Book Review: "The Bishop's Son" by Kelly Irvin

Leila Lantz hasn't lived in Bee County long, but she was in love with Jesse Glick from the first time she saw him. Lately, he's been acting strangely, like he wants to court her but he doesn't. Will he figure out what God wants for him to do and how to not hurt Leila? Jesse's cousin, Will has feelings for Leila, also, but hesitates to make his intentions known since he doesn't want to hone in on Jesse's girl. He doesn't want Leila to get hurt, but is he thinking of only himself, or her?

I had a hard time putting the book down. I felt for both of the guys and Leila and the struggle that they were going through. I found myself tense as I waded through the decisions that they had to make about their futures. I had a hard time deciding which guy I thought Leila should choose. (She didn't pick the one I did). I felt a part of their world. I got emotionally involved in their lives. "The Bishop's Son" is the second book in "The Amish of Bee County Novels". I did not read the first one, but I wished that I had. I would have given me more of the story of the lives of the people of the community.

"The Bishop's Son" is available in paperback:

• Series: The Amish of Bee County
• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (September 29, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310339545
• ISBN-13: 978-0310339540
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.2 inches

in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 1549 KB
• Print Length: 365 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0310339545
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Up to 5 simultaneous devices, per publisher limits
• Publisher: Zondervan (September 29, 2015)
• Publication Date: September 29, 2015
• Sold by: HarperCollins Publishing
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00VEYGUVY

and in large print hardcover:

• Series: The Amish of Bee County (Book 2)
• Hardcover
• Publisher: Thorndike Press Large Print; Lrg edition (December 23, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1410484602
• ISBN-13: 978-1410484604
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5 inches

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in order for me to give my honest opinion. No other compensation was received. I was not required to give a positive review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: "Murder at the Courthouse" by A.H. Gabhart

"Murder at the Courthouse" by A.H. Gabhart is the first book of "The Hidden Springs Mysteries".
Michael Keane left his job as a police officer in Columbus to come home to Hidden Springs where nothing eventful ever happens. That is until a body turns up on the steps of the the courthouse. As he investigates, Michael realizes things aren't always what they seem.

I found the book to be well written and I liked Michael and his desire to help Anthony Blake, the "problem child" of the town. I had a feeling who the murderer was at the beginning of the book and as the story progressed, more and more of that person's actions confirmed my suspicions until the big "reveal" and I was right. I prefer to not be able to figure out the mystery (at least not as soon). There also was not very much of a romantic element like I thought there'd be. Michael is sort of dating a woman named Karen, but what put me off was that Karen was a pastor. I believe that pastors should be men. There were a couple of kisses in the book and some hand holding. I also found the back blurb to be wrong. It says that the "sheriff insists Michael check out one of the harebrained theories", but in the book, Michael just follows a hunch/gut feeling and it didn't have anything to do with what the sheriff said or told him to do.

"Murder at the Courthouse" is available in paperback:

• Series: The Hidden Springs Mysteries (Book 1)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Revell (October 20, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800726766
• ISBN-13: 978-0800726768
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches

Kindle edition:

• File Size: 4778 KB
• Print Length: 338 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0800726766
• Publisher: Revell (October 13, 2015)
• Publication Date: October 13, 2015
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00XNJGRPM

and hardcover:

• Series: Hidden Springs Mystery
• Hardcover: 500 pages
• Publisher: Center Point Pub; Lrg edition (December 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1628997966
• ISBN-13: 978-1628997965

I received a free copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: "Submarines, Secrets, & A Daring Rescue" by Robert J. Skead (with Robert A. Skead)

"Submarines, Secrets, & A Daring Rescue" by Robert J. Skead with Robert A. Skead is the 2nd book in the American Revolutionary War Adventures series. Identical twins John and Ambrose Clark are once again called upon to aid the Patriots in their war for independence. They must transport much needed gunpowder. Will they be able to carry out their task safely?

This book gives readers a look into the history of the period during the American Revolutionary War. The interesting chapter titles, varying chapter lengths, and the pictures also help to pull the reader into the story. While the first book was given from John's point of view, this one is from Ambrose's point of view (along with Berty and Lamberton at times). I liked seeing the interactions between the twins. There is action, adventure, and suspense that makes this a book that is hard to put down.

The authors tweaked a few historical details to fit their story, but it is mainly based on actual history. The back of the book includes discussion questions, Historical Characters, a glossary, and Historical letters.

I really enjoyed reading this book (even though I'm not in the target audience) as did my daughter (who is in the target audience). We would recommend it.

This book is available in hardcover:

• Age Range: 8 - 12 years
• Series: American Revolutionary War Adventures
• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz (August 4, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310747473
• ISBN-13: 978-0310747475
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.2 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• File Size: 5686 KB
• Print Length: 193 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0310747473
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Up to 5 simultaneous devices, per publisher limits
• Publisher: Zonderkidz (August 4, 2015)
• Publication Date: August 4, 2015
• Sold by: HarperCollins Publishing
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00UR7Z2S6

I was given a free copy of this book by Booklookbloggers in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Breathe Writers Conference

I attended my very first writers conference over the weekend. You can read about it on my author blog.

Book Review: "The Memory Weaver" by Jane Kirkpatrick

"The Memory Weaver" by Jane Kirkpatrick is based on true events. Eliza Spalding Warren was taken hostage in 1847 during an Indian attack on her mission school. This book follows her as an adult as she struggles to make sense of what she remembers happening and how that affects her life now.

This book was not what I expected. I thought it might have shown more of their interactions with the Indians and not just all as infrequent flashbacks. The book is told in the first person perspective of Eliza the daughter mainly, with "diary entries" from Eliza the mother scattered throughout. With it being based on actual people, the author had only little leeway in the story. I found it to be rather depressing at times with the many trials and difficulties Eliza went through as a child, with her father, and in her marriage. Eliza and her father do have significant character growth by the end of the book. Jane Kirkpatrick did a lot of research and it is an interesting look into what we now call PTSD.

"The Memory Weaver" is available in paperback:

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800722329
• ISBN-13: 978-0800722326
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.5 inches

and for Kindle:

• File Size: 5338 KB
• Print Length: 352 pages
• Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2015)
• Publication Date: September 1, 2015
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00XNJGKXQ

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in order for me to review it. A positive review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: "The Mistress of Tall Acre" by Laura Frantz

Sophie Menzies is desperate for good news after the Revolutionary War is finally over. When her neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy returns, she hopes that he might have the news she needs. He is now a widower with a young daughter. To solve both of their problems, Seamus proposes they marry and she accepts. Can they move past the safe, sensible arrangement they have to find a love to carry them through the hardships they face?

"The Mistress of Tall Acre" by Laura Frantz is set after the conclusion of the Revolutionary War. I have not read many books set in that time period and found it to be interesting. I had a hard time putting it down and wanted to read faster so that I could know what was going to happen. Sophie and Seamus were realistic and fleshed out. I felt their frustrations and disappointments. There were twists and turns in the story plot that I did not anticipate and it kept me guessing.

The book was well written and easy to read. There were the occasional historical term that I didn't recognize, but it didn't take away from the story as you could figure out the meaning from context or look it up if you wanted.

"The Mistress of Tall Acre" is available for Kindle:

• File Size: 5166 KB
• Print Length: 401 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 080072044X
• Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2015)
• Publication Date: September 1, 2015
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00XNJGKVS

in paperback:

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Revell (September 8, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080072044X
• ISBN-13: 978-0800720445
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches

and large print hardcover:

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Thorndike Press; Lrg edition (December 9, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1410483983
• ISBN-13: 978-1410483980

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Book Review: "Hand-Me-Down Princess" by Carol Moncado

Jessabelle Keller is getting married to Prince Malachi of Mevendia. The problem? She's never met him. Her father once saved Malachi's father and for that, the future king had said that one of his sons would marry her one day. Jessabelle would much rather hide away than be thrust into the spotlight.

Prince Malachi is also not that thrilled about getting married to a stranger, but he vows to be faithful to her no matter what. When gossip and other trials come along, can they forge a bond and make Jessabelle realize she isn't just a hand-me-down princess?

"Hand-Me-Down Princess" by Carol Moncado is the first in the Brides of Belles Montagnes Series, but it also includes characters from her Montevaro Monarchy series, so it would be best to read that series first. There is enough told in "Hand-Me-Down Princess" for you to basically know what had happened, but it would be clearer to read them in order.

I could relate to Jessabelle's desire to stay out of the spotlight. She was able to stretch her comfort zone through the story and had a less difficult time with it all by the end of the book. I really liked Malachi and his integrity. He was very caring and understanding toward Jessabelle. The characters often prayed or sought what God would have them do.

This is a romance story, but it also has an element of mystery running through it as well. I had a hard time putting the book down and stayed up later than I should several times to read. I wanted to tell off some of the characters and keep them from hurting Jessabelle and Malachi with their deceit.

I would recommend this book.

"Hand-Me-Down Princess" is available for Kindle:

• File Size: 1180 KB
• Print Length: 326 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: CANDID Publications (August 31, 2015)
• Publication Date: August 31, 2015
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00ZYYUMYQ

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I did not receive any other compensation and a positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.