Book Review: The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller

This is a lovely read!

The Elusive Miss Ellison
by Carolyn Miller

File Size: 3953 KB
Print Length: 304 pages
Publisher: Kregel Publications (February 27, 2017)
ASIN: B01NBTFSWC
Genre: Historical Romance, Inspirational, Regency
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Handsome appearance counts for naught unless matched by good character and actions.
That's the firm opinion of not-so-meek minister's daughter Lavinia Ellison. So even though all the other villagers of St. Hampton Heath are swooning over the newly returned seventh Earl of Hawkesbury, she is not impressed. If a man won't take his responsibilities seriously and help those who are supposed to be able to depend on him, he deserves no respect from her. In Lavinia's pretty, gray eyes, Nicholas Stamford is just as arrogant and reckless as his brother--who stole the most important person in Livvie's world.
Nicholas is weighed down by his own guilt and responsibility, by the pain his careless brother caused, and by the legacy of war he's just left. This quick visit home to St. Hampton Heath will be just long enough to ease a small part of that burden. Asking him to bother with the lives of the villagers when there's already a bailiff on the job is simply too much to expect.
That is, until the hoydenish, intelligent, and very opinionated Miss Ellison challenges him to see past his pain and pride. With her angelic voice in his head, he may even be beginning to care. But his isn't the only heart that needs to change.
These two lonely hearts may each have something the other needs. But with society's opposition, ancestral obligations, and a shocking family secret, there may be too many obstacles in their way.
Fans of Georgette Heyer, Lori Wick, and Julie Klassen will enjoy the spirited exchanges between the bluestocking minister's daughter and the bruised war hero as they move past pride and presumption to a humbled appreciation of God's grace and the true strength of love.

Review:
Miss Ellison, a country minister’s daughter, is the heart of kindness and service in her community. That doesn’t mean she is meek as she is strong willed and tends to be outspoken. At “three and twenty” she has a few local gentlemen interested in her but she has no interest in them. She figures she will end up an old maid like Aunt Patience, her mother’s sister, who moved in to take care of them when her mother died. Lavinia’s mother died of a tragic accident when Lavinia was only nine. She has never forgotten the wealthy, reckless neighbors who raced their horses and caused her mother’s death. Now the brother of that reckless boy has inherited Hampton Hall and returned to take charge over the estate. Lavinia is not impressed by his handsome good looks and arrogant airs but she is prepared to approach him with her list of grievances on behalf of the estate tenants.

Nicholas Stamford, a former army Captain, never expected to become seventh Earl of Hawkesbury. Still, he is glad for the chance to get away from the eager mothers and daughters in London. They see him as a good catch and they do not realize that he will have to marry for money to rebuild the treasury that has been depleted by his father and brother. Nicholas doesn’t initially recognize Lavinia as the young girl who lost her mother that dreadful day many years ago. He has apologized to her father but finds it difficult to give an apology to the very prickly Miss Ellison.

The two start off at odds, rubbing each other the wrong way, but it is clear they are drawn to each other’s intelligent wit. Lavinia’s caring nature impacts Nicholas more than words might. As his household cares for her when she suffers illness, he slowly begins to turn his heart to the people of his estate and village, and to the God that has provided so much for him.

Lavinia knows she isn’t in the Earl’s league and shouldn’t allow her heart to dream of anything developing even though the Earl seeks her out to share her company. When Nicolas’ high maintenance mother arrives at the Hall with prospective bride in hand she makes it quite clear that Lavinia would never do for her son. Lavinia mishears a statement and is told some gossip that shatters her reluctant dreams.

Lavinia’s Aunt decides to step in to change matters when it becomes apparent that Lavinia has lost her sparkle. Aunt Patience has surprises to reveal that will completely change Lavinia’s life... but not her servant's heart.

I totally enjoyed these characters and the slow growth of friendship and affection. The obstacles were obvious but I was sure there would be a way around them. Even Lavinia notes at one point that “Our Father has good plans…” The faith comments and messages are shared beautifully and naturally in the discussions. The story shares a message of forgiveness and grace that warmed my heart. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a gentle historical romance and who would be warmed by faith lessons shared and learned.

I received this from the publisher through NetGalley. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Audio Book Review: Mission Impawsible by Krista Davis

This is a perfectly lovely cozy mystery.
Mission Impawsible: Paws & Claws Mystery Series, Book 4
Written by: Krista Davis
Narrated by: Elise Arsenault

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins
Series: Paws & Claws, Book 4
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:02-07-17
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Holly Miller and her grandmother, Oma, are working their tails off to prepare the Sugar Maple Inn for an upcoming matchmaking event for pet owners. While Holly has no interest in pairing up, Oma plans on playing Cupid and finding someone to warm her reluctant granddaughter's heart. Unfortunately, one man Holly does meet is cold - dead cold - and he has a personal letter from Oma in his pocket. As suspicion is cast over the inn's guests, Holly - with the help of her furry friends, Trixie the Jack Russell and Twinkletoes the cat - must fetch the real killer, or she may soon have a date in court.
©2017 Cristina Ryplansky (P)2017 Tantor

Review:
This is a very easy and enjoyable listen. I really enjoyed the involvement and mischief of the pets. The human characters have some quirky traits that add interest and a little intrigue. This is the fourth story in the series but reads fine as a standalone.

Holly is helping run her grandmother’s inn, the Sugar Maple Inn set in Wagtail, Virginia. Wagtail is aptly named as they love their four-legged friends. The Inn is hosting a special week-end Animal Attraction Matchmaking event for pet owners. The rather eccentric matchmaker, Macon, is convinced that animals often pull people together. Holly isn’t interested in being matched but her grandmother, Oma, has filled out a form for Holly so she gets pulled into the matchmaking. Holly’s dog, Trixie, makes fast friends with Cooper and his owner, John. John shows interest in Holly until they stumble on a dead body.

Holly is helping her friend, Zelda, to sneak out without her stalking ex, Hank, seeing her but someone sees Holly sneaking around the house. This is not good when the next morning Holly finds Hank’s bashed body under the trees.

Initially Zelda is a suspect but then circumstantial evidence shifts to point to Holly. Holly has worked with the local Detective, Officer Dave and she is a bit put out that she is a suspect and he won’t share any information with her. Still it seems that Holly’s efforts to investigate get her deeper into trouble.

There are various suspects floating around the Inn. Nessie and Sky are two late arrivals who are attending to keep track of their daughters who are participating in the event. It turns out that one of the ladies is the sister in law to the first dead man, a psychologist, Dr. Randall Donovan. Donavan had been rather unpleasant when checking in and had bad-mouthed Macon as a charlatan matchmaker. There is also cause for the local pharmacist to dislike Donovan.

As if Holly isn’t busy enough, her own ex-boyfriend, Ben, who is not a big fan of pets, has shown up with a borrowed adoption dog, Huey, a sweet and lovable dog, to participate in the matchmaking. It seems Ben may be leaving the door open as a gathering of dogs and cats are breaking into the pantry.

This is great fun following the antics of the animals while trying to figure out who the killer is and what the motives are. I recommend this to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries and animals as part of the story.

Audio Notes: Elise Arsenault is a new narrator for me. She does a nice job with the characters, conveying the fun of the story. The narration made this a quick, easy experience for me.

I received this from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. It qualifies for Audiobook Challenge.

Sunday Post July 9, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 10, 2017

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I enjoyed our independence day holiday with my Hubby but then Wednesday felt like a Monday. Still busy with lots of work.

Reading was good and more than I expected. I finished four books: one audio, two ebooks and a print book. I am far along in two more too. I posted three reviews, along with all of my usual memes.

I visited about 28 blogs last week.
Shout out this week is to Audiobook Reviewer for reviews on Audiobooks!
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post July 2, 2017/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 3, 2017.

• Happy Independence Day USA - 2017

• MBS June 2017 Reading List Wrap-Up

• eNGT- Book Review: Serenity Harbor by RaeAnne Thayne; Small Town Romance; my rating 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 7, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/13/2017.

• P(PUYB)- Book Review: FIFO 50 STATES by Hayley Rose; Children, Educational; my rating 4.0.

• eNG- Book Review: When the English Fall by David Williams; Dystopian, Religious, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #310 Comment Giveaway July 8, 2017. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/8/2017.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 9, 2017.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Avenging Home: The Survivalist Series, Book 7
Written by: A. American
Narrated by: Duke Fontaine
Length: 10 hrs and 7 mins
This is a good continuance of the series.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG-Tour)

Serenity Harbor: A Heartwarming Small Town Romance
(Haven Point)
by RaeAnne Thayne
This is lovely; my review is linked above
Click on book title for full description.

3. Print Book (PUYB)

FIFO 50 STATES
by Hayley Rose
This is a fun educational book to share with children. My review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

4. eBook/Kindle

The Detective: A Nathan McNamara Story (The Soul Summoner)
by Elicia Hyder
I enjoyed this character in The Soul Summoner enjoyed this additional background on him.
I received this through InstaFreebies.
Robbery, arson, murder...and the one night stand that just won't end.
With eleven missing women to find and six high-profile burglary cases to solve, the last thing Detective Nathan McNamara needs in his life is one more complication. And that’s exactly what his recent one-night stand is becoming—complicated. With his heinous lieutenant breathing down his neck for answers and his accidental girlfriend dropping hints for a commitment, Nathan is realizing that his career and his bachelor status are both on the line.
When the burglary cases suddenly escalate to homicide, Nathan must put everything else aside to stop the killer. But this is easier said than done when the blonde from the bar repeatedly shows up at his doorstep and enlists his own mother against him. Now he’s more convinced than ever that his job hangs in the balance and that the Surgeon General’s warning on the whiskey bottle should include something about women.
***Detective Nathan McNamara is one of the leading men in The Soul Summoner Series. Book One, The Soul Summoner (a full-length novel), focuses on the investigation of the eleven missing girls. Chronologically, this novella happens before the series begins, but it is a standalone and doesn't have to be read in order.***

Currently Reading:

1. Print (LBC)

A Texan's Choice, Heart of a Hero Series #3
By Shelley Gray
I picked this book up for Ladies Book Club. We will discuss this on July 8.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/MP3 (ABJ)

The Days of Noah: Book One: Conspiracy
Written by: Mark Goodwin
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
This is a compelling view of what could happen in America.
I chose this from my Audible TBR shelf for "D".
Publisher's Summary
Could we be living in a time of which there is more prophetic writings than of any period in history? Noah Parker, like many in the United States, has been asleep at the wheel. During his complacency, the founding precepts of America have been slowly, systematically destroyed by a conspiracy that dates back hundreds of years. The signs can no longer be ignored and Noah is forced to pull his head out of the sand and see things for what they really are. Has his awakening come too late or can he and those around him reclaim the freedoms and principles which have been lost? Watch through the eyes of Noah Parker and his family as a global empire takes shape, ancient writings are fulfilled and the last days fall upon the once great, United States of America. The Days of Noah, Book One: Conspiracy is a fast paced fiction thriller which looks at how modern conspiracies might play into Biblical prophecy about the end times.
©2014 Goodwin America Corp. (P)2014 Goodwin America Corp.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Wild Horse Springs (Ransom Canyon)
by Jodi Thomas
I am enjoying this romance.
Received from the publisher through NetGalley.
In the heart of Ransom Canyon, sometimes the right match for a lonely soul is the one you least expect
Dan Brigman may not lead the most exciting life, but he's proud of what he's achieved: he's a respected lawman, and he's raised a bright, talented daughter on his own. But finding a lone, sparkly blue boot in the middle of a deserted highway gets him thinking maybe the cowgirl who lost it is exactly the shake-up he needs.
After losing her baby girl, Brandi Malone felt like her soul died along with her daughter. Now singing in small-town bars to make ends meet, she's fine being a drifter—until a handsome sheriff makes her believe that parking her boots under his bed is a better option.
College grad Lauren Brigman has just struck out on her own in downtown Dallas when a troubling phone call leads her back home to Crossroads. Her hometown represents her family, friends and deepest hopes, but also her first love, Lucas Reyes. Will Lauren's homecoming be another heartbreak, or a second chance for her and Lucas?

4. Audio/MP3 (TBR)

The Curse of Tenth Grave: A Novel
Written by: Darynda Jones
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins
Series: Charley Davidson, Book 1
This series is fun listening.
I pulled this in from my Audible TBR Shelf for "C".
Publisher's Summary
"If one door closes and another one opens, your house is probably haunted." (Bumper sticker)
As a part-time PI and full-time grim reaper, Charley Davidson has asked a lot of questions throughout her life: Why can I see dead people? Who is the hot supernatural entity following me? How do I get gum out of my sister's hair before she wakes up? But "how do I trap not one malevolent god but three?" was never among them. Until now. And since those gods are on earth to kill her daughter, she has little choice but to track them down, trap them, and cast them from this dimension.
There's just one problem. One of the three stole her heart a very long time ago. Can the Razer, a god of absolute death and destruction, change his omniscient spots, or will his allegiances lie with his brothers?
Those are just a few of the questions Charley must answer, and quick. Add to that a homeless girl running for her life, an innocent man who's been charged with murdering the daughter of a degenerate gambler, and a pendant made from god glass that has the entire supernatural world in an uproar, and Charley has her hands full. If she can manage to take care of the whole world-destroying gods thing, we're saved. If not, well...
©2016 Darynda Jones (P)2016 Macmillan Audio

July 9, 2017 - I am up to date in the One Year Bible; reading along with my husband and others from our church. I hope to take more time this year, staying on the day and listening to the companion commentary online.

Some of my reading time is going to a Wednesday night study we are doing called Freedom Course.

I completed three books and posted three reviews; this means I still have three reviews current and one for later release. I still need to add the children's books at Goodreads but I added most of my reviews to Goodreads and Amazon.
I am down to 7 NetGalley Titles and down to 9 author titles in my queue.

We're working on two fiction books soon to add to eTreasure's NetGalley page.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly).  
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I didn't get review books this week but took a picture of books that were given to me.
I reached 92% feedback at NetGalley this week so I am still resisting picking up more - maybe one more week.
I picked up one Audible Daily Deals, one Audible on sale and one $.99 Kindle title.
I also picked up more free kindle titles as usual. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received these books as a gift from by our son's neighbor a few weeks ago.

(It's not the best picture - I need to practice working with the flash)

Two books by Joyce Meyers: Power Thoughts and Power Thoughts Devotion

When God Whispers Your Name by Max Lucado

Destined to Reign Devotional by Joseph Prince

Won

NONE

Purchased

I purchased one Audible Daily Deal and on Audible on sale:
The Ladies' Room $2.95
By: Carolyn Brown
Narrator: Donna Postel
Duration: 8 hrs and 8 mins

Monster Hunter Memoirs: Sinners  $4.95

By: Larry Correia, John Ringo

Narrator: Oliver Wyman

Duration: 10 hrs and 30 mins

I purchased one Kindle title for $.99:
Mother of Pearl
by Kellie Coates Gilbert
I have this in print for Ladies Book Club August or September read so I was glad to get it for $.99 on Kindle.

Free

I picked up Week Ten SYNC Audio titles:
REBUTTAL by Jyotsna Hariharan, Narrated by Phoebe Strole, Michael Crouch and Nina Mehta (HarperAudio)
REMEMBER TO FORGET by Ashley Royer, Narrated by Will Lasley (Blink)

Here are five of my Free Kindle Picks: (Four of these may still be free)
Spellbound (The Haunting of Castle Keyvnor Book 4)
by Claire Delacroix, Jane Charles, Claudia Dain

With This Ring (Windswept Bay Book 6)
by Debra Clopton

 
Favored by Felix (Middlemarch Capture Book 2)
Shelley Munro

Ella's Embrace (Oregon Sky Series Book 3)
by Kay P. Dawson

Nothing But Blue Skies
by Christie Ridgway


I added only 46 free Kindle titles to my library this week. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 9, 2017

We had another good Sunday School lesson which I am saving for another today. Worship started strong and there were two prophetic messages shared at prayer time. Both asserted God’s love for people and called us to look to Him for all healing and restoration and to see that we would find His open arms.

Pastor started a new series titled “Dangerous”. Some people have a tendency to seek dangerous adventures. Even trying something adventurous may lead to failing but failing can be a learning experience.

We live in dangerous circumstances. Every day we are a step away from facing God. One of the most dangerous can be making A DECISION. One that may cost everything.

The Point: We should make the dangerous decision to follow Jesus daily.

When one becomes a Christian some think the believer is giving up danger. Life is not all smooth due to accepting Jesus.

Americans have freedom to worship unlike many other countries. Believers in some countries truly risk everything, even their lives. Their wealth may be taken away. They might have to hide to worship.

Jesus said it would be difficult. Luke 12:49-52. People were following Him. He wanted them to know there was a cost. They would be outside of the Jewish culture. He said that his followers had to ‘pick up your cross’ to follow him. Luke 9:22-26. The cross is a symbol of pain and it requires a price. He didn't come to bring happiness. Luke 14:25-28.

Has your decision to follow Jesus ever cost you everything/anything? We live in a broken world but we can make a decision that comes with a guarantee for eternity. Others may end with death and destruction for eternity.

Pastor concluded with the question: Believers are you carrying the disciple’s cross every day?

This is a new praise song for us and I thought it was good to share today.

Verses for Today:
Luke 9:23-26 (NIV)
23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? 26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Thank you Jesus for taking my sin. I made the decision to follow You when I was a teen. Help me to submit to Your cross each day!

Sharing Beyond Books #310 Comment Giveaway July 8, 2017

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.
Four commenters have stopped reading an author due to rude comments/behavior and five more think it could happen as they wouldn't like rude behavior. Eight commenters have not had this happen, four of whom feel they don't follow authors enough to be aware of rude comments. A couple of the eight also feel that they would allow the freedom of speech to the authors.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #309 comments is: #13 Marjorie who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post.

**NOTE: I did post an Updated ARC and Other books for Giveaways. I have to go back and list the titles -- someday.
Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #310

(One Question.)

MaryP asks: If you were given a million dollars what would you buy first??

I don't have something I want to "buy" that I can think of. If I had a large sum of money I would want to set up a foundation to give or lend money to those in need of a helping hand and who demonstrate willingness to work or respect a gift and use it for a good purpose.

Image found at https://me.me/t/1-million-dollars.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify.

Your turn to share. MaryP asks: If you were given a million dollars what would you buy first??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday July 15, 2017 at 5 PM central.