A Shanahan Match #1 Calling on the Matchmaker Jody Hedlund book review

A Shanahan Match #1

Calling on the Matchmaker

Jody Hedlund

Haunted by the death of her sister, Finola Shanahan has resolved that she's not worthy of a family of her own and commits to spending her days caring for immigrants in the slums. Unwilling to consider marriage, Finola has perfected the ability to sabotage the relationships her parents arrange for her. At wit's end, her father calls upon the local Irish matchmaker, who pairs her with successful wagonmaker Riley Rafferty. After her usual tricks fail, Finola quickly realizes she can't outsmart or outwit the dashing, determined, and daring man.

A candidate in the St. Louis mayoral election, Riley is confident a union with the wealthy Shanahan family will help solidify his chances of winning--and even more assured he and Finola can make a difference together. When a cholera outbreak begins to take St. Louis by storm, they must navigate a burgeoning attraction and growing danger testing all they know about love and sacrifice.

Escape to 1849 St. Louis for a daring and romantic tale from the talented pen of bestselling author Jody Hedlund.

 

 

 

My Review: 5/10

First I should say that this book toed the line of "clean" romance; it's very physical. Riley sees Finola nearly naked (undergarments) at the beginning and fixates on it throughout the rest of the book. That might be realistic, but then I'd rather not be in his head at those times. Better yet, not at all. I'm advocating, as always, for ONE POV.  And it's not limited to that one instance; both characters obsess on each others' looks and sex appeal for the whole. entire. book.

Then they play the same back and forth games: I shall push him away! I will win her over! rinse, repeat.

It got old quickly and there just was not much substance here, despite throwing in Cholera, racism/discrimination, bonding over loss/trauma, volunteer work, etc.

And I was not at all a fan of the way the Matchmaker chose to bring them together - particularly trying to force their hands with a set up and public exposure/humiliation. Ugh.

However I have loved Ms. Hedlund's books in the past, so I would give the second one a shot before deciding whether to continue on with this series or not. Especially since the premise sounds interesting - has a Beauty and the Beast tone to it.

The Dread Penny Society #5 The Queen and the Knave by Sarah M. Eden - book review

 

The Dread Penny Society #5

The Queen and the Knave

Sarah M. Eden

Romance and mystery come full circle in the fifth and final book of Sarah M. Eden’s best-selling Victorian Proper Romance series.

London, 1866

Móirín Donnelly has spent the last five years working in the shadows for the Dread Penny Society, but spending so much of her life in secret is taking a toll on her soul—and her heart.

When members of the Dread Penny Society begin disappearing, Móirín turns to Detective Constable Fitzgerald Parkington for help. The two have developed a friendly rapport, and Móirín feels like she can trust him, though perhaps not with all of her secrets.

Fitzgerald Parkington has a sixth sense when it comes to hunting down criminals, which is why he’s recently been transferred to the Detective Department at Scotland Yard. But when red tape keeps him from tracking down the criminal mastermind known as “The Tempest,” he must rely on the one woman who has unexpectedly captured his heart—the bold and fiery Irish lass, Móirín Donnelly.

As the Tempest’s deadly reach threatens to overwhelm all of London, Móirín and Fitz are caught in an elaborate game of cat and mouse that leads down back alleys, through dark London buildings, and right to the gates of Kensington Palace. Móirín has one chance to save Fitz and the Dread Penny Society from the Tempest, and she might have to sacrifice her one chance at love to do so.

 

My Review: 7.5/10

 I thought this was a fitting end to the Dread Penny series. I had a little difficulty remembering / understanding the tangled threads and the Tempest's backstory. And I didn't really understand why she had the power she did. For example, the Kincaids seem the be the scariest, how exactly was she able to control them? That aside, I appreciated that in the end, it came down to cleverness. I also enjoyed the Queen and the Knave serial interspersed throughout.

Windsong Manor by Julie Wright book review

Windsong Manor

Julie Wright

A young widow. A gentle stable master. A secret that could change everything. Will Nora dare risk her heart?

The London Countryside, 1820

Eleanora Coventry comes from a life of title and privilege, but even that isn’t enough to prevent her from being wed at sixteen to a controlling and dismissive husband. So when she finds herself a widow at only twenty-seven, the idea of choosing her own path forward both thrills and terrifies her. She knows how to be a daughter and a wife and mother, but she has no idea how to be Eleanora.

She moves her son and daughter to her late husband’s country estate, where she meets Ridley, the young stable master. He is ruggedly handsome, but also kind, and Eleanora finds herself drawn to him. There is only one problem: Eleanora has a title, and Ridley does not.

Ridley Ellis has a way with horses. Even the most spirited stallions trust his soft voice and gentle touch. He has the same effect on people, and when he first lays eyes on Eleanora, he is smitten by her beauty. But he quickly discovers it will take more than soft words to gain her trust—Lord Coventry had been cruel to people and animals alike. But the closer he gets to Eleanora, the more he is willing to share his heart, and more importantly, his secret.

In a world where title and privilege mean everything, will Eleanora and Ridley risk it all to find happiness? Or will the shadows of their pasts destroy everything they hope to build together?

 

 

 

 

My Review: 9/10

Couldn't put it down. The tension in all corners of Nora's life was so palpable and I was so thoroughly invested in all of the characters... it was a definite page turner for me.


SPOILERS

My only issue was at the very end. Nora seemed to solve her problem herself, then it was indicated that no, it was solved for her, as a means of reconciliation. Personally, I would have preferred her to have fixed things based on her own merit and tireless efforts. I think it takes something away from the story when a long concealed title rises to the surface and fixes all the problems.

And while that's a pet peeve of mine, it did little to diminish my enjoyment. Loved this story and continue to love what this author creates. Can't wait for the next!

Texas Ever After #1 Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer : book review

Texas Ever After #1

Fairest of Heart

Karen Witemeyer

Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters--and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.

After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young woman found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather's ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.

With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope's acting troupe. The evidence points to her guilt, but Titus's heart divines a different truth--one that might just get Penelope killed.

An enchanting Western take on the classic Snow White fairy tale, Fairest of Heart will sweep you away from once upon a time to happily ever after.

 

 

My Review:  9/10

I have read a number of fairy tale retellings, but rarely of Snow White. And I understand why - how to realistically place a beautiful young lady in a home with 7 dwarves, with a prince, evil queen obsessed with youth and beauty, etc. But this was so well done. Using a motley crew of grandfather types with a variety of quirks and maladies was clever. I enjoyed the little details in their names (ie. Coy for Bashful), things like the “queen” talking to herself in any mirror she passed, etc.

The characters were charming, the love story sweet, but what I really loved were the scripture verses and application. I loved the way prayer was a constant and scripture was woven into the characters prayers, always so fitting for their situation. It was a great example and so encouraging. I loved the deeper character growth and progression of forgiveness and faith. Just loved it.

Canning Essentials: Jam-Packed with Essential Tools, Techniques, and Recipes for Fruits, Veggies, Jams, Pickles, Salsa, and More Jackie Parente book review

 

 Canning Essentials: Jam-Packed with Essential Tools, Techniques, and Recipes for Fruits, Veggies, Jams, Pickles, Salsa, and More
Jackie Parente

Canning Essentials is a go-to beginner's guide that will take you step-by-step through the different processes of canning fruit and produce. From canning vegetables, like tomatoes and squashes, to preparing homemade jam, salsas, relishes, and so much more, this book simplifies food preservation so that even today's busiest people can find time to do it themselves. Emphasizing cost-saving and sustainable food safety, you'll learn methods for both freezing, canning, pressure canning, and water-bath canning, then discover over 60 delicious recipes for homemade jelly, chutneys, pickles, and more. With helpful charts throughout to detail methods with specific timings, temperatures, and required equipment, this book will teach you everything you need to know about preserving and canning fruits and vegetables.

 

My Review: 9/10

This book was awesome. Canning has always intimidated me. This book addresses the valid concerns, shows you how to do it properly, and makes the reader feel equipped and capable.
It covered all the bases:
-the basics
-the dangers and how to eliminate them
-nutrition
- equipment (what's necessary to start right away, what's more of an investment, etc)
-styles (freezer, water bath, pressure, etc)
-trouble shooting problems
-tips and tricks to make things faster, easier, or more efficient
- and tons of delicious recipes I can't wait to try

I will be referring back to this again and again and absolutely recommending it.

An Unwitting Alliance by Anneka R. Walker book review

An Unwitting Alliance

Anneka R. Walker

Cassandra Vail has but one objective at the Kellens’ ball: she must secure a proposal from her eminently suitable suitor. Instead, she finds her best-laid plans thwarted by another man―the handsome and thoroughly vexing Mr. Harwood. Thanks to his meddling, Cassandra is faced with an unthinkable consequence: her parents take matters into their own hands and betroth her to a complete stranger.

Tom Harwood meant only to deter a debutante from pursuing his friend. He wasn’t supposed to be entranced by her. He certainly wasn’t supposed to flirt with her. And he especially wasn’t supposed to engage the wrong woman entirely. To make matters worse, he’s offended Cassandra and before he has the opportunity to make amends, he finds himself the latest unwitting victim of the meddlesome Matchmaking Mamas. His parents have signed a contract for his hand in marriage, and it seems his mysterious betrothed is as opposed to the union as he is.

When the reluctant couple finally meets, they are shocked to realize they are not strangers after all. Can one miserable beginning be overcome, or has their future ended before it even begins?

 

 

My Review: 8/10 

 I really enjoyed this story. Anneka Walker has become one to watch (with anticipation!) for me. I enjoyed the humor, the family dynamics, and the characters.

But I did have a few snags:
I didn't enjoy the constant bemoaning of their arranged marriage - "a forced union could never be a positive one." What utter nonsense. Once their feelings changed, I was especially impatient with the constant insistence that Cassie needed to be released from something she -wanted- just so she could -choose- it herself. In my opinion it was immature and arbitrary. Aaaaand the attitude felt out of place - a lot of marriages were arranged in the early 1800s. If you happened to get one that was everything you could have hoped for and more, I'd think you'd have been praising God for your good fortune.

Toward the end the story felt dragged on - unnecessary hurt feelings, misunderstandings, trying to give each other what they wanted but it sends the wrong message, ugh.

And I personally, am not crazy about the tight knit group of friends / family that descends like a swarm of locusts on the latest couple at the end of the book. It's a formula that Sarah Eden has employed a lot and Kristi Hunter did as well and I'm just not into it. Maybe because I never had it? I don't know but it rubs me the wrong way every time.

Anyway, don't let my criticisms deter you. They were only regarding the last 5-10% of the book - the rest was great! I'd recommend it, read it again, and will eagerly be anticipating more by this author.