Can’t Buy Me Love by Andrea Christenson

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

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Can’t Buy Me Love by Andrea Christenson presented by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

Lovers of books by Susan May Warren have often longed for more books set in Deep Haven if not to live there themselves. With the kick-off of Warren’s Sunrise Publishing she has chosen several new authors to provide some new romantic adventures in Deep Haven. I think her hard core fans will be pleased with the results.

Can’t Buy Me Love is a modern take on the classic Cinderella tale, complete with wicked step-sister. It does not follow the fairy tale exactly but it definitely has elements that the reader will recognize scattered throughout. Heroine Ella Bradley is a down-on-her-luck housekeeper who has ambitions to form her own company. Adrian Vassos, while not a true prince, is son to an extremely wealthy businessman who has big plans for him. They find themselves in Deep Haven doing community service together and the rest of their story is delightful. Filled with misunderstandings, plenty of humor, and unexpected events, the novel held my attention all the way to its end. An encouraging story of discovering God’s plan for your life as well as a fine example of forgiveness, Can’t Buy Me Love is a must read for fans of contemporary romantic novels.

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:

Title: Can’t Buy Me Love

Series: Deep Haven Collection #2

Author: Andrea Christenson presented by Susan May Warren

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

Release Date: March 16, 2021

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

 

He can’t buy his way out of trouble this time…

Housekeeper-slash-entrepreneur Ella Bradley prides herself on being ready for anything. After all, with a father who died—and lied to her—and a stepmom and stepsister who despise her, she has no one else to depend on. But on the biggest night of her life, she’s unprepared to be trapped in an elevator with the man of her dreams.

Wealthy prince-to-a-fortune Adrian Vassos wants nothing more than to shed his reputation as a party boy and prove that he is a savvy businessman. Even, a gentleman. But when he’s trapped with a woman who knows his reputation but not his face, he gives into the temptation to be someone else—and lies.

When serendipity brings them together again—this time to work off community service—can their combined sentences spark a new ending? Maybe…if Adrian’s lies don’t find him out. Again.

The magic of Deep Haven enchants in this modern-day Cinderella story.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | BookBub

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES:

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling novelist of 80 books. With more than 1.5 million books in print, she is beloved by reviewers and readers around the world. Visit Susan at www.susanmaywarren.com.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Andrea Christenson lives in a Minneapolis, MN suburb with her husband and two daughters. When she is not busy homeschooling her girls, she loves to read anything she can get her hands on. She believes that a great loaf of artistic bread can turn a meal into a masterpiece. Andrea’s prayer is to write stories revealing God’s love.

CONNECT WITH ANDREA: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Merging the creative energies of best-selling authors Susan May Warren and Lindsay Harrel, Sunrise Publishing is the matchmaker for established authors who want to build on their current success for future growth and aspiring authors looking to break out, build an audience, and hone their writing skills.

CONNECT WITH SUNRISE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | admin@sunrisepublishing.com

TOUR GIVEAWAY:

(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card + 3 Can’t Buy Me Love ebooks (one ebook for the winner and two to give to friends)!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 16, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 23, 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.

Fate by Natasha Frazier

by | Mar 9, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance

MY REVIEW:

I agreed to read and review Fate by Natasha Frazier without having a clue what it was about. Can I just say that this book made me really feel my age? As a senior citizen I am no longer a fan of romance novels for the sake of romance and that is pretty much the content of this novel.

Honestly the story would appeal to younger readers who want a simple, easy to read tale with lots of romance. It is a clean read so parents would not object to their teen daughter reading it. In fact teens would probably love the frequent descriptions of how the characters were dressed, the dates they went on, and meals they ate, not to mention how many times Brian was described as “hot” by Melanie’s friend.

I did like the fact that the characters were both believers and it was evident by their actions and personal growth throughout the narrative. A surprise or two did add a bit of tension to the story and helped keep it interesting.

Although not exactly my personal cup of tea, I would recommend this book to younger readers who are looking for a book that is primarily romance.

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:

Melanie Bennett and Detective Brian Morris met over a year ago when he solved her best friend’s murder case, and now Nashville’s annual Christmas festivities have them crossing paths again, could it be fate?

Melanie Bennett has spent the last six months in therapy to erase the self-assigned blame and eradicate the night terrors that plagued her at every attempt to close her eyes after witnessing her best friend’s murder. The Christmas season always had a way of lifting her spirits, and this year is no different. The spark within her to live again couldn’t have come at a better time when she and Detective Brian Morris are reacquainted, but first, she must believe that she deserves happiness.

Will the circumstances of how they met prevent Melanie from taking a chance on love?

Brian was drawn to Melanie when he first laid eyes on her over a year ago; he wanted to ask her out, but the timing was all wrong. Expressing interest in her when she’d just lost her best friend was tacky, but fate dealt him another opportunity when he walked into her hair salon delivering flyers for the annual stuff the cruiser toy drive a year later. Though Brian desires love, will his unresolved issues with his mother get in the way?

Every moment spent with one another can only be described as fate – a power beyond human control. Will this Christmas season bring about the healing and love both Melanie and Brian crave?

Fate is book 2 in the Perfect Time for Love Series (Sweet Christian Romance).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Natasha has penned an award-winning devotional, The Life Your Spirit Craves and a Henri award nominated devotional, Not Without You: 365 Days in the Lord’s Presence. Natasha desires to encourage readers to live the life they have been created to live in God. Natasha’s first fiction book, Love, Lies & Consequences, was released on April 21, 2015, and earned The Readers’ Choice Award.

The Love, Lies & Consequences seems to be taking on a life of it’s own as books two and three delve deeper into the lives of the characters and how they deal with life’s issues. Natasha enjoys crafting stories that we can relate to and learn from. Visit Natasha’s website www.natashafrazier.com to sign up for her newsletter or to connect.

Natasha is also a motivational speaker, in much like her literary works, who speaks to encourage women to take their lives to the next level, release fear and become the women they have been predestined to be.

 

Braced For Love by Mary Connealy

by | Mar 9, 2021 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western

MY REVIEW:

I have been a long-time fan of Mary Connealy’s books and her unique sense of humor. Although I have always loved her books I have noticed that each new series has lost a bit more of the slapstick humor and moved toward even greater character and plot development. I honestly appreciate the direction she has taken. There is still plenty of humor yet greater depth to her stories.

Braced For Love is the first book in the author’s latest series Brothers in Arms. Kansas farmer Kevin Hunt has left his struggling farm to take over his share of an inherited ranch in Wyoming. Turns out he has a brother he never knew existed and he also learns a few choice facts about his late father that he has believed dead for years. It is also evident that someone is determined to keep him from reaching the ranch.

There is more than enough drama, conflict, action, and danger to go around in Braced For Love, A hearty dose of romance is thrown in for good measure along with several surprises. It took me a few chapters to get all the characters straight in my mind but each of them has unique traits that quickly set them apart. Knowing that the novel is the first of a trilogy, I soon found myself pairing each of the Hunt brothers with one of the young women. Only time will tell if I am correct. I eagerly wait for book two.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

When entering the rough new land, does he go to meet his greatest enemy, or his greatest ally?

Kevin Hunt was at peace with the grueling but honest labor of Kansas farm life, until he received the news that he had inherited part of a successful Wyoming ranch. The only catch is it’s to be shared with a half brother he never knew existed. Turns out, Kevin’s supposedly dead father led a secret and scandalous life, and the townsfolk are quick to spurn Kevin and his siblings for it.

But trouble seems to follow Kevin on the way, and he wonders if his half brother Wyatt is behind the attacks. Once at the ranch, everyone is at each other’s throats, and the only person willing to stand in between is Winona Hawkins, the local schoolmarm and a wealthy rancher’s daughter.

Despite being a longtime friend to Wyatt, Winona can’t help but be drawn to the earnest, kind Kevin, and that puts her in the cross hairs of somebody’s dangerous plot. With every reason to despise each other, can the Hunt brothers put aside their differences long enough to protect the ones they love?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than half a million books. She is the author of the popular series Brides of Hope Mountain, High Sierra Sweethearts, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden

by | Mar 8, 2021 | Books, Graphics & Web Design, Historical

MY REVIEW:

The Prince of Spies is exactly the kind of book I love to spend a few hours with. The author has a masterful touch when it comes to weaving sometimes obscure historical facts into an engrossing tale that comes to life on the pages. Both this book and the first book of the Hope and Glory series, The Spice King, contained a multitude of facts about safety (or the lack of) in the food industry as well as efforts that were made to ensure its safety. I found the details about the Poison Squad to be of particular interest.

It was fun getting to know Luke Delacroix even better as he was an intriguing character in the previous novels. His determination to do his part in making food safer for customers was only overshadowed by his love of family and his new devotion to Marianne McGruder, daughter of the Delacroix family’s greatest rival.

The bad blood between the two families and the romance between Luke and Marianne had a slight resemblance to the story of Romeo and Juliet but thankfully did not go in the same direction. I thought Luke was the perfect hero and mostly liked Marianne as well. Her devotion to her family was admirable despite their unscrupulous actions – after all they were family. I did admire how her eyes were gradually opened to the truth and managed to make the proper decisions.  

I do so hate to see this series end but I am confident that the author has even more delightful books in store for her readers. Loved, loved, loved The Prince of Spies as well as the other two books and I encourage everyone to pick up copies of all three books.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Luke Delacroix has long had a reputation of being an impulsive adventurer, the wild son of one of Gilded Age Washington’s most prominent families. In reality, he has been secretly carrying out an ambitious agenda in Congress. His current mission: to thwart the reelection of Congressman Clyde Magruder, his only real enemy in the world.

Trouble begins when Luke meets Marianne Magruder, the congressman’s only daughter. Luke is fascinated by the vibrant Marianne and her daring work as a government photographer, leading them into a forbidden romance. Now they must embark on a dangerous gamble to reconcile their growing feelings with Luke’s driving passion for vital reforms in Congress.

Can their newfound love survive a political firestorm, or will three generations of family rivalry drive them apart forever?

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth Camden (www.elizabethcamden.com) is best known for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America, featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award and have appeared on the CBA bestsellers list. She lives in Orlando, Florida, with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.

Pay the Price by Carol J. Post

by | Mar 8, 2021 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Suspense

MY REVIEW:

I have come to expect a suspense-filled page-turner each time I open a book by Carol J. Post. Pay the Price did not disappoint. From the very beginning it was evident that Jessica Parker had walked right into danger when she returned to Harmony Grove to take care of things after her sister’s sudden death. All signs pointed to murder rather than suicide as reported and Jessica had a bad girl reputation to live down and fat chance of that happening with a sheriff and judge who remembered her well.

Lately I have been hearing the term “meet cute” used to describe a popular romance novel trope. Jessica’s first meeting with undercover FBI agent Shane Dalton could not be described as cute by any means. Despite their somewhat explosive first encounter, Shane quickly surmised that Jessica was probably also in danger and made it a point to spend as much time as possible making sure she was protected.

With plenty of action, danger, and suspense, Pay the Price was one of those one session books that I couldn’t put down until I reached the end. The suspense grew with each chapter and although I had my suspicions about the guilty parties, I was never one hundred percent certain until it was actually revealed. I appreciated the subtle Christian message that was woven throughout the story and found the characters to be both realistic and likeable.

I have enjoyed the previous books in the Harmony Grove series and look forward to reading Survive the Night when it releases in May. I recommend the entire series as well as other books by this excellent author.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Sometimes homecomings can be deadly…

Jessica Parker left Harmony Grove with bad memories and a vow to never return – until she is called back eight years later to deal with her sister’s suicide. When all the evidence points instead to murder, she is determined to find the killer and bring him to justice. Her handsome new neighbor is eager to help, but she is sure he’s hiding something.

Undercover FBI agent Shane Dalton is in Harmony Grove investigating the crash of a plane full of cocaine and gets more than he bargained for when he runs into Jessica. He’s not sure whether she’s involved or is just going to get in his way. Soon it becomes obvious that someone wants Jessica gone from Harmony Grove. As the threats intensify, Shane finds himself in a race against time to solve both cases. The closer they get to the truth, the closer the killer gets to making them his next victims.

Read an excerpt HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s resume reads as if she doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But one thing that has remained constant through the years is her love for writing. She currently pens fun and fast-paced inspirational romance and romantic suspense stories. Her books have been nominated for a RITA® award and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award.

Carol lives in sunshiny Central Florida with her husband, who is her own real-life hero, and writes her stories under the shade of the huge oaks in her yard. Besides writing, she works alongside her music minister husband singing and playing the piano. She enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. Her two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly spoiled dachshund.

To learn more about Carol, you may visit her web site at http://www.caroljpost.com.