Beyond This Moment, by Tamera Alexander

Setting

1876

Timber Ridge, Colorado Territory

Synopsis

Dr. Molly Whitcomb is forced to leave her esteemed position as a professor of romantic languages, and travel to Colorado, where she is to teach school in a small community.  She brings with her a secret, which she covers with an impulsive purchase of a wedding ring, so that she may pose as a widow.  Sheriff James McPherson knows she's hiding something, and his instincts are rarely wrong. However, he finds himself drawn to her from the start.  But what will happen when her secrets come to light?

Review

This is a wonderful, very real type of story.  People are not perfect, and this author faces that fact head on.  The characters are multidimensional and engaging, and there are several very touching scenes.  The connection between Molly and James is moving.  I found this story to be quite endearing, and one that could be read more than once and still be thoroughly enjoyed.

Edgy Content

1) Fornication, before the story opens, though it isn't glorified and it is a necessary element to the plot
2) Romantic emotions and struggles with temptation.  Molly and James' romantic feelings are not tip-toed around, but are quite emotionally riveting.  

Revealed, by Tamera Alexander

Setting

1870

Colorado Territory

Synopsis

Annabelle Grayson was rescued from a brothel by a wonderfully understanding man.  However, she cannot remain in Willow Springs with everyone knowing what she used to be.  Her new husband dies soon after their journey to Idaho begins, and the pregnant young widow decides to advertise for someone else to take her there.  Her late husband's brother, a man on the run, takes the job, though he hates everything about her and wishes she and his brother had never met, let alone wed.  Annabelle insists on stopping in every town and refuses to tell Matthew why or let him accompany her, which only causes his distrust for her to escalate. All the while, he wishes to avoid these interruptions for reasons of his own.  As Annabelle and Matthew get to know one another on the trail, he must face his prejudice and own up to mistakes of the past.  Will they come to terms with their emotions in time to build a life together out West?

Review

This book was touching on so many levels.  Annabelle struggles with guilt and being unable to truly love a man, after all she's been through.  Matthew is so full of hate and resentment that he can hardly stand the sight of her.  Yet, as he slowly starts to realize that his perceptions are grossly inaccurate, he is left in even greater agony.  Amid these tumultuous emotions, is a growing attraction and a love that he does not expect, and is hesitant to embrace.  The conflict and tension between these too well developed characters is very moving.  There is so much depth to this story.  I feel that characters who have sinned are so much deeper, believable, and enjoyable to read about than perfect ones.  If you like a book with plenty of romantic tension as well as some suspense, you will probably love this one.  In fact, anything by Tamera Alexander is sure to please.

Edgy Content

1) Prostitution is a prominent theme in this story, though approached in an eventual redemptive, uplifting manner
2) Romances scenes are more heated than many of this genre, but were handled well and added a great element to the story.

Maid to Match, by Deeanne Gist

Setting

1898

Asheville, North Carolina

Synopsis

Tillie Reese is instructed to teach Mack Danvers proper etiquette and turn him into a well mannered footman at the elite Biltmore estate.  However, this is not who he is, and sparks fly as she tries her best to tame him this unrefined yet distractingly handsome mountain man.  There are further problems as they try to deal with issues at the town orphanage, and other problems with his family.  Tillie aspires to become Edith Vanderbuilt's lady's maid, but her interactions with Mack are constantly bordering on inappropriate since romance between servants is strictly forbidden.  If they are caught, they will both be out on their backsides, and all will be lost, though their hearts are already lost... to each other.

Review

Oh my, oh my!  Sparks fly between Tillie and Mack to an extend that is sure to please even the most romantic of readers.  The connection between these too is simply beautiful, and the other background conflicts are riveting.  As always, Deeanne wove a tale that felt original and lighthearted, while keeping us on the edge of our seats.  Well done!

Edgy Content

1) Captivating romance scenes push the envelope, without crossing any lines which would cast it out of the Christian genre.

A Bride in the Bargain, by Deeanne Gist

Setting

1865

Seattle, Washington Territory

Synopsis

Joe Denton is a brawny lumberjack, whose land lies deep in a forest of redwoods.  Men are entitled to 640 acres of land in that region at no charge... if they have a wife.  However, before his was able to meet him there, she died.  Now his thriving logging business is in jeopardy and he could lose his land.  Therefore, though he does not wish to remarry, he must find a new wife immediately.  With few options since women are scarce, he opts to purchase a bride from back East, one of a group of women called Mercer Brides, sight unseen.  What he gets is Anna Ivey, a spunky young woman who has been led to believe she is only to his cook, not his wife.  When she refuses to marry a stranger, Joe falls back on the only other option he has left: a marriage of convenience to an elderly, toothless woman whose purchaser refused to wed her.  When an unexpected turn of events causes even this last desperate option to be impossible, he convinces Anna to come out to his remote forest and cook for his men, hoping to win her over to the idea of marriage.  Will she find within her the desire to agree to his terms, before it's too late and he loses everything?

Review

This book was so refreshing.  Not only is there plenty of romance, but it is charming, original and witty.  There are several spots that are likely to make you laugh right out loud.  I love a good marriage of convenience story, but sometimes they can get repetitive. This one is a priceless gem that is full of twists and turns.  You really, really, really, really... okay, you get the picture... need to read this one!

Edgy Content

1) Romantic tension is tangible and pleasing even to the most romantic of hearts. 

2) A single woman lives out in the middle of nowhere with a single man, without a suitable chaperon.  Call me crazy but, though some might be disturbed by it, I just thought it was great, and would allow for some wonderfully awkward and romantic situations.

The Measure of a Lady, by Deeanne Gist

Setting

1849

San Francisco, California

Synopsis

Rachel's father caught the gold fever, but never made it to his destination, leaving her to care for her two younger teenage siblings. When the ship docks at San Francisco, Rachel discovers that the place is not at all what she expect.  Yet, since she cannot book passage any time soon to go back East, she is forced to find a home for herself and her siblings for the time being.  Housing is scarce and she negotiates with a shocking yet charming and handsome gambling establishment owner, Johnnie Parker, and he reluctantly agrees that she may work for him in exchange for room and board.  Rachel struggles to maintain proper decorum in a place that is anything but proper.  Her siblings soon run wild and get into a mess of trouble in this rough mining town.  As romance builds, Rachel must search her heart and learn to put aside her prejudices, and Johnnie must decide if there is any way that a woman can fit into his well laid plans.

Review

This book is utterly priceless.  It is witty and fascinating, with plenty of romantic tension. I love the humorous elements.  Right from the start she had me chuckling, from the moment they arrive in San Francisco and discover mucky streets and a comically disturbing sign that reads "This Street Is Impassable, Not Even Jackassable"!!  How can you not love that?  Deeanne Gist is a gutsy author who is not afraid to stretch past the limits of conventional Christian fiction, and that is one of the reasons I love reading her books.  Johnnie's character is charming and shocking, not at all the type of person Rachel would have expected to fall in love with, yet the sparks between them cannot be ignored.  This story is lovable from start to finish.  I highly recommend it.

Edgy Content

1) Steamier romantic scenes.  The author doesn't tip-toe around physical attractions and such.  Breathtakingly moving!

2) Immoral activities involving some background characters, although implied rather than explicitly described.

3) Gambling and the inclusion of a nude statue.  Johnnie is a bit rough and has a less than upstanding occupation, as well as one particular possession which he treasures.  This actually made for some rather comical scenes.  

Grace in Thine Eyes, by Liz Curtis Higgs

Setting

1808
Scotland

Synopsis

This fascinating story tells of the protectiveness of family and the power of forgiveness.  Davina spends the summer with relatives, and is asked to entertain guests with her fiddle.  She puts so much emotion into her music, that it leaves her audience spellbound. One man, in particular, takes notice of her from the start. Thinking that she is a lass who is experienced in the ways of men and trying to encourage his advances, he ends up stealing her innocence.  She has been mute since childhood, and her silent attempts to tell him to stop went unheeded.  He is grieved to discover that things were not as he had thought, and is determined to make things right by marrying her.  She eventually finds within herself the willingness to forgive him, and even falls deeply in love.  However, her family thinks that he is the enemy.  Will they find a means to be together?  Or will her protective family have their way?

Review

Wow.  Where do I even start in stating how much I love this book?  The whole series, Lowlands of Scotland, is well worth taking the time to read, but this one is my favorite. Davina being mute just changes the whole atmosphere of the story. There is such a pureness to her emotions because she cannot express herself in the same way as others can.  She feels things so deeply, yet lives in a silent world all her own.  She has been fiercely protected all her life, and when a man takes notice of her she is still so innocent, and does not understand what he intends to do.  The scene when he rapes her, not yet knowing she is mute and thinking she is giving her consent by not saying otherwise, is heart wrenching, as is his reaction afterward and the sincere path he takes to right the unthinkable crime he has committed against her.  Their love for each grows as they each try to understand what the other is thinking and feeling.  The ending broke my heart, but I'll not spoil it by telling you what happens.  I prefer happy endings.  Yet, even so, this book holds a special place in my heart. Hats off to the author!  She did an amazing job of grabbing my attention from the start, and holding it all the way through.  Well done!

Edgy Content

1) On camera rape.  It made me ache for the characters as they struggled to make things right in the aftermath. 

2) Compelling romance scenes, after they begin to fall in love. 

3) Intent to commit murder.

Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers

Setting

Prologue - New England, 1835
Main story - Pair-a-Dice, California, 1850

Synopsis

Angel is forced into prostitution at an early age and ends up in a rough California town during the gold rush era.  She doesn't know quite what to think when Michael approaches her, insisting that God has told him to marry her.  She fights him tooth and nail, not believing that she is capable of giving up her old lifestyle and becoming a proper wife.  Any trust she does gain for him only causes her more pain.  Has she seen too much and endured too much to ever be able to adjust to her new life?  Or will she cling to the only life she understands?

Review

This book is amazing in so many ways.  The raw emotions are sincere and well portrayed.  I couldn't help but become completely absorbed in this story.  I definitely recommend it, especially if you like books that have a good message while still remaining true to life in their depth of emotion.  It has the potential to grant hope to all who read it, giving us a welcome reminder that God is willing to forgive us, no matter how unworthy we feel.

Edgy Content

1) Prostitution, though tastefully handled.  This industry was alive and thriving during the gold rush era.

2) Steamy romance scenes, sexual content and nudity, which felt appropriate for this particular story and was not extremely explicit.

Diamond of the Rockies Series, by Kristen Heitzmann

Setting

1880s
Sonoma, California and Crystal, Colorado

Synopsis

The Rose Legacy ~

Carina is a determined, independent woman who leaves her Italian family's California vineyard, bound for a rough mining town in Colorado in an effort to break ties with her fiance.  She quickly learns the backwoods rules of travel in a rather unpleasant way, and finds more than she bargains for when she finally arrives at the house for which she has obtained a deed. Though two of the local men garner her attention, only one has her best interests in mind and will protect her when violence breaks loose.

Sweet Boundless ~

Carina's new husband, the mysterious freighter Quillan Shepherd, is allusive and unwilling to accept her love and affection.  She becomes well acquainted with seeing his back, as he walks away from her.  His inner demons from a hurtful childhood cause him to wish and expect that she will leave him.  Determined to make the best of difficult circumstances, she opens an Italian restaurant which becomes wildly successful among the miners and townspeople, sparking jealously in her husband.  Carina is brutally attacked in his absence.  Will Quillan come to his senses in time to save her and their marriage?

The Tender Vine ~

Carina decides that things might get better between her and Quillan if they return to her childhood vineyard home in California.  However, her family is less than accepting of him, and disaster threatens.  Will they finally have the marriage that they both long for?  Or will things go from bad to worse?

Review

This series is very emotional and compelling.  I found Quillan's character to be especially riveting.  Kristen wove the tale in such a way as to make me want him to come through for Carina, while not allowing me to trust him enough to be sure that he will.  He has his own demons to fight, and it haunts him at every turn.  Carina is a strong women, determined to stand by his side, no matter how much rejection she must suffer to accomplish to reach him.  This series is one of my all time favorites.  There's plenty of romance and fire, but not in a way that I would call inappropriate.  Their relationship is so emotional and fueled by love, that I longed for things to be resolved, while thoroughly enjoying their conflicts.  Highly recommended!

Edgy Content

1) Violence, which was believable for a rough mining town in the 1880s.  
2) Graphic mental images.  The descriptions of Quillan's parents, particularly his father, and how they'd died are disturbing. 

3) Marital rape.  That sounds really bad, but seemed so realistic since I got to know Quillan and his struggles with trusting others and believing that he is capable of properly loving a woman.  His raw emotion is so moving, stemming from a deep, enduring love that he cannot yet begin to face or understand.