Book review for, "Along a Storied Trail," by Ann. H. Gabhart.

 

About the book:

Kentucky packhorse librarian Tansy Calhoun doesn't mind the rough trails and long hours as she serves her Appalachian mountain community during the Great Depression. Yet she longs to find love like the heroines in her books. When a charming writer comes to town, she thinks she might have found it--or is the perfect man actually closer than she thinks?

Perdita Sweet has called these mountains home for so long she's nearly as rocky as the soil around her small cabin. Long ago she thought she could love, but when the object of her affection up and married someone else, she stopped giving too much of herself away to others.

As is so often the case, it's easier to see what's best for others than to see what's best for oneself, and Perdita knows who Tansy should choose. But why would anyone listen to the romantic advice of an old spinster?

Saddle up for a heartfelt story of love--love of family, love of place, and the love of a lifetime--from bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart.

My thoughts: 4/5 stars

Along a Storied Trail is very much like "The Waltons." which I grew up watching and loving!

 The mountain people were so fun to get to know and learn their stories. 

The writing wasn't my absolute favorite but it was very fitting to the story. The story line was cute and I was very interested in the traveling librarians. I absolutely loved learning about that part of history!

I must confess I did not have time to finish the story before the review was due. But I'll definitely be finishing it soon!

**I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own. A positive review was in no way required.**

-Rebekah 

Book review for, "A Lady in Attendance," by Rachel Fordham

 

About the book:

Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel's real name. So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts's lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias. In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.

As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, he can't help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Can the questions that loom between them ever be answered? Or will the deeds of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities?

Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man, a hardened woman, and the friends that stand by them as they work toward a common purpose--to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving--and perhaps find love along the way.

My thoughts: 5/5 stars

I absolutely love Rachel Fordham's books. I love that she goes out of the norm. Instead of the perfectly symmetrical, no flaws characters you so often find, she writes completely original characters. Which I think makes her stories so much more relatable and realistic.

 

 I have to admit, I was slightly weary to start this story. Gilbert isn't your usual hero. And I do love me a good hero. But I fell so in love with this guy!

   He was so caring and sweet. He instantly had my heart. He's a quiet, gentle protector. And I think those types of heros are so important and underrated.

(also I'm afraid of going to the dentist and I think that should be noted. LOL😂)

As for Hazel, I quickly fell in love with her as well. I loved that even as a woman of the late 1800s she wasn't afraid to speak her mind and stand up for herself. I love, love, love characters with a complicated back story. I adore seeing their growth from the person they once were. And Hazel had major, and satisfying growth.

 I loved the gentle love story, of not only lovers but of friends.

A Lady in Attendance is filled with sweet friendships, quick wit and near kisses. I truly never wanted it to end.

I look forward to more of Rachel Fordham's books!

 Here is the Purchase link for anyone interested! :) 

 And here is the author's Website!

**I was given a free copy of the book by the publisher. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own.**

Book review for, "Come Back to Me," by Jody Hedlund.

About the book:

The ultimate cure that could heal any disease? Crazy.

That's exactly what research scientist Marian Creighton has always believed about her father's quest, even if it does stem from a desire to save her sister Ellen from the genetic disease that stole their mother from them. But when her father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water believed to contain traces of residue from the Tree of Life, Marian must question all of her assumptions. He's left behind tantalizing clues that suggest he's crossed back in time. Insane. Until Marian tests his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising.

William Durham, a valiant knight comes to Marian's rescue and offers her protection . . . as his wife. The longer Marian stays in the past, the more she cares about William. Can she ever find her father and make it back to the present to heal her sister? And when the time comes to leave, will she want to?

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund is your guide down the twisting waters of time to a volatile era of superstition, revolts, and chivalry in this suspenseful story.

My thoughts: 3/5 

 I had some difficulty getting in to Come Back to Me. There was a lot of technical talk and I honestly had trouble understanding. I found it kind of difficult to connect to some of the characters.

 I had no problem with the writing style, I think Jody Hedlund is quite talented! I just didn't connect with the book as much as I thought I would.

 I did not finish the book at this time but I do see myself giving it a second chance in the future.

  I always feel so bad leaving a more "negative" review because I know how much work authors put in and how their book comes from such a special part in their heart.

But I honestly think other people would really enjoy this book, just wasn't really my cup of tea.

**I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own.**

 As always, have a wonderful day!

 

 Rebekah. 

Book review for, "Bridge of Gold," by Kimberley Woodhouse

 

Happy release day of Bridge of Gold!! 

About the book:

Repairs on the Golden Gate Bridge Uncover a Century-Old Murder

 

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

 

Underwater archaeologist Kayla Richardson is called to the Golden Gate Bridge where repairs to one of the towers uncovers two human remains from the late 1800s and the 1930s. The head of the bridge restoration is Steven Michaels, who dives with Kayla, and a friendship develops between them. But as the investigation heats up and gold is found that dates back to the gold rush, more complications come into play that threaten them both. Could clues leading to a Gold Rush era mystery that was first discovered during the building of the bridge still ignite an obsession worth killing for?

My thoughts: 5/5

 I love time split novels. So a time split novel by one of my favorite authors? Count me in!!

I fell in love on the first page. There were characters I instantly connected with, an epic story all about an interesting period in history.

 I love that Kimberley Woodhouse is such a history buff. Her passion for the subject adds such a rich element to every story she tells. As a fellow history lover, I've learned so many fascinating things!

 I never wanted to put the book down honestly. I finished it in two sittings. The story was fast paced, intriguing, and had me turning pages long into the night.

 Kayla and Steven's love story was the sweet, comforting type. And it was such a healthy relationship! It was honestly super refreshing.

 But it was the mystery and the suspense that had my heart. It was so good! It had me devouring every word.

I encourage anyone looking for, Historical, Christian, romance, mystery to go check out Bridge of Gold! 100% clean. 

Please check out the books Launch page where you can find purchase links as well as the authors social media links.

 As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read this review! I hope you do something today that makes you happy. 

Love, Rebekah. 

**I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review.**

Book review for, "Unknown Threat," by Lynn H. Blackburn

 

About the book:

US Secret Service Special Agent Luke Powell is lucky to be alive. Three of his fellow agents have died in unusual circumstances in the past ten weeks. Luke is devastated by the loss of his friends and colleagues, and his inability to locate the killer feels like a personal failure. He's an expert at shielding others, but now the protectors are in need of protection.

FBI Special Agent Faith Malone is driven to succeed and confident in her ability to solve every case she's assigned. She's been put in charge of the investigation into the unprecedented attacks, and with Luke's life in danger, the stakes have never been higher. But it's hard to know how to fight back when you don't know who the enemy is.

As more agents are targeted, Luke and Faith will have to work together to bring a killer to justice and prevent any more names from joining their fallen brothers and sisters on the Secret Service Wall of Honor.

My thoughts: 5/5 stars

Everytime I read one of Blackburn's book I rediscover how much of an awesome author she is. One of the best in the business at writing suspense, action, romance and Christianity.

Unknown Threat didn't disappoint, characters with layer after layer. And a plot that keeps thickening.

Faith and Luke had my attention at page one. 

Luke is this hard headed, secretive guy with a grudge against every FBI agent.

FBI agent Faith Malone is not the chick to mess with. She's as equally hard headed and refuses to be pushed around.

Now she's just gotta convince Luke she's not the enemy.

They work diligently on this case with twists and turns you don't see coming. 

  Luke and Faith's love story! I haven't read that kind of passion in awhile.

You know the love stories that give you butterflies in your tummy? This was definitely that!!

But the best part was that it never overshadowed the suspense and mystery. And the same vice versa. It was genius writing on Blackburn's behalf. Her writing style is always one of my favorites. I simply cannot wait for book two in the series !

Here is the Purchase link

** I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are completely my own. I was in no way required to give a positive review.**

I hope you guys are having a lovely week!

-Rebekah