Lasting Impression - A Book Review

I chose this book because the setting was in Nashville, Tennessee (my home state) at the Belmont Mansion.  The Author, Tamera Alexander, did an excellent job in setting the scenery.  I felt as if I were back in time and I wanted to go to the Belmont Mansion.  (I think I'll plan a family day trip there this summer.)

Claire Laurent overcame what seemed like near-impossible obstacles and she even won the heart of an up-and-coming lawyer, Sutton Monroe.  Claire's background and the past she left behind was coming back to haunt her.  If things were to get out, she could loose her job, her home and Sutton.  Could she tell Sutton before he found out and he still love her?  Sutton had a few hidden secrets of his own.  Would Claire still want him knowing he could be destitute and not able to provide for her future?  What would he have to offer her?

The book is an historical fiction novel.  I checked out some of the history and the author was accurate in her facts.  Tamara Alexander is very knowledgeable about art and it shows throughout the book.  The story starts out strong and ends well, but the climax left me a little disappointed.  I was expecting more and I was left wanting more.  While I was at the climax of the story - I was very disappointed and wasn't sure I wanted to finish the book.  I did finish the book and the ending was done so well, that it partially made up for the climax.   I am glad that I stuck with it and read through to the end.

The book is worth the read.  You will come away more with more knowledge about the history of the Belmont Mansion, art and Nashville's history as well.

I received this book for free from Bethany House for this review, but the review and opinions are my own.

Out of Control - Book Review

The Kincaid Brides Book 1: Out of Control by Mary Connealy

Rafe Kincaid takes care of his family's ranch. He has been in control for quite some time, since a near family tragedy tore his family apart. When Rafe rescues Julia Gilliland from a cave on his land he begins to feel out of control. Rafe soon learns that someone trapped Julia in that cave and he has an overwhelming desire to protect her and find out who did this to her and why.

Juila's innocence and love for nature and fossils intrigues and annoys Rafe. As Julia slowly begins to win Rafe's heart his long lost baby brother shows up and Julia begins to suspect he's the one that trapped her in the cave. Rafe is torn between his feelings for Julia and his brotherly love. How will he be able to choose between the two?

This book is well written and I really enjoyed the story, but it did not leave me with an overwhelming desire to read the other books in the Kincaid Brides series. I wish the author had left a hint at what was going to happen in the next book, something to pique my interest. Over all, it was a good book. If you like Christian romances, I suggest you reading this book.

I received this book for free from Bethany House for this review, but the review and opinions are my own.

The Mercy - A book review

'The Mercy' by Beverly Lewis is the third book in The Rose Trilogy. You can read it alone and understand it and even enjoy it, but after reading 'The Mercy' I wish I had read the first twol books in the trilogy first.

'The Mercy' is a book about two Amish sisters looking to find their way in a world of family and religious customs and a secular world that does not understand or easily accept those customs. The choices that each of the sisters makes could draw them closer together or push them apart.

Will Rose find true love or is it too late for her? Will she be able to live with the consequences of her choices? Did she have anything to do with 'The Silencing' of a family friend and neighbor? Rose's sister, Hen, found true love - but will she have to choose between her family & religion and her one true love? You have to read the book to find out.

This is a sweet book that I thoroughly enjoyed. This is an easy read, not complicated - great book to lift the spirits. I carried the book with me wherever I went.

I received this book for free from Bethany House for this review, but the review and opinions are my own.