Top Ten Tuesday: 11 Most Recent Additions to My Bookshelf

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl!

Official topic: The Ten Most Recent Additions to My Bookshelf

This seemed like an easy topic, but the more I think about it, the more complicated it becomes! I could talk all about my #TBR mountain and how it grows weekly, but instead I’ll share a list of the most recent books I have acquired copies of (both purchased and through review services). Some of these I will be reading VERY soon!

(titles linked to Goodreads)

11 Most Recent Additions to My Bookshelf

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Contemporary Books… I love the bright colors on these covers!

The Last Shot by Amy Matayo

If For Any Reason by Courtney Walsh

The Solid Grounds Coffee Company by Carla Laureano

A Girl’s Guide to the Outback by Jessica Kate

Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn

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Historical Books… I LOVE these 5 covers!

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd

The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright

The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White

Veiled in Smoke by Jocelyn Green

Follow the Dawn by Rachelle Rea Cobb

Bonus 11th BOOK: The London Restoration by Rachel McMillan

I recently read a really early ARC of The London Restoration, so it’s technically on my “shelf”! This is one I will be rereading in paperback form! (It also made it on to my Goodreads favorites shelf — only a few titles a year make the cut.)

It’s a wonderfully-told historical romance set in post-WWII London.

See my Goodreads review here!

Your turn! What books have you added to your shelves recently? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Favorite Jane Austen-Esque Romances

Happy Valentine’s Day!!!! What better way to celebrate the day than with a blog post all about classic love stories??? Today I’m tweaking a Top Ten Tuesday topic to fit JANE AUSTEN-like stories. Read on for more awesomeness.

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish.

The official topic this week is “Top Ten Favorite Romance Tropes/Types”. I’m bending this a little for a list of favorite Jane Austen-Esque romances, whether they be inspired or adapted from Austen’s works or have similar elements as her well-loved classics.

10 Favorite Austen-Esque Romances

Influenced and inspired by Austen’s heroines

1. Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

2. Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay

Both of these novels by Reay are influenced by Jane’s characters in general. And, they each pay homage to her stories (as well as other classics) in their own way. Dear Mr. Knightley features a fresh epistolary take on a romance and a coming-of-age story. Lizzy & Jane weaves a tale of sisters, their struggles, and a fitting chance at love (with some Persuasion-like moments <3).

Pride & Prejudice-like banter between heroine and hero

3. Told You So by Kristen Heitzmann

If ever there was a contemporary story to rival the tension, misconceptions, witty dialogue, and ardent love story of Elizabeth and Darcy, Told You So would be it. You need to meet Devin and Grace.

4. Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations by V. Joy Palmer

Similar in many ways to Pride & Prejudice, Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations is a light story with humor and wit fitting for its Austen similarities (and some sarcasm thrown in for good measure). The protagonists of this story contend with their own pride in several ways to overcome shortcomings and find happily-ever-after.

5. With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden

The push-and-pull of rivalry and opposite personalities is brightly displayed in With Every Breath. And what a frustratingly fun historical romance/drama it is!

 

A “Regency Era” setting

6. The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd

1816 England. Winter on the moors. Secrets. A spinster finding love. Inheritances, gambling debts, and a girls’ school. What more could you want in a novel?

7. The Tutor’s Daughter by Julie Klassen

A bit of mystery and romance combine in this story set in Cornwall, England. (Random BBC Period Drama fangirl moment: for a location visual, watch “Poldark”!!!!!)

Like Northanger Abbey

8. The Covered Deep by Brandy Vallance

Bianca is the Victorian Era equivalent of Catherine Morland. Combine her fascination with gothic literature and heros with her propensity for dramatics, and her learning journey paralells Austen’s heroine in many ways. And I think Paul’s gentlemanly, wise manner complements Bianca just as Henry Tilney does Catherine.

Like Emma

9. The Thorn Bearer by Pepper D. Basham

I say this story is like Emma because the romance blooms from a strong foundation of friendship. The joy of it all is watching the characters grow and change for the better through the story, partially because of their friendship; much like Knightley encourages Emma to be a better version of herself. And the romance!! 🙂

Ensemble-like, influential cast

10. The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall

While there are many reasons to love Dawn Crandall’s historical romances, one reason I enjoyed The Hesitant Heiress was its cast of characters. The broad personalities featured are always interesting and influential to the story. I think having the lens of a singular POV (the heroine’s, Amaryllis) adds dramatic suspense to the story and slants the view of all of the characters in a way similar to Austen’s understanding interpretation of family, friends, and even “villain” personalities.

 

~bonus: 3 upcoming releases~

Second Impressions by Pepper Basham, releasing March 2017

This novella promises to deliver a modern Austen-Esque story in setting (Bath, England), humor, and romance. It releases as part of a novella collection titled Love at First Laugh and in July as a standalone. I’m excited to see how Pepper tackles modern England (and just what a bonnet has to do with it all 🙂 )!

Jane of Austin: A Novel of Sweet Tea and Sensibility by Hillary Manton Lodge, releasing June 13th

This is a modern adaptation of Sense & Sensibility set in the south. I’m already in love with the artsy cover. AND Hillary is writing it, so I know there will be recipes (!!!!). I can’t wait!

 

The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay, releasing November 2017

Reay’s literary-infused stories are always awesome (see above gushing). This one will be Austen and a best friends’ TRIP! Plus, the cover is adorable.

 

 

Your turn!!! Have you read any of these on my list? What are your favorite Jane Austen-Esque romances??? Or what are your favorite romance types???

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Top 9 Books or series I wish someone would make into a movie/series

It’s another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by  The Broke and the Bookish

This week is a freebie topic! I’m choosing to go with books I wish someone would make into miniseries, TV series, or movies. So, make yourself some popcorn and read on for my ideas!

Top 9 Books or Series I wish someone would make into a movie/series

Miniseries

#1 The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton

No question about it, this book is my number one pick for being adapted into some form of film. I have always said it should be a miniseries, that way there would be enough time for all the little details to be included. Plus the budget would be higher for filming on location in rural TN. And we need authentic costumes. I can dream, right? Basically, I’d volunteer to work on the crew just to see it done. (History Channel, AMC, or Hallmark, are you listening?)

#2 The “Price of Privilege“ series by Jessica Dotta (Born of Persuasion, Mark of Distinction, Price of Privilege)

It should be no surprise to see this on my list. Favorite. Series. Ever. And a miniseries would be awesome, yes?

TV series

#3 The “Redemption” series (and subsequent related Baxter Family books) by Karen Kingsbury (some with Gary Smalley)

We have 23 books in 5 series that could be adapted, so I think it could be a very long-running series. (Ahem, Hallmark, since you’ve already adapted Karen’s The Bridge and book-based Cedar Cove, this could be your next hit series.)

(2/4 update: we have a contract! Karen & Roma Downey will be working together to bring the Baxter Family series to television!! http://deadline.com/2016/02/roma-downey-the-baxter-family-faith-based-novel-tv-series-1201694238/)

#4 “Christiansen Family” series by Susan May Warren

This is another that fits the TV series format! Though the 6 books could be a series of movies, too, what with each sibling having their own book.

Movie

#5 The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

In the vein of The Book Thief or Woman in Gold, this would be an excellent historical drama on screen with 2 intertwining stories — present day and WWII.

#6 Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano

Besides this being a great story, it made me want to go to Scotland. If it were made into a movie, I might not actually have to go there to see all the wonderful locations referenced in the story. Plus I’d like to see a cast with the great chemistry of James and Andrea (with Henry Cavill, of course).

#7 The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck

With a large cast, this would be a fabulous family drama with flashbacks to the early story of a couple certain characters. It would be a perfect June Hallmark movie!

#8 The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd

Who doesn’t love a good Regency period drama with mystery and romance? With the right casting, it could be a new favorite!

#9 Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg

Because the world needs more good rom-coms! Why not one with realistic characters, a serious story of forgiveness, and small-town charm.

 

Well, that’s my list for now. How about you? Do you have any favorite books you’d like to see adapted to film of some kind? Share in the comments!

Review: A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

Regency Era stories are becoming some of my favorites! After two great books in Sarah E. Ladd’s “Whispers on the Moors” series, I was excited to read the conclusion, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall. Each of these stories has been captivating and unique, each being a complete story that stands alone but fits beautifully in this series. (Read my reviews of The Heiress of Winterwood and The Headmistress of Rosemere)

Summary from Goodreads: Willowgrove Hall is full of secrets, but soon everything hidden is brought to light.

Cecily Faire has a secret—and she intends to keep it. But when she arrives at Willowgrove Hall to serve as a lady’s companion, she comes face-to-face with the only person who knows the truth about her past.

As the steward of Willowgrove Hall, Nathaniel Stanton is dedicated to serving those around him. Nothing escapes his notice—including the beautiful new lady’s companion. He is certain the lovely Miss Faire is hiding something, and he determines to uncover it. But Nathaniel has a secret of his own: he is the illegitimate son of Willowgrove’s former master. Falling in love was not part of his plans . . . until he meets Cecily Faire.

When Willowgrove’s mistress dies, everything changes. Fear of exposure forces Cecily to leave under the cover of darkness, embarking on a journey to finally find her long-lost sister. When the will is read, Nathaniel’s inheritance makes him question his future plans. Cecily and Nathaniel are forced to make decisions that will change the course of their lives. Is their love strong enough to survive?

My thoughts: Sarah has the unique talent of writing the Regency era exceptionally well. She beautifully paints the characters, settings, and dress in a vivid manner. Her stories are comparable to the well-known classics of that era (Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte), but with a modern language consideration which makes them flow smoothly for the 21st century reader.

The secrets that both Cecily and Nathaniel keep hidden are revealed to the reader early on, so the ensuing story builds tension to the moment they could be revealed. Watching the character of Cecily grow and change through this story was delightful. After a dramatic event early in her life, she spent many years under the shelter of a girls’ school. Through her eyes, we see her adjust to the new and formal life of a lady’s companion, open up to new friends and confidants of her own, and reluctantly fall in love. Cecily’s steadfast faith in God through all the ups and downs of her journey is a credit to her character.

With a themes of forgiveness and love, I thought that this was a beautiful conclusion to Sarah’s series. I would recommend this to any fans of historical romance or the Regency era.

Thank you to BookLook Bloggers.com for the complimentary review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: “The Headmistress of Rosemere” by Sarah Ladd

If you adore the Regency Era in England (think characters Jane Austen and Jane Eyre), you will enjoy the “Whispers on the Moors” series by Sarah E. Ladd. The series started with The Heiress  of Winterwood. I recently finished the second in the series, The Headmistress of Rosemere. set in Darbury, England in 1816.

Book Summary from Goodreads:

Patience Creighton will finally find the peace she lost years ago–if she can open her heart and forgive the man who loves her.

Bright, sensible Patience knows what is expected of her. At twenty-five, her opportunity for a family of her own has passed, so she finds contentment teaching at her father’s school for girls. When her father dies suddenly and her brother moves away to London, she is determined to keep her father’s dream alive.

Confirmed bachelor William Sterling also knows what is expected of him, but mistake after mistake has left him teetering on ruin’s edge. As master of Eastmore Hall he owns a great deal of land but possesses little money to manage the upkeep. He is desperate to find a new source of income, including the sacrifice of land connected to Rosemere.

When her brother returns with a new wife to take over management of the school, Patience is heartbroken to no longer be responsible for her beloved school and is forced to reassess God’s purpose for her life. After her sister-in-law’s matchmaking brings Patience and William together, they both learn new truths about their character and find a common goal in restoring Eastmore’s legacy

My thoughts:

Patience Creighton, filling the role of headmistress out of necessity, is a responsible spinster and sister, very capable of handling the school on her own. Her mother’s continual depression over her father’s death has not improved with her brother, Rawdon’s, absence. When she meets Eastmore estate owner William Sterling, her monotonous routine abruptly changes. Through a few peculiar and trying occurrences, hope for a different future springs forth and her faith in God begins to reawaken.

Character William Sterling is working hard to clear his debts from his days of gambling. After he meets steadfast Patience Creighton, he is drawn to a dream of a future with a family. Secrets from his past haunt him, however, as he struggles to clear his name. Unknown to him, his trials are slowly showing him the true meaning and value of redemption.

The progression of the characters as they search for resolution and uncover past secrets is realistic and true to an era which limited the roles of both men and women according to their stations. I was pleased to see that elements of faith and hope are prevalent components of the characters’ lives. Also, the setting of this novel is very enjoyable – I always love to explore different eras and countries through books! Sarah Ladd is a talented painter with words as she vividly describes the girls’ school, Eastmore estate, and the English moors.

I loved this novel, and I can’t wait to read the final one in the “Whispers on the Moors” series, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall, releasing later this year.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Thank you to Booksneeze and the publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Empty Shelf #4: The Headmistress of Rosemere

And…another one’s on the shelf! I loved this Regency-era novel by Sara E. Ladd. Check back in the next few days for a full review!