A Writer's Review of “Rebellious Heart" by Jody Hedlund

 {My Review}

I love that Jody Hedlund can write just about any era in history and still manages to do it flawlessly. Rebellious Heart is her fifth novel and takes place in 1763 off the coast of Massachusetts near Boston. I'm not new to Jody's ways. I know she adores history and loves to find the most interesting tails from the lives of our ancestors to help guide her in her quest for her next fabulous story. This one is loosely based on the friendship and great love between President John Quincy Adams, and his wife Abigail.

Rebellious Heart is the story of long-known acquaintances, Susanna Smith and Benjamin Ross, who are from very different upbringings. I loved that from the first moment we meet them, they are in the midst of watching a terribly unfair murder trial--or from Ben's seat as defending attorney, basically in the midst of losing the trial. But that horrendous first scene is Susanna's first glimpse of Ben in a long time. He's now a self-made man having studied at a prestigious university and rising above his father's low status of simple farmer. But it isn't this fact that grips Susanna's heart--it's "his heartfelt passion for his client and his appeal for compassion" that catches her attention.

From there, Ben and Susanna are thrown into a multitude of situations--including trapdoors to hidden passages in taverns and midnight treks through snowy rain to rescue someone in dire need of saving--that grow their strength and character in a world full of gray areas concerning freedom and justice. Every scene in which they are thrown together simply oozes tension, no matter the fact that for half the book Ben is set on proposing to Susanna's cousin for the sake of bettering his social status. 

The lessons the characters learn throughout Rebellious Heart are so true to their struggles, I can see how Jody's Social Work degree has been put to work in her newest role as author. She knows how people work, why they behave the way they do, and what they need to learn to change for the better. She has an amazingly talented way of bringing these changes out through her fictional characters and the stories she creates around them.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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{About Rebellious Heart}

[Blurb from Goodreads] In 1763 Massachusetts, Susanna Smith has grown up with everything she's ever wanted, except one thing: an education. Because she's a female, higher learning has been closed to her, but her quick mind and quicker tongue never back down from a challenge. She's determined to put her status to good use, reaching out to the poor and deprived. And she knows when she marries well, she will be able to continue her work with the less fortunate.
 
Ben Ross grew up a farmer's son and has nothing to his name but his Harvard education. A poor country lawyer, he doesn't see how he'll be able to fulfill his promise to make his father proud of him. When family friends introduce him to the Smith family, he's drawn to quick-witted Susanna but knows her family expects her to marry well. When Susanna's decision to help an innocent woman no matter the cost crosses with Ben's growing disillusionment with their British rulers, the two find themselves bound together in what quickly becomes a very dangerous fight for justice.

Rebellious Heart currently has a rating of 4.15 out of 5 stars (from 172 ratings) on Goodreads. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.         

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{More About Jody Hedlund}

Jody has written novels for the last 20 years (with a hiatus when her children were young). After many years of writing and honing her skills, she finally garnered national attention with her double final in the Genesis Contest, a fiction-writing contest for unpublished writers through ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).
 
Her first published book, The Preacher’s Bride (2010 Bethany House Publishers), became a best seller and has won multiple awards.
 
Since then she’s gone on to publish numerous best-selling and award-winning books. To read more about her writing journey on her popular blog, click here for Part 1 and here for Part 2.

~Dawn

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Read all of Jody’s amazing and BEAUTIFUL books!

 [You can click on the pictures to read my review of each].

 

 
 

A Writer's Review of “A Tryst with Trouble" by Alyssa Everett

{My Review}

It has been a very very very long time since I've enjoyed a book as much as I enjoyed Alyssa Everett's debut novel, A Tryst With Trouble. 

I know most of the books I read and review on here are from the Christian publishing market... but last summer I was getting to the point of frustration at not being able to find a book WORTH reading. There are TONS of books out there--but I wanted to read something I would LOVE. This is the very reason I thought I didn't like to read until I accidentally stumbled upon Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca in my high school's lending library at the age of fifteen. Up until that day, I didn't know there were books out there which I would actually ENJOY reading! Well, anyway, on a regular basis I find myself searching high and low for my next captivating read... and more often than not, I become disappointed by only delving into so many "just good enough" novels.

So I turned to my NetGalley account... in hopes of finding something to abate this desire to be caught up in another world. And I'm so glad I did. Gathering that it wasn't an "inspirational" book, I did look it up on Goodreads first to see what was being said about it. Almost everyone who'd read and reviewed it already had it listed as a 5 star novel... "even though it didn't have a sex scene." Well, that last bit was what made me really want to read it. A secular novel getting 5 star reviews without having sex scenes littering the pages? Sounded like something I might like.    

A Tryst With Trouble was nearly perfect and had me bursting out with laughter at times. The author's voice and writing is exceptional... I could read it all day long without ever growing bored of it. Having a story written from the first person point of view of both the hero and heroine isn't something I see a lot of, but whenever I do see it, I love it.  

The ONLY thing that I would have changed about this book was one "rated R" scene (though I must add that it was NOT a sex scene, only... ALMOST one... and entirely and laughably amusing). Once I was through with the novel, I realized it was actually a fundamental part of the plot near the end. The hero and heroine both felt guilty for their actions afterwards, and strived to do what was best for the other person. Overall it was a rather clean read if you love regency romance/suspense/humor. Even with that one quite racy scene (as well as a few others which were only borderline) I cannot help but give A Tryst With Trouble 5 stars.

I read this as an advance reader ebook from NetGalley and hardly saw a thing wrong with it. And that says a lot since I'm a fellow writer, exceptionally tough critic, and an editor (of words, story and plot) at heart. I just ordered it on Audible.com because I know this is going to be one of those books I will always be able to turn to when I can find nothing else worth reading/listening to. 

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The original publisher of this book went out of business last summer right before it was to go to press. The author was able to get the rights back and her new publisher released it in eBook (for only $3.03!) and Audible formats on September 23, 2013.

 

Dani Pettrey's Alaskan Adventures Sweepstakes

{About the Sweepstakes}

In Stranded, Book 3 in author Dani Pettrey’s acclaimed Alaskan Courage series, reporter Darcy St. James knows something is wrong when her friend vanishes from her job on a cruise ship. Everyone else believes Abby simply left of her own accord, but something isn’t lining up, and Darcy knows the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby’s position.

Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock in Alaska for a few days of sightseeing. He’s surprised to find Darcy onboard one of the ships, working undercover as a reporter.

Something sinister is going on, and the deeper they dig, the more they realize they’ve only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

To celebrate the story, author Dani Pettrey and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the ALASKAN ADVENTURES Sweepstakes, and your chance to win one of three fabulous prizes connected with the story!

{Time-frame & Notifications}

This giveaway starts September 2, 2013 and ends September 19, 2013 @ 11:59 pm (PST). Winners will be selected Friday, September 20, 2013, and announced at DaniPettrey.com.


 
GRAND PRIZE:
BUILD-YOUR-OWN-ADVENTURE PACKAGE

In Stranded, Darcy, Gage, and the McKenna family launch into all kinds of adventures: from high-octane ocean kayaking, to rugged island camping beneath the vast Alaskan skies.

Our grand prize winner will have the chance to build their own adventure, with a $300 adventure gear gift card of their choice from either Eddie Bauer or L.L. Bean.

And what would our hero and heroine do if they won the prize? Gage use it towards one of L.L. Bean’s gorgeous ocean kayaks, while Darcy would go for “Glamping” gear:)

 
SECOND PRIZE:

CULINARY CONQUEROR PACKAGE

 

Everyone knows Gage McKenna’s campfire cooking is second to none. But in Stranded, Darcy discovers that before Gage was a search and rescue hero, he secretly dreamed of attending culinary school.

Our second prize winner will have the chance to fulfill Gage’s dream with a $200 value, 1-year membership to Top Chef University.

Membership includes over 200 video lessons taught by Top Chef contestants, covering everything from soups to desserts.

 
THIRD PRIZE:

SHIMMER & SHINE PACKAGE

Darcy once gave her missing friend, Abby, a beautiful shell necklace, engraved with a special message that made it one-of-a-kind.

Our third prize winner will receive their very own, one-of-a-kind “Earth & Sea” necklace valued at $100.

Handmade of New Zealand Paua shells, hammered copper, and Tahitian pearls, this necklace is the perfect compliment for a soft sweater and jeans, or a unique finishing touch for a little black dress on a special date night.

How to Enter:

Go to http://www.danipettrey.com/alaskan-adventures-sweepstakes/ and complete the entry box, anytime between September 2 and September 19.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  

{About the Book}
 

When her friend vanishes from a cruise ship, reporter Darcy St. James isn’t satisfied with their explanation that she simply left her job of her own accord. Something isn’t lining up, and Darcy believes the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby’s position.

Within days, Darcy learns her friend wasn’t the only person to disappear mysteriously. Last summer, a woman vanished under almost identical circumstances.

Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock for a few days of sightseeing. He’s surprised to find Darcy working aboard one of the ships, investigating a troubling report.

Something sinister is going on, and the deeper they dig, the more Gage fears they’ve only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{My Review of Stranded}

This is a book I've been dying to read all summer. Dani Pettrey's third book, Stranded, is the third of five in the Alaskan Courage series. I read this book in one day after going through a bout of not being about to find anything that could keep my attention. But leave it to Dani Pettrey to suck me in and not let go until the very last page.

As with all of her books, Dani Pettrey is a pro at inviting her readers into her story world based off the coast of Alaska. Every one of the books in this series is about one of the five McKenna siblings, who (for the most part) run their deceased parents' adventure travel store, as well as perform on search and rescue teams when needed.

In book one, Submerged, the reader meets all of the McKennas, as well as some their closest friends whom often have a chance of becoming a little more than friends by the time the series is complete. Personally, I love this. The reader met Darcy St. James, the heroine of book three in the second book, Shattered. And it was SO obvious that there was something between her and Gage McKenna--so much so that I really couldn't wait to read this book to find out how they would end up together.   

Dani Pettrey strikes a home-run again with Stranded. There wasn't anything that pushed me out of the story as I read; only complete masterful writing that pulled me along, page by wonderful page.

I received a free digital eBook version of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I give Dani Pettrey's Stranded 5 stars. 

Click HERE for more Book Info & Sample Chapter.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

{More About Dani Pettrey}
 

Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling debut novel Submerged and latest release Shattered. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

 

 

A Writer's Review of “Stranded" by Dani Pettrey

{My Review}

This is another book that I've been dying to read. Dani Pettrey's third book, Stranded, is the third of five in the Alaskan Courage series. I read this book in one day after going through a bout of not being about to find anything that could keep my attention. But leave it to Dani Pettrey to suck me in and not let go until the very last page.

As with all of her books, Dani Pettrey is a pro at inviting her readers into her story world based off the coast of Alaska. Every one of the books in this series is about one of the five McKenna siblings, who (for the most part) run their deceased parents' adventure travel store, as well as perform on search and rescue teams when needed.

In book one, Submerged, the reader meets all of the McKennas, as well as some their closest friends whom often have a chance of becoming a little more than friends by the time the series is complete. Personally, I love this. The reader met Darcy St. James, the heroine of book three in the second book, Shattered. And it was SO obvious that there was something between her and Gage McKenna--so much so that I really couldn't wait to read this book to find out how they would end up together.   

Dani Pettrey strikes a home-run again with Stranded. There wasn't anything that pushed me out of the story as I read; only complete masterful writing that pulled me along, page by wonderful page.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I give Dani Pettrey's Stranded 5 stars. 

Click here to read an excerpt of Stranded!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

{About Dani Pettrey}

Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling debut novel Submerged and latest release Shattered. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters. To find out more about Dani Pettrey and her books go to www.danipettrey.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{Dani Pettrey's Books}

[click on the images to read my reviews]

 Bailey ~~~~ Piper ~~~~ Darcy

A Writer's Review of “Barefoot Summer" by Denise Hunter

{Dawn's Review}

Denise Hunter is another author I love to love. She has the incredible ability to get inside her characters so deeply! And her plots! Oh my! I oftentimes need to sit down and prepare myself to read her books because I know my emotions will be put through the ringer by the time I’m finished with it! 

The blurb below isn’t lying when it says “the chemistry between them (Madison and Beckett) is electrifying”! This story between them is compelling. Rich. Everything I ask for in a book.

Denise Hunter books are the kind I’m quite frankly addicted to... and cannot find enough of. Sure, there are plenty of books out there—more than ever since now anyone with the internet can publish their work on Amazon. But I can’t help but notice that there just aren’t many of those that have the ability to win my affections as much as tried and true authors who have made it in the ever-changing traditional publishing world in the last ten years.

If you want to be swept off your feet and have your heart tumbled around in your chest because of the words in front of you, look up Denise Hunter’s books. Every single one of them.

I received a complimentary paperback version of Denise Hunter’s Barefoot Summer by Thomas Nelson publishers in order to give a review containing my honest opinion. 

I give Barefoot Summer 5 Stars.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{More About Barefoot Summer}

Madison’s heart has been closed for years. But one summer can change everything.

In the years since her twin brother’s drowning, Madison McKinley has struggled to put it behind her. Despite the support of her close-knit family and her gratifying job as a veterinarian in their riverside town, the loss still haunts her.

To find closure, Madison sets out to fulfill her brother’s dream of winning the town’s annual regatta. But first she has to learn to sail, and fast.

Beckett O’Reilly knows Madison is out of his league, but someone neglected to tell his heart. Now she needs his help—and he’ll give it, because he owes her far more than she’ll ever know.

Madison will do anything—even work with the infamous Beckett O’Reilly—to reach her goal. And as much as she’d like to deny it, the chemistry between them is electrifying. As summer wanes, her feelings for him grow and a fledgling faith takes root in her heart.

But Beckett harbors a secret that will test the limits of their new love. Can their romance survive summer’s challenges? And will achieving her brother’s dream give Madison the peace she desperately seeks?

Purchase a copy here.

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{More About Denise Hunter}

Denise lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Denise Hunter is celebrating her new Chapel Springs Romance series with a Summer Fun Giveaway. The first book, Barefoot Summer, is already a favorite with readers. “Hold-your-breath romance, heartache, and laugh-out-loud moments. It’s more than a good read. It’s a delight.” -- Lisa
 
Summer: it’s all about sunny skies, star-gazing, swimming, spending time with loved ones, and living as if a small part of the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders.

Get ready for some serious summer fun with Denise’s 12-Day Summer Sun giveaway. From June 10-21, keep your computer near as you head to the lake or your friend’s barbecue because Denise will be giving away a summer essential each day!

A LitFuse Blog Tour for “The Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund

{Dawn’s Review}

Jody Hedlund does it every single time.

She impresses me. Yes, Dawn Crandall, the virtually un-impressible. And yet she does it... every single time.

With that said, she doesn’t have nearly enough books out! This is only her fourth published novel (with Bethany House), and in my opinion, there aren’t too many authors out there who write half so well.

Also, before I start in on what I loved SO MUCH about the inside of this book, I have to add that A Noble Groom has THE BEST COVER EVER. I don’t often like covers with the hero of the book pictured, especially without the heroine involved at all! But this one went so well with the blurb about the book. Everything about it was perfect: the farm, the wind, the clouds, the suit, the cravat, the colors, the look on his face... everything about it matched everything inside the book to perfection.

I really don’t know how exactly Jody makes reading about two mismatched people working on a farm in the middle of nowhere Michigan in 1880/1881—speaking German (hypothetically) to one another no less—so enthralling. But like I said, she does it every time, no matter what she’s writing about.

You know, on second thought, maybe I do know what it is. It’s her characters. Their emotions are so true, their thoughts so amazingly accurate. The situations they find themselves in... so complexly and perfectly orchestrated.

Both Annalisa Werner and Carl von Reichart have so much to learn throughout the pages of this book; about themselves and about each other, as well as about life in general. Although they’re both German immigrants from an area called Saxony, they are from extreme opposite worlds. Annalisa is the widow of a mean-hearted peasant farmer who’s family had relocated to America six years before because of the severe work conditions in Saxony... and Carl, the wrongly-accused fugitive, who happens to (secretly) be the son of the over-bearing Baron who caused the death of Annalisa’s older brother which resulted in her entire family immigrating to America in the first place.

Talk about complex! Although I did begin reading this book the first moment I had it in my grasp (and after, literally, stalking my mailman everyday waiting for it to arrive!), I did not end up reading it quickly. Partly because I simply didn't want it to end and partly because there were so many points in the book that I just had to stop reading so I could digest what all was (or at times, what wasn’t!) going on within and between these two characters. There were also all of the times when I felt that all was lost, and I had no idea how Carl and Annalisa were ever going to end up together by the end of the book....

Sigh.

Then I finally read the last twenty percent as quickly as possible because I couldn’t stand not to any longer.

And then I sighed again, and again, and again. (haha, that’s especially for Jody and anyone else who might have read the book already).

Now every time I see the cover of the book pictured anywhere, I simply sigh and say, “Oh, yes... that book. That wonderful book.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I blessedly received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I give Jody Hedlund’s A Noble Groom 5 (million) stars.

{More About A Noble Groom}

Michigan, 1880

Annalisa Werner's hope for a fairy tale love is over. Her husband failed her in every way and now his death has left her with few options to save the family farm. She needs a plentiful harvest. That, and a husband to help bring it in. Someone strong, dependable. That'll be enough. A marriage for love...that's something she's given up on.

So her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.

Then a man appears: Carl Richards, from their home country of Germany and a former schoolteacher--or so he says. He's looking for work and will serve on the farm until her husband arrives.

With time running out, she accepts his help, but there's more to this man than he's admitting. He's also gentle, kind, charming--unlike any man she's ever known. But even as Carl is shining light into the darkness of her heart, she knows her true groom may arrive any day.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/jX8h7

{More About Jody Hedlund}

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of "The Doctor's Lady" and "The Preacher's Bride". She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog. Find out more about Jody at http://jodyhedlund.com/.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jody Hedlund is celebrating the release of A Noble Groom by giving away a Kindle Fire and hosting a Facebook Author Chat Party {5/8}! 

 One "noble" winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• A copy of A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 7th. Winner will be announced at the "A Noble Groom" Author Chat Party on May 8th. Connect with Jody, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at the trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be many fun giveaways -- gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of A Noble Groom and join Jody on the evening of May 8th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!

 

“The Merchant's Daughter" by Melanie Dickerson

{Elizabeth’s Review}

I am such a hopeless fairytale romantic. Knowing that this book by Melanie Dickerson is loosely based on Beauty and the Beast, I knew I would be captivated. It is the third novel I've read (and loved!) by this author. I am very pleased to find that The Merchant's Daughter is just as enjoyable as her other work!  

Our classic 'beauty' takes character form in Annabel, a lovely heroine as beautiful on the inside as she is in her outward appearance. Rejected by her destitute family and forced to work off their debt for the new lord of the area, I greatly appreciated seeing a working "Belle" do hard labor. This leading lady has a character depth that's perfectly suited for the target audience of Young Adult readers. Annabel is pursued by a repulsive and unwelcome bailiff who seems to derive a wicked pleasure from making her uncomfortable with his advances. The unlikely hero arises in Lord Ranulf. Our 'beast' is an emotionally crippled man of title and wealth. His wounds on his face and hand reflect the deep scarring in his soul inflicted by a past love. I have to be honest, I love a dark anti-hero. The more brooding and damaged they are, the more entranced I become. When a character is so jaded and messed up, their cathartic change into a hero is so strong and much more moving.  

Melanie Dickerson has this amazing ability to write in a way that goes beyond the 'Young Adult' label. Enjoyable for any age, I can honestly see mothers and daughters being able to read her novels together. She has this gift for taking beloved fairytales and spinning them into a new light. Filling each book with a Godly presence, her characters are life-like in their struggles and reactions to change.  

This book is actually the second novel written by Dickerson. I backtracked after reading and being very pleased with The Fairest Beauty. Bequeathing her with another 5 stars, I hope that this author never tires of breathing life into the fairytale classics.

{About The Merchant’s Daughter}

An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice. Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf's bailiff---a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past. Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff's vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf's future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.

{More books by Melanie Dickerson ~ click on the photos to read our reviews}

P.S. I've heard that there will be a new novel by Melanie Dickerson coming out next fall based on Cinderella! Learn more about this Melanie and her upcoming books at www.melaniedickerson.com.

A Writer’s Review of “A Noble Groom" by Jody Hedlund

{Dawn’s Review}

Jody Hedlund does it every single time.

She impresses me. Yes, Dawn Crandall, the virtually un-impressible. And yet she does it... every single time.

With that said, she doesn’t have nearly enough books out! This is only her fourth published novel (with Bethany House), and in my opinion, there aren’t too many authors out there who write half so well.

Also, before I start in on what I loved SO MUCH about the inside of this book, I have to add that A Noble Groom has THE BEST COVER EVER. I don’t often like covers with the hero of the book pictured, especially without the heroine involved at all! But this one went so well with the blurb about the book. Everything about it was perfect: the farm, the wind, the clouds, the suit, the cravat, the colors, the look on his face... everything about it matched everything inside the book to perfection.

I really don’t know how exactly Jody makes reading about two mismatched people working on a farm in the middle of nowhere Michigan in 1880/1881—speaking German (hypothetically) to one another no less—so enthralling. But like I said, she does it every time, no matter what she’s writing about.

You know, on second thought, maybe I do know what it is. It’s her characters. Their emotions are so true, their thoughts so amazingly accurate. The situations they find themselves in... so complexly and perfectly orchestrated.

Both Annalisa Werner and Carl von Reichart have so much to learn throughout the pages of this book; about themselves and about each other, as well as about life in general. Although they’re both German immigrants from an area called Saxony, they are from extreme opposite worlds. Annalisa is the widow of a mean-hearted peasant farmer who’s family had relocated to America six years before because of the severe work conditions in Saxony... and Carl, the wrongly-accused fugitive, who happens to (secretly) be the son of the over-bearing Baron who caused the death of Annalisa’s older brother which resulted in her entire family immigrating to America in the first place.

Talk about complex! Although I did begin reading this book the first moment I had it in my grasp (and after, literally, stalking my mailman everyday waiting for it to arrive!), I did not end up reading it quickly. Partly because I simply didn't want it to end and partly because there were so many points in the book that I just had to stop reading so I could digest what all was (or at times, what wasn’t!) going on within and between these two characters. There were also all of the times when I felt that all was lost, and I had no idea how Carl and Annalisa were ever going to end up together by the end of the book....

Sigh.

Then I finally read the last twenty percent as quickly as possible because I couldn’t stand not to any longer.

And then I sighed again, and again, and again. (haha, that’s especially for Jody and anyone else who might have read the book already).

Now every time I see the cover of the book pictured anywhere, I simply sigh and say, “Oh, yes... that book. That wonderful book.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I blessedly received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I give Jody Hedlund’s A Noble Groom 5 (million) stars.

Read all of Jody’s amazing and BEAUTIFUL books!

 
 

A Review of “Heiress” by Susan May Warren

{Elizabeth's Review}

First off, I'd like to say that Heiress is a really great book! It's been on my 'To Read' list for much longer than it should have been. I don't know why I was hesitant at first, because I wound up absolutely falling in love with the complex story!

This is the first novel I've read by author Susan May Warren. I found her style emotionally descriptive and entirely captivating. Heiress is the first in a series titled "Daughters of Fortune", chronicling the lives of two sisters; Esme and Jinx. I loved how completely opposite the two sisters were. They each had so much emotional depth and chose totally different paths to take in their pursuits for happiness. Both Esme and Jinx experience several realistic life-changing events that culminated into a very rich development of their characters. Right from the start, you feel emotionally attached to these sisters. 
 
Esme is the non-conformist, intent on bucking all preconceived notions placed upon her life to pursue her true passions. Giving up her place in society and her inheritance, she wants love and fulfillment at any cost. However, Jinx's primary focus in life is her duty to her distinguished family; she wants nothing more than to take her place in society and to make them proud. Making the "right" choices by the standards of her peers, she is thrown into the nightmarish world of a woman trapped in an abusive marriage.  

Filled with twists and turns throughout the novel, Susan May Warren enthralls the reader from the first page. Her ability to weave life-like scenarios through the lives of both main characters appeals to women of any age and circumstance. To me, this book is not limited to any particular age group or type of reader. Before I even finished the book, I knew I would whole-heartedly give it 5 stars!

{More about Heiress}

Book One in the Daughters of Fortune series: The beautiful heiress daughters of newspaper magnate August Price have been given everything their hearts desire. But what if they want only to be loved--without an enormous price tag attached? When one daughter pursues a desirable marriage, she secures for herself a comfortable and glamorous life. But among the duties of privilege, will she also find the happily-ever-after she seeks? Her sister rejects the trappings of wealth, choosing instead to build a new life on the still-untamed frontier. Will she find happiness in independence or discover that she's left her heart behind in New York's glittering society? Set in the opulent world of the Gilded Age, each woman discovers that being an heiress just might cost her everything--including the chance for true love.

{About the Author}

Susan May Warren is the best-selling author of more than thirty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have earned her acclaim from readers and reviewers alike. She is a winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the RITA Award, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award and a nominee for the Christy Award. Former missionaries to Russia, Susan and her husband have four children and live in a small Minnesota town on the shore of beautiful Lake Superior, where they are active in their local church.  

Find out more about Susan May Warren at:

http://susanmaywarren.com

More books by Susan May Warren:

“The Fairest Beauty” by Melanie Dickerson

{Elizabeth's Review}

Melanie Dickerson weaves an enchanting tale of courage, honor, and the deepest desires of the heart in this retelling of the classic Snow White. Set during the 15th century, I love that The Fairest Beauty is a twist on a well known and recognizable fairy tale. She definitely knows her way around emotional suspense and her descriptive style captures the thrill of first love and the internal reservations of a forbidden romance. The setting and characters come alive, leaving a lasting impression and the desire to read the story over and over again.

I don't typically read books classified as Young Adult because many of them tend to be filled with a little too much angst for my taste. I've always loved fairy tales, so I decided to give this one a try. And then I ended up finishing it in less than a day! I fell in love with the main characters, Gabe and Sophie.  All in all, I give this book 5 stars. This book is the third by Melanie Dickerson. She is also the author of The Healer's Apprentice (based on Sleeping Beauty) and The Merchant's Daughter (based on Beauty and the Beast).

{About The Fairest Beauty}

Sophie has long wished to get away from her stepmother's jealous anger, and believes escape is her only chance to be happy. Then a young man named Gabe arrives from Hagenheim Castle, claiming she is betrothed to his older brother, and everything twists upside down. This could be her chance at freedom---but can she trust another person to keep her safe?

Gabe knows he defied his parents Rose and Wilhelm by going to find Sophie, and now he believes they had a right to worry: the orphan girl has stolen his heart. Though romance is impossible---she is his brother's future wife, and Gabe himself is betrothed to someone else---he promises to himself he will keep her safe, no matter what.

When the pair are forced to run to the Cottage of the Seven, they find help---but also find their feelings for each other have grown. Can they find a way to protect Sophie while also safeguarding their hearts?

{Meet The Author}

Melanie Dickerson is an award-winning author who earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama. She has taught in Georgia, Tennessee, Germany and the Eastern European country of Ukraine. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA), she now spends her time writing and taking care of her husband and two daughters near Huntsville, Alabama.

Find out more about Melanie at: http://www.melaniedickerson.com