A look back at 2016 and a look forward to 2017

Here are some authors and books I enjoyed in 2016 and books I'm looking forward to in 2017. What authors did you discover and want to read more of their books?

Sarah M. Eden - Loved The Sheriffs of Savage Wells in 2016. Looking forward to three new books from Sarah in 2017! 

Julie Daines -  Loved Willowkeep and Eleanor and the Iron King. Looking forward to reading more books by Julie.

Taylor Dean - Loved Chasing Fireflies and look forward to reading other books by Taylor.

Nancy Campbell Allen - I have had books by Nancy on my to-read shelf and this year I read My Fair Gentleman. Looks like I need to get going on her other books on my shelf. 

Michele Paige Holmes - I have read several books by Michele in the past, but one of my favorites this year was Between Heaven and Earth. I wonder what she's working on for this year.

Annette K. Larsen - A couple of years ago I read Just Ella. This year I read the rest of the books in the Books of Dalthia series. She had twins this year so I don't know if there will be more in the Dalthia series, but I would love it if there were.

Donna Hatch - I had read The Stranger She Married previously and this year read the other books in Donna's Rogue Hearts series. Are there more coming this year? I hope so.

The Reformer by Jaima Fixsen (The Power of the Matchmaker series)

The Reformer by Jaima Fixsen (The Power of the Matchmaker series)

Summary from Goodreads:
Mary Buchanan has bigger worries than the radical journalist moving in next door who’s spoiling her father’s digestion: unrequited love for a footman, a fractious aunt, patiently awaiting her destiny…

Already she’s nearly eighteen. No sign of destiny yet, but Mary’s certain he’ll be handsome.

Then she meets the reformer, this Mr. Samuel Brown. Destiny is closer at hand than Mary has supposed—if she can just get Mr. Brown to realize it.

3.5 Stars

Received ebook in exchange for an honest review

My review:
This last book the Power of the Matchmaker series has a different feel than the others. 

First, Miss Pearl is never called Miss Pearl in this book. If you've read the other stories, you know it's her. If you haven't read the other stories, you know it's the matchmaker, but it just isn't as overt as some of the other books.

Second, this story has more mature content. There is talk of sexual intercourse and how it is done in a round-about way. I was surprised when I read it. It isn't too graphic, but definitely discussed more than in any of the other books.

Third, the romance isn't as "sweet" as some of the others. There is a bit of a love triangle and lovey feelings aren't discussed as much. 

Having said all of this, I still like this book. I don't love it like I did some of the other Power of the Matchmaker books, but I find it an interesting read based on the time period and the situation the characters are in. Like some of the other Power of the Matchmaker books, it takes me to a time and place I don't know much about and I find that engaging. 

Warnings: Talk of sexual intercourse

I would let my 15 year old read this book after I warned her that there would be talk of sex in it.

You can purchase this book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo

To Move the World by Regina Sirois (Power of the Matchmaker)

To Move the World by Regina Sirois (Power of the Matchmaker)

Summary from Goodreads:
Eve Brannon never had to bother planning out her future. In the Yorkshire dales where life is harder, it is also simpler. Next in line to inherit her family's farm, she will raise another generation of children and sheep high in the uplands of England. Waiting until next year when she is 19 to marry her father's handsome hired hand, Alan, is the detail she added herself. 

But in 1939 even the most stalwart corners of the world are vibrating with the tremors of change. Eve's long-anticipated proposal comes on the wings of losing Alan to the Royal Army and at the brink of the farm's profitable war years the sheep herd is decimated by a mysterious illness. With her steady future suddenly in the clutches of a capricious fate, Eve is introduced to Jonathon Doran, a land manager anxious to prove himself in a crisis, and she discovers that the solid earth beneath her feet is moving after all.

4 Stars

Received ebook in exchange for an honest review

My Review:
This is the next installment of The Power of the Matchmaker series. Twelve authors got together and are releasing 1 book a month for this entire year of 2016. Each story has an appearance by Miss Pearl, the Matchmaker. To Move the World is the 10th book, or October's installment.

This story takes place in England just before World War II. The main character is convinced that there is no war coming. She won't accept it. As she sees her friends enlisting, she can no longer ignore that change is coming.

The change for Eve comes in several ways. Not only does her beau enlist in the army, but her sheep farm is decimated by an unknown illness. As much as Eve and others try, there is nothing they can do to stop the illness. Her life seems to be turning upside down. These challenges bring Eve to a new level of maturity. She discovers her strength, her wants, and her needs. She no longer ignores the world outside of her area.

This book brings the romance in the form of a love triangle. Eve has been "in love" with Alan for years. But when her world opens up to new possibilities, she meets Jonathan. Both love interests have positive and negative qualities. Miss Pearl helps Eve discover what her feelings are toward these 2 men.

I am a little disappointed with the ending of this book, but I also understand why it is the way it is. As a reader, I don't always get what I want and that is OK. The book is an interesting story about a time and place I haven't read much about. And, I always love seeing how Miss Pearl makes her appearances in each story. 

Warnings: None

I would let my 15 year old read this book.

You can purchase this book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

A Place for Miss Snow by Jennifer Moore

A Place for Miss Snow by Jennifer Moore

Summary from Goodreads:
Miss Diana Snow is everything a British chaperone should be—she finds satisfaction in order and depends wholly upon the rules of decorum as she negotiates the isle of Greece with her young charge. But Miss Snow's prim and proper exterior masks a disquieting past: orphaned and alone in the world, she has only her stiff upper lip to rely on. When a brief encounter with a handsome stranger challenges her rules of propriety, Diana is unwittingly drawn into an adventure that will turn her ordered world upside down.

Alexandros Metaxas is a Greek spy working to recruit individuals to the cause of revolution. His mission seems to be going perfectly until he encounters Diana Snow, a captivating—if slightly cold—beauty. When their paths cross again, the ill-fated reunion threatens all Alex has been fighting for. But more importantly, it places Diana's life in jeopardy. There is only one way to save her: they must put themselves at the mercy of the most powerful pirate family in the Mediterranean. Soon, Diana is plunged into a fantastic world of gypsy curses, blood feuds, and unexpected romance. But when a bitter vendetta places her in mortal danger, will she have the courage to fight for life and love?

5 Stars

Received ebook in exchange for an honest review

My Review:
Jennifer Moore has become one of my favorite authors in the last year or so. Her attention to real history gets me involved in the stories she writes on a whole new level. This book is no exception.

This story takes place in Greece during the time of the Ottoman Empire. The main characters of this story become involved with Pirates and the Greek Revolution. This is a period of time and place that I know nothing about. I love that Jennifer Moore introduces me to history and initiates an interest in me. Every time I read one of her books I'm on Google finding out more.

Jennifer Moore is great at introducing a time and place in history and wrapping it in an intriguing and romantic story. I love watching the main characters develop their relationship. In this story, Diana Snow (or as the local Greeks call her "missno") finds herself. She has been invisible most of her life and in this story she discovers herself. She finds that she likes who she is. What a wonderful thing for any of us to discover!

Warnings: none

I would let my 15 year old read this story.

You can purchase this book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Deseret Book
Seagull Book

Timeless Regency Collection: A Country Christmas by Josi S. Kilpack, Carla Kelly, and Jennifer Moore

Timeless Regency Collection: A Country Christmas by Josi S. Kilpack, Carla Kelly, and Jennifer Moore

Summary from Amazon:
SAINTS AND SINNERS by Josi S. Kilpack. When Neville Franklin’s best friend Burke wants to wager who can kiss Eloise first, Neville puts a stop to it. Eloise has been his friend since childhood, and, well, she’s off-limits. Especially to Burke. As Burke pursues Eloise and claims that she has a tendre for him, Neville becomes more and more protective of the girl he grew up with. On the night of the Christmas ball when Eloise appears in a dress that clearly shows that she is no longer a girl, but a beautiful woman, Neville realizes that his protective feelings toward Eloise have turned into something greater. But now, Neville’s best friend stands in his way.

THE CHRISTMAS ANGLE by Carla Kelly. Sailing Master Able Six is on half-pay with the British navy, biding his time during the uneasy Peace of Amiens and the resumption of war. Meanwhile, he’s invited to teach young pupils at the home of a vicar outside of Plymouth. There, he unexpectedly meets Meridee, the spinster sister-in-law of the vicar. From the moment Able sees Meridee, he’s entranced. When she asks him about his past and discovers his remarkable yet troublesome gift, he realizes he’s finally found someone who can care for all of him. Sadly, Able’s low station and half-pay gives him no way to provide for a wife. Meridee’s lack of dowry and dependence on relatives makes their union impossible at best. But isn’t Christmas a season of hope?

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS by Jennifer Moore. Archie Clawson wants nothing more than to give Jane the perfect Christmas. Since her troubled childhood, she’s not experienced a Christmas with all the trimmings. To top off the perfection, he also plans to ask her to marry him on Christmas Eve. But as he and his friends, including Jane, travel to his country home, they are caught in a snowstorm and discover that notice of their arrival did not get through to the house staff. Worried over the disappointment he must be causing Jane and the complete shift in their planned Christmas, Archie fears that he’s misinterpreted her kindness towards him and lost her favor forever. 

4 Stars

Received ebook in exchange for an honest review

My Review:
I love these Regency collections from the Timeless Romance line. It is definitely my favorite time period to read about.

Each of these stories takes place at Christmas time and the characters live or travel to the country to celebrate the holiday. In the summary for "The Christmas Angle", it says "Isn't Christmas a season of hope?" I think all 3 stories are hopeful. The characters overcome difficulties to find happiness. I really appreciated the character of Jane in "The Perfect Christmas". I don't often read about characters with panic disorders, let alone that kind of disorder in the Regency time period. Again, each of these stories brings a sense of hope and love at that magical time of year, Christmas.

Warnings: None

I would let my 15 year old read this story.

You can purchase this book:
Amazon
BN
Kobo

The Lady of the Lakes: The True Love Story of Sir Walter Scott by Josi S. Kilpack

The Lady of the Lakes: The True Love Story of Sir Walter Scott by Josi S. Kilpack

Summary from Goodreads: 
It's 1796 and twenty-four-year-old Walter Scott is in love. For the past few years, he has been engaged in a long-distance courtship, writing love letters to his childhood sweetheart, Mina.

Though both Walter and Mina are young and from different stations in society, they share the same love of literature, a passionate temperament, and a restless heart. They know their love is meant to be. Walter feels sure Mina is the muse he needs to bring every dream of his life to fruition. But the distance between the two lovers proves too great, and when Mina meets the handsome and charming William Forbes, she is swept away, and the two quickly announce their engagement.

Brokenhearted, Walter takes refuge in the lake country of England where he resigns himself to a life of misery and heartache. But then he meets Charlotte, a French girl, who, at twenty-six, has resigned herself to the fact that she will never find love. Despite their age difference, the two become cautious friends, but Charlotte's quiet disposition and keen mind intrigue Walter. She is so different from Mina, yet perhaps, for Walter, it may be that his perfect match is a woman who calms him and helps him keep his feet on the ground. Though wary of risking his heart a second time, he finds himself falling deeply in love with her.

In the end, he is able to forgive Mina, forget his heartbreak, and forge ahead in a new relationship, realizing that there is a vast difference between a man's "first love" and his "true love."

4.5 Stars

Received ebook in exchange for an honest review

My Review:

I have not read any books by Sir Walter Scott. Although I have heard of him and some of his books, I am not familiar with his history or his writing. Josi S. Kilpack has taken historical information and woven it with her creativity to create this fictionalized story of Sir Walter Scott. I found myself googling information constantly throughout my reading of this story. The author did an excellent job of creating a compelling story within the historical timeline and known facts.

The beginning of this book was painful for me to read. There wasn't anything wrong with the writing or story telling.  But having read the synopsis and also doing the aforementioned googling, I knew that Walter Scott was going to get hurt. I didn't want to read about his heartache. I was afraid to face it. I kept putting off reading or reading a little here and a little there. Once the "deed" was done and Walter's heart was broken, I was able to delve more consistently in to the book. In fact, once I passed that point, it took me less than 2 days to finish it.

I appreciated reading about Walter Scott's growth from a young love struck teenager to a mature man. His emotional journey is one that I think many of us face to some extent. We start with one dream and as we mature it shifts and evolves as our lives and circumstances change. This can be related to romance, but also to our education, careers, and goals. 

I loved the relationship between Walter and Charlotte. They worked so well together and discovered that honesty brought them much happiness. Often in the early stages of relationships (and sometimes even after), we tiptoe around each other trying to figure out what the other person is thinking or what they want. It was refreshing to see these two be honest and forthright with each other and to see how it blessed their lives.

Again, Josi S. Kilpack fictionalized parts of the history to create this lovely story. It was hard at times to read knowing that these were real people who experienced these things. I hurt for them and rejoiced with them. The author truly brought me in to this time and space and now I will run to the library to find works by Sir Walter Scott.

Warnings: None

I would let my 15 year old read this book.

You can purchase this book next year in January. Or preorder now at 

Amazon

King of the Friend Zone by Sheralyn Pratt (Power of the Matchmaker)

King of the Friend Zone by Sheralyn Pratt (Power of the Matchmaker)

Summary from Goodreads:
From the Power of the Matchmaker series:

Esme Taylor has an amazing fiancé, a lifelong best friend, and a problem. 

The problem stems from the fact that her best friend is named Hunter and, well. . .he’s kind of (totally) hot. It’s hate at first sight when her fiancé, Jon, and Hunter meet. Jon’s convinced that Hunter is in love with Esme, and that Hunter must be out of the picture if their upcoming marriage is to succeed.

Esme thinks Jon is paranoid.

The truth is, Jon’s not that far off. Hunter is in love with his best friend and always has been. What Jon has wrong, however, is that Hunter never had any plans of ruining Esme’s happily ever after. Hunter wants what’s best for Esme, even if that’s not him.

When Jon pushes hard to end Esme and Hunter’s friendship, opposition comes from the most unlikely of places. It’s an eccentric lady with a cookie cart who suggests a different solution to Esme’s problem: Hunter and Esme should give each other a chance.

They’ve both thought of the possibility over the years—of course they have. But with a ring already on Esme’s finger and a heap of hurt feelings and broken trust in the mix, there hasn’t been a worse time to explore the depths of their feelings for each other.

Both Esme and Hunter think it’s time to move on and leave childhood crushes in the past. The question is: Can one woman and the taste of one cookie change their minds?

4 Stars

Received ebook in exchange for an honest review

My Review:
When I read the summary I thought, "Oh it's My Best Friend's Wedding" in a book! Well, the concept is a story that has been told. However, I found that I couldn't put this book down once I got in to it. I was so engrossed in these characters' stories that I wanted to know how everything resolved.

These 2 main characters were definitely likable. However, they made stupid choices. We all make stupid choices. I get that. But their choices were really what drove the conflict in this story. Sometimes I wanted to reach through the ereader and strangle them. 

Luckily, these 2 decide to be honest...with themselves and with each other. Once the honesty comes in to play, these characters face even more challenges. Again, I was very interested in seeing how these characters resolved their feelings and came to a happy ending. And with the Power of the Matchmaker series, you know there will be a happy ending.

This book, being part of the Power of the Matchmaker series, had Miss Pearl, the Matchmaker, helping Esme and Hunter through their unresolved feelings. I loved reading about Miss Pearl being a cookie seller. The concept of the cookie (you'll have to read to find out!) was so fun to read. Miss Pearl has "played" many roles in the different books and this one was one of my favorites.

Warnings: None

I would let my 15 year old read this book.

You can purchase this book:
Amazon