INVISIBLE HEROES OF WORLD WAR II by Jerry Borrowman

INVISIBLE HEROES OF WORLD WAR II by Jerry Borrowman. What amazing men and women supported and served our country during this time of war. It was humbling to read about these invisible heroes who helped shape the war. It's heartbreaking to know what some of them went through and how little the santity of life meant to others. Some of the things were very difficult to read and I had to take it in small doses, but I would recommend it to almost anyone. 

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Invisible Heroes of World War II, documents ten fascinating true stories of a diverse group of soldiers and noncombatants from all over the world, including African Americans, women, and Native Americans who worked and fought to keep the world safe from tyranny and oppression. Some were frontline soldiers and spies, while others were engineers, industry workers, or war correspondents and photographers. Without much fanfare, these heroes made noteworthy contributions to the war effort. Some even gave their lives for freedom and liberty. All served with valor and distinction, and their names should never be forgotten.

CONTENTS
• Pat Patton: Abandoned at Bataan
• Nancy Wake: The White Mouse of the French Resistance
• Joseph Hyalmar Anderson: Missing in Action
• Joseph Medicine Crow: The Last War Chief
• Dickey Chapelle: American Journalist
• Navajo Code Talkers: Heroes of the Pacific War
• The Purple Heart Battalion: Rescuing the Texas 1st
• Combat Engineers: Builders and Soldiers
• African Americans at War: Heroes Despite Prejudice
• Rosie the Riveter: Women in the War Industries

DAISIES AND DEVOTION by Josi S Kilpack

DAISIES AND DEVOTION by Josi S Kilpack. This was such a fun story of how friends grow into such a wonderful relationship. It's also a beautiful story of how one's list might not be exactly what one needs. Timothy learns so much and Maryann is so careful and kind, especially with her heart on the line. I love how the stories overlap with PROMISES AND PRIMROSES toward the end. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves a fantastic love story that will keep the pages turning. I can't wait for the next Mayfield family story.

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Timothy Mayfield has nearly given up on his search for a wife. Though he is the picture of a fine, social gentleman, Timothy wishes his finances provided a more stable foundation. Then his Uncle Elliott presents to him a solution: participate in his “marriage campaign,” and upon approval of his choice for a wife, Timothy’s inheritance will be his.

Freed from the constraints of having to marry for money, Timothy is ready to marry for love instead. And he knows exactly what he wants in a wife: youth, optimism, beauty, blonde hair, fine-boned features, shapely shoulders, small waist, blue eyes, button nose, solid fashion sense, a light laugh, low voice, arched eyebrows, fair skin, elegant fingers, quick wit, calm manner, and a dazzling smile.

His friend, Maryann Morrington, an heiress in her own right, tells him outright that his expectations are ridiculous—no such woman exists. Maryann had considered Timothy as a potential suitor for a time, but then their relationship shifted to friendship and she has avoided allowing herself to have feelings for him again.

She agrees to help him find his “perfect wife,” because she’s certain that the search will render nothing. Until it does. Miss Shaw appears to fulfill every single item on Timothy’s list—unlike Maryann who has brown hair, brown eyes, lacks delicate features, and possesses a laugh that is definitely unladylike.

But when Timothy and Miss Shaw begin courting, Timothy realizes something profound. He’d rather spend his time with Maryann. But can he trust his judgment when his heart has led him wrong so many times before?

It is only when Maryann leaves the London season early, that Timothy realizes that he had truly fallen in love with her and that his list of requirements were nothing but fantasy. If he hopes to build a strong relationship, Timothy must convince Maryann that she is the very woman he’d been looking for all along—before it is too late.

CHARLOTTE'S PROMISE by Jennifer Moore

CHARLOTTE'S PROMISE by Jennifer Moore. When I got this book I found the cover to be a bit odd, but I couldn't wait to read it. Once I finished the book, the cover had grown on me. The plot sounded fascinating and it held true. The readers were thrown into the story in such a way that you immediately feel for Charlotte and her position, as well as her reasons for attempting to gain passage to New Orleans. The voyage over was harrowing as several things went wrong. And the adventure continued into New Orleans. This adventure is worth risking it all for. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great seaworthy tale as well as some romance.

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One year ago Charlotte Bower’s life was ripped apart when Creek Indians attacked, killed her parents, and separated her from her young brother—now, she will stop at nothing to find him. After a year of captivity, she has finally made her escape. Her search will begin in New Orleans, where captives were taken after the raid. But how to reach a city hundreds of miles away? As she watches men boarding a waiting ship, Charlotte formulates a bold plan: if it’s men they need for the ship’s crew, it’s a man they’ll get. Taking on her childhood nickname, Charlie, it is all too easy to gain passage on the New Orleans-bound vessel. Easy, that is, until Charlie is caught . . .

From the moment he sets eyes on the new deckhand, Captain Alden Thatcher knows one thing for certain: Charlie Bower is no man. But for reasons of his own, he keeps her secret. As their journey progresses, however, the voyage is increasingly ill-fated. With danger ever present, Charlie and the captain find themselves relying on one another in ways they’d never imagined. As they draw closer to her goal, Charlotte is faced with the most perilous adventure of all—an adventure that may risk her heart.

FINDING ANNE DE BOURGH by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

FINDING ANNE DE BOURGH by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen. This book left me feeling a bit unsettled. I'm used to the author writing mystery/suspense novels, yet this one has a strong romantic element to it that overshadowed the mystery side of it. I enjoyed the characters and the mystery, although I was able to figure out what was going on halfway through the story. I wasn't sure how Anne and Owen were going to get together. It ended well and by the end of the story I felt a little more settled in the story. I haven't figured out if I wanted more mystery to be there or if the romantic element was too strong for my expectations of the story. I'm not sure. I would recommend it to anyone who does love a good romance with mystery elements in it. 

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As heiress of Rosings Park, Anne de Bourgh's heath is utmost importance to her mother, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Thus, following the shock of a recent fire at Rosings Park, the young woman is spirited away to Brighton to take the cure. While her domineering mother is bent on healing her daughter's sickly constitution to secure her a suitable match, Anne herself is far more concerned with sketching the flora and fauna of the lovely sea town. It is in pursuit of artistic inspiration among the flowers that Anne becomes acquainted with Mr. Owen Talbot, a charming man with whom Anne feels an immediate connection, notwithstanding their differing stations.

But despite their growing esteem for one another, the couple faces an insurmountable problem: Lady Catherine has set her sights on a rich, well-connected man for her daughter, and Mr. Talbot is simply too common. With their love in jeopardy, the couple soon faces far graver problems. There has been a murder in Brighton, and Anne is innocently drawn into an amateur investigation that ultimately traces its roots to her own family. With a frightening foreshadowing regarding the de Bourghs, Anne begins to question whom she can truly trust.

UNDERCOVER HONEYMOON by Kari Iroz

UNDERCOVER HONEYMOON by Kari Iroz. I have really enjoyed Jack's journey through A DATE WITH DANGER and MORMON GIRL: INCOGNITO. This new installment is so much fun. Jack just has a habit of stumbling into things she probably shouldn't and how she is able to help makes it even better. There were some character twists in this one I didn't expect. It would be interesting to read all three back to back and see if I missed some of the foreshadowing of those twists. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance with a good dose of mystery and suspense. I look forward to any other stories about Jack and Damon.

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Wedding bells are finally ringing for Jacklyn "Jack" Wyatt and her FBI-agent fiancé, Damon Wade. After their adventurous beginning, the happy couple finds the relative calm leading up to their big day, a huge relief. Unfortunately, it seems that the peace and quiet were too good to last. As they embark on their honeymoon, a weeklong cruise, Jack can't shake the feeling that something is off with her new husband. When she stumbles upon a secret plot—one in which her husband is a key player—she realizes this getaway will be anything but smooth sailing. When she delves into the shady happenings aboard the ship, she realizes Damon's involvement is just the tip of the iceberg—she has become an unwitting player in a deadly conspiracy, and in such close quarters, there is no escape. Now, Jack has no choice but to work with her spouse to unravel the truth before their happily ever after—and their lives—are ended all too soon.