A Man With a Past by Mary Connealy

MY REVIEW:

I have known for a number of years that when I pick up a book by Mary Connealy I can expect a few hours of solid entertainment. Her tales usually involve cowboys along with a hearty dose of adventure, often a touch of mystery, a liberal sprinkle of humor, and of course romance. A Man With a Past lived up to my expectations and more.

Although the author’s recent novels have not contained the degree of comedy found in earlier books, her unique sense of humor still makes itself apparent. Falcon Hunt’s loss of memory as well as his interaction with Cheyenne offers ample opportunity for more than a chuckle or two. I personally am enjoying Connealy’s venture into a bit more serious and suspenseful stories of late and find myself not wanting to put the book down until I reach the end.

The second installment of the Brothers In Arms series, A Man With a Past does overlap the first book, Braced For Love but it is told from a different point of view. This is also helpful to readers who have not read book one or to refresh the memories of those who have.

A bit slow getting started, probably due to the recap, but it does not take very long for intense action and suspense to ensue. It was fun watching the development of the relationship between Falcon and Cheyenne and I also enjoyed a few guesses about potential romance between other characters in the future.

I always enthusiastically recommend any of Mary Connealy’s books and A Man With a Past is no exception. Don’t wait. Pick up a copy for yourself asap.

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:

He must piece together his past if he’s to have any chance at a future.

Falcon Hunt traveled west, compelled to start a new life by a surprise telegram that promised him an inheritance and a family in Wyoming. But shortly after arriving, he wakes in a river, completely unaware of who or where he is. As he tries to regain his memory, he meets two men who claim to be his half brothers and the prettiest woman in the area, Cheyenne Brewster. Only trouble is, a few flashes of memory make Falcon wonder if he’s already married.

Falcon immediately draws Cheyenne’s ire as he so closely resembles her no-good stepfather who swindled her out of inheriting her mother’s property. But despite her resentments, she has to admit these newcomers’ presence has some appeal, especially after Falcon steals a kiss.

When shootings start happening on the ranch, it’s clear someone is gunning for the Hunt brothers. Falcon and Cheyenne set out to find who is behind the attacks, but it’ll take all their savvy and skill to deal with their enemies and the potentially forbidden love growing between them.

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than half a million books. She is the author of the popular series Brides of Hope Mountain, High Sierra Sweethearts, 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.

A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham – Celebrate Lit

MY REVIEW:

A Lady in Attendance was a story that held me enthralled from nearly its beginning. Featuring a young woman recently released after five years in a reformatory, the tale follows her experiences on her new job as a dental assistant and with the new friends she gains during that time.

Hazel is a young woman from a privileged background whose thoughtless actions resulted in false accusations and sent her to a reformatory. Once released, her family wanted nothing to do with her so Hazel was forced to support herself with employment as a lady in attendance to Dr. Gilbert Watts, a local dentist.

Although the plot begins a bit slowly it picks up its pace as Hazel, Gilbert, his brother Eddie, and two other friends work together to clear Hazel’s name. Plenty of mystery and unexpected twists provided an intriguing tale and a romance or two added even more interest.

All in all, A Lady in Attendance was a very satisfying read and I look forward to more books by this talented author.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book:  A Lady in Attendance

Author: Rachel Fordham

Genre: Christian Historical

Release date: June 1, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

Will the Past Destroy Her Future? 

Ada, Mi.—Rachel Fordham’s historical novels have received high praise for their warm and engaging story lines filled with romance, adventure, and happy endings. In A Lady in Attendance, Fordham beautifully blends these same great features in a novel about overcoming obstacles in the past to make room for a better future.

After spending the last five years in a New York state reformatory, Hazel is desperate to begin life anew, but she knows that a tarnished name could ruin her chances. She accepts a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts’ lady in attendance but does so under an alias so she can hide her shameful past.

Dr. Watts has come to enjoy the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, but he senses her sadness and wonders if there is more to her story than she’s shared with him. As their friendship deepens, Hazel must grapple with her desire to trust him.

Can Dr. Watts and Hazel’s friends help expunge her record? And can Hazel possibly find hope and love along the way?

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rachel Fordham is the author of The Hope of Azure Springs, Yours Truly, Thomas, and A Life Once Dreamed. Fans expect stories with heart, and she delivers, diving deep into the human experience and tugging at reader emotions. She loves connecting with people, traveling to new places, and daydreaming about future projects that will have sigh-worthy endings and memorable characters. She is a busy mom, raising both biological and foster children (a cause she feels passionate about). She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington.

MORE FROM RACHEL:

Ten behind the scenes extras from A Lady in Attendance:

  1. This book takes place in Amherst and Buffalo New York, places I lived for four years. Buffalo has had some rough years but if you ever visit the area you will see gorgeous old buildings, beautiful parks and cemeteries and understand why it was once a booming and prosperous city (and why I love it still). Gilbert and Hazel both grew up in the area (though, they did not know each other until the story begins). Two of my children were born in Buffalo and though they aren’t being raised there, I tell them stories.
  2. Hazel spent five years in a New York State reformatory. Reformatories were basically the first juvenile delinquent facilities (the ages of who could be sentenced there was different from today). Reformatories were a new idea. There were still a lot of people who believed in “bad blood” and that a criminal could never be anything but a criminal. There were some heroes who fought hard to convince the public, that people could change. Because of this book’s storyline, I could not go too deeply into this subject, but it is fascinating!
  3. Gilbert Watts is this book’s leading man. I gave up on being able to use the name Gilbert on one of my own kids and instead gave it to a character. I adore the name Gilbert and everything about this character, hope you do too!
  4. There is a joke at the end of the book about a graveyard (don’t worry, it’s not scary) and it’s a nod to my mom who used to use this joke on us every time we passed a cemetery. I really love sneaking in things into my stories that will make my kids, family and friends smile when they read it. I often think of my books as love letters from me to others and the best kind of love letters are personal.
  5. My husband is a dentist and as a result, we tend to notice dentist in media. They are often portrayed as villains or comic relief. I decided it would be my goal to write a romantic dentist that would change the image in readers minds.
  6. Gilbert tells Hazel that being a dentist is really being an artist. When my husband was first trying to decide on a career path, he shadowed a dentist. He didn’t really think it would be for him, but he was open to exploring options. He came home and told me that the cool thing about dentistry was that you were essentially making art that was functional, every day. Little sculptures that helped people eat and smile better. Gilbert from the book is very different from my husband, but it was fun sneaking in little pieces of him in there.
  7. One of my favorite scenes from this book take place at a corn husking. There is a tradition that says, if a red ear of corn is found, the finder gets a kiss. Sigh, I love that scene!
  8. Without always meaning to, my books end up having messages woven into them. I believe one of the messages in A Lady in Attendance is forgiveness. In this case, it’s forgiving of one’s self. I believe this message is one that we all need at some point in our lives (or many points!).
  9. My books are coming out in a different order than they were written in. I actually wrote this book before Yours Truly, Thomas and after A Life Once Dreamed. This story has been waiting a long time to be in print! During that time, it has been reshaped in little ways. It gained a prologue and lost an epilogue, it was tamed down in places and intensified in others, but the heart of it has always been the same!
  10. One last piece of A Lady in Attendance trivia—several of my books have had their titles changed. It’s part of the writing process. The books get a working title and later a title that the rest of the world knows it by. The Hope of Azure Springs was originally just Azure Springs. Yours Truly, Thomas was originally Dear, Azure Springs. A Life Once Dreamed was originally The Belle of Penance. A Lady in Attendance began as A Lady in Attendance and stayed A Lady in Attendance. Not only is this title fitting because dental assistants were knowns by this or as an attending lady, but also because Hazel wrestles with her worth. In a society that believes a mistake made once can leave a mark forever, it takes the right eyes and open heart to realize that there truly is a lady in attendance.

BLOG STOPS:

 

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of A Lady in Attendance as well as A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham, a signed bookplate, book swag, and a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble!!

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/10e71/a-lady-in-attendance-celebration-tour-giveaway

Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund

MY REVIEW:

I have read many novels by Jody Hedlund and Come Back to Me was not exactly what I expected. The time travel tale takes the heroine back in time to the middle ages where she finds herself right in the center of an uprising and unexpectedly married to a knight.

I won’t elaborate on the plot because it is one best discovered for oneself. I will say that a search for a medical cure is believed to be linked to Holy Water from the past and both worlds are involved in the quest.

Hedlund has once again written an imaginative story and has managed to insert not only a great deal of history but also some interesting facts about medical research and the competition within that field. Naturally there is romance but readers should be forewarned that the romance in this novel, although clean,  is probably a bit more sensual than usually found in books by this author.

I am not a huge fan of time travel but Come Back to Me was well done and raised some excellent points. Not only that but it was extremely interesting and entertaining.

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:

The ultimate cure that could heal any disease? Crazy.

That’s exactly what research scientist Marian Creighton has always believed about her father’s quest, even if it does stem from a desire to save her sister from the genetic disease that stole their mother from them. But when her father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water believed to contain traces of residue from the Tree of Life, Marian must question all of her assumptions. He’s left behind tantalizing clues that suggest he’s crossed back in time. Insane. Until Marian tests his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising.

William Durham, a valiant knight, comes to Marian’s rescue and offers her protection . . . as his wife. The longer Marian stays in the past, the more she cares about William. Can she ever find her father and make it back to the present to heal her sister? And when the time comes to leave, will she want to?

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund is your guide down the twisting waters of time to a volatile era of superstition, revolts, and chivalry in this suspenseful story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jody Hedlund (www.jodyhedlund.com) is the bestselling author of more than thirty historical novels for both adults and teens, including Come Back to Me, and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats. She loves to imagine that she really can visit the past, although she’s yet to accomplish the feat, except via the many books she reads.

A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham

MY REVIEW:

A Lady in Attendance was a story that held me enthralled from nearly its beginning. Featuring a young woman recently released after five years in a reformatory, the tale follows her experiences on her new job as a dental assistant and with the new friends she gains during that time.

Hazel is a young woman from a privileged background whose thoughtless actions resulted in false accusations and sent her to a reformatory. Once released, her family wanted nothing to do with her so Hazel was forced to support herself with employment as a lady in attendance to Dr. Gilbert Watts, a local dentist.

Although the plot begins a bit slowly it picks up its pace as Hazel, Gilbert, his brother Eddie, and two other friends work together to clear Hazel’s name. Plenty of mystery and unexpected twists provided an intriguing tale and a romance or two added even more interest.

All in all, A Lady in Attendance was a very satisfying read and I look forward to more books by this talented author.

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:

Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel’s real name. So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts’s lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias. In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.

As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, he can’t help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Can the questions that loom between them ever be answered? Or will the deeds of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities?

Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man and a hardened woman, as well the friends who stand by them, as they work toward a common purpose–to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving–and perhaps find love along the way.

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rachel Fordham is the author of The Hope of Azure Springs, Yours Truly, Thomas, and A Life Once Dreamed. Fans expect stories with heart and she delivers, diving deep into the human experience and tugging at reader emotions. She loves connecting with people, traveling to new places, and daydreaming about future projects that will have sigh-worthy endings and memorable characters. She is a busy mom, raising both biological and foster children (a cause she feels passionate about). She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington.

Murder at Madison Square Garden by Linda Shenton Matchett

MY REVIEW:

In 1941 World War 1 is still fresh on the minds of many Americans and understandably many of them are not in favor of going to war again as Hitler’s troops march across Europe. Rallies often sprang up as one side or another gave their opinion on what the U.S. should do. Teddy Schafer, a photojournalist hopes to redeem her tarnished image by capturing a few amazing shots during a speech by Charles Lindbergh at Madison Square Garden. Things go terribly wrong when Teddy attempts to foil a gunman and ends up holding the gun herself after the shooter made a quick getaway in the crowd.

The author takes her readers on an exciting journey back in history through the experiences of Teddy and Ric Bogart, the private investigator who cannot decide whether he believes in Teddy’s innocence. Plenty of action ensues and readers will root for a romance to develop between the unlikely pair as they race against time to identify the true murderer.

Murder at Madison Square Garden was a fun read that hit just the right notes for my enjoyment. Characters were both likeable and somewhat unique and the plot moved along at the perfect pace. I definitely plan on reading more by this author.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book:  Murder at Madison Square Garden

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Historical Mystery

Release date: July 15, 2020

Click here to get your copy!

The dream of a lifetime becomes a nightmare.

Photojournalist Theodora “Teddy” Schafer’s career has hit the skids thanks to rumors of plagiarism. With any luck, a photo spread with Charles Lindbergh at the America First Rally will salvage her reputation. After an attempted assassination of Lindbergh leaves another man dead, Teddy is left holding the gun. Literally. Can she prove her innocence before the police lock her up for a murder she didn’t commit?

Private Investigator Ric Bogart wants nothing to do with women after his wife cleaned out their bank account and left him for another man, but he can’t ignore the feeling he’s supposed to help the scrappy, female reporter who is arrested for murder at the America First rally. Can he believe her claims of innocence and find the real killer without letting Teddy steal his heart?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bestselling author of over twenty books, Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, Linda is currently working with the curator to create her first exhibit, Shaped by Conflict that will be on display from May 1 to June 15, 2021. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry. Linda has lived in historical places all her life and is now located in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities include exploring historic sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

MORE FROM LINDA:

Dear readers:

I grew up in New Jersey and often went into New York City for school field trips and family visits. One of my favorite places to go was Madison Square Garden. I have lots of happy memories, so I wondered if I could possibly set a book there. I spent a lovely afternoon digging into the building’s past and learning about the important, historic events that took place there. When I discovered that aviator Charles Lindbergh spoke at the Garden about the controversial topic of U.S. isolationism prior to America’s entry into WWII, I knew I had the beginning of a story.

My protagonist came about during one of my shifts as a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII. While talking to one of our guests about our wartime print and broadcast journalism display, the conversation turned to the role that women played. Therese Bonney was a one of the photojournalists highlighted in the exhibit. As I studied her picture, I was struck by her determination in the set of her jaw and look in her eyes. My protagonist Theodora “Teddy” Schafer was born.

I enjoyed my trip down Memory Lane at the Garden during my research and had fun subjecting Teddy to uncomfortable situations as she tried to prove her innocence. But most of all, I hope her story honors the men and women who served in countless ways during this difficult time in history.

Enjoy Murder at Madison Square Garden.

Linda

BLOG STOPS:

 

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Visa Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10d57/murder-at-madison-square-garden-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

 

The Silver Shadow by Liz Tolsma

MY REVIEW:

The Silver Shadow is another contribution to Barbour’s True Crime series by Liz Tolsma. Set in turn-of-the-century Denver Colorado in 1900, the story features a suspect who accosts women who are alone on the street after dark, usually by hitting them in the head and disappearing immediately. As very little true information is now available about the crimes, this installment is primarily a work of fiction based on what little is known.

Newspaper reporter Polly Blythe is determined to make a name for herself writing “real news” rather than stories about social events that are normally assigned to women reporters. When she learns of the evening attacks on women, not only does she decide she can make a name for herself writing about them but soon becomes frustrated with the police department’s lack of progress in the case and becomes determined to find the perpetrator herself.

Edwin Price, the detective working on the case has made little progress and soon finds himself listening as Polly tries to convince him that the cases are connected. When the case gets too close for comfort when a friend and family member are attacked, Edwin joins Polly in a quest to permanently stop the attacks.

With a plot that moves at a steady pace, interesting characters, increasing danger, growing mystery, and a touch of romance thrown in for good measure, The Silver Shadow had no problem holding my attention. It was fun trying to guess along with Edwin and Polly who was behind the attacks and I was happy with how the story ended.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all the True Crimes series books that I have read and hope that the series will continue

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 Silver Shadow

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Historical/Suspense

Release date: May 2021

Click here to get your copy!

A Shadowy Figure Is Intent on Harming Denver’s Women

Book 11 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History

Denver of 1900 is still a dangerous place to be following the silver crash of 1893. And of out of the dark comes a shadow intent on harming women. Ambitious young Denver newspaper reporter Polly Blythe is searching for the big story that’s going to launch her career. On Friday evening, August 24, 1900, she gets her break when two women are cracked over the head within a two-minute walk of each other. But policeman Edwin Timmer thwarts Polly’s ideas of a serial criminal. . .until the shadowy figure strikes again. Will the reporter and the policeman team up to find the culprit before he strikes too close for comfort?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.

MORE FROM LIZ:

One of the most popular questions I’ve gotten from many readers of the True Colors Crime series is how do I come up with the ideas for the books? For the first two, Becky Germany, acquisitions editor at Barbour Publishing, had the ideas. That made my life easy. I just had to fictionalize it, and I had a book. But when I was putting together the proposals for The Gold Digger and The Silver Shadow, it was up to me to find the true crimes I wanted to use.

I went online and scoured historical crime blogs and books for ideas. I wanted crimes that I could work easily with, that made for compelling stories. As I was doing this, my husband and two daughters and I were driving home from Georgia. We were somewhere in Indiana. Don’t ask me why I remember this when I can’t remember what I had for dinner last night, but I do.

And then on Google Books, I discovered a book about crimes the world had forgotten. The first one in there sounded so good. Not too grisly, something that no one would be able to guess the culprit very easily. It was perfect. Imagine my excitement when Becky told me they would be publishing The Silver Shadow.

Then I sat down to research it more. And I could hardly find anything! What? Where was all the information on this? There had to be more. That chapter in the one book couldn’t be all there was. He had to get his information from somewhere.

Eventually I did come across some articles from various Colorado newspapers with a few details. Not many at all. None from any of the Denver papers, even though that’s where the crimes were committed.

In the end, that’s all the information I discovered. In a way, it was freeing. I could write whatever I wanted, and no one would be the wiser. Even if they did some research and some digging, there wasn’t much to find. I was able to take the facts that I did have, combine that with what I found out about Denver in 1900, and put it together in a story. I tried to use historical details wherever I could, but of my four True Colors Crimes books, this is the most fictional of them all.

BLOG STOPS:

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of The Silver Shadow!!

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/10c96/the-silver-shadow-celebration-tour-giveaway