Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

"A Gentleman and a Rogue" by Stephanie Burkhart is a delightful historical romance. Edmund Windsor and his cousin Alice, along with Jonas Byron, return to 2011 and realize that the world is powered by gasoline and electricity instead of the better choice of compressed natural gas. They use a time machine to travel back again to 1855 in an effort to set the time line right. They are faced with romantic, ethical and practical matters as they try to influence the final decision Queen Victoria will make concerning the fuel of the future. Edmund once again meets the love of his life Keira. Keira is afraid to love Edmund and lose him once again to time travel. She spends most of her time working on a combustible natural gas engine to present to the Queen, while trying hard not to think of her love for Edmund. We find Jonas helping Keira’s father build a windmill. Alice is there for her ideas on how to influence the Queen’s decision, even if it means sabotaging all of the presentations but Keira’s. Richard, Edmond’s brother, is sent through the time machine to bring home those who belong in 2011. While in 1855 he also finds his true love and has many decisions to make.

"A Gentleman and a Rogue" is a good read. Stephanie Burkhardt transports us to Victorian England and as we read we wish we could stay there just a little longer. I was hooked in it and did not want it to end. "A Gentleman and a Rogue" is the second in a series. I did not read the first book but Burkhardt gives just enough information for me to understand what I had missed. I will definitely be reading book three. All of you romantic historical fans don’t miss this one – it is a winner.

Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

"Lily of the Springs" by Carole Bellacera transports us back to the 1950s and 1960s with strong reminders of the morals, music, love and turbulence of the times. Lily lives in a small Kentucky town with her very strict Southern Baptist parents. Jake is the son of the trouble making Tatlow family. Jake and Lily have had a special bond since they were kids playing in the woods even though her daddy has told her to stay away from him. Lily has a fight with Chad, her high school boyfriend, and secretly turns to Jake for comfort. One night they go too far in the back seat of Jake’s Plymouth and Lily soon finds out she is pregnant. An un-wed mom in 1950 is really BAD so Jake is forced to marry Lily against his wishes. Lily believes their love and the upcoming birth of the baby will make everything right. She works very hard at learning to be what she thinks is the perfect wife. Jake doesn’t have to work at all to be the immature, drunken, moody, mean husband. The reader quickly becomes a supporter of Lily and feels compassion and sadness for all that Jake can have and is missing. They slowly work out some of their problems and others will always remain.

"Lily of the Springs" is a love story that is very real and very believable. Carole Bellacera has written a book that is hard to put down. I was hooked from page one until the startling ending. If you are a baby boomer and were part of the “Happy Days” you will be transported back, but all women will see something special in this book. "Lily of the Springs" is a five star success that could easily be made into an award winning great movie. I found myself emotionally attached to all of the characters and being pulled further and further into their lives. Carole Bellacera has been added to my favorite authors list.

Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

It is those years just before the American Civil War and James Buchanan is President. Twenty-eight year old Fletcher Stedman is returning to his family's estate in Crisfield, Virginia, and he is going home angry and looking for justice as ten years before he was attacked and badly wounded by thugs hired by his cousin Buck Bannistre. Fletcher was kept for most of those ten years in an asylum where he was tortured and beaten. Going now by the name of Zachary Brown, Fletcher suffers from horrendous headaches and nightmares and is beginning to recall what happened on the night ten years before when he was savagely beaten, and his neck and face sliced severely. What he recalls is that his childhood love, Kyndee (Katharine) Brocke, may have betrayed him. Fletcher stays with his childhood friend Caleb Jenkins as he attempts to find out what really happened on that long ago night and how he can regain his home and his love, Kyndee.

"Season of The Shadow" is a long but well-written and well-edited story of a man, Fletcher Stedman, who has his home, his life, and almost his life taken away from him. Fletcher, Kyndee, Fletcher's mother, Buck Bannistre, and Fletcher's friends Sage Jurrell and Caleb Jenkins are all totally believable characters who are true to those long-ago times. Buck claims Kyndee as his property once they are married and that is just the way it was back then, long before women's liberation. Kyndee fights back but in just the way a women would back in the 1850's. The plot follows a long path to the story's ending where true love survives and all the bad guys get their just deserts. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy Fletcher's book "Season of The Shadow."

Reviewed by Fiona Ingram for Readers' Favorite

Antonia, Dowager Duchess of Roxton, has been in mourning for three years for her beloved dead husband and soul mate. Antonia has lost the man who meant everything to her and it appears she no longer has any enjoyment in life. That is until Jonathon Strang, a larger-than-life, forceful character, bursts into her life like a hurricane, and turns it upside down. Although Antonia is easily ten years older than he is, her amazing beauty and enchanting aura soon have him captivated. Jonathon began life as the second son of an impoverished second son. However, by virtue of hard work and good fortune in the colonies, coupled with several family deaths that have put him in line for a title, Jonathon is very eligible indeed. He also has links with the Roxton family that he wishes to pursue, namely, the illegal misappropriation of property that rightfully is his. One of these properties can only be signed over to him by Antonia herself.

Antonia is initially repelled by the buccaneer: a man whose casual manners are almost insulting in a society obsessed with the niceties of conduct. His blunt approach, his sharp brain, his sense of humor and finally his blatant adoration serve to break down her icy disdain. Set in 1777, in Georgian England, against a backdrop of the imminent French Revolution and the American War of Independence, this compelling love story will appeal to romantics of all ages.

I recently reviewed "Salt Bride" by the same author and was keen to revisit Georgian England. Lucinda Brant has carved a niche for herself in this particular patch of history and she is gifted in weaving both story and history into a compelling read. Passion is the keynote of this novel: abundantly clear in the passion of the main characters, the robust energy of the age, and the pulse of action that creates an energetic and well-paced novel. The author has a wonderful turn of phrase, creating a sense of the opulence and oftentimes excessive luxuriance of the era. Food, drink, clothing, entertainment, and appetites are all described in glowing detail in an era that celebrated abundance and sensual gratification. Although this is the third book in a series, and readers would derive even greater enjoyment by reading the first two as well, this story can stand alone with enough back history threaded through to keep readers in touch with prior events. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Lynette Fowlston for Readers' Favorite

Into The Lions Heart by Beth Trissel is a historical romance novelette that is sure to delight the fancy of those who read this genre. The story revolves around three main characters: Captain Dalton Evans; his best friend, Thomas Archer; and Dalton's distant cousin, Sophia Devereux (aka Cecile), who is supposedly fleeing France in the middle of upheavals. Arriving in Dover to pick up his charge, with the sea’s rolling, the boat is spotted and he manages to get to her before she is thrown overboard. Rescuing the damsel in distress proves to be a chore in itself. As their feet once again hit dry land, there is something suspicious and right away Dalton and Tom both pick up on it. This could not be Sophia; it had to be an imposter, but that does not keep the hearts of both men from fluttering after they gaze upon her. Cecile Beaumont never intended to impersonate her mistress, but Sophia had other plans. Now can she carry on this masquerade, or will they discover the truth and send her back?

This is not the first of Beth Trissel's books that I have read, so I knew that it would be a great read. The author is very knowledgeable of historical eras, and this shows up in her books. The three main characters have an attitude about them that makes you like them instantly. I absolutely adored Dalton's aunt as she takes Cecile under her wing, thinking her to be Sophia. This is a book that can be read in an hour’s time and would make a great lunch hour read. One thing for certain, once you pick it up, it will be hard to put down as one has to find out if Cecile succeeds in her ploy reaching a surprising conclusion. If you have never read any of Beth Trissel’s books, this will be a great start and make you want to read more. I have always liked her style of writing and hope she does not change.

Reviewed by Molly Edwards for Readers' Favorite

Stephanie Burkhart is a highly talented author, showing skills of a seasoned author. Her characters are unique, along with individual personalities, and with a plot line that is truly interesting, this story really comes to life before the reader's eyes. She grips the reader instantly, and keeps them hooked until the last page.

I love the Victorian age. There is just something about the way they speak, and the way they dress that calls out to me. So, I always jump at the chance to read a book that is set in that time period. This one is one such book. I loved it. Alternating between present day, and 1855 London, Burkhardt created an interesting twist on Time Traveling. When I think Time Travel, I think scifi fantasy. Not so with this really awesome Steam Punk novel. It was really intriguing watching Alice and Edmund travel through time, and watching Alice and Grayson's sparks of attraction fly.

Burkhardt used vivid details of 1855 London and her Historical aspects really popped for me. I truly felt a part of this awesome new adventure. Her Steam Punk novel is a first for me. I have never read a Steam Punk novel before, but because of her fantastic writing, her engaging plot line, and fun loving characters, it will NOT be the last. I highly recommend this with highest of 5 stars, and I can't wait until the second Windsor Diaries installment releases! It can't come soon enough for me! Well done, Ms. Burkhardt, in gaining a devoted new fan!

Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite

After the death of their father, Thomasina(Tommy) Lindsay and her two brothers, David and Jamie, sold everything and moved to Australia. Their uncle died before they arrived. They inherited his farm. Surviving was a struggle. Their neighbor, Adam Munro, was determined to own their farm. He ran the town and everyone bowed to his wishes. While Adam liked the two brothers, he and Tommy had a clash of wills. He needed a wife to provide him with heirs and he set his mind on Tommy. She refused to be his brood mare. Can they admit they love each other?

This is a delightful frontier adventure with a wild romance mixed in. The reader will experience drought, grass fries, and hardships. This book reminded me of Queensland Chronicle’s by Bonnie Leon.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

This is an incredible book about Biblical history. Even though it's fiction, the author did a fantastic research job. Tamar, a Hebrew slave, vows to remain loyal to her God and to herself. Through many twists and turns, Tamar and Tiberius journey through a life torn by mistrust, finding love and staying true to the One who created them. An exciting story from page one, as Tamar and Tiberius fight for their lives as assassins and enemies chase them. Not one to give up, Tiberius seeks Tamar's love but he also battles trying to remain loyal to those in command over him.

This is a story of pure bliss, excitement and tenderness, but yet, loyalty and trust are forerunners as two people seek to serve the Lord. It is a story for those who love Biblical fiction. No Greater Love is a 5 star keeper on my bookshelf!

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Star Over Askar begins with Richard Campbell receiving a telegram. The message brought fear. His daughter Lillian had a sense of adventure. She had insisted on teaching in the Middle East. He had helped her find a job. She was in trouble. Lillian was missing. He searched the blue book for an address.

The plot continues with Lillian’s escape. Jordan Wicklow was not Lillian’s idea of a hero but he was exactly what she needed. He was not a man to argue with. He expected her to follow his commands.

Lillian was more than a bit arrogant. Afghanistan was and is not a country that respects women. Lillian’s ideals may have been high but her common sense wasn’t.

Star Over Askar is set in Afghanistan during the Russian occupation. Jewel Mist captures the essence of the country and the oppression of women. The romance between Jordan and Lillian is exquisite. Jewel Mist is a talented author. She is strong in dialogue and character development.