The Flipped Page

A Joyful Christmas: 6 Historical Stories Various authors GoodReads review     ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; collection; Christian faith elements Collection of Christmas romance, some set in the Civil War.  I chose to review this collection as I love one of the authors.  This was a mixed read for me. Some of the novellas were strong and compelling, with good pacing and natural resolution. Others felt a bit forced, or rushed. Novellas are a tricky genre sometimes to 'complete' a story without those faults. All in all though, it was a fun holiday read, and a fun way to pass some time.  Would still recommend to others to read. I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.

A Hopeful Christmas A Regency Romance Collection Various Authors GoodReads Review     ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; Novella collection   Beautiful Christmas novella collection. This grouping was very well done. The authors were so varied in their perspectives, themes, and story lines. I loved Carla K.'s novella in particular, as it truly was so different from the others, with a family situation that was very different, and so compelling. However that being said, all the novellas were very strong. Oftentimes in a collection, I find with the shorter length, one or two of the novellas feels incomplete, or choppy. This collection really was very beautifully done by all of the authors. This is one I know I will re-read in Holiday seasons to come. Plus, beautiful cover!   I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review, my opinions are my own.

Gentleman Jim Mimi Matthews GoodReads Review    ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; M.M. creates a vivid period novel of romance, and revenge.  Maggie is upper class, and Nicholas the bastard son of a loose woman, rumored to be the son of a notorious highwayman.  They have an innocent friendship, that grows into a romance. Maggie is however intended for the son of a neighboring landowner.  As they are pulled apart, Maggie has to try to remain true to her promise to keep her heart for Nicholas.  The neighboring son, tyrannically holds Maggie's home, and her ability to inherit and live there after her father's passing in order to force her hand. Maggie will have to choose between her heart and her home. St. Clare appears, and there are hints to the reader as to his real identity.   Lovely romance, sweet revenge, and Maggie staying true to her heart's promise to Nicholas.  St. Clare is a great character as well, and his backstory and relations made for an i...

The Paper Daughters of Chinatown Heather B. Moore GoodReads Review    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Historical fiction novel; Strong thematic elements PG-13  Historical novel, with intrigue, and based on real people and events that bring the Occidental Mission home, the girls, and Donaldina Cameron, and the underbelly of this city into full portrait. HBM brings incidences, individuals, and the supporting characters in this history to vivid detail and drama.  Highlighting the struggles, highs, lows, and historical moments so vividly, you can feel the tension, fears, determination, and highs and lows of this portion of Donaldina Cameron's life, the spotlighted girls, and the Mission Home history. Highly recommend if you love historical fiction.  I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.

 The Duke Meets His Match by Karen Tuft GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; Series but stand alone read  This was definitely a beautifully detailed book, with strong characters. George, the Duke of Aylesham was a wonderful character.  Strong, loyal, and determined. Susan, older and well-past a debutante, speaking her mind, not afraid to stand her ground, and I loved her gumption and courage.   This is a bit of a 'My Fair Lady' tale in a way, although not to the extreme of Eliza's poverty, and Susan wasn't taken on by the Duke like Eliza with the Professor, but with Susan getting gowned and coifed after living in the country, getting lessons in Royal protocol, and Aylesham giving her some lessons in courage and determination, after being at odds with her, it reminded me a bit of that story line. Susan is such a strong character, sticking to her ground, trying to make a way for herself as she is thrown into this maelstrom that is Prinny and th...

  Snowed In For Christmas   A Fun Feel-Good Holiday Romance Novel by Kimberly Krey GoodReads Review  ⭐⭐⭐✯ Romance, clean, contemporary Cute, light, clean contemporary romance. This was more of a 3.5 for me as a reader, still a very good rating for me. Strong story line, great characters, and fun setting. Cute premise for the story, and my favorite kind of characters, honest hearts, caring, and perfect HEA for them. Easton was a great character, loved his backstory, and his worries, concerns, and of course his strengths.  I loved how things that both he and Ivy did helped them come together. Those small moments that make their coming together magical and lovely.  The tree, the injury, the moments they had that made such a sweet, perfect, attraction and fall.  This is a perfect escape read, with some great, honest, characters with heartfelt emotions, a fun setting and back story.  I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest revie...

 A Revolution of Hearts Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen GoodReads Review     ⭐⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Romance, clean, period Dacia de Prideaux and Mr. Richard Harris' story is one of intrigue and every day life. As Dacia seeks to hide after being framed for the murder of her brother she is put in the care of Richard Harris, wealthy English landowner and member of Sir Percy’s league of gentleman heroes, who has been assigned to protect Dacia. Hiding her in plain sight and masquerading her as a housemaid at his estate. The opening scenes are harrowing and intense, and then it moves to the every day as Dacia pretends to be a housemaid after living a well-to-do life.  Their moments as Dacia steps into her new role, unexpected, and honest and genuine were a stark contrast to the beginning of the novel. This central portion of the novel is much more tame and everyday mundane, but leading to genuine attraction, affection, and deeper feelings for them both. Dacia's growth and insights into...

WIN a copy of A Revolution of Hearts by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen Read my review HERE   a Rafflecopter giveaway ;     Excerpt: Paris April 20, 1789   S oon I will meet with the love of my life, Dacia de Prideaux thought as their driver stopped the carriage in front of Paris’s celebrated theater, la Comédie-Française. Marcel, Dacia de Prideaux’s brother, cracked open the carriage door. Cold wind gusted inside against the carriage’s back wall even as rain plastered it from the outside. Dacia hunched her shoulders, shielding herself from the cold, and touched her hairline at the base of her neck. So far, her pouf hairstyle—including the glass star-shaped jewels her lady’s maid had added to represent what she had called un beau ciel blond, a lovely blond sky—had withstood the weather. “I fear even the umbrella will do us little good in this weather,” Marcel said. “We must rush for the entrance.” Dacia hugged Sunna, her pet bichon, against her ch...

  The Nobleman's Daughter Jen Geigle Johnson GoodReads Review      ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; Lady Amanda and Lord Nathaniel's story was so well done! The historical backdrop to this period romance made it all the more real and intriguing.  JGJ did such a wonderful job putting a face on the upheaval and societal change happening at this time.  Lady Amanda who tried in so many various ways to help those she saw who were struggling after 'awakening' to their plight was foiled so well by Lord Nathaniel.  I loved all the interactions with their servants (and friends), and the settings at the rallies and her parent's backstory that helped lay the foundation for some of the action in this novel.  Amanda and Nathaniel's budding attraction as she tries to keep her actions secret and away from the eyes of the ton throw them together after she unwittingly puts Lord Nathaniel into society's glare after a conversation in a shop with some other women. As the...

 Autumn Skies A Bluebell Inn Romance Book 3 Denise Hunter GoodReads Review     ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑ Romance, clean, contemporary, Christian; Series, but stand alone read Grace and Wyatt's story was the perfect ending to this series. Strong characters, emotions, and events that are so well described you can feel the emotions, angst, and the romance so strongly. So well done. Grace's past, and her hopeful present come together along with bits from her other siblings that make this perfect as the latest installment in this series.  Wyatt was such a great conflicted hero. His present and past, both catching up with him, and his story line being the introduction to the story was a perfect start to this novel. The other characters introduced from his past made me so curious!! Totally hoping for a spin-off for his good friend! (side note there). The chemistry that was the turning point for Wyatt, was such a moment. He and Grace were so perfect together, their fall so well done...

  On the Run Guardians Book 4 Traci Hunter Abramson GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐✯ Romance, clean, suspense; series but stand alone read Elle Jameson's suspicion of a crime as she works undercover at an Air Force base abroad. Her subsequent rescue by The Guardians has her running and trying to escape danger with Ghost/Nolan to try to keep her secrets safe and undercover who is involved and behind the murder of her sister and what is going to be done with the secrets she has uncovered. Perfect blend of intense action, moments of digging to uncover the secrets and connections to the criminals, and of course, the attraction between Elle and Nolan. Loved seeing glimpses of other characters from past novels to support the story line in this one. Perfectly paced and detailed, and loved all subterfuge, action, and ov course the romance. Great characters, side characters, and perfect setting abroad after the previous novel set in the US. T.H.A. knows how to right fun, fast paced, acti...

 Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts Proper Romance Steampunk 4 Nancy Campbell Allen GoodReads Review  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean; Steampunk; Series but stand alone read This was by far my favorite of this series so far! All the elements really came together well, the story had excellent pacing and just felt so engrossed in this world! Emmaline and Oliver's story was the best of the series for me as a reader.  Emme and Oliver, thrown together for him to provide protection for her after she receives some threats begins as strong mutual dislike based on their past history. Their gradual warming up to each other as they spend time together and work together to keep Emme safe and able to make her presentation that is so important to change their society and influence votes on a very important legislation is fraught with upset, delays, drama, and dangers.  Oliver proves himself over and over again, and Emme as well, and they both realize not only that they work well together, but t...

 The Christmas Swap Melody Carlson GoodReads Review     ⭐⭐⭐✯ Romance, clean, contemporary; novella Emma and Tyler's story, with the snowy setting in Colorado, and the sweat HEA is a perfect quick holiday escape read. Emma and Tyler, two honest hearts, both wanting something more out of life. Tyler a successful music composer, although that is hidden for most of the story, and Emma, hard working, hopeful, but struggling, made for a cute meet and romantic fall as they bumped into each other at his home that was 'swapped' for the season. The side characters were kind of caricatures, but they made for great foils in the story line. Emma and Tyler's moments together were so sweet, honest, and satisfying as they discovered bits about themselves, and Tyler discovered what he was missing in his life. Lovely, sweet romance. More of a 3.5 for me as a reader, but a novella, so I'm willing to go up on the stars! I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in ...

It Started in Budapest Julie Daines GoodReads Review     ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; Molly's story, her devotion to her brother, her hopes to aid in his healing, health, and perhaps a miraculous cure, her determination, and desperation to find the thing she is hoping for leads her to find something totally unexpected. A novel with a bit of adventure and recklessness, bits of despair, bits of danger, but also the unexpected alliances, acquaintances, and also attraction and devotion that comes as she encounters people outside of her family circle on their rail travels and her own foray into Romania. The rail journey, the food, the situations, loved this adventure for this young woman, and the resolution of several important threads at the end of the novel. Truly an adventure of a ride, and also the bit of romance that came about unexpectedly for her in Percy, her American acquaintance who became so much more. Percy was a great character as well. Definitely not ...

 Until I Met You Tari Faris GoodReads Review    ⭐⭐⭐⭐✯ Romance, clean; Series but stand-alone; Christian; 4.5 so very good!

  The Widows of Somerset Timeless Romance Regency Collection GoodReads Review   ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; series, but stand alone read      Lovely regency period novella collection.  All told from alternating points of view.  It was nice to see both MC thoughts and feelings as they interacted and 'found' each other. Basic premise for all is woman widowed moving to Somerset and joining with Lady Joanna's society for widows to help them stand on their own, gain financial independence, and learn how to have more control over their finances and their futures. Plus, some great H in the mix too!       I loved RC first novella in the series. For me the strongest voice of this group of novellas in terms of voicing and consistent flow.  All of them had strong MC and some good side characters.  The setting and integrating Lady Joanna and the other widows in each story was cleverly done, and consistent betwee...

  A Foreign Crown Jen Geigle Johnson GoodReads review     ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, period; series, book one Gorgeous period court setting, with all the intrigue that that period was known for. Loved the innocence of Lady Aribella Bardsley, and her courage to leave her father and fulfill her courtly duties. Navigating that setting while staying true to her inner goodness was beautifully told. Prince Layton Wilhelm's family, the political machinations and worries re the French war and attacks on their countries ships was a perfect back story for this young prince.  This richly detailed court romance, with the underlying other court dilemmas and Lady Aribella's potential to be married off to another monarch family member made for a perfect mix of intrigue, political machinations and maneuverings, and romance. Aribella and Wilhelm's sweet romance was lovely, and a great introduction into this series. Beautifully written and crafted, more of a 4.5 for me as a re...

  Flying in Love Chalon Linton GoodReads review     ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, contemporary Heartfelt, tender, hurting and lovely romance with a fun military backstory/setting Paige and Jake's romance was a sweetly honest, hurting, but hopeful romance. Dealing with family issues (Jake's mother's health, and Paige's family's expectations), career issues, miscommunications, and 'life' made for an honest, sweet romance and story that was a portrait of life as it happens. Poignant, yet so sweet when they were together. Their unconventional meeting, the 'moments' that they shared along the way as they moved through their relationship made for a lovely, satisfying romantic read. Loved this story of two hurting hearts coming together and finding their 'heart homes'. Beautifully done, and the flying/military back story made it all the more interesting and fun to read. I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest ...

  The Price of Valor Global Search and Rescue Book 3 Susan May Warren   Goodreads Review  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance clean, contemporary; Series, but stand alone read Ham and Signe's story along with a cast of many other characters from other books, not only in this series, but others, was a suspense-filled ride, gorgeous details, and beautiful moments fraught with tension and longing.  This was the perfect book for the ending of this series (I think?), and my favorite of all the books in this series. SMW has honed her craft over the years and knows how to pull together the characters, sub characters, and the action/bad guys into a perfectly crafted novel that will leave you on the edge of your seat, and still fill you with hope, and faith in God's goodness to lead you to your heart home and faith.   Loved this read! Of all the books in this series, this was the finest. So many threads came together here that made it even more perfect as a fan of her writing.  I do...

Miracle Creek Christmas Proper Romance Contemporary  by Krista Jensen GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, contemporary; mild faith Mark and Riley's story is so filled with moments.  Hurting, aching, laughing, and yes, just tender loving moments, that while 'ordinary' are more than ordinary for them. Just a magical romance that has the depth and characters that will leave you wanting and waiting for more and wishing for more of them in some way to continue. This is one of the can't put down books. KLJ knows how to make you want for more. Riley and Mark are two giving, honest, hurting hearts, with a friendship, kindness, and caring for each other that will linger with you long after you have finished reading. The good people and family in Miracle Creek will leave you feeling like you have come home.  Strong characters and side characters, lush well developed setting and plot, each moment unfolds so well.  I love an introspective novel, and this i...

The Doctor and the Midwife by Sarah Daw Alva GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, clean, contemporary; Christian CJCLDS faith, mild faith elements Lucy and Ammon's story was so well done. I loved the back and forth between them, their misunderstandings, hurts, and worries.  The online internet/hiking group connection made for a fun way for them to connect in a positive way. Both of their work experiences, successes, devastating moments, lack of sleep, connections, and 'moments' both off and on-line were well done. Nuances are always the mark of a better read for me, and this had them. The well-described emotions, hurts, worries, and attraction, along with their connection, kindnesses to each other (when those happened, let me qualify that one), healing their pasts, finding their present, and making their futures, cleverly woven and bound together. I loved this was told from alternating points of view, getting both sides of the medical care for women in childbirth, and...

  Rugged Cowboy: A Mulbury Boys Novel Hope Eternal Ranch Romance Book 3 Elana Johnson GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭑ Romance, clean, contemporary; Series, but stand alone read.      More of a 3.5 for me as a reader. Contemporary Western romance, with a twist. Dallas, is a convicted criminal recently released from prison for white collar crime. A friend from prison is getting married, and Dallas owes him so much for his support, kindness, protection, and help during their incarceration. Seeing Nate and Ted friends from his incarceration, helps as he transitions with his children into life outside of prison. Sensitive to his change in his life, from surgeon, prisoner, and now released inmate, he watches, observes, and tries to fit in at the ranch as he starts working at the ranch. As he and Jessica meet and get to know one another, his life, and the complexities of being divorced with an ex-wife who is addicted, and in debt to dealers, puts his children, him, ...

  Sea Glass Castle Carolina Coast Book 3 T.I. Lowe GoodReads review   🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅 Romance, clean, contemporary; Series, but stand alone read; Christian Faith elements      Sophia and Wes's story is a gorgeously detailed romance between two honest hurting hearts, trying to heal from past hurts and lost dreams. While differing disappointments and sadness in their past, they both offend each other initially. Wes moves into their small town as a new Doctor, and hopes to escape the sadness and disappointments in his past, while Sophia is moving on from a violent failed marriage. Sophia's friends and Wes's friends in town see how well they suit, and as Sophia and Wes make an 'arrangement' that seems platonic, they help them find where their true hearts lie.      Beautifully poignant, moving, honest, introspective and heartfelt, with strong side characters from previous novels in this series, and of course, their attraction to each...

Search Angel Forever Home Romances Book 2 Jennifer Griffith GoodReads review ⭐⭐⭐⭑ Romance, clean, contemporary; second chance; series, but stand alone read     Emma/Emily Shane and 'Triple D', Hockey star goalie Dempsey Dean Davidson's story was a fun, lovely read.  Dempsey's worries with regard to his health has him seeking out his birth father for health history, and he turns to volunteer genealogy help that leads him to reconnect with Emma.  Past mistakes get righted, sweet tender moments with Dempsey's family, and with each other lead Emma to 'see' his character in a way that didn't happen in High School.  Their attraction, and tender moments, as well as introspection for each other, helping each other in their present cares and concerns made for a lovely, sweet escape read!       Loved the secondary characters, family, team and the game moments. Dempsey's strong ethics, morals, strength of his character, and ...

Fair as a Star Victorian Romantics Book 1 Mimi Matthews GoodReads review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, period, clean; Series, but stand alone read      Gorgeous, lushly detailed period romance, dealing with a very sensitive health subject. Beryl's return to her village after a being abroad with her Aunt was fraught with emotion for Beryl.  Her betrothal to Sir Henry Rivenhall, while practical, was missing what she longed for most, being seen and cherished.  This weighs on her spirit as she integrates back into her home life.      Mark Rivenhall, is her friend and pastor. The moments they share, his sensitivity, caring, and concern for her, was so well drawn.  Their moments, in sharp contrast to her moments with Sir Henry, were so full of promise, and feeling.  M.M.'s knows how to describe the emotions, feelings, wants, cares and concerns, along with the lovely romance that readers are drawn to.  Perfect period read.    I receiv...

*Throwback Thursday* The Running Dream Wendelin Van Draanen GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Contemporary YA read with a dash of romance      Jessica's  dreams, aspirations, and friendships are all impacted by the accident and the aftermath of what happens to her as she loses her leg.  Great cast of characters, family, friends, acquaintances, coaches, teammates, and therapists.  The leg itself is a character in a way.       Beautifully drawn portrait of a young woman overcoming the despair and hopelessness after her dreams are shattered, and the new path that opens up for her as she takes steps towards a new future.  W.V.D gets the subtleties of human interactions, worries, concerns, and the moments that take your breath away.  Perfect YA read, with just the right mix of friends, family, and romance.

The Crushing Depths Coastal Guardians Book 2 Dani Pettrey GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Romance, suspense, contemporary; Christian faith elements      A perfect romantic suspense read! More of a 4.5 for me as a reader, but loved the pacing, characters, and the back and forth between the characters, suspects, and the unfolding clues to the two crimes that were paralleled in the novel. Great cast of the CGIS team, and their back stories that gradually come out over the course of the novel. The prayers and faith expressed by the characters as they navigated their jobs, and lives was naturally woven into the novel, just as it would be in real life for a Christian, perfectly incorporated and a nice aspect to this novel.      The two main characters, Rissi and Mason's, unfolding romance was so beautifully crafted and told. Their past hurts, past history, and the feelings they had and have were so well portrayed as they worked their case. Love...

Of Literature and Lattes Katherine Reay GoodReads Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Contemporary relationship romance; series but stand alone read; mild faith elements      Revisiting the town of Winsome with Alyssa coming back after a complete implosion of her life in California, worrying about an investigation by the FBI into her place of employment and even her, and coming home to the mess that is her relationship with her parents, gradually unfolds as the reader also sees Jeremy's coffee shop, and his relationship with the town, and his customers and his place with his daughter in his life. Life that is messy, real, hurting, and capable of change, hope, and determination to make something right.       Alyssa's talents with business are an impetus to start her friendship gradually with Jeremy. As they both see their lives gradually unfold, and develop around them, Alyssa with her parents, and seeing them for who they really are in her life...