Book Review: Otherwise Engaged by Joanna Barker

Otherwise Engaged
by Joanna Barker
Rating: 4.5/5
Release date: October 12, 2020

After reading the synopsis for this story, I knew I had to read it and I was right. It was perfect for me and I enjoyed every word! I do not remember if I’ve ever read anything by Joanna Barker before but now she is definitely on my radar. Her writing felt so effortless and organic. The characters were so refreshing and relatable that I couldn’t put the book down.

While secretly practicing her bareback riding, Rebecca Rowley hears a scream and when she investigates, she must save a young girl from drowning in the water. Upon meeting the girl’s older brother and guardian, Lieutenant Nicholas Avery, she is immediately intrigued but also weary since she already has a secret fiancé. Antics ensue and this lovely friendship develops between Rebecca and Nicholas especially after she shares with him of her secret beaux and her fears about her father’s past. Can Rebecca discover what’s really in her heart before the Lieutenant finds himself back out at sea?

This story was like a Rom-Com but set in regency times. I do love this time period – obviously, I love Jane Austen. The exhilaration and freedom that Rebecca craves is so relatable. That adrenaline rush is addicting, and I can definitely see how all the rules of society would feel so oppressive to her. I loved Nicholas Avery’s character because as a Navy man, he also had that wanderlust. He encouraged it in Rebecca instead of stifling her spirit. I like to think the Nicholas knew Rebecca before she even knew herself.

Though the genre is Christian, I did not feel that it was trying to preach at all. I would almost not even classify it as Christian. It is clean, wholesome romance. The characters attend church but Rebecca actually doesn’t find it very interesting. The message is somewhat inspirational though and I enjoyed the story.

All in all, I highly recommend this book for fall reading if you enjoy regency romance with lots of humor and a hint of mystery.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

October 5, 2020 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: Christmas Charms by Teri Wilson

Christmas Charms
by Teri Wilson
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: October 6, 2020

From the Back Cover:

She never dreamed her holiday would include her hometown, a dog, or a firefighter.

But a mysterious charm bracelet
predicted it all…

Ashley’s supposed to be having the Christmas of her dreams. After four years of working at an upscale jewelry store in Manhattan, she’s finally going to get a little velvet box of her own—from her boyfriend Jeremy, who’s taking her on a romantic trip to Paris. What could go wrong?

Well, everything.

Ashley heads home to Owl Lake instead, falling asleep on the train ride there…and waking up with a beautiful antique charm bracelet on her wrist. Soon, she realizes that each silver charm predicts an event that happens in real life. What does this mean for her and Jeremy…or her and Aidan, her former high school boyfriend, who’s now a local firefighter? Is there still a chance that she could have the perfect Christmas?

My Thoughts

Such a cute story for the holidays! It definitely reads like a Hallmark movie and I would love to watch the movie too. I loved walking through Ashley and Aidan’s stories and was eager to get to the ending. I loved the sweet, magical, Christmas moments with the charms on the bracelet and wished I could be there.

Highly recommend this story for those who enjoy romance, humor, and Christmas magic!

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

October 2, 2020 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: Pride and Prejudice by Gemma Barder

Pride and Prejudice
Adapted by Gemma Barder
Rating: 5/5
Release Date: September 29, 2020

I am such a huge fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice including all the movies and mini-series. I was curious to see how the author would adapt the material for children, and I was not disappointed. The author is able to clearly tell the story without some of the extra flowery language and simplifying some of the scenes. She keeps the lovely humor and her tone light. I was very impressed with her ability to get all the emotions correct and keep the characters as true to the original as possible. I also loved the illustrations. They were similar to anime and delightful portrayals of my favorite characters.

I highly recommend this adaptation for those that want to share the brilliance of Pride and Prejudice with children.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.