The Memory of Lavender and Sage

 My first book by Aimie K Runyan to read and I must say there is a depth to this book that gratifies the reader.  At the same time, there are some characters the reader will love to hate simply because of their attitudes. 

When Tempesta's father dies and leaves her none of his estate, Tempesta's brother reveals that her mother had her own estate that went entirely to her.  Tempy's mother was from Sainte Colombe in Provence in France, and so Tempy decides to move back to France to get to know her mom better through the people in her town.  Her welcome was at first rather cool, except for Jenofa, a woman who had watched Tempy's mom grow up.  Tiberi shows up to help put Tempy's house to rights, and there is a lot that needs to be done.  Tiberi and Tempy work together to bring the hundreds years old house into the modern age, and then they work together to revitalize the village.  There are some recalcitrant citizens of the village who don't want the progress or the influx of tourists that Tempy's ideas will bring, but they are soon won over.  

Aimie has done such a masterful job of developing her characters in this book, the reader feels a kinship with some, a strong distaste for others, and still others fall somewhere in between.  The settings she has included in the book make the reading far more interesting.  

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and an herb garden that will help and heal your ills. 

Harper Muse provided the copy I read for this review.  All opinions expressed are solely my own. 

Wildflower Falls

This is Book 4 of the Riverbend Romance series.  The first two were a lot of fun to read, the third one was a bit dark and hard to get through.  This one had its ups and downs.  What Denise Hunter got right when she discussed the Appalachian Trail culture is the way trail names are handed out. I also appreciated the way she brought in the horse culture and wove it into the story seamlessly.   

Both Charlotte and Gunner have past hurts that need to be worked through and though they did, it wasn't the most healthy way.  It did work for the story, and I guess that's all the author wants.  I love the way Jeff, the step-father to Gavin and Cooper, settles situations with his two pennies on the table.  He lets you know that he has thoughts about your conundrum, but it's up to you to decide that you want to hear his thoughts.  He won't push them on you, but lets you know  he's got his two cents worth to inject into the circumstances.  If only more adults took that perspective and used that method, a lot less hurt would be hurled around.  

I enjoyed reading the book.  The pacing of the plot kept me engaged, and the characters were believable as well as likable.  

Four Stars.

Thomas Nelson provided the copy I read for this review.  All opinions expressed are solely my own. 

 

Capturing Hope

 This book was hard for me to read.  The plot seemed dark and unrelenting and the characters seemed flat to me.  

Nadia Roenne's father tasked David Reid to get her out of Poland and to England safely.  At every turn, Nadia thwarted his attempts to leave the country.  Along the way, she collected all kinds of children, a couple of mothers with the children, and a baby whose mother died shortly after childbirth.  For the baby, she also had to get a goat for the milk to add to the entourage.  Given the chances she had to leave Poland, she gives them up to others and creates more havoc throughout the book.  

I appreciate the work Angela K Couch put into the research for the events in Poland and the difficulties experienced by the Poles at the hands of the Germans.  For me, the book lacked dimension, it seemed to be a retelling of events rather than a cohesive story.  The best part of the story came in at the epilogue when all the bits and pieces got all tied up in a nice, little package. 

I know Barbour Publishing has put a lot of work in bringing this series to its readers.  Overall I love the Heroines of WWII series.  This one felt just a bit off for me.  Three stars

Barbour Publishing did provide the copy I read for this review.  All opinions expressed are solely my own. 

Kingdom of Love

 

Tracie Peterson is a prolific author who has honed her craft to an artform! This new collection of three short novels is one of my favorite anthologies I've read this year.  I truly enjoy Medieval stories, although I wouldn't give up my modern conveniences for anything.  The dukes and duchesses who are responsible for the lives of those entrusted to them take those responsibilities seriously in these three stories.  From an arranged marriage that becomes a love match, to a group of orphaned children collected along a journey to the northern part of the country, these tales have something for every romance reader, gentle heroes who can be firm when needed, loving heroines who see things beyond how they look on the surface, a bit of treachery, and a loving reunion among long, lost relatives.  

The first two stories in the book make a short series, while the third one takes place about two hundred years later.  

Tracie's skill in bringing characters and settings to life is unparalleled.  Her research into the lives and times of those living in such primitive times is spot on.  Her ability to craft such enjoyable prose makes me envious of her talent.  

This is a five-star book, with two thumbs up, and a rescuer of damsels in distress.  

Barbour Books provided the copy I read for this review.  All opinions expressed are solely my own.