“Enchanting the Heiress” by Kristi Ann Hunter ~ Book Review

“Enchanting the Heiress” by Kristi Ann Hunter

Book Three in the Hearts on the Heath Series

Launch Team

My rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

About the Book:

Harriet Hancock likes to make the lives of those around her better whether they like it or not. So, she is surprised when her friend Sophia Whitworth has ideas of her own on how to make Harriet happier–by throwing her together with Sophia’s brother, stable hand Jonas Fitzroy. When Harriet discovers his natural way with words, she hatches a plan that would benefit them both.

Holding a grudge against Harriet for her meddling in Sophia’s life, it is only because of his sister that Jonas agrees to approach Harriet about a possible artistic project. What he doesn’t expect is for her to request his help writing a book.

As they work together, they start to see each other in a different light, but when the truth of Harriet’s schemes is revealed, she’ll find her good intentions for once have gone too far.

My Thoughts:

This was so, so good.  Main character Harriet Hancock surprised me in so many delightful ways. I loved the little glimpses we got in the previous books of the series, but oh there was so much more to be discovered about who she was on her own. Outgoing with a heart for adventure, she shined bright on the page and seemingly lept off of those pages.  She was witty, and smart, and kind-hearted, while still having flaws and struggles, and lessons she had to go through. Jonas was such a stalwart, steady, and strong character – so sensible with a heart of gold and a devotion to God and the Bible. I absolutely loved all the verses he had memorized by heart.Both of these spectacular characters went through such a journey of growth in this novel, it was so touching. I personally deeply appreciated the message of purpose – or what happens when you don’t know what your purpose is, or what you want. Seeing that played out among the characters lives bonded me to them in a special way. I only wish they were real. ^.^The plot was so good, the faith message beautiful, and the romance extremely sweet. There was just a lot of heart in this novel that I absolutely loved, and it will remain a favorite. <3 I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“The Thief and the Noble” by Dana LeCheminant ~ Book Review

“The Thief and the Noble” by Dana LeCheminant

A Robin Hood Regency Novel

About the Book:

“Remember who you’re fighting for.”

As the daughter of a marquess, Lady Marian Russell is poised to impress in her first London Season. She is young, beautiful, and wealthy—but catching an eligible husband is the last thing on her mind. Marian is disillusioned with how the upper class lives while the poor of London suffer, and she is determined to right this imbalance. When she comes face-to-face with a mysterious man who steals from arrogant aristocrats and redistributes the spoils to the poor, Marian recognizes a motivation that mirrors her own. She is determined to discover the true identity of the unscrupulous hero and offer her assistance.

When she unmasks the bandit Robin, he begrudgingly agrees to train the lovely Marian in the art of thievery in exchange for her silence, quickly realizing that his heart may be stolen next. But when they discover a copycat thief operating in London, they are faced with a foe whose purpose is far from noble. Amid distracting suitors, becoming a champion of the poor, and a growing attraction Marian can’t ignore, can she and Robin expose the renegade pilferer without risking themselves.

My Thoughts:

A Regency Robin Hood re-imagining sounded like a fun read, and I am pleased to say that it was just such the thing. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but I enjoyed the writing style, and the characters were lively and fun to follow along with.

I liked this Robin Hood character better than the original (I know, gasp….the original isn’t my favorite, but I like retellings of this well known tale), and his escapades were amusing for certain.Lady Marian was a plucky and high-spirited character, even as she was young and sometimes naive. The plot was very entertaining – The Thief and the Noble is an easy-to-read novel that keeps you turning the pages to the end. I also appreciate the clean content.
Oh and the interior design!! The chapter headings and all the accents are absolutely gorgeous and add such a delightful touch to the book. The cover is also just as stunning.If you’re looking for a fun retelling, as well as a unique regency read, certainly check out this one!

This book was provided courtesy of Revell through Interviews and Reviews for my honest opinion.

“Sunrise” by Susan May Warren ~ Book Review

“Sunrise” by Susan May Warren

Book One in the Sky King Ranch Series

About the Book:

Pilot Dodge Kingston has always been the heir to Sky King Ranch. But after a terrible family fight, he left to become a pararescue jumper. A decade later, he’s headed home to the destiny that awaits him.

That’s not all that’s waiting for Dodge. His childhood best friend and former flame, Echo Yazzie, is a true Alaskan–a homesteader, dogsledder, and research guide for the DNR. Most of all, she’s living a life Dodge knows could get her killed. One of these days she’s going to get lost in the woods again, and his worst fear is that he won’t be there to find her.

When one of Echo’s fellow researchers goes missing, Echo sets out to find her, despite a blizzard, a rogue grizzly haunting the woods, and the biting cold. Plus, there’s more than just the regular dangers of the Alaskan forests stalking her . . .

Will Dodge be able to find her in time? And if he does, is there still room for him in her heart?

Sunrise is the first explosive volume in a new nail-biting series from USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren.

My Thoughts:

Everybody gets excited for a new SMW book! And rightfully so. “Sunrise” starts off the new series Sky King Ranch. Set in Alaska, I really felt like I was transported there myself as I read, and I loved all the vibes it gave. The characters were so realistic and well written, and I loved following along with their story.
Dodge and Echo have had an enduring history together, and also bear a lot of their own individual scars. I liked that they both had issues to work through, and that it wasn’t all wrapped up in a bow at the end. I mean, their romance certainly was lovely at the end (sooo sweet), but they both were still progressively growing in their journey and I appreciate that.
The faith message was subtle, evident in small pieces, but done very well. There were definitely some truths that hit home for me too, and I marked down a few different things.
Echo was relatable for me, especially her ‘what ifs’ – “What if I’m too happy?…What if I love you too much? What if-” “Stop what-iffing” XD That is so me.
Sunrise has great characters, and enthralling plot, and suspense that keeps you turning the pages for more. It’s going to be hard to wait for the next book in this series!!

This book was provided courtesy of Revell through Interviews and Reviews for my honest opinion.

“Codename: Mermaid” by Michael James Emberger ~ Book Review

Codename: Mermaid by Michael James Emberger

About the Book:

FBI agent Ben Blanchard is angry at God for allowing his wife to die. He’s tasked with investigating a Nazi sabotage operation with a new partner, Vicky, a known German spy who looks strikingly like his late wife…and they’ll be posing as a married couple.

They arrive in the isolated town of Sugar Falls, Ontario, where they find a mysterious lumber mill, a distressed German soprano, and murderous disputes over maple tapping. With outside support cut off, Ben is forced to rely on a shaken faith and a woman he can’t trust in an attempt to stop the Nazis from spreading their poisonous plan.

Rife with grief, deception, swords, songs, and scars, Codename Mermaid is a historical thriller inspired by Beethoven’s 9th, the Ode to Joy.

My Thoughts:

The writing style of “Codename: Mermaid” was very strong and easy to fall into. I love first person narratives, and so easily found myself turning the pages one right after the other, curious to see how the story would go. The grief the main character, Ben, displayed going through in the beginning chapters was poignant and real, and I appreciated the way it was shown. 

This novel is set during WWII, and involves a lot of spies and intrigue – even as the reader, you’re unsure who you are to trust and who you are to be suspicious of. 

I liked the characters, especially Kirsten. Ben could sometimes come across as a little…bland; I’m not entirely sure why, because he had a backstory and was involved in the plot, but there was just something about him that sometimes made him seem to fade more into the background of the story, even though we were reading from his POV. I still liked him, though.

Kirsten had to endure a lot, and faced many trials and pain. Her faith throughout the novel was encouraging, and I also liked the music theme woven throughout. Even among the horrors she saw and was forced to participate in, she still clung to God, and I loved that.

The ending was a bit surprising to me. To be honest, I’m still a little uncertain about it, but it did end happily which I appreciate.

The plot was intriguing and I enjoyed following along, and spending time within the pages.

Thanks to the author for the review copy.