Five Enchanted Roses ~ Review

Five Enchanted Roses
A Collection of Beauty and the Beast Stories
by: Kaycee Browning, Savannah Jezowski,
      Jenelle Schmidt, Dorian Tsukioka, and
      Hayden Wand


Five Enchanted Roses is a delightful collection of five unique stories based upon the tale of Beauty and the Beast.  If you have a love of fairy tales you need to read these lovingly written stories.

Prepare to be enchanted as both Beauty and Beast find true love - love that will break the curse that rules their lives.  But beware all curses aren't what they first seem and discovering this truth is the key.

Espirit de la Rose
By Kaycee Browning

Cecilia Lester is to join her aunt in London, but when the Fee demand payment for her father's crime again her voyage takes an unexpected detour.

Having interfered with the Fee, Cecilia finds herself aboard a ship that is filled with those who have been cursed by the Fee to wander the sea as monsters.  Cecilia may be the key to freeing those aboard the cursed ship or she may be just another pawn in the cruelty the Fee delight in extracting.

Whose heart will Cecilia touch?  Or will she too spend the rest of her days sailing the sea aboard the ghostly ship paying her father's punishment?

Get ready to set sail - the Espirit de la Rose is about to take you on an adventure you can't imagine.

Wither
By Savannah Jezowski

Lilybet Haverly is determined that her younger sister will not pay for the rose her father picked. Briarstone Abbey is ruled by a beast.  A beast who objected to one of his roses being picked and the price was Sunflower.

Lilybet is used to hard work and is determined that her sister not be sent to the beast.  But to save her, she must enter the Neverway facing Creepers and Ghouls to get to the abbey.

But the beast is more than he appears but can he overcome Lilybet's distrust and win her love before it is too late?  If he fails more than his life is at stake, but can he reveal all to the feisty young woman who has taken her sister's place?

When she is faced with the truth whom will Lilybet face the future with?

 Stone Curse
By Jenelle Schmidt

Two years the curse has laid upon Thorndale Castle.  The princess is missing, presumed stolen.  The visiting prince has become a beast.  The royal family and nobility have been turned to stone.  A few loyal servants have remained to care for the castle and prince Barend, including Karyna.

Karyna hopes that the curse may be lifted and that her dreams may offer a clue as to where to search.  Lifting the curse will allow Barend to go home.

But how can one person lift such a powerful curse - a curse that is spreading?  A curse in which love is the key.


            

Rosara and the Jungle King
By Dorian Tsukioka

Rosara is being hunted by the most feared man of the tribe, a man who seeks to challenge her father.  But Rosara is determined to elude the man who wants to make her his third wife.  A chance meeting with a jaguar is about to change Rosara's life.

Can Tupa help this young woman avoid the trap Maor is setting for her?  And who is the true beast in this tale?

Rosara and the Jungle King is a story about living with the consequences of the choices one makes.

The Wulver's Rose
By Hayden Wand

A hundred year curse, a fading hope, a young woman riddled with guilt, a voice calling out for help, and a beast.  Put these together and you have The Wulver's Rose, a thoroughly captivating tale.

Can Bonnie break the spell that has held the castle and its residents in its withering grip for nearly 100 years?  Or is her heart unable to be touched by the beast who calls the castle home?

Having left the life she knew behind Bonnie is haunted by dreams, dreams that ultimately bring her to the beast's door.

I think that of the five stories this is the one that has greater similarities to the original faerie tale.  

Truly a lovely conclusion to a beautiful collection of Beauty and the Beast tales.

Anyone who read last year's Five Glass Slippers collection will not be disappointed in this year's Five Enchanted Roses.  The stories are beautifully spun by five distinctive voices who are skilled in the art of putting pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard).  Captivating would be an apt one word description for this collection.

I was provided a digital copy of this book by the publisher Rogglewood Press in exchange for my honest review.

About:

Rediscover the Enchantment

A ship bearing the souls of sinful sailors drifts upon a ghostly sea. 

An abbey looms as the final defense between mortals and ghouls of the underworld. 

In the stillness of a throne room, statues stand forever frozen in a moment of terror. 

Monsters and men stalk their prey deep in the jungle’s shadows. 

A rose blooms in the dead of winter, sheltered in the ruins of an ancient Scottish castle.

And only true love can free the Beast from his prison.

Counting on a Cowboy ~ Review

Counting on a Cowboy
A Four Hearts Ranch Romance 2
By Debra Clopton

Wishing Springs, Texas, is Abby Knightly's chance to start over, to get away from the pain, grief and guilt that has been her life for the last two years.  But her entry into town is not quite how she planned it - an accident that introduces her to the Monahan family and specifically youngest brother Bo.

The Monahan family brought Wishing Springs to public awareness when Maggie Hope and Tru Monahan had a bet on whether or not Maggie could be taught to ride (Betting on Hope).  Maggie's newspaper column that spotlighted this town has convinced Abby that this where she needs to be if she is going to heal.

But Abby never counted on getting caught up in the latest Monahan family drama when a baby is left outside the family home.  Bo has just become a father who has no idea what to do with a motherless baby.  What's a cowboy to do?  Why call on the first available woman who can give him a helping hand and fortunately for him Abby Knightly is available and on the spot thanks to her mishap with a wayward steer and a fence.

Bo is desperate and young Levi needs her help, though Abby is reluctant to open herself to the hurt that she knows will come from opening her heart to this little boy and his shocked father.  But sometimes healing means you first need to reopen old wounds, could this be what Abby needs?  Or will this just create deeper wounds in her heart?

Counting on a Cowboy takes us back to Wishing Springs and all its small town charm that we were introduced to in Betting on Hope.  This book isn't as humorous as the previous one as more serious issues are dealt with, but it is as well written and some the secondary characters are expanded upon and depth is added to their stories.  This is great for an afternoon or a long weekend that you just want to escape into the pages of a book and what better way than with some friends that you met previously.

I was provided with a copy of this book through the BookLook blogger program in exchange for my honest review.



Book Description:
After losing everything dear to her, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy spurs her to wonder if maybe love is worth the risk.

Running from a past that haunts her, Abby Knightly is drawn to the homey town of Wishing Springs, Texas, after her favorite advice columnist found love and a home there. Maybe this small town could offer hope and healing and a future for Abby too . . . if she's brave enough to reach out and take it.

Bo Monahan isn't interested in the new romantic destination his little town has become-or the women who might be looking at him like he's their next Mr. Right. Between taking care of his Pops and his growing stirrup business, he isn't looking for serious romantic commitments. But unexpectedly the young child he never knew about appears on his doorstep and Bo's world is turned upside down.This confirmed bachelor might not need a wife, but he sure needs a woman . . . and newcomer Abby Knightly is definitely a woman. When she comes to his rescue to help him navigate fatherhood, he slowly uncovers her own history. And suddenly Bo's thinking maybe, just maybe, together they can help each other work through the problems of the past to create a future of their own.

Hope Harbor ~ Review

Hope Harbor
By Irene Hannon

Hope Harbor was suppose to offer him a chance to regroup and refocus his life, a chance to heal from his loss.  But Hope Harbor has some surprises in store for Michael Hunter, starting with his lack of accommodations.  And then there is a near accident with Tracy Campbell, who is dealing with her own losses.

But these seemingly random unfortunate events are about to bring unexpected blessing to not only Michael and Tracy but Hope Harbor itself.  And second chances are not only a possibility but about to become a reality in this small Oregon community.  And with second chances comes healing and forgiveness.

When you take one hurting CEO, a struggling cranberry farmer, and a hurting recluse you get a story that will touch your heart.  Hope Harbor is a story of hope - hope of healing, hope of love, hope of reconciliation, and hope of starting over.  This is a stand-alone book that if you are unfamiliar with Irene Hannon's work would be a perfect introduction to her books.

This is a delightful and touching story that leaves you with an uplifted frame of mind and spirit. From the opening line you will be drawn to Hope Harbor and its residents and their hopes, dreams, and struggles.  I have to admit I wouldn't mind a second trip to Hope Harbor with a chance to meet and learn more about the residents of this Oregon community.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell through their blogger program in exchange for my honest review.


Come home to Hope Harbor--where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

Tracy Campbell never wanted to leave Hope Harbor, Oregon, or the idyllic three-generation cranberry farm where she grew up. But life--and love--altered her plans. Now she's home again--with a floundering farm to run . . . a tragic secret . . . and a wounded heart. Romance is noton her agenda. Nor is it on Michael Hunter's. The visitor from Chicago has daunting secrets and devastating regrets of his own. But when Tracy recruits him to help with a project that is close to her heart, winds of change begin to sweep through Hope Harbor, bringing healing, hope, and love to countless lives--including their own.

Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five romantic suspense and contemporary romance/women's fiction novels, including the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series, along with That Certain Summer and One Perfect Spring. Her books have garnered dozens of honors, including two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America. She is also a two-time Christy Award finalist.

IreneHannon.com

A Bride at Last ~ Review

A Bride at Last
Unexpected Brides 3
By Melissa Jaegers

Silas Jonesey's dream of having a family seems to be finally coming true - his long absent wife has finally let him know her whereabouts.  But a happy reunion with Lucinda is not to be. In fact a reunion of any sort is out of the realm of possibility because by the time Silas arrives at Lucy's boarding house in Missouri she has died.  But Lucinda has left behind a son that may or may not be Silas's son.  Is a family still a possibility or did Lucy destroy even a chance at a relationship with his maybe son?

Kate Dawson is determined to protect Anthony from the two men who may be his father.  But a single school teacher with nothing but her job has little chance of keeping custody of a 9 year old boy.

Could Kate and Silas be each other's chance for the family that they both dream of?  And could Anthony be happy with the man his mother despised?  But Kate and Silas both have pasts that could get in the way of their future together - a future both want and yet fear.

A Bride at Last is a delightful story that examines family, fears, and forgiveness in such a way one empathizes with all three main characters and their points of view, while at the same time being frustrated at the total pigheadedness on each character's particular hang-up.

If you've read Melissa's previous Unexpected Brides books you'll enjoy Silas's story.  If you haven't, this story can stand alone and you won't be left scratching your head wondering what is going on in the story.

Take a trip to the 1880's and a little place called Salt Flatts, Kansas with a little excursion to Missouri. Discover the importance of love and belonging along with Silas, Kate and Anthony.

I was provided a free copy of this book by the publisher through the generosity of the author in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
Silas Jonesey's life in Salt Flatts, Kansas, has not followed the course he imagined. After his mail-order bride, Lucinda, abandoned him, it was an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices and sour moods. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true; his estranged wife has contacted him after ten years of silence to tell him of her whereabouts.

Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but after realizing she had been deceived about her intended groom she never went through with the marriage. Settling into life as a schoolteacher, she's spent her spare time the past few years helping her student, Anthony, and his sick mother. When Lucinda passes away, Kate is ready to fulfill the woman's wish that she take care of nine-year-old Anthony--until a man shows up in town asking about Lucinda and claiming he was married to the woman ten years ago.

Silas and Kate disagree over who should raise young Anthony, who has opinions of his own about his future. After being forced to come together for the good of Anthony, Silas and Kate begin to see another side to each other and the possibility of a united future despite all that stands between them. When Kate's past comes to light, Silas's feelings about women who abandon their grooms immediately throw the walls right back up between them. Can Silas, Kate, and Anthony's wounded souls bind them together as a family, or will past hurts and new resentments leave them lonely forever?

Picture Perfect Love ~ Review

Picture Perfect Love
A Year of Weddings: A June Wedding Story
By Melissa McClone

Jenna Harrison's heart was broken when her fiancee Ashton Vance not only left her at the altar, he accused her of lying to him, and left her with financial wedding ruin.  Is it any wonder that she is less than pleased when he shows up on her doorstep two years too late with an apology.

Ashton can't believe his little sister kept her part in his political downfall secret until she needed Jenna's photographic skills for her own wedding.  He's never forgotten Jenna, but is a second chance possible when he public accused her of lying and nearly destroyed her business in the process?

As Jenna and Ashton work through their issues can they truly discover what true love is?  And did they ever really love one another if they could so easily be divided in the first place?

This is a perfect week-end excursion for those hot summer days when you don't want to do anything except maybe avoid the heat.  This story does have a happy conclusion, but it provides a caution "What is your motivation in getting married?"  Is it love? Financial security? Political ambition? Or God's will?  Stop and ask yourself this question before you say yes when the question is popped you may save yourself heart-ache.

I was provided a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Meet the people who make it all happen - the planners, the photographers, the musicians who have helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples as they find their own happy endings in the second Year of Weddings novella collection. When image becomes everything, it's up to love to refocus the heart.

Photographer Jenna Harrison wants every bride and groom to look picture perfect on their special day, putting her heart into every wedding to give the couple memorable images of their love. But her own heart is still broken, the unworn wedding dress hanging in her closet a reminder that relationships aren't always as perfect as they look through her camera lens. But Jenna has faith that she will find true love. Until then, she must be patient and trust in God's plan and His perfect timing.

Attorney Ashton Vance is the one that got away. When an embarrassing Photoshopped picture of put an end to his political aspirations, he blamed Jenna. So what if the photo led to his being offered a dream job and changing his life for the better? Jenna betrayed his trust, and two years later, Ashton's heart still hasn't recovered.

It was me. His younger sister's three words turn Ashton's world upside down. He must ask Jenna's forgiveness, but can he risk his heart a second time? Even if Jenna can forgive him, dare he hope for a second chance at her love?

About the Author:

Melissa McClone has always been a fan of fairy tales and "happily ever afters." She holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University but eventually decided to follow her dream and write full-time. She lives in Washington with her real-life hero husband, two daughters, indoor cats, and a forty-eight-pound Norwegian Elkhound who thinks she's a lap dog. She also loves to ski, rock climb and read.

Visit her online at www.melissamcclone.com. 

Twitter: @melissamcclone          Facebook: Melissa McClone

Dauntless ~ Review

Dauntless
Valiant Hearts 1
By Dina L. Sleiman

Lady Merry Ellison is no more.  Her father's attempt to dethrone King John failed - ending in the slaughter of her family and most of those living in the village that her father ruled.  But Merry along with most of the children survived and Merry is determined to protect these young innocents no matter the cost.

But Merry and her young "band" must remain hidden because if word reached King John that the children of Ellsworth and the Baron's own daughter had escaped the slaughter they would be hunted down.  But to survive they need to borrow and steal upon occasion, earning them notoriety as The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest.

But when Merry is spotted by the young man to whom she had been promised as a bride, life becomes suddenly much more complicated.  Timothy Grey believing she's been held a prisoner is determined to save the young woman he thought dead these past two years.

Timothy is determined that Merry shall be safe, but the King's anger has yet to abate and Merry knows that Timothy's loyalty lies with the King.  But when the heart is involved where does loyalty truly lie?  This is the question that Timothy and Merry must work through if they are to have a future - whether together or separately.

Though marketed for the Juvenile / Young Adult market anyone who loves well-written historical fiction will enjoy this the first book in the Valiant Hearts series.  If you enjoy Robin Hood give Merry Ellison and her band of ghosts chance to join your shelves, you'll enjoy the trip to 13th century England.

I was provided a copy this book by the publisher Bethany House through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book: 

Where Legend and History Collide, One Young Woman Will Fight for the Innocent

Born a baron's daughter, Lady Merry Ellison is now an enemy of the throne after her father's failed assassination attempt upon the king. Bold and uniquely skilled, she is willing to go to any lengths to protect the orphaned children of her former village--a group that becomes known as "The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest." Merry finds her charge more difficult as their growing notoriety brings increasing trouble their way.

Timothy Grey, ninth child of the Baron of Greyham, longs to perform some feat so legendary that he will rise from obscurity and earn a title of his own. When the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest are spotted in Wyndeshire, where he serves as assistant to the local earl, he might have found his chance. But when he comes face-to-face with the leader of the thieves, he's forced to reexamine everything he's known.

About the Author:
Dina Sleiman writes stories of passion and grace. Most of the time you will find this Virginia Beach resident reading, biking, dancing, or hanging out with her husband and three children, preferably at the oceanfront. Since finishing her Professional Writing MA in 1994, she has enjoyed many opportunities to teach literature, writing, and the arts. Her debut novel, Dance of the Dandelion with Whitefire Publishing, won an Honorable Mention in the 2012 Selah Awards. Also look for her novels, Love in Three-Quarter Time and Dance from Deep Within, and her Valiant Hearts series coming with Bethany House Publishers in 2015. Dina serves as an acquisitions editor for WhiteFire as well, and she loves to represent them at writers conferences throughout the US. Join her as she discovers the unforced rhythms of grace. For more info visit her at http://dinasleiman.com/

The Lost Garden ~ Review

The Lost Garden
Tales from Goswell
By Katharine Swartz

The Lost Garden is a lovely story set in two very different time periods - the first nearly a century ago 1918 / 1919 and the second in the present day.  Both stories are set in Goswell on the Cumbrian coast of England.  In both stories the main characters have suffered a loss - one that has forever altered their lives.

This is Marin's story and Eleanor's story as well.  How they deal with their losses is the focus of this story and central throughout is the vicarage garden.  

Throughout one can empathize with Marin and Rebecca as they start over and get to know one another.  And one can feel the pain that Eleanor and Katherine are experiencing as the world that they have known has collapsed after years of war. 

This is a beautifully written story that alternates every other chapter between Marin and Eleanor.as they navigate the various challenges of life and discover what love truly means.  The Lost Garden is a beautiful lesson in life when confronted with unexpected loss.  The garden helps those who need it to find a meaning and purpose when life is at a low point.

I highly recommend this story, though you may what to have a box of tissue nearby while reading. This story also builds in a touch of suspense as we are shown a scene from Eleanor's life at the beginning of the book and then we are lead up to this rather dramatic moment throughout the remainder of the story.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through the Kregel Reviewer program in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:

Present and past residents of a countryside English vicarage search for love...

 

Marin Ellis is in search of a new start after her father and his second wife die in a car accident leaving her the guardian of her fifteen-year-old half-sister, Rebecca. They choose the picturesque village of Goswell on the Cumbrian coast and settle into Bower House, the former vicarage, on the edge of the church property. When a door to a walled garden captures Rebecca’s interest, Marin becomes determined to open it and discover what is hidden beneath the bramble inside. She enlists the help of local gardener Joss Fowler, and together the three of them begin to uncover the garden’s secrets.

In 1919, nineteen-year-old Eleanor Sanderson, daughter of Goswell’s vicar, is grieving the loss of her beloved brother Walter, who was killed just days before the Armistice was signed. Eleanor retreats into herself and her father starts to notice how unhappy she is. As spring arrives, he decides to hire someone to make a garden for Eleanor, and draw her out of—or at least distract her from—her grief and sorrow. Jack Taylor is in his early twenties, a Yorkshire man who has been doing odd jobs in the village, and when Eleanor’s father hires him to work on the vicarage gardens, a surprising—and unsuitable—friendship unfolds.

Deftly weaving the dual narratives, Katharine Swartz explores themes of loyalty and love through her memorable characters and strong sense of place.