Three inspirational reviews... The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz, Not by Sight by Kate Breslin & No Way Up by Mary Connealy (Reviews)

The Mistress of Tall AcreThe Mistress of Tall Acre
by Laura Frantz
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 393 Pages
September 1st 2015 by Revell

Summary

The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general's past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?

Triumph and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal--you will find it all in the rich pages of this newest novel from the talented pen of Laura Frantz.

   
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My Review

THE MISTRESS OF TALL ACRE was an emotional story of hardship, friendship, family, survival, and endearing love. It had beautiful moments between the characters as well as inspiring ones as the characters seek for guidance. Emotional and heartfelt, it's a story that inspirational historical romance readers should not miss!

I loved this story! Loved it!! It pulled all the emotions from sorrow to worry to joy. I loved the characters! The author was so frank in the historical aspects as well as the actual circumstances these characters find themselves in. I loved how the romance slowly developed and was then forged by time and working together. It was a beautiful story from beginning to end with a few twists.

In the end, was it what I wished for? Yes! This is a story that I highly recommend!

Content: Some innuendo, but clean.

SourceReceived a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.

Not by SightNot by Sight
by Kate Breslin
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 375 Pages
August 4th 2015 by Bethany House Publishers 

Summary

Gripping Sophomore Novel from a Rising Historical Romance Talent

With Britain caught up in WWI, Jack Benningham, heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, has declared himself a conscientious objector. Instead, he secretly works for the Crown by tracking down German spies on British soil, his wild reputation and society status serving as a foolproof cover.

Blinded by patriotism and concern for her brother on the front lines, wealthy suffragette Grace Mabry will do whatever it takes to assist her country's cause. When she sneaks into a posh London masquerade ball to hand out white feathers of cowardice, she never imagines the chain of events she'll set off when she hands a feather to Jack. 

And neither of them could anticipate the extent of the danger and betrayal that follows them--or the faith they'll need to maintain hope.

   
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My Review

NOT BY SIGHT was a surprisingly delightful read! With full characters, a slowly-developing romance, unique circumstances, and a little danger this story was engaging from beginning to end. Highly recommended to those who enjoy inspirational historical romance!

I loved how this story began and I loved the way it ended, as well as everything in between. It was a unique story and a plot that was new to me, which is so rare. I liked the characters from the beginning, but then they continued to grow on me as the story progressed. I loved that they also evolved during the story to become better than they were at the outset. The writing was excellent and I knew from the start that I would enjoy the book. The romance was sweet, the suspense climatic, with some inspiring and heartbreaking moments to balance it all.

In the end, was it what I wished for? Yes! I was blown away by how much I loved this and I can't wait to read more from this author!

Content: Some violence and innuendo, but clean.

Source: Received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.

No Way Up (Cimarron Legacy, #1)No Way Up
(Cimarron Legacy #1)
by Mary Connealy
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 304 Pages
July 5th 2016 by Bethany House Publishers

Summary

When Cimarron ranch patriarch Chance Boden is caught in an avalanche, the quick actions of hired hand Heath Kincaid save him. Badly injured, Chance demands that his will be read and its conditions be enforced immediately. 

Without anyone else to serve as a witness, Heath is pressed into reading the will. If Justin, Sadie, and Cole Boden don't live and work at home for the entire year, the ranch will go to their low-down cousin Mike. 

Then Heath discovers the avalanche was a murder attempt, and more danger might follow. Deeply involved with the family, Heath's desire to protect Sadie goes far beyond friendship. The danger keeps them close together, and their feelings grow until being apart is the last thing on their minds.

   
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My Review

NO WAY UP was about family, friendship, love, and danger on a ranch set in the historical west in New Mexico. The overall tone of the book was light with several humorous and sweet moments, trademarks of Connealy's writing. If you enjoy this author's other books and light inspirational romance, then you might enjoy this one.

I liked how different the Boden siblings were and how each of them possess strong personalities. Heath was also a fun character. He had a great time riling up the Boden brothers. Sadie had some nice sass to her, but a very sweet, feminine side too. I can already see how the two brothers might be paired up in the following books, but I'll have to wait to see if I'm right. I'm thinking I'm going to enjoy Cole's story the most if the heroine ends up being who I think it will be.

I was surprised that I didn't love this story as I tend to really enjoy this author's books. I almost felt like the humor was a bit overdone and that the depth and seriousness that should have been present in parts was completely missing. It just felt luke-warm on the emotion scale the whole way through instead of tugging on my emotions like I thought it should. I also was a little bored with it, which is so rare for me with Connealy. I am still planning on reading the other two books, but I'm hoping that they'll improve for me.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This one fell slightly flat for me. I didn't not like it and definitely liked parts of it, but it wasn't as good as I had hoped or expected.

Content: Some violence, but clean.

Source: Received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.


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