An Improper Proposal by Davalynn Spencer

Historical Suspense

An Improper Proposal

Davalynn Spencer

4 stars

When a mail order bride and a rancher who has given up on love are thrown into a

dangerous situation, God makes amazing things happen even in the face of tragedy. Written in the third person limited point-of-view, we follow the two main' characters in this moderate to fast-paced, exciting, page-turning tale of love and heartache, showing the real struggles of what Frontier life in the West was like back in the 1800’s. This is book 1 of 2 in the Front Range Bride series that will stay with you well after the book is over. The author ties everything up but leaves us wanting more, by providing no epilogue, in anticipation of what is to come with book 2. Recommended for those who love a historical romance with a bit of mystery thrown in. 

Mail-order bride Mae Ann Remington has traveled a long way to get married, only to have her intended shot and killed shortly after meeting. Rancher Cade Parker is in the bank during the shooting and offers his assistance with the burial of Mae Ann's intended. Cade offers to pay her way back home since her purse was stolen but she has no family or home to return to and has a “business proposition” she throws at Cade. All she wants is a stable, safe environment to call her own and, if Cade chooses to accept, she will do her best to provide a wonderful home with good food. He feels inclined to accept her "business proposition" but is taken aback when emotions run hot. As it becomes apparent that someone or ones want to harm her, will they figure out what is going on before it is too late?

(WILSON CREEK, Apr, 278 pgs, $7.99)
Reviewed by Jenny Falcone

Series: Front Range Brides

978-0998951201 (Amazon)

April 2,2018

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Together Forever by Jody Hedlund (Orphan Train Series-book 2)

An amazingly accurate telling of what it was like for orphans as well as the agents in charge of orphans back in the 1800's. This book will make you laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. Along the way, God helps them all through the ups and downs of travelling via steam rail from NYC to Illinois. We encounter a tragic accident that, only with the grace of God can be overcome. Through the uncertainty, hurts, fears, laughter and tears, Marianne and Drew band together to love the orphans and help to secure them a better life then living on the street of NYC.

I read this as a standalone even though this is technically book 2 of the Orphan Train series. Book 1 followed Marianne's older sister. The author gave us just enough background to understand some of what took place in book 1. We are also left with some cliff-hangers to gear us up for book 3 that will be released in December 2018 (Sophie's story). If you can, read them in order; if not, this is a wonderful book you won't want to put down.

This book will draw you in and dig down deep into your heart.

MY HEART BELONGS IN CASTLE GATE, UTAH: LEANNA'S CHOICE by Angie Dicken

MY HEART BELONGS IN CASTLE GATE, UTAH: LEANNA'S CHOICE

Author(s): 

Angie Dicken

RT Rating:

  

Genre:

Inspirational, Historical Romance

Publisher:

Barbour Books

Dicken creates a sweet romance that portrays the very real prejudices that Americans had toward immigrants during the 1900s. This book puts into perspective the struggles individuals must face when they leave their own homes and adjust to life in a new country and the different class systems of the time. Our main characters will struggle to overcome the obstacles put in their way, not only from their families but from society as well. With well-written characters and descriptive scenes, the readers will get a clear mental picture, as well as feel many deep emotions.

Leanna McKee has every intention of leaving the coal-mining town of Castle Gate, Utah, after a mine collapse takes the life of her husband. The only thing keeping her there is a lack of funds and her teaching job where she educates the Greek children she has grown to love. Greek immigrants live on one side of town, Americans on the other, and never the two shall meet — except in the mine, of course. Until one day when Alex Pappas, a Greek miner who had tried to save her husband, comes by her house with his brother’s children. Alex's sister-in-law is on bed rest with her third child, and the family fears the fate of the children if they were to walk to school alone through the American side of town. The worst threat being from Leanna's neighbor, Coffey, who lives across the street. He constantly watches her and stirs up trouble for Alex with the other miners. Will Alex be Leanna's second chance at love, or will Coffey manage to run her off? (BARBOUR, Nov., 256 pp., $12.99)

Reviewed by: 

Jenny Falcone for RT Book Reviews

Return to Whispering Pines by Scarlett Dunn

RETURN TO WHISPERING PINES

Author(s): 

Scarlett Dunn

RT Rating:

  

Genre:

Inspirational, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense

Sensuality:

Mild

Published:

April 24 2018

Publisher:

Zebra

In the second installment of the Langtry Sisters series, Dunn opens with our main character arriving with three orphans to her hometown; she hasn’t been back for almost 10 years now. Dunn gives great visual accounts of the town, with well-developed characters. We are introduced to new characters and reintroduced to main and sub characters from book one. You will enjoy seeing what past characters have been up to. With fast-paced writing and many unexpected twists and turns, you will want to keep reading to see the outcome. Like the first installment, this book leads the reader to strong emotions and opinions. Conflict begins right from the start.

Adelaide Langtry has returned to Whispering Pines with three siblings in her care and the backing to open a new orphanage in her grandmother's old home. Sheriff Jack Roper was an orphan and on his own much of his youth and understands what Adelaide's young charges are going through. Sparks fly when Adelaide and the Sheriff spend more time together. Old enemies show up, causing havoc. Then, one orphan is adopted without his siblings and Adelaide's ex-beau shows up to take them all back home with him. He is adamant that Adelaide not interfere. Since her ex is the son of the orphanage’s major donors, he is essentially Adelaide's boss. What will she decide to do when she knows something is not right with the adoption? Jack is determined to help her regardless of the ramification. (ZEBRA, May, 384 pp., $7.99)

Reviewed by: Jenny Falcone for RT Book Reviews 

The Hearts Appeal by Jennifer Delamere

RT Rating:

  

Genre:

Inspirational, Historical Romance

Published:

March 6 2018

Publisher:

Bethany House Publishers

In the second book in the London Beginnings series, Delamere writes a heartfelt novel set in 1881 London. While being introduced to many new characters, about halfway through the book characters from book one return, which adds a nice dynamic to the story and allows readers the chance to play catch-up with some of their favorites. Delamere paints a satisfying picture of the main characters as they search their souls to discover what is truly important for them.

Julia Bernay has come to London to study medicine and become a doctor. She is en route to a conference — one not usually attended by women — when her train derails. Now she must do everything in her power to help keep a man alive! The man is Michael Stephenson, and he just happens to be the lawyer involved in a lawsuit that would close the only medical school available to prospective female students. Seeing that he owes Julia his life, Michael agrees to tutor her in Latin, which she will need in order to pass her medical school entrance exam. Conflicts arise in his court case, and he is forbidden to see Julia in any capacity. Will he find another way to help her, or will he let someone else make his decisions? (BETHANY HOUSE, Mar., 384 pgs, $14.99)

Reviewed by Jenny Falcone for RT Book Reviews

Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer

RT Rating:

  

Genre:

Inspirational, Historical Romance

Sensuality:

Mild

Published:

March 20 2018

Publisher:

WaterBrook 

Sawyer writes another amazing page-turner. The newly formed town of Spiveyville, Kansas, formed in the 1800s, is portrayed quite accurately, with its dirt roads and rough exterior. The writing evokes clear pictures of the prairie and what life was like at this time. She also effectively explores the standards of high-society living and what happens when one loses their wealth and status. The fast-pace scenes keep the pages turning, the expectation of what is coming next always exciting. Readers won’t want to miss Sawyer’s newest inspirational release!

Abigail Grant was brought up in high society. But after her father’s illegal business dealings leave her penniless and she is cast out from elite society, she humbly seeks out a company that provides brides to men in the Wild West. Abigail is sent to numerous places … and then returned due to her inability to accept the different towns and men. The company owner, upon receiving more than a dozen requests from Spiveyville, Kansas, decides to send Abigail there as a high-society tutor to teach the men some manners. Mack Cleveland is sent to retrieve Abigail and the bridal company owner from the train depot. Turmoil comes when the company owner is kidnapped. Will Abigail trust Mack and the townsfolk to find the woman she now thinks of as a mother figure? Or will she leave, despite having nowhere to run back to? (WATERBROOK, Mar., 352 pp., $14.99)

Reviewed by Jenny Falcone for RT Book Reviews

WHISPERING PINES by Scarlett Dunn

RT Rating:

  

Genre:

Inspirational, Historical Romance

Published:

July 25 2017

Publisher:

Zebra

Dunn writes this enthralling, mostly fast-paced suspense in the third person omniscient point of view, giving the reader a clear knowledge of the characters’ thoughts and actions. There are many unexpected twists and turns throughout. This book leads the reader to strong emotions and opinions. We feel happy, sad, scared, annoyed and irritated, just to name a few, some at the same time. There are points where we sympathize with one character and not the other, and then reconsider when we get more information. We wonder, along with the female main character, which information is accurate. Recommended to all who love a good romantic mystery.

SUMMARY:

In this first book of the Langtry Sisters series, we meet Rose Langtry, who has been sent away, along with her two sisters, to receive schooling and is now returning after five years. She returns to two brothers who don't know what to think of her now, and don't much care if she lives or dies, even at the hands of one of them. On her journey home, Rose stumbles upon Morgan, her very tall, imposing, intimidating neighbor, trying to hang her brother for stealing animals from his spread. Due to the shortage of staff at the Sheriff's office, Morgan and some other men have been deputized into service. She remembers Morgan as having a grudge against her brother, and pleads with him to let her brother go, thinking that Morgan is out of line and telling lies. Against Morgan's better judgement, he releases Rose's brother, which leads to many negative ramifications. Rose vows to find out the truth of her brother, and Morgan, whether she likes it or not, while Morgan takes it upon himself to try to protect Rose. (ZEBRA, Jul., 352 pp., $7.19)

Jenny Falcone

9781420144482

July 25, 2017