Audio Review: Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers

Description:

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

My Review:

Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Grave Mercy is not like any other book I have ever read.  It combines history, assassins, conspiracy, romance, and the God of Death.  I started reading this book with an open mind and hoping for the best.  I ended the book knowing that I had just finished my all-time favorite book.

Ismae was abused most of her life, and she only escaped thanks to an herb witch who promised Ismae’s mom she would look after the girl.  She was taken to the convent of St. Mortain, the patron saint of death.  It is here that her life takes a very different turn.  Ismae discovers gifts that Mortain has given her and trains to be a deadly assassin.  There is nothing cooler than a medieval woman becoming an assassin.  Ismae struggles with the cruelty from her past, but she doesn’t let it keep her from serving the God she loves.  I love the strength that Ismae shows when facing difficult tasks whether it is taking on 3 men at once or embroidery.  She uses all of her training and life experiences to help save her duchess.  Ismae is a fighter through and through.

She meets her match with Duval.  He is the bastard brother to the duchess.  Duval is strong, caring, loyal, and very protective of the women he loves.  He would do anything to protect his sister from a bad marriage or losing her duchy.  Duval teaches Ismae that there is more to her God then what the convent let on.  They work together to keep the duchess safe and fall in love in the process.  They do not let their feelings for each other get in the way of their duty.  Duval is that rare man who does not want a prim and proper woman.  He wants the woman who has been through hardships and never gave up.  I love how tough and strong he is around everyone, but he breaks down the barriers around his two half-sisters.  Duval is not your typical knight in shining armor.  I love that he is just a man trying to protect his little sister.

The story gets interesting with different suitors who want to marry the duchess, and of course, the mystery of who is the traitor.  Ismae and Duval stay on their toes trying to keep the duchess safe from a swarm of people trying to manipulate her.   These are two very strong characters that complement each other well.  I love how Ismae is more interested in weapons then embroidery.  She is not a planner and she knows it.  Ismae wants to take action.  Duval is her planner.  He comes up with the ideas on how to keep the duchess safe. 

I love how this book shows a battered and broken woman can come back stronger than before.  She can be as loyal and useful as any man.  She can use a variety of weapons and poisons with ease.  It makes you feel like you can do anything after reading about Ismae.  The relationship between Ismae and Duval is amazing.  It isn’t love at first sight for them, and there is no definite happily ever after.  This love story seems more real to me because it isn’t all roses and honey.

I would definitely recommend this book if you want a change from the normal historical fiction books.

Kimberly 

Audio Book: Grave Mercy by R. L. LaFevers

Description:

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

My Review:

Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers 
My rating: 5 of 5 stars 

“How does one serve Death?”

Let me tell you about one of the best books I’ve read so far this year.  It is about killer nuns…. No, really, the sisters of St. Mortain (the god of death turned “saint” by the people who have slightly converted to Christianity wanting to keep the old ways alive) are the daughters of Mortain who have been trained as assassins. I mean, how cool is that?  Definitely something different from your werewolves, angels, vampires, and such. 

From the beginning, I thought the premise was amazing.  This is the story about a girl that the world has abused and used poorly, who is an outcast of her village due to the circumstances of her birth.  She is rescued from a horrible fate to be brought to a convent full of others who have been abused and used.  They learn strength, gain power, and in some cases, seek out to avenge the wrongs that have happened to them.

Ismae is a handmaiden of death, and I think she is one of the most amazing women I’ve read of recently.  She is strong, she is smart, she is eager to learn.  I even love how she can’t seem to learn to flirt and seduce a man, and feels that the womanly arts classes are pointless.  She sees things and believes she is doing the will of Mortain as told to her by the sisters of Mortain.  She speaks her mind, yet keeps so many secrets. 

She is prepared to live a life as a nun, without any attachment to any man.  But there is a real turning point for her.  Ismae gets injured, and Duvall takes care of her.  It is then she truly starts to think of what is really the will of Mortain, examine the feelings she has for Duvall, and if all who say there are friends really are. 

Duvall (nicknamed by Ismae as the royal bastard :P) is an ass with a heart.  He tries to do the right thing and you can’t help but see what a good man he really is.  But he doesn’t always do the right thing in a helpful manner.  His devotion to his half-sister, his caring for best friends, his sense of humor and his gentle manners make for a man who is very desirable (ass and all).  You kind of really want him and Ismae to get together, in hopes that they can heal the other of their outcast status. 

I think what made me truly, absolutely, and devotedly love Duvall as a character is what he says about scars, specifically about Ismae’s.  It was a comment born of kindness, caring and understanding. 

FAVORITE CHARACTER OF ALL TIME:  BEAST!!!!  He is a great minor character who I’m sure will get a chance to be a major/lead character soon *fingers crossed*.  He isn’t the best looking guy, but his manners and his willingness to be of assistance make for a great example of opposite characteristics/physical appearances combining to make a great character.

I think the duchess is an amazing girl woman. Only 12/13 years old when all of this was put before her, she was a wise woman who would not willingly stand by as a pawn.  The fact that she was an actual historical figure makes her all the more amazing.  She definitely inspires me to learn more about her, the Duchess of Brittany. 

I love how this book ended.  There was enough of a wrap up to make me, the anti-cliff hanger, happy, but left enough unresolved to give us some hope for more books (yippee!!!).

This book of intrigue, medieval customs, and assassin nuns will keep you guessing on who is friend and who is foe (kind of like a normal royal court!).  It really encouraged me to do a little free research on the subjects in this book (example: I didn’t know where Brittany was located… But I do now!). 

Overall, this is a great book.  I enjoyed it so much, and I’m dying for the next ones to come out!

Happy Reading!

Cana

Every Storm by Lori Wick

Description:


1945, WWII -- When Lieutenant Donovan Riggs experiences trouble with his PT boat, the sailors of "Every Storm "make an unscheduled stop...and a surprising discovery.

Lorraine Archer is an American teacher living and working in Australia. While on a flight with her sister, her daydreams are disrupted by the sounds of the plane going down. Lorri ends up alone on a deserted island in the Pacific. And just when she loses all hope of being found...Donovan and his crew arrive.

Neither Donovan nor Lorri suspect that their encounter is the beginning of something very certain...a future not left to chance, but to faith.

My Review:

Every Storm by Lori Wick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book by Ms. Wick.  I read many of her other books, with my favorite being Bamboo and Lace, The Princess, and Sophie’s Heart, but this one comes into a close 2^nd. 

As with her other novels, this one is an uplifting book that refers to God and His hand in our lives.  Lorri is the victim of a plane crash that kills her sister. Donovan, aka Riggs, is a Lieutenant of a ship that is fighting in World War II.  The pain and the troubles they face as they fight to get back home safely are pointed out as reminders that God is with us where ever, whenever, and will not abandon us.

It also touches on the subject of fear, specifically the fear of losing those you love.  Because of the unexpected and violent death of her sister, Lorri is of course dealing with her fear of losing her family.  Working through this, trusting that she has no control in such things, is a steady theme throughout this novel. 

Other great points of this book are

• The underlying romance between Riggs and Lorri is of course a great reason to read it.  You want them to get together.  You can’t help it.
  
  
• The historical references were as reliable as possible considering this is a work of fiction.  As usual, Ms. Wick does her research, and does it well.
  
  
• I like how she brings back some slight references to another series of hers, The Californians.  Those were the first books I read by her, and it was nice to see those names again.  You kind of hoped to get some more references beyond the names, but still, it was nice.

Overall, this is a great novel, and I really enjoyed it.  I highly recommend this novel, and any other by Ms. Wick.

Happy Reading!


Cana

Bewitching Blog Tour: Whistle Down the Wind by Sibelle Stone

Description:


Escaping from the persecution of the European witch hunts, a beautiful witch with the power to control the wind joins forces with a handsome Cavalier on a mission to save the King of England and the colony of Virginia.

Catlin Glyndwr is a tenth generation Mistress of Elements -- a hereditary witch who can call upon her elemental spirits for assistance in casting spells.

Accused of witchcraft in seventeenth century England, she faces the hangman. Even though she took a vow never to hurt anyone with her magic, if her true powers are revealed, she’ll be executed.

Sir Griffin Reynolds is on his way to the colony of Virginia, on a secret mission to locate Puritan rebels intent upon seizing the throne of King Charles II. When his best friend becomes deathly ill while interrogating a beautiful Welsh maiden accused of using magic to attack a local official – Griffin is forced to strike a bargain with her in order to save his friend’s life.

When Catlin and Griffin travel together on a voyage to the American colonies, they try to resist the pull of erotic sensuality that flares between them. It is a temptation they both soon crave. But danger lurks aboard ship and evil haunts Catlin. She must learn how her destiny is linked with that of the man who has vowed to protect her.

In a dangerous and unexplored world, where superstition exists along side the new discoveries of science, powerful elemental spirits are capable of assisting the magical adepts. But there is always danger in harnessing magic and a price to pay when one calls to the spirit world for help.

While Griffin tries to deny his attraction to Catlin, she works her own special magic on his heart and he discovers he cannot resist falling under her sensual spell.

Together, Catlin and Griffin learn that a journey of the heart requires courage, trust and the ability to believe in the astonishing gift of love.

Author Bio:

Sibelle Stone is the pseudonym for award winning historical romance author Deborah Schneider. Sibelle writes sexy steampunk and paranormal stories, filled with magic, mad scientists, dirigibles, automatons, and creatures that would scare the panties off Deborah. In her spare time Sibelle enjoys dressing up in Victorian ensembles, modding play guns into something that looks a bit more sinister and wearing hats.

Author Bio: Deborah Schneider

A lifelong love of American history led Deborah Schneider from teaching high school to writing novels. Her first book, Beneath A Silver Moon won the Molly award for “Most Unsinkable Heroine” from the Heart of Denver chapter of RWA and was later a finalist in the New Historical Voice Contest in 2000. Her most recent release Promise Me won the 2011 EPIC Award for Best Western Romance. Her first steampunk story, No Ordinary Love was published in fall 2011. Deborah is employed by the busiest and best library system in the U.S. She’s received the “Open Book Award” from Pacific Northwest Writers and was named “Librarian of the Year” by Romance Writers of America in 2009.

My Review:

Whistle Down the Wind by Sibelle Stone

2 out of 5 stars

I can honestly say that I’m just not sure about this book.  I am giving it a rating of 2 stars because it wasn’t that it was a bad book, but it didn’t qualify as a good book.  For me the story line seemed stilted, the characters were not necessarily likeable, and the language and large words used by the author were distracting.  


I can honestly say I didn’t really like Catlin much.  She was irritating, whiny, and conniving.  She was willing to cast a spell on Griffin to get what she wanted, even though according to the rules gain for one’s self was prohibited.  She was cruel and accusing when Griffin didn’t do what she wanted.  For me, one of the few redeeming qualities that she had was her care of Bitsy and her wanting to protect her own family from the coming evil.  


Griffin was a giant flip-flop for me.  He liked Catlin and then he didn’t.  He wanted to bed her, and then he wanted to be as far away from her as possible.  I’m sorry, if I want to read about a flip-flop, I’ll read the newspaper articles on the presidential candidates.  


I have a lot experience reading books, both text and fiction.  But I have never seen a lot of the words in this book.  Thank God that my e-reader has a built in dictionary. I repeatedly had to use it to figure out what the words meant.  


I just wished that there had been some glossary of Welsh terms. I mean, she used so much but only sometimes gave a definition.  I don’t mind having to guess what words mean, but when there are a lot of words that I just don’t know from another language and there is no definition or hint of what the word means it can get distracting.  Oh, and does anyone know what the word tarse means?  I’ve never heard of it, though she does use that term when referring to the Griffin’s genitals, but I couldn’t find that word in any dictionary I could get my hands.   


So, for the first time ever at Place of Reads, I can’t recommend this book.  Now this is not to say that you won’t like this book, but I know that I won’t be reading it again. 

Happy Reading!


Cana

Her Dear and Loving Husband by Meredith Allard

Description:


How long would you wait for the one you loved? 

Her Dear & Loving Husband, the new novel from Meredith Allard, is part literary fiction, part historical fiction, part romance, and part paranormal fantasy. With elements of Twilight and The Crucible, Her Dear & Loving Husband is a story for anyone who believes that true love never dies. 

James Wentworth has a secret. He lives quietly in Salem, Massachusetts, making few ties anywhere. One night his private world is turned upside down when he meets Sarah Alexander, a dead ringer for his wife, Elizabeth. Though it has been years since Elizabeth's death, James cannot move on. 

Sarah also has a secret. She is haunted by nightmares about the Salem Witch Trials, and every night she is awakened by visions of hangings, being arrested, and dying in jail. Despite the obstacles of their secrets, James and Sarah fall in love. As James comes to terms with his feelings for Sarah, he must dodge accusations from a reporter desperate to prove that James is not who, or what, he seems to be. With the help of their friends, witches Jennifer and Olivia, James and Sarah piece their stories together and discover a mystery that may bind them in ways they never imagined. Will James make the ultimate sacrifice to protect Sarah and prevent a new hunt from bringing hysteria to Salem again?


My Review:

Her Dear and Loving Husband by Meredith Allard

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sarah has always felt drawn to Salem, Massachusetts, but never really understood why. Moving there after a divorce, she can’t help but wonder why she feels things are so familiar. Worse, her dreams that have always haunted her have gotten worse.


James has been hiding for centuries what he is. And when he sees Sarah, he is positive it is his deceased wife come back to him. After realizing his mistake, he still can’t help but court Sarah. He feels a draw that he doesn’t want to resist.


Together they must deal with their secrets, both past and present to face the worst obstacle of all, one that could bring back the panic of the hunt back to Salem and possibly end James’ life.


First of all, I loved this book! The “love conquers all things, including time” theme was absolutely delish for my locked in a closest hopeless romantic inside. And personally, my favorite character really was James. He is a wonderful combination of modern and traditional. He loves Sarah and Elizabeth, both for their individuality, their uniqueness. And he is willing to sacrifice everything to protect Sarah. How sexy is that?


Sarah was a great character. She is a strong woman who has kept secrets for years, living a life that just hasn’t felt completely right. After moving, she begins to feel everything falling right into place; her life feels right when she is with James.  Plus, you can add some great supporting characters, of witch and vampire nature, that add something to the whole story.  Favorite is how many husbands some of the witches have had... Just too funny.


I loved the development of not only the characters, but also the crisis. Can’t give too much away, but you can bet your next book that you will be on the edge of your seat wondering if all is going to turn out okay. Overall, this is an amazing book, and I really look forward to reading more by Ms. Allard. Highly recommend!




Happy Reading!


Cana

The Kissing Tree by Prudence Bice

Description:


After five long years, Georgiana McLaughlin returns to the only place she’s ever considered home—the same place she stole a kiss from Ridge Carson under the community “kissing tree.” But this time he’s a man, and reconciling their past is just the beginning. You’ll find yourself applauding each new chapter filled with fun, romance, and adventure in this captivating, heartfelt tale of love, friendship, and finding your way back.


My Review:

The Kissing Tree by Prudence Bice

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Georgiana at 13, she steals a kiss from Ridge Carson under the town kissing tree, just before she leaves her hometown in Colorado to move with her mother and brothers to New York. With a miserable home life because of her aunt, she jumps at the opportunity to return to Colorado to help her grandfather. Her heart has always yearned for Ridge, but when she sees him all grown up, she struggles with her desires for Ridge and her commitment to her beau, Dawson, back in New York. Will she choose the man she has loved all her life or will she go with the safer, family approved choice of Dawson?


I loved Georgiana’s character, how she behaves and even struggles to be a proper lady in a wild land of Colorado. Georgiana’s fiery temper is hilarious, especially when looking at her thought process on why she gets upset. She has so much spunk, that you can’t help but cheer her on when she finally gets a good word in towards her grandfather or Ridge. My favorite quote that shows off her spunk is: “‘There you have it, Ridge Carson.’ She beamed down at him, proud she hadn’t lost her nerve. ‘I’ve stolen a kiss and you can never have it back!’” HA! Too funny! Only if you had really have spunk would you come off with a comment like that!


And to top it all off, she is so accident prone, that you can be sure that there are quite a few laughs after what happens. I know some of her accidents have even happened in my own life. The best part is how Ridge always seems to be there, and he definitely always seems to see the humor in most of the situations.


Ridge’s character is a strong, able character that is almost the epitome of every girl’s dream man. He is honest, he has a sense of humor, he has a great work ethic, and is fully devoted to the woman he loves. Hmm, that is so sexy. You just want Ridge to keep fighting for Georgiana, even when she is determined to not follow her heart.


Overall, this is a very good book. There were several cliché moments that lead me to believe that the aunt hid the letters that were received / prevented mailed letters sent. It seems to be a common thing for mail to be kept from a character as a means of creating chaos in the story. Also, there was a bit of a formula to the novel. I could tell as soon as Dawson came into the story where that was going, and that was just one example. The one character that did ensure that there was some twist to the plot was Cordelia. I never expected her to do what she did, and it did help the story not be so monotonous.


I do recommend this book for an easy read.


Happy Reading!


Cana

Legend of the Emerald Rose by Linda Wichman

Description:


King Arthur and his queen are dead and Merlin has vanished. Bound by Divine Providence but divided by distrust, Shadoe and Rayn must find a way to save the Isle of Might and themselves from the threatening evil. A tantilizing brew of fantasy, action, and romance.


My Review:

Legend of the Emerald Rose: A Novel by Linda Wichman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love any stories of King Arthur. There is something that seems so magical about that time. Well, Ms. Wichman takes the much beloved story and creates a wonderful tale of love lost, forgiveness and loved gained. Shadoe was just a teenager when Camelot fell, and he saw both Arthur and his queen fall under Mordred and Morgana. Just before Guinevere dies, he promised to take care of the Emerald Rose, the most important talisman in all of the British Isle. He is now a man with a past that he regrets, a present that he wants to end, and an unknown future. Emerald Rose Rayn is the adopted daughter of Lancelot, but does not know that she is truly the daughter of Arthur and his queen. Both Shadoe and Rayn have to get over their distrust of each other if they hope to save their people and themselves from the evil that is coming.


I love this story. Ms. Wichman takes this story and makes it so much more. We all know what happened to Arthur and Guinevere, but don't know the story of what happens after. And that is what happens. Shadoe is the son of Merlin, and he hates that everyone expects him to fill his father's shoes. He does his best to rebell, only to end up where he wants to the least-- Britain. Rayn has been trained as a warrior, to eventually rule a people, though she doesn't know her heritage. She is strong willed and she is quick to fight to protect her people. I love all the scenes with Rayn and Shadoe together. The chemistry jumps off the page and has you so engulfed in the writing, that you can't wait to see what happens next, but dread the book ending because you don't want it to end.


I also enjoy how Ms. Wichman made it so easy to relate to her characters, though they seem so far away, and so unlike us in the modern world.


With battles, romance, and even magic and ghosts, you can't go wrong with this story.


Highly recommend this book, and would love to see more from this author!



Happy Reading!


Cana

Torrent by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Description:

When Gabi and Lia finally learn to surf the river of time, they realize they must make hard choices about life and love in the third and final book in the River of Time series.  

Gabi and Lia Betarrini have learned to control their time travel, and they return from medieval Italy to save their father from his tragic death in modern times.   But love calls across the centuries, and the girls are determined to return forever—even though they know the Black Plague is advancing across Europe, claiming the lives of one-third of the population. In the suspenseful conclusion of the River of Time series, every decision is about life … and death.  

My Review:

Torrent by Lisa Tawn Bergren

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Have you ever read a book that was soooooo good that you couldn't wait for the next book, and the next one after that? And then when you read that final page of the final book in the series, you want to weep because it was so good, and yet you have a great sense of happiness for reading the book, because it was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. This series, and this book, was that for me. So let me tell you about it.


Gabi, Lia, their mother, and now their father have all returned back to Medieval Italia. It has been a year M.I. (Medieval Italia) from when they were there last, but much has not changed. Marcello has been waiting for Gabi, Luca for Lia. Getting use to having her dad back from the dead, trying to prevent her family and her from being capture, and having the romance of a life time with a real, honest-to-goodness knight in shining armor. But will history take its course and take away all they have worked and are working for?


So, first, let me just tell you, if I could find a time machine, I would go back to Ms. Bergren's imaginings of Medieval Italia, it is so beautiful. Now I've been to modern Italy, seen Florence and Siena, but nothing could compare to what I imagine it was when it was being built, or were only a hundred or so years old.
I love Gabi's character (and if I could find my own Marcello... Maybe even a Lord Greco, I'd be happy as a pig in slop!). She is strong of mind and spirit, she is independent, and will fight for what she believes is right. Of course like any modern woman thrown back in time, there will be trouble. I can't help but laugh when she occasionally gets herself into trouble.
Marcello is the man of my dreams, and personally, my favorite part of the whole novel is when Gabi asks Marcello to consummate their love before marriage, and he says that he wants to, but he won't. HOW HOT IS THAT!
In a book full of romance and action, there is a beautiful tale of how life moves, constantly changing, like a river (Like the series' title suggests). You can't just stand still, you will always keep moving towards the end.
Highly, highly, highly recommend this book and this series.

Other Books In This Series:

 

View all my reviews


Happy Reading!


Cana

Early Review: Highland Sanctuary by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Description

Gavin MacKenzie, a chieftain heir who is hired to restore the ancient Castle of Braigh, discovers a hidden village of outcasts who have created their own private sanctuary from the world. Among them is Serena Boyd, a mysterious and
comely lass, who captures Gavin’s heart in spite of harboring a deadly past that could destroy her future.

The villagers happen to be keeping an intriguing secret as well. When a fierce enemy launches an attack against them, greed leads to bitter betrayal. As Gavin prepares a defense, the villagers unite in a bold act of faith, showing how God’s love is more powerful than any human force on earth.

My Review:

Highland Sanctuary by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Serena and her mother have been living in secret exile after Serena's father tried to kill her for her seizures (he thought they were a sign of evil). When Gavin goes to the town where Serena and her mother lives to help protect the new laird, he is surprised that he finds someone he is interested in. But so much will happen to keep them apart, what with murders, fires, and even a 2nd love interest. Will they get to live and love each other, or will someone not make it?

So, I started reading this book, and I was immediately struck by how Ms. Taylor gives an idea on how seizures might have been seen during Medieval and Renaissance times. A person with such an affliction could be considered possessed or evil. She has a great way to add a mystery to the book, without it being over powering. Throughout the whole thing, I was pretty sure I knew who was the villain, but it was nice to still not be sure.

The book has a great theme of trusting in God, even when all the bad in the world comes crashing down on you, but without the Bible beating that some Christian fiction can do. You cheer on the hero/heroine in hopes that they will save the day and get to live happily ever after. But you also want most of the issues solved by the end of the book. Both of these were equally fulfilled, though the issue with the seizures would never be completely solved. That gave it a taste of real life, which can, and was, refreshing.

As a whole this was a good book. There are a few times where I was confused because Ms. Taylor will refer to a conversation that the main characters supposedly had, but I don't remember ever reading any of those conversations or even a synopsis of them. Also, there were some times where they refered to events and even the facts on why the MacKenzies were there in the first place were a bit hazy even in the middle of the book. Again, those holes don't take away from the story, it just frustrates me :-/

Overall, this is a great and easy read.

Cana

View all my reviews

Highland Blessings by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Description:

Highland Blessings is the story of a highland warrior who kidnaps the daughter of his greatest enemy and clan chief to honor a promise he made to his dying father. Bryce MacPhearson, a highland warrior, kidnaps Akira MacKenzie on her wedding day to honor a promise he made to his dying father. While Akira’s strength in the Lord becomes a witness to Bryce, she struggles to overcome her anger and resentment when he forces her to wed him, hoping to end a half-century-old feud between their clans. While Akira begins to forgive, and Bryce learns to trust, a series of murders leaves a trail of unanswered questions, confusion, and a legacy of hate that once again rises between their families. Clearly, a traitor is in their midst. Now the one man Akira loves no longer trusts her, and her own life is in danger. Can Bryce look beyond his pain and seek the truth? Will Akira discover the threat against her before it’s too late? How will God turn a simple promise into bountiful Highland blessings? 

My Review:

Highland Blessings by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Akira gets kidnapped on her wedding day, and ends up having to marry the century old enemy clan Chief, Bryce. There is a long row of murders, one including her own brother. Through it all, you are wondering if there will be a happy ending.

You really learn to like the characters, though I personally wanted to throttle Akira just a bit, because she is a bit headstong. Bryce is, of course, a stubborn man who would love to end the feud that has been tormenting the 2 clans for over a century- a feud that no one really remembers why it happened. Think of this as the Scottish Hatfields and McCoy fight.

There is a mystery on who is killing the people from both clans, and you are wondering if the good guys are actually the bad guys or is there someone who you haven't met yet trying to cause all these problems. You keep reading in hopes that a character you like doesn't get killed off.

For a first novel, I was impressed with Ms. Taylor's work. It was well written, with only a few holes that I would have loved to have filled in. The major "hole" for me was the agreement that Akira and Bryce had-- Abstinence until she agreed to consumate their marriage. The problem for me is that there was never a definite end to this agreement, but at the end of the book she is pregnant. Now, I took sex ed and realize that you can't get pregnant by holding hands or kissing, but I would have liked at least one chapter to have Akira say "Hey, you big lug! I love you and our agreement can now come to an end."-- Just say it in a Scottish brogue. That would be all it would take for me to make the leap from no sex to pregnancy.

Otherwise, it is a good book. I do recommend it, and I look forward to reading more by Ms. Taylor.

Cana

View all my reviews

Thief by Linda Windsor

 Description

Exiled in shame and wounded in battle, Caden O’Byrne accepts a mission of penance—to search for his healer’s long-lost daughter. At worst, he’ll finally get his death wish. At best, this could be God’s second chance. But the lovely minstrel Sorcha wants no part in him, his newfound God, or the rescue. In fact, she’s robbed him blind—to help finance her work of buying young captives and returning them to their families. She’s also gone into debt and promised to marry a man she doesn’t love—all for the chidlren’s sake. But before she and Caden can sort out the situation, a treacherous murder forces them to run for their lives…together. While Caden’s rekindled faith is tested, Sorcha wonders if his God is real. If so, can a thief like her dare hope for His mercy? And do the two of them have a chance of reaching home—Sorcha’s real home—alive?

My Review

Thief: A Novel by Linda Windsor

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caden,outcasted and punished for crimes against his family, is given an opportunity to change his life by bringing home a lost child (though now an adult) to her widowed mother. Sorcha, kidnapped as a child, now recues children brought in to be sold as slaves and return them to their families. Together they must prove their innocence and learn to rely on God and each other to survive through the dangers they must face.

In this second book in the Brides of Alba series, Linda Windsor has done it again. By using her gift of writing, she opens up her readers about a time in history where Christians lived and experienced God in ways that we may never have thought of. In every way, she does her best to follow the best historical information and does a wonderful job of giving her sources so if you want to further your own study of a time most Christians don't even realize exists.

Highly recommend this book, and I am looking forward to the last one come summer 2012!

Cana

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Healer by Linda Windsor

Description

Sixth-century Scotland—in the time of Arthur….

“The Gowrys’ seed shall divide your mighty house and bring a peace beyond the ken of your wicked soul.”

Her mother’s dying prophecy to the chieftain Tarlach O’Byrne sentenced Brenna of Gowrys to twenty years of hiding. Twenty years of being hunted—by the O’Byrnes, who fear the prophecy, and by her kinsmen, who expect her to lead them against their oppressors. But Brenna is a trained and gifted healer, not a warrior queen. So she lives alone in the wilderness with only her pet wolf for company. When she rescues a man badly wounded from an ambush, she believes he may be the answer to her deep loneliness. Healing him comes as easy as loving him. But can their love overcome years of bitterness and greed…and bring peace and renewed faith to the shattered kingdom?

My Review

 Healer: A Novel
byLinda Windsor

In the first of the Brides of Alba Series, Brenna is an orphan that is living the life of an outcast because of a prediction that her mother gave.  As a gifted healer, she cannot leave the injured man lying by the lake, even though today is the annual hunt for her.  As it turns out, Ronan, the heir and enemy, is the injured man that Brenna helps.  As they learn to love each other and to break the feud created so many years ago, they must also fight for their lives as there are those who want both dead. 
Let me say that I love Linda Windsor's books, and this one is added to my list of favorites.  Her characters are well-rounded and there are points that you just want to crawl inside the book and have a wonderfully long conversation with them (granted sometimes that is because you are yelling at the book, "What are you thinking? That is NEVER going to work!!!!").  I love that there is a bit of mystery on who is friend and who is foe, but even your enemy can become a great ally when faced with darkness. 
As with her other novels, it is well researched and full of well thought revelations that help us as modern Christians see and think as those who were Christians hundreds and thousands of years ago.  I especially love her bibliography and her glossary, both of which are big help if you are unfamilar with 6th century Scottish. 
Highly recommend this book, and I have plans on re-reading it.

Cana

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Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren

 Description

Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead.

But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever.

My Review

Cascade by Lisa Tawn Bergren

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gabi and Lia are at it again. This time, they take their mother with them (I can't say I would want to take my mother with me if I wanted to be with my "prince charming", but it does add some interesting situations for this story). Marcello has waited several months (his time) for Gabi and Lia to return. When they do, there is celebration, but people are still after them. The City of Florence and their leaders want Gabi and Lia's heads, while Siena celebrate their victories. But there is more. More battles, more betrayls, an introduction of the plague. There is little down time in this novel, and the adventure and tension of war keeps the pages turning.

I'm looking forward to the last book, though I think I shall also mourn the loss of more from Gabi and Lia. Highly recommend, definitely worth the read.

Cana

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Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

 Description

In Waterfall, American teenager Gabi Betarrini accidently finds herself in Fourteenth-Century Italy . . . Knights. Swords. Horses. Armor. And Italian hotties. Most American teens want an Italian vacation, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives there with their archaeologist parents. Stuck on yet another hot, dusty dig, they are bored out of their minds... until they place their hands atop handprints in an ancient tomb and find themselves catapulted into the Fourteenth Century and in the middle of a fierce battle between knights bent on killing one another.

My Review

Waterfall by Lisa Tawn Bergren

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a knight in shining armour? To live in a time where there was only a chamberpot and women were not meant to lead, but follow their father or husband's every wish and decree? Well, Lisa T. Bergren does a wonderful job in portraying what it would be like to go back in time as a modern woman into Medieval Italy. I loved Gabi, her whole personality was tremendously strong and amazingly complex. Who wouldn't want to have a knight, but would we really be willing to sit back and let him protect us? Historically, there are some differences, but Bergren does a wonderful job to make it all blend away to where you cannot see the difference between historical information and author's perogative.

If you are looking for a good read, where there is adventure, romance, and sword fights, this would be a definitely good book to read. Only downside is this is 1 of 3, so once she publishes the last book (come on November) this will be it for this very interesting trilogy.

Highly Recommend!

Cana

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