The Christmas Remedy by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall

The Christmas Remedy by Cindy Woodsmall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Christmas Remedy was so much fun to read! The story centers around Greene's Pharmacy, where Holly Noelle works as a pharmacy tech. The pharmacy is owned by Lyle Greene, who has had Holly working with him since her father passed away when she was much younger. Her father's unnecessary death has given her the drive and the calling to be the one to bridge the gap between medical care and her Amish people. She has been given special permission to pursue more education in the medical field by her bishop. The obligation to her education and her people has Holly determined not to marry but to pursue this as her lifelong desire.
Lyle has a medical setback which has his son arriving from Pharmacy school to help out and keep the pharmacy running and help to care for his father.
Suddenly the pharmacy is in trouble and is in danger of perhaps closing. Can Holly and Brandon, along with Holly's friend Josh solve the mystery and keep the pharmacy going? Will Holly refuse love before it has a chance to grow? How will everyone's prayers be answered?
Centered in a quaint, small town during the Christmas season, with a community of love and a great cast of characters.
I loved that the story is told from different points of view and has a good mix of Englisch and Amish characters. I enjoyed this book! I was given an uncorrected proof from Waterbrook & Multnomah but was under no obligation to provide a review.

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The Boy at the Keyhole by Stephen Giles

The Boy at the Keyhole by Stephen Giles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Boy at the Keyhole was a fascinating study of two characters and how they can literally drive each other mad. I found myself able to read this a few chapters at a go as there was so much going on in Samuels head that I had to stop. But as I stopped I was compelled to pick it back up and find what happens next. As I was reading I fluctuated back and forth from what I thought may have happened to Samuel's mother to nothing has happened to Samuel's mother. Since I couldn't be sure I don't know how Samuel could be sure.
This story is dark and mean, revolving around two characters - Samuel, a nine year old boy who is left by his mother to live with the housekeeper, Ruth Tupper, while she sails to America to seek financial backing to save their failing company. Ruth runs the household in a stern and cold manner, leaving Samuel yearning for warmth.
Samuel's mother left on her trip in the middle of the night, she never said goodbye. Ruth explains she needed to meet the train early in the morning, to make it for her voyage and they saw no reason to wake Samuel from his sleep. The fact that his mother never said goodbye is the crux of the doubt that surfaces later on, there is no confirmation to Samuel. Samuel can not comprehend how she could be gone so long without any telegrams or phone calls, doesn't she miss him like he her? The only thing he has received are a few postcards. Doubt begins to creep into his mind after his friend puts the idea out there that maybe she didn't travel to America but Ruth killed her.
The psychological drama begins in earnest here. One doesn't really know from page to page if she traveled or if Ruth did her in. It's fascinating to see the way Samuel begins to suspect and doubt and Ruth's cold manner does little to confirm or deny any of Samuel's dark thoughts. Ruth is borderline physically abusive and she is definitely cruel and evil but yet still maintains the home, finances, and sees to Samuel's daily needs.
I loved the book, the dance between the two characters, and found I couldn't put it down yet had to put it down. The ending came on suddenly and then it was over. I would have loved that to last a little longer to savor.
I received an uncorrected proof from the publisher but was under no obligation to post a review.

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The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, another installment in the Daughters of the Mayflower series and another awesome read! If you love historical fiction, christian fiction, adventure, and a little romance this is a must read for you!
The Captured Bride captivated me from the start with a fascinating historical time period and an excellent character in Mercy Lytton.
The story begins we meet Mercy and her partner Matthew just coming back to camp from a mission. Suddenly they thrust into a new, next-to-impossible mission to transport a captured traitor, Elias Dubois and his gold they have recovered across dangerous territory to a protected Fort.
Mercy is a scout for the British and knows everything about the land being born of a captured white mother and her Indian father. She has been gifted with exceptional eyesight she can see farther than anyone. She is also quite capable to take care of herself and knows the ways of the Indians.
Elias Dubois has been captured and labeled a traitor and needs to stand trial as such, which is why they must transport him to the nearest military Fort.
As they set off with a premise of traveling as a family the adventure begins.
I loved this story, I loved how the book develops the romance between Mercy and Elias, how Mercy witnesses Elias' faith and begins to search within herself, how she reconciles with her past.
The writing is gorgeous, you can visualize everything, feel everything and this adventure keeps you on the edge of your seat with some twists and turns. Amazing read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

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The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Did you ever wonder what it might have been like to cross the ocean in a ship? How about in the 1600's? How about on the Mayflower? We have all heard the stories of the Pilgrims, the first Thanksgiving, and certain historical figures. But what was it like for the people, the families, the mothers and children? What were the trials, what was day to day life like aboard the Mayflower?
The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse gives us an idea. Based on her extensive research, we see actual historical figures interact with her fictional characters. What the experience was like to travel to the new world? I remembered much and learned so much more. Such a great story here!
The Separatists are setting sail to the new world to finally reach their dream of religious freedom, the embark on this journey aboard The Speedwell in 1620. Aboard this ship is Mary Elizabeth Chapman, her father, and her brother. Aboard the Mayflower is a carpenter trying to shed the old and seek opportunity and success in the new world. After a few different delays due to a leaking ship the Separatists are made to board the Mayflower as the Speedwell is deemed unsafe. The delays have cost the travelers precious time and it is really far too late in the year to be making this journey. Will the Mayflower make it, will the waters become too stormy for safe passage? How will the crowded conditions affect the travelers. So many questions!
As Mary Elizabeth board the Mayflower she meets William Lytton, who just happens to be there to lend a hand! One meeting and Mary Elizabeth can't get him out of her mind. Is this a time for even considering such a thing? Of course, he isn't part of the Separatists group either, so it's silly to think of him. On the ship for months they face so much together that a romance begins, something sweet between the hardships and tragedies, and it is unheard of for Separatists and Strangers to even consider such. We see the deep faith of the Separatist people as well throughout this book.
I loved this small glimpse into what was surely an extremely difficult, almost impossible voyage and the beginning of the new world.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

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The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so much fun to read - reading about characters we all know from our history lessons, George Washington, Ben Franklin, as well as fictional characters we meet in this book! I'm enjoying the Daughters of the Mayflower series, such great American History, what was it like living around the time before the American Revolution!
The story begins during the time of unrest in America, tired of the taxes from England and a ruler so far away the Patriot cause is more important than ever. Faith Jackson is a wealthy widow immersed in the cause, she and her lady friends are working to help the Patriots and she is willing to put herself in danger to help. Matthew Weber find himself working as a spy for the Patriot cause, he has planted himself in the Loyalist camp and will meet as needed with the spy arranged by the Patriots, none other than Faith Jackson!
You can imagine the tense moments as the British troops infiltrate Boston and become much more visible. This story has great adventure for the fictional characters and it's fun to read as they interact with the actual historical figures.
Kate has lost many people in her life beginning with her parents at a young age and then her husband. Why does she feel so drawn to Matthew? During this dangerous time falling in love is the last thing recommended. Matthew has not found anyone to hold his interest, which is why, without a wife or family, he is free to put himself in danger for the cause. As he and Faith begin their secret meetings, why does he look forward to seeing her, and what an inconvenient time to think on things of love. But perhaps God has other ideas!
I enjoyed this book, it had plenty of adventure, danger, and keeps you on the edge with some twists and turns!
I am completely enjoying this entire Daughters of the Mayflower series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

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The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just love this series, it's like a quick American History refresh along with an exciting personal story!
I enjoyed looking up facts that come up in the book and remembering historical facts and stories along the way.
I just finished Cumberland Bride, Book 5 in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. I have read them all except one, and really enjoyed each one!
The Cumberland Bride follows the Gruener family as they embark on a journey from Tennessee to settle on land in Kentucky. Kate Gruener is the eldest in her family and seemingly naive and smart at the same time. Her one true passion seems to be writing and gathering people's stories, although her family sees little use in this hobby as there are far more important things to be doing!
As the family joins a caravan of sorts to make their way to their new land, they are joined by a couple other families, a leader, and a scout they've hired, Thomas Bledsoe.
Throughout the travels there are dangers, mishaps and fear. As they take the Wilderness Road there is dangerous terrain, rivers to cross, as well as magnificent natural beauty. This author describes in such detail you can see the wilderness and the landscape.
Kate is intrigued by the scout Thomas and finds herself drawn to him and wants to hear his story. Alternately Thomas seems to be drawn to her, although he can't discern why. The story is told from both points of view throughout.
As they near their destination there is increasing news of Shawnee unrest and Thomas fears for the party. Will they make it safely to their destination or will there be trouble?
While Kate prays unceasingly at times, Thomas can not bring himself to either find his lost faith or deem himself worthy.
Such a wonderful story I enjoyed the history and the fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

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The Rain Watcher by Tatiana De Rosnay

The Rain Watcher

by Tatiana De Rosnay

I love Tatiana de Rosnay! I have been moved by all of the books that I have read. This one is the same, loved it! I was immediately, from page one, transported to Paris with Linden Malegarde! I could feel the cool, damp rain, the way it poured down in sheets, the way it dampened the proposed holiday of Linden and his family. They all meet in Paris to celebrate his father's birthday and his parent's anniversary, his parents, himself, and his sister.
The rain ruins all the plans his mother has made for their trip, as the rain increases, the flooding begins, they are more or less stuck in, with each other, giving them the opportunity to reconnect and old issues surface, secrets emerge, irritations, and uncertainty and fear for the future.
Each chapter begins with a page from a journal that runs in the background that you are unsure what it means or who wrote it until the end.
The story is sad, sweet, and told with so much detail you can envision it all clearly.
I absolutely loved it! Thank you to St Martins Press for the advanced reader copy to read and share my review!

Murder in the Lincoln White House by C.M. Gleason
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a good mystery and I love a good historical fiction, so this is a match made for me! I absolutely loved this book and it's exciting to me that it's Book One in a series, so I know I'll get to enjoy more from this author and these characters!
I enjoyed the story and the idea that I can sneak a peek at the way life was back in the day of Lincoln's presidency, what was going on in the world, how people lived day to day, these always intrigue me!
The story starts out at President Lincoln's inauguration, and during the inauguration ball we meet the characters, hear the setup of characters, who is on which side, meet them, and we have a murder! Right there at the inaugural ball!
Here is where the mystery starts as we meet Adam Quinn, hired by Lincoln to keep an eye on the events and protect him. Now there is a murder for him to investigate. As he is not part of the DC crowd he has no obligations to others and is tasked to solve the crime and find the murderer.
It's a great cast of characters, two women who are total opposites aid him as well as an African American doctor, as they all do their part to assist Adam in solving the crime.
I completely loved this book! The story is filled with fictional and non-fictional characters and this makes it so fun!
I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher to read and share!

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The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain

The Dream Daughter

by Diane Chamberlain

I absolutely fell into this story from the beginning. The writing style and characters felt so familiar I was hooked. Once you start this book you don't want to put it down and you don't want it to end! 

In 1965 Carly is working as a physical therapist, she is new and is given a patient no one else really wants, someone who won't do the work. Enter Hunter. Carly connects with Hunter right away and they seem to have a great rapport. As they are working he knows all the words to a Beatles song that has never been played on the radio before. She things Hunter would be a perfect match for her sister. As time progresses Hunter marries Carly's sister Patti. Carly is married to Joe who dies in Vietnam war, and she is pregnant. Hunter is a computer guru and works on the big machines of the 60's. Something seems to be wrong with Carly's baby and she is devastated as this is all she has left of Joe and is desperate to find a way to save her baby.

We find out that Hunter is a time traveler and once he found Patti he was content to stay in the 60's and didn't want to return. But he feels obligated to share this with Carly because he thinks he can send her in the future where her baby could be saved. Sounds simple to him, send her to the future, where the procedure she needs is available. Once the baby is born and healed, she can return to the 60's and all will be well. 

With so many twists, turns, heartbreak, excitement this book takes you on a journey! Once you have the book figured out in your mind another twist arises. 

It's a beautiful story of what a mother will do to save her child and it comes full circle to a most beautiful ending. 

This is a must read book, I absolutely loved it. 

I received an advanced reader copy for free to read from the publisher.