The Lost Castle

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“It’s been a long time since I’ve been so thoroughly engrossed in a novel . . . The Lost Castle kept me spellbound!” —Tamera Alexander, USA TODAY bestselling author of To Whisper Her Name and Christmas at Carnton

Broken-down walls and crumbling stones seemed to possess a secret language all their own.

What stories would they tell, if she finally listened?

Ellie Carver arrives at her grandmother’s bedside expecting to find her silently slipping away. Instead, the beloved woman begins speaking. Of a secret past and castle ruins forgotten by time. Of a hidden chapel that served as a rendezvous for the French Resistance in World War II. Of lost love and deep regret . . .

Each piece that unlocks the story seems to unlock part of Ellie too—where she came from and who she is becoming. But her grandmother is quickly disappearing into the shadows of Alzheimer’s and Ellie must act fast if she wants to uncover the truth of her family’s history. Drawn by the mystery surrounding The Sleeping Beauty—a castle so named for Charles Perrault’s beloved fairy tale—Ellie embarks on a journey to France’s Loire Valley in hopes that she can unearth its secrets before time silences them forever.

Bridging the past to the present in three time periods—the French Revolution, World War II, and present day—The Lost Castle is a story of loves won and lost, of battles waged in the hearts of men, and of an enchanted castle that stood witness to it all, inspiring a legacy of faith through the generations.

My thoughts: Well, I feel a little bit torn with this story. While I love Kristy's books, I felt like this one almost has too much going on with it, since the story is split between three different time periods. I felt a little overwhelmed for part of the story. It is worth it with how it comes together in the end. I enjoyed the different view of the French Revolution and WWII. I would of personally liked a bit more depth to Ellie's story. That said, I still thought it was an excellent story and I enjoyed it immensely.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

The House on Foster Hill

Kaine Prescott is no stranger to death. When her husband died two years ago, her pleas for further investigation into his suspicious death fell on deaf ears. In desperate need of a fresh start, Kaine purchases an old house sight unseen in her grandfather's Wisconsin hometown. But one look at the eerie, abandoned house immediately leaves her questioning her rash decision. And when the house's dark history comes back with a vengeance, Kaine is forced to face the terrifying realization she has nowhere left to hide.
A century earlier, the house on Foster Hill holds nothing but painful memories for Ivy Thorpe. When an unidentified woman is found dead on the property, Ivy is compelled to discover her identity. Ivy's search leads her into dangerous waters and, even as she works together with a man from her past, can she unravel the mystery before any other lives--
including her own--are lost?

My thoughts: I picked this book up on a whim, and was sucked into the story immediately! It was so hard to put down, since it was the perfect blend of suspense and mystery, with an interesting combination of past and present. While parts of it are creepy, since neither Ivy or Kaine know what they are up against at Foster Hill House.
This book has some great quotes, and I especially appreciated the thought provoking dialogs on where we put our hope and where it should be. I highly recommend this one!
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

When We were Worthy

A win brought them together, but loss may tear them apart.

When the sound of sirens cuts through a cool fall night, the small town of Worthy, Georgia, hurtles from triumph to tragedy. Just hours before, they’d watched the Wildcats score a winning touchdown. Now, they’re faced with the deaths of three cheerleaders—their promising lives cut short in a fatal crash. And the boy in the other car—the only one to survive—is believed to be at fault. As rumors begin to fly and accusations spin, allegiances form and long-kept secrets emerge.

At the center of the whirlwind are four women, each grappling with loss, regret, shame, and lies: Marglyn, a grieving mother; Darcy, whose son had been behind the wheel; Ava, a substitute teacher with a scandalous secret; and Leah, a cheerleader who should have been in the car with her friends, but wasn’t. If the truth comes out, will it bring redemption—or will it be their downfall?

My thoughts: This book was interesting, to say the least! It is an engrossing story of three girls who's lives have been cut short and what happened leading up to their tragic deaths that affects those left behind. I thought it was a unique story, though a bit disturbing. Marybeth does a great job of keeping the reader engaged until the very end.
This book is geared towards high schoolers, with it's language and some of the subject matter.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Looking Glass Lies

A poignant and relatable novel, Looking Glass Lies captures the war women wage against themselves, and the struggle to see beauty reflected in a mirror not distorted by society’s unrelenting expectations.

For most of her adult life, Cecily Ross has compared herself to other women—and come up short. After a painful divorce from her emotionally abusive husband, Cecily returns to her hometown of Canyon, Texas, looking to heal.

But coming home isn’t what she expects. In a town as small as Canyon, her pain is difficult to escape—especially with her model-perfect ex–sister-in-law working at the town’s popular coffee-shop hangout. With help from her father, a support group, and an old friend who guides her to see her own strengths, Cecily may have a shot at overcoming her insecurities and learning to love again.

The true test comes when tragedy strikes, opening Cecily’s eyes to the harmfulness of her distorted views on beauty—and giving her the perfect opportunity to find peace at last.

My thoughts: This book is intense! I appreciate how it tackles the problem of the media and how it has defined beauty, and how that affects both women and men. The book has several different characters who battle with self image, so it will touch many readers. I just wish that there would of been a bit more hope, since the book is pretty weighty. Over all though, this is an excellent story about a group of women and their journey to seeing themselves as more than how the world has defined them.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Can't Help Falling

A funny, heartfelt romance about how an antique shop, a wardrobe, and a mysterious tea cup bring two C.S. Lewis fans together in a snowy and picturesque Oxford, England.

Emelia Mason has spent her career finding the dirt on the rich and famous. But deep down past this fearless tabloid-reporter façade, there’s a nerdy Narnia-obsessed girl who still can’t resist climbing into wardrobes to check for the magical land on the other side. When a story she writes produces tragic results, she flees to Oxford, England—home to C.S. Lewis—to try and make amends for the damage she has caused.

Peter Carlisle was on his way to become one of Great Britain’s best rowers—until he injured his shoulder and lost his chance at glory. He’s determined to fight his way back to the top even if it means risking permanent disability to do so. It’s the only way he can find his way past failing the one person who never stopped believing in his Olympic dream.

When Peter and Emelia cross paths on her first night in Oxford, the attraction is instant and they find common ground in their shared love of Narnia. But can the lessons from a fantasyland be enough to hold them together when secrets of the real world threaten to tear them apart? Cobblestone streets, an aristocratic estate, and an antique shop with curious a wardrobe bring the world of Narnia to life in Kara Isaac’s inspiring and romantic story about second chances.

My thoughts: I was super excited to get my hands on this book before it released, since I loved Kara's debut novel, Close to You, and this one had the additional draw of having to do with Narnia.;) It didn't disappoint! I loved following the adventures of Peter and Emelia as they get to know one another. While I would of preferred to have some of the mystery having to do with their pasts come out sooner, I still thought this was an excellent story of finding forgiveness and being given a second chance.
While this is a stand alone novel, some of the characters from Close to You are in this story, so I would recommend reading it first. Not to mention, it's just an incredible story that I highly recommend! The characters in both stories are marvelous and I hope that Emelia and Peter will make an appearance in Kara's next story.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Ringmaster's Wife

Rosamund Easling is no stranger to opulence. As the daughter of an earl, she’s grown up with every comfort money can buy. But when hard times befall the family’s Yorkshire estate in the aftermath of the Great War, Rosamund’s father sells her beloved horse, setting the stage for a series of events that would extend beyond even her wildest dreams.

Though expected to marry for a title instead of love, Rosamund feels called to a different life – one of adventure outside the confines of a ladies’ parlor. She abandons all she’s known and follows in pursuit as her horse is shipped to the new owner – an American entertainer by the name of John Ringling. Once introduced to the Ringling Brothers’ circus and knowing she has much to learn, Rosamund agrees to a bareback riding apprenticeship in the shadow of the Ringlings’ winter home—Ca’D’Zan. It is at that mansion, in what would become the last days of the enigmatic Mable Ringling’s life, that Rosamund finds a deeper sense of purpose in the life she’s been given, and the awakening of faith in her heart.

With a supporting cast of characters as mysterious and dazzling as the Ringlings’ big-top world, Rosamund’s journey takes her from the tradition of the English countryside to the last days of America’s Roaring ‘20s—a journey that forever changes what one life might have been.

My thoughts: Kristy does a fabulous job of bringing to life the Ringling's circus in the early 1900's! I loved finding out about Mabel Ringling, since she sounds like she was a kind person in real life. Kristy does a wonderful job of putting together what is known about Mabel and John while filling in the gaps seamlessly with some delightful details.;) I love that there are two couples in this story, one based on facts and the other on fiction.
While I would of loved more details when it came to Mabel's courtship and the time in between her chapters, this book is well written and an excellent read! It's a new favorite.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Someone Like You

Realistic Characters Shine in Bylin's Latest Romance

Julia Dare is trying to run her own business, raise her young son, Max, and help her widowed mother. Her biggest worry, though, is keeping Max's father from being a bad influence while still allowing the boy to spend time with his dad. When an account from her event-planning business sends her to Caliente Springs resort, she's shocked to encounter Zeke Monroe, her college sweetheart.

Zeke is determined to keep Caliente Springs running despite financial trouble. When Julia walks back into his life, he's surprised at the feelings she stirs up. As they work together on an important client's wedding, the fate of the resort soon depends on their success. With Zeke and Julia both pushed to their limits, will their history put up walls between them or bring them together?

My thoughts: This is the first book I have finished by Victoria and I must say, it was well worth it! The story is one that will resonate with a lot of readers, since she brings her characters to life with their triumphs and personal tragedies. I love that she has strong secondary characters as well. I especially liked the hero, who had me cheering for him from the get go.:)
The only thing that I didn't care so much for was the ex, who was pretty annoying. I know people like that exists though, and there were some wonderful, thought provoking points about how to deal with people like that as a Christian.
All in all, this is a wonderful read that had me sucked in from the beginning! I'm sure I will be reading more of the author's books in the future.;)
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder

In 1910 Toronto, while other bachelor girls perfect their domestic skills and find husbands, two friends perfect their sleuthing skills and find a murderer.

Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city's underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor.

While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Toronto's premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever--if they can stay alive long enough to do so.

My thoughts: I loved this refreshing historical mystery! It was so nice to pick up a book that wasn't totally predictable with the romance and mystery. The characters are fun and quirky, going against what is expected of them as young, unmarried women in the early 1900's by opening a detective agency instead of pursuing marriage alone. I would of liked a bit more explanation of the mystery at the end, but otherwise, enjoyed the story immensely! The historical aspect was quite interesting.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Close to You

A disgraced scholar running from her past and an entrepreneur chasing his future find themselves thrown together—and fall in love—on a Tolkien tour of New Zealand.

Allison Shire (yes, like where the Hobbits live) is a disgraced academic who is done with love. Her belief in “happily ever after” ended the day she discovered her husband was still married to a wife she knew nothing about. She finally finds a use for her English degree by guiding tours through the famous sites featured in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. By living life on the road and traveling New Zealand as a luxury tour guide, Allison manages to outrun the pain of her past she can’t face.

Jackson Gregory was on the cusp of making it big. Then suddenly his girlfriend left him—for his biggest business competitor—and took his most guarded commercial secrets with her. To make matters worse, the Iowa farm that has been in his family for generations is facing foreclosure. Determined to save his parents from financial ruin, he’ll do whatever it takes to convince his wealthy great-uncle to invest in his next scheme, which means accompanying him to the bottom of the world to spend three weeks pretending to be a die-hard Lord of the Rings fan, even though he knows nothing about the stories. The one thing that stands between him and his goal is a know-it-all tour guide who can’t stand him and pegged him as a fake the moment he walked off the plane.

When Allison leads the group through the famous sites of the Tolkien movies, she and Jackson start to see each other differently, and as they keep getting thrown together on the tour, they find themselves drawn to each other. Neither expected to fall in love again, but can they find a way beyond their regrets to take a chance on the one thing they’re not looking for?

My thoughts: I was super excited about this book, and it didn't disappoint! I love that both of the characters (and, really a lot of the secondary characters) have a lot of depth to them and grow as the story progresses. I both love and hate that their stories come out in pieces, since you don't get everything up front (which the impatient side of me hates) but it makes the characters all that much easier to fall in love with. The author does a fabulous job of pulling off the relationship between Allison and Jackson. This one is a new favorite!
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Justified

In a small Texas town ruled by gossip, Fawn Blaylock believes others are justified in condemning her untimely pregnancy. Stifled by guilt, she yearns for grace while the local football coach treats her with gentle respect.

Justified perfectly captures the rhythm and romance of life in a small town, telling the unforgettable story of a woman searching for renewal, a man looking beyond what others see, and a community torn between judgment and love. It is the unforgettable story of broken dreams, second chances, and relentless hope.

My thoughts: Over all, I fell in love with this incredible story of a young woman who has grown up going to church but has felt that she fell from God's grace when she finds herself pregnant an unmarried. With her world turned upside down, she begins to truly feel God's love and makes lasting friendships along the way. While the story is messy and the villain was truly unstable, I liked the over all message of this story. I look forward to reading other books by Varina!
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Bronte Plot

When Lucy's secret is unearthed, her world begins to crumble. But it may be the best thing that has ever happened to her.

Lucy Alling makes a living selling rare books, often taking suspicious measures to reach her goals. When her unorthodox methods are discovered, Lucy's secret ruins her relationship with her boss and her boyfriend James—leaving Lucy in a heap of hurt, and trouble. Something has to change; she has to change.

In a sudden turn of events, James's wealthy grandmother Helen hires Lucy as a consultant for a London literary and antiques excursion. Lucy reluctantly agrees and soon discovers Helen holds secrets of her own. In fact, Helen understands Lucy's predicament better than anyone else.

As the two travel across England, Lucy benefits from Helen's wisdom, as Helen confronts the ghosts of her own past. Everything comes to a head at Haworth, home of the Brontë sisters, where Lucy is reminded of the sisters' beloved heroines, who, with tenacity and resolution, endured—even in the midst of change.

Now Lucy must go back into her past in order to move forward. And while it may hold mistakes and regrets, she will prevail—if only she can step into the life that's been waiting for her all along.

My thoughts: It is no secret that I love Katherine Reay's stories, since they make it onto a lot of my Top Ten lists.;) With The Bronte Plot, she outdid herself! While I didn't always like the main character, she is real, interesting, and easy to grow to love as she faces her family's demons and the impact they have had on her life. I like that I can relate to Lucy and her love for reading. I finished this book feeling like I had made a new friend.;) And, I now have a new favorite book to add to my list! I especially enjoy that the reader doesn't always know where the story is going to go, and that the characters are so well developed that you half expect to pass them on the street. I can't recommend this book enough! The only downside is that the story is hard to put down.;)
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.