Promise of Breeze Hill - A Review

Published - August 2017, Tyndale
Series - Natchez Trace Book 1
Author - Pam Hillman
Title - The Promise of Breeze Hill
Format - ebook, paper
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About the book (Amazon):
Natchez, MS; 1791
Anxious for his brothers to join him on the rugged frontier along the Mississippi River, Connor O’Shea has no choice but to indenture himself as a carpenter in exchange for their passage from Ireland. But when he’s sold to Isabella Bartholomew of Breeze Hill Plantation, Connor fears he’ll repeat past mistakes and vows not to be tempted by the lovely lady.

The responsibilities of running Breeze Hill have fallen on Isabella’s shoulders after her brother was found dead in the swamps along the Natchez Trace and a suspicious fire devastated their crops, almost destroyed their home, and left her father seriously injured. Even with Connor’s help, Isabella fears she’ll lose her family’s plantation. Despite her growing feelings for the handsome Irish carpenter, she seriously considers accepting her wealthy and influential neighbor’s proposal of marriage.

Soon, though, Connor realizes someone is out to eliminate the Bartholomew family. Can he set aside his own feelings to keep Isabella safe?

My Thoughts:
I honestly don't know why it took me so long to start this book. But it did. I was captivated by the first few pages. And while it took me about 2 weeks to actually read the book, I'm so glad that I finally got around to it. 

I loved Connor. I loved how he was determined to keep Isabella safe at all costs. I loved how she was just as determined to not let him. I also enjoyed learning more about the history of Natchez as most of my knowledge of that town comes from the form of the musical Showboat.

I'm looking forward to seeing these characters again in the next one of the series, about Connor's brother Quinn.

I received a Kindle copy via NetGalley from the publisher. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of historical fiction, Julie Lessman, Pam Hillman, Jody Hedlund, Laura Frantz

Rating - 4 stars

Deadly Proof - A Review

Published - September 2017, Bethany House
Series - Atlanta Justice Book 1
Author - Rachel Dylan
Title - Deadly Proof
Format - ebook, paper, audio
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About the book:
Attorney Kate Sullivan is the lead counsel on the biggest case of her career - a lawsuit against Mason Pharmaceutical in the wrongful deaths of several people who used the company's latest drug. When a whistleblower dies, all of a sudden the stakes are raised. Kate learns that the opposition will stop at nothing to win the case, even destroying evidence. In an effort to look further into the death of the whistleblower, Kate hires former Army Ranger turned PI Landon James. Landon begins to suspect that the stakes are higher than even Kate realizes. He will do everything in his power to keep her safe. Even at the risk of his own heart.

My thoughts:
Legal thrillers aren't usually my cup of tea. This one gripped me from the first page. I was fascinated with the behind the scenes working of the lawsuit.

I loved Kate's determination to get to the truth. I loved that she wanted justice for her clients. The underhandedness of the defendant was intriguing as well. Because it made wonder exactly how far the corruption went. The dynamic between Kate and Landon was interesting. I wasn't too sure I liked them as a couple, but they did grow on me.

I'm looking forward to the others in this series.

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of legal thrillers, Irene Hannon, Dani Pettrey, Robert Whitlow, Brandilyn Collins

Rating - 4 stars

Tea Planter's Wife - A Review

Published - June 2017, Random House
Author - Dinah Jefferies
Title - The Tea Planter's Wife
Format - ebook, paper, hardcover, audio
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About the book (Goodreads):
#1 International bestselling novel set in 1920s Ceylon, about a young Englishwoman who marries a charming tea plantation owner and widower, only to discover he's keeping terrible secrets about his past, including what happened to his first wife, that lead to devastating consequences. Nineteen-year-old Gwendolyn Hooper is newly married to a rich and charming widower, eager to join him on his tea plantation, determined to be the perfect wife and mother. But life in Ceylon is not what Gwen expected.  The plantation workers are resentful, the neighbours treacherous, and there are clues to the past - a dusty trunk of dresses, an overgrown gravestone in the grounds - that her husband refuses to discuss. Just as Gwen finds her feet, disaster strikes. She faces a terrible choice, hiding the truth from almost everyone, but a secret this big can't stay buried forever....

My Thoughts:
First of all let me say that the cover of this book is beautiful. It caught my eye and made me want to read it. Then the back cover copy intrigued me as well. So I requested it to review.

I wasn't prepared for how slow the book was. I wasn't prepared for how long it took to really get into the action. I'll admit that I've had this book for several months. I'd start it, then get bored with it, and put it down, only to pick it up again several weeks later. I'm not sure if the reason it wasn't holding my interest was because it was so slow moving or if I just wasn't interested in it. 

The author did a really good job in developing the characters. They had a lot of depth to them. I just wish that that process had happened sooner in the book rather than later.

I rarely will look at the reviews of a book that I'm currently reviewing. I did in this case. Most of them are very positive. I just know that this particular book wasn't for me. Someone else may love it, and according to the reviews, several do. 

I received this book for free from the Blogging for Books program. I was not required to like the book, only to give my honest opinion, which I have done.

Rating - 2 stars