Audible Book Review:Blackmoore by Julianne Dondalson

This is a heart wrenching romance.
Blackmoore
By: Julianne Donaldson
Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 09-18-13
Language: English
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Genre: Historical Regency, Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall, Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Kate Worthington knows her heart and she knows she will never to marry. Her plan is to travel to India instead - if only to find peace for her restless spirit and to escape the family she abhors. But Kate’s meddlesome mother has other plans. She makes a bargain with Kate: India, yes, but only after Kate has secured - and rejected - three marriage proposals.
Kate journeys to the stately manor of Blackmoore determined to fulfill her end of the bargain sooner rather than later and enlists the help of her dearest childhood friend, Henry Delafield. But when it comes to matters of love, bargains are meaningless and plans are changeable. There on the wild lands of Blackmoore, Kate must face the truth that has kept her heart captive. Will the proposal she is determined to reject actually be the one thing that will set her heart free?
Set in Northern England in 1820, Blackmoore is a regency romance that tells the story of a young woman struggling to learn how to follow her heart.
©2013 Julianne Clawson Donaldson (P)2013 Shadow Mountain.

Review:
Kate made a decision at age 14 that she would never marry. Instead, she plans to travel, with her restless spirit and her aunt, to India. She particularly wants to get away for her toxic household where her father ignores the family and her mother flirts with any man, young or old, and ties to teach her daughters to do the same, and to trap an appropriate husband.

Before Kate goes to India she wants to visit Blackmoore, the estate of her childhood neighbor and friend, Henry Delafield. She has wanted to visit the estate for years, but their mothers despise each other. Henry and Kate were only able to spend time together because Kate was best friends with Henry’s awkward sister. But Lady Delafield had made it very clear that Henry will never marry Kate. In fact, Henry has an arranged fiancé waiting for him.

Kate finally makes a desperate bargain with her mother. She must receive and reject three proposals to get the right to go to India. Plus one other stipulation that Kate doesn’t think through. Kate convinces her mother to allow her to make the visit to Blackmoore with the expectation there will be available matches to meet at the house party.

Kate arrives at Blackmoore to find that Henry’s future bride is there with his mother. The young woman is beautiful, refined, and already preparing to take her place as the mistress of the manor. And Lady Delafield is far from pleased that Henry invited Kate.

Henry continues to seek time to walk and talk with Kate in between the scheduled dinners and tête-à-têtes with his intended. When her first few attempts to engage the interest of other men are unsuccessful, Kate comes up with another plan. It becomes clear she may succeed but at the cost of her heart.

It was hard to like Kate at first as she seemed rather self-absorbed and cold. Only further into the story does it become clear the horrible household she has had to endure and the sacrifice she has determined to make for the one she loves. Henry is a wonderful, proper young gentleman. I appreciated that this contained a lovely romance with no need for sexual innuendos. The undercurrent of love builds even as the conflict for Kate and Henry builds. I have no idea why this is dubbed ‘a Proper romance.” It is heart wrenching to get to the point where they recognize their love. I recommend this to readers who enjoy the struggles of a thwarted romance.

Audio Notes: Cassandra Campbell does a beautiful job with the narration. She manages to put the right edge to the characters to help bring the story more intensity. I am glad I listened to this.

Source: December 2016 Audible sale. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook Goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Ladies of Intrigue: 3 Tales of 19th-Century Romance with a Dash of Mystery by Michelle Griep

These are lovely - I really like this author.

Ladies of Intrigue: 3 Tales of 19th-Century Romance with a Dash of Mystery
by Michelle Griep

File Size: 1038 KB
Print Length: 288 pages
Publisher: Barbour Books (February 1, 2019)
ASIN: B07HYM6HQ6
Genre: Christian Romance, Historical Romance
My Rating 4.75 of 5.0

3 Page-Turners Under One Cover from Reader Favorite Michelle Griep!
Can truth and love prevail when no one is as they appear?
The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady
Cornish Coast, 1815
When a prim and proper governess returns to England from abroad, she expects to comfort her dying father—not fall in love with a smuggler. Will Helen Fletcher keep Isaac Seaton’s unusual secret?
The Doctor’s Woman (A Carol Award Winner!)
Dakota Territory, 1862
Emmy Nelson, daughter of a missionary doctor, and Dr. James Clark, city doctor aspiring to teach, find themselves working side by side at Fort Snelling during the Dakota Uprising. That is when the real clash of ideals begins.
A House of Secrets
St. Paul, Minnesota, 1890
Ladies Aide Chairman, Amanda Carston resolves to clean up St. Paul’s ramshackle housing, starting with the worst of the worst: a “haunted” house that’s secretly owned by her beau—a home that’s his only means of helping brothel girls escape from the hands of the city’s most infamous madam.

Review:
The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady
Helen is a Pastor’s daughter who has traveled to help her ill father. As she arrives in his community she is kidnapped by a local smuggler. Inadvertently she sees the face of the man who saves her. She is soon surprised to find out his identity. She has a dilemma as she is reluctant to turn in the man who has saved her and cared for her father so caringly.

Isaac has bent his own rules in the name of revenge. The staunch faith of Helen makes him question his motives and look for alternatives. Will he be able to make Helen see him as a reliable person rather than a scoundrel?

I fully loved both of these characters and how the story plays out. There is risk with a lascivious authority not only stalking the smuggler but also inappropriately pursuing Helen and/or Isaac’s single sister. The plot keeps it moving quickly while I was rooting for this couple to get together. I especially loved Helen’s reliance on God and willingness to look for the best in others. She also wasn’t afraid to speak her mind to rebuke inappropriate behavior. My rating 4.75.

The Doctor’s Woman
Emmy is the daughter of a missionary doctor who has recently died. She is preparing to leave the wilderness to return to her society Aunt when she is asked to help at the Fort Snelling while they await the new doctor. Emmy is about to tend a man with a seriously crushed leg when Dr. James Clark arrives. Dr. Clark is a city doctor seeking a coveted position at Harvard. To gain his recommendation he has been directed to show he is able to survive a tour of service in the wilds of the West.

Dr. Clark and Emmy meet with sparks flying. He asks her to stay to help him and the commander makes him responsible for her welfare in the rough environment. He is still set on strict old fashion doctoring techniques while Emmy tries to encourage using some natural remedies learned from the Indians – even those Indians who killed her fiancé. The doctor gains respect for Emmy’s dedication although her independence frustrates him. But when it comes time for him to return to the East will he be willing to part from Emmy?

These are two more engaging characters and another story with plenty of conflict and moments of danger. The description of the western hardships is well done. Their struggles through the circumstances and the decisions they face provide inspiring encouragement. My rating 5.0.

A House of Secrets
Young Amanda has secured the chairmanship of the Ladies Aide Society which she hopes will impress her standoff father. Amanda wants to obtain the title to a dilapidated house to turn it into a safe place for educating street children. A haughty Society member puts Amanda on a deadline to get the title or lose on her first project.

Amanda seeks the help of her fiancé, the city Attorney to find the owner of the land. He claims he is too busy with other issues to help right now but really he is hiding his involvement with the property. He has been using the house to help brothel girls escape from the hands of the city’s most infamous madam. He doesn’t want to let Amanda know his connection to the house, nor certain family secrets.

A powerful business man is thwarting Joseph’s efforts to close down the local brothel. The corrupt man is quick to comfort Amanda when she is devastated to learn of Joseph’s betrayal. Just as matters come to a head a life-threatening accident pushes Joseph to face his fears and Amanda to address her impulsive rejection.

I liked the interesting brothel and society history in this story. The story felt a little rushed and didn’t pull me in as much as the first two. Still, it was entertaining, and I appreciated the messages regarding the harm of secrets in a personal relationship. My rating 4.5.

I enjoyed a previous historical romance by this author, The Captive Heart. I highly recommend this author and this story to readers who like Christian and historical romance with real life danger and conflict.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019NetGalley and 2019 Alphabet goals.

Sunday Post March 3, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 4, 2019

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date (at Wordpress).

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.

This was another mostly quiet week.
I continue to work on files and consult in office while helping with real estate closings for the title office.
The structural engineer has provided another engineer and architect who might be able to get to my project sooner than end of April. I will be in touch on Monday.
Hubby got a weaker report this week on his lungs. But they have started him on rehab to help rebuild his strength.
We've had some rain this week and tornado warnings today. The wind was a bit wild but passed us.

My reading was good as I wrapped up the February romance theme. I finished 4 books: two audiobooks and two ebooks. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I only got to 22 blogs early last week.
Shout Out this week to The Book Smugglers "... a blog dedicated to speculative and genre fiction for all ages."
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post February 24, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 25, 2019.

• NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: An Unexpected Redemption by Emily Hamsher; Christian, Medieval, Romance; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.

• ebTBR- Book Review: A Romantic Ghost Story by Jason W. Chan; Ghost, Paranormal, Romance; My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 1, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/7/2019.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Hello Love by Karen McQuestion; Sweet Romance; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; 3.75 Story; 4.25 Narration.

• MBS February 2019 Reading List Wrap Up.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 3, 2019.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Ladies of Intrigue: 3 Tales of 19th-Century Romance with a Dash of Mystery
by Michelle Griep
These are lovely - I really like this author.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audiobooks/Smartphone (ATBR)

Blackmoore
By: Julianne Donaldson
Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
A heartwrenching romance.
Source: December 2016 Audible sale.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Escape from Bythos
By: Phil Tucker
Narrated by: Noah Michael Levine
Series: Chronicles of the Black Gate, Book 0.5
Length: 1 hr and 31 mins
I am going to start a long audio next so I thought I'd pull a quick one first.
This is engaging - I've put the first full book on my Wish List.
Source: Audible 2019 Whisper Sync purchase.
Publisher's Summary
While listed as book 6, Escape from Bythos is actually the prequel novella to the series and can be enjoyed at any point.
How did Asho end up as Lord Kyferin's squire?
Escape from Bythos leads seamlessly into the novel The Path of Flames, detailing how Asho acquired his freedom against all odds and escaped the slave city of Bythos.
All Ennoian knights must sacrifice a single year of their lives to garrison the subterranean city of Bythos. Known as their Black Year, it is a time both loathed and dreaded. Lord Kyferin, the infamous leader of the Black Wolves, is down in the depths with six of his knights. Biding his time. Whoring. Dreaming of bloody invasions he'll launch when he is free to return to Ennoia.
Then a Bythian slave brings word of dangerous prey. A legendary monster. A cavekiller. Kyferin chooses to mount a hunt, taking a fraction of the men needed so as to increase his glory. This cavekiller, however, is different. More lethal. Ferocious. And the Bythian slave that Kyferin brings as a guide is none other than Asho's father....
©2016 Phil Tucker (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

4. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The PVC Pipe Book
by Chris Peterson
This has many great projects. 
I wish my Hubby was able to work on these;
maybe my son or s-i-l could.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Put that spare PVC pipe to work with more than 50 inventive, step-by-step projects that yield tough and durable storage, furniture, gardening, toys, and much more, with The PVC Pipe Book.
With a few simple fittings, common home-improvement-store PVC pipe can be treated much like building blocks. Learn to engineer it in new ways for DIY projects that prove useful indoors and outside.
Whether you're a homeowner, gardener, homesteader, prepper, or just a parent looking for some new toy ideas, the projects in The PVC Pipe Book give you plenty of options. Step-by-step instructions, parts lists, and photographs of completed projects make sure you will have fun and love the results of your work.
Projects range from simple creations like chicken feeders and waterers, to much more complex builds like a rolling workshop table.
Other projects include:
Practical creations include a step-stool, toy bin, safety gate, and gardening caddy
Fun, fanciful ideas include a rocket launcher, water table, even soccer goals
Homestead projects include a pet washer, chicken feeder, birdhouse, and hanging herb garden
For anyone who needs some insight and a few tips on working with PVC, Peterson covers all the basics, as well as finishing techniques.

Currently Reading:
1. Print(PTBR-LBC)

A Bride Most Begrudging
by Deeanne Gist
I picked these up on sale last year for Ladies book club. We will discuss this Saturday 3/9/19.
Source: Christianbook.com.
When Lady Constance Morrow finds herself kidnapped and bound for the American colonies, she's sure she'll find a reasonable man who'll believe her story and send her back to England. Instead, she's "bought" by farmer Drew O'Connor. How long will it take before this marriage of convenience becomes very inconvenient for both of them? 320 pages, softcover from Bethany.

2. Audible/Smartphone (Author)

Age of Expansion: A Kurtherian Gambit Series
Ghost Squadron Boxed Set, Books 1-4
By: Sarah Noffke, Michael Anderle
Narrated by: Chris Abernathy
Length: 26 hrs and 6 mins
I have been wanting to try this Series (Michael Anderle) - even though it is over 21 books in.
I was very happy when the Sarah Noffke offered the box set ... 
on audio no less!
Source: 2019 Audible credit from Author.
Publisher's Summary
After 10 years of wandering the outer rim of the galaxy, Eddie Teach is a man without a purpose. He was one of the toughest pilots in the Federation, but now he's just a regular guy, getting into bar fights and making a difference wherever he can. It's not the same as flying a ship and saving colonies, but it'll have to do.
That is, until General Lance Reynolds tracks Eddie down and offers him a job. There are bad people out there, plotting terrible things, killing innocent people, and destroying entire colonies.
©2018 Sarah Noffke, Michael Anderle (P)2019 LMBPN

3. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Indian Paintbrush (Carson Chronicles Book 3)
by John A. Heldt
I just started this but had to pause for my LBC book.
Source: 12/18 Author review request.
Click on book title for full description.

March 3, 2019 - I am staying up to date with the One Year Bible plan reading through You Version App.
I completed a 3 day reading plan: Being Loved, And Loving Others
I'll be picking another study this week.
[You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed four books and posted three reviews. That puts me current with 4 reviews to post.
I continue to slowly add reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. I still have older ones to catch up on.
My NetGalley shelf is still at 11 unread from November to date plus 4 old titles (2012!) that I might get read this year. I still have three remaining author ebook titles in queue and one new audio author title. 
Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

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 added two audio review titles from authors.
I picked up two audio titles with my Audiobooks.com credit.
I only picked up 26 free kindle titles again. (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

2/25/2019 I received this audiobook from the author:
Age of Expansion: A Kurtherian Gambit Series
Ghost Squadron Boxed Set, Books 1-4
By: Sarah Noffke, Michael Anderle
Narrated by: Chris Abernathy
Length: 26 hrs and 6 mins
I am excited to have a chance to listen to this! See more of the description under Currently Reading above.


3/3/2019 I received this from the author for review:
The Double-A Western Detective Agency
A Holmes on the Range Mystery
By: Steve Hockensmith
Narrated by: John McLain
Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins
Release date: 02-18-19

Won

NONE

Purchased

I picked up TWO FOR ONE Fairy Tale Fantasies with my February Audiobooks.com credit:
3/1/19
Hunted
By Meagan Spooner
Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, Will Damron
Duration: 9 h 20 min



Spindle Fire
By Lexa Hillyer
Narrated by Fiona Hardingham
Duration: 8 h 26 min

Free

I only added 26 free titles to my Kindle library. I didn't spend much time adding free books again 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 March 3, 3019

Our Sunday School teacher was out with his wife, celebrating their anniversary. Our substitute teacher shared a video by Anne Graham Lotz on The Daniel Prayer. Based on Daniel 9 she teaches that Daniel prayed with confidence, contrition and clarity.

Our Church message was shared by one of our AG Missionaries, “J”. He and his family are missionaries to Penasia. He prayed that we would open our hearts to “shock me now, not later”.
He prays that God will help him live every day for God’s Glory.

Our guest was born in American with many blessings. J had a friend from a country in Asia and one day as they traveled a mountain road his friend noted that a few miles away is a village who has never seen a foreigner; has never heard of Jesus. And another village a few miles further, and then another. When faced with people in a country not free to learn of God, much less worship, he asked: What can we do to reach those who haven't heard the gospel?

The first time J went home with his friend, he was the first foreigner to ever visit that village. It is estimated there are 240 million “unreached” people in Penasia. Of seventeen thousand people groups on earth, seven groups are deemed unreached as less than 2 percent have access to the Gospel of Christ. That results in 40 percent of people on Earth being unreached.

Unreached are different than “the lost”. A man floundering in a current 50 feet off shore is lost unless those who can see him reach out to rescue him. He has ready access to help. A man who fell off a cruise ship in middle of ocean has no one to help him. He has no hope and can only be rescued if someone is specifically sent to rescue him.

God and Jesus send their messengers to reach every tribe, every nation.
The majority of the people in Penasia will never hear of Jesus. They are isolated by lack of access, government restrictions and the religion of Buddhism. Because of the upbringing in the religion of Buddhism it takes 6 to 7 years of sharing before a person may accept Christ. The AG goal is to change the map by reaching these unreached. There is Spiritual warfare.
J showed us video of a visit he made to the 2000 year old Shwesandaw Pagoda in Myanmar, formerly Burma. There is a large ornate shrine surrounded by smaller shrines. J was there on during a holy celebration. There were probably 15,000 to 20,000 people, infant to aged. They were there to celebrate their spirits.
The thought of those people never learning about Jesus and the gospel of salvation is enough to bring tears.
Does our passion measure up to their passion for a lie?
God's heart is broken. Is ours?
God sent Abraham, Joseph and Moses to other lands to fulfill His plan. Acts 7.
God has called us to go – some go physically, and some go by sending (supporting) others.
God has called us to share where we are: family, work, community.
God gives us compassionate hearts, balanced with grace to seek and save the unreached as well as the lost.

Here is a song for missions: A New Hallelujah

Verses for Today
Psalm 67:1-2 (NIV)
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine on us—
2 so that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.

God, I pray that you give me a compassionate heart and help me to live each day for Your Glory!

MBS February 2019 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2019 Reading List - FEBRUARY

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2019
Favorites for February:
5.0: A Bachelor Establishment; The Bird and the Sword
4.75: An Unexpected Redemption; Ladies of Intrigue
4.5: Forgotten God

1. ATBR- Audible Book Review: A Bachelor Establishment by Jodi Taylor; Humor, Historical Romance, Regency Romance; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall.
2. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: The Last Woman in the Forest by Diane Les Becquets; Mystery, Psychological Thriller; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0.
3. ATBR- Audiobook Review: Buried Secrets (Men of Valor Series, Book #1) by Irene Hannon; Christian, Mystery, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
4. ebTBR LBC- Book Review: Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit by Francis Chan; Church Growth, Pneumatology, Theology; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
5. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon; Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Romance; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall.
6. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn; Historical Romance, Romantic Comedy; My Rating: 4.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 5.0.
7. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Never Let Go (Uncommon Justice Book #1) by Elizabeth Goddard; Christian, Romantic Suspense; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
8. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Gracie’s Touch by S.E. Smith; Romance, Sci Fi, Space Military; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 4.5. 
9. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: An Unexpected Redemption by Emily Hamsher; Christian, Medieval, Romance; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.
10. ebTBR- Book Review: A Romantic Ghost Story by Jason W. Chan; Ghost, Paranormal, Romance; My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0.
11. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Hello Love by Karen McQuestion; Sweet Romance; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; 3.75 Story; 4.25 Narration.
12. NG2018- #NetGalley Book Review: Ladies of Intrigue: 3 Tales of 19th-Century Romance with a Dash of Mystery by Michelle Griep; Christian Romance, Historical Romance; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.

Total read = 12; TBR = 11; New Authors = 8
Audio/Audible = 6 (6 TBRs)
eBook = 2 (2 TBRs)
NetGalley = 4 (3 TBRs)
Print = 0

Goal Progress:
• ebTBRs – 2 + 2
• Author title - 1 + 0
• New to me Series - 5 +5
• Continuing for me Series - 3 + 1
• Title with Month in it – 1 + 1
• Winter title – 1;
• Alphabet letters covered – 12 Jan + 3 Feb