Daughters of Northern Shores

***1/2

PG

{UM} {GS}

Possibly Recommend

This one is kind of tough for me to rate...

It is the sequel to Sons of Blackbird Mountain which I really liked but there is an attempted rape at the end of it.  This book continues the man's story who attempted the rape.  He doesn't live a very moral life and it refers to that a few times but it is a lovely story of forgiveness, restitution and redemption.  There were some {Uncomfortable Moments} that had to do with marital intimacy (and of course the non marital intimacy references with the main character as well).

Also, there was a bit of violence and somewhat graphic scenes describing a few deaths.

These books deal with hard issues and you become invested in the characters lives.  After finishing this book I felt a lot different than I usually do after reading one of the frilly English romances that I forget about almost immediately.

If you are looking for some depth and don't mind the objections mentioned above, I would definitely recommend these two books!

A Return of Devotion

***

PG

{SM/UM} {TMP} {L?}

Probably Not Recommend

While I enjoyed the first Haven Manor book and felt like it handled a delicate topic appropriately, I felt like this second book was a little more edgy.  The kissing did get a little much for me in one spot {Too Much Passion} and it referred, more than once, to the fact that both characters had gone too far in the past {Subject Matter/Uncomfortable Moments}.  The woman who made an unfortunate decision years earlier recalls the night in question and describes portions of it in answer to someone's query.  She doesn't go into detail with anything but you know what happened.

There are also a couple of times the Lord's name was used in a way with which I was not comfortable {Language}.

I would have a hard time recommending this book to someone, although I feel like it does do a good job of showing consequences and the long term effects a poor choice can have on a person.

A Hero For Miss Hatherleigh

***

PG

{UM} {L} {a tiny bit TMP}

Hesitantly Recommend (Maybe with Explanation)

So I almost gave up on this book after the first chapter or so...

There were so many different names mentioned and I was having a hard time keeping track of everyone.  I feel silly admitting it, but I was confused :)

Anyway, I stuck with it and it soon became much easier to follow.

There were just a few {Uncomfortable Moments} but the biggest problem for me in this book was the {Language}.  Her use of God's name was, most of the time, probably considered by most, to not be in vain....more like a prayer I guess.  However, there was at least once where it definitely was not a prayer.  Also, the frequency which she did use it was too much for me since it makes me uncomfortable no matter what.  It is a Christian book and actually speaks quite freely about the Savior and who He is...so there is that :)

Also, just one kissing scene but the wording pushed it just a smidge for me {Too Much Passion}.

So, in conclusion, I would have a hard time recommending this book mostly because of Language.

A Desperate Hope

***

PG (13?)

{BSt} {SM}

Probably Not Recommend

The {Back Story} involving immorality plays a huge part throughout the whole book.  There are other instances of immoral conduct mentioned and referred to quite plainly as well {Subject Matter}.

Aside from these major issues (for me) there was a good mystery going on and the pace of the book picked up considerably towards the end.

It was an interesting plot with historical basis (as all of hers have...and I appreciate that) but because of what I mentioned above I would have a hard time recommending this book :(

The Gem Thief

****

G

Easily Recommend

This was a super clean mystery!

I had no objections to any of the content and the author kept me guessing as to who the criminal was until at least the last quarter of the book.

I would, and have, recommended this book without any hesitation!