Tuesday, April 12, 2016

A review of Playing the Part

I was very excited when I received Playing the Part in the mail. It is the third and final book in her latest series.  This book is the story of Lucetta Plum, an actress from New York who has to leave the city to escape the intentions of an over eager fan.  Her escape lands her at the estate of Bram Haverstein, the grandson of her benefactor. Bram is also an admirer of Ms Plum, although he does not fully understand the mysterious depth of Ms Plum's personality. 

Lucetta's initial impression of Bram is also wrong, as his intriguing and somewhat distressing at times facade also hides mysteries for which Ms Plum is unprepared. The tale that follows is full of mayhem, romance, and adventure as they both work to protect Ms Plum from danger.  I am unsure how Mrs. Turano does it, but her female heroines are always hilarious and strong.  These heroines are always a good match for their stronger yet tender counterparts. 

My favorite part of the novel is the magnetism between Lucetta and Bram. They are drawn to each other, but they are unsure how to approach the other because of the questionable qualities that don't quite up between the two until all their secrets are out.  As a reader, I too was drawn to the characters as I tried to figure out what was going on in the book. It makes for a very great read, and made it hard for me to put the book down until I finished it. 

This book is a great read for anyone who enjoys historical romance with a little mystery thrown in. This book can be read as a stand alone novel, but I would recommend reading the other two books first. It would help with understanding Lucetta's character and story. 

* I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.  My opinions are my own. *










Sunday, March 13, 2016

Risen: a review of the book

I've read the Gopsels and know the accounts of the resurrection from the Believers, but I'd have never thought to look at it from the view point of a Roman Tribune. If you have watched TV or even checked social media these days, surely you've heard about the movie Risen. Well, it is in book form as well, and I just finished it. 

Angela Hunt wrote the novelization of the movie and I have to say it was very well written. It is a fictional account, but it contains many actual facts from the Gospels.  It is very different to see the story told from the viewpoint of one who is a very strong adherent to Roman life with the aspects of Old Testament law from the San Hedrin who were trying to keep the story hidden. 

The novel switches between first person accounts of Clavius, the Roman Tribune, and Rachel, a Jewish woman. Clavius was present at the crucifixion and is sent by Pilate to investigate the reports that the Nazarene's body has disappeared. Rachel is not involved directly with the investigation but through her relationship with Clavius and business in the temple and in Jerusalem, she is taken along on the journey. And what a journey it is!  

I watched the movie too, but the book adds so much more. The book tells a very vibrant and rich account. Everyone needs to read this book. 

*I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.*

Monday, February 15, 2016

"With This Ring" gets a YES from me!

Every once in a while, there comes a time when several of your favorite authors have a new book out and you have to choose which one to purchase first. Well, With This Ring will solve that dilemma for you. This book is a collection of four novellas from some of the best names in the business, in my opinion.  In this book, we get introduced to new characters and reintroduced to characters we have met before. 

Karen Witemeyer brings us the story of Marietta and Daniel, with her usual penchant for a sweet and strong female and a tough yet tender hero. That is followed by the always hilarious Regina Jennings' tale of a couple caught together by the weather while having to deal with the flood of their feelings for each other and a seemingly dangerous stranger.  

Mary Connealy pitches in with the story of a woman running from an unwanted engagement only to find herself with a very wanted protector. Melissa Jagears finishes up with Charlotte and Harrison, who literally and figuratively have tonovercome the inability to see what is right in front of them before they lose what really matters. 

Each story is a small yet satisfying taste of what each of these authors can do. If you have never given any of these authors a chance, this book is an excellent introduction. Even if you have tried them before, this book is the right choice to help make the wait between books a little easier to bear. I really enjoyed these stories and I know you will too. 

*I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.*



Sunday, January 3, 2016

Until the Dawn is a sure hit!

I have come to highly anticipate Elizabeth Camden’s novels.  Ms. Camden has a penchant for combining history with scientific breakthroughs from around the same time period into captivating depictions.  Some authors take the same story line and change it up a bit but not so with Ms. Camden.  Each of her novels is a new and fascinating take on history.  Her latest novel, Until the Dawn, tells the story of Sophie and Quentin.  Sophie is a volunteer for the Weather Bureau who has set up a weather station at one of Quentin’s family homes, Dierenpark.  Aside from a few servants set to keep watch, Dierenpark has sat vacant for many years.  Quentin has come to Dierenpark on a mission from his grandfather and is accompanied by his young son. 

 

Sophie and Quentin are at odds from the first, separated not only by their visions for Dierenpark, but also by social and economic statuses and different spiritual beliefs.  They are drawn together  by the needs of Quentin’s son and strange occurrences at Dierenpark.  Ultimately throughout the book, they are drawn together by more than just Pieter but I’ll let you read for yourself to find that out.  Although this is considered as inspirational romance, there is so much more to the book that just romance.  The reader is taken on a journey to find out about the beginnings of the weather bureau, and also discoveries about the history of the place.  


I recommend this book for readers who enjoy romance combined with enough mystery and adventure to keep you turning the pages. I could not put this book down and I hope you have the same "problem" with it. 😉