AudioBook Review: Cleansed by Fire: A Father Frank Mystery by James R. Callan

I like the primary character in this mystery where church fires spark confessional issues for a concerned Priest.
Cleansed by Fire: A Father Frank Mystery
Written by: James R. Callan
Narrated by: Jonathan Mumm

Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-27-14
Publisher: James R. Callan
Genre: Mystery, Christian
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Arsonists have torched two churches in a small Texas town, plunging its residents into a state of fear. Father Frank DeLuca, pastor of Prince of Peace Church, is thrust into an impossible dilemma when he hears that another church will be burned. The disturbing information comes to him via the confessional, and church law forbids him from telling anyone - even the police. Still, he can't sit idly by, and no law prevents him from looking into the matter himself. The crimes have set the town's residents on edge, fraying the bonds of trust. Is the mysterious newcomer with ties to the local drug scene involved? What about the man who says maybe the churches deserved to burn? Or the school drop-out who threatens the priest with a knife. Father Frank digs deeper into the town's secrets when a man is murdered. His investigation leads him dangerously close to the drug scene and he discovers the danger has come to him. Can he save his own church? Can he save his own life?
Cleansed by Fire is the first of the Father Frank Mysteries.
©2012 James R. Callan (P)2014 James R. Callan

Review:
Father Frank is a Catholic Priest who has a hands on approach to helping his parishioners. He sincerely seeks the Lord’s guidance and help but he plays an active part too. He is involved helping the youth of his church by playing and organizing basketball games and he keeps tabs on other activities such as a new “pop” band.

An arsonist has burned down a Baptist church in the community and Father Frank takes a personal interest. That interest is increased by an anonymous confession of a youth who seems to have some knowledge but won’t reveal it. Father Frank thinks he knows which boy makes the confession but he is restricted from disclosing any information given in the confessional. As more Baptist churches are burned down Father Frank lines up a handful of suspects. There is the rough, mysterious, man who keeps hanging around the ball park asking about drug sources; a young man who seems to have a drug problem; an angry teen who was abused as a young boy by his mother’s boyfriend; and a man in a bar who sneers at Father Frank as he burns a paper steeple.

Meanwhile Father Frank encourages the budding romance of an active widow in his church who has captured the heart of the local police detective. These two add a nice, gentle side line to the mystery story.

I really liked Father Frank’s character. He lives his grounded faith in a real way, including some impulsive action. The story moves along well with Father Frank actively investigating any clue he can follow. There are side lines of interest including the youth choir and the sweet romance. There is danger, faith and sweetness in a short package that combine to make this a solid Christian cozy mystery.

Audio Notes: I’m sorry to say that I found the narration rather dry. It seemed more like a reading than a narration. I still enjoyed the overall book but I recommend a prospective listener try the audio sample to decide if this might be a story to read in print or ebook instead of audio.

I received this title for review through Audiobook Jukebox.
This qualifies for AudioBook Challenge and "C" in Alphabet Soup challenge.

Audible Review: Heart of Stone: Irish Angel Series by Jill Marie Landis

This is a very sweet and engaging historical romance.
Heart of Stone: Irish Angel Series
Written by: Jill Marie Landis
Narrated by: Reneé Raudman

Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
Series: Irish Angel, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-01-10
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Historical Romance, Christian
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In the first book of the Irish Angels series, we meet Laura Foster, a woman with the darkest of pasts, and Reverend Brand McCormick, a man with everything to lose by loving her. Having escaped a life she never chose, Laura Foster is finally living her dream. But even after four years of posing as a respectable widow in Glory, Texas, she is always afraid someone from her past might reveal her true identity.
Believing no man could love her if he knew the truth, Laura tries to resist Brand's courtship. His reputation would be shattered if Laura's former life is discovered. But it's not only Laura's past that threatens to bring him down - it's also his own. As they open their hearts to love and faith, will Laura and Brand find the depth and power of forgiveness from their community?
©2010 Jill Marie Landis; (P)2010 Zondervan

Review:
Laura Foster was a child, the oldest of four girls, when her parents came to America from Ireland. They settled in New Orleans but her father and mother died when she was only ten. The girls were taken in by their aunt and uncle...but not for long. The two younger girls were sent to an orphanage but the Laura and her 9 year old sister were sold to the owner of a brothel and separated. Laura had no way to save herself, much less keep her promise to take care of her younger sisters.

Years later Laura has managed to pull herself away from her past and remake herself as a respectable widow. She has operated a lovely boarding house in Glory, Texas for four years. Still, her past and shame press heavily on her and keep her in fear of exposure.

Reverand Brand McCormick has taken note how Laura is always gracious, kind, generous and willing to lend a helping hand to others in her community. He begins to court her even though she is resistant to his advances.

Suddenly the pastor is surprised by secrets from his own past which puts his standing in jeopardy. How can Laura risk exposing him to more difficulty with her own unsavory past?

I had not read a book by Jill Marie Landis for a few years and I had forgotten how I enjoy her writing. It is direct with an easy flow. The characters are warm and life-like with human flaws and problems. The villains are appropriately arrogant and nasty. There is wonderful, not always lovely, history showing hardships of the poor. This story has a lovely message speaking against those who judge others and how hard it can be to forgive ourselves even for things that we couldn’t control.

I would enjoy reading more in the series to discover what happened to Laura's sisters. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a sweet, historical romance with Godly principles that can inspire.

Audio Notes: Reneé Raudman does a nice job with the narration. Nothing over the top but it is solid and made the listening easy.

This audiobook is from 2011 in my Audible library. It qualifies for Audiobook Challenge, TBR Double Dog Dare, Winter Coyer and H on Alphabet Soup.

Audio Book Review: Betrayal in Death: In Death, Book 12 Written by: J. D. Robb

Another great mystery in this entertaining series.

Betrayal in Death: In Death, Book 12

Written by: J. D. Robb

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 12 hrs and 8 mins

Series: In Death, Book 12

Release Date:05-20-08

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Genre: Crime Thriller

My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

At the luxurious Roarke Palace Hotel, a maid walks into suite 4602 for the nightly turndown - and steps into her worst nightmare. A killer leaves her dead, strangled by a thin silver wire. He's Sly Yost, a virtuoso of music and murder. A hit man for the elite. Lieutenant Eve Dallas knows him well. But in this twisted case, knowing the killer doesn't help solve the crime. Because there's someone else involved. Someone with a more personal motive. And Eve must face a terrifying possibility - that the real target may, in fact, be her husband Roarke.

Crack another case with Eve Dallas.

©2007 J. D. Robb; (P)2007 Brilliance Audio

Review:
Eve’s gorgeous husband, (hunky Irishman) Roarke, is hosting, at his premier hotel, a prestige auction for a mature movie star selling her memorabilia. The actress and her handsome son are working to make the event a big success to raise funds to fund a foundation to help young actors. .

Roarke and Eve are at a pre-auction preview when Eve is called to a murder of a maid in one of the suites. Although the maid is no one of great importance the killer’s signature is well known. The very brutal killing, ending in humiliation and stragulation by silver wire, is a recognizable MO of an assassin who has been slipping by authorities, including the FBI, for years. Now the killer has stepped into Eve’s territory and made it personal by killing someone associated with Roarke.

The FBI who try to muscle in on the case are not readily cooperative. The female agent has some sensibilities but the male shows outspoken dislike for Roarke and distain for Eve. His arrogance is clearly going to get in the way of the investigation.

An old childhood mate of Roarke’s, Mick, shows up for a surprise visit. He admits he is a rogue and a thief but he would never hurt Roarke and although he loves a good brawl, killing is not his thing.

Eve and her team dive in with their usual meticulous attention to detail and a little added internet help from Roarke. After a second murder Eve and Roarke know that it won’t be enough to find the hit man. They must determine who paid the fees to kills innocents associated with Roarke. Eve is able to track the assassin within a week but the FBI insist on making, and flubbing, the bust. Now Eve and Roarke must search his history to determine the next victim before the killer can strike again.

Eve and Roarke have to balance their singularly independent and protective-of-each other natures. Peabody and McNab have to cope with their increasing intimacy while trying to maintain their professional duties. There is tension, suspense and emotion that keep the reader/listener on edge.

I have to give a big “Thank You” and kudos to J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts). She does a great job keeping the relationships among these characters interesting while provided an entertaining mystery with each story. I have now finished book 12 and she is on number 40! I am glad there is lots of entertainment still to come. There is some bad language in this series, which, fortunately, flows by quickly. The murders tend to be fairly graphic as the forensics and details play an important part in each story. The total package is worthwhile entertainment for avid mystery fans.

Audio Notes: Susan Ericksen does an excellent job with the character voices and personalities. She has this series down to a fine art and I am very quickly engrossed when I begin each new audiobook. I can highly recommend this series in audio as the narration enhances the character relationships and the suspense of the mystery.

This audiobook is a choice from my own Audible Library. It qualifies for my 2015 Audiobook Challenge, TBR Dare, Winter COYER, “B” in Alphabet Soup, and Continuing a Series in Full House Challenge.

Book Review: Hawk (The Quiet Professionals, Book 2) by Ronie Kendig

This has a good relation conflict supported by a background full action and danger.
Hawk (The Quiet Professionals, Book 2)
by Ronie Kendig

• File Size: 1054 KB
• Print Length: 371 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1624163181
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press; Gld edition (November 1, 2014)
• ASIN: B00LQ26B7C
• Genre: Military Romance, Christian
• My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 1, 2014
Raptor’s communications expert, Staff Sergeant Brian “Hawk” Bledsoe is struggling with his inner demons, leaving him on the verge of an “other than honorable” discharge. Plagued with corrupted intel, Raptor team continues to track down the terrorist playing chess with their lives. Afghan pilot Fekiria Haidary is devastated when a systems glitch on her aircraft forces a weapons launch on a safe target. And when the deadly bombing separates Brian from the team, he must make an impossible choice: save his brothers-in-arms, or save the woman and children depending on him to survive a brutal snowstorm.

Review:
Brian, “Hawk”, is an intense special forces soldier. Although his father belittled him and made him feel stupid, Hawk has always been smart and is a whiz at electronics and computers. Hawk is part of the Raptor team that is in Afghanistan trying to track down terrorists that have breached American communications systems.

Fekiria is a young Afghan woman who has resisted her father’s attempts to marry her to his choice of suitable husbands. She has secretly become an Afghan Air Force pilot. Fekiria has been taught all her life to hate the Americans and her home experience has made her distrustful of any man since the ones she knows only seek to control and limit her.

Fekiria’s duties as a pilot place her in a situation where she is threatened with exposure of her secret and with harm to her Christian friend who secretly operates a home school teaching young girls. Fekiria is horrified when her aircraft controls are manipulated to target the secret school. At the last moment a nearby building is attacked and Fekiria is equally horrified to learn it was a safe house for her cousin’s fiance and the men of his unit, the Raptor Team.

Hawk and Fekiria had met once before and the sparks had flown. He is arrogant and flirty and she is haughty and resistant. Now Hawk discovers she was the pilot that bombed his team but she is in the midst of trying to protect her friend and the children. Before Hawk can get back to his team and learn what is going on with Fekiria he must help her get the children to a safe place. Even when they get caught in a blizzard he assures Fekiria that he will stay with them until he gets them to safety.

I enjoyed these troubled and vulnerable characters who have past indoctrinations and prejudices to overcome. Can they risk allowing feelings to penetrate their carefully shielded hearts? There is plenty of action and danger to add to the emotional tension of the story. I also like the quiet and consistent Christian message that is shared through several important secondary characters.

There are  mysteries that remain at the end of this story. The underlying thread of a mole and hacker infiltrating the American system is carried forward from the first book and continues to the next. I highly recommend this series to those who enjoy military action as a background to personal relationship conflict. I look forward to the next book.

I received this ebook through NetGalley for an honest review. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge, the TBR Dare and as H for the Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Audible Review: Immortality by Kevin Bohacz

This is an intense and intriguing doomsday thriller.

Immortality
Written by: Kevin Bohacz
Narrated by: Kevin T. Collins

Length: 26 hrs and 33 mins
Series: Immortality, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-28-14
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Without warning, something has gone terribly awry. In the remote and unnoticed places of the world, small pockets of death begin occurring. As the initially isolated extinctions spread, the world's eyes focus on this unimaginable horror and chaos. Out of the ecological imbalance, something new and extraordinary is evolving and surviving to fill the voids left by these extinctions. Evolution is operating in ways no one could have expected, and environmental damage may be the catalyst. Once discovered, this knowledge changes everything...
©2003, 2007, 2011 Kevin Bohacz (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Review:
A strange, silent and swift killer is dropping humans in a small area in an Amazon forest. The phenomena isn’t noticed until another small circle of people drop dead in minutes in Anchorage, Alaska. A specialized military bioweapons group, BARDCOM, is researching the event and trying to keep it quiet. General McKafferty, an ugly, determined man, suspects terrorism but because of the urgency and deadly “kill zones”, he reluctantly brings in the CDC for additional research.

Dr. Kathy Morrison, a CDC specialist from Atlanta, is provided some of the details and has to push for more information. They discover that a large number of the victims are carrying a generally benign water bacteria. Kathy calls in Dr. Mark Freedman, a bimolecular biologist, specializing in research of the water bacteria. Mark leaves his young girl friend, ex-wife and daughter in LA to join the research team in Atlanta. They frantically try to stop the killer even as it hits their own loved ones.

Mark discovers a tiny "seed" embedded inside the bacteria but they are having trouble determining if it is natural or man-made and how it relates to the kill zones. It is similar to nano technology and the more they learn about it the more it seems to be sentient and set on destroying mankind.

Strangely there are a few people who seem to survive even when they were in the limited areas of the kill zones. Sarah, a police officer in New Jersey, survived and sneaks out of the quarantined area with her Rottweiler, Ralph. Sarah seems to have a prophetic vision of the kill zones and, while working her way to Atlanta to try to help the CDC, she realizes that she may have some childhood connection to the menace.

Artie and his pregnant wife, Suzy, survive at the edge of a kill zone in New York. Artie is a former gang member who struggled out of his dangerous youth to become an assistant DA. Artie is intent on getting Suzy to a safe area but runs into trouble along the way. The trouble brings out his gang persona and events thrust him to lead a rebellion against the authorities he views as enemies.

There is a lot of good tension, suspense and danger in the story along with a deep level of scientific detail. It isn’t necessary to get bogged by the detail to enjoy the drama and danger. Bohacz does a good job weaving in views and discussions of society issues including political arrogance, abuse of police powers, class antagonism gang behavior, effects of poverty and religious zeal. The most stressed issues though seems to be the environmental degradation of earth’s resources by man and man's capability and or willingness to change, or evolve. The question arise though - how do we evolve and still remain 'human.'

The story is told with comfortable point of view changes through the primary, and well developed, characters. The pacing flows with good movement from one character to the next to keep things interesting even with the long story. I was intrigued and engrossed by the story and its plausibility until about three-fourths of the way in. At that point Sarah and Mark extend their research into the ‘entity’ through a very unorthodox method that I found a bit far-fetched. Still Bohacz manages to pull in all the pieces to a suspenseful conclusion... or should I say ending as there is a sequel that continues the adventure. I recommend this sci fi, doomsday thriller to readers who enjoy the suspense of a mystery and the imaginative dangers of apocalyptic drama.

Audio Notes: I have to admit I was a little daunted facing a 26 and one half hour listen. I was pleasantly surprised that it moved along well thanks to the strong, narrative performance by Kevin T. Collins. Collins picked up the different voices so there was never confusion about which character’s view was being presented at any time. He also imbued the appropriate temperaments with the characters to help make them real to the reader. I enjoyed the audio and recommend the book in audio format.

I received this audio through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review. It qualifies for Audio Challenge and I for Alphabet Challenge.

Book Review: Just in Time for a Highlander (Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands) by Gwyn Cready

I found this story fun, active and entertaining.

Just in Time for a Highlander (Sirens of the Scottish Borderlands)
by Gwyn Cready

• File Size: 1119 KB
• Print Length: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 3, 2015)
• ASIN: B00NH1UK40

Genre: Time Travel, Highlander
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: February 3, 2015
From RITA winner Gwyn Cready comes a Scottish borderlands time travel romance perfect for fans of Outlander

For Duncan MacHarg, things just got real...
Battle reenactor and financier Duncan MacHarg thinks he has it made-until he lands in the middle of a real Clan Kerr battle and comes face to face with their beautiful, spirited leader. Out of time and out of place, Duncan must use every skill he can muster to earn his position among the clansmen and in the heart of the devastatingly intriguing woman to whom he must pledge his oath.

Abby needs a hero and she needs him now
When Abigail Ailich Kerr sees a handsome, mysterious stranger materialize in the midst of her clan's skirmish with the English, she's stunned to discover he's the strong arm she's been praying for. Instead of a tested fighter, the fierce young chieftess has been given a man with no measurable battle skills and a damnably distracting smile. And the only way to get rid of him is to turn him into a Scots warrior herself-one demanding and intimate lesson at a time.

Review:
Duncan is a handsome, modern day financier, He is accustomed to being successful in the boardroom and the bedroom. As he is participating in a SScottishbattle reenactment he suddenly finds himself in the middle of a real-life battle between Scottish Highlanders and the British. Duncan is trying to help a young boy under attack when he is hit by an arrow shot by a fierce young woman who is apparently the Scottish leader.

Abigail Kerr has her hands full as a reluctantly accepted chieftess of her clan. She has reached a rocky peace with the British and wants to get a loan to build a canal on the clan property, even while they struggle to pay the annual taxes. The favored solution is for her to marry her childhood friend, cousin and leader of a neighbor clan, Rosston Kerr. He is more than ready to bring his wealth and rule the clan as only a true Scotsman can. Abby is convinced that she doesn’t need to marry but she does need a strong arm to stand by her side as she leads. She is shocked to discover a strange foreigner who barely knows how to fight is to be that strong arm.

In only a matter of days (or was it more like hours) Abigail is kissing Duncan and tempting him. He’s not one to resist long and soon they are entangled in intimacies as well as the other material problems. He is convinced he can help her but he has a lot to learn of the times and ways. Undine, Abby’s potion brewing friend, is the one responsible for the magic that brought Duncan back in time. She explains that he must fulfill his purpose before he can return to his own time. He doesn’t have a choice even if he wanted to stay and even if the fulfillment of his mission results in Abby marrying his rival, Rosston.

I can appreciate the difficulties Abby faced as a female in a time when women were possessions, not leaders. She has to walk a fine line between independence and duty to her clan. I liked Duncan’s willingness to be what Abby needed and, even more, his willingness to accept her strengths. They both had flaws that contributed to conflicts. There was a goodly amount of sensual tension and involvement in a very short time.

I especially enjoyed the bit of mystery that simmered behind the clan difficulties. I also liked the interesting modern references and double entendres that were humorously blended with the past circumstances. I wanted to learn the solution to Serafina’s problem but that was a thread that was left loose for another story apparently. I definitely liked the time travel element which gave more interest beyond the highlander romance. All in all I found the story fun, active and entertaining.

I received this through Sourcebooks at NetGalley for an honest review.
I am counting it towards my NetGalley Challenge, TBR Double Dare, Winter COYER, and Alphabet Soup.

Audiobook Review: Time and Again: Book 1 in the History Mystery Series by Deborah Heal

There are wonderful history and faith lessons woven into this interesting story.

Time and Again: Book 1 in the History Mystery Series
Written by: Deborah Heal
Narrated by: Michelle Babb

Length: 5 hrs and 12 mins
Series: History Mystery, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-17-14
Publisher: Write Brain Books
Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian, Suspense
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
An old house + A new computer program = The travel opportunity of a lifetime...to another century.
Abby Thomas is spending the summer in a run-down old house with a bratty pre-teen named Merrideth she is supposed to tutor. Not a dream job. But it does come with perks.
There's John Roberts, a devastatingly attractive neighbor who is almost too wonderful to be real.
And there's the new computer program Beautiful Houses--also too amazing to be real. No one knows how it works, but with it she can rewind and fast-forward the lives of all the people who ever lived in the house, including Charlotte Miles.
In 1858, the house is a train stop on the Alton & Chicago Line. And Charlotte is stuck there serving meals to the passengers, wondering if she'll ever get to have any fun. And then she meets two travelers who change her life forever.
There's James McGuire with whom she falls in love. And there's his boss, a young Springfield lawyer named Abraham Lincoln. His debate with political opponent Stephen Douglas catapults him onto the national stage. And it inspires Charlotte to take up the cause of abolition.
The House
A stop on the Alton & Chicago Line. A stop on the Underground Railroad.
Watching the house's history unfold, Abby and Merrideth gain a new perspective on their own lives as time and again they see God's loving hand in the lives of its inhabitants.
©2013 Deborah Heal (P)2014 Deborah Heal

Review:
Abby Thomas is a college student using her summer to earn funds and credits towards her degree. She is tutoring an 11 year-old resentful girl, Merrideth. Merrideth is upset by her parents’ divorce especially since her mother has moved them away from her home, friends and father in Chicago. Now they live six hours away in a small town in an old house which seems dull and isolated -- at first..

Merrideth’s expensive computer keeps turning on a program called Beautiful Houses, which Merrrideth is surprised to discover includes their house when it was in new condition. As Merrideth and Abby explore the remarkable program they are immersed in the life of Charlotte Miles, whose father was the original founder of the whole community. They are fascinated by Charlotte’s life in the years leading up to the civil war. Charlotte is also resentful of her father for not allowing her to go on the train to the Alton Fair with a local boy. Instead she must stay home and serve the meal as her home is the Station Way-Stop. But one of the guests is a nice young man, James McGuire, who works for a Springfield attorney, Abraham Lincoln. There are other interesting guests too that add to the charm and history of the house.

Abby and Merrideth are able to develop a friendship while learning that God has His hand on those who seek and trust Him. There is a charming young boy as an added character as well as a local fellow, John Roberts, who is smitten by Abby. The author does a smooth transition of scenes from present to past with the interesting twist of technology. She skillfully uses difficulties and problems from Charlotte's life, with wonderful depth of historical elements, to show Abby and Merrideth lessons that apply to their emotional struggles in the current day.

I really enjoyed the history and the way the author weaves in God’s care and love in both time lines. I was sorry the story ended rather abruptly, but I recognize it leaves room for more historical adventures. This is a good book for teens, adults and history lovers. I do recommend it in text however, as I was disappointed by the narration.

Audio Notes: Sad to say, I was not impressed by Michelle Babb’s narration. There was little variation of character voice and only a few attempts to add emotional impact. I felt this was more a reading than a narration and it detracted from my enjoyment. This is an occasion when I recommend the text rather than the audiobook. However, other listener's enjoyed the narration so test a sample and decide what you think.

I received this audio through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review. This qualifies for Audio challenge and T in Alphabet Soup. 

Book Review: Only Enchanting, A Survivors' Club Novel by Mary Balogh

I loved the conflicted characters in this enchanting historical romance!

Only Enchanting, A Survivors' Club Novel
by Mary Balogh

• File Size: 1932 KB
• Print Length: 394 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0451469666
• Publisher: Signet (October 28, 2014)
• Sold by: Penguin Group (USA) LLC
• ASIN: B00JJXUZMM

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 28, 2014
The Survivors' Club: Six men and one woman, all wounded in the Napoleonic Wars, their friendship forged during their recovery at Penderris Hall in Cornwall. Now, in the fourth novel of the Survivors' Club series, Flavian, Viscount Ponsonby, has left this refuge to find his own salvation—in the love of a most unsuspecting woman.…

Flavian, Viscount Ponsonby, was devastated by his fiancée’s desertion after his return home. Now the woman who broke his heart is back—and everyone is eager to revive their engagement. Except Flavian, who, in a panic, runs straight into the arms of a most sensible yet enchanting young woman.

Agnes Keeping has never been in love—and never wishes to be. But then she meets the charismatic Flavian, and suddenly Agnes falls so foolishly and so deeply that she agrees to his impetuous proposal of marriage.

When Agnes discovers that the proposal is only to avenge his former love, she’s determined to flee. But Flavian has no intention of letting his new bride go, especially now that he too has fallen so passionately and so unexpectedly in love.

Review:
Agnes was content with her first marriage which was a practical arrangement with an older neighbor. Now she is content as a widow living in the country with her unmarried, older sister. She attends a dance at the home of her friend and is delighted to dance, not once but twice, with the gorgeous, charismatic, and rather enigmatic Viscount Ponsonby. Agnes is completely smitten but accepts that she will never see him again. Flavian returns to the community six months later and, to Agnes’ consternation, he not only flirts with her but proposes to her. She is confused and afraid to risk the passion she fears may be involved in their relationship.

Flavian is one of the Survivor’s Club. His head wounds left him with memory lapses and rages. He had to relearn even how to speak and he still stutters a bit. That doesn’t stop the ladies from flocking after him. Yet he struggles with memories of his childhood sweetheart, Velma, who broke their engagement when he was injured and married his good friend instead. His friend has died and Flavian's mother, sister and others are clearly planning on bringing him back together with Velma. Instead, Flavian finds Agnes to be ‘enchanting”, sensible and "safe"...promising a place of peace amid his tumultuous mind.

Agnes accepts Flavian’s rather sudden and not so romantic proposal. They are married quickly with their Survivor’s Club friends as witnesses. But they will still have to face the daunting task of meeting their parents and introducing Agnes to the ton.  Rumors threaten some scandal which makes it even more difficult for the pair to reluctantly share their secrets, learn to trust and accept their own growing feelings.

I always enjoy the warm characters that Mary Balogh creates. There is a charming range of natural emotions from fear and sorrow, to joy...and of course, love. The conflict in the human drama is appropriate to the time period and setting and allows for an engaging romance that grows from only enchanting to something much richer. The writing flows beautifully for a lovely reading experience. I highly recommend this series to readers who love historical romance. Ms. Balogh is a favorite author for me and a ‘must read’ author in this genre.

I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley. This will qualify for my NetGalley Challenge, TBR Double Dare and Alphabet Soup Challenge.