Review: The Diplomatic Tutor

The Diplomatic Tutor

by Sandra Elzie

Quote: "Jennifer, you had a deciding role in her selection, so I wanted you to know how much progress she had made with Kelsey."~ Trenton pg.72

Started: Oct. 24, 2012

Finished: Oct. 28, 2012

232 pages, hardcover

From the cover:

When Natalie Holmes accepts a position to tutor Kelsey, the five-year-old daughter of a British diplomat, she never expected to be the one put to the test. She never expected to fall in love with the child or her handsome father. She fights the attraction since she knows he could never love a coal miner's daughter from West Virginia.

 Trenton Lancaster is a widower with strict mandates concerning the safety and education of his daughter. Natalie and Trenton immediately clash, but he can't resist her homespun simplicity and intelligence, and she falls in love with his strength of character and devotion to Kelsey.

 When Natalie thoughtlessly breaks a rule, she thinks she'll surely be fired. Only Trenton's growing attraction for Natalie and her obvious devotion to Kelsey convince him to retain her services.

 Each must change, but when the prize is living happily ever after, it's worth any risk and sacrifice.

My Review:

I'll be nice and just say this book wasn't for me. I was hoping for a change from what I've been reading and while it was exactly that, it was completely ....boring. No mystery. No suspense. No real plot. Romance? Well, I guess that depends on what you'd consider romance. For me, no. 

I will give it that it was an easy read with a cute little girl character. I just think giving away pretty much any chance of a mystery at around page 5 just ruins the whole book. Seriously, by the second chapter I knew they would end up together(no subtle hints), and who the bad guy/girl was. The character just screamed "Hey, it's me!!!" If I hadn't had 100 other things to do this weekend, I probably could have finished the entire book in less than 2hrs.

*2 stars*

Review:Passion Becomes Her

Passion Becomes Her

(Becomes Her #4)

by Shirlee Busbee

Quote: "As long as there was no danger to you, I saw no reason to mutter warnings like some old witch stirring a pot." ~ Mrs. Manley pg. 160

Started: Oct. 14, 2012

Finished: Oct. 19, 2012

376 pages/paperback

From the cover:

Thief of Hearts

Forced to resort to a life of crime in order to support his siblings, Asher Cordell is now ready to walk the straight and narrow path. but when an old rival, the Marquis of Ormsby, infuriates him with his insipid arrogance, Asher cannot resist stealing the pompous fool's famous diamond. However, he's shocked to discover he isn't the only intruder in Ormsby's library. The culprit is none other than his beautiful neighbor, Juliana Greeley. Asher has known Juliana since childhood and has always harbored a secret affection for her. When she asks Asher to steal letters Ormsby is using to blackmail her sister, he's happy to oblige. Embarking on a bold scheme that gives way to an equally fiery passion, the adventurous pair discover a love neither can live without...

My Review:

This is the fourth book in the Becomes Her series. I had read the first three a couple years back and I am so glad that the series continues and I picked it back up.

I really enjoy this type where each book carries over from the previous. The story always brings back the previous main characters somehow and ties them all together. For me, it is an extra bit into who they are. Helping you to get even closer and make them come alive.

This story is about Asher Cordell and Juliana Greeley. I'm not sure how to describe how I felt about Asher's past and how this book makes him the hero. While he does have a good heart and seems to have turned a new leaf for the better Busbee makes sure she slips in reminders of who he was. Leaving you with the questions, has he really changed? Can he overcome his past? Or will he live in constant fear of who may find out? The ending of this book only makes me crazy that I didn't get the fifth to continue reading. major cliffhanger and I am definitely on the hunt for the next book!

*5 stars*

Review: Love Finds You..in Sugarcreek, Ohio

Love Finds You...

in Sugarcreek, Ohio

by Serena B. Miller

Quote: " This isn't our home Bobby. We have to move on."~ Joe pg. 51

started: Feb 10, 2012

finished: Feb. 13, 2012

From the cover:

 Policewoman Rachel Troyer has always looked after her three elderly Amish aunts, proprietors of a farmhouse inn near Sugarcreek, Ohio. The idyllic town is popular with tourists, who come to sample its famous Amish goods. But one thing is clear to Rachel- Joe Matthews is no tourist. When the bearded stranger lands on her aunts' doorstep, begging shelter for himself and his young son, Rachel is suspicious. Will she be able to uncover Joe's secrets despite her aunts'- and her own- growing affections for him?

My Review:

  I loved this book. I think it would have to be a combination of the Amish, which I truly enjoy learning about, the fact that it is set in Ohio, and the great story line that includes crime, devotion, and Christianity. This book was very heartfelt and so warm. I have learned that Sugarcreek is in fact a real place and now am planning a spring trip to visit. Although the characters and story are fiction, I feel it is an accurate description of the town and people.

I really liked Rachel's protective side. It shows how devoted and compassionate she is despite her hard, policewoman side. She is, either way a "go get em'" type. She doesn't wait around for others to figure things out or pass the job off to another. I feel this shows the hard work ethics and dedication one may get from growing up in an Amish setting. 

  I will give this book 4.5 stars