Review of 'Someone Like You' by Victoria Bylin

Thank you to Bethany House for the book in exchange for my honest review.


This is the first book by Victoria Bylin I have read. It turned out to be a great story with lots of ups and downs, struggles and breakthroughs of faith. When I started the book I found myself thinking of how it would make for a wonderful movie and I could picture Candace Bure or Melissa Joan Hart playing the part of Julia Dare. Now I know Candace and Melissa don't look like the description of the character, but they were who I kept picturing the whole time I read. This could be because both Candace and Melissa have played in movies similar to the story (not so much the actual plot, but the style of the plot).

The story failed to grab me during the first five chapters because it felt like it was meant to be a movie and not a book. That is until I met Julia's mom, Ellen. Ellen is the kind of character I enjoy reading about and when she meets George - well, let's say the book bloomed into life. After that I found myself hooked and unable to put it down, but it was because I wanted to know what happened with Ellen and George. I wish I could say I loved Zeke and Julia, but they were a little lackluster for most of the book. As the story progressed it got better and better, to the point where I did care for Zeke and Julia by the end.

I saw a photo of a shirt on pinterest and I think it is fitting. It said, "I don't care who dies so long as the dog lives." Change dog to horse and add the names Ellen, Max, and George and you've got how I felt about the book. I don't care who dies so long as the horse, Ellen, Max, and George live. Now, I will give you a spoiler - no one dies, so relax. :)

The cover of the book is beautiful and quite like the covers I would love to do for a series I am writing.

All in all, I liked the book. I didn't love it, but I did like it. I give it 3 1/2 stars because I still think it would be a better movie than book.

One last thing - I love the acknowledgement to Victoria's husband. It made me laugh. How cute. The dorky pink hair bow. :)

To buy a copy, go here: http://www.amazon.com/Someone-Like-You-Victoria-Bylin/dp/0764217372/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464151737&sr=8-1&keywords=Victoria+Bylin

Review of 'The Reluctant Duchess' by Roseanna M. White

Thank you to Bethany House for my free copy in exchange for my honest review. 


This was the first Roseanna book that I have read. I didn't even know who Roseanna M. White was until a few months ago when I attended a book party on Facebook. She had been talking about her first book in the Ladies of the Manor series, 'The Lost Heiress'. That book sounded very intriguing, but after the party ended life got in the way and I forgot about it. When the Bethany House email came around for us to choose which book we would like to review, I picked The Reluctant Duchess for three reasons. One - it was the only one which sounded like something I would enjoy, Two - because I knew Roseanna's name (I couldn't recall why I knew her name, but I knew that I knew her name), and Three - the cover was lovely (What? I am picky about covers. I know, I know - 'You can't judge a book by its cover'. Well, I can and I do.)   Boy was this a great choice!

Right away I got a real feel for Rowena's personality and could practically hear her voice in my head. This similar thing happened with Brice and Ella. I could picture them and what they looked like and acted like. In my opinion this is the mark of a great story. 

There were moments when the plot line seemed to stretch on quite long when it could have been shortened and there were a few side stories that felt like they didn't quite fit with the main plot, but there weren't too many. All in all, the story was written beautifully with a strong line of faith weaved throughout it. Moments made me cry, some made me laugh, a few I related to, and a couple made me swoon. What? Come on, Brice is amazing!

When I first began to read the book, I wasn't sure if I would be able to get into it or if I would end up keeping it - but now you may have to pry it from my hands if you wish to borrow it. I have fallen in love with the characters and look forward to many more Roseanna books in the future. Five out of five stars! 

Here is the link to buy a copy: http://www.amazon.com/Reluctant-Duchess-Ladies-Manor/dp/0764213512/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1461193919&sr=8-2&keywords=The+Reluctant+Duchess

Review of 'Dressed for Death' by Julianna Deering

Thank you to Bethany House for my copy in exchange for my honest review. 

As much as I try to convince myself that I don't have favorite authors, I know this just isn't true.

Reason I say this? I LOVE Julianna's books. 

She has become one of my very favorite all-time authors. The characters she creates are so alive and wonderful that I feel sad when the story comes to an end. Because of my love for Drew, Nick, and the others I have gotten my mother and sister into the series. I plan to work on my father eventually as well as my other friends and some family. Julianna is very talented and inspires me to continue to keep going with my own writing even when at times I feel like giving up. 

Another reason I adore her books is because she always manages to surprise me. I am not one who is typically surprised by mysteries, but each time Julianna does it. The first book in the series I was completely wrong, the second one I kinda suspected but doubted it was that character, the third I was sort of right, and the fourth... well...

With the fourth book in the series 'Dressed for Death' I was left a bit speechless. I had figured one part of it out about half-way into the story and was almost yelling at the book what was going on (ha-ha), but the person I suspected turned out to not be who it was. Granted I figured out who it was a few chapters before the end - which is an improvement over how I have done for the last three - but it is still a delightfully frustrating thing for me because I can usually spot the culprit pretty fast (if not right away). 

The characters were still just as wonderful and alive as ever, and the fact that she opened the story with a grand collection of Jane Austen references made me love it as soon as I read the first chapter.

It was wonderful to have Carrie and her brother show up in the story as well. 

There were moments when I cried, moments when I laughed, and moments when I was so stunned I had to put the book down for a bit. 

All in all, I can only say really one thing and that is - Julianna Deering has done it again! Five stars and a wonderful spot on my shelf with the other three. 

To buy a copy - http://www.amazon.com/Dressed-Death-Drew-Farthering-Mystery/dp/076421411X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1459028204&sr=1-1&keywords=dressed+for+death

Review of 'Cold Shot' by Dani Pettrey

Thank you to Bethany House for my copy in exchange for my honest review. 

First and foremost, I have to say I love Dani Pettrey's Alaskan series. So much so that I have picked out songs that remind me of the characters and even built a board on pinterest with quotes and people I can see playing her characters. I began with the third one in that series, and then read four and five before going back and reading one and two. So, though I read them out of order I quickly fell in love with the characters, Dani's writing style, and the strong elements of faith throughout. 

Now, onto Cold Shot. 

The cover is quite lack-luster to me. I think a lot of it has to do with the color tones. I'm not sure why the cover artist picked those tones, but it throws me. When it was first revealed, I didn't like it and having the book in my possession makes me like it even less. I don't know what it is, but after the Alaskan covers - this falls flat. 

Unfortunately, the theme of stuff falling flat continued through the plot. In a lot of ways, the story reminded me of an episode of Castle that you want to love, you want to get into, you want to care about - but for whatever reason you just don't. Just like Castle, you grow to love the style of the writer and coming off the previous series you have high expectations - but something is just missing. This makes me very sad because I so badly wanted to love it just like the others from Dani. 

I have seen many, many reviews from readers and other authors alike that loved Cold Shot. So, it could be a "me" thing. 

There are a few spots that caught my attention (again, it could just be a "me" thing) that made me wonder if the editor rushed through reading it - whether because of a time issue or a fascination with the story. In a few spots phrases were repeated really close together, a couple small words were misspelled (they instead of the), and the dots! 

Oh... my... gosh... the amount of dots in this book were... out of control. I don't mind a few uses of dots (just not 25 uses in three or four chapters - yes, I counted) to mean a trailing off of thought, but it is one of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to writing, editing, and reading. 

So, I know it seems like I have picked the book apart and that I hated it and wished I never read it - but that is not the case at all. In all honesty, I did like it - I just wish it was more. More what? I'm not sure, but more. 

Dani's Alaskan series was amazing! Her characters were full of life, the plots were so intriguing that I couldn't stop reading until I was finished, the covers were beautiful, and the faith was very real. 

With Cold Shot, the faith seemed forced in some ways and some of the characters (unfortunately, this includes Griffin and Finley) were a bit boring. However, a few characters were perfect and so much like the Dani characters I know and love - Parker (He is my favorite! Love him!), Avery, and Griffin's parents. 

I promise, I did like the story! 

There were some twists and turns I wasn't expecting, it turned out to be a different ending than I thought it would be, and Griffin's journey he took in the book was very real and well done. 

You can tell Dani really knew the area where the story was based and she did do an impressive amount of research to really bring the story full circle. 

There were some moments when I chuckled, and a few towards the end when I teared up. I really got a sense of what the characters look like (and am planning to make collages of who I can see playing them). 

The epilogue saved this story and brought me to a place where I could see the Dani I know and love. It was perfect in so many ways. The characters that were a bit flat suddenly sparked to life, and the introduction of the other characters really brought the story to a very satisfying ending. Because of the epilogue and Parker, I am giving this story four stars because it gives me a lot of hope for the rest of the series - just please control the dots! They... can... get... annoying. 

http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Shot-Chesapeake-Valor-Pettrey/dp/0764211978/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1456425456&sr=1-1&keywords=cold+shot+dani+pettrey

Review of 'A Worthy Heart' by Susan Anne Mason

Thank you to Bethany House for my copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Cover -

I think the cover is intriguing. It was the reason I picked the book to read. Actually, the model reminds me a lot of Alexis Bledel.

Review -

Susan does a wonderful job of writing this story. The overall theme of forgiveness is powerful and heartfelt. I truly believed everything that happened could have happened in real life. I enjoyed the different points of view going from Adam to Maggie to Gabe and so on. It gave me a chance to get to know the characters and the way they responded to different events. I ended up growing attached to Adam and Maggie.

I found the note from Susan in the back of the book interesting because I loved Adam from the moment he stepped onto the page (so to speak). Granted that being said, I have not read the first book in the series (I didn't realize this was the second book until it arrived in the mail).

This book can easily be read without reading the first one, but if I had the chance to go back - I would have wanted to read the first one and then this one just so that I knew who some of the characters were.

Now, I have to admit that at first I wasn't too thrilled with the book. It seemed a bit flat (except the parts with Adam and Maggie) and I was able to guess a good amount of what would happen before it did. Because I am a writer, I can't say that the average reader will be able to guess as well as I was.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It turned out to be a lovely story and I am very glad I kept reading. I give the book a solid four because while I liked it enough to keep it, I didn't love it. I look forward to reading more of Susan's books in the future.

Oh, one last thing - I loved the fact that Maggie and her family are from Ireland and I think Susan did a wonderful job making them sound like they came from that area.

To buy a copy, here is the link - http://www.amazon.com/Worthy-Heart-Courage-Dream/dp/0764217259/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1453430332&sr=1-1&keywords=a+worthy+heart

Review of 'The Painter's Daughter' by Julie Klassen

Thank you to Bethany House for my copy of Julie Klassen's latest work - The Painter's Daughter - in exchange for my honest review.


Let me start with the cover of the book -

While I think the model is a good fit for the way Sophie is described - I pictured someone more frail as I read (by that I mean very skinny and short). The dress the model is wearing is beautiful, but seeing the other covers that Julie Klassen has for her books - this really doesn't surprise me much. :)


And now my review -

The Painter's Daughter is filled with drama, mystery, and romance that will have any lady who enjoys books along the line of Pride and Prejudice swooning. It is a book that keeps you on your toes with some twists and turns you wouldn't expect in the plot. This is a good thing because then the book doesn't become boring to read. Some of the twists I managed to guess (this might be only because I am a writer also), and some that I didn't even think of putting together. There were a few instances I would have done a different twist if it had been my story - but that just makes it all the more fun.

This was my first Julie Klassen book ever and I am pleased to say it will not be my last. The way Julie writes weaves together a beautiful story that fills the pages and the reader's imagination long after the book is put down. I can say that I thought of Captain Overtree, Sophie, and Wesley off and on whenever I had to put the book down.

Now, I do have to be honest - I almost gave up with the book after the first two chapters. Why? Because I can't stand weak female characters and Sophie reminded me of one the way she feared the Captain. It got to be a bit annoying - but I am happy to say that Sophie's character grew stronger as the story went on. I don't want to give anything away, but I was quite pleased with Sophie at the end of the story.

All in all, this book is one of the best I have read in a while. Julie Klassen may be one of my all-time favorite authors - which if you know me and how much I read, this is a hard thing to achieve.


Opinions of the characters:

Captain Overtree - I loved him the moment he stepped onto the scene (probably why I disliked Sophie so much at first...) He is exactly my type: strong, brooding, sarcastic, and secretly romantic - Mr. Darcy, anyone? ;) Speaking of Darcy, I had some friends attend Julie's book banter held on Facebook and one commented on the photos of the people Julie had used for inspiration. To my surprise and happiness, the one she picked for Stephen was indeed Darcy from Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley.

Wesley Overtree - What can I say about him? He is the reason Sophie is in the situation she is in the first place. He is a free-spirit type that goes wherever the wind blows him. Not my type of guy and honestly, though he gets better as the book goes on - I wanted him to just go away.

Sophie - At first, I hated her. She seemed so weak and fragile. But then, she grew and developed into one of my favorite characters by the end.

Keith - I liked him a lot. Yes, he had his issues - but you could see he had a heart of gold.

Miss Blake - Eh. She seemed rather bland. The only times I really liked her was when she was around Keith.

Captain Overtree and Wesley's Grandfather - I loved him! He was so cute and funny. Definitely made me smile whenever he was mentioned.

Kate - I enjoyed her personality. Julie pinpointed a young girl perfectly and made me giggle with her comments about the book that Kate was reading.

Winny - Honestly, she was a bit weird. I am neither here nor there on her character. The moments with the cat were probably my favorite with her.


Overall -

This book is amazing! If you find you are like me and want to put it down within the first couple chapters, you owe it to yourself to keep reading because it turns into an amazing story! Honestly, one of my favorites ever! Here is the link to buy a copy from Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Painters-Daughter-Julie-Klassen/dp/0764210726/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450548163&sr=8-1&keywords=the+painter%27s+daughter+by+julie+klassen

Review of 'On This Foundation' by Lynn Austin

Thank you to Bethany House for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

On This Foundation is book three in the Restoration Chronicles series (the other two are 'Return to Me' and 'Keepers of the Covenant'). Lynn Austin does a fantastic job throughout the series of bringing the Old Testament to life.

The fact that she picked Biblical people that most would tend to look over, I love. 'On This Foundation focuses on Nehemiah. That was a huge factor for me in choosing this book to review because I have always loved Nehemiah (the name and the person). The other factor was that it was the third book and I wanted the whole series so far for my collection.

One of my favorite Bible verses was mentioned in the book: Joshua 1:9 - Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. 

As far as the characters, I really enjoyed Chana and her family. Her father was so cute with his daughters, and her sisters made me smile because their personalities were so on point with how sisters are. The relationship she had with her sisters was wonderful and made me happy.

Nava bugged me until later on in the story. At first, I liked her and understood her - but she stayed a bit too much the same for the majority of the book. Once she realized the truth of God, I liked her once again.

Shimon was my favorite character! I LOVED him! He was so kind and reminded me of a wonderful father figure. His secret didn't surprise me as I had guessed it early on in the book, but I am a writer - so just because I guessed it doesn't mean everyone will.

The interaction between Nehemiah and Chana made me laugh more than once. I loved the way Nehemiah wanted to take care of his siblings. It made him seem even more real. One thing I really liked was how Lynn brought Ezra back into the series. That made me happy because I really liked him from the other book.

I don't want to give too much away, so I will just summarize my review. There were many moments when I laughed, a few when I cried, my heart broke at a few spots. Overall, it was a wonderful story.

However, the ending seemed a bit too rushed and it didn't really explain how the story about Nehemiah and his enemies ended. I think Lynn could have expanded that section a bit more. Also, I would have liked to see certain characters get what they deserved instead of it seeming like it was almost "shoved under the rug".

The other thing that bugged me was Lynn's use of the NIV. I am not a stick in the mud about having only use the KJV, but there is a lot that has been removed from the NIV (and other versions) that is essential to God's word.

Anyway, as I said overall it is a wonderful book and will have a place on my shelf happily. I give it a 4 1/2 out of 5 because of the rushed ending and use of NIV.