Most of the books I review are given to me by the author or their publishing company and sometimes the library! I’m not required to post a good review.
However, my momma raised me to say nice things, and if I can’t, then I shouldn’t say anything. I’ve adopted that policy for my reviews. If I don’t like the book doesn’t mean it isn’t someone else’s favorite.
I am required by some strange law to let you know that I didn’t buy the book and also to let you know if you click the link to purchase the book it might be an affiliate link.
Finally it’s here! Jack’s story is a hoot. McDonough let her grow up but she kept her rascally personality intact.
Even jailbird Carly is back—her story though small was important to me from the other books and I’m glad to know what happens with her.
Butch, Jack’s nemesis turns up in an unexpected way as well.
This is the last book in the Boarding House Brides series (you don’t need the others first but you’ll be missing some good reading if you don’t get them!) and it’s sad to let the characters go.
McDonough pulls the personas of her characters through every book and page, you never wonder why did that character do that? It’s not like her or him.
Back of Book: Jacqueline “Jack” Davis is a reporter for the Lookout Ledger bent on discovering the truth and nabbing her story at any cot. When Noah Jeffers comes to Lookout as a temporary pastor, Jack suspects there may be something hidden beneath his shepherding ways. Soon, though, Jack begins to be attracted to the new pastor despite her initial hesitation. But as she uncovers the truth, will this story cost her too much? Will she reveal what she’s uncovered or keep it hidden to protect new found love?
Carly Patyon returns to Lookout after years in prison, hoping to rebuild her life there. But she soon discovers that new beginnings and second chances are not always as easy to find. Garret Corbett is determined to marry–but not to a jailbird like Carly. When Carly is equally repelled by Garret’s prank-playing ways, will the two see past their dislike and give each other–and love—a second look?
What happens when an abandoned teenager seeks love and approval from the only one who will take her happens to be a criminal?
Bound by Guilt is an intriguing mystery involving a runaway and an out-of-control police officer. It begins with murder and the stealing of valuable books.
Roxi Gold will do anything to be a part of a family or so she thinks. When things go horribly wrong she knows she has to change how she’s living.
Bound by Guilt follows Roxi’s journey filled with guilt, fear and loneliness.
I found this an easy but tough read. The pages turned freely but the emotions captured by Darlington take time to process. You find yourself looking at teenagers on the street and wondering do they need a home? What can you do to help? And even, should I volunteer to be a foster parent so some child is loved?
Those are some of the questions I had and none of them appear on the pages. It was my take-a-way.
I like that while this book is by a Christian author with a Christian publisher you could easily hand it over to a non-Christian.The values and scriptures are there but written so much in the characters personality it doesn’t feel like the author is trying to save, or preach to anyone.
Back Cover Copy:
Roxi Gold is a throwaway, shuttled from one foster home to another for most of her life. She longs for a family and will do anything to fit in—even if it’s against the law. Soon she’s traveling the country stealing rare books from unsuspecting bookstores, until a first edition of‘The Great Gatsby’ catches up with her.
Police Officer Abby Dawson has seen the worst of society, and not just at work. The job she once loved has become a chore, the world isn’t any safer, and there’s no joy in her life. One fateful night a man’s innocent blood changes both Roxi’s and Abby’s lives forever. One searches for justice: the other finds herself on the run. Will the power of forgiveness set them free, or will they both remain bound by guilt?
…from the life of Diana Lesire Brandmeyer Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes
Amazing book!
Tabitha Eckles is a midwife in Virginia in 1809, and she’s single. This is a huge deal, it simply wasn’t done back then. A midwife had to be married. Tabitha was able to find a way around that since there wasn’t anyone else that could be of service. Being a midwife ran in her family and she was the only one left.
Dominick Cherrett is a redemptioner from England complete with secrets and good looks.
Their paths cross in the mist from the ocean and life gets exciting. From threats on Tabitha’s life and an old love reappearing, and village men disappearing you aren’t quite sure who the bad guy is.
Eakes writes with beauty using senses not ordinarily tapped by writers. She brings her books to life with more than, ‘the mist was thick ’ with lines like, “A hint of sun glowed along the line between sea and sky, turning the sand to a silvery gray and the mist to tendrils of gauze.”
This reader came away delighted with this love story.
Back Cover Copy
By virtue of her profession as a midwife, Tabitha Eckles is the keeper of many secrets. Dominick Cherret is a man with his own secret to keep: namely, why he, a British aristocrat, is on American soil working as an indentured servant.
In a time when relations between America and England rest on the edge of a knife, Tabitha and Dominick cross paths, leading them on a journey of intrigue, threats, public disgrace and …love. But can Tabitha trust Dominick? Finding true love seems impossible in a world set against them.
With stirring writing that draws you directly into the story. Lady in the Mist takes you on the thrilling ride of love’s discovery.
It’s 1882 in Montana and we find a pregnant, widowed Kaydie Kraemer recovering from the death of her abusive husband. She’s living with her sister McKenzie and her family.
When her sister’s hired man, Jonah Dickenson offers to be her friend she shies away afraid all men are like her deceased husband.
Lucille, an older lady turned match maker wants to find Jonah a husband. I found her character quite entertaining.
I didn’t read book one, but it wasn’t difficult to pick up on what has happened to bring Kaydie to Montana. Just enough is hinted that you’ll want to read book one too.
It’s an enjoyable read as you turn the pages wondering if Jonah will recognize he doesn’t want to be a bachelor anymore and be able to convince Kaydie he’s worthy of his love.
Like all of Thompson’s books this one will make you laugh. Not as much as the others she’s written, but you’ll still find many parts funny. There’s a zany grandmother who dresses in clothes worn by Elizabeth Taylor and other older famous movie stars. She also plays a game of movie quotes with her granddaughter throughout the book. Loved that!
The setting for this adventure is unlikely but oh how I wish it were true! It’s a TV show based on family values and morals! The two main characters of the sitcom run a talent agency and are encouraged by the child actors to fall in love. The off-stage couple Kat Jennings and Scot Murphy find themselves playing the part in real life as well. Confusion becomes chaos when Kat’s grandmother—a long ago Hollywood eccentric star—thinks the wedding planned for the show is a real wedding.
Despite its sad undertones of the grandmother’s failing mental health I enjoyed this book. And wouldn’t you know it? That hunk Brock Benson, from previous books, shows up in this book too. Janice Thompson when will we get to see him fall in love? Soon I hope.
Back cover copy
Kat Jennings and Scott Murphy don’t just play two people who are secretly in love on a television sitcom—they are actually, head over heels for each other in real life. When the lines between reality and TV land blur, they hope they can keep their relationship under wraps. But when Kat’s grandmother, a n eccentric star from Hollywood’s golden age, mistakes their on-screen wedding proposal for the real deal, things being to spiral out of control. Will their secret be front-page news in the tabloids? And can their budding romance survive the onslaught of paparazzi, wedding preparations, and misinformed family members?
From the sound stage to a Beverly Hills mansion to the gleaming Pacific Ocean, Stars Collide takes you on a roller-coaster tour of Holly wood, packing both comedic punch and tender emotion.
Fatal Judgment picks up with the story of U.S. Marshal Jake Taylor.He’s been in Iraq on a special mission and now he’s returned home to St. Louis. He’s felt a need to return to his family since his sister was hurt in an auto accident.
Before he can even go home and change he’s assigned a new mission—protecting his deceased best friend’s wife.The one he felt didn’t treat his friend right.Her life is in danger so he will do his job. He finds an attraction growing between them every time something happens to her.
I love reading books that take place in my old home town and this one is a fast-page turner. Hannon’s characters Jake Taylor and Liz Michaels quickly become real people to readers.
Here’s the back cover blurb.
U.S. Marshal Jake Taylor has seen plenty of action during his years in law enforcement. But he’d rather go back to Iraq than face his next assignment: protection detail for federal judge Liz Michaels. His feeling toward the coldhearted workaholic haven’t warmed in the five years since she drove her husband—and Jake’s best friend—to despair and possible suicide.
As the danger mounts and Jake gets to know Liz better, he’s forced to revise his opinion of her. And when it becomes clear that an unknown enemy may want her dead, the stakes are raised. Because now both her life—and his heart—are in danger.
I am loving Lacy’s literary style fiction. The Rhythm of Secrets didn’t disappoint this reader. Where other writers may have fallen short with this surprising tale Lacy’s unique twist of descriptive phrases brought this tale to life.
The story itself is unusual, inspired by a true story that begins in New Orleans, 1940 with a teenager as the heroine. We follow her through the mistakes made in a flash of false love, life changes and finally the facing of who she really is.
The Rhythm of Secrets is the perfect title. Lies are woven with the measure of beats until they become the main character’s musical score.
Lacy has even included the music of the book on her website, www.pattilacy.com This is a book to read and savor and yet not put down. I stayed up until 2 a.m. to finish it because the last third of the book would not let me go to bed.
Back cover copy:
Sheila Franklin has masqueraded as the precocious daughter of an avant-garde parents in colorful 1940s New Orleans, a teen desperate for love and acceptance, and an unwed mother sent North with her shame.
After marring Edward, Shelia artfully masks her secrets, allowing Edward to gain prominence as a conservative pastor. When one phone call from a disillusioned Vietnam veteran destroys her cover, Shelia faces an impossible choice: save her son and his beloved…or imperil Edward’s ambitions.
Inspired by a true story, The Rhythm of Secrets intermingles jazz, classical, and sacred music in a symphony trumpeting God’s grace.
The front cover captured my attention with these words:
A Secret List, A Fugitive Warrior, One Life-Saving Option….
How could anyone resist?
Masquerade Marriage takes place in Scotland in 1796. I’ve read many books in this time period and often find myself yawning by chapter three. Not so with this treasure by Greene.
The characters are fresh, there is a lot of action, danger and I found myself having to read just one more page. Another pleasure in reading this book is learning about Scotland during that time. Greene has presented enough setting details and information about the warring communities in a way that is not lecturing. She has included it as a part of the story and you won’t find yourself skipping over those parts. And if you do run into a word you aren’t familiar with there is a glossary in the front of the book. Give it a quick read through and you’ll have no trouble understanding what the words in the story refer to.
I’d recommend picking this one up. It’s a great book to read on a cold winter day.
Here’s the back cover copy:
A Secret List
Top protect his loved ones and escape the dark fate of his brothers, a noted warrior abandons his identity. Hiding from relentless soldiers who want him dead. Brody MacCaulay vows to protect the woman he loves more than life, more than freedom, more than Scotland. But his presence throws her into danger.
A Vow Honored
To escape an arranged marriage to an abusive noble, a Lowland Lady weds a stranger to save his life. But vows spoken do not make a marriage, especially when Megan MacMurry holds a different love inside her heart.
A Sacrifice Made
An outlaw, and with a price on his head, Brody condemns himself to a life of heartbreak without Megan. Wanting her desperately, knowing he can’t have her, he heads alone to a certain death….
Second Chance Brides by Vickie McDonough is the second book in the Texas Boardinghouse Brides series.
This book is one of McDonough’s best ever. The cover on the book pulls you into the story. The cover artist caught the essence of the characters, Shannon O’Neil and Mark Corbett translating them into real people for me.
Shannon and Leah Bennett were caught in the Corbett brother’s scheme to find a wife for their cousin. (The Anonymous Bride, Book 1) Both have reasons for not returning to where they came from. Shannon is an Irish immigrant and now she’s alone in Lookout, Texas. Leah’s dad tried to sell her to the oldest man in town and she doesn’t want to go back home.
Now both women are searching for ways to support themselves in Lookout.
Shannon and Leah are easy to like, McDonough has transformed them from the needy women in book one to women you want to know.
There is also the subplot of Jack (Jacqueline is the boarding house owner’s daughter) it’s been fun to watch her mature through the pages.
Now I am eagerly awaiting book 3, I don’t know what it is titled but I hope it’s about that incorrigible Carly from The Anonymous Bride!
Backcover copy
Single and Stranded in Lookout, Texas
After a mail-order bride debacle, both Shannon O’Neil and Leah Bennett find themselves stranded in Texas. There are only two options available to them: get a job or find another man to marry.
The Corbett brothers, Garret and Mark, try to atone for the mess they created when they ordered their cousin three mail-order brides by hosting Saturday socials for the town’s eligible singles.
Will Shannon, the Irish immigrant, be wooed out of her timidity by the gallant rancher Rand Kessler? Or will Mark Corbett recognize something special in her green eyes?
When the livery owner comes to Leah’s rescue, will she find a diamond in the rough? Or snub him and seek out a more well-do-do man?
The Lookout citizens are in for a wild ride before wedding bells toll again in town.
Don’t buy this book thinking you’re going to read it over a few weeks’ time. It’s not that kind of book. This is one that you start and don’t put down. The book that you eat lunch with, the one you stir the spaghetti sauce with one hand while reading and you don’t take a shower until you’ve finished the last page.
This is book two of the Women of Justice series. Eason does a good job of weaving a sprinkle of information that you need without boring you with what happened in the previous book.
Back Cover Copy
Twelve years ago, forensic anthropologist Jamie Cash survived a brutal kidnapping. After years of therapy, she has made a life for herself—though one that is haunted by memories of her terrifying past. She finally lets herself believe that she can have a close relationship with a man, when signs start appearing that point to the one frightening fact—her attacker is back and ready to finish the job he started all those years ago.
Can she escape his grasp a second time? And will she ever be able to let down her guard enough to find true love?
Filled with heart-stopping suspense, gritty realism, and a touch of romance, Don’t Look Back pulls you into its twists and turns to hold you there until the very last page.
Book provided by Revell for review-as always the choice is up to me to give it a good review or not.
