Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Review: The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky

Genre: Dual-timeline, Romance
Publisher: Bethany House
Releases: September 26, 2023
368 pages

About the Book:

In 2012, art historian Gwen Monroe travels to England's Lake District to appraise the paintings and antiques of an old family friend, hoping to prove herself to her prestigious grandfather. While at Longdale Manor, she becomes acquainted with David Bradley--the owner's handsome grandson--who is desperate to save the crumbling estate by turning it into a bed-and-breakfast. When Gwen stumbles upon a one-hundred-year-old journal and an intricately carved shepherd's staff similar to one in a photo of her parents, she uncovers a connection to the father she never knew.

In 1912, after her father's death, Charlotte Harper uncovers a painful family secret she can only confess to her journal. She and her family travel to the Lake District to stay on a sheep farm, hoping eventually to find a home with Charlotte's grandfather at Longdale Manor, but old wounds and bitter regrets make it a difficult challenge. As Charlotte grows closer to shepherd Ian Storey and rebuilds her shattered faith, she must decide whether she will ever trust in love again.
 

My Rating & Thoughts:    ⭐⭐⭐⭐


I have been thinking about this review for days. I wanted to love this book as I have completed loved previous works by Ms. Turansky and the premise of this one with a dual timeline, setting of England, discovering an old journal, and the beautiful cover drew me to this one. However, I struggled to get invested in the characters and the story. I liked them well enough, but I was able to step away from the story whenever I needed to.

In 1912 Charlotte’s world in rocked after the sudden death of her father and she discovers a secret about him that drastically changes her view of him. This secret has a big impact on how she approaches people in the future. In 2012 Gwen has never known her father and begins searching for him. After making a huge mistake at work her grandfather sends her off to Longdale Manor where she meets Lily and her grandson David and discovers Charlotte’s journal. This discovery reignites her desire to find her father who she has never known, but she has very little information to help as her mother never told Gwen about him. Can she figure out who her father is, and will she be able to meet him? As the story progresses, we see these two women who struggle with father issues and trusting (men especially), discover God is the ultimate Father and find the true freedom that forgiveness provides. We also see romance bloom for both women and while I was cheering for both relationships to work, both guys frustrated me at times with the way they acted sometimes. Are guys really that dense that they were unable to see how their actions appeared to the women? The women were not mind readers. Overall, this was a beautiful story of learning to overcoming struggles, learning to trust and to put our faith in God not man. The faith message was woven in seamlessly and never felt out of place. I loved the supporting characters that each timeline had. This book transported me to beauty of England and showed how forgiving someone gives us freedom. Even though I didn’t connect with this story as much as I had hoped, I still enjoyed my time spent with these characters and the ending left me satisfied.


Favourite Quotes: 
“When we choose to forgive others, we are not excusing what they did or saying it was right. We're releasing them into God's hands and allowing Him to deal our justice as He sees fit.”
“Sometimes a setback is simply a redirection.”
(I received an ARC of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley; opinions expressed 
in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

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Sunday, August 27, 2023

Review: In Honor's Defense by Karen Witemeyer

Series: Hanger's Horsemen #3
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Bethany House
Released: June 7, 2022
376 pages
About the Book:

He's faced countless perils on the battlefield, but nothing so dangerous as falling in love.

Luke Davenport has been fighting all his life—for respect, for country, and for those unable to fight for themselves. But now that his Horsemen brothers are domesticated, he's left alone to battle the wildness within. When an opportunity arises to take a job on his own, tracking down a group of rustlers, he jumps at the chance.

Damaris Baxter has mastered the art of invisibility. Plain and quiet, she hides in books and needlework, content to be overlooked. Until her brother dies suddenly, leaving her custody of her nephew. She moves to Texas to care for Nathaniel, determined to create the family for herself that she never thought she'd have and to give him the family he desperately needs.

When Nate finds himself knee-deep in trouble, Luke's attempt to protect him leaves Damaris feeling indebted to the Horseman. But suspicions grow regarding the mysterious death of Damaris's brother. And the more questions they ask, the more danger appears, threatening the family Luke may be unable to live without.

  
My Rating & Thoughts:    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I really enjoyed these characters. I loved watching Damaris become more confident in herself, and Luke finding more for himself than he ever dreamed. Damaris had moved from St. Louis to Texas to care for her 14-year-old nephew after his widowed father passes away. Was it an accident or murder? Nate is a handful for Damaris and at the beginning is giving her a hard time, but as the story progresses, we see him mature. Luke has been hired by the neighbor after some of his herd goes missing. The neighbor thinks Nate is involved so Luke goes next door to investigate. The scene of Luke and Damaris first meeting was wonderful. I just knew we were in for a treat from this moment on. Due to circumstances that happen, Luke and Damaris spend a lot of time together and Luke becomes a mentor to Nate. I was pretty sure I knew who one of villains was but there was so much more to it then I realized. There were a lot of faith discussions between the characters, and it never felt forced. I am glad that the other horsemen had a bit more of a role in this story, it was good to see the guys all working together to bring justice to the area. I really enjoyed these characters and was rooting for the three of them to form a family. This story is filled with intrigue, mystery, faith and romance. The ending provided a nice conclusion to the four horsemen we were following in this series. I recommend this series. 

Favourite Quotes: 
“The Almighty can bring good out of any trial.”
(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed 
in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

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Thursday, August 24, 2023

Review: The Heart's Charge by Karen Witemeyer

Series: Hanger's Horsemen #2
Genre: Historical Romance 
Publisher: Bethany House
Released: June 1, 2021
379 pages
About the Book:

For years they've been nomads for justice, but a final mission may just lead their hearts home.

Members of the legendary Hanger's Horsemen, Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks arrive in Llano County, Texas, to deliver a steed, never expecting they'd help deliver a baby as well. Left with an infant to care for, they head to a nearby foundling home, where Mark encounters the woman he nearly married a decade ago.

After failing at love, Katherine Palmer has dedicated her life to caring for children, teaming up with Eliza Southerland to start Harmony House. Eliza understands the pain of not fitting society's mold, being illegitimate and of mixed ancestry. Yet those are the very attributes that lead her to minister to outcast children. The taciturn Jonah intrigues her by defying all her stereotypes of men, but there are secrets behind his eyes—ghosts from wars past and others still being waged.

When the Horsemen hear rumors of missing children, they stay to investigate, sticking close to Harmony House and its beautiful owners. As they work together to uncover the truth, love and danger grow hand in hand until a final sinister scheme threatens to destroy them all.

  
My Rating & Thoughts:    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I loved this book. It includes a dual romance, and I was rooting for both relationships equally. The opening scene had me hooked, and the story just builds off of that moment. There were some moments that made me very concerned for certain people and had me turning the pages quickly to find out what was going to happen next. There were quite a few characters, but each one was unique, and it was easy to keep track of who was who. I loved how one horse in particular played such a special role, not only with his rider but with the woman character as well. I liked how the faith talks between characters felt natural. I do wish the whole horsemen gang were together for more of the story. The romance was nicely done and left me pleased with the outcome. I hope I get to see these characters again in the next book.


Favourite Quotes: 
“You can't control what people say, what they do, or how they think. All you can control is what you say, do, and think. Control the mind first, son, and the rest will follow. Pain and anger narrow our vision. Take a higher perspective. Even the vilest man is made in the image of God and loved by him.”

(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed 
in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

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Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Review: At Love's Command by Karen Witemeyer

Series: Hanger's Horsemen #1
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Bethany House
Released: June 2, 2020
379 pages
About the Book:

Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger's Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they're the ones in need of saving.

Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she's not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew Hanger's dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine's respect, and when she hears of her brother's abduction, he becomes her only hope for rescue.

Matt has stared down ruthless outlaws, betrayal, and injury, but when a bossy lady doctor crawls under his skin, his heart is tempted to surrender. And when she is caught in the crossfire, he may have to sacrifice everything—even his team—to save her.
  

My Rating & Thoughts:    ⭐⭐⭐⭐


I found myself very confused about what was happening at the beginning of the story, but once I got past the intro scene I quickly became hooked on the characters. There is a lot of throughout the whole story. Dr. Jo is a woman in a man's profession and has had to work hard to prove herself and earn the respect of the community. When Matt first meets her, he is shocked to discover Dr. Jo is a woman, but he immediately gives her the respect that she deserves and follows her orders. I really enjoyed watching these two interact and loved the strength and determination they both showed to help others. It was nice to see the inclusion of faith and scripture in everyday life. Before each mission Matt would turn to 'Preach' and ask for a verse, I loved this. I really enjoyed watching the romance build naturally and the way the horseman group interacted and treated one another. Each played an individual role in their group, and they listened and supported one another opinions. There was a certain character that did a stupid thing that threatened another's life, but they worked to redeem themselves once they realized how wrong they were. I liked the forgiveness shown to them. There is a scene where certain characters are realizing exactly how God was there always providing for them, even through the challenges. I liked how this was included because it was a great example of how if we take a few moments to reflect we will be able to see God at work in our lives. I can't wait to get to know the other horsemen better.


Favourite Quotes: 
“You can't undo the past, but you can learn from it.”

(I purchased my copy of this book; opinions expressed 
in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

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