by admin | Aug 2, 2020 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have been a fan of books by Erica Vetsch since I read my first one. It is a given that I want them all permanently on my bookshelf. I am particularly enjoying her Serendipity & Secrets series and The Gentleman Spy met my every expectation and beyond.
The characters have a mind of their own and definitely do not adhere to the usual stereotypes. A hero who is too involved with his career and has his life carefully regimented to keep every aspect of it separate, suddenly finds himself in need of a wife. Naturally he believes he can conveniently place her in her own special spot and go on with his life. Yeah, right! Even his friends found that laughable. Our heroine has been under the thumb of a very controlling father her entire life, a father who would like to marry her off as soon as possible because she tends to think for herself and has difficulty keeping her mouth shut. How embarrassing is that when you would like to protect your impeccable image for society?
As you might have guessed, these two find themselves with wedding plans but nothing goes quite as expected. That is really where the fun begins. It would be easy to share more details but why ruin your enjoyment? You need to read The Gentleman Spy for yourself. Witty and romantic, this book offers an enjoyable journey back to Regency England. I would also recommend picking up a copy of The Lost Lieutenant as well.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author’s influencer team. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
He only wanted a duchess for a day–but she’s determined to make it a marriage for life. When his father and older brother suddenly pass away, the new Duke of Haverly is saddled with a title he never expected to bear. To thwart the plans of his scheming family, the duke impulsively marries a wallflower. After all, she’s meek and mild; it should be easy to sequester her in the country and get on with his life–as a secret agent for the Crown.
But his bride has other ideas. She’s determined to take her place not only as his duchess but as his wife. As a duchess, she can use her position to help the lowest of society–the women forced into prostitution because they have no skills or hope. Her endeavors are not met favorably in society, nor by her husband who wishes she’d remain in the background as he ordered.
Can the duke succeed in relegating her to the sidelines of his life? When his secrets are threatened with exposure, will his new wife be an asset or a liability?
Click here to read an excerpt!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota. Learn more about Erica at www.ericavetsch.com.
Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor)
Instagram (@EricaVetsch)
Pinterest (Erica Vetsch)
GIVEAWAY:
Alternate Links to Enter:
https://www.audrajennings.com/2020/07/win-copy-of-gentleman-spy.html
https://www.ericavetsch.com/giveaway.html
https://promosimple.com/ps/10029/the-gentleman-spy
by admin | Jul 31, 2020 | Books, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Although I was a bit slow getting into this story, it developed into quite the interesting read. It is a tale of ambition to the exclusion of everything else – that is until circumstances intervened to reveal that there might just be more to life than ambition and monetary gain. The plot of Line by Line also contains jealousy, deception, revenge, unobtrusive faith, and of course romance.
Both Alice and Douglas are bright and ambitious characters who excel at their jobs and dream of independence and of proving themselves to their peers and families. I loved seeing all their plans becoming upended and how they both learned that some things are more important than their dreams for the future.
I enjoyed learning more about the history of telegraphy and its importance to business before telephones became common. It was fun to watch the relationship develop between Alice and Douglas. A touch of mystery kept things interesting and some bits of humor kept it entertaining. I particularly liked seeing a certain character get what he had coming. Line by Line is definitely a book readers will want to add to their list.
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:
Can her dreams of independence withstand a dash of love?
Since she was young, Alice McNeil has seen a career as a telegrapher as the best use for her keen and curious mind. Years later, she doesn’t regret her freedom in foregoing marriage, especially when she acquires a coveted position at an important trading firm. But when the company’s ambitious junior director returns to London, things begin to change in ways Alice could never have imagined.
For Douglas Shaw, years of hard work and ingenuity enabled him to escape a life of grinding poverty. He’s now determined to marry into high society–a step that will ensure he never returns to the conditions of his past.
He immediately earns Alice’s respect by judging her based on her skills and not her gender, and a fast camaraderie forms. However, when Alice accidentally angers a jealous coworker and his revenge threatens both their reputations, Alice and Douglas are forced to confront what is truly important in their lives. Will their growing bond give them the courage to see the future in a different light?
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jennifer Delamere’s (www.jenniferdelamere.com) debut Victorian romance, An Heiress at Heart, was a 2013 RITA Award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, A Lady Most Lovely, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She’s been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.
by admin | Jul 24, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Liz Johnson is an author with a gift for combining a really good romance with an equally intriguing mystery. I have enjoyed her Georgia Coast series set in the historic city of Savannah with each book focusing on a long lost legendary treasure. It has been such fun following the characters as they search for clues to discover the location of treasures most people believe to be tall tales.
A Dazzle of Diamonds was quite the satisfying story featuring lifelong friends Penelope and Tucker. The common best friends to more trope was such fun to watch play out between the characters even as they both had major problems to overcome. I loved how loyal Penelope and Tucker were to each other, attempting to help in any way possible, only wanting the best for the other.
A plot that includes a family scandal, a former fiance, an old diary, a mysterious treasure, and a quirky but delightful aunt, makes for some pretty good reading. I thoroughly enjoyed A Dazzle of Diamonds and encourage you to grab a copy of your own as soon as possible. I do not think you will be sorry.
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:
Penelope Hunter loves her job as the event manager at one of Savannah’s premier historic venues–until her ex-fiancé walks into her office with his new bride-to-be. Surely she cannot be expected to plan their wedding. To make matters worse, a scheming social matriarch is threatening to take her big-ticket event elsewhere, especially if Penelope insists on being seen with her best friend, Tucker Westbrook.
Since returning from serving two tours in the Middle East, Tucker has built a thriving security company. His work is nearly as stabilizing as his lifelong friendship with Penelope. But when the lone candidate for county sheriff goads him, Tucker loses his cool and ends up on the ballot–and on the receiving end of a smear campaign claiming the Westbrooks were traitors to the South.
To clear his name, Tucker and Penelope must join forces to find the truth behind a lost Civil War treasure. But the more time they spend together, the closer she comes to losing her job–and falling helplessly in love.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Johnson is the author of more than a dozen novels, including A Sparkle of Silver, A Glitter of Gold, The Red Door Inn, Where Two Hearts Meet, and On Love’s Gentle Shore, as well as a New York Times bestselling novella and a handful of short stories. She works in marketing and makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona.
by admin | Jul 24, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Falling for the Innkeeper is a Love Inspired offering that seems perfect for a Hallmark Movie script. With its romantic Cape Cod setting and well defined characters, this book was a welcome break from the current newscasts and Facebook feed.
Jonathan Masters is a corporate lawyer whose sole ambition is to become a partner in his firm. Laura Lessoway is a single mother whose dream is to operate her late grandmother’s Sea Glass Inn but may have a few hurdles to overcome in order to do so. The inn becomes pivotal in the story as Jonathan arrives believing he must procure the property for a client or forever lose his chance as partner.
I enjoyed the conflict between Jonathan and Laura as they each fought for their own dream, especially since despite their different goals they were becoming increasingly drawn to each other. Laura’s young daughter added a special spark to the tale. I loved watching Jonathan gradually discover his true calling and the way he turned his life over to the leading of the Lord. Falling for the Innkeeper is a sweet romance that should delight all those who love a good, clean story.
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:
She’s the home he never expected to find.
A battle for a charming Cape Cod inn…
But what happens when romance checks in?
Single mom Laura Lessoway won’t accept her mother’s plan of selling her late grandmother’s inn without a fight. But when big-city attorney Jonathan Masters arrives to arrange an offer from his client, she’s drawn to him. And working together as he helps with repairs only brings them closer. With his career and her home on the line, can they ever find common ground?
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Meghann Whistler writes sweet Christian romance novels that won’t make your grandmother blush. A hopeless romantic who met her husband on a blind date, Meghann has a passion for writing inspirational stories that demonstrate the power of love and grace. Before settling down with her husband and raising three rambunctious boys, she earned an M.F.A. in creative writing from Emerson College. She loves to hear from her readers, who can reach her at www.meghannwhistler.com.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
by admin | Jul 16, 2020 | Books, Romance, Split Time
MY REVIEW:
The third installment of Hatcher’s Legacy of Faith series, How Sweet It Is, continues the split time series that connects the historic story of Andrew Henning through his Bible to the current story of one of his descendants. In this case, great-grandson Jed is featured along with Holly Stanford who just happens to own the house Andrew and Helen lived in during the early days of their marriage.
As can be expected, How Sweet It Is uses Andrew’s bible to once again bring a family member back to their walk of faith. Andrew and Helen’s story is one that is filled with both love and tragedy but it vividly illustrates how the Lord stands strong through all the storms of life. Jed and Holly each have challenges in their lives that only God can help them overcome. It was encouraging to read about how seeming coincidences actually became evident as the obvious leading of the Lord.
A sweet romance, How Sweet It Is was easy to read and enjoyable. Although filled with scripture references, the faith element was not intrusive and did not detract from the story.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Prism Book Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
How Sweet It Is (Legacy of Faith, #3)
By Robin Lee Hatcher
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 304 Pages
July 14th 2020 by Thomas Nelson
He lost his brother. She lost her dream. Together, they might find what they’re really looking for.
Holly Stanford is doing the best she can with the restaurant she inherited from her late uncle. But after her fiancé abandons her and the business, Holly regrets having given up her dream of becoming a pastry chef. Now a few bad financial decisions might cost her everything, including her hope for the future.
Jed Henning has done well with his new company despite his prodigal brother’s behavior. When Jed‘s father, the controlling member of the board of directors, temporarily suspends operations until his sons work out their differences, Jed resentfully chases his brother, Chris, to Boise. There Jed rents a basement apartment from Holly and hopes to convince Chris to get his act together before their company collapses.
Unaware that Holly is the one person who can help him get through to Chris, Jed starts the tough work of reconciliation armed with little more than a few family photographs, a stack of old letters, and a Bible that belonged to his great-grandfather, Andrew Henning. And as romance blossoms between Holly and Jed, the story of Jed’s great-grandfather highlights the power of God across the generations and the legacy of a family’s courageous faith.
(Affiliate links included.)
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Target | Christianbook | IndieBound | iBooks | Kobo | TNZFiction
OTHER BOOKS IN THIS SERIES:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 80 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA Award, the Carol Award, the Christy Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award. Robin is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.
Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
TOUR SCHEDULE:
TOUR GIVEAWAY:
One winner will receive a print copy of Cross My Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher
US only
Ends July 29, 2020
ENTER HERE
by admin | Jul 15, 2020 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Novella, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I read my first book by Jessica Patch after I learned that she lives in my general neck of the woods. She may be an hour or so away but that’s pretty much local and I need to support local authors if I can. The first few of her books I read were Love Inspired Suspense and I found them to be well crafted and good enough that I added her to my must read list. Then came the Honeyhaven novellas and I learned that this author also has a talent for light-hearted romantic comedy.
Hometown Honey is the third volume of the Honeyhaven series. It features single mom Zayda Miller who dreams of expanding her business to a larger building and her former best friend Stratton Shay who has become a famous chef and has returned to town for the annual pageant. Stratton has a dream of his own and is finally in the position to achieve it but what if his dream and Zayda’s dream collide?
Hometown Honey is the perfect summer read with its lovable characters, humorous situations, and warm-hearted romance. In addition to the primary characters, other Honeyhaven residents play excellent supporting roles. It was fun to catch up with the stars of the previous books and to learn a bit more about Crockett and Scout (aren’t those great names?) who I hope will be featured in the next book.
I thoroughly enjoyed Hometown Honey from the very beginning to its perfect end. If you haven’t had a chance to read anything by this author, this series would be an excellent place to start.
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:
Welcome back to Honeyhaven!
The town is gearing up for the bicentennial and all the festivities including the annual Hometown Honey Pageant. Single mom, Zayda Miller has never been a fan of pageants, particularly this one, but she needs cash and if she could pull it off and win, she could use the sweet prize money to help her achieve her dream. With zero talent or skill in the kitchen—why baking pies is part of the pageant is beyond her—she’s off to a pathetic start. When her high school sweetheart, up and coming chef, Stratton Shay returns to town for the grand event, she reluctantly allows him to help her in the kitchen, but they might be cooking up more than pies for the competition. Until they discover they both want the same thing. And for one of them to win, the other will have to lose.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jessica R. Patch is known for her dry wit and signature twists whether she’s penned a contemporary romance or romantic suspense. When she’s not hunched over her laptop (or in physical therapy because she’s been hunched over her laptop), you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home watching way too much Netflix with her family, going on “adventures” in the name of book research, and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook. Sign up for her newsletter “Patched In” at
www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
