CHRISTIAN FICTION REVIEW: The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham

THE MISTLETOE COUNTESS

by Pepper Basham

Barbour Publishing, 2021

ISBN: 978-1-64352-986-8

Source: purchased

Historical romance/Christian fiction

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Book summary & book cover provided by Goodreads.com & publisher.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Will the magic of Christmas bring these two newlyweds closer together, or will the ghosts of the past lead them into a destructive discovery from which not even a Dickens’s Christmas can save them?

Mistletoe is beautiful and dangerous, much like the woman from Lord Frederick’s Percy’s past, so when he turns over a new leaf and arranges to marry for his estate, instead of his heart, he never expects the wrong bride to be the right choice. Gracelynn Ferguson never expected to take her elder sister’s place as a Christmas bride, but when she’s thrust into the choice, she will trust in her faithful novels and overactive imagination to help her not only win Frederick’s heart but also to solve the murder mystery of Havensbrook Hall before the ghosts from Frederick’s past ruin her fairytale future.

REVIEW

I know it isn't Christmas right now, but I loved this book so much I couldn't wait to review it!  The Mistletoe Countess provided a delightful and thoroughly engaging reading experience.  Not only was the plot compelling, but I absolutely fell in love with these characters.  They honestly felt like friends that I'd want to sit down and enjoy again and again.

When Gracelynn Ferguson steps in and marries an earl in her sister's place, she never expects to face a new home full of questions and the unhappiness of her new husband's past.  As Frederick and Grace's relationship develops and they become friends as well as spouses, Grace uses her unique collection of skills to help her husband find the healing and redemption he so desperately seeks.  With her sunny disposition and deep knowledge of fictional characters and plot lines, she works to help her husband discover what happened to the his brother, the former Earl of Astley.  Frederick's tender heart has been wounded by choices from the past, but Grace's openness and generousness of spirit helps him find the courage to face the past and work toward building the future.

Many of the interactions between the characters are wonderfully laugh inducing.  Grace is such a fun character, and quite amusing in the way she's always referring to fictional characters and what she has learned from her reading, especially the sleuthing information.  The growing relationship between Grace and Frederick is sweet and tender. The other characters provide greatly to the story as well, especially the servants reactions to Grace's often quite improper behavior.  Frederick's mother is a rather heartbreaking part of Frederick's past, but by the end, like Grace, I felt some empathy for her situation even though it's partly self-induced.  As a romance, there is plenty of kissing involved; intimate relations are shared between Grace and Frederick as husband and wife, but are kept off the page, although there are a couple of bedroom scenes where they are talking. 

As Christian fiction there is frequent mention of God and prayer and religious belief throughout the story, but it doesn't get preachy or bog down the story in any way. The contrast between Frederick's past mistakes and Grace's innocence highlights Frederick's efforts at redemption and restitution.  The murder mystery becomes a prominent part of the story as Grace and Frederick begin to settle in at Havensbrook Hall and prepare to celebrate Christmas.  The danger that stalks Grace and Frederick builds in tension until the denouement at the end where Grace and Frederick have a chance to show just how much they have come to care for each other.

The length of this review should make it clear that I truly loved this book and plan to enjoy reading it many times in the future.

BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: Of Daggers and Deception by A.L. Sowards

OF DAGGERS AND DECEPTION

by A.L. Sowards

Covenant Communications, 2021

ISBN: 978-1-52442-054-3

Source: eARC from publisher & purchased finished copy

Christian Historical Fiction, Medieval Adventure, Romance

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

After years as a soldier and mercenary, Rasheed has retired from battle to run the bathhouse in Thebes with his friends Gillen and Eudocia. The simple life suits them, so when Venetian strangers come to town looking to hire the renowned crew, their answer is no. But when one of his friends is abducted, Rasheed is left with no choice but to take up his weapons and join forces with the Venetians, including the beautiful and clever Cecilia, whose betrothed has also been seized by the unknown foe. 

As the reluctant allies face ambushes and the looming threat of capture, Rasheed and Cecilia forge a surprising connection. But as the party races to rescue their friends, Rasheed discovers that nothing is as it seems. As his trust in Cecilia begins to waver, he realizes that in the end, they will both be forced to make a choice between love and duty.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A. L. Sowards is the author of multiple historical fiction novels, with settings spanning the globe from the fourteenth to twentieth centuries. Her stories have earned a Whitney Award, several Whitney Finalists positions, and a Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal. She enjoys hiking and swimming, usually manages to keep up with the laundry, and loves it when someone else cooks dinner. She currently lives in the beautiful state of Alaska with her husband, three children, and an ever-growing library.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website
Instagram
Facebook
Newsletter
Goodreads
A. L. Sowards on Linktree

FIND THE BOOK

Goodreads
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Deseret Book
Seagull Book

REVIEW

A.L. Sowards' books have always impressed me with their incredible characterizations, compelling plots, and amazing historical detail.  Of Daggers and Deception grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go.  It didn't hurt that I'd met the characters before in Of Swords and Shadows.  Knowing something about the characters and their pasts had me invested in the story from the beginning.  While I haven't read a lot of stories set in medieval times, the details regarding clothing and lifestyles rang true to me.  The inclusion of historical events and people also adds to the realism.  I appreciated the explanation the author includes at the end regarding fact and fiction and the challenges of researching a time where known details are few and far between.

The characters of this story stand out with their strengths and weaknesses.  Telling the story through Rasheed's eyes focuses the story on his thoughts and feelings.  This allowed the author to keep secrets and through in surprises throughout the book as Rasheed experienced them.  While I already cared about Rasheed, Gil, Eudocia, and Sebastie, it wasn't hard to learn to care about Cecelia and Aban as well.  The thoughts and feelings expressed by each character as challenges were faced and losses experienced gave the book depth.  The story progresses rapidly once the kidnappings take place with lots of action.  But there also plenty of thoughtful moments that allow the reader to get to know the characters better and empathize with the difficult choices they must make.

As Rasheed and his companions chase after their abducted friend numerous obstacles face them.  Turkish pirates, betrayal by supposed allies, and the pain of past injuries.  Rasheed and Cecilia's relationship grows as they get to know each other on the journey, but circumstances don't favor a long lasting relationship as one of the kidnap victims is her betrothed.  This compelling story line carries the book forward, but the other story lines make the book even more compelling as Rasheed and his friends struggle to survive while trying to rescue their friend.

A wonderfully complex and fascinating tale beautifully told.  I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy great writing, compelling plots, and great characters.

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REGENCY ROMANCE: Charming Artemis by Sarah M. Eden

CHARMING ARTEMIS

Jonquil Brothers #7 & Lancaster Family Series #5

by Sarah M. Eden

Covenant Communications, 2021

ISBN: 978-1-52441-806-9

Source: ARC from publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Charlie Jonquil is mild-mannered and kind―except when it comes to his one true adversary, Artemis Lancaster. Though Charlie has a brilliant mind for mathematics, Artemis poses a problem he can't seem to comprehend: how can one be so lovely and so infuriating? A party in London brings him into the company of the maddening young lady, and it is clear that Charlie's disdain is mutual. But when an unfortunate incident between the pair involving Charlie's jacket and a glass of raspberry shrub leads to scandal, the sworn enemies are left with only two options: be ruined or be married.

So it is that Artemis finds herself in a most outrageous predicament: she must wed a gentleman she's hated for years―and she pledges to avoid him at all costs. But it is only when they enter into this mockery of a marriage that Charlie and Artemis learn things are not as simple as they once appeared. As their tentative ceasefire leads to friendship, it seems their marriage born of desperation might lead them to a love that was destined to be.

REVIEW

Artemis Lancaster and Charlie Jonquil do not get along.  They never have since the day they met at a house party at Charlie's family home.  But with friends in common they can't avoid each other entirely.  Things take a stunning turn when an unfortunate incident involving two glasses of raspberry shrub and Charlie's apparel forces the two to marry.  The first weeks of their marriage don't offer much hope of either one finding happiness.  Artemis has been forced to leave London and a search for the man whose kindness touched her life as a child, but whose name she doesn't know.  And Charlie's planned career and future seems to be in the toilet. But as Artemis and Charlie slowly try to improve their relationship, they start to see parts of each other that they like and admire.  But life's challenges intervene and threaten their budding relationship.  Can they find a way to address their issues before it's too late?

Sarah Eden has created a masterpiece of a finale for her Jonquil and Lancaster series.  While I'm sad to say goodbye to characters I've grown to love, I couldn't have asked for a better ending.  I found myself laughing and crying and wanting to hug these characters through the ups and downs.  Not only is Artemis and Charlie's story settled, but other story lines are brought to a great conclusion.  Some plot elements ended up being a surprise and a few unexpected characters show up to my great delight.  I especially loved the scenes with the children.  And the dialogue was fantastic and enjoyable.  I can't say enough good things about Sarah Eden and her fantastic Jonquil and Lancaster series.  If you haven't read them, I highly, highly recommend them.

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HISTORICAL FICTION : The Merchant and the Rogue by Sarah M. Eden

THE MERCHANT AND THE ROGUE

A Proper Romance

by Sarah M. Eden

Shadow Mountain, 2021

ISBN: 978-1-62972-851-3

Source: ARC from publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Vera Sorokina loves reading the penny dreadfuls and immersing herself in tales of adventure, mystery, and romance. Her own days are filled with the often mundane work of running the book and print shop she owns with her father. The shop offers her freedom and an income, and while she is grateful for the stability it brings to her life, she often feels lonely.

Brogan Donnelly was born and raised in Ireland, but has lived in London for several years, where he's built a career as a penny dreadful writer. He has dedicated himself to the plight of the poor with the help of his sister. But with no one to share his life with, he fears London will never truly feel like home.

When Brogan and Vera's paths cross, the attraction is both immediate and ill-advised. Vera knows from past experience that writers are never to be trusted, and Brogan has reason to suspect not everything at Vera's print shop is aboveboard. When a growing criminal enterprise begins targeting their area of London, Brogan and Vera must work together to protect the community they've both grown to love. But that means they'll need to learn to trust each other with dangerous secrets that have followed both of them from their home countries.

REVIEW

This third volume of the Dread Penny Society series focuses on Brogan Donnelly.  When word of a plot against the Russian Ambassador arrives at the Dread Master's door, he sends Brogan to investigate the possible connection to a print shop.  But in order to protect the Society, Brogan has to pretend to quit and work on his own, something he isn't comfortable doing.  He also doesn't like to lie, but he has to use a fake name when he realizes that writers aren't welcome in the print shop where he takes a job.  As he searches for information regarding the plot, he finds his interest in the printer's daughter who runs the shop growing.  But without the help of his friends and the society can he figure out what's going on and stop it?  And what about the lies?  Will Vera forgive him when she discovers his deception or is he doomed to failure.

Sarah Eden has once again created an entertaining yet thoughtful tale of Regency England.  I've especially enjoyed this series because the characters come from a variety of backgrounds, none of which involve wealth.  In addition to the delightful romance, the mystery related to the plot involving the Russian ambassador was intricate and exciting.  And the plot becomes even thicker when Vera and her whole neighborhood are extorted for protection money. The witty banter and the fabulous characters combined with intricate, fascinating plots make this series thoroughly engaging and fun.  The inclusion of the penny dreadful tales adds interest as it reveals things about the characters who 'wrote' them.  This is a series that I thoroughly enjoy and highly recommend.

AN ENGAGEMENT OF SORTS: A Regency Romance by Alene Wecker

AN ENGAGEMENT OF SORTS

A Regency Romance

by Alene Wecker

Covenant Communications, 2021

Published: August 9, 2021

Source: ARC from publisher for review

Historical Fiction

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Much to her mother's dismay, spirited Anne Fletcher spent her youth seeking her father's approval by hunting and riding. More comfortable in breeches than ball gowns, Anne sees the freedoms she once enjoyed slowly taken from her in the name of fashioning her into an eligible young lady. When her parents try to force her into marriage, Anne makes a desperate attempt to salvage her last vestige of independence. If she is to marry, she will do so on her own terms.

Anne strikes a deal: if she cannot secure a man for herself, she will agree to marry the husband her parents approved. She soon finds herself in the last place she would every choose—that stifling parade of etiquette, the London Season. Anne's plan is in motion. Now all she needs is a man willing to masquerade as her fiancé.

REVIEW

An Engagement of Sorts presents readers with an enjoyable story that manages to blend serious issues with plenty of humor.  The two main characters carried the story with their unique characters and interactions.  The plot proved to be compelling and thoughtful at the same time.

Anne, the heroine, is a spirited young woman who has been told her whole life that she isn't good enough. Her mother considers her a trial and constantly tells her reign in her emotions.  After a lifetime of criticism, Anne has determined never to marry.  Her friend, Will, the local vicar, however, has other plans. He wants to marry her and goes to her father and gets permission to marry her without talking to her first.  Anne, in desperation, makes a deal with Will.  If she can't find a man in London within a month's time, she will return and marry him.  Meanwhile, she also has to deal with the offensive attentions of Mr. Smith, an acquaintance of her father's.

Several encounters with a colorful Mr. Thomas Paling add to Anne's stress.  His constant flirtations mask his fondness for her and her antics.  Desperation leads Anne to confide in the man and his suggestion of a false engagement is her only hope of preventing Mr. Smith from causing further harm to her and her friends and family.

One of my favorite aspects of the story is the humorous interactions between Anne and Thomas.  Her spiritedness combined with his delightful sense of humor and flirtatiousness make for a very entertaining combination.  And yet the two also come to understand each other through some serious conversations as well.  I especially like the fact that Thomas sees Anne as a person worth paying attention to, which Anne herself appreciates as well.

Issues related to verbal, physical, and sexual abuse run throughout the story which unfortunately would have been very common at the time.  Anne's helplessness in the face of horrible threats induced a great deal of sympathy in me.  The fact that women of the time had little recourse is rather sickening.  

Overall, the story is well-told with lighter, entertaining scenes mixed in with the more serious, intense scenes.  An emotional story that takes the reader from laughter to anger and back again.

A PROPER ROMANCE : Isabelle and Alexander by Rebecca Anderson

 

ISABELLE AND ALEXANDER

by Rebecca Anderson

Shadow Mountain, 2021

ISBN: 978-1-62972-847-6

Source: ARC from publisher for review.

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Isabelle Rackham knows she will not marry for love. Though arranged marriages have fallen out of fashion, hers has been settled for some time to combine the upper-middle-class wealth of her father's coal mines with Alexander Osgood's prospering Northern country textile mills. Though not a man prone to romantic gestures, Alexander is well-known as an eligible bachelor. His good looks have turned more than one head, so Isabelle is content to think of herself as Alexander's wife.

However, her marriage is not what she expected. Northern England is nothing like her home farther west in the lake country. Cold, dreary, and dark, the soot from the textile mills creates a gray hue that seems to cling to everything in the city of Manchester. Alexander is distant and aloof, preferring to spend his time at the mill rather than with her at home. Their few conversations are brief, polite, and lacking any emotion, leaving Isabelle lonely and desperately homesick.

Sensing his wife's unhappiness, Alexander suggests a trip to his country estate. Isabelle hopes this will be an opportunity to get to know her new husband without the distractions of his business. But the change of scenery doesn't bring them any closer. While riding together on horses, Alexander is thrown from his and becomes paralyzed. Tragedy or destiny? The help and care that Alexander now needs is Isabelle's opportunity to forge a connection and create a deep and romantic love where nothing else could.

REVIEW

This tender story of growing love in the face of tragic and difficult circumstances touched my heart in a lot of ways.  Isabelle knows little about her new husband other than that he runs a successful mill and there marriage will benefit both him and her father.  She hopes over time that she and Alexander can form a good relationship.  What she didn't expect was his cold politeness and feelings constantly alone in a polluted and unknown city.  Her only solace is the friendship she strikes up with the wife and daughter of one of Alexander's business managers.  But after a trip to the countryside results in a terrible accident that leaves him unable to move much things get even more complicated.  Isabelle's efforts to help to husband as well as find a place for herself in her new home made for compelling reading.  Isabelle's goodness made her easy to cheer for as she tried to establish a relationship with her husband.  Alexander is hard to connect with at first until, through Isabelle's eyes, I started to see the reasons for his behavior.  The couple's struggles with both Alec's injury and the other consequences of it made for a thoroughly engaging read.  I appreciated the details about Manchester and the mill business as well. Those kind of historical details helped the story come to life in a vivid way.  All in all a delightful, sympathetic romance with the kind of details and emotion that I enjoy.

 

HISTORICAL ROMANCE BOOK REVIEW : A PROPER SCOUNDREL by Esther Hatch

 

A PROPER SCOUNDREL

by Esther Hatch

Covenant Communications, 2021

ISBN:  9781524416980

Source: eARC from publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

His scandals were right on track until she derailed everything.

As the successful owner of multiple railroad lines, Diana Barton is all too accustomed to fending off suitors seeking to stake their claim on her wealth. In order to keep the wolves at bay, Diana has contrived the perfect plan: appeal to the most notorious rake in London, the Baron Lord Bryant, to ruin her reputation and scare off the worst of the time wasters. The ruse will be no hardship she's secretly been fascinated by the man for years.

Lord Bryant is well aware of his questionable reputation. Indeed, he has cultivated the image carefully, and the last thing he wants is a wife. But when he's approached by the younger sister of a business associate, he tells her in no uncertain terms that he cannot help. However, when he sees for himself what she is up against, Bryant grudgingly offers his assistance. Faced with his most complicated entanglement yet, Bryant is firm in his conditions and Diana knows that to get romantically involved with Bryant would spell certain heartbreak. But as the counterfeit couple grow ever closer, the line between truth and lies becomes blurred, threatening both Lord Bryant's well-laid plans and the future of Diana's railroad business.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Esther Hatch grew up on a cherry orchard in rural Utah. After high school, she alternated living in Russia to teach children English and attending Brigham Young University in order to get a degree in archaeology. She began writing when one of her favorite authors invited her to join a critique group. The only catch was she had to be a writer. Not one to be left out of an opportunity to socialize and try something new; she started on her first novel that week. 

 

REVIEW

 

Diana Barton's efforts to run two railroad lines are being thwarted by a stream of gentleman callers who want to court and marry her to gain control of the railroad lines.  In frustrations, Diana decides that a ruined reputation is the way to get these men to leave her alone.  After Lord Bryant, a well-known local scoundrel and rake, refuses to assist her, Diana goes ahead and starts using Lord Bryant's name.  To her delight her efforts seem to be working, except against one particularly determined gentleman.  Things become complicated however when Lord Bryant shows up at her office wanting to know what is going on.  After some persuasion Lord Bryant agrees to help but only behind the scenes.  He doesn't want their antics to get in the way of his efforts with Lady Emily.  But things seem to go awry from the beginning as Diana and Lord Bryant seem to enjoy each other's company more than they should.  But is it wise to get attached to a man who has ruined so many other women?

Diana and Everton's (Lord Bryant) love story is a thoroughly engaging and entertaining one.  I couldn't help but smile as I read of Diana and Everton's many rather unusual, and amusing, encounters.  Neither character fits particularly well into the society of the time (Regency period).  After his horrible first marriage, Everton has gone out of his way to shock and horrify society and hide behind the mask of a rake.  Diana, as a woman, is running two railroad companies very competently.  Everton is used to charming all the women he meets.  But Diana knows what she wants and Everton discovers it's not so easy to turn her down.  I especially enjoyed this book because it feels fresh and different, especially as Diana is not really looking for a husband and Everton has decided to never marry again.  All in all I really enjoyed the witty banter and back and forth between the two main characters.  The other plot lines involving the railroad, Diana's brother, and Lady Emily made for some interesting reading as well. Highly recommended.

 

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FOREVER, PHOEBE : a regency romance by Chalon Linton

 

FOREVER, PHOEBE

by Chalon Linton

Covenant Communications, 2021

ISBN: 978-1-52441-688-1

Source : ARC from publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 
At the dignified age of eighteen, Phoebe Jamison knows she should behave in a manner befitting her station, as her three loving elder brothers often tease. Unfortunately, the lively young woman has a personality every bit as fiery as her red hair, a fact brought to her attention in the criticism made by the gentle man she has long pined for. But not every man is of the opinion that a woman should be decorous above all else. The newest resident of Somerset, Mr. Franklin Everly, is considered a most eligible bachelor, and he is immediately drawn to Phoebe's spirited nature as he becomes acquainted with the delightful Jamison siblings of Primly Park.

Franklin embarks on a friendship with Phoebe that quickly deepens into a warm and thrilling connection. But even as he fights for Phoebe's attentions, a very real danger is revealed: girls in neighboring villages have gone missing, and the kidnapper is moving ever closer to Primly Park. Despite the guard of her fiercely protective brothers and Franklin, Phoebe must rely on her own strength when she finds herself in the sights of the Bride Snatcher.

 

REVIEW

Phoebe Jamison's personality reflects as brightly as her red hair.  And Mr. Franklin Everly takes immediate notice of that after he arrives in Somerset to take over the property he has inherited.  Phoebe enjoys Mr. Everly's company but she has other things on her mind.  There's a kidnapper in the area stealing young ladies.  In addition, the oldest of Phoebe's three brothers is showing more interest than he should in Phoebe's best friend, Hannah. Phoebe's crush on her brothers' friend, Mr. Mason prevents Phoebe from recognizing Mr. Everly's interest until he expresses a desire to court her.  Phoebe finds herself caught between her old feelings for Mr. Mason and her growing affection for Mr. Everly.  Just as she's figuring out her feelings, she comes face to face with the Bride Snatcher.

Linton's characters shine through the story in a delightful way.  I especially enjoyed Phoebe's and Franklin's interactions.  Her spirit and boldness balance nicely with his good humor and kindness.  Phoebe's brothers also made for enjoyable reading with affection and sibling rivalry a plenty.  And the loyalty between Phoebe and her best friend ends up saving them both.  With plenty of action and enjoyable interactions between the characters, the book makes for a page-turning read.  In addition to the romantic tension, the background suspense related to the kidnapper carries through the story until all the plot lines come to the climax, leading to a bit of a surprise ending. Linton has created a winner of a book with fun characters, an interesting plot, and a great setting.