by admin | Oct 4, 2018 | Books, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I discovered Heather Blanton’s books due to my love of Christian fiction with historical western settings. Her novels meet that requirement perfectly. Ms. Blanton tends to tackle subject matters that many avoid and for that reason they are usually quite realistic and sometimes gritty. Nevertheless she manages to keep them clean with an emphasis on faith which I appreciate.
To Love and to Honor features a married man who has lost his leg due to a war injury only to be abandoned by his wife. He meets a young, unmarried woman on the stage who has been abandoned by her lover when he discovered she was expecting his child. With no other options, the young lady is reluctantly returning home to a father she expects will be less than welcoming. Although he feels defeated, Joel Chapman is still enough of a gentleman to try to help Angela temporarily. Neither expects what happens next.
Yes, neither of these characters is the ideal hero or heroine of a Christian novel but yet they are because this story is one about redemption and restoration and how the Lord uses others to rescue hopeless situations and make them new again. I loved this book and always look forward to new ones by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Joel Chapman’s spirit is dying a slow, painful death. An amputee, he can no longer fulfill his duties as a cavalry soldier. According to his wife, without two good legs, he can’t fulfill his duties as a husband and provider. In a world of able-bodied men, it seems honor and faith don’t count for much. Angela Fairbanks is the daughter of a cattle baron known for his iron fist and cold heart. She has no doubt once her father learns she is carrying an illegitimate child, he will banish her from the ranch. A chance encounter with Joel results in a reckless but compassionate offer: for one day, he’ll play the role of her husband, and then “abandon” her. For the sake of the baby, Angela agrees to the ruse. But when love weaves itself into the lie, Joel and Angela will discover there’s much more at risk than just their hearts. Faith. Honor. Love. Which one will they sacrifice?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Best-selling author Heather Blanton is a former journalist and avid researcher who endeavors to seamlessly weave actual history in among fictional storylines. She loves exploring the American West, especially ghost towns and museums. She has walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw’s note in her hand.
Her novels are all Christian Western Romance because this is the genre that lets her write about feisty pioneer women who struggle to find love and keep their faith. Like all good, old-fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and often a touch of suspense. Of course, romance is always a strong element in her stories because it is such a beautiful gift from God and a perfect reflection of how he loves us: sacrificially and lavishly. Her work is inspired by authors like the great Louis L’Amour, Francine Rivers, and Linda Lael Miller, to name just a few.
She grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne Westerns. Her most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to her daddy, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester! Her daddy also taught her to shoot and, trust us, she can sew on buttons with her rifle.
She is a proud member of Western Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers.
by admin | Oct 4, 2018 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
Author Karen Witemeyer writes such wonderful books. Within their pages one usually finds ample humor, romance, action, and sometimes mystery to satisfy most readers but I also often find an important lesson about life and faith woven into a delightful story. More Than Meets the Eye is such a book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The strong ties of three children forced to rely on each other for survival joined them together into a family of sorts that followed them into adulthood. It was heartwarming to see how they cared for and looked after each other. Each of the characters had unique traits that made them all the more realistic. Evangeline was such an optimist that she encouraged everyone. Despite his own health problems Seth was determined to do his part in taking care of their home. And big brother Zach felt responsible for them all and sacrificed more than they knew to make sure they had what they needed.
Then into their lives rode Logan Fowler, a man bent on revenge against the man he believed destroyed his family. The poor man had no idea what he was in for or how his interactions with this unusual family would change his life and theirs forever.
If you have never read a book by Karen Witemeyer, please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of More Than Meets the Eye. I know you will enjoy it at least almost as much as I did.
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:
When Her Family Is Threatened, She Doesn’t Expect Falling in Love to Be Their Best Defense
Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes–one bright blue, the other dark brown–Evangeline has fought to find her way in a world that constantly rejects her. Yet the support of even one person can help overcome the world’s judgments, and Evangeline has two–Seth and Zach, fellow orphans she now counts as brothers.
Seeking justice against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in 1880s Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his father’s death. Only instead of finding a solitary ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself with an unusual family. And when Hamilton’s unique sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time they cross paths, Logan finds his quest completely derailed. Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline?
Read an excerpt here.
Purchase a copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Winner of the HOLT Medallion and the Carol Award and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance to give the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.
by admin | Jul 26, 2018 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I am so impressed with the quality and depth of this debut novel by Rachel Fordham. I was immediately captivated by its characters and plot and HAD to know the outcome of their tale. Fordham is a true storyteller who knows how to grab a reader’s interest quickly and keep her engaged until the very last word. Along the journey with Em and Caleb, one learns the meaning of loyalty, acceptance, and true love.
At times poignant and often dramatic, The Promise of Azure Springs is brimming with wonderful characters and a story that will warm your heart. I loved watching as Em learned to trust both others and God and as Caleb discovered his true worth and his place in the world.
The Promise of Azure Springs is a wonderful first novel and I eagerly anticipate this author’s next book. I hope others will pick up their own copy as soon as possible.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell Reads, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Alone in a strange town, can she find healing for her new home . . . and herself?
Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won’t be able to do it alone.
For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He’s determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn’t expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.
Welcome to the charming town of Azure Springs, Iowa, where people care deeply for one another and, sometimes, even fall in love.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Fordham started writing when her children began begging her for stories at night. She’d pull a book from the shelf, but they’d insist she make one up. Finally she put her love of good stories with her love of writing and she hasn’t stopped since. She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington.
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! |
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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 | May 28, 2018 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
Welcome to the blog tour and giveaway for Bounty Beyond Reason by Kari Trumbo, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
MY REVIEW:
Kari Trumbo is a mostly new-to-me author but since it’s difficult for me to resist a good western romance, I decided to take a chance on Bounty Beyond Reason. Oh my! I do believe I have found another author to add to my long list of must read authors.
After four years of searching for the man who stole her father’s horse Hannah Gale has finally found him and is prepared to take him back home to see him pay for his crime. Difficult as it is to believe, Cort (Emmit Hayes) actually doesn’t try to escape the tiny scrap of a woman who he could easily overpower. During the course of their story, Hannah must face a few truths about herself, her father, and the horse thief who may be more honorable than she believed.
Bounty Beyond Reason is a well written tale with just the right blend of drama and romance with a bit of suspense thrown in for good measure. The message of forgiveness and redemption is strong but is woven into the story nicely. This is one book that lovers of western romance should not miss.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by JustRead Publicity. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Title: Bounty Beyond Reason
Author: Kari Trumbo
Series: Brides of Blessings #7
Release Date: May 9, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance
For the last four years, she’s wanted to watch him hang.
Hannah Gale has to avenge her husband’s death and the loss of her future and watching Emitt Hayes swing will do just that. When she’s able to catch him, she can bring him back and claim the bounty, redeeming some of the wealth Emitt stole.
Emitt stole a horse to redeem a debt.
It started a landslide of events that changed many lives, and a has eaten at him ever since. He’s taken on the name Cort Nelson to hide. When his past catches up with him, Han nah is more fire than he’s expecting. His quiet, hidden life will never be the same.
A hidden danger appears that could cost them both their lives, can Cort admit to what he’s done and be the man Hannah needs and can Hannah release her grudge to grab hold of a future worth having?
Purchase Links: Goodreads | Amazon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kari Trumbo is a best-selling author of Christian and sweet romance. She writes swooney heroes and places that become characters, with historical detail and heart. She’s a stay-at-home mom to four vibrant children. When she isn’t writing, or editing, she home schools her children and pretends to keep up with them. Kari loves reading, listening to contemporary Christian music, singing when no one’s listening, and curling up near the wood stove when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota, land of frigid toes and mosquitoes the size of compact cars, with her husband of almost twenty-one years. They have two daughters, two sons, two cats, and one hungry wood stove.
CONNECT WITH KARI: website | Facebook | Twitter
GIVEAWAY
Kari Trumbo is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card, as well as signed copies of Blessed Beyond Measure and Bounty Beyond Reason! One winner. US only. (International winners may be eligible but for gift card only.)
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight May 28, 2018 and lasts through 11:59pm June 4, 2018. Winner will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
For the full tour schedule and more giveaway entries, head to JustRead’s Launch Page HERE
by admin | May 21, 2018 | Anthology, Books, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
“Cowboys of Summer” is a collection of six novellas featuring cowboys. Perfect for reading on the beach or any vacation spot as well as on long summer evenings along with a tall glass of lemonade or iced tea, this book should please the cowboy lovers among us. Featuring favorite authors such as Mary Connealy and Lorna Seilstad, this collection also introduced me to some other unfamiliar authors.
Different settings and time frames for each novella helped keep things interesting. It might even be a bit of a stretch to consider the heroes of a couple of the tales cowboys but that did not hinder my enjoyment of the stories at all. Some stories are laced with humor while others are a bit more serious yet the common thread among them is a strong dose of romance. Well worth the read if time is at a premium.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital 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: Cowboys of Summer
Authors: Mary Connealy, Lorna Seilstad, Cheryl St. John, Missy Tippens, Tina Radcliffe & Sherri Shackelford
Release Date: May 1, 2018
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance
As the summer weather sizzles, relax by the pool with stirring tales of handsome cowboys and the spirited ladies who wrangle them into romance. Six of Christian fiction’s most beloved authors join forces to bring you a collection of humorous, romantic and heartfelt novellas set against the sultry heat of summer.
In Mary Connealy’s, “Dr. Tess and the Cowboy”, sparks fly when Dr. Tessa Rhoades discovers dinosaur bones on Joe Holt’s ranch and decides to excavate—even if that means kicking Joe off his own land.
In “Hometown Girl” by Cheryl St.John, injured rodeo champion Justin Cooper returns to the sleepy Oklahoma town he escaped for fame and fortune–and takes his biggest tumble yet–straight into the arms of Stevie Marshall, his first love who soon has him questioning his life choices.
In Tina Radcliffe’s, “Lake Effect”, cynical cowboy Tucker Jackson knows he’s in trouble when he starts counting the days until the end of summer and praying ‘summer girl’ Jessica Richards will find a home for her heart in Paradise.
In “His Lone Star Heart” by Missy Tippens, rancher Zeb West tries hard not to fall for Beecher Brown, the feisty but off-limits sister of his best friend. As she tries to prove she’s capable of running her family’s ranch–the one he’s trying to buy–he might just find he’s met his match…for life.
Will Lorna Seilstad’s characters make “Great Strides” when Dana Etherton, the owner of a horse therapy ranch, must choose between the kids she serves and Adam Malone, the embezzler who’s been assigned to do community service there?
When Paige Monroe agrees to draw the press away from a country star’s wedding by pretending to be the look-alike bride, she wasn’t counting on having very real feeling for her decoy fiancé, Sterling Tanner. In Sherri Shackelford’s, “The Decoy Bride”, two people feigning love forget they’re acting.
PURCHASE A COPY: Goodreads | Amazon
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
 Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography |
Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.
TO CONNECT WITH MARY:
website, facebook, twitter, instagram
You can also find Mary at these sites: Seekerville and Petticoats & Pistols |
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Lorna Seilstad has called Iowa home her whole life. She received her B.S. in education from Lubbock Christian University. After her first child was born, she stopped teaching and became a professional wiper. “I wiped noses, tears, skinned knees, baby’s bottoms, and countertops every day. But at naptime, I wrote.” Today, she writes historical fiction with a generous dash of humor.
TO CONNECT WITH LORNA: website?facebook |
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Cheryl St. John is the award-winning author of more than fifty Harlequin and Silhouette books, as well as several independently published books. Her book Writing With Emotion, Tension & Conflict by Writer’s Digest is a popular seller. Cheryl has always loved the exciting and diverse worlds available between the covers of books. As a child Cheryl wrote stories and drew covers, then stapled them into little books. She cut all the tiny book images from the book club advertisements in the Sunday paper and glued them to bits of cardboard so Barbie® had a full library.
Cheryl believes in paying it forward, and her some of her most rewarding experiences have been sharing in the successes of writers she has coached over the years.
Cheryl loves hearing from readers. You can email her at StJohn[at]aol[dot]com.
TO CONNECT WITH CHERYL: website, facebook, pinterest |
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Born and raised in Kentucky, Missy Tippens has lived in Georgia for the last 25+ years. She is a pastor’s wife and mom of three. A former microbiologist and teacher, she now focuses on her writing.
After more than ten years of working toward publication, Missy finally made her first sale of a novel in 2007. She feels very blessed to be working at home in her dream job!
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Tina Radcliffe is a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist, a 2012 ACFW Carol Award finalist, a 2014 ACFW Mentor of the Year finalist, a 2014 Golden Quill finalist and a 2014 ACFW Carol Award winner. She has won first place in over twenty RWA chapter affiliated contests in her career. Tina is also a short story writer and has sold over twenty-five short stories to Woman’s World Magazine. She currently resides in Arizona where she writes fun, heartwarming romance. Find her at http://www.tinaradcliffe.com where you can sign up for her newsletter so you don’t miss her fun giveaways and bad jokes.
TO CONNECT WITH TINA: website, facebook, twitter, pinterest, instagram |
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Sherri Shackelford is an award-winning author of inspirational, Christian romance novels for Harlequin/HarperCollins Publishers.
A wife and mother of three, Sherri’s hobbies include collecting mismatched socks, discovering new ways to avoid cleaning, and standing in the middle of the room while thinking, “Why did I just come in here?” A reformed pessimist and recent hopeful romantic, Sherri has a passion for writing. Her books are fun and fast-paced, with plenty of heart and soul. Look for her new adventure in Love Inspired Suspense, No Safe Place, in stores January of 2019.
TO CONNECT WITH SHERRI: website, facebook, twitter |
GIVEAWAY:
The authors of Cowboys of Summer is giving (1) winner:
Prize:
- (1) $25 Amazon Gift Card
- (1) ‘I Trust in God’s Unfailing’ Mug
- (1) Reading at the Cafe Candle from Frostbeard Studios
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight May 21, 2018 and last through 11:59 PM on May 28, 2018. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
ENTER the RAFFLECOPTER Giveaway Form HERE
Be sure to stop at a stop each day for extra entries!
JustRead Publicity Tour Landing Page
