Book Review: Heart of a Hero by Marie Higgins

This is a fun, sweet historical western with a strong, if stubborn, heroine.

Heart of a Hero
by Marie Higgins

• File Size: 445 KB
• Print Length: 291 pages
• Publisher: Brigham Distributing (January 1, 2010)
• ASIN: B0051UT9M4

Genre: Historical Western Romance, Inspirational
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: January 1, 2010
There's a new hero in town... When Summer Bennett returns to Richfield after a five-year stint at her aunt's finishing school, she discovers a lot has changed. Her father has suffered a crippling injury, and Summer is desperate to get the money to pay for surgery that could allow him to walk again.

She hears of a reward offered for the capture of a cunning gang of bank robbers, and her years of etiquette training fall by the dusty roadside.

What Summer doesn't count on in her quest to capture the bandits is the competition from her family's longtime friend, Jesse Slade. Now a deputy marshal and local hero, Jesse keeps thwarting Summer's plans, just like he did when she wore pigtails. She would like nothing more than to use Jesse's head for a slingshot target, but soon Summer finds her aim shifting from his head to his heart. Problem is, Jesse is engaged to her sister Violet.

Review:
Summer Bennet was a childhood tomboy always competing with her family’s friend, Jesse Slade. At fifteen Summer went off to her Aunt’s finishing school where she learned how to be a lady although she didn’t lose all of her bold ways. Five years later she is returning home when the stagecoach is attacked by bandits. Summer crawls out the window to help the driver defend against the attack. She is able to disable or kill several but takes a shot herself but then is rescued by a deputy marshal coming from town. She is glad for the help until she discovers the hero is none other than her childhood nemesis, Jesse.

Jesse is shocked to discover the person fighting the bandits is Summer. Although it is clear she is still willing to face danger she has matured into a beautiful young woman. She still immediately takes offense at his rescue but he can’t help but be attracted to her spirit and beauty. He can’t be too attracted though because he is engaged to Summer’s sister, Violet.

Jesse and Violet have been engaged for a number of years but she keeps putting off their wedding date. Some think it is because Jesse is not a man of faith while Violet and Summer’s family rely on their faith in God. Jesse and Violet know that they no longer share a tender attraction but have just a comfortable friendship. They have been reluctant to tell Summer’s family since her father, the local blacksmith, suffered an accident that paralyzed his legs.

Jesse, his older brother Clint, another deputy marshal, and other marshals are trying to catch the bandits. Summer decides that she wants to catch the gang so she can use the reward for doctors for her father. Of course this means sneaking around in her old trousers and getting into dangerous situations that Jesse has to rescue her from.

Summer doesn’t understand her attraction to Jesse and feels especially guilty because of the engagement between Jesse and Violet. Summer and her family are glad to welcome attentions from Albert, a young man of a wealthy family who met Summer while she was with her Aunt. Summer tries to turn her attention away from Jesse but she isn’t totally comfortable with Albert. Jesse doesn’t think Albert is all he claims to be but perhaps Albert can offer Summer more than he can.

This is a fun, sweet romp with interesting tension and misunderstandings between Summer and Jesse. Neither wish to acknowledge their feelings and when they finally try there are more mixed messages. I really enjoyed the bright, strong characters and the underlying faith in Summer’s family. The story is warm and easy, enjoyable reading. This is the second story I have read by Marie Higgins. I enjoy her writing style and look forward to reading more of her books.

I received this title from Walnut Press for review.

Book Review and Giveaway: Missing by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

This is a clean, YA romantic suspense.
Missing
by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

Paperback: 265 pages
Publisher: Brigham Distributing (October 5, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935217305
ISBN-13: 978-1935217305
Genre: Romantic Suspense, LDS
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 5, 2009
A BYU-Idaho choir tour in British Columbia turns out to be anything but ordinary when soloist Stacie Cox spots a kidnapped child from Rexburg during a performance. Before Stacie can alert the authorities, the little girl disappears. Stacie vows to find and rescue her, a choice that forces her to deal with her guilt-ridden past and another little girl that haunts her dreams. When the handsome Matt Brennan helps Stacie in the search, she tries to resist the attraction she feels for him. Yet as he gains her friendship and trust, her resolve to never fall in love begins to crumble. And after a series of harrowing events, Stacie must decide if she is willing to sacrifice her life - and a possible future with Matt - to save a stranger.

Reviews:
Stacie is a young college student with a lot of determination. As a young teen she was present at the tragic death of a child. Although it was not her responsibility, the mother, Grace Smythe, blamed her and Stacie has had to deal with the trauma of that event. Stacie has also had to live with the knowledge that a genetic decease may cause her to die young, as her mother did. She vows that she will never marry or have children so they won’t have to go through that traumatic loss.

Stacie is with her friends in the BYU-Idaho choir program on tour in British Columbia. Her usual accompanist is sick so she begins to practice with Matt.  While preforming her special solo, Stacie sees a woman and a young girl in the back of the room.  Stacie sees a birthmark when the girl’s scarf shifts and Stacie is convinced that the child is a little girl missing from Idaho.

The rest of the trip Stacie is intent on running down clues to find the missing girl. Her efforts are disrupted by her choir schedule and by scepticism from the police.  Grace Smythe has befriended the missing girl’s mother and claims that any information provided by Stacie is lies.

While Stacie is pursuing the search, her long time friend Zach is trying to find a way to get her to accept his courtship and see him as more than a friend.  Matt, who has a girlfriend back home, begins to be drawn to Stacie’s beauty, strength, caring nature and unwavering loyalty. She appreciates his help but wants to resist her attraction to him.

In between Stacie’s searching the author shows glimpses of the kidnapper, Adrienne, and the child. It is clear that Adrienne is psychotic although the reasons are not revealed until later in the book.

I enjoyed the moral characters of Stacie, Matt and their friends but for some reason I did not become invested in the lives of the characters. The suspense and mystery are well done with the views from the kidnapper helping to build the tension. The story reads easily and the romance is sweet. If you enjoy sweet, YA and suspense you might try this story.

I won this over a year or so ago so it is my TBR and Just For Fun read this month.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for autographed trade Paperback Copy:

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 30, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on December 1, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review: Winning Mr. Wrong by Marie Higgins

This story is a delightful winner!
Winning Mr. Wrong
by Marie Higgins

• File Size: 325 KB
• Print Length: 97819 pages
• Publisher: Walnut Springs Press (January 1, 2010)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00514HJLS

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: January 1, 2010
Whoever said the quest for love wasn't comical never met Charlene Randall. Charley is looking for a man who wants to start a family, a man who will take her to the temple. Problem is, she has never dated a man for longer than three months. When she reads an internet article called "Ten Ways to Win Your Man," she decides to try it on her new coworker, Maxwell Harrington. Max was her crush in high school, but the superstar sports anchorman doesn't even remember her.

Enter ladies' man Damien Giovianni, Charley's handsome neighbor, who agrees to help her win Max over. What follows is a hilarious tale of mishaps and misunderstandings where Charley learns that what she really needs may be right in front of her.

Review:
Charlene Randall is a young woman who has struggled through several boyfriends. She wants someone who can be serious marriage material who will share commitment to family and her religion.  She reads an internet article “Ten Ways to Win Your Man” and decides to but the plan in action. She thinks that her new coworker, Max, her old high school crush, is the perfect target for her campaign. The problem is she gets completely tongue tied around Max and her attempts to get his attention soon turn into unintended danger and disaster.

Charley is aware of her handsome neighbor, Damien, an Italian charmer, but she’s seen him playing the field with a different blonde every night. Yes, he’s a nice guy but he’s surely not serious marriage material.  When Charley is mugged at her doorstep it is Damien who comes to the rescue.  He steps in further to build a friendship and even agrees to help her pursue Max.

But Damien has had enough of women chasing him for money.  The more he is around Charley the more he respects her honest values and sincere commitment to family and her faith. He is beginning to believe that it is time for him to settle down and he thinks that Charley is the right woman for him. But how can he get her to look at him as a potential mate rather than focusing on Max? And how is Charley going to react if she learns that he has omitted a few facts about his business and a past relationship?

Charley is a delightful character. She is sweet, natural and a bit inclined to stumble into trouble. The mishaps that occur as she tries to follow the ten steps to win her guy are hilarious. Meanwhile it is heart warming to watch Damien focus his charm in a serious effort to win Charley’s heart.

This story reads smoothly with great humor and charm. Ms. Higgins shows Charley’s determination to maintain the commitment to her faith as a basic part of who she is. There is a point of revelation for Damien when he recognizes that he has gone far from God and misses his relationship. However there is no preachiness that should offend anyone. So any romance reader who enjoys humor and a light, sweet read would enjoy this story.  I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.

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These are words I thought and jotted while reading this book:
                           Charming, cute, a little sappy, sweet, fun, delightful.

Charley’s initial view of Damien:

Women still flocked to him like dieters to a chocolate factory, and they devoured his charm just as quickly. Location 41.

Charley’s reaction to Max:

She moved from the file cabinet to her chair so she wouldn’t end up on the floor like warm JELL-O. Location 521.

A final question: (you’ll have to read the book to get the answer.)

“So, what do you really think about that Internet article? Do you think it works? Did I win your heart?” Location 2071.

I received this title for an honest review from the Publisher, Walnut Springs Press.

This story is set in Sacramento, CA for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my New Author challenge list.

Book Review: Wild Irish Rose by Deborah L. Weikel

This is a lovely story full of strong imagery, interesting Irish history and sweet romance.

Wild Irish Rose 
 by Deborah L. Weikel

• Paperback: 292 pages
• Publisher: Brigham Distributing (June 3, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935217666
• ISBN-13: 978-1935217664

Genre: Historical Romance, Inspirational
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: June 3, 2010
It is May 1865. When Rosaleen O'Shay and her mother lose their factory jobs, and then her father and brother are injured ina coal-mine cave-in, the family is in serious trouble. Rosaleen worries they will never save enough money to fulfill their dream - to leave Pittsburgh and buy a farm in California. Hoping to give her a better life, Rosaleen's father secretly arranges to marry her off to Blaise Cameron, a young man on his way to his parent's ranch near Stockton, California. In a twist of fate, Blaise turns out to be the soldier from the street - the one Rosaleen considers a blackard. To make matters worse, Blaise has a plan - and dubious motive for taking a wife - so Rosaleen will have to drive a hard bargain of her own. Will Blaise tame the fiery redhead and make her truly his? Or will he annul the marriage as promised when he has achieved his objectives? And will Rosaleen realize that unusual beginnings can lead to happily ever after?

Review:

Rosaleen is a beautiful Irish lass who wants to help her family rise out of the Irish oppression in Pittsburg, PA in 1865.  The family is struggling to make ends meet even with her father and brother working in the mine and her mother and her working in the sewing factory. Then Rosaleen and her mother lose their jobs because she won’t give in to the factory foreman.

Rosaleen rescues another young girl from the foreman and they try a night job at a saloon. Rosaleen is at an age to marry but she wants to find her own husband and marry for love. Her father has a different idea since he feels his impulsive daughter needs to be controlled.  Rosaleen’s father decides to answer an ad for a ‘mail order bride’ in the hopes of getting her settled.

Blaise has returned from the Civil War hoping to return to his family ranch in California. He learns from his distraught sister that his parents have been kidnapped and are being hidden by a former suitor who has commandeered the ranch.  To gain legal control of the ranch Blaise must marry in the next month.  His plan is to marry, for convenience if need be, find his parents, regain the ranch and then divorce. He is drawn to the fiery redhead but knows that she thinks he is a rogue. But she will go along with the plan if he agrees to take her family to California too. 

Ms. Weikel’s descriptions are clear and vibrant from the war images to the mining town, the ship and the range.  I really enjoyed the portrayal of the social history of the time, including the difficulties that the Irish faced and the struggles of convincing old ranchers to try new ideas. The story is driven by the romance between the strong heroine and hero. There is the intrigue that Blaise faces to overcome a conspiring scoundrel but I was a bit disappointed that there really is very little confrontation with the villain and the danger is wrapped up with minimal fuss. I appreciated the underlying faith in this story too. The author delivers the message through the steadfast assurance of Rosalinn’s family that leads Blaise to learn to trust that he needs more than his own efforts.

This read fairly quickly and I would like to read more by this author. If you enjoy warm romance with a marriage of convenience where the characters start at odds but grow on each other, you should check this title.

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Quotes I liked:

He would never again travel by sea–this unpredictable, vast, and lonely wasteland where he had no control over his circumstances. ... The sea was confining, but Blaise felt at ease on the range. Location 2045.

She was indeed starting to care for Blaise, but she knew it would only bring her heartache to wish for more than what he offered her now.  Location 2151.

I received this title from Walnut Press for an impartial review.

This is set in Pittsburgh, PA and California for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my ARC and New Authors lists.

Book Review: Queen in Exile by Donna Hatch

This is a fine fantasy romance: a damsel in distress, an evil enemy, a knight to the rescue, a bit of magic and conflicted, sweet love.

Queen in Exile
by Donna Hatch

File Size: 472 KB
Print Length: 373 pages
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press (January 1, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004WF4Q3G
Genre:  Fantasy Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2011

Rumors of War hang over Princess Jeniah's peaceful country of Arden, a land that shuns both magic and warfare. Following a lifelong dream, Jeniah forms a telepahtic bond with a revered creature called a chayim, who is prophesied to save her kingdom. But when a Darborian knight comes upon Jeniah with her chayim, he sees only a vicious monster about to devour a maiden, and he slays the beast.

Devastated by the loss of her chayim, and fearing that her own magic is evil, Jeniah doubts her destiny. When an enemy invades Arden City, they slaughter the people, storm the castle, and execute the entire royal family except the princess. Rescued by the knight who slew her chayim, Jeniah is now heir to the throne of Arden and the only hope for freeing her people from tyranny.

On the run and hunted by enemy soldiers, Jeniah must place her life and the fate of her kingdom in the hands of this trained killer. Torn between embracing her destiny as queen af Arden, and her love for a mere knight, she must ultimately rely on her magic to save herself and her people from death and tyranny.

Review:
Jeniah is the beautiful, almost ethereal, princess of Arden, a country that embraces peace. Although magic is shunned in her land, Jeniah has a hidden talent of ‘blending’ with her landscape. She is frightened by her own skills until one day she comes upon a chayim in the woods. This is a sacred creature and bonding with one is meant to be powerful and good magic. Just as Jeniah begins the bonding a dark knight swoops in and slays the mystical being.

After years without war the Arden army is limited and defenses are weak.  Now the kingdom must prepare for war. The King brings in a famous Sauraii warrior, Kai, from another realm to train his men. Kai is a fierce warrior and a man of honor. Kai may be fearless in battle but he has suffered the lose of love in the past so he fears loving and losing again.  He is sorry that he did not know the chayim was a good creature and he is sorry he frightened the young woman and brought sadness to her.

Treachery brings an early attack on the castle and many, including the royal family, are slaughtered. Kai feels he has failed to protect the kingdom but he battles his way to Jeniah and gets her out.  Jeniah holds up through the hardships of loss and harsh travel to Kai’s homeland where she can regroup before returning to free her people. Before her plans are put into effect she is kidnaped and dragged back to Arden to face the enemy.

Can Kai rescue Jeniah before she is sacrificed by the evil king?  Can Jeniah reach her power through the chayim to help herself and her people? Can they trust a new ally to help defeat the enemy army?  Enjoy the book to discover these answers.

The writing is fluid and the story has good action and pacing. The hero and heroine are strong characters who have duties and issues that create conflicts to overcome. The attraction and romance between them is conflicted and sweetly magical in its persistence. The Chayim is an interesting creature that enhances the magical aspect of the story.  Donna Hatch has written a creative tale of excitement with danger, repressed love and magical elements. It is engaging reading and I will look for more of her work.

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A Chayim's description of Jeniah:

Though this female was small, she had great power, great potential. She possessed duty, courage, and valor uncommon to humans. Location 1888.

Kai's recognition of Jeniah's power:

Somehow, she had touched the broken pieces of his heart and made them feel again.
He could not slay these demons. Location 2342.

I received this book for review for the publisher, Walnut Springs Press.

The book will be added to my ARC and New Author challenge lists.

Book Review: Dangerous Favor by Joyce DiPastena

Once again Ms. DiPastena has created a medieval story rich in romance and intrigue.

Dangerous Favor

by Joyce DiPastena

• File Size: 1563 KB
• Print Length: 372 pages
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007IX6UVA

Available in print format as well.

Genre:  Historical Romance

My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

  

Book Description

Publication Date: January 17, 2012

Her father has been accused of stealing from the king, an allegation that has reduced her family to poverty. She has one chance to find and marry a man who can help her prove her father's innocence. Lord Therri, heir to a rich barony, has the wealth and connections Mathilde needs to delve into the mysteries of her father's past. Furthermore, Therri embodies all her romantic dreams.

Etienne, the younger son of a disgraced family, has neither wealth nor connections, but is smitten with Mathilde at a glance. She finds the knight intriguing, but believes he is only out to seduce her. While she seeks for a way to win Therri's attention, Etienne tricks her into granting him her favor, an embroidered white ribbon, for a tournament, setting in motion a dangerous chain reaction of events. Can Etienne save Mathilde from a nightmare from her past and prove himself the true hero of her dreams?

Review: 

The story is set in 1181 in the periphery of the ever present Plantagenet jealousies, including power struggles between the brothers, Young King Henry and Richard, Duke of Aquitaine. The rising figure of William Marshall plays a part of the back drop for this tale.

Mathilde’s father has been accused of stealing from the Royal Wardrobe. Not only has his reputation been disgraced but he has lost most of his holdings over the years to a ruthless and ambitious neighbor, who was once betrothed to Mathilde. Mathilde has come into society with the goal of marrying a man who will help her prove her father’s innocence.  Of course it would be lovely if her hero is dashingly handsome and wealthy.

Etienne is the younger son of a father who was deemed a traitor. Etienne could serve his brother who has married a woman of wealth and lands (Illuminations of the Heart) but he is intent on making his own way and not being beholden to his brother. Etienne has only the winnings from tournaments unless he gains the hand and suitable dowry of a wealthy lady.

Etienne is smitten by Mathilde when they meet but unfortunately she has eyes only for Etienne’s best friend, Therri, a too handsome fellow whom Mathilde dubs “the Vision.” Etienne coaxes a satin ribbon from Mathilde to wear as a favor during the tournament. She didn’t mean to give up the token as it was lent by her brother who is absolutely furious that she has allowed a champion to claim it when she doesn’t even know his name!

Etienne is doing well during the tournament melee until he is attacked by three masked opponents demanding that he give up the ribbon. Although Etienne can’t understand why they are making a fuss over the token he refuses to let it go but holds fast to the ribbon even when he is beaten and shot.

Therri, who has a reputation as a womanizer is thwarted in his efforts to win the hand of Violette who is hosting the tournament to choose a husband. Violette’s spoiled stepdaughter has her mind set on Etienne even though he is not interested in her charms. The personality misunderstandings and conflict between the couples is frustrating but well played.

Ms. DiPastena has woven a romance that grows from gentle to fervent (passionate in a clean way) while danger and intrigue, as well as obstacles of practicality, circle the young couple.  This is the sort of story one expects to be song as a ballad of medieval intrigue, chivalry and love. The plot is extremely well crafted with likeable and annoying characters, and a mad, obsessed villain. There is plenty of action that keeps the story moving along at a good pace. I enjoyed the medieval setting and detail that intertwined the historical backdrop with the personal drama of the hero and heroine. If you like medieval romance with plenty of intrigue this is an author you shouldn’t miss.

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A couple of lovely quotes for you to enjoy:

Of all the erratic sensations he had thus far stirred in her, none of them prepared her of the scorching conflagration that exploded through her at his kiss. Location 1570.

It had been an empty, dangerous dream to expect Etienne or any man to come riding to her aid and restore her father’s honor. ...
[s]he had learned that in real life, sometimes the villain won. And sometimes the hero died.  Location 3125.

I received this from the author and her publisher, Leatherwood Press. Thank you.

I will include this on my ARC challenge list.