Book Review: Yesterday's Promise

Goodreads Summary

New from Michele Paige Holmes, Amazon’s bestselling historical romance author and Whitney Award Winner, comes the Hearthfire Historical Romance, YESTERDAY’S PROMISE.

In the Scottish Highlands, 1761:
Nineteen-year-old artist Katherine Mercer dreams of selling her paintings to help support her struggling family. Before she has the opportunity, Katherine learns she is to be sold—or practically so—given in marriage to a lord she has never met or even heard of. In return, a much-needed settlement will be made upon her mother. 

Katherine’s situation goes from frightening to surreal when her husband-to-be Laird Collin MacDonald arrives with an entourage of men, each heavily armed and speaking with a thick brogue. As if leaving all she knows behind and traveling to another country with strangers isn’t bad enough, Katherine soon discovers a Scottish heritage she knew nothing of, a brother-in-law who wants her dead, and far more at stake with her paintings than she had ever imagined. Forced to turn to her reclusive husband for answers, comfort, and even her very survival, Katherine begins to unravel the mysteries of her past and what it is to love and be loved.

Review

I loved this book! I know I say that about a lot of the books I read but it's true! I love books set in Scotland and I love books with great leads and this book delivered! Katherine is such a great heroine. She is realistic and relatable. Collin is a bit of a mystery for some of the book but most questions are answered about him and his past. I liked the flashbacks and that they helped fill in the blanks of the story. I don't want to spoil anything but the connection that Katherine and Collin have and how it came to be was lovely! I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series! 

A free copy of the book was provided in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: First Light

Goodreads Summary

Seventeen-year-old Adrielle doesn’t believe in magic; she merely possesses it, though no one has ever mentioned that her unusual gifts—exceptional speed, a flair for fire, and an intimate knowledge of flora—aren’t things she was born with. When Adrielle starts a fire that burns down the family home, she must deal with both her grief and her siblings’ hurtful rejection.

While journeying to far away Tallinyne, in search of her older, estranged sister—the only relative who might take her in—Adrielle is separated from her escort when the carriage is beset by thieves. Alone, she is thrust into a dangerous and unfamiliar world where she encounters fairies and gypsies, a wild boar, a drunk cook, and an evil queen whose curse is sweeping death across the land. Adrielle also finds love, falling hard for a kind, funny, handsome—and completely unavailable prince.

From the glowing pearls tucked beneath her mattress and keeping her awake at night, to Queen Nadamaris’s curse that seems to thwart Adrielle’s every effort, Adrielle struggles to navigate a world of magic she never imagined, where people she knows and loves are not always what they appear to be. With the glowing pearls—and her fondest desire—within her grasp, she is forced to make a choice no girl should ever have to—satisfying her own heart or saving the kingdom. 

   This story was a charming fairy tale, with elements from Sleeping Beauty. Adrielle was a great heroine. Her life isn't easy and she goes through some pretty difficult things in this book. I don't want to give anything away, but when she discovers her purpose and what she can do, it is wonderful to watch it unfold. She is brave, kind, and everything else a leading lady of a fairy tale should be! 

   The hero of First Light is Christian, who is, you guessed it, a prince! His relationship with Adrielle was not insta-love, and I loved seeing them be friends before they got romantic. He had every princely quality I would want ;). 

   The villain of the book is truly horrible. Queen Nadamaris is probably to most cruel and just plain despicable villain I've encountered while reading in a while. The queen's hatred of Adrielle is almost palpable. I think Nadamaris could give all the other Disney villains a run for their money. 

   Overall, a great read. I can't wait for the next book in the series to be released!

I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review.