A beautiful historical romance story that readers will love!
925532
Readers will be thrilled with Shelley Shepard Grays book one in the Lone Star Hero Series, The Loyal Heart.  A beautifully written novel that is full of historic incites, loveable characters, and a love story that includes a passion and fierce loyalty not only to love but to protect.  A huge fan of historical fiction, I immediately fell in love with this delightful story and its characters.  Shelleys research of the historical background of the story also shines through, bringing this novel to life.  I would recommend this story to readers that enjoy books written by Shelley Shepard Gray, as well as fans of historical romance.

Series: Lone Star Hero
Genre: historical, romance, Christian
Publisher: Zondervan
Publication date: July 12, 2016
Number of pages: 320

Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars

Other books in the series:
2-An Uncommon Protector (coming February 2017)

A review copy of this book was provided by LitFuse.
3145124
This highly enjoyable story features a lively cast of characters that promises to make Ms. Jeffries newest series a hit. Max and Lisette sparkle with chemistry that smolders on the pages. Fans of historical romance will want to grab this story!

Kaitlin
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
- See more at: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/whatthedukedesiresbook1bysabrinajeffries.html#.Uco2cpzm_3A
611678
The story of Jamie Montgomery, and Lorna Sutherland is captivating.  From the auspicious beginning of the tragedy of the Sutherlands, the amount of connection between the two, was nothing short of magical.  I do believe that some people just touch you from the minute you meet them, and these two characters shared that connection from the time they were children, until 15 year later as adults.  Eliza Knight has captured my interest, as I love a book that makes me care about the central story line, and actually feel some of the highs and sorrows on the pages.  I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in historical romance!  I am looking forward to my next Eliza Knight novel!
1565957
CAPTURED BY DESIRE by Kira Morgan is an amazing historical romance set in 1548 Scotland. It is well written with depth and details. The characters and plot are well developed, easy to follow, and will definitely fall in love with. It has betrayal, romance, sensuality, wit, danger, spies,trust, acceptance, finding your heritage, and following your heart. It is fast paced, a page turner, set on the edge of your seat, with twists and turns. It will capture your heart from page one to the end. The hero, Rane, is handsome, sexy, a huntsman for the sheriff,Lord Gilbert, loved by all the women of his village, tender hearted, and keeps his promises. He is also part Scottish and part Viking, which is supposed to make him irresistible to all woman. Legend is their is a curse which makes women love him. The heroine, Florie, is tall, strong willed, a goldsmith, determined to not fall in love or lose her heart to anyone. She is  determined to find her biological father from an treasured heirloom giving to her by her mother on her deathbed. This heirloom causes her trouble from the wife of the Lord Gilbert(Lady Mavis), she recognizes the heirloom and is determined to destroy it and its owner. What follows is a dramatic conclusion with adventure, love, hate, betrayal, and what could have been a disaster for both Florie and Rane and their love. I would highly recommend this book especially if you enjoy all the romance and splender of a wonderful amazing historical romance. This book was received for review and details can be found at Forever an imprint of Hachette Book Group and My Addiction and More.
3602816
This is such a beautiful, BEAUTIFUL story!  If you didn't know this already, my absolute favorite U.S. historical romance book is Francine Rivers' Redeeming Love, and I have to tell you, this story is pretty much right up there with that book!  I did my fair share of crying while reading this.

I haven't read Into the Free yet (the first book in this series) but I'm going to now!  You don't have to read it in order to understand When Mountains Move.  Julie Cantrell explains anything you need to know from the first book within the second book.

Millie is a strong young woman, but she has her insecurities, just like any normal 17 year-old girl.  She's also gone through some terrible things in her short life...and she hasn't told her soon-to-be husband about one of them; that event is about to rock her world in ways she couldn't have imagined.  However, Millie is determined to make things work when she and Bump start their new life pretty much in the middle of nowhere.  And even though she will always miss her Mississippi home, Millie is discovering just how beautiful and open the Colorado wilderness can be.  Maybe, just maybe, she'll be able to start over here, to forget the awful things that have happened to her before she and Bump moved to the ranch.  But the one thing she never told Bump about is going to show its face sooner or later, and Millie has no idea if she'll be able to keep Bump from figuring out what happened to her.  How do you keep the good separate from the bad?  And how do you keep secrets from the one person in your life you're supposed to be able to tell everything?

Besides the fact that this story is beautiful in and of itself, it also takes place during a time when our nation was participating in war...a time where wives were left alone with their children, homes and farms to take care of while husbands were off fighting in foreign countries, not knowing if they would ever return to their families.  These things, among others, have changed the people in Millie and Bump's area of the Colorado wilderness.  And one woman, in particular, is about to rock the boat.

I wish I could express to you just how much this novel affected me!  But, I don't want to spoil the story for you.  So, I guess all that's left to say is READ IT!  You won't be disappointed!
479136
In a complex, lusty tale of feuding Scottish clans during the time of James IV of Scotland and Henry VIII of England, Henley serves up a story that will grab you from the first page and will not let you go. I loved it. Henley has the ability to capture not only the time period, but also the culture of the borderlands between Scotland and England and the difficult but wonderful relationship between two stubborn, courageous people. I highly recommend this one.

Set in Scotland in 1512, TEMPTED is the story of clans Douglas, Hamilton and Kennedy. Beautiful Valentina Kennedy, the oldest of the Kennedy daughters, was known as Flaming Tina for her glorious red-gold hair and her feisty temper. She was raised with her sister and brothers in Castle Doon in Ayr on the Southwest coast of Scotland where her father ruled as the Lord of Galloway. Tina despaired the lot of women that prevented them from enjoying male pursuits, and she frequently joined her brothers in their activities. But when she turns 17, her father insists she say yes to one of her many suitors. Tina thinks to marry the Hamilton heir but is happy when a gypsy tells her there will be no wedding for her this year. In a surprising turn of events, she is hand fasted to her enemy, the powerful Black Ram Douglas, who she considers to be a brute of a man. Tina intends to have her revenge.

Henley develops some wonderful characters, including the ghosts of two star-crossed lovers from the past (another Kennedy and Douglas pairing), who constantly entertain. She paints vivid word pictures of the food, clothing and castles that draw you in and help you experience the times--and she does it all very well. In a fitting climax to the story, she superbly describes the battle between the English and Scots at Flodden where Scotland experienced a terrible defeat.

This is going on my Best Scottish/Highlander Historical Romances list!

The second in the 2-book Clan Kennedy Saga is THE BORDER HOSTAGE and I recommend it, too!
2619608
Prepare yourself to shed some tears, because Loved by a Duke, will take you on a roller coaster ride of strong emotions. Christi Caldwell, really caught me by surprise, with her fourth story in The Heart of a Duke series. She nicely blended her rich characters Daisy, a gentle, unsecured and romantic young woman and matched her with the tortured Duke, named Auric.

Their love story is so touching and their relationship very complex! When, I first started to read this beautiful story, set in the Regency era, I fell in love with the heroine Daisy, because of her flaws and insecurities, I found it refreshing to find an heroine doubting herself like a real woman. I did find Auric a little ungrateful. But, I soon, changed my mind when I discovered the real man! Love has many ways, to reunited two beautiful souls, in need of passion. With time, patience, and trust, will Daisy and Auric, accept their past and move on with their lives?

I could not put it down, it's a real page turner! Some scenes are very touching emotionally!

I am a huge fan of Christi Caldwells novels, she really writes charming historical romances that please me. Loved by a Duke, really made me cried and feel some beautiful emotions.

Do give it a try, you won't be disappointed!
2728848
A new author for me, but definitely one I will be reading again. I was unsure about the book as it plays off during the main characters "Autumn" time period of their lives, but the romance was beautiful and their history together added another layer to the story.
The plot kept me hooked to the end with several unexpected twists involved! I enjoyed all the historical facts from the time period!
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion, which was given.
3237970
This was a newly discovered  author for me, and after reading this book, I'll be looking for more.  Highly recommended for fans of historical romance.  The story takes place during the war between England and France.

Brittony is the daughter of an important British official.  She's a strong and very independent heroine--very stubborn, too.  She goes for a long visit to her aunt in France before her parents can manage to marry her off.  She becomes friends with a young French idealist and becomes passionately involved with the movement against the French government.  Her friend is badly wounded, and makes it to her bedroom window, where he dies in her arms.  She is later arrested as a spy, questioned by one who becomes her enemy since she had turned down a marriage proposal for him.

Jonathan is half English, half Scot, though he considers himself an Englishman and feels unwelcome by his Scots relatives, leaving the estate he inherits there to be run by his cousin.  He's in France on a secret mission for the Crown, and has to abandon it feeling compelled to rescue Brittony and get her out of France and back to safety in England.  The story progresses as they travel across France to find passage on a boat to England, having to walk to avoid those searching for Brittony.  Danger and intrigue along the way, with Brittony resenting his taking charge since she feels capable of taking care of herself.  She exasperates him to no end, yet he admires her spunk and becomes attracted to her, as does she to him despite her resentment.  They become closer during their travels, and eventually she wonders if they might not escape and decides she wants to experience loving and  to seduce him.  He tries to resist, not wanting to marry and knowing that she's not the sort to be trifled with, and that his honor would demand marriage if he succumbs, but they end up coming passionately together.

They do eventually make it back to England, but there's still more  to come; and they part angrily soon after their return.  Jonathan is called away to his estate in Scotland and later finds she is in danger and need of rescue again.  The plot moves right along, keeping your interest, with surprises along the way.  Their building romance is not an easy one being that both are very independent and used to having their own way, Brittony more so, resenting her limitations as a woman in that time.  I liked both characters, rooting for them to find love and happiness together.

Pam P.
3097503
I very much enjoyed this historical romance and could not put it down! The characters were well developed and the situations were very "real".

I give it a 4 though because there were some minor errors that bothered me as incorrect words were misplaced having to re-read the sentence in order to "accommodate" the real meaning intended. This could have been easily caused by "correction" programs that should have been monitored closely.

However, please do not be put down by this last comment. The book has a well though out story line, with a satisfying ending to it.

If you like historical romance you will like this book for sure! Enjoy!
1342975
O absolutely loved this book once I started reading it I could barely stop! I strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical romance! The author created an amazing story!
3983263
I fell in love with this beautiful tale about love in wartime, and trusting yourself.

Lorna's life is full of chores on her family's farm in Scotland during World War II. With two brothers fighting, it's up to Lorna and her father to keep the farm running, so when Paul, a German POW is sent to help out, her father takes him on. Initially suspicious, Lorna gets to know and care for Paul, but as tensions mount between the village, Lorna's family and friends, she has to decide what she is willing to fight for.

I loved the historical details and beautiful descriptions in this novel. Caroline Leech effortlessly transports the reader to another time, with characters who feel real, like longtime friends. The story was compelling with complicated relationships and no easy answers. I loved Lorna and cheered for her through every page. A captivating story!
245675
I was getting depressed by how long it's been since I've written a five star review, but I'm happy to have a found a new author who will hopefully continue down the path of this wonderful historical romance.  How refreshing for the 1800's, that a couple meet, fall in love and marry, albeit it with a little help, before falling down the path of unslakable lust, even if it is all in a matter of days.  I've had my fill of why couples can't be together so this premise was such an unexpected treat on top of the fact that there's real chemistry here.  Add a huge dose of humor, and fantastic cast of supporting characters, a unique ability, and some intrigue and I was completely riveted.

Considered a upstart from America, Elizabeth, has moved to England to live with her Aunt, the widowed Countess Penbroke, after her parent's death and a falling out she had with a friend back home.  While at a country party at the estate of the Duke of Bradford, Elizabeth wanders off to avoid the awkward social setting and ends up attempting to rescue a kitten who's stuck in the shrubs.  Unbeknownst to her, she's stumbled upon the silent reverie of Austin, the duke himself and they end up striking a conversation.  Austin is amazed that she's not throwing herself at him in attempts at a match and it appears that she has no idea who he is.  When Elizabeth ends up touching him, she gets a vision of Austin's dead brother William, but from her vision, she can see that William is very much alive.  Tormented by a secret involving William, Austin is immediately suspicious of Elizabeth's questions regarding William and decides to keep close track of her to find out what her ulterior motives are, except as he spends time with her, he can't help but fall in love with her beauty, laughter and innocence.  They're barely married when their chance at happiness comes crashing down as they're thrown into danger trying to find William and while also dealing with heartbreaking visions that come to Elizabeth.

As the title suggests, it is very much a whirlwind wedding, and although Elizabeth and Austin have known each other for a short time, they get pages and pages of relationship building, conversations, and mud fights that are fun, mysterious, and steaming hot.  Austin is an absolute dream of a duke who constantly walks about with an "Elizabeth feeling" he eventually identifies as love and Elizabeth is wonderful and courageous as she does everything in her ability to cherish and protect the man she loves.  Although there is a moment of annoying and unnecessary stupidity to cause grief and angst, it was short lived and couldn't ruin the overall magic of the story.  There were also short and sweet secondary romances in this story which weren't even necessary as a distraction.  Quite the contrary, I loved Austin's best friend Miles so much I wish he had his own novel, but regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed this from beginning to end and look forward to more from this author.
2355588
My heart is all warm and gooey after reading this lovely book!

To be honest I have never read from Darcy Burke before nor was she familiar to me. It so happened that I was in a mood for a historical romance when I stumbled across this gem on Netgalley. The blurb literally piqued my curiosity, I immediately knew I had to read this book. To my utter surprise I ended up loving everything about this book, the story, those characters, and the heart-warming romance was exactly what I needed right now.

The Duke of Ruin is a story of a widower who is accused of murdering his wife and a spinster who is seeking a husband desperately so as to get away from the clutches of her abusive father.

Simon Hastings is a social outcast who constantly lives in guilt. Its been two years since he lost his wife and unborn child, not a day goes by when he doesnt blame himself for their death. He has no intention of taking another wife, but a playful kiss with a stranger awakens the deeply buried desire to be touched and loved by someone again.

Diana Kingman was groomed to be a perfect duchess, growing up in a strict household made her detached and guarded. She was betrothed to Duke of Kilve and was certain this marriage would make her father proud of her and bring him a lot of respect in society. However, Duke of Kilve is in love with another woman and pursue her to marry, leaving Simon in charge to break his engagement with Diana. This news should have broken Dianas heart but deep down she always wanted to marry for love, she is nothing but happy for the couple. On the other hand, she is certain her father will be furious and would blame her for calling off the wedding.

Simon didn't want to leave Dianna alone to deal with the mess and the upcoming scandal. Compassionate as he is, he offers to help her escape and get her settled in some place far away from her fathers wrath. Thus, starts a road trip of love, life, and emotional discovery. I love the way their relationship bloomed over time, developing an emotional connection, mutual adoration, trusting and falling in love all the way.

This was such a delightful read with a well-written storyline youll just breeze through. Its kind of a story that will bring a smile on your face with its heart-melting romance, a definite re-read material!

FYI, I read it as a standalone even if its a part of the series, it still didn't spoil the experience for me.
1457654
This book is one of the best books I have read this year! It is the perfect blend of drama, romance, and history! The story takes place in war torn France, which was wonderfully written and full of detail. The main characters are Ariah, a young woman with a haunting past, living with her daughter and sister, getting by to survive, and Gabriel, who is a comrade in Napoleon's army and also has a haunting past. The two meet through grisly circumstances and fate but eventually bring out the best in one another and find what they needed all their life could be found within the other person. Both have very grim pasts but find the light through love for each other and family. They discover that they are one another's destiny and must get through many obstacles to be happy together.

This book is full of unexpected twists that make the reader want to keep turning the page. If life would have permitted it, I would have read this book all day! The characters are very likable (except Geoffrey, of course!), as well as very well written, and I felt for them and cared for them all as I was reading! The epilogue was also so lovely, and was a beautiful closing to the story. I definitely recommend this book! The shocking obstacles and truths about Ariah and Gabriel's pasts, the rich detailed history, and the beautiful romance make this book a perfect read!
1392108
In Until the Dawn, Sophie van Riijns goal in life is to convince the government to create a permanent weather station in her country town.  She already has a temporary one set up on the roof of the historic mansion nearbywhich creates a problem when the owner comes back after a sixty year absence to find that Sophie had set it up without his permission.  Then, when she finds out the owners plan to demolish the ancient building because of the curse ascribed to it, Sophie determines to convince them otherwise.

Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden was a beautifully written historical romance.  It reminded me of the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast.  Sophie was beautiful inside and out, though she was considered a little odd by the townsfolk.  And Quentin is the Beast, with his lame leg and unpleasant personality.  I loved seeing how Sophies light shone through the darkness and depression in Quentins life!

I loved the character Sophie very much.  She was a sweet, beautiful person in every way.  She faithfully pursued her dreams even when the town thought Sophie a fool for doing so.  Her endless passion and kindness made me forget that she was only moderately intelligent (meaning she was a B/C average in grade school and no degree); I only comment on this because it became a problem for some of her goalsshe was intelligent in many other ways!  And, as a side note, I would really like to try the cooking she was so famous for.

The setting was the ancient estate of Dierenpark, which had been empty for several decades.  The estate was described so beautifully, I want to go there!  I could not find any information online about it, making me think it is an imaginary location, but I commend the author for her lovely descriptions that captured my imagination.

A major theme in Until the Dawn is Science versus Religion.  The characters even went so far as to have a literal competition between the two sides, each trying to prove the other invalid.  It was very interesting to read about.  I will not tell which side won, but I was quite satisfied with how the competition ended.  But the question makes me wonder what would have happened in this situation if it had been the real world.  As realistic as the author made the story seem, it is still a work of fiction, and, unless the situation really did exist, there is no way to know how true it would be.

In all, I really enjoyed this book.  It was worth all the time I spent reading it, and I hope to read more of Elizabeth Camdens books in the future.  I recommend it to those who enjoy sweet historical romances.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
568652
A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette is a unique and beautiful read! It is the first book to a new series called CITIES OF REFUGE, but it does connect to the debut series by this author. In fact, we meet the main character of this book, Moriyah, in Wings of the Wind!

Connilyn Cossette does a masterful job with writing fiction set in Biblical times! She brings history to life, and we get a glimpse of heroic historical figures such as Moses, Miriam, and Joshua. Plus, her fictional characters are always so authentic and likable. I was so excited to get to read further about Moriyah! Though she is much older than when I last "saw" her, it was wonderful to see more of her story. It was hard, but worthwhile. And fun, at times. Moriyah has to work through a lot, but she has a sweet and spirited personality. And Darek! Oh, I quite liked him. *smiles* There were a lot of characters I really enjoyed in A Light on the Hill.

For a good portion of this book, I was reading eagerly (sometimes late into the night.) Loving going on this journey with Moriyah. Watching her fall in love. Seeing the manliness, and brute skill and strength of Darek, but also the tenderness and sense of humor. Cannanites, lions, cities of refuge, travel ... excitement, tragedy, danger, mercy. Though sometimes my heart constricted at the seemingly injustice and harshness of the law, A Light on the Hill was ultimately such a beautifully and tenderly redemptive story. It was intriguing learning more about this time in history - particularly concerning the Jews' culture - and I was ultimately satisfied with how things ended.

The end-ish of the book got a little heavy on the romance aspect. I would have rather it didn't focus on that so much, and I didn't approve of/appreciate some of the unmarried couple's actions toward each other, though ultimately Moriyah (view spoiler)

Overall, Connilyn Cossette delivers another fabulous and heartfelt story. I can't wait to read more by her!

I received a copy of A Light on the Hill from Bethany House Publishers