by admin | Sep 13, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance, Suspense, Texas
Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Rescue by Tanya Eavenson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
MY REVIEW:
Promised by her father to marry a much older and in my opinion truly evil man who held an unpayable debt over her father’s head, Rosalind Standford had no hope for her life. The man she has loved her entire life has returned to Boston but Rosalind must keep her circumstances secret from him at all costs and pretend she no longer cares for him.
The Rescue held my attention from its beginning until the end. Trent Easton was a true hero in every sense and quickly caught on to the danger that threatened Rosalind. Like a true hero he made every effort to remove her from harm and into the protection of his family ranch. I had absolutely no respect for Rosalind’s father who sacrificed his daughter’s safety and happiness to pay for his own mistakes and greed.
A riveting romantic suspense with a historical setting that spans from Boston to Texas, The Rescue is filled with plenty of action, danger, and a few unexpected twists. Characters must depend on the Lord to see them through threats on their lives and to help them forgive Rosalind’s father before they can find their own happily-ever-after.
I enjoyed reading this novel and hope to read more by this author in the future.
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: The Rescue
Series: All Roads Lead to Texas #1
Author: Tanya Eavenson
Release Date: September 2, 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Sometimes the path to freedom is found in an unexpected future.
Upon the death of her mother, Rosalind Standford’s life shatters, the pieces scattering to the wind when she is forced into a betrothal to a cunning banker. But when a telegram arrives announcing the man who captured her heart is on a train to Boston, Rosalind must hide her true feelings before the thin cord of her existence unravels the deadly secrets she keeps.
Cowboy Trent Easton returns to his roots in Boston society to find his childhood friend, the love of his heart. Instead he finds a broken woman engaged to a man close to her father’s age. Though she once rejected him, when Trent learns she’s in danger, he determines to do whatever it takes to keep her safe—even taking her to the altar in the black of night. But will his name and the remote wilds of his Texas ranch be enough to protect her? Or will freedom cost them their lives?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tanya Eavenson is an international bestselling and award-winning inspirational romance author. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book. You can find her at her website http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/.
CONNECT WITH TANYA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Book Bub
GIVEAWAY:
(1) winner will receive a Woman of Faith bracelet & ebook copy of The Rescue.
Be sure to check out each stop on these tours for more chances to win. Full tour schedule on this tour shown below. Giveaway begins at midnight September 10, 2019 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 17, 2019. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Due to shipping cost, only US mailing addresses valid. For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.
ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
by admin | Sep 13, 2019 | Books, Christmas, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The past two years I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing Michelle Griep’s Christmas novellas 12 Days at Bleakly Manor and A Tale of Two Hearts. To complete the series this year both previous novellas have been included in one volume Once Upon a Dickens Christmas which also includes a totally new novella The Old Lace Shop. This large book is beautiful with deckled page edges which make it a truly special volume appropriate for gift giving. I will include my previous reviews here as well as a new review for The Old Lace Shop.
12 DAYS AT BLEAKLY MANOR:
I have to admit that I haven’t read either “Bleak House” by Charles Dickens or “Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie as mentioned by other reviewers but I enjoyed 12 Days at Bleakly Manor nonetheless. And yes, I would like to read both of those books if only to understand their references here.
The gorgeous cover prepares the reader for a delightful Victorian Christmas adventure with just a hint of darkness inside but oh my, some of the characters and happenings were quite unexpected. It was such fun watching what transpired and anticipating what might happen next. Everything about this book was so clever and I loved the surprises at the end!
I cannot say more because I fear I might give everything away. Just take my word for it, do yourself a favor, and pick up a copy of 12 Days at Bleakly Manor for your holiday reading. I warn you though that you might not want to wait that long to read it.
A TALE OF TWO HEARTS:
A Tale of Two Hearts is the second book in Michelle Griep’s delightful Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series. Set in Dickens era England the story features Mina Scott who secretly admires William Barlow. When he asks her to pose as his bride for just one evening to help him gain a desperately needed inheritance, Mina jumps at the chance only to find herself caught in a rapidly growing trap of lies and deceit. This story is a fine example of the often quoted “O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive!” by Walter Scott. One lie led to another one as Mina and William’s good intentions seemed to offer them excuses to continue the charade.
The plot was creative and expertly crafted with wonderful characters, some of whom were extremely easy to dislike. A strong theme of grace, mercy, and redemption was skillfully woven throughout the tale and I loved how the author wrapped it all up at the end.
A Tale of Two Hearts is a perfect Christmas story, especially for lovers of Dickens and historical fiction. Both this book and the previous one 12 Days at Bleakly Manor would make excellent gifts for readers in your circle of family and friends.
THE OLD LACE SHOP:
Once again the second chance coin plays a role in the lives of two people who indeed need a second chance. Young widow Bella decides to keep one of her late husband’s businesses only to find an unexpected partner from her life before marriage. Edmund Archer is not at all happy that Bella has shown up in his life again but soon finds himself falling for her sweet and generous spirit. Of course everything cannot go well and lead up to a happily-ever-after in this final novella of the series. There is evil afoot and both Bella and Edmund will need their second chance, possibly more than once before their story is resolved.
I loved all three of these stories and will most likely want to read them all again next Christmas season. This gorgeous book will definitely find its place on my keeper shelf. And like I mentioned earlier, Once Upon A Dickens Christmas would make someone on your Christmas list a special gift.
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:
3 Charming Christmas Tales Set in Victorian England
Pour yourself a cuppa, get lost in the merriment of the season, and enjoy a Dickensian Christmas in three stories from fan favorite Michelle Griep:
12 Days at Bleakly Manor: Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters. What matters most is what Christmas is all about…love.
A Tale of Two Hearts: Pleasure seeker William Barlow needs a wife immediately to gain his uncle’s inheritance, and Mina Scott is just the girl to make him look respectable—too bad she turns him down. Ought he give her a second chance?
The Old Lace Shop: Recently widowed Bella White is finally freed from the domination of the overbearing men in her life, but when she enters into a business partnership with the handsome Edmund Archer, she begins to wonder if marriage is worth a second chance.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the author of historical romances: The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan.
by admin | Sep 12, 2019 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I know I can always depend on a book by Colleen Coble to keep me reading well into the night and Strands of Truth was no exception. Her unique approach to DNA and family ancestry testing made me rethink my desire to have mine tested. I always thought it would be interesting to find out more about my ancestry but this novel offers a whole new twist of what could happen if the wrong relatives learned of your existence.
The heroine, Harper Taylor never knew her mother or father and grew up in foster homes where she always longed for a family. When she discovers a half-sister through DNA testing, both of them beyond excited to get to know each other. However a number of attempts to abduct both women as well as attacks on a man close to Harper send them on a mission to discover the truth behind them.
I enjoyed every minute of this suspense packed novel that contained one unexpected twist after another. I had a pretty good idea of the person behind everything before the end but the motives came as a total surprise. Strands of Truth is a riveting novel featuring complicated relationships as well as great suspense. It also didn’t hurt that the development of a romance was included.
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: Strands of Truth
Author: Colleen Coble
Genre: Suspense
Release Date: September 10, 2019 |
 |
Harper Taylor is used to being alone—after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own.
So when a DNA test reveals a half-sister living just two hours away, Harper is both hopeful and nervous. Over warm cinnamon rolls, Harper and Annabelle find striking similarities in their stories. Is it just a coincidence that both their mothers died tragically, without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name?
Oliver’s son Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later. But when Oliver is attacked, Ridge and Harper find themselves working together to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. They must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future.
Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.
Click here to get your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Colleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series. Connect with Colleen online at colleencoble.com; Instagram: colleencoble; Facebook: colleencoblebooks; Twitter: @colleencoble.
READ A PREMIUM EXCERPT:
Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.
Strands of Harper Taylor’s childhood are resurfacing—but will the truth save her . . . or pull her under?
Harper Taylor is used to being alone— after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own.
So when a DNA test reveals a half-sister living just two hours away, Harper is both hopeful and nervous. Over warm cinnamon rolls, Harper and Annabelle find striking similarities in their stories. Is it just a coincidence that both their mothers died tragically, without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name?
Oliver’s son Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later. But when Oliver is attacked, Ridge and Harper find themselves working together to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. They must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future.
Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.
“Free-dive into a romantic suspense that will leave you breathless and craving for more.” –DiAnn Mills, bestselling author
“As always, Colleen Coble never disappoints. Strands of Truth is no exception. I was hooked from the first page. Trying to read this story slowly is impossible. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself flipping the pages in a hurry to find out what happens next! This one is for your keeper shelf.” –Lynette Eason, bestselling, award-winning author of the Blue Justice Series
“Colleen Coble’s latest book, Strands of Truth, grips you on page one with a heart-pounding opening and doesn’t let go until the last satisfying word. I love her skill in pulling the reader in with believable, likable characters, interesting locations, and a mystery just waiting to be untangled. Highly recommended.” –Carrie Stuart Parks, bestselling author of Formula of Deception
“Once again, Colleen Coble delivers an intriguing, suspenseful tale in Strands of Truth. The mystery and tension mount toward an explosive and satisfying finish. Well done.” –Creston Mapes, bestselling author
“Just when I think Colleen Coble’s stories can’t get any better, she proves me wrong. In Strands of Truth, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The characterization of Ridge and Harper and their relationship pulled me immediately into the story. Fast paced, with so many unexpected twists and turns, I read this book in one sitting. Coble has pushed the bar higher than I’d imagined. This book is one not to be missed.” –Robin Caroll, best-selling author of the Darkwater Inn series
“It’s in her blood! Colleen Coble once again shows her suspense prowess with a thriller as intricate and beautiful as a strand of DNA. Strands of Truth dives into an unusual profession involving mollusks and shell beds that weaves a unique, silky thread throughout the story. So fascinating I couldn’t stop reading!” –Ronie Kendig, bestselling author of The Tox Files
BLOG STOPS:
| A Baker’s Perspective, September 3
Inspired by fiction, September 3
EmpowerMoms, September 3
Blogging With Carol, September 3
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 4
My Devotional Thoughts, September 4
Christian bookaholic, September 4
KarenSueHadley , September 4
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, September 5
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 5
Susan Cornwell, September 5
Inside the Wong Mind, September 5
Godly Book Reviews, September 5
Through the Fire Blogs, September 6
Emily Yager, September 6
Older & Smarter?, September 6
Blessed & Bookish, September 6
Andrea Christenson, September 6
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 7
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 7
Avid Reader Nurse, September 7
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, September 7
The Becca Files, September 8
Blossoms and Blessings, September 8
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, September 8
Mary Hake, September 8
Spoken from the Heart, September 9
Betti Mace, September 9
Back Porch Reads, September 9
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 9 |
Because I said so and other adventures in parenting. , September 9
Moments, September 10
All-of-a-kind Mom, September 10
For Him and my Family, September 10
Bloggin’ ’bout Books, September 10
Texas Book-aholic, September 11
Retrospective Spines, September 11
Daysong Reflections, September 11
Christian Bookshelf Reviews , September 11
SusanLovesBooks, September 11
Remembrancy, September 12
Worthy2Read, September 12
Just the Write Escape, September 12
Southern Gal Loves to Read, September 12
Bigreadersite , September 13
janicesbookreviews, September 13
As He Leads is Joy, September 13
Livin’ Lit, September 13
To Everything A Season, September 13
Simple Harvest Reads, September 14
Pause for Tales, September 14
For The Love of Books , September 14
Living Life Free In Christ, September 14
A Reader’s Brain, September 15
Quiet Quilter , September 15
Hallie Reads, September 15
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 15
Inklings and notions , September 16
By The Book, September 16
Real World Bible Study, September 16
Patiently Waiting, September 16 |
by admin | Sep 6, 2019 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The Spice King was a very thought provoking novel that examines truth and motivation. Appealing to her devotion to her country and the truth, Annabelle Larkin’s employers convince her to spy on the man she is beginning to care for. Although uneasy about the task, she agrees in order to continue supporting her blind sister. Of course this assignment leads to several unexpected consequences and severed relationships. Although her intentions were mostly good, I felt that Annabelle was very naive in the way she allowed herself to be manipulated into spying on Gray. Her gut feelings were that it was wrong but she convinced herself that it was for a good reason. I hated how she deceived Gray and was not surprised at his reaction when he found out.
I did enjoy The Spice King very much. It was fun to learn so many facts about how spices are produced, especially vanilla. The details about the early days of food regulation and Good Housekeeping magazine were particularly interesting. I also liked reading about how Gray and Annabelle grew spiritually and how their relationship developed despite her deception. I am definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series and hoping that readers will have a chance to read the rest of Luke’s story and that it will have a positive outcome.
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:
Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building an acclaimed global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before they spiral out of control, he returns to his ancestral home for good after years of traveling the world.
As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience.
Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?
Read an excerpt HERE.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography
Elizabeth Camden (www.elizabethcamden.com) is best known for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America, featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award, and she lives in Florida with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.
by admin | Sep 5, 2019 | Books, Colorado, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
In my opinion, it is an indication of a pretty good book when a character elicits strong reactions from me as a reader. Mikayla Gordon did just that to me. While I could empathize with her unexpected medical emergency, her reactions seemed a bit over-the-top to me, especially the sneaky methods she used to collect DNA samples of her family. Then her refusal to listen to explanations was also somewhat disturbing. So, although I definitely did not always agree with this character, I did find her story intriguing and was encouraged by the spiritual growth that was revealed as it progressed.
When Mountains Sing is a fun to read tale of family secrets, forgiveness, spiritual growth, and reconciliation with a touch of romance. I enjoyed the background setting in the mountains of Colorado with its vivid descriptions, especially Dawson’s version of how the mountains sing. Overall this is an excellent book and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it. I am sure other readers will enjoy it also.
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:
When the truth cost her everything, she thought there was nothing left to lose.
Mikayla Gordon loves nothing more than sleeping under the stars, reeling in the “big one,” and long hikes in the wilderness. A medical crisis reveals a 30-year-old secret that turns everything she’s known and believed upside down, unraveling her dreams and her identity.
In search of answers, she follows a trail from Minnesota to Colorado and discovers more unwelcome secrets even as she falls in love with the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains, and a wilderness camp leader who shares the greatest secret of all.
Knowing her life can never go back to what it was, she must make decisions that will impact far more than just her future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Stacy Monson is the award-winning author of The Chain of Lakes series, including Shattered Image, Dance of Grace, and The Color of Truth. Her stories reveal an extraordinary God at work in ordinary life. Residing in the Twin Cities, she is the wife of a juggling, unicycling physical education teacher, and a proud mom, and doting grandma.
by admin | Aug 30, 2019 | Books, Gilded Age, Historical, Humor, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I was ready for a light-hearted book when I opened Diamond in the Rough and its opening line let me know quickly that I had the right book. I can always count on any book by Jen Turano to provide me with plenty of giggles and maybe even a restrained belly laugh or two and this book was no exception. As usual, this book takes place mostly among the high society of that era.
With a leading lady who cares little for the demands of high society and who seems to be followed by trouble with a capital T, and a starched, impeccable, and proper English hero, readers can be assured that Diamond in the Rough is a recipe for disaster blended with lots of fun. I loved Poppy whose good intentions sometimes tripped her up but her good humor kept her likeable. It was such fun watching Reginald fall under Poppy’s spell and lose some of his starchiness. I also loved some of the secondary characters, especially wimpy Murray whose entire persona changed due to his association with Poppy and Reginald.
Loved, loved, loved this book! As long as the author will keep writing them, I will most assuredly keep reading them!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author through Bethany House Publishers. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Miss Poppy Garrison accepts her grandmother’s offer of financial help for her family in exchange for Poppy joining the New York social Season, she quickly realizes she is far less equipped to mingle with the New York Four Hundred than even she knew. As she becomes embroiled in one hilarious fiasco after another, becoming the diamond of the first water her grandmother longs her to be looks more impossible by the day.
Reginald Blackburn, second son of a duke, is in New York to help his cousin find an American heiress who can help save his family’s estate. But when his very proper British manners lead Poppy’s grandmother to request he teach etiquette to Poppy, he quickly finds himself in for much more than he bargained for.
And while they couldn’t be more opposite, Reginald and Poppy just might find they have more to teach each other than they ever could have expected.
Read an excerpt HERE.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jen Turano, the USA Today bestselling author of eleven books and two novellas, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in clothing and textiles. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.
