"River to Redemption," by Ann H. Gabhart

"River to Redemption," by Ann H. Gabhart

Orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833, Adria Starr was cared for by a slave named Louis, a man who passed up the opportunity to escape his bondage and instead tended to the sick and buried the dead. A man who, twelve years later, is being sold by his owners despite his heroic actions.

Now nineteen, Adria has never forgotten what Louis did for her. She's determined to find a way to buy Louis's freedom. But in 1840s Kentucky, she'll need all of the courage and strength she possesses--and more.

I found this book a very slow start, it took me a while to get immersed into it, but once I did I had to keep reading it to find out what happened next.  However what the really remarkable thing about this story is it is based on a true story.  The slave Louis did exist in real life and what he did during the cholera epidemic really happened.  Make sure you read the authors notes at the end.

The fact that Ann weaved this story around the true facts makes the book feel even more life like.  You can't help but love Adria and what she stands for.  The details that Ann adds to her books are what makes her writing so good and her books well worth reading.

Stars out of 5 : 4.5  I really struggled to get fully immersed into this book; otherwise I really enjoyed this story.

"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".

"The Best of Intentions," by Susan Anne Mason

"The Best of Intentions," by Susan Anne Mason

She Swore to Protect Her Nephew at Any Cost. But What if That Price is a Chance at Love?
In the aftermath of WWI, Grace Abernathy is determined to reunite her family, crossing an ocean to convince her widowed sister to return home to England. Yet, in Toronto she discovers more tragedy--her nephew Christian in the custody of his paternal relatives, the formidable Easton family, who rejected Grace's sister because of her low social status.

Unconvinced the Eastons can be fitting caretakers, Grace uses an assumed name to secure the position of Christian's nanny and moves into the Easton estate. There she can observe the family up close, while ensuring Christian's well-being. In the course of her new role, she is shocked to find herself falling in love with Andrew Easton, the boy's guardian. Unfortunately, Andrew is promised to a spoiled socialite who is sure to make a terrible stepmother for Christian. Will Grace be able to protect her nephew . . . and her heart?

This is the first book in Susan's "Canadian Crossing," series and I have to say it was a good start.  The one thing you will say when reading this book is that the title of the book is very appropriate as all along Grace has only the best of intentions with what ever she does.  It may not appear that way all the time, but she has no malice in her heart.

You won't be overly surprised at how the story plays out, but there are a number of twists and turns that keep the story interesting.  It's one of those books where you don't really have to concentrate to keep up with the story. A nice light read is how I like to put it.

What also made it interesting was that the story was set in Toronto, so it felt very familiar.

Stars out of 5 : 4 A good book to pick up and read over a couple of days.  The next book in the Canadian Crossings series will be published in March of 2019.

"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 Lady of Tarpon Springs," by Judith Miller

"The Lady of Tarpon Springs," by Judith Miller

In 1905 Tarpon Springs, Florida, Zanna Krykos values the independence her career as a lawyer gives her from her very traditional Greek family and the pressure they put on her to find a husband. When a friend inherits a sponging business, Zanna finds herself agreeing to run it for her . . . even though she doubts her legal skills make her qualified.

When offered the chance to lead a team of sponge divers to the United States, experienced Greek diver Nico Kalos can't imagine a better opportunity. But his excitement quickly quells when their team arrives only to discover that a young woman with no experience will be their boss. For the sake of his men and the families they support, he can't let the business fail.

But when both the business and the lives of the employees are threatened, can Zanna and Nico set aside their pride and come together to save what matters most?

I have to say this was an interesting book, as I didn't know that there was a sponge business in tarpon Springs.  The detail about that business was something new and I liked how the story intertwined the story of Zanna and Nico with the growing sponging businesses of Tarpon Springs.

There was enough ups and downs in the story for you to be kept interested in it, but the details were what captured my interest.  A bit of light heartiness was added with the Rochester sisters; and I think a book could be written just about them!  Make sure you read the note to reader, at the end of the book; again very interesting.

Stars out of 5 : 4 Easy book to read; not overly complicated and a different subject matter in the sponging business.  Perfect book to keep you entertained over an afternoon or two.

"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".