The Silken Cord, Leigh Bale
Leigh Bale enriches this medieval romance with descriptive settings and weaves it into the story so well. I read with all my senses and love the flavors and fragrances she provides for the reader. I really enjoyed the tension and friendship between hero and heroine in this story. The conflict kept me turning pages late into the night, even my second time through!
She risked everything on a man she should never trust... Convicted of treason, Wulfgar, Earl of Glyndwr, was once a favored Norman knight of King William the Conqueror. Sold into slavery for his crimes, Wulfgar is determined to have his honor restored and vows revenge on those who conspired for his downfall. But once Wulfgar belongs to Ariana, he finds there is nothing he will not do to protect her. She holds his heart in her hands and this silken cord is stronger than any chains. Once his betrothed, Princess Ariana of Wales has come to the slave auction to buy Wulfgar, a man she believes betrayed his king. Only Wulfgar knows how to free her young brother from the cruel ruler who has taken Wulfgar's place at Castle Cynan. But she is unprepared for the darkly handsome warrior who kindles a passion within her that threatens the lives of her people and her own soul. |
Longing For Home, Sarah Eden

Another "pulled me right in" book by Sarah Eden. I love how she takes her time to develop each character and how she weaves their lives together. This story is rich with emotion and sharp and witty verbal banter. The tension between Tavish and Katie starts at the beginning of the story and continues all the way through to the end of this first of two books. This story is a great illustration of why and how we become who we are....a lifetime of experiences, good and bad.
Katie is strong willed and determined, but only because she is insecure and broken. In spite of the pain she's experienced and carries around with her, she remains open for new and positive things to happen in her new world. Tavish is a wonderful tease and gets under her skin with every word out of his mouth. I found his persistence with Katie very entertaining.
Every chapter moved the story along at a great pace and the author does a good job of telling the story through a handful of different characters, which I really enjoyed. Motives and opinions were strong and well defined for each character and even after reading 389 pages, I still wanted more! That's a sign of a good story. I will most definitely continue reading part two of this saga.
Katie is strong willed and determined, but only because she is insecure and broken. In spite of the pain she's experienced and carries around with her, she remains open for new and positive things to happen in her new world. Tavish is a wonderful tease and gets under her skin with every word out of his mouth. I found his persistence with Katie very entertaining.
Every chapter moved the story along at a great pace and the author does a good job of telling the story through a handful of different characters, which I really enjoyed. Motives and opinions were strong and well defined for each character and even after reading 389 pages, I still wanted more! That's a sign of a good story. I will most definitely continue reading part two of this saga.
Glimmer of Hope, Sarah M. Eden

Take a three year separation from your spouse, add a meddling mother-in-law, plenty of hurtful behaviors, and feelings of betrayal and you've got the perfect recipe for conflict - from the very beginning!
I didn't like Carter at all when he first entered the story, but the author did a great job of presenting his perspective and I quickly felt empathy for the situation. As a writer, I'm sure his mother was a fun character to create because she's absolutely evil. Miranda was lovable from the beginning.
I enjoyed the journey of watching how the story, which seemed somewhat predictable up to the middle, slowly unfolded into something that wasn't expected and by then I was thoroughly enjoying both characters. I found myself getting teary for the predicament they were in and couldn't read fast enough to find out how they resolved it with a happy ending. I stayed up way too late because I was concerned for their welfare. A surprisingly, enjoyable story from a different starting point.
I didn't like Carter at all when he first entered the story, but the author did a great job of presenting his perspective and I quickly felt empathy for the situation. As a writer, I'm sure his mother was a fun character to create because she's absolutely evil. Miranda was lovable from the beginning.
I enjoyed the journey of watching how the story, which seemed somewhat predictable up to the middle, slowly unfolded into something that wasn't expected and by then I was thoroughly enjoying both characters. I found myself getting teary for the predicament they were in and couldn't read fast enough to find out how they resolved it with a happy ending. I stayed up way too late because I was concerned for their welfare. A surprisingly, enjoyable story from a different starting point.
Friends & Foes, Sarah M. Eden

I feel like I've been transported to England, year 1814. I've been introduced to a whole new language and all new social customs for gathering with friends, family, and complete strangers alike. This book's hero has become one of my favorites.
He's posing as an English "Dandy" (a new word for me) when he meets the heroine of the story and sparks fly between them from the very first word spoken - and I don't mean romantic sparks. They throw verbal insults and intense banter at each other throughout the entire book, making me laugh more often than not. This time period is fascinating, and listening to these characters made me wish I could converse as elegantly - even in argument. Brief Example:
Lord Lampton (Phillip) "You believe, then, I am overly concerned with my comforts."
Sorrel: In my experience, most gentlemen are. Especially those for whom shallower pursuits are paramount."
Phillip: "Dandies, in other words."
Sorrel: "Dandies. Fops. Rakes. What are they but seekers of their comfort?"
Phillip: "Which of these less-than-dignified descriptions suits me best, Miss Kendrick? I should like to know your impression of me."
Sorrel: Only a dandy would sport an Oriental at a simple country dinner." (Referred to his cravat)
...and so it goes. PS: He's also nicknamed her brother "Poppy" as a joke. His real name is Fennel, which is not much better.
Great characters! Amazing tension between the two leads! Witty dialogue! Fabulous setting! Interesting and curious plot!
He's posing as an English "Dandy" (a new word for me) when he meets the heroine of the story and sparks fly between them from the very first word spoken - and I don't mean romantic sparks. They throw verbal insults and intense banter at each other throughout the entire book, making me laugh more often than not. This time period is fascinating, and listening to these characters made me wish I could converse as elegantly - even in argument. Brief Example:
Lord Lampton (Phillip) "You believe, then, I am overly concerned with my comforts."
Sorrel: In my experience, most gentlemen are. Especially those for whom shallower pursuits are paramount."
Phillip: "Dandies, in other words."
Sorrel: "Dandies. Fops. Rakes. What are they but seekers of their comfort?"
Phillip: "Which of these less-than-dignified descriptions suits me best, Miss Kendrick? I should like to know your impression of me."
Sorrel: Only a dandy would sport an Oriental at a simple country dinner." (Referred to his cravat)
...and so it goes. PS: He's also nicknamed her brother "Poppy" as a joke. His real name is Fennel, which is not much better.
Great characters! Amazing tension between the two leads! Witty dialogue! Fabulous setting! Interesting and curious plot!
A Proper Pursuit - Lynn Austin

Trained at Madam Beauchamps' School for Young Ladies, Violet Hayes thinks she knows just how to get her perfect life. But first she needs to get to Chicago and find the mother she barely remembers. She's got an active imagination and plays "what if games with everyone she meets - a way of determining her perfect suitor. She convinces her father to let her go to Chicago to see the World's Columbian Exposition and live with her grandmother and three great aunts - each who share their own ideas of the perfect suitor. In the course of a summer, Violet's world opens up to previously unknown options. In the wake of discovery, she must find a way to determine which path and which man will ultimately be the right lifetime choice for her.
Lynn Austin never disappoints in telling a thoroughly captivating story. Her CHARACTERS in this book are humorous and entertaining. Her DIALOGUE is witty and light-hearted, yet filled with purpose. I couldn't help but see "life's lessons" in each of the character's lives. I loved that it was descriptive yet paced quick enough to keep the story moving. Another great historical novel.
Lynn Austin never disappoints in telling a thoroughly captivating story. Her CHARACTERS in this book are humorous and entertaining. Her DIALOGUE is witty and light-hearted, yet filled with purpose. I couldn't help but see "life's lessons" in each of the character's lives. I loved that it was descriptive yet paced quick enough to keep the story moving. Another great historical novel.
The Knight of Redmond - Jennifer K. Clark

Lily is desperate to experience the world beyond her small village. She's lived with the inaccurate stigma of being a witch's daughter and longs to start anew. A summer trip through the kingdom in the company of her uncle promises just the sort of escape she yearns for. After a terrifying encounter with her uncle’s merciless adversary, Lily must flee for her life. Separated from her uncle, she has no choice but to enter enemy territory alone. Lily is forced to align herself with Wren, a young knight from a rival land.
It was the cover of the book that first caught my attention; it's mysterious, and because it had both a man and a woman on the front, I knew it would contain romance...my favorite genre. I'm a sucker for a good love story.
It took me about three chapters to grasp and remember all the CHARACTERS that were introduced, but they were so interesting that it kept me reading. I am a huge fan of the Camelot era with its knights and fair maidens and expected a story of forbidden love between a royal knight and a peasant servant - but that's not what I got and I was pleasantly entertained.
This is a love story of a different kind, but is as powerful as any modern-day tale. It's full of adventures and battles between kingdoms, and RICH WITH STORY. Each character is distinct and believable. I'm not sure how the author was able to keep them all straight and unique. I look forward to reading her next book.
It was the cover of the book that first caught my attention; it's mysterious, and because it had both a man and a woman on the front, I knew it would contain romance...my favorite genre. I'm a sucker for a good love story.
It took me about three chapters to grasp and remember all the CHARACTERS that were introduced, but they were so interesting that it kept me reading. I am a huge fan of the Camelot era with its knights and fair maidens and expected a story of forbidden love between a royal knight and a peasant servant - but that's not what I got and I was pleasantly entertained.
This is a love story of a different kind, but is as powerful as any modern-day tale. It's full of adventures and battles between kingdoms, and RICH WITH STORY. Each character is distinct and believable. I'm not sure how the author was able to keep them all straight and unique. I look forward to reading her next book.
Edenbrooke (A place I'd love to vacation)

The courtesy and fine-tuned manners toward women that were once popular in days of old have all but vanished with the now more popular ideas that women are just as capable as men. It's a sad condition of our competitive and "equal rights" society. I love reading books that capture the gentle, respectful, and even reverent care the hero has for his heroine. That's one of the reasons I liked this book.
The CHARACTERS were identifiable and believable. I felt invested with them from the beginning of their introduction into the story. Philip was witty, confident, and comfortable giving love. Marianne was fallible, entertaining, and lovable. I was pleased that Phillip saw through her imperfections and loved her - even because of them. It was refreshing. It seems that relationships today (in truth and fiction) appear to need perfection from both parties in order to be "worth it". We are too hard on ourselves - and maybe we expect too much.
The SETTING was perfectly romantic - complete with English country manors, horse and buggy transportation, long dirt roads, orchards, galloping horses, and enough description to make you feel you are there but not overbearing.
The DIALOGUE was witty, charming, and blushing (in a good way). Like I said, I identified with the main characters. The PACE of the book was perfect - not too drawn out but long enough to complete each scene with satisfaction. There was no part that I felt I had to skip to move the story along. I was interested in every page. CONFLICT: Layered to keep me interested and tense enough to provide curiosity. A bit predictable, but by then I was engaged! RECOMMENDATION: If you would like an enjoyable escape for 5-6 hours and be swept up in an uplifting, satisfying story, this is a great place to start.
The CHARACTERS were identifiable and believable. I felt invested with them from the beginning of their introduction into the story. Philip was witty, confident, and comfortable giving love. Marianne was fallible, entertaining, and lovable. I was pleased that Phillip saw through her imperfections and loved her - even because of them. It was refreshing. It seems that relationships today (in truth and fiction) appear to need perfection from both parties in order to be "worth it". We are too hard on ourselves - and maybe we expect too much.
The SETTING was perfectly romantic - complete with English country manors, horse and buggy transportation, long dirt roads, orchards, galloping horses, and enough description to make you feel you are there but not overbearing.
The DIALOGUE was witty, charming, and blushing (in a good way). Like I said, I identified with the main characters. The PACE of the book was perfect - not too drawn out but long enough to complete each scene with satisfaction. There was no part that I felt I had to skip to move the story along. I was interested in every page. CONFLICT: Layered to keep me interested and tense enough to provide curiosity. A bit predictable, but by then I was engaged! RECOMMENDATION: If you would like an enjoyable escape for 5-6 hours and be swept up in an uplifting, satisfying story, this is a great place to start.
Hidden Places - Lynn Austin

"How's a scrawny young thing like you, with three little kids to raise, ever going to run a big outfit like Wyatt Orchards?" the widowed Eliza Rose Wyatt is asked.
Eliza is desperate to hold on to the only real home she has ever known, but she believes it will take a guardian angel to help her succeed. When the handsome hobo, Gabriel Harper, comes into her life, Eliza at first holds him at arm's length, wondering whether the aptly named mysterious stranger could be the guardian angel she's been waiting for.
This has become one of my all-time favorite stories. It's uplifting, inspiring, and a true heart-felt romance, although the romance doesn't bloom until the end of the story. I don't normally like that, but the characters were so well developed I barely noticed. I love that the reader gets to read about each character in detail, from their perspective, in chapters throughout the book. I also felt each character's own unique personality in their own words. If you love a well-developed story that you can read for a few nights, and that doesn't feel rushed, you'll love this one.
Eliza is desperate to hold on to the only real home she has ever known, but she believes it will take a guardian angel to help her succeed. When the handsome hobo, Gabriel Harper, comes into her life, Eliza at first holds him at arm's length, wondering whether the aptly named mysterious stranger could be the guardian angel she's been waiting for.
This has become one of my all-time favorite stories. It's uplifting, inspiring, and a true heart-felt romance, although the romance doesn't bloom until the end of the story. I don't normally like that, but the characters were so well developed I barely noticed. I love that the reader gets to read about each character in detail, from their perspective, in chapters throughout the book. I also felt each character's own unique personality in their own words. If you love a well-developed story that you can read for a few nights, and that doesn't feel rushed, you'll love this one.
Love on the Line - Deeanne Gist

"You're might bossy today. In the last fifteen minutes you've commanded me to leave my own office, Mrs.
Oodson to hand up her own phone, and Mr. Ottfried to explain his own business decisions....Don't you
think you need to settle down a bit?"
That did it. He was asking for a fight. She flew at him. He spun his chair toward her, knees open, arms up.
Big mistake. She grabbed two fistfuls of chambray shirt and jerked up. He didn't budge.
"Get up mister. We're taking this outside."
Amusement lit his eyes.
She gave him a shake. "Don't you laugh, Luke. I mean it. I'm going to take you outside and fold you up
like a purse."
Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man's world ... which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder. Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He's a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman is the last thing he wants to do. But when his stakeout puts Georgie in peril, he realizes more than his job is on the line.
Deeanne Gist is one of my favorite authors. She writes historical romance with strong-minded, independent women as her heroines. This newest release is as entertaining and witty as all her others. The tension between her lead characters keeps you reading clear through to the end.
Against All Odds - Irene Hannon

For FBI Hostage Rescue Team member Evan Cooper and his partner, dignitary protection duty should have been a piece of cake. Unfortunately, beautiful but determined Monica Callahan isn't making it easy. She refuses to be intimidated by a related terrorist threat until a chilling warning convinces her that the danger is very real - and escalating. Cooper does his best to keep her safe, but he knows that the odds of saving the only woman who has ever breached the walls around his heart are dropping. After all, terrorists aren't known for their patience - or their mercy.
This book is from a new author I hadn't read, but the story and the cover intrigued me. I loved the pace of the story. It moved quick and the author told the story from all viewpoints- including the terrorists - which made it more interesting. I kept wondering how she was going to make it all come together in the end. The tension between the FBI agent and Monica was realistic but satisfying as a love story. I will most likely pick up the second book in this series, although the characters are different.
This book is from a new author I hadn't read, but the story and the cover intrigued me. I loved the pace of the story. It moved quick and the author told the story from all viewpoints- including the terrorists - which made it more interesting. I kept wondering how she was going to make it all come together in the end. The tension between the FBI agent and Monica was realistic but satisfying as a love story. I will most likely pick up the second book in this series, although the characters are different.
A Promise Of Hope- Autumn Stringham

This is definitely not a romance story, but an inspiring true story of another kind. I had the privilege of meeting Autumn a few weeks ago, before I even knew she was an author. I found her smile and bright eyes
to be infectious. She had a light about her that made me curious. I read her book this weekend and now I know why she is so incredulously happy - she is alive!
Life is not to be taken for granted - this is the lesson I learned from her story. Thank you Autumn for sharing your message with the world! I don't have Bipolar disease but I can now sympathize with those who do.
to be infectious. She had a light about her that made me curious. I read her book this weekend and now I know why she is so incredulously happy - she is alive!
Life is not to be taken for granted - this is the lesson I learned from her story. Thank you Autumn for sharing your message with the world! I don't have Bipolar disease but I can now sympathize with those who do.