beckys_bookshelves's reviews
312 reviews

Only The Heart Knows by Lena Goldfinch tells the story of Mandy MacKenna and Adam Booker in beautiful Cross Creek, Colorado in 1885. Mandy secretly writes under the pen-name Mack in the newspaper column "Ask Mack" where she answers questions about ranching related matters. It is assumed throughout Cross Creek that Mack is a man. She hears from Adam many times under the pen-name Banker, and she gives him advice that he truly values. But the question becomes: what will Adam do if he ever finds out "Ask Mack" is Mandy?

I really enjoyed reading Ms. Goldfinch's newest book. She is a masterful storyteller weaving together themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and God's deep love for us. The story was delightful to read filled with romantic tension, some twists and turns, and sweet kisses. Mandy is a character I think all of us can relate to, and that makes for a great read.

Ms. Goldfinch is a new author to me and I plan on reading the rest of the books in the Bride series. I highly recommend Only the Heart Knows!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and the opinions expressed are my own

I have been waiting since July for An Uncommon Courtship to release, and it was well worth the wait! An Uncommon Courtship is the love story of Lord Trent Hawthorne and Lady Adelaide Bell who married first and then courted. Trent was a supporting character in Ms. Hunter's other books, and I was glad to witness his happy ending.

The cover of this book is stunning and goes beautifully with the other books in the series. As a huge Regency fan I enjoyed reading the book and learning more about London society during 1814. I loved the dialogue and the way the characters are able to sip tea and put someone in their place at the same time. I must admit, I was taking notes! Ms. Hunter is a wonderful author who paints beautiful pictures with her words and I never tire of hearing about the dresses, the furniture, and the social occasions she describes.

I recommend that you read the first books in the series before you read An Uncommon Courtship. Start with A Noble Masquerade, the first in book the series, and then read An Elegant Facade. I think you will be much more invested in the characters and enjoy the story so much more. You can get also the free novella A Lady of Esteem, a prequel worth checking out as well. I consider this book PG-13, so my personal recommendation would be to read it yourself before giving it to a teen.

I received this book from the publisher Bethany House. I was not required to write a positive review.

I was thrilled to read the story of The Unexpected Bride. I am becoming a huge Lena Goldfinch fan! Her stories are fun to read and I enjoy her style of writing. The Unexpected Bride is a sweet story about Becky, a mail order bride who travels from Massachusetts to Washington state via a ship that sails around South America. She travels to meet Isaac who knows nothing about the bride his father has sent for. We follow their brief courtship and marriage as they work through miscommunication, false perceptions, and the issues that surround the beginning of their married life.
I enjoyed that Rebecca is able to shoot a gun and has the skills to survive in the west. She is a spunky and interesting character that you cannot help but like. I was cheering for Rebecca and Isaac to make things work and you will too! I highly recommend this book and know you will love the story.

The Super Natural Power of Peace by Dennis and Dr. Jen Clark is a book that talks about how to keep and get God's peace. The books tells you how you can have true peace in the midst of any situation. I enjoyed reading Dr. Jen and Dennis personal stories of how they have maintained peace in their heart. For me one of the meaningful parts of the book was when the Clark's talked about Abraham. They shared how it was not Abraham's story, but the God story. Abraham did God's will not his own. I found myself drawn into this book. I started working on maintaining peace in my own life, and continue to feel like God is changing me and reminding me the privilege of doing God's will and not my own.
I was given this book by The Book Club Network. I did not have to give a positive review.

In The Elusive Miss Ellison Lavina Ellison is the vicar's daughter whose mother was killed by the Earl of Hawkesbury's brother in a tragic accident. The question becomes can Nicholas, the Earl of Hawkesbury, and Lavina make a go at more than friendship with this added strain? What is Nicolas' faith? Can Lavina see past her strongly held perceptions of other?
I have been so looking forward to reading The Elusive Miss Ellison for months, and I was not disappointed. I have loved the characters, the descriptive text, the pace, and the way the characters' faith unfolds in the story. I found my own faith strengthened as I read the book. The book has helped me to reflect upon my own faith and draw me closer to God.
I enjoyed immersing myself in the time period. I have reread the ending five times, and love and sigh each time. My only disappointment in the story was that it ended. I would highly encourage everyone to read this book, but it will be especially enjoyable if you love the regency time period.
I received this book from publisher and was not required to write a positive review.

I have been privileged to read Erica Vetsch's other novels and I really enjoyed reading My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss Texas. Ms. Vetsch has a style of writing that is descriptive and heartfelt. She weaves history into her novels effortlessly and I enjoyed learning about Fort Bliss, Texas in 1874. Her main character Priscilla Huschens is a " modern" woman of the times and struggles with her feeling of anger towards anyone in the military. I cheered on Priscilla as her heart transformed and her character developed throughout the story. Major Elliot Ryder was well developed hero I could cheer for. I recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

So many sweet stories. I enjoyed this book so much!! Definitely worth buying and reading.

enjoyable read. I always enjoy Katherine Reay.