Once an Heiress by Renee Ryan

Once an Heiress by Renee Ryan was a wonderful historical novel set during the Gilded Age in New York City. This is the third book in the "Gilded Promises" series which was preceded by Journey's End and A Touch of Scarlet.

I love books that have strong, well-developed characters that almost come to life on the written page. Gigi and "Fitz" are two characters that fall into this category. In fact, I almost felt like they stepped off of the page into my life and they are still with me. Well done, Ms. Ryan.

There is a conflict between these two flawed but lovable characters. Gigi feels she is beyond redemption of her past sins, but our God is a God of second chances.

The plot flowed along very nicely and took me right along for the ride. I found myself getting so lost in the story that I lost all track of time. When a book is this good, I hate to finish the last page.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical romance novels. It's a story that follows the theme of the prodigal son. A story of redemption and second chances. A story to be embraced and loved.

On a 5-Star scale = 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author for my copy of Once an Heiress. I voluntarily received an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.


Smiles & Blessings,

The Promise of Breeze Hill by Pam Hillman

The Promise of Breeze Hill is Pam Hillman's first book in her "Natchez Trace" series. Based on this book, I would say her series will be a 'winner' for all who enjoy historical fiction

I fell in love with the characters in this book, the good and the bad. Ms. Hillman breathed life into a cast of characters from plantation owners and indentured servants, to piratous cut-throats and just plain mean folk. She did it well as I rooted for them, yelled at them and wanted to wring some of their necks.

The leading characters are Isabella, plantation owner, and Connor, indentured servant. Sparks fly between these two whenever they appear in a scene together. Connor, oh, my, my, my, what a swoon worthy character. He is definitely one of my favorite hero characters of all time. Right up there with Rhett Butler.

There are several topics that Ms. Hillman tackled within the covers of this book. Pride, commitment, jealousy and greed, just to name a few. Her characters tackled these issues and persevered, offering hope to all.

This was an extremely well-written historical novel with a Christian thread woven throughout. I would highly recommend this wonderful novel.

On a 5-Star scale = 5 HUGE Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author for my copy of The Promise of Breeze Hill. I received it for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Justice Buried by Patricia Bradley

I have learned that if a book has the name Patricia Bradley on it, I can be sure it will be an exciting, fast-paced suspense novel. One that will grab the reader and to let go until the final page. That is the case in Patricia Bradley's newest release, Justice Buried. It is the second novel in her "Memphis Cold Case" series. The first book in the series is Justice Delayed. 

The main characters, Kelsey Allen and Detective Brad Hollister, were extremely well developed complex characters. Kelsey is a museum curator-turned security specialist and Brad is the detective she finds herself "tied" to in trying to solve a couple of murders and thefts at the museum in which Kelsey works. These two have a history, but the question is, will they have a future?

The plot was packed with some twists and turns along with a little romance sprinkled in.  For readers who enjoy a clean, fast paced, suspense novel, this book is highly recommended.

On a 5-Star scale = 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for my copy of Justice Buried. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson

I love Christmas and all that goes with it. One thing I just can't pass up is a Christmas book with Melody Carlson's name on the cover. Ms. Carlson's book this year is The Christmas Blessing and a blessing it was.

The Christmas Blessing is set on the homefront during World War II. It is the story of a young mother, Amelia Richards, and how she journies from San Diego, California to Rockford, Montana in order to introduce her son to his paternal grandparents. I loved the character of Amelia and how the reader was given a chance to know her selfless heart. I wish we could have seen more into the lives of the other characters but since it is a novella there just wasn't enough time to do so. I truly wish Ms. Carlson would lengthen this novella into a full-length novel so we could get to know the characters better.

I can say I cried and smiled throughout the story because the author pulled me in at the start and held me to the end.

I would highly recommend The Christmas Blessing to anyone who enjoys a quick holiday read. I'm sure you'll love it.

On a 5-Star scale = 4 Stars!

I would like to thank Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my copy of The Christmas Blessing. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,