Candice Sue Patterson's Blog
February 8, 2022
A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz
It is 1755, and the threat of war with France looms over colonial York, Virginia. Chocolatier Esmee Shaw is fighting her own battle of the heart. Having reached her twenty-eighth birthday, she is reconciled to life alone after a decade-old failed love affair from which she's never quite recovered. But she longs to find something worthwhile to do with her life.
Captain Henri Lennox has returned to port after a lengthy absence, intent on completing the lighthouse in the dangerous Chesapeake Bay, a dream he once shared with Esmee. But when the colonial government asks him to lead a secret naval expedition against the French, his future is plunged into uncertainty.
Will a war and a cache of regrets keep them apart, or can their shared vision and dedication to the colonial cause heal the wounds of the past? Bestselling and award-winning author Laura Frantz whisks you away to a time fraught with peril--on the sea and in the heart--in this redemptive, romantic story.
Publisher: Revell, 2022
Genre: Historical Romance
Setting: York, Virginia, 1755
Series: standalone novel
My Review
What a swoon-worthy romance! Esmee and Henri are the perfect pairing. I loved the slow-burn romance as well as their character growth. The turbulent times in this pre-Revolution era kept me turning the pages. I've visited Williamsburg, VA before so it was so fun picturing all of those places in my mind as the story went along. The supporting characters were a great addition to the story, and though some parts were tragic, I'm glad the plot was portrayed realistically for the time period and not wrapped up perfectly in a pretty bow. The only downside to this book is that it made me crave chocolate the entire time. That being said, where it's a perfect historical romance for any time of the year, it's especially so as we near Valentine's Day. Just make sure to have your faves on hand as you read.
January 12, 2022
Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund
In the last stages of a genetic disease, Ellen Creighton has decided to live out her remaining days at the estate of her longtime friend Harrison Burlington. Harrison cares deeply for Ellen, but as a wheelchair-bound paraplegic, he's never allowed himself to get serious in a relationship. However, he's desperately trying to save her by finding the holy water that is believed to heal any disease.
When he locates two flasks, Ellen refuses to drink one of them because she believes the holy water killed her sister and father. In an effort to convince her to take it, Harrison ingests the contents first, and when Ellen witnesses the effects, she can no longer deny the power of the substance in the bottles. Dangerous criminals are also seeking the holy water, and Ellen soon learns they will go to any lengths to get the powerful drug--including sending her back into the past to find it for them.
Bestselling and award-winning author Jody Hedlund plunges you into the swiftly flowing river of history in a race against the clock in this breathtaking, emotional second Waters of Time story.
Series: Water of Time, book 2
Genre: Time travel, romance
Setting: England
My Review
I started my 2021 reading challenge with a Jody Hedlund title, and I ended it with a Jody Hedlund title. Time-travel is not a genre I typically read but the premise of Come Back to Me sounded so fascinating I had to give it a try. I loved it. Never Leave Me instantly went to the top of my 2022 reading list. Thanks to Revell, I received my copy right before Christmas. It was great to revisit Chesterfield Park and all the characters. I was instantly drawn into the story by Ellen’s compromised health issues and Harrison’s tender care and love for her. There were parts regarding the romance in the first quarter of the book that made me question where the story was going but transitioned nicely into the rest of the story. If you’re looking for book that’s entertaining, will sweep you into another world, and be a great escape this series is one to read. I’m hoping the author is planning a third book for this series but Never Leave Me ended with everything tied up nicely so if not, the series feels complete and satisfying. Though each book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading them in order to better understand the complex plot and fine details.
December 8, 2021
God Is My Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
"If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest."--Corrie ten Boom
Dutch watchmaker Corrie ten Boom, with her courageous, God-fearing family, sheltered Jews from the Nazis during World War II. This led to her arrest and suffering in prison and concentration camps--told in her bestselling book The Hiding Place (and feature-length film of the same name. Her dramatic life story and her more than 40 other books have prepared millions of readers to face their own futures with courage--relying on God's love to forgive, overcome, heal, and restore.
Now, for admirers of Corrie ten Boom as well as a new generation of readers, this 40-day devotional based on Corrie's writings will strengthen your faith, re-root your soul in Christ, and increase your experience of God's peace. Receive the courage and comfort of the Holy Spirit, and remind yourself of what Corrie ten Boom knew and lived: God is your hiding place.
Publisher: Chosen Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group
Genre: Christian Living/Devotional
My Review
This devotional based on journal entries of Corrie Ten Boom was such a blessing, encouragement, and thought-provoking read each day. Her words, her journey, her faith has challenged me to consider my own faith walk and strive to strengthen my walk with Christ. Each entry begins with a Bible verse followed by a journal entry that relates to the verse. I do wish that the verses used were not from the NLT Bible as it wasn't in existence until 1996, long after Corrie's original writings were published, however, it didn't discourage me from using the devotions.
July 8, 2021
The Heart's Charge by Karen Witemeyer
FOR YEARS THEY'VE BEEN NOMADS FOR JUSTICE,
BUT A FINAL MISSION MAY JUST LEAD THEIR HEARTS HOME.
Members of the legendary Hanger's Horsemen, Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks arrive in Llano County, Texas, to deliver a steed, never expecting they'd help deliver a baby as well. Left with an infant to care for, they head to a nearby foundling home, where Mark encounters the woman he nearly married a decade ago.
After failing at love, Katherine Palmer has dedicated her life to caring for children, teaming up with Eliza Southerland to start Harmony House. Eliza understands the pain of not fitting society's mold, being illegitimate and of mixed ancestry. Yet those are the very attributes that lead her to minister to outcast children. The taciturn Jonah intrigues her by defying all her stereotypes of men, but there are secrets behind his eyes—ghosts from wars past and others still being waged.
When the Horsemen hear rumors of missing children, they stay to investigate, sticking close to Harmony House and its beautiful owners. As they work together to uncover the truth, love and danger grow hand in hand until a final sinister scheme threatens to destroy them all.
Publisher: Bethany House, 2021Genre: historical romanceSetting: Llano County, Texas, 1894Series: Hanger's Horsemen, book 2
My ReviewMs. Witemeyer has done it again! The Heart's Charge is a delightful addition to the Hanger's Horsemen series. The sweet, slow-burn romance between Mark and Katherine sets the story, while a love interest for Jonah keeps readers guessing what will happen for him. The mysterious and danger-filled plot keeps the pages turning. This story is full of sweetness and love, rugged men and pure entertainment. I'm eagerly awaiting book three in the series.
*sidenote* While this is a standalone novel, I suggest reading book one first, as it gives rich details of the backstory that follows through the entire series.
June 14, 2021
Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund
The ultimate cure that could heal any disease? Crazy.
That's exactly what research scientist Marian Creighton has always believed about her father's quest, even if it does stem from a desire to save her sister Ellen from the genetic disease that stole their mother from them. But when her father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water believed to contain traces of residue from the Tree of Life, Marian must question all of her assumptions. He's left behind tantalizing clues that suggest he's crossed back in time. Insane. Until Marian tests his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising.
William Durham, a valiant knight comes to Marian's rescue and offers her protection . . . as his wife. The longer Marian stays in the past, the more she cares about William. Can she ever find her father and make it back to the present to heal her sister? And when the time comes to leave, will she want to?
Bestselling author Jody Hedlund is your guide down the twisting waters of time to a volatile era of superstition, revolts, and chivalry in this suspenseful story.
Genre: Time travel fiction, romance
Series: Waters of Time, book one
Setting: present day and England 1381
My Review
First off, I have to say that time travel books and movies are not my thing (even though I LOVE historical novels). I think it's hard to take a character from present day with all the technology and medical advancements, drop them into a historical world that's entirely different from what they're used to, and make their existence in that new world work. That being said, for some reason, I've read two time travel novels this year. The first one I did not enjoy at all (poorly written and bland), so I was hesitant to pick up Come Back to Me because I was afraid I would be disappointed. However, I'm a HUGE fan of Jody Hedlund, and I know her writing is stellar, so I gave it a try.
I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED! I was engrossed from the first page and read the book in three days. I had a hard time putting it down. As always, Jody's writing was phenomenal, her characters were complex and delicious, the science and fantasy-science within the plot were easy to follow, and the romance was sizzling.
This book was a pure, pull-me-out-of-the-stress-of-life-and-entertain-me kind of book. Different, but fun. I am eagerly awaiting the second book in the series, as Jody set the upcoming main characters up so well as secondary characters in Come Back to Me.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to escape into a good story.
January 25, 2021
A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund
Greta Nilsson's trip west to save her ailing little sister, Astrid, could not have gone more wrong. First, bandits hold up her stagecoach, stealing all her money. Then, upon arriving in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns the man she was betrothed to as a mail-order bride has died. Homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta and her sister are worse off than when they started.
Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to get his new ranch up and running and is in town to purchase cattle when the mayor proposes the most unlikely of bargains. He'll invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt's ranch if Wyatt agrees to help the town become more respectable by marrying and starting a family. And the mayor, who has promised to try to help Greta, has just the candidate in mind for Wyatt to marry.
Publisher: Bethany House, 2021
Genre: historical romance
Setting: Colorado Territory, 1862
Series: Colorado Cowboys, book 1
My Review
I thoroughly enjoy all of Jody's books. I was surprised to see that she'd written a western series, but she's a master of genres so I gave it a try. First, I love marriage of convenience stories and this one was satisfying as the hero and heroine are thrown together in marriage, immediately become aware of their attraction for one another, and then it's a slow burn (and sizzling) romance from there. The characters and plot are complex, and there's a great twist 3/4 of the way through, however, I did feel that the "twist" worked itself out too easily and perfectly.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I recommend it to anyone who likes historical romance, especially in a western setting. I look forward to the next book in the series.
January 13, 2021
Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz
Selah Hopewell, Virginia Colony's most eligible woman, is busy matchmaking for a ship of brides, though she has no wish to wed.
Xander Renick is perhaps the most eligible tobacco lord in the settlement, but he is already wedded to his business and still grieves the loss of his wife, daughter of the Powhatan chief.
Can two fiercely independent people find happiness and fulfillment on their own? Or will they discover that what they've been missing in life has been right in front of them all along
Publisher: Revell, 2021
Series: standalone novel
Genre: historical romance
Setting: James Towne, Virginia Colony, 1634
My Review
Many books I've read set in Virginia Colony have been too dry for my taste, but not so with Tidewater Bride. The plot is rich with adventure, the characters are complex and deep, and the romance is sizzling! The storyline is original and true to Ms. Frantz's poetic and engaging prose. This book gave me all the feels. Truly the best book I've read in a long time.
December 10, 2020
The Right Kind of Fool by Sarah Loudin Thomas
Thirteen-year-old Loyal Raines is supposed to stay close to home on a hot summer day in 1934. When he slips away for a quick swim in the river and finds a dead body, he wishes he'd obeyed his mother. The ripples caused by his discovery will impact the town of Beverly, West Virginia, in ways no one could have imagined.
The first person those ripples disturb is Loyal's absentee father. When Creed Raines realized his infant son was deaf, he headed for the hills, returning only to help meet his family's basic needs. But when Loyal, now a young teen, stumbles upon a murder it's his father he runs to tell--shaping the words with his hands. As Creed is pulled into the investigation he discovers that what sets his son apart isn't his inability to hear but rather his courage. Longing to reclaim the life he abandoned, Creed will have to do more than help solve a murder if he wants to win his family's hearts again.
Publisher: Bethany House, 2020Genre: historical fictionSeries: standalone novel
My ReviewMs. Thomas is a master storyteller. Her folk-inspired characters are every bit as warm and flawed as a decades-old quilt pieced together by the colorful members of the communities she creates. I look forward to her books every year, knowing a part of myself will be whisked away to a home I’ve never visited.
The Right Kind of Fool is both beautiful and heartbreaking. A community is shaken. Misplaced love is found again. Relationships are rebuilt even stronger than before. Set against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains, The Right Kind of Fool is a wonderful reminder to embrace differences (even our own), hold our loved ones close, and stand for truth no matter how difficult the circumstances.
November 8, 2020
The Key to Love by Betsy St. Amant
LOVE DOESN'T ALWAYS LOOK
THE WAY WE EXPECT
The only thing Bri Duval loves more than baking petit fours is romance. So much so, she's created her own version of the famous Parisian lovelock wall at her bakery in Story, Kansas. She never expects it to go viral--or for Trek Magazine to send travel writer Gerard Fortier to feature the bakery. He's definitely handsome, but Bri has been holding out for a love story like the one her parents had, and that certainly will not include the love-scorned-and-therefore-love-scorning Gerard.
Just when it seems Bri's bakery is poised for unprecedented success, a series of events threaten not just her business but the pedestal she's kept her parents on all these years. Maybe Gerard is right about romance. Or maybe Bri's recipe just needs to be tweaked.
Novelist Betsy St. Amant invites you to experience this sweet story of how love doesn't always look the way we expect--and maybe that's a good thing.
Publisher: Revell, 2020
Genre: contemporary romance
Series: this is a standalone novel
Setting: Kansas
My Review
The Key to Love was a fun, light-hearted romance to offset the current chaos of 2020. I liked how the author combined Parisian culture and elements with small-town Kansas, and the desserts mentioned throughout the book had me craving baked goods. The "opposites attract" trope is one of my favorites, however, the hero and heroine were a bit too extreme in their viewpoints at times for my taste, which made them come across as harsh with one another at times. Their well-written, witty banter helped smooth their bumpy relationship as a whole, especially after they began softening toward one another. The secondary characters added a layer of depth and fun to the story. The author did a good job at reminding us that love is much more than giddy feelings or perfect events set into place--sometimes it's hard, sometimes it gets ugly, but love is a choice and can overcome the odds. I rate this book at 4 stars.
October 13, 2020
The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jamie Jo Wright
WELCOME TO BONAVENTURE CIRCUS,
WHERE MISFITS GO TO HIDE.
1928
The Bonaventure Circus is a refuge for many, but Pippa Ripley was rejected from its inner circle as a baby. When she receives mysterious messages from someone called the "Watchman," she is determined to find him and the connection to her birth. As Pippa's search leads her to a man seeking justice for his murdered sister and evidence that a serial killer has been haunting the circus train, she must decide if uncovering her roots is worth putting herself directly in the path of the killer.
Present Day
The old circus train depot will either be torn down or preserved for historical importance, and its future rests on real estate project manager Chandler Faulk's shoulders. As she dives deep into the depot's history, she's also balancing a newly diagnosed autoimmune disease and the pressures of single motherhood. When she discovers clues to the unsolved murders of the past, Chandler is pulled into a story far darker and more haunting than even an abandoned train depot could portend.
Publisher: Bethany House, 2020
Genre: romantic suspense
Series: standalone novel, not part of a series
My Review
The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus hooked me at page one. This split-time novel switches from Pippa Ripley's story in 1928 to Chandler Faulk's story in present day. Both women are stronger than they realize, let their physical ailments hold them back, and come to care for men outside of their circles. But both women also face a moment when they have to set their fears aside, release their courage, and do what is right.
Jaime Jo Wright's writing is deep and captivating. Her characters are realistic in their flaws. Her plots are twisted and unique. Both eras in this book told a story all its own, yet they came together beautifully in the end. I highly suggest this book to anyone who enjoys suspense that isn't predictable and/or circus-related stories.
I give this book four stars!
