My Bookshelf: The Alaskan Quest series by Tracie Peterson

        Today I am reviewing all three of the books in Tracie Peterson's Alaskan Quest series because my copies are a three-in-one book like the one shown above. So, the descriptions won't be quite as long, but they will still be good, just like the books. Also, do you like the few changes I have made to my blog's appearance? I thought, since I'm trying to re-devote myself to working on it, it could use a face-lift.



        Leah Barringer and her brother, Jacob, have come to love the rugged Alaskan Territory they call home. But when Jacob determines to join an arctic expedition, Leah realizes her heart yearns for more than this solitary existence.

      The unexpected arrival of Jayce Kincaid, the man who spurned her ten years before, awakens feelings that Leah would much prefer to leave buried. As Jayce sets out to prove he’s a changed man, Leah cannot deny the effect he once again has upon her. But the appearance of a young investigator casts a cloud over Jayce’s past…and over Leah’s dreams for the future.

        Summer of the Midnight Sun is the first book in the Alaskan Quest series, and its honestly one of my favorites. But then, I love all three of them. Tracie Peterson does an excellent job of weaving a mystery into this novel that connects to the two following it. You really are left guessing until the very end of the last book, and that is something I love about this series. I also just really love Leah. She makes a great heroine.


        When Pinkerton agent Helaina Beecham's obsession with capturing a dangerous fugitive dulls her judgment, she is kidnapped and carried off into the wilderness just as an early winter is approaching.

      Now her only hope is that Jacob Barringer—the man who has captured her heart—will find her before it is too late.

        Under the Northern Lights is (you guessed it) the second book in the series, and—don’t hate me—another one of my favorites. Helaina—don’t you just LOVE that name—is another great heroine, and I really love her approach to things. She's pretty no-nonesense and practical, except for when it has to do with Jacob, that is. Plus, she handles her kidnapping really well for someone who knows her kidnapper's entire backstory.

        The unforgiving descent of Alaskan winter has Jayce Kincaid and Jacob Barringer struggling for survival after their ship is trapped in the ice floes of the Arctic.

        Back at Last Chance Creek, Leah and Helaina endure the long separation—Leah wondering if her children will ever know their father, and Helaina longing for the chance to express her love to Jacob.

          When unexpected loss invades their world and tragedy looms once again, will they find the strength to trust in God's faithfulness?

      Whispers of Winter is the final book of the series, and my favorite mystery of all. Although it isn't as mysterious as the previous ones, somehow I like the aspects of this one better. And even though it is sad that Jayce and Jacob are struggling for survival, their absence sure does make for a good story.

       So, because I just love Alaska, the characters, and these stories, all three get five bookshelves. It also doesn't hurt that I was able to get all three in one big book that made them considerably cheaper.

       Happy reading!

You can pick up one or all three of these novels here.

All credit for the italicized synopses goes to Tracie Peterson and her publishers. 

Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund

        What is the secret that could shipwreck both of their lives?

        All Emma Chambers ever wanted was a home, but when her steamboat sinks just outside Presque Isle, she’s left destitute and with no place to stay.

        An unlikely solution arises when the lighthouse keeper arrives in town. He’s just lost his wife and is having a difficult time caring for his child. So a traveling preacher gets the idea that the keeper and Emma might be the answer to each other’s dilemma. After a hasty marriage, she finds herself heading to the lighthouse with this handsome but quiet stranger. Nothing in her aimless life, though, has prepared her for parenting a rambunctious toddler, as well as managing a household.

        Emma soon suspects Patrick may be hiding something from her, and then she hears a disturbing rumor about the circumstances surrounding his late wife’s death. It seems as if her wish for a home and family of her own could end up leading her once more into turbulent waters.

        Emma Chambers has known a great deal of hardship and strife in her relatively short life, which has led her to long for a home and family to call her own. When a traveling minister approaches her with a suggestion that would give her all she’s ever wanted, she hesitantly agrees. But nothing has prepared her for being a wife and mother, and as the days go by, she wonders if she is equipped to be a good helper for Patrick. Not only that, but she is sure Patrick is hiding something from her. Will he ever feel close enough to her to tell her his secrets?

        Love Unexpected was the first book I ever read by Jody Hedlund, but I absolutely loved it. While I didn’t expect it to be nearly that good, I was definitely glad for the surprise. With a hint of mystery and TONS of moments that will melt you right there in your chair, Love Unexpected deserves every one of the five bookshelves I am giving it. I cannot wait for the next one in the series!! You’ll hear about it at the end of the month when I do my ‘new releases’ post. Anyway, I would recommend this book to anyone really, especially someone who loves a good happy ending.

        Happy reading!

Pick up a copy here!

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Jody Hedlund and her publishers.

Chasing Sunsets by Karen Kingsbury

        Growing up in a comfortable home, Mary Catherine wanted for nothing. Though she loves her wealthy parents, their lifestyle never appealed to her. Instead, Mary Catherine pursues meaning through charity work, giving away a part of herself but never giving away her heart.

        Now Mary Catherine lives in Los Angeles with her roommate, Sami, and volunteers at a local youth center with baseball coach Tyler Ames and LA Dodgers pitcher Marcus Dillinger. Despite Mary Catherine’s intention to stay single, she finds herself drawing close to Marcus, and their budding romance offers an exciting life she’s never dreamed of. That is, until she receives devastating news from her doctor. News that alters her future and forces her to make a rash decision.

        Inspirational and moving, Chasing Sunsets is the story of one woman’s deep longings of the soul, and the sacrifices she’s willing to make in search of healing.

        Chasing Sunsets is the second book in Karen Kingsbury’s Angels Walking series, coming after Angels Walking, which I read and reviewed just a month ago (you can find the review by clicking on the title). I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t picked it up yet, but let’s just say you’re not going to be very happy with Karen after you finish this novel. Why? Because she leaves you hanging in the worst way and the third book—A Brush of Wings—doesn’t come out until November. Clearly that’s only six months, but that is a long time to wait since I must know what happens to these characters I have come to love. Today. Seriously though, I guarantee you’re going to love this book.

        Mary Catherine loves adventure. Swimming with dolphins, jumping from planes; if it makes her feel alive, whole, and connected with God, it’s for her. Having no desire to let life pass her by, she lives every day to the fullest, whether she’s out on an adventure or nearby serving others. While she’s never allowed herself to be open to love, she knows if she did, he would have to be real. So when she finds herself getting closer to Marcus—who shows her just how real he is—she can’t help but start to fall for him. Will she be able to keep her heart safe, or is she destined for an adventure unlike any she has ever known?

        Marcus Dillinger’s life has changed in ways he never could have imagined. When he challenged God to give him something to live for so he would know He was real months ago, he didn’t expect all that would happen, or that he would end up opening a youth center in the heart of one of the worst places—the home to two rivaling gangs. As he continues to grow in his newfound faith, he finds himself drawn to the beautiful and unique Mary Catherine. She is unlike any girl he has ever known, in the best of ways. He is sure that he could love her, if she’ll let him. Will he choose to pursue her, or will her rash decision change everything for the both of them?

        Doesn’t that sound like something you want to read? And not only does Chasing Sunsets get five bookshelves and have an ending that leaves you hanging, it is totally unpredictable! It has a never-saw-it-coming, makes-you-ready-for-November kind of finish that will leave you breathless, if you read it like I did. I read from chapter nine to the end—241 pages—in one sitting. That might be a little much for some people, but it was worth it. If you don’t want to read that much at once, try just the last 41 pages. All at once I mean. That’s where most of the unexpected things happen. No matter what, just get this book! If you don’t love it, it’s not my fault, cause it is AMAZING!

        Happy reading!

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Karen Kingsbury and her publishers.

My Bookshelf: The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen

                Banished from the only home she’s ever known, Mariah Aubrey hides herself away in an abandoned gatehouse on a distant relative’s estate. There she supports herself and her loyal servant the only way knows how—by writing novels in secret.

                When Captain Matthew Bryant leases the estate, he is intrigued by the beautiful girl in the gatehouse. But there are many things he doesn’t know about this beguiling outcast. Will he risk his plans—and his heart—for a woman shadowed by scandal?

  

        Fleeing from scandal, Mariah Aubrey must hide away in a gatehouse on the land of a distant relative. While she supports herself by secretly penning novels, she fights feelings of loneliness and abandonment as her family has appeared to carry on without her. Will she ever be able to find love and resume her life as it was before, or is she doomed to hide forever?

        The Girl in the Gatehouse was one of the first books I ever read by Julie Klassen, but it isn’t one of my favorites. Now, don’t get the wrong idea. Clearly I loved this novel or I wouldn’t have gotten myself a copy. The reason it wasn’t ‘one of my favorites’ is because I have read all eight of Ms. Klassen’s books, and every one of them have made it to my ‘favorite books of all time’ list. So to say that The Girl in the Gatehouse is one of my favorite books by her wouldn’t really mean a thing. Besides, I can’t decide. Every novel has enough intrigue and mystery, love and trials all set in regency England that make each one of them perfect stories.

        The Girl in the Gatehouse receives a resounding five bookshelves from me, along with its place on my list of favorites. Go check it out, I promise you won’t regret it!

        Happy reading!

Pick up your own copy of this book here.

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Julie Klassen and her publishers.

Must-Haves for May

                Happy last day of April!!! Here are a few of the books releasing in the upcoming month that I am looking forward to, and that I believe you should definitely check out.

The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest

                A beautiful maiden who poaches to feed the poor. A handsome forester on a mission to catch her. Danger and love are about to unite in Thornbeck Forest.

                The margrave owns the finest hunting grounds for miles around—and Odette Menkels spends her nights poaching his deer to feed the hungry orphans of Thornbeck. By day, Odette is a simple maiden who teaches children to read, but by night this young beauty has become the secret lifeline to the poorest of the poor.

                For Jorgen Hartman, the margrave’s forester, tracking down a poacher is a duty he is all too willing to perform. Jorgen inherited his post from the man who raised him…a man who was murdered at the hands of a poacher.

                When Jorgen and Odette meet at the Midsummer festival and share a connection during a dance, neither has any idea that they are already adversaries.

                The one man she wants is bound by duty to capture her; the one woman he loves is his cunning target… What becomes of a forester who protects a notorious poacher? What becomes of a poacher when she is finally discovered?

                Melanie Dickerson is one of my all-time favorite authors, and for good reason. She writes AMAZING fairy tale retellings, all set in medieval times. The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest is a retelling of Robin Hood, only this time, Robin Hood is a girl. This book comes out TOMORROW (!!!!!!!) so now would be a great time to pick it up since it’s still on sale if you pre-order!

Want a copy? Pick one up here.

Tiffany Girl

                As preparations for the 1893 World’s Fair set Chicago and the nation on fire, Louis Tiffany—heir to the exclusive Fifth Avenue jewelry empire—seizes the opportunity to unveil his state-of-the-art, stained glass, mosaic chapel, the likes of which the world has never seen.

                But when Louis’s dream is threatened by a glassworkers’ strike months before the Fair opens, he turns to an unforeseen source for help: the female students at the Art Students League of New York. Eager for adventure, the young women pick up their skirts, move to boarding houses, take up steel cutters, and assume new identities as the “Tiffany Girls”.

                Tiffany Girl is the heartwarming story of the impetuous Flossie Jane, a beautiful, budding artist who is handpicked by Louis to help complete the Tiffany chapel. Though exited to live in a boarding house when most women stayed home, she quickly finds the world is less welcoming than anticipated. From a Casanova male, to an unconventional married couple, and a condescending singing master, she takes on a colorful cast of characters to transform the boarding house into a home while racing to complete the Tiffany chapel and make a name for herself in the art world.

                As challenges mount, her ambitions become threatened from an unexpected quarter: her own heart. Who will claim victory? Her dreams or the captivating boarder next door?

                Tiffany Girl is another book I absolutely cannot wait to pick up. Deeanne Gist never fails to amaze me with her novels, and I am positive this one will be no exception. Plus, who doesn't love a book set in the 1890's?

Want to take a trip to the 1890's? Pick up this book here!

A Simple Prayer

                Linda is no stranger to hardship. Now she dares to hope for a chance at love and a new beginning.

                As the sole survivor of a buggy accident that left her orphaned at age four, Linda Zook was reluctantly raised by her Uncle Reuben. She longs to be worthy of someone, but the lasting trauma of her injuries and embittered upbringing have destroyed her self-worth. When Hannah Peterson asks her to work at the Heart of Paradise Bed & Breakfast, she’s finally able to realize some confidence.

                Aaron Ebersol left the Amish community seventeen years ago when he could no longer bear the restrictions or the constant tension with his father. Despite years of unanswered letters to his parents, and the roots he’s put down in Missouri, Aaron rushes back to the Amish community of Paradise, Pennsylvania after receiving word of his mother’s stroke. Hesitant to get too close to the family he was once a part of, he decides to stay at the Heart of Paradise Bed & Breakfast. Talking with Linda allows him to explore his feelings about his family and his position in the Amish community.

                As Linda and Aaron open up to each other, their feelings for one another turn into more than friendship, and Aaron must make a decision about his future as an Amish man.

                Can Linda and Aaron forgive the family members who have deceived and forsaken them? And will Aaron be able to convince Linda that she is worthy of his love?

                I just love stories about the Amish communities, and Amy Clipston always does a wonderful job of bringing them to life. A Simple Prayer is another novel I just cannot wait to get my hands on!

As Love Blooms

                Tessa Gregory is nothing if not tenacious. Denied a position as a horticulturalist at the prestigious Como Park in Saint Paul, she is not above a little benevolent deception in order to get the park superintendent to change his mind and hire her. She plans to infiltrate the world of wealthy and influential people in hopes of drumming up financial support for a world-class conservatory. But before she can put those plans into action, she meets Reese King, a handsome gardener at Como Park—and a major distraction. Still, Reese might be the key to achieving her dream. But is his goal to help her…or capture her heart?

                As you know, I have been reading the Gregory Sisters trilogy this week—the two that have already released that is—and they are already some of my favorite books. I seriously cannot wait until As Love Blooms comes out, because I am so excited to see what happens to the youngest—and most stubborn—of the Gregory girls.

                Also, you can find my reviews of the first two books in the series—When Love Calls and While Love Stirs—by clicking their titles.

You can pick up any of the Gregory Sisters' novels here.

A Worthy Pursuit

                A teacher on the run. A bounty hunter in pursuit. Can two enemies learn to trust each other before they both lose that they hold most dear?

                Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.

                Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan’s Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the orphaned girl entrusted to her care. Charlotte promised Lily’s mother she’d keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.

                When Miss Atherton produces documentation that shows her to be Lily’s legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he’s been led to believe. Is she villain of victim?

                Then a new danger forces Charlotte to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone vows to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he’s ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte’s heart.

                I have read quite a few of Karen Witemeyer’s other novels, and I have to say, she is another one of my favorite authors (I say that far too much but it’s always true). I cannot wait to read her newest work, especially since the synopsis makes it sound so intriguing!

Grab a copy of this book here.

                So, those are my must-have books for May! Doesn’t reading about them make you want to curl up in a chair with a good book and a cup of tea? I know that’s all I want to do, and hopefully, someday soon I can curl up with one of these!

                Happy reading!

All credit for the italicized synopses go to the authors and publishers: the credit for the picture of A Worthy Pursuit goes to Amazon, hence the 'kindle edition' caption on the bottom.

While Love Stirs by Lorna Seilstad

        As a Graduate of Fannie Farmer’s School of Cookery, Charlotte Gregory is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution—the gas stove. And she certainly doesn’t mind that the gas company has hired the kindhearted Lewis Mathis to entertain at her lectures.

        Lewis encourages Charlotte’s work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made—especially by this outspoken young woman.

        When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode? 

        (Just a quick apology that this post didn't get out yesterday as promised, something came up and it just wasn't possible. But, no matter, now there will be two posts today!) 

       After having nearly lost herself for a boy who didn’t really love her in return, Charlotte Gregory will take orders from no man. And she most definitely won’t change for one. With her dreams of running her own kitchen, Charlotte sets forth doing what she loves, cooking for others and trying to improve the food quality everywhere, especially hospitals. There’s just one problem. Hospital superintendent Dr. Brooks doesn’t believe they need it, or that she even knows what she’s talking about.

        Joel Brooks likes things to be a certain way. All of his possessions have a proper place and they stay there; nothing ever changes. So when Charlotte accuses him of not caring enough about his patients to be okay with a little change, he resents her interference. But, as he gets to know her better, he sees that she might be right. Will they find a good compromise, or is this pair destined to never agree?

        While Love Stirs was a very enjoyable sequel to When Love Calls. It was even more captivating than its predecessor, as in one day I read from chapter nine all the way to the end—chapter 46. It was worth it, believe me. The mystery kept me guessing until the very last page, and even still I do not quite understand it. That is the only fault I can find with this book, the resolution to the puzzle still baffles me. In my opinion, it never really connected all the dots, and I feel something was missing somewhere that would have made all of the pieces fit together.

        Other than that, While Love Stirs pleased me immensely, and definitely deserves the four out of five bookmarks I am giving it. I cannot wait to read As Love Blooms, which releases May 12^th! You can pre-order it from my AmazonStore (to be honest, I am seriously considering it myself (; )

        Happy reading!!

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Lorna Seilstad and her publishers.

My Bookshelf: When Love Calls by Lorna Seilstad

        Hannah Gregory is good at many things, but that list doesn’t include following rules. So when she is forced to apply for a job as a telephone switchboard operator to support her two sisters, she knows it won’t be easy. “Hello Girls” must conduct themselves according to strict—and often bewildering—rules. No talking to the other girls. No chatting with callers. No blowing your nose without first raising your hand. And absolutely no consorting with gentlemen while in training.

        Meanwhile, young lawyer Lincoln Cole finds himself in the unfortunate position of having to enforce the bank’s eviction of the three Gregory girls from their parents’ home. He tries to soften the blow by supporting them in small ways as they settle into another home. But fiery Hannah refuses his overtures and insists on paying back every cent of his charity.

        When one of Hannah’s friends finds himself on the wrong side of a jail cell, Hannah is forced to look to Lincoln for help. Will it be her chance to return to her dreams of studying law? And could she be falling in love?

        After finishing When Love Calls by Lorna Seilstad a couple of days ago, I have to say, she is one of my new favorite authors. When Love Calls is packed with hilarious, sweet, and touching moments that made it impossible to put down. Having gotten it as a free e-book was also a definite plus.

        Hannah Gregory could not possibly be more independent. After her parents pass away and leave her in charge of their farm and her two younger sisters, she feels she must take care of them to the best of her ability, and without any help. Especially from the handsome lawyer who kicked them out of their house. What Hannah doesn’t realize, however, is that God—and Lincoln—are only trying to make her life a little easier, and her days a little brighter.

        Not only is When Love Calls relatable, funny, and full of romance, there is a mystery weaved through the center that will keep you guessing until the end. So when you’re searching for a novel that is suspenseful and knock-your-socks-off fantastic, check out this first book in the Gregory sisters trilogy, which gets a rating of—you guessed it—five out of five bookshelves.

        While I’m on the subject of Ms. Seilstad’s works, look out for my review of the second book in this series—While Love Stirs—sometime tomorrow. And I just might be mentioning the third book—As Love Blooms—which releases on May 12^th, in my post about May releases I’m most looking forward to that I will be publishing on Thursday. So, keep an eye out for those posts, and don’t forget all of the books I review can be found in my Amazon Store!

All credit for the above italicized synopsis goes to Lorna Seilstad and her publishers.