Love's Fortune

by Laura Frantz

 

There are only a handful of authors that I adore enough to pre-order their books and read them right away. Laura Frantz is absolutely one of those. Her knowledge of American history is astounding and beautiful. She is so passionate about history and authenticity that she writes her manuscripts in longhand first.

Love's Fortune is the last book in a The Ballantyne Legacy Trilogy. This book revolves around Wren Ballantyne. Raised in the wilds of Kentucky during the early 1800's, she is wild, free and has no aspirations towards wealth and title. She is sent to live in Pittsburgh with her wealthy grandparents and must learn to become a gentile woman while finding a husband. She is thrown into the path of two exceptional gentlemen and must choose what it is she really wants in life.

Of course, I am sad to see the series end. However, I do look forward to seeing what Laura has next! I am giving this a rare 5 Stars because history is so beautifully intertwined with great storytelling.

Thanks so much, netgalley.com, for this book in return for an honest review. Here's to many more!!!

BTW, the first two books in the series are on Amazon. Just click here!!

A Bride in Store

by Melissa Jagears

I am excited about my latest read! In a town where mail order brides are being scooped up before they have a chance with their intendeds, we find our story. Eliza Cantrall is anxious to meet her own husband-to-be, Axel, and takes off early to surprise him. On the way, she is robbed of all her savings and is now showing up without the money she promised him.

Will Stanton is Axel's business partner and town preferred doctor. He has no practicing license, or schooling for that matter, but cares for his patients and they adore him. When Eliza arrives, Axel is nowhere to be found and Will finds himself drawn to her.

I love that this novel isn't just a love story, but a spiritual journey, as well. Both, Eliza and Will, have to work through their dreams, hopes and desires while learning to trust God. They both have to realize what is most important in life and trust that God loves them enough to provide through all things.

I am giving this 4 stars because I really enjoyed reading it, I liked Will and Eliza and their strong character. It was a light, easy read, but fun and had some depth. Great story. Thanks, www.netgalley.com and Bethany House for giving me this book for an honest review. Here's to many more!!

The Healer's Touch

 by Lori Copeland

As a fan of Lori Copeland, I was surprised to find that this book was difficult to read. First of all, the appearance of the "Spooklights" throughout the book seemed odd and a bit far fetched. Apparently, there are some "spooklights" that mysteriously appear in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. Nobody can explain their existence, or where they come from. They "respond best to love and children". While, it is an interesting concept and tale, it just seemed very out of place in this story.

At the start of the book, we find Ian Cawley, a U.S. Marshal, spooked by the "spooklights". He ends up riding his horse through the barn door of a local home and wakes up not remembering a thing. Lyric Bolton finds him in her barn and the rest is history.

While I do enjoy a good, historical romance, I found this to drag and feel a bit far fetched. It was hard to connect with the characters and really care about them. As much as I wanted to enjoy this book, I have to give it two stars because it was very difficult to get through. However, I do want to thank worthypublishing.com and Netgalley.com for giving me this book to read and review! Here's to many more!!