Bonnie Roof Reviews 'Back In The Saddle' By Ruth Logan Herne

Back In The Saddle By Ruth Logan Herne

Multnomah, Mar. 2016

Reviewed By Bonnie Roof

~5 stars~!

DianFlow

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"A BEAUTIFUL STORY OF FORGIVENESS, RECONCILIATION, FAITH, AND LOVE"!!!
 

When prodigal son and Wall Street financier Colt Stafford is implicated in a Ponzi scheme resulting in his assets either being frozen or lost, he returns home to work on the Double S. Ranch on which he was raised in small town Grays Glen, Wa.. Arriving earlier than expected, he is met with the click of his father's gun in the hands of Angelina Morales, housekeeper and caregiver for his father Sam - who is recovering from an accident and other health issues.

When Colt disappointed his father by seeking a career in New York City - it complicated an already tense relationship with not only his father but also his brother Nick who was left to manage the ranch when Colt left. Nick is frustrated by additional personal issues which have resulted in his raising two young daughters alone.

No-nonsense, take-charge, efficient Angelina, a former police detective, is hiding secrets that caused her to leave a career she loved and retreat to the ranch with her widowed mother and young son - to secure their safety.

Sam Stafford was left a bitter, demanding man, interested in advancing his assets at any cost, after the death of his wife, Colt's mother, at a young age. Encouraged by Angelina's faith and the realization of his own mortality, Sam is determined to redeem himself by making amends and reconciling his family - while Colt and Angelina struggle between returning to the careers they love and their increasing attraction for each other.

"Back in the Saddle", the first in the Double S. Ranch series by Ruth Logan Herne, is a powerful novel of reconciliation, forgiveness, hope, faith, love, and self-awareness. I look forward to reuniting with the realistic, engaging characters in future novels of the series.

I was provided a free copy of "Back in the Saddle" in return for my honest opinion, which I have given.

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

GIVEAWAY: A paperback or e-book copy of Back in the Saddle -- winners choice of format! (outside of US -- ebook only.) To be eligible please leave a comment & your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourselves from spammers.

 

Diana Reviews The Daughter Of Highland Hall By Carrie Turansky

The Daughter of Highland Hall

The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

Multnomah Books, Oct. 7, 2014

 Reviewed by Diana Flowers

~5 stars~*****

No Spoilers!

Edwardian Fiction At Its Finest!

With pen in hand, er keys rather, author Carrie Turansky once again sweeps the reader away on a wonderful Edwardian adventure -- from the glamorous balls, social functions, and opulent mansions of the very elite -- to the poverty stricken streets of London's East End.

The beautiful and spunky, Katherine Ramsey, is determined to take the social season by storm and secure her future by finding a wealthy husband. Under the strict tutelage of her aunt, Lady Louisa, Kate attempts to learn all the social graces needed to attract eligible suitors and win the approval of their parents as well. She catches the eye of the aristocratic, charming, Edward Wellington, but a scandal in her family threatens to rob her of the very future she has so carefully planned out. She refuses to give up, however, for surely Edward can give her everything she needs and desires out of life...or can he? As Kate is introduced to the poor and needy in London's East End by handsome medical student, Jon Foster, will she find that a life of service to others in dire need is so much more satisfying than a self-indulgent one? 

I fell in love with this amazing book from the very first chapter! Not just simply a novel of fluff, frippery, and finery, Ms. Turansky compassionately delves into the plight of the poor on the opposite end of the spectrum. Realism unfolds as the heroine, hero, and a secondary character become involved trying to rescue an unwed pregnant woman from her abusive boyfriend, and much danger ensues as a result! I especially love how the heroine evolves considerably from the first book in the series, The Governess of Highland Hall. This novel may be read easily as a stand-alone, as the author does a fine job of recapping the characters we so grew to love in the first book. If you enjoy a book with a realistic plot and characters, plenty of romantic tension, excitement, and a spiritual thread throughout, then be sure to order your copy of The Daughter of Highland Hall today!

 
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I was given an advanced reader's copy by Multnomah in exchange for my honest opinion. 

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

GIVEAWAY! Carrie Turansky has generously offered to give away a paperback copy of The Daughter of Highland Hall to one blessed commenter!! International winner -- ebook only!
 

Diana Flowers Reviews 'The Governess of Highland Hall' by Carrie Turansky

The Governess of Highland Hall

The Governess of Highland Hall

by Carrie Turansky

Multnomah Publishing, Oct. 2013

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

5 stars*****

Historical Romance At Its Finest!

In The Governess of Highland Hall, author Carrie Turansky has crafted a wonderful Edwardian era novel set in England; replete with dashing lords and ladies and opulent mansions with magnificent décor…nonetheless behind those ornate doors also lurk secrets, pain, and hidden passions.

A missionary in India, Julia Foster has returned to England because of her father's illness and procures a position as governess of Highland Hall, a wealthy estate owned by the handsome, brooding widower, Sir William Ramsey. Julia's job is to care for William's children and his deceased cousin's two teenage girls. Doing so is quite a challenge as the baronet seems to be cold and withdrawn towards his own children and distrusts women, and the girls are openly rebellious towards her.

As Julia befriends William's lovely but crippled sister, Sarah, who is keeping a deep secret from her brother, she also begins to endear herself to the children. But what dark secret is William carrying inside and how can he save Highland Hall from financial ruin? Although his fondness towards Julia begins to turn to love…will he marry another with wealth to save not only Highland Hall but his reputation as well?…for to marry a governess is quite unacceptable for a man of his social standing.

This heartwarming novel, reminiscent of a cross between Jane Eyre and Jane Austen, will grab the reader from page one and not let go until the satisfying conclusion. This is one of those books where one falls so in love with the characters that it is extremely difficult to let them go! And this novel not only has one romantic plot, but two more romantic subplots which will break and also delight the reader's heart and cause several sighs (and tears!) to escape while reading. William is perfect as the brooding hero, but I couldn't stand this stuffed shirt at first until I got a chance to see his heart underneath of it!  Beautifully written and well researched, I highly recommend this wonderful novel!!

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

GIVEAWAY: In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month we are giving away this mini pink teapot, which we think Carrie Turansky's governess might have enjoyed! Put OWG on your comment--this giveaway for OWG followers.  Put CT if you have bought any of Carrie's previous books and we'll give you an extra entry!

Must be an OWG Follower--notate OWG on your comment to enter!

 

*Please be sure to leave your email addy for contact purposes should your name be drawn.*

THE GOVERNESS OF HIGHLAND HALL by Carrie Turansky ~ Reviewed by Marian Baay

The Governess of Highland Hall

THE GOVERNESS OF HIGHLAND HALL

By Carrie Turansky

Multnomah Books, 2013

Reviewed by Marian Bay

~5 stars~*****

Carrie Turansky takes her readers back to 1911, England, where we will meet some fascinating characters between the walls of Highland Hall.

Julia Foster spent twelve years in India, helping her parents with missionary work among young girls. Her father’s health declined and they had to return to England. Now it is Julia’s task to financially care for her parents. She finds a job as governess at Highland Hall—a beautiful estate with Sir William Ramsey as the new master.

Sir William is a widower with two young children. He inherited Highland Hall from his cousin who has left the estate in a very difficult financial situation. Besides the estate, his cousin also left two teenage girls in William’s care. William is intrigued by the new governess, but after his deceased wife’s betrayal he has decided not to trust women anymore.

Julia has her hands full with Sir William’s children, but soon enough she starts to care for them. The teenage girls are not happy with Julia—or with a governess in general. They think they don’t need a governess, but the oldest, Katherine, will turn 18 soon and she must be prepared for her first season in London.

Money is a big issue for William. Besides the difficult financial situation his deceased cousin left him in, he must also pay death duties for inheriting the estate. It seems to be impossible to get the money in time…unless he marries someone with big money. Then Lady Gatewood—Katherine’s aunt—takes a wealthy American young lady to Highland Hall. She hopes William and Alice will marry to solve William’s financial problems.

Julia wonders why Sir William is always brooding and one day she asks him what troubles him. He decides to take her in his confidence and tells her about the financial situation. Julia has a good idea to save some money by changing the menus. It will not be enough to pay the death duties, but it should help a bit. Julia’s wisdom will bring more changes to Highland Hall. Some servants do not understand nor like the changes, but they also do not know about the financial difficulties.

The longer Julia works at Highland Hall the more her feelings grow for Sir William. William returns those feelings, but he cannot possibly marry the governess. Obviously the wealthy American is a better choice to save Highland Hall.

What choice will William make? Will he choose for wealth or rather for love?

I really enjoyed this new book by Carrie Turansky. The characters are very enjoyable and easy to love. There are also some very interesting secondary characters in this novel, which I didn’t mention in my review, but I loved them all! This book is certainly worth the read if you love historical novels. I’m already looking forward to Carrie’s next book!

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

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GIVEAWAY: In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month we are giving away this lovely pink water bottle (stainless steel, from Dick's Sporting goods, retail value $10.) Leave a comment on this review or on Diana's review of The Governess of Highland Hall (Diana's on Friday).

Diana Flowers Reviews Though My Heart Is Torn by Joanne Bischof

Though My Heart Is Torn

Though My Heart Is Torn by Joanne Bischof

Multnomah Publishing, 2013

Reviewed by Diana Flowers
~5 stars*****

*WARNING--May contain some spoilers if you haven't read Book One-Be Still My Soul, however, this may be read as a stand alone novel.*

Absolutely Riveting!

In Though My Heart Is Torn, author Joanne Bischof has crafted a fascinating tale of unrequited love, haunting past secrets, and intense passion -- set against the backdrop of the majestic, pine filled forests of the Appalachian hills.

After much agony of soul and many tribulations, Lonnie and Gideon have finally found happiness together away from the home of their childhood, Rocky Knob. They have fallen in love and enjoy their peaceful everyday existence with their young son, Jacob. That is until the dreadful day Lonnie receives a letter from her father urging her and Gideon to return to Rocky Knob, under the pretense that her mother's health is failing.

Once there, a beautiful young woman, Cassie Allan, steps forward with unbelievable accusations against Gideon and Lonnie finds her happy life crumbling all about her. Lonnie is stunned by these shocking revelations, and against her will must learn to follow a new path -- one that is going to take all the strength she has -- and one that does not include Gideon.

Gideon is left behind to endure the dark hour of his soul and reap the repercussions of his past. His bitterness towards Cassie almost destroys the both of them, and Gid's fledgling faith is sorely tested. Can he and Lonnie surrender one another to a God with a bigger plan for each of their lives? And what of Cassie?...and the lessons she must learn?

This book was unbelievable! Joanne Bischof has made it on my top ten list of favorite authors with her debut series, Be Still My Soul and Though My Heart Is Torn! Although this book continues where the first one leaves off, both may be read as stand alones, but who wants to read just one? Filled with twists and turns and a totally unpredictable conclusion, I was mesmerized from beginning to end. Ms. Bischof's use of descriptive imagery is amazing, her characters realistically human, and her storyline is definitely not cushy and sugarcoated. There are repercussions for sin and hard lessons to be learned! I am duly impressed, Joanne Bischof! Nicely done!

I received a copy of this novel from Multnomah Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.

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

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GIVEAWAY: A book by Joanne Bischof of your choice! Answer the question and leave your email address to be entered in the contest.

QUESTION: Have you ever had to reap serious repercussions from past sins or poor decisions you have made in your life? 

Diana Flowers Reviews Be Still My Soul By Joanne Bischof

Be Still My Soul

Be Still My Soul by Joanne Bischof

Multnomah Publishing, 2012

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

~5 stars*****

Fabulous Debut Novel!

In her debut novel, Be Still My Soul, author Joanne Bischof, takes us on a compelling, emotionally stirring journey amongst the creeks and hollows of the Appalachian Mountains -- a vividly beautiful land yielding a wealth of resources, but surrounded by poverty and simplistic living.

Lonnie Sawyer is a shy, innocent young woman, who after being physically abused by her father for years, is yearning for the day she turns eighteen and can move in with her loving Aunt Sarah. It is through Aunt Sarah that she learns of God and the beautiful scriptures that bring comfort to her lonely life. After a night of friends and family singing and playing instruments in the woods, Lonnie finds herself pressured into being escorted home in the moonlight by handsome ladies' man, Gideon O'Riley. It is a decision and a night that changes her destiny forever, and one that Lonnie lives to regret many times over.

Gideon finds himself forced into a marriage he doesn't want and feels frustrated by the sudden responsibilities thrust upon him. Yearning for a fresh start, he forces Lonnie on a long and arduous journey away from her home and everything that she is familiar with. Lonnie is almost destroyed by Gideon's callousness, but is determined to hold onto her faith through it all. But when Gideon commits an unthinkable act, will her unwavering faith be enough to forgive him? Can a couple with naught but the clothes on their backs survive in the unforgiving Appalachian hills?

I am quite taken aback by Joanne Bischof's first novel! There is definitely nothing amateurish about it! It is amazingly well written and I finished it rather quickly because I simply could not put it down. The characters were well developed and realistic, and I love the way Gideon evolves throughout the book. I simply thought him intolerable at first, but had to realize that alot of young men forced into the same situation would have reacted the same way. With a truly moving, spiritual thread throughout and a strong, heartrending plot, this one will have you literally burning the midnight oil! Very nicely done, Joanne Bischof!

I received an ARC of this novel by Mulnomah Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book may be purchase through Amazon, CBD, and your local bookstores.

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GIVEAWAY: Your choice of one of Joanne's books! Answer the question and leave your email address to be entered in the contest.

QUESTION: Lonnie was forced to suffer serious repercussions because of an act she wasn't even guilty of committing. Has this ever happened to you?