The Scavenger (A Hopps Town Duology #1) - Aidan Lucid

Jared Duval wants Lydia Moran to stop bullying him. He also wants the football captain to like him, even just notice him. And, to know why is he having vivid and scary dreams.

Adrian Cole needs to stay fit for soccer, keep his grades up, study harder. He also misses his mother, who died in a car incident. Aside from all of that, he’s looking for a relationship. The substitute teacher is stunning but why would she be interested in him?

Jessica Barlow craves for her mother’s love. Ever since her dad left them, any affection Bertha has for her daughter is hidden far beneath the verbal and physical abuse, smoking and alcohol.

Will life change for them? 

Hopps Town is small, so it's doubtful. But a chance encounter after the school’s Halloween dance with a seemingly lost girl makes change possible. In pursuit of the runaway girl, they come across an abandoned shack with a well outside. They lean in and all make a wish…

Jessica wakes up to her mother happy and making breakfast. Stunned at this change in attitude, the young girl heads off to school, prepared lunch in hand (she can’t remember when that last happened) in a daze. Is this real?

Adrian’s head is filled with his father’s chastisement of how important going to college is, but these thoughts are soon discarded when he finds a note in his locker. Who is it from and why do they want to meet him?

The nightmares that Jared experiences intensify but unexpectedly, Tom, the handsome football star has suddenly noticed him. Jessica loves her ‘new’ mom and Adrian's new relationship is turning out better than expected. Did those fanciful wishes they made at the well actually come true?

And then Adrian and Jessica encounter the same supernatural occurrences that Jared has. They are dismissive and unsure of what they've seen and felt, but soon become scared as the realization that the wish bestowed upon them comes at a price.

There is something obviously evil that granted their wishes – but what has the death of a disgruntled man back in the late '70s to do with this evil entity and can Jared’s aunt really help the three teenagers get rid of this supernatural being?

The author’s introduction to Hopps Town and its inhabitants is a great beginning. He has managed to entwine some chilling and horrific moments without it being cliché. The emotions of the teens as they experience an abusive mother or peer bullying are real and expressive. His characters are believable as are the episodes of hearing haunting voices and seeing frightening images that plague them.

With novella’s, there is a tendency to be short with descriptions or moments and they can have a slightly disjointed feel. There are elements of this in the book, but Lucid has managed to say a lot in a limited number of words and the overall premise of the book hasn't been lost. And whilst I wished the story could be expanded – more tension created, more dialogue to really get behind the characters -Lucid has still created a story that is exciting, filled with unsettling moments and believable personalities. 

As a YA book the language used is fairly suitable, it skims issues that teens face - sexuality, bullying, acceptance - with some positivity given to these situations but there is a lot of negative attitudes too. However, falling under the genre of horror, it perhaps shouldn't be expected to be teaching lessons of acceptance etc., - the main focus is the battling of evil spirits!

Overall an enjoyable story that is a good grounding for the next installment. It will keep the reader fairly engaged and for them to look forward to what happens next in Hopps Town. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to read and review. The opinions expressed are my own and I was not required to give a positive critique.

Cornerstone of Love - Susan Carlisle

Hailing from Alabama, Allison Moore isn’t who Lord Hartley is expecting to restore the west tower of his castle. Rich red hair and a pink hard hat, Allison knows she breaks the norm of a stereotypical engineer but she doesn’t care. She knows her stuff and if Lord Ian Hartley can’t deal with it, he can get another engineer on site.

But the problem is she’d rather that didn’t happen. Along with her two friends (Mallory and Jordon) from college, they have a successful business (Historic Restorations and Designs) and if she completes the work to the high standards that the Lord has, it will add to their good reputation and further their success.

Immediately attracted to each other, Allison is also instantly irritated with his controlling manor. She has her job cut out for her to not only prove that she is more than capable of restoring the castle's tower but also not to fall for him.

Lord Hartley is a reluctant peer. Running a multi-million-pound business is a far cry from being involved with agricultural issues. However, the responsibility was thrust upon him when his father and brother were killed in a tragic accident. The last thing he needed in his life was a brash American structural engineer.

Just how long can they deny their attraction to each other? As they spend more time together, Allison and Ian discover hidden areas of their lives that make them more appealing to each other such as Allison's penchant for baking.

As Allison continues the necessary repairs on the castle’s tower, she also needs to work out what direction her life is going to take. Any involvement with Ian would be short lived as she’s heading back to the US to settle down to run the business. But does she really want that?

Ian knows that Allison isn’t the right woman for a long term relationship, even marriage. He's after a woman who will look the part as well as act the part of being Lady Hartley. Yet, there is something about Allison - could a relationship with her work?

In the classic style romance of 'will they, won't they', Carlisle's approach is to up date it with a career minded woman who can have a high powered role without losing her femininity. And, whilst Ian Hartley initially comes across as a man oozing pure masculine pride and self-reliance, the reader soon discovers his vulnerabilities and appreciate that there is more to him.

All the characters are believable with depth and the romance is not over-bearing. There are brief glimpses of Allison's business partners and their stories. Whilst the majority of the novel was solid, there were parts which felt a little disjointed perhaps edited too much? Overall though, as the first story of a trilogy, it's a good plot, with likable people and a good introduction to three women who are hard-working, down-to-earth and womanly. A recommended read for fans of romantic fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from Reedsy Discovery. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique. 

Behind the Scenes (Apart from the Crowd) - Jen Turano

Permilia Griswold is a wallflower. Attending the balls and dinners in the highest of society events should ensure a husband. But as someone who is relegated to the sidelines, the likelihood of that happening is slim.

It doesn't help that her stepmother Ida, tasked with showing Permilia what it is to be a lady, pays more attention to her daughter, Lucy, so as to establish a worthy match.

With her mother dying when she was young and therefore, growing up in the world of mining - which her father made his fortune in - meant that Permila's view of the world is somewhat different.

Regardless, Permilia is happy to be a wallflower. Without this title she wouldn't be able to carry out her job as "Miss Quill". Writing for a newspaper about society balls, giving details that only an insider would know, the young, independent woman enjoys her role. However, when she hears a murder plot about one Asher Rutherford, she is duty bound to tell him.

Rutherford, owner of much respected department store in New York city is knowledgeable about the world of fashion and society. When he hears news of his imminent death he is, understandably, unwilling to accept it.

Frustrated by his lack of wariness, Permilia takes it upon herself to keep an eye out for him. She wasn't planning on playing bodyguard. Asher isn't very appreciative of the gesture until an arrow heads his way.

They now find themselves allies against an unknown murderer. Who is behind this plot? And will they discover who it is before the actual deed is carried out?

It was okay. It was humorous, detailed filled with likable characters. Whilst the murder plot is the main essence of the story, the underlying romance that unfolds is sweet, if a little unconventional. The references to a new world where women are paid to work and able to educate themselves was interesting but obviously not the main focus of the story. Overall, it took me a while to get in to this story and I'm a fan of historical fiction, just didn't gel that much with this one. If you're a fan of Turano you may well enjoy it a lot more than I did.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from Bethany House publishers as part of their blogging program. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Murder on the Moor - Julianna Deering

When old school friend, Beaky Bloodworth calls upon Drew and Madeline to investigate the death of a vicar, they take moments to consider and take up the challenge.

Setting off for the Yorkshire moors and his friends home, Bloodworth Park Lodge, with a mystery that has little clues, Drew only knows that he is determined to help his friend.

Meeting Beaky's wife, Sabrina, is a blast from the past and Drew wonders what the pretty socialite, who loved London life, is doing married to a man from Yorkshire. Regardless, mysterious events surround the brooding moors and its residents - sheep killed, talk of the berghaus and possible poachers - all of which keeps Drew's mind occupied. What or who is causing all this commotion?

And then another murder takes place.

This time, an elderly woman who, like the vicar, was harmless and kept themselves to themselves. What is the link between these two benign people? How is Bloodworth Park connected? It's a close-knit community in town of Bunting's Nest. Anyone could be a suspect yet Drew is drawn back to Sabrina. The danger is closing in quickly around the Lodge. Can Drew discover who the murderer is before he or she strikes again?

Another alluring and charming murder-mystery from Deering. Drew and Madeline Farthing are a couple akin to Christie's Tommy and Tuppence with an American flair (Madeline is from the US). A complicated plot with quite a few characters. However, it's easy to follow and the subtly of sub-plots carries the story forward. All theories of 'whodunit' are tested throughout. With a quintessentially British feel, this is an enjoyable, satisfying novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bethany House Publishers as part of their blogger program. The opinions expressed here are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Streams of Mercy - Lauraine Snelling

The small town of Blessing, North Dakota is one filled with many different people. Mostly generational families, all hard working and devoted to God. All keen to make their town a welcoming place.

One of it's residents, Anji Baard Moen has returned home from Norway with her four children. Settling back into familiar surroundings, she relishes in her role as teacher as well as writing articles for the local paper.

When an opportunity arises to move in to a big home, Anji is unsure but her worries are put to rest and she moves in. Cherishing being back in a loving and caring community, Anji finds her feelings for a minister, Thomas Devlin, changing. When faced with a tough decision, she seeks the advice of Ingebord Bjorklund, mother of Dr. Astrid Bjorkland.

Thomas himself is finding himself more and more attracted to the lovely Anji. When invited for dinner at their new home, he finds he's thinking what it would be like to sit at this table as her husband, But he soon banishes all thoughts of this as he needs to know what are God's intention for him. He knows he has a calling - but when will he hear it?

Amidst the growing love story, a circus train pulls in to town bringing it with a perilous disease. Can the doctors, including Astrid,  handle a growing hazard? With death around the corner, the fight is seemingly endless. Then tragedy strikes. Will the town of Blessing and it's people survive?

Snelling's historical novel is heartwarming, inviting and an absorbing read. The details given are many and creates a vibrant setting - both people and location.

Having not read the first two book in this series, I was a little lost with all the people met, but just for the first couple of chapters. Once my confusion lessoned as to who was related to whom, the supposed main story (the growing affection between Anji and Thomas) got lost in the drama of the circus train and the disease that it brought.

Overall, a great story. I would suggest reading the first two books so as to wholly appreciate the different characters and their backgrounds. Recommended read for fans of historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House publishers to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Together With You - Victoria Bylin

When Dr. Ryan Tremaine and Carly Mason meet, little do they realize the impact they will have on each others lives.

Tremaine's five year old daughter Penny, runs off while they, along with her two older brothers, are out shopping. Finding refuse with stuffed animals in Carly's store, the young assistant manager immediately recognizes that something is wrong with the little girl. She's far too trusting of strangers.

It turns out that Penny has FASD - fetal alcohol spectrum disorder - a disorder that unfortunately, as an ex-social worker, Carly is all to familiar with. It's also a condition that Ryan takes full responsibility for, after all it wasn't just Penny's mother that was drinking.

On his forth nanny, Tremaine needs help to look after a 15 going on 16 year old boy, a sullen 13 year old (both from a previous marriage) and of course Penny (the outcome of an affair). He boldly requests Carly to interview for the position.

Quashing past regrets, Carly seeks the advice of her preacher father who bluntly tells her she has stopped fighting. But the guilt the pretty young woman carries for becoming attached to a teenager suffering with FASD, echoes in her memories. And then there is that annoying aspect that she finds Ryan Tremaine attractive.

Tremaine is desperate for Carly to accept the job. It's not often he meets someone who can understands Penny's needs, emotional state and outbursts. Can he convince her to help him not only with his daughter but also how to reconnect with his sons? Is it too much to ask of a nannie? And let's not mention that he is attracted to her. He doesn't need the complication.

Neither want the complication of love. Yet, when she finally accepts the position, can Carly bring together a dysfunctional family? And as much as she's attracted to the respected doctor, he's agnostic. Can Carly find happiness with a man with no faith in her God? Will Ryan be able to find inner peace with his past and God.

Bylin's romance is filled with anxiety, hope, faith and yes love. As the blurb states, its reminiscent of 'The Sound of Music', Carly enters a home where there is chaos and tries to bring some sort of order. Breaking down the tough exterior of Ryan is possibly harder than being able to communicate effectively with Penny. But Carly knows there's a softer, gentler side to the stoic doctor.

With an important message in the story about the damaging effects drinking alcohol can have on a fetus, the author has carefully dealt with a sensitive subject matter. Whilst she doesn't delve into the nitty gritty of such a condition, the temperament and the occasional viewpoint of Penny adds a meaningful insight.

The ease of which this story flows makes it a quick and compelling read. Bylin's characters are real and all the emotions met throughout are just as real. Heartwarming, sad, funny and spiritual it's a highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Bethany House blogging program. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not expected to give a positive critique.

Becoming Bea (The Courtships of Lancaster County #4) - Leslie Gould

Beatrice Zook is quiet, hardworking and a little impatient. She's also convinced that she will never get married.

Living with her 'mamm', sister Molly and brother-in-law is just fine as long as she doesn't have to involve herself with her sister's flower business. She dreads being asked to help out at the shop. It means talking and interacting with people. Something Bea would rather not do.

When she's asked to do just that she bumps into her least favorite person - Ben Rupp. Oh he's handsome amiable and well liked but all throughout school, Ben was Bea's competitor in the spelling bee. Ben teases her that she always has to have the last word, she tries to ignore him. Especially when she thought they were courting for him to 'dump' her.

Then Molly announces a vacation to Montana. Bea hates to travel, she is very much a homebody. If she can find a job then she doesn't have to travel with them. Much to her delight she does find one. Molly is none to pleased but their mamm agreed so little can be said.

Arriving at the Millers to help care for three premature babies, launder clothes, cook and clean the home, Bea certainly has her work cut out for her. But she accepts her new role with a certain dignity and soon becomes indispensable to the family.

The burgeoning friendship between her and Hope is a new chapter in her life. Not one to have friends let alone a best friend, Bea is grateful to the Lord for showing her a new perspective. However, between the washing clothes and cooking she finds herself realizing that maybe she's been suppressing her feelings for Ben.  But can she trust him not to break her heart again?

'Chapter' four in the Courtships of Lancaster County doesn't fail to get emotions rolling. Heartfelt, honest and romantic, Gould's story captures the fears and happiness of a person discovering who they are. Facing those realities, with God's insight, to become a richer person. Throw in babies, deceit, jealousy, hard work, familial obligation and it's an absorbing tale.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I've skipped a couple of books (#2 and #3) but don't feel I've missed too much as this a great stand alone book. Perhaps if I had read them, I wouldn't have found Molly so intrusive or Bea a little 'wimpy'. But the beauty of the authors writing is that these feelings arise but she manages to smooth them out so much so that I ended up 'loving' them both. A highly recommended read, especially fans of Amish and Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. The opinions expressed here are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.