To the Farthest Shores by Elizabeth Camden

To the Farthest Shores by Elizabeth Camden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Camden is a writer who is fairly new to me (I've read one other book that she's penned) but she never disappoints! I love how she weaves elements of intrigue, romance, and delight into an elegant story. This story was a fast read for me as I had a very hard time putting it down.

I feel in love with Jenny right off the bat. Jenny is a civilian nurse who is working in a military hospital. She works the dreaded night shift, because that's what they do to civilian nurses. Jenny loves her job and loves her patients. She is very dedicated and committed to her calling. Six years ago, Jenny met and fell in love with Ryan Gallagher.

I had a hard time liking Ryan at all through this story. I'm sure deep down he's a really great guy but I really don't like what he did to Jenny. I guess maybe I took this story a little personal because of an experience I once had with a military person. I do struggle with whether or not what he did was considered being unfaithful, however. In today's terms, I don't think it would have been at all. My heart breaks for what Jenny endured, and what she continued to endure. I am happy for the way things turned out in the end and feel that Jenny could finally begin her healing process.

My favorite part of this story was learning more about the pearl industry. During the time of this story, the pearl industry was really just beginning in terms of technology. Reading about the process of a forming pearl and ways that biotechnology were being used even back then were truly fascinating to me.

I would recommend this book to lovers of christian-fiction and those who enjoy historical stories!

My thanks and appreciation to the publisher and the author for providing a complimentary copy for me to review in exchange for my remarks. I was not compensated financially in any way for my review and these thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

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The Noble Servant by Melanie Dickerson

The Noble Servant by Melanie Dickerson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Noble Servant is a fairy re-telling of the Goose Girl story. I don't believe I've ever read this story (gasp!) before and as I was reading this book, I didn't have anything to compare it to as other reviewers have.

I absolutely love a good fairy tale and this one is no exception. This is the story of Lady Magdalen (I just love that name!!) and Duke Steffan. They are both in the wrong place at the wrong time and things get really messy really fast! Lady Magdalen has her sites set on marrying Duke Steffan and when a letter arrives to her home requesting she come marry him, she jumps at the chance! I mean, who wouldn't want to marry a Duke! On her quest to reach her future husband's home, Magdalen is hijacked by her ladies maid and the maid's father and is demanded to change places with Agnes. Fearing for her life, Lady Magdalen complies and ends up becoming the Goose Girl at the castle. Can she stop the wedding of her ladies maid to the Duke? Whatever will she do?

This is the third book in a series of medieval fairy tales. I have not read the other 2 books so I'm not sure if these characters appear in other novels by Melanie Dickerson or not. However, I did not feel like I was missing any pieces by reading a book "out of order". I love Ms. Dickerson's writing style and how she weaves a great story! There is romance, suspense, and even a few comical moments throughout.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it!

I did receive a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

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