A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.  This is the third book involving the same circle of friends.  The characters are always a lot of fun.  The book is set in the 1880's.  The book is a lot of fun to read.  The characters manage to put themselves in impossible situations.  The book does not feel historically accurate, but it is such a fun ride that I don't care.  A lot of ridiculous things happen which just add to the enjoyment.  I would give this book 3/5 stars.

Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale.  Julia Elliston has lost everything.  Her father and mother have died.  Her guardian is sending her to Scotland to be a servant, and the boy that she loves has turned his back on her.  She must secure her future any way that she can.  But who can she trust?

This was a very good book.  I really enjoyed the characters.  They were believable and interesting.  There were so many twists in the story.  The mystery is unfolded very slowly.  There were several unexpected turns of the story.  It is quite a captivating book!  I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.

A Home for My Heart by Anne Mateer

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House publishers.  Sadie Sillsby lovers her job.  She has the opportunity to be the Matron at the Children's Home that she grew up in.  She can finally do for others what someone did for her.  The only problem is that the matron is not allowed to be married, and she isn't sure that Blaine will understand.  Should she choose Blaine or the children?

This was a good story.  The characters were interesting and seemed real.  I really felt for Sadie.  I liked how we were able to see her grow.  I liked how we could see Sadie's view changing, and see her mature.  I felt like Blaine could have been more understanding.  Sadie had waited for him for years, and he couldn't wait for her at all.  I would give it 3.5/5 stars.

The Governess of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

I received a complimentary copy of this book from  Multnomah publishers.  Julia Foster had to leave her beloved India and return to England when her father fell ill.  As soon as he recovers the family will return to their mission work in India, but until then she needs to find a job that will help support them while in England.  She is able to find work close to home as the governess at Highland Hall.  Will her plans change as she becomes part of the family there?
Julia is a spunky character.  She is not afraid to say what she thinks, or wants.  She is treated poorly by a lot of the people around her, but she knows her worth and doesn't let it bother her.  I felt that the initial relationship between Julia and William is a bit of a stretch.  It seems like he trusts her completely almost immediately.  I enjoyed the characters.  I liked the story.  It developed well.  The romances were sweet.  I liked that character was valued over wealth.  I would give this book 4/5 stars. 

Anomaly by Krista McGee

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers.  Thalli has never fit in.  She has feelings, and that could get her killed.  Thalli has always been able to hide her feelings, until she is asked to play an ancient song.  She is unable to contain her feelings, and she is taken away. 
Thalli is a very likable character.  She is very strong and determined.  The world is interesting.   They live underground in a facility that was meant to protect the leaders.  The leaders where unable to make it to the facility, so only the scientists were saved.  There is a twist right at the end of the story.  I did not see it coming.  I would give this book 4/5 stars.

A Simple Change by Judith Miller

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers.  Jancey Rhoder has a job that she loves, but when her parents announce that they are moving back to the Amana Colonies she doesn't have to think twice about joining them.  Nathan Woodward wants her to stay and marry him instead.  Jancey can't leave her mother as she is slowly dieing.  As Jancey starts fitting in to the Colony she learns much about herself, God, and the people around her.  I enjoyed this book.  Jancey is a very believable character.  She is trying her hardest to know what is best for her and her family and trying to abide by what God has given her.  I like that when she finally puts her trust in God, thinks start to work out.  She is finally able to understand what she needs to do, and do it.  I did not understand why she kept Nathan around.  He never seems like a very nice person, but she keeps hoping that he will change and be better.  I would give this book 3.5/5 stars.

A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers.  Arabella Beckett manages to find herself in some pretty interesting scrapes as she works to help the women of America. Theodore Wilder has been sent across the country to find and bring Arabella back home.  When he finally tracks her down he finds more than he bargained for.  I was able to read the first book in this series and really enjoyed it.  This book does carry on from the first book, but it would still be understandable without having read the first one.  The characters are hilarious and they take you on quite the ride.  A lot of what happens seems completely impossible, but I find myself not caring because it is just such a fun book.  I would give this book 4/5 stars.