Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck

Rachel Hauck is one of my favorite contemporary authors. This series has been so much fun to read because it's lighthearted and just plain fun. 

To start with, I'm impressed with Hauck's car knowledge as she opens up the book and introduces Regina.  I am quite certain I would not have been able to make one intelligible sentence when it comes to restoring cars.

The cover of this book is beautifully done. I think it interested me because what girl didn't grow up wanting to be a princess at some point in her life.  It's a cover that takes us back to our childhood dreams.

Regina is probably what most would consider an unlikely princess.  She restores old cars until Tanner shows up to tell her that she is an heir to a tiny town in Hessenberg.  Not given much warning, she has to make a quick decision to go there and leave all she knows back in Florida.  Romance fills the story and some parts where I had to laugh out loud. 

I can't wait to read the next book in this fun, light-hearted series.

Read what others thought about this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/author/rhauck.

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A Royal Wedding Book

Regina Beswick was born to be a princess.
But she’s content to be a small-town girl, running a classic auto restoration shop, unaware a secret destiny awaits her. One that will leap from the pages of her grandmother’s hand-painted book of fairytales.
Tanner Burkhardt is the stoic Minister of Culture for the Grand Duchy of Hessenberg. When he is tasked to retrieve the long-lost princess, he must overcome his fear of failure in order to secure his nation’s future—and his own.
Yet lurking in the political shadows is a fierce opponent with sinister plans to abolish the throne forever. Overwhelmed with opposition, Regina must decide if she’s destined to restore old cars or an ancient nation. Together—with a little divine intervention—Regina and Tanner discover the truth of her heritage and the healing power of true love.
Purchase a copy and learn more at Rachel’s website.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Zondervan Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Echoes of Mercy by Kim Vogel Sawyer

I was reminded of the show "Undercover Boss" as I read this book.  I like that show and how it shows bosses who are willing to lower their status a bit in order to get a more realistic view of the employees and all they have to endure during a typical workday.  I like how it opens the boss's eyes and reminds them that the people who work for them are humans, too.

I saw this same thing in this book, except it's at a chocolate factory.  Ollie wants an inside look at how his future company runs. However, he knows that in order to gain a true understanding of the inner workings of the company, he has to go undercover as a janitor.  I liked how he could humble himself to do work that pride can sometimes be a hindrance in.

In doing this job, he becomes friends with Carrie.  Carrie is educated and I like to think that she helps to push Ollie in his future job.  She definitely didn't shy away from giving him plenty to think about when it came to how she thinks a company should be run!

I liked Carrie's passion for children in need and her strong desire for them to have more and be more.  She wanted them to have a chance at education and I thought she never lost that focus.

The book really highlighted how much we take education for granted today. To imagine my children working in a factory, even at their young age, is sad.  I can't imagine throwing them out into that kind of setting so young.  I was grateful that she reminded me again of just how far we have come in the realm of education.

 

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I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

Julie Klassen is my favorite Regency author.  Her books have gotten better and better over the years.  I enjoyed her first ones, but I couldn't put this one down! I felt like she had me gripped from the prologue.

I felt as though I were dancing through the pages of this book.  I learned so much about dance masters in this book.  I honestly didn't know that was how they learned dance.  I enjoy ballroom dancing, so it was fun to watch Devonshire learn to once again enjoy dance.

This book had mysterious secrets that waited to be revealed at just the right time.  Klassen did a great job at not revealing them too early or too late.  The romance in the book blossomed with beautiful relationships between just the right people.  I felt such a close relationship to all of the characters in the book and had such a strong desire to see hem all happy!

Julia's spunk made me laugh.  There were a few times where I felt she was being a little disrespectful to her mother. However, I felt that she had to be a bit more demanding to get her mother to even answer some of her questions. After all, the truth is always best, Lady Amelia has been known to say.

I admired Alec and his protectiveness over his family.  Even his friendship with Desmond when no one else wanted to be in the same room with him, made me proud of him.

I absolutely can not wait to see the next story Julie Klassen will write.  It will be delightful, and as hard as it is to believe, I'm sure it will be even better than this book.  I'm not certain how, though!

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I received this book free from Bethany House Publishes in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Thief by Stephanie Landsem

This is a very interesting book from a different angle than most.  I like this biblical fiction story because it puts you into the mindset of those who crucified Jesus. When you read the Bible, it's hard to look at the people in the stories and say, "How can they not believe." However, this book sheds light on the life of the Gentiles and the Jews. It reminds the readers about what they have been taught and what their picture of the Messiah would be.

Nissa is a Jewish woman that strongly believes that God has abandoned her, after a rough life.  She has the responsibility of taking care of her brother Cedron, who is blind. She has to rely on others to help provide their needs.  But then Cedron is healed.  Thinking life would suddenly be a lot better, it gets worse.

It was fascinating to read about how the people were so divided against each other.  One group wasn't Roman enough, another Jewish enough, etc.  Then to see how Jesus brought those sides together only with the reason that they hated Him.

Knowing how the story ends, I was prepared to be sad.  The crucifixion of Jesus is never and should never be an easy thing to read.  I found this to be such a good book to read right before the start of Lent. 

This is the second book in the Living Water series.

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I received this book free from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Where Courage Calls by Janette Oke & Laurel Oke Logan

Janette Oke will always hold a very special place in my heart because she was the first Christian author I ever read when I was a teen. I absolutely loved her books and have such fond memories of sitting at home and reading all of her books.  I couldn't put them down.

I was excited to read this book, which is part of the When Calls the Heart series.  I like how all of the characters in Janette Oke's books are very strong. That stays true in this book, too. I like that mother and daughter are writing together. I'm sure they are making some wonderful memories together!

Beth Thatcher is a courageous young girl.  She has been made weaker physically by an illness when she was younger.  She's also watched her little brother die.  Thanks to that, she has been under her mother's watchful eye. She has been coddled and treated well.  However, she's ready now to reach out herself.  It's okay if someone doesn't do her laundry or tend to her every need! She can remember by herself to take medicine without her mother's reminder!

Beth enters Coal Valley during a tough time.  The town is going through a lot and they are lacking in many things--from education to actually speaking English.  This new adventure definitely isn't for the faint of heart and Beth is the perfect person to take the challenge.  She shows that even though things are tough, the best place to be is in the center of God's will. She fulfills her purpose and gains strength because she is always seeking God's direction. 

The book isn't without romance!  Of course, the two Mounties make their entrance into her life and make leaving this little town just a bit harder.

I like how there isn't a clear resolution to the book. It's left very open, with hopes that Beth will be finally led home.  It's up to you to guess whether she will or not. 

Read more reviews o this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/author/joke.

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Book Info

About the book: Her courage and her heart will be tested in ways she never expected . . . Beth Thatcher has spent her entire life in the safe, comfortable world of her family, her friends, and the social outings her father's wealth provides. But Beth is about to leave it all behind to accept a teaching position in the rugged foothills of western Canada. Inspired by her aunt Elizabeth, who went west to teach school several years ago, and gently encouraged by her father, Beth resolves to put her trust in God and bravely face any challenge that comes her way. But the conditions in Coal Valley are even worse than she'd feared. A recent mining accident has left the town grieving and at the mercy of the mining company. The children have had very little prior education, and many of the locals don't even speak English. There isn't even a proper schoolhouse. In addition, Beth's heart is torn between two young men---both Mounties, one a lifelong friend and the other a kind, quiet man who comes to her aid more than once. Despite the many challenges, Beth is determined to make a difference in the rustic frontier town. But when her sister visits from the East, reminding her of all the luxuries she's had to give up, will Beth decide to return to her privileged life as soon as the school year is over? Purchase a copy and read an excerpt: http://ow.ly/tyWJH About the Authors:  Janette Oke Celebrated for her significant contribution to the Christian book industry, Janette Oke is the recipient of numerous awards. Her novels have sold more than 30 million copies and are beloved by readers around the world. Janette lives with her husband, Edward, in Alberta, Canada. Laurel Oke Logan is the daughter of Edward and Janette Oke, is the author of "Janette Oke: A Heart for the Prairie," as well as the novel "Dana's Valley," which she co-wrote with her mom. Laurel and her husband have six children and two sons-in-law and live near Indianapolis, Indiana.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Hopeful by Shelley Shepard Gray

I missed parts of the Sugarcreek series so I bought them for my Kindle (great deal online) and can't wait to read them.  I was so intrigued by this book that I just had to know what all I have missed!

I struggled with Junior, to be completely honest. I wanted to not like him.  I disliked how he treated Miriam.  However, I just couldn't!  He had given up so much and truly was not a bad or rude person.  However, he should have listened to his friend!  It would have saved him some heartache, but then he probably would never have learned who he truly loved.

Mary Kate was definitely not skilled at teaching, but it wasn't like she had a lot of opportunities as places of employment.  She had to get away from Will.  I did fear for her some and wanted her to be with Junior for the only reason that I knew he'd protect her.  However, his protectiveness extends to not only his family, but his friends too.  He did have a good heart.

I can't wait to read more in this series.  This is the first book in her Return to Sugarcreek series.  I'm glad that there's not a long span between this book and book #2, Thankful.  Until then, I'm catching up on the original series!

See other reviews of this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/sgray.

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Return to Sugarcreek, Book One
In the Amish town of Sugarcreek, love comes in many forms. But will it come at all for Miriam?
Miriam Zehr has worked at the Sugarcreek Inn longer than she cares to admit. The restaurant is a favorite of town residents as well as the many tourists who come to taste the famous Amish fare. Though she always tries to have a smile for every customer, deep down Miriam knows something’s missing: a family of her own.
Miriam has never felt particularly beautiful, especially because she’s always been a bit heavier than other girls her age. When Junior, the man she’s pined for all her life, suddenly seeks her out, she’s thrilled to be noticed . . . until she realizes he’s only asking her to help get the attention of Mary Kathryn Hershberger, her pretty friend.
If Miriam helps Junior court Mary Kathryn, she’ll get to spend a lot of time with him, but she might lose him in the process. Are these few stolen moments worth a lifetime of sacrifice? Is Miriam right to even hope for the life she dreams of?
Purchase a copy and learn more at Shelley’s website .
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I received this book free from from Avon Inspire and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Love's Sweet Beginning by Ann Shorey

The more I read by Ann Shorey, the more I enjoy her books.  I feel like each one gets better and better in this Sisters at Heart series.

I am impressed with the characters in this book and how they fit into the historical context of right after the Civil War.  I really enjoy history and trying to imagine myself back in those days.  Times weren't easy and I can't even imagine how it would be for someone who has relied on servants their whole life and suddenly, they have to do it all for themselves.  I've thought often how easy it would be to feel useless at times, with no house to clean and no meals to make. 

This is exactly where the reader finds Cassie.  Instead of feeling sorry for herself, though, she is determined to prove that she can get a job and provide for her mother.  I like how convincing she is to Jacob West, the grocer, about how he should give her a chance at this job.

I was a little perturbed at her mother when she wasn't supportive of her daughter getting a job so they could not be homeless and have a place they could call "home.". I had to keep reminding myself that these were different time and they didn't work.  However, it was hard to imagine not working when you need a place to stay and food to eat!

I felt this book was such a good story and full of encouragement.  It was a positive book to read and I couldn't help but want Cassie to do well at this job and or her to be given a chance to prove herself.  I liked her courage at a time when what she had to do wasn't popular.  Beautiful story during a trying time.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.