Favorite Books of 2022

 By Kelly Bridgewater

One of my favorite posts of the year. I love being able to share of the 144 books that I read this year which ones are my favorite. I hope that you have read them and possibly own them. 

Here they are: (All covers come from Goodreads!)

Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright

In Love's Time by Kate Breslin

Madness in Wonderland by Tabitha Bouldin

Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner

RJ and York Trilogy (Out of the Night, I Will Find You, and No Matter the Cost) by Susan May Warren

Milestone of Doubt by Erica Vetsch

The Debutante's Code by Erica Vetsch

What about you? Did any of these hit your favorites this year? Any that I missed?

Kate Breslin: In Love's Time

By Kelly Bridgewater

At the height of World War I, two sweethearts face impossible odds in this powerful tale of courage, duty, and heartbreak.

In the summer of 1918, Captain Marcus Weatherford arrives in Russia on a secret mission, with a beautiful ballerina posing as his fiancée. He's there to find the Romanov tsarina and her son and glean information about a plot to assassinate Lenin. As the danger intensifies, Marcus's sense of duty battles with his desire to return home to Clare, the woman he truly loves, before it's too late.

Military hospital orderly Clare Danner still suffers from Marcus's betrayal after learning he's engaged to another woman. Clare also fears losing her daughter, Daisy, to the heartless family who took her away once before. Only Marcus can provide the critical proof needed to save Daisy, but when an injury leaves him powerless to help, Clare's fate--and the fate of the top-secret mission--hangs in the balance.

 

My Thoughts:

In Love’s Time by Kate Breslin is a tale of espionage, forgotten memories, and love. If you have read any of Breslin’s previous novels, then you would be familiar with Marcus Weatherford. He, as the hero of this novel, has been the sidelined character who made an appearance but never had the change to tell his story until now. He is brave, family orientated, and madly in love with Clare. On the other end of the scope is Clare Danner, a nurse who wants the best for her daughter Daisy. With all the tension and drama in the story, Clare keeps a cool head and does what she needs to without thinking twice about not doing it. She is willing to sacrifice everything. The plot is handled nicely with plenty of action when the story starts and mellows in the middle by then rising again toward the climactic moment. The description of Marcus’s family home is nicely handled. I love the secret passageways, the conservatory, and hospital on half of the estate. Breslin does a wonderful job at crafting a story that shows how long will true love wait and what challenges will they conquer to make true love a reality. Overall, In Love’s Time by Kate Breslin was a masterfully told story about love with hints of espionage. I really loved spending time with Marcus and Clare. I recommend this story.

I received a complimentary copy of In Love’s Time by Kate Breslin from Bethany House Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Purchase In Love’s Time

Most Anticipated Historical Romance Fall 2022

 By Kelly Bridgewater

Another addition of my most anticipated Historical Romance novels published from September 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. 

Here they are: (All images come from  unless noted!)

The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano

The Bridge of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep

Within These Gilded Halls by Abigail Wilson

The Secrets of Emberwild by Stephanie McGee

The Brilliance of Stars by J'nell Ciesieskli

The Sisters of Seaview by Julie Klassen

In Love's Time by Kate Breslin

What about you? Looking forward to any of these books. Would you add any more?

Kate Breslin: As Dawn Breaks

 By Kelly Bridgewater

Her daring bid for freedom could be her greatest undoing.

Amid the Great War in 1918 England, munitions worker Rosalind Graham is desperate to escape the arranged marriage being forced on her by her ruthless guardian and instead follow her own course. When the Chilwell factory explodes, killing hundreds of unidentified workers, Rose realizes the world believes she perished in the disaster. Seizing the chance to escape, she risks all and assumes a new identity, taking a supervisory position in Gretna, Scotland, as Miss Tilly Lockhart.

RAF Captain Alex Baird is returning home to Gretna on a secret mission to uncover the saboteur suspected in the Chilwell explosion, as Gretna's factory is likely next. Fearing for his family's safety, he's also haunted by guilt after failing to protect his brother. Alex is surprised to discover a young woman, Miss Lockhart, renting his boyhood room, but the two eventually bond over their mutual affection for his family--until Alex receives orders to surveil her.

Rose squirms beneath Alex's scrutiny while she struggles to gain her workers' respect. But when her deception turns to danger, she and Alex must find a way to put their painful pasts behind them and together try to safeguard the future.

 

My Thoughts:

As Dawn Breaks by Kate Breslin is a unique look in the women’s Scottish World War I war effort through the lens of an ammunition factories. The plot featured some suspense, uncover people, and a new identity. Breslin does a wonderful job at showing the readers a new form of the World War I action and teaching them as they read the story. One of my favorite thing was the language. Breslin does a wonderful job at capturing their language. As I read the words, I kept hearing someone doing a Scottish accent in my head. Sometimes I laughed at myself. There is romance. What is a historical romance without it! Nothing over the top. There is a kissing scene in a light house, but nothing too racy. The writing is top notch. I love how Breslin invites her readers into the world of her stories and does not let go. She always captures my attention with her stories. I always know that I am receiving a delightful story filled with a number of characters who I hope receive a story later on. Overall, As Dawn Breaks by Kate Breslin is a unique, mystery-filled story with the important historical element that I truly enjoyed. As always, I, personally, can’t wait for another Breslin novel.

I received a complimentary copy of  As Dawn Breaks by Kate Breslin from  Bethany House Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating:  4 out of 5 stars

Purchase As Dawn Breaks

Most Anticipated Historical Fiction

 By Kelly Bridgewater

Another publishing season is about to occur. For this post, I will share my most anticipated Historical Fiction, usually in Historical Romance. (All images come from Goodreads unless noted!)

The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham

A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano

A Picture of Hope by Liz Tolsma

Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan

As Dawn Breaks by Kate Breslin

Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen

What about you? Anything else to add?

Favorite Books of 2019

By Kelly Bridgewater

Another year is in the books and another year is before us.

I really enjoy doing this post every year to give a nod to some of my favorite books that has captured my attention for the previous year. (All Images come from Goodreads.)

So for 2019, here are my favorite reads:

Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jaime Jo Wright



Echoes Among the Stones by Jaime Jo Wright




Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin



Becoming Us by Robin Jones Gunn



The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke



Storm Rising by Ronie Kendig



The Killing Tide by Dani Pettrey



Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano



Memories of Glass by Melanie Dobson



How about you? Did any of these books capture your attention? Are there different books you want to add to your favorite books of 2019 that I didn't include?

Kate Breslin: Far Side of the Sea

By Kelly Bridgewater

In spring 1918, Lieutenant Colin Mabry, a British soldier working with MI8 after suffering injuries on the front, receives a message by carrier pigeon. It is from Jewel Reyer, the woman he once loved and who saved his life--a woman he believed to be dead. Traveling to France to answer her urgent summons, he desperately hopes this mission will ease his guilt and restore the courage he lost on the battlefield.

Colin is stunned, however, to discover the message came from Jewel's half sister, Johanna. Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence, found Jewel's diary and believes her sister is alive in the custody of a German agent. With spies everywhere, Colin is skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust begins to grow between them.

When their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot, danger and deception turn their search for answers into a battle for their lives.

From Amazon

My Thoughts:

With Far Side of the Sea, Kate Breslin masterfully crafted a wonderful story of spies, espionage, and romance. Using an original idea, Breslin used carrier pigeons and made them a part of the action. She captured my attention pretty early on and didn't let go. The actions started right from the first page and allowed me to stay engrossed in the lives of Colin and Johanna. The romance fizzed and sparkled all through the story. It wasn't too sappy. It grew organically, allowing me to see their trust in each other grow while trying to hunt for Johanna's sister. The historical plot flowed well mixing with a hint of mystery, which really captured my suspense loving side. The story was original and well-written. I can't wait to re-read it and feel lost in the words again. This is definitely one of my favorite books of the year so far. Far Side of the Sea is an informative and entertaining read. I definitely recommend reading this novel. Fans of Breslin's other works, Roseanna M. White, and Elizabeth Camden should try this novel. It fits well with these type of historical romance novels.

I received a complimentary copy of Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own. 

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About the Author:

From Amazon

Former bookseller-turned-author Kate Breslin enjoys life in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and family. A writer of travel articles and award-winning poetry, Kate received Christian Retailing's 2015 Best Award for First Time Author and her debut novel, For Such A Time, was shortlisted for both the Christy and RITA awards and received the American Christian Fiction Writer's 2015 Carol Award for Debut Novel. Kate's third novel, High As The Heavens, released June, 2017. When she's not writing inspirational fiction, Kate enjoys reading or taking long walks in Washington's beautiful woodlands. She also likes traveling to new places, both within the U.S. and abroad, having toured Greece, Rome, and much of Western Europe. New destinations make for fresh story ideas. Please visit her at www.katebreslin.com. (Taken from Amazon.)

Most Anticipated Books for Spring 2019

By Kelly Bridgewater

I enjoy when the publishing companies share their covers for the next publishing season. I really love seeing the covers and reading the synopsis' of the upcoming books. Then I add the books to my wish list, so I can buy them when they come out.

Here is the list of books that I can't wait to read from March until June 2019:  (All images come from Goodreads unless noted.)

Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin

 

The Highest of Hopes by Susan Anne Mason

 

The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

 

Romanov by Nadine Brandes

 

Pages of Her Life by James Rubart

 

Murder in the City of Liberty by Rachel McMillan

 

What about you? Are you looking forward to these books? Is there any book you would add to this?

First in Series

By Kelly Bridgewater

Have you ever picked a book that happened to be the first book in a series and loved it, anxiously waiting for the second or third or even more to be published?

I have.

Below I have attached images of the books that are the first in a series that had gotten me hooked on the author's writing. (All covers come from Amazon unless noted.)

Hazardous Duty by Christy Barritt



Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman

 

Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason



Happily Ever After by Susan May Warren

 

The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett



A Cry from the Dust by Carrie Stuart Parks

 


 Submerged by Dani Pettrey



For Such a Time by Kate Breslin

 
Thanks!

Feel free to add some more authors who their first books in a series captured your imagination.