Book Review

On My Kindle ~ The Yuletide Angel by Sandra Ardoin

/ Dora Hiers
Purchase Link

Sharing my review
What a fun premise! A Good Samaritan makes weekly deliveries during the weeks leading up to Christmas, delivering precious supplies to the needy in the community, and the next door neighbor who secretly loves her catches her in the act. 

Violet Madison considers herself plain and socially inept, but this small act of kindness emboldens her. Hugh Barnes sees beauty and a kind heart in Violet, and he determines to protect her during her clandestine missions. It was neat to see how Violet and Hugh grew over the course of the story, Violet morphing from shy and quiet to bold and empowered and Hugh dealing with past hurts inflicted by his brother.

“…what is it you want?”

Kit settled into the nearest chair, crossed his legs, and propped his hat on his knee. After a moment of silence, he said, “Forgiveness.”“

We discussed this situation five years ago. You’re forgiven.” Even as he spoke, Hugh recognized the statement as a lie. Forgiving his brother meant a renewal of their relationship.

Haven’t we all experienced a toxic family member, someone who hurts us repeatedly with their vicious zingers whether with words or deeds? This hit home for me, so I was glad to see that Kit had truly changed. Even so, I appreciated that their relationship wasn’t restored immediately and that it took Hugh a little while to come to grips with his brother’s new behavior.

The Yuletide Angel was a quick read with a clever plot and spiritual depth that kept me turning pages. For my taste, I would have liked more romantic interludes (read kissing) between Hugh and Violet, but I understand that society in the late 1800’s didn’t permit much of that. 🙂 Overall, The Yuletide Angel was a pleasant way to spend a couple hours, and a great read for all seasons.

Disclaimer: Sending a big thank you to Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and the author for allowing me the privilege of reviewing The Yuletide Angel and for the free copy I received in exchange for my fair and unbiased review. This opinion is my own, and I received no compensation.

On My Kindle ~ His Most Suitable Bride by Renee Ryan

/ Dora Hiers
Purchase Link

About the book~
No one in Denver knows how close Callie Mitchell once came to ruin. Dowdy dresses and severe hairstyles hide evidence of the pretty, trusting girl she used to be. Now her matchmaking employer wants Callie to help find a wife for the one man who sees through her careful facade. 

For his business’s sake, Reese Bennett Jr. plans on making a sensible marriage. Preferably one without the unpredictable emotions that spring to life around Callie. Yet no matter how many candidates she presents to Reese, none compare with the vibrant, intelligent woman who is right under his nose—and quickly invading his heart. 

Sharing my thoughts~
When attorney Reese Bennett Jr.’s client and perpetual matchmaker points out that his law firm would suffer from his continued bachelor status and offers to help find him a suitable bride, he decides to allow her. But when Mrs. Singletary suddenly claims she’s too busy and turns that task over to her companion, Callie Mitchell, his ex-fiance’s sister, he debates withdrawing his permission. 

Docile one moment, bold the next. Plain one day, jaw-droppingly beautiful the next. Boring. Then exciting. Demure and shy. Then confident and determined. Who is Callie Mitchell and why is she hiding under dull shapeless clothes? Intrigued, Reece determines to find out, and accepts Callie’s offer to help him with his bride search.

Callie Mitchell refuses to forgive her past indiscretion over a man and believes that if she dresses plainly, no man will show interest and therefore she couldn’t repeat the mistake. But when gentle, handsome Reece looks past the dowdy dresses and begins to unravel the real Callie, her facade cracks. Her past did not have to define her future. She was a child of God, forgiven and loved…She could either spend the rest of her life feeling shame over her lapse in good judgment, or accept the Lord’s mercy. The past was the past. The future, hers for the taking.

While His Most Suitable Bride was an enjoyable read, I really appreciated the underlying theme of letting go of our past. I struggle with this myself, so I could relate to both Callie and Reese, and understood how their attitudes affected their decisions and relationships. Little gems like this were sprinkled throughout the book:

“Today is a new day, meant to be lived under grace.” ~Pastor Beau

“One must never focus on the ending when the story has yet to fully begin.” ~Mrs. Singletary

Whether you’re looking for a book to curl up with for a long evening, during a carpool line, or to take on vacation, you’ll want to include His Most Suitable Bride!

Disclaimer: Sending a big thank you to Harlequin Love Inspired Historical and NetGalley for allowing me the privilege of reviewing His Most Suitable Bride and for the free copy I received in exchange for my fair and unbiased review. This opinion is my own, and I received no compensation.

Have you read SEEING DAYLIGHT by Tanya Hanson?

/ Dora Hiers
Purchase Link: Amazon & Pelican Book Group

A beautiful attorney widowed by a foolhardy man…a successful builder vanquishing guilt over his wife’s death. Can they rebuild faith and find love enough to give each other and their kids a happy home together?


About Seeing Daylight

Sixteen months since the foolish death of her husband, attorney Rachel Martin aches to move on as much as she fears the future. Her three-year-old son deserves a dad, but can she chance losing another man she loves? Especially if he’s careless of her feelings and impetuous in action?

Cutting back on her practice and living back at her childhood ranch means her son has all the attention he needs, but she wants to heal and strike out on her own. Finding love again is the last thing on her mind…until she meets Brayton Metcalf.

After years of self-blame for his wife’s death in a plane crash he piloted, Brayton Metcalf, successful businessman, gets his life on track. When he brings his daughter to Hearts Crossing Ranch for therapy riding lessons, he is drawn to Rachel right away even as she backs off. He must whittle away at her doubts as well as put to rest ten years of his own guilt. Even as he keeps necessary secrets and jumps headfirst into a decision that affects Rachel’s family, the couple draws together as renewed faith and shared griefs burgeon into true love.

Sharing my thoughts:
Second chances at romance, precious kids, and a return visit to the Hearts Crossing Ranch where “white-tipped peaks peered down on plump hills still wearing summer tans.” Wow! How could I resist? I couldn’t wait to dig into this book. 

“I need another husband like I need…like I need a rash on my backside during a trail ride.” Ha! Do you get the idea Rachel isn’t looking for love? Her risk-taking husband hadn’t been dead two years when widower Brayton Metcalf shows up at the ranch along with daughter, Addie, who blames her dad for her mother’s death. Well, he blames himself too, but after ten years, he’s ready to bury the past, along with his guilt, and move on. Rachel’s not quite there yet, and it takes a little convincing on his part. But that’s all good, right?

“People can let their love die, let their relationships wither for stupid reasons–or even important reasons. But you fix it. Or at least try. Not like somebody dying and you never get another chance.” Such a powerful reminder to make every day count with our loved ones, not to allow trivial matters to destroy relationships. Reminders that we all need occasionally, don’t you think? I loved these little goodies that were sprinkled throughout the story.

Full of pre-teen angst, emotional depth and breathtaking imagery, my only complaint is that at 144 pages, Seeing Daylight just wasn’t long enough! Since I believe this was the last book in the Hearts Crossing Ranch series, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the Martin clan. 🙂 Overall, Seeing Daylight is perfect for toting to the beach or curling up on the couch for a few hours on a Friday evening. 
Tanya Hanson
Disclaimer: Sending a big thank you to the author for allowing me the privilege of reviewing Seeing Daylight and for the free copy I received in exchange for my fair and unbiased review. This opinion is my own, and I received no compensation.

Meet Tanya Hanson… 

After a career as a high school English teacher, Tanya Hanson writes both inspirational and secular Western romances. A native Californian, she thanks God daily for the blessings of good health, a happy home, and exciting travels. Two little grandsons, the movie Frozen, and volunteering at the local horse rescue are her most favorite things!
www.tanyahanson.com
www.petticoatsandpistols.com
Tanya Hanson Author, http://tinyurl.com/ak5xqb5