by admin | Oct 21, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
The third volume of Tracie Peterson’s Lone Star Brides series, “A Matter of Heart” was an excellent conclusion to the series. In the previous book, Jessica Atherton was not a very likeable person and seemed to go out of her way to cause trouble for Alice Chesterfield and Robert Barnett. I did not like her even a little bit. Imagine my surprise to find Jessica the heroine of this novel!
Fortunately, Jessica has realized just how meaningless and miserable her life has become and finds that she only has herself to blame. There is quite a bit of introspection as Jessica examines her heart and attempts to turn her life around and make amends to those she has hurt. I enjoyed reading about her journey as she progressed from acknowledging her flaws to accepting the fact that she could not accomplish the changes she desired under her own strength but that she must allow the Lord to help her.
Of course in any Tracie Peterson novel there must be a little romance and a bit of mystery. “A Matter of Heart” is certainly not lacking in either with two (yes, two) men vying for Jessica’s attention and the continuation and eventual solution of the mystery that has carried over from the first two installments of this series.
“A Matter of Heart” could easily stand on its own but in my opinion, total enjoyment and understanding requires reading all the books of the series in order. Another Tracie Peterson novel added to my collection, “A Matter of Heart” is well worth the read.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Texas born and raised Jessica Atherton is a wealthy young woman whose heart was broken when the man she intended to marry wedded another. But her world is upended when two new men come into her life, and both manage to stir her heart.
Harrison Gable is a successful young lawyer with ambitions that match Jessica’s dreams. His warm, attentive manner and thoughtful gifts make her feel special.
Austin Todd, a former Secret Service agent, enjoys working now as a Texas Ranger cattle inspector. But after learning of forged gold certificates and missing printing plates, he’s drawn back into the world of intrigue and agrees to help solve the case. Jessica is drawn to his kind nature and the unspoken pain she sees in his eyes.
If Jessica follows her heart, where will it lead?
Read an excerpt from “A Matter of Heart” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
by admin | Oct 14, 2014 | Books, Christmas, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
What fun it is to count down the weeks until Christmas with a novella a week by some of my very favorite authors plus the chance to discover some new-to-me authors. The second Christmas bride is “The Nutcracker Bride” by Margaret Brownley.
Lucy Langdon is a young woman doing her best to care for her grandfather while trying to support them by continuing her grandmother’s baking business. Her grandfather’s memory is lapsing and he is prone to wander off looking for her deceased grandmother. When a handsome stranger throws a bag into the back of her wagon while pursued by bandits, Lucy is flabbergasted to learn what it in the bag. When the stranger returns for his property, Lucy accidentally shoots him and feels obligated to care for his injury.
“The Nutcracker Bride” is a fun and romantic story with a bit of action and humor added for good measure. Brownley’s characters were well developed and realistic for such a short novella. I loved reading about the history and German customs regarding nutcrackers. My only complaint is that the story ended much too soon. I would have loved to spend more time with Lucy and her Texas Ranger Chad.
This book was provided for review by Shiloh Run Studios.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
While gathering walnuts, someone throws a bag of money into Lucy Langdon’s wagon. Now Chad Prescott, a Texas ranger, is determined to recover the bag, but not before he is shot as a prowler. Waking up in a house full of German nutcrackers is rather disconcerting for this lawman, but not as troublesome as feeling his heart fall for the lovely Lucy.
Purchase a copy of The Nutcracker Bride
HERE.
More About The Nutcracker Bride with Margaret BrownleyThe Nutcracker Bride started with an idea:I kept envisioning a handsome stranger on a gorgeous black horse riding up to the heroine and shouting “Save it for me.” I had no idea what he wanted her to save but I was intrigued enough to keep digging.You’ll have to read the book to find out. That’s what Margaret had to do–except in her case, she had to write it first.
“I never outline so I have no idea where a story is going or how it will end until the words appear on my screen. No one is more surprised by an ending than I am and the same holds true for The Nutcracker Bride. All twelve bride stories involve a special gift and I was especially surprised at what the hero gave my heroine.”
Margaret is partial to Texas Rangers, so you can guess what her hero did for a living, but her heroine was a little different.
“My heroine is caring for both an elderly grandfather and the stranger she shot. She’s clearly overwhelmed and maybe even a bit resentful. The Bible says a cheerful heart is good medicine but it’s a struggle for her.”
The story’s theme came out of that struggle.
The nutcracker title came from a ballet written by Peter Tchaikovsky for the Christmas season. Margaret has a small but impressive collections of nutcrackers she display every Christmas. “Nutcrackers have a fascinating history, some of which I wrote about in my story.”
Margaret Brownley’s stories generally take place in the nineteenth century, and she’s always been fascinated by the similarities between that time period and ours today.
“During the 1800s banks failed and unemployment was high. Immigration, health care and education problems also added to the nation’s woes. If you think politics are bad now, take a look at what was going on back then. Today we’re losing jobs to robots; in the nineteenth century jobs were lost to the machine age.”
Even social media changes were afoot:
“Victorians had their tech challenges too with the advent of the telephone, electricity and automobiles. They even had an early form of social media called the telegram. With all these challenges it’s encouraging to know that our forefathers not only survived but thrived. That gives me hope for the future. I hope it does the same to readers.”
The Brownley family enjoys Christmas,”we always make a big fuss and celebrate the birth of Jesus with loving hearts, giving spirits and as many lights as will fit in and outside the house.”
The Nutcracker Bride, however, which required a far more modest celebration: “I wanted my heroine to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas in her own unique and meaningful way.”
Who is Margaret Brownley?
Margaret Brownley has penned more than thirty novels. Her books have won numerous awards and she’s a former Romance Writers of American RITA® finalist. She’s also written for a TV soap. She’s currently working on a new series of mystery/romance novels. The first in the series, Petticoat Detective, will be published in December 2014.
Margaret was a co-author (with Vickie McDonough and Michelle Ule) in last year’s best-selling A Pioneer Christmas Collection, along with Michelle Ule in the New York Times’ best-selling A Log Cabin Christmas Collection.
“Not bad for someone who flunked 8th grade English. Just don’t ask me to diagram a sentence,” she laughed.
Stay in touch with Margaret:
www. margaret-brownley.com
Facebook
Twitter
by admin | Sep 19, 2014 | Books, Historical, Native American, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
I thoroughly enjoyed Caryl’s first novel, “Vow Unbroken” so I eagerly accepted her offer of “Hearts Stolen” to review and hoped it would be as good. I was not disappointed. “Hearts Stolen” was every bit as good and even included several characters from the first book. Of course a few of them had grown up a bit. I especially liked catching up with the adult versions of the featured children of “Vow Unbroken”. It took me a bit to make the connection (too many books read in between) but when I did I loved it!
Sassy had been a captive and wife of Indian chief Bold Eagle for nearly five years when she was rescued by Texas Rangers. During the long trek back home, she and Levi Baylor fall in love, although she assumes she still has a husband waiting for her return. Both Sassy and Levi fight their attraction and faithfully honor her marriage vows despite temptation to do otherwise. I have to admit that once again the primary characters were upstaged by a child. Sassy’s four-year-old son Charley who is such a hoot!
I loved everything about “Hearts Stolen”. The plot engaged me from the very beginning and held my interest until the end. Ample drama, danger, and romance filled its pages along with more than a surprise or two – not all good ones. I admired the integrity of both Sassy and Levi and the fine example they provide for the reader.
I look forward to the next installment of this excellent series. I am thinking seriously about purchasing printed copies of each of the books to add to my keeper shelf. Somehow a digital copy just won’t do. Caryl has definitely been added to my growing list of favorite authors.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Unbeknownst to loved ones, a headstrong young wife is snatched off the prairie by two Comanche braves, carried north of the Red River, and traded to their war chief for ponies. After five years, a small detail of Texas Rangers rides into camp, and she determines that day will bring freedom or death. She’ll remain captive no more.
Sassy Nightengale almost gives up hope until a company of Texas Rangers rides into Bold Eagle’s peace camp. She learns they’ve come for the negotiated exchange of stolen white women, except her name isn’t on their list. Purposing in her heart to escape captivity with her blue eyed, four- year-old that day, she does everything she can to be noticed. Famed Texas Ranger Levi Baylor spots the red headed beauty and agrees to the war chief’s price adding his personal horse and weapon to the Republic agents’ offerings.
The trade propels the couple on a trail of joy and sorrow. Sweet love blossoms but must be denied. His integrity and her faith in God keep them at arm’s length, not allowing even a kiss. Sassy’s still married to her son’s father, and Levi’s honor bound to deliver her home—to her husband. Can their forbidden love be made holy? God hates divorce. Is it wrong to hope, expect Nightengale to relinquish his wife and son? Will Sassy and Levi find the redemption they seek for their troubled souls?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Caryl has always loved to write and is excited with her first historical Christian romance VOW UNBROKEN from Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster, set in 1832 Texas. For every good blessing – including 10 children (4 by birth, 6 by marriage) and 14 grandchildren – she gives God the glory. Caryl lives a country-life with Ron, her husband of forty-six years and four grandsons, outside Clarksville, Red River County Seat, located in far Northeast Texas
by admin | Jul 2, 2014 | Books, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
I personally cannot resist Mary Connealy’s westerns that are infused with a huge dose of humor. The third entry in her Trouble in Texas series, “Stuck Together” focuses on Vince Yates and Tina Cahill, the younger sister of one of his fellow “regulators”. Although Tina is about the last unmarried gal in the small town of Broken Wheel, Vince makes a valiant attempt to resist her charms. For one thing, Tina is fixated on the hopeless task of shutting down the town’s saloon. Besides, Vince is not about to marry and take a chance on passing down the family curse to another generation.
Anyone who has read even one of Mary’s books can guess pretty quickly where this story is going to end up. Meanwhile they can also expect plenty of action, danger and suspense, lots of laughs, a bit of soul searching, and of course a romance filled with misunderstandings.
Tina is a typical Connealy heroine. She is far from perfect but has a good heart, a strong faith, and lots of courage and spunk. Lawyer/sheriff Vince makes a very fine hero. It goes without saying that he is tough and courageous but he is also loyal and has a tender heart. He is a stand-up kind of guy who doesn’t shirk his responsibilities – even when they are dropped unexpectedly into his lap.
Pick up a copy of “Stuck Together” and prepare yourself for a merry adventure with Vince, his friends, and their gals. I don’t think you will be sorry.
This book was provided for review by Bethany House through NetGalley.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When a lawman who values order gets stuck with a feisty crusader who likes to stir things up, there’s going to be trouble in Texas!
Now that she’s settled in town, Tina Cahill is determined to get Broken Wheel’s saloon closed for good. To that end, she pickets outside the place every afternoon. Unfortunately, so far no one has paid any attention.
Vince Yates earned the nickname “Invincible Vince” because of his reputation for letting absolutely nothing stop him. But Vince is about to face his biggest challenge yet: his past has just caught up with him. His father, mother, and the sister he didn’t know he had show up in Broken Wheel without warning. His father is still a schemer. His mother is showing signs of dementia. And his surprise sister quickly falls for one of Vince’s best friends. Vince suddenly has a lot of people depending on him, and Tina doesn’t approve of how he’s handling any of them.
With nearly every other man in town married off, Vince finds himself stuck with strong-willed Tina over and over again. Of course, Tina is the prettiest woman he’s ever seen, so if he could just get her to give up her crazy causes, he might go ahead and propose. But he’s got one more surprise coming his way: Tina’s picketing at the saloon has revealed a dark secret that could put everyone Vince loves in danger.
Read an excerpt from “Stuck Together” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
by admin | Jun 30, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
Sequel to Peterson’s “A Sensible Arrangement”, “A Moment in Time” features Alice Chesterfield, the young woman hired to work for Marty and Jake Wythe who quickly became Marty’s good friend. Alice is still being stalked by a mysterious man who may have a connection with the murder of her father so when a change in fortune for the Wythes leaves them no choice but to leave Colorado and return to Texas, Alice is eager to make the change with them.
“A Moment in Time” contains all the essential elements that make Tracie Peterson’s novels must reads for me – some conflict, a bit of mystery, a few misunderstandings, a sweet romance, interesting historical facts, and a good dose of faith. The novel is quite able to stand on its own merits but background provided in the previous installment of the Lone Star Brides series makes it all the more enjoyable. I enjoyed the continuation of Marty and Jake’s story, especially the reality that their marriage was not 100% “happy ever after” but actually had a serious disagreement or two in common to real marriages. I loved the surprises Alice had in store for her and was happy that there were good ones to balance the bad. If I had any complaint, it would be that the romance between Alice and Robert may have been just a bit too rushed and shallow.
Overall, “A Moment in Time” was enjoyable and allowed me to escape everyday modern life for a brief time to venture back in time to Colorado and Texas as I joined the lives of Alice, Robert, and the other characters. I look forward to the next book of this series.
This book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Alice Chesterfield is a woman pursued. Having survived an attack that left her scarred and her father dead, she is never free from the fear and memories of the man who is responsible.
Texas seems to be an answer to Alice’s prayers, and when she has the opportunity to relocate to a ranch near Dallas, Robert Barnett captures her attention. Unlike any man Alice has ever known, Robert doesn’t worry about the obstacles that stand in their way–and he hardly seems to notice the scar she bears.
But there are storm clouds gathering; devastating information about her family comes to light, threatening Alice’s peaceful sanctuary. Disillusioned, Alice must learn to place her trust in God as she seeks a measure of peace for her future…and for her heart.
Read an excerpt from “A Moment in Time” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
by admin | Apr 19, 2014 | Books, Historical, Romance, Texas, Western
MY REVIEW:
While I have not read all one hundred (yes, 100!) of Tracie Peterson’s novels, I have read more of them than I can count – and I have enjoyed each and every one of them. I always like her stories set in Texas since I have secretly wanted to live in Texas my entire life. “A Sensible Arrangement” met all my requirements and I plan to read the future books in the Lone Star Bride series.
A story about a mail-order bride and a young bank officer who needs a wife, “A Sensible Arrangement” is not exactly the typical mail-order bride story. Both parties in this marriage have no expectations of love developing between them. They just want a “sensible arrangement” and their marriage will be mutually beneficial to them. Of course as all readers of historical romance know, there WILL be a romance despite their good intentions.
I personally found the historical background and the events that surrounded Marty and Jake to be of more interest than their romance. I would have liked to see a bit more interaction between them so that their falling in love would be a bit more believable. More conversations or time spent together would have been nice.
Secondary characters played strong supporting roles that added greatly to the plot. A bit of mystery, drama, and even touches of humor made the book quite enjoyable to read.
Marty’s habit of skirting or hiding the truth was somewhat disturbing at times so I was happy to see the author emphasize how it was wrong and had Marty eventually repent of her lies. As usual, Peterson deftly wove a message of faith and integrity throughout the pages. Fans of Tracie Peterson will not want to miss “A Sensible Arrangement”.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Marty Dandridge Olson is ready to leave behind the pain of the past.
Answering an advertisement for a “Lone Star bride,” she leaves her Texas ranch and heads to Denver to marry a man she doesn’t know.
Jake Wythe is the man waiting for her.
Burned by love, he marries now simply to satisfy the board of Morgan Bank, which believes a man of his standing in society should be wed. Together Jake and Marty agree they are done with romance and love and will make this nothing more than a marriage of convenience.
When missing money and a collapsing economy threaten his job, Jake’s yearning to return to ranching grows ever stronger, much to Marty’s dismay. But a fondness has grown between them, as well, further complicating matters.
What will happen when their relationship shifts in unexpected ways… and dreams and secrets collide?
Purchase a copy and learn more at Tracie’s website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over eighty novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her stories, as seen in her bestselling Heirs of Montana, and Alaskan Quest series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.
Visit Tracie’s Web site at www.traciepeterson.com.
Tracie Peterson celebrates 100 books with an iPad Mini Giveaway & A SENSIBLE ARRANGEMENT Live Webcast Event!
Welcome to the campaign launch for Tracie Peterson’s 100th book! A Sensible Arrangement launches Tracie’s new Texas-based series, Lone Star Brides, that’s sure to please. As a special treat, devoted fans will be able to catch a glimpse of several popular characters from previous series.
Tracie is celebrating by giving away an iPad Mini and hosting a LIVE webcast event on 4/29.
One winner will receive:
- An iPad Mini
- A Sensible Arrangement by Tracie Peterson
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 29th. Winner will be announced at the A Sensible Arrangement Live Webcast Event on April 29th. Connect with Tracie for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tracie will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, fun prizes, and gift certificates throughout the evening.
So grab your copy of A Sensible Arrangement and join Tracie and friends on the evening of April 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!
Mary Connealy is an award-winning, bestselling author known for her fun and lively historical romances. An author, teacher, and journalist, Mary lives on an eastern Nebraska ranch with her cowboy husband and has four daughters and two grandchildren. Learn more at www.maryconnealy.com.
