As an author, I read a variety of research books and novels. Valentine’s Day seemed a good day to highlight my favorite romances that I’ve read (or reread) the past year:
Click on the link to read my reviews. Yes, I write reviews for books I enjoy–it’s such a gift to authors! Consider writing and posting a short review on Amazon, Goodreads, etc., for books you read.
What’s on your list? Happy Reading!
-Sandra Merville Hart
(Guardians of the Time Stream Series)
This is Book One of the series.
This steampunk historical novel is not my usual genre. When I read that the United States was in the third term of Lincoln’s presidency and the main character was on a flying ship, it took a couple of chapters to grasp the alternate history.
Ess is a rarity—a female Pinkerton agent in the late 1860s. Her current task to guard Egyptian artifacts lands her in more danger than she realizes.
Ess longs to find her missing grandparents and her brother. She meets friends of her missing relatives yet hesitates to trust them. What is the Blue Lotus Society?
Has she been wrong to trust her fellow Pinkerton agents?
The well-written story drew me in. I had no idea how the story would turn out. I enjoyed reading a new-to-me genre for a change.
The ending leaves you curious about what happens in the next novel. The author did a great job piquing my interest for Book Two!
-Review by Sandra Merville Hart
This book is filled with fun animal facts that will amaze your children!
The author shares about familiar Bible stories such as Noah’s Ark, Creation, Adam naming the animals, Jonah and the big fish, plus many others.
Then we read about Amazing Animal Facts such as the size of a blue whale’s heart, the smallest fish in the world, and how dogs sweat.
Included with every story is a section about “What It Means to Me,” a Bible verse, and “Talking to God.”
This wonderful book will appeal to young children from toddlers to mid-elementary grades or any child fascinated by animal facts.
-Sandra Merville Hart
Book 2 in the Preston Barclay series.
Professor Preston Barclay, “Press” to his friends, has built a reputation for solving a murder along with his fellow professor, Mara Thorn. When the pair find the dead body of another professor following a trustee/faculty reception, they both want to avoid the appearance of investigating the case.
Yet finding the dead woman plunges them into the middle of a police investigation. Both appear to be suspects in the murder. Past history with one of the police officers comes back to haunt Press.
Danger lurks not only for Press and Mara, but also for anyone they question.
Filled with twists and turns, this suspenseful romance kept me turning pages.
The novel refers to events that happened in Book 1, Murder in Disguise. It may be helpful to read that novel first.
The characters are interesting and believable. I will look for more novels by this author
-Sandra Merville Hart
Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas – Use coupon code SandraMHart for a 20% discount on Lighthouse Publishing books!
The Rails to Love Romance Collection
The action begins with the first paragraph!
Neil MacBride risks his life to save Cordelia Cochrane, but is she grateful? No, the feisty reporter actually has the nerve to tell Neil that he should have let her remain in danger—she’d get a better newspaper story.
Being out in the middle of the Wyoming Territory with a group of former Civil War soldiers turned rail workers, Cordelia grudgingly decides to accept Neil’s help. She only cares about furthering her career.
Neil is ambitious, too. The Union Pacific worker is determined to lead his team, who are laying tracks daily. He’s been without family for a long time yet there is something about Cordelia that captivates him.
I loved this novella. I fell in love with Neil before Cordelia did!
The dialogue in the story is especially good. The couple have meaningful conversations from the beginning. The secondary characters, hardened by war experiences, are also lovable and believable.
Definitely recommend this author.
-Sandra Merville Hart
The Rails to Love Romance Collection
Eugenia Bell is more interested in photography than in Chauncey Keaton, the man her rich and powerful father wants her to marry. When her father invites Mason Farling to Cheyenne to write a book commemorating the new depot that will include Eugenia’s photographs, she is thrilled.
Mason appreciates the ingenuity in Eugenia’s photographs immediately and he’s excited for the opportunity to work with the talented beauty.
Mason captures Eugenia’s attention in a way that Chauncey never did.
The characters are likeable and believable.
This historical romance novella is a quick read yet it grabbed my attention.
Recommend! Will look for more by this author.
-Sandra Merville Hart
The Royal Wedding Series
Avery Truitt is thrilled to return to Brighton Kingdom where her sister is married to the King of Brighton. Yet her heart aches for her lost relationship with Prince Colin, whom she dated while in high school—the one who stood her up for her prom five years ago.
Prince Colin has never forgotten Avery. He followed her impressive volleyball career, flying over to attend tournament games without her knowledge. But his dad was right. Colin needs to focus on his career with the family business.
Meeting Avery again reminds Colin why he loves her and how much the broken relationship hurt.
Yet there is a long-standing Brighton tradition for royal weddings. Could the ringing of the tower bell actually be for Avery?
A modern-day Christmas romance that will steal romantic hearts. This is a wonderful story to read during the Christmas holidays. I will look for more novels by this author!
-Sandra Merville Hart
I had a hard time putting down this novel.
Dorie Fitzgerald moved with her two small children to a small city in northern New York to live near her parents after his husband was killed in Iraq. She needs emotional connections as much as a job so she tries out for a part in a community theater and lands a minor role.
Jamey Sullivan is helping his ailing father while waiting for his big break on Broadway. He plays the part of Clarence in “It’s a Wonderful Life” where Dorie catches his eye immediately.
This contemporary romance is multi-layered. Dorie still grieves for her hero husband; her children miss their father. Jamey’s dad has refused to sell the family business to the family who monopolizes the town’s businesses for years—if he changes his mind, Jamey will be free to pursue his dreams.
There are many twists that kept me turning pages when I should have been doing other tasks.
I enjoy reading stories set in the Christmas season, especially during the holidays. If you also are looking for a good Christmas story, check out this novel.
-Sandra Merville Hart
Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas Use coupon code SandraMHart for a 20% discount on Lighthouse Publishing books!
This contemporary romance novel is the first book I’ve read by this author.
I love reading books set during the Christmas holidays as soon as the weather gets cold in the fall. These novels get me in the mood for Christmas.
Anna Reyes, a widow, returns to her home town to begin a new life and have her baby near family and friends.
Ryan Savage has been Anna’s best friend since childhood. Old feelings, long-buried, stir to life when Anna moves into a trailer near the school where they both work.
Anna’s timing couldn’t be worse. Ryan plans to move away in the new year. He’s been offered a dream job.
The old friends are drawn together by students in need. Ryan has to decide if he should accept the new job.
Under Carter’s skillful hands, this novel filled me with Christmas spirit.
Recommend! Will look for more by this author.
-Sandra Merville Hart
I love this book for children!
The author has taken many of the common items associated with Christmas and created an easy, fun lesson for preschool children through elementary.
The author uses items such as ornaments, candles, candy canes, cranberries, cookie cutters, holly, pine cones, and many more as interesting object lessons.
With each object is a scripture reference, discussion, prayer, and activity. The discussions are appropriate and useful for parents and teachers.
Included are Christmas crafts or activities that children can do with parents. Some crafts will be easy for an elementary-aged child to create without much adult assistance.
I definitely recommend buying this book for your children and grandchildren. Packed with great ideas!
-Sandra Merville Hart
Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas – Use coupon code SandraMHart for a 20% discount on Lighthouse Publishing books!
Sandra Merville Hart 