Review

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – a Review

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51jiiqyoml-_sx326_bo1204203200_Elizabeth Bennet fights her growing attraction for the proud yet noble Mr. Darcy in this heartwarming novel.

This version of the classic novel by Jane Austen has added notes in the margin that explain historical or cultural aspects of the story that the modern reader might not know. It also includes tidbits from Austen’s life, romance tips, faith themes, and comments about the characters.

These notes enhanced my enjoyment of the novel so much that I read this version at least twice a year.

I definitely recommend this particular version to lovers of historical romance.

-Review by Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

Colorado by Rosey Dow – a Review

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Four heartwarming novellas make up this series by Rosey Dow.

The main characters you learn to love in the first book, Megan’s Choice, are found in other novellas. This allow us, as readers, to spend additional time with lovable characters that we aren’t ready to part with.

Megan Wescott needs a well-paying job to cover the cost of her younger brother’s medical bills. Unfortunately, the only work she can find requires her to leave Baltimore and head west with Steven Chamberlain as his new wife.

Em, who refused to leave the family when the War Between the States ended, will stay with Jeremy. Megan knows Em will care for her brother, but how can she bear to leave? Yet with Jeremy’s bills mounting, she has little choice but to marry a stranger in the hopes of saving her brother.

I loved all the main characters of each story so much that I’ve read the whole book several times. I definitely recommend this series to lovers of historical romance.

-Review by Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

The Substitute Wife by Amanda Barratt – a Review

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51clsivd2hlPart of the Convenient Bride Collection

The Substitute Wife by Amanda Barratt

Grace is the plain sister, the unnoticed one who can never hope to match the beauty of her sister, Audrey. Grace works as Audrey entertains her fiancé, Dr. Raymond McNair.

When Audrey leaves a note for the family and Raymond next to her wedding gown not to look for her, the humiliation felt by all leads to Grace walking down the aisle with Raymond.

Grace’s hopes that her new husband will fall in love with her are dashed when the unthinkable happens.

The setting and characters are believable and lovable in this enjoyable historical romance.

-Review by Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

Carolina by Yvonne Lehman

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Carolina: Mountain Man, Smoky Mountain Sunrise, Call of the Mountain, Whiter Than Snow (Inspirational Romance Collections)

Each of these stories are set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. They will make the reader experience all the emotions felt by believable characters. I enjoyed every story.

Four touching novellas by an award-winning author!

-Review by Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

Sagebrush Knights by Erica Vetsch

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Four sisters offer themselves as mail-order brides after losing their father. The Wyoming Territory in 1874 gives them no other means of support. Luckily they all find husbands in Sagebrush.

One sister marries a man with a mischievous daughter. A second sister discovers her would-be husband has died. One sister longs to be special to her husband. Living as a wife of a sheep herder comes as a jolt to another.

Each one finds surprises. An enjoyable historical romance!

-Review by Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

Beneath a Southern Sky by Deborah Raney

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Daria finally gives up hope of finding her husband alive in a remote area of South America after their baby is born. She mourns her missionary husband and learns to love again.

Her second husband, Cole, helps heal her sorrow. Then her first husband, Nate, is found alive. While rejoicing over finding Nate, Daria wonders which husband she is bound to.

It’s a terrible situation for Daria and her children that is not easily resolved.

This story stayed with me a long time after reading it.

-Review by Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

Hidden Places by Lynn Austin

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Eliza, a widow, struggles to feed her three children and run the family orchard. It’s 1931 and the bank threatens to foreclose on her mortgage.

Then a stranger, Gabe, knocks on her door. He seems to know how to do everything required and will work for food and shelter. Her children love him and so does Eliza.

But there’s something about Gabe. Is he really who he proclaims to be?

This touching story set during the Great Depression gripped me with its mystery and romance.

-Review by Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

The Fire in Ember by DiAnn Mills

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A young woman pretends to be a man and hides a past that relentlessly pursues her. Once her disguise is discovered, her refusal to reveal her true identity is her only protection.

John, the man who falls in love with her, does not know what to think. What is she hiding?

This touching romance set in Colorado in 1888 is action-packed. Mills, a skilled author, weaves a poignant story. Expect an adventure!

-Review by Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon