Ballantyne

This review is for the novel "Love's Awakening" by Laura Frantz. It is the second book in The Ballantyne Legacy.


I am a fan of historical fiction and was glad I picked this book to review. Laura Frantz is a two-time Carol Award winner and I can see why! If you haven't picked up any of her books but like historical fiction then I recommend this novel.

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The year is 1822 and spring has begun it's yearly bloom. Ellie Ballantyne has just left her last year of finishing school and journeys back to the family home in Pittsburgh. When she arrives, however, the greeting is not as warm as she would have liked or expected. Her parents, she soon discovers, have gone for a long journey and her siblings seem less than thrilled to see her and would just as soon prefer she leave again.

Ellie is nothing if not determined and stand her ground she will. Deciding idle hands are not for her, she fills her days be opening a girls school for young ladies. She has been taught and knows she can pass on her knowledge to other women.

One of the students turns out to possibly be more than Ellie bargained for though. An incorrigible girl belonging to the Turlock family. Sensing danger, Ellie knows she must be very careful with this young women and the connections to that family. The Turlocks are whiskey magnates and slaveholders and have long been suspicious of the Ballantynes abolitionist leanings and have long been envious of their power in society.

Despite herself, Ellie finds her life intertwining far to often with the Turlock family and one young man in particular, Jack Turlock. Love wars with familial ties and loyalty. What will win out in the end?
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Jenny



Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for a review. I am not required to post a positive one. All opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Olivia Newports latest!

This book review is for the novel "The Invention of Sarah Cummings" by Olivia Newport. It is the third in the Avenue of Dreams series.


This one will be sure to keep you turning the pages to figure out how it will all come together in the end. I like finding good historical reads and this one is no exception.


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"In a World where Everyone is Putting on A show, There is A love That is Genuine."

Like many who have traveled before her, Sarah Cummings dreams for a life that is not her own. Her greatest ambition is to rise from her position of server to members of the wealthy Banning family to a peer of people like the Banning's. Someone who will break bread alongside them instead of serving it to them with downcast eyes and a servants attitude.

What little time Sarah has for own, she spends in the pursuit of the unattainable. The thing that consumes her life, becoming one of them. From altering hand me downs to fit the new image she longs for to dreaming of what could be.

When she finally sees her chance, Sarah leaps for it, along with a new moniker to be known by. Sarah Cummings becomes Serena Cuthbert and the lies pile from there.

When two lives begin to war for her heart will the lies fall and a beautiful new truth be unveiled in Sarah or will she lose herself forever and be known as Serena Cuthbert with the fiction she has created fully intact and consuming?

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Hope your weeks are going on splendidly!

Jenny




Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for a review. I am not required to post a positive one. All opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Sweet Tooth Friendly

This review is for the second novel in the Weddings By Design series by Janice Thompson.

*The Icing on the Cake*


I was superbly excited to get the second book in this series. I have read many many novels by Janice and have been superbly thrilled with her writing. She has a way of blending so many different types of characters into a melting pot of personalities and walks of life. While still leaving you feeling like they are all connected somehow no matter the background. I always eagerly turn that first fresh page and prepare to dip my toes into the pool of wonderment Janice creates.

Grab a steaming cup of coffee, tea or cocoa, whichever your heart prefers ;) and join me on this delicious journey.

My only complaint, Ms. Thompson, is the fact that your writing is so descriptive I could almost smell the baked goods and it made me hungry more than once while reading this newest novel!


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Scarlet Lindsey works hard for her living but it isn't a hardship in any way. She gets to do what she loves and she always smells good. Her Aunt Willy (who is a book all unto herself I think) has financed her long held dream of opening her own bakery and she is determined that backing will not be in vain. Aunt Willy means well even though she can have a double edged sword as a tongue when speaking to Scarlet.
Besides that fact, things are looking pretty good as far as Scarlet is concerned. Single she might be (and not necessarily loving it) but her bakery now resides in a primo spot on Galveston's most popular street and has the famous Rossi Pizzeria as it's nearest neighbor. She has a wonderful personal and working relationship with famed wedding planner, Bella Neeley and business is booming for them both! There is a bit of a mess, not of the baking kind, however, when Bella's very handsome brother, Armando appears in Scarlet's life. Should she risk everything to follow her heart or stick to the old tried and true? Learning to step out in faith might be Scarlet's greatest lesson to date.
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What more can I say about this awesome series besides go on and read it for yourself! I commend your exceptional talent with words, Ms. Thompson!


Jenny






Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for a review. I am not required to post a positive one. All opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.

Stay Tuned!

Just wanted to let you guys know that I have been a little behind on my reading list here lately but I have some fun ones coming up for you in the next few weeks! We will have a look at:

The Icing On the Cake by Janice Thompson: Volume 2 of Weddings By Design

The Invention of Sarah Cummings by Olivia Newport: #3 in Avenue of Dreams

Love's Awakening By Laura Frantz: #2 in the Ballantyne Legacy.


I will also have a look at (with pictures!) of the Georgia Aquarium and my thoughts on whether it is worth the visit or not!