by admin | Oct 8, 2021 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
It just wouldn’t be Christmas without the latest novella of the season by Melody Carlson. I have lost count of how many I have read but I now look forward to reading one each year. A Christmas in the Alps is somewhat different than the author’s earlier Christmas tales but then again, none of them have really been very similar. I find that to be some of the fun in reading her most recent offering.
A touch of mystery and a bit of romance bring a new spark to the life of Simone whose best friend persuades her to follow instructions in a letter from her late great-grandmother. When she flies to France to track down the family treasure, Simone finds more than she expected and a treasure to last a lifetime.
A special Christmas story just as lovely as the beautiful cover, A Christmas in the Alps is one most readers should enjoy. If you are not already a lover of Melody Carlson Christmas Novellas, why not begin your collection with this sweet romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Get ready for a magical mountain holiday
After a time of heartache and loss, Simone Winthrop discovers a tantalizing letter from her French great-grandmother, which seems to suggest that Simone is heir to a family treasure. Ever practical, Simone assumes the claim is baseless, but her best friend encourages her to find out for sure. Despite her deep-rooted fear of flying, she boards a jet to travel to Paris at Christmastime to uncover the truth.
During the long flight, Simone meets the charming Kyle Larsson, who’s on his way to France to become an apprentice clockmaker. Though they abruptly part ways, an unexpected rendezvous in the French Alps at Simone’s family’s clock factory may lead to the discovery of the family treasure . . . and so much more.
Read an excerpt HERE.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 200 books with sales of more than 7 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including Finding Alice, and her novel All Summer Long was made into a Hallmark movie. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.
by admin | Nov 23, 2020 | Anthology, Books, Christmas, England, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Lovers of Regency romance novels and/or Christmas should find this Regency Christmas Collection a perfect companion for those long, cold evenings of the holiday season. Inside the gorgeous cover is a compilation of three individual novellas by three of my favorite Regency authors. Each novella is based on a line from longtime favorite Christmas hymn Joy to the World, thus the name of the collection. Each one easily stands on its own and can be easily be read in one evening by many readers. I enjoyed getting a head start on the season with this amazing book.
“Heaven and Nature Sing” by Carolyn Miller
Due to certain family circumstances Edith had turned down George’s proposal a year ago and was perplexed to learn that he would also be a guest at the Christmas house party she was attending. With their hostess attempting to play cupid at every turn, Edith found it difficult to avoid George while longing for his presence at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the vivid descriptions of Christmas activities and decor during that historical period. Entertaining dialogue and interesting characters made this novella a fun read. I particularly liked the interest in music shared by the couple. I thoroughly enjoyed reading something new by Carolyn Miller and look forward to a full-length novel in the near future.
“Far as the Curse is Found” by Amanda Barratt
Dwight Inglewood, Earl of Amberly was not only alone in the world but had further isolated himself due to grievous injuries suffered during the war. When he crossed paths with a critically ill young woman and her sick baby during one of his nightly strolls, he instinctively took them home to care for them. Hating to send her back out on her own after she recovered, he hired her as a maid for his family estate where her joyful spirit brings life to the once somber home. At times this story made me think of Beauty and the Beast or Phantom of the Opera but the tale was infused with a hope, love, and faith that offered such encouragement.
“Wonders of His Love” by Erica Vetsch
The story of a young widow who is totally dominated by her demanding mother-in-law who obviously has plans for her life, Wonders of His Love features Lady Priscilla whose sister-in-law has become the Duchess. An artist has been hired to paint portraits of the new Duke and Duchess and Priscilla is inappropriately more attracted to him than the man her mother-in-law wishes her to marry. As always, this author has applied her own delightful twist to the story and I enjoyed every minute of it. I found it such fun to observe as Cilla became less compliant under the influence of Hamish and grew into the strong and capable woman she was meant to be. I also enjoyed spending time with a few characters from previous books by this author. 
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Kregel Publications. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Inspirational Regency romance with a Christmas twist from three best-selling authors
In Joy to the World, three popular authors come together to offer a heartwarming collection of holiday Regency romance. Based on lines from a beloved Christmas carol, these three novellas in one book have depth, faith, and satisfying stories all packed into the perfect length for readers to curl up and take a brief break from their holiday busyness.
“Heaven and Nature Sing” by Carolyn Miller
Two music lovers, deeply devoted to each other, were on the brink of engagement when family circumstances drove them apart. How can they ever overcome their obligations and fears to find their way back into each other’s arms?
“Far as the Curse is Found” by Amanda Barratt
One winter night, a woman struggling to provide for her illegitimate child encounters a scarred veteran of the Napoleonic Wars on the streets of London. Can love conquer the darkness of two broken pasts?
“Wonders of His Love” by Erica Vetsch
A Scots portrait painter with a hidden identity finds work at a noble manor house over the holidays. He never imagined he’d fall in love with the emotionally frozen widow there. Now he wants nothing more than to thaw her heart.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
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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. Check her out at www.carolynmillerauthor.com. |
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Amanda Barratt is the ECPA best-selling author of several novels and novellas, including My Dearest Dietrich. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a two-time FHL Reader’s Choice Award finalist. She and her family live in northern Michigan. Visit her at amandabarratt.net. |
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Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling author and ACFW Carol Award winner, and has been a Romantic Times top pick for her previous books. She loves Jesus, history, romance, and watching sports. This transplanted Kansan now makes her home in Rochester, Minnesota. Learn more about Erica at ericavetsch.com. |
by admin | Oct 3, 2020 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Novella, Romance, Southern
MY REVIEW:
If all you’ve read by Jessica R. Patch are her Love Inspired Suspense novels, be sure and check out her Honeyhaven Romance series. I love her suspense novels with their great action-filled plots combined with a developing romance but sometimes I just need to read something light-hearted. The Honeyhaven novellas are perfect for that with their sweet romance, small town vibe, and humor that will make even Scrooge laugh.
Book 4 of the series, Honey for the Holidays, focuses on Scout Denman and Crockett Baylor. Scout and Crockett went from nearly engaged to barely getting along and that was only for the sake of their mutual friends. It seems as if the whole town sided with Scout when she assumed that Crockett had betrayed her with another woman (he didn’t).So when the job of city manager that Crockett had always wanted opened up, he convinced Scout to pretend they are once again together in order to give him a better chance at the job, After all, what could possibly go wrong?
Once again Jessica Patch has managed to take an emotionally charged and seemingly impossible situation, add a heavy dose of humor, a liberal amount of conflict, and mixed it all together to provide her readers with a delightfully romantic novella. I love the small town atmosphere where everyone knows everything about everyone and the way they all work together to help each other out. I enjoyed every second of it and like other readers have mentioned, I will probably find myself reading Honey for the Holidays as well as the rest of the Honeyhaven series again and again.
This novella can be enjoyed on its own but why do that when you can read the entire series and get to know all the wonderfully quirky residents of Honeyhaven. I can guarantee fun will be had by all.
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:
Crockett Baylor is known as a businessman whose professional practices are above reproach. His personal reputation? Not so much. When the mayor dangles Crockett’s long-buried dream in front of him, he’ll have to take drastic measures to prove he’s worthy. He’s got a plan but it requires the help of his ex, who despises him for all the wrong reasons.
Beloved Parks and Recreation Director, Scout Denman refuses to go along with Crockett’s cockamamie scheme: pretending they’ve rekindled their past romantic relationship. It’s too much of an emotional strain. But she has no choice when she gets in a bind and needs his help with a parks project.
As they stumble their way through Christmas events, grudgingly selling themselves as a couple, they discover there might be a genuine ember left burning under the ashes of their broken hearts. And if they can swallow their pride, they might be able to spark it into a glowing future together.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jessica R. Patch is known for her dry wit and signature twists whether she’s penned a contemporary romance or romantic suspense. When she’s not hunched over her laptop (or in physical therapy because she’s been hunched over her laptop), you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home watching way too much Netflix with her family, going on “adventures” in the name of book research, and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook. Sign up for her newsletter “Patched In” at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
by admin | Sep 22, 2020 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Once again I have to say, “it just wouldn’t be Christmas without the latest Novella by Melody Carlson”. I have been reading them for ten years or more and always look forward to them. The Christmas Swap is her offering for the year 2020. Thankfully, the actual events of this year did not show up in the book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this light-hearted romance featuring a Christmas house-swapping. Unfortunately it was a done deal when songwriter West Prescott learned that his step-father had swapped his house for the holidays. When circumstances arise that force West to return to his home, he decides to sleep in his studio until the guests leave. Of course one of the guests attracts his attention but one complication after another makes things difficult for West to connect with what could be the woman of his dreams.
The Christmas Swap moves along at a steady pace and can easily be read in one sitting for a reader like me. Characterization is well developed and I found it easy to relate to them all, especially Emma and West. One character in particular caused some problems but even she was not deliberately divisive or mean. Overall this book is a feel-good story that is perfect for a relaxing evening as the holidays approach.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
All Emma Daley wants this holiday season is a white Christmas. But the young teacher and struggling musician sure can’t find that in sunny Arizona. Luckily, there’s someone living in a perfect mountain home in the Colorado Rockies looking to make a vacation trade.
West Prescott is an in-demand songwriter and talented musician who put his own singing career on hold to write songs for celebrity acts to perform. When his mother convinces him to do a vacation trade for Christmas, he never imagined one of the houseguests would be so sweet–or so strikingly pretty. Naturally, he decides to stick around, and to get better acquainted, he poses as the caretaker of his own house. But when Emma’s friend Gillian discovers his true identity and sets her sights on him, things get . . . messy.
Read an excerpt HERE.
Purchase a copy HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over 200 books with sales of more than 7 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.
by admin | Dec 20, 2019 | Books, Christmas, Contemporary Fiction, Novella, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Rachel Hauck has long been one of my favorite authors. The heroes and heroines of her books are often quite ordinary people that I can relate to yet they find themselves in rather extraordinary situations. Each and every one of her romantic tales is richly woven with a strong thread of faith and sometimes tiny touches of the supernatural. The Wedding Dress Christmas was no different. A story of childhood best friends, reunited after each had gone out into the world to follow their dreams, this touching tale demonstrates how dreams can disappoint or change unless one follows the leading of the Lord.
I loved how their friendship renewed itself so naturally as well as JoJo and Buck discovered that they might just want more than friendship. Buck was the perfect hero whose actions helped JoJo to heal from a past trauma. I loved the way he sacrificed his career to be with his seriously ill mother and for JoJo. Of course the somewhat magical wedding dress and the man in the purple coat from the previous novels of this series take center stage once again and help to point the couple in the right direction. It was also fun to catch up with characters from those earlier novels.
The Wedding Dress Christmas is a perfect read for an evening at home as the Christmas holidays approach. I recommend it and any other book by Rachel Hauck.
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:
| Book: The Wedding Dress Christmas
Author: Rachel Hauck
Genre: Romance, Christmas
Release Date: October 22, 2019
Click here to get your copy. |
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December covers quaint Heart’s Bend, Tennessee with a blanket of white and the glitter of Christmas lights.
For JoJo Castle there’s no place like home. It’s her safe place. Her one-time love of adventure ended when life in the big city shattered her hopes and dreams. Now that she’s returned to Hearts Bend, she never wants to leave again.
Buck Mathews, the biggest country singing sensation in decades, has the world on a string – his guitar strings, to be exact. However, when news of his mother’s illness sends him back to Hearts Bend for the holiday season, he remembers how good it can be to live among family and friends.
Working with her cousin Haley in The Wedding Shop, JoJo has no aspirations of love. Leaving home, surrendering her heart again, is just too risky.
When she runs into her friend and high school crush Buck Mathews, she discovers Love might have other plans for her[BV1] .
Buck’s career is on the verge of an momentous leap. But seeing JoJo awakens feelings he’d buried long ago. Falling in love is easy, but winning her heart will take more than one of his melodic tunes and clever lyrics.
JoJo and Buck want opposite things for their lives, leaving no room for compromise. Can love, especially the kind that touches hearts at Christmastime, overcome her fears and his quest for greatness?
When a very special gown – the wedding dress – begins to make its presence known, JoJo and Buck’s hearts bend in a way neither ever thought possible.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner.
Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie.
Rachel has been awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.
A member of the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.
At home, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.
A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.
She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.
MORE FROM RACHEL:
Hello Royal Rockstar Readers!
I’m thrilled to share The Wedding Dress Christmas with you. I’ve heard from so many how much The Wedding Dress has touched them, and as I noodled over new story ideas, my thoughts drifted toward the wedding dress and Christmas. What’s more romantic than a Christmas wedding?
This novella is set in Hearts Bend, Tennessee, the fictional town of The Wedding Chapel and The Wedding Shop. Even if you’ve never read one of books in The Wedding Collection, you’ll enjoy this story, the mystery of the dress, and the women whose lives it changed.
I love weddings. They remind us of the purity and the hope of love, the power of commitment. Something powerful is released when two people pledge to spend their lives together, loving and serving one another in both good and bad times. Every wedding I attend reminds me of the vows I made to my husband and I sign up all over again.
Stories are a powerful reflection of life. Yes, fictional stories are often told with wild hyperbole, but that’s what makes them fun to read.
I also love wedding stories because they remind us of God’s love for us, and that one day there will be the grandest wedding of them all. Isn’t it wonderful that God planned a wedding before He created the earth?
In The Wedding Dress Christmas, JoJo and Buck have their issues, but love proves strong enough to conquer them all.
Thanks for going on this little tour with me and The Wedding Dress Christmas.
Yours,
Rachel
BLOG STOPS:
| The Avid Reader, December 18
Through the Fire Blogs, December 18
Livin’ Lit, December 18
Robin’s Nest, December 18
Reading Is My SuperPower, December 19
By The Book, December 19
Wishful Endings, December 19
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 19
Among the Reads, December 20
Genesis 5020, December 20
Life as Lanhams, December 20
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 21
Daysong Reflections, December 21
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, December 21
Bigreadersite, December 21
Simple Harvest Reads, December 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Remembrancy, December 22
Britt Reads Fiction, December 22
She Lives to Read, December 23
Empowermoms, December 23
Inside the Wong Mind, December 23
Mia Reads Blog, December 23
Splashes of Joy, December 24
Christian Bookaholic, December 24
Hallie Reads, December 24
Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 25 |
Where Faith and Books Meet, December 25
Blogging With Carol, December 25
For Him and My Family, December 26
Hebrews 12 Endurance, December 26
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 26
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 26
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 27
My Devotional Thoughts, December 27
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 27
Mamma Loves Books, December 27
Betti Mace, December 28
Batya’s Bits, December 28
The Christian Fiction Girl, December 28
Quiet Quilter, December 29
mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 29
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 29
janicesbookreviews, December 29
A Reader’s Brain, December 30
Inklings and notions, December 30
Texas Book-aholic, December 30
Carla Loves to Read, December 30
Back Porch Reads, December 31
CarpeDiem, December 31
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, December 31 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a print copy of the book and a Visa gift card for $25. Swag!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/f1fe/the-wedding-dress-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane–Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for 16 years and now writes full-time. Her novels have sold over 1 million copies, and three of her books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and a Christian Retailing‘s Best Award, and has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.
