ACR: The Miner's Lady by Tracie Peterson

The Miner's Lady Author -Tracie Peterson 350 pages Time It Took for to Read - 2 Days Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars Would I Recommend to My Students:Yes

When Chantel Panetta's younger sister claims to be in love with Orlando Vittorio, Chantel knows there is no hope. The Panettas and Vittorios have been sworn enemies for decades, and young love cannot heal the deep wounds between the two iron-mining families. Yet, unable to resist Isabella's pleas, Chantel agrees to help her sister spend time with Orlando...only to have a run-in with Dante, Orlando's brother. The older, more handsome one.

Chantel can't deny the attraction that flares when she's with Dante. But when a tragedy occurs at the mine, is there any hope that the hatred that has simmered between these two families might be resolved? Or will Chantel's hope for love be buried amidst decades of misunderstanding?

What I Loved...

The story overall is just great. It entails everything I love in a historical romance genre. Tracie Peterson did a great job making me feel like I was walking in the muddy streets or feeling the cold against my flesh. I alos love the cover.

What I Liked...

I really liked the brothers Dante and Orlando. I could totally picture them and hear them in my head. I also liked the Panetta Family dynamic. They seemed like a genuine family and a family that I would know.

Other...

I know I haven't given much detail in my review and that is mainly because I really do like this book alot and I don't want to give anything way. I highly recommend!!!

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.

Review: Trouble In Store by Carol Cox

Trouble In Store Author - Carol Cox 350 pages Time It Took for to Read - 2 Days Rating - 4 out of 5 Stars Would I Recommend to My Students: Yes

Fired from her most recent governess position, Melanie Ross must embrace her last resort: the Arizona mercantile she inherited from her cousin. But Caleb Nelson is positive he inherited the mercantile, and he's not about to let some obstinate woman with newfangled ideas mess up all he's worked for. He's determined to get Melanie married off as soon as possible, and luckily there are plenty of single men in town quite interested in taking her off his hands.
The problem is, Caleb soon realizes he doesn't want her to marry up with any of them. He's drawn to Melanie more every day, and he has to admit some of her ideas for the store unexpectedly offer positive results.

But someone doesn't want the store to succeed, and what used to be just threatening words has escalated into deliberate destruction and lurkers in the night. When a body shows up on the mercantile steps--and the man obviously didn't die from natural causes--things really get dangerous. Can Melanie and Caleb's business--and romance--survive the trouble that's about to come their way?

What I Loved...

Funny, suspenseful, romantic and thrilling. That's a lot to incorporate into one book but Carol Cox does so wonderfully.

I love the heroine Melanie. She is too much! She is well written.

What I Liked...

All of the other characters are so well written. I hate when I find myself disliking one the characters that I should normally  like (Amazingly it happens more than I care to admit), but I didn't find that with Trouble In Store. All of the characters are appealing, even the not so nice ones!

The mystery plot was great and Carol had me guessing all the way to the end.

Other...

I liked the book well enough but admit that I am sucker for a boatload of swoon and while I did get some, I just wanted more. Believe me that there is probably enough for most, but that is what I LOVE LOVE LOVE and could probably never get enough. Having said that, if Carol would have added as much swoon worthy tidbits as I prefer, the book wouldn't be published yet. I can't complain too much because the suspense and thrills kept me going through the book well enough.

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.

ACReview: Into The Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden

Into The Whirlwind Author - Elizabeth Camden 384 pages Time It Took for to Read - 1 Day Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars Would I Recommend to My Students: Yes

After her father's death, Mollie Knox takes over his watchmaking company and uses her head for business to solidify the good name of the 57th Illinois Watch Company. Her future looks bright until the night her beloved city is destroyed in the legendary Great Chicago Fire. With her world crumbling around her, Molly must do whatever it takes to save her company in the aftermath of the devastating fire.

Zack Kazmarek is an influential attorney with powerful ties to the political, mercantile, and ethnic roots of Chicago. His only weakness is Mollie Knox, a woman who has always been just beyond his reach. However, all bets are off after the fire destroys Chicago, and Mollie is in desperate need of assistance. Just as Zack finally begins to pursue the woman he loves, competition arises in the form of a hero from her past who can provide the help she needs to rise from the ashes.

While Mollie struggles to rebuild, the two men battle for her heart. One has always loved her, but the other has the power to save her. In the race to rebuild the city, can she survive with her business and her heart intact?

What I Loved...

Zack. I love the depth of his emotions! Very swoon worthy. I love history and the inclusion of actual history (Chicago Fire) took this book to another level for me. Elizabeth Camden did an excellent job making me feel like I was right in the thick of it.

What I Liked...

They way I unexpectedly cried, laughed, got nervous, angry and felt butterflies in my tummy. The story and characters crept into my heart and I felt like I was right there with them.

The cover of the book is really nice and fitting.

Other...

I felt the Christianity in this book was way, way in the background. I am not complaining or praising. I just thought I'd mention it for those who like the Christianity to be more present in a book.

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