Words Spoken True by Ann H. Gabhart

Back Cover:
One woman stands ready to defend her newspaper . . . even if it means losing out on love.

Adriane Darcy was practically raised in her father's newspaper offices. With ink in her veins, she can't imagine life without the clatter of the press and the push to be first to write the news that matters. Their Tribune is the leading paper in Louisville in 1855.

When Blake Garrett, a brash young editor from the North with a controversial new style of reporting, takes over a competing newspaper, the battle for readers gets fierce. After Adriane and Blake meet at a benefit, their surprising mutual attraction is hard to ignore. Still, Blake is the enemy, and Adriane is engaged to the son of a powerful businessman who holds the keys to the Tribune's future. Blake will stop at almost nothing to get the story--and the girl.

Set against the volatile backdrop of political and civil unrest in 1850s Louisville, this exciting story of love and loyalty will hold you in its grip until the very last page.

Review:
I very much enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and the historical setting and story were inspiring for the imagination.

Adrianne Darcy is your typical stuborn, confident, proud heroine. She is loyal to her father and his newspaper, even though she might not agree with her father's opinions. Especially with his decision of marrying her off to a son of a wealthy politician, whom she does not love. But for her father's sake, she tries to submit herself to that decision.

Blake Garrett is an up-in-coming newspaper editor, intent of publishing the news - not just praising the politicians of the city. When he meets Adrianne Darcy, they have an instant connection. He is decided to win her over.

I have always enjoyed historical novels. The book is based on true events and Ann H. Gabhart has done a marvelous job in transporting the reader. My imagination went wild picturing the city and the events that occurred.

I main thing I disliked about the book was the lack of focus on God in Adrianne and Blake's relationship. Adrianne does work through her issues on relying on God. but when it came to God in her relationship with Blake, it was almost non-existent. I also found that Blake spent no time focusing on his relationship with God. I almost came to wonder if he had a relationship with God at all, and was more focused on his job and on winning Adrianne over.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed the book. Gabhart did an excellent job expressing the characters and setting. I just feel like the story had so much more potential when it came to exploring God's relationship with the characters and in their relationships with others.

This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Published Group.

In Too Deep by Mary Connealy

Back Cover:
He casually agrees to a marriage of convenience... never expecting to fall in love with his bride.

Ethan Kincaid proposes marriage with the same detachment he gives every decision. Audra Gilliland accepts his proposal so she can stop being a burden to her newly married stepdaughter.

But Ethan never expected Audra to affect him so profoundly, and it terrifies him. Someone he loved was once seriously injured on his watch, and he won't let that happen again. If Audra will just do as he says, he can keep her safe from the dangers that lurk on the ranch.

Audra has been cared for all her life by one man or another--and they've done a poor job of it. Now she's planning to stand up for herself. And her new husband had better agree or get out of her way!

Can two fearful hearts--wary of getting in too deep--become two trusting hearts, willing to let go and fall in love?

Review:
In too Deep by Mary Connealy is the second in a series. I was not able to read the first book before the this book, but I was happy to see that it was not absolutely necessary. Mary Connealy did an great job in explaining what happened in the previous book - though I will read the first book to understand better the characters and what exactly happened.

Ethan was not your typical hero of a romantic story. His older brother Rafe - the take-charge, decision-making man is more the man you would expect as the hero. Ethan has to take care of his younger brother Seth, who has mental issues. Ethan goes along with Rafe, takes care of Seth, and is the peacemaker of the family. He stubborn and protective, especially when it comes to the people he loves.

Audra also has some major issues from her past marriage. Now she accepts Ethan's hand, out of convenience. But she is decided she won't let anyone push her around anymore, and make her opinion heard.

Facing your fears is the major theme though the book. A childhood accident have scared the brothers and left Ethan feel guilty for years. The brothers, and especially Ethan are forced to face their past. Audra has to face her past as well when bandits chasing her former husband come to cause trouble.
I enjoyed the book overall. Mary Connealy did an excellent job writing the story.




Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.