Book Review: Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

From the Publisher:
When Meg Cole’s father dies unexpectedly, she’s forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of his empire. The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father’s Thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.

Bo knows he ought to resent the woman who’s determined to take from him the only job he ever wanted. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them and earn her love.

Just when Meg realizes she can no longer deny the depth of her feelings for Bo, their fragile bond is broken by a force from Meg’s past. Can their relationship–and their belief that God can work through every circumstance–survive?

My Thoughts:  This is the first novel by Becky Wade that I recall reading, even though I have a couple in my eBook library.  The premise sounded promising and interesting.  The story of a young girl, raised by her father who felt like they were from different worlds is one I've read before.  I enjoyed the author's depiction of Meg's panic attacks (I don't feel I'm giving anything major away here).  I know how debilitating those can be. 

Meg is going through an intense time in her life.  She's young and has been thrust into a world that she never wanted, and doesn't feel equipped for.  How often does that happen to you?  To me?  We are put into situations where we think we aren't good enough.  We aren't capable and we can't do it or don't want to do it.  But it is in those moments when God is working, perhaps behind the scenes to get us through.  To lift us up.  His faith in us knows no bounds.  This story reminds me of that in a whisper.  It is the journey of discovering who you are, who you can be, who you are meant to be, who you are meant to be with, and Who's your are.  Who doesn't need that reminder?  This story provides that wrapped in a package of romance, with ribbons of mystery, and a bow of self-discovery.

While I enjoyed the romance between Meg and Bo, some of it felt a little rushed to me.  I can't explain more without giving away things, but it just felt odd to me.  Perhaps it's that I've never felt that in my life so I don't know how that could feel... but anyway I loved some of the secondary characters. 

Would I Recommend This Book:  Yes, I would recommend this book to someone looking for a contemporary romance, that's an easy read.  A quick escape.   However, this isn't one that I would add the the top of the reading pile.

I think this story was written well with a romance and just a dash of mystery thrown in.  There were parts of the book that I wanted to skip past, though I'm not sure I could put my finger on why.  While I enjoyed this one, I am hoping that the next book in the Porter family series will "hook" me a little more.

My Rating: 3/5 stars.


(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I am under no obligation to provide a favorable rating.  All opinions expressed are solely my own.)

“Undeniably Yours” by Becky Wade | Kindle Fire Giveaway and 5/29 Facebook Party!

Becky Wade is celebrating her latest swoon-worthy novel, Undeniably Yours (Bethany House), with a Kindle Fire giveaway and hosting an Author Chat party on Facebook {5/29}!

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Undeniably Yours and My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 28th. Winner will be announced at the "Undeniably Yours" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 29th. Connect with Becky for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Becky will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Undeniably Yours and join Becky on the evening of May 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

Book Review: Once Upon a Prince by Hauck

From the Publisher: Once Upon a Prince, the first novel in the Royal Wedding series by bestselling author Rachel Hauck, treats you to a modern-day fairy tale.

Susanna Truitt never dreamed of a great romance or being treated like a princess---just to marry the man she has loved for twelve years. But life isn’t going according to plan. When her high-school-sweetheart-turned-Marine-officer breaks up instead of proposing, Susanna scrambles to rebuild her life.

The last thing Prince Nathaniel expects to find on his American holiday to St. Simon’s Island is the queen of his heart. A prince has duties, and his family’s tense political situation has chosen his bride for him. When Prince Nathaniel comes to Susanna’s aid under the fabled Lover’s Oak, he is blindsided by love.

Their lives are worlds apart. He’s a royal prince. She’s a ordinary girl. But everything changes when Susanna receives an invitation to Nathaniel’s coronation.

My Thoughts: When I first read the book synopsis for this book, I couldn't wait.  Every girl grows up dreaming, hoping, for their very own Prince charming (whether we should be striving for that is a whole other matter).  Once Upon a Prince was a sweet read, if not slow in a few places.  Some scenes seemed to drag on, some characters were a little lacking in their development or background that may have added more to the story (secondary characters mostly).  

To me the book was part the story of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (William and Kate), part The Princess by Lori Wick, part The Prince and Me (the movie starring Julia Stiles) and part every girls dream (that they will find that one true love).

I could appreciate the character Susanna in ways that I didn't anticipate.  She is very Type A.  Thriving on control, organization and her plan.  The plan that cannot be deviated from because the plan bring security.  What happens when a Type-A personality is thrown into a pot of failed plans, doubt, a changing heart, a possible new love, honorable intentions, relinquishing control of life for God's plans, and a challenged faith?  It brings a sweet story of love, of honor, and of letting God lead.

Would I Recommend This Book:  Yes, it's a good read, great for summer.  It's not a "move me to the top of the pile immediately" read, but it was good.  It is a familiar plot, with a few perks thrown in (Aurora, Avery, and stories of faith that make you internalize your own).  It says it's part of a series, though I'm unsure of if the next books are around Susanna and Nathaniel or if they are brining in other Royals for the "Royal Wedding Series."

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

 3 stars= An average to good book, that may or may not be read again, probably has a place in my eBook library.

Find more about the author Rachel Hauck here: http://rachelhauck.com/

(I was given a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.)

Content in this Moment

Minne-snow-ta no more!  When three days ago it was snowing, and a week ago was a snow storm (picture on left) seeing green grass and sunshine was like a far off dream.

As I write this I am soaking up Vitamin D on the patio of my duplex.  With a pint on my right, music playing in the background and a grill heating it up I wonder if it could be any better at this moment.

I'm perfectly content in this moment.

A feeling I don't really think I've had in quite some time.

As I poured myself a beverage and decided to sit outside I felt this urge to open up my blog.  Perhaps partly because I shared it's existence with a new person over the weekend I felt the need to check up on it.

It was then that I noticed all the book reviews of late.
While I am an avid reader, my intention was never for this space to fill with reviews of books.  (Though they aren't going anywhere for awhile, so hang in there!)

The purpose, the hope, the direction was that The Sunset Won't would be a place to learn lessons.  To discover myself.  To write.

To be happy.

To stop.

To remember.

To live in the moment.

Living in the moment is hard.  It's scary... maybe even terrifying.  But my life can no longer be sustained on a diet of what ifs, what could be's, what should be done and what never was.  I need to step out from the shadows and into the light.  To take off the black that blends into the background and throw on some bright blue or red standing up and say I'm here!  I am alive!  I'm living!  

While it sounds well and good, and beautiful.  Life is hard.  And knowing what my life diet could be isn't really helpful when the Emissary of Expectation, Duchess of Doubt and the Warden of Who-Do-You-Think-You-Are stand in front of you.  Blocking your way.  Reminding you of what you should do, what you can't do and why you aren't good enough to do it.

So I stand.  Waiting.  Trying to push aside these ne'er-do-wells in hopes that better companions find me.  Like the Harbinger of Hope, the President of Possibilities and the Ambassador of Anything's Possible.

Today is a good day.  In this moment I am happy.  I know that sometimes those moments can be fleeting.  But this moment.  This one moment in time and space.  I'm going to hold on for all that it's worth.

There are many things in life that can wait.  

But soaking up the sunshine, relaxing, 

and The Sunset Won't.

Book Review: The Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah E. Ladd

From the Publisher:  
    Darbury, England, 1814
Amelia Barrett gave her word. Keeping it could cost her everything.

Amelia Barrett, heiress to an estate nestled in the English moors, defies family expectations and promises to raise her dying friend's baby. She'll risk everything to keep her word-even to the point of proposing to the child's father-a sea captain she's never met.

When the child vanishes with little more than an ominous ransom note hinting at her whereabouts, Amelia and Graham are driven to test the boundaries of their love for this little one.

Amelia's detailed plans would normally see her through any trial, but now, desperate and shaken, she's forced to examine her soul and face her one weakness: pride.

Graham's strength and self-control have served him well and earned him much respect, but chasing perfection has kept him a prisoner of his own discipline. And away from the family he has sworn to love and protect.

Both must learn to have faith and relinquish control so they can embrace the future ahead of them.

My Thoughts: When given the opportunity to review this book I jumped at it.  First, it's a regency novel (love that time period) reminding me of Jane Austen or Julie Klassen.  Second, the plot was one that I hadn't remembered reading.

I sat down during my spring break to get some reading done (wanting to be able to tell my students that I read over break) and I wanted to get ahead on some review reading.  I opened my eBook around 7pm.  Next thing I knew I had been so thoroughly engrossed, engaged, enthralled with the novel that it was 12:30 in the morning.  I wanted to see what became of Amelia, Graham and little Lucy.  Would Amelia find her faith?  Would she be able to keep her word?  What choices would the characters make?

I connected deeply with Amelia as I have been struggling in my faith of late.  I've said it before but it surprises me when reading a work of Christian fiction and there is a message that within its pages that seems like it was written to speak to me.  To my heart.  To my doubts and hopes and dreams and fears. This, The Heiress of Winterwood, was one of those books.  I saw much of myself in Amelia, many qualities that I want to have.

I found Graham to be chivalrous, charming, capable.  The background characters were interesting to where you were interested, but not distracting to the main story.  They added to it, rather than detracting.

The storyline was well thought out, interesting and believable.  The characters, relatable and likable.  The writing style was engaging and well timed.

Would I Recommend This Book?  Yes!  No hesitation.  It was a sweet romantic Christian story.  Well written, interesting plot.  Why wouldn't you read this one?  I'll be reading it again.  The only thing I didn't like... was that it ended.  I wanted to know more about these characters.  I cannot wait to read the next book in the "Whispers on the Moors" series.

Rating: 5/5 stars

[ A  definite favorite, will be re-read again and again, and permanently placed on my bookshelf. ]

(I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.  All opinions are my own.)

Win a Downton Abbey Kindle Fire Prize Pack in The Heiress of Winterwood Giveaway!

Enter Today - 4/15 - 4/30!

Book Review: A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund

From the Publisher:  

Michigan, 1880

Annalisa Werner's hope for a fairy tale love is over. Her husband failed her in every way and now his death has left her with few options to save the family farm. She needs a plentiful harvest. That, and a husband to help bring it in. Someone strong, dependable. That'll be enough. A marriage for love...that's something she's given up on.

So her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.

Then a man appears: Carl Richards, from their home country of Germany and a former schoolteacher---or so he says. He's looking for work and will serve on the farm until her husband arrives.

With time running out, she accepts his help, but there's more to this man than he's admitting. He's also gentle, kind, charming---unlike any man she's ever known. But even as Carl is shining light into the darkness of her heart, she knows her true groom may arrive any day.

My Thoughts:  I found A Noble Groom to be an interesting story with a plot that I can't remember reading before.  One of my favorite things about novels by Jody Hedlund is that they are all rooted in actual events, or are based on a real person.  I love that.  What made me enjoy this book specifically was the story of German immigrants leaving the Old Country for a better life (something my ancestors did for similar reasons).

Annalisa was a young widow who had given up on fairy tale love and happily ever afters.  She was realistic.  She couldn't run a farm herself and as long as her husband (chosen by her father) was strong and dependable she would make do.  Enter Carl Richards, a man who was kind, treated her like a person rather than a servant.  Who entertained her daughter rather than ignoring her.  His kindness, gentleness, consideration and charm begin to break a hole in the brick wall she had built around herself.  

With each smile, laugh and open direct conversation with Carl, Annalisa realizes that perhaps there is something more to life than how she had been living.  What happens when loyalty to family, honoring traditions and doing what is expected of you collide with the possibility of love and A Noble Groom?  Ms. Hedlund writes an engaging story that answers that question and gives you insight into real people and events from the 1880's along the way.

Would I Recommend This Book?  Yes.  I love history and have always enjoyed that Jody Hedlund's books are based on real people, or real historical events.  She integrates so many genres into this book that it was hard to put down.  A little mystery, historical fiction, romance, action all rolled into one really well written novel.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Purchase a copy here.  Find out more about Jody at http://jodyhedlund.com/

(I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.  All opinions are my own.)