Dueling Hearts by Vickie McDonough

• Paperback: 172 pages
• Publisher: Heartsong Presents
• ISBN-13: 9781616265397

Ever since her brother, Johan, was killed in a duel with their neighbor, Reed Bishop, the full responsibility of caring for their South Carolina plantation home and their convalescent father has fallen to Carina. A German immigrant, she never expected, nor received, help from her neighbors.


But when Reed Bishop returns home after spending years in Scotland, things change. Reed seems determined to help Carina deal with her overwhelming problems while Carina fights a growing attraction to the tenderhearted man Reed has become. Can she ever love the man who killed her brother? And even if she could, her father has other plans for her -- plans that don't include giving her in marriage to a member of the family he despises. 


When the full truth of the duel between Johan and Reed Bishop is revealed, can Carina's dueling heart at lest find peace?

I really enjoyed this book. I like the time period and the general setting of where the book takes place. This is a Christian historical fiction book. There is just enough of the Christian part to not overwhelm the story but gives it the right touch. You find yourself routing for Carina and Reed even though they know they don't belong together. Each of them loves the other only they don't know it. I really like how Carina treats her slaves as family and not as slaves, you can tell she really loves them. Carina's dad makes me mad every time he appears in the story, he tries everything he can to make her life miserable. Watch as both Carina and Reed make changes in their life and see if they end up together. 4 stars.

The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
• ISBN-13: 978-1402258589 

 Eva Ward returns to the only place she truly belongs, the old house on the Cornish coast, seeking happiness in memories of childhood summers. There she finds mysterious voices and hidden pathways that sweep her not only into the past, but also into the arms of a man who is not of her time.

But Eva must confront her own ghosts, as well as those of long ago. As she begins to question her place in the present, she comes to realize that she too must decide where she really belongs.

From Susanna Kearsley, author of the New York Times bestseller The Winter Sea and a voice acclaimed by fans of Gabaldon, du Maurier, and Niffenegger alike, The Rose Garden is a haunting exploration of love, family, the true meaning of home, and the ties that bind us together. - Taken from the back of the book.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I am glad that I read this book. I like the time travel as it is subtle and just makes the book flow. I felt sorry for Eva from page one and as the book went on I found myself wanting her to find happiness. When she met Daniel I fell in love with him just like Eva did. It must have been hard for her going back and forth between the two times periods and having people you love on both sides. I like how in the last chapter Susanna explains everything and gives you and ending you can be satisfied with although I wanted a little more.  The was Susanna describes the time travel in her story makes you wonder can this really happen. There were a few people I did not like in the book but I enjoyed most of the characters. I don't want to say too much as I feel it will ruin the story for you. I know after reading this book I now have a couple more of Susanna's books on my wishlist. I give this book 5 stars

Angel's Peak (Virgin River #10) by Robyn Carr

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Mira
• ISBN-13: 978-0778327615 

Four years ago, Air Force sweethearts Franci Duncan and Sean Riordan reached an impasse. She wanted marriage and a family. He didn't. But a chance meeting proves that the bitter breakup hasn't cooled their sizzling chemistry. Sean has settled down in spite of himself—he's not the cocky young fighter pilot he was when Franci left, and he wants them to try again. After all, they have a history…but that's not all they share.
Franci's secret reason for walking away when Sean refused to commit is now three and a half: a redheaded cherub named Rosie who shares her daddy's emerald-green eyes. Sean is stunned—and furious with Franci for the deception.
News travels fast in Virgin River, and soon the whole town is taking sides. Rebuilding their trust could take a small miracle—and the kind of love that can move mountains.
 

This was the 10th book in the Virgin River series. Of course Robyn does not disappoint in this book either. I had many emotions with this book which makes it even better. I was a little surprised by some things that happened but won't spoil the story for you. It was nice to learn more about Luke's family as this story's main focus was on Luke's brother Sean. We also learned a little more about his mother. Throw in a few of the newest members of Virgin River and you don't want to put the book down. I felt like the ending of the book left me wanting a little more but then that is what keeps up coming back to this little town. 5 Stars.