Books Are Sanity!!!

      Book Summary:   In 1817, Wendy Darling returns from London to her family in Devon, where she meets Captain James Hooke, a dashing naval officer who both infuriates and intrigues her. But Wendy is hiding a dark secret—and running from a past that makes it impossible for her to trust the incorrigible captain. And James has secrets of his own, secrets he’s afraid will interfere with his desire to win Wendy’s heart. When the Darling family takes in a young orphan boy named Peter, the two newcomers in Wendy’s life help her learn to open her heart and begin to trust again. But when a gang of pirates sails into port in search of Peter, will trust be enough to save Wendy and those she loves from danger? Varnell takes J. M. Barrie’s classic Peter Pan characters and introduces them to risks and romance that go far beyond the average fairy tale. As Wendy and Hooke fight for new beginnings, they learn that happy endings aren’t always guaranteed.   My Review:   I am a huge fan o

  Book Summary: After years as a soldier and mercenary, Rasheed has retired from battle to run the bathhouse in Thebes with his friends Gillen and Eudocia. The simple life suits them, so when Venetian strangers come to town looking to hire the renowned crew, their answer is no. But when one of his friends is abducted, Rasheed is left with no choice but to take up his weapons and join forces with the Venetians, including the beautiful and clever Cecilia, whose betrothed has also been seized by the unknown foe.  As the reluctant allies face ambushes and the looming threat of capture, Rasheed and Cecilia forge a surprising connection. But as the party races to rescue their friends, Rasheed discovers that nothing is as it seems. As his trust in Cecilia begins to waver, he realizes that in the end, they will both be forced to make a choice between love and duty.   My Review: Rasheed’s story was phenomenal. Sowards crafts a world full of family and the fight for freedom that the reader is

      Book Summary:   Grace plans to marry the host of their Christmas house party. Ezra has only until it ends to convince her otherwise. Lord Ezra Weston has done something incredibly stupid. Through a series of events he prefers not to consider too closely, he has begun a written correspondence with Miss Grace Stewart under the guise of being his own sister. She’s witty, considerate, and as much in need of a friend as he is. So, why not continue? That is, until Grace writes and says she’s set her cap at someone. In only a few words, Ezra realizes he hasn’t only made a friend these past many months, he’s fallen in love. As an earl, Ezra can get himself invited to the Christmas house party hosted by Grace's would-be husband. But once there, how does he plead his case? Either he loses Grace’s trust and friendship, or he loses his one chance at happiness. But that seems only fitting, seeing as he’s already lost his heart. The beginning of a new series by sweet historical

   Book Summary: Three novellas, three times the romance, and three times the love . . . in this brand new Timeless Regency Collection: The Inns of Devonshire THE SEVENTH STAR INN by Sally Britton After years of looking after one another, Susan Baxter and her mother view their neighbors in Totnes as family. When a new landlord inherits the leases on their homes and businesses alike, Susan dreads knowing her world could change at the whim of a stranger. But when she meets Collin Stonecroft and his inquisitive daughter, her feelings shift quickly from cautionary to hopeful. Collin has lived in the confines of London boarding houses all his life, and he’s determined to give his daughter more. They check into the Seventh Star Inn with plans to return to London as soon as possible, but both find Miss Baxter and her local history lessons far too enchanting to leave behind. When Susan learns of Collin’s proposed changes to her beloved neighborhood, will she be able to help him s

  Book Summary: Rebecca Jennings’s first London Season has been absolutely ruined, and one person alone is responsible: Mr. Ben Fortescue. If her new neighbor hadn’t startled her, she would never have broken her ankle, leaving her bored and frustrated at home in the country while her sister enjoys the London Season alone. Although, it was rather gallant of him to carry her home. For his part, Ben feels terrible about the role he played in Miss Rebecca Jennings’s accident. In the days that follow their first disastrous meeting, he finds himself inexorably drawn to the surprising young woman—first out of guilt and then out of a stirring affection. But Ben hides a secret: he has not been completely forthright about his identity or about the dark secrets of his past that would make it impossible for romance to blossom with Miss Jennings. Despite his love for her, he knows he must let her go. With her ankle finally healed but her heart now broken, Rebecca is left with little c

  Book Summary:   If Jessica and Ellis can put the past behind them to work together, it will be a Christmas miracle. Childhood enemies fight to end one relationship while trying not to fall into one of their own. Christmas comes but once a year -- a relief for Jessica Nettle, because that means she need only see the horrid Mr. Webb when he visits his cousin. Jessica has been at war with Mr. Webb for as long as she can remember. What started as children playing pranks has grown to a competitive feud. This year promises to be the worst of all, especially when Jessica learns that her sister is falling in love with that cousin. A match between the two of them would be a disaster. Ellis Webb spends every Christmas in the country with his cousin. The holiday is one of the highlights of his year, despite the prickly Miss Nettle's attempts to ruin it for him. This year, Ellis's cousin has a mind to marry, and he's looking with increasing interest at Miss Nettle's younger sis

Book Summary: 1795- Jane Sawyer enjoyed everything India had to offer. Having lived there since the death of her parents, the beautiful country had become her home. However, when her uncle accepts a position at Oxford University, her life takes an unexpected turn. From a treacherous storm that delays their journey, to recovering at an island where she almost drowns, Jane wonders if this is a foreshadowing of hard things to come. But her thoughts begin to lighten when she discovers that the island holds more adventure than she could imagine. With fate's twists and turns, and encouragement from a handsome captain, who comes to aid her on a few unfortunate occasions, Jane uncovers inner strength she didn't know she had. As enemy ships stalk the island's shores, only destiny can decide Jane's future with love and war.   My Review: The Ebony swept me away into Jane’s world. From the ocean to the island, Fisher described everything so well that I could envision my

    Book Summary: A lifetime ago, Maggie Alexander’s parents narrowly missed medaling in the Olympics as pairs figure skaters. Now a coach, her father Gordon is living his dreams through the skaters he trains—until Maggie is forced to deliver heartbreaking news: her mother’s battle against cancer will be a losing one. Shattered, her father loses his dreams in an instant—his beloved wife and his will to coach. Left to pick up the pieces, a devastated Maggie finds herself relying on the steadfast support of her childhood best friend, Lance Whitmore. Despite the fact that Maggie has never seen Lance as more than a friend, his heart has always been hers. Lance does what he can to help Maggie work through her grief, and soon their friendship blossoms into love. But when distance threatens their relationship, Maggie is torn between building a life with the man she loves and helping her broken father rebuild his life.   My Review: Love, loss, and learning how to heal. Broken Dre

  Book Summary: In 1817, Wendy Darling returns from London to her family in Devon, where she meets Captain James Hooke, a dashing naval officer who both infuriates and intrigues her. But Wendy is hiding a dark secret—and running from a past that makes it impossible for her to trust the incorrigible captain. And James has secrets of his own, secrets he’s afraid will interfere with his desire to win Wendy’s heart. When the Darling family takes in a young orphan boy named Peter, the two newcomers in Wendy’s life help her learn to open her heart and begin to trust again. But when a gang of pirates sails into port in search of Peter, will trust be enough to save Wendy and those she loves from danger? Varnell takes J. M. Barrie’s classic Peter Pan characters and introduces them to risks and romance that go far beyond the average fairy tale. As Wendy and Hooke fight for new beginnings, they learn that happy endings aren’t always guaranteed. Happy  Reading!!! You can pick up your

Book Summary: Lord Adam Dunsbourne is a tyrant. At least, that’s what everyone says. The tales are shocking: accounts of a man who gambled away the family fortune and keeps his younger sister, Emily, captive in their home at Dunsbourne Manor. So when Adam and his sister make an unexpected appearance at a dinner party, the scandalized whispers cannot be contained. New to the town, Phoebe Hadford hears the condemning rumors and determines to do all she can to help the baron’s oppressed sister. Upon entering Dunsbourne Manor, however, she quickly discovers that all is not what she has been led to believe. Adam, unsure of whether he can trust the intentions of his beautiful neighbor, is quickly drawn in by Phoebe’s genuine nature. But even as Adam and Phoebe’s connection deepens, a dangerous enemy from Adam’s past reemerges. For years, Adam has hunted for the man who betrayed him, not realizing he had only to wait. His foe has returned, and this time, he will threaten everything Adam cheri

  Book Summary: A Mayfield Family Romance - Vol. 4 in the standalone series Hazel Stillman is a woman of rare independence and limited opportunities. Born with a clubbed foot, Hazel knows marriage is unlikely, so she devotes herself to teaching at a private girls' school. When her uncle offers Hazel a substantial inheritance if she marries, she is offended. What kind of decent man would marry for her money? But when she learns the school might be sold, she knows she must consider all her options. Duncan Penhale thrives on order and process. He has no interest in marriage, so when Elliott Mayfield, his guardian's brother, offers him an inheritance if he weds, Duncan finds it intrusive. However, an inheritance means he could purchase a building and run his own accounting firm. Hazel and Duncan believe they have found a solution to both of their problems: marry one another, claim their inheritances, and then part ways to enjoy their individual paths. But then Uncle Mayfield stipul

Book Summary: After a four-year engagement, Cassie James’s plans for the future come crashing down when her relationship abruptly ends. She needs to regain her balance, and her parents’ ranch in Montana provides the perfect escape. But respite is the last thing she finds. While camping near the Bitterroot Forest, a strange sound leads Cassie to make a startling discovery: a young child, abandoned in the wilderness. She acts on instinct, taking him home to the ranch with her. But she has no idea that by doing so, she will be forced to engage in a fight for his life—and her own. With the help of Deputy Parker Grafton, Cassie works to uncover the mystery behind the boy’s origins. The pair is drawn closer together each step of the investigation as they follow a bizarre trail of clues. But when a series of dangerous accidents begins to plague the family ranch, Cassie and Parker realize that an unknown assailant is closing in. They have to run. In a game of cat and mouse spanning the country

Book Summary: Criminal psychologist Erin Larson's dreams of a successful career come to a screeching halt when she nearly loses her own life in a boating accident on Puget Sound and then learns that her mother tried to commit suicide. She leaves her job as a criminal psychologist to care for her mother in Montana. At least she is able to produce her podcast, which focuses on solving missing persons cold cases. Nathan Campbell's father was investigating such a case when he was shot, and now Nathan needs to enlist Erin's help to solve the case. She's good at what she does. The only problem? She's his ex. As the two dig deeper, it becomes clear that they, too, are being targeted--and that the answers to their questions are buried deep within the past Erin struggles to explain and longs to forget. The race is on for the truth in this gripping and complex tale of suspense, intrigue, and murder from USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Goddard. My Review: This book is s

What this piece means to me: I absolutely love this picture 'Come, Be Not Afraid" by Dan Wilson. It speaks of the love that Christ has for me. I love his outstretched hand waiting for me to come and join him. This piece speaks to my soul and reminds me that I am never alone. And that even when things seem impossible, with the Savior I can do anything. This piece of art is my voice of faith. Faith in a Savior who loves me and is always there for me with his hand out to help me. I love coming home every day and seeing the reminder that I have a loving Savior who understands, who wants to help me, and is waiting for me. Dan Wilson's art is beautiful and moving.  About the Artist: Dan Wilson Bio:  “I want to paint images that speak to and uplift the viewer, pieces that remind them of the beauties of life, the reasons for living and loving existence. Vibrant colors and brush strokes working together with the disciplines of art to create beauty and emotion you can’t achieve in a

  Book Summary: A man she disdains and a man she loves. What happens when she finds out they’re the same person? Odette Goodson lives with her grandmother in the beautiful Cheshire County. This Christmas she wishes for caroling, snow, sleigh rides, plum pudding, and a lit yule log, with friends and neighbors all around. Her matchmaking grandmother wishes for her to marry the Marquis of Wilmington. She’s heard only unflattering things about him. To her grandmother's consternation, Mr. Wardly shows up on a country lane, a man who seems to be everything the Marquis is not. Henry Wardly, the Marquis of Wilmington, arrives from the East Indies in Cheshire County six months after his mother’s funeral. Mourning her loss, with a new shipping line at stake, and his own estate to salvage, responsibilities in Cheshire county frustrate him and slow his progress. But he cannot help but be jolly at Christmas time particularly after he runs into the lovely Miss Odette Goodson. Things grow complic

Book Summary: Charlie Jonquil is mild-mannered and kind—except when it comes to his one true adversary, Artemis Lancaster. Though Charlie has a brilliant mind for mathematics, Artemis poses a problem he can’t seem to comprehend: how can one be so lovely and so infuriating? A party in London brings him into the company of the maddening young lady, and it is clear that Charlie’s disdain is mutual. But when an unfortunate incident between the pair involving Charlie’s jacket and a glass of raspberry shrub leads to scandal, the sworn enemies are left with only two options: be ruined or be married. So it is that Artemis finds herself in a most outrageous predicament: she must wed a gentleman she’s hated for years—and she pledges to avoid him at all costs. But it is only when they enter into this mockery of a marriage that Charlie and Artemis learn things are not as simple as they once appeared. As their tentative ceasefire leads to friendship, it seems their marriage born of desperation migh