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Honor Redeemed
by Christine Johnson
Rating: 4/5
Book 2 of Keys of Promise Series
Revell – Fiction | Historical Romance

After losing her parents, Prosperity Jones sets out to meet with her fiancé who is stationed in Key West. Taking a leap of faith that everything will work out, she follows her heart to the only other person she loves, Lt. David Latham. Arriving penniless, Prosperity is hurt and confused when she learns that her beloved fiancé is already married to another woman. What will she do to survive? How could her faithful David do this to her? Upset w desperate, Prosperity proceeds to find a new home and occupation with the help of some friends. Will her broken heart ever be whole again?

Having never read a book by Christine Johnson, I was uncertain what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised at the wonderfully descriptive writing that took me back to the 1850s in Key West. Even though this was book 2 in the series, the story could be read without reading the first (although now I want to read the first book). Johnson beautifully tells both sides of this story and the reader can really feel all of the emotions that Prosperity and David go through. The plot was not as predictable as I thought it would be (just from reading the back cover), which I found refreshing.

I highly recommend this book for someone who enjoys a historical romance with vivid imagery.

I received this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Beautiful Pretender
by Melanie Dickerson
Rating: 5 of 5
A Medieval Fairy Tale Book 2
Thomas Nelson – Fiction | Historical Romance

Although he is the most powerful man in the region, the margrave is powerless to refuse the need for a bride and it must happen in 2 weeks. In order to choose a worthy bride, he and his advisors cook up a plan to invite ten noble ladies (whom the king approves) and test them.

When the Earl of Plimmwald cannot send his wayward daughter to the margrave, he chooses to send Avelina, her maidservant, in her stead. Avelina must be respectful but not allow the margrave to notice her. She tries her best to avoid scrutiny but despite her best efforts, the margrave still continues to notice and favor her. When lives are endangered, can Avelina and the margrave figure out who’s behind it in time to save lives? Can Avelina deny her feelings for the margrave? What will happen to her once the truth is discovered?

I am such a HUGE fan of Melanie Dickerson and her fairy tale romances. She is incredibly talented in writing historical fiction and I can never put her books down. I found this story  not just romantic but fun, interesting, and exciting to read. I loved the two main characters and how they interacted. I can relate to the search for love and wanting to test another’s character.

You won’t want to miss this book. Although this book is the second in the series, you can read this one as a standalone, but the first book in the series is also a fun read, which I would also highly recommend.

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sea Rose Lane
by Irene Hannon
Rating: 4 of 5
Book 2 of Hope Harbor series
Revell – Fiction | Contemporary Romance

When life does not go as planned and attorney Eric Nash loses his job, he heads back to his hometown hoping to lay low and rest while finding a new job. What he finds is a work in progress — his father is converting their home into a bed and breakfast with the help of BJ Stevens, a gorgeous architect and contractor.

As they both fight the attraction between them, they work together to improve the lives of the Hope Harbor seniors and possibly find what they were meant to do all along. Can Eric find a reason to stay? Will BJ trust another man after all that she’s been through?

I loved returning to Hope Harbor. Irene Hannon’s writing is so easy to get caught up in and  I always love the characters that she creates. The reader feels like they are right there in Hope Harbor with Eric and BJ. Hannon is so talented and definitely one of my favorite authors. I always love how she keeps you guessing till the end.

I highly recommend this book. Even though it is part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone novel without being confusing. This book would make a fun and romantic summer read.

I received this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.