Stacy Henrie

Gwen Barton, an American heiress with a heart for orphans, didn't want to come to London in search of a titled gentleman to marry. But when she helps an injured, unidentified man in an opera box—and shares a kiss with him—it turns her trip abroad on its head. On his part, Avery Winfield needs to maintain a certain level of mystery about him to continue his Secret Service work in a search for German spies in Night at the Opera by author Stacy Henrie.

I was quite in the mood for a historical romance when I picked up this ChristFic novel set in 1908. I love the atmosphere of understated drama and intrigue set by the clouds, haze, and minimal, muted tones on the gorgeous book cover.

Granted, the cover gave me the impression of a somewhat sharper and more suspenseful read than I'd say this one is. It doesn't have a good deal of spy action in it, and Avery himself doesn't have the keen powers of observation and intuition or the constant awareness of his surroundings to make a great spy.

The narrative sometimes states the obvious and is rather redundant in a number of places, both in the phrasing and in the main characters' reflections. I think the story could have been tightened up and told in fewer pages.

While it seems the central couple could have figured out the "mystery in the opera box" sooner, their growing attachment has a sweet, genuine feel. The faith thread is clear and purposeful without sermonizing, and the story gives interesting hints about what must be coming up in the novel that follows it.

So my historical-fiction-loving self will likely go on to try Book Two in this series.… (meer)

The final chapter in the “of Love and War” trilogy, A Hope Remembered is the story of Nora Lewis. Heartbroken over the loss of her fiancé in the Great War and the death of her parents, the inheritance of a sheep farm in England seems like the opportunity a new start. She sells her family farm and most of her belongings and moves, sight unseen, to the Lake District and her great-uncle’s dusty and tired cottage.

On her first night there she meets Colin Ashby, son of the local Baronet. Colin has returned home from a war that took his older brother, the favored son who was expected to inherit the title and the responsibility of their ancestral home. He is lost and struggles under the weight of his father’s disappointment; the hopelessness increases as he learns that the family is in jeopardy of losing their estate and that the way to this is by marrying a wealthy heiress.

In Colin, Nora finds a friend and kindred spirit. Life is complicated by threats from an unknown person wishing to scare her off the farm, the confusion and mystery of why everyone thinks she looks like an aunt she has never met and the sense that something is being kept from her, and by her growing attraction to Colin, who is expected to marry higher than a simple sheep farmer.

Henrie gives us yet another powerful female character in Nora, feisty and strong and a story that draws you in…and once again she has succeeded in leaving me with a book hangover as I wander listlessly, not wanting the story to be over and not quite ready to leave the world she has created..

There is more on my book review as part of the book launch week at http://www.mommaontherocks.com/5538/im-reading-wednesday-hope-remembered… (meer)

*sighs*
I loved this book! Just a gorgeous book, wistful, romantic and heartbreaking. Set in rural Iowa during WWI, Olivia "Livy" Campbell has the opportunity to teach at a school far from her family farm. She soon learns that her students are German-American, a complicated situation at a time when speaking a foreign language was illegal, making it a difficult time for a German-American community. Life is further complicated when she learns that the handsome young man who let her know of the job turns out to be a German-American farmer.

You can read my full review at http://www.mommaontherocks.com/4659/im-reading-wednesday-summer-reads-part-1… (meer)

I love and admire a strong heroine that shows her strength in the face in adversity and hardship, especially when she chooses the path that holds the most resistance and goes against the grain, to follow her heart and stand up for what she believes in, especially living in a difficult era. I found such a heroine in Ada Thorne, a woman that chose love over comfort and family duty, and giving up everything she knows to start a life with the man she loves.

Her faithfulness and determination shines brightly, even when faced with the most unimaginable circumstances. The thread of faith is interwoven magnificently throughout the novel, not only in Ada's life, but those that loved and supported Ada throughout her journey.

Masterfully written with such benevolence, you can't help but feel the emotional ties tugging your heartstrings when Ada's family is deeply affected by the war, and as she struggles with her faith when it is shaken to its core. I loved the faith aspect and appreciated that it was messy, true to life, and by no means preachy or heavy-handed, painting a redemptive picture that shows that God will meet you where you are.

Stacy Henrie's superb writing puts you right there in the heart of wartime England, showing the hardship and struggles many had to face during that time, and adding another layer to this incredibly story, giving even more depth and understanding. The characters are so well developed, and I found myself connecting with Ada and her journey more and more as I read on. I know The Keeper of Her Heart will always hold a special place in my heart, a truly touching experience, and one that I am so thankful I got to experience.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.… (meer)