by admin | Jul 25, 2018 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
In our current society, women seem to have the freedom to do or achieve anything they desire – sometimes to the extreme. For that reason, it is eye-opening to read historical novels set during an era where there were stringent expectations of women in general, especially those who moved with the higher circles of society. Miss Serena’s Secret is one of those novels and it is so well written that the reader could almost feel as though she had stepped back in time.
Both Serena Winthrop and Henry Carmichael are strong, realistic characters, both with underlying pain that they strive to keep hidden. Although Serena wants nothing to do with any man, especially such a proud flirt like Lord Carmichael, she reluctantly finds herself drawn to him. Henry has promised Serena’s guardian that he will avoid any romantic entanglement with Serena but soon regrets that promise.
The author’s vivid descriptions sparked my imagination. I could easily have been on the sidelines observing this story as it played out. I liked the way both Serena and Henry seemed to bring out the best in the other and inspired the desire to change for the better as they grew in their faith. It was also fun to catch up with characters from Miller’s previous novels. Carolyn Miller has quickly become a favorite author and I eagerly await the next installment in this wonderful series.
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:
How can a wounded young woman ever trust a too-flirtatious earl with her heart?
With devastating scars in her past, Serena Winthrop is sure no man can be trusted—especially not a man like the too-smooth Viscount Carmichael. His reputation as a flirt and a gambler is everything she despises. And the young artist makes sure that this disreputable heir to an earldom knows of her deep disapproval whenever they encounter one another.
Henry, Lord Carmichael, is perfectly aware of his charms. He’s gambled with plenty of ladies’ hearts as easily as he has with their husbands’ money. But lately he’s wondered if there’s more to life—and if his actions might prove unworthy of an admirable wife such as his friends have found.
When Serena’s guardian asks his best friend to protect his young ward, Henry promises to be on his best behavior and not woo her. But the more he learns of her, the more he realizes she might be his best reason for changing his character.
Then the lady’s art leads her to London infamy. Now Henry must choose between the life mapped out for him as the earl apparent and the love of his life. And Serena’s secret may mean the end of his titled family line.
This second novel in a new series by internationally popular author Carolyn Miller is full of the rich historical detail and evocative writing her readers enjoy, and familiar characters make appearances here. The witty banter will continue to draw in fans of Jane Austen, Sarah Ladd, and Julie Klassen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia. She is married, with four gorgeous children, who all love to read (and write!).
A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn’s novels have won a number of Romance Writers of American (RWA) and American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers. Her favourite authors are classics like Jane Austen (of course!), Georgette Heyer, and Agatha Christie, but she also enjoys contemporary authors like Susan May Warren and Becky Wade.
Her stories are fun and witty, yet also deal with real issues, such as dealing with forgiveness, the nature of really loving versus ‘true love’, and other challenges we all face at different times.
Her books include:
Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace
The Elusive Miss Ellison
The Captivating Lady Charlotte
The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey
Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope
Winning Miss Winthrop
Miss Serena’s Secret
The Making of Mrs. Hale
by admin | Jul 24, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
Welcome to the blog tour & giveaway for One December by Kyle Hunter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
MY REVIEW:
One December is the story of Nikki and Mike who have known each other since childhood. Nikki has always had a huge crush on Mike but he has been blind to it until he returns to New York for Christmas and they reconnect. Each of them have their own issues and their holiday ends unhappily with misunderstanding between them. Nikki takes a job in Paris for a year in an attempt to get Mike out of her system. Meanwhile Mike realizes how much she means to him but has to tear down some walls before he is ready to commit to anyone.
Descriptions of Nikki’s experiences while living in Paris were interesting but I would have enjoyed more details about her side trips to other cities in Europe. It was encouraging to watch both Nikki and Mike as they matured emotionally and spiritually. I did think the side story involving Nikki’s parents might have been unnecessary but that is my own personal preference. Overall the story progressed at a decent rate and although at times it was doubtful that things would work out between Nikki and Mike, everything came to a satisfying conclusion.
One December is the perfect book for those who love stories about romance between old friends.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: One December
Author: Kyle Hunter
Publisher: Monceau Publishing
Release Date: February 10, 2018
Genre: Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Nikki has loved Mike for as long as she can remember (as early as age seven!) Mike has his own past hurts to resolve, having lost both parents in an accident when he was fourteen. He’s tried to escape those painful memories by leaving New York and starting a new life on the West Coast. New facts indicate, years later, that his parents’ deaths might not have been an accident.
At Christmas Mike comes back to New York for the first time in three years. He and Nikki rekindle the friendship they had as children and share their newfound faith. Under a Christmas moon romantic sparks fly . . . but their mutual attraction takes an unexpected detour.
Nikki is devastated, believing her one chance for a relationship with Mike is over. She impulsively takes a one-year teaching opportunity in Paris, so that she can face her own fears and get over Mike.
If Mike and Nikki run away, how can they find each other again?
Purchase Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I love to read and write stories about strong women who still have flaws, but are ready to pursue their dreams, even if it takes them out of their comfort zone . . . or their country.
I write inspirational romance novels and women’s fiction with a twist: My characters sometimes go places. This led me to create the Love on the Move collection of novels. Readers can take a trip with them and experience their journeys. They can see how the characters’ lives unfold as they make decisions to trust God (or not) in their next steps, learning about themselves and their faith, and finding love along the way!
I currently live in North Carolina but spent over a decade in France (where some of my books take place.) I also write non-fiction and teach French. In my free time, I enjoy doing pottery and salsa dancing.
CONNECT WITH KYLE: website | Facebook | Twitter
TOUR GIVEAWAY:
Kyle Hunter is giving away:
- 1 ebook of One December
- $25 Amazon gift card
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 16, 2018 and last through 11:59pm July 23, 2018. Open internationally, except where prohibited by law. Winners must be able to accept ebook and gift card from US Amazon. 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.
ENTER RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
Follow along at JustRead for the full schedule & more chances to win!
by admin | Jul 23, 2018 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
It has been awhile and a multitude of other books since I read the previous books in the Intrigue Under Western Skies series so I had forgotten quite a bit of the background history. Even so, it was not difficult to comprehend what was going on within the pages of Revealed. This novel could easily stand on its on but combined with the first two books makes for extra good reading.
Featuring Rhyan Cason’s previously unknown younger sister and his best friend Colt, this book touches on several important themes such as forgiveness, reconciliation, gossip, and judgemental attitudes. Bolstered by their faith and a growing dependence on the Lord, the primary characters in Revealed managed to overcome some serious obstacles and even life-threatening danger to their families. With quite a bit of action, excitement, and a mystery to solve, Katherine and Colt still found time for a bit of romance. Little did they know that the impending threat was much closer to home than either of them could imagine.
I have enjoyed all the books in this series and look forward to future books by this author.
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:
| Title: Revealed
Author: Elaine Manders
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: December 27, 2018
Click here to purchase your copy! |
 |
Nothing can be hidden that won’t be revealed.
When her father dies, Katherine Levinson discovers her parents have kept secrets that render her happy childhood a farce. She and her gravely ill mother face eviction, and she has no choice but to appeal to the brother she’s never seen, the famous cattle baron, Rhyan Cason. Over her gravely ill mother’s objections, they move to Nebraska and the sprawling cattle ranch, Sollano.
Instead of the warm welcome Katherine expects, she and her mother are met with whispers and scorn in the little prairie town near Sollano. Gradually, the sins of her parents’ past surface, and Katherine begins to doubt her very identify. With her brother busy with cattle rustlers and her mother too ill to be bothered, Katherine turns to Colt Holliman, a soft-spoken neighboring rancher, for comfort.
Tired of waiting for the right woman to come along, Colt has promised to wait for Charley Ryder, an acclaimed female sharp shooter and equestrian acrobat with the Wild West Show, but it’s becoming clear Charley loves the show more than him. As his attraction to Katherine grows, he finds himself spiritually conflicted. How can he break from past commitments and follow his heart?
Then unexpected danger strikes, testing Katherine’s and Colt’s faith in God—and each other.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elaine Manders writes wholesome Christian romance and suspense about the bold, capable women of history and the strong, dependable men who love them. Her stories twist, turn, and surprise, told by characters who aren’t afraid to show their love for God and each other. She grew up a small town country girl and now lives in Central Georgia with her fur baby. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, sewing, crafts, and spending time with her family.
GUEST POST FROM ELAINE MANDERS:
My Backstory
Intrigue under Western Skies Series, Book 3
Revealed
Back when I watched television, drama series were my favorite—Little House of the Prairie, the Waltons, the Virginian. I was caught up in the lives of these characters and looked forward to seeing what they were up to each week. For much the same reason, I enjoy writing episodic series.
Intrigue under Western Skies, a blended genre, historical romantic suspense series falls in this category. Some of the characters show up in every book, with new ones added along the way. But the books can be read out of sequence since each one has a different premise and plot.
In Revealed, Book 3 of Intrigue under Western Skies, I wanted to give Colt Holliman, previously introduced as a secondary character, his own HEA. Also, it seemed the time to reveal what happened to Rhyan Cason’s mother, the woman who’d caused so much angst in the first two books. More importantly, it gave me the opportunity to introduce Katherine, the sister he never knew existed.
Unexpectedly, my research led me to the history of show business, and how it developed through the Wild West shows of the nineteenth century. From that, a mystery evolved.
The spiritual thread running through Revealed explores the emotions of a young woman who discovers blood relatives have been hidden from her. Can she accept and love her new family and forgive the sins of her parents?
Maybe the greatest insight I gained from writing Revealed is that one can never trust his own heart without first trusting God.
BLOG STOPS:
Carpe Diem, July 17
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 17
The Avid Reader, July 18
Moments Dipped in Ink, July 18
Remembrancy, July 19
A Baker’s Perspective, July 19
The Christian Fiction Girl, July 20
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, July 20
Mary Hake, July 20
Connie’s History Classroom, July 21
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, July 21
Bibliophile Reviews, July 22
proud to be an autism mom, July 22
A Reader’s Brain, July 23
100 Pages per Hour, July 23
Daysong Reflections, July 24
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, July 24
Maureen’s Musings, July 25
Two Points of Interest, July 25
Inklings and notions, July 26
Texas Book-aholic, July 26
cherylbbookblog, July 27
Pause for Tales, July 27
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 27
Karen Sue Hadley, July 28
Janices book reviews, July 28
Henry Happens, July 29
Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 29
Bigreadersite, July 29
Godly Book Reviews, July 30
The Morning Chapter, July 30
For The Love of Books, July 30
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Elaine is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/cee6/revealed-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Jul 22, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I always look forward to Colleen Coble’s latest suspense and have never been disappointed by them. The House at Saltwater Point held true to form and met my expectations completely. Book two in the Lavender Tides series, this book features new characters but contains brief appearances by some from the first novel Lavender Tides. Ellie and Grayson’s stormy relationship was the perfect counterpoint to everything else going on in their lives.
As always, the author leads her readers on a wild goose chase that keeps them guessing from page one through the end. Plenty of unexpected twists and surprises along the way kept my unsure of who the true guilty parties were. Vivid descriptions of the area and honest development of relationships helped to create a realistic story that made me want to keep reading. The perfect balance of suspense, romance, and faith, The House at Saltwater Point is another book for my keeper shelf. I look forward to the final chapter in this series to find out the answers to all the questions left in the air at the end of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by BookLook Bloggers. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The dangerous beauty of Lavender Tides is harboring secrets that reach around the world.
Ellie Blackmore is making a name for herself as a house flipper. But when her sister Mackenzie disappears, Ellie can’t focus on anything but uncovering what happened. Her only clue is the bloodstain on the deck of Mackenzie’s boat. Ellie knows her sister isn’t on the best of terms with her ex-husband, Jason, but he wouldn’t kill her—would he?
Coast Guard intelligence officer Grayson Bradshaw believes Mackenzie faked her own death after stealing a seized cocaine shipment. The problem is convincing Ellie, who seems to view him as the true enemy.
Both Ellie and Grayson want truth, but truth—and family—is often more complex than it first appears. From international terrorism to the peaceful lavender fields of Puget Sound, The House at Saltwater Point is a thrilling race to uncover the truth before it’s too late.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at http://colleencoble.com.
by admin | Jul 17, 2018 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
It is quite possible that Laura V. Hilton could be my favorite author of Amish fiction. Although her characters are mostly Amish and her stories are set in Amish communities, I like how there is not so much emphasis on the rules and regulations according to the Ordnung. In Firestorm, a time or two Bridget wonders if certain expectations are the same as in her previous community and more than once Gabe is certain he will be reprimanded by the pastors. Yet overall, Hilton’s books are real life stories about everyday people who live and love and make mistakes just like you and me.
Firestorm is filled with unexpected problems from the very beginning when Bridget’s family is unpleasantly surprised by the condition of their new home that was purchased sight unseen. Fortunately the community rallies to help get things into shape but one accident after another slows their progress. The characters are vivid and so realistic. Several of them struggle with common human failings such as pride and low self-esteem but as they walk through difficulty and tragedy, the Lord sharpens and heals them. Despite all the difficulties and tragedy within its pages, Firestorm contains a good measure of humor that helps keep it from getting too dark.
I particularly liked the powerful scene during the fire when Gabe understood the true power of God, perhaps for the first time. This author’s books are the perfect blend of drama, romance and faith. If you haven’t read anything from Laura V. Hilton, please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Firestorm, the first volume of The Amish of Mackinac County series.
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:
- Title: Firestorm
Click to purchase
- Author: Laura Hilton
- Genre: Christian Amish
- Release Date: July, 2018
Bridget Behr and her family migrate from the bustling Amish community where she grew up in Ohio to the mostly unpopulated Upper Peninsula of Michigan after a stalker breaks into their home. While her father and brother try to find work in the area, the family is forced to reside in a borrowed RV until the house and barn are rebuilt. While Bridget is hoping for a fresh start, she’s afraid to trust anyone—even Gabriel, the overly-friendly Amish man who lives nearby. Bridget thinks he’s a flirt who serial dates and doesn’t even remember the girls’ names.
Due to not enough construction work in his Florida community to keep him out of trouble, Gabriel Lapp has been sent to Michigan to work. His father is desperate for his son to settle down. When the family walks into Gabe’s home in the middle of a thunderstorm and he discovers their circumstances, he offers to help with construction. For Gabe, the beautiful girl he teasingly calls “the recluse” once he discovers she doesn’t attend youth events, confuses him like none other.
As Gabriel and Bridget grow closer, they realize there is more to a person than meets the eye. Just as Bridget is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding love, tragedy strikes. Now Bridget and her family must decide if they should move to another Amish community, or dare to fight for the future they’d hoped for in Mackinac County.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with over twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write.
Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.
When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.
GUEST POST FROM LAURA HILTON:
I read a series of books a year or so ago by another Amish author who had set her books in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. As a Michigan native, I was curious, and I researched, but found nothing about Upper Peninsula Amish except a notation that one had tried and failed. So I contacted the author. She told me that she’d never been there, and her research had all been hearsay, so with that lack of firsthand knowledge and no trip to the Upper Peninsula planned, no trip to see for myself would be possible. At least at that time.
Then God intervened. My son who is in the United States Coast Guard was stationed in the Upper Peninsula this past summer (2017.) He saw the Amish driving around in their buggies. And he felt like a stalker as he followed one to see where he went and drove through the area. He even sent pictures. (Shhhh.)
Yes, there are Amish in the Upper Peninsula – at least at the time this book was written.
Okay, as a Michigan native, I used some terms that may not be familiar to non-Michiganders. A Yooper is someone who lives in the Upper Peninsula. A Troll is someone from the Lower Peninsula. A pastie is kind of like a Hot Pocket, except it’s a meat pie made with root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and rutabagas. They are so good. And the straits are the area of the Great Lakes connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
As for the wildfire, the earliest wildfire I could find any documentation on in the Upper Peninsula was in April. It is generally a snowy area — trust me. I lived near the Muskegon area and saw snow drifts in May. We sometimes had over six feet of snow on the ground at one time. So, to get the wildfire when I wanted/needed the wildfire I used artistic license. Yes, fires really happened in Michigan’s history. Just not in the month mentioned in the book.
I am attaching a meme about Michigan seasons. We’ll call the fire set in “fool’s spring.” My son got married during the “third winter” this year. April 21 and there’s snow on the ground. He and his beautiful bride got married at a water fall (Tahquomenon Falls) very near where the story is set.
Thanks for reading Firestorm!!
BLOG STOPS:
| Carpe Diem, July 10
Blogging With Carol, July 10
Reading Is My SuperPower, July 11
Moments Dipped in Ink, July 11
The Avid Reader, July 12
Blossoms and Blessings, July 12
Texas Book-aholic, July 12
God’s Little Bookworm, July 13
Inklings and notions, July 13
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 13
Among the Reads, July 14
Because I said so- adventures in parenting, July 14
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, July 15
Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, July 15
A Reader’s Brain, July 16
Luv’N Lambert Life, July 16
Daysong Reflections, July 17
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Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, July 17
Janices book reviews, July 17
Inspiration Clothesline, July 18
lady ansel book blog, July 18
Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 18
cherylbbookblog, July 19
Two Points of Interest, July 19
A Baker’s Perspective, July 19
Pause for Tales, July 20
Ashley’s bookshelf, July 20
amandainpa, July 21
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, July 21
Bigreadersite, July 21
proud to be an autism mom, July 22
Bibliophile Reviews, July 22
For The Love of Books, July 23
Pink Granny’s Journey, July 23
Little Homeschool on the Praire, July 23
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GIVEAWAY:
Grand prize: Firefighter Puppet 9 (Melissa & Doug), Copies of Amish Firefighter and Firestorm by Laura Hilton.
First place prize of “I Love You to the Cross & Back” Mug (Gardenfire) & Firestorm by Laura Hilton!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/cf87/firestorm-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Jul 12, 2018 | Books, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Dangerous to Know was not at all what I expected when I agreed to review this book. I assumed it would follow the usual pattern for a Regency romance novel but I was in for quite a surprise. Featuring an emotionally tortured hero who defied most dictates of society, the story was often dark and disturbing. For some reason Lord Brumby was sought after by all the young women, perhaps because of his bad boy tendencies which are often attractive for all the wrong reasons. Isabella Bankmill was one of those young women and although all she recommended many of the obvious signs, she ignored them and soon lived to regret her poor choices.
Dangerous to Know is quite well written and was difficult to put down once I got into it. I did not like Lord Bromby at all and wanted to step into the pages of the book and shake some sense into Isabella. It is a heart-breaking account of what can happen when one person allows another to take precedence over the Lord in their life.
Loosely based on the life of Lord Byron, this book is not for readers looking for a light entertaining romance but is perfect for those looking for a bit more meat in their reading choices.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Audra Jennings, Publicist. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
“Don’t look at him, dear. He’s dangerous.”
Isabella Bankmill seeks a husband whose character matches her list of requirements. The man must share her faith, but he must also possess a certain je ne sais quoi. The enigmatical Lord Gregory Gordon Bromby—London’s newest literary sensation—certainly possesses the latter. Despite a deformed foot and alarming views on politics and religion, he attracts the ladies in droves.
Haunted by his past and overwhelmed by his newfound celebrity status, Lord Bromby’s obsession with his own doom leads to reckless behavior. When he is stalked by an obsessive aristocrat seeking an elopement, Bromby’s friends urge him to marry a suitable lady as soon as possible. Intrigued by Isabella’s convictions and hoping to avoid further scandal, Bromby proposes to Isabella.
Isabella also receives an offer of marriage from kind-hearted philanthropist, David Beringer—a man equally devoted to his faith—but she only has eyes for Lord Bromby. Blinded by his talent and good looks, Isabella convinces herself that he’s not as dangerous as everyone claims. But when Bromby’s world violently collides with hers, Isabella must decide once and for all who is lord of her life. God or Bromby?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Megan Whitson Lee is an anglophile and a recovering runaway. Over the years, she escaped to England and Australia before finally settling down in the US. These days, she lives a relatively quiet life as a wife, a mom of two greyhounds, an editor for Pelican Book Group, and a high school English teacher. She now escapes by writing novels instead of jumping on planes to foreign countries. Her novel, Captives, won the 2016 Director’s Choice Award and was a finalist for a Selah Award in the women’s contemporary fiction category at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.
Megan writes women’s contemporary thrillers and historical fiction featuring characters standing at the crossroads of major life decisions.
Website: www.meganwhitsonlee.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meganwhitsonlee/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeganWhitsonLee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganwlee1/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/megan_whitson/
