Restoring Fairhaven by Carolyn Miller

by | Jan 28, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

MY REVIEW:

On our last visit to Merriweather Island, readers spend some time with Samantha Green who has returned to the island to run her father’s landscaping company while he recover from serious health issues. Hoping to make her father proud of her Samantha accepts a huge landscaping makeover job for the neglected estate of famous author Max Fairhaven who has become quite reclusive and who hopes all the outside activity will not interfere with his writing. Who would ever expect the sparks to fly with the casual landscaper with dirt under her fingernails and the oh-so-proper Englishman?

Restoring Fairhaven was entertaining up to the very last page. I thoroughly enjoyed the often clever and witty conversations between Max and Sam and loved witnessing their growing friendship and attraction. It was fun to see Max gradually come out of his shell under Sam’s influence and in turn seeing how Sam was able to become more trusting due to Max’s acceptance. A beautiful setting, real life situations and problems, and evidence of an unseen Hand working in their lives makes this novel a delightful read. 

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: Restoring Fairhaven

Author: Carolyn Miller

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Click here to get your copy!

Love hurts, or so the songs say, so who wants it?

Taking on her ailing father’s gardening business on Merriweather Island, Samantha Green only wants to escape her ex and to make her father proud.

But Sam gets more than she bargained for when Greener Gardens accepts the job of restoring the gardens of a reclusive writer, Max Fairhaven, whose historical novels about romance and unrequited love litter bookstore shelves and movie marquees all over the world.

Max much prefers the fictional world to the real, and the gardening girl’s interruptions means he’s driven from his writing cave far too often for his liking.

How’s he supposed to craft stories with her distracting him all the time?

Things change when he learns something of Sam’s family challenges, and his admiration slowly kindles. With his secretary’s goading, he’s forced to confront the past, while facing the fact that he needs to change in order to avoid a lonely future.

Gentle pruning and a whole lot of banter forges a friendship between this not-so-Southern belle landscaper and the half-British author. But is their budding attraction enough to grow into a flourishing happily-ever-after?

Restoring Fairhaven is the final “Merriweather book,” but don’t forget to embark on a tour of the next island in this series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Island Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband she has pastored a church for ten years, and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.
 
A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her Regency novels include The Elusive Miss Ellison, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, Winning Miss Winthrop, Miss Serena’s Secret, The Making of Mrs. Hale, A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, Underestimating Miss Cecilia, and Misleading Miss Verity, all available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Koorong, etc Her contemporary novels include Restoring Fairhaven and Regaining Mercy, as part of the Independence Islands series.
 
MORE FROM CAROLYN:

I’m a long time lover of gardens, plants, flowers and trees! I’m married to a horticulturalist, who once upon a time worked at Lyme Park, the site of Mr. Darcy’s magnificent Pemberley from the 1995 production of Pride and Prejudice, and who has also worked at Kew Gardens in England.

Some of my garden and plant highlights include visiting Blarney Castle’s Poison Garden in Ireland, New Zealand’s Hamilton Gardens, Dunrobin Castle in Scotland, Frederik Meijer Gardens in Michigan, the redwoods of Yosemite, California, Butchart Gardens in Victoria Island, Canada, and Jardin Botanique in Montreal, Canada.

I love to post pictures of flowers and trees on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/carolynmillerauthor/)  and have included pictures of some of these places at my website (www.carolynmillerauthor.com) I have incorporated some of the gardens and plants in a number of my historical novels, including the gorgeous gardens at a castle in Scotland where I set Misleading Miss Verity.

I’m so excited to be introducing readers to my new contemporary books, where I can bring some of my love of gardens (& my hubby’s expertise!) to a new audience. Restoring Fairhaven sees readers introduced to a range of gardening experts who together will bring the gardens of the Independence Islands back to life.

If you’re someone who has enjoyed The Secret Garden, or Becky Wade’s My Stubborn Heart, you’ll be sure to enjoy this story of a reclusive writer and the gardening guru sent to restore his gardens – and his heart.

Happy reading!

Carolyn

BLOG STOPS:

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 16

lakesidelivingsite, January 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 17

April Hayman, Author, January 17

A Novel Pursuit, January 17

Texas Book-aholic, January 18

Rebekah Reads, January 18

Blogging With Carol, January 18

Inklings and notions, January 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 20

Mary Hake, January 20

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 21

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 21

CarpeDiem, January 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 22

Cultivating Us, January 22

Kathleen Neely, January 22

Livin’ Lit, January 23

Ashley’s Bookshelf, January 23

Simple Harvest Reads, January 23 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Older & Smarter?, January 24

Artistic Nobody, January 24 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

For Him and My Family, January 25

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 25

Inkwell Inspirations, January 25

deb’s Book Review, January 26

Blossoms and Blessings, January 26

Joanne Markey, January 26

She Lives To Read, January 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 27

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, January 28

Splashes of Joy, January 28

Godly Book Reviews, January 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 29

Daysong Reflections, January 29

To celebrate her tour, Carolyn is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon prize and a paperback copy of the book!!

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/105a8/restoring-fairhaven-celebration-tour-giveaway

For the Love of Joy by Janet W. Ferguson – Just Read Tours

by | Jan 22, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for For the Love of Joy by Janet W. Ferguson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

Although her bio doesn’t mention it, one might think Janet Ferguson has a day job as a Christian counselor or in a rehab center for substance abuse. Each of the books in her Coastal Hearts series centers around such a center and each one contains one or more redemptive stories of changed lives. For the Love of Joy is another such novel that touched my heart once again.

I love the continuity of this series in which familiar characters from previous books interact with the featured characters in the current book. What a beautiful picture of true Christian friendship with friends who put their own lives on hold to help someone through a hard patch or to accept a new friend without judgment. I loved finally getting to read Davis Donnelly’s story and was not at all disappointed. The emotionally charged tale was relieved by ample humorous moments, often supplied by Davis and Joy’s frequent use of amusing colloquialisms, many that brought back sweet memories of my grandmother.

So what happens when a man decides to find the woman he assumes is his ex only to witness a serious accident that leaves her in desperate need of help and has absolutely no one else to help  her and her toddler except him? Well Davis is the kind of man who helps others whether they deserve it or not. As most readers can imagine, helping Joy and little Hankie stirs up a hornets nest of emotional baggage from the past that has the potential to destroy or redeem their lives.

I’ll stop here because of spoilers, you know. Just take my advice and grab a copy of For the Love of Joy asap and while you’re at it, you might want to pick up the rest of the series too. I guarantee you will probably want to read them too.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: For the Love of Joy

Series: Coastal Hearts

Author: Janet W. Ferguson

Release Date: January 1, 2021

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance / Southern rom-com

Years ago, a Dear John letter and then an IED explosion overseas rocked Davis Donnelly’s world and left him unclear about his marital status. He’d signed divorce papers, but broken mentally and physically, he’d never bothered to find out if his marriage actually ended. Now that he’s about to start a new position as an outreach minister, it’s time to settle things once and for all. At the moment he tracks down his wife—or former wife?—she takes a tumble while chasing a little boy. Her son. And that’s when life flips upside down.

Joy Jennings Donnelly made her share of mistakes. But one thing she never considered a mistake was her child, and she’ll do anything to protect him. Even keep his paternity a secret.

When she’s suddenly injured with not a soul to help her or her son, Joy is forced to rely on the man who has the most reasons to hate her.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | BookBub

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES:

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Janet W. Ferguson is a Grace Award winner, FHL Readers Choice Winner, and a Christy Award finalist. She grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.

CONNECT WITH JANET:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

TOUR GIVEAWAY:

(1) winner will receive a wetcat Hug Yourself Turkish beach towel, beach bookmark, Meyers lavender soy candle, signed book, note, and shell from the author! Dream beach 2021!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 19, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 26, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

A Cowboy For Keeps by Jody Hedlund

by | Jan 21, 2021 | Books, Colorado, Historical, Mail Order Brides, Romance, Western

MY REVIEW:

A Cowboy For Keeps is what I would consider to be a mail-order bride story with a twist. I have always enjoyed Jody Hedlund’s books but I don’t remember one with a western setting. Since I tend to gravitate toward any novel that features cowboys, I was excited to get my hands on this one. I was not disappointed.

Greta had tried everything she knew to help her young sister’s deteriorating health and becoming a mail-order bride was a desperate last ditch effort to save her. Naturally nothing went as planned and Greta ended up in a strange town with no money only to find that her husband-to-be was dead. The mayor came up with a scheme to keep her in town by persuading Wyatt, a young rancher to marry her in exchange for help establishing his new ranch.

As most readers will quickly guess, Wyatt and Greta will eventually fall in love but not without plenty of obstacles along the way. This story had everything necessary to capture and hold my attention. With ample twists and turns, a bit of danger and action, a wise and mature friend, a precocious young girl, and at least one major surprise, A Cowboy For Keeps kept me turning the pages right up to its end.

A different style for this author but well worth reading in my opinion. If you love cowboys, check this one out.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Greta Nilsson’s trip west to save her ailing little sister, Astrid, could not have gone more wrong. First, bandits hold up her stagecoach, stealing all her money. Then, upon arriving in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns the man she was betrothed to as a mail-order bride has died. Homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta and her sister are worse off than when they started.

Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to get his new ranch up and running and is in town to purchase cattle when the mayor proposes the most unlikely of bargains. He’ll invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt’s ranch if Wyatt agrees to help the town become more respectable by marrying and starting a family with Greta. But when old insecurities and surprising revelations arise, can a union born out of desperation survive?

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats. She loves to imagine that she really can visit the past, although she’s yet to accomplish the feat, except via the many books she reads. Visit her at jodyhedlund.com.

Dreams of Savannah by Roseanna M. White

by | Jan 20, 2021 | Books, Civil War, Georgia, Historical, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I always enjoy books by Roseanna M. White but like many others I was uncertain whether I would like the change from World War 1 era England to the Civil War era Georgia. I need not have been concerned. Like every other novel I have read by this talented author, Dreams of Savannah featured well-developed characters who exhibited obvious growth over the course of their story. Unafraid to tackle tough and sensitive subjects, White handled each one with tact and thoughtfulness.

I was not exactly fond of either Cordelia or Phin at the beginning. They each seemed to be the stereotypical spoiled children of wealthy plantation owners. Fortunately there was more to both characters than first met the eye and I grew to care about them both before the end of their tale. Several other strong supporting characters added depth to the story and helped me see a side of the south that is not normally presented. More than just a love story, Dreams of Savannah is filled with action, danger, and an intimate look into the lives of slaves and their owners.

As always with the author’s books, I heartily recommend Dreams of Savannah and hope others will enjoy it as well.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Cordelia Owens can weave a dream around anything and is well used to winning the hearts of everyone in Savannah with her whimsy. Even when she receives word that her sweetheart has been lost during a raid on a Yankee vessel, she clings to hope and comes up with many a romantic tale of his eventual homecoming to reassure his mother and sister.
 
But Phineas Dunn finds nothing redemptive in the first horrors of war. Struggling for months to make it home alive, he returns to Savannah injured and cynical, and all too sure that he is not the hero Cordelia seems determined to make him.
 
As the War Between the States rages ever nearer and Savannah’s slaves start sneaking away to the islands off the coast to join the Yankees, both Phin and Cordelia get caught up in questions they never thought they’d have to ask–questions that threaten the very dreams of a future they’d cherished.

 
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of histo

rical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

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The Red Canary by Rachel Scott McDaniel

by | Jan 9, 2021 | 1920's, Books, Historical, Mystery, Prohibition, Romance

MY REVIEW:

Now that I have read both novels by Rachel Scott McDaniel, I plan to add her to my list of must read authors. Her books bring history to life as her characters practically leap off the page. I loved The Red Canary with its exciting blend of history, mystery, and romance.

I particularly enjoyed the late 1920s setting as it was the era my grandmother was coming of age. We have a beloved photograph of her in her flapper garments and hairstyle and I can easily imagine her fitting right into the life and times of Vera and Mick. I think she would have enjoyed getting to know Vera who was a sassy, independent young woman who didn’t need anyone’s help, thank you – until she did. As witness to the murder of her boss at the speakeasy where she sang, it became quite evident that she required protection and Mick was just the man to do it, even if he was not thrilled at the prospect. Vera’s thoroughly modern persona complete with her liberal use of the current slang was a marked contrast to Mick’s straight-laced, professional demeanor. As most can guess, the two of them were destined to develop a very unexpected relationship by the end of their story. And what fun it was.

The Red Canary was a thoroughly satisfying read with a strong spiritual theme interwoven through a intriguing plot compete with superb dialogue and multiple twists and surprises. I enthusiastically recommend it to all.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Music sparks her world, but can love ignite her heart?

In 1928, soot from the local mills and music from speakeasies linger in the Pittsburgh air. When the manager of The Kelly Club is found dead, nightclub singer Vera Pembroke is thrust into peril. As the only witness to the crime, she’s sentenced to hide away in the Allegheny Forest with a stuffy police sergeant as her guardian.

Sergeant Mick Dinelo harbors a burning hatred for Pittsburgh’s underworld after the devastation it left on his life—and heart. He should be out exposing culpable gangsters rather than tending to the impetuous woman who defies his every effort to keep her safe.

Mick and Vera must set aside their differences to solve the murder that someone wants to keep buried beneath the soot of Steel City.

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.

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