Monday, September 26, 2016

Where Hope Prevails by Janette Oke & Laurel Oke Logan

I have loved Janette Oke's books since I was a little girl.  I was so excited to get the chance to review one of her new books!  I also love Hallmark Channel's When Calls the Heart TV series.  I didn't get a chance to read the first two books in the series, but I felt like I already knew many of the characters because I have watched the TV series.   Elizabeth Thatcher is returning for her second year of teaching in Coal Valley.  She had an eventful summer and is excited to return to her familiar town.   When she arrives she discovers that everything has changed.  She has a new home, a new school, and many new faces in the town.  There is also a new teacher to share the teaching duties with.  I really like Elizabeth Thatcher.  She is trying so hard, but sometimes she makes mistakes.  Or sometimes, even when she knows that something is wrong she has a hard time changing her mind.  I could really relate to her.  She is very down to earth and is striving to follow God's will for her.  There are many bumps in the road, but eventually she is able to accept those around her, and see in them what God sees in them.  I found my opinion of  Robert Harris Hughes changing as Elizabeth comes to accept him and see the good in him.   I really enjoyed reading this book!  I would give it 3.5/5 stars.  I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for my review.

Monday, May 23, 2016

In Good Company by Jen Turano

Millie Longfellow is a good nanny, and she is determined to find a family that will actual value her skills.  She is unconventional in her methods and has been dismissed by one to many families.  Everett Mulberry is desperate to find a nanny that can actually outwit his charges.  When the both arrive at the employment agency at the same time they are given one last chance.  They must work together.

I really enjoyed this book.  I like that we get to see some of the same characters from a previous book.  I always enjoy Jen Turano's books.  The characters are strong, and fun.  Millie knows that she is right in her methods, and is tireless in making sure that the children in her charge get the love and attention that they need.  Everett is slow to notice how much he has withheld from the children, but Millie makes sure that he understands what they need.  I enjoyed watching the romance develop.  Caroline is completely inappropriate for Everett, and you are just hoping that he will notice before it is to late.  There is a lot of excitement along the way, and even a mystery to solve.  I would give this book a 4/5 stars.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my review.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Playing the Part by Jen Turano

Lucetta Plum has taken care of herself for years.  She finds herself if a situation where whe has to depend on others to protect her, and she has a hard time accepting their help.  She is one of the most sought after actresses in New York City.  When one of her admirers gets too determined to have her she has to hide until it blows over.  This leads her to the mysterious Ravenwood, and it's attractive owner, Bram Haverstein.  Will she be able to accept his help?

I really enjoyed this book.  I have read several books by Jen Turano, and they are always a fun read.  The characters are unique and quirky.  There is a good pace to the book, and you never know what is going to happen next.  Lucetta is an interesting character.  She is not perfect, and that makes you like her all the more.  Bram is also interesting.  It is fun to watch him as he learns that Lucetta is not the person that he assumed her to be, but then grows to love her even more for the person that she actually is.   There are several impossible situations that happen in the book, and it is always fun to see how they are going to get out of them.  I would give this book 4/5 stars.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers.