Sunday, October 23, 2011

A Necessary Deception

A Necessary Deception, written by Laurie Alice Eakes, is a book in The Daughters of Bainbridge House Series. The book tells the story of Lydia Gale, who is a widow after only a short marriage. She lives in the city of London in the year 1812, when coming outs were the most important things in a young girls life. This Historical Romance begins with Lydia helping a French prisoner, and the mystery begins from there. Blackmail, deceit, romance, and spying are all components of the book which kept me interested from the first page until the last. Throughout the main focus of the mystery being solved, we also see the secondary characters of Cassandra and Honore, Lydia’s sisters, and all of the hijacks they get into.

Although I read historical romances frequently, I don’t read books set in the early 1800s too often. I loved the time-period and learning about the British and French issues during this time. The books dealing with spies and mysterious characters definitely kept me interested in Lydia’s life. I also liked the character of Lydia as she was not afraid to follow her instincts, and I could not put the book down. I continually was asking myself “what is going to happen next.” I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical romance and also someone who likes reading mysteries. They will not be disappointed and will definitely want to read more books in this series.

Available October 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

I received this book free from BAKER REVELL* as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Friday, October 14, 2011

The Measure of Katie Calloway

The Measure of Katie Calloway, written by Serena Miller, tells the story of Katie Calloway. Katie is a minister’s daughter from Pennsylvania who lives in Georgia following the Civil War. Katie left her home in Pennsylvania after marrying a southern man who ends up abusing her. She finds the courage to flee her home along with her young brother and travel to Michigan. She then finds herself as a cook at a logging camp which is run by Robert Foster. Although they are very different from one another, Robert becomes Katie’s protector as Katie tries to stay away from any relationships due to her past with her abusive husband.

I enjoyed reading about the relationship between Katie and Robert, but my favorite part of the book was the character of Katie. I like that she was a strong and independent character. She was brave enough to get out of an abusive situation, when so many others are not able to do that. I think the author wrote her in a way that all readers can learn from Katie’s experience and how she dealt with her husband. Robert is also a very endearing character. I found myself rooting from him and Katie to begin a relationship. I also liked the setting about the book, and the characters who become a part of Katie’s life. They seemed very down-to-earth and were all helpful in having Katie overcome and grow from her past experiences.

“Available October 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Revell book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Deeply Devoted

Deeply Devoted, a book in The Blue Willow Brides Series, written by Maggie Brendan, tells the story of Catharine Olsen. Catharine is a mail order bride who leaves her home country to Holland and travels to the state of Wyoming with her two young sisters in order to marry a man she had been in contact with through letters. Throughout the book, the relationship between Catharine and Peter Andersen develops, and as their relationship grows secrets about Catharine’s past begin to be revealed. As their relationship is tested, they must determine if they want to continue their relationship.

The characters of Catharine and Peter were very realistic, and I liked seeing their relationship develop. They truly had feelings for one another which developed originally through their correspondence and then as they began to spend time together. Also, I liked Catharine’s devotion to her young sisters, who were under her care after the death of their parents. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I liked that it was a fast read, and also the topic of mail-order brides. Although it was the first book I have ever read dealing with this topic, I really enjoyed it and am interested in reading more books in the Blue Willow Brides series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Revell book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."