by Crystal Caudill | Jan 4, 2024 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
It’s time for another month of the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge: Unlock an Adventure. I’m so excited to join you on an adventure this year with guest reviews from our reading challenge participants. If you want to submit a review for upcoming months, feel free to sign up for a month here and use the Google form to submit your review. As my time has become too limited to do a suggestions post each month, I encourage you to jump over to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page and ask for suggestions from there or from any of a number of amazing reader groups like Avid Readers of Christian Fiction or check out the Inspirational Historical Fiction Index.
*The list of prizes available from my prize shelf can be found here.*
December’s Theme: Christmas
January Verse: A time to be born and a time to die.
Challenge Theme: A book with a Baby or End of Life character
Christmas at Whitefriars
by Elizabeth Camden
Review by: Crystal Caudill
I’ve long been a fan of Elizabeth Camden, and I’m slowly working my way through her backlist. This story is a lot of fun, taking place in a castle in England at Christmas. The heroine, Mary, is agoraphobic–meaning she has a fear of leaving her safe little castle, while the hero is a businessman who has a partnership with Whitefriar Castle to license their image for their food products. The interaction between the two is sweet, and one I’m ready to reread again. But can love and marriage happen when the hero, Everett, has to live in New York for his business and Mary can’t even leave her English castle? You’ll have to see how they overcome this obstacle because it’s not what you expect, and I cheered the whole time.
Genre: Historical Romance, 1912, England
Plot Overview:
Mary Beckwith lives in a magnificent English castle during the twilight years of the gilded age. With the help of an American millionaire, she has succeeded in renovating her beloved Whitefriars castle into a splendid estate just in time for Christmas.
From across the ocean, millionaire Everett Wooten has spent a fortune propping up Whitefriars to add modern conveniences and rebuild crumbling old walls. Even though he’s never met Mary, they have enjoyed a lively business correspondence over the nine years they have been working toward a renovation. Now he has finally come to see Mary and the castle in person, but nothing is as he was led to believe.
Mary and Everett try to find a way forward, but red-blooded American entrepreneurship doesn’t always mingle with blue-blooded English tradition. Can a Manhattan business tycoon and an English lady come to an accord, or will their joint venture in Whitefriars result in heartbreak for them both?
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on the 7th of each month at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced don’t the Rafflecopter widget. (This month is being extended to the 12th, due to my lateness in getting it out.
*Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Recommendations for January:
- The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold (End of Life)
- Something I Haven’t Told You by Pearl Ada Pridham (Baby)
- Where the Blue Sky Begins by Katie Powner (End of Life)
- Chasing Christmas by Teri Blackstock (End of Life)
- This is Where it Ends by Cindy Sproles (End of Life)
- Fragile Designs by Colleen Coble (Baby)
- Because of the Rain by Deborah Raney (Baby – but tough read)
- The Noble Guardian, Michelle Griep (Baby)
- In Harm’s Way by Irene Hannon (Baby)
- Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico by Lena Nelson Dooley (Baby)
What did you read for the challenge? What were your thoughts on it? Would you recommend it?
by Crystal Caudill | Jan 2, 2024 | Book Reviews
Silver Dollar Duke
by Sally Britton
Review:
I’ve long been a fan of Sally Britton’s British-set novels, but it was a fun twist to bring a piece of Britain to the Wild West of the Arizona territory at the end of the 19th century. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a fantastic job.
It was fun to watch this second-born son find his footing in the Wild West, learning that novels and reality didn’t always go together. Evan’s determination, heart, and gentlemanly ways won me over quickly. Dannie is a strong yet heartbroken woman who knows what it takes to make a life out of desert living. As a woman who has been left behind too often by the people she loves, knowing that Evan will be leaving means he’s not an option for her future. But her heart disagrees, no matter how much she fights it. Evan is honorable, and though he’s falling for Dannie, he wants to do the right thing by her. His duties will call him back to England and away from this life–and the woman–he’s quickly fallen in love with.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the stronger, yet not-overdone, faith element. The push-pull of the romance was enjoyable, and I loved getting to see ranch life from the perspective of a man who had a heart to prove himself with no idea of what he’s doing.
I recommend this story to those who love Westerns, British characters, fish-out-of-water stories, and romances that are sweet.
Genre: Western
Plot:
The last thing Dannie needs is a Victorian gentleman on her ranch, playing cowboy while she’s trying to save her family’s livelihood. Will high stakes and high emotions lead to heartbreak?
Evan Rounsevell, second son to the Marquess of Rothwell, is running as far from his family and responsibilities as he can. His fascination with cowboys takes him from English shores to the Arizona desert, but the days of showdowns are over, and Tombstone, Arizona, is a respectable town. With no funds left, and no desire to call on his affluent family for rescue, Evan seeks a position as a cowboy at a ranch on its last leg.
Daniella Bolton’s fiancé left when the drought of 1893 crippled the KB ranch, but that’s just fine by her. She doesn’t need a man to help her save her family’s land. Especially not an Englishman who looks down on her style of living, like Evan does. She loves her life on the ranch, and no outsider could ever understand what it means to be loyal to the land and her family’s way of life.
Being a cowboy is harder than Evan thought, but as he works to earn his place on the ranch, his heart opens up to the beauty of the desert… as well as that of Dannie Bolton. Watching Evan fight for the ranch she loves makes Dannie realize that not all men are afraid of hard work and troubled times, and loving Evan might be just the salve her wounded heart needs. But when Evan’s family summons him home right when Dannie needs him most, the feelings of betrayal from her former fiancé’s flight return tenfold.
Does Evan dare risk his tenuous relationship with Dannie to fulfill his family responsibilities? Or will leaving Arizona be the worst mistake of his life?
Author Website: https://www.authorsallybritton.com/
Purchase Link: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
What is the most recent book you’ve read? What did you like about it? Who would you recommend it to?
by Crystal Caudill | Dec 5, 2023 | Book Reviews
A Duchess for the Duke
by Sally Britton
Review:
This fun novella was a great kick-off to a series I look forward to reading. This marriage of convenience story-line is flirty, fun, and light-hearted. I love how the heroine, Cecilia is intelligent and not afraid to be straightforward. Though thrown into the role of being a duchess quite unexpectedly, she rises to the occasion and works hard to prove herself. She’s admirable, and I enjoyed watching her and Gregory learn to love and support each other.
I recommend this story for fans of Regency Romance, marriages of convenience, sweet romances, and those who like seeing some of the day-to-day life as a Duke or Dutchess.
Genre: Regency
Plot:
A young duke finds a practical duchess, neither of them suspecting that their match will lead to a legacy of love.
Gregory Dinard, a young and inexperienced duke, finds himself in need of a companion to help him navigate the intricacies of his new role. Uncertain of his abilities and unwilling to take a chance at love, he looks for a marriage of mutual benefit rather than a match of mutual affection.
A woman of grace and intelligence, Lady Cecilia never expects to catch a duke’s eye. Despite her surprise, she agrees to the arrangement when the duke proposes an alliance with her, knowing it would allow her the freedom and opportunity to explore her love of architecture.
As they embark on their new life together, Gregory discovers both an affection for and an undeniable attraction to his wife that he cannot ignore. But can a practical marriage become something more, or will he face a future of unrequited love for his duchess?
This is the prequel novella to the Clairvoir Castle Romances series, and can be enjoyed as a standalone, but will be most satisfying to those who have met the duke and duchess before.
Author Website: https://www.authorsallybritton.com/
Purchase Link: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
What is the most recent book you’ve read? What did you like about it? Who would you recommend it to?
by Crystal Caudill | Dec 1, 2023 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
It’s time for another month of the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge: Unlock an Adventure. I’m so excited to join you on an adventure this year with guest reviews from our reading challenge participants. If you want to submit a review for upcoming months, feel free to sign up for a month here and use the Google form to submit your review. As my time has become too limited to do a suggestions post each month, I encourage you to jump over to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page and ask for suggestions from there or from any of a number of amazing reader groups like Avid Readers of Christian Fiction or check out the Inspirational Historical Fiction Index.
*The list of prizes available from my prize shelf can be found here.*
November’s Theme: Archeologist or Paleontologist
December’s Theme: Christmas
Refuge for the Archaeologist
by Danielle Graninetti
I so wanted to be done with the book in time to write my own review. Alas, my life had allowed little time for reading, and I’m only halfway through (and definitely enjoying it). As a kindness to myself and y’all so I could get this post up, I’ve reached out to a fellow reviewer to ask if I could use their review of the book. Connie graciously said yes. 🙂 So without further ado, November’s Reading Challenge Review:
Review by: Connie Saunders – You can follow her on her Older & Smarter? Blog at https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/ or follow her on Instagram.
History, mystery, and romance! An introduction to intriguing new characters and a reunion with some that we’ve already met! Author Danielle Grandinetti invites us back to Crow’s Nest, Wisconsin and I’m so happy to return! The characters are appealing, the suspense kept me fully engaged, and there was also an inspiring faith element woven into the plot. What more could I ask for? How about an unlikely romance between a female archaeologist and a devoted son and uncle who longs to return to his work on a Western ranch? Is it possible for Cora and Silas to give up their dreams and settle instead for a future in Crow’s Nest…together??
Refuge for the Archaeologist is a great addition to the Harbored in Crow’s Nest series. It’s the second book of the series but don’t worry if you haven’t read the first. Grandinetti shares background tidbits to help you understand what’s occurred previously! I recommend this book to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
For Fans of:
Genre: Historical Romance, Depression Era
Plot Overview:
Lies, greed, and lost dreams chase an out-of-work archaeologist and an out-of-place cowboy. Visit small-town Wisconsin in this Depression-era amnesia romance.
Will uncovering the truth set them free or destroy what they hold most dear?
Wisconsin, 1930—With her health in shambles and her archaeological career on the line, Cora Davis retreats to Crow’s Nest and the home of her great aunt to heal. She doesn’t think much of the missing memories from between the earthquake that caused her dizzy spells and her trip home. Until she begins remembering the danger that sent her fleeing her last dig and the person responsible.
After a decade as a ranch hand, Silas Ward returned to Crow’s Nest to provide for the women in his life. That same protective instinct propels him to Cora’s aid. But when finances dwindle, the lies and greed of others threaten to ruin his family. Unless Silas can walk the thin line of compromise. A choice that might cost him Cora’s affection.
As winter’s chill threatens, will Crow’s Nest prove a refuge, or will both Cora and Silas have no choice but to sacrifice their chance at happiness to save those they love?
Welcome to Crow’s Nest, where danger and romance meet at the water’s edge.
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Author’s Shop | Barnes & Noble
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on the 7th of each month at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced don’t the Rafflecopter widget.
*Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Recommendations for December:
- We Three Kings: A Romance Christmas Collection by Crystal Caudill, Cara Putman, and Angela Ruth Strong
- A Louisana Christmas to Remember by Morgan Tarpley Smith, Betsy St. Amant, and Lenora Worth
- Chiseled on the Heart by Elaine Marie Cooper, Cynthia Roemer, Candace West, and Kelly J. Goshorn
What did you read for the challenge? What were your thoughts on it? Would you recommend it?
by Crystal Caudill | Nov 14, 2023 | Book Reviews
The Lady of Bolton Hill
by Elizabeth Camden
Review:
I haven’t read all of Elizabeth Camden’s books yet, but so far, I have to say this one is my favorite. While the hero is a difficult man to love, the profoundness of the spiritual arc, not just for him but for other key characters, just totally blew away. The prologue was a must-read if you are to make it through the rest of the book and understand how Clara and Daniel could like each other, so don’t skip it. It’s a story of how vengeance destroys and kills and how forgiveness heals–but it’s so much more than that. One of the most impactful and complicated characters was Bane–a villain of all people.
The historical details of this story are immaculate, as always. I felt right there in the story while also learning so much. The romance was a true struggle of loving someone who wasn’t who they once were and yet fighting for them because you know who they can be. The familial relationships are complicated, broken, and realistic. There are just so many layers to this story that I know I will find new things when I read it again.
Recommended for fans of Historical romance, friends to more, redemption stories, antiheroes who grow into true heroes, and women in unusual professions (reporter during the 1880s).
Genre: Historical Romance, Gilded Age
Plot:
Female journalists are rare in 1879, but American born Clara Endicott has finally made a name for herself with her provocative articles championing London’s poor. When the backlash from her work forces a return home to Baltimore, Clara finds herself face to face with a childhood sweetheart who is no longer the impoverished factory worker she once knew. In her absence, Daniel Tremain has become a powerful industry giant and Clara finds him as enigmatic as ever. However, Daniel’s success is fueled by resentment from past wounds and Clara’s deeply held beliefs about God’s grace force Daniel to confront his own motives. When Clara’s very life is endangered by one of Daniel’s adversaries, they must face a reckoning neither of them ever could have foreseen.
Author Website: https://elizabethcamden.com/
Purchase Link: Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | GoodReads
What is the most recent book you’ve read? What did you like about it? Who would you recommend it to?
by Crystal Caudill | Oct 31, 2023 | Book Reviews, Reading Challenge
It’s time for another month of the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge: Unlock an Adventure. I’m so excited to join you on an adventure this year with guest reviews from our reading challenge participants. If you want to submit a review for upcoming months, feel free to sign up for a month here and use the Google form to submit your review. As my time has become too limited to do a suggestions post each month, I encourage you to jump over to the Unlocking the Past Reading Challenge page and ask for suggestions from there or from any of a number of amazing reader groups like Avid Readers of Christian Fiction or check out the Inspirational Historical Fiction Index.
*The list of prizes available from my prize shelf can be found here.*
October’s Theme: Medieval Setting
November’s Theme: Archeologist or Paelontologist
Lord of Her Heart
by Sherrinda Ketchersid
Review by: Crystal Caudill
Every once and a while I want to enjoy a good medieval read. Usually, I just reread Lori Wick’s The Knight and the Dove or a fairytale retelling, but it was nice to step into a new story. This story had elements that I love from multiple other stories while still holding its own as a unique story.
The characters made you want to keep reading to see exactly what would happen. Jocelyn has the courage to disguise herself as a boy, going so far as to cut her hair. The author did a realistic job of the challenges and the weaknesses a woman would face trying to pose as a squire–a very physically demanding job. Then you have that gallantry and chivalry of the knight, Malcom, with realistic flaws. He was a hero you could cheer on, and at moments want to slap the sense into. The secondary characters were entertaining and supportive of the main characters.
I love how this story has a knight, jousting, subterfuge, and a bit of mystery and danger. It has definitely been added to my reread pile.
For Fans of: a good medieval story with villains, plots to overthrow, jousting, and a love story that extends into the marriage afterward.
Genre: Historical Romance, Medieval England, 1198
Plot Overview:
Lady Jocelyn Ashburne suspects something is amiss at her family’s castle because her father ceases to write to her. When she overhears a plot to force her into vows—either to the church or a husband—she disguises herself and flees the convent in desperation to discover the truth.
Malcolm Castillon of Berkham is determined to win the next tournament and be granted a manor of his own. After years of proving his worth on the jousting field, he yearns for a life of peace. Rescuing a scrawny lad who turns out to be a beautiful woman is not what he bargained for. Still, he cannot deny that she stirs his heart like no other, in spite of her conniving ways.Chaos, deception, and treachery threaten their goals, but both are determined to succeed. Learning to trust each other might be the only way either of them survives.
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on the 7th of each month at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced don’t the Rafflecopter widget.
*Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Recommendations for November:
- Refuge for the Archaeologist by Danielle Grandinetti
- A Time to Weep by Tracy Higley
- The Curator’s Daughter by Melanie Dobson
- Echoes Among the Stones by Jaime Jo Wright
- Among Sand and Sunrise by Stacy Henrie
- The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green
- The Secrets Beneath by Kimberley Woodhouse
- Where We Belong by Lynn Austin
What did you read for the challenge? What were your thoughts on it? Would you recommend it?
