Review of A TREASURE FOR SARA by Allison Knight

Title:  A Treasure for Sara
Author:  Allison Knight
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Champagne Books
Champange Books Buy Link
Published: February 2009
ISBN: 978-1-897445-41-9

Author's Website

Rating: 4.25 of 5.0
Heat Rating: Sensuous
Reviewed by: MarthaE


Blurb:  Thrust together by her dying father, Sara McGuiness must face the treacherous Yukon Territory with "Bear", a quiet giant of a man. Will they survive and learn to share a burning love born during the chill of a Northern winter?

REVIEW: I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely and heartwarming historical western!

Sara has left her home in Philadelphia to escape a marriage being forced upon her by her Aunt. She has traveled to the Yukon Territory to join her father who has written to her that he has a treasure for her. Although Sara is not prepared for the wilderness and cold, she is a very determined young lady and she is not going to be defeated!

Bear is a gruff “bear” of a man who picks Sara up “in town” to deliver her to his cabin where her father is staying.  Bear and Sara’s father have become good friends over many years.  Bear is resourceful and able but he is basically closed off.  He is taciturn and at first barely speaks to Sara as he trudges her through the rough paths on the many day journey from town to home.

Sara arrives to find her father dying.  She does all she can to help and in the process becomes mistress of the cabin, making it a home rather than just a dwelling.  But Bear lost his wife and child before he buried himself in the mountains and he does not believe he is worthy to ever have a woman again, much less fall in love.  He does everything he can to resist the warmth that Sara brings to the cabin.  He is determined to send her home as quickly as possible but fate works to strand her there for the winter months. There is a fair share of misunderstanding and doubt, especially for Sara who thinks she is unlikable since Bear is so eager to send her on her way.

Although there are some bad guys trying to find the rumored treasure and some friends too, the story really centers on Sara and Bear and life in the harsh but beautiful setting. The author has done a wonderful job of building a picture and an understanding for life in the rough little mining town and the isolation of the cabin. She also has created two great emotional characters who draw you into rooting for them to give in to the sensuous passion, love and life that they clearly could share if only they will take the chance.

Especially if you like western historical romance, you will like this treasure and you will want to read this so you can discover the truth of Sara’s treasure!!

This is my Tuesday R&R review at SaSR.

Review of Turtle Soup by Danielle Thorne

The orginal of this review is posted at Single Titles CataRomances

Title: Turtle Soup
Author: Danielle Thorne
Publisher: Awe-Struck Publishing
BUY LINK
Author website: Danielle Thorne
# of pages: 161 pages
Genre: Contemporary romance
Release Date: August 30, 2009
ISBN: 978-1-58749-183-2
Reviewed by: MarthaE

Blurb: Sea turtles may be endangered but after an encounter with marine biologist, Jack Brandon, nothing will stop Sara Hart from naming her deli Turtle Soup. When Jack takes a job at the nearby Georgia Aquarium, Sara finds the environmental poster boy at her door, hungry and carrying a chip on his shoulder. Neither thinks the other has what it takes, until a scuba class reveals what lies beneath the surface. It will take food, friends, and a little help from Mother Nature, to help them see that making a difference isn’t all numbers and glory. It must begin with love.

REVIEW: Sara has saved and planned for many years to set up her own deli in Atlanta. She has found a spot just a few blocks away from the Georgia Aquarium. Sara names her eatery “Turtle Soup” after she learns that the rude, arrogant fellow she met at the airport is Jack Brandon who heads the Aquarium exhibit for the endangered sea turtles.

Jack is a pretty hard headed marine biologist who spends part of his time managing the Sea Turtle foundation and exhibit and part of his time relaxing in the Caribbean away from the noisy rush of Atlanta. He doesn’t have time to deal with a snappy lady who doesn’t seem to respect his beloved turtles!

Sara lost her parents to a drowning car accident when she was young. Jack has suffered a loss too. Both characters are pretty self reliant, slow to trust and reluctant to share about their pasts. They start out like oil and water that just won’t mix. Fate has other plans in mind for them though if cupid can just get his arrows past their prickly protective shells! As they face their fears, their spicy antagonism slowly turns into sweet passion. But there are rough waves along the way before they can have smooth sailing!

The battle between these strong and well defined characters is fun to follow! As a plus, the author presents lots of scuba detail through Sara’s lessons with Jack and his fellow instructors. This is a very entertaining, hate turned to love, sweet romance! I highly recommend this story as a fun read and look forward to reading more books by Ms. Thorne!

This is my Tuesday R&R review at SaSR.

Review of Loyalty's Web - A 5.0!

Title: Loyalty’s Web
Author: Joyce DiPastena
Genre: Historical Romance (Medieval)
Publisher: Leatherwood Press

Rating: 5.0 of 5.0
Heat Rating: Sweet
Author Website: Joyce DiPastena
Reviewed by: MarthaE

Buy Link: Loyalty's Web
ISBN: 9781599921235


Blurb: In twelfth century France, King Henry II of England has just finished quashing a rebellion by his power-hungry sons and now seeks to tame the lawless barons who supported them in this corner of his "Angevin empire." To this end, the king has sent the Earl of Gunthar as his royal representative to ensure that Prince Richard and his former cohorts faithfully adhere to the terms of the peace treaty.


Far from being welcomed with open arms, Gunthar no sooner steps foot in the county of Poitou than he is greeted by a series of assassination attempts. All appear to be linked to the former rebellious prince through the agents of the family and friends of young Heléne de Laurant. A clever, intrepid young woman, she realizes that the only way to prove her loved ones’ innocence is by exposing the true assassin. Heléne races against time—and dark secrets of the past—to unmask the killer before the kingdom plunges back into war.


Fierce determination gives way to mutual attraction as Heléne and Gunthar spar over the identity of the traitor. But their blinding magnetism almost causes them to overlook an even deadlier threat from an entirely unexpected direction.

REVIEW:  This is a superbly written, action packed, “classic” medieval romance. I say “classic” as I see this in the tradition of the top historical romances I have read – rich in authentic details, descriptions, characters and plot.

I love Heléne’s character. She is smart, brave, humble, resourceful, and caring without being hysterically emotional. She is loyal to her family and friends and wants to protect her father, her sister and even her friend who is caught attacking Gunthar. She doesn’t faint or panic but rather takes a deep breath and manages to get done what has to be done! She has learned skills that most young ladies would not: she can read, she can shoot a bow and she has learned about herbs and healing. She is not rebelliously disobedient to her parents but she is not going to let them “sell” her in marriage to a man she has not even met. She may not be the physical beauty in the family, but she is beautiful in character. Heléne thinks Gunthar is cold and ruthless at first, but their impassioned confrontations ultimately lead to an attraction that surprises and distresses her since he is to be betrothed to her reluctant sister. Heléne wants to trust him but fears she must keep her secrets because of his narrow minded view of “traitors” which allows no mercy.

Gunthar is a great character also. He definitely fits the expectations of a King’s trusted knight and representative. He is big, powerful in presence, and a skilled warrior and strategist. He believes in honor, loyalty and duty. He is pretty stubborn and obstinate in his attitude towards traitors, taking the usual position of a medieval knight that if a member of a family is guilty then, in addition to death to the traitor, the whole family is stripped of title and lands, even if it means putting the women and children out to fend for themselves. He doesn’t believe in love and certainly doesn’t lose control of his fierce demeanor… at least he didn’t before he tangled with the spirited Heléne!

The plot is wonderfully full of tension, from the very first page until the end, with blackmail, murder, and secrets tangled up with political intrigues. Although it is obvious there are several conspirators and spies, there are red herrings and twists that make it difficult to determine for sure who the enemies are, especially since more than one party wants Gunthar dead.

The author clearly did her research on the time period and the writing is wonderfully authentic to the setting. The romance is sweet and balanced well with the action elements of the book. This book is a page turner that keeps you anxious to know what happens, but then I was sorry to come to the end. I will definitely be looking forward to more wonderful books from Ms. DiPastena. Thanks for a great read!

xxx

This book was supplied by the author for an unbiased review.

This is my Tuesday R&R review at SaSR.

I have also linked this review to Book Review Wednesdays where you can find lots of other linked reviews. Right click on the badge to take you to the site in another window or tab! Thank you, Cym Lowell.

Review of Once A Dreamer

Title: Once a Dreamer
(Book 4 Champagne Orphan Train Series)
Author: Rebecca Goings
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Champagne Books
Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
Heat Rating: Sensuous to Sultry
Reviewed by: MarthaE
ISBN: 9781897445839

Author website: http://www.rebeccagoings.com/

"Bringing the Historical Western Back, One Cowboy at a Time!"

Buy Link: http://www.champagnebooks.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=226

Blurb: When her adoptive mother dies in a bank shootout, orphan Karina Vadislav is sent to live with Patrick Baker, her uncle in Dodge City, Kansas. After years of abuse, she flees, meeting Benjamin Sawyer, a gambler with a sordid past. He agrees to help her claim her inheritance in Topeka, posing as her husband to keep her safe. But there are men who are out for Ben’s blood and will stop at nothing to see him dead. Coupled with Karina’s bloodthirsty uncle, neither of them is safe on the trail.When bullets fly and truths are revealed, will Ben and Karina’s fragile love survive the ultimate betrayal?

Review: This is a very enjoyable, action packed, historical western!

Young Karina Vadislav was sent out west on the orphan train. She had three good years with a wealthy widow until her benefactress was killed in a bank robbery. Then Karina went to stay with the widow’s kin and became a slave to that vile man. She has survived a brutal and tragic existence over the past seven years and is intent on getting away from her awful Uncle, collecting her inheritance and returning back east to meet with her friends from the orphan train. .

Benjamin Sawyer doesn’t usually lose at cards but he got distracted by the young beauty who stumbled into the saloon! You can’t allow distractions, especially when playing with the infamous Doc Holliday! By a fluke, and with a little help from Doc Holliday, Karina finds herself marrying Ben. Ben hadn’t planned on marrying, but he has determined that he will do what’s necessary to get Karina away from her wicked uncle and protect her from being on the streets alone.

Ben doesn’t realize at first that Karina is on her way to collect an inheritance and that her Uncle has extra incentive to catch up to them. Ben has troubles of his own chasing close behind him and he may have put Karina in more danger. He is sure if Karina had known his background she wouldn’t have consented to the crazy idea of getting married. Now they are together on the run from an awful Uncle and a self imposed posse set on revenge. While they race through the prairie, they try, unsuccessfully, to fight off their hungry attraction for one another!

This story has a wonderful plot and a great heroine and hero! Karina is resourceful and determined to survive! Ben is honorable and trying to overcome a past which he isn’t proud of. They are both vulnerable and it is lovely and fun to watch the attraction win as trust and love grows between them. Of course that leaves their hearts wide open for betrayal or at least perceived betrayal!

The author has done a good job of character building on the villains and Doc Holliday too, adding a lot of interesting personalities! The story is filled with action and subtle humor! The writing has a very enjoyable flow and is pretty authentic. Of course that authenticity results in some rough language and some fairly raw descriptions. Beyond the brashness I really liked this fun, action packed romance!

[This is the review today for SaSR R&R Tuesday!]

Review of Dreams Do Come True

This is the review posted today for the SaSR Tuesday R&R contest event.

Title: Dreams Do Come True
Author: E.A. West
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4.0 of 5
Page count 26
Heat Rating: Sweet
Reviewed by: MarthaE

Publisher: TWRP- White Rose Publishing

Buy Link: http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/cartage.html?option=com_cartage&main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=Dreams+Do+Come+True
Blurb: Aspiring author Cassie Teague has been rejected…again. As she considers giving up her dream of getting published, a handsome editor walks into her life and makes her wonder if God has more in store for her than just writing.
Acquisitions editor David Jameson wants more than just Cassie’s book. But will office politics destroy his hope for the future?

Review: This is a lovely, sweet romance!

Cassie has just received another manuscript rejection letter and is ready to give up. The very handsome stranger who just walked into the cafe can’t help but overhear the conversation as Cassie’s waitress friend, Gayle, tries to encourage her. David also encourages Cassie and she is excited when he reveals that he works for a publishing house. He agrees to read her book and likes it. Although he passes the book on to another editor in his office to avoid impropriety, the personal contact he has already had put both his job and Cassie’s manuscript chances at risk. When the promised book contract doesn’t appear and David doesn’t make any contact with Cassie for a week she is not only hurt but fears she has been misled by a smooth talking stranger. Did she once again misinterpret God’s plans for her life? And will she have to give up on her dreams of being published and finding the right mate?

There is a lot of angst and some heartache in the story, but, with a little forgiveness, it has a wonderful happy ending! The characters are likeable and the story very believable. In fact I imagine that the dejection and stress that are portrayed are all too real to authors! The writing is smooth and easy and the spiritual message is not at all preachy. The elements work together to make this a lovely, quick, uplifting read.

Author website and blog:
http://eawest.mcphitty.com/
http://thewestcorner.blogspot.com/

Martha's Contest for September 11, 2009!

I’ve been interviewed as a reviewer by Carol J. North, Author of Eternally His and other good books.

To participate in the contest – make a comment regarding the post. There are different prizes for authors or readers, so please state in your comment whether you are an author or a reader. Make sure to leave your e-mail or a way for me to contact you. On Sunday PM, a winner will be drawn from those commenting and I will announce the winner Monday morning.

The Prizes:
Author Prize: A Review of any book you provide. I will pull the chosen book into my schedule and complete the review within two weeks. I will post it at my blog, Amazon, Goodreads, SaSR, WRDF (the review group not BTL) and other places that might be appropriate!

Reader Prize: Choose a book as a prize from the list of Prize books on the blog, any of the print books shown in my Mailbox Monday posts, or any of the print review books posted that were not giveaways. I may take two weeks to get the book to you as I may read it if I haven’t yet! If an international participant wins I will give an e-book of their choice up to a value of $7.00.

Books from which to Select a Prize:

(HB is hardback; A is autographed and PA is personally autographed)

Bennett, Sara - Led Astray by a Rake
Bennett, TJ - The Promise (A)
Cassidy, Dakota - The Accidental Human
Evanovich, Janet - Foul Play
Flielding, Liz - Wedded in a Whirlwind (PA)
Holby, Cindy - Fallen (PA)
Holly, Emma - Kissing Midnight
Jeffries, Sabrina - Don’t Bargain With the Devil
Johnson, Alissa - Tempting Fate
Kent, Alison - No Limits (A)
Knight, Deidre - Red Fire
Laurens, Stephanie + It Happened One Night (Anthology HB)
Long, Julie Anne - Like No Other Lover (A)
Maclaine, Jenna - Grave Sins
McCray, Cheyenne - Moving Target (A)
Moncrief, Skhye - He of the Sword (A)
Mallory, Margaret - Knight of Desire
Rodale, Maya - The Rogue and the Rival (PA)
Rogers, Donna - Marie Meant to Be
Ryan, Hank Phillippi - Prime Time (A)
Scott, Amanda - Tamed by a Laird
Snyder, Maria V. - Storm Glass (PA)
Stockham, Kay - Another Man’s Baby (PA)

Review of Every Skull Tells A Story

Title: Every Skull Tells a Story
Author: Anne Patrick
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Publish America
Rating: 4.5 of 5
Page count 198
Heat Rating: Sweet
ISBN-10: 1424190037
Buy Here
Reviewed by: MarthaE

Blurb: When the skeletal remains of three young women are discovered on the vacation estate of a U.S. Senator, the local sheriff enlists the help of Special Agent Galen Schroeder and a local forensic sketch artist, to help him solve the murders. A profiler for seventeen years, Galen knows his skills are useless until they discover the identity of the victims. That's where the beautiful and talented Mackayla Kensingtom comes in.
Mackayla knows all too well the heartache of not knowing the fate of a loved one. The brutal murder of her own daughter is the driving force behind her determination to bring closure to families missing loved ones.
Using her artistry skills, Mackayla works frantically to put faces to the skulls so that their identities can be revealed and the killer can be caught. When the killer realizes how good she is, it appears she may be the next to die.
Review: If you are looking for solid suspense with sweet romance this book nails it!

Mackayla is a beautiful woman with a tragic loss in her past. She is driven to help uncover the identities of skeletons, either from natural disasters like the Tsunami in Sri Lanka or from crime sites. While helping the victims in Sri Lanka she has found a little girl whom she is trying to adopt. Although the national government does not allow single parent adoption, Mackayla is trusting God to make a way.

Mackayla has flown back home to help determine the identities of three women discovered on a Senator’s property not too far from her own home. Here she meets the mature and dedicated FBI profiler, Galen. He too lost his wife and child a number of years before and has lived for his job since. Now he meets the lovely and smart Mackayla and his heart begins to stir!

These two characters make a great match. Their mutual respect creates a great foundation for a developing relationship. They are both solid and strong on their own and have to learn to recognize that they can complement each other and find new love if they are willing to risk it!

As Mackayla uses her skills to shape the faces of the dead girls her own life is threatened as it is clear the murderer wants to keep his secrets hidden. The story flows non-stop. When you aren’t racing along in action with Mackayla or Galen, separately or together, you are following their developing courtship. The author does a great job of weaving Mackayla’s strong Christian faith and church family support into the story. It fits very naturally with Mackayla’s character. The author has an excellent grasp of the details of the forensic artist and presents the process in an easily understood manner. The plot is believable and has good twists to keep you reading to find out how they are going to get the proof necessary to pin down the murder. The only weak spot for me was the setting for the final run-in with the murderer as that did not seem so likely and the show down was not a completely clear picture for me. But that was a minor point that did not ruin the enjoyment of the chase and romance.

This is a good book to grab for a suspenseful read, grounded in firm Christian values and faith - a refreshing change. Well done! I will look forward to more good mystery suspense from Ms. Patrick!

Author's blog: Suspense by Anne

Join us for Review and Recipe Tuesdays at SaSR!

At the end of July we started a weekly event called R & R Tuesdays at the Sweet and Sensual Romance Yahoo Group.

Each Tuesday I post a Review from "Martha's Bookshelf" and we share Recipes for a particular food choice (ie. if the moderator shares a chicken recipe, then the participants share their favorite chicken recipes.) We have been saving the recipes in files at the site so we are developing quite a nice, yummy collection!
Tomorrow the review is on Every Skull Tells a Story by Anne Patrick. The recipe group is Breakfasts! I even have a receipe from my DH I'll be sharing!

Contest Drawing: Everyone who comments on the reviews or recipes is included in a drawing for a book from my Bookshelves (gently read) - some older, some newer and even some autographed!

You must be a member of the group to participate. We also have a contest most Fridays hosted by author members. It is a great place to meet and chat with like minded authors and readers, get some good recipes and have a chance to win some books!

Please see the group guidelines or join here:
Sweet and Sensual Romance Yahoo Group.

As of last Tuesday I am posting the review here at my blog too so you can read the review without joining the group.

Review of Ride a Painted Pony

I have posted this review at the SaSR Group today for the Tuesday R&R discussion and contest. But for those who are not members there, here is the review of another good book!

Title: Ride a Painted Pony
Author: Kathleen Eagle
Publisher: MIRA Books
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Ride-Painted-Pony-Kathleen-Eagle/dp/0778325083/ref=ed_oe_p

Rating: 4.5 of 5

Reviewed by: MarthaE
Blurb: On a dark, lonely stretch of Midwest interstate, Nick Red Shield swerves his pickup and empty horse trailer to avoid a pair of eyes. They belong to a woman--battered, bruised and barely conscious--in desperate need of a lift.
Lauren Davis grew up in the high-stakes world of horse racing, a world that took her to fame as a jockey and into a relationship with a dangerous high roller. Life with Raymond Vargas has turned deadly, forcing her on the run, but she can't abandon her son, and now she'll do anything to get him back safe.
While Nick's instincts as a loner kick into high gear, Lauren's vulnerability tugs at him in ways he'd shut down long ago. A man more comfortable with horses than people, unable to make peace with a past that's left him scarred, Nick's not sure about secretive Lauren. But he can't just leave her. And he really doesn't want her to go.
In the safe haven of his South Dakota ranch, among the magnificent painted horses of Western legend, a bond of trust, truth and passion becomes a lifeline for them both. But soon the danger that shadows Lauren's life and her desperate attempt to save her son will force Nick to confront his own demons. Only then can he fight to save Lauren from hers.

Review: The blurb gives the basics…but doesn’t tell how fabulous Nick Red Shield is: quiet, tough, rugged, responsible, compassionate, and dependable. What’s not to like! I think he is one of my new favorite heroes! Lauren chooses to tag along with Nick and hide out as “Joey.” She is likeable, strong and determined. It takes a while for her to fully trust Nick with her secrets although she is pretty quick to be willing to get involved with him. That didn’t seem quite right considering the relationship she just came out of, but if she could fall for anyone so soon, Nick would be the right one! Nick has already stuck his neck out by helping her and taking her home to allow her to invade his quiet single life. By the time danger starts to find Lauren, it is time for her to decide if she can trust Nick to help her get her son away from the mobster father who wants the child primarily as a means to control Lauren.

I really enjoyed the good banter and sensual tension between Nick and Lauren. And there is plenty of suspense and action for them while trying to hide from and then out maneuver Raymond (and a few government authorities along the way!) Nick’s partner Dillon is a nice side kick and the special stud, True Colors, is a great horse! This is a really solid, entertaining and wonderful read!

Review for Blind Fortune

I have posted my review at SaSR Group. But for those who are not members there here is the review! It is a wonderful book!

Title: Blind Fortune
Author: Joanna Waugh
Publisher: Cerridwen Press
Buy Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/pm-4525-423-blind-fortune.aspx

Rating: You NEED to Read (4.75 of 5)

Reviewed by: MarthaE

Blurb: They say love is blind, but Lady Fortuna Morley doesn’t believe it. Sightless since birth, she can think of only one reason a gentleman would wed her—for the dowry and three thousand a year her father will provide. She’s in London the spring of 1814 to help launch her younger cousin into society, but prefers living quietly in country. The last thing Fortuna wishes is to cross swords with the arrogant Marquess of Granville.

Charles Lowden, Lord Granville, has decided to take a wife. The bride he’s chosen is thirteen years his junior, but meets all criteria. What he won’t abide is interference from the girl’s impertinent cousin, the outspoken and opinionated Lady Fortuna Morley. The woman is determined to thwart the match. Charles is just as determined to charm Fortuna out of her disdain for him.

What neither expects in the ensuing battle of wills is to fall in love.


Review: This is an exceptionally well written romance. The characters are rich and complex and the special plot is grounded in accurate historical detail.

Lady Fortuna is blind but very spirited! She wants to be independent but doesn’t fully realize how dependent she is in her circumstances. Charles appears initially as a too handsome, cold and arrogant chauvinist. As the story progresses you learn why he shields himself and stands aloof. You also discover that he can be more perceptive and caring than those who have sheltered Fortuna for years!

When Charles sets his sights on Fortuna’s cousin she is convinced first that it would be a terrible, cold match for Juliana. The more she interacts with Charles, trying to hinder the pair, the more she realizes that the immature and self-centered Juliana would cause terrible marriage for the serious and intelligent Charles. Meanwhile Charles thinks that Fortuna is absolutely selfish and a shrewish “Kate” as in Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. In his determination to obstruct her interference he doesn’t even see the self absorbed, shallowness of young Juliana, nor his own attraction to Fortuna!

When Charles finally recognizes Fortuna’s fears he realizes that her family has handicapped her more than helped her. Charles realizes that he can help Fortuna find freedom with his strengths. But Fortuna is convinced that she is just a passing flirtation and that Charles will still marry Juliana.
Even though I did not initially like Charles’ character, my early impressions were that there are “jewels” in this book! I loved how this story deals with the difficulties and struggles, physically and emotionally, that Fortuna’s blindness causes, as well as showing the different senses that are enhanced because of her disability. It is emotionally touching to read the ways that Charles finds to help her. These flawed characters are less than perfect which makes them more “human” and real! It was a lovely journey to watch the initial antagonism and snipping slowly turn to a type of friendship, and then to a surprising sensual awareness between them. This is a beautiful, poignant story of “hate” turning to “love”. Read this book and experience the richness!