It’s been a long time since I’ve done a Fast Five Review Roundup, but I have several books that are sitting on my “Read” pile that are waiting for reviews, so it seems like it’s a good time to do bring this feature back. What do you think?
This time around, I have a quite a historical romance theme going, including three books in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. But I have snuck in a contemporary romance at the end for those of you who prefer contemporary settings.
Note: I received a copy of each of these novels from the publisher or the author. This has not influenced the content of my reviews, which are always my honest and unbiased opinion.
Review #1 – The Mayflower Bride (Kimberley Woodhouse)
Kimberley Woodhouse obviously did extensive research for this novel, and I appreciated the historical notes she provided explaining which parts were based on historical fact and which parts were her own creation (and for the record, there’s quite a bit of historical fact here), but for me, the story lacked the kind of conflict necessary to engage me on a deeper level. There were challenges for the characters, certainly, and I felt for their losses and all they endured, but the main source of conflict was a small subplot that felt like it had been contrived purely to provide the story with an obvious climax. It didn’t convince me, but those who are interested in a fictional retelling of the crossing on the Mayflower may find this book fits the bill perfectly.
A spray of salt water hit her face and brought her back to the reality of where she stood. The planning was done. The packing was over. Goodbyes had been said. And now Holland had vanished from sight. She and the others on the ship would reach England soon, and after they met up with the Mayflower and her passengers—the other brave souls who would journey to the New World with the Separatists to establish a colony—they would be on their way.
To what, she was unsure.
Review #2 – The Pirate Bride (Kathleen Y’Barbo)
Part II picks up the story about ten years after Part I ends, but I won’t say where or under what circumstances because that will spoil the story. Suffice it to say there were plenty of twists and turns, some heart-wrenching moments, and even some gasps of surprise as this story unfolded. The romance, when it did eventually unfold, was rather low-key, so if you’re looking for romance in particular, this one may disappoint, but if you’re after adventure and intrigue, this is a good pick!
“If that’s the Ghost Ship, then you’d best wish for anything other than excitement.”
Shielding her eyes from the sun’s glare, Maribel looked up at William. “What do you mean?”
“I mean they’re bearing down on us and haven’t yet shown a flag. I wager when they do, we won’t be liking what flag they’re flying.”
“So pirates,” she said, her heart lurching. “Real pirates.”
“Or Frenchmen,” he said. “A privateer ship is my guess if they’re not yet showing the skull and crossbones.”
She continued to watch the sails grow larger. “Tell me about the Ghost Ship, William.”
“Legend says the ship appears out of thin air, then, after it’s sunk you and taken your treasure, all twenty-two guns and more than one hundred crewmen go back the same way they came.”
“Back into thin air?” she asked.
“Exactly.”
Review #3 – The Liberty Bride (MaryLu Tyndall)
Owen didn’t do much for me as a hero either. He’s supposedly a womanizer, although we see little evidence of that beyond numerous references to his appreciation of the sight and scent of the heroine. Nevertheless, I couldn’t really see what attracted Emeline to him on an emotional level. He was so hot and cold with her, and all because he believed she was his enemy! I love stories where the hero and heroine begin as enemies but then learn to see beyond that; this couple never got to that point.
There was a strong spiritual thread running through this story, with both Owen and Emeline needing to discover that God was not simply a divine rule-maker and -enforcer, but this growth happened a little too suddenly after much resistance for it to truly convince me.
In the end, this one wasn’t my cup of tea, but readers who read more for plot and setting may still enjoy this one.
A lady—of some means and status from all appearances—unaffected by blood, getting her hands dirty, and truly caring for the injured, enemy or not.
The ship teetered, and he shifted his boot to catch his balance.
The angel turned. Her eyes latched upon his, fear replacing the exhaustion he first saw within them . . . along with something else he couldn’t quite place.
Even with her stained gown and loose hair tumbling from her pins, she was a true beauty. And no enemy at all. Hence, he must do his best to protect her and the other prisoners while not raising any suspicions as to his own loyalty. Not an easy feat, by any means.
Review #4 – Girls on the Line (Aimie K. Runyan)
Ruby’s personal story was a little less original. As the only daughter in a prominent Philadelphia family, she’s engaged to be married to an equally prominent son at the opening of the story, but as her friendship with army medic Andrew Carrington develops into something more, she’s forced to make some difficult choices. I wouldn’t have made the same choices in some circumstances, but overall, this was an engaging read about a vital group of women and their role in WWI.
NOTE: This is a general market fiction title and has a small amount of sexual content and language that some readers may prefer to avoid. Please contact me via the contact form if you would like more information.
“Your equipment isn’t as sophisticated as what you had in Chaumont—there’s no mistaking that. The hours will be long, and you’ll be handling the G3 boards—lines reserved for the areas actively engaged in combat. I can’t stress enough how vital your work will be here, but you wouldn’t have been called up unless your superiors thought you were the best they had.”
“We’re equal to the task, Colonel,” I said. “I have confidence in my operators and their abilities. You’ll be glad to have us on board, sir.”
Review #5 – Falling For Grace (Janet Ferguson)
There’s a little bit of instalove involved here, but it’s the gentle sort as Grace and Seth work together in the wake of the kind of disasters that seem to follow Grace—a burst water pipe that causes a whole lot of damage to her boss’s beach house, a broken foot for Seth. Restoration and healing is the theme woven through each page of this novella, which is the perfect length for those looking for a quick read.
“What about you?” Grace’s gaze fluctuated between sad and hopeful. “How many kids would you want? If all was right with the world, that is?”
Another sucker punch. This one swept the air from his lungs. That dream had been buried someplace deep and untouchable.
Because all wasn’t right with his world.
But being with Grace, her bright smile through tears . . . Funny, he’d always wanted a brood of four, too. Like how he’d grown up.
But that would never happen. He couldn’t risk it.
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