Book Reviews – Pepper Basham books

The past several weeks, I’ve managed to fit in some extra reading time. (This means reading books that I wasn’t asked to read specifically for reviewing)

I found myself devouring Pepper Basham books! I am a relatively new fan of her books, but let me tell you, I’m hooked! Her characters are so very real and relatable!

Today, I’m going to tell you about three of her books. Both of these are books that I at some point must have purchased on Amazon, for kindle, and they were just sitting there, in my vast kindle library of unread books, waiting for the right moment.

Second Impressions

Book Blurb

He likes streamline. She prefers embellishments. His forte is business. Hers is atmosphere. Will they realize each has what the other needs most to create the perfect romance with a touch of Jane Austen flair?

When a country girl travels to Bath, England to visit Jane Austen country, will a serious businessman ruin her regency-dream?

My Thoughts

This book is a novella. An introduction to a series. Short and sweet.

A perfect, fun, short read…just what I needed for a Sunday afternoon.
I loved Ethan & Nora’s story. It is full of humor, England, and romance.
Austen references are dropped throughout the story, making it more delightful.

 

Jane By the Book

Book Blurb

She’s level-headed and ordered. He talks to imaginary characters.

She keeps to the plan. He never has one.

Will true love find a way to color outside the lines but inside God’s love to create a story they can write together?

Four years ago, Jane Warwick escaped the shame of being jilted at the altar by becoming a housekeeper at the secluded Inn at Simeon Ridge. Predictable and quiet, the inn and large Simeon family help Jane find a place to heal but also cultivate her natural strengths for order and planning. But an unexpected visit to Bath, England, upsets Jane’s peaceful monotony and sends her out of her comfort zone, directly into the harrowing path of historical detective author, Titus Stewart.

The only plans Titus sticks to are family holidays and the ones that send him careening into his story worlds, but when an uptight innkeeper stumbles into his life – and his latest novel – nonfiction begins to take on a much more interesting gleam.

With the help of a mysterious journal, will they both uncover a romance that stands the test of time?

My Thoughts

Here is another intriguing story by Pepper Basham.
What did I like most about this book? Well, I think it was the characters!
Jane & Titus are a very unlikely pair. And yet, you can tell almost from the beginning that…something is definitely going on. Even before they are willing to consider the possibilities!
Ms. Basham has once again written a story with truly unforgettable people. Down to earth, funny, quirky, and oh-so-realistic. Along the way, both Jane and Titus learn some things, about themselves, about relationships, and more, that spoke to my life.
As always, I come away from reading a Pepper Basham book feeling slightly challenged, inspired, and blessed.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

 

 

When You Look at Me

Book Blurb

An unexpected mother-to-be
A romance-leery composer
And a forgotten melody from the past that holds the keys to their futures

When Julia Jenkins’ great aunt dies and leaves her a Victorian mansion with decades of secrets, Julia never expects to unearth a World War 2 espionage mystery. Struggling with her own past since an assault left her pregnant, her future as a solo parent leaves her dreams uncertain. The inheritance from her great aunt gives Julia the ability to take a step back into her future, but also sends her into the discovery of a love story she’d never anticipated. As she goes through her aunt’s treasured possessions, Julia uncovers some oddly written piano music with a musical code she can’t decipher on her own. Not to worry, introverted Englishman and composer, Henry Wright, is thrust on the scene by a pair of homespun matchmakers who know the ‘right’ man for Julia’s wounded heart.

Henry arrives in Pleasant Gap with the task of composing the soundtrack for his best mate’s newest film. The Jenkins’ family’s southern welcome and gregarious personalities set his reticent nature on edge, but he’s inexplicably drawn to his gentle and music-loving hostess, Julia. Uncertain how to build a friendship with the wounded woman, and rather hopeless in communicating well through words, the bond of music becomes a bridge between her uncertainty and his awkwardness.

But her broken past and his families’ expectations build a wall much greater than the cultures that separate them. As they work together to solve a musical mystery from the grave, will an unlikely romance from the past inspire their hearts to trust in a God who’s written the perfect melody for their lives?

My Thoughts

I opened this book, I laughed. I cried. I read. Bottom line, I loved this story.

Yes. This book is almost beyond words. My favorite Pepper Basham book, to date.
My favorite part of the story is definitely the characters. I just loved them.
Henry and Julia were both so easy to relate to. But, oh my, their differences. Julia is a young, single mother-to-be, born and bred in Appalachia. Henry is a Brit. Formal, proper, and all that goes along with it. How could they ever find anything in common.

But, they did. It all began with the music. For the first time, each one discovered another individual that thought in music. And they could speak to each other’s hearts, their deepest inner feelings, through music.

But they also had some very hard things they were working through. Julia’s are more obvious from the beginning. Her pregnancy the result of date rape, and then the imminent arrival of her baby, it is completely understandable that she’s struggling with so many fears.
But, they were also both introverts. And this is where I could relate, I am also an introvert, and so many of the ways they dealt with life, and the hard things, is where I can find myself.
Together, they learn so many things about life, about love, about trust, moving on, even in the middle of difficulties.
This is absolutely one of the sweetest romances I’ve ever read.

 

If you are unfamiliar with Pepper Basham and her delightful stories, then go look her up on Amazon. It is a frequent occurrence that she has a book either on sale or free for kindle. (I think this is how I acquired at least some of my collection) Either way, they are well worth your time and $$!