A Woman of Courage by Marlow Kelly

A Woman of Courage by Marlow Kelly

Honour, Love and Courage Series, Book 3

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc. (November 2015)

55 pages, eBook (provided by the author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Fianna has never recovered from Connell divorcing her after three memorable months of marriage, so she had tried to stay away from him and his people as much as possible, but a Viking attack on her own settlement leaves her with little choice but to seek his assistance for the good of her people and in the hopes that warning him of the threat will safeguard their son, Lorcan. Now that he’s out from under his father’s thumb, Connell sees it as his opportunity to make up for past mistakes and seize his chance to make things right. This story takes place in 9th Century Ireland, and a lot of what happened to separate Connell and Fianna in the first place had to do with politics. An interesting glimpse into early Irish society. Fianna was such a strong character, moving ahead with determination even when things got tough. Made me wish Connell had shown a little more backbone when they were younger, but I guess better late than never. This is a fairly short story, and only covers a few days events.  Fun, adventurous read, with a great heroine!

Healing Montana Sky by Debra Holland

Healing Montana Sky by Debra Holland

The Montana Sky Series, Book 5

Publisher: Montlake Romance (October 2015)

364 pages, eBook (provided by the publisher for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Pink Heart

Only minutes after his wife dies in childbirth, Erik rushes to town with his slightly premature newborn daughter hoping someone can do something to save her, only to have the minister introduce him to newly widowed Antonia, who is willing to act as a wet nurse to his young daughter. Despite the heavy weight of grief they both carry, an unpleasant experience in the general store spurs them into marrying, a decision neither of them was ready for, but must now accept. Great story of a couple working as a team for the sake of their children, but also struggling with the guilt of attachment to a new mate after a previous one has passed. The loss was so new to both Erik and Antonia, and it was interesting to see how they each handled it in their own way, but also helped the other in their struggle to move on. Beautiful story! I look forward to reading Caleb’s story in Mystic Montana Sky! Can’t wait!

Destiny’s Second Chance by Kate Vale

Destiny’s Second Chance by Kate Vale

Publisher: Promontory Press (October 2015)

259 pages, eBook (provided by Author for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Pink Heart

Pregnant at sixteen, Bella had been forced into putting her baby up for adoption by disapproving parents, then out of the blue nearly twenty years later, she receives a letter from the adoptive father granting permission for her to contact her (now adult) biological child directly. This is such a complex topic, but I thought it was handled very well. All the characters involved (biological mother, child, adoptive parents) had mixed feelings about the renewed contact between Bella and her child Destiny, but the way in which they expressed them really exemplified just how complex the characters were, each having good and bad traits, but doing the best they could with the situations they were given. This story of reunion between mother and child played out alongside the romance between Bella and Gavin (the nephew of an elderly friend). Great story that really keeps you invested in the characters! This story was previously published as Bella's Destiny.

Ignited by Lily Cahill

Ignited by Lily Cahill

Independence Falls, Book 3

Publisher: Nameless Shameless Women LLC (September 2015)

394 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Ruth’s zealot father seems determined to demonize the young people in town that have developed powers, stirring the town into a frenzy likely to lead to a witch hunt, which makes it all the more worrying that she’s having more and more problems hiding her own powers. After a fondly remembered encounter at the general store with the young doctor, and another at a charity drive, Ruth decides to turn to Dr. Henry Porter when things become too much for her to handle on her own. Both Ruth and Henry have less than ideal family situations, and I liked the way they helped each other navigate the difficulties—standing firm as a team and supporting each other through the storm. Ruth’s isolation and naiveté made her a very interesting character and Henry’s calm, gentle presence was perfect paired with her. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for the Independents in the next book! Be sure to check out the Ignited Bonus Story (cute fairy-tale short) available as a free download on the Author’s website, and it was a nice setup for Briar’s story in Shifted—hope to see it out soon!

Exposed by Lily Cahill

Exposed by Lily Cahill

Independence Falls, Book 2

Publisher: Nameless Shameless Women LLC (September 2015)

301 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

The last man a social climber in the 1950’s wants their daughter to end up with is the Russian boy, his heritage making him a virtual social outcast and a target for suspicion. But, June’s ideas about what she wants out of life and her mother’s aren’t exactly in sync. June and Ivan butt heads a lot in the beginning, but even through the fighting the attraction is undeniable. June is struggling with others expectations and her social image, while Ivan is struggling with the ability to trust or see good in the people beyond his family. This focuses so much on internal struggle and overcoming your own shortcomings. I loved the way Ivan and June challenged each other to become better people, and supported each other as they strived to do that. Great read and I look forward to reading Ruth’s story in Ignited! Be sure to check out the Exposed Bonus Story (in-law introduction dinner short) available as a free download on the Author’s website. Love the bonus stories!