Book Review: Miss Saunders Takes a Journey (Saunders Saga #2) by G.G. Vandagriff

ABOUT THE BOOK

During her second London Season, the Incomparable, Miss Arabella Saunders, is running from gossiping tongues. 
She flees to Bath, accompanied by eccentric chaperones Miss Braithwaite (with her tortoise, Henry Five) and Lady Clarice. Almost immediately two gentlemen enter her circle of acquaintance. Appealing to her adventurous spirit, Mr. Charles Rollins encourages her to emigrate to South Africa with him. Cautious Lord James Eubanks warns her of the perils of such a course. 
The standards of the day do not favor a spirit as independent as Arabella’s. As she bridles at their restraints, events conspire to drive her, first to Alcester, a village in the English countryside, then to a prolonged stay in the Yorkshire Dales.

She is running, but can she outrun her heart? Will she retreat or grasp the future life is offering her?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

G.G. Vandagriff is the author of over thirty novels Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. The Last Waltz, the first novel in her 20th Century Historical Romance Series won the Whitney Award for Best Historical Novel in 2009. There are now two more books in that series—Exile and Defiance. 
Thirteen of her novels are Regency romances, compared by critics to the witty novels of Georgette Heyer. She has also written a lively genealogical mystery series featuring Briggie and Alex, two whacky widows, as sleuths. Her most recent publications are Romantic Suspense. Her trilogy featuring Breaking News, Sleeping Secrets, and Balkan Echo tell the tale of high profile TV journalists--the Super Sleuths of WOOT TV station in Chicago. 
GG graduated from Stanford and received her master’s degree from George Washington University. She worked as an associate editor at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, an assistant treasurer in the Harvard Treasurer’s office, a bond analyst at Fidelity Investments, and an international banker for Continental Illinois National Bank (later acquired by Bank of America).
She and her husband David are the parents of three children and seven grandchildren, her greatest joys in life. Her favorite novel? Jane Eyre. She also loves Florence, Sundance Resort, The Voice, hot chocolate, lilacs, and dachshunds.
Find out more about her books, download a free novella, and sign up for her newsletter at http://ggvandagriff.com. Also, be the first to know when Vandagriff’s next book is available by following her at http://bookbub.com/authors/G.G.Vandag... to receive new releases and discount alerts

MY THOUGHTS

This is the first book that I have read from my author. I fell in love with the story synopsis and the cover and was super excited to check out someone new. This book is set in regency era and paid close attention to detail. While I have not read a lot from this era, I felt that I was getting an accurate lesson. The characters are well written. They are written as real people. I liked the eccentric-ness of the characters. It made them unique. You can feel their emotions as you read. While this is a sweet romance book, you will find a few hintings at affairs. The storyline is intruiguing and while this is the 2nd book in the series, I had no problem following along. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from this author. 

I recevied a copy of this book through the author/publisher all thoughts are my own. 

Book Review: Belle o’ the Waters by Raima Larter

ABOUT THE BOOK

Belle Waters is about to celebrate her fourteenth birthday, and she is terrified. The fear of marriage looms large for her, and every other girl who was born into the Mormon settlement of Salt Lake in the 1850's. She knows it is her duty to marry and bring Heavenly Father's children into the world, but she's not interested in tying the knot with anyone, especially not the Prophet, an old man with a number of wives and counting. But when the US Army invades Salt Lake intent on arresting the Prophet, Belle soon realizes that the possibility of becoming a child bride is only the beginning in a series of disastrous threats. This is a work of fiction, but is loosely based on a true historical event: the Mountain Meadows Massacre of September 11, 1857, which sparked a short-lived Mormon War. Although set over a century ago, the themes and issues explored in this novel are timely and current: religious freedom and extremism, the role and status of women in society, and the contemporary impact of homegrown terrorism. Belle o' the Waters is a searing exploration of those living within an oppressed community, and an ultimately revelatory novel about what it means to lead a courageous life, despite one s circumstances.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Raima Larter is a writer and scientist based in the metropolitan Washington DC region. A former college professor and government scientist, she is the author of two novels, "Fearless," a modern-day mystery/thriller and "Belle o' the Waters," set in late-1850s pioneer America. Larter is the creator and author of the blog, Complexity Simplified, which covers topics ranging from science to spirituality and writing. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from Indiana University and an MA in Writing from Johns Hopkins. She does freelance science writing for a number of organizations, including the American Institute of Physics and the American Institute for Cancer Research. She has authored numerous short stories, some of which have won awards, and is the author of the short story collection, "The Gate of Heaven and Other Story Worlds."

MY THOUGHTS

This book is based on a true historical event. The event took place on September 11, 1857. It is called the Mountain Meadows Massacre.  I was not familar with this event so I started to do a little research of my own. The Mountain Meadows Massare per the LDS website is: “On September 11, 1857, some 50 to 60 local militiamen in southern Utah, aided by some American indian[s], massacred about 120 emigrants who were traveling by wagon to California. The horrific crime, which spared only 17 children age six and under, occurred in a highland valley called the Mountain Meadows, roughly 35 miles southwest of Cedar City. The victims, most of them from Arkansas, were on their way to California with dreams of a bright future” (Richard E. Turley Jr., “The Mountain Meadows Massacre,” Ensign, Sept. 2007). Since I am a historian I am always intrigued by books based on events. The author did her research. I felt that I was learning a lot from her book. This story is about a young Mormon girl who has a lot of courage. The characters are well written and the storyline flows nicely. This is the first book I have read by this author. I really enjoyed it

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Mascot Books, all thoughts are my own. 

Book Review: Go down the Mountain by Meredith Battle

ABOUT THE BOOK

Go Down the Mountain was inspired by the stories of the people who lost their homes to Shenandoah National Park in the 1930s. At once dramatic adventure, moving love story and recollection of a vanished life, the story follows mountain girl Bee on her harrowing journey to discover the truth about her family, living and dead. 

Bee is a nervy, teenage beauty whose beloved father's sudden death in a snake charming accident has left her alone with her abusive mother. Her one salvation is Miles, the big-city photographer who promises escape and a life full of the adventure she craves. But when Bee is caught in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with a government man who takes her family's land and won't stop until he claims her too, it may be Torch, the boy she grew up with on the mountain, who becomes the man she needs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Meredith Battle lives with her husband, son, dog and ducks in a 200-year-old house in the Virginia Piedmont, a short drive from the Blue Ridge Mountains, the setting for her debut novel. She is currently working on her second book.
"Go Down the Mountain" was inspired by the stories of the people who lost their homes to Shenandoah National Park in the 1930s. At once dramatic adventure, moving love story and recollection of a vanished life, the story follows mountain girl Bee on her harrowing journey to discover the truth about her family, living and dead.
"Go Down the Mountain" is available to preorder on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1643070134

MY THOUGHTS

This book is a look at what life was like for American's who were the poorest during the Great Depression. I have heard a lot of stories about the people of Appalachia and the poverty stricken conditions that they live in. This book seems to be accurately researched. I loved the main character Bee. What a strong female that she is. Having to endure so much in her life time. I enjoyed this book and learning about these based on true stories. 

I received a copy of this book through the publisher, Mascot Books. All thoughts are my own. 

Book Review: An Agent for Opal (The Pinkerton Matchmaker Book 25) By: P. Creeden

ABOUT THE BOOK

Opal Cahill was raised as the only girl in a family full of rough and tumble men. They taught her to fight and survive and taught her to push aside fantasies, because reality is as harsh as the rough side of a cat’s tongue. But she could never let go of reading about adventures of life in the west and dreaming that she might one day become a Pinkerton agent, like her hero, Kate Warne. But when her father passes, she’s stuck living in Atlantic City with her cousin who sometimes has them living in rundown shacks and sometimes, high end hotels. Until one day, that odd lifestyle catches up with them both. When Opal must choose a place to go out west, she heads to the Pinkerton office in Denver in the hopes that they might still interview her though it’s months after they originally advertised they were accepting applicants. 

Caleb Wade has just come back from going deep undercover. He returns to the Pinkerton office and runs into one of the most stubborn, frustrating, and interesting women he’s ever met. When he finds out that she’s not only his new partner but his new wife, he digs in his heels before he decides to treat it as another undercover act. Together the two travel to Ohio to help Archie’s good friend and owner of the Turner Theater deal with an arsonist who has already succeeded in burning down the theater once and threatens to do it again. Both Caleb and Opal must learn to get past their stubborn ways and work together in order to capture the person who threatens not only the building but the lead actress as well. 

Lady Pinkerton detectives, their rough and ready agents, and a whole lot of excitement and romance! The Pinkerton Matchmaker series tells the stories of the women determined to bring criminals to justice, and the agents who win their hearts. Each book is a standalone story and they can be read in any order.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

P. Creeden is the sweet romance and mystery pen name for USA Today Bestselling Author, Pauline Creeden. Her stories feature down-to-earth characters who often feel like they are undeserving of love for one reason or another and are surprised when love finds them.

P. Creeden married her college sweetheart, who she also met at a horse farm. Together they raise a menagerie of animals and their one son, an avid reader, himself. Animals are the supporting characters of many of her stories, because they occupy her daily life on the farm, too. From dogs, cats, and goldfish to horses, chickens, and geckos -- she believes life around pets is so much better, even if they are fictional. 

Interested in getting FREE books and notified of new releases? Sign up for my newsletter: http://subscribepage.com/pcreedenbooks

MY THOUGHTS

I did my masters thesis on the use of women and african americans as spies during the revolutionary and civil war. One of my favorites to read about was Kate Warne. I was really excited to read this book since I loved reading about Kate Warne so much. Meet Opal. She has been raised by a pack of boy cousins and has not been taught how to be a lady. She dreams of becoming a member of the Pinkerton  Detective Agency and when her cousin gets in trouble in Atlantic City - she heads west to try and capture the dream. Meet Caleb Wade. Full fledged Pinkerton Agent. He loves what he does. He is less then thrilled when his boss tells him he has to get married or face suspension. He and Opal are paired as a husband and wife team and sent on assignment to Ohio (my home state!!!) What will happen when they get there - will they figure out who is behind the theater arson? This book is a romantic suspense novella. It will keep you guessing. P. Creeden has done fantastic research and is historically accurate. I love the concept of Pinkerton Matchmaking. This is the first one in this series that I have read, but I will be going back and starting from the beginning. I was drawn in within the first few pages and could not put it down. If you like romantic suspense that keeps you guessing -- this is the book for you

I received a copy of this book through the author - All thoughts are my own. 

Book Review: Moment of Grace (The Belles of Wyoming Book 9) by: P. Creeden

About the Book: 

With the winter came betrayal, but can Grace find redemption and forgiveness in the spring?

Grace Lynn Adams struggles to live up to her heavenly name. She doesn’t deserve it, after all the bad decisions she’s made. The only two people who ever saw past that bad part of her and her poor reputation were her ailing mother and her best friend, Charles. But in one night, as her mother lay on her death bed, taking her final breath, Grace betrayed them both. 

Meanwhile, in the quaint town of Belle, Wyoming, life goes on and winter gives way to spring. With the warm temperatures, Grace finally feels ready to move on from the miserable doldrums she’s been in and maybe find some way to help others again—and maybe earn a measure of penance. But with the coming Easter, she’s reminded of Charles’s offer of marriage before the night of her betrayal, and she wonders if Charles might be waiting until that day, when family and neighbors draw together, to finally expose her. Or maybe she’ll finally get the chance to explain that she’d never wanted to hurt him, even if she doesn’t deserve his forgiveness.

This is a short, clean and wholesome, American western historical romance. Each story in this collection stand alone, and can be read in any particular order.

About the Author: 

P. Creeden is the sweet romance and mystery pen name for USA Today Bestselling Author, Pauline Creeden. Her stories feature down-to-earth characters who often feel like they are undeserving of love for one reason or another and are surprised when love finds them.

P. Creeden married her college sweetheart, who she also met at a horse farm. Together they raise a menagerie of animals and their one son, an avid reader, himself. Animals are the supporting characters of many of her stories, because they occupy her daily life on the farm, too. From dogs, cats, and goldfish to horses, chickens, and geckos -- she believes life around pets is so much better, even if they are fictional. 

Interested in getting FREE books and notified of new releases? Sign up for my newsletter: http://subscribepage.com/pcreedenbooks

My Thoughts: 

This is a new to me author that I stumbled upon in a facebook group. I was excited to get to read a copy of this book to read. I had not read anything from this author before. This book is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. It does start out in the middle of a conflict. That threw me through a loop, but I was able to piece it together. I love the characters that the author has written. They are well written. This book ]s a story of loss, forgiveness, and second chances. This is a sweet short read and I enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more from this author. 

I received a copy of this book through the author, all thoughts are my own.