THE CAPTIVE HEART by Michelle Griep

Eleanor Morgan is an English governess who likes her job until her boss makes unwelcome advances.  She finds herself with a little money and a ticket to Charles Town.  When she arrives, the family she thought she was going to work for wasn’t there to pick her up.  That left her with no choice but to marry a man she didn’t know and one who looks almost dangerous.  Samuel Heath is a tracker and trapper who lives in a humble cabin in the woods, mostly to escape the town and bad memories.  He really needs a mother to help raise his young daughter but he has no expectations about having a true wife.  Their agreement is a marriage in name only.  But Eleanor surprises Samuel with her determination to adapt to her new life and Samuel’s heart begins to stir.  Samuel surprises Eleanor with his caring and protective ways and Eleanor finds herself drawn to him.  But there are things Eleanor doesn’t know about her new husband.  Things that could challenge her growing feelings.

WOW!  I absolutely loved this story!  From beginning to end I devoured every page.  (and isn’t the cover gorgeous?) I found myself quickly immersed in action, suspense, danger and drama balanced with some humorous and tender moments.  The romantic tension between Samuel and Eleanor totally sizzled, which I love, and the dialog was amazing.  It keeps you completely engaged.  I was totally captivated as I was taken back in time to life in the late 1700s.  I will say there was one thing I had mixed feelings about that happened toward the end but it was also realistic. You have to read the story to know what I mean.  I fell in love with Samuel.  He was strong and wise yet very guarded.   Eleanor had a good heart but there were times I got a bit frustrated with her.  I loved the interaction between them.  I’ve read other books by this author that I really liked but this by far is my favorite and has earned a rightful place on my keeper shelf.  This would make an excellent Hallmark movie.  The Captive Heart is one I HIGHLY recommend.  Once you pick it up you won’t want to put it down.

*This complimentary copy was provided by Barbour/Shiloh Run Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

A couple favorite quotes (although there were many)

“I think there is a reason Jesus said He went to prepare a place for us, that His Father’s house has many mansions.  Not that we were not created to fellowship with others, for we are but perhaps the desire to have a space of one’s own is but a shadow of what is to come, what we will experience in eternity.  A place just for us, created by the Creator.  Some, like you, feel it more keenly.”

“I promised you on our wedding day that I wouldn’t touch you.”  His husky voice wrapped around her like a warm embrace, pulling her toward him.  “Do you want that to change?”  A foreign desire ran along every nerve.  She froze, unsure if she could speak or even breath.  Afraid if she did everything would change.  Forever.  “No,” she forced the word past lips she was terrified to open.  “Because if you do” - he brushed his thumb along the curve of her neck, leaving a trail of fire - “all you need to do is ask, Tatsu’hwa.”  His brown eyes held her in place, demanding she understand his meaning - and when she did, the implication stole her last bit of breath.  Want and need charged the thin space between them, but whose? His or Hers?

For more information about this book or other books by Michelle Griep, I encourage you to visit her website at https://michellegriep.com.

A ROYAL CHRISTMAS WEDDING by Rachel Hauck

It’s been five years since Avery Truitt has seen or heard from Prince Colin.  Although she’s tried, her heart just can’t seem to forget him.  She’s recently lost her father and nothing seems the same at home without him.  Then her sister Susanna invites Avery and her mother to Brighton Kingdom for Christmas.  Avery knows she’ll see Colin and is hoping to find out what happened, why he cut her off.  Colin however, appears to have moved on, with a beautiful model at his side.  But all is not what it seems and when Colin and Avery finally see each other again, they find their connection is still very strong.  When a prayer of Colin’s is answered in an unusual way he must decide whether to follow the path of his earthly father or his heavenly father.

I absolutely LOVED this story for its enchanting characters and the whole magic of Christmas in Brighton not to mention that it’s very romantic. Although I’ve enjoyed the entire series, I must confess that this is my favorite.  The Bell Ringing tradition was really fun and I loved how it was integrated into the story.  Prince Colin and Avery were both charming and I LOVED the chemistry between them.  The snappy dialog (which was honest and realistic) had me turning pages at light speed and kept me up way past my bedtime.  I appreciated the sound advice that King Nathanial gave to Colin when he went to talk to him about his dilemma.  This is definitely going on the ‘keeper shelf’.  There really wasn’t anything I didn’t like about the book, except that it came to an end.  So grab you hot cocoa, sit back and relax because you are in for a royal treat.  I highly recommend you attend A Royal Christmas Wedding!

*This complimentary copy was provided by Zondervan in exchange for an honest review*

A few favorite quotes:

“This is a great charity.  Studies have shown people are more likely to have price in themselves when they can purchase gifts with money they’ve earned.”

“I’m just saying when a man loves a woman he’ll move heaven and earth to be with her.”

“Sad thing about losing your parent is a door to your childhood closes.  One you didn’t even know was open.”

For more information about this book or other books by Rachel Hauck, I recommend you visit her website at http://www.rachelhauck.com.