The Governess of Penwythe Hall, by Sarah Ladd

Cordelia Greythorne has a secret, and she doesn't want to admit it. But this secret will come back to haunt her as she tries her best to be a governess to the Twethewey Children. Cordelia is a widow and was pushed away from the family estate that she had married into. She was no longer welcome and had to find a living.

She became the governess to the Twethewey children after their mother had died and their father needed some assistance. He is a successful businessman whose fortunes are growing on a daily basis. The children have everything they need and Cordelia finds a true vocation for herself.

Then the father dies in a tragic accident. Now what will happen. The children, their governess and their male tutor are sent to live with the brother of their deceased father, Jac Twethewey. No one seems happy to have this happen.

But Jac turns out to be a blessing in disguise to the children. And the children turn out to be a blessing to Jac. Both will find love, care and family with each other.

Cordelia will find turmoil though. She is now living back close to the Greythorne family and her secrets will come back to haunt her.

Sarah Ladd gives an artful piece of writing as she captures the fears, anxiety and emotions of both a governess, the children and their uncle. Weaving into that the history of the 1800's and you find a delightful read for your springtime pleasure.

Enjoy!

Declared Hostile, by Kevin Miller

I enjoyed Raven One, so I was excited when book 2 of the series came out. It was not disappointing.

Kevin Miller draws on his personal experience to bring a true to life novel of life on an aircraft carrier and with the pilots of a combat air wing.

We follow the routine aspects of daily flights to keep the pilots skills honed and then follow them into real action as the U.S. goes to battle against Drug runners and the government of Venezuela. That along with some aggressive moves by the Russians and an uprising in Cuba near Guantanamo Bay add to the suspense.

Also following the story of some of the first female fighter pilots adds to the thrill of the read.

I don't want to give much away, so I will just end by saying the true life action drama of pilots and their shipmates will keep you wanting more as you work through the dangers, thrills, love and loss that they experience.

Enjoy!

Rogue Most Wanted, by Janna MacGregor

Theodora Worth has spent the last seven years caring for her ailing grandfather. She has protected him from society by keeping him sequestered away so that his dementia will not become something that will embarrass him with his peers. But now that he has passed away Theodora finds herself in a bit of turmoil. She is being accused by the press of having murdered her grandfather, which is absurd. But she is also being challenged by a distant relative as to whether she is the true heir to the title and property of her grandfather. He indeed was leaving everything to her, but to prove that she needs the document that proves it. Unfortunately in his dementia her grandfather hid the document and she cannot prove her claim. Thus she needs to marry and do so quickly so as to secure her position and the livelihood of her grandfather's tenants. Lord William Cavensham comes into the picture because he aunt wants him to marry Theodora and rescue her from devastation. But he has his own turmoil in that he has been shunned by the Ton because of a slight he received when he was refused marriage by a societal heiress. The story is well written, it is intriguing and beguiling. It follows the rules of the early 1700's culture in England and Scotland well. It paints a picture of turmoil for a young couple who must find a solution to a problem while also trying to decide if maybe love is in the making. Janna MacGregor is a masterful storyteller and has delivered another amazing novel for the Cavensham series. Enjoy

The Kings Mercy, by Lori Benton

Alex MacKinnon is a Scot who joins in the fight for his country against the British empire. He is captured during battle and taken prisoner. Taken to England and detain in deplorable conditions he and his fellow prisoners are in failing health and dreading the death that the British will put them to, hanging until they are dead.

But then the King decides to provide mercy for 9 out of every 10 prisoners. Those 9 will be spared from hanging, but they will be deported to the American Colonies and sold as indentured servants to British Colonial's trying to establish farms in the colonies.

Alex is taken by Edmund Carey and put to work as a blacksmith at his plantation. He is working alongside African Slaves on the plantation. The only difference is that after seven years of service he will be set free.

Alex meets Joanna Carey and an attraction is formed between the two. But Mr. Carey's property manager Phineas Reeves has other ideas. He wants Joanna for his own and will stop at nothing to make that happen.

This long saga of life in the early years of the colonies is quite compelling and very detailed in regards to the hardships of the colonist as well as slaves and indentured servants. Add to that the terror of accidents happening which seem bent to drive Mr. Carey to bankruptcy and you have quite the drama to hold your attention.

Further add the thread of Christianity to the mix and you will find many lessons that you can use with a book club to further discussions and learning from the moral imperatives that you will find.

I highly recommend the book and highly applaud Lori Benton for an excellent writing style.