The Pursuit of Lucy Banning by Olivia Newport

The Pursuit of Lucy Banning
Avenue of Dreams, Book 1
Revell | Baker Publishing Group 2012
ISBN-13: 9780800720384

Lucy Banning may live on the exclusive Prairie Avenue among Chicago’s rich and famous, but her heart lies elsewhere. Expected to marry an up-and-coming banker, the son of family friends, Lucy fears she will be forced to abandon what matters to her most—her work at the orphanage and the classes she is secretly taking at the newly opened University of Chicago.

When she meets Will Edwards, an unconventional young architect working on plans for the 1893 World’s Fair, Lucy imagines a life lived on her own terms. A new young maid brings her own secret to the Banning household, and Lucy must choose between deeply held values.

Can Lucy find love and live out of her compassionate heart?

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My Review: Welcome to Chicago during one of its most exciting times in history! Olivia Newport transports you back to Chicago during the planning and revealing of the Worlds Fair. Her attention to detail really immersed me into the Bannings' lives. I could feel the excitement, tension, love, and happiness thrumming throughout the Banning household. The fact that they were a prominent family, but chose not to flaunt it overly much made them all the more likable.

I instantly liked Lucy Banning. She truly was a kind-hearted soul who frequently went above and beyond the "expected" call of duty for those in her station. That, and her independent spirit, had me caught up in her life from beginning to end. The situation with Will intrigued me. I wish there would have been more interaction between him and the Banning family, and more from his point of view in the story. I don't feel I got to know him well. Charlotte Farrow's side story was compelling, to say the least, and I'm excited to read more of it next.

I couldn't pick out a strong message or lesson, which was fine. The way Lucy lived her life is a shining example of how a Christian should be. Her gentleness with the kids at the orphanage, love for her family, and kind-hearted, giving spirit are great indicators of God's hand on her life. Overall, I enjoyed Lucy's story. I look forward to reading more from Olivia Newport.

Olivia Newport's novels twist through time to discover where faith and passions meet. Her husband and two twenty-something children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where day lilies grow as tall as she is.

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Saving Taya by B. Benfield

Saving Taya
Faith and Love Series, #2
ISBN-13: 9781945011115
Publisher: Evermore

Taya's faith in God was unflappable, until fate played a cruel trick on her. On the cusp of finding out her boyfriend is actually married, and leaving her once-loved career, she decides, with the help of her beloved grandmother, to start over by moving back home to Virginia to run the family gift shop. She never expected to meet the town cop, Carter.

Carter fights his own demons, but his faith in God's ultimate plan stays strong. Sensing Taya's inner struggle, he works at helping her find her way again. However, life slaps Taya in the face once again, destroying her already precarious faith in God. Carter's by her side, never losing his belief in Taya. Each day spent with her, his feelings for her become stronger. Taya, enduring one of life's many battles, feels the same for Carter.

When Carter has to make a trip back home to Texas, Taya is left behind and discovers just how punishing life can be. Kidnapped and scared, Taya finally turns to God and prays. Prays she'll make it out alive, prays she'll see the man she's coming to love, and prays she'll make it back to her ailing grandmother.

Will Carter make it back in time to save Taya before her newly-found faith dissolves?

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My review: Saving Taya is completely different from the first book in the Faith and Love series, Sophia Redeemed. I thoroughly enjoyed the change of pace. To me, it shows how versatile B. Benfield can be in her writing style. I loved how steady this book progressed. I'm still getting used to the first person point of view the author prefers, but she provides enough detail about the other person's expressions so I can know their thoughts too.

Taya's past isn't ideal. She made some mistakes, drifting from her faith, that she regrets. Her struggle to accept the forgiveness so freely given her from our Lord is evident throughout the story. At some points in the story, I felt as if I was drowning in the worry and guilt with Taya. Carter is a strong, stalwart character. His understanding of his faith truly amazed me when I found out he was a "new" Christian. The fact that he fully embraced his salvation, forgiveness and love shines through on every page! Their romance is sweet, building slowly through the story. It was nice getting to see how Matt and Sophia were doing. I'm glad they made an appearance. 

The message of the story is about forgiveness and salvation. Carter and Taya both embrace the Salvation Jesus provides, but struggle with letting go of their own feelings of guilt, fear, and unworthiness. Carter is good for Taya. He really helps her grow, bringing the importance of living right to the fore front.

Overall, I enjoyed Saving Taya and I look forward to more from this amazing author.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.*

About the Author:  B. Benfield is a Contemporary Christian Romance author. She got her start writing New Adult Romance. She went on to self-publish four novels before ultimately deciding to take those books off the shelves, follow her heart, and pursue Christian Romance.

She’s a banker by day and a writer by night, spending all time in between hanging out with her husband, son, friends, and family! She loves to hear from her readers, so don’t hesitate to shoot her a message!

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The Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna M. White

The Reluctant Duchess
Ladies of the Manor, Book 2
Bethany House
April 2016
ISBN-13: 9780764213519

Lady Rowena Kinnaird may be the heiress to a Highland earldom, but she has never felt good enough—not for her father, not for the man she thought she’d marry, not for God. But after a shocking attack, she’s willing to be forever an outcast if it means escaping Loch Morar and the men who have jeopardized her life.

Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has suddenly found himself in possession of a rare treasure his enemies are prepared to kill for. While Brice has never been one to shy away from manor-born ladies, the last thing he needs is the distraction of his neighbor, Lady Rowena, who finds herself in a desperate situation. But when the moody Earl of Lochabar tries to trap Brice into marrying Rowena, Brice finds he’s not as opposed to the idea as he expected to be.

Rowena wanted to escape the Highlands, but she’s reluctant to resort to marrying a notorious flirt just to gain his English home. And when she learns that Brice is mixed up in some kind of questionable business with a stolen treasure, she fears she’s about to end up directly in the path of everything she was trying to avoid.

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My Review: I am so sorry that I never picked up one of Roseanna White's books before now. She has a unique way of weaving mystery, romance, and faith into a masterful story that will keep you turning pages way past your bedtime. The Reluctant Duchess is the second book in The Ladies of the Manor series. It can be read stand alone, but there is a lot of back story you will miss so I highly recommend reading the first book in the series, The Lost Heiress (because it's JUST as fantastic as this one!).

I cannot even begin to fathom the kind of pain and suffering Rowena has endured in her life. I've never experienced the tragedies she has. Roseanna M. White brings to light the harsh realities of abuse masterfully. Like the author herself wrote in her Author's note: I loved watching Rowena come to terms with what she'd endured, overcoming it, and flourishing. Brice is just the man for the job. His insights and charm are exactly what Rowena needs. His uncanny ability to listen and interpret what the Lord is telling him truly inspires. Where Rowena tends to doubt and pull into herself, Brice is bright and charming and does his best to pull her back out. The banter the two share helps ease the suspense and seriousness of the story.

Brice and Rowena have to deal with so much from the very beginning of their marriage.  Again, Brice's ability to laugh in spite of the circumstance and joke in the face of all they endure really keeps the story from leaning toward a more Gothic nature. To me, it definitely has a more serious undertone purely because the issues Rowena and Brice have to deal with, but that didn't make it any less enjoyable watching the two fall in love.

Overall, I loved this story. Suspense, romance, and a happy ending; what more could I ask for?!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Bethany House blogging program in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.*

Roseanna M. White grew up in the mountains of West Virginia, the beauty of which inspired her to begin writing as soon as she learned to pair subjects with verbs. She spent her middle and high school days penning novels in class, and her love of books took her to a school renowned for them.

After graduating from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, she and her husband moved back to the same mountains they equate with home.

Roseanna is the author of two biblical novels, A Stray Drop of Blood and Jewel of Persia, the historical romance, Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland, and the historical, romantic suspense Culper Ring Series (Ring of Secrets, Whispers from the Shadows, and Circle of Spies). She is also the senior reviewer at the Christian Review of Books, which she and her husband founded, the senior editor at WhiteFire Publishing, and a member of ACFW, HisWriters, and Colonial Christian Fiction Writers.

Connect with Roseanna: Blog | Twitter | Facebook

The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White

First off, I want to apologize for not having a BuJo post this week. I know you all LOVE reading about my journey with the Bullet Journal :D

Second, why has no one told me how GREAT an author Roseanna M. White is?? I will forever be greatful that I picked up the second book in this series, The Reluctant Duchess, for review and my OCD would not allow me to read the second book in a series first!

The Lost Heiress

Ladies of the Manor, Book 1

September 2015

Bethany House

ISBN: 9780764213502

Brook Eden has never known where she truly belongs. Though raised in the palace of Monaco, she’s British by birth and was brought to the Grimaldis under suspicious circumstances as a babe. When Brook’s friend Justin uncovers the fact that Brook is likely a missing heiress from Yorkshire, Brook leaves the sun of the Mediterranean to travel to the moors of the North Sea to the estate of her supposed family.

The mystery of her mother’s death haunts her, and though her father is quick to accept her, the rest of the family and the servants of Whitby Park are not. Only when Brook’s life is threatened do they draw close—but their loyalty may come too late to save Brook from the same threat that led to tragedy for her mother.

As heir to a dukedom, Justin is no stranger to balancing responsibilities. When the matters of his estate force him far from Brook, the distance between them reveals that what began as friendship has grown into something much more. But how can their very different loyalties and responsibilities ever come together?

And then, for a second time, the heiress of Whitby Park is stolen away because of the very rare treasure in her possession—and this time only the servants of Whitby can save her.

EXTRAS

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My Review: Let me start off by saying that Roseanna M. White is DEFINITELY going to be added to my list of ALL TIME FAVORITE authors. I literally could not put this book down. This book had it all: humor, romance, intrigue, and an engaging plot with a whole lot of layers. I really enjoyed the emotional roller coaster this story took me on. From the moment Brook is "found," the suspense begins.

I fell in love with Justin and Brook immediately. Their playful banter, their spark that both ignored for the wrong reasons, their arguments that had me wanting to shake them both had me hooked from the start. Elizabeth Brook Eden is such a complex character. Her independent, fiery spirit contrasts with her sense of being lost and her fear of loving and losing. She has many facets to her personality because of her past and she is able to carry herself in almost any situation. It also amused me greatly when she would get so mad she lapsed into a different language! Justin, oh Justin. I loved his fierce loyalty to his family and Brook. His protective and cautious nature are at times endearing and frustrating. My favorite "layer" of the story was watching Brook find out who she truly was and embracing it, then watching Justin and Brook figure out how to navigate their feelings for each other in Brook's new reality. Just mesmerizing and beautiful!

The battle of good vs. evil, greed vs. generosity was evident throughout the story. It amazed me that certain characters actions represented well these facets of the human nature. Watching Brook and Justin grow in their faith because of the trials they endured was beautiful and encouraging. One of my favorite characters was Lord Worthing. Besides the fact that he was charming and good humored by nature, his insight because of his faith was uncanny. He represented, to me, what a true Christian should look like.

Overall, I can't say enough great things about this beautiful story. Go out and get your copy today! Trust me, you won't regret it.

Roseanna M. White grew up in the mountains of West Virginia, the beauty of which inspired her to begin writing as soon as she learned to pair subjects with verbs. She spent her middle and high school days penning novels in class, and her love of books took her to a school renowned for them.

After graduating from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, she and her husband moved back to the same mountains they equate with home.

Roseanna is the author of two biblical novels, A Stray Drop of Blood and Jewel of Persia, the historical romance, Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland, and the historical, romantic suspense Culper Ring Series (Ring of Secrets, Whispers from the Shadows, and Circle of Spies). She is also the senior reviewer at the Christian Review of Books, which she and her husband founded, the senior editor at WhiteFire Publishing, and a member of ACFW, HisWriters, and Colonial Christian Fiction Writers.

Connect with Roseanna: Blog | Twitter | Facebook

On Lone Star Trail by Amanda Cabot

Revell Books 
ISBN 978-08007-3433-6
Texas Crossroads, #3

Overview: A woman without a future. A man running from the past. One enchanting place where broken dreams are mended.


If there's one thing Gillian Hodge never wants to see again, it's a man on a motorcycle. Her last encounter with one left her right hand crushed, ending her promising career as a concert pianist. Unsure about the next phase in her life, she heads to Rainbow's End Resort for some R&R when a sudden thunderstorm causes a motorcycle to crash right in front of her.

When TJ Benjamin's wife died, he lost more than his best friend; he lost his faith. He has spent the past year wandering the country on his motorcycle, trying not to think about the future. When he finds himself stranded with a busted bike and a reluctant rescuer, he has to wonder about God's sense of humor.

As these broken people collide, they find that a bright future is still ahead -- it just might not be the one they imagined for themselves.

Read an excerpt | The Story Behind The Story

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My Reviews: At Bluebonnet Lake | Firefly Valley

My Review: I love Amanda Cabot's writing style. Her stories flow so steady and smooth. On Lone Star Trail was definitely a nice break from the fast paced, action packed stories I've been reading. I also enjoyed being back at Rainbow's End and Dupree. Catching up with characters from Firefly Valley and At Bluebonnet Lake made me even more happy to read this book.

Gillian and TJ are both fighting their own personal grief battles. I can relate to grief, feelings of guilt, and questioning "why did this happen to me." Amanda Cabot captures those emotions excellently. I love how these characters clicked as friends, but wouldn't allow themselves to surrender to more than that for a while. It was also entertaining that everyone around them (Kate, Greg, Marisa, Sally, the Matchers) recognized their feelings for each other before they did. Sometimes love truly is blind!

Amanda Cabot writes an emotionally challenging story with a clear message: Let go and let God (LGLG). It was so hard for these characters to embrace the concept and I appreciate that. It's not easy to do in real life and it made the story more relevant that the characters struggled to find their paths and finally surrendered their all to God.

Overall, this was an excellent end to the Texas Crossroads trilogy and I look forward to reading more by this fantastic author.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Revell Reads Blogging program in exchange for my honest review.*

About the Author: Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, and Christmas Roses. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers Best. She lives in Wyoming.

Connect with Amanda: Facebook | Blog | Twitter |Website

Join Becky Wade for a Facebook Party May 5!

 

A female bodyguard plus her star NFL client plus danger equals a great recipe for romance! Her One and Only, book four in Becky Wade's Porter Family novels, releases May 3. To celebrate, Becky is hosting an author chat party on her Facebook page on May 5 at 5 PM PDT/8 PM EDT. Join Becky for an evening of book chat with other bookworms and prizes.

Plus a portion of all pre-sales and sales the release week of Her One and Only will be donated to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. For more details on how to purchase a copy, click here.

About the Book

After ten years in the NFL, super star Gray Fowler is accustomed to obsessive fans. But when Gray starts receiving death threats from a stalker, his team hires an executive protection agency to guard him until the culprit is caught. Dealing with bodyguards 24/7 is a headache, especially when one of them is a young, beautiful woman. How can a female half his size possibly protect him better than he can protect himself?

Dru Porter is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt–none of which saved her from disaster on her last assignment. In order to rebuild her tarnished reputation, she’s determined to find Gray’s stalker and, since relationships between agents and clients are forbidden, avoid a romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past.

Yet every secret that leads Dru closer to the stalker also draws her closer to Gray. As the danger escalates, they’ll survive only if they can learn to trust their lives — and their hearts — to one another.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

Bullet Journal | Budget & Savings Log

There are many different "logs" and "lists" you can put in your BuJo. One of the many notebooks I've carried around with me FOREVER is my budget notebook. I handle the finances for our family and I've created a pretty good system for keeping track of what bills are due and what paycheck I need to pay them with. The one thing I'm NOT good at, however, is saving. So, I researched "savings plans" on Google... after combing through an OVERWHELMING amount of plans, I decided to follow two: The 52-Week Savings Plan (in reverse) and the Christmas Savings Plan.

In my BuJo, I created a "savings log" spread. On one side, I have the 52 weeks savings plan. On the other side, the Christmas Savings plan. Each week I move money to my savings account, I revisit this page so I can check off the savings and keep track of my goals.

The great thing about the Bullet Journal is the flexibility it provides. I can't stress it enough! If you don't like one layout, use it for a week (or month) and try another one! There are ENDLESS options on Pinterest and the internet. Prime example: my budget log. I thought keeping it together with my monthly layout would be a good idea. After February, though, I decided I needed them all in the same place, so I changed my layout. It's worked out great the past two months! I didn't change my system, just moved where I kept the information.

As I continue my BuJo journey, I can look back at how it's evolved. I loved the concept when I first heard about it, and I love it even more now that I've started one of my own! What about you? How do you use your BuJo for budgeting and savings goals?

If you're just joining me on my BuJo journey, be sure to check out my previous posts:
Bullet Journaling | How I Got Started and Bullet Journal | Future Log