Review: Love on the Mend by Karen Witemeyer

Book Cover and Synopsis:

After serving as a doctor during the War Between the States, Jacob Sadler wants nothing more than to establish a quiet country practice in rural Texas. But he knows he'll never find peace until he buries the pain of his past. To that end, he accepts a job in Cold Spring, Texas--the town he's avoided for seventeen years--and discovers his past is definitely still alive and kicking.

When a new doctor arrives in town and saves her brother's leg, Mollie Tate quickly puts him on a hero's pedestal. But then the new doc insults her "Uncle" Curtis. Years ago, Curtis Sadler rescued Mollie when no one else cared. How could he possibly be the villain the new doctor believes him to be?

Jacob doesn't know what to make of the young woman who assists him like a seasoned nurse one minute only to take a strip out of his hide the next. Yet the sparks that fly between them make him feel more alive than he has in a long time. As respect for his young nurse turns into something deeper, can he set aside the pain from his past to embrace this new love, or are some sins too big to be forgiven?

My source for book: Local Library

My Thoughts:
Love on the Mend wastes no time getting started with a dramatic first chapter that quickly sucked me in despite not being familiar with the characters. That's exactly the way all novellas should be! I liked how Jacob was so knowledgeable about the newest medical ideas and bravely stood up for what he knew was the best treatment, despite less informed people trying to push their opinions. I also liked how Mollie was so adept at being a nurse even though she had no previous experience of any kind. She struck me as maybe just a bit too perky, but overall I enjoyed both her and Jacob's characters. The point of view rotates back and forth between the two of them.

Unfortunately the story does have that rushed feeling that is so common to novellas, where certain aspects of the plot seem to move rather fast due to the page limitations. (This is most noticeable in the various relationships between the characters; it's not terrible, it's just the typical novella speed.) There actually is a good amount of story and detail regarding the plot, conflicts, and back-story, so I could fairly easily see the story being expanded into a full length novel...and I actually think it would be a bit stronger in that format.

While this is a sequel of sorts to "Full Steam Ahead" (it features one character from that novel), it can definitely be read as a standalone story. I do like the author's full novels better, but this novella is still worth a look if you're a fan of the author, as I am. Karen continues to be one of my favorite historical fiction authors as she always invents such entertainingly unique situations and plot lines. No, this isn't quite like one of her full length novels, but it's certainly a nice way to fill some time if you find yourself in-between novels.

My Rating: 4 stars

Review: A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

Book Cover and Synopsis:

Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.

Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan’s Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the little girl entrusted to her care after her mother’s death. Charlotte promised Lily’s mother she’d keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.

When the teacher he’s after produces documentation that shows she’s the little girl’s legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he’s been led to believe. Is Miss Atherton villain or victim? She acts more like a loving mother than an abductress, and the children in her care clearly adore her. Should Stone break his perfect record?

Then a new danger threatens, and Charlotte is forced to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone becomes determined to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he’s ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte’s heart.

My source for book: Review Copy

My Thoughts:
Like all of Karen's stories, A Worthy Pursuit has an extremely creative (but not un-realistic) storyline. The first chapter starts out strong, but after that for some reason it took me a while to really get "sucked in" to the plot. However once that point came, I did enjoy the story quite a bit.

The relationship and trust development between Charlotte and Stone moved a bit faster than I expected, but the circumstances demanded it and in light of that it was ultimately handled well. I sort of marveled at the trust Charlotte gave when she knew so little about Stone (I would certainly be more hesitant!), but at the same time I admired it because she really had a good head on her shoulders and the situation made for a very good story.

The kids with their extraordinary talents are a unique addition to the story, but it's Lily and her dime novel obsession that really sticks out in my mind. I liked the idea that the novels she liked so much were actually exaggerated stories of Stone and his comrades. This was a fun and very creative idea that worked extremely well within the story. Lily's star struck attitude towards "Dead Eye Dan" was amusing, and his reaction to the whole situation was amusing as well.

While I don't think A Worthy Pursuit is my favorite story from the author, overall I did mostly enjoy it. Aside from a slightly slow start--which in all fairness was probably just me--it's an entertaining story that has a lot to offer with romance, drama, and even some danger! This is one that most fans of historical fiction will likely enjoy.

My Rating: 4 stars

Thanks to the publisher (Bethany House) for providing me with a review copy via NetGalley.

Review: Beyond the Ashes by Karen Barnett

Book Cover and Synopsis:

Where better to rebuild and face one’s fears than in 1906 San Francisco, a city rising from the ashes? Ruby Marshall, a young widow, is certain she’ll discover new purpose assisting her brother Robert with his cancer research, but she doesn’t anticipate finding new love. Dr. Gerald Larkspur dreams of filling his empty home with family, but he’d always hoped it would be a wife and children. In the aftermath of the great earthquake, the rooms are overflowing with extended family and friends left homeless by the disaster. When Robert’s widowed sister arrives, the close quarters seem close indeed. Ruby and Gerald’s fledgling romance is put at risk when Gerald develops symptoms of the very disease they’re striving to cure. Together they must ask—is it worth a second chance at love when time might be short?

My source for book: Review Copy

My Thoughts:
I had high hopes for this novel as I really enjoyed the first in the series, but unfortunately the storyline of this sequel never managed to suck me in or grab my attention. It seemed a bit too crowded with all the closely related characters...while I did like their crowded living arrangements, I had a fair amount of trouble keeping everyone's names and family relationships straight.

Ruby's character was fine and I had no qualms with her being the story's heroine, but the leading man, Gerald, unfortunately really annoyed me. He did have faith in God, but his attitude consistently struck me as being quite pessimistic. While this attitude can obviously be realistic, I found that it didn't endear him to me at all. I was also rather irritated that he let his possible health issue go without care for so long.

One of the positives that sticks out in my mind from this story is the character of Patrick, who is a rather eccentric pastor. He's also a possible suitor for Ruby, and I honestly liked him so much better than Gerald. Patrick really has a unique personality considering his profession, and I really enjoyed his part of the story even though he's only a minor character. I hope in the future Patrick might get a book of his own. I would definitely be interested in that!

Overall, I have to say I was glad when I finally reached the end of Beyond the Ashes so I could move on to other things. It's strange because I really really liked the first book in the series, but even the fact that some of the original characters made occasional appearances wasn't enough to save this one for me. I had trouble connecting with the story, and the characters also struggled to hold my attention. I debated between 2 and 3 stars, but I ultimately decided on 3 because there were a few parts I did like, such as Ruby learning to drive despite her extreme fear of cars. (Although this seemed slightly odd as she seemed to overcome her fear a bit too easily given her history.) I'm hoping this book is just a bump in the road and that the next book will once again raise the bar. I'm not ready to give up on the author (or series) yet, so I'm curious to see what the next book will bring.

My Rating: 3 stars

Thanks to the publisher (Abingdon) for providing me with a review copy via NetGalley.

Review: Tiffany Girl by Deanne Gist

Book Cover and Synopsis:

As preparations for the 1893 World’s Fair set Chicago and the nation on fire, Louis Tiffany—heir to the exclusive Fifth Avenue jewelry empire—seizes the opportunity to unveil his state-of-the-art, stained glass, mosaic chapel, the likes of which the world has never seen.

But when Louis’s dream is threatened by a glassworkers’ strike months before the Fair opens, he turns to an unforeseen source for help: the female students at the New York Art Institute. Eager for adventure, the young women pick up their skirts, move to boarding houses, take up steel cutters, and assume new identities as the “Tiffany Girls.”

Tiffany Girls is the heartwarming story of the impetuous Flossie Jayne, a beautiful, budding artist who is handpicked by Louis to help complete the Tiffany chapel. Though excited to live in a boarding house when most women stayed home, she quickly finds the world is less welcoming than anticipated. From a Casanova male, to an unconventional married couple, and a condescending singing master, she takes on a colorful cast of characters to transform the boarding house into a home while racing to complete the Tiffany chapel and make a name for herself in the art world.

As challenges mount, her ambitions become threatened from an unexpected quarter: her own heart. Who will claim victory? Her dreams or the captivating boarder next door?

My source for book: Review Copy

My Thoughts:
I had previously never before heard of the "Tiffany Girls", but this book easily brings them and their unique--but often unknown--profession to life. Flossie (I love that name!) was an entertaining heroine; her spunky nature combined with her occasional cluelessness made for some very amusing moments.

The scenes involving the creation of the stained glass windows were interesting and gave a look at the unbelievable amount of time and work just one window required. Also, I previously never knew how Tiffany jewelers and Tiffany glass were related, but now I do! :)

I must admit that initially I didn't like Reeve at all due to his negativity and bad attitude towards Flossie and other girls with jobs outside the home. I couldn't imagine my opinion about him changing... until I found that it actually did! Suddenly I liked him, and upon looking back I could see that he had slowly changed, and it was handled so smoothly that I barely realized it was happening. I love when an author can pull off such a smooth transition, displaying a large amount of growth and development of the character.

Something that really stood out to me was how when Reeve took in a stray cat, it wasn't at all considered un-manly or anything like the stereotypes of men and cats today. This was extremely refreshing for me. You can tell a lot about someone by how they treat animals, and going by that standard Reeve is a winner! :)

While the conflict between Flossie and Reeve was extremely predictable, I still enjoyed the overall journey. The amount of time it took them to reconcile was a bit longer than I would have preferred, but I was ultimately still happy with the outcome. I actually generally like contemporary stories more than historical, however this one had the power and story to really pull me in. It's definitely a winner, and I'm sure established fans of the author (and also new-comers!) won't be disappointed.

My Rating: 5 stars

Thanks to the publisher (Howard Books) for providing me with a review copy via NetGalley.

Review: Married Til Monday by Denise Hunter

Book Cover and Synopsis:

With a big anniversary party in the works for her parents, Ryan will pretend to be Abby's husband for just one last weekend.

Ryan McKinley has tried to move on from his ex-wife, Abby. He’s sulked, he’s gotten angry, and ultimately he bought her dream house. Big mistake. Living alone in the massive 2-story has only made him miss her more. When her parents call him out of the blue about their anniversary party in Summer Harbor, Maine, Ryan believes God has dropped a golden opportunity straight in his lap.

Abby McKinley never exactly told her parents about the divorce. A strained relationship with her dad has culminated in a distant relationship with her parents, but she’s finally succumbed to her mom’s pressure to make the drive for their 35th-anniversary party.

Then Ryan shows up on her doorstep, looking as devastatingly handsome as ever. When he insists he’s going to Seabrook, with or without her, Abby knows she can’t say no. Her parents still think they’re married and now Ryan knows it too. Besides, he only wants to check in with his best friend from college—her cousin Beau, who just lost his dad. It’s just a one-week road-trip with the man who broke her heart. What could possibly go wrong?

My source for book: Review Copy

My Thoughts:
I'm generally not a fan of stories that revolve around divorce, but with Denise Hunter's name on the cover I knew I had to give this one a chance... and I'm glad I did. The story is very engaging, and even though certain aspects are fairly predictable, it's still an entertaining and amusing journey.

The point of view alternates back and forth between Ryan and Abby, and in addition there are also two alternating timelines. The "now" timeline is the most prominent, but the story of their first meeting and subsequent relationship development is also woven in. This was a touch I wasn't expecting but really appreciated, as the timeline from the past is a bit lighter in nature. Getting to see the events from the past helps to flesh out the characters and at the same time it gives valuable back-story to some of their personality traits.

The story ultimately shines a light on how our pasts can effect us in ways we'd never imagine, and how we might not even realize it...even when the effects are reeking havoc in our lives. It has definitely caused me to pause and consider some things in my own life from a different angle, and I suspect this viewpoint will likely stay with me for quite a while.

While it's true this isn't my favorite in the Chapel Springs series--simply because the plot isn't really my normal thing--I did enjoy it for the most part. I admit it did seem to lose a bit of steam towards the end, causing my focus to waver, but ultimately it ended well and overall I'm glad I read it. Honestly it's hard to go wrong with a Denise Hunter novel, and this one is no exception! 

My Rating: 4 stars

Thanks to the publisher (Thomas Nelson) for providing me with a review copy via NetGalley.