by admin | Mar 30, 2019 | Books, Historical, Mystery, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
When You Are Near is a rousing introduction to Tracie Peterson’s new Brookstone Brides series. What’s not to like about an all-girl wild west show, trick horseback riding, murder and mystery, wrapped with with a bit of romance?
The Bookstone Wild West Extravaganza is a family owned and operated show that travels from town to town in railroad cars. The Brookstone family car was parked on a side rail during their stay in each town and housed the family. It was fun to imagine life on the rails with this family as I read their story. I also found details about trick riding and the work involved to be of interest. The characters were mostly likeable with the exception of a couple of true villains. I enjoyed seeing how many of them relied on their strong faith even in the midst of difficult trials. Plenty of action, conflict, and various relationship developments including a possible love triangle helped to hold my interest throughout the entire book.
Once again Tracie Peterson has managed to grab my attention and hold it through the entire book. Not only that but she has me eagerly awaiting the next installment of this series.
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: When You Are Near
Author: Tracie Peterson
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: March 5, 2018 |
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After her father’s death, Lizzy Brookstone, a trick rider in the all-female Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, wants nothing more than to quit her role as the star of the show and live a quiet life on her family’s ranch. But returning home would bring Wesley DeShazer, the ranch’s foreman and the man who broke her heart, back into her life. In addition, the Brookstones’ new manager fears that Lizzy’s departure could doom the already cash-strapped show.
Hope grows in Lizzy during a stopover at Fleming Farm. Ella Fleming not only has a natural talent for trick riding and could easily replace Lizzy, but she’s eager to join the show to flee a forced betrothal. However, while there, one of the show’s wranglers is killed in a manner Lizzy finds suspicious. And during her escape from the farm, Ella stumbles across a secret that could affect all of their lives, as well as the future of the Brookstone Extravaganza.
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.
GUEST POST FROM TRACIE:
Introducing…When You Are Near!
I’m excited about the new Brookstone Brides series and had so much fun researching for the various characters and locations. This is a story about a fictional Wild West show with all female performers. Prior to the rodeos we see today, the Wild West shows traveled throughout America and Europe to entertain people and give city dwellers a taste of what the American frontier was like. At least their version.
Buffalo Bill Cody was famous for his shows, which brought Native Americans and their culture into the world of people who might otherwise never have even seen an “Indian.” Pawnee Bill was another entertainer who sought to keep these shows alive.
For the fictional show in my novels, I wanted to focus on three female characters who became a part of the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza for varying reasons. Lizzy Brookstone is the heroine in book one, When You Are Near, and as the daughter of one of the show’s owners, she has enjoyed a starring role as a trick rider.
For research I went to Pueblo, Colorado to the ranch of Karen Vold, a famous trick rider and rodeo star. Linda Scholtz, a famed trick rider, was teaching a clinic there along with Karen at the Red Top Ranch Trickriding School.
These are two remarkable Christian trick riders who have long worked to keep the sport alive. I spent three days getting to know them and what they do and learned so much. And just to prove that we weren’t all work and no play, I thought I’d share my attempt at trick riding. What I won’t do for research!
The series will have three books, as usual, and each book will focus on a different lady and her skills. Mary is a trick shooter like Annie Oakley, and Ella is a Roman rider who stands on the backs of two horses for her part in the act. It was so interesting learning about each of these types of performers, and I hope you’ll get a chance to read all three and enjoy the stories of the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza.
| Among the Reads, March 26
The Power of Words, March 26
Christian Author, J.E. Grace, March 26
Inklings and notions, March 26
The Meanderings of a bookworm, March 27
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, March 27
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 27
Vicky Sluiter, March 27
Carpe Diem, March 28
The Avid Reader, March 28
Genesis 5020, March 28
The Lit Addict, March 29
Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 29
Back Porch Reads, March 29
Just the Write Escape, March 30
Splashes of Joy, March 30
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 30
Emily Yager, March 31
Daysong Reflections, March 31
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 31
Life of Literature, April 1
EmpowerMoms, April 1
For the Love of Literature, April 1 |
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 2
Through the Fire Blogs, April 2
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, April 2
For Him and My Family, April 3
Remembrancy, April 3
Inspiration Clothesline, April 3
Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 4
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 4
Pause for Tales, April 4
Older & Smarter?, April 5
Stories By Gina, April 5
Book by Book, April 5
Bigreadersite, April 6
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, April 6
Connect in Fiction, April 6
Godly Book Reviews, April 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 7
Texas Book-aholic, April 7
Blossoms and Blessings, April 8
janicesbookreviews, April 8
A Reader’s Brain, April 8
The Becca Files, April 8 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Tracie is giving away a grand prize of When You Are Near, Tracie’s A $25 Barnes and Noble Gift card, and the three books in The Heart of Alaska series and three other winners will receive a copy of When You Are Near!!
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/dcdd/when-you-are-near-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Mar 27, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Another wonderful book from Ruth Logan Herne, A Most Inconvenient Love takes up where The Sewing Sisters’ Society leaves off. Also set in Second Chance, North Dakota, this book features Rachel Eichas who has recently taken a job in town as the school teacher. Seb Ward is a businessman who comes from a wealthy family in Minnesota but is estranged from his father whose personal and business transgressions go against everything Seb stands for.
Seb has kept his distance from the townspeople as he worked hard to grow his business. When a young boy arrives on a train who Seb learns is is brother, changes are in store for both Seb and Rachel who bonds quickly with the boy. Each has a difficult past to overcome in order to learn to trust enough to love but young Eli might just be what it takes to help them.
I loved this excellent book with its strong theme of forgiveness and trust and moving past the wounds inflicted by others. Plenty of surprises as well as just the right touch of humor make this book a very enjoyable read. I do hope that more Second Chance books are in store for Herne’s readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sober businessman Seb Ward may have come from a wealthy lumber-baron family in Minnesota, but he knows that appearances can be deceiving, and that his illustrious family is pretty dysfunctional. Being in another state has provided the buffer he sought from his father’s misdeeds, but when a little boy shows up on a train… a little boy who looks enough like Seb to be his own child… Seb’s faced with a dilemma. Raise the boy as his own, or let his mother suffer the embarrassment of “a brother by another mother.” And when the boy takes a shine to the Rachel Eichas, the newly contracted school teacher, Seb can’t help but do the same. But Rachel was raised by an unloving, business-first father and there’s no way she’s looking for those same qualities in a husband. Can she see through Seb’s focus and drive to find the loving man within?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling, multi-published, award-winning author Ruth Logan Herne is the author of nearly fifty novels and novellas through traditional publishers and her own independent works. She loves God, her family, country, coffee, chocolate and dogs, and wishes possums would leave the cat food on the side porch alone. And yet… they don’t. With over a million books in print, Ruthy is living her dream of touching hearts and souls by writing the kind of books she likes to read.
She lives on a pumpkin farm in Western New York where they grow all kinds of cool things for fall from sumptuous squashes and veggies to gorgeous stacking pumpkins. Ruthy’s farm is quickly becoming the place to be every September and October!
CONNECT WITH RUTHY: website | Facebook | Twitter
by admin | Mar 27, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
The Sewing Sisters’ Society is a warm-hearted collection of novellas set in Second Chance, South Dakota. The name of the town is a pretty good hint about the kind of people who make up its population, especially Hattie McGillicuddy who seems to always be on the lookout for someone else to help. She is all about second chances at life.
Books include The Pastor Takes a Wife, Second Chance Christmas, and Second Chance at Love. Each one features a different young woman desperately in need of a home and a job but mostly someone who cares. Hattie manages to work her magic on Macy, Nellie, and Ann with a bit of subtle nudging in the right direction toward the very young men who need them in their lives.
I loved these books, especially the lovable and unique characters. Hattie was a dear who couldn’t help getting involved in other’s lives, but in a good way. No gossip from her! The book contained just the right blend of drama, humor, and romance to make it a perfectly light-hearted read yet was also filled with a wonderful story of faith and redemption. You can’t go wrong with this novella collection!
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:
Hattie McGillicuddy might not look like your typical matchmaker, but Hattie makes things happen in the little town of Second Chance, South Dakota. With the arrival of the railroad and official statehood, Hattie’s determined to bring brides west, and not just any brides. Brides who need the wide open prairie as much as the prairie- and the prairie men- need them! Three pioneer stories of unlikely love are woven around a little town full of homespun characters that take us back to another place and another time but with the same faith, hope and love we cherish today.
Macy can’t sew a lick, and she’s come to town with a sacrifice and a secret, but when Hattie’s first apprentice is attracted to the pastor of the only church in town—the man raising her illegitimate son— will the truth set her free? Or make her leave the town and her son behind? (The Pastor Takes a Wife)
Unjustly accused, Nellie comes west to escape the law. She has a way with tucks and gathers, and every Western town could use more tucks and gathers. She’s determined to improve the drab look of the prairie and manages to brighten hearts as well. But will her quick speech and firm ideas of women’s suffrage draw Levi Eichas closer or send the somber carriage maker running? (Second Chance Christmas)
Grief has robbed Ann Hazel, but when her aunt pushes her to go west and help an ailing Hattie McGillicuddy turn hems, Ann’s shamed into it. She’s managed to avoid life for awhile, but when Sol Eichas’s nanny comes down sick, Ann reluctantly agrees to help. As she winds her way around Sol’s heart and home, can the two troubled souls leave the past behind to embrace a future together? (Second Chance at Love)
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling, multi-published, award-winning author Ruth Logan Herne is the author of nearly fifty novels and novellas through traditional publishers and her own independent works. She loves God, her family, country, coffee, chocolate and dogs, and wishes possums would leave the cat food on the side porch alone. And yet… they don’t. With over a million books in print, Ruthy is living her dream of touching hearts and souls by writing the kind of books she likes to read.
She lives on a pumpkin farm in Western New York where they grow all kinds of cool things for fall from sumptuous squashes and veggies to gorgeous stacking pumpkins. Ruthy’s farm is quickly becoming the place to be every September and October!
CONNECT WITH RUTHY: website | Facebook | Twitter
by admin | Mar 22, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I have always enjoyed Amanda Cabot’s novels and A Tender Hope was not exception. I read and reviewed the first book of the Cimarron Creek Trilogy and the second volume is still waiting on my TBR stack. I loved both of the ones I’ve read so much I can’t imagine how I’ve resisted the other one so far. Probably because I have a tendency to commit myself to so many reviews that often books I want to read have to wait in line.
The reader will get everything she hoped for and more in this lovely western romance. As is often the case in Cabot’s novels, there might just be more than one romance brewing and of course there will be a touch of comedy and enough danger, suspense, and surprises along the way to keep those pages turning. Wonderful characters including familiar faces from the previous two books and a well-paced plot that includes a non-intrusive message of Christian faith satisfied every expectation I have for a perfect reading experience.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As far as Thea Michener is concerned, it’s time for a change. With her husband murdered and her much-anticipated baby stillborn, there is nothing left for her in Ladreville. Having accepted a position as Cimarron Creek’s midwife, she has no intention of remarrying. So when a handsome Texas Ranger appears on her doorstep with an abandoned baby, Thea isn’t sure her heart can take it.
Ranger Jackson Guthrie isn’t concerned only with the baby’s welfare. He’s been looking for Thea, convinced that her late husband was part of the gang that killed his brother. But it soon becomes clear that the situation is far more complicated than he anticipated–and he’ll need Thea’s help if he’s ever to find the justice he seeks.
Read an excerpt HERE.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo by: Val Rothwell Photography
Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of A Stolen Heart and A Borrowed Dream, as well as the Texas Crossroads, Texas Dreams, and Westward Winds series. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers’ Best. She lives in Wyoming. Learn more at www.amandacabot.com.
by admin | Mar 5, 2019 | Books, Historical
MY REVIEW:
I was an immediate fan of Michelle Griep after reading my very first novel of hers. Since that day, it has been my intent to read everything she writes so I was quite happy to be given a chance to review her most recent collection Ladies of Intrigue. This particular book includes three vastly different novellas with different settings and time frames. The one thing each has in common is that at least one of the primary characters hides one or more secrets from the other. With so many secrets, how can true love overcome them?
I enjoyed all three of the distinct stories and find it difficult to choose a favorite. The dark and mysterious Cornish coast with its smuggler hero had its appeal but so did the western Fort Snelling and its city doctor. Then there was the young society lady determined to prove herself by providing a home for underprivileged children whose love interest held a few secrets of his own. Each story was a delight to read and held my interest until the end. Although I usually enjoy shorter format novellas such as these, I found myself not quite ready to let them go when I reached the last page of each one. I would say that is a testament to the excellent talent of Ms. Griep. I loved this book and would recommend it to all who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of intrigue.
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:
| Title: Ladies of Intrigue
Author: Michelle Griep
Genre: Christian Historical
Release date: February 2019
Publisher: Barbour |
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3 Page-Turners Under One Cover from Reader Favorite Michelle Griep!
Can truth and love prevail when no one is as they appear?
The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady
Cornish Coast, 1815
When a prim and proper governess returns to England from abroad, she expects to comfort her dying father—not fall in love with a smuggler. Will Helen Fletcher keep Isaac Seaton’s unusual secret?
The Doctor’s Woman (A Carol Award Winner!)
Dakota Territory, 1862
Emmy Nelson, daughter of a missionary doctor, and Dr. James Clark, city doctor aspiring to teach, find themselves working side by side at Fort Snelling during the Dakota Uprising. That is when the real clash of ideals begins.
A House of Secrets
St. Paul, Minnesota, 1890
Ladies Aide Chairman, Amanda Carston resolves to clean up St. Paul’s ramshackle housing, starting with the worst of the worst: a “haunted” house that’s secretly owned by her beau—a home that’s his only means of helping brothel girls escape from the hands of the city’s most infamous madam.
Click here to purchase your copy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Griep has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild). Keep up with her adventures at her blog “Writer off the Leash” or visit michellegriep.com.
GUEST POST FROM MICHELLE:
3 Reasons to Read Historical Fiction
Guest post by Michelle Griep
Believe it or not, some readers snub historical fiction, preferring instead to stick to contemporary reads. Several have good reason to, simply preferring one genre over another. But others have never given historical fiction a try. If you fall into that camp, here are some reasons you should consider reading a tale from the past.
- Historical fiction books are not as boring as your high school history class.
Does the thought of endless names and dates make you break out into hives? Good news! Historical fiction is a painless way to glean some historic facts without mindless memorization. You can experience a different era and culture vicariously through heroes and heroines that live on the pages of yesteryear.
- Makes for great conversation.
In a world that prides itself on keeping up with the Kardashians, dare to add a little cultural zest to your next dinner conversation. Reading historical fiction arms you with interesting tidbits of things that’ve happened in years gone by.
- Because truth is timeless.
Some people yearn to go back to a simpler time. The truth is, though, that the grass isn’t necessarily greener on the historic side of the fence. People have had tough issues to deal with no matter the era. . .but therein lies a great reason to read historical fiction: truth is timeless. Be it ancient, biblical, medieval, Victorian, or anything in between, truth never changes.
In my new release, Ladies of Intrigue, you’ll experience all these things and more. Find out about the smuggling trade in Cornwall in The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady. Learn about the rough and dangerous life on a military fort during the 1860’s in The Doctor’s Woman. Find out why the gilded age wasn’t as glittery as we often think in A House of Secrets.
Don’t be doomed to repeat history. Grab a cup of tea and master it with a great read!
BLOG STOPS:
| The Avid Reader, February 23
The Power of Words, February 23
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 23
Blogging With Carol, February 24
Reflections From My Bookshelves, February 24
Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 24
Mary Hake, February 24
Kathleen Denly, February 25
Genesis 5020, February 25
Splashes of Joy, February 25
For the Love of Literature, February 25
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 26
Faery Tales Are Real, February 26
Through the Fire Blogs, February 26
Blossoms and Blessings, February 26
Inspired by fiction, February 27
All-of-a-kind Mom, February 27
Back Porch Reads, February 27
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 27
A Baker’s Perspective, February 28
Andy Carmichael, February 28
Stories By Gina, February 28
Emily Yager, March 1
Multifarious, March 1
A Reader’s Brain , March 1
Baker kella, March 1 |
Bibliophile Reviews, March 2
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 2
Remembrancy, March 2
Just the Write Escape, March 3
Bigreadersite, March 3
Inspiration Clothesline, March 3
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 4
Vicky Sluiter, March 4
Ashley’s Bookshelf, March 4
Book by Book, March 4
Kat’s Corner Books, March 5
Inklings and notions, March 5
Living Life Free in Christ, March 5
The Morning Chapter, March 5
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 6
Pause for Tales, March 6
Simple Harvest Reads, March 6 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Daysong Reflections, March 6
Texas Book-aholic, March 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 7
Janices book reviews, March 7
A Humble Cup of Lukewarm Tea, March 8
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, March 8
Christian Author, J.E. Grace, March 8
Carpe Diem, March 8 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a free copy of Ladies of Intrigue!!
Be sure to comment on blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/da8c/ladies-of-intrigue-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Mar 2, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
You can always expect an action-packed, faith-filled, romantic, and humorous story when they open any novel by Mary Connealy and The Unexpected Champion is no exception. In this wonderful conclusion to the Sierra Sweethearts series, readers encounter one surprising twist after another, including a kidnapping and harrowing escape, a forced marriage, and a massive wall enclosing a mansion in the wilderness.
The unlikely pair of John McCall and Penny Scott are opposites in almost every way. Penny’s expertise in necessary wilderness skills and her habit of dressing accordingly are a puzzle to city bred detective John whose attire is not exactly geared to his current situation – and that is just the beginning of their differences. Of course anyone who reads novels by Mary Connealy on a regular basis knows exactly how that will end up. A truly evil villain keeps the pair on their toes as they (and their friends) attempt to bring him to justice.
I loved everything about this book. The pacing was perfect and the subtle humor and romantic vignettes offered a welcome break from the escalating danger and suspense. Every aspect of the story was woven together with the skill that keeps this author near the top of my must read list.
If you have not experienced a Mary Connealy novel, The Unexpected Champion might be a great place to start but I personally suggest reading the entire series in order for the greatest enjoyment.
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:
They’re as Different as Could Be.
But They’ll Need to Trust Each Other to Survive
the Wilderness . . . and the Dangers Chasing Them.
City dweller John McCall never expected to be out in the High Sierras of 1868 on a wild-goose chase to find the Chiltons’ supposedly lost grandson. But now that he’s out here, things have gotten even more complicated, mostly due to wildcat Penny Scott. She’s not like any woman he’s ever met–comfortable in the woods, with a horse, and with a gun.
When Penny and John are taken against their will by a shadowy figure looking for evidence they don’t have, both realize they’ve stumbled into something dangerous. With their friends and family desperately searching for them, Penny and John must make a daring escape.
When they emerge back into the real world, they discover their kidnapper just won’t stop. This city man and country woman must bring a powerful, ruthless man to justice, all while fighting a very inconvenient attraction to each other.
Read an excerpt here.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography
Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Learn more at www.maryconnealy.com.
