by admin | Sep 25, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
The more I read by Chautona Havig, the more I realize just what a talent she has. Words seem to flow effortlessly from this lady no matter what genre she decides to tackle. Whether it is mystery/suspense, contemporary romance, or a historical western, I have found that I can expect a few hours of reading enjoyment.
The Trouble With Nancy certainly met my expectations. Nancy, the heroine was a feisty and determined young woman who decided to step up and help save her family home despite the fact that she was woefully ill-equipped to take her brother’s place as a rider for the Pony Express. As I rode alongside Nancy in my imagination for all those harrowing miles as she bounced along painfully, I experienced hardship, danger, some unsavory characters, and even a few who went out of their way to help. A surprise romance added the perfect icing to the cake. I found myself laughing out loud at some of Nancy’s exploits one moment and holding my breath during others.
I particularly loved how Nancy grew closer to the Lord through her experiences and matured from a silly, self-absorbed girl into a wise and caring young woman. I am thankful that I had the chance to read this great book and hope that there will be more of this type coming 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:
| Book: The Trouble with Nancy
Author: Chautona Havig
Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Western
Release Date: July 18, 2019 |
 |
Her reputation precedes her, whether the bad guys realize it or not.
Nancy Harrison has finally stepped out of her prissy box and tried to do something helpful–but did she go overboard in her first self-less act?
She can’t ride, she hates horses, and she’s terrified of being alone. What’s a girl to do?
Join the Pony Express, of course.
When Nancy Harrison’s family receives a tax bill they can’t pay, there’s only one option open to them. Her brother, Lewis, will have to join the Pony Express and earn the money that way.
It would have worked, too, if ruffians hadn’t attacked him and broken his leg.
She doesn’t want to do it, of course, but what choice is there? Lose everything or ride a stupid, smelly horse for a few weeks? Nancy decides that she’ll chop off her hair, take to the dusty overland trail, and prove that she isn’t a “flighty little thing.”
But things go from bad to worse as she discovers that riding astride is worse than sidesaddle—especially when you’re not used to it.
Can’t she just go back home to balls, teas, and the hope of a suitor before her twentieth birthday? Sans her hair, of course, because that’ll entice the fellows. Sigh.
Click here to get your copy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.
VIDEO CHAT WITH CHAUTONA:
BLOG STOPS:
| Daysong Reflections, September 25
Quiet Workings, September 25
Blossoms and Blessings, September 26
Books, Life, and Christ, September 26
Pause for Tales , September 27
For Him and my Family, September 27
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , September 28
Texas Book-aholic, September 29
Mary Hake, September 29
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 30
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 30
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 1 |
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 2
For the Love of Books , October 2
Inklings and notions, October 3
Emily Yager, October 4
Batya’s Bits, October 4
Older & Smarter?, October 5
janicesbookreviews, October 6
Betti Mace, October 6
A Reader’s Brain, October 7
Wishful Endings, October 7
Lots of Helpers, October 8
She Lives to Read, October 8 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of the book and a Pony Express book cozy!!
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/ed48/the-trouble-with-nancy-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Sep 23, 2019 | Books, Gold Rush, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Hills of Nevermore is a historical western featuring two young widows with children who form a bond on their wagon train journey to the west and decide to work together to establish a restaurant in the gold fields. As can be expected the long road to that dream is filled with action and danger which includes some Indians, drunken miners, corrupt law enforcement, and road bandits. The Old West was definitely not the most forgiving place to start over, especially as a woman but as most readers can imagine, two men were ready and willing to protect and help these independent ladies. But could they overcome the obstacles between them to find happily-ever-afters together?
Although this is my first book by this author, I found it to be quite enjoyable. I have a weakness for Westerns and this fit the genre quite nicely. I particularly liked the strong faith element that was woven seamlessly throughout the story as well as each character’s spiritual growth as it progressed. It was interesting to get to know each character and learn more about their past and how that affected their decisions. It was also fun to discover the sweet scene from which this novel got its name.
I enjoyed Hills of Nevermore so much that I look forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can a young widow hide her secret shame from the Irish circuit preacher bent on helping her survive?
In an Idaho Territory boom town, America Liberty Reed overhears circuit preacher Shane Hayes try to persuade a hotel owner to close his saloon on Sunday. Shane lands face-down in the mud for his trouble, and there’s talk of shooting him. America intervenes and finds herself in an unexpectedly personal conversation with the blue-eyed preacher. Certain she has angered God in the past, she shies away from Shane.
Addie Martin, another widow, invites America to help in her cook tent in Virginia City, the new mining town. Even with Addie’s teenage son helping with America’s baby, life is hard. Shane urges America to depart for a more civilized location. Neither Shane’s persuasions nor road agents, murder, sickness, or vigilante violence can sway America. Loyalty and ambition hold her fast until dire circumstances force her to confront everything she believes about herself, Shane, and God.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
My father instilled a love of literature in me at an early age by reading chapters from “The Wizard of Oz,” “Robinson Crusoe” and other classics. When I grew older, and he stopped reading bedtime stories, I put myself to sleep with tales I “wrote” in my head. My sixth-grade teacher noticed my penchant for writing and encouraged me to become a novelist.
I’m considered a multi-genre author, but I like to think of myself as a storyteller. The same elements appear in all my novels in proportions dictated by their genre: romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy.
Sign up at http://janalynvoigt.com to be notified when these titles release, for book extras, and reader bonuses.
Epic Fantasy: “DawnSinger” and “Wayfarer” are the first two novels in the epic fantasy series, “Tales of Faeraven.” The final books in the series, “Sojourner” and “DawnKing,” are under contract with my publisher.
Historical Fiction: “Hills of Nevermore,” first installment in the “Montana Gold,” set during Montana’s gold rush in the days of vigilante justice, will release in 2017.
Romantic Suspense/Mystery: “Deceptive Tide (Islands of Intrigue-San Juans)” will release in October 2016. This title is romantic suspense, but I am also branching into writing mystery novels written in the classic style of Mary Stewart and Victoria Holt.
Find out more about my books and about me as an author at my website: http://janalynvoigt.com.
by admin | Sep 16, 2019 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
As a longtime fan of Gothic novels, I have been pleased to see several Christian authors begin to offer books in that genre. I’m not certain why I find those dark and mysterious books so intriguing but I do love them. Abigail Wilson is a fairly new author whose two books I’ve read fit into that genre very well.
Midnight on the River Grey features young Rebecca Hunter whose brother died under mysterious circumstances. Forced to live with her guardian, Lewis Browning who she believes is responsible for the death, Rebecca is determined to prove his guilt. As most readers know, things are not always as they seem and Rebecca may have a difficult finding the proof she needs. And is it possible that she may change her feelings toward her guardian?
I enjoyed this book immensely with its dark and brooding atmosphere, danger and secrets around every corner, and Rebecca’s own personal fears. The romance was not unexpected but welcome all the same. All-in-all this book was a satisfying experience and I would definitely read more by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can one develop feelings for the man you swore to see hanged? That’s just what Rebecca fears she has done in this Gothic Regency romance.
After her brother’s mysterious death, Rebecca Hunter vows to expose the man she believes responsible: Mr. Lewis Browning—known by the locals as the Midnight Devil and by Rebecca as her new guardian.
Summoned to his reclusive country estate to await her London season, Rebecca plans her own secret investigation among the darkened corridors of the mysterious Greybourne Hall. Yet Lewis Browning is not as she once imagined, and his motivation is horribly unclear. Recurrent nightmares and Rebecca’s restless feelings are further complicated by the shadow of her mother’s prior descent into madness and wondering if she, too, will follow the same heartbreaking path.
Even as midnight rides, strange injuries, and further murders lead back to Mr. Browning, Rebecca can’t ignore the subtle turn of her heart. Has she fallen for the man she swore would pay for her brother’s death? And moreover, can she trust him with her uncertain future?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Abigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A registered nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the national parks, attending her daughter’s gymnastic meets, and curling up with a great book. In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA’s Fab Five contest and in 2016, ACFW’s First Impressions contest as well as placing as a 2017 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children. Connect with Abigail at www.acwilsonbooks.com; Instagram: acwilsonbooks; Facebook: ACWilsonbooks; Twitter: @acwilsonbooks.
by admin | Sep 13, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense, Texas
Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Rescue by Tanya Eavenson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
MY REVIEW:
Promised by her father to marry a much older and in my opinion truly evil man who held an unpayable debt over her father’s head, Rosalind Standford had no hope for her life. The man she has loved her entire life has returned to Boston but Rosalind must keep her circumstances secret from him at all costs and pretend she no longer cares for him.
The Rescue held my attention from its beginning until the end. Trent Easton was a true hero in every sense and quickly caught on to the danger that threatened Rosalind. Like a true hero he made every effort to remove her from harm and into the protection of his family ranch. I had absolutely no respect for Rosalind’s father who sacrificed his daughter’s safety and happiness to pay for his own mistakes and greed.
A riveting romantic suspense with a historical setting that spans from Boston to Texas, The Rescue is filled with plenty of action, danger, and a few unexpected twists. Characters must depend on the Lord to see them through threats on their lives and to help them forgive Rosalind’s father before they can find their own happily-ever-after.
I enjoyed reading this novel and hope to read more by this author in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: The Rescue
Series: All Roads Lead to Texas #1
Author: Tanya Eavenson
Release Date: September 2, 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Sometimes the path to freedom is found in an unexpected future.
Upon the death of her mother, Rosalind Standford’s life shatters, the pieces scattering to the wind when she is forced into a betrothal to a cunning banker. But when a telegram arrives announcing the man who captured her heart is on a train to Boston, Rosalind must hide her true feelings before the thin cord of her existence unravels the deadly secrets she keeps.
Cowboy Trent Easton returns to his roots in Boston society to find his childhood friend, the love of his heart. Instead he finds a broken woman engaged to a man close to her father’s age. Though she once rejected him, when Trent learns she’s in danger, he determines to do whatever it takes to keep her safe—even taking her to the altar in the black of night. But will his name and the remote wilds of his Texas ranch be enough to protect her? Or will freedom cost them their lives?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tanya Eavenson is an international bestselling and award-winning inspirational romance author. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book. You can find her at her website http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/.
CONNECT WITH TANYA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Book Bub
GIVEAWAY:
(1) winner will receive a Woman of Faith bracelet & ebook copy of The Rescue.
Be sure to check out each stop on these tours for more chances to win. Full tour schedule on this tour shown below. Giveaway begins at midnight September 10, 2019 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 17, 2019. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Due to shipping cost, only US mailing addresses valid. For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.
ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
by admin | Sep 13, 2019 | Books, Christmas, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The past two years I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing Michelle Griep’s Christmas novellas 12 Days at Bleakly Manor and A Tale of Two Hearts. To complete the series this year both previous novellas have been included in one volume Once Upon a Dickens Christmas which also includes a totally new novella The Old Lace Shop. This large book is beautiful with deckled page edges which make it a truly special volume appropriate for gift giving. I will include my previous reviews here as well as a new review for The Old Lace Shop.
12 DAYS AT BLEAKLY MANOR:
I have to admit that I haven’t read either “Bleak House” by Charles Dickens or “Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie as mentioned by other reviewers but I enjoyed 12 Days at Bleakly Manor nonetheless. And yes, I would like to read both of those books if only to understand their references here.
The gorgeous cover prepares the reader for a delightful Victorian Christmas adventure with just a hint of darkness inside but oh my, some of the characters and happenings were quite unexpected. It was such fun watching what transpired and anticipating what might happen next. Everything about this book was so clever and I loved the surprises at the end!
I cannot say more because I fear I might give everything away. Just take my word for it, do yourself a favor, and pick up a copy of 12 Days at Bleakly Manor for your holiday reading. I warn you though that you might not want to wait that long to read it.
A TALE OF TWO HEARTS:
A Tale of Two Hearts is the second book in Michelle Griep’s delightful Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series. Set in Dickens era England the story features Mina Scott who secretly admires William Barlow. When he asks her to pose as his bride for just one evening to help him gain a desperately needed inheritance, Mina jumps at the chance only to find herself caught in a rapidly growing trap of lies and deceit. This story is a fine example of the often quoted “O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive!” by Walter Scott. One lie led to another one as Mina and William’s good intentions seemed to offer them excuses to continue the charade.
The plot was creative and expertly crafted with wonderful characters, some of whom were extremely easy to dislike. A strong theme of grace, mercy, and redemption was skillfully woven throughout the tale and I loved how the author wrapped it all up at the end.
A Tale of Two Hearts is a perfect Christmas story, especially for lovers of Dickens and historical fiction. Both this book and the previous one 12 Days at Bleakly Manor would make excellent gifts for readers in your circle of family and friends.
THE OLD LACE SHOP:
Once again the second chance coin plays a role in the lives of two people who indeed need a second chance. Young widow Bella decides to keep one of her late husband’s businesses only to find an unexpected partner from her life before marriage. Edmund Archer is not at all happy that Bella has shown up in his life again but soon finds himself falling for her sweet and generous spirit. Of course everything cannot go well and lead up to a happily-ever-after in this final novella of the series. There is evil afoot and both Bella and Edmund will need their second chance, possibly more than once before their story is resolved.
I loved all three of these stories and will most likely want to read them all again next Christmas season. This gorgeous book will definitely find its place on my keeper shelf. And like I mentioned earlier, Once Upon A Dickens Christmas would make someone on your Christmas list a special gift.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
3 Charming Christmas Tales Set in Victorian England
Pour yourself a cuppa, get lost in the merriment of the season, and enjoy a Dickensian Christmas in three stories from fan favorite Michelle Griep:
12 Days at Bleakly Manor: Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters. What matters most is what Christmas is all about…love.
A Tale of Two Hearts: Pleasure seeker William Barlow needs a wife immediately to gain his uncle’s inheritance, and Mina Scott is just the girl to make him look respectable—too bad she turns him down. Ought he give her a second chance?
The Old Lace Shop: Recently widowed Bella White is finally freed from the domination of the overbearing men in her life, but when she enters into a business partnership with the handsome Edmund Archer, she begins to wonder if marriage is worth a second chance.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the author of historical romances: The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan.
by admin | Sep 6, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The Spice King was a very thought provoking novel that examines truth and motivation. Appealing to her devotion to her country and the truth, Annabelle Larkin’s employers convince her to spy on the man she is beginning to care for. Although uneasy about the task, she agrees in order to continue supporting her blind sister. Of course this assignment leads to several unexpected consequences and severed relationships. Although her intentions were mostly good, I felt that Annabelle was very naive in the way she allowed herself to be manipulated into spying on Gray. Her gut feelings were that it was wrong but she convinced herself that it was for a good reason. I hated how she deceived Gray and was not surprised at his reaction when he found out.
I did enjoy The Spice King very much. It was fun to learn so many facts about how spices are produced, especially vanilla. The details about the early days of food regulation and Good Housekeeping magazine were particularly interesting. I also liked reading about how Gray and Annabelle grew spiritually and how their relationship developed despite her deception. I am definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series and hoping that readers will have a chance to read the rest of Luke’s story and that it will have a positive outcome.
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:
Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building an acclaimed global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before they spiral out of control, he returns to his ancestral home for good after years of traveling the world.
As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience.
Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?
Read an excerpt HERE.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography
Elizabeth Camden (www.elizabethcamden.com) is best known for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America, featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award, and she lives in Florida with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.
