by admin | Jun 28, 2022 | Books, Historical, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
Karen Witemeyer has long been one of my must read authors and In Honor’s Defense just enforces the reasons why I love her books. This author has skills that make her characters come to life on the pages against backdrops that cause her readers to almost feel like they are there. It doesn’t hurt that she also manages to insert a villain or two or three, plenty of action and suspense, and a touch of humor in just the right places. And let’s not forget that every tale is laced through and through with faith and scripture that both teaches and encourages the reader.
In Honor’s Defense is the perfect ending for the Hanger’s Horsemen series. I have enjoyed each installment of the series and would have been quite happy for it to continue. However, if it had to end, it could not have been wrapped up more perfectly. I loved how both Luke and Damaris were such complete opposites but complemented each other so well. I also enjoyed those moments when they stepped out of their usual nature when circumstances demanded.
Although this book is one of a series, it can very easily stand on its own. I highly recommend it as well as any other book by this talented author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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Book: In Honor’s Defense
Author: Karen Witemeyer
Genre: Historical Romance
Release date: June 7, 2022
Click here to get your copy!
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Luke Davenport has been fighting all his life–for respect, for country, and for those unable to fight for themselves. But now that his Horsemen brothers are domesticated, he’s left alone to battle the wildness within. When an opportunity arises to take a job on his own, tracking down a group of rustlers, he jumps at the chance.
Damaris Baxter has mastered the art of invisibility. Plain and quiet, she hides in books and needlework, content to be overlooked. Until her brother dies suddenly, leaving her custody of her nephew. She moves to Texas to care for Nathaniel, determined to create the family for herself that she never thought she’d have and to give him the family he desperately needs.
When Nate finds himself knee-deep in trouble, Luke’s attempt to protect him leaves Damaris feeling indebted to the Horseman. But suspicions grow regarding the mysterious death of Damaris’s brother. And the more questions they ask, the more danger appears, threatening the family Luke may be unable to live without.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Romance Author in 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and gospel hymn singer who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she’s on deadline.
MORE FROM KAREN:
Meet Luke and Damaris
As the Hanger’s Horsemen series comes to a close, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Luke Davenport and Damaris Baxter. If you haven’t read the other books in this series, don’t worry. This one stands on its own just fine.
Luke
Luke Davenport is a former cavalry officer who is part of an elite squad of men known as Hanger’s Horsemen. Haunted by the horrors of war, this group of Texas legends has spent the last few years fighting for justice on behalf of those who cannot fight for themselves. Luke is Matthew Hanger’s right-hand man, but when Matt retires the Horsemen in favor of a more settled life with his new wife, Luke is left feeling adrift. So when a solo job comes his way to track down rustled cattle, he jumps at the opportunity.
Known for his strength, his size, and his skill with his fists, I modeled Luke after a pair of football players, Howie Long and JJ Watt. He’s a man of action with a bit of wildness inside, yet his ability to memorize Scripture earned him the nickname Preach. He’s a godly man with scars, seeking to find his place as his Horsemen brothers move on to new phases of life.
Damaris
Damaris Baxter has been invisible her entire life. Plain of face and quiet of manner, she it’s the epitome of unremarkable. While she dares heroic feats and grand adventures between the covers of her favorite books, life outside the pages consists of little more than needlework and dull conversation with her great aunt. Until her brother dies under suspicious circumstances and she travels to Texas to care for her nephew. Determined that the “Texas Damaris” will be bolder and braver than her former self, she sets out to win the heart of a grieving boy and ends up mixed up in a dangerous murder plot with a handsome cowboy who actually sees her.
When creating Damaris’s character, I gave her two of my favorite hobbies—reading and cross-stitching. She shares other similarities with me as well. She’s a quiet person who dislikes making waves, but when family needs her, there’s nothing she won’t do to help. Her questionable baking skills might also have found some inspiration in my personal experience. Just ask my husband about my famous transparent chocolate chip cookies.
Opposites Attract?
I love to explore what brings people together, and while it’s a common idea that opposites attract, I’ve always believed that there must be some core commonalities beneath the differences to bind a couple together for a lifetime. So, while Luke and Damaris seem to be stark opposites—he an adventure-seeking soldier used to solving problems with guns and fists; she a quiet, proper lady used to escaping problems with books and needlework—they actually have several core commonalities. They both crave belonging and family, they both value God’s Word, and they both have a strong, protective instinct toward those they care about. This core common ground is what serves as the foundation for their relationship.
Now that you’ve been introduced to Luke and Damaris, I hope you’ll join them on the adventure that leads them to love.
BLOG STOPS:
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 25
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 25
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 26
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 26
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 27
Book Looks by Lisa, June 27
Where Faith and Books Meet, June 27
Bliss, Books & Jewels, June 28
Daysong Reflections, June 28
For Him and My Family, June 29
Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 29
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 30
Pause for Tales, June 30
lakesidelivingsite, June 30
Mypreciousbitsandmusings, July 1
Sylvan Musings, July 1
deb’s Book Review, July 2
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, July 2
Babbling BeckyL’s Book Impressions, July 3
Bizwings Blog, July 3
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 4 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, July 4
Inklings and notions, July 5
Simple Harvest Reads, July 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Connie’s History Classroom, July 6
SodbusterLiving, July 6
Texas Book-aholic, July 7
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 7
Through the Fire Blogs, July 7
Splashes of Joy, July 8
Melissa’s Bookshelf, July 8
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away a Hanger’s Horsemen prize bundle consisting of autographed copies of all three books in the series, a custom mug, and Horsemen swag!! (U.S. Only)
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/1f45c/in-honor-s-defense-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Jun 1, 2022 | Alamo, Books, Historical, Romance, Texas
MY REVIEW:
A Promise Engraved is yet another split time novel that alternates between the Texas war for independence from Mexico and present time. Both time frames center around a mysterious tiger eye ring that is possibly connected to characters in both eras. Kayleigh, the modern heroine has bought the ring which may have been her mother’s. She takes it to a jeweler who is excited to help her solve the meaning of the cryptic engraving on the band. Their story is enhanced by the historical narrative of Josie and her experiences leading up to and including the battle of The Alamo.
Although there were leading male characters for both periods, the women, Kayleigh and Josie were the standout characters, especially Josie. Her grit and determination as well as her skills and bravery as a spy for the Texans held my interest the most. Kayleigh’s story was also interesting but fell a bit short compared to Josie’s.
I enjoyed learning more about the history of the Alamo and its background. My prior knowledge was minimal and mostly consisted of knowing that there were no survivors and the names of some of the famous men who died there.
A Promise Engraved is an excellent book for those who love American history with a unique twist.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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Book: A Promise Engraved
Author: Liz Tolsma
Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction/Romance
Release date: May, 2022
Click here to get your copy!
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Can Promises Made in Times of Struggle Endure 200 Years?
Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Past series. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance.
Young, spirited Josie Wilkins life is about to take a turn when faced with political turmoil and forbidden love in San Antonio of 1836. John Gilbert has won her heart, despite being a Protestant preacher who is forbidden to practice his faith in Texas. Will either of them survive an epic battle for liberty to create a legacy of love?
Nearly 200 years later, Kayleigh Hernandez takes breaks from her demanding job as a refugee coordinator working with Mexican migrants to attend flea markets where she has found a uniquely engraved ring. Enlisting the help of appraiser Brandon Shuman, they piece together a love story long forgotten. But will dangers linked to Kayleigh’s work end her own hopes for leaving a legacy built on hope, faith, and love?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.
MORE FROM LIZ:
The Story of Susannah Dickinson, Alamo Survivor
When asked how many died at the Alamo, many would answer that everyone did. While it’s true that all fighting on the side of Texas independence perished, there were survivors, all women and children and one slave. The only white woman (the rest were of Mexican descent) was Susannah Dickinson, along with her daughter Angelina. Susannah had followed her husband, Almaron, to Mexican Texas in 1831. They had married two years before when Susannah was just fifteen. She never learned to read or write.
She and the other women hid in the sacristy of the church, one of the surviving buildings in the mission and what we now think of as the Alamo. Her husband died, but Mexican General Santa Anna found them and spared their lives, sending them to Sam Houston with $2 each and a blanket.
She married again the following year but divorced him almost immediately on the grounds of cruelty. She married a third time the following year and was married for five years until her husband died of alcoholism. A fourth marriage occurred in 1847, but she divorced again in 1857, this time allegedly because she was having an affair. That same year, she married for a fifth time. This marriage lasted until her death in 1883.
The ring in A Promise Engraved is based on a cat’s eye ring supposedly given to Angelina by William Travis before the battle. Angelina was Susannah’s only child. She married and had three children, but that marriage ended in divorce. She gave the ring to a man she’d become involved with in New Orleans. She married again and had one more child but died in 1869 from a uterine hemorrhage.
Today there are many descendants of Susannah Dickinson. If you visit the Susannah Dickinson house in Austin, you’ll see a quilt that is signed by many of her living descendants.
BLOG STOPS:
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 28
Bigreadersite, May 28
The Write Escape, May 28
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 29
Christina’s Corner, May 29
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 29
lakesidelivingsite, May 30
Texas Book-aholic, May 30
Rebecca Tews, May 30
Inklings and notions, May 31
Blogging With Carol, May 31
Splashes of Joy, May 31
Betti Mace, June 1
Southern Gal Loves to Read, June 1
Genesis 5020, June 2
Daysong Reflections, June 2
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 2
Remembrancy, June 3
Books, Books, and More Books, June 3
For Him and My Family, June 3
Older & Smarter?, June 4
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 4
Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 5
deb’s Book Review, June 5
Mary Hake, June 5
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 6
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 6
Blossoms and Blessings, June 6
Connie’s History Classroom, June 7
Life of Literature, June 7
Back Porch Reads , June 7
Bizwings Blog, June 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 8
For the Love of Literature, June 8
Through the Fire blogs, June 9
Pause for Tales, June 9
Labor Not in Vain, June 9
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, June 10
Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 10
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, June 10
by admin | May 16, 2021 | Books, Historical, Romance, Texas, Texas Rangers
MY REVIEW:
As best I can tell, Lassoed by the Lawman is the first book I’ve read by Renae Brumbaugh Green but I can guarantee it won’t be my last. I admittedly have a weakness for books about Texas, cowboys, and Texas Rangers so I’m not sure why I have not already discovered this author’s books. I will definitely be checking out more of them as soon as possible.
Juliana Duke is the only child of a successful rancher and although she has big dreams of her own, her desire is to please their parents. That means marrying the man they have chosen for her but she just can’t seem to set a date. Along comes Texas Ranger Cody Steves to help discover those responsible for stealing her father’s cattle. Despite her potential plans to marry someone else, Juliana finds herself instantly attracted to Cody and the attraction is obviously mutual.
Juliana and Cody’s story is filled with plenty of danger, action, suspense, misunderstandings, betrayal, and of course a sweet yet sizzling romance. Well written with plenty of vivid images of life on the ranch and excellent characterization, Lassoed by the Lawman moved along at a steady pace and made me want to discover what would happen next. I was not disappointed! I did have some suspicions but found myself in for some pretty big surprises before the grand finale.
If you love westerns as I do, you will not want to miss Lassoed by the Lawman and I assume the other novels by this new favorite author.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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Book: Lassoed by the Lawman
Author: Renae Brumbaugh Green
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: May 4, 2021
Click here to get your copy!
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Juliana Duke has always dreamed of owning a dress shop.
But as the only child of Oscar and Maria Duke and heiress of the vast Duke Ranch, her job is to marry a rancher and produce a male heir. When Lt. Cody Steves rides onto the scene, her resolve to place duty over daydreams is shaken. Now that her heart’s been lassoed by the handsome lawman, will she be able to love another?
Cody Steves wants marriage and family, but he loves being a Texas Ranger. At any time, he could ride into a job and not come out alive. How could any decent man marry, knowing he could leave a widow and orphans behind? But the beautiful Juliana Duke captures him in a way no other has. When this job is over, can he ride away with his heart intact?
When he learns of a secret plot to take over the Duke Ranch, Cody must risk everything to save Juliana. Little does he know, the outcome will be nothing like he’s planned or imagined.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Renae Brumbaugh Green is an ECPA Bestselling Author, award-winning humor columnist, and wannabe superhero. She lives in Texas with her handsome, country-boy husband, four nearly-perfect children and one nearly-perfect son-in-law, and far too many animals. When she’s not writing, Renae teaches online classes and tries to be rugged without chipping her nail polish.
MORE FROM RENAE:
Lassoed by the Lawman is the third and final book in the Texas Rangers Series, and I honestly think it’s my favorite book of the series. The main characters, Juliana and Cody, are loosely based on me and my husband, Rick. We’re both creatives, we both love music, and we both try to balance our love for creativity with our need to actually make a living! Our shared love of music initially drew us to each other.
Like Cody, Rick is rugged and masculine, and he melted my heart the first time I heard him sing. As a matter of fact, during our courtship, we often wrote songs together. One of the songs Cody sings to Juliana in the book is actually a song Rick wrote for me. (Sigh.)
The attraction Cody and Juliana feel for each other is both white-hot and pure… the kind of passion God wants husbands and wives to experience. It’s the kind of passion Christ has for us, his bride. As I worked on these pages, I giggled at times, blushed at times, and grinned with mischief always.
Through hardship and heartache, Juliana and Cody find joy. And through hardship and heartache, God wants us to find joy, too…the joy of an abundant life in Christ. I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it. As a bonus, here’s a link to a song Rick and I wrote and recorded for each other. It’s not the song from the book, but it’s pretty special to us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDjVxp2m5
God bless, and happy reading!
—Renae Brumbaugh Green
BLOG STOPS:
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 4
lakesidelivingsite, May 5
Just Writing, May 5
Texas Book-aholic, May 6
Inklings and notions, May 7
Simple Harvest Reads, May 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
For Him and My Family, May 8
deb’s Book Review, May 9
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 10
Kayem Reads, May 10
by admin | Sep 7, 2020 | American Crime, Books, England, Historical, Historical Mystery/Suspense, Pinkertons, Romance, Texas, True Crime
MY REVIEW:
Kathleen Y’Barbo’s contribution to the True Colors Historical Stories of American Crime, The Black Midnight is brilliant! It is such a clever blend of true, unsolved crimes with fictional characters and imaginary scenarios that I was captivated by it. It is evident by the way both Austin and London came to life on its pages that this author has done her research and done it well. And how inspired was it to feature a great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria as a Pinkerton detective!
Once again this author has contributed to an evening of my reading pleasure with a well-balanced combination of mystery, danger, suspense, and romance. It was fun to imagine the possibilities behind both the Jack the Ripper and the Midnight Assassin unsolved cases and how they might be connected.
I highly recommend The Black Midnight to all lovers of true crime fiction. I have enjoyed all the previous books in this series but this one is a must. Do pick up a copy for yourself soon.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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Book: The Black Midnight
Author: Kathleen Y’Barbo
Genre: Christian Historical Suspense
Release Date: August, 2020
Click here to get your copy!
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Death Seems to Follow Harriet’s New Friend
Book 7 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History
Three years before Jack the Ripper began his murderous spree on the streets of London, women were dying in their beds as The Midnight Assassin terrorized the citizens of Austin, Texas. Now, with suspicion falling on Her Majesty’s family and Scotland Yard at a loss as to who the Ripper might be, Queen Victoria summons her great-granddaughter, Alice Anne von Wettin, a former Pinkerton agent who worked the unsolved Austin case, and orders her to discreetly form a team to look into the London matter.
The prospect of a second chance to work with Annie just might entice Isaiah Joplin out of his comfortable life as an Austin lawyer. If his theories are right, they’ll find the The Midnight Assassin and, by default, the Ripper. If they’re wrong, he and Annie are in a bigger mess than the one the feisty female left behind when she departed Austin under cover of darkness three years ago.
Can the unlikely pair find the truth of who is behind the murders before they are drawn into the killer’s deadly game? From Texas to London, the story navigates the fine line between truth and fiction as Annie and Isaiah ultimately find the hunters have become the hunted.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee of more than sixty novels with almost two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad.
MORE FROM KATHLEEN Y’BARBO:
I am a tenth generation Texan, but London has held a place in my heart for over ten years. You see, I have a son who has lived there for more than a decade. Thanks to him and his family of three—my granddaughter was born there on New Year’s Eve 2019—the city will always be special to me. There is absolutely nothing like walking those streets with a thousand years of history close enough to touch.
It was on a walk with my son through this great city that the stories of nineteenth century London came alive. With fog shrouding the rooftops of buildings that were hundreds of years old and our footsteps echoing on the cobblestones, I could imagine a time when lack of electricity and CCTV would make this place less than charming on a dark night. What reminded me of my favorite childhood movie, Mary Poppins, quickly became more reminiscent of Jack the Ripper. And then a story was born.
Only I just had half the story.
The other half came to me several years later when I stumbled across an article in Texas Monthly magazine about a serial killer who rampaged through Austin, Texas in 1884 and 1885 and was never caught. Some surmised this madman, called “The Midnight Assassin” by some, might have been Jack the Ripper honing his skills before he crossed the Atlantic to begin his famous crime spree in Great Britain.
But Austin? Ironically, my other two sons lived in Austin. So while part of my heart was in London, two more parts of that same heart resided in the Texas capital. I thought I knew Austin inside out. Between one of my sons getting not one but two degrees from the University of Texas (this Aggie grad is still proud of him in spite of what I jokingly call his burnt orange rebellion) and my other son living there and managing a restaurant at the time (and who just graduated from Texas A&M Galveston last month!), I had spent many years in the city. And yet I had never heard of the Midnight Assassin.
Research turned up a tale that sounds so close to fiction I had to write about it. Discovering the theory that the Austin killer might also be the Ripper just added to my interest—neither had been caught. And I like to write about Pinkerton detectives.
From there the story unfolded. If you’ve read any of my historical romances, you know that I love incorporating actual history into my stories. As you’ll see when you read The Black Midnight, this book is no exception. While I will continue writing the historical romances I love to bring to you, I will confess that writing this book has me itching to research another one like it.
What’s next in my foray into true crime novels? Maybe Houston. You see, I have a daughter who lives there…
In the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy reading The Black Midnight as much as I enjoyed writing it!
BLOG STOPS:
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Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 27
Genesis 5020, August 27
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 27
Inklings and notions, August 28
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 28
Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 28
Older & Smarter?, August 29
Texas Book-aholic, August 29
Artistic Nobody, August 29 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
For the Love of Literature, August 30
Connie’s History Classroom, August 30
For Him and My Family, August 31
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, August 31
Betti Mace, September 1
Robin’s Nest, September 1
Bigreadersite, September 1
deb’s Book Review, September 2
Splashes of Joy, September 2
Just Your Average reviews, September 2
Rebecca Tews, September 3
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Just the Write Escape, September 3
Emily Yager, September 3
Christian Bookaholic, September 4
reviewingbooksplusmore, September 4
KarenSueHadley, September 4
Remembrancy, September 5
Through the Fire Blogs, September 5
21st Century Keeper at Home, September 6
Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 6
Blogging With Carol, September 6
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 7
Life of Literature, September 7
Mary Hake, September 7
Godly Book Reviews, September 8
Back Porch Reads, September 8
Daysong Reflections, September 8
Pause for Tales, September 9
Blossoms and Blessings, September 9
Hallie Reads, September 9
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GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/ffb7/the-black-midnight-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Jul 12, 2020 | Books, Historical Mystery/Suspense, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
At Love’s Command first grabbed my attention with its cover. After all what red blooded girl can resist a handsome cowboy and his horse? My familiarity with previous books from Karen Witemeyer sealed the deal for me. I have enjoyed each and every one of the books I’ve read by this author and have found them to be the perfect blend of action, danger, humor, romance, and faith, almost always with a western setting. And I do love a good historical western romance.
I am quite happy to say that At Love’s Command thoroughly met my expectations. In fact it may have been Witemeyer’s best book yet (and I have loved most of them). With a strong and determined lady doctor, Josephine Burkett and one of the manliest heroes yet, Matthew Hanger, this book took me on an unforgettable adventure where the unexpected lurked around every corner. Any example would give away too much and possibly ruin the fun for other readers.
Josephine and Matthew were the perfect pair, both giving as good as they could take and the dialogue between them was witty and near perfect in my opinion. I loved how protective Matthew was toward Josephine although for the most part she was pretty capable of taking care of herself. I also enjoyed getting to know other members of Hanger’s Horsemen and look forward to read their own stories in future installments.
If you enjoy a good historical western romance, do not delay in grabbing a copy of At Love’s Command for yourself. I do not think you will be sorry.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
He’s fought through ruthless outlaws and injury. But with her, he’s tempted to surrender.
Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger’s Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler’s bullet leaves one of them at death’s door, they’re the ones in need of saving.
Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she’s not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew’s dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine’s respect, and when her brother is abducted, he becomes her only hope for rescue.
When plans go awry and Josephine is caught in the crossfire, Matthew may have to sacrifice everything–even his team–to save her.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Voted #1 Reader’s Favorite Christian Romance Author of 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer (www.karenwitemeyer.com) offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children.
by admin | Apr 29, 2020 | Books, Historical, Historical Mystery/Suspense, Romance, Texas, Texas Rangers
MY REVIEW:
Although I was not familiar with its author, Ranger to the Rescue seemed to be the type of book I would enjoy so I took a chance and agreed to review it. It did not take very long after I began reading to decide that I had indeed made a good choice. A historical western romance, the characters and plot were perfect and I enjoyed my reading experience.
Heroine Amelia was smart, brave, and determined to make her way in a man’s world of journalism. Always eager to get a scoop, she was not always as careful as she should have been and frequently found herself in a bit of trouble. Attorney Evan was quite happy to settle into his new office, especially after barely escaping a noose due to mistaken identity in the previous novel of the Texas Ranger series. He and Amelia had settled into a routine friendship but it didn’t take long before they realized that there might just be more to the friendship than they first thought. However, circumstances arose that put their relationship to the test and their lives at risk.
The plot of Ranger to the Rescue moved along at a steady pace and was filled with ample danger, action, suspense, and romance to keep most readers happily turning the pages. A great story of second chances and dependence on the Lord, this book more than met my expectations. I hope to find time to read the first book of this series so I can learn more about Evan, his sister, and her husband.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: Ranger to the Rescue
Author: Renae Brumbaugh Green
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: April 14, 2020
Click here for your copy! |
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Amelia Cooper has sworn off lawmen for good.
Now any man who wants to claim the hand of the intrepid reporter had better have a safe job. Like attorney Evan Covington. Amelia is thrilled when the handsome lawyer comes courting. But when the town enlists him as a Texas Ranger, Amelia isn’t sure she can handle losing another man to the perils of keeping the peace.
Evan never expected his temporary appointment to sink his relationship with Amelia. Or to instantly plunge them headlong into danger. But when Amelia and his sister are both kidnapped, the newly minted lawman must rescue them—if he’s to have any chance at love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Renae Brumbaugh Green is a city-girl-turned-country-diva. She’s married to a handsome country boy named Rick, and she’s mom to four nearly-perfect, nearly-grown children, two rowdy dogs, and some ducks. They live in rural Texas where Renae wears overalls, western boots, and bubblegum pink nail polish. She’s a bestselling author of over 30 books, an award-winning humor columnist, and an online English teacher. In her free time, she can be found leaping tall buildings and rescuing kittens from trees. Or, she’d like to do those things, if she had free time.
MORE FROM RENAE:
Every once in a while, when writing a character, I become vaguely aware that in many respects, I am that character. In those moments, I also become aware that God is the author, and he’s teaching me something through this particular character’s journey. After all, it’s a lot easier to learn through someone else’s mistakes than to recognize our own mistakes – especially if that someone else is a fictional character.
Amelia’s journey is one of fear and anxiety, which is something I’ve dealt with a lot. Like Amelia, I appear composed and confident on the surface. Like Amelia, I’m often a mess on the inside, scared to death of what will come, scared to death of how it will all turn out.
While writing this story, while dealing with Amelia’s anxiety, I (all-knowing author that I am) wrote that fear is the opposite of hope. Fear is the belief that something bad will happen, while hope is the belief that something good will happen. The Bible tells us that ours is a God of hope (Romans 15:13). When we truly trust Him, we can let go of fear, knowing He has good things in store for us.
At one point in the book, Amelia has this revelation:
“And suddenly, it was as if a haze lifted and she saw herself clearly for the first time. She’d let herself be ruled by fear, and in so doing had confined herself and clipped her own wings.”
Those words, disguised on the page as Amelia’s thoughts, were actually my thoughts. I hope you enjoy Amelia’s journey. And as you read, I hope you’ll remember these words from Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
God bless, and happy reading!
—Renae Brumbaugh Green
BLOG STOPS:
| Genesis 5020, April 16
Inklings and notions, April 16
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 17
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 18
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 18
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 19
Texas Book-aholic, April 20
deb’s Book Review, April 20
Betti Mace, April 21
Books, Life, and Christ, April 21
For Him and My Family, April 22
Reading Is My SuperPower, April 23 |
Becka Jiménez’s FB, April 23
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 24
janicesbookreviews, April 24
Blossoms and Blessings, April 25
Vicky Sluiter, April 25
Bigreadersite, April 26
Hallie Reads, April 26
Pause for Tales, April 27
Splashes of Joy, April 27
For the Love of Literature, April 28
Daysong Reflections, April 29
Artistic Nobody, April 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline) |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Renae is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/f8e1/ranger-to-the-rescue-celebration-tour-giveaway
