Audible Book Review: To Whisper Her Name by Tamera Alexander

This is a lovely, character driven Civil War romance and I will get more books by this author.
To Whisper Her Name
By: Tamera Alexander
Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

Series: A Belle Meade Plantation Novel, Book 1
Length: 17 hrs and 8 mins
Release date: 11-30-12
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Civil War, Historical Romance, Sweet Romance
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
From best-selling author Tamera Alexander comes an exquisite historical novel set against the real history of Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville, Tennessee, that explores the struggles of real people of the post-war South and the journeys of a man and a woman scarred by betrayal.
Olivia Aberdeen, destitute widow of a man shot as a traitor to the South, is shunned by proper society and gratefully accepts an invitation from Elizabeth Harding, mistress of Belle Meade Plantation. Expecting to be the Hardings’ head housekeeper, Olivia is disillusioned when she learns the real reason Elizabeth’s husband, Confederate General William Giles Harding, agreed to her coming. Not finding the safe haven she expects, Olivia is caught off guard by her feelings for Ridley Adam Cooper, a man who seems anything but a Southern gentleman.
Branded a traitor by some, Ridley Cooper, a Southern son who chose to fight for the Union, is a man desperate to end the war still raging inside him. Determined to learn “the gift” that Belle Meade's head horse trainer and former slave, Bob Green, possesses, Ridley harbors secrets that threaten both their lives.
As Ridley seeks to make peace within himself for fighting against the South he loved, Olivia is determined to never be betrayed again.
…
This inspirational historical romance can be listened to as a stand-alone novel or enjoyed as the first audiobook in Tamera Alexander’s Belle Meade series.
Audiobook length: approximately 125K words. Includes discussion questions for book clubs and a note from the author.
©2012 Tamera Alexander (P)2012 Zondervan

Review:
Olivia is a proper Southern lady whose marriage was arranged for her by her father. She soon learned that her husband was not the Southern Gentleman that he pretended to be. But she had no idea of the actions he was taking that resulted in him being executed as a traitor to the South. She now bears the stigma that leads to her being shunned by proper society. Fortunately, she is taken in by an “aunt”, Elizabeth Harding, mistress of Belle Meade Plantation. She thought she would help the household as head housekeeper but instead, Confederate General William Giles Harding was willing to allow her to stay only in a different capacity. Olivia is willing to take on the alternate duties but knows that the position is likely to be temporary and that the General has other plans to direct her remarriage.

Ridley Adam Cooper is a man from South Carolina who choose to fight for the Union. He has dreams to develop land as a homesteader in Colorado. But before he goes further west, he is seeking to learn about horse training from Bob Green, a former slave and the head trainer at Belle Meade. Ridley and Bob ‘met’ during the war but must keep that a secret. General Harding would never allow a Union soldier to work with his horses and would most likely put Bob out for the secret he has harbored and for being willing to help Ridley.

Although Ridley doesn’t have the same touch and patience as Bob, he does have a knack for handling the ranch hands. He soon gains respect from all but the most disgruntled of the men and General Harding promotes him to foreman.

Ridley stumbled upon Olivia the first day they arrived at the Plantation. She had been trapped in an overturned carriage and he rescued her in spite of her protests. He was kind even as she was bristly. As the days go by, Ridley and Olivia realize that they have a common position as wounded outsiders. Slowly a friendship and warmer feelings develop although Olivia plans to remain in Tennessee and Ridley is set on going west.

Olivia’s character grew in strength and confidence as Ridley baited her and encouraged her. I liked both of these main characters and was rooting for them to work things out. Bob Green is another wonderful character, and the members of the Harding family are well developed and fitting characters of the era. There is excellent historical detail of the black community on the plantation, including struggles to open freedmen schools. They are welcoming to Ridley and Olivia but there is still clear prejudice, anger and disdain shown by the General and his friends.

I enjoyed the faith aspect to the story that is lightly developed and embraced. I will seek more books from this author. I recommend this to readers who enjoy Civil War stories and sweet romance.

Audio Notes: Tavia Gilbert does a beautiful job with the narration. She conveys the personalities of the characters and provides the appropriate energy. I enjoyed the audio experience. CAVEAT – The prologue is an important element of the book but was left out of the audio. It can be read through the “Look Inside” Kindle format.

Source: February 2018 Audible Sale $5.95. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Spring Skies Over Bluebell Castle:(Bluebell Castle, Book 1) by Sarah Bennett

This is a delightful, easy romance.

Spring Skies Over Bluebell Castle:(Bluebell Castle, Book 1)
by Sarah Bennett

File Size: 1975 KB
Print Length: 229 pages
Publisher: HQ Digital (April 1, 2019)
ASIN: B07FLK5G7D
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Sweet Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

She wasn’t looking for love…
When Lucie Kennington flees the bright lights of London for the quiet Derbyshire countryside, she’s shocked to discover that the heir to the Bluebell Castle estate is far from the wizened employer she expected.
In fact, Arthur Ludworth might just be the most handsome man Lucie’s ever laid eyes on – and a terrible distraction! So when she stumbles across a legendary painting feared lost for centuries, she can’t believe her luck – perhaps this is the hidden treasure to save Arthur and his family from ruin?
But it’s only a matter of time before Lucie’s past catches up with her and by then it’s too late, she’s falling for him…

Review:
Lucie is an art specialist working at a well-known art auction. She made a lucky find of an original piece but when it is unveiled at the auction Lucie and another associate know that a fake has been substituted for the original. Lucie is targeted as the guilty party and she is put on leave. Her initial reaction is to crawl under the covers. But her mother convinces her she has to continue to live and she earn money to pay the rent. Lucie answers an ad for an art expert to catalog everything in a Derbyshire country castle.

“Sir” Arthur became the head of his family when their father died. He is aware that the state of the finances are precarious and may require sale of items or opening the castle to tours. Arthur hires an expert but neither Arthur nor Lucie expected the other to be attractive, charming and engaging.

The family’s predecessor was clearly influenced by the Arthurian Court as the current occupants include Arthur’s twin brother, Tristan, their twin sister Igraine (Iggy), their uncle Lancelot and great-aunt Morgana. Lucie is awed by the castle and the history. Among the art pieces Lucie finds a small miniature that leads to a treasure hunt. The diaries hint that there may have been an important work of art if only they can find it…maybe in the secret tunnels that haven’t been found for more than a hundred years.

Of course, Lucie and Arthur try to avoid the attraction to each other… until they can’t. But what is going to happen when Arthur and the family learn that Lucie is under investigation for art fraud?

This is a nice, sweet romance. I enjoyed the pleasant characters and the gentle development of the romance. I was annoyed by Lucie’s whining and hiding at first so I was glad when she moved forward. I enjoy Arthurian elements and treasure hunts, so I enjoyed the plot which is enhanced by the touch of zany and light humor. I can recommend this to readers who enjoy sweet contemporary romance (and a touch of Camelot).

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Book Review: The Rancher's Christmas Song by RaeAnne Thayne

This is another charming Thayne Christmas romance.

The Rancher's Christmas Song 
(The Cowboys of Cold Creek)
by RaeAnne Thayne

File Size: 2274 KB
Print Length: 224 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Special Edition (November 1, 2017)
ASIN: B06XZN6DLC
Genre: Clean, Holidays, Sweet Romance, Small Town
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Keep a song in your heart this holiday season…
Music teacher Ella Baker’s plate is already full. But when single dad Beckett McKinley’s wild twin boys need help preparing a Christmas song for their father, Ella agrees on one condition: they teach her to ride a horse. She’s hoping that’ll help mend her strained relationship with her rancher father; it certainly has nothing to do with the crush that’s lingered since her one and only date with Beck.
It isn’t disinterest spurring Beck to keep his distance—if anything, the spark is too strong, with Ella reminding him of his ex-wife. Soon what started as an innocent arrangement is beginning to feel a lot like family. But with the holidays approaching, Beck and Ella will have to overcome past hurts if they want to keep each other warm this Christmas…

Review:
Ella is a music teacher who spent summers on her father’s ranch before returning to the town as an adult to help care for him. She loved the ranch and would love the opportunity to learn and manage the business. Unfortunately, Ella had suffered a severe injury as a child on the ranch and her father can only view her as fragile and needing protection. He believes she will return to her mother’s big city environment as soon as she can. Meanwhile, the neighbors, particularly Beck, help run the ranch.

Beck and Ella are cautious of each other. Beck’s first wife was a city girl and could not manage ranch life, even leaving her twin boys behind when she left Beck. Beck isn’t ready to trust another city girl.

Beck’s twin seven-year-old boys are a handful as everyone, including Ella, knows. They ask to join the Christmas program and then ask a very special favor from Ella. As she directs the program and works closer with the boys, she begins to defend them and begins to warm up to their sometimes intimidating father.

I really liked the strong, sweet chemistry between Ella and Beck. Their growing attraction could certainly have benefitted from some open communication but that is part of the story conflict of course. This read quickly as, once again, Ms. Thayne delivers a heartwarming, clean romance that is a delight to read at holiday time or anytime. I do recommend Ms. Thayne’s books to romance readers who enjoy clean, wholesome and heartwarming stories.

This is another Christmas read from NetGalley. It qualifies for my 2017 NetGalley Challenge.

Audiobook Review: Mistletoe Mayhem: Dawson Chronicles, Book 1 by Linda Bridey

This is a sweet romance with interesting details about Montana's involvement during WWI.
Mistletoe Mayhem: Dawson Chronicles, Book 1
Written by: Linda Bridey
Narrated by: Mary Ann Weathers

Length: 6 hrs and 51 mins
Series: Dawson Chronicles, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:04-08-16
Publisher: Beldene Publishing
Genre: Sweet Historical Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In 1918, Sawyer Samuels is injured in The Great War and given a medical discharge. He's sent back to his hometown of Dawson, Montana, but it's a bittersweet homecoming. There is more to his discharge than he can tell most people. Shortly after coming home, Sawyer runs into Devon Dwyer, the woman who rejected his marriage proposal before he enlisted in the army. His feelings for her are as strong as ever, but after their painful parting, there's no going back.
Seeing Sawyer again drives home the point to Devon that her heart still belongs to him even though she's tried to move on. However, she knows the situation is hopeless. There's still too much anger and pain between them to reconcile - or is there?
Enter a group of their wily friends who have some tricks up their sleeves to push Sawyer and Devon to attempt to repair their broken relationship. As the Christmas season begins, chaos and mayhem ensue. Meanwhile, tensions in Dawson rise as suspicions rise and threaten the peace and wellbeing of their town. Can Sawyer and Devon recapture the love they once shared? Can the citizens of Dawson rise to the challenges and dangers that arise? Join the adventure and find out.©2015 Linda Bridey (P)2016 Linda Bridey

Review:
Sawyer Samuels felt it was his duty to go to war for his country but his girlfriend, Devon, took it as a rejection and broke up with him. Sawyer returns home on a medical discharge hoping the local doctor can reset his broken ankle. Sawyer soon sees Devon but they can barely be civil to each other. She still feels abandoned and he doesn’t trust her lack of understanding. Their friends set out to make them realize how much they still care for each other, but underhanded tricks might backfire unexpectedly.

Sawyer has other troubles as he took photographs during the battles that are not permitted to be taken or shared. Authorities show up demanding that he turn over any photos he has.

Meanwhile, there are tensions in town with some zealous patriots challenging the able bodied men, especially the Native Americans even though they sent their sons to war too. Mayor Joe is accused of speaking critically about the war and he is jailed right before Christmas. Other townsfolk want Joe to play his part in the Christmas play, A Christmas Carol. Sawyer and his friends conjure up a clever plan to break Joe out for the play and hoping to convince the accuser to drop the charges.

I enjoyed the historical aspects of the importance of the people of Montana, including the Native Americans, and their contributions to the efforts of World War I. I also found it interesting that there was such censorship and bad feelings about negative aspects of the war.

There is conflict and humor and the path to restoration of the romance between Sawyer and Devon makes a sweet story. There is a bonus with a second romance struggle between Joey (Jr) and Snow Song, a half-Indian. Plus there is a teaser courtship added after this story concludes.

Although I enjoyed the story I didn’t feel as pulled in as I had hoped. The story seemed warm enough, the characters nice enough and the historical aspects interesting enough but there was just not a strong connection for me. I think I would like to give this author another try in the future. I do recommend this to readers who enjoy sweet, historical, family-centered romance.

Audio Notes: Mary Ann Weathers did a fair job with the audio but, honestly, I wasn’t enthralled with the narration. I didn’t hear a big difference in voices, the reading seemed almost too young and, at times, it was just a “reading”, rather than a strong audio performance. This might have worked better for me as an ebook or in print.

I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom for an honest review. This is part of my 2016 Audio Challenge.

Book #Review and #Giveaway: An Angel by Her Side by Ruth Reid

This is a delightful, sweet story where two souls learn to trust God's plans with the tangible help of an angel.

An Angel by Her Side
by Ruth Reid

• File Size: 540 KB
• Print Length: 366 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 1, 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008GVYY8Y

Genre: Amish Romance
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2013 |
Series: A Heaven On Earth Novel

Katie has lived through tragedy and heartache. But with the angel Elias by her side, the best years of her life are just ahead.

A Heaven on Earth Novel, #3

When Katie Bender’s fiancé died in a tragic accident, so did her hope of finding love. Though heartbroken, Katie is also practical. In the years since the accident she has discovered her gift for teaching. But when a tornado destroys her small Amish settlement, including the schoolhouse, Katie doesn’t know how she will provide for herself.

Seth Stutzman arrived in Hope Falls days before the storm. And when he helps usher Katie and the children to safety, sparks fly. But Seth is only in town to help his brother, Amos, get back on his feet following the death of his wife. He can’t afford to have feelings for Katie.

Rebuilding the community is a huge task, and soon, Katie and Seth are working side by side. As they privately wrestle with their feelings for each other, another silent—and ultimate—battle for their hearts rages unseen.

Review:
Katie Bender has accepted that she would never be a wife and mother. She has found contentment working as the teacher (teetshah) at the one room Amish school in her community. The school is located next to the property of Amos Mast who has left the Amish community in anger and grief after the death of his wife. Amos blames Katie for creating discordance in his family over the learning difficulties of one of his young sons.

Seth Stutzman arrives at the community to help his brother-in-law, Amos, and gets caught in a tornado. He seeks shelter in the school cellar where the children and teacher have taken refuge. The storm destroys the school and many homes in the community.

The leaders meet to set priorities and begin to pool their resources to rebuild. While hoping the school will be rebuilt Katie helps take care of the children, first a little girl whose father is missing, and then Amos’ teenaged daughter who has run away because she feels banned from home.

Seth has talents as a builder but will not use them due to a prior accident he believes was caused by his difficulties reading and identifying numbers. Still, he is drawn to help with other tasks at the work sites. Several times he finds himself being assisted by an elderly man, Elias, who is always cheerful and encouraging.

When Amos suffers an injury, Seth convinces Katie to come to the house to take care of the toddler daughter and help with meals and chores.  Katie struggles to pray blessings on Amos while his anger continues to spew bitterness towards her.  Seth struggles with his feelings of not being good enough and being afraid to reveal his secrets even as he grows closer to Katie every day.

Ms. Reid has created beautiful, warm characters and developed a plot that shows growth through seeking God’s wisdom, offering grace and accepting forgiveness. The story has strength in the faith shared, gentleness in the love and protection offered and joy in the miracles guided by Elias.

I loved how Ms. Reid portrays the angel and demon as real and impacting the lives and decisions of those who will listen to their whispers, whether good or bad. (This reminded me of Frank Peretti’s This Present Darkness where I first read this concept.)

This worked well as a standalone although it is apparently the third book in a series. I would like to read the other books too. This is an easy, uplifting and delightful read that I recommend to those who like sweet romance in an Amish setting.

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

An example of Elias' ‘touch’:

Elias approached Katie. “God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of  sound mind.” Elias hoped his words resonated with his charge. “Be prepared to give account for the hope that is within you. You will be used to encourage the weak.”  Location 464.

I received this to review for Thomas Nelson through NetGalley.

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Book Review: Rescue Me by Jennifer Johnson

I recommend this as a really nice read.
Rescue Me by Jennifer Johnson

• Paperback: 302 pages
• Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press (August 28, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935817167
• ISBN-13: 978-1935817161

      Price: Print $14.99; Kindle $4.99
      Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sweet
      My Rating 4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
Sitting in front of her parents’ house in a U-Haul truck at midnight, Amy Mann decides it’s time to break it to them that she’s divorced from her husband and moving back home with her seven-year-old son, Toby. As Amy settles into her hometown, she has a plan to get out of debt, get her college degree, and put her life together.

Enter Captain Riley Pennimon, local firefighter and superhero to Amy’s son. Riley is kind, brave, and civic-minded. The captain does not fit into Amy’s putting-her-life-together plan, and yet he is way too good looking without a shirt. Much to Amy’s chagrin, Toby decides that Riley is just what they need for a happily-ever-after.

But, can Amy make peace with the demons of her mistakes and let the captain rescue her? And…can Riley let go of the pain of his past and grab onto the family he’s always wanted?

Review: This is a sweet, easy, happy ending, romance read.

Amy has sworn off men after a bad experience getting pregnant and then married too young to an unfaithful, irresponsible jerk. (Okay she doesn’t call him that directly but if the shoe fits....) She is glad her marriage gave her Toby but now she wants to have some control over her own life even if she has to struggle to get her life together.  She is determined to stand up for herself and manage on her own. She is glad to move home to get the help of her parents but she doesn’t want them, or anyone else, to give her money or solve her problems for her.  She especially doesn’t want a handsome firefighter paying her bills and trying to direct her life.

Riley sees a beautiful woman and wonderful child when he meets Amy and her son, Toby.  He doesn’t set out to “rescue her” but he can’t help but want to make her burden easier. He also loves spending time with Toby who reminds him of his own son who died at childbirth.

Riley is a fire Captain and pretty much a take charge guy. Clearly he and Amy knock heads and he has to battle to get past her defenses.  Riley is awfully sweet and set on winning Amy if only he can figure out a way to get her to accept all that he has to offer, not just financially but emotionally too.

The story flows nicely and the author does a nice job developing these characters as real to life, flaws included.  Amy is very stubborn but her reactions could be considered really honest in light of her history.  Riley is such a gentleman but he bumbles a few steps along the way.  And Toby is an exuberant seven year old boy who is quickly drawn to the warmth and friendship that Riley offers.

I rather expected more difficulties with the ex-husband but it was okay that he was mostly out of the picture after unexpectedly exerting some visitation rights. He was only a peripheral character.

The dialogue is fun and the story entertaining with conflict and a warm romance. Riley plays a mandolin and I enjoyed that the author used a song that he wrote for Amy to express the message of the story. When you need a break from paranormal or thriller suspense this would be a nice book to snag for a quick sweet read. I would be please to read more novels by this author.

xxx

Thank you to Turquoise Morning Press and the author for supplying this book for review.