Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham

Sense and Suitability, like all books by Pepper Basham, is full of wit and humor. I loved the setting of a Regency English countryside. Throw in a misguided Viscount with a crumbling inheritance, family problems and the need for a wealthy wife and you have the makings of a great story. Along comes Emmeline a country gentleman's daughter with little wealth, grand ideas and a scandolous secret to create havoc in the Viscounts already turbulant world. Just for fun add a villianess debutant, a friend with advice, a demanding aunt and the village vicar for a well written delightful story.

I highly recommend Pepper Basham's Sense and Suitability! So brew up a poot of tea, grab some biscuits and curl up for a delightful afternoon of pleasurable reading.

I was given a copy of Sense and Suitability with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

In this clean Regency romance, a woman with a scandalous past (and an even more scandalous secret) swears off love--until the man who broke her heart needs her help. What could possibly go wrong? Perfect for fans of Tessa Dare and Eloisa James looking for a low-spice, witty Regency romance, "Sense and Suitability is a sweet, second-chance Regency romance with an Austenesque flair." (USA TODAY bestselling author, Mimi Matthews)

After two failed social seasons, her family may think the third time will be a charm, but Emmeline Lockhart just wants to survive with her dignity (and singleness) intact. She thought she'd found her perfect match in Simon Reeves--charming, handsome, a veritable hero from a novel--until he vanished from her life without so much as a "farewell" or "my deepest regrets" (or even a vague apology scribbled on the back of a calling card). Lesson learned: never fall for a man known for his charm.

Fortunately, and unlike many of the other eligible young ladies of the ton, Emmeline has no need for a husband--because she's already found success in her scandalous (and very anonymous) profession as an author. Why bother with matrimony when she can make her own fortune and write men exactly the way she wants them?

But fate--or the misfortune of Simon's reckless patriarchs--has other plans. Simon's once-proud estate is in shambles, his family fortune has been gambled away, and the younger impressionable siblings in his care are running wild across his estate (and possibly across all of England). Simon is in desperate need of a wealthy, prestigious bride . . . and a friend.

Emmeline may not fit the role of heiress, but she can certainly be a friend. Just a friend. She'll help him find a suitable match, ensure his reputation remains intact, and keep things strictly platonic--no matter how dangerously appealing his new-and-improved sincerity and regret may be.

There's just one small problem: the undeniable chemistry that still smolders between them. Can Emme play matchmaker for the man she's still in love with without losing her heart all over again? And is it possible that some love stories--especially the messy, inconvenient, impossible ones--are worthy of a rewrite?

Filled with lively banter, adorable children, a frog named Blast, and swoony kisses, Sense and Suitability is the sweet Regency romance you've been looking for. Basham brings her signature humor to the Regency era where social strictures keep the tension tight in this second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance

About the author:

Pepper Basham is a best-selling author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her twentieth book, The Cairo Curse, came out in February. Next up is Positively, Penelope, the sequel to her bestselling novel, Authentically, Izzy. She loves connecting with readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook & Instagram.

You can learn more about Pepper and her books on her website at www.pepperdbasham.com

James: Book One in The Servant Siblings by Jenifer Jennings

 

I had never heard of Jenifer Jennings when I discovered the book James on Amazon. It is the first book in the Servant Siblings Series which is a fictional telling of the lives of Jesus siblings immediatly before and right after the Crucifiction. Jame is Jesus' half sibling, the next in line according to age. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders as he tries to lead the family after Joseph dies and Mary follows Jesus in His earthly ministry. He is resentful and does not believe that Jesus is anything more than a charleton. 

This was a good story of what it may have been like to be Jesus, half brother. Would you believe the tales of your brother being conceived by god? His performing miracles, raising people from the dead while also stirring up the religeous leaders? Join James as he leads his siblings to Jerusalem to observe the Holy days.

So grab your favorite beverage and settle in for a good read.

All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

Amidst betrayal and resurrection rumors, James must decide where his loyalties truly lie.

James ben Joseph wrestles with the pain of his older brother’s death. He never believed Jesus was a rebel, but his brother’s radical teachings drew dangerous attention from the Pharisees.

Traveling to Jerusalem for Passover, James hoped to convince Jesus to abandon his reckless ideas and come home. Betrayal and conflict led to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion, and to protect his family, James turned his back on his brother.

As rumors spread that Jesus has risen from the dead, James’ sorrow mixes with fear of persecution. Determined to protect his family from further chaos, he sets out to uncover who is spreading these dangerous claims. As the truth unfolds, James faces a decision that could change his and his siblings’ lives forever.

Step into the world of first-century Jerusalem and follow James on his journey of faith in James, Book 1 of the Servant Siblings series.

About the author:

Jenifer Jennings writes Historical novels that immerse readers in ancient worlds filled with Biblical characters and faith-building stories. Coming to faith in Jesus at seventeen, she spends her days falling in love with her Savior through the study of His Word. Jenifer has a Bachelor’s in Women’s Ministry and graduated with distinction while earning her Master’s in Biblical Languages. When she’s not working on her latest book, Jenifer can be found on a date with her hardworking husband or mothering their two children. Discover your next favorite book at: jeniferjennings.com.

What’s your most talked about book?

James (Servant Siblings Book 1)James (Servant Siblings Book 1)

by Jenifer Jenningsby Jenifer Jennings

"Ever wanted to know what Jesus was like from the perspective of those who were the closest to Him?

A message from Jenifer Jennings:

 Dear Reader,

I'd like to take a moment to introduce this fictionalized family of Jesus before you dive into their stories. There are some things you might encounter in this series that don't perfectly align with traditional viewpoints. First, remember you discovered this book in the fiction section. The story's primary duty, as with all fiction, is to entertain. While doing so, my writing attempts to shed light on Scriptural truths and show God's work in our lives in the context of history and ancient culture, but these do not make it Canon. Second, remember that simply because one sect of Christianity holds a certain viewpoint, doesn't make it the only correct one. There are many traditions of all sects that are based on human interpretation and bias that don't find solid footing in Scripture. I am not speaking of doctrinal theology clearly laid out in God's Word, but those viewpoints and practices unique to sects that are merely traditions. It is often a delicate task for a Biblical Historical Fiction novelist to separate modern views from historical facts, ancient culture, and Biblical truth. I'd like to offer a few considerations based on research that might rub against modern views in this series.

One of those viewpoints is that Joseph and Jesus were carpenters. Some of us have vivid memories of sermons and dramas depicting Jesus working exclusively with wood. While not completely outside the realm of possibilities, the truth of their profession may more accurately align with what we would call a "handyman." The Greek word tektón appears only twice in the New Testament and encompasses a more general career of "craftsman." One Biblical reference is to Joseph (Matthew 13:55) and one about Jesus (Mark 6:3). Both of these references are found in the story of Jesus' denial in Nazareth. Both also speak of his familial relationship with his mother Mary, his four named brothers, and "all of his sisters." These people became the primary focus of this series. This word was later translated as "carpenter" by people who had a plethora of fantastic wood available and who used wood in prominent ways in their time. The fact is that during Jesus' days in Nazareth, wood was scarce and what was available would not have made suitable building materials outside of shelves, doors, or tables. Almost everything else was made of stone. As the Jewish population was reaching the heights of its legalism, stone became the most prominent building material. They preferred stone to wood because wood absorbed impurities while stone did not. There have also been archaeological discoveries that reveal a stone quarry near Nazareth, which contained a workshop where stone items were produced on-site. A city called Sepphoris was also within walking distance of Nazareth and was undergoing mass stone building projects during the years of Jesus. These seem to point to a culture more focused on stonework over wood. Does that mean Jesus never worked with wood? Absolutely not. But these discoveries paint a picture in which Joseph, seeking to care for a family of at least nine people, might have focused his skills more on stone and taught his sons to do the same. This family might have had expanded skills in building design, woodwork, masonry, and more.

The second viewpoint is a much more delicate and highly debated one. Though I have no room here (or desire) to debate centuries' worth of viewpoints and traditions, I would like to address one person who might step into a different light in this series. While imagining the family surrounding Jesus, I had to come to decisions about his mother, Mary. Studying under Protestant teachings, I know views on Mary as I understand them significantly differ from those of other Christian sects. My goal in developing Mary as a character was not to paint in her light of a certain sect, but to show her as real as possible. Being human, she might have made choices that do not line up with certain modern viewpoints. I kept asking myself, "If she honestly believed her son was Messiah, what would she do in this situation?" Answering those questions in my imagination resulted in situations in these stories that might clash with certain modern viewpoints. That creative choice formed conflicts in this fictionalized world; another goal of writers. Though even those find resolutions as the series progresses. Characters in stories must grow, so they must start with a need for growth. This extended into Jesus' relationship with the people listed in the two passages about his denial in Nazareth. The view of the exact relationship is also a highly debated topic that will not find space to flush out here. I portrayed the simplest explanation that fit within the culture; they were his half-siblings, children of Mary and Joseph after their consummated marriage.

One glaring fact remains; we know very little about Jesus' family. We can make a few educated guesses considering culture and archeology and tie them to the casual mentions in Scripture. These foundations are what I built my fictional story upon; not modern traditions. My prayer is that these stories will help you see Jesus in the context of family and culture. The primary goal was not to paint a picture of perfection but one of reality and historical context. Let's take Bible people off their pedestals and put them in the dirt beside us. They were real, like us. They struggled, like us. And, like us, they encountered God and His Messiah who changed their lives.

~Jenifer Jennings

The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury

 

Karen Kingsbury's The Christmas Ring is a sweet, clean, fast read. I enjoyed the story, the setting and the characters. It was a cool, windy day. I fixed a cup of tea and settled in to read, 3 cups of tea later the book was done. So if you have the time settle in with a book filled with love and a miracle or two.

I was given a copy of The Christmas Ring with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

See the movie in theaters beginning November 6--staring Kelsey Grammer, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Jana Kramer, and Jessie James Decker!

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

While searching for her family's long-lost heirloom ring, military widow Vanessa Mayfield meets handsome antique dealer Ben Miller. The two are drawn to each other and forge a friendship that soon becomes a deep and breathtaking romance. But neither are sure that what they've found can last.

As Vanessa organizes her annual Columbus Cares Christmas Military Dance, she looks forward to her daughter's return from college. But Vanessa hasn't told Sadie about Ben. After all, Vanessa hadn't anticipated finding love again after losing her husband. And now she wrestles with feelings that are becoming hard to ignore.

Just as Ben is about to declare his love for Vanessa, he learns more about her missing Christmas ring: her great grandfather found it in France on D-Day, and engraved on the band is a single meaningful word. The details confirm a terrible truth, one that Ben cannot ignore.

Certain he now knows where Vanessa's ring is, Ben leaves town in a frantic rush. But can he stop a certain sale, or will Vanessa's ring be lost forever? Days before Christmas, when all seems hopeless, Ben and Vanessa learn an important eternal truth: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

About the author:

Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing sometime in the next year. Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University. In 2001 she and her husband, Don, adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty-nesters, living in Tennessee near five of their adult children.