by admin | Apr 2, 2018 | Books, Historical, Medieval, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Loyal Heart” is a medieval romance that opens with exciting action and proceeds with plenty more as the book continues. Captured by her father’s enemy, Lady Olivia is determined to protect her sister at all cost and remain loyal to her father. Every attempt at escape is foiled and she is forced to stay too close for comfort to her captor, Sir Aldric.
Both Sir Aldric and Lady Olivia are marvelous characters who attempt to follow their beliefs and keep their integrity. Although enemies, Lady Olivia finds herself admiring Sir Aldric’s commitment to truth and honor. Along the way she learns the meaning and importance of true loyalty.
I thoroughly enjoyed “A Loyal Heart” with its fast paced plot and excellent characters. With lots of action, drama, romance, and surprises, the story held my attention until the very end. I strongly recommend this book as well as any other written by Jody Hedlund.
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:
Click to purchase
He’s taken her as his prisoner. But she’s holding his heart captive. In gaining their freedom, will they lose what matters most?
When Lady Olivia’s castle is besieged, she and her sister are taken captive and held for ransom by her father’s enemy, Lord Pitt. Loyalty to family means everything to Olivia. She’ll save her sister at any cost and do whatever her father asks—even if that means obeying his order to steal a sacred relic from her captor.
As Lord Pitt’s commander, Sir Aldric is in charge of the beautiful but feisty new prisoner. He has his hands full attempting to keep Lady Olivia out of trouble. When Lord Pitt throws her in the dungeon and threatens to hang her for stealing, Aldric conceives a plot to save Olivia’s life—betrothal to him.
Can Olivia give up the prestigious match her father has arranged with a wealthy marquess in order to marry a lowly knight like Aldric? And can Aldric move beyond his past mistakes to embrace love again? When loyalties are tested, they’re thrust into danger that could cost them their love and their lives.
Click here to purchase your copy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).
When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.
GUEST POST FROM JODY HEDLUND:
The Growing Need for Sweet Young Adult Romances
By Jody Hedlund
This past year my youngest daughter turned twelve and entered seventh grade. And she decided that she wanted to read my books.
Of course I was thrilled that she was taking an interest in my writing. But since my adult historical romances are more intense and contain some mature themes, I handed her the young adult series I’ve written.
As she started the first book, I peeked in her room a time or two to ask her how she liked it.
“It’s the best book you’ve ever read, right?” I teased.
“It’s okay,” she replied, teasing me right back.
The true test for how much she liked the series came when she couldn’t put the book down. She hid away in her room and read all day. Then she read the second book the next day and the third book the day after that.
She never did gush over the series. But she didn’t need to. Her serious reading marathon told me all I needed to know! Then when I was writing the fourth book in the series, she asked me if she could read it early before it was published which was another testament to how much she enjoyed the series.
“As long as you promise to say that I’m your favorite author,” I said, teasing her again.
I’m happy to say that she finished A Loyal Heart just as quickly as the others. Although I’m not sure that I’m her favorite author, I’m satisfied that she loved the series.
Even more, I’m thrilled that I could hand her sweet romances full of chivalrous qualities—like courage, sacrifice, honor, and loyalty. As she’s being entertained, she’s learning lessons about character traits that are important in relationships.
My daughter, like other young teens I’ve talked to, really enjoys medieval settings and stories. In some ways, those kinds of stories connect them to the princess fairy tales they used to love when they were little. Let’s face it, even adult readers still love stories about knights and castles and daring damsels!
In a book market for teens that has grown increasingly dark, jaded, and sexual, I only wish I had more to offer my daughter and other young women. It’s my passion to continue providing wholesome, clean romances for teens, books I know will encourage and uplift as well as entertain.
How about YOU? Is there a teen reader you know who needs an alternative to what’s available in the market? I encourage you to gift them with A Loyal Heart. And make sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win the entire series that you can read, pass along, or even gift to your library.
Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. She lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!). When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.
BLOG STOPS:
Among the Reads, March 27
Lighthouse Academy, March 27
Neverending Stories, March 27
Reflections From My Bookshelves, March 28
books n baubles, March 28
Blossoms and Blessings, March 28
By The Book, March 29
Reading Is My SuperPower, March 29
Genesis 5020, March 29
Books, Books, and More Books., March 29
Have A Wonderful Day, March 30
Blogging With Carol, March 30
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, March 30
Cover to Cover and Everything in Between, March 31
Book by Book, March 31
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 31
God’s Little Bookworm, April 1
The Christian Fiction Girl, April 1
Mary Hake, April 1
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, April 2
Daysong Reflections, April 2
Novels Corner, April 2
Remembrancy, April 3
proud to be an autism mom, April 3
Texas Book-aholic, April 3
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 4
Janices book reviews, April 4
Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 4
Romances of the Cross, April 5
Carpe Diem, April 5
A Baker’s Perspective, April 5
Ashley’s Bookshelf, April 6
Karen Sue Hadley, April 6
Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, April 6
Red Headed Book Lady, April 7
Bibliophile Reviews, April 7
Simple Harvest Reads, April 7 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Pursuing Stacie, April 8
Bigreadersite, April 8
margaret kazmierczak, April 8 (interview)
Henry Happens, April 9
Faery Tales Are Real, April 9
Joy of Reading, April 9
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Jody is giving away a grand prize of An Uncertain Choice, A Daring Sacrifice, For Love & Honor, and A Loyal Heart!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/cb76
by admin | Mar 30, 2018 | Books, ebook, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Winning Miss Winthrop” was every bit as delightful and entertaining as the other Regency novels I have read by Carolyn Miller. I was especially charmed by the clever way more than one character managed to put an offensive character in their place without their being any the wiser. Oh, if only I had been blessed with such a gift!
As always, Miller’s skill with description and her imaginative plot held my interest until the very end. I was invested enough in the story to want to force Catherine and Jonathan to actually sit down and talk it out rather than constantly avoiding the other’s eyes. My goodness, they could have saved themselves months of misery! Of course the story wouldn’t have been quite so much fun in the meantime.
Quite a few quirky and interesting characters grace the pages of “Winning Miss Winthrop”. Some were very likeable and of course there were one or two of those readers love to hate. All in all, this book is one that will find a permanent spot on my shelf once I purchase a hard copy. Carolyn Miller is quickly earning herself a position on my favorite authors list.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Kregel Publications through NetGalley. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Years ago, the man who stole Catherine Winthrop’s heart rejected her—and she’s never recovered from the grief. Now tragedy has brought him back into her life. This time it isn’t her heart he’s taking, it’s her home and her family’s good name.
Jonathan Carlew’s serious demeanor and connection to trade, not to mention the rumors surrounding his birth, have kept him from being a favorite of the ladies, or their parents. Now, suddenly landed and titled, he finds himself with plenty of prospects. But his demanding society responsibilities keep pressing him into service to the one woman who captured his heart long ago—and then ran off with it.
These two broken hearts must decide whether their painful past and bitter present will be all they can share, or if forgiveness can provide a path to freedom for the future.
Set in the sumptuous salons of Bath, Regency England’s royal breeding ground for gossip, Winning Miss Winthrop is the first volume in the Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series. Fans of the wholesome and richly drawn first series won’t want to miss this new set of characters—or appearances by their old favorites.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers.Find out more about Carolyn at https://www.carolynmiller.org.
by admin | Mar 27, 2018 | Alaska, Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have a gorgeous photo of Denali on my smart phone screen. No I’ve never had the opportunity to visit Alaska but my daughter and son-in-law went last summer and the clouds lifted long enough for her to take some spectacular photos and was generous enough to share with me. At this point in my life, most of my traveling will most likely be done through the pages of my beloved books and the lens of my daughter’s camera. Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse have provided me with a historical suspense that helped to bring life to my daughter’s image.
I can always expect a lovely romantic story from Tracie Peterson, usually one filled with obstacles to help keep it interesting. When Peterson joins forces with Kimberly Woodhouse, the suspense seems to be raised a few notches and I can be sure of an exciting story. That was certainly the case with “Out of the Ashes”.
The second book in The Heart of Alaska series, “Out of the Ashes” also takes place mostly in or in the vicinity of the Curry Hotel. Two young people have been brought together through the mechanization of a loving grandmother who wants the best for her granddaughter but neither Katherine nor Jean-Michel are the same people who fell in love so many years ago. Life has left its mark on each of them and it could be too late for a life together again.
As always, I was immediately sucked into the story and had great difficulty putting it down to take care of mundane everyday chores. The plot was expertly constructed with just enough description and historical facts to keep it interesting. Scripture was also inserted at just the right points, time and again. There was absolutely nothing I didn’t like about this story except maybe the fact that it ended. I can’t wait for another installment.
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:
After the death of their father, Collette and Jean-Michel Langelier are no longer tied to post-war France. While his sister dreams of adventure, Jean-Michel is hoping to finally escape reminders of the horrors he faced in the war. When Jean-Michel receives an unexpected invitation for them to visit Alaska and the Curry Hotel, it seems an opportunity for a change he needs.
Katherine Demarchis is a young widow who does not grieve the dangerous husband she was forced to marry. Now she just wants to retreat to a quiet life, content to be alone. First, though, she’s agreed to accompany her grandmother on a final trip, but never expects to see a man from her past.
Katherine and Jean-Michel once shared a deep love that was torn apart by forces beyond their control. Reunited now, have the years changed them too deeply to rediscover what they had? And when Jean-Michel’s nightmares return with terrifying consequences, will faith be enough to heal what’s been broken for so long?
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
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Tracie Peterson 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. Learn more at www.traciepeterson.com. |
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by admin | Mar 16, 2018 | Books, Historical, National Parks, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed each and every one of Karen Barnett’s books since I had the opportunity to review “Mistaken” back in 2013. With each succeeding book I have grown to appreciate this author’s skill in developing fresh plots and engaging characters. As long as she continues to write books, I will read them!
“Where the Fire Falls” is the second of Barnett’s Vintage National Parks Novels. Although these books are part of a series, each stands easily on its own with new characters and story lines. This particular volume is set in Yosemite National Park and features a young artist sent there to paint a series of watercolors for a travel magazine. Somewhat fearful that even being in the park might reveal family history she would like to keep hidden, Olivia knows that the income from the paintings is necessary to help care for her younger sisters. Back country guide Clark Johnson is not very impressed with the flapper Olivia appears to be but soon catches glimpses of and falls in love with the real Olivia that she attempts to keep hidden.
A wonderful story of two wounded people searching for meaning in their lives, “Where the Fire Falls” is filled with drama, suspense, betrayal, and romance that is woven together against the majestic backdrop of mountains, waterfalls, and wilderness of historic Yosemite. It was fun experiencing the park through the eyes of Olivia and Clark, especially the Firefall event each evening. I was actually able to find an old video of the phenomenon from the 1960s that gave me a tiny idea of what campers may have experienced during the early years in the park. I especially liked watching Clark and Olivia’s relationship as it grew as well as how each of them grew in their faith and discovered the plans God had for them.
I hope everyone will pick up copies of “Where the Fire Falls” and also the first book of the series “The Road to Paradise”. I enjoyed both and highly recommend them.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Blogging For Books. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Stunning Yosemite National Park sets the stage for this late 1920s historical romance with mystery, adventure, heart, and a sense of the place John Muir described as “pervaded with divine light.”
Watercolorist Olivia Rutherford has shed her humble beginnings to fashion her image as an avant-garde artist to appeal to the region’s wealthy art-collectors. When she lands a lucrative contract painting illustrations of Yosemite National Park for a travel magazine, including its nightly one-of-a-kind Firefall event, she hopes the money will lift Olivia and her sisters out of poverty.
After false accusations cost him everything, former minister Clark Johnson has found purpose as a backcountry guide in this natural cathedral of granite and trees. Now he’s faced with the opportunity to become a National Parks Ranger, but is it his true calling?
As Clark opens Olivia’s eyes to the wonders of Yosemite, she discovers the people are as vital to the park’s story as its vistas–a revelation that may bring her charade to an end.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
KAREN BARNETT, author of Mistaken, Out of the Ruins, and Beyond the Ashes, is a former park ranger. She worked as a ranger naturalist and outdoor educator at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Silver Falls State Park, and Mount Rainier National Park. When not writing, Karen enjoys photography, hiking, and public speaking. She lives in Oregon with her family.
by admin | Mar 9, 2018 | American Revolution, Books, Colonial Williamsburg, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Lark Benton had always loved Emerson Fielding but she was beginning to wonder why he ever asked her to marry him two long years ago. Since then it seemed as if he almost didn’t know she existed except for those rare family occasions when they must see each other. Nevertheless, Lark behaved as she believed Emerson expected of her, all the while wishing he really knew the real Lark. An inappropriate flirtation is the last straw and with the help of her brother Wiley, Lark disappeared to the home of a dear friend of Wiley’s in Annapolis, intending to spend the winter and hopefully miss her own wedding.
It was much too easy to get lost in the pages of “A Heart’s Revolution”. I loved the characters, especially Lark and Emerson and enjoyed seeing how when they finally discovered themselves, they were able to find true love. Other characters played significant roles in the story and at least one other romance played out by its end. At times humorous and often dramatic, the narrative was also filled with post Revolutionary War facts that this history lover enjoyed. I was particularly impressed by one character who repeatedly turned to God despite all the negative circumstances that came against him and whose faith made a lasting impression on both Lark and Emerson.
“A Heart’s Revolution” is another fine novel from one of my favorite authors. If you love historical romance, do yourself a big favor and check out the books of Roseanna M. White.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In 1783 peace has been declared, but war still rages in the heart of Lark Benton.
Never did Lark think she’d want to escape Emerson Fielding, the man she’s loved all her life. But when he betrays her, she flees Williamsburg for Annapolis, taking refuge in the nation’s temporary capital. There lark throws herself into a new circle of friends who force her to examine all she believes.
Emerson follows, determined to reclaim his betrothed. Surprised when she refuses to return with him, he realizes that in this new nation he has come to call his own, duty is no longer enough. He must learn to open his heart and soul to something greater—before he loses all he should have been fighting to hold.
Previously published as Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
by admin | Mar 2, 2018 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I am so happy that I had the chance to read and review this wonderful book; however my review of “Holding the Fort” is later than I had planned due to unexpected complications with a family member’s health. I always look forward to every new release from Regina Jennings because I can count on reading a story filled with history, faith, romance, and just plain fun. “Holding the Fort” was no exception.
This book had so many laugh-out-loud moments for me. I especially liked one scene near the beginning where Major Daniel Adams just had to see for himself if he could perform a certain trick on horseback for which a young soldier had recently been disciplined. His results were less than stellar and the outcome was not at all funny. Both Daniel and Louisa Bell were awesome characters who had me rooting for them from the very beginning. Daniel’s daughters and Louisa’s brother added special touches to the story.
I cannot think of even one thing I disliked about “Holding the Fort” unless it was the fact that I reached the end much too quickly. If you are a lover of historical romance and haven’t tried one of Jennings’ books, please do yourself a big favor and pick up a copy of this book today. I can almost guarantee you will want to read more of her books. I certainly look forward to her next release.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
With Miss Bell as the Teacher, Everyone’s Bound to Learn an Interesting Lesson
Dance hall singer Louisa Bell has always lived one step from destitution. When she loses her job at the Cat-Eye Saloon, she has nowhere else to go but to her brother, a cavalry soldier stationed in Indian Territory. But he’s run afoul of his commanding officer. Unsure what she can do to help him and desperate for a job, she doesn’t protest when she’s mistaken for a governess at the fort. How hard can teaching really be?
Major Daniel Adams has his hands full at Fort Reno, especially raising two adolescent daughters alone. If this new governess doesn’t work out, his mother-in-law insists she’ll raise the girls herself–far away from the fort. Miss Bell bears little resemblance to Daniel’s notion of a governess–they’re not supposed to be so blamed pretty–but he finds himself turning a blind eye to her unconventional methods. Louisa has never faced so important a performance. Can she keep her act together long enough to help her brother and to secure the respectable future she’s sought for so long?
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She’s the winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children and can be found online at www.reginajennings.com.
