The Express Bride
by Kimberley Woodhouse
Book 9 in the Daughters of the Mayflower series
Rating:5/5

Let me just say that I lost sleep over this story. I am always so amazed the way an author can completely capture my attention and take me on an amazing journey to the past and make me root for the heroine and boo the villain.

After her father passes away, Jacqueline “Jack” Rivers desperately wants to stay in charge of the Pony Express station that she grew up on. Running the station has its challenges but she enjoys the work and doesn’t know where else she’d go. When a government official asks for her help involving counterfeiters, she can’t say no – even if it’s dangerous. When the handsome Elijah Johnson arrives and also wants her help and company, she too can’t say no. Elijah is searching for his boss’ daughter with very little clues to go on. He is determined to find out what happened to her and decides to stay at the station before traveling on. Will Jack and Elijah find love in this 1860 story set in the Utah territory?

I loved this story so much. I learned so much about the Pony Express and living in the 1860s. I fell in love with all of the characters that lived at the station. The author brilliantly weaves a story of adventure and mystery into a historical romance. It’s fast-paced but you still get to see the characters develop and get to see their faith in action.

Highly recommend this book! Even though the book is part of the Mayflower series, you can read the book by itself and not feel like you’re missing something. Just read it!

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

Daughter of Shades
by Sylvia Mercedes
Book 1 of the Venatrix Chronicles series
Rating: 4/5

Wow. This book takes you on a whirlwind ride of adventure and it’s nonstop. The author’s creativity and imagination truly came out in the world-building of this story, and it’s only just beginning.

There’s so much mystery surrounding the first few chapters that it was a bit confusing but as more of the world-building occurs, you start to understand what’s happening (or so you think?)

Ayleth is a shade huntress apprentice who was raised and trained as someone who could control her shade in order to banish other shades, evil spirits. She is very good at her job but she fears something is wrong with her memories. Her mentor tells her she is not quite ready to go off on her own, but Ayleth decides to take matters into her own hands. A dangerous job has opened up and Ayleth sets off to prove that she is worthy of the post. She is not the only one up for the spot though and finds herself in a competition with Terryn, who also seems to be very good at what he does. As the couple venture beyond the Great Barrier to uncover the mystery, they find Ayleth may not be what she seems.

Having never read anything from Sylvia Mercedes before, I was most attracted to the cover of this book before anything else. Who doesn’t love an exciting book cover? However, once I started reading this book, I became consumed by this different, yet riveting world that she’d created. It was difficult to put the book down and even when finished, I craved more. I guess I will have to impatiently wait for the next book. The characters are fun and mysterious and I want to find out more about them and their histories. I love a good mystery filled with secrets and adventure and romance.

Highly recommend this new book in this new series! You won’t want to miss it.

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

Yours Truly, Thomas
By Rachel Fordham
Rating: 4/5

A heartwarming read!

If you’ve ever imagined a romance via love letters, you’ll love this book! Fordham is able to create such an endearing love story between Penny and Thomas that is not overly sweet nor corny. Definitely for fans of Hallmark’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered. 

Penny works for the Dead Letter Office in DC and is a romantic at heart. She loves reading those dead letters which cause her sympathetic heart to fall in love with its writer and reader. When she comes across a letters from Thomas to his dear Clara, she tries her best to deliver the poorly addressed letters. This story is her journey of searching for purpose and identity. She makes it her mission to deliver her letter but surprises occur along the way that will redirect her life in a big way. 

I don’t remember ever reading a book from Fordham but I was pleasantly surprised at how easy her writing style is and how comforting the story and characters were. She weaves a poignant story of pain, loss, hope and love. The characters have depth and the reader can feel their grief and journey with them through healing. 

Highly recommend if you’re looking for some inspirational historical romance. 

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