The Painter's Daughter (by: Julie Klassen)

The Painter's Daughter

By:Julie Klassen

Storyline
Sophie Dupont is heartbroken when she finds that her love, Wesley, has sailed for Italy and left her only a note for a goodbye - clearly an indication that she did not mean the same to him. To further her distress, Wesley has left Sophie in a serious predicament. When his brother, Captain Stephen Overtree, arrives in town and discovers the trouble Wesley has left behind, he is strangely drawn to Sophie, with a desire to protect and save her reputation. 

Julie Klassen is a wonderful storyteller and keeps every page interesting as these two set out on a life married to someone they barely know, journeying through the English countryside, encountering fascinating characters and stumbling upon mysteries.

Depth

While the issues in this book are by no means shallow, it is with a lighthearted pen that author Julie draws us in and lets us feel what the characters are experiencing without making the reader feel weighed down. Past mistakes, dysfunctional families, first impressions and societal expectations are some of the issues dealt with.

Faith

Captain Overtree is a faithful man who follows the Lord's leading in his life and greatly respects the deep faith of his lifelong nurse, who speaks to God on a regular basis. Sophie doesn't care to have much to do with the Lord since the death of her mother, but slowly warms up to the idea of her own need for a Savior.

Squeal Factor

Marriage of Convenience stories almost always provide us with sweet sighs and expectation! The simple fact that husband and wife share close quarters is enough to help their love grow, and this read is no exception. Despite Captain Overtree's stern demeanor, Sophie slowly learns that the man inside is a gentleman with integrity, worthy of her devotion and love.

Overall

While this book had a wonderful storyline, it felt a little anti-climactic and predictable near the end. Had it gone a little deeper or explored a few plots more thoroughly, we could have given it four stars.

Find it on Amazon: The Painter's Daughter

Note: We were given this book in exchange for our honest review 

2015 In Review - Our Favorite Reads

Celebrating 2015 Top Ten Favorites

Wow, what an unbelievable year of reading we have enjoyed. Some absolutely tremendous books were published this year! 

Just like last year, we have decided on our top ten favorite novels of the year and we are ready to do a countdown!

Top 10 Favorite Books:

#10 - Married Til Monday by Denise Hunter 
#9 - Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin 
#8 - Bridge of Faith by Catherine West 
#7 - The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck

#6 - The Lost Heiress by Roseanne M. White
#5 - A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade 
#4 - Falling Like Snowflakes by Denise Hunter 
#3 - How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck
#2 - The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren
#1 - To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander
 
But, wait! Lest we forget about our beloved novellas, we also read a few fantastic quick reads and these deserve their own "top five" themselves. So here goes, the top five novellas from 2015


Top 5 Favorite Novellas:

#5 - Three Little Words by Melissa Tagg 
#4 - Love in the Details by Becky Wade 
#3 - Grace Like Rain by Julie Lessman
#2 - Enchanted Christmas by Melissa Tagg
#1 -  Brush With Love by Rachel Hauck
 

Let us know, were these your favorites as well? Do you have a different #1?

Here's to more happy reading in 2016!!!!

Celebrating 2015 - Top 10 Countdown and Book Giveaway

Celebrating 2015 Top Ten Countdown!!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from us! 

Wow, what an unbelievable year of reading we have enjoyed. Some absolutely tremendous books were published this year! 

Just like last year, we have decided on our top ten favorite novels of the year and we are ready to do a countdown! Each day from now until New Year's Eve, we will reveal one more of our top ten. Check back daily to see what the next favorite is! 

 CONTEST: Any guesses as to what our #1 book for the year will be? Comment on our Facebook page with your guess for 2 Chicks' favorite novel of 2015, and anyone with the correct answer will be entered into a drawing to win a FREE copy of our #1 book! 

We will draw names right after our reveal on New Year's Eve! ~~~ What a great year of novels! Here's to an even better year in 2016!

  The Countdown
#10 - Married Til Monday by Denise Hunter 
#9 - Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin 
#8 - Bridge of Faith by Catherine West 
#7 - The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck

#6 - The Lost Heiress by Roseanne M. White
#5 - A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade 
#4 Falling Like Snowflakes by Denise Hunter 
#3 How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck
 
To enter, simply post your guess as a comment on our FACEBOOK page (or as a comment on this post) 

Detailed Contest Rules

1) No purchase necessary to enter (you can't purchase anything with us anyway, but still...it's good legal stuff to state)

2) Entries must be posted to the 2 Chicks on Lit Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/2-Chicks-on-Lit-395627213943728/)

3) Only correct entries posted by 12/28/2015 will be entered into the drawing

The Lost Heiress (By: Roseanna M. White)

The Lost Heiress

By: Roseanna M. White
 
Once again we have been swept away by a new-to-us author! This book's beautiful cover and its amazing reviews caught our eye - and we were not disappointed. Clear your schedule and get ready to get lost in a captivating story full of romance and mystery!

 
Storyline
Brook Eden has grown up in Monaco without knowing who she really is. Having lived there since she was a baby, it is the only home she has known, yet mystery surrounding her mother's death, and a longing to know where she belongs, has been in the forefront of her mind for years. When her best friend, Justin, discovers that she may be a missing heiress from Yorkshire, she packs her bags to move to her new home, eager to put the pieces of her past together. Her father, who has prayed to be united with his missing daughter, is overjoyed to open his arms and home to Brook. However, it's not long before danger starts lurking in the shadows of her new life. Will Brook face the same tragedy that befell her mother? 

Justin, heir to a dukedom, has come home to England and strongly desires to see Brook happy and well settled in her new home. However, he begins viewing her as more than a friend and questions whether Brook will ever feel the same. Thrown into a new demanding role with his family estate, Justin must leave on multiple trips, away from the one he has suddenly lost his heart to. Will distance bring their hearts closer together or draw them apart?

Depth

The author did a remarkable job bringing each of the characters to life. We were thrown into their daily lives and enjoyed going through the motions with them. We are also very fond of being able to read from multiple viewpoints throughout the book, which allowed us to see deeply into hearts. Brook's past is filled with mystery; now with potential danger in the present, we get an emotional, intriguing story. Brook is a new baroness and must learn what is expected from her while still being true to herself. As she seeks truth from her past, she must also be conscious of whom she can trust. Justin faces similar challenges as he is now the leader of his family and must balance all of life's responsibilities. Will he follow in the previous Duke's footsteps or will he make a path of his own?

Faith

It was refreshing to see that both of the main characters have a solid faith. References to scripture, prayers and talk of the Lord are woven throughout the book. Trust was a main theme in this book and ultimately Brook and Justin must decide whether they will put their trust in the Lord and allow Him to write their futures. They must also learn to trade their fears for faith and turn to prayer when storms come.

Squeal Factor

We rated this book four stars on squeal factor, not necessarily for getting our hearts racing, but because of the passion each of the characters possess. The real, heated conversations Brook and Justin have bring them alive. Not only are we hanging on every word but we want to jump in the pages and witness every moment between these two! Spoken and unspoken words are filled with emotion and we thoroughly enjoyed the journey the author took these two on.

Overall
Kudos to the author for writing a book with a fabulous plot that is original and kept us coming back for more whenever we could! We traveled back in time with this read and felt part of the story. You'll find yourself sighing after the last page and will be eager for the next book to come out!

Find it on Amazon:The Lost Heiress

Thanksgiving Give-away: Falling Like Snowflakes by Denise Hunter

Thanksgiving Give-away!!

Falling Like Snowflakes by Denise Hunter

WIN a free copy of the first book in Denise Hunter's newest Summer Harbor Series, Falling Like Snowflakes! 

This is the perfect book to curl up with on a cold winter day! Stranded in Summer Harbor, Maine during a massive snowstorm and through the holiday season, Eden Martelli is on the run from dangerous men who want to destroy her life. When she meets the Callahans, they offer her a place to stay - and a family to call her own. Book one in the Summer Harbor series is the perfect read to get swept away in - suspense and romance all wrapped up in the festive feel of Christmas! 

To win a copy of this book, all you have to do is comment on this post so we know you were here! All names will be thrown in a hat and one lucky winner will be randomly chosen on Sunday, November 29th at 9:00 p.m. EST. 

Also, check out our review of this #goldenlist book!  Falling Likes Snowflakes

Best wishes and thanks for visiting 2 Chicks on Lit!

Only available to US Residents

Love Without End (By: Robin Lee Hatcher)

Love Without End

By: Robin Lee Hatcher

We have many of Robin Lee Hatcher's books on our recommended reading list, but it's been awhile since we have picked one up a new one. Love Without End has been in our stack of "need to read" books and we are thrilled to find it was a beautiful story! Might we even suggest this story should be made into a satisfying, sigh-worthy Hallmark movie? Oh to live in a place like Kings Meadow!!!

 
Storyline
Two single parents, both tending to past hurts, and neither are looking for love. Yes, this book had a great storyline! Kimberly Welch lost her husband along with her wealthy lifestyle. Now she and her daughter are living with her old friend in Idaho and wondering what is next in life. She needs a job and plans to move back to Seattle as soon as she can. 

After Chet Leonard lost his teenage son in an accident, his wife abandoned him and their other two sons. Now, his boys and his ranch are all he has left. When Chet agrees to help tame Kimberly's daughter's horse, little does he know that this girl and her mother will soon win a place in his heart! But are they here to stay or just passing through for a short time? 84 year old Nana Anna also comes back to live at the ranch and with her she brings her spunk, love and well told stories

Depth

While being a lighthearted story, this read also held our attention throughout. Nana Anna, having grown up on the ranch, has a special place in the book: we get to travel back to the past and read her life story. We can all learn so much from Anna and her will to live life to the fullest, regardless of past hurts and trials. Kimberly and Chet are guarded, and with good reason; but it's such a sweet road to travel with them as they and their kids start to warm up to and love each other. Life can be hard, and will continue to be hard, but walking with those we love can make it worth it.

Faith

Faith is evident and real in this story. Chet and Kimberly both have faith, yet need to grow a little in their walks with the Lord and we see that as the story progresses. But Anna, especially, has a vibrant faith that radiates through all she is. We soaked up her journey and walk with Jesus. She knows her Savior and shows how she learned to trust Him through the valleys and mountaintops. Makes you long to have a Nana Anna in your own life!

Squeal Factor

Not sure we would use the term "squeal factor" in this book, but it was completely satisfying and sweet. Some scenes put a smile on our faces and had us cheering for these two characters, whose second chance at love was beautiful and heartwarming.

Overall

Soak up the western ranch life in beautiful Idaho and fall in love with these heartwarming characters! We cannot wait to visit Kings Meadow again in Robin's next book

Find it on Amazon: Love Without End

The Wedding Chapel (By: Rachel Hauck)

The Wedding Chapel

By: Rachel Hauck

.
Storyline
This story centers around residents from Heart's bend, Tennessee, a small town outside of Nashville. Three of its natives have found a new life in New York City, but are being drawn back to their hometown: Jack, Taylor and Colette. 

Jack and Taylor, former high school classmates, are now married after a whirlwind elopement six months earlier, but are both facing a very real question after the honeymoon: Are they truly committed to seeing this marriage through for life? 

Taylor's great Aunt Colette, also in New York City, has just retired from acting and has an illustrious career behind her. But she cannot forget the one man she has ever truly loved - the one who built a wedding chapel for her back home. Sixty years ago, Jimmy Westbrooke declared his love for and his intention to marry Colette, but then went off to war - and she never saw him again. 

Meanwhile back in Heart's Bend, Coach Jimmy Westbrooke has been living all this time without the love of his life. His once cherished wedding chapel and his heart have remained empty. But when Taylor shows up at his door to take photographs of the chapel, will his heart awaken again to second chances? This engaging read goes back and forth between the past and present, and it's easy to get hooked on this story right from the beginning!

This book captivated us from the first page and never stopped pulling us in. We were completely swept away into the story, so much so that we didn't want the book to end! Author Denise gave us her usual intriguing characters and dynamite romance, but she also ventured into the world of mystery and suspense and nailed it!

Depth

Real life family drama and marriage struggles are at the heart of this story! Author Rachel gives us a vivid inner look at the thoughts, emotions and motivations of her characters, and paints a vivid picture of what might lie behind people's outer actions.

Faith

The faith doesn't ramp up too much until the end of this read, but when it does, it is powerful! Some characters have a solid relationship with the Lord, and for those who have drifted away, the Lord leads them back to Himself gently, softly and faithfully. We are reminded that true freedom is not found by anything or anyone until it is found in Him.

Squeal Factor

As we journey through the love stories both of past and present, our hearts are definitely hooked! The tender love and emotions in Jack and Taylor's marriage have us cheering for them right from the start and only get deeper as the book goes on. Jimmy and Colette's romance from ages past is sweet, tender and deep.

Overall

Rachel Hauck's newest novel is a solid, enjoyable read that you will be swept away in almost right from the beginning. She seamlessly weaves past and present into the plot and reveals more of the story with each chapter. Enjoy a few late nights while reading this one!

Find it on Amazon: The Wedding Chapel


Note: We were given this book in exchange for our honest review