by admin | Jan 25, 2020 | Adventure, Alaska, Books, Contemporary Fiction
MY REVIEW:
Anyone who knows me well is aware that I have always had a major problem with heights so I was just a bit nervous about reading Susan May Warren’s latest novel The Way of the Brave. After all most of the story revolves around climbing Denali, in the winter no less! Because I love all books by this author and do not want to ever miss reading even one of them, I dove into this one fulling expecting nightmares. I can thankfully say that I survived the journey without even one nightmare but if this story ever becomes a movie, I don’t think I could handle it.
I am also happy to say that aside from Denali, winter storms, treacherous climbs, altitude sickness, and an accident or two, the author’s trademark focus on characterization was evident throughout. Orion Starr (don’t you love that name?) was indeed a worthy hero who despite his reconstructed knee and PTSD and no wish to join another rescue team, jumps into action when asked to help find and rescue three lost climbers. Jenny Calhoun’s past also keeps her running with ever more dangerous physical challenges to try to stop the memories. With a brief past connection, she holds a secret Orion is unaware of and fears his reaction when he learns the truth about her.
The Way of the Brave was an excellent tale filled with plenty of danger and suspense as well as hold-your-breath scenes. Each and every character was important to the story and I look forward to seeing some of the others featured in their own personal novel. Warren always has a strong and important message woven into her stories and this one is no different. I may not care for high places and would never think about climbing even a small mountain, much less Denali, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As always I recommend it as well as every other book this author has written. They just keep getting better and better!
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:
Haunted by the memory of a rescue gone wrong, former pararescue jumper Orion Starr has no desire to join Hamilton Jones’s elite rescue team. But he also can’t shirk his duty when the call comes in to rescue three lost climbers on Denali in Alaska.
Jenny Calhoun’s yearly extreme challenge with her best friends is her only escape from her guilt. The former CIA profiler and psychiatrist green-lighted an operation against the Taliban that ended in ambush and lives lost. When her cathartic climb on Denali turns deadly, she’ll be forced to trust her life to the most dangerous of heroes–the man she nearly killed.
Orion and Jenny will have to put their wounds behind them to save their friends . . . and their hearts.
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of over 65 novels with more than 1 million books sold, including the Montana Rescue series. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers’ Choice Awards, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers, romantic comedy, and novellas. She makes her home in Minnesota. Find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook at Susan May Warren Fiction, and on Twitter @susanmaywarren.
by admin | Jan 23, 2020 | Books, England, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is an engrossing tale that to me is a cross between a Regency and a Gothic novel. Julia Twetheway’s visit as a house guest of her aunt and uncle does not begin at all well and after several other incidents, she begins to wonder if the stories about ghosts in the manor might be true. The only redeeming factor is that she has two new friends, twins Matthew and Isaac Blake, who run the local copper mine. As the heir Matthew appears to be the best match but her heart is drawn toward Isaac.
With vivid descriptions and well defined characters, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor offers a steady plot with ample action, intrigue, betrayal, and romance along with a few surprising twists along the way. I enjoyed observing Julia as she compared the obvious differences between Matthew and Isaac and her determination to stand up for herself in the face of threatening circumstances. I would love to see a followup book about a certain character who made some very poor choices – one in which we see those choices redeemed.
I am trying very hard to avoid spoilers so let me just say that I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good Regency novel with a bit of mystery.
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 Thief of Lanwyn Manor
Author: Sarah E. Ladd
Genre: Regency Romance
Release Date: January 7, 2020
Click here to buy your copy. |
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In this sweet Regency romance, Julia knows Matthew Blake, copper mine owner and very eligible bachelor, is the gentleman she should set her eyes upon. But why can’t she steal her gaze away from his younger brother, Isaac?
Cornwall, England 1818—Julia Twethewey needs a diversion to mend her broken heart, so when her cousin invites her to Lanwyn Manor, Julia eagerly accepts. Lanwyn Manor is at the heart of Cornwall’s mining industry, and as a guest Julia is swept into its intricate world. It’s not long, though, before she realizes something dark lurks in the home’s ancient halls.
As a respected mine owner’s younger son, Isaac Blake is determined to keep his late father’s legacy alive through the family business, despite his brother’s careless attitude. In order to save their livelihood—and the livelihood of those around them—the brothers approach the master of Lanwyn Manor with plans to bolster the floundering local industry. Isaac can’t deny his attraction to the man’s charming niece, but his brother has made his intentions to court the lovely guest clear. And Isaac knows his place.
When tragedy strikes, mysteries arise, and items go missing, Julia and Isaac find they are pulled together in a swirl of strange circumstances, but despite their own best efforts to bow to social expectations, their hearts aren’t so keen to surrender.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing family and spunky golden retriever. Visit her online at SarahLadd.com; Facebook: SarahLaddAuthor; Twitter: @SarahLaddAuthor.
READ AN EXCERPT:
Click here to read an excerpt from the book. |
BLOG STOPS:
| Locks, Hooks and Books, January 13
Genesis 5020, January 13
A Baker’s Perspective, January 13
For Him and My Family, January 14
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 14
Inklings and notions, January 14
Bigreadersite, January 15
For the Love of Literature, January 15
Texas Book-aholic, January 15
Through the Fire Blogs, January 16
Pause for Tales, January 16
Wishful Endings, January 16
deb’s Book Review, January 16
Betti Mace, January 17
KarenSueHadley, January 17
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, January 17
Robin’s Nest, January 18
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 18
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 18
The Christian Fiction Girl, January 19
Remembrancy, January 19
Books, Life, and Christ, January 19 |
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, January 20
My Devotional Thoughts, January 20
Hallie Reads, January 20
Blogging With Carol, January 20
Kat’s Corner Books, January 21
Life of Literature, January 21
Danielle Lozada, January 21
She Lives to Read, January 22
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 22
Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 22
By The Book, January 23
Blossoms and Blessings, January 23
SPLASHES of Joy, January 23
My Precious Bits and Musings, January 24
Mary Hake, January 24
Back Porch Reads, January 24
Daysong Reflections, January 24
Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 25
Mamma Loves Books, January 25
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 25
Hookmeinabook, January 26
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, January 26
Simple Harvest Reads, January 26 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng) |
*No Giveaway for this Celebration Tour
by admin | Jan 22, 2020 | Books, Historical, Romance, Romantic Suspense
MY REVIEW:
I always hesitate a bit before requesting a review book from a new-to-me author. What if I don’t like it? I really don’t like leaving negative reviews and sometimes it’s just plain difficult to leave a tactfully positive one if I don’t care for the book. Yet I have added quite a few new favorite authors to my must read list so I usually like to take a chance. Rachel Scott McDaniel is one of those new-to-me authors and I am pleased to say I am writing a genuinely positive review for her new book Above the Fold. I liked it so well that I will definitely be on the lookout for her next novel.
Above the Fold is a romantic mystery set during what is known as the Roaring Twenties. My grandmother was a young woman during that era so it is always fun to read about the times she lived in during her younger years. The story was everything I love in a book. Not only was it romantic but it was witty and suspenseful and blended with a perfect touch of faith. I enjoyed the characters, especially Elissa and Cole who both came to life on the pages of this story. I was impressed by their integrity and their dedication to finding and reporting the truth and the way each of them was willing to lay down their own ambitions for the other.
Details about the newspaper business were interesting as were the descriptions of Pittsburgh during the twenties. I can’t wait to read more from this delightful 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:
| Book: Above the Fold
Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: December 3, 2019
Click here to get your copy. |
 |
Confined behind a secretarial desk at her father’s struggling newspaper, Elissa Tillman longs for her father and the world to take her seriously—not just as a suffragette, but also as a full-fledged journalist.
Cole Parker regrets the day he’d abandoned Pittsburgh to chase a high-profile journalism job in New York, but now he’s returned to the steel city to amend his mistakes and win back the woman he once spurned.
The murder of a millionaire offers the perfect chance for Elissa to nab the headline and prove her skills. But there’s a catch. To get her story above the fold, she must compete for it. Her rival is none other than Cole Parker, the very man who shattered her heart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. She currently enjoys life in Ohio with her husband and two kids. Rachel can be found online at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms.
MORE FROM RACHEL:
What does the classic movie His Girl Friday, famous mystery writer Agatha Christie, and my husband’s grandfather all have in common? They were all used as inspiration for my debut novel Above the Fold.
His Girl Friday is one of my favorite stories. This movie captures the thrill of the newspaper world—that drive within the reporter’s heart to get the scoop, that hum of activity from the newsroom to the firing of the presses, and that inescapable pursuit to beat out the opposing paper. But what I loved most about this movie was the chemistry between the two main characters. They share a romantic history. In turn, there is major tension, but man oh man is there spark! So this triggered my creative mind. What would happen if I switched the roles and had the heroine be the one that gets jilted? What if I set this story in the 1920s when the profession of journalism was male-dominated? What if I add some more mystery? Cue Agatha Christie.
My husband and I love Christie’s Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple series. Did you know that she wrote over 74 books? That’s staggering to me. My mind reels at how intricate and varied all her plots are. My husband and I would try to guess who the murderer was at the beginning of a story and more often than not, we were wrong! On one particular night we were watching a PBS version of Miss Marple and an idea struck me. What if I changed my story to go this route? What if I made this person the villain instead of that one? The idea that came to me had nothing to do with the story we’d been watching, but one thing that’d been said flickered a light in me. I love it when that happens! And I also love it when I can incorporate pieces of my personal life into the book. This brings me to the biggest inspiration of the story—my husband’s grandpa.
Grandpa Jay Lewis had two loves in his life—his wife and the newspaper press. He’d started working for the local newspaper during his early teens and made his way up the ranks until he became the press foreman. Here’s a picture of Jay when he was in his early 20s. The hat shown was made of folded newsprint paper and worn to keep the ink from dripping on his head. But the expression in this picture says it all—the press was his happy place. He’d worked with the presses for over five decades, until he no longer had the strength. In 2004, he passed away, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of many. So in tribute to Jay and his great passion for the newspaper world, I included him in the cast of characters. I only hope I was able to capture his zeal.
So there you have it. Inspiration came to me in a myriad of ways, but they all worked together to bring you a story that I pray delights your heart.
BLOG STOPS:
| April Hayman, Author , January 14
Robin’s Nest, January 14
Godly Book Reviews, January 15
Where Faith and Books Meet, January 15
Just the Write Escape, January 16
Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections, January 16
Through the Fire Blogs, January 17
mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 17
Betti Mace, January 18
All-of-a-kind Mom, January 18
Texas Book-aholic, January 19
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 19
janicesbookreviews, January 20
Emily Yager, January 20 |
She Lives to Read, January 21
For the Love of Literature, January 21
Inklings and notions, January 22
Life of Literature, January 22
Daysong Reflections, January 23
For Him and My Family, January 23
Stories By Gina, January 24
Jacquelyn Lynn, January 24
Hallie Reads, January 25
Beauty in the Binding, January 25
Back Porch Reads, January 26
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 26
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 27
Batya’s Bits, January 27 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her giveaway, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of an Autographed Paperback copy of Above the Fold, A Custom Newspaper-Themed Book Cozy, An Above the Fold vintage-style bookmark!!
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/f46d/above-the-fold-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Jan 16, 2020 | Books, Historical, Regency, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Lorri Dudley is a new author to me and I am delighted that I took a chance and agreed to review her novel The Duke’s Refuge. I actually was expecting the usual Regency era tale filled with ballrooms, debuts, and calling cards. What a pleasant change to find a story set primarily on a leeward island as well as several perfectly fascinating characters.
I loved the idea of a runaway Duke who was disenchanted with English society after the death of his beloved wife. Harrison Wells spent his time attempting to raise his son properly and help educate the underprivileged children of the island. I also loved Georgia Lennox whose attempt to gain her mother’s approval by becoming the perfect lady in order to find an acceptable husband. Unfortunately practicing her feminine charms and wearing pink actually made her miserable. Georgia’s first encounter with Harrison was a disaster and subsequent encounters did not improve either one’s impression of the other.
The island setting was so well described that I could almost feel the humid heat and hear the crashing of waves. The imaginative plot was such fun with plenty of laugh inducing scenes for my enjoyment. Both Georgia and Harrison were painted with a broad brush with all their perfections and blemishes exposed. It was refreshing to watch as not only Georgia and Harrison’s relationship developed but also how her bond to her father grew stronger. And lest I forget, there is at least one perfectly awful person who probably gave the word evil its meaning.
By all means, grab a copy of The Duke’s Refuge as soon as possible. I can almost guarantee that you will not want to put it down until the very end.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
| Book: The Duke’s Refuge
Author: Lorri Dudley
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: January 7, 2020
Click here to get your copy! |
 |
When love comes in a tempest, who knew it would wear pink?
Georgia Lennox has traded in her boyish ways for pink gowns and a coy smile to capture the eye of the Earl of Claremont. However, on the day she’s convinced the earl will propose, Georgia is shipped off to the Leeward Islands to care for her ailing father. But when she arrives on Nevis, the last thing she expects is to learn that her abrupt departure was not at her father’s bidding but that of the infuriating, yet captivating, island schoolmaster. And now her plans may well be shipwrecked.
Harrison Wells is haunted by the memories of his deceased wife and hunted by the subsequent women who aspire to be the next Duchess of Linton. Desiring anonymity, he finds sanctuary in the Leeward island of Nevis. He’s willing to sacrifice his ducal title for a schoolmaster’s life and the solace the island provides. That is until unrest finds its way to Nevis in a storm of pink chiffon—Miss Georgia Lennox.
As Georgia and Harrison’s aspirations break apart like a ship cast upon the rocks, a new love surfaces, but secrets and circumstances drag them into rough waters. Can they surrender their hearts to a love that defies their expectations?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household. Find her online at www.lorridudley.com.
MORE FROM LORRI:
After being buried under the largest snowfall in Massachusetts history, I wrote The Duke’s Refuge as an escape to warmer tropical climates, and what better respite than a romantic Caribbean isle with a mysteriously missing Duke? In the process I fell in love with the beauty of Nevis, it’s rich culture, and history.
My heroine Georgia lured me in the moment I realized she only wore pink. My psychology background had me digging deeper. I needed to know why. Why the obsession? What was the root behind the hurt? Why pink? How did she go from being a Tomboy to a dignified, Regency socialite? And how did she wind up in the Leeward Islands? Enter her beloved, sick father who always saw Georgia’s potential even when it was hidden under boy’s clothing and often smelled of marsh. Although, he held the best of intentions, his relocating to Nevis left Georgia with deep abandonment issues.
Harrison was a completely different beast. After reading about Mudlarks who trolled the Thames River searching for treasure and even picking the pockets of dead people washed up on the shores, I knew Harrison’s would wind up caked in the Thames’s thick mud and devastated at the loss of his wife. The Leeward island became not only a reprieve from his grief but also from the women who snuck into his carriage or cornered him at parties clamoring to become the next Duchess.
Oddly enough, part of the story formed when a friend of mine spoke of their family trip to visit his mother. She happened to own a parrot, and after a week of the kids yelling each other’s names, the parrot imitated their shrieking. Even long after they returned to the U.S. the bird still screeched out their names. I couldn’t resist adding a mimicking parrot to add a comical element and harass my main characters.
The Duke’s Refuge is meant to be a fish-out-of-water, case-of-mistaken-identity, love triangle romance with a happily-ever-after. It demonstrates how God’s love fervently pursues us, no matter how far we run, and that sometimes, something we would never have chosen can bless us in a way we would never have expected.
To learn more, check out my website at lorridudley.com or click here to watch The Duke’s Refuge’s book:
BLOG STOPS:
| Batya’s Bits, January 9
Genesis 5020, January 9
Texas Book-aholic, January 10
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 10
Betti Mace, January 11
KarenSueHadley, January 11
janicesbookreviews, January 12
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 12
Remembrancy, January 12
Reading Is My SuperPower, January 13
Through the Fire Blogs, January 13
Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 14
Kat’s Corner Books, January 14
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 15
Books, Life, and Christ, January 15
She Lives to Read, January 16 |
Blessed & Bookish, January 16
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 16
Daysong Reflections, January 17
Mary Hake, January 17
Inklings and notions, January 18
April Hayman, Author, January 18
For Him and My Family, January 19
Britt Reads Fiction, January 19
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, January 20
Hallie Reads, January 20
Pause for Tales, January 20
deb’s Book Review, January 21
Life of Literature, January 21
Just the Write Escape, January 21
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 22
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 22 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Lorri is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
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/f468/the-duke-s-refuge-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Jan 14, 2020 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
If you enjoy adventure novels with a frontier setting along with a touch of romance, then Freedom in the Mountain Wind just might be for you. A story about a young woman who sets out on a journey to the Rocky Mountains with her dying father to fulfill his last wish to see the mountains. Neither of them expected the trip to be so arduous or for his health to fail so quickly. Just when Susanna thought they would no longer be able to go on, they encounter a young Indian man who agrees to help portage their boat past the waterfall. His act of unexpected friendship encourages Susanna to continue their journey.
The well paced plot and vivid descriptions of the vast wilderness makes the story a pleasure to read. Susanna and Beaver Tail’s story is filled with hardship, dangers, friendship, compassion, romance, and a beautiful story of salvation. A grizzly encounter as well as other accidents leaves more than one character injured and even fighting for their life.
I was so impressed by the way these three strangers took Susanna and her father under their wings and abandoned their own plans to protect them and help them reach their goal. The author brought out the tenderness in these rough men in such a way that it was perfectly believable. I could say so much more but I’ll leave it to you to discover the depths of this most excellent novel by a very talented author. I will definitely be reading more books by Misty M. Beller!
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: Freedom in the Mountain Wind
Author: Misty M. Beller
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: January 14, 2020
Click here for your copy. |
 |
The last epic journey before her life changes forever.
Susanna Wilkins will do anything to make her father’s final dream come true, including trek along the path Lewis and Clark explored into the untamed wilds of the Rocky Mountains. Every mile is more crucial now that lung cancer is stealing Pa’s last days faster than she can come to terms with losing him. The journey becomes harder than she ever expected, but paddling upriver through fierce rapids and fighting hungry grizzlies isn’t what terrifies her the most.
Beaver Tail endured more than he can stand from the women in his Blackfoot camp, but the last disaster gave him the final shove he needed to join this band of brothers searching for one of their group who’s gone missing. The last thing he expected was to find a white woman and her sick father stranded at the base of massive waterfall. His plan is to help them carry their oversize canoe and supplies, then leave them to their strange mission. Yet, the more he learns about the pair, the more he realizes his life is about to be derailed—again.
From a USA Today bestselling author comes another epic journey through breathless landscapes and adventure so intense, lives will never be the same.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.
She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and children now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
MORE FROM MISTY:
When God Directs a Google Search…
I’m a history lover, but you may have guessed that since I write historical romance stories. ? Most of my books are set in the Rocky Mountains during the mid-1800s, but as I began brainstorming ideas for this new series, my heart became drawn earlier to the earlier part of the century—a time period with which I wasn’t quite as familiar with the history.
I love when God orchestrates even the most mundane part of our lives, including Google searches! During one particular search (I can’t even remember what I was originally looking for), I stumbled across part of a journal entry from the Lewis and Clark expedition, which trekked across Montana during the time period I was looking into. I’d forgotten that expedition had even entered the territory that would later become Montana, but now I was fascinated.
After finding an audiobook of the abridged journals of Lewis and Clark, I happily listened to almost 19 hours of fascinating stories from the Corp of Exploration’s journey up the Missouri River and across the mountains to the Pacific Ocean, then back mostly the over the same path they’d come. The stories the men told were so amazing, and the detail of their trials so absorbing, I’ve actually re-listened to the audiobook twice! Many of the true tales wouldn’t be believable in fiction, but as I listened, my mind formed the premise for Freedom in the Mountain Wind: a father/daughter duo who sets out almost two decades after Lewis and Clark’s journey, determined to retrace the steps of that famous expedition.
I hope you enjoy this story as much as I loved writing it! And whether you’re a history lover or not, I pray that you too will be touched by this “epic journey through breathless landscapes and adventure so intense, lives will never be the same.”
BLOG STOPS:
| Simple Harvest Reads, January 15 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Daysong Reflections, January 15
My Devotional Thoughts, January 15
Genesis 5020, January 16
Blossoms and Blessings, January 16
Connect in Fiction, January 17
SPLASHES of Joy, January 17
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 17
Emily Yager, January 18
Deanne’s Book Thoughts, January 18
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, January 18
A Baker’s Perspective, January 19
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, January 19
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 20
Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 20
Mary Hake, January 20
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 21
Wishful Endings, January 21
All-of-a-kind Mom, January 21 |
Pause for Tales, January 22
Bigreadersite, January 22
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 22
Through the Fire Blogs, January 23
Betti Mace, January 23
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 23
Older & Smarter?, January 24
For the Love of Literature, January 24
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 25
Rebecca Tews, January 25
For Him and My Family, January 25
She Lives to Read, January 26
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 26
Inklings and notions, January 26
Blessed & Bookish, January 27
janicesbookreviews, January 27
deb’s Book Review, January 27
Texas Book-aholic, January 28
Hook Me In A Book, January 28 |
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!
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/f49e/freedom-in-the-mountain-wind-celebration-tour-giveaway
by admin | Jan 12, 2020 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western
MY REVIEW:
I grew up watching westerns on TV with my dad and I tend to enjoy a good western novel from time to time. I would have to say that Heather Blanton’s Defiance series comes closest to the shows I remember so fondly from so many years ago. At first glance one might consider her books to be a bit violent or to touch on objectionable subject matter. My husband has been watching a lot of old westerns lately and I have been surprised at their content. I guess as a child, much of it was over my head. Anyway, those were supposedly the good old days of TV and was considered family friendly. The author’s books do contain some violence and a few inappropriate characters but what shines out to me is that she has woven the word of God throughout the narrative. In her stories, even the most hardened characters have a chance of redemption and mercy always triumphs over justice, although justice is also very important.
A Destiny in Defiance continues the Defiance story with many of the same characters from the previous books. This novel can be enjoyed on its own but reading the previous three gives the reader more background on what has gone before which makes certain aspects of the story easier to understand. I won’t go into details here but the story features a continuing rivalry between two men and at least one love story. Plenty of action and danger fill its pages and the reader can expect some twists and surprises along the way. And like I mentioned earlier, following the Lord plays an important part in the lives of many of the characters which I certainly appreciate.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Destiny in Defiance as well as the previous books of the series. I hope you will take a chance on them too. Kindle Unlimited subscribers can read it there or it can be purchased in paperback or kindle format.
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:
Romances and rivalries are simmering in Defiance…
Charles McIntyre’s dark past is dead and buried. Now, he is a peaceable man striving to serve God, love his new wife, and bring respectable industries to the once lawless town of Defiance.
When his nemesis threatens everything Charles cares about, though, will he give the fight to the Lord, or unchain his demons? The choice is clear because no one is going to hurt his family. No one.
Hope Clark comes to Defiance intent on proving a woman can be as fine a doctor as any man. To accomplish the task, however, she’ll have to keep her medical background a secret for a bit. When her lies force some ugly choices between life and death, love and loneliness, will hiding the truth be worth the sacrifices?
In a town turning as explosive as a keg of dynamite, no one is in Defiance by accident. No one is without hope or love—if they’ll lift up their eyes…
Grab your copy today of book 4 in this exciting series!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Heather Blanton is the independent bestselling author of several Christian Westerns, including the “Romance in the Rockies” series which was recently OPTIONED for a LIMITED TV SERIES.
She 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.
“Heather Blanton is blessed with a natural storytelling ability, an ‘old soul’ wisdom, and wide expansive heart. Her characters are vividly drawn, and in the western settings where life can be hard, over quickly, and seemingly without meaning, she reveals Larger Hands holding everyone and everything together.”
MARK RICHARD, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, AMC’S HELL ON WHEELS, and PEN/ERNEST HEMINGWAY AWARD WINNER
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.
