Cynthia Marcano's Blog, page 2
July 28, 2016
Review: A Heart Most Certain
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A Heart Most Certain
Author - Melissa Jagears
Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: YesBack Cover...While Lydia King's reasons for joining the Teaville Moral Society might be suspect to some members, her heart is in the right place. Because of her father's debts and her mother's persistent illness, her best chance at a secure future and curing her mother is to impress the politician courting her. Her first task--to ask the town's wealthiest man to donate--seems simple enough . . . until he refuses.
Despite appearances, Nicholas Lowe wants to help others, but prefers to keep his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, but Nicholas still intends to do things his own way. Neither predicts what they'll learn about true charity or foresee the complications their actions will bring to the town, forcing Lydia to decide where her beliefs and heart truly align.
What I Loved...Nicholas Lowe, oh how I love thee. Not because he's rich, heaven forbid, or because he is so handsome, but because of his deep seeded love for the Lord and ministry. His genuine desire to help those who were deemed soiled and his ability to see through "Christians," spoke to my heart.
Although this is a historical romance, much of the behaviors of the Christians then still apply today. I applaud Jagears for taking a road less often traveled in CF and not just writing about a typical villain whose greed or violence is what makes him the antagonist but about Christians that accept what is popular as appropriate or turn a blind eye in order to save their reputation or not get too involved.
But Jagears didn't stop there, she touched on the church body as a whole, from the Pastor and his wife on down and how we can get caught up in Pharisaical living and don't even recognize it.
I know this sounds like it is a preachy book, but what makes this such a gread read, is that it ABSOLUTLEY ISN'T. It's just great story telling. Jagears simply told a story that convicts or inspires, depending on the reader.
What I Liked...Usually, I'll add the romance, comedy and swoon worthy in the "What I Love..." section and while I did love the beautiful romance between Lydia and Nicholas, it took a backseat to the message of the book, so I downgraded the romance a little. But let me be clear, the chemistry between Lydia and Nicholas lit up page after page and I found myself missing the other whenever they weren't written together. Crazy, I know. Lydia and Nicholas are in my Top 10 favorite couples in CF. They are that great together. I hope they make an appearance in book 2 of the Teaville Moral Society Series.
Other...The cover is nice, although I wish I could have seen Lydia's clear blue eyes, that are so often mentioned.
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 my review.
A Heart Most Certain
Author - Melissa Jagears
Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: YesBack Cover...While Lydia King's reasons for joining the Teaville Moral Society might be suspect to some members, her heart is in the right place. Because of her father's debts and her mother's persistent illness, her best chance at a secure future and curing her mother is to impress the politician courting her. Her first task--to ask the town's wealthiest man to donate--seems simple enough . . . until he refuses.
Despite appearances, Nicholas Lowe wants to help others, but prefers to keep his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, but Nicholas still intends to do things his own way. Neither predicts what they'll learn about true charity or foresee the complications their actions will bring to the town, forcing Lydia to decide where her beliefs and heart truly align.
What I Loved...Nicholas Lowe, oh how I love thee. Not because he's rich, heaven forbid, or because he is so handsome, but because of his deep seeded love for the Lord and ministry. His genuine desire to help those who were deemed soiled and his ability to see through "Christians," spoke to my heart.
Although this is a historical romance, much of the behaviors of the Christians then still apply today. I applaud Jagears for taking a road less often traveled in CF and not just writing about a typical villain whose greed or violence is what makes him the antagonist but about Christians that accept what is popular as appropriate or turn a blind eye in order to save their reputation or not get too involved.
But Jagears didn't stop there, she touched on the church body as a whole, from the Pastor and his wife on down and how we can get caught up in Pharisaical living and don't even recognize it.
I know this sounds like it is a preachy book, but what makes this such a gread read, is that it ABSOLUTLEY ISN'T. It's just great story telling. Jagears simply told a story that convicts or inspires, depending on the reader.
What I Liked...Usually, I'll add the romance, comedy and swoon worthy in the "What I Love..." section and while I did love the beautiful romance between Lydia and Nicholas, it took a backseat to the message of the book, so I downgraded the romance a little. But let me be clear, the chemistry between Lydia and Nicholas lit up page after page and I found myself missing the other whenever they weren't written together. Crazy, I know. Lydia and Nicholas are in my Top 10 favorite couples in CF. They are that great together. I hope they make an appearance in book 2 of the Teaville Moral Society Series.
Other...The cover is nice, although I wish I could have seen Lydia's clear blue eyes, that are so often mentioned.
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 my review.
July 19, 2016
Review: Within The Veil by Brandy Vallance
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Within The Veil
Author - Brandy Vallance
Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: YesBack Cover...They never should have met. But they might be made for each other.
Feya Broon, a Scottish half Gypsy, knows what it is to go hungry. Trapped in the Edinburgh tenements with a father lost to his past and only the faded memory of her mother's faith, Feya is desperate to provide for her siblings. When an ill-conceived plan leads to thievery, she finds herself in the last place she'd ever want to be--captured by a palace guard. But there's something about this man that tears at every preconceived notion she's even had about the haughty English.
Alasdair Cairncross never dreamed he'd be forced to transport a gypsy woman halfway across the wilds of Scotland. The timing is disastrous, considering his fiancée's imminent arrival and his father's political goals. Not only that, but the fiery young woman threatens to lay bare secrets Alasdair would rather keep hidden. And yet the farther they travel together, the less concerned he finds himself with duty--both to the crown and to the plans his family has for him.
As their walls begin to crumble, Feya and Alasdair must fight to survive a decades-old feud, a Highland kidnapping, and the awakening of their own hearts.
What I Loved...I recently read this and thought it summed up how I feel about Within The Veil perfectly.
In a romance like this, the happily ever after is expected, the story is the journey. ~ Beth Erin
The journey of Feya and Alasdair is beautifully written. An emotionally satisfying read. Its been a few days and I still haven't picked up a new book to read. A definite book hangover.
What I Liked...Lately, I have been so intrigued with bi-racial or ethnic heroes and heroines and I was happy to find that here.
POSSIBLE SPOILER: I really enjoyed that most of the book Feya and Alasdair are together, Usually books don't have the hero and heroine together so often, but Brandy did it so well. It didn't feel like overkill. For this plot it was necessary. But I enjoyed every minute of it. I guess this should have gone under the "What I Loved" section...END SPOILER
Other...The cover is GORGEOUS! and I did picture Feya that what in my head.
POSSIBLE SPOILER: I was left wanting for a different ending between Alasdair's parents. They had chemistry. END SPOILER
This book is a true gem and it is difficult reviewing without telling something juicy of the plot and I love you all too much to take away from the experience. So my suggestion is to go out and get the book. It's a beautiful story. A TRUE Christian fiction.
Disclaimer: This book was provided through Netgalley. The opinion of this book is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.
Within The Veil
Author - Brandy Vallance
Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: YesBack Cover...They never should have met. But they might be made for each other.
Feya Broon, a Scottish half Gypsy, knows what it is to go hungry. Trapped in the Edinburgh tenements with a father lost to his past and only the faded memory of her mother's faith, Feya is desperate to provide for her siblings. When an ill-conceived plan leads to thievery, she finds herself in the last place she'd ever want to be--captured by a palace guard. But there's something about this man that tears at every preconceived notion she's even had about the haughty English.
Alasdair Cairncross never dreamed he'd be forced to transport a gypsy woman halfway across the wilds of Scotland. The timing is disastrous, considering his fiancée's imminent arrival and his father's political goals. Not only that, but the fiery young woman threatens to lay bare secrets Alasdair would rather keep hidden. And yet the farther they travel together, the less concerned he finds himself with duty--both to the crown and to the plans his family has for him.
As their walls begin to crumble, Feya and Alasdair must fight to survive a decades-old feud, a Highland kidnapping, and the awakening of their own hearts.
What I Loved...I recently read this and thought it summed up how I feel about Within The Veil perfectly.
In a romance like this, the happily ever after is expected, the story is the journey. ~ Beth Erin
The journey of Feya and Alasdair is beautifully written. An emotionally satisfying read. Its been a few days and I still haven't picked up a new book to read. A definite book hangover.
What I Liked...Lately, I have been so intrigued with bi-racial or ethnic heroes and heroines and I was happy to find that here.
POSSIBLE SPOILER: I really enjoyed that most of the book Feya and Alasdair are together, Usually books don't have the hero and heroine together so often, but Brandy did it so well. It didn't feel like overkill. For this plot it was necessary. But I enjoyed every minute of it. I guess this should have gone under the "What I Loved" section...END SPOILER
Other...The cover is GORGEOUS! and I did picture Feya that what in my head.
POSSIBLE SPOILER: I was left wanting for a different ending between Alasdair's parents. They had chemistry. END SPOILER
This book is a true gem and it is difficult reviewing without telling something juicy of the plot and I love you all too much to take away from the experience. So my suggestion is to go out and get the book. It's a beautiful story. A TRUE Christian fiction.
Disclaimer: This book was provided through Netgalley. The opinion of this book is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.
July 6, 2016
Review: Courageous, The Movie
Courageous, The Movie
Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend:Absolutely! Synopsis...From the creators of FIREPROOF comes COURAGEOUS, an action packed drama that will have families laughing and cheering as they are inspired by everyday heroes striving to be fathers of courage.
Review:I have watched and loved all of the Kendrick Brothers movies. Courageous joins the list. It is such an uplifting movie. I especially love how it focuses on fathers from different races and walks of life, but still highlights that they all struggle as humans no matter where they live or the color of their skin.
The Kendrick Brother's formula of mixing real life issues as Christians with teaching viewers and incorporating comedy is wonderful.
Without spoiling it, I found the scene with the father and daughter date, so beautiful. I really loved it and hope that my husband and daughter begin that tradition.
My husband, as a father, isn't a movie watcher, but really enjoyed it.
I would recommend this as a great family night movie!
Disclaimer: This DVD was provided by tFishFlix in exchange for a review. The opinion of this movie, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.
May 26, 2016
From This Moment by Elizabeth Camden
From This Moment
Author - Elizabeth Camden
Rating - 4 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: YepBack Cover...Romulus White has tried for years to hire illustrator Stella West for his renowned scientific magazine. She is the missing piece he needs to propel his magazine to the forefront of the industry.
But Stella abruptly quit the art world and moved to Boston with a single purpose: to solve the mysterious death of her beloved sister. Romulus, a man with connections to high society and every important power circle in the city, could be her most valuable ally.
Sparks fly the instant Stella and Romulus join forces, and Romulus soon realizes the strong-willed and charismatic Stella could disrupt his hard-won independence. Can they continue to help each other when their efforts draw the wrong kind of attention from the powers-that-be and put all they've worked for at risk?
What I Loved...I love when I come across a book that offers everything I enjoy in a Christian Fiction (romance, comedic moments, swoon-worthy heroes, emotional tidbits and of course Jesus mixed all in) but also adds an element that I have rarely read. From This Moment not only adds intrigue but also a 19th-century touch of CSI.
What I Liked...Elizabeth Camden isn't a series writer and usually writes stand alone books. She does however, write prequels. As expected the characters from the prequel are also in From This Moment and bring such a new level of story writing to this book. I really enjoyed Summer of Dreams (the prequel) and was so excited to read all about the lives of the characters after their storyline. In fact, it was not a cheesy happily ever after but a real and enjoyable journey for those characters as well as the main characters Romulus and Stella.
Other...I always love Elizabeth Camden's covers and this one is no different.
There are two reasons why I didn't score this book a 5 out of 5. First, both of the main characters are repeatedly described and labeled as conceited and shallow. Personally, I thought that diminished my desire to love them when I kept being reminded how shallow they were. Don't get me wrong, I liked Romulus and Stella and enjoyed their chemistry. I just didn't love them.
Second, I found a lack of Christianity of either main character. Yes, Christianity is in the story, but it was almost an after-thought for the main characters.
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 my review.
May 23, 2016
Book Gveaway
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Hand In His by Cynthia Marcano Giveaway ends June 07, 2016. See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter Giveaway
May 18, 2016
No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer
No Other Will Do
Author - Karen Witemeyer
Rating - 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: YepBack Cover...She Trusts Him For the Job, But Can She Trust Him With Her Heart?
Men are optional. That was the credo Emma Chandler's suffragette aunts taught her and why she established Harper's Station, a women's colony that offers a fresh start to females in need. But when a dangerous and shadowy assailant tries repeatedly to drive the women out, Emma is forced to admit they might need a man after all. One who can fight. And there is only one man she trusts enough to ask.
Malachi Shaw has finally earned the respect he's always craved by becoming an explosives expert for the railroad. Yet when Emma's telegram arrives, he rushes back to Texas to repay the girl who once saved his life. Only she's not a girl any longer. She's a woman with a mind of her own and a smile that makes a man imagine a future he doesn't deserve.
As the danger intensifies, Emma, Mal, and the ladies of Harper's Station must choose between safety or risking everything to fight for their future.
What I Loved...True to all other Karen Witemeyer, No Other Will Do, has many of the things I love in a novel; laughter, action, Old West and romance.
There is a part of this part that is so swoon-worthy, I think I melted right on the spot.
What I Liked...Lots of great characters. Witemeyer did a great job with the vast community of women in Harper's Station. I could clearly picture them all. A lot of intrigue. I flip flopped back and forth trying to figure out who, what and why.
Other...Cover is cute.
I deducted a half star because I wasn't in love with either the hero or the heroine. Don't get me wrong, I liked them. I liked them apart and together, but I didn't LOVE them.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series in which the characters have already been introduced.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Revell Book Publishers. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.
May 12, 2016
May 7, 2016
Magnolia Duchess by Beth White
Magnolia Duchess
Author - Beth White
Rating - 4 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: ProbablyBack Cover...Fiona Lanier is the only woman in the tiny Gulf Coast settlement of Navy Cove. While her shipbuilding family races to fill the demand for American ships brought by the War of 1812, Fiona tries to rescue her brother who was forced into service by the British Navy.
Lieutenant Charlie Kincaid has been undercover for six months, obtaining information vital to the planned British invasion of New Orleans. When a summer storm south of Mobile Bay wrecks his ship and scatters the crew, Charlie suffers a head injury, ultimately collapsing in the arms of a beautiful mermaid who seems eerily familiar. As Charlie's memory returns in agonizing jags and crashes, he and Fiona discover that falling in love may be as inevitable as the tide.
But when political loyalties begin to collide, they'll each have to decide where their true heart lies.
What I Loved...Fiona Lanier is a fun heroine to read. Unpredictable and often unladylike, Fiona brings this story to life in the midst of American History turmoil.
Character Charlie Kincaid isn't far behind. He isn't your typical hero and often times I wanted to strangle him but only because I cared about him as a character. Strange, I know.
Like the other books in this series, I love the interracial relationships throughout this book and the series. Especially that race wasn't always an obstacle in each love story (in the entire series). Sometimes it was and sometimes it wasn't an issue at all.
What I Liked...I have always loved American History and author Beth White, puts the reader right in the battlefield. Literally. I don't know much about Lousiana/West Florida history so a few times, it was a bit overwhelming but I got through it.
Other...I have read, Magnolia Duchess's predecessor, The Creole Princess, so I was familiar with a few of the characters that made appearances in this book and were ancestors to the current characters, but holy moly, there were LOTS of family ties that were overwhelming. Charlie Kinkaid even joked about it and I couldn't agree more. I believe Beth White has a family tree posted on her website. I wish I had seen that BEFORE I read the book.
The cover is beautiful and ties in with the others in the series. I didn't quite picture Fiona that way, but it's still a nice cover.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Revell Book Publishers. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for my review.
May 1, 2016
Review: Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar
Land of Silence
Author - Tessa Afshar
Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: ABSOLUTELY! Back Cover...Before Christ called her daughter . . .
Before she stole healing by touching the hem of his garment . . .
Elianna is a young girl crushed by guilt. After her only brother is killed while in her care, Elianna tries to earn forgiveness by working for her father’s textile trade and caring for her family. When another tragedy places Elianna in sole charge of the business, her talent for design brings enormous success, but never the absolution she longs for. As her world unravels, she breaks off her betrothal to the only man she will ever love. Then illness strikes, isolating Elianna from everyone, stripping everything she has left.
No physician can cure her. No end is in sight. Until she hears whispers of a man whose mere touch can heal. After so many years of suffering and disappointment, is it possible that one man could redeem the wounds of body . . . and soul?
What I Loved...I have waited so long for Tessa Afshar's next book and with my heart bursting, I can say it was worth the wait. Land of Silence is a must read for anyone looking for a story of redemption and God's awe inspired greatness. To my recollection, this was my first fiction book with Jesus as a character and I was a little worried. My anxiety was in vain. Afshar made his love for us leap off the pages in such a real and simple way, without fluff. She didn't change what the bible says (in case you are wondering).
Within the first three chapters, I was already emotionally invested as if I were halfway through the book. A book that can make me cry (several times), laugh, and make me fell like I am living amongst the characters, is always a book that I like. But a book that does all of that and speaks to my spirit, is one that I love.
Main character Elianna took me on a journey with her. The book is written in 1st person. It made the story so much more powerful. I loved when she loved. I hurt when she hurt. I was scared when she was scared. I rejoiced when she rejoiced.
You all know how much I love swoon worthy moments and there were a few of those too!
I KNOW I will read this book again and have added it to my list of fave books (with Afshar's other books).
What I Liked...Afshar made the characters so real and flawed. She didn't change who they essentially were to tie up "loose ends" and make everything so happy and perfect. Instead, Afshar used the messiness of her realistic characters to write a story that us flawed humans can relate to, still give God glory and still enjoy the story. The plot was satisfying rather than unrealistically happy-ever-after.
Other...The cover is beautiful.
I stood up all night to finish this book. It's that good.
Get this book. You won't regret it.
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 my review.
April 26, 2016
Her One and Only by Becky Wade
Her One And Only
Author - Becky Wade
Rating - 5 out of 5 Stars
Would I Recommend: Yes!!Back Cover...Gray Fowler, star NFL tight end, is being pursued by a stalker, so his team hires a protection agency to keep Gray under the watch of a bodyguard at all times. When Gray meets Dru Porter, an agent assigned to him, he's indignant. How can an attractive young female half his size possibly protect him?
But Dru's a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt. She's also ferociously determined to uncover the identity of Gray's stalker. And she's just as determined to avoid any kind of romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past. But the closer they get to finding the stalker, the closer they grow to each other. As the danger rises, can Dru and Gray entrust their hearts--and their lives--to one another?
What I Loved...I have waited a long time to read Dru's story. It was absolutely worth the wait. She comes a very close second to being my favorite Porter sibling. Ty Porter still reigns supreme, but I absolutely loved Dru. Spunky, funny, tough and loving.
Gray Fowler is a great hero. He is a mix of what makes a hero so swoon worthy. Wounded, flirty, tough, smart and funny.
I don't often love both the hero and the heroine but this is one of the rare times I do.They were a fun couple to read.
And Ty Porter makes several appearances...Swoon!
What I Liked...The Porters were in full force for Dru's story and I loved reading how their stories have continued. Meg and Bo have a secondary storyline. It was nice reading about them.
Her One and Only isn't your typical romance. Wade added a little mystery that kept me guessing until the end.
Not to worry however, there are plenty of swoon worthy and juicy bits for the romantics.
Other...The cover is playfully cute. I sort of pictured Dru that way. It ties in nicely with the story.
Her One and Only is standalone and doesn't require you to read the others in the series. However, I recommend reading Undeniably Yours before reading this one. It will add to the experience.
I definitely recommend this book for any one who loves, Romance, Contemporary Christian Fiction, or even a little intrigue.
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 my review.
