The Crossing at Cypress Creek by Pam Hillman

Sailing and soldiering around the world has taken Caleb O’Shea far from his native Ireland, so he never imagined that a promise to see a fellow crewman safely home would practically land him on his brother’s doorstep. After spending years away from his family, Caleb isn’t certain what kind of reception he will receive when he steps foot in Natchez, Mississippi. The one thing he knows for sure is that he won’t stay long.

Since her sister was kidnapped by river pirates six months ago, Alanah Adams has taken special care to avoid drawing attention to herself. Those living in the rough-and-tumble settlement of Cypress Creek might even think she’s addled. But when she stumbles into Caleb and his friends in Natchez, she appears to be the picture-perfect lady.

Caleb only catches glimpses of the mysterious and beautiful Alanah before she disappears. But a chance encounter with her at his brother’s logging camp near Cypress Creek leaves him uncomfortable at the thought of the young woman traversing the dangerous area alone. At a crossroads in his life, Caleb must decide whether he wants to give up the worldly adventures he’s been seeking for one closer to home.

This is the third book in the series.  I felt lost at the beginning of the book and I have read all the books in the series.  It took me a while to get up to speed on what was going on.  After getting into the book the previous stories started coming back.  Once I figured out who was who and the previous story lines, it was a good book.  It would be very helpful to read the first two book back to back with this book. I'm giving this book three stars instead of four because of the confusing beginning.

If I would recommend this, it would be with the stipulation that you read the first two.

I was given this book by Tyndale Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way. 

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep

 Life couldn’t be better for Abigail Gilbert—but it’s been a long time in coming. Having lived with a family who hated her, it’s finally her time for love. Abby sets off on a journey across England to marry one of the most prestigious gentlemen in the land—until highwaymen upset her plans and threaten her life.

Horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher arrives just in time to save Abby. But she’s simply another victim in a job he’s come to despise. Tired of the dark side of humanity, he intends to buy land and retire.

Abby pleads with him to escort her for the rest of her journey. He refuses—until she offers him something he desperately needs to achieve his goal. . .money. Delivering her safely will give him more than enough to buy property.

So begins an impossible trek for the cynical lawman and the proper lady. Each will be indelibly changed by the time they reach her betrothed, if they don’t kill one another first—or fall in love.

This is a good story with lots of action.  Abby is on her way to get married to Sir Jonathan.  Her father and step mother want to get rid of her so they sent her away.  Alone without protection.  Along the way she is deserted by her maid, waylaid by highway men, and given the responsibility of delivering a baby to her aunt.  She is rescued by Samuel Thatcher.  With a little persuasion he hires on as guardian for Abby.   Their journey is very interesting.  This isn't a high suspense book.  But has lots of adventure.  I recommend this book.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

The Artful Match by Jennifer Delamere

Cara Bernay has never fit in. At loose ends in 1881 London after a near tragedy costs her a job, she befriends a carefree artist. With his help, she begins planning a new life and developing her own artistic talent. But soon Cara finds herself at odds with the artist's brother--a handsome but arrogant earl forcing his brother back to a "respectable" life.

Henry Burke, the Earl of Morestowe, feels the weight of growing financial burdens. His younger brother is the one person who can save their family, and Henry needs him back home. Despite misgivings about Cara's mysterious background, Henry sees she's a positive influence on his brother and on Henry's young ward, and he strikes a deal with her to return with them to their estate.

But the family has their own secrets, and when Cara, drawn ever closer to Henry, stumbles onto the truth, she must choose between following her heart and pursuing a bold plan that could bring disaster.

This book is the final in this series.  Its not necessary to read the first two books to understand this one.  This is Cara's story.  The book also wraps up any loose ends from the previous books. 

This book shows the snobbish behavior of some of the aristocrats of England and how servants were treated.   It was an easy enjoyable read.  It was one that you could put down and pick back up without any problem.  I recommend this book.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Driftwood Bay by Irene Hannon

After tragedy upends her world, Jeannette Mason retreats to the tiny Oregon seaside town of Hope Harbor to create a new life. Vowing to avoid emotional attachments, she focuses on running her lavender farm and tea-room--until a new neighbor with a destructive dog and a forlorn little girl invades her turf. But she needn't worry. Dr. Logan West is too busy coping with an unexpected family, a radical lifestyle change, and an unruly pup to have any interest in his aloof and disagreeable neighbor.

Yet when both Jeanette and Logan find themselves pulled into the life of a tattered Christian family fleeing persecution in war-torn Syria, might they discover that love sometimes comes calling when it's least expected?

All Jeannette want to do is run her lavender farm and tea room.  The rest of the time she wants to be left alone.  She didn't plan on Logan moving in next door and turning her world upside down.  Unwilling she gets drawn into the world outside her lavender farm.  I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it. It seems to draw you in as you keep reading.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

Justice Delivered by Patricia Bradley

Carly Smith came by her trust issues honestly. A victim of sex trafficking, she's been at the mercy of merciless men, ignored by law enforcement officers who should have helped her, and seemingly rejected by her family. She can't even trust herself to do the right thing. Though she escaped her captors and is working hard on building a new life, the past continues to haunt her when she discovers that the man she couldn't bring herself to report to police for fear of reliving her captivity is still out there, luring vulnerable girls under the guise of being a modeling agent.

When her own niece is kidnapped, Carly must overcome her fears and come forward with the information she has before it's too late. When that proves to be not enough, she'll have to go after the perpetrators herself.

This book started out slow.  But then the paced picked up quickly.  The story gripped me and I didn't want to put it down.  The story line was a difficult one to read though.  I know sex trafficking is real but to have it described like it was in the book, was sometimes hard to read.  Overall, I recommend this book.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.