by Crystal Caudill | Mar 20, 2018 | Book Reviews
The Innkeepers Daughter by Michelle Griep
Squee!!! Michelle has managed to sweep me away again.
I have been waiting for another Bow Street Runner Book since I first read Brentwood’s Ward (review here). As soon as The Innkeepers Daughter was up for preorder, I preordered it… and then I preordered again a few months later when I forgot I’d already bought it. Oops… luckily I did catch it before Amazon shipped them both, so now I have money set aside for the THIRD one she’s working on now. Squee!!
This book is so well written that I struggled to separate my reader-self from my writing-self. As gripped as I was by reading the story, I kept stopping to examine how she did it. Seriously, if you are a writer and want a good author to study deep POV and story world creation, Michelle is it. As a reader, you will absolutely forget you live in the 21st century and live in Regency England.
Alright enough swooning and rambling:
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency England
Plot Overview: Joanna struggles to keep her family’s inn afloat and if they don’t pay their debts by the end of the month, she, her mother, and her younger brother will be sent to the workhouse. Alexander Moore is a Bow Street Runner sent to conduct a mission off the books, one that if he is discovered could end his life with none of his friends or the magistrate who sent him to step in to help. Staying at Joanna’s rundown inn puts him in constant contact with the woman determined to ignore his unrelenting charm, but finding the traitor to the crown must come first or they could all end up dead.
What I loved: The number of historical fiction novels that fully encompass a detective story and romance well are rare in my opinion. My desire for a good, suspenseful mystery and a swoony romance are simultaneously met in this book. I kept trying to figure out who the traitor really was and wondering how Joanna and Alex would get together. The struggles were real and intense and completely fulfilled every desire this chica craves in a book.
As a writer, OH MY GOODNESS! I want to write like her. I am literally copying pages of her work and analyzing how she draws readers so completely into her world. I have examined pacing and story structure of other authors but never to the degree I am now. To master deep POV and story world is a goal of mine, and studying Michelle will definitely help me grow closer to that goal.
Favorite Character: Alexander Moore, no contest. I thought Brentwood was swoony, but Brentwood has nothing on Alex. Whew, doggie! *fans self* Strong, smart, compassionate, and yet a man of God. Oh, yes, it is a good thing he is a fictional character because I am already married.
Who would like this: Anyone who loves a good detective story, swoony romance, danger, interesting characters, down-right awful villains, and a strong story that submerses you so deep into its waters, you are in danger of drowning.
Rating and Why: This is a five-star story for me. Her mastery of deep POV and story world is a large part of that. Being so completely swept away and surprised at the end is very hard to do and she has done it again. And who wouldn’t give Alex a five-star score? *swoon*
Join the Discussion: What makes a book so good you can’t put it down?
Purchase Links:
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by Crystal Caudill | Mar 6, 2018 | Book Reviews
Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers Romance Collection
Stories by: Erica Vetsch, Amanda Barratt, Susan Page Davis, Vickie McDonough, Gabrielle Meyer, Lorna Seilstad, and Kathleen Y’Barbo
I will admit, I have been waiting on pins and needles to read this collection of novellas. I absolutely LOVED the first collection, Seven Brides for Seven Texans, which I have just realized I did not review and will have to go back and do!
Collections always take me longer to read than just a normal book, just because it is broken up in to separate stories, but this one took me way less time than normal. Why? Because I thoroughly enjoyed how connected the stories were. I won’t dive into the details until below, but you really, really need to check out this collection.
Genre: Historical Romance, Texas Rangers, 1886
Plot Overview: A whole company of Texas Rangers is stationed in Hartville to round up and put an end to the notorious Markham Gang. Ruthless and far-reaching, this gang is no easy task to round up. Danger and trouble are guaranteed, but who would have guessed love?
What I loved: My favorite part of this type of collections is the deep connection between each story. Instead of seven completely different stories, it feels like one overarching story when you get a peek at each swoon-worthy hero. And who doesn’t swoon over men whose duty in life is to protect and serve? Each hero is depicted with his own quirks and individual personality, but they all have the common thread of a commitment that goes beyond the standard citizen.
I also LOVED how this book was set in the same place as Seven Brides for Seven Texans. Characters from past books reappeared and you got to see bits and pieces of the Hart brothers all over again. Books that connect and series that connect in this way are my absolute favorite.
Favorite Story: While all seven stories are good, my absolute favorite was The Countess and the Cowboy by Kathleen Y’Barbo. (And actually I have changed this at least twice, so you know the stories are good.) I loved how the heroine was a determined spitfire and not one to just standby… which also leads to heaps of trouble. Ezra is a great hero with a soft heart.
Who would like this: Anyone who loves historical stories with strong heroes, heroes whose profession is a lawman, heroines who range from stubborn to docile, and dangerous situations that bring couples together. Those who especially like connected storylines will love this.
Rating and Why: I give this story 5 stars. If you haven’t figured it out, the connectedness of all the stories really bumps the rating up. However, the action, dialogue, and characters are all excellent. Some stories are better than others, but I can’t think of one that I did not enjoy, and usually, in a collection, there is one that I am meh on.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this story on #netgalley through the publisher for review purposes. The opinions above are completely my own and not influenced in any way.
Join the Discussion: If you have read this collection, which Texas Ranger was your favorite? If you have not read it, what makes about a Texas Ranger makes you swoon?
Funny add in… Every time I write Texas Ranger the theme song of Walker, Texas Ranger plays through my head. Who doesn’t love Chuck Norris?
by Crystal Caudill | Feb 20, 2018 | Book Reviews
Join the Discussion: Check out the Community Question below and comment.
The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz
In high school, I was obsessed with the American Revolution. I lived, breathed, and dreamed every detail I could find about the American Revolution. Stories that (thankfully) will never see the light of day were written.
As terrible as those amateur stories were, I am happy to report that The Lacemaker is no amateur story. Laura Frantz crafted a wonderful story that draws you so completely into the complexities of those first days that it is a shock to your system when someone *ahem – children I’m referring to you* interrupt your reading for something as trivial as being fed.
Who can eat when the balance of a nation is hanging on a lacemaker’s thread?
Genre: Historical Romance, American Revolution
Plot Overview: Lady Elisabeth “Liberty” Lawson is days away from her arranged marriage taking place when she is abandoned by her fiancé and family. As daughter of a prominent British leader, she is suspected to be a spy and struggles to survive in her hometown of Independence Men. No one is willing to come to her aid, save the Welsh Independence man, Noble Rynallt. An enemy to the crown, he has his own struggles to contend with, but the former-lady-turned-lacemaker cannot be ignored. As tensions grow, Liberty must make a choice – join the Independence Men or turn her back on her father and country? Whatever the choice, the cost could be her life.
What I loved: I will say my absolute favorite part of any story that takes place during the American Revolution or Civil War is the complexities of how families were affected. The relationship between Elisabeth “Liberty” and her family is so complex that I just relish every detail. Her father so wonderfully reflected the Independence Men’s view of England while her mother was the independent spirit that refused to be broken. The broken family was such a wonderful symbol of Britain’s relationship with it’s colonies. I don’t know if she meant that symbolism or not, but I absolutely loved it.
Favorite Character: It is such a hard toss up between Liberty and Noble. Liberty is such an amazing young woman who really grows from the submissive daughter to a woman who learns to fend for herself without compromising her morals. She is brave, kind-hearted, and the woman I hope I would be under such circumstances.
Noble is the swoon worthy hero every romance needs. He is a man who watches out for the needs of others, has a strong sense of obligation and duty to bring this nation to independence, and Welsh heritage makes you want to cuddle up next to him in real life. I won’t give away the details, but he is a great leader and a man who will do anything for those he loves. Such a brave man.
Who would like this: Anyone who love historically accurate stories with love, romance, danger, and self-sacrifice (no one dies). Those who especially love the American Revolution and the complex relationships between the British and those seeking independence.
Rating and Why: I give this story 5 stars. I loved the complexities of the story, the romance that was exciting but clean, and all the historical characters. It was masterfully created and a pure joy to read.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this story on #netgalley through the publisher for review purposes. The opinions above are completely my own and not influenced in any way.
Join the Discussion: What is your favorite aspect of reading books set in the American Revolution? Do you like the battles? Espionage? Relationships? Love between opposite sides? Romance against all odds?
If you read the book: Which character did you identify with most?
Purchase Links:
Christianbook.comBarnes and NobleWalmart.comAmazon.com
by Crystal Caudill | Jan 23, 2018 | Book Reviews
Plots and Pans
By Kelly Eileen Hake
This one has been on my TBR pile for a while and I finally scrounged up an audio copy and enjoyed listening to it while a chaotic January had me disinfecting the house… over and over and over.
Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Western, 1879
Overview of Plot:
Jessalyn is a born and bred Texas cowgirl, but after a disaster at home, her father sent her away to boarding school in England. Tucker is a man’s man, one who works hard, gives orders, and doesn’t take any shirking of duties lightly. While Jessalyn has been away, he has grown from a green ranch had to foreman and part owner of the ranch.
When Jessalyn’s father dies while she is away, her brother and Tucker decide to leave her in England, just until the cattle drive is over, but Jessalyn is a strong-willed and determined as any character you will ever meet. By herself, she crosses the ocean and most of the country to make it home.
Trouble ensues as she tries to prove her place is on the ranch and that she is worthy to be there. Tucker just wants to keep her safe, but the hard-headed woman is not content to stay home in the kitchen.
Favorite Character and Why:
Jessalyn was my absolute favorite. That little rascal is kind of how I envision myself. She has done a lot of raising herself and is independent, determined, and willing to do whatever needs to be done. I also identify with her struggle for self-worth.
What I liked:
This story had a lot of witty banter and funny situation. I love how Jessalyn’s family situation is unique and she is not taken aback by it. She stands up to defend those who dare to degrade them. I won’t say more about that situation because you have to read it to find out.
Kelly developed wonderful characters that were a pleasure to spend my time with. The romance thread was not your typical sweet instances, but there were moments, and in the end, she did bring it all together. In some ways, I wondered how they could really be sure they loved each other, but the story worked.
Who would like this:
Anyone who is a fan of strong women, witty banter, is not looking for a gushy romance but a sweet read, and anyone who enjoys stories written with western settings.
Amazon blurb:
“Order dictates Tucker Carmichael’s life—his orders. On a cattle drive, a moment’s hesitation can mean death. The Chisholm Trail is dirty, dangerous, and no place for women. After years at school, Jessalyn Culpepper has come home and is determined to show everyone that a woman can manage everything from cooking to cattle—whether they like it or not! Tucker tries to manage his partner’s headstrong sister, horrified when she wants to join the cattle drive. But when they need a chuck wagon cook, Jessalyn seems the only solution. Will God stir up love along a trail filled with their Plots and Pans?”
Links for purchase:
Amazon Barnes and Noble Christianbook.com
by Crystal Caudill | Dec 26, 2017 | Book Reviews
Long Time Gone
by Mary Connealy
As usual, I enjoyed another one of Mary Connealy’s stories. One word of warning about this book though, don’t try to read it before reading No Way Up. While Mary does a good job of filling in details you would have missed, the very first sentence picks up where the last book ended. Immediately where it left off.
I enjoyed getting to know Justin a little more – especially the rivalry between him and Cole. The love he showed for his annoying big brother, the rest of his family, and Angie makes him a hero in my book. He is a hard-working man that any woman could swoon over.
Angie was a heroine that grew on me. I never disliked her, but she took some getting used to. I loved watching her grow to become an independent woman capable of taming the West. She moves forward from her past to become a woman I cheer for and envy.
The Cimarron Ranch is still in trouble throughout the book, and the mystery behind what is really going on begins to unravel.
I am looking forward to reading the third and finding out what the real story behind the trouble is. Not to mention Cole and Mel are the hero and heroine – Squee!!!
“The Boden clan thought their problems had ended with the death of a dangerous enemy, but have they truly uncovered the real plot to take their New Mexico ranch? Rancher Justin Boden is now in charge. He is normally an unshakable and rugged man, but with his brother, Cole, shot and in mortal danger, even a tough man faces doubts. And it doesn’t help that Angie DuPree, the assistant to the doctor trying to save Cole, is as distracting a woman as Justin ever laid eyes on.
With her and the doc’s timely skills, Cole looks to be on the mend, and Justin and the rest of the Bodens can turn their attention back to the dangers facing them. It’s clear now that everything that’s occurred is part of a much bigger plot that could date back to a decades-old secret. Can they uncover all the pieces before danger closes in on them, or is the threat to the ranch even bigger than any of the Bodens could imagine?”
– Blurb from Amazon.com
Purchase Links:
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