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Friday, March 30, 2018

Blog Tour: Wizard for Hire by Obert Skye


Wizard for Hire by Obert Skye


Book Description:

Fourteen-year-old Ozzy lives near Portland, Oregon, and is desperate for help. His scientist parents have been kidnapped after discovering a formula that enables mind control. Their work was so top secret Ozzy is afraid to go to the police, but without help, he fears he'll never find his parents. Then he stumbles across a classified ad in the local newspaper that says "Wizard for Hire. Call 555-SPEL." Ozzy has read about wizards in books like Harry Potter, but wizards couldn't actually exist today, could they? After Ozzy meets the wizard Labyrinth--aka Rin--he's even more skeptical.

Sure, Rin dresses like a wizard, but the short robe and high-top tennis shoes seem unorthodox, as does Rin's habit of writing notes on his shoes and eating breakfast for every meal. Plus, Rin doesn't even cast any magic spells, which means that the unexplained coincidences that start happening around Ozzy are just that--coincidences.

With the help of a robotic-talking raven invented by Ozzy's father, a kind and curious girl at school who decides to help Ozzy, and, of course, a self-proclaimed wizard who may or may not have a magical wand, Ozzy begins an unforgettable quest that will lead him closer to the answers he desperately seeks about his missing parents.


Rorie's Review:

What a fun story! I've enjoyed Skye's Leven Thumps series, so I was happy to be given a chance to read this book. As is customary in this house, as soon as my children saw the book, they absconded with it and I didn't see it again for several weeks. The book would probably still be in that great zone of destruction also known as their bedroom, but since I had yet to read it, I risked life and limb to enter that area and rescue it. I'm glad I did. 
 
I was caught up in the story almost immediately, and it was difficult to put it down.

Ozzy is quite the resourceful teenager, but I think Clark was probably my favorite character. To be honest, Rin kinda got on my nerves after awhile, but he redeemed himself later on in the book. 

The story ended well, and I feel like we weren't left with unanswered questions, but this could easily be book #1 in a series. (Maybe? Hopefully? My kids would love it if that were to happen!)
 
Braden's Review:
 
My favorite thing about Wizard for Hire is the characters-how funny they are. I think my favorite characters are either the wizard or Clark. The reason I like the wizard is because he is really funny and loves breakfast. Clark is really serious but sometimes he can be a really dumb because he has a crush on anything metal like the trash can at McDonald's. I also really like the story. 
 
Tarah's Review:

One of my son's told me the other day that he's a cover snob. I was trying to get him to read A Wrinkle in Time since that was my favorite book growing up, but I'll admit that the cover does nothing for the book. Seeing the cover of Wizard for Hire I wouldn't have any problems getting him to read this story. It's fun and it's engaging. Actually, it's a lot like the book itself.

Because it's Middle Grade Fantasy I give it a lot more leeway than I normally would. Sometimes it just didn't really seem to flow, but I'm positive my kids wouldn't notice that or have a problem with it.

I think my favorite parts in the story were when Ozzy went to school. I'm a little sad that didn't last as long as I wanted, but I loved his enthusiasm for the food, and even for his classes. I like that he didn't let what the other kids say bother him, and I like that there was at least one nice kid in the school to befriend him.

I actually really enjoyed that the whole novel I was wondering whether or not Rin was really a wizard. I kept going back and forth, is he or isn't he? At times I felt for sure he wasn't, and other times I thought, well, maybe he is. 

Andrea's Review:

I haven't been reading much YA (or actually maybe Wizard for Hire would be considered Middle Grade), but it's nice to get into books in this genre for a quick and entertaining read.

Wizard for Hire is well-written, and although it's just over 400 pages, it really doesn't take too long to read. There's quite a bit of humor, and especially for a book geared toward a younger audience, I appreciated that that aspect takes away from the grief and pain associated with Ozzy's situation.

I wasn't sure what to make of Rin for the entire book. I was left with plenty of questions about him at the end, but he did seem to actually be helping Ozzy at that point instead of just in it for the free food and gas money.

Ozzy had his main question answered, and although it wasn't what I'd hoped for him (at the end I was still wishing there was a mistake), it does seem like he's in for a happy ending.

I'm very curious to see what comes next for Ozzy and Rin.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91ZP-BObQvL.jpgTitle: Wizard for Hire
Author: Obert Skye
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: March 2018
ISBN:  1629724122
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Book Review: Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter Children's Edition by Emily Belle Freeman & David Butler Illustrated by Ryan Jeppesen


Book Summary:

This is a children's picture book edition of the best-selling adult book of the same title. Using illustrations and age-appropriate text, this children's edition features passages of scripture along with original text to tell the Easter story and provides ideas for family traditions that young children can understand to make the holiday more Christ-centered. Each spread uses at least one person from the Easter story—including Simon, Joseph and Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene, the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and Thomas—to illustrate a theme.

For example, the story begins with Jesus' entry into Jerusalem before Passover and describes the scene as Jesus' followers filled His path with palm branches and leaves. Then the book presents a question for the child to ponder: "On the first Easter, people found ways to celebrate Jesus. Could you?"

Combining biblical text with a beautiful story line and wonderfully charming, full-color illustrations, this book will help make Christ the focus of your celebrations this year.


Rorie's Review:

I have been reading this book with my kids each night this week, and we love it. It is simple enough that my 6-year-olds can understand it, while still being interesting enough to engage my older kids as well. Each day has scriptures to read, then the next page tells the story of what you just read, ending with a challenge or a question for you to answer. I love that this helps my kids (and me!) focus on the actual reason we celebrate Easter, instead of just getting ready for the Easter bunny. Not gonna lie, in years past, I have been guilty of doing just that.

I like that this book is simple and easy to do. I usually don't have a lot of patience left by bedtime each night (something else I need to work on) but this book is easy enough that I have no problem taking the time to read it with my kids. Win-win situation for all of us!

I definitely recommend this book for families with kids of just about any age (mine range from ages 6 to 12.)


Tarah's Review:

Our family is using this book for scripture study at night this week. My kids love the activities suggested at the end of each day. I love that not only does it bring in scripture, but then it tells it again in story form, always asking a question about how you can bring that day's "lesson" into your own life. I love when scriptures can be applied to life, and I love that the application is something every member of my family can do for themselves.

We don't always have time (or energy...let's be honest...I'm normally way past ready for bed when we do this) for the activity, so I love that the question is there as well. It gets us talking and discussing things as a family. This is extremely important to me right now since I asked my five year old why we celebrate Easter and she responded, "For the candy!" That was not my proudest mommy moment. Hopefully by the time Easter rolls around on Sunday she will have a firmer grasp on the real reason we celebrate Easter.

This is a lovely book I can see us pulling out year after year to celebrate this Holy Week.

Title: Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter
Author: Emily Belle Freeman & David Butler
Publisher: Ensign Peak
Published: February 2018
ISBN:  1629724181
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, March 26, 2018

Release Day Giveaway: My Sister's Intended by Rachael Anderson

Happy Release Day to My Sister's Intended by Rachael Anderson.

We're celebrating with a $50 Giveaway!

 
My Sister's Intended by Rachael Anderson 

Book Description:
 
For as long as Prudence can remember, it has been understood that her sister will one day wed the eldest son of their nearest neighbor. Such an alliance will benefit both families and bring a great deal of joy to all parents involved. 

Unfortunately, Prudence has never been able to feel as joyful. She believes her sister is mad to consider marrying a man she hardly knows, even if he will one day make her a countess. Titles and wealth shouldn't factor into matters of the heart, and as an aspiring romance novelist, Prudence cannot fathom how anyone could even think of settling for less than love. She certainly wouldn’t, and she doesn't want her sister to either. 

Unable to stand by and do nothing, Prudence sets out to help the awkward couple discover the best in each other with the hope that they will eventually find love. What she neglected to foresee, however, was the possibility that she might fall in love with Lord Knave herself. 

Excerpt: 

When Prudence lifted her eyes to his again, they sparkled with a challenge. “I was going to save this question until later so as not to shock you from the get-go, but I really do need to know . . . What does it feel like to kiss a woman?”

A large lump formed in Brand’s throat, and his mouth went dry. What the deuce? She had promised not to ask questions that would make him uncomfortable, but already he wanted to flee like a frightened kitten. How could he possibly explain how it felt to kiss a woman?

Brand searched his mind for a way to avoid answering until he heard a snicker escape her lips. She was laughing at him. Him! Hildebrand Ethan Cannon, Viscount Knave—a man at least eight years her senior and a great deal higher in social standing.

Unbelievable.

“You are teasing me,” he said, hoping it was true. If she’d posed the question to make him squirm—and perhaps make him more inclined to answer her other questions—then she wouldn’t be expecting an answer.

She shook her head, still smiling. “I’m afraid not, my lord, although I did find the look of terror on your face vastly amusing.”

“I’m glad I could entertain you.”

“I hope you will be equally glad to instruct me on a few things as well. The first scene in my book will include a kiss, and I have no idea how to describe the experience. Do a woman’s lips feel warm or soft or even moist? Would your pulse quicken? Aside from touch, what other senses are engaged? How would it make you feel and what would you notice when you held a woman in your arms?”

If she thought he’d appeared terror-stricken before, there would be no word for how he looked now. Did she earnestly expect him to answer such questions? Surely even she knew how inappropriate it would be to discuss such things, her being an innocent.

“I cannot say,” he finally muttered.

Her brow puckered in confusion. “Have you never kissed a woman, my lord?”

Brand was sorely tempted to lie and say he had not, but he couldn’t bring himself to do so. Any man of six-and-twenty who had never experienced a kiss would be laughed out of his manhood. Women were expected to remain innocent until married. Men were not.

“Yes, I have kissed a woman,” he finally admitted, “but I have no intention of discussing any of the details with you.”

“Why not?” she asked, her large brown eyes blinking at him curiously. “Would you rather I invent the information?”

“Yes.”

She obviously didn’t appreciate his retort because she scowled. “Can you not tell me at least a little?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“Because a kiss could never be described with any sort of accuracy, at least not by me. It involves too many feelings and sensations and complexities of thought. If you wish to know what a kiss feels like, you’ll have to experience it for yourself.”

Too late, Brand realized his mistake. Her expression became contemplative, as though she was actually considering doing just that. Good gads, had he really just encouraged an innocent young woman to go hunting for a kiss? Who would she ask? A groom? Stablehand? The next peddler that came to town?

“I think you are right,” she said at last. “I really must experience a kiss for myself if I am to describe it with any sort of accuracy.” She blinked up at him with that innocent expression again. “Will you kiss me Lord Knave? No, how silly of me. You are to marry my sister, so that would never do.” She pursed her lips for a moment before musing, “Perhaps one of the footmen would be kind enough to show me how it’s done.”

Kind enough? Brand could think of a great many reasons a footman would comply with such a request, and kindness did not factor into any of them. Brand would kiss her himself before he allowed a footman near her.

He rubbed the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on. “Perhaps I can try to explain what it feels like after all.” Better that than having her chase after a footman.

“But you only just said you couldn’t do it justice,” she pointed out. “I realize I sound dreadfully forward, but I really must know, and experience is the best teacher, is it not?”

“No, it isn’t,” he lied. “And you are not going to kiss a footman.”

“Then who? Felix or Lionel, perhaps? I’m fairly certain I can convince one of them to do it, if given the opportunity. The question is how to go about it?”

It was plain to see by the firm set of her jaw that she would not rest until she had experienced a kiss of her own. She didn’t seem to care who did the deed, only that the man did a thorough job of it. A quick peck on the lips wouldn’t satisfy her curiosities.

“Perhaps I could send a note to Felix and ask him to call on me,” she continued to muse. “We could take a stroll through the maze in the gardens. There is a hidden alcove on the south side, which could be quite perfect. We would have to evade Ruth, obviously, but—”

“Devil take it,” Brand growled as he pulled her to him. Her quick intake of breath was the only sound she made before his mouth covered hers.
 
   

About the Author:
 
A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.   


  

 
Blog Tour March 28th to April 12th

   

Release Day Giveaway:

$50 Amazon Gift Code or $50 in Paypal Cash

Ends 4/13/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  

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Friday, March 23, 2018

Blog Tour: The Other Side of the Bridge by Camron Wright


The Other Side of the Bridge by Camron Wright

Book Description:

Two coasts. Two strangers. And a bridge that silently beckons them both.

Katie Connelly has lived in San Francisco all her life. Her late father made his career on the Golden Gate Bridge, and the many stories of how he saved jumpers still haunt her. And now her job assignment is to write about the history of the bridge—a history that includes a secret journal about a promise ring and a love story that may be the answer to her unresolved sorrow. 

Meanwhile, Dave Riley, a marketing executive in New York, has sorrows of his own. Grasping at straws after tragedy strikes his family, he decides to follow a daydream that has turned into an obsession: to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge on a motorcycle on the Fourth of July.

Does the bridge somehow mysteriously hold the answers both Katie and Dave are looking for? Or will they find something completely different when they get to the other side?


Andrea's Review:

I really enjoyed The Rent Collector so I jumped at the opportunity to review Camron Wright's new novel, The Other Side of the Bridge. I've been to the Golden Gate Bridge a few times, and I found the history of the bridge that was included in this novel quite fascinating. I love that the book makes me want to do more research about the bridge.

I was drawn into the story immediately. How could you not be with such an intensely emotional opening? Katie had dealt with quite a bit of heartbreak, and I really enjoyed her journey through this book as she focused her attention on finding Patrick's family, and also finding peace in her own life.

I wasn't quite sure what to make of Dave at the beginning of the story. Honestly, I thought his mid-life crisis mode was going to selfishly take him from his family. What happened was so difficult and not what I expected. His journey was quite emotional, and I loved the people who helped him on his journey.

The ending was a bit of a surprise for me. I guess I read too many predictable romances, because I was not expecting things to end as they did. But, it was a good ending. A little open, but definitely a happy note for our main characters.

This wasn't a fast read for me, but I think that was mostly due to me moving and being swamped with all that goes along with that. Had I had more free time, I think I would have read this very quickly. But, as it was, I still found it to be a very enjoyable story, packed with emotion and likeable characters.

As far as content, there are a handful of "Bible" swearwords.

Rorie's Review:

It took me a few chapters to get into this book. At first it just came across as disjointed, and I really didn't get what was going on. After awhile though, I really got into the stories of Dave and Katie. 
 
This book is not fast-paced at all. At times, it kind of dragged on. That being said though, I frequently found myself not being able to put it down...just one more section, just one more chapter. In fact, my bedtime was about an hour ago, and I'm going to feel it in the morning, but I couldn't stop reading when I was so close to the end. 
 
I do love how the story ended, but I can't help but wonder what will happen with Katie and Dave. I can't say more than that without giving some spoilers though. You'll just have to read it to find out what I mean.:-)

Tarah's Review:

Man, this is what we should have read for book club! I'm a little disappointed that I read the other book first instead of reading this one, when I would have rather spent all my time with this lovely novel. But, I didn't know, so maybe next time.

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect, but I enjoyed the Rent Collector so I decided to give it a go. Honestly this isn't my typical fluff type novel. I was bawling almost from the beginning. Each person's loss is so real and heart-wrenching. I was fascinated by the personal history of the bridge.

This was a powerful and moving story that I will definitely suggest for a book club. So much to talk about and to feel.

Title: The Other Side of the Bridge
Author: Camron Wright
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: March 2018
ISBN: 1629724106
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | Deseret Book

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Book Review: Ashes on the Moor by Sarah M. Eden

Ashes on the Moor by Sarah M. Eden

Book Description:

The life of an impoverished schoolteacher is not one Evangeline Blake would have chosen for herself. Torn from her home and her beloved sister and sent to work in the gritty factory town of Smeatley, Evangeline must prove herself to her grandfather, a man who values self-reliance above all else, before he will grant her access to her inheritance. Raised to be a lady of refinement, she hasn't any of the skills necessary to manage on her own nor does she have the first idea how to be a teacher. But failure means never being with her sister again.

Alone and overwhelmed, she turns to the one person in town who seems to know how she feels—Dermot McCormick, an Irish brick mason who is as far from home and as out of place as she is. Despite the difference in their classes and backgrounds, Evangeline and Dermot's tentative friendship deepens and grows. Her determination and compassion slowly earn her the faith and confidence of the skeptical residents of Smeatley, who become like the family she has lost.

But when a secret from her past comes to light, Evangeline faces an impossible choice: seize the opportunity to reclaim her former life and rejoin her sister or fight for the new life she has struggled to build for herself—a life that includes Dermot.

Ashes on the Moor is the inspiring love story of one Victorian woman's courage to fight against all odds, and the man whose quiet strength gives her the confidence to keep trying.

Rorie's Review:

Sarah Eden has a talent for making her characters come to life. Ashes on the Moor is no different. Right from the beginning, I was drawn into the story. This was one of those books that I really didn't want to put down, and had to force myself to stop reading each night so I could go to bed and not be a complete mombie in the morning.

Evangeline suffers one heartache after another, and it seems the blows just keep on coming. She is thrown into a world that she knows nothing about and is left to fend for herself. We get to see some of her fire then, when she doesn't give up and does her best to learn how to survive in this strange new world. I enjoyed seeing her true self come out when she was teaching the children.

Dermot is an interesting character. I think the description "quarrelsome ol' dog" fits him perfectly...at first. But as he gets to know Evangeline better, he lets his guard down and we get to see what he's really like.

I enjoyed watching all of the relationships in the story progress. Each character brought something to the story and I feel like we got to know them all just as well as we would have if we were living there with them. This is definitely a book that will be read again.

Andrea's Review:

I love Sarah M. Eden's books. They do not disappoint, and even when she strays from her typical genre, they're still enjoyable. One of my favorite aspects to Eden's books is that you can always count on her to write good, clean fiction. That, and she's so good at developing her characters. There is so much emotion, and you really feel like to you get know them.

Ashes on the Moor is a great story. The pace wasn't extremely fast, but I did read it quickly (and I bumped a few other books down in my to-read stack when it came because . . . Sarah M. Eden).

I can't imagine the pain Evangeline went through losing most of her family, and then being torn from the one immediate family member that she had left. Her aunt and uncle were awful, and being thrust into being a teacher when she'd never worked before would have been so shocking. I really loved how she dove right in and did her best to make everything work.

Dermot was a great character as well. He was prickly at first, but he had a lot of depth and goodness once we got to know him.

I'm looking forward to reading this again, and would definitely recommend it.

Tarah's Review:

I was super excited about this book because of the author. I love her books! But I was also worried about starting this book because it wasn't her typical regency novels, and well, I just devour those. I shouldn't have worried. Eden did it again. I was hooked from the first page until the last. As a matter of fact, as soon as I finished it I had to fight myself to not pick it up and start reading it again.

Dermot is the best. I loved his attitude (although it confused me why he was taking everything so personally when he first meets Evangeline...she was trying to be nice). I loved seeing his love for those he cares about. I loved his accent (in my head anyway). I loved his softening and his character.

I loved the children in this story, and the families you get to know just a little bit. I understood their hesitations and their gumption. It was fun to get to know each of them.

Evangeline is wonderful. Even though she is ill prepared for what life now had to offer her, she figures out a way to make things work. We could all probably take a lesson from her with that attitude.  I love how she sticks up for what she believes.

I will definitely read this one again and tell all my book reading friends about it.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91rq7D5RIXL.jpgTitle: Ashes on the Moor
Author: Sarah M. Eden
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: March 2018
ISBN: 1629724025
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Friday, March 9, 2018

Blog Tour: Beneath the Bellemont Sky by Ranee S. Clark

Reviews * Giveaway
Beneath the Bellemont Sky by Ranee S. Clark

Book Description:

As WWII draws to a close, war widow Vera Larsen Trumbell knows all too well the sacrifices of those left on the home front. Working on her family’s farm has sustained Vera and her young children, but she now yearns for a sense of normalcy. The end of the war has been bittersweet for the Larsen clan, as they and the members of their small Wyoming town continue to pick up the pieces of their former lives.

Navigating the complexities of a postwar world, Vera and her family face the changing ideals swirling around them. From rising controversy surrounding women’s presence in the workplace to the town’s cold reception of the newest member of the family—a beautiful French freedom fighter—the American dream of days gone by has been thrown off balance. Even Vera’s own life is set spinning when, despite her better judgment, she feels a growing attraction for the brooding and mysterious local schoolteacher. As the Larsen family and their neighbors tread on thorny territory, will the people of this small town find the strength to embrace an unfamiliar and extraordinary future?

Andrea's Review:

I've read several contemporary novels by Ranee S. Clark, and was excited to read her historical novel, Beneath the Bellemont Sky. It is an enjoyable story about people adjusting to life after WWII in a rural Wyoming town.

The story follows the Larsen family, and switches back and forth between their grown children. Most of the characters are quite likable, although with such a short novel and so many main characters, I didn’t feel like I got to know them very well.

It was somewhat of a slow read, but my interest was held. I especially liked the hope and happiness that came to one of the characters that was deeply burdened by his part in the war.

Rorie's Review:

This book is almost 3 separate stories in one. There isn't one main character - instead, we read the story about 3 different couples and how they got together, or how they worked out problems, etc. Even so, this story flowed well and it all worked out. I do wish that there was more with Josette though. She wasn't really mentioned any more once her story was resolved.

I would classify this as a WWII book, but not in the traditional sense, since the war is over. Instead, this book is about the aftermath, and how people are putting their lives back together, and finding a new normal.

I'll be honest, I really didn't like Sam very much. His overbearing "You will do what I say!" attitude with Eleanor just didn't sit well with me at all. I really enjoyed getting to know Vera and Dominick better, and loved how patient and understanding Vera was with his post-war issues.

This book is not a quick read - it does move kind of slow sometimes - but I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to others.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71zCwGouTUL.jpg
Title: Beneath the Bellemont Sky
Author: Ranee S. Clark
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: March 2018
ISBN: 1524402788
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Monday, March 5, 2018

Review: A Peculiar Courtship by Laura Beers

A Peculiar Courtship by Laura Beers

Book Description:

Lord Jonathon Beckett's mission is simple: retrieve Lady Hannah and place her under the protection of the Crown. But he isn't prepared for the havoc she inflicts on his world, making him question whether his duty as an agent of the Crown should always come before his heart.
 

Lady Hannah's father has uncovered evidence exposing a French traitor to the Crown. Willing to do anything to silence him, the traitor's primary target has become Lady Hannah. Keeping her safe means locking her away from Society, but she refuses to stand idly by, letting others put their lives on the line to protect her. Instead, she will stop at nothing to learn to defend herself, even at the risk of losing Lord Jonathon's protection, or his affections.
 

With a sinister scheme in play to collapse the English government from within, Lord Jonathon must protect Lady Hannah from the French spies intending to use her as a pawn in their game of treachery. But can he protect her from herself?

Andrea's Review:

I enjoyed the first book in The Beckett Files series and was excited for the opportunity to read A Peculiar Courtship. I'm not sure why, but I was somewhat hesitant to start this book when it came. Maybe the cover didn't call to me. Anyway, whatever the reason, when I did start I was drawn in by Hannah's situation. There were some exciting and suspenseful times.

The first part of the book was fairly intense with Hannah's rescue. Then there was a lull for quite awhile that mostly focused on Hannah and Jonathon falling for each other and then miscommunicating so that they didn't know where each other stood (this happened more than once). It took me quite awhile to get through this portion of the story, but things picked up again near the end as the evidence was found to incriminate and catch the bad guy.

There's a handful of swearing throughout the book (which is always a turn off for me) that didn't fit the time period. I think that was perhaps my hangup with the book. It didn't consistently feel like a Regency romance. Some aspects or mannerisms just felt too modern.

In addition to the profanity, there is passionate kissing and violence.

Tarah's Review:

This book is a quick read that matches well with the first book in the series. That being said, it can be read as a stand alone book since everything important is explained again. I do enjoy that this author creates strong female characters.

Here's one of my hang-ups with this book. Killing someone is treated like it's nothing, even though that was the big problem in the first book (worry for Eliza's soul after she killed a whole lot of people).  But their solution to every problem is "Just let me kill so and so." Then they decide that that isn't the best idea for one reason or another...mostly that they need more information from the person, which they can't give if they are dead. However, they always always always end up killing them. Then it's like "Oops, didn't mean to do that. Oh well."

Another hang-up is that I feel like Hannah's and Jonathon's relationship is more lustly than love. They don't understand one another, but they are attracted to each other and that seems to be good enough reason to get married.

I read it quickly, and my attention was kept the entire time, I was just bothered by the attitudes of the characters to really recommend this book.

Rorie's Review:

For some reason, I was thinking that this story was a continuation of Eliza and Benedict, so I felt so lost for the first few chapters while I tried to place Hannah in Eliza's place. But once I figured out this story was about different people, it went a lot smoother.

Jonathan was not my favorite person. In fact, he was kind of a clueless jerk. Very sweet to Hannah one minute, and the next, completely overbearing. Forbidding her to do things that she clearly wanted to do, then acting all bewildered that she didn't just sit back and let him take care of her. It took me a long (very long) while to warm up to Jonathan at all.

Hannah was enjoyable to get to know. I like how she made up her mind to learn something new and kept at it so she could protect herself instead of waiting for someone to do it for her.

This book reads more like a contemporary novel rather than a Regency, so if you like traditional Regency stories, you won't get that with this book.

Title: A Peculiar Courtship
Author: Laura Beers
Publisher: Phase Publishing
Published: December 2017
ISBN: 1943048479
Source: We received copies from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Purchase: Amazon