Lassoed by the Lawman by Renae Brumbaugh Green

by | May 16, 2021 | Books, Historical, Romance, Texas, Texas Rangers

MY REVIEW:

As best I can tell, Lassoed by the Lawman is the first book I’ve read by Renae Brumbaugh Green but I can guarantee it won’t be my last. I admittedly have a weakness for books about Texas, cowboys, and Texas Rangers so I’m not sure why I have not already discovered this author’s books. I will definitely be checking out more of them as soon as possible.

Juliana Duke is the only child of a successful rancher and although she has big dreams of her own, her desire is to please their parents. That means marrying the man they have chosen for her but she just can’t seem to set a date. Along comes Texas Ranger Cody Steves to help discover those responsible for stealing her father’s cattle. Despite her potential plans to marry someone else, Juliana finds herself instantly attracted to Cody and the attraction is obviously mutual.

Juliana and Cody’s story is filled with plenty of danger, action, suspense, misunderstandings, betrayal, and of course a sweet yet sizzling romance. Well written with plenty of vivid images of life on the ranch and excellent characterization, Lassoed by the Lawman moved along at a steady pace and made me want to discover what would happen next. I was not disappointed! I did have some suspicions but found myself in for some pretty big surprises before the grand finale.

If you love westerns as I do, you will not want to miss Lassoed by the Lawman and I assume the other novels by this new favorite 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:  Lassoed by the Lawman

Author: Renae Brumbaugh Green

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: May 4, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

Juliana Duke has always dreamed of owning a dress shop.

But as the only child of Oscar and Maria Duke and heiress of the vast Duke Ranch, her job is to marry a rancher and produce a male heir. When Lt. Cody Steves rides onto the scene, her resolve to place duty over daydreams is shaken. Now that her heart’s been lassoed by the handsome lawman, will she be able to love another?

Cody Steves wants marriage and family, but he loves being a Texas Ranger. At any time, he could ride into a job and not come out alive. How could any decent man marry, knowing he could leave a widow and orphans behind? But the beautiful Juliana Duke captures him in a way no other has. When this job is over, can he ride away with his heart intact?

When he learns of a secret plot to take over the Duke Ranch, Cody must risk everything to save Juliana. Little does he know, the outcome will be nothing like he’s planned or imagined.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Renae Brumbaugh Green is an ECPA Bestselling Author, award-winning humor columnist, and wannabe superhero. She lives in Texas with her handsome, country-boy husband, four nearly-perfect children and one nearly-perfect son-in-law, and far too many animals. When she’s not writing, Renae teaches online classes and tries to be rugged without chipping her nail polish.

MORE FROM RENAE:

Lassoed by the Lawman is the third and final book in the Texas Rangers Series, and I honestly think it’s my favorite book of the series. The main characters, Juliana and Cody, are loosely based on me and my husband, Rick. We’re both creatives, we both love music, and we both try to balance our love for creativity with our need to actually make a living! Our shared love of music initially drew us to each other.

Like Cody, Rick is rugged and masculine, and he melted my heart the first time I heard him sing. As a matter of fact, during our courtship, we often wrote songs together. One of the songs Cody sings to Juliana in the book is actually a song Rick wrote for me. (Sigh.)

The attraction Cody and Juliana feel for each other is both white-hot and pure… the kind of passion God wants husbands and wives to experience. It’s the kind of passion Christ has for us, his bride. As I worked on these pages, I giggled at times, blushed at times, and grinned with mischief always.

Through hardship and heartache, Juliana and Cody find joy. And through hardship and heartache, God wants us to find joy, too…the joy of an abundant life in Christ. I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it. As a bonus, here’s a link to a song Rick and I wrote and recorded for each other. It’s not the song from the book, but it’s pretty special to us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDjVxp2m5

God bless, and happy reading!

—Renae Brumbaugh Green

BLOG STOPS:

 

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 4

lakesidelivingsite, May 5

Just Writing, May 5

Texas Book-aholic, May 6

Inklings and notions, May 7

Simple Harvest Reads, May 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, May 8

deb’s Book Review, May 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 10

Kayem Reads, May 10

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 12

Connie’s History Classroom, May 13

Vicky Sluiter, May 13

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 16

Daysong Reflections, May 17

Genesis 5020, May 17

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Renae is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon 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/10b63/lassoed-by-the-lawman-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Nature of a Lady by Roseanna M. White

by | May 6, 2021 | Books, Historical, Romance, Scotland

MY REVIEW:

I am a confirmed fan of Roseanna M. White’s novels and must read each of her latest as soon as they are released. The Nature of a Lady has just hit bookstore shelves and I encourage all readers to grab a copy soon, even if the author is unknown to you. Unless I miss my guess, she will soon be a favorite.

Like many other readers I had never heard of the Isles of Scilly off the coast of Cornwall. This book has brought them to my attention and although I will probably never be able to travel there I have already enjoyed browsing through photos of them. What a beautiful place filled with history that includes pirates, smuggling, hidden caves, and all manner of beautiful flowering gardens.

Although this story is not set during a war as so many of White’s books are, it has its share of mystery and suspense woven into a delightfully romantic tale of mistaken identity. What better hero than clergyman Oliver whose gentle touch of one’s elbow tends to make all things right with a person’s world. I like to think that it was the Holy Spirit working through him. And Libby, a pampered daughter pulling at the bit of her parents’ expectations, takes matters into her own hands and escapes for a relaxing summer in a cottage by the sea with her maid where she can sketch native plants to her heart’s content. Secrets abound and Libby finds herself right in the middle of a mystery that includes a missing young woman and even the possibility of hidden treasure.

I absolutely loved this wonderful tale filled with so many quotable passages. A story of finding one’s perfect place in the world and a message of the power of forgiveness, The Nature of a Lady is a keeper and I already want to read it again.

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:

1906
Lady Elizabeth “Libby” Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn’t favored in society. She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles into the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage’s former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished.
 
Oliver Tremayne–gentleman and clergyman–is determined to discover what happened to his sister, and he’s happy to accept the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth’s summer cottage . . . especially when he realizes it’s the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can’t quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him.
 
As Libby and Oliver work together, they find ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: love.
 
 
 
 
 
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Roseanna M. White (www.roseannamwhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. She pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of numerous novels, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to Edwardian British series. Roseanna lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.roseannamwhite.com.

Downsizing by Lin Stepp

by | Apr 9, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Downsizing by Lin Stepp, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

Downsizing may be just the book for those readers who complain that most Christian romance novels feature young, beautiful women. Mary Pat is a wife who has paid her dues. She has raised her children well, taken care of her home and husband, and participated in various community organizations during her marriage. When her husband of thirty-four years comes home with the unexpected announcement that he wants a divorce because she has become boring and has gained too much weight, Mary Pat is shocked. The icing on the cake is that she must vacate their home because he has already sold it. Fortunately he has signed over to her the family vacation home near Gatlinburg where she grew up.

A well written story that takes the reader through a multitude of emotions along with Mary Pat, Downsizing is ultimately a tale of forgiveness, hope. and second chances as well as overcoming obstacles in one’s life. I could easily identify with Mary Pat’s weight problem because it is one I have struggled with most of my life. I do wish I could overcome it as easily as Mary Pat seemed to do it. It was encouraging to observe how the relationship between Mary Pat and her children improved, especially the one with her daughter. Faith is an important component of this story but was not overpowering. I also liked how the title described both Mary Pat’s weight loss and her living circumstances. I would recommend this book to those who prefer more mature primary characters.

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: Downsizing

Series: Mountain Home Books #2

Author: Lin Stepp

Publisher: Mountain Hill Press

Release Date: April 1, 2021

Genre: Clean/Sweet Contemporary Romance

Forced to suddenly downsize her life, and not by choice, pushes Mary Pat Latham to give up all that is familiar, to reexamine her life in every area, and to eventually open her heart to new beauty and purpose, instead of only looking back in regret.

At midlife, Mary Pat Latham has an almost perfect life—a successful husband, a beautiful home, four fine grown children, and a wealth of meaningful activities and social clubs to fill her days—so it’s a total shock when her husband walks in one day and says he wants a divorce. As if hearing a stranger talking in her own kitchen, Mary Pat listens to Russell’s reasons for wanting to abandon their long marriage and to his plans, already in place, to sell their home and move on. What will she do? Where will she go? She hasn’t worked since the children were born, her life wrapped up in home and family. Stunned, Mary Pat heads to the small mountain home she and Russell bought from her parents years ago, too shocked and humiliated to face her friends or anyone she knows right now.

Owen McCarter knew he’d need to stop by the old Jennings place, on some pretense or other, after Wheeler told him he’d seen a woman up there acting sick. After all, the house was next door to his at the end of Highland Drive. When he knocked on the front door later, it took him a minute to recognize Mary Pat, weeping and so different from the girl he’d known in childhood and fallen in love with. Owen reached out in friendship, of course, seeing Mary Pat so upset, but he felt surprised at the old memories that touched him, too. Hearing her problems and learning why she’d come to the mountains, Owen knew it unlikely she’d stay for long after the more lavish life she’d known. But he couldn’t help wishing she would.

Another Lin Stepp novel set in the Smoky Mountains … with a special “Downsizing Diet” available free to readers as a book supplement.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

?Lin Stepp is a New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon best-selling international author, A native Tennessean, businesswoman, and former  faculty member at Tusculum College, Lin has twenty-one published books, including her beloved Smoky Mountain and Mountain Home novels, all set in different Tennessee and North Carolina locations, plus a novella A Smoky Mountain Gift in one of Kensington’s Christmas anthologies.

Stepp’s latest novels, set around the Smoky Mountains, are Downsizing (2021) and Happy Valley (2019). Lin also has three novels set on the South Carolina coast in her Edisto Trilogy: Claire at Edisto (2019), Return to Edisto (2020) and Edisto Song (2021). Lin and her husband J.L. also write regional guidebooks, including a Smoky Mountain hiking guide and two state parks guidebooks for Tennessee and South Carolina.

Lin’s title Claire At Edisto was the 2019 Best Books Award Winner in Fiction: Romance, sponsored by American Book Fest, her novel Welcome Back a finalist in the 2017 Selah Awards, and Lin and her husband’s guidebook Discovering Tennessee State Parks a 2019 Best Books Award Finalist in Nonfiction: Travel Guides with American Book Fest.

Lin enjoys hiking and exploring out of doors and she loves speaking for events, festivals, libraries, and book clubs and sharing about her work and interests through her monthly blog and newsletter, both on her website at: www.linstepp.com

CONNECT WITH LIN: Website | Facebook | Twitter

TOUR GIVEAWAY:

(1) winner will receive a Tennesee gift pack including a print copy of Downsizing by Lin Stepp, The Afternoon Hiker and Discovering Tennessee State Parks by J.L. & Lin Stepp, and a Great Smoky Mountains National Park pocket guide!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 5, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 12, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch

by | Apr 2, 2021 | Books, Historical, Regency, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I certainly did not expect The Indebted Earl to begin so sadly but the opening chapters set up the situations that drove the rest of the book quite nicely.

Captain Charles was positively endearing! Having know nothing but the sea since a boy he finds himself totally out of his element on land, especially as an earl. Now that is a position he never hoped to have! But Charles was nothing if not an honorable man and honorable men take care of their duties no matter how unwanted they might be. Along with an unwanted title, Charles has found himself with several other responsibilities and although he is befuddled about how to take care of them all, he gives it his best shot. I loved his interactions with his three young unexpected charges and how dedicated he was to finding a solution for their needs. And then there was dear Sophie, the intended of his departed friend Rich whose last wish was for Charles to take care of her. Now everybody know what that means!

The Indebted Earl is another delightful tale from one of my favorite authors. Appearances by well loved characters from the previous two books of the series were a welcomed bonus. Charles and Sophie complemented each other well and their developing romance was entertaining. A bit of intrigue, mystery, and suspense along with touches of humor, faith, and a few surprises blended well and kept me completely involved with the story until its very end.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Blog Tours by Audra Jennings. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Can Captain Wyvern keep his new marriage of convenience all business–or will it turn into something more?

Captain Charles Wyvern owes a great debt to the man who saved his life–especially since Major Richardson lost his own life in the process. The best way to honor that hero’s dying wish is for Wyvern to escort the man’s grieving fiance and mother safely to a new cottage home by the sea. But along the way, he learns of another obligation that has fallen on his shoulders: his uncle has died and the captain is now the Earl of Rothwell.

When he and the ladies arrive at his new manor house in Devon, they discover an estate in need of a leader and a gaggle of girls, all wards of the former earl. War the new earl knows; young ladies and properties he does not. Still wishing to provide for the bereaved Lady Sophia Haverly, Charles proposes a marriage of convenience.

Sophie is surprised to find she isn’t opposed to the idea. It will help her care for her betrothed’s elderly mother, and she’s already fallen in love with the wayward girls on the Rothwell estate. This alliance is a chance to repay the captain who has done so much for her care, as well as divert her attention from her grief. When Wyvern returns to his sea commission, she’ll stay behind to oversee his property and wards.

It sounds so simple. Until the stalwart captain is arrested on suspicion of smuggling, and Sophie realizes how much he’s come to mean to her. Now she’ll have to learn to fight, not only for his freedom but also for his love.

Click here to read an excerpt.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate. 

Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.

A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.

Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).

GIVEAWAY:

ENTER TO WIN A KINDLE FIRE HD 8
https://promosimple.com/ps/10ba3/the-indebted-earl

Framed in Death Valley by Dana Mentink

by | Mar 28, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance, Suspense

MY REVIEW:

It seems that each new book by Dana Mentink is even better than the last one and that is saying something because every one of them has been excellent. In her latest, Framed in Death Valley the narrative revolves around an already married couple but boy do they have some obstacles to overcome.

Beckett has just been released from jail after being framed for a murder he didn’t commit. Out of concern for his wife Laney, he has filed for divorce thinking that is the best way to protect her until the real killer is found. As can be easily imagined, Laney is both hurt and angry which makes it difficult for her to accept Beckett’s help when it becomes apparent that her life is in danger anyway.

With escalating danger and suspense and a surprise or two thrown in for good measure, Framed in Death Valley is a page turner that I could not put down until the very end. As always, a subtle faith message with a theme of forgiveness and trusting God was deftly woven throughout the tale. Highly recommend it!

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Book:  Framed in Death Valley

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Suspense

Release date: March 1, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

Framed for a murder he didn’t commit, firefighter Beckett Duke gave up on everything—including his marriage to spirited Laney Holland. That is, until Laney’s life is threatened. Knowing the real killer is still at large, Beckett now has one purpose: protecting the woman he loves…and their unborn child. But sometimes an innocent man’s second chance comes with a deadly price.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Poisoned Pen Press. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the  nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle.

MORE FROM DANA:

What’s up in Death Valley?

As the desert vistas opened up in front of Papa Bear and me, I felt an amazing sense of peace. Mind you, we were visiting Death Valley in the fall. No braving the 130 plus summer temperatures for this couple! I simply cannot describe to you the wonder I felt, as a suburbanite from a bustling, noisy Northern California city. There is never a moment at home when I see only open horizon, when I hear nothing but quiet breezes. I was, quite simply, stunned.

I had done some research about places to visit as potential series settings, and Death Valley was at the top of the list. The websites did not disappoint. Artist’s Palette, the gorgeous peak painted in a rainbow of rock colors? Check! Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, glistening with salt and not so lifeless as one might think…check! How about my favorite moment…jouncing along the precarious trail through Titus Canyon? Check! Would all of these incomparable locations be suitable for a six book suspense series? Roger that!

It’s ironic that I felt so welcomed by such an inhospitable locale. Visiting is one thing, but it takes a certain rugged breed of individuals to live in such a hostile climate. What fodder for fiction! I simply could not wait to get home and start creating the Duke family. And you know what? When this pandemic is over, Death Valley is the first place I want to return…in the fall, of course! Do you have a place near and dear to your heart? What’s first on your travel list after the world opens up again?

BLOG STOPS:

Hebrews 12 Endurance, March 16

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 16

Among the Reads, March 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 17

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 17 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, March 18

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 18

Genesis 5020, March 18

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 19

Betti Mace, March 19

Lighthouse Academy, March 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20

Bizwings Blog, March 20

Texas Book-aholic, March 21

Reviewingbooksplusmore, March 21

Inklings and notions, March 22

Remembrancy, March 22

Simple Harvest Reads, March 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

For Him and My Family, March 23

Blogging With Carol, March 23

Older & Smarter?, March 24

Fiction Book Lover, March 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

KarenSueHadley, March 24

She Lives To Read, March 25

deb’s Book Review, March 25

Through the Fire Blogs, March 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 27

Labor Not in Vain, March 27

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 28

Pause for Tales, March 28

Blossoms and Blessings, March 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 29

Daysong Reflections, March 29

Hallie Reads, March 29

GIVEAWAY:

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away  the grand prize of a $30 Amazon gift card, a set of six mini cactus candles, and a signed copy of the book!!

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/1093d/framed-in-death-valley-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark

by | Mar 22, 2021 | Books, Historical, Romance, Split Time

MY REVIEW:

The Dress Shop on King Street is one of those books with all the feels. Its primary focus is on Millie Middleton as it highlights different stages of her life. Harper Dupree also plays a strong role in the story as does a young man named Peter. As the tale passes back and forth between characters and time, the reader slowly begins to get a glimpse of how their lives have somehow been woven together over the years without their knowledge.

Sometimes difficult to read and at times heartbreaking, the story relates the struggles of a mixed race woman who appears to be white during an era when such things could be dangerous. It is a tale filled with love, dreams deferred, difficult choices, faith through it all, and eventually forgiveness and reconciliation.

I loved the relationship between Harper and Millie, especially the fact that they both had similar dreams. A surprise or two along the way were perfect touches in this beautiful narrative that left me with ample things to ponder when I closed its covers.

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:

?Harper Dupree has pinned all her hopes on a future in fashion design. But when it comes crashing down around her, she returns home to Fairhope, Alabama, and to Millie, the woman who first taught her how to sew. As Harper rethinks her own future, long-hidden secrets about Millie’s past are brought to light.

In 1946, Millie Middleton–the daughter of an Italian man and a Black woman–boarded a train and left Charleston to keep half of her heritage hidden. She carried with her two heirloom buttons and the dream of owning a dress store. She never expected to meet a charming train jumper who changed her life forever . . . and led her yet again to a heartbreaking choice about which heritage would define her future.

Now, together, Harper and Millie return to Charleston to find the man who may hold the answers they seek . . . and a chance at the dress shop they’ve both dreamed of. But it’s not until all appears lost that they see the unexpected ways to mend what frayed between the seams.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ashley Clark (www.ashleyclarkbooks.com) writes romantic women’s fiction set in the South. With a master’s degree in creative writing, Ashley teaches literature and writing courses at the University of West Florida. Ashley has been an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers for almost a decade. She lives with her husband, son, and two rescued Cocker Spaniels off Florida’s Gulf Coast. When she’s not writing, she’s rescuing stray animals, dreaming of Charleston, and drinking all the English breakfast tea she can get her hands on.