A Desperate Hope by Elizabeth Camden

ABOUT THE BOOK

Eloise Drake's prim demeanor hides the turbulent past she's finally put behind her—or so she thinks. A mathematical genius, she's now a successful accountant for the largest engineering project in 1908 New York. But to her dismay, her new position puts her back in the path of the man responsible for her deepest heartbreak.

Alex Duval is the mayor of a town about to be wiped off the map. The state plans to flood the entire valley where his town sits in order to build a new reservoir, and Alex is stunned to discover the woman he once loved on the team charged with the demolition. With his world crumbling around him, Alex devises a risky plan to save his town—but he needs Eloise's help to succeed.

Alex is determined to win back the woman he thought he'd lost forever, but even their combined ingenuity may not be enough to overcome the odds against them before it's too late.

MY  REVIEW

Elizabeth has done a fabulous job with this title!! 

I enjoyed learning a little history and I was truly amazed along the way in parts of this story. 

I definitely loved how Eloise learned to be herself. I hate how you think you have to be a certain around certain people and another way around others!!

I feel just like Eloise. If everyone could be themselves what a wonderful place this ok world would be!!! Just think!!!

Then there's fun loving Alex and his family. I loved ex from the start with wild and crazy dreams!! 

I love how if determined he cam make things happen and he's at his best!!

I love how Eloise puts certain people in their place and tells them how she really feels!! 

She tells them that people who have dreams and that there are things more important in life than timetables and thise things are called dreams!

Wild impossible dreams that are normally the fantasies of poets and playwrights but sometimes it's the normal people that seize upon them who join forces that makes it happen!

Wow!! If only right?

Everyone wants to be loved and wants someone to love. 

People are who makes a town and a town thrives on people working together to make thise things happen.

We also can't leave God out of it either. Prayer is powerful my friends even though sometimes they aren't answered in they way we think they should be.

Love is the 2nd most powerful force. I like how God worked this into factor for Alex and Eloise.

I wanted to make them wake up and realize this but then there wouldn't be a story now would there?

Elizabeth has a knack for weaving in some mystery there too. I love the guessing games. I won't tell you who done it because I want you to read the story too.

I can't wait for you to read this wonderful book by Elizabeth Camden. 

This is the 3rd book in this series. I suggest that you read the first 2. 

I received a copy if this book from the publisher and no compensations were received. All opinions are my own!! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Camden 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.

No Ocean too Wide by Carrie Turansky

ABOUT THE BOOK

In this historical adventure for fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, the three youngest McAlister children are taken to Canada as British Home Children without their mother's knowledge or permission. The oldest McAlister sibling follows them across the Atlantic to search for them and bring them home.

When Laura McAlister, a young lady's maid, learns her three siblings have been taken from their mother and emigrated to Canada without her mother's knowledge, Laura determines to search for them and reunite the family. But lack of funds and resistance from authorities push her use a false name and take a position with a child emigration society to gain passage to Canada. Andrew Fraser, a wealthy young lawyer, is surprised to see his mother's former lady's maid on board ship escorting a group of child immigrants, especially when she uses a different name. Laura eventually convinces Andrew to help her search for her siblings and uncover the truth about the treatment of British Home Children. Romantic feelings grow between this unlikely couple, and though they have different backgrounds, they share a growing faith and desire to seek justice and relief for the children who are mistreated.

MY REVIEW

This story deserves 5 stars and more!
Carrie has done a fabulous job in telling the story of Laura, Garth , and Grace. 
I really admired Laura's strength and determination to search for her siblings. She is amazing!! She's very strong proof that blood is thicker than water in other words family ties are strong. She'll go to great lengths for her family.
I love how Laura learns a valuable lesson along the way. 
Too often we forget to trust the good Lord. We think we can do everything on our own. We are too impatient. I'm guilty of this much too often. I'm slowly learning to trust. God has a plan for us. Just in His own time and then He'll reveal it.

Garth is a sweetheart and a protector. I love how he stands up for what is supposed to be right for him and his siblings. 

Then along the way we meet Andrew and Henry, Rose and Mrs. Woodward and the other supporting characters. 
I almost felt sorry for Mrs. Woodward. I wouldn't want to be in her position for anything in this world! Especially when something dreadful happens at the home she's in charge of. I couldn't help myself but tears leaked out of my eyes as I was reading this certain part. 
I enjoyed the ocean voyage across the sea and I felt like I was on board the Parisian with the girls. I could here the waves slapping the sides if the ship as she moved along on her journey westward.
I have a great fascination for ocean liners of that time period.
I was appalled at how some of the children were treated in the placement homes. Most people would give anything to have a child.
How can anyone be so cruel. Home children need love and caring just like other children. It's just so not fair!!!
Mistakes do happen but it's the children who get the just end of the deal.
The ship on the cover of this book reminds me of the ship Carpathia that rescued the Titanic survivors. Overall, I enjoyed the story and I applaud the author for writing an exceptional story!
Y'all I just can't wait for you to read this delicious historical fiction book!!
I strongly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and no compensations were received. All opinions are my own!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bestselling Inspirational Romance Author Carrie Turansky writes historical and contemporary novels and novellas set in England and the US. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Holt Medallion, and the International Digital Award. Readers say her stories are: "Heartwarming and inspiring! I couldn't put it down!" . . . "Touching love story. It captured me from the first page! Rich characters, beautifully written" . . . "My new favorite author!" Visit her website and sign up for her email newsletter at Carrie Turansky.com. Follow Carrie on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram.

Mending Fences by Suzanne Woods Fisher

ABOUT THE BOOK

Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future.

Luke Schrock is a new and improved man after a stint in rehab, though everyone in Stoney Ridge only remembers the old Luke. They might have forgiven him, but nobody trusts him.

Amos and Fern Lapp allow Luke to live at Windmill Farm under two conditions. First, Luke must make a sincere apology to each person he's hurt--a four-page, single-spaced list. Second, he must ask each victim of mischief to describe the damage he caused.

Simple, Luke thinks. Offering apologies is easy. But discovering the lasting effects his careless actions have caused . . . that isn't so simple. It's gut-wrenching.

And his list keeps growing. Izzy Miller, beautiful and frustratingly aloof, also boards at Windmill Farm. Luke's clumsy efforts to befriend Izzy only insult and annoy her. Eager to impress, Luke sets out to prove himself to her by locating her mother. When he does, her identity sends shock waves through Stoney Ridge.

Bestselling and award-winning author Suzanne Woods Fisher returns to her beloved Stoney Ridge for this brand-new series featuring some of her readers' favorite characters. 

MY REVIEW 

What a great read by Suzanne Woods Fisher!!! I think that this will be by far my favorite one by her!l

She never disappoints me with her stories!!! Her writing style is impeccable!! I love it!!!

I think this is the perfect title for this book.

She has written some humor into this one too. 

Poor Amos and David!! I love these kind and bravehearted souls. 

There were times when I wanted to shake Amos Lapp until his teeth rattled. I'd love to it for Fern who has a big heart of her own! Fern who rarely cries. 

I think in a lot of ways I relate to her. I rarely get upset but when I do watch out!! Especially when I get mad tears. 

Men are just so stubborn at times especially mine!! Oh how I want to strangle him for some of his ways!! But there is one trait I admire in him and that is the reason I love him so much!! Maybe that is what Fern saw in Amos. ( I have an uncle named Amos) He's nothing like the Amos in this story though.

Amos is certainly the most stubborn man I've ever met but deep deep down he is hurting. 

David is hurting too Especially since a certain woman showed up. 

I admire those men because they believed in 2nd chances. They believed in this woman even tho she caused them a lot of pain. 

I like to think God is like that. His Love is sooooo big that He gives us 2nd chances until the big door closes and then that is it. There will be no more when the end time comes. 

If I had a father I'd want him to be like David. He's the coolest man around with his everlasting patience and love.

Izzy is a stinker towards Luke. I think they're perfect for each other!!

Doesn't our Lord have a wonderful way of working things out? I like to think so!!

I was so happy to return to my friends in Stoney Ridge! 

I always wondered what happened to Luke Shrock!

This is his story to tell if you want to know what happened to him

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. No compensations were received and all opinions are my own!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling, award winning author of fiction and non-fiction books about the Old Order Amish for Revell Books, host of the radio-show-turned-blog Amish Wisdom, a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazine. 

Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain. A theme in her books (her life!) is that you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate the principles of simple living.

Suzanne lives in California with her family and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can't life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.

Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

A Breach of Trust by Rachel Dylan

ABOUT THE BOOK

Corporate litigator Mia Shaw suffers the shock of her life when she finds her colleague and friend brutally murdered. Grief-stricken and furious, Mia vows that she will do anything to seek justice and make the killer pay.

The man accused of the murder is a friend of security tech guru Noah Ramirez, but the evidence just doesn't add up. To save his former ATF partner, Noah needs to convince Mia that the real killer is still on the loose.

Mia soon has more than the criminal prosecution to worry about, however. She is tasked with taking over her friend's last case and learns he was hiding secrets about his client. She thinks she may have stumbled upon corporate espionage that has turned deadly, but she has no idea of the danger involved. Her only ally is Noah, despite their difference of opinion on the homicide case. Can he win Mia over to his side and protect her from ever-growing threats?

MY REVIEW

My first book ever by Rachel Dylan!!
I've never read this author before and I'm not disappointed!! I am going yo read the 1st 2 books in this series!
This book almost reminds me of Law and Order, Bull and some other lawyer shows!! Very good from beginning to end!! Lots of action and adventure waiting to be discovered in this awesome book!!
I'm going to say that I love the name Mia. I don't know why I just do!!
My cat's name started out being Mia but since I didn't know how to pronounce it it became Maya.
I think there's times in the story that Mia can be hardheaded like me. (In some ways I feel like she was Simba at a young age where he said that he laughed in the face of danger ha ha ha!!! ) Sometimes its a good thing and other's not so good.
I enjoyed this book because it was a little different than what I'm used to reading and I wanted to broaden or branch out my reading so to speak.
I love a good story and this one was no exception.
Rachel you are dynamic!! I felt like was watching a Tv show!
I held my breath in most places and released it in others. I love excitement!! Guess I just cant say that enough!!
I will be looking for more books by this author. She's a great story teller and another favorite
I strongly recommend this book for ppl who love this type of whodoneit deals!!
I received this book from the publisher with compensations received. All opinions are my own!!! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Dylan writes legal thrillers and legal romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade including being a litigator at one of the nation’s top law firms. She enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. Rachel writes the Atlanta Justice Series which features strong, female attorneys in Atlanta. Deadly Proof, the first book in the Atlanta Justice series, is a CBA bestseller, an FHL Reader’s Choice Award winner, a Daphne du Maurier Finalist, and a Holt Medallion Finalist. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids--two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. You can find Rachel at www.racheldylan.com.

A Faithful Gathering by Leslie Gould

ABOUT THE BOOK

Leisel Bachmann left her Amish roots and beloved sisters to pursue a career in medicine without a second thought. She has an Englisch boyfriend, Nick Jordan, and dreams of a new life--but those dreams come crashing down when her sister Marie is diagnosed with cancer.

Soon nothing is going as she planned--not her state boards, not her first nursing job, and certainly not her relationship with Nick. As she becomes increasingly discouraged, her aunt shares the story of Leisel's grandfather during World War II and the struggle he faced between returning to Lancaster or being with the woman he loved.

Peace and a vision for the future are difficult to find, and when Nick leaves Pennsylvania for a completely new life, Leisel is faced with impossible choices. Will she stay in Lancaster, close to her family and the traditions of her past? Or learn from her grandfather's story and embrace a life of love and service in an uncertain future?

MY REVIEW

Gould approaches the Amish a different way in this series of books. I like it that she wrote this series from each sister's view point. ( Of course A Faithful Gathering is the best! )

The dual timeline is awesome as well!! Auntie Suz is a wonderful storyteller!!

In a way, she reminds me of my grandfather and the way he told his stories of the 2nd world war. Except they changed with each telling lol! It didn't really matter to me because I enjoyed them and they made me laugh. 

I feel like Liesel at times caught at a crossroads not knowing what I really want out of life. I do now though. 

I liked how the author wrote with her heart and it is almost like it was her history that she was writing about . 

I think that there is some great advice in this wonderful book. Like Gus said" Don't give into fear and don't let it control you" " Do what you were meant to do" "Trust!! A mighty big word in my opinion. Even I have trouble with that! I am just now learning how to forgive people including my dad. He was a sneaky stinker!! 

Beathel was a character I didn't really like until there toward the end of the book. She's a perfect example of how fear can control one's life if you let it. That explains why she's so crotchety and mean. She is also a perfect example of how God can slowly change your heart and soul if you let him. 

The title for this book is perfect!! I loved how family stuck together down through the years and I don't blame Liesel for not wanting to unequally yoked to a non believer. That has go to be very stressful. You can try and try and the more they will dig their heals in. 

I can't imagine not having Jesus in my life. My whole world would definitely be dark without him.

Thank God he came to save us from our sins. For by Grace we are saved and God loved us enough to do just that!! 

I admire the Amish for various reasons and I am glad I learned the truth about Jesus. The Ordnung 

doesn't save you. Jesus does and it is a wonderful feeling!!

I received a copy from the publisher with no compensations received! All opinions are my own 

ABOUT  THE AUTHOR

Leslie Gould is the #1 bestselling and Christy Award-winning author of thirty novels. She received her MFA from Portland State University and teaches writing at Warner Pacific University. Leslie enjoys traveling, hiking, and history. She and her husband, Peter, are the revolving-door parents of four children and two cats. Visit her at http://www.lesliegould.com/.