Tag: Book Reviews

Guide Me Home | Book Review

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
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Follow the lives of Hardin sisters, tame Rebekah and wild Cissy, who are poor hills girls with a rich family heritage of faith in Christ Jesus. Add to the story city slicker Devlin with his mapping project and colored guide, Tolly, and there you have the ingredients for a rich story!

The characters all felt very real, their growth genuine and easy-paced. Because there were diverse characters, there were also diverse goals and subtle plots woven throughout the story, which I enjoyed.

I loved the setting too. I mean, poor communities and the Mammoth Cave… It felt very well represented.

Yes, there was romance in this book. It wasn’t quite a, “girl loves lost guy, then guy gets saved so now she can marry him” story, but hinted at it. Also, Cissy’s infatuation with flirting and making plans behind her parent’s back made me cringe (it was resolved, yes). There were only two kisses that I remembered mentioned; it was more about the characters talking about the kisses in both situations.

There were some loose ends that I felt weren’t tied. Who had taken their packs and why? Who had stolen the minerals? While a certain family was pointed out, I didn’t feel satisfied that the questions were explicitly answered. And then Nick kind of just disappeared in the end. So for me personally, the story didn’t quite feel complete, though I did enjoy it very much.

*I received this book in exchange of my honest review from Blogging for Books*

About the Book

Working in the massive cave might allow Rebekah the chance to bring joy back to her family. But will it claim more than it gives?

After tragedy leaves its mark on Rebekah Hardin s family, she plans to help her parents and six siblings honor her beloved brother s memory and alleviate their poverty by working as a guide in the dangerous cave system. Kentucky s renowned Mammoth Cave presents profitable opportunities in for hardworking, capable”men.” But Rebekah is determined and if it means presenting herself as a”himself,” then she s up to the job. 
Under the wing of experienced guide Tolly Sanford, Reb begins to learn the complexities of the cave and the two are joined by an aspiring young cartographer, Devlin Bale.
The university student has traveled to the hill country to map tunnels not to fall for a girl in disguise. Can the God who designed miles of underground astonishment shape Devlin s ambitious plans and free Reb from the weight from the past?
Purchase the book on Amazon

The Art and Craft of Writing Christian Fiction | Book Review

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
20633970This was an amazing read, for me as a Christian author. It refreshed some things I knew and taught me some things I didn’t know. To start off with, Mr. Gerke focused on the spiritual backbone of writing. I found this section very refreshing. Who are you writing for? What is your motive? Who do you hope to reach?

From there, he covered many aspects from the approach to the craft of writing. One point that helped me was: how to think of yourself as a writer (you’re more of a filmmaker than a campfire storyteller). As I was reading the book, I kept thinking of different writer friends (in different points of their writing knowledge) that I know would benefit from the book.


There were, of course, many examples given to portray what Mr. Gerke was teaching. One in particular did not appeal to me (he was explaining how to portray a vile character without using language, and I found the example defiling). Because of this, the conservative teen might want to beware.

Some quotes:
“…Good fiction represents how God works with mankind.”

“Don’t mention something about a character that you don’t come back to later.”

About the Book
Let’s face it: Christian fiction is fun. Even if you’re writing a serious-minded study of man’s inhumanity to man, there is something exhilarating about story; about creating people and worlds and events; about telling a tale that keeps readers enraptured and maybe – just maybe – leaves them fortified in their walk with Jesus.
But for all of the fun, it’s also hard work. There is skill involved in writing excellent Christian fiction. There is craftsmanship to be learned. And there are the long hours pounding away on a manuscript that, by the time you’re done with it, has you convinced it’s the worst piece of garbage ever penned by man.
That’s not even talking about trying to get your book published. It’s a wonder anyone would choose such a way to spend otherwise useful time.
So maybe you put your novel away for awhile. You’ve tried to do more sensible things with your spare moments. You’ve attempted to be engaged with workaday matters, laundry, and bills.
But one day, a new story idea will pop into your head or you won’t be able to stop hearing the voice of a character demanding to be written about. On that day, you’ll be right back where you were, counting the cost of writing Christian fiction — and loving it like nothing else.
Purchase on Amazon

What good books on writing have you read?

Rebekah Morris | Author Interview

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments
I’ve “seen” Rebekah around author circles the past year, but it wasn’t until a few months ago that we really began “talking” to each other via email. It has been such a joy to get to know her better!
She recently released a new short story. You may see my review of it here.

About the Story
Newly married, Elizabeth Leffler moves with her husband to his farm in the foothills of the western mountains. Eager to be a part of the town and community, she is disappointed by the cool welcome she receives. In her eagerness to fit in and find a place for herself, Elizabeth does the unthinkable.

Purchase this story on Amazon.

Interview with Rebekah
You have been a busy writer in the past few years! Can you tell us a little bit about how God led you to become a writer and how you’ve become published?
God’s ways sure are not man’s ways. Looking back now, I can see His hand guiding me toward writing even when I hated it! I loved reading and listening to unabridged books, which established a very good foundation for sentence structure, style, plots and so much more. I also loved to pretend. Seriously, my best friends and I were ALWAYS pretending something. It might be taking our “children” to church, or riding our “horses” (that looked an awful lot like bikes), or manning a ship on the sea. Anything and everything was play acting , and I think that really helped me be able to “become” the characters that I write about now.
Once I was ready to write, stories just started coming and I had to write them.
Getting published. When I was ready to publish my first book, I didn’t know of another homeschooled author who had written and published their book. I was on my own. After much looking, I decided to publish with Xulon Press. That was great. Except . . . I had no control over the price, I couldn’t make the book and ebook, I didn’t have money to advertise at all, and it would probably have taken me another couple of years to earn enough money to publish a second book. Enter Homeschool conference. There I met someone who introduced me to CreateSpace. I signed up for his short course, followed the steps, and published my second book. And the rest, is history.
What is your favorite stage of writing?
Oh, I love when a new story starts and I can hardly write fast enough to get my ideas down. But I also love watching the story unfold beneath my fingers as I type. And then ending, seeing the last few pages become a reality . . . But I really think my favorite part is when I get to tell my readers, “Hey, it’s finished!” and watch their excited responses, hear their delighted reviews and know that I’ve given them a good story to enjoy.
What is your least favorite stage of writing?
Probably those times when the story feels stuck. When I want to write and can’t. I think that is worse than editing because I edit as I go so I’m never stuck with an entire book to edit at once.
Do you have any future plans for writing novels?
Yep. Right now I have four novels started. Two are a little over half-way done while the others are patiently, or not, waiting their turn. And there are more stories in my head. I don’t think I’ll run out of stories to write any time soon. 🙂
Do you find much of your real life reflected on the pages of your novels?
Quite often I’ll find my characters going through things that I’ve gone though, thinking the same sort of thing that I’ve thought. And if you really want to know, most of the time, when the characters are talking and they scratch their neck or yawn, or something like that, it’s because I just did it. 🙂
What is the #1 piece of advice you’d give to an aspiring writer?
Learn from other authors, but don’t try to make yourself like them. Get ideas from them about how to write, but don’t decide that that is how you “have” to do it. Everyone is different and works differently. Be okay with being unique.
What are three non-writing things you enjoy doing?
Does reading count as non-writing? Because I LOVE to read!
I love knitting baby hats.
Playing the piano and my violin are near the top of my list.
So is hand quilting. But not piecing the quilt! 🙂
Okay, now for some 1-word answers (if possible ;))
Favorite verse?  Right now it’s Psalm 16:11.
Favorite color? Red (Always have loved red.)
Coffee, hot chocolate, or hot tea? Hot chocolate! Hate coffee and don’t like tea.
Winter or summer? Winter hands down!
Can a book be read a dozen times? 😉 Or two dozen times. 😉

About Rebekah


Rebekah A. Morris has lived her entire life (as of now) in Missouri. Being home educated during her school years was great, except for writing. That was the worst subject (along with math) that she had to do. It wasn’t until after she graduated that she discovered the joys and wonder of writing. Now she can’t write enough. After spending six years in research and writing, she completed her first book, “Home Fires of the Great War,” a 500+ page, historical fiction about home life in the United States and Canada during the First World War. Since then, she has been an avid writer and always has more than one story going on at once because only one story at a time got tiring and dull.

This Last Surrender | Book Review

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

I read this devotional book in one day, not 31 as intended. I think it would make a very nice daily devotional book, but it was a Sunday afternoon, and I had a few hours in which to read it. 🙂

There were many good reminders and spiritual truths in this book. It covers so much about daily life — plodding, staying faithful, following Christ, being grateful, praying, embracing Christ’s beauty, the list goes on. Some areas were not applicable to me as a single girl, because I obviously don’t have toddlers clinging to me or keeping me up at night, but I know a lot of young mothers who would identify very strongly with Mrs. Neal’s words and the lessons she’s learned.
I’m not very poetic, so sometimes the poetic flow of wording slowed me down. In some cases, different formatting might would have made it a little easier to read. But still, the truths presented resounded with lessons I’ve learned from the Bible and I appreciated this little book.

Some quotes I liked:
“None of these things are ‘wrong’ in and of themselves, but sometimes we can make them into idols when they become a necessity to us –when we don’t think that we can live without them, that we can’t go on living without them.”
“I want my body back… Or my career back… Or my freedom back… Or my time back. But it isn’t mine–Sometimes I forget that.”
“Because when every support is taken away, we either fall utterly, or we fall on Jesus.”
“Beauty is born from the womb of discipline.”

“If we were never overwhelmed, how would we learn to rely upon Him?”

About the Book
Are you weary in spirit – looking for deep rest? 
Are you thirsty in your soul – needing living water? 
Do you long for a word of encouragement, helping you to persevere through the seeming monotony of motherhood, the press of modern culture, and the difficulties of the Christian life? 

Savor This Last Surrender, a 31-day devotional adapted from some of the most beloved posts from Rebekah Neal’s blog “Ready to be Offered.” Here, you’ll discover a respite – not an escape; a time of refreshment rather than of distraction; and an opportunity to surrender daily everything – heart, soul, mind, and body – to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

You’ll find each day’s selection includes nourishing quotes from past Christians who have walked the narrow way before us, as well as a heart-softening, soul-enriching selection from Rebekah. Ranging from, “Why It’s Not About Losing the Last Ten Pounds,” to “Is He Enough?”, Rebekah handles topics close to almost every woman’s heart with unswerving Scriptural faithfulness and love. 

Every daily reading includes questions for prayer, journaling, or small-group discussion.


Two Civil War Books

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

I am quickly becoming a Civil War nerd. I mean, after all, I am writing a book that era, so why not buy books and find fun collection items? 😉  My reviews for both of these books are short, but that’s because there really was so much information to process from them. I took steady notes the whole time I read them both (plus got some great story ideas…). They were both worth the read to me.

The 18th Missouri

It took me a few months to read this, just because I’m a slow reader when it comes to processing information and taking notes. But I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the 18th Missouri regiment! It covered more of an overview of the regiment, but occasionally honed in to different soldiers or officers. Starting at the very beginning of the regiment’s formation, the book satisfactorily ended with an epilogue of sorts with a brief overview of various soldiers’ lives after the war(’til death).

Being a war book, there are definitely some gruesome tales as well as men taking God’s Name in vain. I didn’t notice many curse words (I was expecting more in a secular war book).

About the Book
Gives a history of the Union 18th Missouri Infantry from its formation in July 1861 to its muster-out in July 1865. The book uses first hand accounts such as letters and diaries.

Buy the Book on Amazon

Civil War Journal of a Union Soldier

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! If you want an inside-look at a soldier’s life during the Civil War, this is it. From the rations to weather to casualties, a very thorough review of daily life was covered.

This book is invaluable to me as an author and I will definitely reference back to it.

About the Book

Harmon Camburn signed up for duty as a Union soldier two weeks after the first shots were fired in the Civil War. He served for the next three years, fighting in both Battles of Bull Run and other skirmishes of the War Between the States. His tour of duty ended with a shot through his lung and capture by Confederate soldiers. Fortunately, he survived his wounds and wrote about his time in the Union army. His great granddaughter, P.C. Zick, presents this journal along with additional annotations about the war in general. The journal weaves a tragic and compelling tapestry of war from the view at its center. Mr. Camburn’s sardonic and realistic view of war is worth remembering.
From the day of his enlistment in the Army in April 1861 in Adrian, Michigan, to his final days in the service of the army near Knoxville, Tennessee, the journal provides insight into the minutiae of a soldier’s life, from what they ate to the somewhat unorthodox method of obtaining food. It shows the horror of the battlefield to the joys of simply having the sun shine after days of rain.
Here is a personal account of war and all its sundry causes and effects from the eyes of a man who fought it.
Buy the Book on Amazon

Two Shepherd Books | Book Review

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

I was recently in a thrift store and picked up what I thought was A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. Turns out, it was another book in Phillip Keller’s “Shepherd Trilogy.” I finished reading it last week, and it was SO good. Since I was posting that review on here, I thought I’d back up and post a review of both of the “shepherd” books I had read. To find out more about the books, click the links on the titles.

I could quote half of the book…so perhaps I’ll just say you should read it. I have never known much about a sheep’s life (I heard a few lessons by Dr. Larry Guthrie), so reading about how Psalm 23 directly applies to the year of a sheep’s life (and, in turn, how it applies to believers with Jesus as our Shepherd), was really good! I finished the book with a “Wow!” Chapters 9 and 11 were probably the ones that stood out to me–talking about the rod and staff and then “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me.” This little book leaves a lot to ponder and think upon!

(The only “disclaimer” is that the version I read was NIV, while I prefer KJV, if this would bother someone)

I’ll go ahead and share just a few quotes:
“All the long and complex history of earth’s religions, pagan worship, and human philosophy is bound up with this insatiable thirst for God.”

“It is in the quiet, early hours of the morning that they are led beside the quiet, still waters where they imbibe the very life of Christ for the day. This is much more than mere figure of speech. It is practical reality. “

“It is he who makes sense and purpose and meaning come out of situations which otherwise would be but a mockery to me.”

“He who has no sense of self-importance cannot be offended or deflated.”

“Instead of finding fault with life and always asking ‘Why?’ I am willing to accept every circumstance of life in an attitude of gratitude.”

In some ways, I think I liked this book better than his exposition on Psalm 23. It was a very good read with a lot of Scripture and parallels from real shepherds. I found fascinating the study of how Jesus enters into our lives vs. how the enemy enters. The enemy “sneaks over the walls,” Jesus waits to enter the right way, not deceitfully.

This book clearly portrays God as holy and righteous and man as worthless sinners — and yet evokes a heart of gratitude to our great Savior. I enjoyed it immensely and recommend it (my only personal qualm is that he used a few different Bible translations instead of going to the original languages to explain some of the verses).

There were so many quotes I liked. And I can’t narrow down which few to share, so here are all of them…
“The only One who really has a right to manage the fold of my life is not myself, but God.”

“If we are not sensitive to the overtures of His Spirit and quickly responsive to the distinct promptings of His Word, we are not going to go anywhere with Him.”

“It simply is not enough just to agree with what God’s Spirit may have said to us. It goes far beyond even becoming emotionally exercised about what we have heard. It is possible for people to weep tears of bitterness or remorse yet never move toward God. It is equally ineffective for individuals to become merely ecstatic about some spiritual issue, for, when the emotion has passed, they are still standing precisely where they were before the call came from Christ.”

“It is presumption of the worst sort to claim His commitments to us, made so freely and in such generosity, while at the same time refusing to comply with His commands or wishes because of our own inherent selfish desires.”

“The moment I deliberately do something definite either for God or others that costs me something, I am expressing love.”

“He who has no sense of self-importance cannot be offended or deflated.”

“We are often quick to forget our blessings, slow to forget our misfortunes.”

“What Christ asks us to do as His followers is to concentrate on keeping close to Him….There is simply no substitute for this wondrous relationship with Him in a warped world.”

“We enjoy the joy of the Lord to the degree we are indwelt by the very Spirit of God. We express the love of God to the measure we allow ourselves to be indwelt by God Himself.”

“We love Him because He first loved us.
We love others because He first loved us.
We love at all because He first loved us.”

“A good environment does not guarantee good men. But noble men do generate an improved environment.”

“The man who would know God must be prepared to give time to Him.”

The Loyal Heart | Book Review

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

27840589At the beginning, I thought I wouldn’t like the book because the characters showed immediate infatuation to each other, and I’m not a huge romance fan. But though they were attracted to each other, it was not the main theme of the book.

What I liked:
There was a lot in this book that I liked. Being a Civil War fan, I enjoyed reading of the aftermath of the CW in people’s lives. The flashbacks to Johnson’s Island when the men were POW was also intriguing. The hint of mystery with Mrs. Markham’s threats, the loyalty and friendship of her servants, the love and loyalty of Phillip’s comrades. It was a very interesting and likable story.

What I didn’t like.
The main thing that lowers my rating is the Christianity, or lack of it, in the book. God or Jesus weren’t mentioned until halfway through the book. And even then, the Lord always seemed and afterthought. “He was going to need to place his complete trust in her and Kern. And the Lord, of course. He sincerely prayed that would be enough.”
Gotta get on a soapbox here and say there was more trust in the arm of flesh than in God. Prayer might be a “good idea,” but it was never enough. There wasn’t really evidence that the characters were believers. I got the impression that they stood up for themselves and fought in their own strength just fine, only turning to God when they thought they needed a little extra help. There wasn’t a personal relationship between man and God.

So, as a story, I enjoyed it. The writing style was fantastic, plot line intriguing, but the spiritual aspect found wanting.

*I received this book in exchange of my honest review from LitFuse*

Back Cover Blurb

Robert came to Galveston to fulfill his promise to a dying man and look after his widow. He didn’t expect to find love in the unlikeliest of places.

Robert Truax, former Second Lieutenant and Confederate officer in the Civil War, made a promise to his comrade Phillip Markham. If anything happened to Phillip, Robert would look after his beloved wife, Miranda. She was his life, his world, his everything.

After the war, Robert is left to pick up the pieces and fulfill his pact. When he arrives at Miranda’s home in Galveston, Texas, things are worse than he imagined. Phillip’s name has been dragged through the mud, everyone in town believes him to be a traitor, and his widow is treated as an outcast. Even more disturbing is her emotional well-being. Miranda seems hopeless, lost, and so very alone.

Robert had thought his duty would be simple. He would help Miranda as quickly as possible in order to honor a promise. But the moment Robert laid eyes on her, his plans changed. He’s mesmerized by her beauty and yearns to help her in any way he can.

He makes it his duty to protect Miranda, turn her reputation around, and to find some way to help her smile again. But it doesn’t prove to be an easy task—Robert knows something about Phillip that could shake Miranda to the core and alter her view of the man she thought she knew so well.

To purchase the book: https://www.amazon.com/Loyal-Heart-Lone-Heros-Story/dp/0310345391
To find out more about the author: http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com/

The Wildcat of Braeton | Book Review

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

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His term of service to Lord Rishdah now complete, Aiden returns to his home in Braeton. As he travels he hears rumors that trouble plagues Braeton. Clan Canich is being attacked from within. He arrives, determined to save his father, his brothers, and his Clan from the treachery of one man.

A year has passed since the Calorins were driven from Aredor and Corin is struggling to rebuild his country. Despite the peace, a fear haunts him that the Calorins aren’t far away. The Hawk Flight takes to the forest again to defend the borders against a possible attack from the neighboring country of Durna and its Calorin ally. 

As Aiden and Corin struggle to adapt to their new lives they know one thing for certain – war is coming to the North!

My Review
I personally liked this better than Book 1 in the series. It still took me a few chapters to get into it, but I loved reconnecting with the characters from Rise of Aredor. Just like Aredor, this book is filled with battles and oppressors. Claire does a good job depicting battle scenes (for my preference) — not too much gore but just enough details for you to understand what’s going on and feel the heat and excitement.

For about the first half, I had a hard time keeping characters straight because there were so many — and a couple of the characters from Aredor had name or position changes. Also, several of the characters were similar in character and speech (not enough distinguishing features), so I had to stop and think, “Now which one is this?”

At the same time, there were a few characters that took their shape nicely and were stand-alone. (Martin. Tam.) Also, relationships were progressing and, as the story continued, I found myself enjoying the balance of battles and character plots. There is more romance in this book, but it is not heavily emotional (e.g. if there is a kiss, it is more stated “he leaned and kissed her” rather than focusing on their emotions of how this kiss affected them).

Warriors and children! Ah! I thoroughly enjoyed these parts of the story. Especially towards the end between a specific warrior and child. But I shan’t divulge names.

The last battle … wow. Talk about a swirl of events and emotions! Half of me was like, “Yay, this is so realistic!” and the other half was, “But… but… _________ can’t die!!!!” Well done.

Again, things related to religion, death, and heaven were a bit strange to me. I won’t rehash what I wrote in my review of Aredore, but many similar things were in this book.

Overall, this was a very interesting two-book series and I enjoyed them.

*I received this book from the author in exchange of my honest review*

Purchase your own copy here. Purchase The Rise of Aredor here.

An Elegant Facade | Book Review

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

27066722This was a very clever and intertwined book. I haven’t read the other books by this author yet, but was able to enjoy this as a stand-alone.

In some aspects, the writing seemed a little amateur (repeating similar phrases often within a paragraph), but the plot line was so rich that it was more of an afterthought about the writing.

At first, I thought Georgina was just a snob. However, realizing that she had a reason for acting the way she did — and a secret she desperately wanted to hide from society — made her endearing.

Colin was amazing. In hindsight, it’s easy to think of him as too perfect, but his relationship with his family definitely showed him as imperfect. I really, really liked how Colin’s acceptance helped Georgina to realize God’s acceptance.

That being said, the first 3/4 of this book didn’t impress me as a Christian book. But there was a pretty strong spiritual lesson towards the end. It was very neat to see how the author tied it all together. I loved one of the character’s hunger and thirst for the Scripture!

There were a few romantic scenes, a kiss, etc. I can’t say it was the main thrust of the book (or maybe it was because I was more intrigued by Georgina’s problem that I skimmed over the romance.” ;)), but it was obviously in there.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book … and think I found a new favorite author. Looking forward to reading more!

Favorite quote:
“I think, if this is going to mean anything, He’s going to have to be my God. If He wants me to … to change, then He’s going to have to speak to me Himself.”

*I received this book in exchange of my honest review from Bethany House*

About the Book
Lady Georgina Hawthorne has worked tirelessly to seal her place as the Incomparable for her debut season. At her first London ball, she hopes to snag the attention of an earl.
With money and business connections, but without impeccable bloodlines, Colin McCrae is invited everywhere but accepted nowhere. When he first encounters the fashionable Lady Georgina, he’s irritated by his attraction to a woman who concerns herself only with status and appearance.
What Colin doesn’t know is that Georgina’s desperate social aspirations are driven by the shameful secret she harbors. Association with Colin McCrae is not part of Georgina’s plan, but as their paths continue to cross, they both must decide if the realization of their dreams is worth the sacrifices they must make. 

To purchase the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Elegant-Fa%C3%A7ade-Hawthorne-House-Book-ebook/dp/B01AO3OTTK?ie=UTF8&qid=1455829688&ref_=tmm_kin_swatch_0&sr=1-3#navbar

To learn about the author: http://www.kristiannhunter.com/

A Beauty Refined | Book Review

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
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With just the first page, I was swept into the story. I really liked Phoebe – her attitude, her demeanor, her awe of new places. Each of the characters’ past lives had stories — and they were all very interesting and connected. They all had a purpose in the story.

As with Tracie Peterson’s other books, there was a clear salvation message, which I appreciated. But there wasn’t a very clear point of when the character repented and turned to Christ — it left me guessing, “Oh, so did they accept Christ here or here? Cause I’m assuming by how they’re acting that they did.”
I liked that they upheld truth and didn’t run from problems, but I’m still not sure about the attitude of the wife who was wronged. It wasn’t clear that she forgave, but instead, she was willing to overturn her powers of revealing secrets. I realize this was for the protection of her son, but it still left me a little unsettled as to, “Is this how a true believe ought to act?” (with threats)
I really liked Ian and his stand for truth — his point of not rushing, but praying and seeking the Lord before making rash decisions based on emotions.
The way the theme with the Sapphire Duchess was interwoven through the story and how it ended up resolving was great. However, I think in some ways, there could have been more of a mysterious air to the story as a whole, instead of me as a reader figuring things out so quickly (it was stated rather than gradually shown).
I was really surprised when a couple decided to save their first kiss for their wedding day! Pleasant surprise!
There were a few drawbacks to this:
– The count had a mistress. It was quite implied, but not explicit.
– Another instance of one character falling in love with an unsaved-at-point-of-meeting and unsaved-when-falling-in-love-with-them character (this just may be one of my great pet peeves).
I wouldn’t recommend this to readers under eighteen because of the mistress as well as abuse, beatings, and bloodshed.

*I received this book in exchange of my honest review from LitFuse Publicity Group.*

Back Cover Blurb
Phoebe Von Bergen is excited to accompany her father when he travels from Germany to purchase sapphires in Montana. Little does she know that her father’s plans–for the gemstones and his daughter–are not what they seem. 

Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie–a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Meeting Ian has changed everything. Phoebe is determined to stay in America, regardless of her father’s plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger as the deception begins to unravel.


Tracie Peterson
About the Author

Tracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.










Enter giveaway: http://bit.ly/29KDZOX
A Beauty Refined Tracie Peterson