Surprised by Love by Julie Lessman

About the Book:

She can turn the head of the man who spurned her--but can she turn his heart?

When Megan McClare left San Francisco to study in Paris, no one would accuse her of being poised and pretty. But on the other side of the Atlantic, this wallflower blossomed into a beauty with big dreams. When she returns to California and accepts an internship at the district attorney's office, she's thrilled that her life is taking shape. But the exciting opportunity quickly loses its glow when she discovers she'll be working alongside Devin Caldwell, who mercilessly mocked her at school--and with whom she was hopelessly enamored.

Bram Hughes is the best friend to whom Megan has always turned for support and advice. But when she seeks his counsel about working with Devin Caldwell, Bram's vision is clouded by his sudden unwelcome attraction to a girl he had always thought of as a little sister. He advises forgiveness, but can he forgive himself for pushing the woman he loves into the arms of another man?

Author Julie Lessman draws a romantic triangle that will touch your heart in this glittering Gilded Age tale of transforming love.

My Review:

5 Stars

If you have ever read a Julie Lessman book then you know you will be blown away. This statement holds true for her newest book, Surprised by Love which is also the conclusion to her Hearts of San Francisco series. I was so sad when the book finished since it was so good like the whole series and now I have to wait till she publishes more. Julie Lessman books are hard to wait for :). I really enjoyed the setting of San Francisco in the Gilded age because its a setting that many authors haven't used yet so it made it fresh and exciting.

If you have never read one of her books, then you need to do it now! For those that have make sure you read this one since you won't be disappointed.

*I received this book from Revell for the purpose of this book. Thank You!

At Bluebonnet Lake by Amanda Cabot

About the Book:

Her life is set to warp speed. His is slowing to a crawl. But love has its own timing.

Marketing maven Kate Sherwood's world is fast-paced, challenging, and always changing. The last thing she wants to do is grind to a halt at Rainbow's End, a dilapidated resort in the Texas Hill Country. Still, she cannot deny her ailing grandmother's request to visit the place where she and her deceased husband spent one glorious week fifty years ago. There, Kate meets Greg, who appears to be the resort's unassuming handyman. But there's more to Greg than meets the eye--billions more, in fact.

Kate isn't looking for romance, but she can't deny the sparks of attraction that fly every time she and Greg are together. Could there be a future there? Or will Kate's long-sought promotion take her back to the big city?

Amanda Cabot invites you to step into a place away from the pressures of the day. You might be surprised by what you find at Rainbow's End.

My Review:

4 Stars

What a fun book! I have read Amanda Cabot's previous two series and just loved, they were both historical. When I saw she was breaking outside the historical box I was intrigued and worried. You just never know how well it will play out, but she did a fantastic job in writing a more modern day story.  Amanda Cabot writing flows so well and the story lines keep me turning the page too late into the night. 

I just loved Kate and Greg, such fun people and loved seeing how their story would play out. I liked how Kate wasn't looking for romance, since that is so often how it happens every day. When its not what you are looking for, you tend to find it.

Any fans of Amanda Cabot, or a good romance story will love this book and make a great addition to your library. Great Job.

*I received this book from Revell for the purpose of this review.

The Promise by Beth Wiseman

About the Book:

Mallory’s search for happiness leads her to a faraway place. There she finds heartache, betrayal—and danger.

Mallory Hammond is determined that no one will stand in the way of her goal—to save a life. She had that chance years ago, and she failed to take it, leaving her adrift and in search of the real meaning of her life. Finally, she meets a man online from a volatile corner of the world who offers her the chance to find that purpose. But she will have to leave everyone she loves behind in order to take it.

Tate Webber has loved Mallory for many years. He understands that Mallory will never be happy with him until her deepest heart’s desire is satisfied. When Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfi ll her dreams, Tate begs her not to go but tries to give her the space she needs. Mallory embarks on her dangerous journey only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. And Mallory can only pray that she will make it out alive.

Inspired by actual events, The Promise is a riveting love story that asks the question: how far will we go for love?

My Review:

5+ Stars

Wow, fantastic story. Very powerful. Words can not express how much I loved this book. Easily a top book of the year for me. Just like Beth Wiseman's previous books she has the power to draw readers in and really feel every emotion going on. She makes you rejoice with them, feel scared for them and so much more.

I really do not want to give to much away about this book because its just that good that needs to be read and experienced by the reader. I loved Mallory's character and determination to fulfill a promise made years ago. I will warn that this is not a quick, simple beach read but a deep book with some very scary situations involved that will give you an eye opening experience. It is based on actual events that the author was close to and that makes it so much more real.

As with all of Beth's books, I loved this one too. She is a great author that I always look forward to reading. Thank you Beth for writing something out of the box and drawing me into the story so well.

* I received this book through Litfuse for the purpose of this review. Thank You!

The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller

About the Book:

Book One in Refined by Love series

Yearning for a fresh start, Ewan McKay travels with his aunt and uncle from northern Scotland to West Virginia, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial assistance from his uncle Hugh. Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, but it’s Ewan who gets the business up and running again. Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner’s daughter, and he feels a connection with her, but she’s being courted by another man–a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Besides, Ewan has resolved he’ll focus on making the brickmaking operation enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Scotland.

But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan’s hard work may come to naught. As his plans begin to crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. She and her mother may have a way to save the brickworks, and in turn Ewan may have another shot at winning Laura’s heart.

My Review:

4 Stars

The Brickmaker's Bride is only the second book I have read from Judith Miller but if I didn't enjoy her then I do now. I have also read a few books where she co authored with Tracie Peterson which is the first place I heard her name. I am glad I have discovered this author and look forward to reading more in this series.

I found this book to be a great pace and an enjoyable story. A story abouth taking a chance on love and trusting God in the disappointing times and the good times. I really enjoyed the characters and felt like Judith Miller did an excellent job at bringing them to life and giving them multiple facets.  I really enjoyed the setting and found it fun that Ewan came from Scotland. Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more.

*I Received this book through Litfuse Publicity for the purpose of this review. Thank You!

The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky.\

About the Book:

Book 2 in Edwardian Brides

What if the title, the estate, the life of security and splendor… what if it isn’t enough?

Strong-willed and beautiful, debutante Katherine Ramsey feels ready to take the London social season by storm, and she must. Her family estate, Highland Hall, has been passed to older male cousin Sir William Ramsey, and her only means of securing her future is to make a strong debut and find a proper husband. With her all-knowing and meddling aunt as a guide, Katherine is certain to attract suitors at the lavish gatherings, sparkling with Great Britain’s elite.

When a shocking family scandal sidelines Katherine, forcing her out of the social spotlight, she keeps a low profile, volunteering with the poor in London’s East End. Here Katherine feels free from her predictable future, and even more so as a friendship with medical student Jonathan Foster deepens and her faith in God grows. But when Katherine is courted anew by a man of wealth and position, dreams of the life she always thought she wanted surface again. Torn between tradition and the stirrings in her heart for a different path, she must decide whom she can trust and love—and if she will choose a life serving others over one where she is served

My Review:

5 Stars

I just loved this book, just like the first book in the series! This book picks up where the last one left off and the story just keeps getting better and better. I really enjoy Kate's story and her journey to salvation.

I find this time frame so fun to read because it is so different from how life is now. I enjoyed learning about all the rules of courtship and entering society, wow the pressure those young ladies had. I can't imagine being in those shoes. I really enjoyed seeing how the events played out in the light of scandal in the family and how it changes Kate's life in great ways.

Fans of Edwardian area and even Regency will love this book and the first one. I know I can't wait till next October for the next book to release, A Refugee at Highland Hall. 

* I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for the purpose of this review. Thank You!