Sunday, September 22, 2019

Hi Readers! I know I haven't posted here in a while and that's because I was setting up at new blog! Below is the link to my new blog and I would love for you to check it out!

http://hookmeinabook.home.blog

Thanks for stopping by, Happy Reading :)

Thursday, February 14, 2019

A Return of Devotion by Kristi Ann Hunter


"I think you have forgotten something...
"There's life after forgiveness". 
             



Happy Valentine's Day Readers!
I'm so excited to share with you my first February "Must Read" that is perfect for this special day! Seriously, what else could be better then spending a few minutes of your Valentines day reading a good old fashioned love story... especially when it was written by one of my favorite authors, Kristi Ann Hunter! A Return of Devotion is a historical fiction novel set in the year 1816 and I would recommend it to you if: 
  • You have read the first book and/or novella in the Haven Manor series. 
  • Like to read books by similar authors Carolyn Miller, Camille Elliott and Rosanna M. White. 
  • Like a story with a lot of secrets and a bit of suspense. 
  • Like to watch or read stories set in England during the early 1800s. 
  • Just want to read a great new book! 
Here is the story. 
Daphne Blakemoor has been content living a very secluded life with her friend Jess and the children they had saved. She had a wonderful and talented son, a beautiful home and her best friend to keep her company; however all of that changed the day the Marquis of Chemsford, their new employer, came to the estate to live.  Daphne and the others prepared the house and themselves for the arrival of their new employer; however, nothing would have prepared Daphne for the moment when she actually met him - because he looked just like the man who tried to ruin her best friend's life and instead ruined hers.

William, the Marquis of Chemsford was looking forward to moving into his new estate. He had never been one that was socially active and was very excited about this country home because it was far away from society,  but not so far away that he would not be able to fulfill his duties. He knew from his solicitor that he had a few servants who had been getting the house in order and were expecting his arrival, which is why he was kind of annoyed when the housekeeper answered the door and just stood there staring at him. He's not sure why, but something about his housekeeper, Daphne was intriguing him. One moment she's finding a way to be with him every minute of the day, showing him the oddest things and a moment later, she disappears! She also did not act like a typical housekeeper, but he figured that was because she was not used to having other people in the house. After several interactions with Daphne, he is convinced that she is hiding something, but what would his new housekeeper have to hide?

Daphne was so sure that her past would not find her at Haven Manor ; however, now that it has, she is not sure what she's going to do... all she knows is that no matter what, William cannot see Benedict... 




What did I think?
So, I've been looking forward to this book for a while and that being said, I'm always worried that the hype about a book will never match up to the actual story; however I was not disappointed with this book! A Return to Devotion is the second book in the Haven Manor series and although it could be read as a stand alone, I think you would enjoy the story more if you read Kit's story first. I really liked the message of forgiveness and love that is intertwined throughout the entire book and I loved the interactions between Daphne and William, especially when he accepted her as she was and did not fault her for her past mistakes. This book is by far my favorite in the series and I cannot wait until the next book comes out! (especially since it's about my favorite character Jess!) Overall I rate this book, 5 out of 5 stars and definitely think that it should be on every readers "must read" list!



Hey Readers, if you want to check out this book, Kit's story or the novella that started the series, here is the link! https://www.kristiannhunter.com/




And if you are interested in checking series out, you can read/download her the first novella in the Haven Manor series for FREE! Just click on the link for more info. https://www.kristiannhunter.com/BookPage/ASFR








Just wanted to say thanks to Mrs. Kristi Ann Hunter and Bethany House publishers for allowing me to read and review this book in exchange for a free copy. All opinions and views are my own and I was not given the book for a favorable review, just an honest one! 





Monday, January 14, 2019

The Lieutenant's Bargain by Regina Jennings.


"She was supposed to be gaining her independence... but God had a different plan."







Hi Readers!
Happy New Year! Can you believe that it is already 2019?!? I'm so excited to tell you guys about my first "Must Read" for 2019, The Lieutenant's Bargain by Regina Jennings! The Lieutenant's Bargain is a Historical Fiction set in the year 1885 and I would recommend it if you:

  • Have read any of Regina Jennings books, especially the Fort Reno Series since this is the second in the series. 
  • Like to read books by similar authors Mary Connealy and Amanda Cabot.
  • Like to read books that are heartwarming and funny.
  • Just want to read an amazing new story! 

Here's the story,
Lieutenant Jack Hennessey has been in love with Hattie Walker ever since he can remember; however  it's been years since he last saw her and since he's now stationed at Fort Reno in Oklahoma and she's in Van Buren, Arkansas it seems unlikely that he will ever see her again.  However, God had a different plan in mind. When Jack goes to retrieve the lone survivor in a stagecoach robbery, he is shocked to discover that it was Hattie! Since she did not seem to recognize him and thought that the Indians that saved her, held her captive, Jack "arranges" a ceremony to have the "prisoner" released to his custody; however, the Indians thought that he wanted a different type of ceremony and arranged.... a wedding. 

Hattie Walker is tired, cold and hungry. All she wanted was to go to Denver where she could practice her painting get into an exhibition and show her parents that she did not need to marry anyone because she had her career - well, at least she did until the robbery. She knows that she's blessed to be alive, but fears what the horrid Indians are going to do to her. Thankfully, shortly after she was captured, a handsome officer came to rescue her. She didn't realize who her rescuer was until after the prisoner transfer was complete and she heard the Indian Chief say his name - Jack Hennessey, her childhood acquaintance. She is shocked by how different he looks now that he is older, because he was such a bookworm when they were children. Thankful for Jack's help and ready to be on her way, Hattie is both shocked and furious when Jack informs her that there's been a slight misunderstanding and she cannot leave because they're married and it would be an insult to the Indians if she leaves. Slight Misunderstanding?!?!  How can you misunderstand that you are getting married?!? Anyway, because of the misunderstanding and because they are legally married, Hattie is forced to remain on the Fort until Jack can be transferred to avoid insulting the Indians and ruining all of Jack's and the other soldiers hard work. Then to make matters worse, Hattie sees one of the other passengers from the stagecoach robbery, whom everyone thought was dead and it appears that he was in league with the robber. As the only witness to the robbery, Hattie is now a loose end... one that the robber is determined to tie up. Will Jack be able to protect Hattie from people out to get her? Marrying Hattie was always Jack's dream,  but will Hattie ever fall in love with him, or will she resent him forever for killing her dream?


What did I think?
I absolutely loved reading this book! As I mentioned before, this is the 2nd book in the series and I cannot decide if I loved it as much as the first book or if I loved this one more :). The story is filled with humor, romance and even a bit of suspense (especially at the end) and I love that the characters are written in such as way that you find yourself cheering for Jack at the same time as being sympathetic towards Hattie's dilemma. I loved that even though Jack had thought that a relationship with Hattie was something that would never happen, he still prayed for her everyday and asked God to bless her. Both of the characters faith was another awesome plus for me. Overall, although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a awesome story. I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars and wish I could give it more. 


Hey Readers, if you want some behind the scenes info about this book or Mrs Jennings other books, here is the link! 



Just wanted to say thanks to Mrs. Regina Jennings and Bethany House publishers for allowing me to read and review this book in exchange for a free copy. All opinions and views are my own and I was not given the book for a favorable review, just an honest one!