A Lady's Wager

 

***

PG

{UM}

Could Recommend

I thought these were three short, fun stories.

I liked Josi Kilpack's the best as far as storyline goes but at the same time, hers was the only one that had anything objectionable in it {Uncomfortable Moments}

It was not so uncomfortable that I couldn't recommend it though.

Worth a read

The Candy Cane Caper

 

***1/2

PG

{UM}

Easily Recommend

It was fun to read about Sadie and her sleuthing skills again :)

This book was fun...not a murder mystery...just a mild thievery mystery.

There were just a couple of {Uncomfortable Moments} but not bad enough to make it not recommendable.

Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough

 ****

G

Easily Recommend

This was a sweet compilation of cute Christmas stories.

I don't recall anything that bothered me in any of the stories.

Happy to recommend to someone looking for some lighthearted Christmas cheer :)

Rakes and Roses

***

PG

{UM} {TMP} {BSt}

Not Easily Recommendable

I have thus far really enjoyed the Mayfield series but I was somewhat disappointed in this third installment...mostly with there being {Too Much Passion}.  Her descriptions got just a little much and at one point it is implied that things would have gotten out of hand had one of them not stopped the kiss.

There were also a few {Uncomfortable Moments} and the main man IS a rake so he has a {Back Story}.  That is not described in too much detail, and I wouldn't have really even mentioned it except that it does play into the story a bit.

I wish that I could recommend this book more easily but I do have some hesitations.

Daisies and Devotion

***1/2

PG

{UM} {TMP} {BSt}

Probably Recommend

I enjoyed this second book in the Mayfield Family series.

There was a little {Too Much Passion} for me towards the end of the book and just a few little {Uncomfortable Moments} and a bit of a {Back Story} not concerning the main characters however.

I thought it sweet and would most likely feel comfortable recommending it.

Promises and Primroses

****

PG

{UM} {BSt} {TMP}

Recommendable

I have been disappointed in Josi Kilpack's books of late, not because she's not a great writer (I really do think she is gifted in creating characters and writing a smooth and interesting storyline), but because she's been including things that I think are unnecessary and objectionable.

Hence, I was a bit wary starting this book and there were a couple of {Uncomfortable Moments}, a {Backstory} that comes into play a little bit and just a bit {Too Much Passion} for my taste.  However, I really enjoyed the plot, I loved the characters and wasn't too put off by the undesirable elements this time.

I'm actually very interested in continuing to read this series as this first book sets up the idea/motivation that will be in the background of each consequent book.

Miss Wilton's Waltz

***1/2

PG

{TMP} {UM}

Possibly Recommend

I will say I liked this better than the preceding book (The Vicar's Daughter).

I think Josi creates very relatable characters.  I have found myself identifying with many of them through the books she's written.

This story was sweet but I did feel like the kissing scene was a bit strong {TMP} and it kept being remembered by both characters so it was referred to several times.

There is an {UM} when someone suggests that a man take a mistress, which is immediately disregarded as an option, but still, there is that.

I also felt like it was wrapped up and resolved a little too easily but I don't usually hold that too strongly against a book :)

All That Makes Life Bright

***1/2

PG

{UM}!

Possibly Recommend 

(with and explanation)

Marital Intimacy is referred to multiple times {UM}

That was the only think I didn't like about this book.  The story actually really resonated with me.

I sympathized with Hattie and her preference to pursue hobbies and talents over household duties...I guess who wouldn't right?

It was well written. 

I just wish it didn't have the {UM}!

The Vicar's Daughter

It's been quite a while since I have reviewed a book on here and I have a list of about 20 titles to catch up on so here goes...

***

PG

{UM}, borderline {TMP}

possibly recommend

The {UM} were mainly about womens' "assets" and men discussing women in uncomfortable ways.

There were only two kissing scenes {TMP} but they pushed the envelope a bit for me as far as passion goes.

I don't know what it was about this one but it just had somewhat of an odd feeling about it...maybe it was the 'forbidenness' of the relationship...maybe it was just the mood I was in.  Who knows?

This is about what I have come to expect from Josie Kilpack...not squeaky clean...which is sad.  I think she is a very talented writer and I almost always love her stories but there's often things that I would prefer not to read about in her books.