The Reluctant Healer of Halifax

The Reluctant Healer of Halifax shares the sad and harrowing story based on the events of the Halifax Explosion on December 6, 1917. This explosion was the largest man made explosion prior to the atomic bomb. Taking place in Canada, this explosion devastated many lives. Pearline has just experienced a whirlwind few weeks as he beloved, Oliver, has returned from the war in Europe, has been injured and has broken off his engagement with Pearline. Pearline is determined to assure Oliver of her love and commitment, when a terrible explosion happens. The entire town of Halifax is impacted by the explosion and many deaths and injuries occur including ones that impact Pearline and Oliver directly. They each do what they can to help but will their relationship overcome so many obstacles? Do they even want it to?

The Reluctant Healer of Halifax does take place in Canada so the reader will notice to items particular to Canada. I found the story to be very intriguing and did appreciate the history that we presented along with the story. The author does use some liberties, which is expected with fiction, but I did enjoy the story and would recommend.

The Girl from Tomorrow's Town

The Girl from Tomorrow’s Town is a historical fiction tale of Lily. Lily was sent on an orphan train after her father passed and her mother could not care for her. Her mother’s intentions were to simply have Lily go away for just a short time so she could care for Lily’s younger brother and then for Lily as well. However, Lily was sent to a family that only needed her for her housekeeping skills. One night, Lily finally has the courage to escape. She successfully sneaks away and boards the train. When happens next is an amazing tale!

What can I say? I loved this book and throughly enjoyed The Girl from Tomorrow’s Town. This story had many enjoyable interactions to keep the reader engaged.  I really enjoyed the story line and it was told in an engaging way. I look forward to reading more stories from this author! 

Not Precisely Mr. Knightley by Carolyn Miller

Not Precisely Mr. Knightley is the second story in the Silver Teapot series. However, this book does stand alone and you do not need to read the first book in order to follow along with this book in the series. EJ has always had a very close friendly relationship with Jordan. They have been friends since they were young and have a very close relationship. Jordan is comfortable and safe. Jordan has also helped EJ launch her new app Dream Match. Enter Eric Churchill. Eric is very wealthy and currently single. EJ is mesmerized by his attention and, in particularly, his money. EJ has always wanted to live the glamorous life and Eric definitely makes that possible. However, there is a compromise in her morals and her values. Is it worth it to have her Dream Match app succeed with the expense of losing her morals and values? With the expense of losing Jordan? Can EJ trade exciting wonderful and new for steady, comfortable and wise?

Not Precisely Mr. Knightly was an excellent story that challenges your thinking as you confront the comfortable life versus the elusive rich and fancy life. I did enjoy Not Precisely Mr Knightly and look forward to reading more books in this series.

A Heart on Consignment by Mindy Steele

A Heart on Consignment is the Amish romance story of Salina Stoltzfus. Salina is becoming older and still unmarried, which is highly unusual in the Amish faith. Complicating factors is that Salina is an only child; again unusual in the Amish faith. Salina’s mother is very protective of her and wants to keep her close. She also desperately wants grandchildren. Salina is content with her life and enjoys each moment. She enjoys helping others and giving to her community. Seth Weaver comes to town. Seth has been rejected my his fiancée. He decided to go away from his family for a bit and stay with his aunt and uncle. The problem is depute his skilled work on small engines he must help his uncle with woodworking. Seth is not happy but is appreciative. Will two desperate hearts find one another? 

Heart on Consignment is a wonderful Amish romance tale. This story was a little bit of a slow start for me but I was then engrossed in the story. This is a classic Amish faith romance story that readers will enjoy. It was interesting to tie in what I know of the Amish and see it develop into a story of helping others and a thrift shop (even though it's called a consignment shop in the story.) 

Not Exactly Mr. Darcy by Carolyn Miller

 Upon hearing that devastating news that Olivia was passed over for a teaching position, her dreams are crushed. Olivia has no direction and now plans, however, her family asks her to leave Australia and assist her grandmother in England. Her grandmother is recovering from surgery and will need some assistance for some time. Olivia decides to step in and help. She travels to England and has some time before her grandmother leaves the hospital. This affords Olivia the time to explore the charm of the town and visit Hartbury Hall. However, Olivia soon realizes that Hartbury Hall is not that visitor friendly! The gardener at Hartbury Hall is not very friendly and could be considered rude. How can he stop visitors from visiting this  great hall where Pride and Prejudice was once filmed? In an amazing turn of events, Olivia finds herself loving this town and Hartbury Hall. 

    This story was one I enjoyed. I appreciated that you did not need to understand or be a huge fan of Pride and Prejudice to understand the story. This is also the start of The Silver Teapot Series. I did find myself thinking that some of the events were a little stretched, but in the end did enjoy the story. This is a great read and I do recommend this book. 

The Daughter of Shiloh by Terri J. Haynes

The Daughter of Shiloh tells the based on history tale of Lealia, a focused and determined student at Tuskegee Institute. She often sees Milton at Tuskegee, also a fellow nursing student. However, Lealia simply cannot place him. She is looking forward to her upcoming scholarship to attend Howard University. Lealia is anticipating bigger and better opportunities. Booker T. Washington is the principal at Tuskegee and Lealia is often inspired by him. She will going with Booker T. Washington to his next speaking engagement as the has the opportunity to be an invited guest at the National Baptist Convention. Milton, however, is an invited guest, and although difficult due to his family history does look forward to returning to his hometown to see his mother. What happens next is absolutely unexpected but based on historical events.

The Daughter of Shiloh is a gripping, historically based tale that will keep you engaged in the story. I learned many new interesting facts about the events in Birmingham in 1902. Terri Hayes writes in a way the makes the historical events fascinating while also weaving a great plot into the story. I enjoyed both the historical and added details in The Daughter of Shiloh. 

The Undercover Heiress of Brockton by Kelly J. Goshorn

The Undercover Heiress of Brockton by Kelly J. Goshorn is the exciting and historical fiction tale based on an explosion at the Grover Shoe Factory. Henrietta, or "Etta", Maxwell is an heir to the Maxwell fortune. However, she dreams and desires to fulfill her love of writing as a reporter. Set in 1905, Henrietta cannot work for the newspaper since she is female. In order to overcome this obstacle, Henrietta has a disguise as a male and writes for the newspaper under that pen name. Henrietta is suddenly found out by Leo, who is a firefighter and is working on the investigation at the shoe factory. As Leo keeps Henrietta disguise a secret and begins to get to know her they eventually develop a closeness. However, can Henrietta continue her dual life? Will she be found out? Will she ever be able to write for the newspaper? Who or what is responsible for the devastating fire at the shoe factory?

This historical fiction was a interesting tale. I thoroughly enjoyed The Undercover Heiress of Brockton by Kelly J. Goshorn. It weaves historical information with a lovely romantic story and enjoyable read. There were a few times when I questioned the plot, but then realized in historical context it makes sense. 

The Highland Heist by Pepper Basham

The Highland Heist by Pepper Basham was a thrilling and intriguing novel in her series of Freddie and Grace Mysteries. Although the book does stand alone, it frequently references back to previous books in the series. Grace has recently returned to her home in America to see her family along with her husband, Freddie, and her adopted daughter, Zahra. Freddie and Grace have been on many cases prior to arriving to America. However, this one has more twist and turns than you could ever imagine. Grace‘s family has recently suffered some hardships and things are very complicated between Grace and her sister, Lillias. When Lillias’ husband is discovered murdered, and Grace and Lillias learn of their impending inheritance as well as the timeliness of the matter and requirements, things seem extremely hopeless. Will Grace and Freddie be able to solve the mystery? What role would their daughter play?

Although this book does reference previous books in the series, it is a fantastic novel and engaging story. It is well written and keeps the reader wondering what will happen next. I thoroughly enjoyed The Highland Heist. The novel was engaging and had many surprises!

Lizzie's Little Mouse by Anne Blackburne

Lizzie‘s Little Mouse by Anne Blackburne is the delightful story and mystery romance of Lizzie Miller, who opens a New Orleans style French bakery. It has been Lizzie‘s dream to open this bakery. She has worked very hard to study and learn about French cuisine. She has a love for baking and is delighted to start her business. Suddenly, on the opening day, a brick is thrown through the window of her bakery business. This takes Lizzie on a long journey of solving the mystery of who could have thrown the brick into her bakery and have caused further damage. Lizzie enlists the help of two of her dear friends. Suddenly, her friend's brother is helping and Lizzie has taken an interest in John. In turn, John, no longer sees Lizzie as his little sister‘s friend. The mystery of the 100 year-old murder that has taken place in Lizzie's building comes to light and takes you on many twist and turns along with the romance of Lizzie and John.

At first, I had a little difficulty getting into the story since you don’t typically hear about an Amish French bakery. Once I persevered, I was quickly drawn into the story and couldn’t put it down. It is a unique tale, but does draw the reader in. I like the combination of romance and mystery. I recommend Lizzie‘s Little Mouse by Anne Blackburne.

The Angel of Second Street by Barbara Tifft Blakey

The Angel of Second Street by Barbara Tifft Blakey tells the thrilling tale of Ida Dempsey and her kind, caring and exciting passion to share Jesus with those around her. Ida feels restless in her soul as she has such a passion for others. Ida searches for creative ways to share the gospel with those around who, despite societal norms. Enter Blaine Prescott, who has returned to his home town after being away for some time. Blaine is restless as well and isn't sure that his father and mother's plans for marriage will align with his. Blaine seeks to honor his parents but also desires to honor Christ and his heart. 

I could not put this book down and absolutely loved it. Barbara tells the story in such a way that draws the reader in and keeps the reader engaged. It was an enjoyable read. I was excited to read this book and can't wait to read more in the series. The Angel of Second Street is book one. I highly recommend.