Audience: Upper Elementary

Format: Physical Book/Library Copy

Kids at my school love these books, so I thought I should give the series a try. I learned some things about the Alamo that I didn't know before. The images are well-done and there is a great deal of humor infused into the stories. I'm sure the kids enjoy the bloody parts as well, but at least it isn't gory. I'm happy to have this series in my library and will encourage students to read all of them.

Since Kathleen Y’Barbo wrote “The Pirate Bride”, book 2 in The Daughters of the Mayflower series, it is also fitting that she penned “The Alamo Bride”, as there are direct connections between some of the characters. Although I mention this in most of my reviews for this series, it is worth echoing; each book in this series contains a solid plotline that allows it to stand on its own, yet with some mention of previous characters, and the series never feels formulaic. Each contains a romance, but there is a fresh diversity with each new time period and couple. Part of this is no doubt due to having different authors, and the challenge of maintaining the overarching theme of faith and adventure is always met. Readers can start with any book in the series, but for the best experience, I would recommend reading them in order. Doing so also offers a nice chronological timeline of America’s pivotal historical events. Prior to reading this novel, I must admit that I had little knowledge about the Texas Revolution and the Alamo. Nor have I read many books about the Southwest. Thus “The Alamo Bride” was both enlightening and entertaining. The New Orleans Greys were new to me as well, and it was interesting to learn about their involvement in the conflict. Clay Gentry’s role in the novel surprised me, and Ellis Valmont always brought a smile to my face with her feistiness and devotion to her family and the cause. Jean Paul Valmont provided an appealing character because of the difficult decisions he had to make as a patriarch and businessman. The danger of everyday life during this time period was startling, but Y’Barbo does a nice job of presenting the humanity of both the Texian and Mexican sides. As a crucial element of the plot, the head injury was a fascinating and unique touch, adding an extra layer of intrigue. This novel delivers faith, conflict, humor, and love while exploring an often-overlooked piece of our nation’s history. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Remembering The Alamo: An Erotic Short -...

Disclaimer: I know the author, but I did buy my copy.

This is a straight up sex encounter short story. This isn't a bad thing. It is a level above most such writing for a couple reasons. First, the appearance of the heroine is not really revealed, so she can be whatever. Second, there is none of this rape as romance - it is simply a woman and a man who want sex. The heroine is honest about her sexual desires, so it was quite nice to read.

Come and Take It;  Search for the Treasure of the Alamo

Landon Wallace

Come and Take It is part historical fiction and part mystery with a little political drama mixed into the story. After his 90+ year old grandfather dies, Nat receives the genealogy research that his grandfather had done and found some mysteries in it. Soon, a friend of the grandfather's dies. Nat considers both deaths suspicious so he tries to complete some of his grandfather's research to find out what truly happened. At the basis of the research is a slave named Joe who was the sole survivor of the Alamo and an Army buddy of the grandfather's.

Landon Wallace has done his research for this novel. He writes likable, relatable characters for the main characters. The story flows well, and kept my interest. Going back and forth between the present and the past did not pose any difficulty in keeping track of the story line.

***I received a copy of this novel from Landon Wallace in exchange for an honest Review.***