To Honor and Trust

Come home to magnificent Bridal Veil Island resort 

This invitation is offered to readers in the new book, To Honor and Trust, by authors Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller.

It is a pleasure to read another book from the Bridal Veil Island series.

        Bridal Veil Island, Georgia 1913

Callie Deboyer arrives at Bridal Veil Island to spend the winter working as a governess for the Bridgeport family. However, she finds she can't fully enjoy the beautiful resort because questions about her future weigh heavily on her mind: Should she continue in this job she enjoys, or is God calling her to join her parents in their missionary work?

When she enrolls young Thomas Bridgeport in golf lessons, Callie meets instructor Wesley Townsend, who urges Callie to take lessons, as well. During their time together, Callie comes to care for Wes--until she discovers that he's been hiding something very important from her.

Then expensive pieces go missing from various homes around the island, and suspicion is aimed in Callie's direction. Callie wonders if this is a sign she should leave it all behind and join her parents in Africa. Considering Wesley's deceit, will he ever be a man Callie can honor and trust for the rest of her life?

The atmosphere of this book provides a good escape and reminds me of an era when wealthy families often escaped to warmer climates. Callie's story involves her devotion to the Bridgeport family as their governess and her character inspires the high standards she has set for herself while accepting almost everyone she meets. After getting to know Wes, she begins to have a little bit of hope for her future.

There are episodes of suspense within the story, including a jewel thief, and when little Daisy is bitten by a dangerous spider.

The one thought I found as I read this book is how much to reveal when telling the the truth. I imagine most of us have told the truth, but maybe not told all of the information we know because we felt it might cause hurt feelings. This book is a good example of how to handle what, when and how to share our thoughts and build a trusting relationship with someone.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Books as part of their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Secrets over Sweet Tea, by Denise Hildreth Jones

SECRETS OVER SWEET TEA



Three troubled characters, Scarlett, Grace, and Zach, each with their own secrets. We think secrets keep us safe, but more often than not, they spill out when we least expect and make a mess out of everything. It’s a truth Scarlett Jo Newberry - a boisterous pastor's wife knows all too well—a truth Grace Shepherd - a polished news anchor and Zach Craig - a beleaguered divorce attorney are about to learn the hard way. As each of their lives intersect in the tree-lined streets of Franklin, Tennessee, scandal threatens to topple their carefully constructed worlds. Grasping at survival, they embark on a journey of friendship and courage, each seeking to find a way back to laughter, love, and life.


I confess to being a tea-a-holic so just the title alone gave me hope that Denise Hildreth Jones would create a "tasty" story and she did! There were never any dull moments in the story. And once Scarlett entered into the lives of Grace and Zach, there were some interesting moments. I bet we would all like to have a character like Scarlett in our lives. She is funny, yet she has her own tragic secret. As for Grace, I believe there are many readers who may identify with her situation. I was surprised, but glad that Zach chose to resolve his secret in a way I didn't expect.

I would recommend this book for those who love southern styles, friendships, and a good plot.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Denise Hildreth Jones Denise Hildreth Jones has spent the last eight years writing fiction that has been hailed as both "smart and witty." Her ability to express the heart of the Southern voice has led to her being featured twice in Southern Living and receiving the accolades of readers and reviewers alike, but it is the simple joy of writing stories that keeps them coming. Her previous novels include the Savannah series, Flies on the Butter, The Will of Wisteria, Hurricanes in Paradise, The First Gardener, andSecrets Over Sweet Tea. She has also written two works of nonfiction—Flying Solo and Reclaiming Your Heart. Denise makes her home in Franklin, Tennessee, with her husband, five bonus children, and her dog. And on her days off, she will settle for a long walk or a good book and a Coca-Cola. Visit Denise's website at www.denisehildrethjones.com  Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.