by admin | Oct 25, 2018 | Appalachia, Books, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I don’t know if I’ve ever read a novel in which both the primary romantic characters are introverts but it definitely works in When You Look At Me. This was a story that yanked at my heartstrings but was at the same time so very positive and uplifting.
Although an assault had left Julia broken and wary of men, her mostly positive attitude, good humor, and reliance on the Lord made her a character I could love. And Henry, my goodness, was the perfect man for Julia! Although he too had a wounded spirit that left him determined to remain single, he recognized Julia’s needs and responded in such a gentle and protective manner. As an introvert myself, I could find myself just a bit jealous of Julia but I realize that men with the sensitivity of Henry are most likely a rare breed.
Aside from Julia and Henry, it was fun to catch up with Wes and Eisley from Just the Way You Are as well as other members of the Jenkins family. The plot moved along at a steady rate and taking me from laughing out loud to anger or sympathy for the way Julia and Henry had been treated. The mysterious addition of a family secret added even more interest to their story.
I loved When You Look at Me and can barely wait for another novel by Pepper Basham. I will definitely be checking out some of her earlier books asap.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by JustRead Publicity Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for When You Look at Me by Pepper Basham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: When You Look at Me
(Pleasant Gap Romance #2)
Author: Pepper Basham
Publisher: Woven Words Publications
Release Date: October 25, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance
An unexpected mother-to-be
A romance-leery composer
And a forgotten melody from the past that holds the keys to their futures
When Julia Jenkins’ great aunt dies and leaves her a Victorian mansion with decades of secrets, Julia never expects to unearth a World War 2 espionage mystery. Struggling with her own past since an assault left her pregnant, her future as a solo parent leaves her dreams uncertain. The inheritance from her great aunt gives Julia the ability to take a step back into her future, but also sends her into the discovery of a love story she’d never anticipated. As she goes through her aunt’s treasured possessions, Julia uncovers some oddly written piano music with a musical code she can’t decipher on her own. Not to worry, introverted Englishman and composer, Henry Wright, is thrust on the scene by a pair of homespun matchmakers who know the ‘right’ man for Julia’s wounded heart.
Henry arrives in Pleasant Gap with the task of composing the soundtrack for his best mate’s newest film. The Jenkins’ family’s southern welcome and gregarious personalities set his reticent nature on edge, but he’s inexplicably drawn to his gentle and music-loving hostess, Julia. Uncertain how to build a friendship with the wounded woman, and rather hopeless in communicating well through words, the bond of music becomes a bridge between her uncertainty and his awkwardness.
But her broken past and his families’ expectations build a wall much greater than the cultures that separate them. As they work together to solve a musical mystery from the grave, will an unlikely romance from the past inspire their hearts to trust in a God who’s written the perfect melody for their lives?
PURCHASE: Goodreads | Amazon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance novels with grace, humor, and culture clashes. She’s a Blue Ridge Mountain native and an anglophile who enjoys combining her two loves to create memorable stories of hope. Pepper is also a mom of five, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of Jesus and chocolate. She resides in Asheville, North Carolina with her family.
CONNECT: website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive:
- print copy of Just The Way You Are (Pleasant Gap Romance #1)
- print copy of When You Look at Me (Pleasant Gap Romance #2)
- a plaque which says: Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life…. love comes along and brings you a fairy tale
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 22, 2018 and lasts through 11:59pm October 29, 2018. Void where prohibited by law. US addresses only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
by admin | Oct 23, 2018 | Amish, Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have never met a book by Cindy Woodsmall that I did not enjoy and that includes those for which she has recently joined forces with her daughter-in-law Erin. The two of them make a great team and the story flows so flawlessly that I couldn’t determine that more than one person was involved in its creation.
The Christmas Remedy features an unexpected Amish character, a young woman so vested in the health of her community that she is willing to forego a husband and family in order to become a pharmacy technician. If only she were not so tempted by Joshua Smucker who always makes her think of a home of her own with him.
This wonderful book is populated by wonderful characters – some good ones and perhaps one or two who are not so good. Holly’s giving spirit and focus on helping others made her a favorite of mine. Joshua’s understanding support of Holly and his willingness to help her succeed made him the perfect hero. The story was spun against an idyllic small town backdrop and an unexpected mystery added the perfect counterpoint to the sweet romance developing between Joshua and Holly.
The Christmas Remedy is the perfect read for a long winter evening by the fire. I enjoyed it very much and am sure others will also.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Waterbrook Multnomah. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When an Old Order Amish woman takes a job at a small-town pharmacy struggling to survive in a world of “big box” stores, her motive is to help her Plain community. But the advent of the holiday season brings an unusual mystery to the surface–and possibly love.
Twenty-four-year-old Holly Zook lives a unique life for a young Amish woman. Years ago, her bishop allowed her to continue her education and become the lead technician for Greene’s Pharmacy, an old-timey drugstore that looks out for the Amish community–a group largely without secure healthcare plans. She knows she can’t marry and hold onto her professional job. She’s Amish, and she can only have one or the other, so she spurns love and works toward addressing treatable diseases–like the one that claimed her father’s life.
As long as Holly continues to avoid Joshua Smucker, the one man who draws her like a warm hearth in winter, she should be fine. When something unexpected threatens Greene’s Pharmacy, Holly and Joshua must work together to unravel what’s happened and find the “missing” patient before the Board of Pharmacy shuts them down. As the snows of December arrive, with Christmas in the air, will Holly succumb to the generous spirit of the season?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times, CBA, ECPA, and USA Today best-selling author who has written twenty-two (and counting!) works of fiction and one of nonfiction. Cindy has been featured on ABC Nightline and on the front page of the Wall Street Journal,and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life. Wall Street Journal listed Cindy as the one of the top three most popular authors of Amish fiction.
She’s won Fiction Book of the Year, Reviewer’s Choice Awards, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest, as well as one of Crossings’ Best Books of the Year. She’s been a finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards, Christian Book of the Year, and Christian Retailers Choice Awards.
Her real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families enrich her novels with authenticity. Though she didn’t realize it at the time, seeds were sown years ago that began preparing Cindy to write these books. At the age of ten, while living in the dairy country of Maryland, she became best friends with Luann, a Plain Mennonite girl. Luann, like all the females in her family, wore the prayer Kapp and cape dresses. Her parents didn’t allow television or radios, and many other modern conveniences were frowned upon. During the numerous times Luann came to Cindy’s house to spend the night, her rules came with her and the two were careful to obey them–afraid that if they didn’t, the adults would end their friendship. Although the rules were much easier to keep when they spent the night at Luann’s because her family didn’t own any of the forbidden items, both sets of parents were uncomfortable with the relationship and a small infraction of any kind would have been enough reason for the parents to end the relationship. While navigating around the adults’ disapproval and the obstacles in each other’s lifestyle, the two girls bonded in true friendship that lasted into their teen years, until Cindy’s family moved to another region of the US.
As an adult, Cindy became friends with a wonderful Old Order Amish family who opened their home to her. Although the two women, Miriam and Cindy, live seven hundred miles apart geographically, and a century apart by customs, when they come together they never lack for commonality, laughter, and dreams of what only God can accomplish through His children. Over the years Cindy has continued to make wonderful friendships with those inside the Amish and Mennonite communities–from the most conservative ones to the most liberal.
Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in their now empty nest.
If you’d like more information or to contact her, you can go to her website: http://www.cindywoodsmall.com or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authorcindywoodsmall
by admin | Oct 23, 2018 | Books, Gilded Age, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I frequently find that novellas may feel just a bit rushed with critical details missing in order for the author to complete her story in the limited amount of space. I never felt that way while reading Enchanting Nicholette, in fact when I reached the end it was with the same satisfaction as when reading a full-length novel. What a treat to discover what happened to Nicholette after losing her husband on their wedding day!
As always, I found the author’s plot to be well developed with vivid descriptions and wonderful characters. I could almost imagine myself there among them as they walked through the park or spent time at a dinner party. A perfect balance of witty dialogue, romantic interludes, and a touch of mystery, Enchanting Nicholette ended much too quickly and left me wanting more (I never want books by this author to end!). I eagerly anticipate what Dawn Crandall will offer her readers next.
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:
In this captivating novella by Dawn Crandall, Nicholette Everstone is already a widow at the age of twenty-two: her husband was murdered on their wedding day. She has just returned to Boston after two years of mourning in Europe. Although her husband was loving, the marriage was an arranged one, and Nicholette would like to wed again–this time for love…and to someone safe.
As she acclimates to life in Back Bay again, Nicholette meets someone she can’t help but fall for. But when she learns of the danger and sacrifices Cal Hawthorne takes on for the safety of others, will her heart be strong enough to keep her fears of “what if” at bay?
Read the first chapter here.
Read the “Almost Kiss” excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dawn Crandall
Dawn Crandall’s debut Gilded Age Victorian romance, “The Hesitant Heiress,” was a 2015 ACFW Carol award finalist in the debut category and received the 2015 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the 2015 Write Touch Reader’s Choice Award and the 2015 Romancing the Novel Reader’s Choice Award. Her follow-up novel, “The Bound Heart,” received the 2016 Laurel Award from Clash of the Titles. Dawn earned a BA in Christian Education from Taylor University. She’s been balancing books and babies lately as her two sons were both born as the four books of her Everstone Chronicles series were being released from Whitaker House from 2014 to 2016. Dawn lives with her husband and two young sons on a hobby farm in her hometown in northeast Indiana.
by admin | Oct 15, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Liz Johnson has another winner with A Sparkle of Silver, the first book in her new Georgia Coast Romance series. With its dual timeline, family secrets, a search for hidden treasure, a fantastic setting, and of course romance, this novel had me quickly turning the pages until I reached the end. It was quite easy to care about the well-developed characters, especially the special relationship between Millie and her grandmother Joy. Millie’s response to her grandmother’s dementia and her determination to take care of her was touching.
I particularly enjoyed reading about life at the chateau during its prime through the journals written by Millie’s great-grandmother Ruth. It offered a look at a slice of times gone by that few experience these days. Ample plot twists held my attention throughout and I was pleased by the way the story ended. An emphasis on the importance of family and trusting the Lord was evident.
A Sparkle of Silver is truly a treasure in my opinion and I hope other readers will love it also.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Uncovering the past can lead to an unexpected future . . .
Millie Sullivan plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of a palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia, where her great-grandmother was a real guest ninety years ago. When Millie learns of a lost diary that may contain the location of a hidden treasure on the estate and reveal the identity of her great-grandfather, she sets out to find the truth of her heritage–and the fortune she desperately needs. But it won’t be easy.
When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate’s private library, he threatens to have her fired. Still, her story seems too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up.
Get ready for a romantic escapade through dark halls and dusty corners that will have you holding your breath and sighing with delight.
Read an excerpt here.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Liz Johnson is the author of more than a dozen novels, including A Sparkle of Silver, 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. A marketing manager for a Christian film company, she makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona.
by admin | Oct 14, 2018 | Books, Christmas, Dickens, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
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 Bleakley Manor would make excellent gifts for readers in your circle of family and friends.
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 Title: A Tale of Two Hearts
Author: Michelle Griep
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: September 1, 2018 |
 |
Innkeeper’s daughter Mina Scott will do anything to escape the drudgery of her life. She saves every penny to attend a finishing school, dreaming of the day she’ll become a real lady—and catch the eye of William Barlow, a frequent guest at the inn.
William is a gentleman’s son, a charming rogue but penniless. However, his bachelor uncle will soon name an heir—either him or his puritanical cousin. In an effort to secure the inheritance, William gives his uncle the impression he’s married, which works until he’s invited to bring his wife for a visit.
William asks Mina to be his pretend bride, only until his uncle names an heir on Christmas Day. Mina is flattered and frustrated by the offer, for she wants a true relationship with William. Yet, she agrees. . .then wishes she hadn’t as she comes to love the old man. And when the truth is finally discovered, more than just money is lost.
Can two hearts survive such a deception?
Click here to purchase your copy!
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.
GUEST POST FROM MICHELLE:
Victorian Christmas Foods
So, it’s September, and you know what that means? It’s back to school. Pumpkin spiced everything is just around the corner. And it’s nearly time for cardigans and colored leaves. But besides all these autumn staples, it’s also time to start thinking about Christmas, because it will be here before you know it. How about this year you plan ahead to serve some traditional Victorian food?
In my newest release, A Tale of Two Hearts, the heroine’s father is known for his annual oyster stew that he serves on Christmas Eve. Here’s a bit of the background on that tasty soup.
Victorian Oyster Stew
Oysters have been savored in Britain since the days of the Romans. By Victorian times, industrialization cheapened oysters to the point of them becoming a staple of the poor man’s diet and were a frequent fare served in public houses. This, however, depleted their abundance, and by the mid 1800’s, the natural oyster beds became exhausted, making it harder to find good oysters. While other foods were served as well on Christmas Eve, oyster stew was as common as goose or turkey.
Another Victorian favorite that goes great on a crisp evening is good ol’ hot chocolate, though in Dickens’ England, it would’ve been called something else.
Drinking Chocolate
What we now call cocoa or hot chocolate was called drinking chocolate in the mid 1800s. This beverage was a favorite among Victorian ladies. You can find recipes for it even from the Regency era (early 1800s) and here is one for you to make at home.
And last, but not least, who hasn’t heard of Christmas pudding? To our American ears, that sounds like a tasty dish that you’d eat with a spoon and slap a little whipped cream on top. Actually, it’s more like a fruit cake.
Christmas Pudding
Christmas pudding is quite a production, one that begins well before Christmas Day. In fact, it begins on Stir-Up Sunday, the last Sunday before Advent (which is five weeks before Christmas). This is why when Mina, the heroine in A Tale of Two Hearts, returns home from dinner at Uncle Barlow’s, and though it’s not yet Christmas, she sees the pudding moulds on the kitchen table.
If these tastes and the accompanying smells still aren’t quite enough to get you in the Christmas spirit, then snatch yourself up a copy of the second book in the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series. A Tale of Two Hearts is sure to get you in the mood.
BLOG STOPS:
| Kat’s Corner Books, October 2 |
Simple Harvest Reads, October 9 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng) |
| Creating Romance, October 2 |
Mary Hake, October 9 |
| Just the Write Escape, October 2 |
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 9 |
| The Avid Reader, October 2 |
Carpe Diem, October 9 |
| Genesis 5020, October 3 |
Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 10 |
| The Power of Words, October 3 |
Britt Reads Fiction, October 10 |
| Just Commonly, October 3 |
Luv’N Lambert Life, October 10 |
| Baker Kella, October 3 |
A Baker’s Perspective, October 10 |
| Among the Reads, October 4 |
By The Book, October 11 |
| Fiction Aficionado, October 4 |
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 11 |
| Godly Book Reviews, October 4 |
Book by Book, October 11 |
| Inklings and Notions , October 4 |
Bigreadersite, October 11 |
| Captive Dreams Window, October 5 |
More Of Him, October 12 |
| Christian Author, J.E. Grace, October 5 |
Pause for Tales, October 12 |
| Proud to Be an Autism Mom, October 5 |
With a Joyful Noise, October 12 |
| Multifarious, October 6 |
Have A Wonderful Day , October 12 |
| Reading Is My SuperPower, October 6 |
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 13 |
| The Christian Fiction Girl, October 6 |
Bibliophile Reviews, October 13 |
| Texas Book-aholic, October 6 |
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 13 |
| Remembrancy, October 7 |
Vicky Sluiter, October 14 |
| Splashes of Joy , October 7 |
Daysong Reflections , October 14 |
| Blossoms and Blessings, October 7 |
To Everything A Season, October 14 |
| Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 7 |
Henry Happens, October 15 |
| Back Porch Reads, October 8 |
All-of-a-kind Mom, October 15 |
| A Reader’s Brain, October 8 |
Reader’s Cozy Corner, October 15 |
| Christian Chick’s Thoughts, October 8 |
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 15 |
| Janice’s Book Reviews, October 8 |
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GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Barnes & Noble 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/d4ef/a-tale-of-two-hearts-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Oct 10, 2018 | Books, Cover Reveal, England, Historical, Romance, Romantic Suspense
Most readers of Roseanna White’s novels, especially her most recent Shadows over England series, will most likely be eagerly awaiting the publication of the next series which will include familiar characters and perhaps a chance to catch up with others from the previous series. To add to our anticipation and impatience, the gorgeous cover to The Number of Love is revealed today.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Three years into the Great War, England’s greatest asset is their intelligence network—field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.
Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy that just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the too-intelligent Margot, but how to convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?
Amidst biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them, but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save them all from the very secrets that brought them together.
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Voila!!
Pre-Order from Amazon
(other retailers not yet available)
View The Number of Love Pinterest Board
Add to your list on Goodreads
ABOUT ROSEANNA:
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
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