Disclosure: I received these books to review. The post contains affiliate links; opinions shared here are 100% mine.

There are times when I pick up the second book, or even third, in a series and just have to read it.  Usually it’s because the second book is free on Kindle that day or some other odd situation. That’s sometimes a problem when the first book provides a strong background that doesn’t transfer to the second installment.  Some sequels work as standalone novels, though. These titles work for those days when you just want a new book and don’t have the first one available!

My favorite is A Lady at Willowgrove Hall.  It’s the third in the Whispers on the Moors series but you won’t really notice because it’s so good on its own. This is probably my favorite time period to read about.  The stifled romantic tension is almost palpable; I much prefer it to knowing every tiny detail that the more racy romances reveal.  A Lady At Willowgrove Hall reminded me a bit of Northanger Abbey with its dark Gothic mystery, swirled with a healthy dose of Sense and Sensibility.  It could also be the basis of a Downton Abbey episode.  Oh, the potential of this book!!  Sarah E. Ladd captivated me with her descriptions and under-the-radar characters.  The cover has such a romantic air to it as well.  I love how the story is driven by young people who want to do the right thing.  Do yourself a favor and OWN this book today.  Let me know what you think of it!!

  This book just screams of seriousness, doesn’t it?  A Promise to Protect really is a solemn book, but there are some lighthearted moments that breathe some fresh air into the stifling scenes.  Most of this comic relief comes from sarcastic banter between the characters.  A Promise to Protect is a mystery fueled by some pretty intense emotions.  You won’t know what to expect from one page to the next, and that’s what I really liked!  It’s also not dripping in evangelism, which makes it a good choice for those who want clean drama without a lot of religious mention. I didn’t feel like I missed out by not catching the first book in the Logan Point series, but it’s definitely stirred my interest in reading more from Patricia Bradley.

Pound Foolish  by Neta and David Jackson offers an inside peek at a marriage unraveling like a knit sweater. This is the fourth book in the Windy City Neighbors series. I got slightly bored by the book a few times because the dialogue seemed rather stilted.  We heard every nuance in conversation, every wondering that flew through a character’s mind.  Later I began to realize that these little details helped me to better connect with the characters.  Unlike A Promise to Protect, Pound Foolish has a heavy gospel message.  It’s not all peaches and cream, though.  We see the cracks forming between a Christian couple and, without warning, we start to choose sides.  This book has a very strong message about choosing your partner over distractions.   It’s not an easy book to enjoy because it forced me to take a look at the conversations I’ve had with my husband, the times when I ordered him rather than discussing something with him.  All of this boils down to respect and trust between the ones you love.  Although I didn’t read any of the other books in the series, Pound Foolish worked as a standalone.