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The Elusive Miss Ellison - Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace Book 1 - Carolyn Miller

Sunday, February 19, 2017

My Rating
 - I've been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow. (More Info)

About the Book
Pride, Presumption, and forgiveness...

Hampton Hall’s new owner has the villagers of St. Hampton Heath all aflutter—all except Lavinia Ellison. The reverend’s daughter cares for those who are poor and sick, and the seventh Earl of Hawkesbury definitely does not meet that criteria. His refusal to take his responsibilities seriously, or even darken the door of the church, leave her convinced he is as arrogant and reckless as his brother—his brother who stole the most important person in Lavinia’s world.

Nicholas Stamford is shadowed by guilt: his own, his brother’s, the legacy of war. A perfunctory visit to this dreary part of Gloucestershire wasn’t supposed to engage his heart, or his mind. Challenged by Miss Ellison’s fascinating blend of Bluestocking opinions, hoydenish behavior, and angelic singing voice, he finds the impossible becoming possible—he begins to care. But Lavinia’s aloof manner, society’s opposition and his ancestral obligations prove most frustrating, until scandal forces them to get along. 

Can Lavinia and Nicholas look beyond painful pasts and present prejudice to see their future? And what happens when Lavinia learns a family secret that alters everything she’s ever known? (From Carolyn Miller's website.)

My Thoughts
A beautiful setting and a heart touching tale of forgiveness and redemption. A very sweet story that had me falling in love with Gloucestershire and Beagle puppies! The Elusive Miss Ellison is Carolyn Miller's debut novel and I applaud her creativity and gift for story! The descriptions of the settings, homes, and gowns were so detailed that I can still see the images in my mind. 

Miss Ellison and Lord Hawkesbury have so many challenges to overcome. In their personal lives as well as with their relationship with their families and each other. Learning to lay down their pride and lean on God for truth and guidance was a very encouraging thing to witness.   

I did enjoy this story and I am very excited to continue the series. However, the flow of the story and some inconsistency in the characters had me confused on multiple occasions. Hence my rating. That being said, the words and language was elegant and soothing. I found it very fun to read terms used in Regency times that I had to look up. This aspect added an extra level of depth to the story. There are several acknowledgements to Pride & Prejudice, which is always a delight to find in books. I am eagerly looking forward to following the author's growth and progress in her books to come. If you enjoy Regency stories with romance and redemption, I suggest you give this one a try!

I received a complimentary copy of The Elusive Miss Ellison from Kregel Publications through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Pre-Order Options (Releases February 28, 2017)


About the Author
I'm an Inspirational Regency romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia. I'm married to Joshua, and mother to Caitlin, Jackson, Asher & Timothy. I love reading (especially Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer), music, films, ice hockey, gardens, art, travel, & food! My husband and I pastored a church for over ten years. I'm enjoying the journey of writing, of creating worlds where flawed people can grow in faith, hope, and love.
I am represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.
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First Line Friday - 2/17/17 - The Lady and the Lionheart

Friday, February 17, 2017


Happy Friday!!!

We made it through another week! What book are you planning on reading this weekend? If you don't have anything selected already, can I recommend this book? This has become one of my ALL TIME FAVORITES!!! I am so blessed that I had the opportunity to read this book a couple weeks ago. You can read my review HERE. But don't forget to post YOUR first line before you go!


Roanoke, Virginia
Spring, 1890
"With the hiss of smoothing irons and the starchy scent of soap trailing her, Ella toted a bundle of hospital linens up the steps."

Words can not truly express how deeply this book touched my heart. I even went more than a day before I started another book, I need the time to let it sink into my soul. 

If you HAVE read it, comment below with one of your favorite parts! And post your first line!


Our group is growing! Please help us welcome Lauraine today to First Line Friday!

Sarah - All the Book Blog Names are Taken
Andi - Radiant Light

If you would like to host First Line Fridays on your blog, contact Carrie on Reading is my SuperPower.

Cinder - The Lunar Chronicles Book 1 - Marissa Meyer

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

My Rating
★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless Lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future. (From http://www.marissameyer.com)


My Thoughts
I admit that I didn't know quite what to expect when I picked up Cinder. All I knew was that is was a retelling of Cinderella...with a cyborg. But let me tell you, this book is AMAZING! 

Set in the very distant future, 126 years after the end of World War IV. The moon is inhabited, there are only 6 countries on earth, and a vicious plague is laying waste to the planet. Set in the Eastern Commonwealth (Asia/China), we get to experience the story through Cinder as well as Prince Kai. Cinder is as loveable and caring as she is in any other telling of Cinderella. The prince's responsibilities to find a cure for the plague and to maintain peace with the Lunars weigh heavily on him. Nut he posses a strength that I admire. 

Both Kai and Cinder are faced with challenges that are beyond anything that I could even imagine. Will they make the best choice for the people? What will come of it all? Well, I can't even tell you, because this is only the first book in a series that I can not wait to continue. I already placed the next book on hold at the library. 

Filled with descriptive details of the architect, the technology, the customs of the era, I was completely submerged into this brilliant world that Marissa Meyer has created. Although not a Christian book, it is clean and appropriate. I can recommend this book to young adults without any hesitation. 

If you think you would enjoy a dystopian sci-fi with a fairy tale mixed into it all, you should definitely give Cinder a try. I think you will truly enjoy it.  

I found Cinder at my local library. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Published by Square Fish

Purchase Options


About the Author
Photo Credit: Julia Scott

Marissa Meyer is the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Heartless and The Lunar Chronicles. She lives in Tacoma, Washington, with her husband and twin daughters. She’s a fan of most things geeky (Sailor Moon, Firefly, any occasion that requires a costume), and has been in love with fairy tales since she was a child. She may or may not be a cyborg.
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The Memoir of Johnny Devine - A Novel - Camille Eide

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

My Rating
★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book
Love can’t rewrite the pages of your past, but it can cover a multitude of sins one page at a time.

A WW2 widow hired to write an exclusive memoir lands on McCarthy’s hit list and must clear her name while trying not to fall in love with the born-again, ex-Hollywood heartthrob whose scandalous past keeps him too busy to notice her. Or does it?

In 1953, desperation forces war widow, Eliza Saunderson, to take a job writing the memoir of ex-Hollywood heartthrob, Johnny Devine. Rumor has it Johnny can seduce anything in a skirt quicker than he can hail a cab. But now, the notorious womanizer claims he’s born again. And so he seems to be. Eliza soon finds herself falling for the humble, grace-filled man John has become, a man who shows no sign of returning her feelings. No sign, that is, until she discovers something John never meant for her to see.

When Eliza’s articles on minority oppression land her on McCarthy’s communist hit list, both John and Eliza become entangled in a HUAC investigation that threatens both John’s book and Eliza’s future. To clear her name, Eliza must solve a family mystery. She also needs to convince John that real love—not the Hollywood illusion—can cover a multitude of sins. But just when the hope of love becomes reality, a troubling discovery confirms Eliza’s worst fears. Like the happy 1950s façade America now clings to, had it all been empty lies? Is there a love she can truly believe in?


My Thoughts
Hollywood, glamour, fame, and misery. When Eliza and John meet, they have no idea how much they will end up needing each other. 

I LOVE the setting that Camille Eide has chosen for this novel. Post WWII in California, with a Hollywood star, the "Red Scare", and a woman pushing toward her dream even if it doesn't fit the mold people expect. 

I instantly fell in love with the main characters of this book. Eliza with her forthright attitude and determination to give a voice to those who have none. John with his brooding nature and all encompassing charm. And we can't forget Millie, she is definitely one of my very favorite secondary characters of ALL time! Her compassion and heart for Jesus and for John is so very tender and precious. 

Filled with redemption, romance, heartache, and forgiveness, this book has truly "You have bewitched me, body and soul." With the turmoils of the times, fear of communist spies in America, distrust and hidden pasts, can Eliza trust anyone? Will her life be torn apart just as she begins to feel safe? Find out for yourself when you read The Memoir of Johnny Devine.

I received a complimentary copy of The Memoir of Johnny Devine from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Purchase Options

Cast of Characters
(By Bookworm Mama)


Because how can I read a book about a dreamy Hollywood star and NOT post pictures of Gregory Peck??? The pictures below represent how I imagine the characters to look. All pictures taken from Pinterest and link back to the original Pinterest post.

Gregory Peck. *sigh!* Y'know, they don't make really, truly, genuinely handsome actors like they used to anymore.:
Johnny Devine (Gregory Peck)
Gene Tierney is gorgeous.:
Eliza Saunderson (Gene Tierney)
I made this choice before I realised it was Gene...If you have read the book, you will understand the irony! Haha!
Hattie McDaniel.  Born in 1895 and left us in 1952.:
Millie (Hattie McDaniel)

Contrary to popular belief, contouring is not a new technique, nor was it invented by Kim Kardashian. The Princess of Monaco used blush to define her cheekbones, with one shade for underneath her cheekbones, and a slightly darker shade dusted on the apples.   - MarieClaire.com:
Betty (Grace Kelly)

About the Author

Camille Eide is an award-winning author of inspirational fiction. She lives in the evergreen Cascade foothills near Portland, Oregon with her hero of 33 years and is Mom to three brilliant adults and Grammy to three darling kidlets. She’s a church office manager, bassist, and fan of oldies rock, tender romance, muscle cars, and Jane Austen. 

Camille is a member of the Oregon Christian Writers, The American Christian Fiction Writers and the Portland Chapter ACFW. She belongs to writing communities that cultivate literary excellence and is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Literary Agency.
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First Line Fridays - 2/10/17 - A Lasting Impression

Friday, February 10, 2017


Happy Friday!!!

What are you reading this week? I am currently in the middle of a great book that I will be reviewing in the next couple days. But today I wanted to highlight a book that I am really hoping I can read soon! I was honored to meet Tamera Alexander in Nashville last summer at Christian Fiction Readers Retreat. In addition, I had the amazing opportunity to visit the beautiful Belle Meade Plantation and Belmont Mansion. Both historic sites are featured in two series by Tamera. The third Belmont Mansion book just released (links below) and I thought it would be fun to highlight the first book of the series.  


"French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana
September 7, 1866
Claire Laurent studied the finished canvas on the easel before her, and though  masterpiece hardly described it, she knew the painting was her best yet."


Post your first line below and head over to see what First Lines my lovely friends have today!

Kathleen has joined the ranks of First Line madness! Please head over to her blog and give her a warm welcome!

Andi - Radiant Light

If you would like to host First Line Fridays on your blog, contact Carrie on Reading is my SuperPower.

Belmont Mansion

Abi and I at Belmont Mansion

Don't miss Tamera's new release in the Belmont Mansion Series, A Note Yet Unsung.





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