Rebel Heart - A Review

Published - June 2018, Revell Books
Series - Daughtry House Book 1
Author - Beth White
Title - A Rebel Heart
Format - ebook, paper
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About the book:
The long War Between the States is over. It's time to rebuild. All over the South, plantations are being rebuilt and people are starting over. Yet for Selah Daughtry and her sisters, it's a struggle just to survive. Selah longs to hold onto her family's home. But she can't run a plantation by herself. When Yankee Levi Riggins offers her a solution - turn her home into a resort for the railroad -, Selah is hesitant. But with the railroad agreeing to foot the bill of restoring the plantation to its former glory, Selah doesn't have much choice. As Levi works to oversee the rebuilding, he is drawn to Selah. Yet someone wants to ensure that Selah doesn't succeed. Can she allow herself to fall for a Yankee? And can he keep her safe while he gets to the bottom of everything?

My Thoughts:
I read a lot of Civil War books. But I rarely read one set in Reconstruction. For me, this was interesting since I don't normally read books set in the South during Reconstruction.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved getting a glimpse into a historical period I'm aware of, but not fully knowledgeable of. I loved the sense of mystery in this book. I also loved Levi. From the moment he appeared on the page, I was captivated with him. Selah grew on me as I read the book.

I'm eager to read the next in the series as I understand it'll be about Joelle. I'm looking forward to seeing her more fleshed out and seeing how she interacts more and more with Schulyer.

I received a copy from the publisher in order to share my honest opinion about the book in the form of a review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of historical fiction, Elizabeth Camden, Kristi Ann Hunter, Jody Hedlund, Lisa Wingate

Rating - 4 stars

Magnolia Duchess - A Review

Published -April 2016, Revell Books.
Series - Gulf Coast Chronicles Book 3
Author - Beth White
Title - Magnolia Duchess
Format - ebook, paper
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Fiona Lanier is out on the beach when she receives word that her twin brother has been imprisoned by the British. Her family builds ships for the Americans during the War of 1812. Shortly after receiving the news of her brother, she stumbles across a man washed up on the beach. She recognizes him as Charlie Kincaid. Charlie has been undercover for the past six months. When he awakens on a beach with no memory, he can only trust what his beautiful rescuer says about him. But as his memories begin to return, Charlie and Fiona learn that falling in love is wrought with danger especially in light of varying political loyalties.

The cover caught my eye first on this book. I love it. It's so elegant and pretty. But the cover alone wasn't, unfortunately, to hold my attention.

Like the others in this series, it is very rich in history. I'll admit that I've not read a lot of books set during the period of the War of 1812, at least set in America that is. So the history of the period intrigued me. But, this book really didn't hold my attention. I found myself very easily distracted by my library books, or others to read and review.

The characters themselves didn't make much of an impression on me either, so I can't really say much about them. I did enjoy the action and the adventure part of the story.

While others may love this book, this is probably one I'll not really read again. I really felt rather blah about the whole books

I received a free copy of the book from Revell for the purpose of reviewing. I was not required to like the book, only give my honest opinion, which I've done. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of American history, Lori Benton, Beth White

Rating - 3 stars

The Creole Princess - A Review

Published - April 2015, Revell Books a division of Baker Publishing Group
Series - Gulf Coast Chronicles Book 2
Author - Beth White
Title - The Creole Princess
Format - ebook, paper
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The Eastern Coast of the American colonies is engaged in the fight against the British for freedom. Yet in the British held port of Mobile, Alabama, the fight is much quieter though no less deadly. Lyse Lanier has French roots, but spends most of her time with the daughter of the British commander. Rafael Gonzalez is a young, Spanish merchant newly arrived in town. Lyse is attracted to his easy wit and while he thinks she is beautiful and charming, he needs to focus his attentions more on her friend. But is he really what he says he is or is he more? After all, it is war, and spies abound on both sides of the conflict and Spain hasn't yet chosen a side. But as Lyse and Rafael are drawn more and more together, can she trust him with her heart or will he prove to be a liar?

The cover of this book captured my attention much like the first one in the series did last year. Unlike the first one though, this one took me a little longer to get into.

I can say that this is rich in historical detail and it gives some insight into a bit of the Revolution that most people don't know about. Because when I hear about the American Revolution, I immediately think of Boston, and the other eastern states where most of history is focused on. So it was fun to learn a little more about the Louisiana territory during the war.

I liked Lyse a lot. I liked how she grew in the book and developed. And for Rafael, I adored him from the moment he set foot on the page. I loved how he was a man of integrity and fought for what he believed was the right side. The bit of mystery and intrigue in the story only served to move the plot along even more.

I received this book for free from Revell books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of historical fiction, Laura Frantz, Julie Klassen, Jody Hedlund

Rating - 4 stars

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten (Or Twenty) Books Read in 2014

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly theme hosted by The Broke & The Bookish. Feel free to join in.

This week's topic is one that I usually do on New Year's Eve. But it works for this week. This week, the topic is the top 10 books I've read in 2014. This is probably one of the hardest posts I've written. I mean, how can I narrow my list down to just 10?! I've read so many books this year that it was so hard to decide. My initial list contained over 50 titles.

So after cutting some out, here is what I came up with though.... Each title links to the review on my blog and purchase links are listed too.

Beginning with the Women's Fiction/Contemporary Category

1. Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers - this is probably the BEST book I've read this year. It was simply amazing. Buy it here.

2. The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate - Another amazing book. Buy it here.

Now for the WWII books....

3. In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin - By far, my favorite of the series. I couldn't get enough of Kay & Roger. Buy it here.

4. Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohkle - I was impressed with her book Promise Me This a couple years ago. This one was just as impressive. Buy it here.

5. For Such a Time by Kate Breslin - A beautiful retelling of Esther set against Nazi Germany. I need a copy of this! Buy it here.

Moving on to the general historical...

6. Love's Fortune by Laura Frantz - This family saga is amazing! Most of these are amazing. But I'm serious, this book, and the others in the series are well worth the time and money on these. Buy it here.

7. Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund - Probably my favorite of Jody's books. Such a gripping story. Buy it here.

8. Pelican Bride by Beth White - This was a surprise for me. I don't usually read early American history, but I really loved this book. Buy it here.

Now to the romance (both contemporary and historical)...

9. Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade - I adored this book. Absolutely adored it! I loved everything about it - the cover, the characters, the story - everything. Buy it here.

10. When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren - It's the Christiansen Family. Need I say more? I"m so excited to read the next one (soon). Buy it here.

11. A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert - I've come to expect quality from Katie. And I was not disappointed. Such a beautiful story of discovering true beauty. Buy it here.

12. Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg - Melissa's books always make me giggle. This was no exception. Buy it here.

13. Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck - I love princesses, fairy tales, happy endings. Pure fluff. Buy it here.

14. Tried & True by Mary Connealy - Probably my favorite of hers so far. I laughed all the way through it. Buy it here.

Finally, the Young Adult & Suspense books.

15. Silenced by Dani Pettery - Book 4 in the Alaskan Courage Series, Kayden finally gets her turn. And this McKenna's sister's story of love is filled with danger. But she and Jake figure it all out. Buy it here.

16. Deceived by Irene Hannon - My favorite in the series and favorite by Irene. Can Connor be any more dreamy? Buy it here.

17. The Lunar Chronicles of Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress  by Marissa Meyer - Should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me. Especially lately. I've pretty much been gushing about them.  Buy them here.

 

18. Worth the Wait by Laura Jackson - Laura's debut reminded me a lot of the Christy Miller books. Buy it here.

and speaking of the Christy Miller Books,

19. Forever With You by Robin Jones Gunn - I literally squealed when I learned that Robin was writing a series about Christy & Todd and their married life. Literally squealed. Buy it here.

and finally,

20. The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson - a young adult retelling of Snow White. I still have to wonder how I missed her all this time. Buy it here.

So I couldn't cut my list to just ten. Though I did try. I left off wonderful ones of Dare to Love Again by Julie Lessman, In the Shadow of Jezebel by Mesu Andrews, With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden, Stuck Together by Mary Connealy, Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan, Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan, Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer, and March Bride by Rachel Hauck. Seriously, there were so many delightful ones I read this year, that I couldn't list them all.

So how did you come out? What books were your favorites this year? Maybe you have a hidden gem I need to discover. Tell me in the comments.

Pelican Bride - A Review

Published - April 2014, Revell Books, a Division of Baker Publishing Group

Author - Beth White

Series - The Gulf Coast Chronicles #1

Title - The Pelican Bride

Format - paper, ebook

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Genevieve Gaillian and her sister Aimee left France in the hopes of new beginnings as mail order wives to men in the New World. Genevieve knows that she must keep her Protestant beliefs a secret and appear to adopt the teachings of the Catholic church as she begins her new life. When she falls in love with Tristan Lanier, she hopes that she has finally found someone who will allow her to be herself. Yet the New World is ripe with peril. There is sickness, primitive conditions, and the threat of war with Britain. When Tristan is sent on a peace keeping mission between warring Indian tribes, Genevieve wonders if she'll ever see him again. There is a plot to discredit her. Genevieve's future and Tristan's safety rest in the hands of a local Indian girl. Will her testimony be enough to bring peace?

To say that this book is enchanting and enthralling would be a gross understatement. It is both of those and so much more. I started this one evening and finished it the next afternoon.

I think that this may have been the first book that I've read set in the French colonies of early America - what is now Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. The setting itself was rich in detail. And the characters only served to heighten it.

I loved both Tristan and Genevieve from the moments they walked onto the pages. Their fears and struggles were very well written. I found Aimee to be a spoiled brat. But I think that was how she was supposed to come across. The supporting characters would both delight me and exasperate me at times. I was really rooting for a happy ending for Tristan and Genevieve.

I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received this book for free from Revell Books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of American history, historical romance, Jody Hedlund, Liz Curtis Higgs, Joanne Bischoff

Rating - 5 stars