The 12 Brides of Summer - Novella Collection #2 - Mary Connealy, Amanda Cabot, Maureen Lang

Romance is budding in the summertime of the old west. Join three lovely ladies on their adventure of finding true love. As their stories unfold, God's hand in their lives is evident. He leads and guides them to the perfect match.

I found this collection of short stories very entertaining. Perfect for a quick read when you don't have a lot of time to spare. All three stories were light and romantic with a hint of adventure. If you are looking for a good summer read, I recommend purchasing this collection. Very affordable and well worth it! Curl up on your porch swing (or in front of the air conditioner) with a glass of iced tea and let yourself be transported back in time.

I received a free digital copy of The 12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection #2 from Barbour Publishing, Inc. through NetGalley.

Not by Sight - Kate Breslin

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book (in my own words)

Espionage is at its height during WWI. The slightest piece of evidence, whether legitimate or not, can mean the difference between life and death.

Grace Mabry is full of patriotic ideals. She believes there is no excuse for fit and able young men to stay home and drink champagne and attend fancy parties. Grace sneaks into a masquerade ball to hand out white feathers of cowardice in her efforts to aide the war. She slips a feather into the hands of Jack Benningham, heir to the Earl of Stonebrook. Unbeknownst to her the events that are set into motion by that one act. Both Jack and Grace are soon forced to learn the true meaning of walking by faith, not by sight. 

"She taught me to never back down and to always stand up for what I believed in."

My Thoughts

Not by Sight has to be one of the most spellbinding books that I have read. On multiple occasions I had to remind myself to breathe. I couldn't even put the book down to walk from point A to point B.

A Lady of Esteem (Hawthorne House): A Novella - Kristi Ann Hunter

Love, heartbreak and redemption can all be found in this charming novella. A wonderful story set in 1812, you will find yourself immersed in the regency era.

Amelia Stalwood was sent to live in London by her guardian at a young age. Raised by her governess, she has little hope of entering society and her circle of friends consists primarily of servants. As events come into play, she is introduced to the Hawthorne family and their friend, Anthony, the marquis of Raeburn, who has recently done away with his scandalous lifestyle. As she is introduced into society by the Hawthornes her circumstances are dramatically changed. The rumour mill begins as the ton speculate her true identity. Will the society that she has finally obtained turn their back on her? Will the support of her new friends be enough? And will the man she loves give her up so that her reputation is not further tainted? 

A Lady of Esteem is a captivating story about God's redeeming love and mercy. Amelia is desperate to have the love of a family. She finds that family among people she never dreamed she would ever be able to associate with. Meanwhile, Anthony struggles to forgive

The Curiosity Keeper - Treasures of Surrey Book 1 - Sarah E. Ladd

The year is 1812, and the search for a missing treasure commences. Mystery and intrigue are found around every corner. A thrilling new regency book!

Jonathan Gilchrist  is on a mission to recover The Bevoy, a ruby of immense value, stolen from his father. Jonathan's family needs The Bevoy in order to save their home. But the last thing he expected was Camille Iverness. Camille has grown up in a shady part of London and has learned how to fend for herself. Running her father's curiosity shop, she has encountered many people of different characters. When strange and threatening events occur, she must rely on the help of Mr. Gilchrist, a stranger. But can she trust him? Running from her past, Camille seeks refuge in the village of Fellsworth. As her attachment for the village grows, she begins to feel as though she can begin a new life at last. But when her past literally shows up in Fellsworth, her hopes for a new life are dashed to pieces. Will Jonathan and Camille ever be able to find peace? Will events that unfold push them apart or draw them closer together?

"It is not just a ruby, as you say. It is large as a quail's egg, still untouched and unpolished. And it is rumored to either bless or curse whomever possess it."

The Curiosity Keeper was a book that I had been looking forward to reading for quite a while. And I was not disappointed! It is a thrilling story that kept me engaged from beginning to end. It has all of

In Good Company - A Class of Their Own - Book 2 - Jen Turano

In Good Company is a witty romance filled with people that are sure to capture your heart. Embark on this journey and find yourself immersed into the society of Newport, Rhode Island.

The summer season of 1882 is about to begin and Everett Mulberry has found himself without a nanny for his wards, again. Millie Longfellow has once again been dismissed from her position as a nanny. Neither Everett or Millie are thrilled when the employment agency places Millie in Everett's services. But this is the last hope for both of them. Millie's unique behavior as a nanny is frowned upon by many, however her unorthodox ways might be just what these children need. Everett's goal of holding a powerful position among the upper class of society appears to be within reach. But as events begin to unfold regarding the untimely death of the children's parents, he is severely tested. Will he hold on to his position and snobbery? Or will he let the children, and Millie, soften his heart?

"I don't think reading is a pleasure I'll ever be able to abandon." - Millie Longfellow

Jen Turano is one of the most brilliant authors that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I had to spend this last week in the hospital with my son, and I am so very thankful that I chose to read this

On a Personal Note...Prayers Needed

I have intentionally avoided talking about anything personal on my blog. But that is changing today. If you have read my bio you will have a small understanding of where we are in life. However, I am writing this now to ask for your prayers.

We are currently inpatient at Seattle Children's Hospital (one of the BEST children's hospitals in the USA). This last year+ has been very challenging for our family. A lot of time has been spent apart. There was even a time when the 4 of us were in 3 different cities, making us more than 3 hours away from each other. With an almost 3 year old and a 15 month old, it can be very emotionally stressful for all of us. When Ezra was diagnosed with SCID (an incomplete immune system) at one week old, we had no idea the journey that we were about to begin. He had a successful bone marrow transplant completed when he was 9 weeks old. His brother being the donor. Since then it has been a long process of recovery. He currently has a suppressed immune system to prevent GVHD (Graft vs. Host Disease - when the body reacts to the donor's cells growing inside of

An Uncertain Choice - An Uncertain Choice Book 1 - Jody Hedlund

After spending years preparing to become a nun, is there finally a chance that Lady Rosemarie can find true love?

Lady Rosemarie finally has peace about her imminent future at the convent. But one month before her eighteenth birthday The Noblest Knight returns after his long absence and everything she knows is turned upside down. The Ancient Vow of Hannah, that Lady Rosemarie's parents made, has one exception: marriage of true love by midnight on the 18th birthday will end the vow. Three knights are presented to Lady Rosemarie who have a contest to win her heart. But is one month long enough to fall in love? When incidences arise, it appears one of the knights is to blame. Is the convent a better choice for Lady Rosemarie or will she follow her heart to her true love?

Jody Hedlund's first YA novel did not disappoint! The medieval setting, the romance, the intrigue and the faith all met with my expectations. Lady Rosemarie's character is very naive and is swayed easily

Five Days in Skye - The MacDonald Family Trilogy - Book 1 - Carla Laureano

Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano
Reviewed by Rachel Dixon
Radiant Lit Blog Tours
Genre: Romance
Publisher: David C. Cook
Date Published: June 10, 2013

Will Andrea open her heart to God and love on the beautiful Isle of Skye? Or will she let her ambitions of a successful career interfere with a life full of love and happiness?

Andrea Sullivan is a hospitality consultant with one last chance to save her job and land the promotion that she has worked so had to achieve. She is not affected by her new client, James MacDonald, a Scottish celebrity chef, until his true character begins to show. Andrea just wants to get her job done and close the deal, while keeping her heart walled off from any damage. Both Andrea and James have experienced heartbreak and disappointment in the past. As they spend more time together they begin to wonder if God brought them together for a reason. After spending five days on the Isle of Skye, will Andrea open her heart and let James in?

Five Days in Skye is the first book that I have read by Carla Laureano and I was a captive audience from the first chapter! The vocabulary and descriptions she used brought me straight into the middle