Where the Stars Meet the Sea

****

PG

a tiny bit {TMP}

Easily Recommend

I really thought this was a cute book!

For me it was kind of a cross between Beauty and the Beast and Pride and Prejudice.  Not a fairy tale (although it does take place in a castle), just that the relationship between the two main characters reminded me of these other two stories.

My only complaint was that it got just a little {Too Much Passion}-ate at the end...just a bit too descriptive with the kissing scenes...but not terribly.

Other than that I can easily recommend this sweet, fast paced regency!

The Road Through Rushbury

****

G

Easily Recommend

Super sweet story and the first in a series by multiple authors.

The last few chapters made the book for me.  It was good until then, but the resolution of one of the climactic issues was very touching.

This is the first I've read of Martha Keyes but plan on reading more from her and possibly more in this series as well.

Excited to recommend this one to all!

The Bridge to Belle Island

****

PG

{UM}

Easily Recommend

I was so pleased with this book!

Some of Julie Klassen's in the past have been borderline or even over the line to the point where I didn't read her books for a while.

However, I had heard that this murder mystery was a good one so I checked it out from our library and ended up loving it :)

I started reading it while my daughter was still reading it though and unfortunately, at one point, I had dropped her bookmark out and in trying to find where it had been, accidentally read a line that pretty much gave away the killer.  So, I cannot speak to how easily the mystery is solved in one's mind as they read because I was pretty sure I knew who it was very early on :(

My only complaint were a few minor {Uncomfortable Moments}...really not much at all.

A clean murder mystery!

I'm so happy :)

I hope there are more like these to come and in the mean time will absolutely recommend this one!

Promised

****

PG

a little bit {TMP}

Recommendable

The reason I gave this one four stars, even though there was slightly {Too Much Passion} at the end for my taste, was because it was different.

The plot was not easily guessed (at least for approximately the first third of the book).

I liked that the author did not give everything away concerning certain characters and you were willing to change your mind about them.

There was whit and cleverness in the writing and I liked the style very much.

I don't believe I've ever read anything else by this author but I would be happy to do so in the future and can happily recommend this book.

Catching the Wind

***1/2

PG-13

{UM} {IM}

Wish I Could Recommend but Really Can't :(

I really don't like writing reviews like this...

This book...the plot, the characters...I loved it!

However, there were certainly some moments that I didn't love and that's why I don't like writing this review.  I seriously wish I could write a glowing report and recommend this book but there were a couple of {Uncomfortable Moments} and some blatant {Immorality}.  I even had to create that as a new category since I'd never had to use it before.  There have been times when it was alluded to in a backstory and so I would use the {BSt} category but this was in the heart of the story and actual scenes that I skipped (although I don't think anything "happened" in them, I just didn't like the idea).

So, I don't think most people would give this a PG-13 rating but those couple of scenes do go beyond what I would call a PG...so there it is.  I would have given it 4, maybe 4.5 stars if it hadn't been for those two scenes.  I don't know if I've ever given a PG-13 rated book 3.5 stars though so it's kind of a balancing act.

Melanie Dobson is a magician though when it comes to weaving the present with the past.  It is brilliant how the story works out.  This one really had my mind working hard to keep everything straight and where it should be in the timeline.

Again, wish I could recommend it but I can't look past the immorality.

The Heart of the Rebellion

***

PG

Easily Recommend

I think I've mentioned before on this blog how the medieval genre is not really my favorite to read about (hence the three stars).

However, I know that this author is clean and my aunt knows her personally and so I've been reading her books when they come out.  I don't know what it is but this time period just does not grab me.  However, for a knights and castles type book, this was a good one :)

There was nothing in it that offended me.  It was well written and the characters were well developed.  Therefore,  I would have no problem recommending this to those who do appreciate the genre.

The House at the End of the Moor

***1/2

PG

{UM} {L?}

Recommendable

This book was a pleasant surprise!

Not at all the frivolous, sappy love story that one might expect.

It was different on so many levels and I really enjoyed it!

The plot was deeper than usual, the characters had character and the writing kept me reading.

My only complaints were the continual thanking of Deity in a somewhat casual manner {Language} and a few minor {Uncomfortable Moments}.

One thing that I really came to appreciate was the narrative of an unexpected third character and his transformation.  I enjoyed reading his side of the story and being part of his journey.

With an explanation of the {L} issue I would heartily recommend this book!

The Solicitor's Son

***1/2

PG

{UM} borderline {TMP}

Probably Recommend

It had been such a long time since I had read the other two in this series that I had a hard time placing the secondary characters that should have been familiar to me.

 I did enjoy the book though.  The only problem I had with the plot/story line was that it all seemed to be resolved a little too easily...but that happens quite a bit in these books doesn't it?

There was just one or two {Uncomfortable Moments} and the intimate scenes were barely borderline for me {Too Much Passion}.  However, I believe I remember the other two being not so borderline so I was grateful this one was a little more tame.

I feel that I could probably recommend this book without any problem.

Love's Faithful Promise

***1/2

PG

borderline {TMP} {L}

Recommendable

I finally finished up this Irish/American series!

It took me a while to get around to it but I'm glad I did.  I really enjoyed this book.  The whole series has wonderful characters and genuine plots.

There was just one use of the Lord's name {Language} in this one with which I was not happy and then the kissing scenes were just a bit on the edge for me as far as passion goes {Too Much Passion}.

Everything else was lovely though!

I would recommend this series quite easily I think.