Review : Mail-Order Christmas Baby

Mail - Order Christmas Baby by Sherri Shackelford

Genre: Love Inspired, Historical, Romance,

Goodreads: Click

Purchase link : Amazon | BN | Kobo

Pages: 288

The Rancher's Special Delivery

The "package" is addressed to him, but rancher Sterling Blackwell certainly didn't order a baby! More scandalous still, he and the town's pretty teacher are named as parents. With gossip running wild, only a marriage of convenience can protect little Gracie and their reputations until her real family is found.

Heather O'Connor is content to be the spinster schoolmarm of Valentine, Montana…until Gracie's arrival stirs her heart. She can't keep the adorable child without Sterling's help, though she promises not to interfere with his life. But staying aloof from her handsome husband isn't easy with a tiny matchmaker in tow. A mistake brought them together, but love might just make them a family by Christmas… 

Sterling was more then surprised to find a baby sent to him through Wells Fargo but even more stranger was that the lovely Heather was claimed to be the mother while he the father when they had never had such a connection. Now to save their reputation they decide to marry and give little Gracie a home that is until the true parents come to claim the child.

So I'm not sure how I came upon requesting this book through Netgalley. I think the cover drew me in and that was all I knew that it was gonna be a Christmasy kind of book. While ready I quickly came to realize that this was a historical romance and I'm not a fan of historical romance. For me this was a pretty slow read, it was still a good book but just not for me. The story line was interesting, the characters were pretty good. Overall it was a pretty good story just not the type of book that I'm usually drawn to.

Review : The Midnight Queen

The Midnight Queen by Sylvia Izzo Hunter

((Noctis Magicae #1))

Genre: Fantasy, Historical, Magic, Fiction, Young Adult, Adult

Goodreads: Click

Purchase Link: Amazon | Kobo | BN

Pages: 417

Published September 2nd 2014 by Ace

 In the hallowed halls of Oxford’s Merlin College, the most talented—and highest born—sons of the Kingdom of Britain are taught the intricacies of magickal theory. But what dazzles can also destroy, as Gray Marshall is about to discover…
 
Gray’s deep talent for magick has won him a place at Merlin College. But when he accompanies four fellow students on a mysterious midnight errand that ends in disaster and death, he is sent away in disgrace—and without a trace of his power. He must spend the summer under the watchful eye of his domineering professor, Appius Callender, working in the gardens of Callender’s country estate and hoping to recover his abilities. And it is there, toiling away on a summer afternoon, that he meets the professor’s daughter.
 
Even though she has no talent of her own, Sophie Callender longs to be educated in the lore of magick. Her father has kept her isolated at the estate and forbidden her interest; everyone knows that teaching arcane magickal theory to women is the height of impropriety. But against her father’s wishes, Sophie has studied his ancient volumes on the subject. And in the tall, stammering, yet oddly charming Gray, she finally finds someone who encourages her interest and awakens new ideas and feelings.
 
Sophie and Gray’s meeting touches off a series of events that begins to unravel secrets about each of them. And after the king’s closest advisor pays the professor a closed-door visit, they begin to wonder if what Gray witnessed in Oxford might be even more sinister than it seemed. They are determined to find out, no matter the cost.

To be honest this was a cover pick but seriously can you blame me? Look how stunning the cover is, its really beautiful and lovely to have on display on my shelf. So after finishing reading this book I will admit it took a bit to get used to. Not sure if it was just a slow paced book, if I just wasn't in the mood or what. After finding out what the book was about I thought it sounded interesting enough. I haven't read a book with a magic aspects in a while so figured maybe I'd be into it. With how good it was though I think in the near future I will reread this book and maybe my point of view of it will improve with a second look. Doesn't help that I find historical types of book a bit daunting and I don't usually go for that type of book then put in a whole fictional world I'm not familiar with wasn't the best but I'm glad that I got a chance to read this book. The characters were interesting, I loved that there was the dual point of views between Gray and Sophie so I got a bit of insight to their characters. I thought that the various types of magic being used in this book was interesting. You know what it would be hard for me to describe what I did and didn't like about this book without spoiling it for you. But if you were to ask me would it be worth your time to check it out, I would say yes because overall it was a pretty good book in general.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.*

Review : The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes

The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes by Leonard Goldberg

Genre: Mystery, Historical, Fiction, 

Goodreads: Click

Purchase link: Amazon | Kobo | BN

Pages: 320

Published June 6th 2017 by Minotaur Books

The thrilling tale of Sherlock Holmes’ daughter and her companion Dr. John Watson Jr. as they investigate a murder at the highest levels of British society from the USA Today bestselling author.

1910. Joanna Blalock’s keen mind and incredible insight lead her to become a highly-skilled nurse, one of the few professions that allow her to use her finely-tuned brain. But when she and her ten-year-old son witness a man fall to his death, apparently by suicide, they are visited by the elderly Dr. John Watson and his charming, handsome son, Dr. John Watson Jr. Impressed by her forensic and deductive skills, they invite her to become the third member of their deductive team.

Caught up in a Holmesian mystery that spans from hidden treasure to the Second Afghan War of 1878-1880, Joanna and her companions must devise an ingenious plan to catch a murderer in the act while dodging familiar culprits, Scotland Yard, and members of the British aristocracy. Unbeknownst to her, Joanna harbors a mystery of her own. The product of a one-time assignation between the now dead Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler, the only woman to ever outwit the famous detective, Joanna has unwittingly inherited her parents’ deductive genius.

Fans of the Rizzoli and Isles series by Tess Gerritsen and the Stapleton and Montgyomery series by Robin Cook will enjoy this suspenseful story, full of excitement and intrigue.

By the title alone you already get a good idea of what the book is about. And after reading it, it was everything I could have hoped for. Love mystery and suspense wondering when a death would occur next and how they were connected. Then in the end how everything came together in the story I really enjoyed it. I'm a fan of Sherlock Holmes and getting this kind of extension is pretty cool. Overall 5 out of 5 stars.

Review : Cowboy Creek Christmas

Cowboy Creek Christmas by Cheryl St.John & Sherri Shackelford

Genre: Love Inspired, Romance, Historical, Holiday,

Goodreads: Click

Purchase Link: Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Pages: 288

Published November 8th 2016 by Love Inspired

A season for love and family  

Mistletoe Reunion by Cheryl St.John   

When Marlys Boyd moves West hoping to find acceptance for her doctoring skills, she's surprised to find her former fiancé, Sam Mason, running the local newspaper. And with the ladies in town determined to make a match of the doctor and the single father, she's not sure she can resist building the family they once dreamed of. 

Mistletoe Bride by Sherri Shackelford   

Pregnant by a man who betrayed her trust, a mail-order marriage is Beatrix Haas's only hope. But when she arrives in Cowboy Creek and learns her intended groom has died, she needs a new daddy for the baby that's coming right away. Blacksmith Colton Werner offers the mother and child the protection of his name, but can their marriage of convenience ever lead to true love?

Mistletoe Reunion Review: Unfortunately this is one of those rare books that I didn't find myself enjoying. It was nice enough to say that it was okay but I really couldn't get into it. I thought it was a because I don't find myself drawn to historical books but I've been branching out when it comes to that and I don't think that's it. I figured since it was supposed to be holiday themed I would give this book a chance. When it comes to reading I don't feel like I should force myself to read books that I do not enjoy. So I wasn't able to finish this book. It was an ok book, it dragged the characters were good. I just didnt find myself enjoying it.

Mistletoe Bride Review: I really did find myself enjoying it. It was fast-paced and jumped right into things it was a pretty good book.I'm not into the idea of mail order brides which upon hearing that it almost turned me off of this book but I decided to give it a fair chance to trudge through and looking past that I did find it pretty good. I enjoyed the characters, it was weird how things turned out at first but it turned out pretty good. Overall a good book.

Review : The Sheriff's Christmas Twins

The Sheriff's Christmas Twins by Karen Kirst

(Smoky Mountain Matches #9)

Genre: Holiday, Historical, Romance, 

Goodreads: Click

Purchase Link: Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Pages: 288

Published October 1st 2016 by Love Inspired Historicals

Holiday Baby Blessings  

Convinced that Allison Ashworth deserves better, Sheriff Shane Timmons has always tried to remain aloof around his childhood companion. But with Allison in Gatlinburg for the holidays, insisting on caring for two motherless babies, Shane feels obliged to help her. How can he keep his distance when she and the children are quickly becoming the family he never dared to wish for? 

As a girl, Allison was drawn to the wary yet handsome Shane, who never seemed to look her way. But in spending time with him and two sweet babies, she might yet find a chink in the confirmed bachelor's armor. Every shared moment gives Allison hope that this Christmas, her dreams of motherhood—and a life with Shane—may finally be coming true.

It was by mistake that I requested to review this book, I'm not much of a historical romance book fan. But I can say that I was a fan of this book. It was sweet to read, I love a strong character, I also love books that mention the backgrounds of the character. For me thats what really makes or breaks characters because I'd like to know thier history of why they are who they are to understand what they are going through and why they may have done certain things. The story line was well done and I enjoyed the characters. I loved love caring and nurturing Allison was, she didn't have to do what she did but it was in her nature of being an overall caring person. I loved that she was able to stand above the norm and was willing to take those babies in with out without someone by her side. I loved how protective Shade was even if he seems to do dumb things relationship sometimes. But as a reader I can understand with this story. If you are looking for a holiday book to give you those wintery holiday feels your going to want to pick up this book. I'm already in the moo for the holidays after this.

Review : The Texan's Twin Blessing

The Texan's Twin Blessing by Rhonda Gibson

Genre: Historical, Love Inspired, Contemporary, Romance, Harlequin
Goodreads : Click
Purchase Links: Amazon
Pages : 288
Published June 2nd 2015 by Love Inspired

 Stand-In Father 

As temporary guardian to his twin baby nieces, William Barns barely knows a diaper from a burp cloth. The well-meaning but meddling neighbor ladies suggest a wife—namely Emily Jane Rodgers. Although William isn't in the market for a bride, he needs a loving woman to watch over the children, and Emily Jane fits the bill nicely. 

Emily Jane agrees to care for William's nieces—not become his betrothed. Fully determined to find her own way in life and to open her own bakery, Emily Jane isn't looking for a husband. But no matter how hard she resists, Emily Jane is roped in by the twins' little hugs and William's tender regard. And soon she longs to be a permanent part of this ready-made family…

I'm not a fan of historical romance fiction, I'm pretty sure I've mentioned that on my blog. Regardless I managed to request this book to review and read it. I'm pretty sure it was the cover that sucked me in. I love kids and those two on the cover were just so dang adorable. Surprisingly I did like it even if some points confused me. I kept forgetting that certain areas of the book were quiet different from the modern books that I read so I was confused at some points. Regardless I gotten past that bump and really did enjoy this book. This book was sweet, enjoyable and clean, good for any age. I loved that Emily Jane was sweet, nurturing and ambitious. She was a women who had her fair share of caring for many of her siblings and wanting something more for herself and as charming at William was she didn't want him and his lovely nieces to get into the way of her dream of owning a bakery. I loved that William was caring enough to take in his nieces while thier father made his peace. He really did try what was best for them. Overall it was a good book and I really enjoyed reading it.