Buried Secrets (By: Irene Hannon)

Buried Secrets
By: Irene Hannon

Buried Secrets is the first novel in the new Men of Valor series by Christian romantic suspense author Irene Hannon. If you enjoy a blend of mystery, intrigue, suspense and romance, this is an author you'll want to check out!

Storyline

A secret, buried long ago, rises to the surface in a small Missouri town and threatens the livelihood of those who want it to remain hidden. Police Chief Lisa Grant and Detective Mac McGregor are on the case to solve the mystery - and might also possibly be finding the love they've always wanted in each other. This story is solid right from the beginning and is clever, witty and interesting on every page. The suspense is good without getting creepy, the mystery is revealed at a good pace, the characters develop well and the fantastic writing is definitely the strength of this book!
 
Depth

Buried Secrets could possibly be called lighthearted except for the fact that the plot centers around murder! A story involving the dark sides of human nature will naturally go deeper, and that's what gives this category its three stars. Otherwise, there are some brief brushes with characters' motivations and pasts which give this read enough reality, but not so much as to weigh us down.

Faith

Both main characters have solid faith and rely on the Lord for guidance and direction for life. This book was a little lighter on faith than our usual reads, as there isn't much in the way of redemption, supernatural revelations or deep explorations of what faith is. However, Christian principles are followed and faith is evident!

Squeal Factor

Mac and Lisa have a very strong emotional connection that slowly but surely turns into a mature love story. They've got sparks and chemistry that made their romance all the more fun!

Overall

We are happy to have recently discovered Irene Hannon and her supreme ability to blend suspense and romance together into wonderful reads! We love mysteries that give us a little suspense without making us afraid to turn out the lights at night - and she delivers just that. If this first Men of Valor book is any indication, it's going to be a great series!

Find it on Amazon: Buried Secrets

We were given this book from the publisher in exchange for our honest review.

How to Catch a Prince (By: Rachel Hauck)

How to Catch a Prince
By: Rachel Hauck

Book three in the Royal Wedding Series is the best of this trilogy! If your heart pitter-patters at the lives of royals and romance, you won't want to miss this read - it was so good, in fact, that we have added it to our Golden List!

Storyline

American Heiress Corina Del Rey and Prince Stephen of Brighton (fictional European country much like England) fell in love a lifetime ago - or at least it seems that way. War, death and devastation tore them apart five years ago and each has done their best to forget and move on. Living on different continents, she is trying to get her career as a journalist started and he is a star rugby player. But when Stephen's brother, the King of Brighton, discovers what really lies in their past, Stephen is forced to reconnect with Corina and sort things out. Can these two work through the pain of the past to find love again? At first glance, it appears this book will be utterly predictable (although definitely enjoyable!). But it really isn't! There are surprises along the way, right from the very beginning, and with a bit of mystery thrown in. Seems that just when we knew where the story might be headed, it took another turn in a fantastically exciting direction. With exactly the right amount of plot, character development and action, this book quickly became a page turner.  

Depth

This category we were surprised at! Many times books centering around fairy tales, royal weddings and the like are largely fluff, merited on squeal factor and storyline, but this one went the extra mile to be deep and deal with some very harsh realities. Stephen and Corina, although born into privileged lives, are not strangers to grief and devastation. It is a frustrating, arduous journey for each of them (and subsequently us as readers!) to face their pasts, but ultimately is resolved in satisfying redemption.

Faith

God is all over this book, from Corina's strong dependence on Jesus to Stephen's journey back to the Lord from bitterness and anger. Corina's ability to hear her Creator speak to her heart, and her obedience to those Words are inspiring, and the Lord gives her the strength to obey Him. Stephen wrestles with where God has been when He has needed him, but (SPOILER alert) his redemption near the end of the book is one of the best we have ever read in a book. A few tears may have even leaked out of our eyes at that point. Also of note in the faith category is the very original storyline of some "heavenly beings" come down to earth to help Corina. Hebrews 13 says we must be sure to entertain strangers, for some may be angels - and this book delves into what that could look like. It was delightful to read!

Squeal Factor

Stephen and Corina have a very deep love for one another, and the chemistry is electric. As they remember their time together from five years previous, their memories are full of intimate, sweet moments that left us cheering for this relationship to find its ground again!

Overall
 
It's been awhile since we have put a book on our Golden List, and this one found it's way there quite unexpectedly! How to Catch a Prince has all the elements needed for a fabulous read. Romantic European settings, a royal family, Heavenly angels masquerading as people, and the depth of story to keep it all realistic makes this a must read for all book lovers. 

Rachel Hauck outdid herself with this one!  
 
Find it on Amazon: How to Catch a Prince

The Governess of Highland Hall (By: Carrie Turansky)

The Governess of Highland Hall
By: Carrie Turansky

The Governess of Highland Hall is the first book of the Edwardian Brides series. Set in early 1900's England, it is an excellent read.

Storyline

Julia Foster is returning home to England after having been a missionary alongside her parents for the last 12 years in India. Her father's poor health has left the financial burden resting on her shoulders. Sir William Ramsey, the widower of Highland Hall, hires Julia as as governess to care for his two children and two nieces. But she has her hands full taking care of her new charges - some of who are quite against her being their new governess.
 
The story revolves around the people living upstairs and the help downstairs. Where does Julia fit at Highland Hall? Being a governess is above the help, yet not accepted in the family. She is purposeful in her role, however, and in helping her employer seek what is best for the estate. As she starts getting closer to William, she fears she may have one sided feelings. Is it possible for him to overcome social barriers and reciprocate the feelings as well?
 
Sir William Ramsey has inherited Highland Hall and along with it some financial burden, but is determined to keep the estate in the family. He is intrigued by his new governess, yet holds her at arms length since he is nursing wounds from his past. Will he fight for love, or for saving his estate and keeping up with social standings?

Depth

Carrie Turansky paints a great picture of life at Highland Hall and the lives of those living both upstairs and downstairs. Overcoming the barriers between social classes is developed beautifully throughout the book. Character development in the main and side characters are well done.

Faith

Evident throughout the story is Julia's vibrant faith and determined trust in the Lord. William has a faith that is lacking in trust and prayer, but learns to hunger for more! In addition to personal faith, the Old Testament Law and ways of life are beautifully explained in simple terms. If you've ever thought of the Old Testament as boring, this book will surely change your mind!

Squeal Factor

This is one area we would have liked more of. The relationship between Julia and William was sweet and satisfying, but would have enjoyed more leading up to the end.

Overall

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed this book. Anyone who is fond of this time period will not want to miss out on reading this! You will love getting to know the characters and will delight in being a part of their journey. 
 
Find it on Amazon: The Governess of Highland Hall

Pearl in the Sand (By: Tessa Afshar)

Pearl in the Sand
By: Tessa Afshar

Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar is one of our favorite books of all time and part of our Golden List. We hope that you enjoy it as much as we do!

Storyline

In this story, Tessa Afshar retells the events surrounding the fall of Jericho (around 1,400 B.C.). The young girl Rahab is sold into prostitution by her family to save them from starving to death in a great famine. As she grows older, her heart is mysteriously drawn toward an unseen God that she can't quite explain. 

During this period of personal wrestling, she recognizes two Hebrew men trying to enter her city as spies. She befriends them and asks them about this God who has been stirring her heart. This encounter changes the trajectory of her life. Never could she have dreamed all that the Lord would have planned for her - a new faith, a new family, a new home and a new life. Many of us are familiar with the story of Rahab, the harlot, from the book of Joshua in the Bible, but this is a fascinating, detailed look into what may have been the deeper story. 

Author Tessa Afshar is one of the best there is - she paints characters who are neither victim, nor hero. Through her writing, history comes alive as she draws you in to an exciting world right from the beginning and kept you turning the pages to see what will happen next.

Depth

Pearl in the Sand explores the very depths of the human soul. Idolatry, betrayal, wickedness, forgiveness, trust and worth all come up and are handled truthfully and graciously. In fact, Tessa is so good at conquering these difficult issues that you may leave the book examining your own heart and life for lessons that need to be applied! While these principles she writes about may have been written for our main characters, the deep longings of the heart extend to us here in real life too. 

Faith

This story is alive and bursting with faith! In its entirety, this Pearl in the Sand is ALL about the Lord, and the work He does in His people. Many of us easily remember the story of Rahab the prostitute, but do we stop to wonder about her faith? How does a Canaanite harlot come to know the Lord? What is the source of her courage to save the Hebrew spies? 

In addition to personal faith, the Old Testament Law and ways of life are beautifully explained in simple terms. If you've ever thought of the Old Testament as boring, this book will surely change your mind!

Squeal Factor

Rahab marries Salmone, an Israelite, and from their line eventually comes Jesus Christ, the Messiah. This book tells their love story and oh, how sweet it is! But a romance between a former prostitute and a leader in Israel is no simple feat - each must deal with the reality of their differences and their pasts. They must learn about redemption, self-sacrifice and humility. As they fall in love, the chemistry and tension crackle and make us fall in love with them too! 

Overall
There is no better way to describe Pearl in the Sand than phenomenal!. Honestly, we would have given the story line, depth and faith MORE than five stars if we could have! It was one of the first reads we placed on our Golden List, and appeals to women and men alike. This is one of the few books we would say is worth paying full price for and owning - you will probably read it more than once, and will loan it out quite often!

Find it on Amazon: Pearl in the Sand

Once Upon a Prince (By: Rachel Hauck)

Once Upon a Prince
By: Rachel Hauck

Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck is the first book in the Royal Wedding Series. It is a modern day fairy tale that will leave you satisfied and wanting to read the next book in the series!

Storyline

Susanna Truitt has never been one for fairy tales; she's content marrying the man she has dated for the last 12 years. Adam, her Marine Corps boyfriend, is finally home from his last stint in Afghanistan, and Susanna is hoping for a proposal. Adam, however, breaks up with her; and Susanna comes to see she was more in love with "her plan" than Adam. What will she do now? 

Prince Nathaniel, aka "Nate Kenneth" when traveling and under disguise, is visiting St. Simons Island, GA when he comes to the aid or "rescue" of Susanna more than once. Nathaniel had no intentions of falling for someone, as he is to head home soon and take the place of his ailing father. What happens when a prince and an ordinary girl start falling for each other, but protocol from Brighton Royalty mandates that he may not marry a foreigner? 

Depth

Why is Susanna so cautious and wanting to trust in her plan and not "let go?" What in her past is keeping her from living freely in God's will for her? Nathaniel is under immense political pressure at home in Brighton. Not only is he to be King, but he also is being heavily influenced to marry a woman he does not love. We see character development in both Nathaniel and Susanna. It is a light read, a modern day fairy tale, but has more meat to chew on than meets the eye.

Faith

Faith is interwoven throughout the story. Both characters rely heavily on prayer and speaking freely to God. Themes of forgiveness, guidance, surrender and trust are beautifully portrayed in this book.

Squeal Factor

Who doesn't love a good fairy tale? That in itself gets us all giddy, wondering how in the world these two will end up together, if in fact they do! Susanna and Nathaniel are great together and the tension between them is real as they are both left wanting something they cannot have.

Overall

Anyone who has ever loved a fairy tale will thoroughly enjoy this book! A prince and an ordinary girl falling in love? Yes, please! Enjoy the journey as you read about the challenges and speed bumps that come along the way. By the end I promise you will be wearing a big ol' smile on your face! 

For more after you read this, check out a novella following this storyline called A March Bride; then onto the second and third book  in the series, Princess Ever After and How to Catch a Prince. 

Find it on Amazon: Once Upon a Prince

A Most Inconvenient Marriage (By: Regina Jennings)

A Most Inconvenient Marriage

By: Regina Jennings

Abigail Stuart thought she was Jeremiah Calhoun's widow - until the real Jeremiah turns up alive. This marriage of "convenience" just got a lot more complicated.

Storyline

The story was very intriguing and original! Almost from the first page, we couldn't wait to see how this plot would resolve itself. Abigail Stuart, nurse to wounded soldiers during the Civil War, agrees to marry Jeremiah Calhoun as he is dying from his war injuries. This way, she will inherit his farm in order to run it and take care of the mother and sister he is leaving behind. After the war is over, Abigail travels to her new home - her late husband's farm. But trouble arises when the real Jeremiah Calhoun shows up on the doorstep, claiming he has never seen her before in his life, and worse yet - he is already engaged to someone else. This exciting story line, with a little bit of suspense and mystery thrown in, makes for a fantastic plot!

Depth

This book has a good mix of realistic issues, though deals with them somewhat lightly. If you aren't looking for heavy issues to sink your teeth into, readers will appreciate the honesty of living in Civil War aftermath and painful family issues without being dragged down emotionally.

Faith

Our main characters trust in God for protection, provision and guidance. Christian principles are woven throughout the story.

Squeal Factor

As the real Jeremiah and Abigail begin to fall in love, they can't deny the attraction and chemistry at work. They've got some fireworks between them, but also develop a genuine, deep love for one another that is touching and satisfying.

Overall

We thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! We stepped back onto the pages of history a bit, loved the characters and appreciated having an easy read to escape into.

Find it on Amazon: A Most Inconvenient Marriage

Trilogy Review: Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman (By: Pamela Aidan)

Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman Trilogy

By Pamela Aidan

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." --the very first line in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

One of the most beloved novels of all time has inspired many a spin-off, sequel, and fan fiction novel; and of those we have indulged in, none are so satisfying as this trilogy! Rather than a sequel or a "what-if" scenario, it is instead Pride and Prejudice retold from Mr. Darcy's perspective. It's original, touching and accurate enough to satisfy even the most serious Jane Austen fans.

The first book, An Assembly Such As This, opens right as Charles Bingley, his sisters, and Mr. Darcy are to join the Meryton Assembly. We enjoy (and cringe at) Mr. Darcy's first encounter with Elizabeth Bennett, with the country society and his new friendship with Bingley (look for a touching story about how they became friends!) This first book encompasses the entirety of their stay at Netherfield and ends just after the ball, as Darcy and Caroline convince Mr. Bingley to leave Netherfield for good.

The second book, Duty and Desire, can at first be difficult to get through, as it takes place during the "silent time" of Pride and Prejudice - therefore, nothing from that actual story takes place in the whole of this second book. It takes us into an entirely new location with new characters and new situations. (Come on already, where is Elizabeth?)
But wait! For those patient enough to read through, it serves as the foundation for the third book, which is the gem of the series. However, on it's own merits - when we quit turning the pages expecting to see the Bennett family around the corner - this book is compelling, intriguing and quite mysterious, a bit more Northhanger Abbey than Pride and Prejudice. It serves great purpose in Mr. Darcy's unfruitful - and almost disastrous - search for a wife as he tries to rid his mind (and heart) of Elizabeth.

The third book, These Three Remain, is the crown jewel of this trilogy. It encompasses the greater second half of Pride and Prejudice, beginning with Darcy and Elizabeth's time in Kent and the infamous proposal, and does not end until we have thoroughly visited every bit of their love story up through the double wedding. You cannot read this book without having read the first two, but this one alone is a solid five star book!
Ratings for the entire trilogy:

Storyline

Ok, maybe it's not exactly original. After all, it IS Pride and Prejudice. But while remaining faithful to Austen's plots and timelines, author Pamela does a fantastic job filling in the blanks of what Darcy's life looked like - things Jane Austen never told us. And it works brilliantly. Darcy's own story, thoughts and struggles are fascinating and realistic. The characters we love to love, and the ones we love to hate - the Bennetts, the Bingleys, the Darcys and all the rest - are captured true to the originals. Never once did we feel we weren't reading the story exactly as Jane Austen herself must have meant for it to be.

Depth

Pride and Prejudice readers have always wondered what exactly caused Mr. Darcy to change so drastically from a distant, insulting snob to a chivalrous, selfless gentlemen. Pamela explores the answer, believing it could only have come from a deep change of heart - and a significant slice of humble pie. The depth of Darcy's pain as he recognizes his pride and arrogance resound strong with the reader. Additionally, the depth of his loyalty, his honor and his love for his family and friends make Fitzwilliam Darcy a literary hero to fall in love with all over again.

Faith

Pride and Prejudice was not overly religious, so this book will not be either. However - (SPOILER WARNING) - Darcy's drastic change of heart is as a result of Georgianna, who has found a relationship with the Lord after having her heart broken by George Wickham. Her new-found faith is the primary catalyst for her own healing, and it heavily influences Darcy as well. Christianity is very, very subtle - but it is woven throughout the story like a gentle whisper among the pages. We should note here too, that this trilogy is very clean and God-honoring, even though it is was not published specifically as Christian fiction.

Squeal Factor

Naturally, if these books are to stay true to Austen, there won't be much squeal factor, because her books just weren't written in that style. But, somehow, the intensity of Darcy's love for Elizabeth produced a little squeal factor all on its own! His inner thoughts were satisfying enough to make our hearts squeeze with tenderness for these two! It was easy to feel what he did - both his heartache at Elizabeth's rejection, and his joy at her declaration that her "feelings had undergone so material a change." Also good to note, Pamela Aidan does not over-romanticize the love story, as many modern authors do when trying to write spin offs. To do so wouldn't be true to Austen's writing. The love story might seen restrained by today's standards, but was bursting with deep passion!

Overall

These books are fantastic, and some husbands we know have enjoyed them too. Many books on our list wouldn't interest men, but these just might! Reading through this trilogy feels like a long five-course meal of a dinner with all the trimmings and satisfactions of a feast. It will be more of a marathon than some of our other favorite books, but well worth it at the end. If you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice, you are likely to enjoy these books thoroughly.

Find it on Amazon: Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman