This week I decided to share my comfort reads, the books I run to when I just want something familiar and comfortable. What is your favorite comfort book?
In no particular order, here are my top ten favorites to re-read:
Brentwood’s Ward by Michelle Griep – Place an unpolished lawman named Nicholas Brentwood as guardian over a spoiled, pompous beauty named Emily Payne and what do you get? More trouble than Brentwood bargains for. She is determined to find a husband this season. He just wants the large fee her father will pay him to help his ailing sister. After a series of dire mishaps, both their desires are thwarted, but each discovers that no matter what, God is in charge.
A Cross-Country Trip through Regency England Brings Intrigue, Rogues, and High Adventure
The must-read conclusion to Michelle Griep’s Bow Street Runners Trilogy
The Hawk and the Jewel by Lori Wick – Everyone thought little Sunny had perished with Lady Gallagher in storm-tossed seas off the Arabian coast, but the beautiful toddler had been found, taken to the palace of Darhabar, and raised as the ruler’s own child. Now the emir, Ahmad Khan, is sending her home, and Sunny’s uncertain, new life is completely in God’s hands.
The Knight and the Dove by Lori Wick – When the king commands Bracken to marry, high-spirited Megan is chosen to fulfill the edict. Unskilled in the ways of love, Bracken finds Megan captivating, yet cannot seem to voice his feelings until he almost loses her forever.
A Rumored Fortuneby Joanna Davidson Politano – Tressa Harlowe’s father did not trust banks, but neither did he trust his greedy extended family. He kept his vast fortune hidden somewhere on his estate in the south of England and died suddenly, without telling anyone where he had concealed it. She’ll have to work with the rough and rusticated vineyard manager to keep the laborers content without pay and discover the key to finding her father’s fortune–before someone else finds it first.
When Comes the Spring by Janette Oke – Elizabeth, the cultured young schoolteacher from the East, has braved the western frontier and spent a year teaching in a one-room schoolhouse. Now she and Wynn are planning their wedding and their new life together at his outpost in the far north. While Wynn is accustomed to life in the north, Elizabeth is not. Can their love for each other sustain them through a harsh winter, loneliness, and rigors of life without any of the conveniences they’re used to?
No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can’t bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.
Seven Brides for Seven Texans – Meet the seven Hart brothers of the 7-Heart ranch in central Texas. Each man is content in his independent life, without the responsibilities of a wife and children—until their father decides 1874 will be the year his grown sons finally marry, or they will be cut from his will. How will each man who values his freedom respond to the ultimatum? Can love develop on a timeline, or will it be sacrificed for the sake of an inheritance?
No One Is Too Tough to be Loved Join seven Texas Rangers on the hunt for a menacing gang, who run straight into romances with women who foil their plans for both the job and their futures.
Fancy Pants by Cathy Marie Hake – When “Big Tim” Creighton spies the mincing fop headed toward Forsaken Ranch, he is appalled. Thankful his boss isn’t around to witness the arrival of his kin, Tim decides he’ll turn “Fancy Pants” Hathwell into a man worthy of respect. Lady Sydney Hathwell never intended to don men’s attire, but when her uncle mistakenly assumed she was a male, the answer to her problems seemed clear. When her deception is exposed, will she be forced to abandon her hopes for family…and true love?
And a bonus…
Plots and Pans by Kelly Eileen Hake – The ability to follow orders—his orders—is the #1 job requirement for anybody joining cowboy Tucker Carmichael’s cattle drive. He knows that on the Chisholm Trail a moment’s hesitation can mean death. So when his partner’s headstrong sister, Jessalyn, joins their team as chuck wagon cook, sparks start to fly! Is God “stirring up” romance?
This book is hands-down my favorite Civil War novel of all time. My jaw absolutely dropped at how well this story was written and all the details that went into this story. I have never felt so immersed in history as I did in Where Dandelions Bloom. Every time a battle detail or name was dropped, my history nerd brain went wild, knowing exactly what was going to happen historically but no idea of how it would intersect and affect the characters of the story. Seriously, I could read this one over and over and over again.
Genre: Historical Romance, 1861, Early Civil War
Plot Overview:
Cassie Kendrick is on the run. Her abusive father arranged her marriage to a despicable man, but she’s discovered an escape. Disguised as a man, Cassie enlists in the Union army, taking the name Thomas Turner. On the battlefields of the Civil War, keeping her identity a secret is only the beginning of her problems, especially after she meets Gabriel Avery, a handsome young photographer.
Anxious to make his mark on the world and to erase the darkness and guilt lurking from his past, Gabriel works with renowned photographer Matthew Brady to capture images from the front lines of the war. As Gabriel forges friendships with many of the men he encounters, he wonders what the courageous, unpredictable Thomas Turner is hiding.
Battling betrayal, their own personal demons, and a country torn apart by war, can Cassie and Gabriel learn to forgive themselves and trust their futures to the God who births hope and healing in the darkest places?
What I loved: The history in this book was the most astounding I have ever read. There were so many incredible details, and to see it through the eyes of a woman disguised as a man and a photographer sent to record the War, it was just word defying.
Favorite Character: Aside from the main characters, whom I absolutely loved, Jonah was a favorite. The orphaned boy who joined the war efforts stole my heart from the beginning.
Who would like this: Anyone who loves great historical details, stories of women soldiers, espionage, the Civil War, and hope in desperate times.
Rating and Why: I gave this a six-star rating because it totally blew me out of the water. Everything was so amazingly detailed, yet seamlessly woven together that it takes my breath away. Even now, weeks later, all I can do is shake my head in wonder. And now, every time I see a dandelion I see hope. It truly is amazing to transform something I once took for granted as being a weed into a symbol of hope.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher. The review above was influenced in no way by this and the above opinions are my own.
Sometimes while in the throes of a terrible family crisis, you just have to escape into the pages of a good book to survive. A Perfect Weakness was the escape I needed during such a time and so much more. It was not only a pleasure to read, but helped me to process what my own family was enduring. I highly recommend this book, especially for those who are scarred by the consequences of their past failures or mistakes. (And if you’re breathing, then that is more likely than not, you.)
Overview of Plot: Penelope Howard has been caring for the tenants of her uncle’s estate for years, but after his passing a new Lord must take his place and could remove her from her position, especially if he, or anyone else, discovers her secret. When she learns the heir is an American doctor, she hopes and prays he will care for the people as much as she and help tend the country hospital.Dr. John Turner served in the War Between the States as a surgeon, but the horrifying memories drove him to the bottle. Continuing to practice medicine while drunk had dire consequences, so when the chance to flee to England arrives, he takes it, vowing to never practice medicine again. But everyone knows he is a doctor and the beautiful and heart-filled sister of his estate agent seems to keep pushing him to help the community with his skills and not just his monetary support. When he is needed most, can he once again take up healing the sick and broken Or will their secrets and weaknesses destroy them and all those around them?
Favorite Character and Why: Penelope is such a strong woman, who had risen above her past mistake and clung to God through it all. I could really connect with her passion for the tenants and helping women who faced similar mistakes and consequences. I also loved how she pushed John Turner to become a better man. What I liked: History… always the history. I love all the details that connected the American Civil War to Victorian England. I also loved the story-line itself. The characters were rich and deep, the problems relatable and real.
Who would like this: Those who love historical fiction, Victorian romance, and stories of redemption, overcoming past mistakes, and love that goes beyond the pain of the past.
*Warning: Penelope’s backstory deals with the difficult loss of a child. It is integral to the development of the story, but I don’t feel it is enough to keep one from reading it. But if you are especially sensitive, you may want to skim through the book first.*
Amazon blurb:
The Civil War left its mark on Dr. John Turner. He turns his back on medicine and sees his unexpected inheritance in England as an opportunity to start over. But he never imagines how God intends to use his new role as lord of Ashford Hall — or the beautiful woman he finds there — to ease his troubled soul.
A tragic loss led Penelope Howard to bury her heart and dreams in her work for the Hall and the village of Woodley. But the arrival of the new heir stirs not only her discarded longings but her compassion as well. What burden does he carry that he can’t accept that grace covers the darkest of sins?
A deadly epidemic sweeps through Woodley revealing secrets which threaten everything. The doctor faces a choice: leave or dare to believe what the Lord whispers through the woman John has come to love.
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction, Fairytale Retellings, 1363
Overview of Plot:
Avelina is a lady’s maid… only her lady has decided to run off with a knight. When the Earl’s daughter is summoned to Thornbeck to be evaluated as a possible bride to the new Margrave, she is commanded to go in Lady Dorthea’s place. Her job: convince everyone she is Lady Dorthea, secure an alliance with the Margrave of Thornbeck to protect against an imminent attack, but don’t be chosen as his bride. The latter should be easier than the former.
Former knight Reinhart of Thornbeck became Margrave after his brother’s death… a death which some speculate was his doing. Ordered by the king to find a wife from a list of suggestions to strengthen empire stability, his chancellor comes up with the plan to test the women over the course of two weeks. Lady Dorthea intrigues him like no other woman, but she is hiding something.
When the truth is revealed in a humiliating way, more than their hearts are at stake. Someone is bound and determined to take Thornbeck over and he will use the deception to his advantage. The stakes become life and death as Margrave and Lady’s Maid work together to save a kingdom.
Favorite Character and Why:
As much as I loved Avelina, I loved Reinhart. He is a man who wants more than his parents had but is stuck with new responsibilities that thrust the idea of marrying for love out the window. He has such a good heart and, yes, he is swoony. Who couldn’t love a knight like him? Even when he is conflicted about Avelina’s deception he isn’t a complete monster. He does make mistakes, but he is still the swoon-worthy hero we love to read about.
What I liked:
The cast of characters was great, and I loved how none were stupid. They all had sharp minds and were good adversaries for each other. The inner struggles of the characters were particular interesting to me, and I really love the way Melanie handled them.
Who would like this:
Anyone who loves a good fairy tale. This retelling of the Princess and the Pea was a masterful retelling.
Amazon blurb:
“After inheriting his title from his brother, the margrave has two weeks to find a noble bride. What will happen when he learns he has fallen for a lovely servant girl in disguise?
The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble born ladies who meet the king’s approval to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.
Avelina has only two instructions: keep her true identity a secret and make sure the margrave doesn’t select her as his bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.
Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences.”
The winner from the Interview with Tara can be found at the bottom of the review.
Engraved on the Heart by Tara Johnson
If you haven’t figured it out yet, I am a HUGE history nerd, and one of my favorite things to research is how the Civil War affected relationships not just between regions of our nation, but within families. Engraved on the Heart does an amazing job of that.
Genre: Historical Romance, 1861, Early Civil War
Plot Overview: More than whispers of war threaten Keziah Montgomery in Savannah, GA. The secret of her falling sickness (epilepsy) is exposed when she loses consciousness during a ball. Former classmate and friend, Dr. Micah Greyson tends to her and they reconnect. Bringing her to a secret abolitionist meeting, Micah reveals why he cannot fight for the Confederacy. Their paths part for a time, but Keziah is forever changed by the story of a runaway slave. She cannot support the Confederacy, though her family is a staunch supporter. Becoming a conductor on the Underground Railroad risks her life and relationship with her family, but it gives her purpose and reconnects her with Micah. As tensions rise, and an antiabolitionist group actively pursues them, will saving others cost their lives and their hearts?
What I loved: The emotional aspect of this story reached a level of depth not often found in Civil War stories. The struggle between family, friends, society, self-worth, and the value of a person were relatable and real. Not to mention, the historical details were accurate and finely interwoven into the story.
Favorite Character: I could see myself in Keziah. Having spent a good portion of my life struggling with self-worth and people-pleasing behaviors, I related to all her emotions and struggles. I also found the descriptions of the epileptic episodes interesting. I have a couple friends with epilepsy and it helped to understand them and what they go through a bit more.
Who would like this: Anyone who loves great historical details, Civil War tensions, emotional stories that deal with self-worth and purpose, and gentle love stories that grow out of adversity.
Rating and Why: I gave this a five-star rating because it was a unique read that really drew in many of the struggles of the time. I was really impressed with the handling of tough issues and all the historical details. It is a story most anyone can relate to.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher. The review above was influenced in no way by this and the above opinions are my own.
Join the discussion: The Civil War was a time that tore our nation apart. What do you think would have been the hardest aspect of living during that time period for you?
Congratulations Cynthia R., you are the winner of either a print or e-copy of Engraved on the Heart. Please check your email for more information on how to claim your prize.
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