The Secret of Pembrooke Park – Julie Klassen

Mystery, murder, treasure and romance. All of which can be found in Julie Klassen’s most recent book, The Secret of Pembrooke Park. This book will have you turning pages until the wee hours of morning.

England, 1817, Abigail Foster and her family are in the midst of a financial crisis that could ruin them forever, when an offer to let Pembrooke Park is brought before them. The house has been vacant for almost 20 years, and there is a lot of clean up needed before they can move in, but the terms seem too good to be true. This is just the opportunity the Foster’s need so they can begin to rebuild their lives. Abigail and her father travel to the village of Caldwell to begin fixing up the property. It is not long before whispers and rumors make it to Abigail’s ears regarding the previous inhabitants. Whispers of treasure and murder and ghosts. What happened here so many years ago? Will Abigail be able to uncover the truth? Clues are found and mysterious letters are sent to Abigail from what appears to be someone who lived at Pembrooke Park. Does the miniature doll’s house hold the key to where the treasure was hidden? Abigail befriends the previous steward’s

The Apothecary's Daughter - Julie Klassen

   The Apothecary’s Daughter is a wonderful story beginning in 1810, England. Within the pages you will find heartbreak and romance, hope and despair, sorrow and joy. But above all, Faith.

   Lillian (Lilly) Haswell is the daughter of the village apothecary in Wiltshire, England. However, she longs for adventure and a life outside of her father’s shop. Her mother left when she was younger and Lilly dreams of the adventures she is having and longs to follow after her and find her. But she is devoted to her father and her brother, Charlie. When Lilly is whisked away to London by her Aunt and Uncle Elliot, she believes all of her dreams are about to come true. Balls, admirers, the chance to marry a wealthy man and settle in London, but also the chance to look for her mother. Although, following a sad series of events, she has to return home to help her father run his shop, or risk having it closed. One of her admirers, Dr. Graves, follows her home and becomes partnered with the local physician (who dislikes Lilly Haswell and her family). But finds that he is not the only one interested in Miss Haswell. His competition is none other than, Francis Baylor, Mr. Haswell’s former apothecary apprentice. While women were allowed to assist and work in

Love Unexpected (Beacons of Hope - Book 1) - Jody Hedlund

My Rating

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

About the Book

All she's ever wanted was a home. But stranded at Presque Isle port after their steamboat sank, Emma Chambers and her brother, Ryan, couldn't be farther away from security. While Ryan at least can find work, Emma can't even find a place to stay. An unlikely solution arises when the lighthouse keeper, who recently lost his wife and is struggling to raise his young son, arrives in town. A traveling preacher believes they might be the answer to each others' problems, and after a hasty marriage, Emma is headed back to the lighthouse with this handsome but quiet stranger.

But nothing in her wandering life has prepared her for suddenly being asked to raise a child and keep a house. Struggling at every turn, Emma also suspects Patrick may be keeping something hidden from her. In town she hears whispers about strange circumstances surrounding his previous wife's death, and it seems as though Emma's answered prayer for a home and family may actually be something much more dangerous. 

My Thoughts

My life has never been the same since reading Jody's books. I have laughed, cried, yelled, cried some more...And always ALWAYS finish with the overwhelming presence of God surrounding me. Jody writes books that not only satisfy the heart, but the spirit as well. If you haven't read any of Jody's books before, I urge you to pick one up and dive in. Although, I will caution you, make sure you are caught up on housework and you have dinner in the crock pot first! Original review published October 2014 on Bookworm Mama.

Lighthouses are a thing of beauty. Yet they are also to be feared and respected. The dangers of being a lightkeeper are known all too well to Patrick Garraty.

Emma Chambers has longed for nothing more than to settle down and have a home and a family. When her and her brother Ryan are stranded in Burnham's Landing, a little fishing village on Lake Huron, her dream becomes reality. Patrick Garraty, the head keeper at the Presque Isle Lighthouse, has recently lost his wife and is need of someone to help run the lighthouse as well as raise his son Josiah. Circumstances couldn't have worked out better, except when Patrick's past literally comes knocking at the door. Will his past crimes and sins destroy all that Emma has come to love? Will she be able to forgive him for his mistakes? Will they ever be able to cherish the unexpected love that has come into their lives?

Jody Hedlund has done it again! She sucked me into this story until all I could think about was what was going to happen next? I have to admit I was quite anxious the whole time I was reading Love Unexpected. Not only because I was constantly hoping that Emma and Patrick would be able to work things out, but because of the realness of the past coming back to haunt us. I believe that a lot of people have things in their past that they would prefer to be left forgotten. But as Jody touched on so accurately, when we ask the Lord's forgiveness he forgives, and forgets. Tossing our sins into the swirling waves of grace where they are dissolved and never brought back up. The only thing left for us to do is forgive ourselves and walk forward. Trusting in Him and letting Him lead our steps. Then, if our past does try to resurface, we can rest in God. Knowing that that is no longer who we are or what we do. We have been forgiven, cleansed and are His holy children. I look forward to the release of the second book in Beacons of Hope series Hearts Made Whole.

I received a complimentary copy of Love Unexpected from Bethany House Publishers through Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

Winner of the 2016 Christian Book Award and Christy Award, best-selling author Jody Hedlund writes inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.

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.

Facebook // Goodreads // Pinterest // Twitter // Website

More books by Jody Hedlund on Bookworm Mama can be found HERE.

Many thanks to Canva for providing an AMAZING program for me to design all these beautiful graphics. Book covers, publisher/tour logos, and author pictures not owned by me. All other graphics created by Bookworm Mama with public domain photos on Canva unless stated otherwise. 

Out of the Storm (Beacons of Hope - A Novella) - Jody Hedlund

Out of the Storm is a wonderful novella written by Jody Hedlund. This is the prequel to her new series, Beacons of Hope, that is releasing later this year.

Isabelle Thornton is faced with a tragic future and her father only wants to protect her. But will his protecting hand cause her to miss out on a full life, filled with love and happiness? It is 1854 and Isabelle and her father, Captain Thornton, are the keepers at the Presque Isle Lighthouse in Michigan. When Henry Cole, a wealthy business man, washes up on their shore the unexpected happens. Will she choose a life of loneliness to protect Henry? Or will she allow herself to be happy?

I do not want to give away too much of this short story. But I enjoyed reading this novella. The romance was tasteful, if slightly unbelievable. I couldn't put it down till I knew what was going to happen next. I thought I knew how this was going to end, but was very surprised (and pleased) when I finished. I have already started the first book of the series Love Unexpected. Looking forward to continuing this series.

Out of the Storm is free:
Barnes & Noble
Amazon


Bethany House Publishers

Lone Star Trail; A Morgan Family Series - Texas Trails Book 1 - Darlene Franklin

  What happens when two families, who have experienced tragedy and loss, and are from very different backgrounds are thrown together?

  It is 1845, the Morgans are Texans through and through. They raise the famous Morgan Horses on their ranch, the Running M Ranch and have fought hard and sacrificed much to be the successful ranchers that they are. The Fleischer family have traveled from Germany and just arrived in Texas. This foreign land has taken much from them in the short time they have been here. Jud Morgan carries bitterness and distrust for the Germans who have begun to overtake "his" Texas. But his eyes are opened to the Lord's love for all people when he accepts the friendship of the Fleischers. Especially when the eldest daughter, Wande, catches his eye. It becomes apparent that the Lord brought these two families together. To work and live side by side to survive the untamed land of the "Lone Star State".

I couldn't put this book down! Depending on the personal events of our family, it usually takes me a little while to complete a book, no matter how interesting it is. But with this book, I couldn't help it.