't help but experience all the emotions: laughing, crying, and more while reading her books. Phoebe and Barnabas' love story is just so much fun and you don't want to miss it. To be honest, it was just what I needed to be reading right now. So thank you Karen for writing this fantastic read!

The notion that all of the love stories revolve around the Kissing Tree is so enchanting and unique. Each novella from the beginning to the end was a delight. To get the full effect and enjoyment of this collection of novellas; I recommend reading them in the order they are written. As a reader, you'll glean more insights and nuggets of ways the stories are woven together. While reading this compilation of stories, I found myself laughing out loud a lot and smiling constantly. The Kissing Tree is not to be missed! 

If you are looking for a light-hearted reading experience (Who doesn't right now? Here's looking at you COVID 19) where you get to escape and meet some wonderful characters you just can't help to root for, then this is the book for you! Grab some tissues, a cozy blanket, some hot tea and get ready for the much needed getaway you need right now. 

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

Portrait of Loyalty is Picture Perfect

 

Portrait of Loyalty wraps up Roseanna M. White's Codebreaker series and what a poignant and touching conclusion! As a reader, completing a series is always bittersweet.

Spoiler Alert: You will need Kleenex for the last half of the book. 

 

Twenty- three year old Lilian 'Lily' Blackwell volunteers as a nurse at Charing Cross Hospital, but her real passion is photography. She uses her skills in re-touching and re-creating photographs for the intelligence division in Room 40. "She'd learned to capture motion-or its story, anyway-with her camera." (White, 39). 

Meeting Russian Zivon Marin at a dinner at her parents' home, she is surprised at her immediate interest and intrigue. She finds Zivon "an intriguing mass of  contradictions he was. The still and the active. The formal and the informal. The studied and the earnest." (White, 83). 

The friendship that flourishes between Zivon and Lily soon grows to love. Secrets and loyalties soon complicate their relationship. Can they overcome them, trust one another, and build a future together?

One quality I appreciated about Lily was how she viewed the world through her own lens. She saw beauty in God's creation and people. It reminded me to see the loveliness in this wonderful world God created for us. This seems especially important considering the circumstances we are facing in today's society. 

 You'll enjoy that some of the characters from Ms. White's previous series (Ladies of the Manor and Shadows Over England) appeared in Portrait of Loyalty.  It's always fun to be reunited with favorite characters from previous series...felt a little like it was old home week. Ms. White makes incorporating characters from her past series look so easy and seamless, but I'm sure it took a lot of effort and planning. 

If you loved WWI historical fiction, I highly recommend adding the Codebreaker series to the top of your TBR pile. The series can be read out of sequence, but I feel you'll get more appreciation and enjoyment if you read the series in order. Get ready to be swept away into meaningful stories and a beautiful recreation of another era!

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