"A Heart Most Certain," by Melissa Jagears

"A Heart Most Certain," by Melissa Jagears

Lydia King knows what it's like to be in need, so she joins the Teaville Moral Society hoping to help the town's poor. But with her father's debts increasing by the day and her mother growing sicker by the week, she wonders how long it will be until she ends up in the poorhouse herself. Her best chance at a financially secure future is to impress the politician courting her, and it certainly doesn't hurt that his mother is the moral society's president. Lydia's first task as a moral society member--to obtain a donation from Nicholas Lowe, the wealthiest man in town--seems easy . . . until the man flat-out refuses.

Despite appearances, Nicholas wants to help others but prefers to do it his own way, keeping his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, though Nicholas has a few surprises up his sleeve. Neither foresees the harrowing complications that will arise from working together, and when town secrets are brought to light, this unlikely pair must decide where their beliefs--and hearts--truly align.

When I think back to when I read this book my first thought about Nicholas is "never judge a book by it's cover."  Also the saying "practice what you preach" comes to mind about the Teaville Moral Society.  For the historical point of view this was very interesting especially what "working women" had to go through in the late 1800's, and how these women's children suffered.

Also it brought to mind another saying, "but by the Grace of God, we could be in that position, about the character Lydia and her mother.  There were other valuable lessons weaved into this book, that we could all use and were a good reminder.

The characters were easy to love and the story easy to follow.  This book is the first book in the "Teaville Moral Society," series.

Stars out of 5 : 4 Good book, plenty to keep you interested and not overly taxing on the brain.  Looking forward to reading her next book in the 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 Artisan's Wife," by Judith Miller

"The Artisan's Wife," by Judith Miller

Ainslee McKay's world is upended when her twin sister secretly elopes and leaves Ainslee alone to move to Weston, West Virginia, to fulfill their obligation at the McKay family's new tile works. While her brother, Ewan, agrees to travel with her and help her learn the ropes, she still intends to sell this business she no longer wants if a buyer can be found.

When the talented Levi Judson arrives to show Ainslee his designs for new tiles, she's impressed at his skill and passion for the business but feels she must keep her true plans for the business a secret from him. And though Levi hopes for a long, successful career at McKay Tile Works, he's hiding his true reason for coming to Weston. Can the growing feelings between them survive if the truth comes to light--or is a future together as untenable as the future of the tile works itself?

This is the third book in the "Refined By Love," series and I have read them all.  They are good as stand alone books as well as reading them in order of the series.  The characters do flow from one book to another and each have a theme and are set in West Virginia.  I enjoyed the historical facts/references to mental institutions and how the author included details of why some people we put into the Asylum.  Many by the way for very petty reasons.

The mystery about Levi, wasn't really a mystery to my mind.  The love story between Ainslee and Levi, was pretty straight forward and the book itself was an easy read.  I am glad I read them all and it is well worth either buying them or borrowing them from the library.

Stars out of 5 : 4 This is one of my shopping list books.  One where I can read this and think of other things at the same time.  It's a good relaxing book to read over a couple of afternoons.  I am personally a fan of Judith Miller's book.

"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".

"A Tapestry of Secrets," by Sarah Loudin Thomas

"A Tapestry of Secrets," by Sarah Loudin Thomas

For decades, Perla Phillips has hidden the truth of a decision that still fills her with guilt. But now, seeing her granddaughter, Ella, struggle in a similar way, she's prepared to finally open the past to her family, no matter the consequences. But when the opportunity is snatched from her in a most unexpected manner, will she have waited too long?

Spanning generations, this moving family drama weaves together the interlocking stories of two women as they navigate relationships, family, faith, and the choices that will shape their lives. Heartwarming and nostalgic, the story explores the courage to share the wounds of the past and celebrates the legacy a family passes from one generation to the next. 

My first thought about this book was " you never know what is around the corner."  This book explains this oh so well, when Perla is taken ill.  Also keeping secrets may at the time seem like a good idea, but it will come back and bite you in the butt later down the line.

This book was a nice read, but I can honestly say I had forgotten I had read it.  I read it at the end of last month and hadn't gotten around to posting a review, so had to really think back to remember what this book was all about. 

I thought Ella was such a strong person with strong convictions, who needed to be around her family to grow.  The bond between her and her grandmother was so special, and one I hope to have with my granddaughters.  

Stars out of 5 : 4 I read it over a couple of days and I enjoyed it, but it's not a book I will remember down the road.  If you like books about family bonding this is one for you.

"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".