The Rise of Miss Notley by Rachael Anderson

The Rise of Miss Notley by Rachael Anderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from eBooks for Review
Genre: Historical/Regency Romance

Book Description:  To escape an undesirable match, Miss Notley must give up her riches for rags.

When Miss Coralynn Notley’s father barters her off to the first titled gentleman to come along, she realizes she must flee her home or be forced to wed a despicable man. Driven by desperation, she applies for the position of housekeeper at Tanglewood Manor, the home of the handsome Mr. Jonathan Ludlow.

The moment Jonathan sees Miss Notley, he is intrigued. She is far too young and inexperienced, yet there is something about her that that inspires a certain hope within him. Does he dare offer her the position of housekeeper or will doing so result in catastrophe?


My thoughts: I love it when I get my hands on a book that makes me want to sit down and read, forget about the world around me, and forget that I have a house to clean and a family to feed.

This book is an unconventional regency romance. Miss Cora Notley is running from her family and a betrothal to a man she doesn't want to marry. Her parents want an introduction to society and are determined to get that by marrying their daughter to a man with a title. It doesn't matter that he is vile and old enough to be her father. Miss Notley is strong enough to take a stand, by removing herself to a location her parents will not find her at.

Her plan grows as she decides to become a housekeeper. Surely a man of quality will not want to marry her if she ruins her reputation. I loved how Cora's mind works. She thinks things out and then acts upon them. It is her sincerity that got her a job, not her skill set.

This book is full of humor. Cora can turn a bad situation into something good with her positive outlook. Her personality gets her into a bind when her employer notices her goodness and how lovely she looks in her housekeeping uniform. The romance had many moments where I had to giggle.

This book is a clean romance with some stolen kisses.

Grab a copy at 

Amazon 

About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  A USA Today bestselling author of clean romance, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Visit her WEBPAGE!

A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander

A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received from the Publisher to Review
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Book Description: Despite her training as a master violinist, Rebekah Carrington was denied entry into the Nashville Philharmonic by young conductor Nathaniel Whitcomb, who bowed to public opinion. Now, with a reluctant muse and a recurring pain in his head, he needs her help to finish his symphony. But how can he win back her trust when he's robbed her of her dream?


My thoughts: Oh my goodness! What a wonderful story. This book has cemented Tamera Alexander as one of my favorite authors.

One thing that I love about historical fiction is when I learn something interesting. I did not know that at one time women were not encouraged to play the violin. It was considered a manly instrument and men were allowed to perform on stage. Really? Wow! I am so grateful for the women who paved the way for me to have had the experience of playing the violin on stage in an orchestra.

The love story between Tate and Rebekah begins on a "sour note." (Pun intended.) Really it was a miscommunication of intent, but I loved Rebekah's gumption and willingness to put herself in uncomfortable situations to go after her dream.

The way their past unfolds and their secrets revealed was well written. This story is great from start to end. This is the third book in a series. Characters from the previous two are mentioned, but this book can be read as a stand alone.

The book contains Christian themes, non-graphic violence, non-graphic sexual assault, and kissing.

Online purchase links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads) Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling author and one of today's most popular writers in the inspirational historical fiction genre. She and her husband live in Nashville, Tennessee, not far from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for six of her award-winning novels.

Visit her webpage!

Dragonwatch (A Fablehaven Adventure) by Brandon Mull

Dragonwatch by Brandon Mull
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source: Received from the publisher to review
Genre: Middle Grade/Tween Fantasy



Book Description:  In the long-awaited sequel to Fablehaven, the dragons who have been kept at the dragon sanctuaries no longer consider them safe havens, but prisons and they want their freedom. The dragons are no longer our allies....

In the hidden dragon sanctuary of Wyrmroost, Celebrant the Just, King of the Dragons, plots his revenge. He has long seen the sanctuaries as prisons, and he wants nothing more than to overthrow his captors and return the world to the Age of Dragons, when he and his kind ruled and reigned without borders. The time has come to break free and reclaim his power.

No one person is capable of stopping Celebrant and his dragon horde. It will take the ancient order of Dragonwatch to gather again if there is any chance of saving the world from destruction. In ancient times, Dragonwatch was a group of wizards, enchantresses, dragon slayers, and others who originally confined the majority of dragons into sanctuaries. But nearly all of the original Dragonwatch members are gone, and so the wizard Agad reaches out to Grandpa Sorenson for help.

As Kendra and Seth confront this new danger, they must draw upon all their skills, talents, and knowledge as only they have the ability to function together as a powerful dragon tamer. Together they must battle against forces with superior supernatural powers and breathtaking magical abilities.

How will the epic dragon showdown end? Will dragons overthrow humans and change the world as we know it? 

My thoughts: I began my Fablehaven journey with my children. We would sit down together and enjoy the fantasy world full of hidden danger. Seth and Kendra were children saving the world from mystical creatures. Now Seth and Kendra are teenagers, once again saving the world from dragons.

I loved this book. This book is perfect for any reader from middle grade on up. The main characters are children, but the book is full of description, action, and adventure.

The book has great pacing. There wasn't a moment to be bored. That is a huge plus when trying to get children to read a book. There are many different fantasy characters. The book is full of imagination and the descriptions bring it to life.

This is a sequel to the original Fablehaven books. I would suggest reading the original series first. The nature of the preserves are explored in detail, and you get to know the amazing characters a little better. This book does have some violence, dragons can be a little ferocious.

Watch the trailer:

online purchase links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository * Deseret Book

About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)

Brandon Mull resides in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife and three children. He spent two years living in the Atacama Desert of Northern Chile where he learned Spanish and juggling. He once won a pudding eating contest in the park behind his grandma’s house, earning a gold medal. Brandon is the author of the New York Times bestselling Fablehaven series and The Candy Shop War.

Visit him at: http://www.brandonmull.com

DVD Review ~ Story Tellers: An Evening with Colorful Characters

On cold night in the Utah Territory, three opinionated men seemingly by chance find themselves sharing a campfire as they tell tales, swap insults, and expound on their personal beliefs and philosophies. However, one of the men is not there by mere coincidence. Join Porter Rockwell, Mark Twain, and J. Golden Kimball for an entertaining and intriguing evening with three of the most colorful characters of the Old West.

My thoughts:  This DVD surprised me.  My thoughts were that it would be nice to watch a story that could inspire me, pass a few moments being entertained.  I didn't expect it to be as good as it was.

I knew that it would be three men from history sitting around the campfire swapping stories.  That is what the premise of the story is.  I was inspired.  I laughed.I got to know more about each of the men's stories and families.  This is a family friendly film, so I wondered how they would portray J. Golden Kimball's swearing dilemma.  It was a lot like Yosemite Sam.  Hilarious.

My biggest take away was the description of life during the 1800's.  Life as a  riverboat captain, life in a pioneer community, and life as fugitives running from religious persecution.  The practice of polygamy was also explained.

This felt like it could have happened.  There is something about a camp fire that brings out the story telling in everyone.  We listen and share.  I thought the actors did a wonderful job of portraying their characters.  The whole film was well done.

This does contain religious content.  J. Golden Kimball and Porter Rockwell were early believers in the LDS (Mormon) faith.  There is also a lot of mumbled swearing.  Good for the whole family.

Source:  I received a copy of the film from the publisher.  The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest.
Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Deseret Book

Valentine's Day Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology)

Valentine's Day Collection by Janette Rallison, Heather B Moore, Jenny Proctor, Annette Lyon, Heather Tullis, Sarah M Eden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source: Received eBook to Review
Genre: Contemporary Short Stories

Book Description:  From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean Romance, comes VALENTINE'S DAY COLLECTION. 

Six brand new contemporary romance novellas by Janette Rallison, Heather B. Moore, Jenny Proctor, Annette Lyon, Heather Tullis, and Sarah M. Eden. 

A BRUSH WITH THE LAW by Janette Rallison
Bethany has endured a streak of depressing Valentine’s Days. And this one is turning out no different. Her friend set her up on a blind date—and Bethany can only hope that James will be a decent guy. But it seems the fated day has other plans, and Bethany finds herself in the middle of a comedy of errors that make a blind date with a stranger the least of her problems.

EVERY OCCASION by Heather B. Moore
When Maurie moves back to her hometown to open up her dream shop, she calls a local construction crew for help. Former teenage crush Grant shows up on her front porch, answering the call for the construction job, and Maurie’s memories of her troubled childhood return with full force. When she discovers Grant has a troubled past of his own, Maurie realizes that she might have misjudged him all along.

HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor
As Kayla trains for the Olympic swimming trials, she vows to never let another boyfriend get in her way. When she finds out her younger sister’s new high school swim coach is Nate—the guy Kayla had a huge crush on when they were in school together—Kayla realizes that her resolve is weakening. But Kayla isn’t willing to risk giving up her Olympic dream for anyone, not even charming Nate.

THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE by Annette Lyon
When Sam’s long-time boyfriend, Steve, texts that he has something important to ask her on Valentine’s Day, she’s sure that he’s going to propose. Determined to look great for the big day, she hits the all-night laundromat to wash her favorite outfit. When her clothes are chugging away in a machine, Steve calls and pops a question—not one she ever would have expected. Reeling with shock, she’s left facing the holiday alone, unless you count the other person at laundromat, a guy leaning against his own washer, intent on his phone.

DEAL BREAKERS by Heather Tullis
The last place Colette wants to be stranded is the snowed-in Denver airport, especially when her sister is enduring chemo treatments and needs Colette’s help back home. When Colette runs into another stranded passenger—none other than former college boyfriend Drew—she can’t believe how much he’s changed . . . and hasn’t changed. Drew is still the same amazing guy that Colette was foolish enough to blow off for someone else. By the time she’d realized her mistake all those years ago, Drew’s heart had been too broken to give her a second chance. Now Colette can only hope that she can work her way back into his heart.

HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden
On the surface, Helen seems to have her life figured out. Her advice column, Hey, Helen!, is gaining more readers every week. She regularly hangs out with the guy next door, laughing and chatting over pizza and work. But when her feelings for her handsome neighbor begin tiptoeing toward something more than friendship, Helen can’t help hoping Neil might feel the same way. Between her own uncertainties, his friend-zone treatment of her, and a pair of loudly interfering parents, Hey, Helen! could use a little advice in love.


My thoughts: Love should be celebrated every day of the year, not only on Valentine's Day. That is why I don't have a problem reading this book out of season. :)

This book is an anthology of short stories. Each story gives a short glimpse into the characters falling in love. There isn't a conclusion, it is a snapshot of one day or a week or two. I found a lot of humor in the stories and cringe worthy moments. The characters embarrassment made me laugh and kept me wanting more.

I started this book in the evening and kept on reading long past my bedtime. When my tablet's battery died at 12:30, I pulled out my phone so I could continue. I read until I couldn't keep my eyes open and then promptly started my day by finishing the book. I would have happily stayed in my pajamas all day and continue reading, but the book ended.

I'm not going to give a break down of every story. I will tell you that all of them are excellent. I do have a favorite moment in a story. You can't resist the embarrassment of a lady breaking and entering in her underwear and being hauled into the police station. It may sound a little cheesy, but it was hilarious, you need to read it to find out why. (If only I were an author and thought of something like that! But I am happy to be a reader instead and leave the creativity to the people who write well.) In spite of the underwear incident, it is a clean book with kissing.

This is a fantastic read for any time of the year. You could grab a copy now and savor it on the holiday, but I think you should read it now and then re-read it on Valentines Day.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Deadly Inheritance by Clair M. Poulson (Blog Tour with a giveaway)

Deadly Inheritance by Clair M. Poulson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from the Publisher to Review
Genre: LDS Suspense

Book Description:  Andi Buckner and her twin brother, Bolden, have had enough of the rough streets of Detroit. When they can no longer bear the drugs and abuse within their home, the twins make their escape: Bolden to the military, and Andy to wherever the wind takes her. With few belongings and no specific destination, Andi eventually finds herself across the table from a kind old man in a quaint café in Spring Hollow, Montana. Louis “Gramps” Granger, a retired cop, takes Andi under his wing. Andi soon finds a peace she’s never known as she roots herself in the small town, working at the café and living in a cabin on Gramp’s property. But her peace is short-lived. . . When an enemy from Gramp’s past murders the old man, Andi’s need to see justice served draws her into an investigation far beyond her own abilities. But hundreds of miles away, her twin brother senses her despair and heeds her silent plea for help. Andi is soon reunited with her brother as well as with Bolden’s friend, private investigator Mason Crowther. Together, the trio delves into a mystery and soon discovers that the murderer’s motive goes far deeper than any of them imagined. With the truth almost within reach, they find themselves directly in the path of a killer who will stop at nothing to finish what they’ve started. . . .



My thoughts: This is the fourth book of Clair M. Poulson's that I have read. So far it has been my favorite. He has many books that I have yet to read.

This book is about a young lady who grew up in an abusive home. She needed a new start, so she drove, not knowing where she would end up. She landed in in Montana after meeting "Gramps". They needed each other and were drawn together as a granddaughter and grandfather. Gramps was a detective and put many bad guys in jail. This book is what happened when the bad guys found him.

Deadly Inheritance has many intense moments. Andi, her brother (Bolden), and his detective friend (Mason) are trying to unravel the clues to find the killer. Danger comes from all sides. They need to keep their wits about them and find the bad guys before they are hurt or killed.

The plot has many turns. The plans of the killer are intricate and hard to figure out. Just when you think that you know exactly what is happening there is more to the story. It was pretty tricky how it is all brought together and resolution is found.

I read this book quickly and found it enjoyable. There is romance, mystery, action, and adventure. The book contains violence.

Source: I received a copy from the publisher to review.

Online purchase links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book

About the Author: (Taken from Deseret Book)  Clair M. Poulson retired after twenty years in law enforcement. During his career he served in the U.S. Military Police Corps, the Utah Highway Patrol, and the Duchesne County Sheriff's Department, where he was first a deputy and the the county sheriff. He currently serves as a justice court judge for Duchesne County, a position he has held for nineteen years. His nearly forty-year career working in the criminal justice system has provided a wealth of material from which he draws in writing his books. Clair has served on numerous boards and committees over the years. Among them are the Utah Judicial Council, and FBI advisory board, the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, the Utah Justice Court Board of Directors, and the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice. Other interests include activity in the LDS Church, assisting his oldest son in operating their grocery store, ranching with his oldest son and other family members, and raising registered Missouri Fox Trotter horses. Clair and his wife, Ruth, live in Duchesne and are the parents of five married children. They have twenty-two grandchildren.

Enter the Tour Giveaway: 

 (Prize and notification coming from Covenant Communications) 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway .

Visit the Tour Stops:

*April 3rd: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://rockinbookreviews.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

*April 4th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://empowermoms.net/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/

*April 5th: http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

*April 6th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://brooklynberrydesigns.com/

*April 7th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/

A Season in London (Timeless Regency Collection Anthology)

A Season in London by Elizabeth Johns, Heather B. Moore, Rebecca Connolly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Receive eBook for Review
Genre: Clean Regency Anthology

Book Description:  From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean Romance, comes A SEASON IN LONDON.

Three brand new Regency Romance novellas by Elizabeth Johns, Heather B. Moore, and Rebecca Connolly.

POOR RELATIONS by Elizabeth Johns
As a ‘poor relation,’ Emma Standrich has already pre-empted her dismal Season by applying for a governess post. Her aunt and cousin are kind enough to sponsor her, but in truth, Emma is just waiting for it to all be over. Emma’s grief over the death of her brother while in military service casts a pallor on everything else in her life. When Colonel Shelton, the man who was her brother’s superior, asks her to dance at her first ball, Emma is more surprised than anyone. But she has questions for him, and soon she’s caught up in an intrigue she wasn’t expecting—both of the heart and the mind.

EDWARD & EMILY by Heather B. Moore
As a second son, Edward Blackwood never anticipated becoming heir to his family estate, or the need to find a wife and secure that inheritance. But with the death of his older brother, Edward is thrust into a life he never wanted. When his mother encourages him to be kind to his long-time neighbor Emily Foster, a girl he’d hardly paid attention to while growing up, Edward realizes that returning home might not be such a set-back after all.

A SPORTING SEASON by Rebecca Connolly
Daphne Hutchins is no simpering female who aims for a husband with a fortune. In fact, she’d be more than happy to live her life free of the heartache that men seem to bring. So when she sets out to play the fool in front of the ton during her first Season in order to send all eligible men running, she’s quite unprepared for James Woodbridge. Bored, but with a sense of family duty, James arrives for the Season, anticipating going through the expected motions befitting any gentleman. What he isn’t prepared for is Daphne Hutchins and the way she completely upends his heart.



My thoughts: Another great addition to the Timeless Regency Collection. I couldn't get through the book fast enough. I wanted to slow down my reading pace, but I couldn't wait to read what happened next.

This collection has three stories. I do have a favorite, it was the last one, "A Sporting Season". It was probably because the character was a little over the top. Her schemes were very funny and James was such a good "sport" about it. It was so unique and original that I loved it.

I really enjoyed all three books. They caught my attention and I liked the characters. If you love regency and good stories, you may want to pick this one up.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

An Uncommon Courtship by Kristi Ann Hunger

An Uncommon Courtship by Kristi Ann Hunter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley (for review)
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Book Description:  When her mother's ill-conceived marriage trap goes awry, Lady Adelaide Bell unwittingly finds herself bound to a stranger who ignores her. Lord Trent Hawthorne, who had grand plans to marry for love, is even less pleased with the match. Can they set aside their first impressions before any chance of love is lost?



My thoughts: I enjoyed this marriage or ruination story. I also enjoyed catching up with characters from the previous stories in this series. This book is the third, but can be read as a stand alone.

Trent makes the decision to marry Adelaide when they spend the evening together after an accident. He is a man of honor and abandons his plans to marry for love.

This romance has some humorous moments. Trent decides to court his wife. Their marriage at the beginning is shaky. They do not know how to communicate with the stranger they are currently living with.

This book had moments when I wanted to hit them with my tablet. Trent knows how to completely bungle things. He overthinks and overreacts. Adelaide has spent her life living in the shadows of her older sister and is wonderful at retreating into her books.

The book shows the progression of their relationship. The extended family added many wonderful moments. I loved it when the family ganged up on Trent, he deserved it.

This book has a strong Christian element. It is clean with kissing and fade to black intimacy.

online purchase links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is an RWA Golden Heart contest winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com.