Tag: Christian Fiction

This author is a new to me author but I am already looking into the other books in this series! From the review pitch, I could see this was part of a series but that it could be read as a standalone which I completely agree with—it can easily be a standalone. But it was so fun and I quickly got sucked in and started looking into the series as a whole! While I know this book is only the second one, I see a third book is planned for November which I am excited to check out!

While this is a new to my author, I could see that she has written a number of successful historical fiction novels, and I really liked the sound of this book. I liked the time period the book was set in and I loved the idea of a second chance romance with the catalyst for the romance being a kidnapping. It suggested a little mystery and intrigue to go hand-in-hand with the romance parts. And let’s just take a minute to appreciate the cover of this novel! Outstanding cover design and it accomplished its task and made me want to read it!

Beautiful cover, interesting storyline, proven author—all the boxes were ticked for me when I decided to read it. I am so glad I said yes to this one, it was just the book I needed right now! Something light but not frivolous (this book had substance but wasn’t overly heavy IMO) and a book that held my interest that got me excited to pickup a new series! I cannot wait to read the first book in preparation for the upcoming third release in November!

A few years ago I read a book completely out of my typical historical fiction time period, Where the Lost Wander. I absolutely LOVED this book for so many reasons and I have since been looking for ‘the right’ book to read next that might fit within that time period. There aren’t a lot of popular historical fiction books set in the American West that draw me in. Don’t get me wrong I love the American West from a historical standpoint and I grew up watching all the cowboy TV shows (Dr Quinn and Young Riders I am looking at you!) but it’s typically not a genre of book that I go in search of.

When this book came across my desk I was so excited because it features a love story, an adventure, and the Oregon Trail as a backdrop! I live in Oregon and growing up The Oregon Trail video game was super popular and I was always so proud to share my state history with friends. But the Oregon Trail from a historical standpoint doesn’t really lend itself to a backdrop for romances in books. But after reading Where the Lost Wander I had hope that other books would come from its popularity that would include romance and adventure in the same way that that book did.

That was why I was onboard with reading this book! I loved the mix which was promised in the summary, plus I know Bethany House Publishing consistently has solid historical romances that aren’t bodice rippers etc. I was looking for something with a little more substance that would transport me to a different time in a rugged location with interesting characters and great storytelling and I got just that.

I featured this book when the cover reveal came out and since then I have been so excited to read this one! I read the first book in the series last year and really enjoyed it and couldn’t wait for the next installment in the series. Not to mention I am a big fan of Julie Klassen so naturally I had this one on my radar for months prior to its release! And honestly how could you not get excited about this book when you see the cover??? The Cover is stunning and I just knew it would be a good that would grab my attention!

Julia Klassen is a tried and proven author for me. She has written so many historical fiction books that have many elements that will appeal to a wide variety of readers. Some of her books have a bit of a Gothic feel while others have more romance or some have more of a friendship/family feel to them. There are also religious components but for me the religion doesn’t overshadow the story or become preachy.

Whenever I see a new book by Klassen, I rarely hesitate to snatch it up. She is a consistently good writer and I almost always enjoy her books and that is not something I can say about every author I read so I don’t take that statement lightly! If you are looking for a solid historical fiction author then you don’t want to miss Klassen, she is a delight to read!