by Crystal Caudill | Jun 19, 2019 | Book Reviews
Where Dandelions Bloom by Tara Johnson
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.
Purchase Links:
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by Crystal Caudill | Jun 11, 2019 | Book Reviews
Lord of her Heart
By Sherrinda Ketchersid
I’d heard of this book through word of mouth from my friends and was intrigued, but I held off buying a copy until my favorite book tour group asked for reviewers. I did purchase my own copy for the review, but just needed the extra push to pick it up, and I’m glad that I did.
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.
Genre: Historical Romance, England, 1198 AD (aka Medieval)
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.
What I loved: Two things: 1. The jousting, because who doesn’t like a good jousting tournament. 2. I love how Jocelyn and Malcom must work together to each get what they want, but the deception used by the Jocelyn for her own protection, ends up working against her in the relationship with Malcom. It added a certain depth that helped me sink into the story.
Favorite Character and Why: I liked Jocelyn and Malcom a lot, but I can’t resist saying Horse was my favorite character. It absolutely cracked me up that Malcom couldn’t come up with a better name for his steed.
Who would like this? Anyone who loves a good medieval story with villains, plots to overthrow, jousting, and a love story that extends into the marriage afterward.
Rating and Why: Four stars. The story was enjoyable and something I will reread. It wasn’t so stand out in my mind as to get a five star, but it is something I will enjoy many times.
PURCHASE LINKS
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by Crystal Caudill | Apr 30, 2019 | Book Reviews
The Noble Guardian
By Michelle Griep
Ya’ll are probably getting tired of my raving about Michelle Griep books, but THIS ONE, The Noble Guardian, is my absolute favorite of hers, and I NEVER thought anything would surprise my first love of Brentwood’s Ward. Samuel Thatcher is the most swoon-worthy hero ever. Absolutely my type. Dark, brooding, protective, tough, but entirely a softy on the inside. Yes, it is one of those books that I will force everyone I know to read, and multiple copies have already been ordered for gifts–whether they want them or not. I finished this book a couple weeks ago in the midst of traveling and I’m still flying on a high. And that cover? I am not one to stare at men or think much on appearances, but I could really stare at that cover all day long. So yeah… definitely a favorite. You have to pre-order this baby. Enough gushing, on with the review!
Genre: Historical Romance, England, 1815
Plot Overview:
Life couldn’t be better for Abigail Gilbert—but it’s been a long time in coming. Having lived with a family who hated her, it’s finally her time for love. Abby sets off on a journey across England to marry one of the most prestigious gentlemen in the land—until highwaymen upset her plans and threaten her life.
Horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher arrives just in time to save Abby. But she’s simply another victim in a job he’s come to despise. Tired of the dark side of humanity, he intends to buy land and retire. Abby pleads with him to escort her for the rest of her journey. He refuses—until she offers him something he desperately needs to achieve his goal. . .money. Delivering her safely will give him more than enough to buy property.
So begins an impossible trek for the cynical lawman and the proper lady. Each will be indelibly changed by the time they reach her betrothed, if they don’t kill one another first—or fall in love.
What I loved: This book contained everything I love: a stubborn, strong heroine; a fiercely protective hero who is mysterious (and killer-handsome); villains that make your boots shake; fight scenes which make you hold your breath; a love that blooms naturally; and surprises that make me keep turning the pages long after bedtime… even when I have to get up at a ridiculously early time.
Favorite Character and Why: Is that really a question? Samuel Thatcher is my new book boyfriend as some of my reader friends claim to have. Holy moly! That man’s character and strength are enough to make a girl fan herself. He’s not perfect, but land’s sake, he is one I enjoy reading.
Who would like this? Anyone who craves adventure and danger with their romances, strong lawmen heroes, wonderful historical details, and stories set in England.
Rating and Why: Six stars. It is a book that makes me want to go and change the few six star ratings of other books to fives. Seriously, the best book I have ever read from Michelle Griep, and the best book ever for what I would call Historical Romantic Suspense. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE. Do you feel the love for this book? LOL
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author. The above opinions are my own and are in no way influenced.*
Pre-Order PURCHASE LINKS
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by Crystal Caudill | Apr 16, 2019 | Book Reviews
The Hope of Azure Springs
By Rachel Fordham
Life is a never-ending cycle of run here and wait, run there and wait, etc. At least that is what it is for me. So during the running the waiting I read this book and darn Ms. Fordham’s hide, I was in the doctor’s office waiting room when I reached an emotional section and had strangers stare at me because I was crying.
This is definitely an enjoyable read with many ups and downs. The heroine and hero are delightful, and the secondary characters ones you want to call family, too.
Genre: Historical Romance, Azure Spring, IA 1881
Plot Overview:
Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won’t be able to do it alone.
For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He’s determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn’t expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.
What I loved: I love the sweet friendship that develops into romance between the strong, yet self-conscious heroine, and the sheriff hero. I may or may not have a weak spot for lawmen. 😉
Favorite Character and Why: Sheriff Caleb is definitely a favorite. You have the strong, action-oriented side common of lawmen heroes, but also a softer side that goes deeper than just being kind to others.
Who would like this? Anyone who loves sweet romances with a touch of danger, small town romances, or ties to orphan trains.
Rating and Why: Four stars. I enjoyed the story and would definitely read it again–preferably in one sitting. It was unique and had some twists I hadn’t expected.
*I received a copy of this book from a contest. The above opinions are my own and are in no way influenced.*
PURCHASE LINKS
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by Crystal Caudill | Apr 9, 2019 | Book Reviews
The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep
I finally had time to dig into my older books TBR pile and pulled out a favorite author. This was another great one. Michelle took the marriage of convenience trope and flipped it on its head in a satisfying way.
Genre: Historical Romance, American Frontier, 1770
Plot Overview:
The wild American wilderness is no place for an elegant English governess
On the run from a brute of an aristocratic employer, Eleanor Morgan escapes from England to America, the land of the free, for the opportunity to serve an upstanding Charles Town family. But freedom is hard to come by as an indentured servant, and downright impossible when she’s forced to agree to an even harsher contract—marriage to a man she’s never met.
Backwoodsman Samuel Heath doesn’t care what others think of him—but his young daughter’s upbringing matters very much. The life of a trapper in the Carolina backcountry is no life for a small girl, but neither is abandoning his child to another family. He decides it’s time to marry again, but that proves to be an impossible task. Who wants to wed a murderer?
Both Samuel and Eleanor are survivors, facing down the threat of war, betrayal, and divided loyalties that could cost them everything, but this time they must face their biggest challenge ever . . .Love.
What I loved: Historical details are always a favorite of mine, and I really loved how the complexities of frontier life were displayed, especially for the heroine. To change from the pampered life of England to the comparably savage struggle of the frontier was fun to live through. I learned so much, and of course, I loved the romance. The struggle between the two to learn to love and trust each other was a slow thing, like a stew cooked to perfection takes hours and hours. Love is not rushed and I really enjoy that.
Favorite Character and Why: Samuel definitely won me over. He was a complex character, a puzzle to be figured out. He was both a man you loved and accepted as imperfect. He was real.
Who would like this? Anyone who loves frontier stories, romance, action, and danger. Also, if you love marriages of convenience, this is a fun story that breaks some of the molds.
Rating and Why: Four and a half. Michelle continues to be one of my favorite authors, and this story is no different. I will certainly be reading this one again. Her details were fantastic, the plot great, and the romantic tension consistent all the way to the end.
PURCHASE LINKS
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