Category: book review

October 21, 2021

The Lines Between Us

A WWII novel of courage and conviction, based on the true experience of the men who fought fires as conscientious objectors and the women who fought prejudice to serve in the Women’s Army Corps.

About The Lines Between Us

Since the attack on Pearl Harbor, Gordon Hooper and his buddy Jack Armitage have stuck to their values as conscientious objectors. Much to their families’ and country’s chagrin, they volunteer as smokejumpers rather than enlisting, parachuting into and extinguishing raging wildfires in Oregon. But the number of winter blazes they’re called to seems suspiciously high, and when an accident leaves Jack badly injured, Gordon realizes the facts don’t add up.

A member of the Women’s Army Corps, Dorie Armitage has long been ashamed of her brother’s pacifism, but she’s shocked by news of his accident. Determined to find out why he was harmed, she arrives at the national forest under the guise of conducting an army report and finds herself forced to work with Gordon. He believes it’s wrong to lie; she’s willing to do whatever it takes for justice to be done. As they search for clues, Gordon and Dorie must wrestle with their convictions about war and peace and decide what to do with the troubling secrets they discover.

My Thoughts

War can divide people, friends and families. It tests our faith, our beliefs and our understanding of the world and the relationships we have with others. We see this in so many ways in this powerful novel of faith, forgiveness and healing.

What starts out as a potential romance between Dorie and Gordon, goes awry when the pair have very strong and opposite feelings about the war. One supports doing anything and everything they can to stop the war – including fighting while the other opposes everything against war, fighting and promotes peace. Neither can reconcile their feelings, especially when Dorie’s brother follows Gordon in the way of peace. The two friends join the smokejumpers to protect the forestry in Oregon and Dorie goes on to join the Women’s Army Corps. We are witness to both struggles during the war as they each do their own part.

While Dorie refuses to speak to her brother, he is injured quite badly and Dorie comes face to face with their difficult separation and her own beliefs. She is determined to uncover the truth behind what led to the accident but she will need to work with Gordon to do so. Can the two put aside their differences to uncover the truth? Can they find forgiveness and healing?

I loved this story and found myself unable to put it down. My heart broke for Dorie so many times in this story, and by the end I found myself in tears. Like so many of us, she has to deal with the consequences of her decisions and the way she treated her brother. Something like this can have a lasting impact on our mental and physical well being, and Dorie is no different. She is forced to really look at herself – her beliefs and her actions, in order to find healing and peace. Both Dorie and Gordon are faced with making difficult decisions based on their beliefs and how to move forward as they uncover the truth that led to the accident. What I really enjoyed as well is how the novel was based on true experiences – these could have been real people that lived through the same experiences. The ending was powerful and touching and suited the tone of the story. The Lines Between Us will be a novel that you cannot put down.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Amy Lynn Green is a publicist by day and a novelist on nights and weekends. History has always been one of her passions, and she loves speaking with book clubs, writing groups, and libraries all around the country. Her debut novel, Things We Didn’t Say, was nominated for a 2021 Minnesota Book Award and received a starred review from both Booklist and Library Journal. Amy and her husband make their home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Visit www.amygreenbooks.com to learn more.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review, all opinions expressed are my own.

October 18, 2021

A Warrior’s Heart

In A Warrior’s Heart, her heart longs for peace, but peace won’t keep them safe.

About A Warrior’s Heart

Brielle Durand is still haunted by the massacre that killed her mother a dozen years before. Vowing to never let it happen again, she’s risen to be the key defender for her people’s peace-loving French settlement living in hidden caves in the Canadian Rockies. When a foreigner wanders too near to their secret home, she has no choice but to disarm and capture him. But now, what to do with this man who insists he can be trusted?

Hoping to escape past regrets, Evan MacManus ventured into the unknown, assigned to discover if the northern mountains contain an explosive mineral that might help America win the War of 1812. Despite being taken prisoner, Evan is determined to complete his mission. But when that assignment becomes at odds with his growing appreciation of the villagers and Brielle, does he follow through on his promise to his government or take a risk on where his heart is leading him? Either choice will cause harm to someone.

Brielle and Evan must reconcile the warring in their hearts to have any hope of finding peace for their peoples.

My Thoughts

I fell in love with this powerful and unique plot of a young female warrior who would do anything to protect her family. Even though she has hardened her heart against outsiders, it is an outsider who begins to thaw it again.

Brielle is a strong, young woman who has witnessed more than many others could ever recover from – witnessing the death of her Mother at the hands of the British. She dedicated her life to protecting her people, her family and their way of life. While isolated from the rest of North America, they have a great way of life with a focus on nature, family and education (each member of the community learning at least three different languages!). Brielle takes on the lead role in defending her people and this is how she meets Evan – when she captures him! Talk about a first meeting to remember?!

Evan holds many of his own secrets that he is keeping from Brielle and her people. He is on a secret mission for America, a mission that if he is successful can bring an end to the misery and death that has ravaged the country in their battle for freedom. What he did not expect was to fall for this young woman, her people and their way of life. He is facing a conflict of whether he is loyal to his country or if he follows his heart. Or can he have it both ways?

I loved the plot of this novel, I have not read anything quite like it and could not put the novel down. I loved that Brielle was this fierce warrior who would do anything for her family and her people. And while she is tough and hard on the outside, inside she is quite vulnerable and looking for someone to love her. You can’t help but fall in love with her character, she is the best friend that everyone needs in their corner. Evan has faced his own demons in his past and he too is haunted by them daily. He struggles greatly throughout the novel – torn between country, love and making an ethical decision that is rooted in his own past. They play a game of tug and war in their battle to trust each other but beneath it all, you can see their feelings start to develop for each other and can’t help but root for this unlikely couple. A Warrior’s Heart is a definite must read novel – it does not disappoint.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. Her Southern roots run deep, and she lives in South Carolina with her husband and children. Visit www.mistymbeller.com to learn more.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

October 5, 2021

The Sand Pounder

“The Sand Pounder” is a Young Adult historical fiction set during World War II.

About The Sand Pounder

Fearing an invasion by German and Japanese forces during World War II, the U.S. Coast Guard enlisted horsemen to patrol the beaches along the east and west coasts. The unit was called “The Sand Pounders” and they rode their horses up and down the beaches from 1942 to 1944.

In Tillamook, Oregon, a young equestrian decided to join them. There was only one problem…they were only accepting men. That didn’t slow her down.

“The Sand Pounder” is a Young Adult historical fiction set during World War II.

My Thoughts

I loved every moment of this young adult historical fiction – it has action, courage and hope in the face of the uncertainty, racism and fear in World War II.

After reading this novel, I had to look up the term Sand Pounders. This was a new term to me and I didn’t realize that during World War II, the US Coast Guard launched a beach patrol. This group took over many functions of the Coast Guard as well as keeping an eye out for enemy ships, stopping communication from ships to land and reporting any enemy landings along the coastline of Oregon.

Jane is a young woman whose life has been turned upside down by the war. Her brother has enlisted and heads off to war efforts, she is a first hand witness to her Japanese neighbours being forced out of their home and to an internment camp, all while she herself is living alone. Jane is angry at the treatment of her neighbours, who are good American citizens and whose family name should not be held against them – they are American first, not Japanese. Jane wants to help out the war efforts but as a female she is not left with many options (and she is a very talented young woman). With the Sand Pounders only accepting males, Jane did what she had to do to join the group and to do her part (go Jane!).

I loved this novel and I strongly believe so will many young adults. We learn about a group of individuals that I had no idea existed during World War II and we also touch on some very important topics – racism, the treatment of Japanese Americans and sexism. Jane is the first to defend her fellow Americans – to her they are Americans first, not Japanese. These are good people that have contributed to their community and are facing persecution for their family history despite being contributing members for many years, business owners and friends. Jane is the perfect example that your gender does not impact your ability to succeed. She is just as smart, fast and good at her role as any other male.

This was a special novel that I enjoyed from start to finish – a great read for young adults (both male and female). It encourages you to learn more about the treatment of Japanese Americans, internment camps and even the war efforts at home. I think that this is the most important aspect of any historical fiction – that it empowers you to learn more and question what you do know. This is a definite must read novel for young adults.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 4.5/5

About the Author

Award-Winning, Best-Selling author, M.J. Evans grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and graduated from Oregon State University. She spent five years teaching junior high and high school students before retiring to raise her five children. She is a life-long equestrian and enjoys competing in Dressage and riding in the beautiful Colorado Mountains.

You can connect with the author on their website.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

October 5, 2021

Kissing Under the Mistletoe

From the Scottish highlands, to the bustle and tussle of London, to a hotel on the outskirts of town, three unforgettable authors bring the joy of Christmas romance in Kissing Under the Mistletoe.

About Kissing Under the Mistletoe

Miss Jane Bansil knows she will never have a fairy-tale moment. Well past the marriageable age, she’s taken a position as a companion and is now stuck in Scotland for Christmas, alone even in the middle of the boisterous MacTaggert family. But when Brennan Andrews, an architect and cousin to the MacTaggerts, arrives to draw up plans for a new family home, Jane must decide if she will take a chance at a happily-ever-after, or settle into her small, safe life for good.

Miss Isabelle Reed has no plans to ever fall in love. She has a perfectly acceptable life with her mother at the Dewberry Hollow Inn, thank you very much. But when Gate, the Duke of Notsgrave’s grandson, appears at Dewberry Hollow searching for a carving on a tree, Isabelle cannot help but get involved. But Gate’s charm and their instant attraction makes Isabelle question if she’s willing to take her chance at love once again.

Miss Eva Tiding is determined to cheer her widowed father with the perfect Christmas gift. Even if it means breaking into the home of the rakish Earl of Frostbough who swindled Papa out of his pocket watch. But when the earl, Jack Hardwick, catches her in the act, they strike a deal: she’ll pose as his fiancée in exchange for the watch. Falling in love is not part of the plan—but with a little Christmas magic, anything is possible.

My Thoughts

Kissing Under the Mistletoe is a lovely collection of novellas following three different love stories, the stories are full of love over the holiday season and makes a great addition to your must read fall collection.

In our first novella, we meet Jane who is stuck in the highlands for Christmas. I loved Jane, she is a quiet soul who doesn’t quite appreciate how wonderful she is (she has not had an easy life) and who had been rejected by her own family after aiding her cousin’s elopement (but how can you resist true love?). But when she meets, Brennan (a widow), she finds a kindred soul. You keep rooting for these two as you read each page, they both deserve love after all they have been through and you can tell the two will suit each other so well.

In our second novella, Isabelle has given up on all hopes of love and marriage. She is intend to run the inn with her aging mother. But when she meets Gate (and it is quite the meeting), she cannot resist his charm and the mission that he is on (it melted my heart!).

The final one was by far my favourite, we have two very headstrong characters who both feel that they are right. They come to an agreement that Eva will pose as his fiancée and in return, Jack will return her Papa’s watch. But what they didn’t count on? Their feelings for each other that begin to develop.

I loved this trio of stories, they were light, fun and full of romance. If you are looking for a fun romance to read this fall, this is the book for you.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 4/5

About the Authors

Suzanne Enoch grew up in Southern California, where she still balances her love for the Regency romances of Georgette Heyer and classic romantic comedies with her obsession for anything Star Wars. Given her love of food and comfy chairs, she may in fact be a Hobbit. She has written more than 35 romance novels, including traditional Regencies, Historical Romance, and contemporary Romantic Suspense. When she isn’t working on her next book she is trying to learn to cook, and wishes she had an English accent. She is the bestselling author of The Scandalous Brides series, The Scandalous Highlanders series, and One Hot Scot.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Amelia Grey read her first romance book when she was thirteen and she’s been a devoted reader of love stories ever since. Her awards include the Booksellers Best, Aspen Gold, and the Golden Quill. Writing as Gloria Dale Skinner, she won the coveted Romantic Times Award for Love and Laughter, and the prestigious Maggie Award. Her books have sold to many countries in Europe, Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, and Japan. Several of her books have also been featured in Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Clubs. Amelia is the author of more than twenty-five books, including the Heirs’ Club trilogy and the Rakes of St. James series. She’s been happily married to her high school sweetheart for over thirty-five years and she lives on the beautiful gulf coast of Northwest Florida.

Anna Bennett is the award-winning author of the Debutante Diaries and Wayward Wallflowers series. Her dream of writing romance began during a semester in London, where she fell in love with the city, its history, and its pubs. Now Anna’s living happily-ever-after in Maryland with her family, who try valiantly not to roll their eyes whenever she quotes Jane Austen.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

October 5, 2021

A Reckless Match Book Review

A Reckless Match is the first in a new regency romance series by Kate Bateman about two feuding families, and reunited childhood enemies whose hatred turns to love.

About A Reckless Match

Madeline Montgomery grew up despising––and secretly loving––the roguish Gryffud “Gryff” Davies. Their families have been bitter rivals for hundreds of years, but even if her feelings once crossed the line between love and hate, she’s certain Gryff never felt the same. Now, she’s too busy saving her family from ruin to think about Gryff and the other “devilish” Davies siblings. Since he’s off being scandalous in London, it’s not like she’ll ever see him again.

As the new Earl of Powys, Gryff Davies planned on spending his post-war life enjoying the pleasures of London. But when an illegal duel forces him to retreat to his family’s Welsh castle, he realizes the only exciting thing in the dull countryside will be seeing the fiery Maddie Montgomery. Thoughts of his nemesis sustained Gryff throughout the war; but the girl he loved to tease has grown into a gorgeous, headstrong woman – who loathes him just as much as she ever did. Will secret tunnels, dangerous smugglers, and meddling from their feuding families be enough to make Maddie and Gryff realize that their animosity is really attraction…and maybe even love?

A Reckless Match is the first in a new regency romance series by Kate Bateman about two feuding families, and reunited childhood enemies whose hatred turns to love.

My Thoughts

In A Reckless Match, we have a young man and woman from two feuding families – sworn to hate each other but both whom are very much attracted to each other and trying to hide these feelings.

Madeline will do everything she can to save her family, she is strong, smart and will not give up. I loved her character and her strength and determination. She is not your typical female character from this type period, not feeling any urgency to marry nor to conform to societal norms. She is a beautiful, free spirit that will not let others tell her what to do. That was until she learned of her father’s debt and the impact this could have on her life – now she must make some serious decisions to ensure not only her security but her family as well. Enter what sounds like her childhood crush (also her sworn family enemy) and we have instant chemistry.

Together the duo stumble upon secret tunnels, a smuggling business hidden right under their feet and the start of them both acknowledging their feelings for each other. I loved both the seriousness of the situation and the flirty romance that begins between the pair. You can feel the spark between the two of them and how well they would fit together but will it work? Can they move past their family history? And can they overcome what is happening underneath their lands in order to have some sort of future together? The path that the two of them embark upon is full of ups and downs but it is perfect for their story. I loved every moment of this fun romance.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 4.5/5

About the Author

Kate Bateman, (also writing as K. C. Bateman), is the #1 bestselling author of historical romances, including her RITA® nominated Renaissance romp, The Devil To Pay, the Bow Street Bachelors series This Earl of Mine, To Catch an Earl, and The Princess and the Rogue, along with the novels in the Secrets & Spies series To Steal a Heart, A Raven’s Heart, and A Counterfeit Heart. When not writing novels that feature feisty, intelligent heroines and sexy, snarky heroes you want to both strangle and kiss, Kate works as a fine art appraiser and on-screen antiques expert for several popular TV shows in the UK. She splits her time between Illinois and her native England. Follow her on Twitter to learn more.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.