A Spy's Devotion by Melanie Dickerson

Melanie Dickerson is branching out! I  have read and loved her Medieval Fairytale remakes, and now she is showing her versatility by writing a Regency Romance. Julia Grey is a nearly penniless orphan depending on the charity of her uncle. Nicholas Langdon is a second son serving in the military. Both of them need to marry for money. I really enjoyed getting to know both of them in the pages of a Spy's Devotion. They are truly good and decent characters and I found myself cheering them on through all manner of adventures. True to her craft, Dickerson has written a very entertaining tale.  I hope that she continues to write Regency novels as well as the Medievals I have come to love.

I was given this book by Netgalley for review purposes but all opinions are my own.

The First Hostage by Joel Rosenberg

 

Wow! I just finished reading First Hostage by Joel Rosenberg and I find my self checking the news sites to see if it really happened. Joel writes a very realistic book which seems as though it could come straight from today's headlines. The novel is fast paced and I did not want to put it down.  The character's are well developed and I was truly concerned for their welfare. This is a novel dealing with terrorism and therefore is quite brutal in places.i enjoyed the romance that carried through from The Third Hostage, the first J. B. Collins book. From the ending I believe there will be a third book, as several loose ends remain. :)

I was given this book by Netgalley.com for review purposes with no expectation of a positive review. All thought expressed here are entirely my own.

The Preacher's Lady by Lori Copeland

The Preacher's Lady by Lori Copeland is perfect reading for a snowy weekend. Elly and Bo promised to be soul mates forever, then Bo decided he needed to see the world. Seven years go by and Elly has almost decided to marry Gideon when Bo comes home. Now Elly must decide if she can forgive Bo., not only for his seven year absence, but even more devastating, he did the one thing she asked him not to do, he became a preacher!
The Preacher's Lady is a well written novel with endearing characters. The storyline, while somewhat predictable, is enjoyable and well thought out. Ms. Copland handles the theme of forgiveness quite well.
 I was given this novel by netgalley.com for review purposes. I have not been compensated, nor was i required to write a favorable review. All thoughts are my own.

With This Ring: a Novella Collection

I do not usually read novellas, but I cold not pass up this collection. I love all four of these authors and will read just about anything they write. Karen Witemeyer's The Husband Maneuver offers the entertaining story of a young woman who is in love with her father's ranch foreman. She secretly reads pulp fiction about his former life as a bounty hunter. Witemeyer does a good job of mixing the pulp fiction and the 'courtship' of Dangerous Dan and Etta. I found myself wanting to shout 'Just kiss the girl'.
Regina Jennings created a cute couple who do everything but admit their affection for one another in 'Her Dearly Unintended'. It is a fine line they walk with Josiah being forced to spend the night, unchaperoned with Katie Ellen. Add a flood and a vagrant, and you can imagine the sparks.
'The Runaway Bride' by Mary Connealy deals with a young woman, whose father has offered her as payment for his gambling debts. G-d rescues her by dumping Carrie into the waiting arms of confirmed bachelor and Texas Ranger, John Conroy.
Charli Andrews bested Harrison at a shooting match when they were 12. He has never forgiven her. Now Charli needs a husband, can Harrison find it in his heart to admit that he still loves her?
I was given this book by Netgalley for review purposes. All opinions are entirely my own.

The Thorn Keeper by Pepper Basham

          If you love romance, you will definitely want to read Pepper Basham's books. The Thorn Keeper is Catherine and David's story and takes place right after The Thorn Bearer, Ashleigh and Sam's story. World War one is raging , Ashleigh and Sam have returned to the United States. Catherine has been completely transformed by G-d's redeeming grace, but still must face the consequences of her actions. She bears the humiliation of being a 'fallen' woman with grace. She throws herself into helping Dr. David Ross set up a hospital for the wounded soldiers.
           I love Pepper's characters! David, Catherine and all of the others seem to live and breathe! I find myself wishing for a way to time travel so that I could go visit. The town is charming, but as with all places there is a serpent in the garden. David's  Aunt Maureen, town matriarch and avowed enemy of Catherine's family, is determined to ruin Catherine and anyone who does not meet her standards.
           There are definitely some swoon-worthy scenes, and the kisses! Be still my heart. :) So brew a pot of tea and settle in to visit another time and place. I can't wait to return to Edensbury in book three!
             I was given this book by the author, but all opinions are entirely my own.