My Bookshelf: The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White

        Brook Eden has never known where she truly belongs. When her friend Justin uncovers the fact that she is possibly the missing heiress from Yorkshire, Brook leaves the sun of the Mediterranean to travel to the moors of the North Sea to the estate of her supposed family.

        The mystery of her mother’s death haunts her, and although her father is quick to accept her, the rest of the family and the servants of Whitby Park are not. Only when Brook’s life is threated do they draw close—but will their loyalty come too late to save Brook from the same threat that led to tragedy for her mother?

        As heir to a dukedom, Justin is no stranger to balancing responsibilities. When the matters of his estate force him far from Brook, the distance between them reveals that their friendship has grown into something much more. But how can their very different loyalties and responsibilities ever come together?

        And then for a second time, the heiress of Whitby Park is stolen away because of the very rare treasure in her possession—and those who can save her still aren’t sure who to trust.

        The Lost Heiress is the first book in Roseanna M. White’s Ladies of the Manor series, and is a novel that I had been anticipating for a very long time. Roseanna M. White is one of my all-time favorite authors, and her book Whispers from the Shadows is one of the best novels I have ever read, so I knew going in that I would enjoy The Lost Heiress. But, as all wonderful novels do, this book well exceeded all of my expectations, and made me melt into a little puddle far more times than I thought it would. The mystery and intrigue that filled this novel made it absolutely impossible to put down, and the romantic elements didn’t make it any easier. So many things went into the making of this story, and that made it all the better for the way that she tied up the ends and pulled off the perfect happily ever after.

        Brook Eden is such a great character! I love her wild spirit—the way she cannot be tamed—and I am inspired by her kindness and generosity. Despite the way she is treated, by both the staff and her new family, she never once treats them in an unkind manner. Rather, she continues to build a life for herself in her new home, even though it is so completely different from everything that she has known. Then there’s the mystery that comes calling. She really does stay pretty calm through it all, although she is obviously—and understandably—extremely scared. She handles it well though, especially those times you really see her wild spirit shine. You’ll figure out what I’m referring to when you read the book.

        Justin is perfection. For the most part. Obviously both he and Brook have their faults, especially when it comes to their growing relationship with one another, but when it comes down to it, Justin is there when she really needs him. And his fear for her safety—though he doesn’t do a great job of showing it—is just the cutest thing. He really does care for her—I mean he is her best friend and all—and that is made obvious through the way he finds her family and strives to keep her happy and safe. Plus his jealousy of any man who so much as looks at her is pretty much the cutest thing ever.

        Let me just take a minute to say, even though he isn’t mentioned on the back of the book, Lord Worthing is by far one of my favorite characters of all time. So that I don’t spoil anything for you, I won’t clarify what his place is in the story or what he means to Justin and/or Brook, but I just had to give him a little of the spotlight. He is just the sweetest thing! And his relationship with Christ is the type that people dream of having. He is constantly in tune with the Lord and His will, and he has a really godly character. He’s always doing for others and making me melt into little puddles, and I really was glad Roseanna wrote him into this story (and if my suspicions are correct, he is the hero of the second book, The Reluctant Duchess, which releases in April).

        Anyway, this book was so, so good! The historical aspects were impeccable, of course, and the story was flawlessly written. It was captivating, mysterious, and heartwarming, and I know I would read it again in a second. So I must give it all five bookshelves. It would be impossible not to, especially since it is now on my ‘favorite books of all time’ list. Roseanna hit this one out of the ballpark, and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series has in store.

        Happy reading!

Linking up at Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me and TotallyTerrific Tuesday.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

You can purchase a copy of this gem here!

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Roseanna M. White and Bethany House Publishing.

My Bookshelf: The Chase by Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky—Plus a Giveaway

        Only God could have written a love story as beautiful as Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky’s. from their teenage days thousands of miles apart when they separately wrote letters to their future spouses, to a chance meeting backstage at a concert, their story brings inspiration and hope to every girl.

        It’s easy to get impatient for the future to play out, especially when it comes to love. Before long you find yourself chasing the perfect guy and trying to write out your own happily ever after. But the truth is, your best future won’t be found chasing boys—it’ll only come by first chasing God.

        In The Chase, Kyle and Kelsey take turns telling their story—with Kelsey sharing secrets to a Godly relationship and Kyle revealing the truth about what guys really think. Together they’ll show you how to put God first, protect your heart, deal with the loneliness and peer pressure that come along with purity, and see yourself as God does.

        Are you ready to trust God with your very own happily ever after? Let the chase begin!

        The Chase is a wonderful book all about trusting God with your happily ever after. As someone who has yet to find mine, this book was a big deal for me. Reading great advice about chasing God, staying away from unhealthy relationships, and always building your guy up were inspiring, and I loved the insight into how guys think. With chapters like “God First”, “The List”, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T”, and “Just Haven’t Met You Yet”, this book really did cover all of the bases, and it was full of examples of how things were done differently and how painful that was for the couples involved. I felt like that gave girls another reason to try their hardest to do things the right way, and I am sure it was super encouraging.

        Along with all of the great advice and ways to apply it to your life, I really enjoyed getting to learn all about Kyle and Kelsey’s story. They really do have a fairy-tale relationship, and it was super sweet to read about how much they love each other. I know you are not supposed to compare your relationship to anyone else’s, but I hope I have a fairy-tale too someday. They both really chased the Lord leading up to the day they met, and I don’t think their relationship would have worked out so well as it did, if they even started dating at all, if it weren’t for their dedication to Christ. It was inspiring to hear and actual success story, as it made it so much easier to believe that what they were advising was actually doable. And I also just love that they took on the project of writing a book like this.

        I cannot help but give The Chase all five bookshelves, because it is such a good book for girls, and women, who are waiting for their princes. It is sure to strengthen their relationships with the Lord, inspire them to wait until the right man chases them, and show them how to go about having a Christ-filled relationship with the man of their dreams. I applaud Kyle and Kelsey for a job well done, and cannot wait to see what the future holds for the both of them, especially when it comes to their ministry!

        And now for the giveaway! Today I am hosting my first ever giveaway in honor of The Chase! In fact, that’s what I’m giving away! So scroll on down and enter by doing the things in the Rafflecopter form below! Good luck and happy reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received a copy of this book from the authors in exchange for my honest review.

Linking up at Let it Shine, Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me, and Totally Terrific Tuesdays.

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky and Revell Publishing.

My Bookshelf: A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter

        Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother’s old school friend, the Duke of Marshington. Since she’s never actually met the man, she has no intention of ever sending the letters and is mortified when her brother’s mysterious new valet, Marlow, mistakenly mails one of the letters to the unsuspecting duke.

        Shockingly, this breach of etiquette results in a reply from the duke that soon leads to a lively correspondence. Insecurity about her previous lack of suitors soon becomes confusion as Miranda finds herself equally intrigued by Marlow, a man she has come to depend upon but whose behavior grows more suspicious by the day. As the secret goings-on at her family’s estate come to light, one thing is certain: Miranda’s heart is far from all that’s at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.

        A Noble Masquerade is the first book in Kristi Ann Hunter’s Hawthorne House series, although there is an e-novella that comes before it called A Lady of Esteem. In fact, A Lady of Esteem was what got me hooked on Kristi Ann’s writing. You see, A Noble Masquerade is her first full length novel. A little over a month ago, she published her novella as a free e-book, and I happened to stumble upon it. I’m all for free books, and the description made it sound like something right up my alley, so I downloaded it. Can I just say that was one of the best decisions I ever made? When I think of first-time authors, I do think talent, but I also know that they haven’t published anything, so they don’t have near as much experience as older authors do. Although they may have a great story and a wonderful writing style, they just haven’t been at it for long, so I don’t put my expectations too high. It will be a good book, I tell myself, but their later works will be better. That was not the case with Kristi Ann. Before I had even made it halfway through A Lady of Esteem, I knew she was a very talented author. By the time I started A Noble Masquerade, I was aware that her writing is better than many ‘more experienced’ authors, if only because she knows how to weave together a story. Obviously I need to let go of the stereotypes.

        Miranda Hawthorne is by far one of my favorite heroines. As a privileged woman of society, you would think she would be difficult to relate to, but that is far from the truth. Always pressured to be the perfect lady, Miranda feels that she must hide all of her feelings deep inside herself; her only release being in writing letters to her brother, Griffith’s, friend, the Duke of Marshington. Although she would never even consider sending them, just the thought that he would understand what she is going through serves to make her world a little better. With her sister’s upcoming debut into society, Miranda is more and more reminded of her own two failed seasons, in which she failed to procure a suitable husband. Reeling from that and her shocking attraction to Griffith’s new valet, Marlow, Miranda becomes careless with her letters, only to have one accidentally sent by Marlow. Trying to stay calm, Miranda assures herself that he most likely won’t even get it, as he’s been away from society for so long he probably isn’t even in his own home, but is shaken to the core when he not only reads her letter, but replies!

        The Duke of Marshington is another wonderful character. Although I cannot tell you much about his story, he is a recluse and all, I can tell you that he is by far one of the best heroes I have ever met. Daring and strong, he is not only a wonderful protector, but also has one of the biggest hearts I have ever seen in a man. Oh how I wish I could tell you all the reasons why I love him, but I will settle for telling you he is a wonderful example of a Christian gentleman. And he has a great sense of humor. I promise you, it won’t take you long to fall for him as well.

        Full of mystery and intrigue, love and romance, A Noble Masquerade is a captivating book that I couldn’t bear to put down. Set in nineteenth century England, this novel is full of interesting historical facts and perfect descriptions of all that 1812 held. Kristi Ann not only wrote a perfect historical, she wrote a heart-melting romance with inspiring Christian themes. I loved this book so much I have to give it all five bookshelves, and I know that I will be keeping my eye out for everything else Kristi Ann writes, especially the rest of the Hawthorne House series. I cannot wait to read about what happens to her three siblings, Griffith, Trent, and Georgina! I highly recommend this book, although I would advise you to read A Lady of Esteem first. It is such a sweet story, and it gives you a little insight into the Hawthornes. Keep an eye out for A Noble Masquerade, which releases in just three days!

        Happy reading!

You can preorder A Noble Masquerade or download A Lady of Esteem here.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Kristi Ann Hunter and Bethany House Publishers.

The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate

These things I do, this melody of an ordinary day, keep the hours in order…Strange to think of that. The song of an ordinary life. Mine would be in these letters to you.

        When Iola Anne Poole, an old-timer on Hatteras Island, passes away in her bed at ninety-one, the struggling young mother in Iola’s rental cottage, Tandi Jo Reese, finds herself charged with the task of cleaning out Iola’s rambling Victorian house.

        Running from a messy, dangerous past, Tandi never expects to find more than a temporary hiding place within Iola’s walls, but everything changes with the discovery of eighty-one carefully decorated prayer boxes, one for each year, spanning from Iola’s youth to her last days. Hidden in the boxes is the story of a lifetime, written on random bits of paper—the hopes and wishes, fears and thoughts of an unassuming but complex woman passing through the seasons of an extraordinary, unsung life filled with lessons in faith, observations on love, and one final lesson that could change everything.

        The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate is the first book in Lisa Wingate’s Carolina Heirlooms series. Up until this point, I hadn’t read anything by Lisa, but I am so glad I took a chance and picked up this book. It is such a sweet story of pain, heartbreak, and redemption, and it was impossible for me to put it down. I loved finding out bits and pieces of Iola’s story along with Tandi, and I really enjoyed how Tandi’s true character and past was revealed as she got deeper and deeper into Iola’s prayer boxes. And the way everything tied together; oh my word it was such a perfect ending. I couldn’t get enough of it.

        Let me tell you about Tandi for a second. After all that she had been through, I don’t really blame her for having such a mess of a life. Honestly, I felt so much compassion for her as all the details of her life came out into the open. Add that to the way she rallied herself on multiple occasions, and you cannot help but love her. As she learns more and more about Iola and her perspective changes, I found myself loving her more and more. Forget the fact that she was at least ten years older than me; I felt that if I lived on Hatteras (which would be wonderful actually) we would be the closest of friends.

        Iola was also a wonderful woman. Forget the fact that we don’t really see her as a main character, per se (that would be difficult since she’s not alive during 90 percent of this book), you experience enough of her story to really know her. As I learned more and more about her, I was amazed at how wonderful a woman she was! Her faith was so strong, despite all that she had to go through. And I love the prayer box idea. I almost want to start one. That may be in my near future.

        Oh, and I can’t forget about the love interest! Since he isn’t mentioned on the back cover, I won’t name any names so I don’t spoil it for you, but let me just say, he is such a sweet guy! And he’s so supportive of Tandi, no matter what she says or does, or what he learns about her past. I feel like he really related to her in a way, through his own painful past, even though their stories were totally different. And I just couldn’t help loving him more every minute. He really is such a sweetheart!

        Anyway, I really loved this book, and how touching its story was to me. Iola’s faith was an inspiration, and honestly, so was the faith of Mr. “Love Interest”. They both showed me things about how to have a wonderful relationship with God, and that was such a blessing to me. Since this book not only inspired me, but also was enjoyable and extremely well written, I cannot help but give it all five bookshelves. I know I will never forget this book, but rather will love it forever, and I cannot wait to read the other two in the series. Lisa really is an extremely talented writer, and I am looking forward to reading more of her works in the future!

        Happy reading!

You can purchase any of the books in the Carolina Heirlooms series here!
Linking up at Friday Favorites.

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Lisa Wingate and Tyndale House Publishers.

High Five For Friday

        It’s Friday! I cannot tell you how excited I am for the three day weekend ahead of me! Now let me tell you a little bit about what has happened before this weekend…

        1. I finally received my copy of this gem! I have been dying to read it, so I was so excited when it came in the mail. I’ve already started it, and let me just say, it is wonderful. Roseanna M. White always does an exceptional job, and I can tell The Lost Heiress will not be any different. Here’s the synopsis:

                Brook Eden has never known where she truly belongs.             When her friend Justin uncovers the fact that she is

        possibly a missing heiress from Yorkshire, Brook leaves

        the sun of the Mediterranean to travel to the moors of the                 North Sea and the estate of her supposed family.

                The mystery of her mother’s death haunts her, and                   though her father is quick to accept her, the rest of the 

        family and the servants of Whitby Park are not. Only 

        when Brook’s life is threatened do they draw close—but 

        will their loyalty come too late to save Brook from the 

        same threat that led to tragedy for her mother?

                As heir to a dukedom, Justin is no stranger to 

        balancing responsibilities. When the matters of his estate 

        force him far from Brook, the distance between them

        reveals that their friendship has grown into something 

        much more. But how can their very different loyalties 

        and responsibilities ever come together?

                And then for a second time, the heiress of Whitby 

        Park is stolen away because of the very rare treasure in 

        her possession—and those who can save her still aren’t 

        sure whom to trust.

        Doesn’t that sound wonderful? I cannot wait to finish this book and review it for you. Be looking out for that because it is coming soon!

        2. Everything is on track for my first giveaway! I cannot tell you how excited I am! Not only are giveaways super exciting, but the book I’m giving away (The Chase by Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky for those of you who don’t already know) is so wonderful! I’m almost done with my copy of it, and I really am loving it! It is such a great book and I am so glad they wrote it! I’ll tell you more when I post my review and giveaway on Monday.

        3. Sorry to have another thing about books, but I really cannot write a list of the highlights of my week without listing the amazing novel I just finished yesterday. A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter is by far one of my favorite books of all time. It really was so, so good. I can’t even tell you how wonderful it is without pouring out my whole review right here on this post. So, all I’m going to say is, come back tomorrow and read my review to see how much I loved it.

        4. We have (finally!) cleaned out the youth room at my church! It needed to be cleaned and organized so badly, so I am so glad we finally got around to it. And we moved the furniture into a more functional, and fun, setting, and I’m so excited to see how that plays out in the future. If you cannot tell, I really am so hyped about my calling into youth ministry. I just love it so much! Even though I don’t have my degree (yet) I can at least help out, and that means the world to me. All I can say is that there will be plenty more posts about anything youth related in the future.

        5. I helped throw the best surprise birthday party for one of my friends! It was such a blast just putting it together and working to keep the surprise (there were 22 other girls involved) but the best part was how genuinely surprised she was, and how much she loved what we had done. She was so completely and utterly excited and touched by the gesture, and I really loved seeing the expressions on her face as we carried out all of our surprises. And she has been such a blessing to us, so it really was great to get to bless her in return.

        Well, that is my week! Happy Friday and three day weekend to you!

Linking up at Spreading My Joy, Della Devoted, A. Liz Adventures, Meet @ the Barre, and The Diary of a Real Housewife.

All credit for the synopsis of The Lost Heiress goes to Roseanna M. White and Bethany House Publishers.

Currently—September

        It’s September! I am so ready for fall I can hardly stand it!!! Here’s what I’m currently up to…

        I’m currently reading multiple different things, so I’ll just mention all of them. First, I’m reading A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter. It is so, so good! This is her first full length novel, and it is absolutely wonderful! I read her e-novella as soon as it came out, and I loved it, so I knew she would be another one of my favorite authors. I was right.

        I’m also reading The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White. I had plans to read it after I finished A Noble Masquerade; the only reason I have already started it was because I didn’t have my other book with me. Let’s just say, I already absolutely love Roseanna’s work, so I knew going in that I would fall for this book. I’m only on page forty, and I already can’t get enough.

        Lastly, I’m reading The Chase by Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky. I’m almost done, and I’ve loved every bit of it. It is so great, and I love how they’re teaching girls, and women, to chase after God first, and then let the right man chase after them. Plus it’s just really sweet. I cannot wait to write my review and post my giveaway on Monday. Keep an eye out for that.

        I’m currently making the painting I’ve been working on for weeks and yet still haven’t finished. I’ve been pretty busy lately, so I have an excuse, but it’s still kind of sad. I haven’t even touched it in a while. I’m not even going to post a picture because it’s just too depressing.

        I’m currently pinning pretty much everything. I love just scrolling through my feed and seeing what everyone I follow has pinned. Many of them have the same taste as I do, so I can just scroll through and find tons of stuff to pin. Usually it’s book quotes and Disney stuff and clothes and rustic home décor. Oh, and lots of wedding dresses. Although, come to think of it, not so much lately. I guess that’s because I’ve already found my top two dresses. (By the way, I am NOT getting married. Not yet anyway. I just love weddings and dresses.)

        I’m currently anticipating the first college football game of the season! Tomorrow my Carolina Gamecocks are playing the University of North Carolina at six o’clock, and I’m super pumped. I am a HUGE football fan, so this is kind of a big deal. Football season is my favorite time of year (besides Christmas). I just love it, so, so much.

        I’m currently loving the books I’m reading (big shocker there). And ice cream. But I always love ice cream. At the moment, I don’t have a freezer though, so ice cream isn’t exactly easy to get (I can’t store it anywhere, sad face). Oh, and tomato soup. It’s just so good!

        That’s what I’m currently up to! September’s looking like it’s going to be a great month!

        Happy September!

Linking up at Anne in Residence.

Top Ten Tuesday: Characters I Just Didn’t Click With

Here are the top ten characters I didn't click with for this week's Top Ten Tuesday.

Elaine Schrock

        All in all, The Decision by Wanda E. Brunstetter was a book I really didn’t enjoy, so it wasn’t a surprise that I found I couldn’t at all relate to her main character. Elaine is extremely whiny throughout this book, and she never does accept the fact that others are there to help her. She has no reason why she would ever have to do anything all alone, and yet she turns away help every time it is offered, and then complains at all that is placed on her. Since she apparently really loved Jonah Miller, I never expected her to give him up the way she did, over and over, and with far less reluctance than any girl in love ever would.

Jonah Miller

        What kind of guy in love would ever let his girl go without fighting for her until he had nothing left to give? That made Jonah impossible to relate to: he just give Elaine up. And the turnaround was rather quick if you ask me. If I was in love, I would fight with everything in me until I got my guy back. Even if all I could do was pray that God would help him change his mind, I would do it.

Laura Woodfield

        The Brickmaker’s Bride by Judith Miller was another book I really didn’t love, and Laura Woodfield is part of the reason why. She constantly seemed sorry for herself, and she kept on with Winston despite the fact that they were obviously not meant to be together. She didn’t enjoy spending time with him, and yet she never broke of their relationship.

Mary Langton

        A Place in His Heart by Rebecca DeMarino fell a little flat for me, and I wouldn’t be surprised if part of the reason was because Mary was so hard to click with. She wasn’t unlikable or anything, but I just couldn’t relate to her, couldn’t get close enough to her to be her friend. Maybe it was just the repetitiveness of the book. I don’t know. All I know was that she is not one of my favorite characters.

Lenore Fulcher

        Steadfast Heart by Tracie Peterson was extremely difficult for me to like, and I know Lenore was a big part of the problem. Lenore was a flighty, somewhat insincere girl who seemed a bit boy crazy to me, if only for the fact that she ‘fell in love’ with Kolbien practically the day she met him. She seemed a bit fluffy-headed, and I just couldn’t find it in myself to like her.

Abrianna Cunningham

        Another character from Steadfast Heart, Abrianna was the type of girl you cannot help but dislike. Although she seemed sweet and innocent, her innocence was a bit much at times, making you feel like she had never been out in the world. She believes in everyone, no matter what they do, though she does still avoid them if they make her feel funny. But she eventually gives in and makes them her friend. I just don’t understand her at all.

        I know, that isn’t ten, but those are all of the ones I could come up with. I am sure there are more, but I just don’t remember some of the books I have read well enough to be sure if I really liked the characters or not (obviously I’m speaking of books I never really loved). Anyway, those are my authors I didn’t click with!

        Happy Tuesday!

Linking up at Top Ten Tuesday.