book review

Book Review: The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep Book Cover

The Noble Guardian
by Michelle Griep
Book 3 in the Bow Street Runners Trilogy
Rating: 4.5/5

Abigail Gilbert is finally free! She is leaving her family who hates her and is going to meet her beloved fiancé and live happily ever after with someone who actually wants to be with her. However, highwaymen run rampant on her journey and threaten her life.

Captain Samuel Thatcher is in charge of keeping the roads safe from highwaymen and steps in to save Abby’s life. The captain is close to retiring but begrudgingly agrees to escort Ms. Gilbert to her destination in exchange for money from her fiancé for her safety.

Unfortunately, this harrying journey is more than either expected. Together they must find a way to coexist and not kill each other as they face many trials and heated discussions.

This fast-paced story is everything you’d want and more. I didn’t quite know what to expect when I started reading this story but I knew it would be good because of Michelle Griep’s ability to weave a fun and provocative tale. When I first started to read, I wasn’t aware it was part of a trilogy. It can definitely be read as a standalone book. After realizing it was part of a trilogy, I found that I had read the previous books but didn’t realize it because that first book was from back in 2015. I will have to revisit those other two books in the series to jog my memory but that isn’t necessary to appreciate the wonders of Griep’s gripping action. The characters are lovely and you feel their tension and conflict. Very well written and highly recommended.

My thanks to Barbour Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

EDIT: Buy this book here!

May 29, 2019 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: In Firefly Valley by Amanda Cabot

In Firefly Valley
by Amanda Cabot
Rating: 4/5
Book 2 in the Texas Crossroads series
Revell – Fiction | Contemporary Fiction

After losing her job, Marisa St. George returns to her hometown of Dupree, Texas, where she has accepted a business manager position at the newly renovated Rainbow’s End resort. The resort is about to have its grand opening, but they already have one mysterious guest, Blake Kendall, a friend of the owner’s.

Blake is in need of some rest and relaxation, since he’s tried everything to get over his writer’s block. His trip to Dupree could be just what he needs to feel inspired again. As a successful author, he’s kept his identity a secret by using a pseudonym. He believes his stories are just entertaining and nothing more; however, Marisa unknowingly hates his books and how his main character glorifies smoking and especially drinking. The attraction between Marisa and Blake is practically electric, but will Blake’s secret drive them apart? Can Marisa learn to forgive and forget the past?

Amanda Cabot really knows how to create characters that I want to root for and get to know. In this second installment in the Texas Crossroads series, I got to reconnect with the characters from the previous book, At Bluebonnet Lake, and find out what’s been happening. I was immediately thrown into this small Texas town with its quirky but lovable characters and nuances. The characters have to deal with real life situations that make them so relatable. She expertly weaves faith throughout the story in a way that makes me want to read more!

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys light, fun, contemporary romances.

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

May 22, 2015 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert

A Broken Kind of Beautiful
by Katie Ganshert
Rating: 5/5
WaterBrook Press – Fiction|Christian|Romance

For twenty-four-year-old Ivy Clark, life as a supermodel has a shelf life. Her ten years in the biz has shown her that she is nothing more than a shell. When she returns to Greenbrier, South Carolina, for her father’s funeral, she is filled with conflicting and frustrating thoughts. The illegitimate child of her father’s mistress, Ivy has never felt wanted and loved by her father. On top of this tragedy, Ivy is facing the end of her career. Too many young faces are stealing the spotlight from her. When her uncle (her agent) convinces her to do a bridal magazine spread for her stepmother, Marilyn, who designs wedding gowns, she is desperate, yet hesitant to stay in Greenbrier. Marilyn’s nephew, Davis Knight, will be the photographer, and Ivy is uncertain whether or not he is up to the challenge. Tortured by his past, Davis Knight knows all about the world of fashion photography. Having given up his passion in photography, he is reluctant to jump back in, even to help his beloved aunt and benefit his blind sister, Sara. Davis has a gift of seeing more than what’s on the outside; Ivy cannot seem to use her usual seduction tricks on him. Can Ivy find love and redemption in the small town of Greenbrier? Can Davis forgive himself for his past mistakes? Can Ivy and Davis find a way to work together and possibly more?

I found out about author Katie Ganshert on Facebook and was curious to read one of her books. When I found her recent book available on Blogging for Books, I immediately signed up to read it. This story is only her third book. I literally read the book in 4 hours (midnight-4am). I could not and would not put it down. This book is simply one of the best Christian romances I have ever read, and I have read MANY books. The beautifully woven story of faith and redemption is so heart-wrenching and perfectly written. The reader falls in love with the characters and their journeys to redemption. The plot keeps moving along – not too slow or fast. My only concern was that the story ends a little abruptly for my taste. It was a somewhat satisfying end, but the short epilogue was not enough for me. That is how much I enjoyed the book. I just want to thank the author for writing such a powerful story of God’s redeeming love and forgiveness. I was so moved by the story of God’s faithfulness and love, even when we don’t deserve it.

I highly recommend this story for anyone who loves Christian romance. Warning: you may need tissues.

I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.