I have enjoyed Jody Hedlund’s Beacons of Hope series so much and I really hate to see it end. Each book has easily been a standalone yet they are all connected by the common thread of the lighthouse keepers who are primary characters. Another common element also connects them all but I will leave that for each reader to discover on her own.
“Never Forget” is the story of Abbie Wilson, granddaughter of the light keeper. She works hard trying to keep the light going and to provide whatever is needed to take care of herself and her grandfather who is declining further into dementia as the days pass by. Her husband has disappeared and she fears he is dead but his presence was all that kept them from being replaced. It is little wonder that she chose to pass off as her husband the young man who had washed ashore suffering from amnesia.
The characters in “Never Forget” were strong ones. I liked how Nathaniel was able to relate to Abbie’s Gramps despite his loss of memory – or perhaps because of it. It was also gratifying to see how Nathaniel’s character changed over the course of the book. Abbie was such a dedicated granddaughter whose love for her Gramps shone through everything she did, even in the poor decisions she made. A strong spiritual message and changed lives were vital components of the narrative. The story also emphasized the importance of truth, regardless of the circumstances.
I enjoyed this story so much that I really didn’t want it to end while at the same time I was eager to find out how things would work out. I am looking forward to finding out what this author has in store for her readers next.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Rose Island Lighthouse, Rhode Island
June 1880
Click here to purchase
Will she betray his trust to stay on the island she loves?
Abbie Wilson is content to spend her days clamming, crabbing, and tending Rose Island Lighthouse. Her grandpa is the head light keeper, but his senility may lead to their eviction. Since leaving the island would kill her beloved Gramps, Abbie will do anything to keep him in the one place he knows and loves.
Wealthy Nathaniel Winthrop III’s wild living has gained him a reputation as the ‘bad boy’ among the elite social circles of Newport. After a blow to the head in a yachting accident washes him up on Rose Island, Nathaniel has no memories of his past.
Abbie tends the wounded stranger in her home only to realize he assumes they’re married. Although she knows she needs to correct Nathaniel’s mistake, his presence calms Gramps and provides a way to prevent eviction from the lighthouse.
The longer the charade continues, the harder it gets for Abbie to tell Nathaniel the truth, more so as she begins to fall in love. Everyone she’s ever loved has abandoned her. Will Nathaniel leave her too, once he discovers he’s not really her husband?
Click HERE to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Winner of the 2016 Christian Book Award and Christy Award, best-selling author Jody Hedlund writes inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.
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:
Which Do You Prefer: Series or Standalones?
By Jody Hedlund
Readers usually have strong opinions about whether they like series or standalones.
Some readers refuse to read books that are inter-related. Others can’t get enough books about their favorite characters.
I see the pros and cons of both.
For series, I don’t like feeling lost as I try to wade through previous characters along with their backstory. I recently started a series by a well-known author and was disappointed to realize the first book was connected to a previous series she’d already published. From the get-go, I felt left out as though I didn’t quite know who all the characters were or their significance.
On the other hand, for standalones, I sometimes feel as though I would like the story to continue. I’ve invested in the setting and characters and so enjoy when I can return to that place and continue to glimpse the characters I’ve fallen in love with—even if from a distance.
My favorites are books that fall in the middle between standalone and series. I like to think of them as standalones within a series. Becky Wade’s Porter brother series is like that. Each of the books centers around one of the brothers (and a tomboy sister). While characters from other books make an appearance in the stories, each plot is separate and complete without any reliance upon another book.
My Beacons of Hope lighthouse series falls in the middle too. The books are related in that they all take place at lighthouses and share a symbolic “cross of hope” that is passed on from one book to the next. A minor character in a previous book becomes the hero or heroine in the next book. But each book can be read by itself without having read any of the others.
In other words, readers can pick up my newest release, Never Forget, which is the fifth and final book in the series, and they wouldn’t be confused about who the characters are or what their history is. The plot starts with a bang and ends with a satisfying sigh. It is complete story unto itself.
And yet, for those who’ve read other books in the series, they’ll get to see the happily-ever-after of a character from a previous book. And they’ll also get to find out where the cross of hope finally ends.
If you’re not a fan of series, I encourage you to give the Beacons of Hope series a try. It might satisfy the need for standalones and series all in one neat little package.
To that end, I’m giving away all FIVE books in the series as part of the Celebrate Lit blog tour to one lucky winner!
Tell us: What is your preference: Standalones, Series, or Standalones within a Series?
To celebrate her tour, Jody is giving away the entire Beacons of Hope series. Click below to enter.
Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/ad6d
It was just a simple cooking class – or was it? Heidi’s idea to offer a cooking class as a way to help fill the empty hours that did not include children to care for was just that or so she thought. Her ad brought together a small group of unlikely men and women who would find their lives forever changed by their interaction with Heidi and her husband Lyle. And could it be that Heidi and Lyle could also find a blessing or two as a result?
“The Seekers” was a warm and satisfying novel filled with charm and wisdom. Characters were well developed and realistic, each one of them with hidden pain and problems. I enjoyed watching their relationships grow naturally through the course of Heidi’s classes. I also enjoyed the peeks into each character’s life through their own points of view.
The first book in Brunstetter’s latest series, “The Seekers” is sure to please readers, especially those particularly fond of Amish fiction.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by
Amazon Vine. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Join a class of unlikely Ohioans who take cooking lessons at Lyle and Heidi Troyer’s Amish farm. A woman engaged to marry, an expectant mother estranged from her family, a widowed mom seeking to simplify, a Vietnam vet who camps on the Troyer’s farm, and an Amish widower make up the mismatched lot of students. But Heidi’s cooking lessons soon turn to life lessons as they each share the challenges they are facing. Is this what God had in mind when Heidi got the idea for cooking classes?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of nearly 70 books with more than 9 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine, USA Today, Newsweek, Good Housekeeping, and Country Woman. Wanda’s books have been translated into four foreign languages.
Erika Vetsch is an author who is fairly new to me but recently I have run across several of her novels and love them. If you know me at all, you know I have added yet another favorite author to my ever-growing list which makes it increasingly difficult to keep up with all their books I want to read. You can bet I will try my best to make room on my calendar to read hers.
The premise of “The Bounty Hunter’s Baby” is quite interesting. The story begins with the rugged bounty hunter Thomas Beaufort finally catching up with the outlaw he has been tracking for quite some time but once again he makes his escape. Only this time it is because Thomas chooses to give up the chase to help the young woman with the outlaw deliver her baby then doing what he can to save that baby when his mother dies. Knowing he is not equipped to take care of a baby, he takes it to the only person he knows in the area who might help. When he reaches Esther Jensen’s home, he discovers that nothing is the same as when he left several years before.
I absolutely loved “The Bounty Hunter’s Baby”. Thomas was the perfect hero even if Esther had difficulty trusting him after the way he had broken her heart. The story developed naturally and I grew to like Thomas even more with each chapter. It was fun watching how Esther eased her defenses as Thomas proved himself trustworthy over and over. This was not the typical western romance and I hope the author will be writing more in this vein.
If you enjoy western romances and are willing to try a Love Inspired novel, “The Bounty Hunter’s Baby” would be an excellent choice.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Brought Together by a Baby
Bounty hunter Thomas Beaufort has no problem handling outlaws, but when he’s left with a criminal’s baby to care for, he’s in over his head. And the only person he can think of to ask for help is Esther Jensen, the woman whose heart he broke when he left town. But can he convince her to put aside the past until he tracks down the baby’s outlaw father?
Esther is ready to run Thomas off her Texas ranch—until she spies the abandoned newborn in his arms. Soon, working together to care for the precious babe stirs old hopes of a family. With trouble heading to their door, they could overcome it together—if she’ll entrust her wary heart to this sweet, second-chance family…
Erica Vetsch is a transplanted Kansan now residing in Minnesota. She loves history and romance, and she is blessed to be able to combine the two by writing historical romances for the inspirational market. Whenever she’s not immersed in fictional worlds, she’s the company bookkeeper for the family lumber business, mother of two, wife to a man who is her total opposite and soul-mate, and avid museum patron.
I have been a fan of Regina Jennings since I reviewed my very first novel by her. It didn’t take me very long to decide that I did not intend to miss any subsequent novels. Fortunately I have been blessed with the opportunity to review most of them. “For the Record” just reinforces my decision to place her on my must read list.
Newly appointed sheriff Joel Puckett finds himself just a bit out of his element in Pine Gap, Missouri. Used to the wide open spaces in Texas and straightforward law enforcement, it takes him awhile to become accustomed to the hills and valleys and woods of his new assignment. And then there are the Bald Knobbers, a local vigilante group who have taken things into their own hands. Betsy Huckabee helps her uncle with his newspaper but has aspirations of writing for a larger one.
Although this novel takes a bit of a detour from Jennings’ usual offerings, the high quality and her signature humor were intact. Characters were obviously lovingly crafted and the plot was inspired with just the right mix of drama, action, and suspense plus a sweet romance of course. Loved, loved, loved this book and am so looking forward to the next Ozark Mountain Romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Bethany House Publishers and the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Rather Than Wait for a Hero, She Decided to Create One
Betsy Huckabee has big-city dreams, but nobody outside of tiny Pine Gap, Missouri, seems interested in the articles she writes for her uncle’s newspaper. Her hopes for independence may be crushed, until the best idea she’s ever had comes riding into town.
Deputy Joel Puckett didn’t want to leave Texas, but unfair circumstances have made moving to Pine Gap his only shot at keeping a badge. Worse, this small town has big problems, and masked marauders have become too comfortable taking justice into their own hands. He needs to make clear that he’s the law in this town–and that job is made more difficult with a nosy reporter who seems to follow him everywhere he goes.
The hero Betsy creates to be the star in a serial for the ladies’ pages is based on the dashing deputy, but he’s definitely fictional. And since the pieces run only in newspapers far away, no one will ever know. But the more time she spends with Deputy Puckett, the more she appreciates the real hero–and the more she realizes what her ambition could cost him.
Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She is the author of A Most Inconvenient Marriage, Sixty Acres and a Bride, and Caught in the Middle, and contributed a novella to A Match Made in Texas. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with her husband and four children and can be found online at www.reginajennings.com.
I have always enjoyed historical novels by Carol Cox and was happy to have the opportunity to read and review “Copper Sunrise”. Not only was it an excellent and riveting story but I learned quite a bit I didn’t know about Arizona’s progression toward statehood.
“Copper Sunrise” features Catherine whose independent streak has taken her from the ranch where she grew up to the city of Phoenix where she hopes to prove she can take care of herself. She quickly finds a job at a land investment company where to her delight she quickly advances. At her workplace Catherine also meets Mitchell Brewer, an up-and-coming journalist whose assignment is to profile the influential men of Phoenix who could impact Arizona’s future. Although Catherine and Mitchell quickly form a friendship and their attraction is strong, Catherine’s increasing hours at work not only keep them apart but threaten to undermine her former values as well. As it becomes evident that some underhanded land acquisition is taking place, both Mitchell and Catherine must decide whether to face the truth and do the right thing.
Although “Copper Sunrise” was a fairly short novel, the story itself seemed pretty big. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Catherine and Mitchell develop as well as learning what choices they would make. With plenty of drama, history, suspense, and romance for most readers, this novel was a quite satisfying read.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book that was provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Book 4 in the Arizona Brides Series
Catherine is moving from the ranch she’s always called home to Phoenix. Hoping to help Arizona achieve statehood any way she can, she starts her job at a land investment company. With a quick promotion, Catherine soon forgets to keep the Lord as her priority. Mitchell Brewer, a journalist for the Phoenix Clarion, can hardly believe his luck in getting to write about the most influential pacesetters of Arizona’s future. But when some of the land sales look to be cover for fraud, he knows he has to write the truth, even if it costs him dearly—so dearly that any future with Catherine could be gone. Will Mitch be able to stand his ground while being faced with losing his love? Will they be able to see the Lord’s hand at work under a copper sunrise?
Native Arizonan Carol Cox has an abiding love for history, mystery, and romance. The author of more than 25 books, she believes in the power of story to convey spiritual truths. Carol lives with her husband and daughter in northern Arizona, where deer and antelope really do play–within view of the family’s front porch. Visit her website at www.authorcarolcox.com.
Jennifer Beckstrand definitely has a talent for humor. I laughed all the way through her novella “The Christmas Bakery at Huckleberry Hill”. Between delightfully quirky Titus, his matchmaking grandparents, and a couple of mischievous goats, there was never a dull moment.
I thoroughly enjoyed the sweet and unexpected romance that developed between Titus and Katie Rose despite the fact that she was in Huckleberry Hill to become engaged to Adam. Titus was so endearing I couldn’t help but like him. He instinctively knew how to bring out the best in Katie Rose whose talent and generous heart was sometimes hidden by her shyness. On the other hand, I was not at all amused by the arrogant Adam – except maybe when he got what he deserved.
“The Christmas Bakery at Huckleberry Hill” brought a bright spot to my day and I now want to read more of Beckstrand’s books as soon as possible.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click her to purchase
The Christmas Bakery at Huckleberry Hill
When shy Katie Rose Gingerich’s dat sends her to Huckleberry Hill to secure a marriage proposal, she never expects to long for carefree Titus Helmuth—or to hope that he might want to spend every Christmas with her . . .
Jennifer Beckstrand is the bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer was nominated for the RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award and the 2015 RITA® Award, and Huckleberry Hill won the 2014 LIME Award for Inspirational fiction. Both Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Christmas appeared in Examiner.com list of top ten inspirational books for 2014.
Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a background in editing. She and her husband have been married for thirty years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and four adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.
GUEST POST FROM JENNIFER BECKSTRAND:
What do you get when you combine Anna and Felty’s earnest grandson, Titus, with a pretty girl who’s practically engaged to someone else, a sleigh full of Christmas bakery orders, and two mischievous Christmas goats?
A wild, wacky, and wunderbarr Christmas, that’s what.
Anna and Felty Helmuth are determined to make this the most romantic Christmas ever on Huckleberry Hill, but have they bitten off more than they can chew trying to match their slightly scatterbrained grandson Titus with timid Katie Rose Gingerich? Titus tends to be a little thick in the head when it comes to love, and Katie Rose is too shy to open her mouth. It might take every potholder Anna can knit plus a determined goat and a little Christmas magic to bring Titus and Katie Rose together.
Titus would do anything for his Mammi Anna, even eat her very bad cooking and learn how to knit, but why does he have to be the one to care for Mammi’s new goat? Goats give him the willies. But when Titus meets the pretty girl staying with his grandparents for Christmas, he doesn’t mind the goat so much. The more he sees of Katie Rose’s gentle ways and loving spirit, the more he wishes he were the kind of boy she would bake a pie for. Can he convince her to love him without offending her boyfriend? And will Mammi notice if he gets rid of her goat?
After I wrote Huckleberry Hearts, I just knew there had to be someone special out there for Titus Helmuth, Anna and Felty’s lovable grandson. Christmas is the perfect setting for “A Christmas Bakery on Huckleberry Hill” because Titus is one character who seems to have the spirit of Christmas in his heart all year long. When Katie Rose is homesick, Titus does his best to make her feel welcome and comfortable on Huckleberry Hill. He delivers her Christmas goodies, writes poetry for her, and sings Christmas songs. When he finally realizes he loves her, he’s going to have to use both Christmas goats and every trick in the book to convince her to marry him. It’s a fun, heartwarming, wonderful-gute Christmas romance.
“A Christmas Bakery on Huckleberry Hill” is in The Amish Christmas Kitchen novella collection, and it will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away three copies of Huckleberry Christmas. Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post to earn 9 extra entries in the giveaway! https://promosimple.com/ps/acec
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Winner of the 2016 Christian Book Award and Christy Award, best-selling author Jody Hedlund writes inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.
To celebrate her tour, Jody is giving away the entire Beacons of Hope series. Click below to enter.
Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of nearly 70 books with more than 9 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine, USA Today, Newsweek, Good Housekeeping, and Country Woman. Wanda’s books have been translated into four foreign languages.
Erica Vetsch is a transplanted Kansan now residing in Minnesota. She loves history and romance, and she is blessed to be able to combine the two by writing historical romances for the inspirational market. Whenever she’s not immersed in fictional worlds, she’s the company bookkeeper for the family lumber business, mother of two, wife to a man who is her total opposite and soul-mate, and avid museum patron.
Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She is the author of A Most Inconvenient Marriage, Sixty Acres and a Bride, and Caught in the Middle, and contributed a novella to A Match Made in Texas. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with her husband and four children and can be found online at 
Native Arizonan Carol Cox has an abiding love for history, mystery, and romance. The author of more than 25 books, she believes in the power of story to convey spiritual truths. Carol lives with her husband and daughter in northern Arizona, where deer and antelope really do play–within view of the family’s front porch. Visit her website at 
Jennifer Beckstrand is the bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer was nominated for the RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award and the 2015 RITA® Award, and Huckleberry Hill won the 2014 LIME Award for Inspirational fiction. Both Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Christmas appeared in Examiner.com list of top ten inspirational books for 2014.
