Take ten: Best Books I have read in 2018 thus far

This is always a fun topic to think on, since it gives me the chance to look back on what I have read, rather than focusing on the ever growing (never diminishing;)) TBR pile. lol. Here are 10 of my favorite books from 2018, thus far!
As usual, the pictures will take you to Amazon so you can read more about the books I have on my list. These are affiliate links. Thank you for helping to supporting my hobby.;)

1. The Story Peddler

I actually just finished this one, and it was amazing! I love that it didn't go quite were I thought it would, in the best way possible. If you enjoy fantasy series, then I highly recommend this one!


2. Fawkes

This one is another fantastic fantasy story! I love how it meshes with history in a creative way.

3. The Hope of Azure Springs

This one is bittersweet. It's well written and a wonderful read though.

4. Called to Protect

This is an excellent series! I love that it is about a family involved in different forms of service, mostly law enforcement.

5. A Defense of Honor

I loved the start to this new series! It brought up some interesting questions.

6. A Song Unheard

Another series I am enjoying immensely! I love that it's about a family of orphaned thieves who wind up working for the British government at the start of WWI.

7. When Tides Turn

It took me a while to get into this one, but once I did, I loved it!

8. The Ladies of Ivy Cottage

I eagerly await the third book in this series, since the first two have been excellent!

9. Come to the Table

An excellent book on hospitality that included recipes.;)

10. Another Day, Another Dali

For some reason, I read this series out of order and finally went back to finish it. It was a fun mystery series!

What books are on your list this week?

A Daring Venture

As a biochemist in early 1900s New York, Doctor Rosalind Werner has dedicated her life to the crusade against waterborne diseases. She is at the forefront of a groundbreaking technology that will change the way water is delivered to every household in the city--but only if she can get people to believe in her work.

Newly appointed Commissioner of Water for New York, Nicholas Drake is highly skeptical of Rosalind and her team's techniques. When a brewing court case throws him into direct confrontation with her, he is surprised by his reaction to the lovely scientist.

While Rosalind and Nick wage a private war against their own attraction, they stand firmly on opposite sides of a battle that will impact far more than just their own lives. As the controversy grows more public and inflammatory and Rosalind becomes the target of an unknown enemy, the odds stacked against these two rivals swiftly grow more insurmountable with every passing day.

My thoughts: This was an excellent addition to the Empire State series! I loved the rich history that it brought to light, with how important it was to chlorinate water and make a clean water source, especially for larger cities where diseases were able to spread like wildfire. Once again, Elizabeth brought fascinating history to life with unique characters. The book has some fun surprises in it, and I look forward to reading the next one in the series!
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

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Resurrection of Hope

She thought he was her knight in shining armor, but will a marriage of convenience prove her wrong?

After Vivian’s fiancé dies in the Great War, she thinks her life is over. But Henry, her fiancé’s best friend, comes to the rescue offering a marriage of convenience. He claims he promised his friend he would take care of her. She grows to love him, but she knows it will never work because he never shows any love for her.

Henry adores Vivian and has pledged to take care of her, but he won’t risk their friendship by letting her know. She’s still in love with the man who died in the Great War. He won’t risk heartache by revealing his true emotions.

My Review: It's hard to imagine what it would of been like to live back in the old days as a woman and to have limited prospects when the love of your life passes away. This is a well written story of an unlikely match brought about by a difficult situation that backs Vivian into a corner. I loved that she was a feisty character and the story is terrific! The characters are so vivid, I enjoyed getting to know them.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review.

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The Hope of Azure Springs

Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won't be able to do it alone.

For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He's determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn't expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.

Debut author Rachel Fordham invites historical romance readers to the charming town of Azure Springs, Iowa, where the people care deeply for one another and, sometimes, even fall in love.

My thoughts: This book is excellent! I fell in love with Em from the beginning, as she recovered from her injury and learned to live again. She is completely unconventional and I loved her for that! I loved that Rachel brought the characters to life and really has a beautiful underlying message to the story, that beauty is found when you truly love someone and anyone can be quite beautiful if they have a kind heart. I highly recommend picking this book up, since it is a new favorite here!
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

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Inspired

If the Bible isn't a science book or an instruction manual, then what is it? What do people mean when they say the Bible is inspired? When Rachel Held Evans found herself asking these questions, she began a quest to better understand what the Bible is and how it is meant to be read. What she discovered changed her--and it will change you too.
Drawing on the best in recent scholarship and using her well-honed literary expertise, Evans examines some of our favorite Bible stories and possible interpretations, retelling them through memoir, original poetry, short stories, soliloquies, and even a short screenplay. Undaunted by the Bible's most difficult passages, Evans wrestles through the process of doubting, imagining, and debating Scripture's mysteries. The Bible, she discovers, is not a static work but is a living, breathing, captivating, and confounding book that is able to equip us to join God's loving and redemptive work in the world.

My thoughts: I appreciate that this book brings the Bible to life in a different way that helps the reader see how relevant it is in todays world, but I didn't care for the style of writing very much. It did help me to appreciate all the more that the Bible was written not only for the time it came forth, but also for all ages. This is an interesting book, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
I received this book from Book look bloggers in exchange for my honest review.



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Take Ten: books that have patriotic covers

This week's Top Ten list is kind of a patriotic theme, with the 4th of July right around the corner. So, here is my list of red, white, and blue covers. If you are interested in learning more about the book, just click the picture to go to Amazon and read more. This post does contain affiliate links.

1. Oath of Honor

This one is also rather patriotic, since it is about a family involved in law enforcement. I've adored both the books that are out!


2. Dear America, Cannons at Dawn

While I don't remember reading this one, I did read a lot of the Dear America books when I was younger and enjoyed them.

3. Inkheart

Okay, so this one is actually by a German author, but something about the cover made me think it suited the theme.;)

4. The Lady and the Lionheart

Okay, so not real patriotic looking, but I see the big top and think it fits.

5. Fatal Frost


6. Waves of Freedom

I adored this mystery series that brought to life the roles women had during WWII!

7. A Matter of Trust

A Montana rescue crew that battles natural disasters seems to fit.

8. The Sea Before Us

Okay, so the heroine is technically British, but I still feel like the book fits nicely.;)

9. Right Where I Belong

Something about the colors and the beach screams all American to me.;)

10. All American Girl

For obvious reasons. lol.

What books are on your list?

A Rebel Heart

Five years after the final shot was fired in the War Between the States, Selah Daughtry can barely manage to keep herself, her two younger sisters, and their spinster cousin fed and clothed. With their family's Mississippi plantation swamped by debt and the Big House falling down around them, the only option seems to be giving up their ancestral land.

Pinkerton agent and former Union cavalryman Levi Riggins is investigating a series of robberies and sabotage linked to the impoverished Daughtry plantation. Posing as a hotel management agent for the railroad, he tells Selah he'll help her save her home, but only if it is converted into a hotel. With Selah otherwise engaged with renovations, Levi moves onto the property to "supervise" while he actually attends to his real assignment right under her nose.

Selah isn't sure she entirely trusts the handsome Yankee, but she'd do almost anything to save her home. What she never expected to encounter was his assault on her heart.

My thoughts: This story was such an interesting look at history and what happened after the Civil War to some of the huge estates. I thought that Beth did an excellent job with the story and some difficult subjects. The characters were interesting and the story moved at a good pace. If you enjoy Civil War era stories, then this is a great one to pick up.
I received this book from Revel in exchange for my honest review.


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