by admin | Apr 13, 2018 | Books, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
What a fun novel! Everything about Nolan Price’s life changes when he learns that he is not the stable hand he had always thought but the son of his employer – especially his plans to marry sweet Hannah Burnham, a kitchen maid on the estate. Now Nolan is suddenly forbidden to have anything to do with her because she is deemed to be beneath his station. And that is where the fun begins.
The author has created a romantic tale filled with surprises and unexpected twists as well as several wonderful characters in addition to the hero and heroine. One character especially seemed to step onto center stage several times and I was delighted by her bold and often humorous approach to life. I was never quite certain how everything would turn out for Nolan and Hannah. Even when it looked like things might go their way, they tended to get in the way themselves.
“A Most Noble Heir” is a wonderful tale filled with faith, humor, love, and reconciliation. You won’t want to miss this one!
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:
Will Gaining the World Cost Him Everything He Holds Most Dear?
When stable hand Nolan Price learns from his dying mother that he is actually the son of the Earl of Stainsby, his plans for a future with kitchen maid Hannah Burnham are shattered. Once he is officially acknowledged as the earl’s heir, Nolan will be forbidden to marry beneath his station.
Unwilling to give up the girl he loves, he devises a plan to elope–believing once their marriage is sanctioned by God that Lord Stainsby will be forced to accept their union. However, as Nolan struggles to learn the ways of the aristocracy, he finds himself caught between his dreams for tomorrow and his father’s demanding expectations.
Forces work to keep the couple apart at every turn, and a solution to remain together seems farther and farther away. With Nolan’s new life pulling him irrevocably away from Hannah, it seems only a miracle will bring them back together.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan Anne Mason’s debut historical novel, Irish Meadows, won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of RWA. Also a member of ACFW, Susan lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children. She can be found online at www.susanannemason.com.
by admin | Apr 13, 2018 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Refuge Assured” is a fine example of why I love historical fiction. I have always been interested in all aspects of history but dry facts in a textbook never answered my many questions. Authors such as Jocelyn Green bring that history to life in the pages of their novels and help me to experience history through the lives of those who may have been there. Most of my favorite authors obviously research their subject matter well before writing their novels and I appreciate that I can usually trust their stories to be at least based on the truth. I am also frequently inspired to do further research because my interest has been stimulated.
From the streets of the French Revolution to the French Quarter of Philadelphia, Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard has seen things young women should not be forced to witness. After barely escaping with her life from France, she hopes for refuge in America but soon finds herself in danger because of a young boy placed in her care. Liam Delaney finds himself a reluctant part of her life yet the two are also strongly drawn to each other. Can they work together to overcome the obstacles facing them?
“A Refuge Assured” is beautifully written with a well-developed plot and strong characters. There is ample action to hold the attention of most readers as well as plenty of interesting historical facts. I enjoyed reading about the Whiskey Rebellion, particularly the way the newly established government resorted to taxing their own citizens in the same manner that brought them to fight for their freedom from England. I don’t remember that from my history lessons but it is so typical that I have no problem believing it. The story is also filled with danger, suspense, and of course romance along with some surprises along the way.
I heartily recommend this book to all lovers of historical fiction.
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:
Fleeing One Revolution to the Aftermath of Another, She Seeks and Dreams of Peace
Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard never imagined her craft could threaten her life. Yet in revolutionary France, it is a death sentence when the nobility, and those associated with them, are forced to the guillotine. Vivienne flees to Philadelphia, but danger lurks in the French Quarter, as revolutionary sympathizers begin to suspect a young boy left in her care might be the Dauphin. Can the French settlement Asylum offer permanent refuge?
Militiaman Liam Delaney proudly served in the American Revolution, but now that the new government has imposed an oppressive tax that impacts his family, he barely recognizes the democracy he fought for. He wants only to cultivate his hard-won farm near Asylum, but he soon finds himself drawn into the escalating tension of the Whiskey Rebellion. When he meets a beautiful young Frenchwoman recently arrived from Paris, they are drawn together in surprising ways to fight for the peace and safety for which they long.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Catchlight Imaging
Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including The Mark of the King, Wedded to War, and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Her books have garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, and have been honored with the Christy Award, the gold medal from the Military Writers Society of America, and the Golden Scroll Award from the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association. She graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing. Jocelyn lives with her husband, Rob, and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.
by admin | Apr 12, 2018 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Love Inspired, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Treacherous Trails” is one of those nonstop page turners that you just don’t want to put down. It seemed pretty obvious from the very beginning who the guilty person was but the author certainly kept me on my toes wondering what would happen next.
I loved the interaction between the characters, especially Owen and Ella and it was fun learning about their lifelong friendship as well as other background pertinent to their story. The loyalty and support of the Thorn family for each other and those they cared about was touching and inspiring.
The action filled plot is filled with lots of danger and suspense as well as multiple twists and surprises. A little romance in the midst of life-threatening situations didn’t hurt either. The ending was perfect in my opinion. Can’t wait for the next book in this 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:
Click to purchase
Falsely accused…
Can she escape the real killer?
In this second installment in the Gold Country Cowboys series, farrier Ella Cahill is accused of murder—and only former marine Owen Thorn, her brother’s best friend, can help clear her name. Now with someone trying to kill Ella, Owen must protect her…despite his promise to her brother to stay away from her. But can they work together to find the true killer before she becomes the next to die?
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)
GUEST POST FROM DANA MENTINK:
Howdy, friends! I am so thrilled to be galloping into the second book in the Gold Country Cowboy series with you. This book was a hoot to write. It’s got a nice twisty mystery and plenty of danger! Our hero, twin Owen Thorn, is a Marine doing his darnedest not to fall in love with his brother’s little sister, but you know how these things go, don’t you, partners? There’s trouble ahead in cowboy country and this story will take you on a wild gallop to the happy ending! God bless and thanks for coming along!
BLOG STOPS:
Reading Is My SuperPower, April 12
Lighthouse Academy, April 12
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 12
Daysong Reflections, April 13
Karen Sue Hadley, April 13
Janices book reviews, April 13
Book by Book, April 14
Ashley’s Bookshelf, April 14
Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 14
History, Mystery & Faith, April 15
C Jane Read, April 15
The Power of Words, April 15
To Everything a Season, April 16
Among the Reads, April 16
Genesis 5020, April 16
A Baker’s Perspective, April 17
Two Points of Interest, April 17
Carpe Diem, April 18
Cafinated Reads, April 18
Maureen’s Musings, April 19
Simple Harvest Reads, April 19 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Pause for Tales, April 20
Have A Wonderful Day, April 20
Because I said so – and other adventures in parenting, April 21
proud to be an autism mom, April 21
Bibliophile Reviews, April 22
A Greater Yes, April 22
Texas Book-aholic, April 23
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 23
Artistic Nobody, April 23 (Spotlight)
Kat’s Corner Books, April 24
Red Headed Book Lady, April 24
Bigreadersite, April 24
margaret kazmierczak, April 25 (Interview)
Raining Butterfly Kisses, April 25
Remembrancy, April 25
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, Cornbread Mix, and Cowboy Caviar Salsa!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/ca46
by admin | Apr 2, 2018 | Books, Historical, Medieval, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“A Loyal Heart” is a medieval romance that opens with exciting action and proceeds with plenty more as the book continues. Captured by her father’s enemy, Lady Olivia is determined to protect her sister at all cost and remain loyal to her father. Every attempt at escape is foiled and she is forced to stay too close for comfort to her captor, Sir Aldric.
Both Sir Aldric and Lady Olivia are marvelous characters who attempt to follow their beliefs and keep their integrity. Although enemies, Lady Olivia finds herself admiring Sir Aldric’s commitment to truth and honor. Along the way she learns the meaning and importance of true loyalty.
I thoroughly enjoyed “A Loyal Heart” with its fast paced plot and excellent characters. With lots of action, drama, romance, and surprises, the story held my attention until the very end. I strongly recommend this book as well as any other written by Jody Hedlund.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
He’s taken her as his prisoner. But she’s holding his heart captive. In gaining their freedom, will they lose what matters most?
When Lady Olivia’s castle is besieged, she and her sister are taken captive and held for ransom by her father’s enemy, Lord Pitt. Loyalty to family means everything to Olivia. She’ll save her sister at any cost and do whatever her father asks—even if that means obeying his order to steal a sacred relic from her captor.
As Lord Pitt’s commander, Sir Aldric is in charge of the beautiful but feisty new prisoner. He has his hands full attempting to keep Lady Olivia out of trouble. When Lord Pitt throws her in the dungeon and threatens to hang her for stealing, Aldric conceives a plot to save Olivia’s life—betrothal to him.
Can Olivia give up the prestigious match her father has arranged with a wealthy marquess in order to marry a lowly knight like Aldric? And can Aldric move beyond his past mistakes to embrace love again? When loyalties are tested, they’re thrust into danger that could cost them their love and their lives.
Click here to purchase your copy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).
When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.
GUEST POST FROM JODY HEDLUND:
The Growing Need for Sweet Young Adult Romances
By Jody Hedlund
This past year my youngest daughter turned twelve and entered seventh grade. And she decided that she wanted to read my books.
Of course I was thrilled that she was taking an interest in my writing. But since my adult historical romances are more intense and contain some mature themes, I handed her the young adult series I’ve written.
As she started the first book, I peeked in her room a time or two to ask her how she liked it.
“It’s the best book you’ve ever read, right?” I teased.
“It’s okay,” she replied, teasing me right back.
The true test for how much she liked the series came when she couldn’t put the book down. She hid away in her room and read all day. Then she read the second book the next day and the third book the day after that.
She never did gush over the series. But she didn’t need to. Her serious reading marathon told me all I needed to know! Then when I was writing the fourth book in the series, she asked me if she could read it early before it was published which was another testament to how much she enjoyed the series.
“As long as you promise to say that I’m your favorite author,” I said, teasing her again.
I’m happy to say that she finished A Loyal Heart just as quickly as the others. Although I’m not sure that I’m her favorite author, I’m satisfied that she loved the series.
Even more, I’m thrilled that I could hand her sweet romances full of chivalrous qualities—like courage, sacrifice, honor, and loyalty. As she’s being entertained, she’s learning lessons about character traits that are important in relationships.
My daughter, like other young teens I’ve talked to, really enjoys medieval settings and stories. In some ways, those kinds of stories connect them to the princess fairy tales they used to love when they were little. Let’s face it, even adult readers still love stories about knights and castles and daring damsels!
In a book market for teens that has grown increasingly dark, jaded, and sexual, I only wish I had more to offer my daughter and other young women. It’s my passion to continue providing wholesome, clean romances for teens, books I know will encourage and uplift as well as entertain.
How about YOU? Is there a teen reader you know who needs an alternative to what’s available in the market? I encourage you to gift them with A Loyal Heart. And make sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win the entire series that you can read, pass along, or even gift to your library.
Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. She lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!). When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.
BLOG STOPS:
Among the Reads, March 27
Lighthouse Academy, March 27
Neverending Stories, March 27
Reflections From My Bookshelves, March 28
books n baubles, March 28
Blossoms and Blessings, March 28
By The Book, March 29
Reading Is My SuperPower, March 29
Genesis 5020, March 29
Books, Books, and More Books., March 29
Have A Wonderful Day, March 30
Blogging With Carol, March 30
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, March 30
Cover to Cover and Everything in Between, March 31
Book by Book, March 31
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 31
God’s Little Bookworm, April 1
The Christian Fiction Girl, April 1
Mary Hake, April 1
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, April 2
Daysong Reflections, April 2
Novels Corner, April 2
Remembrancy, April 3
proud to be an autism mom, April 3
Texas Book-aholic, April 3
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 4
Janices book reviews, April 4
Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 4
Romances of the Cross, April 5
Carpe Diem, April 5
A Baker’s Perspective, April 5
Ashley’s Bookshelf, April 6
Karen Sue Hadley, April 6
Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, April 6
Red Headed Book Lady, April 7
Bibliophile Reviews, April 7
Simple Harvest Reads, April 7 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Pursuing Stacie, April 8
Bigreadersite, April 8
margaret kazmierczak, April 8 (interview)
Henry Happens, April 9
Faery Tales Are Real, April 9
Joy of Reading, April 9
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Jody is giving away a grand prize of An Uncertain Choice, A Daring Sacrifice, For Love & Honor, and A Loyal Heart!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/cb76
by admin | Mar 30, 2018 | Books, ebook, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Winning Miss Winthrop” was every bit as delightful and entertaining as the other Regency novels I have read by Carolyn Miller. I was especially charmed by the clever way more than one character managed to put an offensive character in their place without their being any the wiser. Oh, if only I had been blessed with such a gift!
As always, Miller’s skill with description and her imaginative plot held my interest until the very end. I was invested enough in the story to want to force Catherine and Jonathan to actually sit down and talk it out rather than constantly avoiding the other’s eyes. My goodness, they could have saved themselves months of misery! Of course the story wouldn’t have been quite so much fun in the meantime.
Quite a few quirky and interesting characters grace the pages of “Winning Miss Winthrop”. Some were very likeable and of course there were one or two of those readers love to hate. All in all, this book is one that will find a permanent spot on my shelf once I purchase a hard copy. Carolyn Miller is quickly earning herself a position on my favorite authors list.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Kregel Publications through NetGalley. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Years ago, the man who stole Catherine Winthrop’s heart rejected her—and she’s never recovered from the grief. Now tragedy has brought him back into her life. This time it isn’t her heart he’s taking, it’s her home and her family’s good name.
Jonathan Carlew’s serious demeanor and connection to trade, not to mention the rumors surrounding his birth, have kept him from being a favorite of the ladies, or their parents. Now, suddenly landed and titled, he finds himself with plenty of prospects. But his demanding society responsibilities keep pressing him into service to the one woman who captured his heart long ago—and then ran off with it.
These two broken hearts must decide whether their painful past and bitter present will be all they can share, or if forgiveness can provide a path to freedom for the future.
Set in the sumptuous salons of Bath, Regency England’s royal breeding ground for gossip, Winning Miss Winthrop is the first volume in the Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series. Fans of the wholesome and richly drawn first series won’t want to miss this new set of characters—or appearances by their old favorites.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers.Find out more about Carolyn at https://www.carolynmiller.org.
by admin | Mar 27, 2018 | Alaska, Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I have a gorgeous photo of Denali on my smart phone screen. No I’ve never had the opportunity to visit Alaska but my daughter and son-in-law went last summer and the clouds lifted long enough for her to take some spectacular photos and was generous enough to share with me. At this point in my life, most of my traveling will most likely be done through the pages of my beloved books and the lens of my daughter’s camera. Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse have provided me with a historical suspense that helped to bring life to my daughter’s image.
I can always expect a lovely romantic story from Tracie Peterson, usually one filled with obstacles to help keep it interesting. When Peterson joins forces with Kimberly Woodhouse, the suspense seems to be raised a few notches and I can be sure of an exciting story. That was certainly the case with “Out of the Ashes”.
The second book in The Heart of Alaska series, “Out of the Ashes” also takes place mostly in or in the vicinity of the Curry Hotel. Two young people have been brought together through the mechanization of a loving grandmother who wants the best for her granddaughter but neither Katherine nor Jean-Michel are the same people who fell in love so many years ago. Life has left its mark on each of them and it could be too late for a life together again.
As always, I was immediately sucked into the story and had great difficulty putting it down to take care of mundane everyday chores. The plot was expertly constructed with just enough description and historical facts to keep it interesting. Scripture was also inserted at just the right points, time and again. There was absolutely nothing I didn’t like about this story except maybe the fact that it ended. I can’t wait for another installment.
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:
After the death of their father, Collette and Jean-Michel Langelier are no longer tied to post-war France. While his sister dreams of adventure, Jean-Michel is hoping to finally escape reminders of the horrors he faced in the war. When Jean-Michel receives an unexpected invitation for them to visit Alaska and the Curry Hotel, it seems an opportunity for a change he needs.
Katherine Demarchis is a young widow who does not grieve the dangerous husband she was forced to marry. Now she just wants to retreat to a quiet life, content to be alone. First, though, she’s agreed to accompany her grandmother on a final trip, but never expects to see a man from her past.
Katherine and Jean-Michel once shared a deep love that was torn apart by forces beyond their control. Reunited now, have the years changed them too deeply to rediscover what they had? And when Jean-Michel’s nightmares return with terrifying consequences, will faith be enough to heal what’s been broken for so long?
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
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Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. Learn more at www.traciepeterson.com. |
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