Book Review

#BookReview: A Love Most Worthy by Sandra Ardoin

/ Dora Hiers / 11 Comments

Happy 2019! Wow, how did that happen?

Every year before Christmas, I have the best intentions to get all my shopping and wrapping done early so that I can kick back in front of the fireplace and finally make a dent in my To Be Read stack. And every year…

I fail.

Miserably.

Somehow, I get sucked into watching gobs of Hallmark movies. Was anybody else disappointed with this year’s offerings? I should have opted to read.

Maybe next year.

Anyway, I was super excited to get my hands on this gem right after Christmas.

book cover A Love Most Worthy lady with apron and red hair

Wowza, isn’t it gorgeous? And the story inside is just as appealing as the cover. Let’s get started!

Here’s the blurb:

She didn’t know which was colder, an Arctic winter or her new husband’s heart. (Whoa! Talk about a tease! Sandra could’ve left off the rest. I was hooked from the first sentence!)

Hallie Russell believes life should be lived to the fullest. For that reason, she sails to the gold rush town of Nome, Alaska to take her cousin’s place as the mail-order bride of a respected shopkeeper. But when her aloof husband’s wedding-night announcement rocks her plans for their marriage, Hallie sees her desire for a family to call her own vanish as quickly as the dreams of hopeful miners.

Tragedy led Rance Preston to regret his rowdy ways and open a general store for the miners in Nome. He’s content in his bachelorhood, but his two orphaned nephews deserve a proper and serious-minded mother. Duped once by a vivacious female, he’s determined to never again let his heart overrule his head…until the high spirits of his new bride threaten his resolve.

When a misunderstanding comes to light, will they allow the gale force winds of insecurity to destroy what they each need most?

My thoughts…

The hero’s angst in the first few lines drew me into this story immediately! Now a committed guardian of his two young nephews, Rance Preston waits on the beach for the mail order bride who would care for the youngsters while he manages the store. Romance isn’t part of his marriage agenda (You can read the book to find out why!) unlike the heroine who craves a proper family. The author did a fabulous job of showing the hero’s mixture of dread and acceptance and the heroine’s determination and grit to love her husband and his nephews before she steps a foot on shore in Nome, Alaska. Rance’s doubt almost cost them everything but considering his past experience, f found his reactions understandable. Besides, how could I not admire and respect him? He gave up much to care for these two boys and only wanted what was best for them. If I had lived during that time period, I would’ve wanted Hallie for a best friend. The setting on the pages came alive, and I got a real sense of the mixture of excitement and desperation of the gold panners.

Normally, I lose interest in historicals because of the voluminous page count but A Love Most Worthy was short enough to hold my interest, yet long enough to satisfy. The plot, combined with a natural faith element that weaved organically through the story, kept me turning pages. Overall, I’m thrilled that this particular book kicked off my reading this year!

A Love Most Worthy releases on February 5, but don’t wait! Pre-order your copy for only $.99 by clicking here, and this sweet gem will be waiting in your kindle inbox that Tuesday morning. It’s that easy. Happy reading!

What were some of your favorite reads in 2018?

Disclaimer: I received a copy of A Love Most Worthy from the author without any mention or expectation of a review. Other than the free copy of this ebook, I was not compensated, and this review represents my fair and unbiased opinion.

Excited about Reading: A Father for Bella by Jill Weatherholt

/ Dora Hiers / 8 Comments

Oh my goodness, y’all, it’s been so long since I wrote a book review. You probably thought I stopped reading, right? Not the case. But I’m discovering that it’s harder for me to read while in the midst of writing. Nowadays, a blurb’s got to really pull me in to pick it up. And Jill’s did, along with this adorable cover!

What’d I tell you? So stinking adorable, right?

Here’s the blurb:

Another roadblock…or the family she’s looking for? When single mom Faith Brennan discovers the Virginia inn she grew up in is for sale, she’s determined to make a bid. Even if that means going head-to-head with handsome real estate broker Joshua Carlson. But competing with Joshua would be a lot easier if Faith’s young daughter wasn’t growing so attached to him…and if Faith could stop picturing running the inn with Joshua by her side.

My thoughts…

Raised in a household with an absentee dad, Joshua intends to buy the Inn his late mother adored, the one his father plans to auction. Yeah, I know, right? Talk about dysfunctional. Cue single mother Faith. She manages the Inn now, but has lived on the property since childhood. Buying the Inn will provide her and daughter Bella with a forever home and follow through with a dream she shared with her late husband. Both want the Inn for very strong reasons. Jill Weatherholt really knows how to ramp up the conflict!

This book has it all! A kind and handsome hero who wants to do the right thing. A feisty single mom who’s willing to fight for the security she craves for her and her daughter. An adorable little girl who speaks her mind and has her heart set on claiming Joshua as her daddy. A light, organic spiritual thread. Conflict that keeps ratcheting up, leaving you to wonder if Faith and Joshua would ever get their happily-ever-after. And just when you think the book’s drawing to a close, BOOM! Another obstacle! How could I stop turning pages?? I didn’t! lol.

What’s your favorite read so far this summer?

Disclaimer: I purchased my copy of A Father for Bella. This review is my fair and unbiased opinion, and I was in no way compensated.

Excited about Reading…Under the Mistletoe

/ Dora Hiers / 2 Comments

Wrap your heart around a cozy little romance that starts with a red wool scarf, an angel or two, and ends with Ben Logan and Lucy Fielding under the mistletoe. An uplifting tale of romance and faith for the holidays.

Sharing my thoughts…

Oh my goodness, y’all, I have to tell you about this cute little novella! My favorite holiday read this season! It’s a shortie–89 pages, which includes a preview for The Rosetti Curse–but don’t let that stop you from scooping it up. It’s a great read to curl up with during the holiday season, with several laugh out loud moments, nothing heavy or weighty, and a sigh-worthy ending. Humorous, sometimes sarcastic, totally realistic, flirty and fun dialog kept the story moving at a fast clip.

“It is possible that I may have overdone it.”

“You think?”

Ben glared at her.

“How far did you traverse, oh skilled athlete?”

“Twenty miles.”

Lucy gasped. “Twenty miles?”

Ben nodded, which set her off again.

“This from a guy who thinks the walk from the parking lot to the elevator is strenuous exercise?” She clutched the files to her chest and began to laugh.

“It’s not that funny.”

“Sure it is.”

“Good to know I can count on you for support.”

“I have ibuprofen. Is that support enough for you?”

See what I mean? 🙂

Lucy’s a planner, an antique prowler, and an avid Yankees fan. Ben has known her practically his entire life.

Don’t you just adore friends-to-lovers stories?? :insert dreamy sigh:

Of course Ben’s reluctant to reveal his feelings to Lucy. Doing so would ruin their bestie status, but also because she’s engaged. Not that Ben really expects her to go through with the wedding. And especially not after a deceased….well, you’ll just have to read the book to find out who, makes some surprise visits, encouraging Ben to make a move…

A sweet hero who proves his faithfulness and love, a heroine who finally realizes the treasure right in front of her all along, and a friendship that expands into something much deeper. Like I said, tough to put down. Plan to read it all in one sitting. You can thank me later. I’m off in search of more Tina Radcliffe books…

What’s your favorite holiday read so far this season?

Disclaimer: I purchased Under the Mistletoe while it was free on Amazon. This review is my fair and unbiased opinion, and I was in no way compensated.