Jen Turano's Caught By Surprise Audiobook

Once again, author Jen Turano delivers the goods -- a wonderfully enjoyable listen! I loved Temperance's character as well as Gilbert's! Such a fun listen. Caught by Surprise on Audible.com is narrated by Lauren Ezzo who did a great job bringing the characters to life! The Audiobook is from Two Words Publishing LLC.

Caught by Surprise is available in multiple formats besides audio: paperback, ebook, and hardcover. So you can enjoy it is the manner you most prefer! Check out the links to purchase on Jen's page for this title. Bethany House is the publisher.

Here's the publisher's summary: Miss Temperance Flowerdew is on her way to work when a stranger suddenly grabs her off the street and sends her on a Chicago-bound train before she can figure out what happened.

When Mr. Gilbert Cavendish is called upon to rescue a missing woman, he follows the trail to Chicago only to discover that the woman is his good friend Temperance. Before they can discover who was behind the abduction, they’re seen alone together by a New York society matron, putting their reputations at risk.

Gilbert is willing to propose marriage–except Temperance will have none of it. She’s finally stepped out of the shadow of her relations and won’t give up her independence. But when it becomes clear the misunderstanding in Chicago has escalated into a threat on her life and followed her to New York, accepting Gilbert’s help in solving the mystery may lead to more than she ever could have dreamed.

Giveaway: I'm giving away a box of Christian fiction books this week to one of the commenters on my review posts. Leave a comment on this and my other review (this coming Thursday, of Debbie Maccomber's audiobook) to enter!

Giveaway and Review of A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green

A Refuge Assured (Bethany House, February 2018)

by JocelynGreen

About the book:

Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard never imagined her craft could threaten her life. Yet in revolutionary France, it is a death sentence when the nobility, and those associated with them, are forced to the guillotine. Vivienne flees to Philadelphia but finds the same dangers lurking in the French Quarter, as revolutionary sympathizers threaten the life of a young boy left in her care, who some suspect to be the Dauphin. Can the French settlement, Azilum, offer permanent refuge?

Militiaman Liam Delaney proudly served in the American Revolution, but now that the new government has imposed an oppressive tax that impacts his family, he barely recognizes the democracy he fought for. He wants only to cultivate the land of his hard-won farm near Azilum, but soon finds himself drawn into the escalating tension of the Whiskey Rebellion. When he meets a beautiful young Frenchwoman recently arrived from Paris, they will be drawn together in surprising ways to fight for the peace and safety for which they long.

Andrea Stephens' Review

Wow. Just wow.
I'm a regular person that reads, then reviews from her gut reaction to books. A Refuge Assured leaves me searching for the right words to describe just how good it is. For starters, the history I learned from this book was just amazing. Yes, I learned a little bit about it in school ages ago but it was glossed over. In this book, I felt as if I was there watching it all play out. I did not know being a lace maker was cause to lose your head during the French Revolution.

Lacemaker 

To see how Vivienne was able to care for her birth mother after the cruel death of the aunt that raised her was so touching. After her mother's death, she was able to escape to America and put in situations that only the strongest of women could handle.

Vienne learns to work as a baker and grows close to the family she works for. Particularly her bosses brother, Liam Delaney. She ends up caring for an orphaned boy, Henri, who some think may be young King Louis-Charles in hiding. This puts them both in great danger. The gentle romance between Liam and Vienne tugged at my heart. He helps her escape to Azilum the French town in Pennsylvania for refugees. A town that he helped build. He is in for a great disappointment when he arrives back at his farm on the outskirts of the town.
I can't say anything else without giving spoilers. There's so much more to say though! 

I highly recommend this historical novel. It is full of richly drawn characters, drama, danger, intrigue, righting wrongs, forgiveness, and compassion. I know this is a work of fiction but the intensity and feeling are so real.  This is a book that will stay with you long after you've read the last page.

I will be a Jocelyn Green fan for life.

Giveaway: A paperback copy of this new novel by Jocelyn Green. Leave a comment here on Andrea's review for a chance to win.

7 Reasons to Read Jen Turano's New Release "Playing the Part" Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Playing the Part by Jen Turano

Playing the Part

by Jen Turano

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Five Stars *****

Although a prominent actress, Lucetta Plum, is far deeper than her admirers might think. She's not a fragile flower waiting to be rescued. And she has some unusual "gifts" that have affected her life. When her stepfather intrudes back into her life, threatening Lucetta's safety, her widowed friend Abigail takes her to her grandson's Gothic estate on the Hudson River.

(The picture on the left is of Eaton Hall, gothic architecture, and I think it gives the "vibe" of the Haverstein estate!) 
Bram Haverstein collects misfits and has multiple secrets he's hiding on his estate. He's been harboring secret affection for Lucetta, the actress, although he's never met her in person. Therein lies the rub -- when we "think" we know someone, but we don't!

Absolutely charming story. Highly recommend. Jen Turano never disappoints. I love her writing so much that I "saved" this read for a day I needed something new and spectacular to read and she delivers royally!  Thank you to Net Galley for giving me this early opportunity to read this book for review and to Bethany House for making the title available. I am under no compulsion to write a positive review and these thoughts are my own.  

7 Reasons to Read 1) It is SO funny that you will be laughing out loud!
2) Has the trademark Jen Turano adorable and quirky characters!
3) Storyline is tight but has great twists and turns!
4) Jen's bright and hopeful author's voice shines through!
5) She doesn't put exclamation points everywhere, you can feel the exclamations!
6) You'll get to "meet up" with some of your favorite characters from books earlier in the series.
7) You'll get a cool surprise at the end of the book!

Giveaway: We're giving away a paperback copy of Playing the Part by Jen Turano (Thank you Bethany House!) to one of our readers.  Answer this question -- have you read any other novels where the heroine was an actress?

Diana Reviews Beyond The Silence By Tracie Peterson And Kimberley Woodhouse

Beyond The Silence By Tracie Peterson And Kimberley Woodhouse
Bethany House Publishers, Jan. 2016

Reviewed by Diana Flowers
(No Spoilers!)

Riveting Historical Fiction!

Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse have successfully teamed up to pen an intriguing, heartwarming read about a young woman who travels to the lush, rolling hills of California seeking to fulfill her dreams and finds much more than she bargains for—a chance at love and life threatening danger stalking her every move.

Lillian Porter's dream of going west has finally come to fruition as she defies her grandfather and accepts the position of a nanny in Angels Camp, California. But as dark and terrible rumors swirl around her from the local townsfolk, she wonders if she has made the right move. Her 7-year-old charge, Jimmy, has not spoken in over a year and there are sinister accusations made concerning Jimmy's father—her handsome, enigmatic employer—Woodward Colton. The Colton olive farm holds many a malevolent secret as Lillian encounters strange happenings taking place, but she is hopelessly drawn to Woodward in spite of the vicious rumors. She loves Jimmy as her own and her greatest desire is to help the traumatized lad to talk again. However, her efforts seem futile as Jimmy and her grandfather both refuse to speak—will they ever move beyond the silence to a bright future?

I. simply. fell. in. love. with each of the characters in this amazing story minus one of the most evil, menacing villains I have ever encountered. (gasp!) Poor, grief-stricken little Jimmy stole my heart from the very get go, Lillian is tough as nails and gentle as a lamb, Mrs. Goodman, the grandma-like housekeeper, is a "dearie" with a heart of gold, and then there is Harry. I can't wait for you to meet Harry—pure hearted, innocent Harry with a simplistic child's mind in a man's body. I wanted to hug him more than once and I'm sure you will, too. :) There are so many loose ends that get tied up in a nice little bow and make for a satisfying conclusion that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy. Kudos to Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse for staying true to the genre, Christian fiction. Isn't a permeating theme of God's love, healing, and miraculous power the reason we read Christian fiction to start with? Highly recommended!

California Olive Farm

AND...

California Olives!

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Thanks to Net Galley for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAY: Tracie Peterson is generously giving away a paperback copy to one blessed commenter! (US entrants only.) To be eligible be sure to leave your email address for contact purposes -- written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers. 

The Lost Heiress Audiobook by Roseanna M. White Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White

The Lost Heiress (Ladies of the Manor, Book #1)

by Roseanna M. White

Bethany House Publishers (September 8, 2015)
Recorded Books (2015)


Five Stars *****

Most Romantic Christian Historical Romance in a Long Time!!!

I purchased this book through Audible.com. The voice actress/narrator left something to be desired with her French accent. The heroine, Brook, has been raised in Monaco and has spoken French all her life.  I almost stopped listening to the audiobook because of the awful accent the narrator gave her BUT since I was SO looking forward to reading this special book by Roseanna, I gave her a one chapter chance and I am SO GLAD I did!!! Because this book was wonderful!!!

This book is a lifetime effort by Roseanna. She began writing it as a young girl and has revised and rewritten it numerous times.  It's hard to bypass a book like that and when you get a chance to read a book that is from the author's heart, well...you're in for the chance of a lifetime.  If this book doesn't receive numerous awards I will be surprised and disappointed!  It deserves to be a Christian historical romance classic! The characters and the storyline remind me of a beautiful Christ-infused book that is a compilation of some of my favorite books that I read growing up!

Well done, Ro!!!  Highly recommend! 

GIVEAWAY: Roseanna is offering a paperback copy of The Lost Heiress to one of our readers! Leave a comment about which of Roseanna's books is your favorite!   

Diana Reviews THE PAINTER'S DAUGHTER By Julie Klassen

The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen
Bethany House, Dec.1, 2015

Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 stars~
(No Spoilers!)

A Picture Paints A Thousand Words

In The Painter's Daughter, author Julie Klassen pens a spellbinding Regency era novel that exudes an aura of mystery—sweeping the reader from the thatched cottages, cries of the seagulls, and dangerous slopes of the Devonshire coast—to the opulent beauty of Overtree Hall with its hidden rooms, secrets, and strange noises.

Sophia Margaretha Dupont, the daughter of a portrait and landscape painter, often sketches the picturesque cliffs of the north Devon coast—popular with many an artist—hiding her own talented work. It is there she meets the handsome artist, Wesley Overtree, who flatters Sophie with his many compliments and lovely portraits of her. At the end of his leave, Captain Stephen Overtree is sent to bring his brother back to Overtree Hall, but is shocked to learn Wesley has sailed to Italy leaving Sophie in dire straights. Feeling the need to recompense for past failures, Stephen's proposal "in name only" leaves Sophie terribly torn and conflicted. She barely knows this brooding man who has been nicknamed Captain Black, and what if her beloved Wesley should return for her? Should she wait for him or elope with Stephen?...a decision she could regret the rest of her life.

Julie Klassen has written a captivating regency with a delectable blend of Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte, and Jane Austen—filled with twists and turns and never a dull moment! Ms. Klassen is a master of descriptive imagery and in my mind's eye I could totally see the dangerous, but picturesque slopes and quaint cottages of Devonshire, the sheep dotting the meadows near the brothers' estate, and the ornate, but somewhat creepy Overtree Hall. Secrets abound as do mysterious, eerie characters and things that go bump in the night—making this a novel that is terribly hard to put down! The Painter's Daughter is definitely one of my favorite Julie Klassen novels ever...order your copy today!

Castle Rock Where Sophie Loved To Sketch And Watch The Sunset



 This novel may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAY: Julie Klassen has generously offered to give away a paperback copy to one blessed commenter. To be eligible for the drawing please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

Diana's Review Of 'Rising Darkness' By Nancy Mehl

Rising Darkness By Nancy Mehl
Bethany House Publishers, Oct. 27, 2015

Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 stars!~
(No Spoilers!)

Menacing Mennonite Suspense!

Once again, author Nancy Mehl has crafted a suspenseful page-turner set against the peaceful backdrop of the quaint, small town of Sanctuary—a predominantly Mennonite community with only two churches, two charming cafes, cozy picturesque houses, and is as safe as its name suggests—or is it?

Sophie Wittenbauer dreads going to Sanctuary as memories of an abusive, shameful past in her strict Mennonite hometown of Kingdom still haunt her. However, when she learns a suspect from a crime committed years earlier may be hiding in Sanctuary, she sees it as an opportunity to further her career at the newspaper. Although Sophie assumes a false identity so that she can investigate, she begins to receive threatening notes and fears her cover has somehow been blown. Then to her shock she runs into the very person she has loved her whole life—a man she could never be good enough for because of her degrading past. What is he doing in Sanctuary and who wants to stop her...perhaps permanently? As darkness envelopes Sophie and seeks to destroy her, will she begin to put her trust in the God she feels has forsaken her since childhood? Will she ever learn to love herself as God loves her and open herself up to romance?

Nancy Mehl's Rising Darkness is one of her best novels to date in my opinion! I pride myself in figuring out whodunits, but although I racked my brain I still had no clue who the bad guy was! The author compassionately and discreetly dealt with the subject of adult victims of child abuse and low self-esteem issues resulting from it. Sophie was so dear to my heart that I just wanted to hug her seemingly tough little independent self and tell her I went through the same battle and there is light at the end of the tunnel! God will turn our mourning into dancing and clothe us with gladness if we'll let Him! With just the right peppering of romance, realistic multifaceted characters, and a wonderful message of redemption—all interwoven with an intricate and suspenseful, heart-racing plot—what more could you ask for in a book? Not a thing!...so be sure to order your copy today!

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Mennonite Women Dress Quite Differently Than The Amish

This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAY: Nancy Mehl is generously giving away a  paperback copy of Rising Darkness to one blessed commenter. To be eligible be sure to leave your email address using (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

Diana Reviews A NOBLE MASQUERADE By Kristi Hunter

A Noble Masquerade By Kristi Ann Hunter
Bethany House, 2015

Reviewed By Diana Flowers
(No Spoilers!)

                        A Rollicking Regency!

With the sweep of her pen...er, quill rather—author Kristi Ann Hunter writes an exuberantly lively and amusing Regency era novel with an aura of mystery and danger that is sure to send readers' emotions on a rollicking roller coaster ride.

Lady Miranda Hawthorne tries her best to live up to her mother's expectations of everything a lady should be, but appears to be failing miserably. She seems destined to remain a spinster and instead of pouring out her feelings in a diary she writes letters to her brother's friend, the mysterious and elusive Duke of Marshington. Of course she never intended on sending any of the letters, and is horrified when her brother's new valet mistakenly sends one to the duke. A lively correspondence ensues with the enigmatic duke and confusion reigns as Miranda finds herself also intrigued by her brother's new valet—the handsome, brawny Marlow—with the mesmerizing gray eyes. As danger rears its ugly head, Miranda is left in a terrible quandary...can she trust the suspicious Marlow?...and just who is this mystique of a man—the Duke of Marshington?

I was pleasantly surprised at debut author Kristi Ann Hunter's, A Noble Masquerade!! It's a delicious read filled with delightful humor, but also very suspenseful as well! I don't believe I have ever read a regency with so many comical scenes before, so this was a fun change for me. Miranda was a spitfire, to be sure! And ooh, the romance was sizzling, but sometimes very frustrating. I wanted to bonk someone in the nose a few times, but the characters seemed to do that for me quite nicely. lol  I'm definitely looking forward to reading Book Two in the Hawthorne House series! 

This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstore.

**Be sure to get your FREE ebook copy, A Lady of Esteem, an introduction to the Hawthorne House series novella here!**

GIVEAWAY: A paperback copy of A Noble Masquerade to one blessed commenter! To be eligible please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.
 

A Bride at Last by Melissa Jagears - Reviewed by Bonnie Roof

A Bride at Last by Melissa Jaguars (Barbour,  2015)

A Bride at Last by Melissa Jaguars (Bethany House, 2015)

Set in 1885, A Bride at Last (Bethany House, 2015) is a touching, emotional story of Kate Dawson and Silas Jonesey - their connection with 9-year-old Anthony Riverton, and the struggle of each to overcome his/her personal issues and develop trust in a relationship that will bring love and fulfillment to  life.

After being orphaned at the age of 12, and enduring years of beatings from her brother-in-law, as well as having a sister who is emotionally cold (both having alcohol issues) - Kate seeks escape through her fiancé Aiden McGuiness. Finding Aiden has his own issues, and is much more concerned with his banking career than with having a family, Kate instead accepts the offer of mail-order bride to Jasper Goldwater. Upon her arrival in Breton, Missouri, Kate finds Jasper is the town drunk and it is his brother who submitted the ad, feeling it his only opportunity to secure a wife for his brother. Running from this offer, also, she accepts a teaching position at the local school and develops a bond with her student, Anthony - paying for housing, etc. for he and his mother, Lucinda, who has been unable to work for 2 years, due to her battle with consumption.

The book begins with Lucinda's death and the appearance of two men. Richard Fitzgerald is a married man with whom she had a relationship, Silas is Lucinda’s husband whom she left ten years prior without leaving info as to her whereabouts. Born wealthy, Lucinda had been unable to cope with Silas' alcohol addiction and the hard work involved in the care of his Kansas farm. Abandoned by his mother at the age of five, feeling guilt over his failings as a husband and a need to seek forgiveness from Lucinda, Silas responded to her plea of financial help by coming out to where she now boarded. He quickly realizes that although Lucinda had never mentioned it, Anthony must be his son. Unfortunately, Richard Fitzgerald, a gambler continually in debt, wants to claim Anthony as his own son - and avail himself of Anthony's pick-pocketing skills. A battle ensues between the two men in an attempt to prove Anthony's parentage - which results in Anthony's running away, a near kidnapping, and a developing romantic relationship between Silas and Kate that causes much wavering indecision, fear, and reflection on the part of each.

This all within the first portion of the book, and so much more to follow - including the humor of Kate's feistiness, and numerous scenes that warm the reader's heart or bring a tear. Melissa Jagears expertly deals with the issues of addictions, abandonment, fear of failure, forgiveness, trust, acceptance, and one's need to overcome past issues and failures by trusting God to control one's future. I loved the multi-layered characters. A Bride At Last is a book that will speak to, and inspire, many people.  

GIVEAWAY: This week on OWG we're giving away a paperback copy of A Bride at Last and a second giveaway of Winner's choice of either this novel OR The Convenient Bride Collection. Two chances to win this week--leave a comment on any of the three posts from this week to enter. You can comment on each one for more entries--three different posts with three comments counts as three entries.  VOID where prohibited by law. Ebook only for international winners unless book is available through the Book Depository.  BOTH books are available on BD for international readers who are within their delivery range.