Sarah E. Ladd: The Curiosity Keeper

By Kelly Bridgewater

Back Cover Copy:

Camille Iverness can take care of herself. She’s done so since the day her mother abandoned the family and left Camille to run their shabby curiosity shop on Blinkett Street. But when a violent betrayal leaves her injured with no place to hide, Camille has no choice but to accept help from the mysterious stranger who came to her aid.
Jonathan Gilchrist never wanted to inherit Kettering Hall. As a second son, he was content working as a village apothecary. But when his brother’s death made him heir just as his father’s foolish decisions put the estate at risk, only the sale of a priceless possession—a ruby called the Bevoy—can save the family from ruin. But the gem has disappeared. And all trails lead to Iverness Curiosity Shop—and the beautiful shop girl who may or may not be the answer to his questions.
Curious circumstance throws them together, and an intricate dance of need and suspicion leads the couple from the seedy backwaters of London to the elite neighborhoods of the wealthy to the lush, green Surrey countryside—all in the pursuit of a blood-red gem that collectors will sacrifice anything to possess.
Caught at the intersection of blessings and curses, greed and deceit, two determined souls must unite to protect what they hold dear. But when a passion that shines far brighter than any gem is ignited, each will have to decide how much they are willing to risk for their future, love, and happiness.

My Review:

I truly enjoy Sarah E. Ladd’s writing. Her books may be from the Regency era, and I usually don’t pick up books in that era, but Ladd’s writing and her gift in storytelling make me anxious for her next books. Ladd has a unique way of transporting me to this time and place.

In her newest book, The Curiosity Keeper, Ladd transported me to the early nineteenth century with her details of downtown London. I smelt the dirt lining the streets. I heard the fight at the saloon and brothel across the street from Camille’s father’s shop. I imagined the overcrowded shop full of junk and collectables intermingling in the dusty room. I felt like I was truly there, which is what a good writer does.

James and Camille, the hero and heroine, lingered around in my head long after I finished the story. James is a man who just wants to heal people but gets caught up in the affairs of his father with the missing ruby. He is sweet, caring, and intelligent. I truly enjoyed meeting and learning more about James. As for Camille, I really liked her too. She placed her parents on this pedestal, like most children do, but realized parents can make mistakes too. Camille is caring, innocent, and brave. A great combination to fit with James.

The conflict in The Curiosity Keeper has a little mystery to it. Where is the ruby? Why does everyone want it? From the first chapter, I am drawn into the story, wandering along with Camille, where is the ruby? The story kept my attention and held on. I finished the book in less than one day. It was a great plot with a twist at the end that I did not see coming. As for the romantic tension, the romance really didn’t make an appearance to about 70% into the book. It was not the driving force of the novel until later. Which I liked, don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed seeing James and Camille interact without falling head over heels on the first page.

I recommend this book for anyone who is fans of Julie Klassen’s latest book, The Secret of Pembroke Park. They are similar with the time period and the mystery. Both are great books!

Unique and thrilling, Sarah E. Ladd’s latest book, The Curiosity Keeper, has a mystery populated with a hero and heroine worth spending time with while transporting the reader to early nineteenth century London.

I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson through Netgalley and the opinions stated are all my own.

Taken from Sarah's Amazon's Author Page

Where to connect with Sarah E. Ladd:

Personal Website

Facebook

Where to purchase The Curiosity Keeper:

Amazon

Barnes and Nobles

Christianbook

Your Local Favorite Bookstore

What draws you into a Regency story? Is it the location? Is it the clothes? Is it the mystery?

Jody Hedlund: Hearts Made Whole

By Kelly Bridgewater

Back Cover Copy:

From Amazon

1865
Windmill Point, Michigan

Can She Forgive the Hurting Man Who Costs Her the Role She Loves?

After her father's death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren't supposed to have such roles, so it's only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper--even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.

Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He's secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation--the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He's not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who's angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he's in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he's unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Caroline feels drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope...and possibly love?

My Review:

I have heard a lot of good things about Jody Hedlund’s writing, but I haven’t gotten around to reading any of her books yet. Some of the covers for her books like the one for Unending Devotion really grabs my attention. I love that cover. So when Bethany House offered the chance to read and review one of her books I jumped on it.

Jody Hedlund’s writing is great. I really felt like I was in a Lighthouse, looking out at the ocean on a daily basis. I understood Caroline’s and Ryan’s struggles as they learned how to deal with the dilemmas from their past. I felt move by all the problems Caroline and Ryan had to overcome to succeed. I enjoyed watching their journey of Transformation.

Hedlund’s research into the lifestyles of 1865 and 1866 rang true for me. Caroline’s struggle as a woman lightkeeper proved true. The clothes, customs, and the values floated off the page, wrapping me in the time period. One of Hedlund’s strength was allowing Ryan to experience PTSD. This is an issue that has come to light with the warriors from Iraq, but like Hedlund, I believe this would affect any soldier of any war. She allowed Ryan to live a solitary life, avoid relationships, and overdose on pain pills to deal with his choices during the war. This was unique, and I really enjoyed the perspective.

No offense to Hedlund, but I had a hard time staying focused on the book. Not that she isn’t a great writer because I believe she is, but I have a hard time following historical books, which is why I stay away from Amish books and frontier books. There isn’t enough action on the page for me to follow. I get bored easily. That is why I enjoy mysteries, suspense, and thrillers.

In short, Jody Hedlund’s Hearts Made Whole is a good addition to the historical fiction genre with its realistic characters, memorable settings, and a current dilemma affecting the hero. Fans of Karen Witemeyer and Lori Benton would love this book.

I received a complimentary copy of Jody Hedlund’s Heart Made Whole from Bethany House Publishers and the opinions stated are all my own.  

Jody Hedlund’s Writing Bio:

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling author of inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.

As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she's not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories. 

She loves reading almost as much as she loves writing, especially when it also involves chocolate and coffee.

From Hedlund's Amazon Author Page

Where to connect with Jody Hedlund:

Author’s Personal Website

Facebook

Goodreads

Where to purchase Hearts Made Whole:

Amazon

Christianbook

Barnes and Nobles

Your Local Favorite bookstore

What is your favorite aspect of Jody Hedlund’s writing?

Melanie Dobson: Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor

By Kelly Bridgewater

Back Cover Copy:

When Heather Toulson returns to her parents’ cottage in the English countryside, she uncovers long-hidden secrets about her family history and stumbles onto the truth about a sixty-year-old murder.

Libby, a free spirit who can’t be tamed by her parents, finds solace with her neighbor Oliver, the son of Lord Croft of Ladenbrooke Manor. Libby finds herself pregnant and alone when her father kicks her out and Oliver mysteriously drowns in a nearby river. Though theories spread across the English countryside, no one is ever held responsible for Oliver’s death.

Sixty years later, Heather Toulson, returning to her family’s cottage in the shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, is filled with mixed emotions. She’s mourning her father’s passing but can’t let go of the anger and resentment over their strained relationship. Adding to her confusion, Heather has an uneasy reunion with her first love, all while sorting through her family’s belongings left behind in the cottage. What she uncovers will change everything she thought she knew about her family’s history.

My Review:

I, personally, have never read anything by Melanie Dobson, but Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor cover grabbed my attention and paired with the synopsis on the back drew me into the story. I truly enjoyed this story and want to read Chateau of Secrets.

Unique and thrilling, Dobson’s story of showing that light can shine through darkness gripped me from the first chapter. I am interested and couldn’t wait to read more about Maggie and Walter. While the story reminded me of the Biblical story about the shame of the fathers following their children for the next seven generations, I originally thought it would be a long time to break the “curse” on the family members. But Dobson explored a story that amplified God’s love and power through restoration through the generations. It was unique and lovingly written.

The story does have two timelines. The first timeline features the story of Maggie and Walter as they raise Libby, the child who loves to sit in the gardens and hangs out with butterflies. On the other timeline, I am introduced to Heather, who has returned to England to settle her parents’ estate four months after his passing. The timelines were distinguished from each other, yet complimented each other.

Dobson’s writing drew me in. I struggled with Maggie, Libby, and Heather as they were trying to figure their way through their pass issues and how to handle them in their present state. There is an even balance between the prose and dialogue. Even when Dobson handled the spiritual issues, she isn’t preachy or demanding attention. The character’s spiritual side strengthens them, not weaken them.

The only issue I had with the timelines is the timeline that takes place first. For some reason every time the story would slip back into that time period, which was the nineteen-fifties and sixties, I imagined the story taking place a hundred years earlier. Maybe because of the servants and living in a thatched cottage behind the Lord and Lady Croft’s Manor. Using those words made the era appear from a different time. Even though I imagined the characters in a different century, it didn’t ruin the story for me. I clung to every word and truly enjoyed the story.

Overall, Melanie Dobson’s story, Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor, drew me in with God’s love and power for restoration. The sad, love stories between the various couples kept me glued to the page that I didn’t want to put the book down. I can’t wait to read Dobson’s Chateau of Secrets.

I received a complimentary copy of Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor from Howard Books through Netgalley and the opinions stated are all my own.

Where to connect with Melanie Dobson:

Personal Website

Where to purchase Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor:

Amazon

Barnes and Nobles

Christianbook

Do you enjoy reading stories that feature different timelines? Why or Why not?

Dawn Crandall: A Captive Imposter

By Kelly Bridgewater

Back Cover Copy:

Sent away for protection, hotel heiress Estella Everstone finds herself living undercover as a lady’s companion named Elle Stoneburner at one of her father’s opulent hotels in the mountains of Maine—the one she'd always loved best and always hoped to own one day, Everston. The one thing she doesn't like about the situation is that her ex-fiancé is in the area and is set on marrying someone else. Reeling from her feelings of being unwanted and unworthy, Estella reluctantly forms a friendship with the gruff manager of Everston, Dexter Blakeley, who seems to have something against wealthy young socialites with too much money, although they are just the kind of people Everston caters to.

When Estella finds herself in need of help, Dexter comes to the rescue with an offer she can't refuse. She sees no other choice aside from going back home to her family and accepts the position as companion to his sister. Throughout her interactions with Dexter, she can't deny the pull that's evidenced between them every time he comes near. Estella realizes that while she's been hiding behind a false name and identity, she’s never been freer to be herself than when she's with Dexter Blakeley. But will he still love her when he finds out she's Estella Everstone? She's not entirely sure.

My Review:

The Captive Imposter is the third book in Dawn Crandall’s Everstone Chronicles. I have read and reviewed the first two books in the series: The Hesitant Heiress and The Bound Heart. Click on each individual book title to read my complete reviews on the specific books. I enjoy stories where characters have to struggle and work their way through dilemmas in order to end up together. A sort of redemptive quality to the hero and heroine.

Crandall does a good job at mirroring the love of God in the relationships of her characters. For instance, in the hero, Dexter Blakeley, Crandall created a loving, caring, protective, and trust-worthy man who does not flirt and give his heart away. Dexter takes the time to be careful at guarding Elle’s heart. On the other hand, Elle Stoneburner aka Estella Everstone, is a patient, meek woman who wants to be loved. Even through all the struggles Dexter and Elle face, Dexter and Elle love each other for who they really are. Just like God loves us for who we really are.

The setting of the story in 1891 Maine captured my interest. Crandall does a good job at describing the setting of the woods, mountains, spring, and the hotel to situate her readers in the story. I felt like I was roaming the woods with Elle or climbing on the cement wall around the spring.

The writing is fluid with a balance between the prose and dialogue. I believed I followed Elle through her story, learning and empathizing with her as she struggled with sharing her true identity to Dexter. The story is told in first person, so the readers experience the story from Elle’s perspective. The romantic tension was spot on. I truly felt Elle’s dilemma as she started to fall for Dexter and fought internally how to break her secret with him. Crandall is great at creating realistic characters who stay with you long after the story is done.

Fans of Julie Klassen and Jane Austen will love the story and the romance between Dexter and Elle. I recommend everyone read the first two books in the story since there are moments in the third book that allude to incidents in the previous stories.

A swoon-worthy romance from a hero and heroine that will tug at the reader's heart with a captivating setting to spark love and the keys to finding one's true identity.

I have received an ARC from Dawn Crandall for The Captive Imposter in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Dawn Crandall’s Author Bio:

A graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education, and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble, Dawn Crandall didn't begin writing until her husband found out about her long-buried dream of writing a book. Without a doubt about someday becoming traditionally published, he encouraged her to quit her job in 2010 in order to focus on writing her debut novel, The Hesitant Heiress. It didn't take her long to realize that writing books was what she was made to do. Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary.

Apart from writing books, Dawn is also a first-time mom to a precious little boy (born March 2014) and also serves with her husband in a pre-marriage mentor program at their local church in Northeast Indiana.

Dawn is a member of Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, secretary for the Indiana ACFW Chapter (Hoosier Ink), and associate member of the Great Lakes ACFW Chapter.

The Everstone Chronicles is Dawn's first series with Whitaker House. All three books composing the series were semifinalists in ACFW's prestigious Genesis Writing Contest, the third book going on to become a finalist in 2013.

Where to connect with Dawn:

Personal Author Page

Blog

Facebook 

Goodreads

Where to buy her books:

Amazon

Barnes and Nobles

Kobo

What is your favorite thing about historical romance?