Reviews

A Run at Love by Toni Shiloh

A CONTENDER RUNNING FOR THE ROSES

As a Black woman in a field with little diversity, Piper McKinney is determined to make her mark on the horse-racing world. Raised on a Thoroughbred farm in Kentucky, Piper’s dream is for her horse to win the prestigious Kentucky Derby. With the help of her best friend and trainer, Tucker Hale, she gains national attention but must grapple with the complications that arise when a journalist delves into her past as a transracial adoptee.

A BEST FRIEND RACING FOR LOVE

In an effort to win Piper’s heart, Tucker formulates a plan to train Piper’s horse to victory, hoping to prove himself to her, her parents, and his own self-doubts. Then a shocking scandal hits the media, implicating both Piper and her parents, and she and Tucker will have to survive the onslaught to find their way to the winner’s circle–and each other.

Book 2 in Shiloh’s Love in the Spotlight series can be read as a stand alone but do read book 1, The Love Script, as the same characters appear in book 2.

Oh my goodness. Best friends. Will they become more? I love the banter between Piper and Tucker. I spent so much time laughing. And then there were the “oh that’s so sweet” sighs. This book has all the feels! The “shocking scandal” threw me a curve ball that I didn’t see coming but Shiloh handled it really well. Again with the feelings.

I enjoy watching the Kentucky Derby each year and watched it while reading A Run at Love so that was extra fun. The author put in quite a bit about horse training and racing that I didn’t know. It’s always great when a book can teach you things.

This book gave a nod to another of Shiloh’s series, just adding to the fun. If you enjoy clean Christian romance that’s not only fun but sweet, then I recommend A Run at Love.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Darkness Calls the Tiger by Janyre Tromp

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Imperial Japan devours the southern portion of Burma, intent on taking over mainland Asia. Unaware of the coming darkness, Kailyn Moran drifts in her role as the only daughter of a widowed missionary. As whispers of war snake through the Kachin mountains, Kai’s father is convinced God will protect the mission. He entrusts the village to her and the kind yet inexperienced new missionary, Ryan McDonough, while he makes routine visits to neighboring villages.

War descends like a tempest upon the mountain peaks, and an unbreakable bond forms between Kailyn and Ryan as they unite to provide solace to both villagers and the flood of refugees. Despite their tireless efforts, a brutal enemy shatters almost everything they love, pushing Kailyn to embark on a path of unrestrained vengeance.

Afraid he’s losing the woman he loves, Ryan fights to protect Kai from the deadly consequences of her choices. But in the face of destruction, can he convince her of the power and freedom of forgiveness?

I’m not even sure how to review this book. Darkness Calls the Tiger is dark, harsh and so many other things. Yet hope is always infused throughout. In this book, Tromp takes us to Burma during WWII. War is hard, and messy, and scary. So was Burma during this time. 

Tromp paints a picture so well that you are put in Burma. You can feel it. Smell it. You know the tiger is there, just waiting. Her research is incredible and I learned so much by reading this book.

If you enjoy, and I’m not sure that’s the right word for this book, compelling historical fiction that will keep you on the edge of your seat, yet shows forgiveness, friendship, and trust then do pick this one up. You won’t regret it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Matters of the Heart by Kelly Irvin

He’s the community’s jokester auctioneer. She’s the serious caregiver for her siblings who also works at the local plant nursery. What future could they have together?

Declan Miller has always had feelings for Bethel King. Back when they were in school, she was the smartest girl in the class and, in his opinion, by far the prettiest. Now the two of them are in their twenties and while the attraction is still there, Declan is as hesitant as ever to let Bethel know how he feels. His corny jokes and wisecracks cover a heart that’s afraid of rejection.

Bethel can’t deny Declan is nice, funny, hardworking, and pleasing to the eye–a perfect match if you asked any Plain girl in the area. But marrying Bethel would also mean marrying into her family. Two of her younger brothers have a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and her sister Claire is now showing signs of having it as well. Fiercely loyal and nurturing, Bethel has promised herself her siblings will always come first. With a good chance that she carries the gene and could pass it on to her children, Bethel has tried to convince herself marriage and family just aren’t in the cards for her.

When a devastating diagnosis of his own turns Declan’s world upside down, he looks to Bethel for understanding, compassion, and a realistic outlook. As they share their dreams and fears and grow together in faith, a bond begins to develop between them. Perhaps their combination of optimistic extrovert and thoughtful introvert really isn’t such a bad thing–perhaps it’s actually a part of God’s beautiful design.

Book 2 of the Amish Calling series, I do recommend reading book 1, The Heart’s Bidding. It’s really good and is about the same community.

Bethel is sure she’s meant to stay single and help take care of her siblings that are dealing with muscular dystrophy. She also feels guilty that she’s healthy. Declan is dealing with his own health issues. Can they work things out and become more than friends? Can they come to terms with the fact that life happens to everyone?

I appreciate that Irvin wasn’t afraid to talk about the challenges the Amish face. She didn’t beat around the bush, but gave explanations and hope.

A sweet story told with compassion. A clean romance where none was expected. I highly recommend Matters of the Heart.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

The Amish Quiltmaker’s Uninvited Guest by Jennifer Beckstrand

The beloved bestselling inspirational romance author continues her uplifting Amish Quiltmakers series set in Colorado. Will appeal to readers of Amish and inspirational romance and fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Amy Lillard, and Emma Miller.

Esther’s distant cousin, widower Menno Eicher, needs to be hard-headed and practical. Swamped by family and farm responsibilities, he must find the perfect wife as quickly as possible, so he’s shown up in Colorado—with “finding a wife” on his To-Do list! Esther’s community has many women who could match his ever-growing requirements. Yet after a chance meeting, Menno keeps coming back to baker Joanna Yoder. Hard-working, honest, and forthright, she’s distracting Menno from his search, opening his heart—but refuses to believe he’s falling hopelessly in love with her . . .

Happily busy inventing and selling delicious desserts, Joanna has no time for someone as ridiculously exacting as Menno. After all, what sort of man thinks choosing a wife is like picking a pie at the general store? But once she sees the surprisingly kind heart, doting father, and understanding man beneath his hard-to-please ways, she has second thoughts. With faith and genuine love, might the few things they have in common overcome the differences between them—and prove precious enough to risk a future together?

Book 5 in the Amish Quiltmaker’s Series, this could be a standalone but do read books 1-4. They are so good and will keep you laughing.

Menno needs a wife, as all Amish single father’s do. Recently widowed, he’s so very obedient to the bishop. Maybe too obedient? I laughed at his to-do list and the way Joanna reacted. I mean, who wants to be a check mark on a to-do list? Especially when you don’t think you even want to be married. And no woman wants to be a can of corn. (Read it to find out!)

This story was delightful, lighthearted, comedic, poignant, and had all the feels. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

The Proposal Plot by Kathleen Fuller

A headstrong young businesswoman. An unlucky-in-love bachelor. And the chaperoning assignment that keeps pushing them together.

For someone so strong-willed and certain, Ella Yoder has never been more unsure of her life. It’s been a year since she convinced her father to move with her and her younger sister Junia to Marigold, Ohio, to open E and J Grocery. Ella’s got a keen eye for running a business and has big dreams to expand. But her plans are stalled because Junia refuses to lift a finger at the store–or listen to her about anything.

Nelson Bontranger knows one thing for sure: creating his own artisan deli meats is his passion. Well, maybe one other thing: he’s sworn off women forever. After two bouts of heartbreak, he’s not willing to open up himself to a third. When he eyes his own butcher shop next to E and J Grocery in Marigold, he’s surprised to learn that Ella has had her eye on the property for some time. He doesn’t trust this stubborn, pushy young woman–and for her, the feeling is mutual.

Against their wishes, Ella and Nelson’s paths continue to cross when Nelson’s nephew Malachi falls head over heels for Junia. Nelson and Ella are brought together to keep the lovebirds in check, but somewhere along the line, their frustration turns to something altogether more pleasant. But they will both need to come to terms with past pain before they can find their future happiness.

Book 2 in the Amish of Marigold, Matters of the Heart can be read as a stand alone but I do recommend book 1, The Courtship Plan. It’s a good book and takes place in the same small town.

Goodness, what a lot of mistrust and assuming these characters are dealing with; both Nelson and Ella. A few times I wanted to shake each of them, then I would feel bad for them. And both are dealing with heartbreak. Will they ever get it all together??

Then there’s Malachi and Junia. Falling in love but immature. Will they ever grow up?

Sisters who can’t get along, a father who can’t stand up for himself, guys who don’t know what they want. Seriously, it was a good book full of forgiveness and personal growth. A fun read that goes to the heart of the matter, I recommend it if you enjoy Amish fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

The Mysterious Amish Bachelor (Indiana Amish Market #4) by Vannetta Chapman

He has a secret.

She’s set on discovering it.

After paying the price for a crime he committed ten years ago, Noah Beiler wants a fresh start—which means hiding where he’s been for the last decade from his Amish community. But Sarah Yoder is determined to uncover his past. As Noah and Sarah work together and grow close, Noah’s history is the only thing standing in their way. Will revealing the truth set them free, or are some secrets best kept buried?

I’ve enjoyed this entire series, although each book can be read as a stand alone. The Mysterious Amish Bachelor is a good book, showing the importance of being honest and trusting God. Characters Noah and Sarah are headed toward a romance but one is keeping an important secret from the other. Can they trust that God has changed the person?

While it’s a serious topic, the story has many light hearted moments that will make the reader chuckle. Tender and sweet, it’s a good story for those who enjoy Amish fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

The Legacy of the Rocking K Ranch by Mary Connealy, DJ Gudge, Beccca Whitham, Kimberley Woodhouse

Six Decades of History Unfurls on a Wyoming Ranch

Journey to untamed Wyoming where four generations of women experience love, loss, grace, adoption, struggles with the law, relationships with natives, and through it all, family bonds.

Eleanor by Mary Connealy   

1850 – Wagon train guide, Ray “Wild Cat” Manning, can’t ignore the abandoned wagon stricken with smallpox. Eleanor Yates, now widowed with an ailing daughter, says yes to Wild Cat’s marriage of convenience. It is her only choice—but far from her romantic dreams.

Grace by D. J. Gudger   

1867 – Grace Manning abandons her journey east at Fort Laramie. The ranch is where she belongs. Unable to reach her father, Grace scrambles to find a way home. Captain Winfield Cooper is mustering out in a few short days. The gold fields at South Pass City are calling but a lonely laundress pleads to tag along with him and his motley men. Will this woman who refuses to unveil her face derail his dreams? 

Caroline by Becca Whitham       

1886 – Ray Cooper escaped reservation life by pursuing a degree from Harvard, but it hasn’t granted him the respect he craves in Washington, DC. Caroline Forrester longs to be more than a society hostess for her father. As the two fight against the Dawes Act, they also fight their growing attraction.

Penelope by Kimberley Woodhouse  

1910 – Penelope Cooper finally receives an offer to become a published author after pursuing her dream in New York City. But when she returns home, her family’s stories, the land of her heart, and photographer Jason Miller, cast doubt on her decision. Will rediscovering her past make Penelope reconsider her future?

I enjoyed each of these stories as we follow the Manning family from 1850 to the mid-1900s. It was fun to read about each new generation and to still be visited by the elders of the family. Each author did a great job of keeping their story in the proper time period so we were able to see as things changed and the nation grew.

Things were not easy and this family had to be tough and courageous, while trusting God. If you enjoy historical fiction I highly recommend it.

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Davison Politano

Peter Driscoll, an underground investigator to the wealthy, has never met anyone like Lily Temple. The beautiful silent-film actress spins fairy tales and plays frivolous roles in front of the cine-camera, but beneath the costumes and stage makeup is a woman with a quick wit–and a murky past.

Peter has been tasked with locating the legendary Briarwood Teardrop, an exquisite sapphire, which Lily wears beneath her gown. In order to stay close to her and hopefully unravel the mystery of her story–and the sapphire–Peter employs Lily’s help on a case, which leads to a useful partnership. But as they are investigating together, Peter is also investigating Lily. The closer he gets to the truth, the more danger they face. And the closer he gets to Lily, the clearer it is that he needs her even more than she needs him.

Award-winning author Joanna Davidson Politano whisks you away to Edwardian England in 1903 for a whimsical and layered tale that treads the crooked line between real and make-believe.

Author Joanna Davidson Politano always writes a story that is deep, intriguing, and keeps the reader turning the pages. The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple is no different.

In this story we meet Lily Temple and learn some about the silent film industry. But is Lily the dressed up actress, or is she the whimsical fairy? Or is she something else all together? You’ll have to read the book to find out. And then there’s Peter. A private investigator, who is he really investigating? This story is full of mysterious twists and turns.

A gently moving story, stick with it if you enjoy historical fiction. You’ll be charmed and intrigued.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep

Wife. Mother. Homemaker. Detective. Kit Forge wears many hats, and if that’s not enough, she’s partnered with her father to open a new detective agency. It’s hard to be all things to all people, but Kit never shies away from the impossible. Despite her hard work and good intentions, some things fall through the cracks.

Namely, her husband.

But Jackson barely notices. He’s too busy putting out his own fires. As the new chief inspector of a busy London station, he must salvage the disaster left behind by the former police chief—an obstacle made all the harder when the superintendent breathes an ultimatum down his neck.

Against her father’s advice, Kit takes on a case involving a missing child, one in which she and Jackson become a little too emotionally involved. . .and end up endangering their own little girl in the process.

Can Kit and Jackson learn that just because they can say yes doesn’t mean they should?

I’ve loved the Blackfriars series by author Michelle Griep. She’s done a great job of putting the reader in the setting. The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane can be read as a stand alone but it will make more sense if you read books 1 & 2; The Thief of Blackfriars Lane and The Bride of Blackfriars Lane. The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane wraps it up nicely and of course with a bang. So many twists and turns kept me guessing.

Kit and Jackson have grown and matured through the course of the series. I really enjoy them. Full of spunk yet with hearts for others, sometimes these attributes take them in the wrong direction. And I appreciate how Kit’s relationship with her father has grown. Of course now we have an adorable baby as well. All the characters make a thoroughly enjoyable book, full of all of the emotions.

If you enjoy Christian historical fiction with a clean romance, or maybe two, then I highly recommend the entire Blackfriars Lane series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

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