by admin | Mar 9, 2017 | Books, England, Mystery
MY REVIEW:
Although it is book five in the Drew Farthering mystery series, “Murder on the Moor” easily stands on its own merits. Because of a heavy review calendar, I have had opportunity to read only the first book in the series prior to this one and I had no problems at all figuring out what was going on.
I am not certain if “Murder on the Moor” would be considered a cozy mystery but it is a fairly easy-going read with light suspense and plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor. Several quirky characters help keep things interesting with several of them considered good candidates for the guilty party. Plenty of unexpected twists and a surprise ending were in store. Just when I was beginning to think that Drew was never going to put all the clues together, he came through with flying colors. I sure didn’t see that coming!
I loved this book, especially the subtle humor that runs through it. One scene between Drew and Constable Watts had me in stitches. I highly recommend “Murder on the Moor” as well as the previous books in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
At the urgent request of an old school friend, Drew and Madeline Farthering come to Bloodworth Park Lodge in the midst of the Yorkshire moors, a place as moody and mysterious as a Brontë hero. There have been several worrisome incidents around those lonesome rolling hills–property desecrated, fires started, sheep and cattle scattered. Worst of all, the vicar has been found dead on the steps of the church, a crime for which Drew can discern no motive at all.
Few in the town of Bunting’s Nest seem like suspects, and Drew can’t keep his suspicions from falling on his friend’s new bride. Do her affections lie more with her husband’s money and estate, while her romantic interests stray to their fiery Welsh gamekeeper? As the danger grows ever closer, it’s up to Drew to look past his own prejudices, determine what’s really going on, and find the killer before it’s too late.
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Julianna Deering is the creator of the acclaimed Drew Farthering Mystery series. She has always loved British history and is a particular fan of the writings of Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie. She graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in business administration and spent several years as a Certified Public Accountant. She lives outside Dallas, Texas.
For more information visit www.juliannadeering.com.
BLOG STOPS:
March 2: Fiction Aficionado
March 2: Inklings and Notions
March 3: ASC Book Reviews
March 3: Just Commonly
March 4: Reading Is My SuperPower
March 4: A Baker’s Perspective
March 5: The Power of Words
March 5: knightress4theking
March 6: Bibliophile Reviews
March 6: Splashes of Joy
March 7: Blogging With Carol
March 7: Through the Open Window
March 8: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses
March 8: Black ‘n’ Gold Girl’s Book Spot
March 9: Thoughts from Mill Street
March 9: Christian Bookaholic
March 10: History, Mystery and Faith
March 10: Daysong Reflections
March 11: Just the Write Escape
March 11: Book by Book
March 12: Radiant Light
March 12: Bigreadersite
March 13: A Simple Life, really?!
March 13: Carpe Diem
March 14: Pause for Tales
March 14: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
March 15: Back Porch Reads
March 15: Baker Kella
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Julianna is giving away a set of the A Drew Farthering Mystery
(5 Book Series)!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4664b0499
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by admin | Mar 7, 2017 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Oh my! Yet another author to add to my ever growing list of must reads! How will I ever find the time to read them all or to choose between them? But what a delightful challenge for me.
It did not take me very long to find myself totally immersed in Carolyn Miller’s wonderful new Regency novel. The witty dialogue was definitely a highlight for me. Lavinia had a definite gift of cutting people down in such as nice way that they didn’t even realize it. This is an excerpt from one brief conversation that I found endlessly amusing between Lavinia and Mr. Raymond:
“…Pray do not allow yourself to become too sunburned.”
“Thank you, Mr. Raymond, for your concern. I will endeavor to be sunburned just the right amount.”
The story is filled with so many such rejoinders that I was entertained throughout the entire book.
The reader seldom finds a romance between two such unsuitable parties. Nicholas, the younger son of the Earl of Hawkesbury, has returned to St. Hampton Heath as the near Earl, a position he never expected to hold. With baggage of his own from the war and guilt over his late brother’s actions, Nicholas never intended to stay in the country for long. His encounters with the local minister’s outspoken daughter Lavinia have confused him yet left him thinking about his responsibilities to the village. He soon finds that he cannot get her out of his mind but Lavinia is entirely unsuitable for a man of his position no matter how he feels.
This captivating novel takes several unexpected twists and turns before it reaches a mostly satisfying ending. I enjoyed it so much that I am very much looking forward to the next two installments to this series. If you enjoy Regency romance, please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of “The Elusive Miss Ellison”.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Litfuse Publicity and The Book Club Network. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Handsome appearance counts for naught unless matched by good character and actions.
That’s the firm opinion of not-so-meek minister’s daughter Lavinia Ellison. So even though all the other villagers of St. Hampton Heath are swooning over the newly returned seventh Earl of Hawkesbury, she is not impressed. If a man won’t take his responsibilities seriously and help those who are supposed to be able to depend on him, he deserves no respect from her. In Lavinia’s pretty, gray eyes, Nicholas Stamford is just as arrogant and reckless as his brother–who stole the most important person in Livvie’s world.
Nicholas is weighed down by his own guilt and responsibility, by the pain his careless brother caused, and by the legacy of war he’s just left. This quick visit home to St. Hampton Heath will be just long enough to ease a small part of that burden. Asking him to bother with the lives of the villagers when there’s already a bailiff on the job is simply too much to expect.
That is, until the hoydenish, intelligent, and very opinionated Miss Ellison challenges him to see past his pain and pride. With her angelic voice in his head, he may even be beginning to care. But his isn’t the only heart that needs to change.
These two lonely hearts may each have something the other needs. But with society’s opposition, ancestral obligations, and a shocking family secret, there may be too many obstacles in their way.
Fans of Georgette Heyer, Lori Wick, and Julie Klassen will enjoy the spirited exchanges between the bluestocking minister’s daughter and the bruised war hero as they move past pride and presumption to a humbled appreciation of God’s grace and the true strength of love.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Regency romance fans have another must-read novel to add to their lists: Carolyn Miller’s The Elusive Miss Ellison. Enjoy the spirited exchanges between the bluestocking minister’s daughter and the bruised war hero as they move past pride and presumption to a humbled appreciation of God’s grace and the true strength of love. These two lonely hearts may each have something the other needs. But with society’s opposition, ancestral obligations, and a shocking family secret, there may be too many obstacles in their way.
Settle in for a cozy night of reading with a cuppa and a Kindle from Carolyn!
One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on March 22. The winner will be announced March 23 on the Litfuse blog.
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by admin | Mar 1, 2017 | Books, Edwardian, England, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Once again Carrie Turansky has provided me with several hours of captivating entertainment in her latest novel “Shine Like the Dawn”. The historical Edwardian romance is the story of close childhood friends who have been separated by tragedy and reunited years later. Although one of them wants to move on with their friendship, the other is afraid to trust.
The plot was beautifully written and drew me in immediately. Strong characters and plenty of drama and suspense kept me reading. Secrets revealed and surprising plot twists added to my enjoyments and observing a sweet romance as it unfolded was a bonus. A story of forgiveness and restoration, “Shine Like the Dawn” is the perfect book for those who enjoy historical romance with a touch of suspense. I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
In a quiet corner of northern Edwardian England, Margaret Lounsbury diligently works in her grandmother’s millinery shop, making hats and caring for her young sister. Several years earlier, a terrible tragedy reshaped their family, shattering an idyllic life and their future prospects. But Maggie is resilient and will do what she must to protect her sister Violet. Still, the loss of her parents weighs heavily on her heart and she begins to wonder if what happened that day on the lake…might not have been an accident.
When wealthy inventor and industrialist William Harcourt dies, his son Nathaniel, who is Maggie’s estranged childhood friend, returns from his time in the Royal Navy and inherits his father’s vast estate, Morningside Manor. He also assumes partial control of his father’s engineering company and the duty of repaying an old debt to the Lounsbury family. But years of separation between Nate and Maggie have taken a toll and Maggie struggles to trust her old friend.
Can Maggie let go of the resentment that keeps her from forgiving Nate—and reconciling with God? Will their search for the truth about her parents’ death draw them closer or will it leave them both with broken hearts?
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
CARRIE TURANSKY is an award-winning author of more than a dozen novels and novellas. She has been the winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award, and a finalist for the Inspirational Readers Choice Award and the Maggie Award of Excellence. A prolific writer of contemporary and historical romance, women’s fiction, short stories, articles, and devotionals, Carrie lives in central New Jersey with her husband Scott. They have five adult children and four grandchildren.
GUEST POST FROM CARRIE TURANSKY:
Hats, Glorious Hats!
By Carrie Turansky
One fun part of my research for Shine Like the Dawn was learning about hat making in the early 1900s. My heroine, Maggie Lounsbury is a milliner who designs women’s hats. She learned this skill from her grandmother who owns a small shop in the village of Heatherton. Maggie has an artistic eye and she enjoys making stylish hats, but she doesn’t like the overdone designs some of their customers request, so that creates some humorous conflict in the story.
Hats in the Edwardian era were large and often covered with feathers, flowers, lace, netting, berries and bows. The “bird nests,” as Coco Chanel called them, were held on with large hat pins stuck through piles of hair on the crown. These hats were called Gainsborough or Picture hats because of the way they framed a lady’s face. They often featured huge dried flower arrangements and sometimes included real leaves and twigs! No doubt the Garden hat was a fitting name.
1907 The Merry Window hat became very popular after the leading lady in the play by that same name wore a hat that was even taller and wider than usual. Some people complained these hats were too big and obtrusive in public places like the theater or picture shows. But English women loved them and wore them to all kinds of events.
The popularity of using large feathers and stuffed birds on hats caused concern for the welfare of birds. Many protective laws took effect and milliners had to use more ribbon and tulle and only large ostrich feathers to decorate hats. Those ostrich feathers came from birds that were raised on farms and their feathers were collected as they fell out naturally.
The movement toward smaller hats began around 1913 when hats still had high crowns but smaller brims. Straw boaters, small top hats, and mini versions of picture hats were very common.
Motion pictures had the greatest influence on Edwardian hat fashion. After the release of The Three Musketeers many ladies wanted to wear tricorne and bicorne shaped hats. They were still very large but now had shapes other than just round. Hat brims were folded up on the side, at an angle, or all around to create drama. Veils disappeared in the early 1900s only to come back again as a long scarf that wrapped over the hat and under the chin for the new sport called motoring.
I’ve had fun dressing Edwardian style for book launch tea parties and other book events. It made me feel very special to wear these lovely hats. What do you think of Edwardian Hats? Would you like to wear one?
Thanks to friends at the Vintage Dancer website for some of this information.
Stop by Carrie’s Facebook author page and view her live videos February 21 – 25, 3:00 pm Eastern. She’ll be talking about the story behind Shine Like the Dawn and giving away a fun prize each day to one person who leaves a comment. Even if you can’t catch the live video you can still enter for 24 hours after it’s posted. She is also hosting a book launch celebration and giveaway on her blog February 25 – March 6.
BLOG STOPS:
February 21: New Horizon Reviews
February 21: Bookworm Mama
February 21: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses
February 22: Tell Tale Book Reviews
February 22: Book by Book
February 22: History, Mystery and Faith
February 23: Bibliophile Reviews
February 23: Smiling Book Reviews
February 23: A Readers Brain
February 23: Faithfully Bookish
February 23: Lane Hill House
February 24: Back Porch Reads
February 24: The Scribbler
February 24: I Hope You Dance
February 25: Stuff & Nonsense
February 25: The Power of Words
February 25: A Greater Yes
February 26: cherylbbookblog
February 26: Moments Dipped in Ink
February 26: Splashes of Joy
February 27: Genesis 5020
February 27: inklings and notions
February 27: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
February 28: Karen Sue Hadley
February 28: A Simple Life, really?!
February 28: Neverending Stories
March 1: Daysong Reflections
March 1: Connie’s History Classroom
March 1: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
March 2: These Splendid Sentences
March 2: Singing Librarian Books
March 2: Blossoms and Blessings
March 3: Pause for Tales
March 3: blogging With Carol
March 3: Mary Hake
March 4: Radiant Light
March 4: For The Love of Books
March 5: Christian Bookaholic
March 5: Rachel Scott McDaniel
March 6: History, Hope, Laughter & Happily-ever-after
March 6: Baker Kella
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away all 4 books: Shine Like the Dawn, The Governess of Highland Hall, The Daughter of Highland Hall, and A Refuge at Highland Hall.! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
https://promosimple.com/ps/b0fb
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by admin | Feb 5, 2017 | Books, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I found “An Uncommon Courtship” to be a thoroughly delightful read. It was fun reading about a couple who were more-or-less strangers who were forced to marry to protect her reputation because of an innocent situation. I thought Trent was very thoughtful when he decided that Adelaide deserved her introduction into society and a proper courtship. Rife with misunderstandings and awkward situations, this often amusing tale was a sweet romance that found the couple eventually falling in love.
Some readers have found a certain scene well into the narrative to be a bit too honest for their taste so be warned of this. However, there were no explicit descriptions but more the couple’s reactions to what happened. To me this just confirmed their total innocence of such things and their embarrassed reactions were so very natural.
I thoroughly enjoyed “An Uncommon Courtship” and adored its characters. I can’t wait for Kristi Hunter’s next novel!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lord Trent Hawthorne couldn’t be happier he is not the duke in the family. Free to manage his small estate and take his time discovering the life he wants to lead, he has grand plans of someday wooing and falling in love with the woman of his choice. When he finds himself honor bound to marry a woman he barely knows, his dream of a loving marriage like his parents’ seems lost forever.
Life for Lady Adelaide Bell was easier when she hid in her older sister’s shadow–which worked until her sister got married. But even with her socially ambitious mother’s focus entirely on her, the last thing she expected was a marriage of convenience before she’s been introduced to society.
With nothing going as expected, can Trent and Adelaide’s marriage of obligation survive their own missteps and the pressures of London society to grow into a true meeting of hearts and minds?
READ AN EXCERPT HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in computer science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is the author of the Hawthorne House series and a 2016 RITA Award winner and Christy Award finalist. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com.
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by admin | Nov 12, 2016 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, England, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I enjoyed “Love Found in Sherwood Forest”, a sweet romantic story about second chances and sacrificial love. Of particular interest to me was the historical English setting and backstage details of preparations for a play of the classic Robin Hood story.
As is necessary in a novella of this length, the story did not tarry in getting started. I found the characters to be realistic and likeable. The relationship between Leighanne and her sister was just right with natural conflicts but obvious love between them. Despite their broken engagement, Leighanne found it difficult to resist Jamison’s offers of friendship and found herself attracted to him no matter how she fought it. Jamison’s repeated denial of self in exchange for what he thought was best for Leighanne exemplified sacrificial love to me. A little bit of mystery, an unassuming message of faith, and a sweet romance worked together to make an enjoyable evening’s read.
A free copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit Publicity Group.
A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to Purchase
Award-winning Broadway actress Leighanne Webster has it all until an on-stage panic attack brings her career crashing to the ground. Returning to England to help produce the annual Robin Hood Festival play could be the diversion Leighanne needs. But with ex-fiancé, Jamison Blake, as the play’s director focusing on her new job won’t be easy. Breaking his engagement with Leighanne so she could pursue her dream of being a Broadway star was the hardest thing Jamison Blake ever did. When she returns to Nottingham, his heart insists he made a mistake. Can he convince her to give their relationships another try, or will he have to let her go again? This time, forever.
Click here to purchase your copy of Love Found In Sherwood Forest.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda Shenton Matchett has lived in historical places most of her life-from Edison, New Jersey (named for the famed inventor of the lightbulb) and Washington, DC to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (reputed to be the oldest summer resort in America). A freelance writer for over ten years, her articles and devotionals have appeared in numerous print and online publications. A varied career has included stints as a crisis counselor, human resources professional, bed and breakfast owner, and youth center director. She is currently the Front of House, Snackbar, and Catering Manager for Brewster Academy, a boarding high school. In her off hours, she can be found volunteering as a docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a Trustee for the Wolfeboro Public Library. She is active in her church where she serves as treasurer, usher, choir member, and Bible study leader.
GUEST POST FROM THE AUTHOR:
Do you ever wonder where an author gets her inspiration? I certainly do. Let me tell you how Love Found in Sherwood Forest came about. I love history, so when the opportunity to write a contemporary story that embedded historical elements, I jumped at the chance. It was the first romance story I wrote, and it was in response to a challenge laid down by my critique group. (All my manuscripts to this point were mysteries.)
One of the major publishers was looking for submissions and provided a list of writing prompts with locations and items to be included in each story. When I saw the prompt that included Nottingham, England I decided a contemporary story wrapped around the Robin Hood legend would be fun to write. I’ve been enamoured with the story ever since I saw the 1938 Errol Flynn movie The Adventures of Robin Hood.
I love doing research because I unearth so many interesting pieces of information. This research junket was no different. I learned lots of intriguing facts about Robin, Maid Marian, and Robin’s “Merry Men.” I also discovered Major Oak, a tree in Sherwood Forest thought to be nearly 1,000 years old and shelter for Robin and his men.
Here’s a bit about me in case we’ve never “met.” I’ve been writing since I was young. My folks recognized my imagination and gave me a notepad and package of pens when I was in third grade. I wrote stories through high school, but writing went on the back burner during my college and career years. When we left the Washington, DC area to move to New Hampshire to purchase a B&B, I started journaling the experience. Putting pen to paper reminded me how much I loved to write, and I began to create stories. It’s been a long journey to publication-over ten years-but through all that time I learned so much about writing, but more importantly I learned about myself and my faith in God. I discovered you can’t write Christian fiction without examining your own Christianity.
Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy Love Found in Sherwood Forest.
BLOG STOPS:
November 10: A Baker’s Perspective
November 11: The Power of Words (Spotlight)
November 12: Karen Sue Hadley
November 13: Daysong Reflections
November 14: A Greater Yes
November 14: Mary Hake
November 15: Bibliophile Reviews
November 16: Blossoms and Blessings
November 17: Lighthouse Academy
November 18: inklings and notions
November 19: Sue Stinnett
November 20: Christian Bookaholic
November 21: Carpe Diem
November 22: Reviewing Novels Online
November 22: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
November 23: On Jenna’s Shelf Reviews
GIVEAWAY:
In honor of her tour, Linda is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of each of Linda Matchett’s books! Click the link below to enter; be sure to comment on this post to claim your nine bonus entries for this giveaway! https://promosimple.com/ps/a862
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by admin | Oct 19, 2016 | Books, England, Romance
MY REVIEW:
I fell in love with Kara Isaac’s debut novel “Close to You” and have eagerly awaited her second. I am pleased to say that I was not at all disappointed. If anything, Isaac’s writing is even stronger and her characters more developed. in “Can’t Help Falling”.
I did not find quite as many laugh-out-loud moments in “Can’t Help Falling” but there were definitely some of those moments sprinkled throughout its pages. And who could resist a Narnia loving heroine and hero? Emelia and Peter were a fun couple who definitely grew on me as the story progressed. I absolutely loved the Narnia related moments and bits of whimsy that were worked deftly into this oh so serious romance. I also enjoyed catching up with Alison and Jackson from “Close to You” who played prominent supporting roles in this novel. Then there was Peter’s brother Victor who was perfectly horrible through most of the story. I personally hope he will be featured in a future story of his own. I just love finding characters I dislike in one book featured in another one where they become a changed person. Victor has such potential so my fingers are crossed!
“Can’t Help Falling” is a beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption in which several characters blame themselves for the bad choices of one person that led to her own death. That same guilt was the source of multiple misunderstandings that nearly destroyed relationships. You will need to read the book to learn how it all works out but I think you will enjoy the entire process.
I can’t recommend Kara’s two novels enough. They were both wonderful and kept me flipping those pages quickly. She is a new author who is worth taking a chance on.
A free copy of this book was provided for review by the author through her publisher. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A funny, heartfelt romance about how an antique shop, a wardrobe, and a mysterious tea cup bring two C.S. Lewis fans together in a snowy and picturesque Oxford, England.
Emelia Mason has spent her career finding the dirt on the rich and famous. But deep down past this fearless tabloid-reporter façade, there’s a nerdy Narnia-obsessed girl who still can’t resist climbing into wardrobes to check for the magical land on the other side. When a story she writes produces tragic results, she flees to Oxford, England—home to C.S. Lewis—to try and make amends for the damage she has caused.
Peter Carlisle was on his way to become one of Great Britain’s best rowers—until he injured his shoulder and lost his chance at glory. He’s determined to fight his way back to the top even if it means risking permanent disability to do so. It’s the only way he can find his way past failing the one person who never stopped believing in his Olympic dream.
When Peter and Emelia cross paths on her first night in Oxford, the attraction is instant and they find common ground in their shared love of Narnia. But can the lessons from a fantasyland be enough to hold them together when secrets of the real world threaten to tear them apart? Cobblestone streets, an aristocratic estate, and an antique shop with curious a wardrobe bring the world of Narnia to life in Kara Isaac’s inspiring and romantic story about second chances.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kara Isaac is an award-winning writer who lives in Wellington, New Zealand, where her career highlights include working in tourism as Private Secretary for the Prime Minister. She loves great books almost as much as she loves her husband and two children.
Visit Kara on her WEBSITE and on FACEBOOK.
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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 
