Waiting On Wednesday: The Hidden Side

April 25, 2018

Waiting On Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine.
Each week offers the opportunity to spotlight an up-and-coming release you are most excited about. 

Waiting On:
Title: The Hidden Side
Author: Heidi Chiavaroli
Publisher: Tyndale
Publication Date: May 8th, 2018

Synopsis:
New York, 2016
Natalie Abbott offers answers for hurting listeners on her popular radio program. But she struggles to connect with her teenagers, with her daughter in an unhealthy relationship and her son uncommunicative and isolated. When one member of the family commits an unspeakable act, Natalie is forced to uncover who she truly is under the façade of her radio persona.

New York, 1776
Mercy Howard is shocked when her fiancé, Nathan Hale, is arrested and hanged as a spy. When she’s asked to join the revolutionary spy ring in Manhattan, she sees an opportunity to avenge Nathan’s death. But keeping her true loyalties hidden grows increasingly harder as the charming Major John Andre of the King’s Army becomes more to her than a target for intelligence.

Mercy’s journals comfort Natalie from across the centuries as both women struggle with their own secrets and shame, wondering how deep God’s mercy extends.
Why I'm Waiting:
I love a good mystery, especially ones that can take place over several eras. This book sounds like a great story and one I can't wait to read. This is a book that sounds like it has a lot of different ideas and some great historical background. I can't wait to see what this story has to offer.

What are you waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday: Character's That Popped

April 24, 2018

Top Ten Tuesday is now hosted by The Artsy Reader Girl.
Each week features a book related topic offers the opportunity to spotlight your Top Ten. 

Topic:
Characters I like

I wasn't a fan of the topic today, so I decided to do my own thing this week. 
I wanted to focus on the characters in stories that I liked, that popped off the page in some form of fashion and they have stuck with me ever since. 
In no particular order.

 
1. The Hatmaker's Heart by Carla Stewart
2. Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade
3. A Refuge Assured by Jocelynn Green
4. Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz
5. A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund
 
 6. Dear Mr. Knightly by Katherine Reay
7. A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette
8. Dancing with Fireflies by Denise Hunter
9. Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey
10. The Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer

Each of these stories had characters that had something I connected with and offered a very real and fresh story.

 What are your Top Ten for the week?

Waiting On Wednesday: Caught by Surprise by Jen Turano

April 18, 2018


Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. 
Each week offers an opportunity to spotlight an up-and-coming release you are most excited about!

Waiting On:
Title: Caught by Surprise
Author: Jen Turano
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: July 31st, 2018

Synopsis:
Miss Temperance Flowerdew is on her way to work when a stranger suddenly grabs her off the street and sends her on a Chicago-bound train before she can figure out what happened.
When Mr. Gilbert Cavendish is called upon to rescue a missing woman, he follows the trail to Chicago only to discover that the woman is his good friend Temperance. Before they can discover who was behind the abduction, they're seen alone together by a New York society matron, putting their reputations at risk.
Gilbert is willing to propose marriage--except Temperance will have none of it. She's finally stepped out of the shadow of her relations and won't give up her independence. But when it becomes clear the misunderstanding in Chicago has escalated into a threat on her life and followed her to New York, accepting Gilbert's help in solving the mystery may lead to more than she ever could have dreamed. 

Why I'm Waiting:
Jen Turano is just an author who I can always go to, to feel happy after reading. I just recently devoured the first two books in this series and I honestly can not wait to read the third! There is just so much whit and humor and a sweet storied mixed in. The stories have a wonderful feel of an old 1950's rom-com.

What are you waiting for this week?

Review: Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano

April 12, 2018

Title: Out of the Ordinary
Author: Jen Turano
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 346
ISBN: 9780764217951
Publication Date: November 17th, 2017

Synopsis:
Working as a paid companion may be quite commonplace, but Miss Gertrude Cadwalader's eccentric employer makes her job unpredictable, to say the least. She finds herself carrying out an array of highly unusual tasks, including wearing peculiar outfits and returning items the woman pilfered. But when the wealthy Mrs. Sinclair catches Gertrude sneaking around the Sinclair yacht with some of the missing items in her possession, she immediately jumps to the wrong conclusion.

Shipping magnate Harrison Sinclair is caught in the middle of a misunderstanding between his mother and Gertrude, but he can't help coming to his friend's defense. Even as he hopes their friendship might become something more, Harrison is unprepared for the outlandish escapades that seem to follow the lovely, anything-but-ordinary Gertrude at every turn.
Review:
I was so excited to continue on with the Apart of the Crowd series. This to me is shaping up to be on the best series by Jen Turano! The character development and interaction is one of the most entertaining to date.

We were introduced to Gertrude and Harrison in the previous story, Behind the Scenes. We get to dive deeper into who they are, while still keeping up with previous friends.

Gertrude is a paid companion for a wealthy, elderly lady of society. However, her job is more unique then most in her position. Mrs. Davenport has a uniqueness to her, that we are introduced to in the first of this series. It continues into this story and grows. It also puts Gertrude in a place where she can get into trouble in more ways then one.

Harrison is a man who is now the most eligible, and wealthiest bachelor on the market. And it makes him a target for all the eligible girls in society...but Harrison is not one to fit in. His clothes are proof of that. I have to say, he has the most interesting clothing choices, even without his colorblindness.

Gertrude was thrown into an interesting meeting with Harrison in the first story, and their friendship has continued to grow. Because of their friendship, it put Gertrude in a tough spot with society women.

The adventures in the book were interesting, and I have to say, I enjoyed the path that this story took. Even though this was another fun rom-com, it had more dealing with everyday issues, then a particular villain. I liked how it was a little different then the previous story, it set it apart.

I also bought a copy of this story in audio and I was so thrilled that the same narrator continued this series. She already had the voices perfect and was happy to have her friendly and enthusiastic voice reading.

This books is a fantastic continuation to this great series! I can't wait for book three, Caught by Surprise, out in July.

Too Read
4 out of 5


About the Author:
Jen Turano, the USA Today bestselling author of ten books and two novellas, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in clothing and textiles. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado.

Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.







Thank you to the publisher, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Waiting On Wednesday: Falling for You by Becky Wade

April 11, 2018

Waiting On Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine.
Each week offers an opportunity to spotlight an up-and-coming release you are most excited about!

Waiting On:
Title: Falling for You
Author: Becky Wade
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: May 1st, 2018

Synopsis:
Famously beautiful model Willow Bradford is reveling in the peace and quiet of her hometown right up until the moment she comes face-to-face with her ex-boyfriend, Corbin Stewart.

Former NFL quarterback Corbin is forceful, charming, and accustomed to getting what he wants . . . except where Willow is concerned. He's never been able to forget her, but Willow makes it crystal clear she's unwilling to risk her heart again.

When a decades-old mystery in Corbin's family brings them together, will the heartbreak in their past and the complications in their present keep them from falling for one another all over again?

Why I'm Waiting:
 Becky Wade is one of my favorite contemporary fiction authors. She has such a real feel writing that makes these stories pops off the page. I loved the first book, True to You, in this new series, The Bradford Sisters Romance. I can't wait to see where this story goes!

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Behind the Scenes by Jen Turano

April 9, 2018

Title: Behind the Scenes
Author: Jen Turano
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9780764217944
Publication Date: April 18th, 2017

Synopsis:
After spending the last six years banished to the wallflower section of the ballroom, Miss Permilia Griswold has finally figured out a way to pass the time at all the New York high-society events she attends. Under the pseudonym "Miss Quill," she is the author of society gossip columns filled with tidbits only an insider in society--albeit one on the fringes--would know.

When she overhears a threat against Mr. Asher Rutherford, the owner of one of the most up-and-coming department stores in the city, she's determined to warn him. But the irritatingly handsome man doesn't believe her, leaving her no choice but to take matters into her own hands. What she doesn't anticipate is that she'll end up putting herself at risk in the process--or that she and Mr. Rutherford, a man with secrets of his own, just might end up joining forces after all.
Review:
The best things about a Jen Turano book is that when you read it, you know you will read a fun story with an uplifting message set in a an exquisite era.

In this first book of a new series for Jen Turano, we are introduced to the Wall Flowers of New York Society. One being Miss Primula Griswold. She is the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in America, but she is not looked on as someone who is apart of the fashionable society. Even though she is kind hearted, loving, and has impeccable style, her attitude toward some and her lack of dancing skills sets her apart.This story had a feeling of Cinderella. Primula has a step-mother and step-sister that care about their ranking in society, and don't want Primula to bring bad press against them.

Asher Rutherford was a fantastic prince Charming of sorts, except of living as a gentleman, being waited on, he worked hard everyday as he did his best for his new store. He was fashionable and was the most eligible bachelor in society.

I loved how this story gave both Primula and Asher equal views of their lives. It gave  a wider view of everything that was going on. While Asher was structured, Primula was a free spirit of sorts. She loved that being a wallflower kept her in the shadows, and with that gave her more freedom.

Not only were we introduced to Asher and Primula, but we were introduced to a whole cast of characters in this new time. The Huxley sisters, Mrs. Davenport, Gertrude Caldwalader, Harrison Sinclair, and few others friends and Pinkerton Agents, it is a very unique and fun crowd.

The opening of this story had to be the best setting and I'm so glad that multiple chapters focused on it...a ball, and the biggest and last of the season. We are brought right into the story and with that running start, it kept he excitement and fun going the whole way through.

Jen Turano is my go to author when I want a laugh. She has created some of the most memorable characters...and pets! I can't wait to read the rest of this new series!

I also purchased an audio version of this story and I have to say, the narrator was perfect! The flow and the voices all worked together. If you are a fan of audio, this is one I would highly recommend!

Too Read
4 out of 5

About the Author:
Jen Turano, the USA Today bestselling author of ten books and two novellas, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in clothing and textiles. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado.
Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.







Thank you to the publisher, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.


With You Always by Jody Hedlund

April 2, 2018

Title: With You Always
Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 359
ISBN: 9780764218040
Publication Date:June 6th, 2017

Synopsis: 
Could Following the Opportunity of a Lifetime Cost Them the Love of Their Lives?   

One of the many immigrants struggling to survive in 1850s New York, Elise Neumann knows she must take action to care for her younger sisters. She finds a glimmer of hope when the New York Children's Aid Society starts sending skilled workers to burgeoning towns out west. But the promise of the society's orphan trains is not all that it seems.  

Born into elite New York society, Thornton Quincy possesses everything except the ability to step out from his brother's shadow. When their ailing father puts forth a unique challenge to determine who will inherit his railroad-building empire, Thornton finally sees his chance. The conditions to win? Be the first to build a sustainable community along the Illinois Central Railroad and find a suitable wife.  

Thrown together against all odds, Elise and Thornton couldn't be from more different worlds. The spark that ignites between them is undeniable, but how can they let it grow when that means forfeiting everything they've been working toward?  Born into elite New York society, Thornton Quincy possesses everything except the ability to step out from his brother's shadow. When their ailing father puts forth a unique challenge to determine who will inherit his railroad-building empire, Thornton finally sees his chance. The conditions to win? Be the first to build a sustainable community along the Illinois Central Railroad and find a suitable wife.  

Thrown together against all odds, Elise and Thornton couldn't be from more different worlds. The spark that ignites between them is undeniable, but how can they let it grow when that means forfeiting everything they've been working toward?
Review: 
With You Always is the first in The Orphan Train series. As soon as I finished this title, I was looking for the next book in the title! Sadly, it isn't due out till the beginning of May!

Jody Heldund has a great talent for writing a fantastic, clean, romance mixed with an interesting time in history, that isn't highlighted a lot.

Elise and Thornton were just the best to read about. They were polar opposites in everywhere, but they were so fun to follow on their adventure. Elise not knowing who Thornton was right away made for their relationship to start off as a great friendship. As the truth of who they were worked its way out.

As we follow Elise in her quest to keep her family secure, we also have a glimpse into her siblings lives as they try to survive as Elise finds work further out west. Elise and her family have already been dealt a blow by losing their money in Germany and then immigrate to America. Once in America, Elise and her siblings lose their parents. In everything that they deal with, it is griping kept me wanting to find out what was going to happen.

Thornton was such a wonderful character! I have to say, he is pretty close to being even with Jody Hedlund's other character Carl, in A Noble Groom. He has a lot to put up with his own personal desires from his father. The competition he feels there is between him and his twin brother. Through everything, he is willing to take time and learn and grow his knowledge.

I honestly can't wait for the next book to come out, the way that this story closed off left it open for a fantastic continuation.

This was such a gripping story. I listened to this story on Audible and the performance was a delight. The narrator was able to capture the story and carry the characters.

Too Read!
4 out of 5

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