Little Women - Louisa May Alcott

My Rating

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

About the Book

Generations of readers young and old, male and female, have fallen in love with the March sisters of Louisa May Alcott’s most popular and enduring novel, Little Women. Here are talented tomboy and author-to-be Jo, tragically frail Beth, beautiful Meg, and romantic, spoiled Amy, united in their devotion to each other and their struggles to survive in New England during the Civil War.

It is no secret that Alcott based Little Women on her own early life. While her father, the freethinking reformer and abolitionist Bronson Alcott, hobnobbed with such eminent male authors as Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne, Louisa supported herself and her sisters with "woman’s work,” including sewing, doing laundry, and acting as a domestic servant. But she soon discovered she could make more money writing. Little Women brought her lasting fame and fortune, and far from being the "girl’s book” her publisher requested, it explores such timeless themes as love and death, war and peace, the conflict between personal ambition and family responsibilities, and the clash of cultures between Europe and America. (from Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Reading this story again as an adult has completely shifted my views! Jo is still...and will forever be my favorite! But it's amazing what a little perspective will do.

When I was younger, I always thought that Amy was spoiled and ungrateful...But now, I rather admire her. And argue all you want she DID earn that trip to Europe with Aunt March. I also think (and I know this will cause a riot....) that Amy and Laurie are perfect for each other!

I loved, LOVED, escaping into the mind of Jo and her sisters in this story. It was refreshing...and heart-wrenching...loving...exciting...and so passionate. The bond between the sisters, the compassionate heart of Marmie...All of it. And a review will never do it justice...

I encourage you, to give this one a read. It is a beautiful classic that will warm your heart and speak to your soul. And if you haven't seen the new movie adaption....you must! It is my FAVORITE!!! (Apart from Laurie looking like he's 12 LOL)

I purchased Little Women for my own library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Hope's Highest Mountain - Hearts of Montana Book 1 - Misty M. Beller

My Rating

★★★★ - You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. (More Info)

About the Book

Ingrid Chastain readily agreed to accompany her father to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory. She never could have anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. When rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man who tends her injuries, she's hesitant to put her trust in this quiet man who seems to have his own wounds.

Micah Bradley left his work as a doctor after unintentionally bringing home the smallpox disease that killed his wife and daughter. But his self-imposed solitude in the wilds of Montana is broken when he finds Ingrid in desperate need of medical attention, and he's forced to face his regret and call on his doctoring skills once again.

Micah can't help but admire Ingrid's tenacious determination despite the severity of her injuries, until he learns the crate she brought contains smallpox vaccines to help quell a nearby outbreak. With Ingrid dead set on trekking through the mountains to deliver the medicine--with or without his help--he has no choice but to accompany her. As they set off through the treacherous, snow-covered Rocky Mountains against all odds, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known. (From Amazon)

My Thoughts

Misty M. Beller delivers a beautiful story filled with loss, sorrow, love, and hope. With the gorgeous mountain setting, this story is sure to sweep you into another time and place.

I admit, the outbreak of a contagious disease hit a little closer to home than normal. But I loved this story of perseverance. Regardless of the dangers, both Ingrid and Micah showed so much courage. I loved watching their relationship grow and care for each other...and others. The past can beat us up if we let it. Mistakes...things we should have said, but didn't...A guilty conscience...And learning to extend grace to ourselves when we need it most is harder than it seems. This season we are living in is teaching me self-grace on a daily basis. And I keep reminding myself of Anne's words..."Tomorrow is a new day, with no mistakes in it...yet."

Montana is my favorite place to be...other than HOME...and it was interesting to see it through a new lens and in a different time period. 

I received a complimentary copy of Hope's Highest Mountain from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Writing is a dream come true for Misty. Her family–both immediate and extended–is the foundation that holds her secure in that dream.

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The Socialite - J'nell Ciesielski

My Rating

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

About the Book

Glamour, treachery, and espionage collide when an English socialite rushes to save her sister from the Nazis.

As the daughter of Sir Alfred Whitford, Kat has a certain set of responsibilities. But chasing her wayward sister, Ellie, to Nazi-occupied Paris was never supposed to be one of them. Now accustomed to the luxurious lifestyle that her Nazi boyfriend provides, Ellie has no intention of going back to the shackled life their parents dictate for them—but Kat will stop at nothing to bring her sister home.

Arrested for simply trying to defend himself against a drunken bully, Barrett Anderson is given the option of going to jail or serving out his sentence by training Resistance fighters in Paris. A bar owner serves as the perfect disguise to entertain Nazis at night while training fighters right below their jackboots during the day. Being assigned to watch over two English debutantes is the last thing he needs, but a payout from their father is too tempting to resist. Can Barrett and Kat trust each other long enough to survive, or will their hearts prove more traitorous than the dangers waiting around the corner? (From GoodReads)

My Thoughts

I absolutely LOVE WWII stories and this book was the perfect escape for me! Kat and Barrett truly took me on the adventure of a lifetime in the pages of this book. J'nell Ciesielski brought to life the harsh reality of the era. And the powerful resilience of the people.

Kat has a stubborn streak that I can TOTALLY relate with! But when it comes down to it, her heart and care for the people she loves leads her in the right direction. While she has a lot of pressure on her to "get it right", she is determined to do the right thing. Now Ellie....Oh that poor misguided girl! Thankfully she has Kat to help keep her in line. ;) As much as she can anyway. Oh, Barrett! My heart hurt for him and his past. But I loved seeing his healing and growth.

Heart racing action, swoon-worthy romance, tender faith...healing...and reconciliation. A beautiful, beautiful story. 

I received a complimentary copy of The Socialite from the publishers as part of J'nell's influencer team. JustRead Tours also promoted this book and I am a partner with this company. Being a publicity company, JustRead Tours received money to promote this book. However, this did not influence my review. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

With a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories, J’nell Ciesielski weaves fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. Winner of the INSPY and the Maggie Award, she is a Florida native who now lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle.

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The Runaway Bride - The Bride Ships Book 2 - Jody Hedlund

My Rating

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

About the Book

Wealthy Arabella Lawrence flees to British Columbia on a bride ship still wearing the scars of past mistakes. One of the few single women in the boomtown, she immediately has suitors, but she is determined not to find herself trapped again by a poor choice.

Vying for her hand are two very different men. Lieutenant Richard Drummond is a gentleman in the Navy and is held in high esteem. Peter Kelly is the town’s baker and has worked hard to build a thriving business. He and Drummond not only compete for Arabella’s affections, but clash over their views of how the natives should be treated in the midst of a smallpox outbreak.

As Arabella begins to overcome her fears, she discovers someone in dire need–a starving girl abandoned by her tribe. Intent on helping the girl, Arabella leans on Peter’s advice and guidance. Will she have the wisdom to make the right decision or will seeking what’s right cost both her and Peter everything? (From the author's website)

My Thoughts

Eeeeep! Another Jody Hedlund Book!!! She is a FOREVER favorite and I will literally read anything she writes! A fabulous FABULOUS escape from this crazy life right now. Although it DID take me much longer than normal to finish...due to life upending...this story is rich and delicious. Like biting into a piece of rich dark chocolate that melts on your tongue.

The land...the people...the story...the romance...(Can I just say...baking bread...mmmmhmmm)...Jody Hedlund has a way of portraying the emotions and feelings in a way that touches the very core of your soul.

Pete Kelly...All the feels y'all! His compassionate heart. His sense of justice. His passion and determination. Combine that with the God-fearin' man that he is...and WOW! Where is my fan???

Arabella comes to British Columbia battered and bruised with scars deeper than the eye could see. Her self worth was shattered and she believes that all she has left is to find a "good match" among the upper-class society of this new land.

If you are in need of a GOOD read...One that speaks to your heart. Portrays beauty in a multitude of ways. And makes you weak in the knees...Grab The Runaway Bride now! (Kindle version recommended for immediate enjoyment since Amazon is delaying delivery of most orders right now. 😭)

I received a complimentary copy of The Runaway Bride from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

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More Books in the Series

  

An Uncommon Woman - Laura Frantz

My Rating

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

About the Book

Unflinching and plainspoken, Tessa Swan is not your typical 18th-century woman. Born and bred on the western Virginia frontier along with her five brothers, she is a force to be reckoned with.

Quiet and courageous, Clay Tygart is not your typical 18th-century man. Raised by Lenape Indians, he returns a hero from the French and Indian War to the fort that bears his name, bringing with him Tessa’s long-lost friend, Keturah, a redeemed Indian captive like himself.

Determined to avoid any romantic entanglements as fort commander, Clay remains aloof whenever he encounters the lovely Tessa. But when she is taken captive by the tribe Clay left, his hand–and heart–are forced, leading to one very private and one very public reckoning.

Intense, evocative, and laced with intricate historical details that bring the past to life, An Uncommon Woman will transport you to the picturesque and dangerous western Virginia mountains of 1770. (from the author's website)

My Thoughts

Oh, my giddy heart! What passion! What romance! What heart-pounding, breath-stealing, jaw-dropping adventures. Reader be warned...Once you reach chapter 28...you WILL have to finish the rest of the book in one sitting.

The layers of story woven together into a single book is brilliant! Although I am now ready for about 15 more books with all of these amazing people that I never want to leave! Ms. Frantz is the Queen of Swoon. Clay and Tessa's relationship was full of beauty and tenderness and all the sizzling passion (appropriate for clean inspirational read hehe).

His slow smile making her wish she could sit her woozy self down.

I love the details in this book. They are so vibrant and rich that I felt like I could hear the forest...Smell the harvest...and feel the frontier. I have read several of Laura Frantz's novels now and each one seems to linger for days. They are books to savor. To let sink down into your soul. The #bookhangover was bad with this one.

If you love the Colonial Era...set on the frontier...with richness and passion...I highly encourage you to pick up this book and get lost within these pages with Clay and Tessa...who knows...maybe you will find something as well. 

I received a copy of An Uncommon Woman as partner of JustRead Tours. Being a publicity company, JustRead Tours received money to promote this book. However, this did not influence my review. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

Award-winning, bestselling author Laura Frantz is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Frantz lives and writes in a log cabin in the heart of Kentucky.

According to Publishers Weekly, “Frantz has done her historical homework.” With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California.

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