May 13, 2015 | By: Cynthia Marcano

Review: A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade


A Love Like Ours
Author - Becky Wade
Rating - 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: Yep!

Back Cover...

Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.

When Lyndie James, Jake’s childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion’s reluctance to run.

Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake’s will, Lyndie’s sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he’s built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he’d thought he’d lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?

What I Loved...

I was super excited to read A Love Like Ours because I am a big fan of the Porter Brothers and I couldn't wait to read Jake's story.

While I am partial to the flirty hero who turns into a hopeless romantic for one woman, I loved Jake Porter's brooding character. I have seen the brooding character done more times than I can count, but Jake's character was written very well. He had a genuine purpose for being a brooding hero as opposed to many other characters who are deep and distant just for the sake of it.

Ty and Celia made an appearance! Yay...Meant To Be Mine is still my fave Becky Wade, but A Love Like Ours is second.

What I Liked...

Lyndie wasn't what I expected. I expected her to be a more upbeat and playful character but I found that wasn't the case, but I liked her nevertheless. The horse ranch setting was cute and I could totally picture them watching and riding horses. Whispering Creek ranch became more real to me in A Love Like Ours than it had been in Undeniable Yours.

Other...

I follow Becky Wade's blog and facebook page so to see all of the covers for the book was fun. The one she chose was my favorite.

I didn't give this book five stars because I didn't particularly care for Lyndie's character believing that her sister with CP (I think) had a healing power. Not that it isn't possible, Becky just didn't do a good enough job of convincing me that her character had that effect on anyone. I felt that part of the story was left wanting.

I am hoping that Becky is adding one more boo to this collection with Porter Sister Dru's story! Pretty Please!


Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Bethany House Publishers & Netgalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.


May 5, 2015 | By: Cynthia Marcano

Review: The Creole Princess by Beth White


The Creole Princess
Author - Beth White
Rating - 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: Yes
On Sale Today at Christianbook.com for $9.99 

Back Cover...

All along the eastern seaboard, the American struggle for independence rages. In the British-held southern port of Mobile, Alabama, the conflict brewing is quieter--though no less deadly. The lovely Frenchwoman Lyse Lanier is best friends with the daughter of the British commander. Rafael Gonzalez is a charming young Spanish merchant with a secret mission and a shipment of gold to support General Washington. As their paths cross and their destinies become increasingly tangled, Lyse and Rafael must decide where their true loyalties lie--and somehow keep Lyse's family from being executed as traitors to the British Crown.

What I Loved...

My favorite kind of hero in a book is a flirty, cool kind of guy. I always seem to love those books the best. Rafi is that kind of hero and I just loved his character! Plus he is Spanish! He is my first Spanish male hero and I was so excited about it. I am so happy to say that his character didn't disppoint.

As I have mentioned many times before, I love history so a book with lots of swoony bits that incorporates real history is always a great read for me. Loved all of the history. Learned lots of new things.

What I Liked...

Lyse, the heroine, was a likable character and I could picture her clearly barefoot and in all of her splendor as well. She is a well written character that grows as the story progresses. I enjoyed reading her character.

Other...

The cover is stunning, although I didn't quite picture Lyse that way.  The book covers the era of history when The colonies are fighting for freedom from England and includes points of view from the Spanish in the Florida area, the French in the New Orleans area, the British loyalists and American Colonists as well as slaves.

The book packs a punch of both love and history and I truly enjoyed it. I would definitely read Beth White again.


Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.