My Dear Miss Dupre

My Dear Miss Dupre

By Grace Hitchcock

The Story

Thirty suitors, six months of courting . . .

would it be enough time for her to fall in love?

Willow Dupré never thought she would have to marry, but with her father’s unexpected retirement from running the prosperous Dupré sugar refinery, she is forced into a different future. The shareholders are unwilling to allow a female to take over the company without a man at her side, so her parents devise a plan–find Willow a spokesman king in order for her to become queen of the business empire.

Willow is presented with thirty potential suitors from the families of New York society’s elite group called the Four Hundred. She has six months to court the group and is told to to eliminate men each month to narrow her beaus until she chooses one to marry, ending the competition with a wedding. Willow reluctantly agrees, knowing she must do what is best for the business. She doesn’t expect to find anything other than a proxy . . . until she meets a gentleman who captures her attention, and she must discover for herself if his motives are pure.

(Back cover summary from Bethany House.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This was a super fun story that I thoroughly enjoyed. My Dear Miss Dupre is the Bachelorette meets the Gilded Age, and it is so much fun to read. All of the hallmarks of historical fiction are there, from incredible detail associated with flowers and their meanings to what it would have been like to work in a sugar factory. The elements of the Bachelorette are also very present with the equivalent of a rose ceremony and all of the drama that 30 men vying for one woman’s hand would entail. Hitchcock writes with humor and heart, and I sped through the reading of this book. Circumstances along kept me from finishing it in a more timely manner.

I liked the characters in this book. They were well written and though clearly this is a light-hearted novel, there were also elements of realism to them that really brought them to life. I liked that the author wrote from several different viewpoints, and really kept me guessing for a good portion of the book who Miss Dupre might choose—if anyone!

I detested the villains, empathized with the struggles of Miss Dupre, and cheered on my particular choice for her hand.

In all, I really enjoyed this book. Anyone looking for a light novel that also brings some heart and historical information to the table will want to pick up My Dear Miss Dupre.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock (www.gracehitchcock.com) is the author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a master’s degree in creative writing and a bachelor of arts in English with a minor in history. Grace lives in Baton Rouge with her husband, Dakota, and their son and daughter.

(Biography from Bethany House)

The Dress Shop on King Street

The Dress Shop on King Street

By Ashley Clark

The Story

Harper Dupree has pinned all her hopes on a future in fashion design. But when it comes crashing down around her, she returns home to Fairhope, Alabama, and to Millie, the woman who first taught her how to sew. As Harper rethinks her own future, long-hidden secrets about Millie’s past are brought to light.

In 1946, Millie Middleton–the daughter of an Italian man and a Black woman–boarded a train and left Charleston to keep half of her heritage hidden. She carried with her two heirloom buttons and the dream of owning a dress store. She never expected to meet a charming train jumper who changed her life forever . . . and led her yet again to a heartbreaking choice about which heritage would define her future.

Now, together, Harper and Millie return to Charleston to find the man who may hold the answers they seek . . . and a chance at the dress shop they’ve both dreamed of. But it’s not until all appears lost that they see the unexpected ways to mend what frayed between the seams.

(Back cover summary from Bethany House.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is such a fabulous debut novel. Ashley Clark has a beautiful writing style that is meant to be savored. Even so, it was all I could do not to rush through this book.

The slip-time elements of the story were really well done. Normally I prefer one storyline over the other, but I was equally intrigued by Harper and Millie’s stories. The racial elements that Clark tackles I thought were handled well. It was heartbreaking to read, particularly in light of the fact that for many—they were true. I loved reading about Millie and Franklin, they are such sweet characters, and I was in tears near the end of their story. Harper and her life is just as engaging and relatable as she struggled with unrealized dreams, and what it looks like for those dreams to change.

The faith element of the story is really well written, too. For Millie, it’s trusting in Jesus for safety and security and for her family and not trusting in her own strength. It’s realizing that God is good in a world that is often evil. And for Harper, it’s seeing that God takes it all, the broken dreams as well as the fulfilled ones, and fashions His plan in the midst of them.

This novel is full of heart and hard things, and I think that’s why I enjoyed it so much. It gives hope, even as it acknowledges the pain and injustices that happen in life. It was a great first book to kick off the New Year.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

Ashley Clark (www.ashleyclarkbooks.com) writes romantic women’s fiction set in the South. With a master’s degree in creative writing, Ashley teaches literature and writing courses at the University of West Florida. Ashley has been an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers for almost a decade. She lives with her husband, son, and two rescued Cocker Spaniels off Florida’s Gulf Coast. When she’s not writing, she’s rescuing stray animals, dreaming of Charleston, and drinking all the English breakfast tea she can get her hands on.

(Biography from Bethany House)

Courting Misfortune

Courting Misfortune

By Regina Jennings

The Story

Her trickiest case depends on keeping her motives–and her heart–in disguise.

Calista York needs one more successful case as a Pinkerton operative to secure her job at the agency. When she’s assigned to find the kidnapped daughter of a mob boss, she’s sent to the rowdy mining town of Joplin, Missouri. With extended family in the area, Calista must conceal her profession if she hopes to recover the missing girl.

When Matthew Cook decided to be a missionary, he never expected to be sent only a short train ride away to Joplin. While fighting against corruption of all sorts, Matthew hears of a baby raffle being held to raise funds for a children’s home. He’ll do what he can to stop it, but he also wants to stop the reckless Miss York, whose bad judgment consistently puts her in harm’s way.

Calista doesn’t need the handsome pastor and her nosy family interfering with her investigation, no matter their intentions. A girl’s life depends on her. If she doesn’t find Lila Seaton soon, the constant meddling could have dire consequences.

(Back cover summary from Bethany House.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After meeting Calista in a previous book, I knew I would enjoy getting to know her character more. She’s the star of this novel, with quirks aplenty, and contrary purposes galore.

I enjoyed the strength of character of both Calista and Matthew. They’re certainly flawed characters, but they have a strong sense of right and wrong, which sometimes feels very lacking in this day and age. At the same time, they’re challenged to grow in some of their strong opinions, as they realize not everyone thinks the same way they do in a world that includes black, white, and gray.

The plot of this story kept me engaged, as I really wanted Calista to prove herself. The history included in this story was fascinating, and I’m eager to learn more in the following books in the series. Sometimes the characters’ reactions felt unnatural or over the top, but overall I thought the characters were well done. I really enjoyed Calista’s extended family and how unusual they were. I’m looking forward to which family member she bases a book on next. Fans of Regina Jennings will enjoy this start to a new series, while new readers will become fast fans when they pick up this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

Regina Jennings (www.reginajennings.com) is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She’s the winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.

(Biography from Bethany House)

At Love’s Command

At Love’s Command

By Karen Witemeyer

The Story

He’s fought through ruthless outlaws and injury. But with her, he’s tempted to surrender.

Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger’s Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler’s bullet leaves one of them at death’s door, they’re the ones in need of saving.

Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she’s not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew’s dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine’s respect, and when her brother is abducted, he becomes her only hope for rescue.

When plans go awry and Josephine is caught in the crossfire, Matthew may have to sacrifice everything–even his team–to save her.

(Back cover summary from Bethany House.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This new series by Karen Witemeyer looks to be another good one judging by the first book, At Love’s Command.

The characters in this book were certainly the most compelling aspect. Both are very strong people who have had to fight in their own way to get to where they are now. I really liked Josephine and the perspective Witemeyer wrote about with her being a lady doctor. Though others have created characters like that before, Witemeyer writes hers in a refreshing way. Matthew Hanger is an interesting, multi-faceted character as well. Driven by past mistakes, he and his band live to come to the rescue of others. All of this combines to create some fun tension, a gripping plot, and a realistic faith element. That last one I really enjoyed, as both Josephine and Matthew had to wrangle with their wills in submitting to God and letting Him have control in their lives. As someone who has wrestled there as well, I appreciated how Witemeyer wrote that aspect of the story.

This book also gives a good look at the other Horsemen, who I’m sure have stories coming in the future. After reading At Love’s Command, I will definitely be back to read more about these men and the turns their lives take.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

Voted #1 Reader’s Favorite Christian Romance Author of 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer (www.karenwitemeyer.com) offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children.

(Biography from Bethany House)

Veiled in Smoke

Veiled in Smoke

By Jocelyn Green

The Story

The Flames Took So Much. She Can’t Lose Her Father As Well.

Meg Townsend and her sister, Sylvie, seek a quiet existence managing the family bookshop. Meg feels responsible for caring for their father, Stephen, whose spirit and health are both damaged from his time as a prisoner during the Civil War. Her one escape is the paintings she creates and sells in the bookshop.

Then the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago’s business district. The fiery explosions and chaos stir up memories of war for Stephen as he runs from the blaze and becomes separated from his daughters. Days later, when the smoke has cleared, Meg and Sylvie manage to reunite with him. Their home and shop are lost, and what’s left among the ashes may be even more threatening than the flames, for they learn that a close friend was murdered the night of the fire–and Stephen has been charged with the crime. After he is committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum, where they cannot visit him, Stephen feels as lost to them as the shop that now lies in rubble.

Though homeless and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life but prove the truth of what happened that night, before the asylum truly drives her father mad.

(Back cover summary from Bethany House)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Veiled in Smoke is different from any other novel I’ve read by Jocelyn Green. And I love that it is so unique.

I’d never read anything set during the time of the Great Fire, so it was really interesting to read about what it could have been like to experience that, and then the aftermath.

This novel isn’t a light read. Jocelyn tackles heavy subjects, but she does it with tact and grace. PTSD, or a form of it, is one of those subjects. Stephen Townsend’s struggles after the war and Andersonville are real and raw. He’s often misunderstood, by himself, his daughters, and society. But as the book progresses, Jocelyn corrects some of those things in subtle ways, taking on even our own misconceptions of mental illness and the effects of PTSD. Meg and Sylvie’s own struggles post-fire highlight what this looks like.

There are no easy answers in this book. No simple conclusions or neat, tied up bow at the end. But that’s what I think makes it such a good book. The ending is satisfying, and I love where Meg’s story goes. But I also love that the door is left open. These characters had become so real, that to close the door like that was all that would happen in their lives would have felt cheap.

In all, I really liked this book and the elements of romance and mystery that were spread throughout.

About the Author

Jocelyn Green (www.jocelyngreen.com) inspires faith and courage as the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including The Mark of the King, Wedded to War, and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Her books have garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, and have been honored with the Christy Award, the gold medal from the Military Writers Society of America, and the Golden Scroll Award from the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association. She graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a BA in English, concentration in writing. Jocelyn lives with her husband, Rob, and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.

(Biography from Bethany House)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Seconds to Live

Seconds to Live

By Susan Sleeman

The Story

The Seconds Are Ticking Down before Someone Dies

When cybercriminals hack into the U.S. Marshals’ Witness Protection database and auction off witnesses’ personal details to the highest bidders, the RED Team, led by FBI Agent Sean Nichols, begins a high-stakes chase to find the hacker. But before he can even get started, the first witness is targeted and barely escapes with her life. Sean believes Phantom, an obsessed hacker who previously outwitted the top minds in the field, is behind the attack, and Sean needs this witness’s help, as she’s the person who has come closest to discovering Phantom’s identity.

Trouble is, she’s under the care of U.S. Marshal Taylor Mills, and Sean is reluctant to work with the captivating Marshal who knows his deepest secrets. But Phantom seems to be one step ahead at every turn and will stop at nothing to kill the witness. To stop the hacker, Sean and Taylor must learn to trust each other as danger draws ever closer.

(Back cover summary from Bethany House)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have to say, I was a bit lost in the weeds with this novel. I appreciated the technical aspects of these characters and their jobs, particularly as they were going after a hacker. But it did make it difficult for me to follow some of the time.

I also felt like emotions and motivations were over-shared. A lot of times, characters would respond, then go into an explanation of why they responded in that way or what they were thinking. I just felt like everyone as a whole was very self-aware, which didn’t feel completely believable to me.

I did enjoy getting to learn what some of these agencies might be like and how they functioned, and the plot twists did catch me by surprise.

Unfortunately, overall this novel just didn’t hold my attention.

About the Author

Susan Sleeman (www.susansleeman.com) is the bestselling author of more than 35 romantic suspense novels with more than 1 million books sold. She has won several awards, including the ACFW Carol Award for Suspense for Fatal Mistake and the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Thread of Suspicion. In addition to writing, Susan also hosts http://www.thesuspensezone.com. She has lived in nine states but now calls Portland, Oregon, home.

(Biography from Bethany House)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

The Spice King

The Spice King

By Elizabeth Camden

The Story

Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building an acclaimed global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before they spiral out of control, he returns to his ancestral home for good after years of traveling the world.

As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience.

Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?

(Back cover summary from Bethany House)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Spice King showcases Elizabeth Camden’s ability to dig up history and bring it to the page, just like in her other novels. It’s always interesting for me to read one of her books, as there is so much history woven throughout.

Unfortunately, I felt bogged down in the details of this book. While I love reading about characters who are smart and excel at their professions—as Camden is known to bring to life so well—in this novel the workings of those professions felt a little dry for me.

I liked the contrast between Annabelle and Gray, and it certainly made for some entertaining conflict. Luke and Caroline are also characters who I think readers will look forward to getting to know better in the future.

Overall, this book just didn’t do it for me. I felt like the main conflict fizzled out too early, and then I didn’t have much incentive to keep reading. This is certainly just my opinion, and I’m sure there are many who will enjoy The Spice King. But for me, it just didn’t hit home.

About the Author

Elizabeth Camden (www.elizabethcamden.com) is best known for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America, featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award, and she lives in Florida with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.

(Biography from Bethany House)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

The Killing Tide

The Killing Tide

By Dani Pettrey

The Story

A Corpse That Only Leads to Secrets.

An Old Flame with Danger Written all over Her.

Things Are about to Get Very Complicated.

When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer’s boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

The already volatile situation is complicated even further by the arrival of Gabby Rowley–Finn’s boss’s sister and an investigative reporter with unrelenting questions about the crime. Now that she’s returned, the tug on Finn’s heart is strong, but with the risks she’s taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can’t ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?

(Back cover summary from Bethany House)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Killing Tide starts off Pettrey’s next series with a cast of characters who are likeable and engaging, with strong ties that make them feel more like a family unit than coworkers. I enjoyed each new character as they came across the page and am looking forward to several of them being featured in future books.

While this novel had a strong premise and characters I enjoyed, I just didn’t like it as much as her previous books. Some of the circumstances felt disjointed, and a little forced, at least from my perspective.

However, there was still a lot I enjoyed about this book. I really liked the different angle that she explored in this book with the Coast Guard. I learned a lot about what the Coast Guard does and how they operate, and it was all very fascinating.

I’ll certainly be reading the next book in this series, and would recommend this novel—especially to Pettrey fans—just for me, it wasn’t to my taste completely.

About the Author

Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).

From her early years eagerly reading Nancy Drew mysteries, to paging through Agatha Christie novels or watching on-the-edge-of-her-seat adventure movies, Dani has always enjoyed mystery and suspense. She considers herself blessed to be able to write the kind of stories she loves–full of plot twists and peril, love, and longing for hope and redemption. Her greatest joy as an author is sharing the stories God lays on her heart.  She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband. Their two daughters, a son-in-law, and two adorable grandsons also reside in Maryland. For more information about her novels, visit danipettrey.com.

(Biography from Bethany House)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Mark of the Raven

Mark of the Raven

By Morgan L. Busse

The Story

Dreamwalker. Nightwatcher. Lady of Ravenwood.

Lady Selene Has Come into Her Family’s Power.

But Has She Inherited a Gift or a Curse?

Lady Selene is heir to the House of Ravenwood and the secret family gift of dreamwalking. As a dreamwalker, she can enter a person’s dreams and manipulate their greatest fears or desires. Soon after the gifting, however, Selene discovers that the Ravenwood women have been secretly using their gift to gather information or to assassinate those responsible for the fall of House Ravenwood to the Dominia Empire hundreds of years ago.

As she becomes more entrenched in Ravenwood’s dark past, Selene longs to find out the true reason behind her family’s gift, believing that its original intent could not have been for such evil purposes, but she is torn about upholding her family’s legacy–a legacy that supports her people. Selene’s dilemma comes to a head when she is tasked with assassinating the one man who can bring peace to the nations–but who is also prophesied to bring about the downfall of her own house.

One path holds glory and power and will solidify her position as Lady of Ravenwood. The other path holds shame and likely death. Which will she choose? And is she willing to pay the price for the path chosen?

(Back cover summary from Bethany House)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fantasy is not a genre I’ve read for a while, so I enjoyed this foray back into it with Mark of the Raven.

I was thoroughly immersed in this world from page one. Selene is a divided character. She is not like her mother, as much as she tries to be. But she struggles with where that leaves her. Her gift is unique and it was so interesting to read about her exploring it.

The other characters that populate this book, Lord Maris in particular, are all multi-faceted and interesting. The gifts of the houses and their division reminds me a bit of spiritual gifting, and how it is most effective when all work together.

This was a good story, but it was only the first in The Ravenwood Saga. Again, fantasy isn’t my go-to genre, so it didn’t pull me in as some might. But it did hold my attention, and I’ll be looking for the next book in the series.

About the Author

Morgan L. Busse (www.morganlbusse.com) is a writer by day and a mother by night. She is the author of the Follower of the Word series and the new steampunk series The Soul Chronicles. Her debut novel, Daughter of Light, was a Christy and Carol Award finalist. During her spare time she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel. She and her family live in Bloomington, Illinois.

(Biography from Bethany House)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Romancing the Bride

Romancing the Bride

By Melissa Jagears

The Story

Marrying a stranger to save a ranch is one thing; losing the land on their wedding day is another.

Desperate to keep the ranch where three of her children and a husband lie buried, Annie Gephart must marry or sell. Which of the few bachelors in town would consider a surprise proposal to wed a plain widow with a rebellious daughter, a spirited boy, and unpaid taxes—without laughing in her face?

Jacob Hendrix has never fully let go of his ranching dreams despite ending up as a small Wyoming town’s marshal. The job wouldn’t be so bad, except he’s more errand boy than lawman. When Annie proposes marriage without a single coquettish bat of an eyelash, can he commit himself to a woman he hardly knows for a choice piece of property he’d be an idiot to pass up?

But taxes aren’t all that threaten Annie and Jacob’s plans. Cattle rustlers, crumbling friendships, and wayward children make this marriage of convenience anything but. When they lose what they’ve sacrificed everything to save, will the love of a stranger be enough?

(Back cover summary from author website)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Melissa Jagears has long been a name in historical romance that readers can trust to deliver clean, sweet romance that takes you on a journey. Her latest novel is no different.

While many romance novels follow the falling-in-love stage pre-marriage, Romancing the Bride explores falling in love with your partner after a marriage of convenience.

‘Unfair’ has characterized Annie’s life the last year or so. And though she responds with strength to these dilemmas, bitterness is a difficult companion to rid oneself of. Jacob is such a sweet character. He’s not perfect, and his selfishness gets in the way of things just as much as Annie’s. But as they work together to figure out their future and how to raise two children—one a rebellious teenager—true sacrificial love begins to be displayed.

I enjoyed that we got to explore the point of view of several other characters as well.  Melissa doesn’t shy away from the hard parts of life and the difficulties that these characters face are similar to those common today. Especially at the end, I was breathlessly waiting to see how she would resolve everything.

This is a sweet, romantic read, but with enough unique characters and compelling plotlines that it won’t feel like anything you’ve read before. I highly recommend Romancing the Bride.

About the Author

Award winning author, Melissa Jagears, is a homeschooling mom who writes Christian Historical Romance into the wee hours of the night. She lives in Kansas with her husband and three children. Her ebook novella, Love by the Letter, is her ACFW Carol Award winning novella and free to try. You can learn more about her, her books, and where she hangs out online at www.melissajagears.com

(Biography from author website)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.