The Crossing at Cypress Creek by Pam Hillman

Reviewed by Martha Artyomenko

Description

Sailing and soldiering around the world has taken Caleb O’Shea far from his native Ireland, so he never imagined that a promise to see a fellow crewman safely home would practically land him on his brother’s doorstep. After spending years away from his family, Caleb isn’t certain what kind of reception he will receive when he steps foot in Natchez, Mississippi. The one thing he knows for sure is that he won’t stay long.

Since her sister was kidnapped by river pirates six months ago, Alanah Adams has taken special care to avoid drawing attention to herself. Those living in the rough-and-tumble settlement of Cypress Creek might even think she’s addled. But when she stumbles into Caleb and his friends in Natchez, she appears to be the picture-perfect lady.

Caleb only catches glimpses of the mysterious and beautiful Alanah before she disappears. But a chance encounter with her at his brother’s logging camp near Cypress Creek leaves him uncomfortable at the thought of the young woman traversing the dangerous area alone. At a crossroads in his life, Caleb must decide whether he wants to give up the worldly adventures he’s been seeking for one closer to home.

My Review:

This book was a great part of the series, with many friends from previous books coming into the story. I loved the main characters!

It was different seeing all the unrest in the time period, where often I think it was easy to think that besides wild animals and the weather, there was not that much to fear. So not true.
This author is talented in the way she weaves a story, with underlying story lines that entrap your mind and make you want more.

I obtained this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The opinions contained herein are my own.

The Heart of a King by Jill Eileen Smith

 

Reviewed by Martha Artyomenko

Description:

Four women captured King Solomon’s heart in different ways, and he indulges his desires despite warnings. For all his wisdom, did Solomon or the women he loved ever find what they were searching for?

My Review:

I love reading biblical fiction and this author is talented in telling a story. 

They do a very good job of capturing the life of a king with the love for God, but also the draw to women to obtain more peace, power and lands. 

Her skill weaves a tale of the confusing facts of polygamy, and its downfalls, even when you think it is sort of ok. I loved Solomon, and yet, I didn’t like him at all. He was the hero that you wanted to do the right thing, but felt like he kept going back to his desire for power, but had a good heart in it all. 

If you want to understand more about this unique king that married, what seems like half the world’s princesses, pick this book up. It is fascinating with a lot of stories in it. 

Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson

Reviewed by Martha Artyomenko

Description

When the fun-loving and spontaneous artist Willow West meets buttoned-up, retired English teacher George Emerson, it’s not exactly love at first sight. Though she does find the obsessive-compulsive man intriguing. Making it her mission to get him to loosen up and embrace life, she embarks on what seems like a lost cause–and finds herself falling for him in the process.

A confirmed bachelor, George vacillates between irritation and attraction whenever Willow is around–which to him seems like all too often. He’s not interested in expanding his horizons or making new friends; it just hurts too much when you lose them.

But as the summer progresses, George feels his defenses crumbling. The question is, will his change of heart be too late for Willow?

With her signature heart and touches of humor, fan favorite Melody Carlson pens a story of two delightfully eccentric characters who get a second chance at life and love.

My Review:

This quirky romance, is not really a romance as much as a tale of two people falling in love despite the determination of one to not go there.

I loved that this story was not about young people, but explored life and what it could be between two people with totally different lifestyles.  I enjoyed the storyline with the family dynamics.

Don’t read this book if you are just looking for a cute story with no depth. This story hides the depth between still surfaces. I loved it!

I obtained this book from the publisher and NetGalley. My opinions contained herein are my own.