The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham

From the publisher:
Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won't be able to do it alone.

For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He's determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn't expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.

Debut author Rachel Fordham invites historical romance readers to the charming town of Azure Springs, Iowa, where the people care deeply for one another and, sometimes, even fall in love.

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I love the cover of this book.  It sets a feeling for what you will read.  There is this dawn of hope that come in the book, even though there is a lot of hardship for Em.  I appreciate that things weren't all "neat and tidy" in the story.  It allowed for realism even while there were beauty and good happening.  

I enjoyed reading another view point of the orphan trains and Fordham allows the reader to see into the time period and what many orphans faced.  Orphans and those who adopt them or become their guardians are often seen as a fairy-tale "happily-ever-after", even today, and it is good to bring about understanding historically and today.  

Caleb and Em's relationship is enjoyable to read and see how Caleb learns and grows as he comes to know Em.  Often what we think we want is not what we need and Caleb learns this as he gets to know Em.  

A good debut novel from Racehl Fordham!

I received this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Minding the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher

From the publisher:
Six long years ago, Captain Reynolds Macy sailed away from his bride, looking forward to the day when he would return to Nantucket Island with a ship's hold full of whale oil. But when that momentous day finally arrives, Ren soon discovers that everything has changed in his absence. Everything. "Is nothing on this island as it appears to be?" he whispers in despair.

Unlike most islanders, bold and spirited Daphne Coffin doesn't defer to Ren as an authoritative whalemaster, but sees through his aloofness to the aching heart beneath. She encourages him to return to his Quaker roots and "mind the Light," finding solace in God and community. As Ren becomes the man she believes him to be--honorable, wise, faithful--she finds herself falling in love with him.

But how can she, when her heart is spoken for? Tristram Macy is Ren's business partner, cousin, and best friend--and Daphne's fiancé. Love always comes at a cost, but when is the price too high?
Suzanne Woods Fisher welcomes readers back to the Quaker community on Nantucket Island for this riveting love story, full of unexpected moments.
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Something I really enjoy about Fisher is that you are always learning about history and culture in his books.  Things I hadn't known before about a time period are brought to my knowledge.  

This is the second book in a series but it is okay and doesn't really matter if you don't read the first one.  However, if you enjoyed this one, then you should pick up the first one as well!

Today we are often discussing social justice issues and such and it is wonderful to also read it in a book and see how all culture and generations deal with these things and how each generation must do the right thing.  

This book does go back and forth between time periods but it wasn't disruptive to the story.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

River to Redemption by Ann H. Gabhart

From the publisher:
Orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833, Adria Starr was cared for by a slave named Louis, a man who stayed in Springfield, Kentucky, when anyone with means had fled. A man who passed up the opportunity to escape his bondage and instead tended to the sick and buried the dead. A man who, twelve years later, is being sold by his owners despite his heroic actions. Now nineteen, Adria has never forgotten what Louis did for her. She's determined to find a way to buy Louis's freedom. But in 1840s Kentucky, she'll face an uphill battle.
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The plot and idea of the story for this book is very interesting. It was different to read about a child's situation and then becoming and adult and how those early events shaped her.  It is moving to watch Adria's character fight for Louis' freedom from slavery.  

This story has another main set of characters, Ruth and Adria live together and I felt a bit frustrated at their lack of relationship.  I understand that attachment on either side isn't easy or natural but it felt like it could have been easier.  

The writing of this story also seemed a bit simplistic.  Although I enjoyed the book more as it went on, I found it hard to get into the story due to the simple nature of the writing.  

I do think that having the other characters added to this story.  And readers who may not enjoy one storyline may enjoy another.

I received this book free from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof

From the publisher:

After the tragic death of her husband, Aven Norgaard is beckoned to give up her life in Norway to become a housekeeper in the rugged hills of nineteenth-century Appalachia. Upon arrival, she finds herself in the home of her late husband’s cousins—three brothers who make a living by brewing hard cider on their three-hundred-acre farm. Yet even as a stranger in a foreign land, Aven has hope to build a new life in this tight-knit family.

But her unassuming beauty disrupts the bond between the brothers. The youngest two both desire her hand, and Aven is caught in the middle, unsure where—and whether—to offer her affection. While Haakon is bold and passionate, it is Thor who casts the greatest spell upon her. Though Deaf, mute, and dependent on hard drink to cope with his silent pain, Thor possesses a sobering strength.

As autumn ushers in the apple harvest, the rift between Thor and Haakon deepens and Aven faces a choice that risks hearts. Will two brothers’ longing for her quiet spirit tear apart a family? Can she find a tender belonging in this remote, rugged, and unfamiliar world?

A haunting tale of struggle and redemption, Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a portrait of grace in a world where the broken may find new life through the healing mercy of love.

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Joanne Biscof is a masterful writer.  Her writing places you into the Appalachia mountains and the farm of this family.  It is the way you feel the mist of the morning as she writes, or the smell of apples as they are pressed into cider.  The written becomes tangible in her beautiful writing.  

But it is the emotions and relationships that are really captured by Biscof's writing.  From the first scene with Aven the reader will feel the hope and crushing disappointment in what follows.  You will journey with her to adjust to a new family and watch as her heart is opened to love again.  The softness of her character and yet strength is easy to appreciate.  

The three brothers each have strengths and weaknesses that you get to know through the book.  At first glance you can make judgements but as you continue to read Biscof shows that there is more than meets the eye.  

It was fascinating to see how Thor's thoughts, words, and actions were portrayed.  I loved reading a book about a deaf and mute character.  Bringing this into a main character and the struggles and triumphs associated were amazing. It was brilliant the way Biscof chose to incorporate this.

There were more relationships, with secondary characters, that were also of great interest to me.  The African American families, the KKK...all of it was very well written.

There are a few intense scenes in the book, so just to make readers aware.  I can't wait to read the second book in the series when it comes out!

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Dinner for Dinos by Ben Whitehouse

This is a short board book about dinosaurs getting to get together for a meal. This funny book is supposed to encourage children to enjoy meal time and eat healthy.  While it isn't directly telling them to eat a balanced diet it could be another way parents can say, "hey! See, even dinosaurs want to eat healthy food to grow strong!"

Overall cute, but just not a favorite book.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.