"Under a Summer Sky," by Melody Carlson

"Under a Summer Sky," by Melody Carlson

High school art teacher Nicole Anderson is looking forward to a relaxing summer in Savannah, house-sitting and managing an art gallery for a family friend. The house is luxurious in a way that only old money could make it, and the gallery promises interesting days in a gorgeous setting. Yet it isn't long before her ideal summer turns into more than she bargained for: a snooty gallery employee who's determined to force her out, a displaced adolescent roosting in the attic, and two of her childhood friends--who also happen to be brothers--vying for her attention.

With the backdrop of a gorgeous historical city, incredible architecture, and even an alleged ghost or two, combined with the opportunity for romance . . . anything can happen!

This is the third book in the "Follow Your Heart" series and I thoroughly enjoyed this book and all the characters in it.  One thing this book made me want to do was visit Savannah; the way the author describes Savannah makes the city come alive.  This is one of those books which is perfect to wile away a few hours on the beach.  There are no huge mysteries in it and it moves along at a steady pace.  I have to say one of my favourite characters was Amyra; you'll have to read the book to see who she is...LOL

Stars out of 5 : 4 The description of Savannah and all the architecture made this book come alive for me.  However I don't think this will be a book I will remember in a month or two.  As I said before a perfect beach read and a book I enjoyed while reading it.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"On Love's Gentle Shore," by Liz Johnson

"On Love's Gentle Shore," by Liz Johnson

Natalie O'Ryan had no plans to return to Prince Edward Island. But when her fiancé books their wedding in her hometown and schedules a summer at Rose's Red Door Inn, she sets out to plan the perfect wedding. Yet she can't possibly plan for a run-in with Justin Kane--the best friend she left behind all those years ago after promising to stay.

Justin has never forgotten Natalie. He'd been prepared to follow her off the island until tragedy struck, leaving him to run the family dairy farm. He's done the best he can with the life that was thrust upon him--but with Natalie back in the picture, he begins to realize just how much joy he's been missing.

After Natalie's reception venue falls through, she must scramble to find an alternative, and the only option seems to be a barn on Justin's property. As they work together to get the dilapidated building ready for the party, Natalie and Justin may discover that there is more between them than broken promises and an old friendship.

This is the third book in the "Prince Edward Island Dreams" series and what a lovely book it is.  I loved the way the tension between Natalie and Justin was portrayed, you could feel the static in the air while you were reading the story.  You felt as though you were right in the room with them.

There is no mystery what the out come will be to my mind, but there are mini mysteries entwined in the book that keep things interesting.  This to my mind this is a perfect beach read, as the story is not hard to follow.  It made me want to stay at Rose's Red Door Inn and sample some of Caden's food.

Stars out of 5 : 4, a solid 4 as well as it has a bit of everything in it; romance, mystery, confusion, great location and gorgeous sounding food!!  Great series of books, well worth reading.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"A Name Unknown," by Roseanna M. White

"A Name Unknown," by Roseanna M. White

Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins who helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they are no longer pickpockets--instead they focus on high value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. Rosemary is beginning to question whether she can continue in this life when she's offered the challenge of a lifetime--determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany. After all how does one steal a family's history, their very name?

As Europe moves ever closer to World War I, rumors swirl around Peter Holstein. Awkward and solitary, but with access to the king, many fear his influence. But Peter can't help his German last name and wants to prove his loyalty to the Crown--so he can go back to anonymously writing a series of popular adventure novels. When Rosemary arrives on his doorstep pretending to be a well-credentialed historian, Peter believes she's the right person to help him dig through his family's past.

When danger and suspicion continue to mount, both realize they're in a race against time to discover the truth--about Peter's past and about the undeniable attraction kindling between them.

This is the first book in the "Shadows Over England" series and what a good start to the series.  The background story of the main characters is very interesting and they keep you on your toes.  This book made you think and it's one of those books where you have to pay attention to what is happening to keep up with the story.

I admit to getting a bit lost at first, as something else in going on in a "sub-plot," and without giving it away, it will all make sense.  You must read the authors notes at the end of the book, they are very interesting and she tells you more about the reason for adding things to the story.  I have to say I love the authors imagination and how she put together this story.

Stars out of 5 : 4 1/2  The only reason I didn't give it a 5 was that I did get a bit lost with what was going on at one point, but did get back on course a few pages later.  This book does grab your attention and I am really looking forward to the next one in the series as I am guessing it will be just as interesting.  This is a must read, as you too will wonder how on earth she thought up this story.


"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"The Captain's Daughter," by Jennifer Delamere

"The Captain's Daughter," by Jennifer Delamere

When a series of circumstances beyond her control leaves Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater putting on the most popular show in the city. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage. That is, as long as the shadows from her past don't catch up with her.

After a hand injury forces Nate Moran from his army regiment in India, he returns home to London, a place that holds bitter memories. He agrees to fill in temporarily as a stagehand while his brother recuperates from a broken leg, but Nate is counting down the days until he can rejoin his regiment. His future is decided--until he meets a beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate yearns to leave behind.

This is the first book in the series "London Beginning."  It was okay, which isn't a great thing, I'm sorry.  I found the story a bit lack lustre.  I did learn something about theatre, but otherwise, I thought the story was lacking depth.  Without giving the story away, I did expect more twists and turns in the "mystery" part of the plot.  It was no surprise the outcome.

As there are three sisters, I am assuming the next book would be about one of the other sisters, and as each one has a different occupation, maybe the next book will be more interesting?

Stars out of 5 : 3 This book was a pleasant read over a couple of afternoons.  Ask me in a month or so time what it was about, I probably won'r remember.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"With You Always," by Jody Hedlund

"With You Always," by Jody Hedlund

One of the many immigrants struggling to survive in 1850s New York, Elise Neumann knows she must take action to care for her younger sisters. She finds a glimmer of hope when the New York Children's Aid Society starts sending skilled workers to burgeoning towns out west. But the promise of the society's orphan trains is not all that it seems.

Born into elite New York society, Thornton Quincy possesses everything except the ability to step out from his brother's shadow. When their ailing father puts forth a unique challenge to determine who will inherit his railroad-building empire, Thornton finally sees his chance. The conditions to win? Be the first to build a sustainable community along the Illinois Central Railroad and find a suitable wife.

Thrown together against all odds, Elise and Thornton couldn't be from more different worlds. The spark that ignites between them is undeniable, but how can they let it grow when that means forfeiting everything they've been working toward?

Prior to reading this book I had heard of the Orphan Trains, this book deals with adults (women) being on them as well, which was a twist.  The author's notes sheds light on this aspect of history which is interesting.

This story does have true stories twisted into it along with fiction and it makes for an interesting read.  Add a bit of mystery and it keeps you wanting more.  I did not figure out the "who-dun-it" part of the story until just before it was revealed.

Stars out of 5 : 4   I would be interested in reading more books from this series, when they are released as the author writes:

" Throughout this series I'll be focusing each book on a different aspect of the Orphan Train movement, particularly from the perspectives of women,"

I think there will be a lot to be learned from reading these books in this series.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"The Ebb Tide," by Beverly Lewis

"The Ebb Tide," by Beverly Lewis

Sallie Riehl has dreamed of traveling at least once before settling down to join church, so she is thrilled at an unexpected summer opportunity to nanny in Cape May for a well-to-do family. However, saying even a temporary good-bye to Paradise Township means forgoing baptism another year, as well as leaving behind a would-be beau. Yet the weeks in Cape May soon prove unforgettable as Sallie meets a Mennonite young man whose friendship she quickly begins to cherish. Has she been too hasty with her promises, or will she only find what her heart is longing for back home?

Once upon a time, I loved reading books about Amish and Mennonite people; and read stories with them in none stop.  I then got totally fed up with the same old story lines, so didn't read any for a few years.  I have read many of Beverly Lewis' books over the years, so thought I would give this one a try and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it.

I guess what made this one so different was that although Sallie was Amish, she had hopes and dreams that were not centred around her day to day Amish life.  I don't ever remember reading a book about an Amish woman wanting to travel the world?  Also what made this story so different is was set at the sea side in a real place called Cape May; a place I had never heard of before reading this book.

There was enough detail in this book on various topics away from the Amish culture that it would appeal to a number of people, not just people interested in the Amish.

Stars out of 5 : 4.5 Really enjoyed it.  Enjoyed the authors notes.  Learned something new about various marine life species and the book's lead characters lives were interesting.  Well worth the read.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"The Chapel Car Bride," by Judith Miller

"The Chapel Car Bride," by Judith Miller

After a sheltered life in Pittsburgh, Hope Irvine is ready for a new adventure. When her father takes a position as a preacher in a railroad car converted into a traveling church, she's thrilled at the chance to accompany him. While accommodations in their new chapel car home are tight, Hope couldn't be happier putting her musical skills to good use and ministering to the people of West Virginia alongside her father. But when their chapel car arrives in Finch, West Virginia, they find a coal mining community that has hit hard times and is suspicious of outsiders.

Luke Hughes works for the coal mine when he can, but the struggling company doesn't always offer steady work. When Reverend Irvine and Hope arrive in town, Luke is intrigued by what the reverend can teach him--and by the lovely and kind Hope.

When Hope's desire to bring supplies and Sunday school classes to neighboring counties leads to her traveling with a flirtatious young mine manager, Luke is hard-pressed to suppress his jealousy. But when he begins to suspect the manager's motives are less than charitable, can he prove it without hurting Hope, or worse, putting her in danger?

This was one of those books that touched on a number of subjects, all equally as interesting to me.  I had never heard of Railroad Chapel Cars, so this was something new for me.  If you would like to read more about them, here is a link.  I found the details about the "hill country" people also interesting, and how hard their lives were made you stop and think.

The main story of Hope and Luke was lovely and made good lead characters.  Their hearts were in the right places for doing both God's work and serving others. Add a "villain," and the plot becomes more interesting.

Stars out of 5 : 4.5 I knocked off half a star as I had hoped that Judith would have added some author's notes to the back of the book, about how this book came about?  Overall though, I loved the book, Judith is a great storyteller and this book flowed along seamlessly.  Being a fan of Judith's writing already I knew I would be reading an interesting book.  Really well worth the read.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".