Daysong Reflections | So Many Books ~ Too Little Time!

Midnight’s Budding Morrow by Carolyn Miller

by admin | Jun 25, 2022 | Books

MY REVIEW:

I must first apologize for missing my assigned review date. For some reason I find it difficult lately to even know what date it is. Other than that I have no excuse as this wonderful book deserves all the accolades it can get.

The author never fails to deliver an excellent reading experience whether in the form of a modern love story or a more brooding, gothic styled Regency novel. Although I enjoy them all, I do prefer Carolyn Miller’s Regency novels and Midnight’s Budding Morrow falls into that genre. With the perfect setting of a deteriorating castle on the North Sea, the tale came alive on the pages. Characterization was excellent from Sarah with her low self-esteem and depression, to James, a tortured young man who has tried to prove himself to his overbearing father, to the defiant servants. The plot moved along at a good pace with as many twists and surprises as the corridors of Langley House. The story had its shares of emotional ups and downs as Sarah and James slowly and sometimes painfully got to know each other. I enjoyed observing not only the relationship between Sarah and James but also the changes in each of them as their faith in the Lord grew.

There is so much more I could say about this great book but I fear I might reveal too much. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of your own. If you are not already a fan of Carolyn Miller, you may soon join the rest of us.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Can real love grow between a wallflower and an unrepentant rogue?

Sarah Drayton is eager to spend time with her best friend at her crumbling Northumberland castle estate. Matrimony is the last thing on her mind and the last thing she expects to be faced with on a holiday. Yet she finds herself being inveigled into a marriage of convenience with her friend’s rakish brother.

When James Langley returns to his family’s estate, he can’t be bothered to pay attention to his responsibilities as the heir. War is raging and he wants only distraction, not serious tethers. But his roguish ways have backed him into a corner, and he has little choice but to obey his father’s stunning decree: marry before returning to war, or else. Suddenly he finds himself wedded to a clever and capable woman he does not love.

Sarah craves love and a place to belong, neither of which James offered before returning to the battlefront. Now everyone around her thinks she married above her station, and they have no intention of rewarding her for such impertinence. It isn’t until her husband returns from war seemingly changed that she begins to hope they may find real happiness. But can she trust that this rake has truly reformed?

When tragedy strikes, this pair must learn to trust God and his plans. Will they be destroyed . . . or will they discover that even in the darkest depths of night, the morning still holds hope?

Click here to read an excerpt.

ABOUT THE SERIES:

While most stories set in Regency England focus on the rich, the young, and the beautiful, award-winning author Carolyn Miller decided she wanted to give readers something different for a change. Her new Regency Wallflowers series follows the commoners, away from the hustle and bustle of 1810s London, out in the Lake District of England. She tells the stories of women who are slightly older and have few prospects for marriage, women who might be considered “wallflowers.”

Midnight’s Budding Morrow is the second book in the Regency Wallflowers series. The first book in the series is Dusk’s Darkest Shores.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carolyn Miller is an inspirational romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children.

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. She enjoys music, films, gardens, art, travel, and food.

Miller’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers.

Learn more about Carolyn at www.carolynmillerauthor.com, or find her on Facebook (Carolyn Miller Author), Instagram (@CarolynMillerAuthor), and Twitter (@CarolynMAuthor).

GIVEAWAY:

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Impending Strike by Lynette Eason & Sami A. Abrams

by admin | Jun 21, 2022 | Books

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for Impending Strike by Sami A. Abrams and Lynette Eason, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

MY REVIEW:

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: Impending Strike

Series: Elite Guardians Collection #2

Author: Sami A. Abrams and Lynette Eason

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

Release Date: June 28, 2022

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Protecting him just might cost her everything…

Elite Guardian Charlie Lee knows that there is no future with the woman he loves—fellow Guardian Lizzie Tremaine. And, he gets it—as a single mom, Lizzie has to protect her daughter. But more than anything, he wants the chance to prove himself.

Then, the unthinkable happens—while working undercover, Charlie is seriously injured…and his memory of the past four years is lost. Could it be the fresh start that he didn’t realize he longed for?

Despite a friendship that’s turned flirtatious at times, Lizzie Tremaine has held Charlie at arms’ length. She’s lost all the men she’s ever loved, and is unwilling to risk her heart again. Still, she’s glad to keep an eye on him—as his bodyguard—and while she’s at it, help him put the pieces of his past together, including discovering who attacked him, and why.

But Charlie seems to have forgotten their agreed-upon professional distance—and suddenly, all the rules are off the table. She’s seeing a side of Charlie she could possibly let into her heart. Problem is, the closer he gets to uncovering his memories, the closer he gets to trouble.

It’s her heart…or his life. What will protecting Charlie cost her?

Another edge-of-your-seat Elite Guardians thriller!

MORE BOOKS IN THE SERIES:

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Sami A. Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn’t until her 30s that she found authors who captured her attention. Now, most evenings you can find her engrossed in a romantic suspense novel. In her opinion, a crime plus a little romance is the recipe for a great story. Sami lives in Northern California, but she will always be a Kansas girl at heart. She has a love of sports, family, and travel. However, a cabin at Lake Tahoe writing her next story is definitely at the top of her list. Visit her at http://www.samiaabrams.com.

CONNECT WITH SAMI: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Life Flight and the Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

CONNECT WITH LYNETTE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

GIVEAWAY:

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Impending Strike and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 20, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 27, 2022. 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.

Valley of Promise by Kari Trumbo

by admin | Jun 17, 2022 | Books, Historical, Romance, Western

MY REVIEW:

It is perhaps a bit ironic that Peace Valley has been at the center of the feud between the Johlman and Douglas families for several decades. The Douglas family are ranchers and blame every mishap or missing cow on the Johlmans who are sheep ranchers. Even if they may not even remember what started their feud, their children have never known otherwise. Now that those children are adults, they have grown discontent with the heavy-handed methods used by their fathers to control both their ranches and their families.

When Dasha Cattrel accompanies her father the judge and a Pinkerton agent to look into accusations against the acting sheriff, Armstrong Douglas is quickly attracted to her and hopes to get to know her better. What he doesn’t realize is that she is a relation of the hated Johlman family.

The Plot of Valley of Promise moves along a a steady clip with more than enough secrets, intrigue, twists, and adventure to please most readers. Missing cattle and a nefarious plot against both families as well as unexpected revelations add even more interest to this exciting story.

Trumbo’s characters are realistic and mostly likeable (except for the bad guys). Their faith, bravery, and loyalty were admirable. I loved how Armstrong and Dasha worked together to help solve the problems and their attempts to bring the families together. I have enjoyed both books in this series and look forward to even more excellent books by this 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:

Armstrong has never had a choice in his life.

Pa has decided everything from who his friends are to when he would take over their huge cattle spread. He’s made plenty of enemies in Belle Fourche, SD, along the way. Especially their neighbors—the sheep-ranching Johlmans.
When a judge arrives in town to look into all the misdeeds of both families, Armstrong’s carefully planned world begins to crumble, particularly when he meets the judge’s daughter. A woman who could have his heart, unless her father finds out what his family has been doing.

Dosha Cattrel’s father has threatened every man who’s shown interest in her. She’s given up hope of ever finding someone perfect enough to suit him, much less love her.

Her father brings her and a secretive Pinkerton agent to Belle Fourche to investigate a land war. She fully expects to be bored silly until she meets Armstrong, one of the very men under her father’s spyglass. What Armstrong doesn’t know is that she is related to the Johlmans, his fiercest enemies.

Can a secret love survive the light of day, or will secrets kill the growing love between them?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Where western meets happily ever after.

Kari is a USA Today bestselling author who writes swoony heroes and places that become characters with detail and heart.

Her favorite place to write about is the place her heart lives, (even if she doesn’t) South Dakota.

Kari loves reading, listening to contemporary Christian music, singing when no one’s listening, and curling up near the wood stove when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota, land of frigid toes and mosquitoes the size of compact cars, with her husband of over twenty years. They have two daughters, two sons, one cat, and one hungry wood stove.

A Promise Engraved by Liz Tolsma

by admin | Jun 1, 2022 | Alamo, Books, Historical, Romance, Texas

MY REVIEW:

A Promise Engraved is yet another split time novel that alternates between the Texas war for independence from Mexico and present time. Both time frames center around a mysterious tiger eye ring that is possibly connected to characters in both eras. Kayleigh, the modern heroine has bought the ring which may have been her mother’s. She takes it to a jeweler who is excited to help her solve the meaning of the cryptic engraving on the band. Their story is enhanced by the historical narrative of Josie and her experiences leading up to and including the battle of The Alamo.

Although there were leading male characters for both periods, the women, Kayleigh and Josie were the standout characters, especially Josie. Her grit and determination as well as her skills and bravery as a spy for the Texans held my interest the most. Kayleigh’s story was also interesting but fell a bit short compared to Josie’s.

I enjoyed learning more about the history of the Alamo and its background. My prior knowledge was minimal and mostly consisted of knowing that there were no survivors and the names of some of the famous men who died there.

A Promise Engraved is an excellent book for those who love American history with a unique twist.

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: A Promise Engraved

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction/Romance

Release date: May, 2022

Click here to get your copy!

Can Promises Made in Times of Struggle Endure 200 Years?

Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Past series. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance.

Young, spirited Josie Wilkins life is about to take a turn when faced with political turmoil and forbidden love in San Antonio of 1836. John Gilbert has won her heart, despite being a Protestant preacher who is forbidden to practice his faith in Texas. Will either of them survive an epic battle for liberty to create a legacy of love?

Nearly 200 years later, Kayleigh Hernandez takes breaks from her demanding job as a refugee coordinator working with Mexican migrants to attend flea markets where she has found a uniquely engraved ring. Enlisting the help of appraiser Brandon Shuman, they piece together a love story long forgotten. But will dangers linked to Kayleigh’s work end her own hopes for leaving a legacy built on hope, faith, and love?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.

MORE FROM LIZ:

The Story of Susannah Dickinson, Alamo Survivor

When asked how many died at the Alamo, many would answer that everyone did. While it’s true that all fighting on the side of Texas independence perished, there were survivors, all women and children and one slave. The only white woman (the rest were of Mexican descent) was Susannah Dickinson, along with her daughter Angelina. Susannah had followed her husband, Almaron, to Mexican Texas in 1831. They had married two years before when Susannah was just fifteen. She never learned to read or write.

She and the other women hid in the sacristy of the church, one of the surviving buildings in the mission and what we now think of as the Alamo. Her husband died, but Mexican General Santa Anna found them and spared their lives, sending them to Sam Houston with $2 each and a blanket.

She married again the following year but divorced him almost immediately on the grounds of cruelty. She married a third time the following year and was married for five years until her husband died of alcoholism. A fourth marriage occurred in 1847, but she divorced again in 1857, this time allegedly because she was having an affair. That same year, she married for a fifth time. This marriage lasted until her death in 1883.

The ring in A Promise Engraved is based on a cat’s eye ring supposedly given to Angelina by William Travis before the battle. Angelina was Susannah’s only child. She married and had three children, but that marriage ended in divorce. She gave the ring to a man she’d become involved with in New Orleans. She married again and had one more child but died in 1869 from a uterine hemorrhage.

Today there are many descendants of Susannah Dickinson. If you visit the Susannah Dickinson house in Austin, you’ll see a quilt that is signed by many of her living descendants.