Author: With This Pledge

With This Pledge is the first book in the new Carnton series by Tamera Alexander. It was released on January 1, 2019. In celebration of this new book and series, JustRead Publicity Tours is hosting a blog tour and giveaway!

I am thrilled to be hosting Tamera Alexander today on Miss Pippi Reads. She will be giving us insights on character name selection in With This Pledge. Enjoy!

Character Name Selection by Tamera Alexander

Character name selection in With This Pledge, a Carnton novel, was easier than usual. Because Captain Roland Ward Jones and Elizabeth ("Lizzie") Clouston are the real life hero and heroine who met and fell in love at the Carnton home in Franklin, Tennessee during the Civil War, following the Battle of Franklin on November 30, 1864. And With This Pledge is their love story. History holds a treasure trove of knowledge about Captain Roland Ward Jones—details about his home life, his war record as a sharpshooter, his extensive land ownership in Mississippi, and the remarkable collection of personal correspondence (written both to and from Roland) that reveal a bevy of insights into his character. We know Roland was among hundreds of wounded Confederate soldiers who were brought to Carnton following the Battle of Franklin. We know he staunchly supported the Southern Cause. We know he convalesced about six weeks longer at Carnton than any of the other soldiers. And why did he stay longer? Because he fell in love with the McGavock’s governess—Lizzie Clouston.

Sadly, most of the details about Lizzie’s life have been lost to time, so she was more of a mystery. To introduce the necessary conflict needed for the story, I chose to give Lizzie opposing views to Roland’s—and that of the Southern Cause. Yet when forty thousand soldiers converge on the fields of Franklin, Tennessee that unseasonably warm November afternoon, the war demands she give answer. Especially when she finds herself drawn to Roland and discovers that his moral ground is utterly at odds with her own.

Learn more about what’s truth and what’s fiction in With This Pledge, a Carnton Novel on Tamera’s Website — www.TameraAlexander.com

With This Pledge Book Description

Carnton home where she is governess is converted into a Confederate field hospital, and Lizzie is called upon to assist the military doctor with surgeries that determine life or death. Faced with the unimaginable, she must summon fortitude, even as she fears for the life of Towny, her fiancé and lifelong friend.

As a young soldier lies dying in Lizzie’s arms, she vows to relay his final words to his mother, but knows little more than the boy’s first name. That same night, decorated Mississippi sharpshooter Captain Roland Ward Jones extracts a different promise from Lizzie: that she intervene should the surgeon decide to amputate his leg.

Lizzie is nothing if not a woman of her word, earning the soldiers’ respect as she tends to the wounded within Carnton’s walls. None is more admiring than Captain Jones, who doesn’t realize she is pledged to another. But as Lizzie’s heart softens towardthe Confederate captain, she discovers that his moral ground is at odds with her own. Now torn between love, principles, and promises made, she struggles to be true to her heart while standing for what she knows is right—no matter the cost.

From the pages of history and the personal accounts of those who endured the Battle of Franklin, Tamera Alexander weaves the real-life love letters between Captain Roland Ward Jones and Miss Elizabeth Clouston into a story of unlikely romance first kindled amid the shadows of war.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository

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EXCERPT

Head HERE for an exclusive excerpt!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling novelist whose works have been awarded and nominated for numerous industry-leading honors, including the Christy Award (two-time winner, seven-time finalist), the RITA Award (two-time winner, four-time finalist), the Carol Award, the Maggie Award, the Booksellers Best Award, and Library Journal's top distinction, among others. After seventeen years in Colorado, Tamera and her husband now reside in Nashville, Tennessee, where they live a short distance from Belmont Mansion and Belle Meade Plantation, the setting of Tamera’s two USA Today bestselling Southern series.  



CONNECT WITH THEAUTHOR: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will win a release copy of With This Pledge + $10 Amazon Gift Card

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 14, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm January 28, 2019. US only for a print copy of the book. International winners will receive an ebook. Gift card prize will be issued as an e-gift card. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Revew: A Worthy Rebel

A Worthy Rebel is Jody Hedlund's fifth title in her medieval young adult series, An Uncertain Choice. As with her previous books in the series, it moved from beginning to end. The series has ties to her previous books, An Uncertain Choice, A Daring Sacrifice, For Love and Honor, and A Loyal Heart but it can also be read by itself without previously reading the series. (I would recommend reading the previous titles, because they are great!)

A Worthy Rebel features Isabelle, the sister of Olivia from A Loyal Heart. Isabelle is sent to a neighboring castle to wed. After receiving a horrifying gift from her betrothed, she runs to find a better life.

As with the previous tales in the series, the point of view switches between two characters. In earlier printings, the font was different, In this current Kindle version, it was not the font, but the chapter "flourishes" or "decor" that gives the reader a clue as to who is "I".
Since this was her fifth novel in the series, I looked forward to reading the two points of view and learning about their backgrounds, thoughts, and beliefs.

This is the final book in the series and I bid these characters and families a fond farewell. I loved this series from book one and I will miss their world. I'm glad that I can always return to this time and place by reading these stories again. I look forward to the next book (or new series) by Hedlund. It's always an adventure with heart!

Reviewed from a gift copy.

If you'd like to connect with Jody Hedlund, here's a few places you can connect with her:

Facebook : Author Jody Hedlund
Twitter : @JodyHedlund
Website : jodyhedlund.com
Pinterest : pinterest.com/jodyhedlund
Instagram: @JodyHedlund

Title: A Worthy Rebel
Author: Jody Hedlund
Series: Book 05, An Uncertain Choice
ASIN: B07FZ6KBNW

Review: Together Forever

Together Forever is the second book in Jody Hedlund's series, Orphan Train. Books one, With You Always, was published in 2017 and was a fantastic read. This second title is equally mesmerizing. Once I cracked open the book, I could not put it down.
I would recommend reading With You Always before reading Together Forever, but if you can't wait you can jump in and read this one first in the series. Book one focuses on building a city in the the western land of Illinois. Book two shares the story of placing children from New York into homes located in the West (today's Mid-West).

Again, I had preconceived notions about Together Forever. I thought the story would pick up in Illinois where With You Always left off. Nope. Readers will head back to New York and go on a new adventure. Yes, characters from book one are in book two, but this could almost be a standalone. Hedlund writes a very compelling story and is fantastic at honing in on the main characters while sharing tidbits from previous characters. I definitely closed the book satisfied, but craving more from the world she created. I cannot wait for the next installment in her Orphan Train series!

To catch the latest Jody Hedlund news, visit her website or follow her on social media: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Time Period: 1850's
Location: New York and Illinois

I received this book as a gift from Jody Hedlund.

Title: Together Forever
Series: Book 2, Orphan Train
Author: Jody Hedlund
ISBN: 9780764218057

Review: A Loyal Heart

A Loyal Heart is Jody Hedlund's four title in her medieval series, An Uncertain Choice. As with her previous stories, it was full of action from beginning to end. The series has ties to her previous books, An Uncertain Choice, A Daring Sacrifice, and For Love and Honor, but it can also be read by itself without previously reading the series. (I would recommend reading the previous titles, because they are so good!)

Her newest YA novel features Aldric, the brother of Sir Bennett from A Loyal Heart. He has been working to rebuild his life after the loss of his wife. He is under the command of Lord Pitt, who sends him to besiege Lady Olivia's castle. Olivia's father and Lord Pitt are enemies, but it goes further than that with a battle of beliefs and loyalty to family, kingdom, and the Lord.

Hedlund captured my attention from chapter one. It was hard to set A Loyal Heart down. I wanted to read it in one sitting! I did forget that this series rotates point of view between characters - one chapter is Aldric's and another chapter is Olivia's. I'm glad Hedlund kept the format she began with book one, An Uncertain Choice. It was an excellent read. I can't wait for her next book. I'm not sure if another story will be added to An Uncertain Choice series, but she has written other amazing stories. I would highly recommend diving into another series, if you haven't picked one up yet!

Reviewed from a review copy.

If you'd like to connect with Jody Hedlund, here's a few places you can connect with her:

Facebook : Author Jody Hedlund
Twitter : @JodyHedlund
Website : jodyhedlund.com
Pinterest : pinterest.com/jodyhedlund
Instagram: @JodyHedlund

Title: A Loyal Heart
Author: Jody Hedlund
Series: Book 04, An Uncertain Choice
ASIN: B0797F1YZC

Review: The Ladies of Ivy Cottage

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage is the second installment in Julie Klassen's series Tales from Ivy Hill. If you are picking up this book before reading book one, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, I would recommend setting it down and getting your hands on the first installment. The story's focus shifts from the The Bell Inn to Ivy Cottage. The characters of Ivy Hill appear in both books and it's a story worth savoring.

I took my time reading this book. I didn't want it to end and I wanted to follow all the characters and their lives in the book. The characters from book one appear in book two with new people arriving in Ivy Hill. Perhaps not new the town, but new to the main characters in the story. Mysteries arrive with some being solved and others remaining unsolved. Klassen kept the feel of an excellent BBC or PBS television show well. Every chapter felt like an episode. I want to re-read this book all ready and I cannot wait for book three, The Bride of Ivy Green, which is coming out in December 2018.


For additional information about the series, Tales from Ivy Hill, visit the website.

Time Period: 18oo's
Location: Ivy Hill, England





Reviewed from an author gift copy. Thank you, Julie Klassen!!

Title: The Ladies of Ivy Cottage
Series: Book 2, Tales from Ivy Hill
Author: Julie Klassen
Release Date: December 5, 2017
ISBN: 9780764218156

Review: Heart on the Line

Heart on the Line is the second novel in Karen Witemeyer's series, The Ladies of Harper’s Station. Book one is No Other Will Do which was published in June 2016. I recall reading No Other Will Do, but it's been a while. I was little uncertain about how much background I would need for book two, Heart on the Line.

I thought Heart on the Line could stand on its own if you jumped into the series without reading previous titles. (There is a novella out as well, Worth the Wait.) Characters from previous stories appear, but the main players, Grace Mallory and Amos Bledsoe, are newer to Harper's Station. It truly is about their lives and their work as telegraphers. A side story is included in this novel about the prickly character of Helen.

I loved Heart on the Line. The telegraph career was so interesting. It makes me want to learn Morse Code and send messages to someone. Beyond an interesting career, this story was surprisingly action packed! An inheritance that is hidden is trying to be saved from a killer.

I cannot wait for the next installment of Witemeyer's The Ladies of Harper's Station. I would love to hear more about Helen, but I'm guessing more ladies will keep coming to Harper's Station looking for help. Well written, Ms. Witemeyer!

Genre: Historical Fiction
Time Period: 1894
Location: Texas

I received this book for free from Bethany House for an honest review.

Title: Heart on the Line
Series: Book 2, The Ladies of Harper's Station
Author: Karen Witemeyer
ISBN: 9780764212826

Review: With You Always

Jody Hedlund has a new historical fiction series! The series is entitled Orphan Train. Book one is With You Always. Instead of lighthouses or medieval times, Hedlund heads "out West." When I think of the West, I imagine the West Coast. In With You Always, the West means traveling to Illinois from New York City.

I opened the book from preconceived notions about what the story would entail. It's about an orphan train heading out West to drop off children and two people fall in love along the way. Nope! It was totally unexpected and wonderfully surprising. With You Always shared survival struggles in New York City as well as in Illinois. NYC survival in the tenements is difficult with no jobs, gangs, poor living condition, and if there is food on the table. On the other hand, people are trying to build a city in Illinois. Building a city takes time and effort as well as people wanting good work conditions and enough money to live in IL as well as sent money back home to family. And I haven't even mentioned family rivalry, faith, and love. A fantastic story woven in an exciting new historical fiction! I cannot wait to for the next book to come out. If you like author Hedlund or historical fiction, I would highly recommend With You Always.

To catch the latest Jody Hedlund news, visit her website or follow her on social media: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Time Period: 1850's
Location: New York and Illinois

I received this book for free from Bethany House for an honest review.

Title: With You Always
Series: Book 1, Orphan Train
Author: Jody Hedlund
ISBN: 9780764218040

Review: A Love So True

A Love So True is the second novel in the Teaville Moral Society series by Melissa Jagears. It's a series I jumped into without reading book one, A Heart Most Certain. The cover photo and a familiar author drew me in right away. I previous read her series, Unexpected Brides, and enjoyed the novels.

If you begin reading the Teaville Moral Society with book two, you will be able to follow the described story, "Evelyn Wisely loves working at the local orphanage, but her heart can't ignore the women of Teaville who are also in need. ... While David Kingsman plans to stay in Teaville just long enough to get his father's business back on solid ground, he's intrigued by Evelyn's cause and finds himself more invested with each passing day." Characters from book one are in book two, but you do not need the backstory if you want to jump right in! I would encourage you to start reading if you enjoy historical fiction, helping others, overcoming adversity, growing in faith, and falling in love.

After reading A Love So True, I'm going to visit my local library and find A Heart Most Certain. I look forward to reading more from Melissa Jagears. To catch the latest news, visit her website or follow her on Twitter.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Time Period: Progressive Era, 1908
Location: Kansas

I received this book for free from Bethany House for an honest review.

Title: A Love So True
Series: Book 2, Teaville Moral Society
Author: Melissa Jagears
ISBN: 9780764217524

Review: For Love and Honor

For Love and Honor is Jody Hedlund's third title in her medieval series, An Uncertain Choice. As with the previous titles, it is action packed from beginning to end. The series is linked together with the previous two titles, An Uncertain Choice and A Daring Sacrifice, but it can be read as a standalone story.


This story focuses on the handsome (and rejected) Sir Bennet. He returns home to take over his brother's land because he cannot manage the family property. Bennet's brother, Aldric, has sunk the family into debt and the neighbors are not pleased. Bennet is taking charge and needs to save the his family's land, priceless antiques, and their lives. Enter Sabine who wants to purchase some priceless treasures, but her Grandmother has matchmaking on her mind.

Hedlund crafts such a great medieval story. This time period in history isn't my top genre, but her writing is so enjoyable! I savored Sabine's independence and uniqueness. I loved Bennet's caring and determination (until it moved to stubbornness). Even though the characters lived years in the past, similar questions and feelings can be felt by readers today. Sabine's uncertainties were very understandable. The struggle for acceptance is one so many of us face.

The story is, again, shared between two voices - Bennet and Sabine. The fonts change so the reader can distinguish who is sharing their story. The story wraps up in this novel, but I would like to hear more about Aldric. He began his recovery journey, but I would like to hear more... When you read an enjoyable story, one book is never enough!

Time Period: Medieval, 1391
Location: Maidstone Castle, Hampton

Reviewed from a review copy. Thank you, Zondervan and Jody Hedlund!

Review: The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill is Julie Klassen's newest historical fiction book. It's also the start of a series! The book description from Klassen's website shares,

"The lifeblood of the village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. When the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant landlady. Jane has no idea how to manage a business. But with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must quickly find a way to save the inn."


At the end of the book, there was an author's note from Julie Klassen. She talked about her desire to write a novel in the style of a British television show. Think "Larkrise to Candleford" or "Cranford" from the BBC. After reading (and enjoying), The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, that is where my mind went when I finished the book. Well-written, Author Klassen! I think you succeeded in your writing goal. I felt like I was a part of the community and I wanted to know more about everyone in Ivy Hill. I am looking forward to the next installment of Tales from Ivy Hill. I also feel that this is a book I would read again.

For additional information about the series, Tales from Ivy Hill, visit the website.

Time Period: 18oo's
Location: Ivy Hill, England

Reviewed from a library copy.

Title: The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill
Series: Book 1, Tales from Ivy Hill
Author: Julie Klassen
Release Date: December 6, 2016
ISBN: 9780764218132


View all my reviews on Goodreads.

Review: Never Forget

Never Forget is the fifth and final book in Jody Hedlund's series Beacons of Hope. The entire series goes as follows: Love Unexpected, Hearts Made Whole, Undaunted Hope, Forever Safe, and Never Forget. 

Victoria's fiance, Nathaniel Winthrop III, from Forever Safe is dissatisfied with his life. While sailing with a friend, he gets knocked over board and is lost at sea. He washes ashore on Rose Island and found by light keeper Abbie Watson. Now Abbie needs to manage three men - her ill grandfather, the stranger from the beach, and a man from the Lighthouse Board.

Beacons of Hope series is tied together by lighthouses and faith. The previous titles were located in Michigan and Massachusettes. Hedlund travels to a new state to share a new (and final) tale in the series - Rhode Island.








Reaching the conclusion of a series is exciting, satisfying, and saddening. I love a complete series, but sometimes it's hard to say goodbye. I know Jody Hedlund will keep writing. Her books will be new and exciting and she'll finish her other series. Beacons of Hope was so much fun to read! Thank you for a fun adventure! I look forward to your new books that will be coming in the future.

Time Period: 1880
Location: Rose Island Lighthouse, Rhode Island, USA

Reviewed from a complimentary copy. Thank you, Jody Hedlund!

Title: Never Forget
Series: Book 5, Beacons of Hope
Author: Jody Hedlund
Release Date: January 4, 2017
ISBN: 9780692770879

Review: Love's Faithful Promise

Love's Faithful Promise is the third and final book in Susan Ann Mason's series, Courage to Dream. I greatly enjoyed book one, Irish Meadows and book two, A Worthy Heart. Before reading book three, I reread A Worthy Heart to reacquaint  myself with the O'Learys. I fell in the love with this family in the first novel and looked forward to hearing about them again and again.

The two youngest O'Leary children, Deirdre and Connor, have grown up. Deirdre wants to become a doctor and Connor desires to work at Irish Meadows. Deirdre ends her educational dreams to care for her mother after a stroke and opens her heart to a cantankerous doctor from Toronto with a young daughter. Connor is working his way up in the ranks by starting at the bottom, per his father's instructions. He's in charge of a young new hand that is quiet and mysterious.

Deirdre's story is the most prominent of the two siblings, but Connor's tale is shared. Most of the book is set at Irish Meadows which is the home of the O'Leary's. It was good to return to Irish Meadows (most of book two is set in New York City). When tragedy strikes, the calm and beautiful surroundings of Irish Meadows brings an added layer of healing to more than just the O'Learys.

Besides the setting, I liked the time period of Love's Faithful Promise. WWI occurred between book two and three. The unrest was mentioned in book two and medical after effects were mentioned in book three. Dr. Matthew Clayborne is treating soldiers who were injured in the war. He is part of a new medical movement working in physical therapy.

It's been a captivating read. I cannot believe I need to say goodbye to the O'Learys. Thank you for an excellent series, Susan Anne Mason! Courage to Dream is a series I want to continue savoring. I look forward to see what historical fiction story you'll be writing next!

Time Period: Post WWI, 1922
Location: Toronto, Long Island, and New York City

Reviewed from a complimentary copy. Thank you, Susan Ann Mason and Bethany House!

Title: Love's Faithful Promise
Author: Susan Anne Mason
Series: Book 03, Courage to Dream
ISBN: 9780764217265

Review: Forever Safe

Forever Safe is the fourth book in the series Beacons of Hope by Jody Hedlund. The first book, Love Unexpected, was published in December of 2014.  A few months later (June 2015), book two became available, Hearts Made Whole. I am so impressed with the quickness of author Jody Hedlund! Book three, Undaunted Hope came out in January 2016 and Forever Safe's book birthday is today!

Beacons of Hope series is tied together by lighthouses and faith. The previous titles were located in Michigan, but this book takes the reader on a trip to Massachusetts! The wooden cross that was passed from Emma Chambers to Ryan Chambers to Tessa Taylor returns to the Cole family, specifically the daughter, Victoria.

Victoria is on the verge of marriage, but someone is looking to harm her. Her father hires a bodyguard who is hurt when someone tries to harm Victoria. A young replacement comes and whisks Victoria off to Cape Cod’s Race Point Lighthouse. To keep Victoria's reputation safe for her future wedding, bodyguard Tom Cushman marries her in name only. Close living quarters and close family drive Victoria and Tom closer together yet farther apart. Their futures are not what they expected, but it could be better than they ever imagined.

I think Forever Safe was the most adventurous Beacons of Hope story yet! I quickly thumbed my Kindle screen to get to the next page and the next page and the next. I loved the relationship of Tom's parents and how it influences him as well as Victoria. I also am intrigued by the passing off of the cross. Will there be another Beacons of Hope novel? I hope so!

Time Period: 1876
Location: New York City, New York and Race Point, Massachusetts, USA

Reviewed from a complimentary copy. Thank you, Jody Hedlund!

Title: Forever Safe
Series: Book 4, Beacons of Hope
Author: Jody Hedlund
Release Date: June 1, 2016
ASIN: B01EZAMWWY

Review: A Worthy Heart

A Worthy Heart is the second book in Susan Ann Mason's series, Courage to Dream. I greatly enjoyed book one, Irish Meadows. When A Worthy Heart arrived in the mail, I went in search of my copy of Irish Meadows. A re-read of the first book was needed.

I'm so glad I could jump into Mason's Courage to Dream world again. Irish Meadows was great and Mason does not disappoint in A Worthy Heart. It's worth a read, friends! Not only does the story delve into the life of mystery brother, Adam O'Leary, but two Montgomery siblings arrive from Ireland. Don't worry about missing out on the characters you read about in Irish Meadows, they are present and very much a part of this book. Every one grows through faith, conflicts, illness, and love. For under 400 pages, Mason writes a wonderfully complex storyline. I liked Maggie Montgomery's story, but Adam's life was beautifully heart-wrenching. He'd fallen to the bottom of his pit and was picking himself up. It's amazing how faith and friends can help raise someone up who is struggling. I especially loved Mason's honesty about Adam O'Leary in her Author's Note: she didn't like him in book one, but the more she got to know him, the more she loved him.

I hope more Courage to Dream books are coming! I feel connected to the O'Leary/Montgomery family and I want more. Thanks for an excellent series, Ms. Mason!

Time Period: Turn of the Century, 1914
Location: Long Island and New York City, New York, USA

Reviewed from a complimentary copy. Thank you, Susan Ann Mason and Bethany House!

Title: A Worthy Heart
Author: Susan Anne Mason
Series: Book 02, Courage to Dream
ISBN: 9780764217258

Review: 12 Brides of Summer Collection

12 Brides of Summer Collection #2 is a three novella collection in one book. Each story has a summer setting. All the stories can stand on their own and they are quick reads.

A Bride Rides Herd by Mary Connealy has ties to previous book families - Belle and Silas from The Husband Tree. The bride is not Belle, it is her daughter Betsy. I love Connealy stories! They humorous and heartwarming. I always feel they are too short. This story was way too short for my liking! It also made me want to re-read all her previous stories, too!

Time Period: Montana
Location: 1894

The Fourth of July Bride by Amanda Cabot writes a story about a fictitious proposal that turns into a real proposal of marriage. I think that theme is fun to read about and enjoy for a quick read.

Time Period: 1886
Location: Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory, USA

The Summer Harvest Bride by Maureen Lang features a gal who needs to decide between two very different men. One is a traveler who comes to town and captures her attention, while the other is one that has grown up and plans to stay in their town. This novella also weaves in a mystery as well as a town building project of a mill.

Time Period: 1851
Location: Finchville, Illinois, USA

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Shiloh Run Studios and Barbour Publishing!

Review: A Refuge at Highland Hall

A Refuge at Highland Hall is available! This new novel is book three in Carrie Turansky's Edwardian Brides series.  The Governess of Highland Hall is book one and shares the story of governess Julia Foster and Highland Hall master Sir William Ramsy. Book two, The Daughter of Highland Hall, shares the story of governess Julia's former charge Katherine (Kate) Ramsey and Julia's brother, Jonathan Foster. The characters of book three focuses on another former charge of Julia's, Penelope (Penny) Ramsey with a side story of Lydia Chambers, Penny and Kate's lady's maid.

I would recommend reading the previous books before diving into A Refuge at Highland Hall. The Ramsy family has expanded with marriages as well as with friends, family, and servants. If you've previously read the books, but it's been a while, Turansky kindly shares a cast of characters list at the beginning of the book! I'll admit it's been a while since I last read a Highland Hall book. I started reading book three and it took little time to get reacquainted with everyone.

World War I has begun. Dr. Jon and his family are living in London when bombs are dropped. To keep his family safe, he sends them to Highland Hall. Everyone packs up to go except Dr. Jon who needs to stay and care for the soldiers in town. Before everyone leaves, Dr. Jon brought home a soldier friend, Alexander Goodwin. Alex is determined to be a pilot (a dangerous job that has slim survival rates). Penny is drawn to Alex and offers to write while he is away.

Turansky wrote a very compelling story. She captured the fear, longing, and faith of a vast array of characters - soldiers, sweethearts, prisoners, children, adults, elderly, and young. I was quite impressed. She wove two main storylines together as well as kept the other members in the family active. The cast of characters is two pages, but don't let that deter you from reading A Refuge at Highland Hall. It's good to hear about all the members of this tight knit family. I would like to hear more about the Foster / Ramsey families. I hope Turansky continues writing!

Time Period: Edwardian/WWI, 1915
Location: London, England

Thank you, Blogging for Books for this review copy! I enjoyed it!
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Review: Undaunted Hope

Undaunted Hope is the third book in the series Beacons of Hope by Jody Hedlund. The first book, Love Unexpected, was published in December of 2014.  A few months later (June 2015), book two became available, Hearts Made Whole. I am so impressed with the quickness of author Jody Hedlund!

The Beacons of Hope is a series tied together with the themes of lighthouses, love, Michigan, and faith. Book one was about Emma Chambers and her brother Ryan. Book two was about Ryan and Caroline Taylor and her siblings. Book three features Caroline's sister Tessa Taylor.

Tessa's past decisions (which you can read more about in Hearts Made Whole) brought her heartache and a bad reputation. Tessa took a job teaching in Michigan's Upper Pennisula to begin anew and escape life in a lighthouse. Yet running from one heartache and lead to more heartache.

Tessa needs to fight to keep her position as teacher. She wants to remove herself from lighthouse life, but two bachelor brothers who run the lighthouse seek her heart. She also wants to fight the power of the town's controller Percival Updegraff.

Undaunted Hope is an excellent installment in the Beacons of Hope series. Hedlund takes you to another part of Michigan, as well as, another area in the Great Lakes. Tessa's strong personality from book two was wonderfully expanded upon in book three. I wanted to hear more and I definitely got it! Tessa got tangled into a whole new world that is dark and dangerous. Updegraff runs the town and his way is the only way. Tessa's a fighter. She wants to fight and inspire others to fight and give themselves (and their families) a better life. (As I read, I wanted to join the fight, too.)

Tessa's story was fantastic! It reminds me of a verse from the book of John, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." There are moments of shock, sadness, and fear, but the strong will overcome. God does not turn away from his children. He does not gives us a spirit of fear. God give us power and love.

I am looking forward to Jody Hedlund's next book in the Beacons of Hope series. The driftwood cross that was given to each character has been shared again. This time, it was given back to the family who originally owned the cross. I cannot wait to hear what will happen next!

Time Period: 1871
Location: Eagle Harbor, Michigan, USA

Reviewed from a complimentary copy. Thank you, Jody Hedlund and Bethany House!

Title: Undaunted Hope
Series: Book 3, Beacons of Hope
Author: Jody Hedlund
ISBN: 9780764212390

Review: At Love's Bidding

The Wimplegates own and operate an auction house in Boston, MA. During a recent auction, an unauthorized painting gets sold and sent away. To save the family's reputation and business, Miranda travels with her grandfather to Missouri in hopes of finding the painting and saving their family.

Regina Jennings has created a clever and memorable story. It brought to mind the delightful uniqueness of Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer. Both stories were written around occupations that are unfamiliar to me. I love reading! It's such a fun way to learn about the world!

Jennings pits a city auction house alongside a country auction house. The rules, rhythms, and stock are vastly different! The Wimplegates auction "priceless artifacts" that are described as "treasures." The Ozark auction house that Grandfather purchased in hopes of finding the painting (as well as other unknown treasures) is a "sale barn" with livestock. The hilarity of overcoming and understanding a new auction house is a fantastic part of the story, but the book also goes in-depth.

Jennings writes about families. Families are wonderful and complicated. The Wimplegates, Ballentines, and LeBlancs are the main families in the story. They want to heal relationships, care for one family members, and right wrongs. Relationships are not easy and each family shares their high and lows as the novel progresses. It was very well written with love, drama, hurt, healing, and faith.

At Love's Bidding is book two in Jennings' series Ozark Mountain Romance. Book one is
A Most Inconvenient Marriage published in January 2015. The books are tied together and the characters from book one appear in the book two, but if you haven't read book one you can jump into book two right away and enjoy it. Book three in the Ozark Mountain Romance series is also available! Book three is a novella available in the book With this Ring? I can't wait to read it!

Time Period: 1873
Location: Boston, Massachusetts and Pine Gap, Missouri USA

Reviewed from a complimentary copy. Thank you, Regina Jennings and Bethany House!

Title: At Love's Bidding
Series: Book 2, Ozark Mountain Romance
Author: Regina Jennings
ISBN: 97800764211416

Review: Carry Me Home

Have you heard about Dorothy Adamek? She's a new author!

Her first book is Carry Me Home about a daughter who sets sail for Australia with her father to make a new life for themselves. Her father seeks the new climate for his health, while Finella is set to marry a preacher in a foreign land. Moving from England to Australia is a shock, but Finella weathers the storms of tragedy. The trials of life bring her closer to the Lord and closer to the people in the "new" land of Australia.

I want to start off with something flippant like "it's a fun book, you should read it!", but it's more than just a "fun" read. It's a great story full of depth. I enjoyed Dorothy's turn a phrase and picture images to describe scenes and people. For example, she wrote "Her heart ruffled like a wind torn sail, held, yet ripped." to describe a moment in Finella's life. How beautiful and relevant when she's sailed across the world!

The story weaves together very well. The main characters are Finella and Shadrach. Other family members influence their lives and help to change their lives together. This is the first book in a new series and I cannot wait to hear more from Dorothy Adamek! Her next book is called Carry Me Away.

Time Period: 1875
Location: Phillip Island, Australia

Reviewed from a complimentary copy. Thank you, RelzReviewz and Dorothy Adamek!

Title: Carry Me Home
Series: Book 1, Blue Wren Shallows
Author: Dorothy Adamek
Release Day: December 1, 2015
ISBN: 9780994457202

Review: Bride of Distant Isle

Miss Annabel Ashton shares her story. It's Gothic and captivating. It brought to mind Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey, but instead of poking fun at a Gothic tale, it's a true haunting mystery. Yes, there is a touch of romance and faith in the tale, but I think it's mostly a mystery told in the first person.

Annabel needs to uncover the mystery of her mother (if she was truly married or not) and if she is going insane (just like her mother). Beyond Annabel's personal mysteries, her cousin Edward is working on business dealings and asking Annabel help the conversation go well between him and new (possible) business partners. Edward and Annabel grew up together, but their views of each other are vastly different. Annabel desires the sibling friendship they had when they were younger while Edward wants to use Annabel for his own gain, a pawn for his debts and business dealings. Her faith in the Lord gives her strength when she is hurt by Edward and his wife's dealings.

Byrd weaves an interesting historical faith facts in this book. Annabel is Catholic which is a minority in England. She meets other devote Catholics around her family's estate, Highcliffe, but again they are in the minority. After Annabel's tale, Byrd shares an Author's Note about Christianity in England. It's a a very brief overview, but very interesting.

Bride of a Distant Isle is book two in the Daughters of Hampshire series. I previously read Mist of Midnight, book one. I think each story is a standalone piece with the location of Hampshire and the Gothic genre tying them together. GoodReads says that there will be a book three in the series called A Lady in Disguise coming in 2017. I am looking forward to reading it!

Time Period: 1851-1854
Location: Near Milford on Sea, Hampshire, England (and Malta)

Reviewed from an Edelweiss copy. Thank you, Howard Books!

Title: Bride of a Distant Isle
Author: Sandra Byrd
Series: Book 02, Daughters of Hampshire
Publisher: Howard Books
Release Date: March 22, 2016
ISBN: 9781476717890