FINDING THE ROAD HOME BY Tina Radcliffe, Reviewed by Trixi Oberembt and Winnie Thomas

TRIXI'S REVIEW:

“This was what her sister's children deserved. Green grass as far as they could see. Trees to climb. Adventures to be had. Maybe, just maybe, living in Oklahoma would help them remember the good times, ease their pain, and remind them all that God had His hand on their tomorrows.~(pg. 17)”

I fell in love with Rebel, Oklahoma! It definitely has it's small town charm and citizens who take care of each other in all circumstances. I loved how they took Daisy, Gran (Alice) and all five kids under their wing and invested time and money to meet their needs. And how they pulled together to come up with and support ways for the PD to win that much needed funding. It just goes to show you how small town dynamics can have a big impact!

I admired Daisy for never questioning taking her five nieces and nephews under her care after her twin sister and brother-in-law died in a car accident. With the help of her Grandma Alice, they start a new life in a new town to help ease their grief. When the department funding is threatened, she doesn't hesitate to roll up her sleeves and fight for herself and the kids future. I loved her determination and tenacity in the face of hardship. Her faith in God never wavers, and Gran's wisdom helps her remember what He has done in the past and how He has her future in His hands. I loved her the best, I think! The voice of reason and Godly wisdom.

“Friendship is a solid foundation for a long-term relationship.~Gran (pg. 174)”

Police Chief Mitch is a charming southern gentleman through and through. He not only cares for his employees but also has a soft heart for Daisy and her kids. He does what is needed to make sure they are taken care of. Even though his brothers relentlessly tease him about liking her as more than his deputy, he takes it all in stride. When it comes to his heart, his own grief has held him from getting close to anyone, including a chance at love. It takes a near disaster for his wake-up call and remind him that the Lord is in charge of his past and future.

“I'm glad you and your family found your way here. This town has a way of healing the soul.~ (pg. 24)”

I think Tina Radcliffe perfectly sums this up in her “Dear Reader” section in the back:
“This is a story of heartaches and hope. Like Mitch and Daisy, we too must turn our burdens over to the Lord and receive the healing power of His love.”

A story of true love, family ties, healing, and hope for the future. 
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
Bursting with small-town charm and filled with lovable, realistic, and caring characters, Tina Radcliffe’s new book, Finding the Road Home is a delicious romantic read. I always love the witty, fun banter and observations she pens. This first book in the Hearts of Oklahoma series is definitely a winner and a great introduction to Rebel, Oklahoma and the wonderful citizens who reside there. I loved meeting the Rainbolt siblings, and I’m hoping to see more of their stories in coming books.

Police chief Mitch Rainbolt is a perfect hero—compassionate, helpful, courageous, and on a mission to keep everyone safe. Enter Daisy Anderson, an independent, lovely, go-getter, who bravely adopts her sister’s five orphaned children and moves to Rebel to be a police officer and renovate a crumbling old house. Of course, sparks fly, and Daisy is the recipient of some good old-fashioned small-town goodness.

Tina Radcliffe’s books are always a delight to read. I love her sense of humor, and I know I’m going to find a deeply satisfying story when I open her books. 4.5 stars

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
BackCover Blurb:
Some paths need courage to follow…

Can they find their fresh start with roadblocks around every corner?

To care for her orphaned nieces and nephews, Daisy Anderson moved to a small town for a new deputy position—but now her job could be eliminated. With potential budget cuts looming, her only hope is to work with police chief Mitch Rainbolt to save their department’s funds. But can their fight for her job lead to something neither dared wish for: a future together?

Available in digital ebook, paperback and mass market paperback:
Buy Finding The Road Home at Amazon
Buy Finding The Road Home at Christianbook.com

 

THE THIEF OF LANWYN MANOR by Sarah E Ladd, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"Yes, Lanwyn Manor was proving to have introduced her to a number of interesting characters, but she needed to be wary. It was still too early to know whom she could trust and whom she could not."

Reeling from a broken heart, Julia Twethewey travels to her beloved cousin's country home located squarely in the heart of Cornwall's mining country, hoping that a change of scenery might mend the broken places deep within her soul. What she finds is altogether different than what she expected. Accosted before she even arrives at her destination, Julia also learns that her uncle's reputation among the local citizenry is tainted with disgust, his repeated reluctance to re-open his area mine has kept many miners from being able to support their families; causing local unrest and in some
cases, desperation.

When local mine owners Matthew and Isaac Blake gallantly step into the fray, in spite of being nearly identical on the outside, it's soon obvious that they are motivated quite differently on the inside. While Julia aunt's blatantly schemes for Julia to form an attachment with the one, it's the other brother who catches her attention, especially following their shared, quite harrowing experience on the evening of her arrival. In spite of the gentle whispers of her heart, Julia has learned the hard way that her head must not over indulge in romantic notions. Danger is lurking around every corner of Lanwyn Manor, there are mysteries to be solved, and someone is becoming more and more determined for Julia to leave.

The strength of this story is in its beautiful word flow. While the reader may wish that more conversations between Isaac and Julia were actually written down on the page, it's clear that their hearts become fiercely and inextricably entwined. Unfortunately, every relationship has its limits and the secrets embedded within the walls of Lanwyn Manor have the potential to stretch their budding attachment towards, or even past, their dreams of the future.
* I purchased this book and was under no obligation to review it, nor provide a positive review. 

BackCover Blurb:
In Regency England an advantageous match could set up a lady for life. 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. The manor is located 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 within 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 that of the people 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 clear his intentions to court the lovely visitor. And Isaac knows his place.

When tragedy strikes, mysteries arise, and valuables go missing, Julia and Isaac find they are pulled together in a swirl of strange circumstances, but despite their best efforts to bow to social expectations, their hearts aren’t so keen to surrender.

• Sweet Regency Romance
• Full-length novel, approximately 90,000 words
• Second in the Cornwall series, but can be read alone

Available in digital ebook, paperback and audiobook:
Buy The Thief of Lanwyn Manor at Amazon
Buy The Thief of Lanwyn Manor at Christianbook.com

#GIVEAWAY of MORE THAN WE CAN REMEMBER by Christina Suzann Nelson, Reviewed by Nicole and Paula #RELEASE DAY

Enter the Giveaway below!

NICOLE'S REVIEW:
Filled with heartache, pain, and hope for the future, Christina Suzann Nelson’s latest novel, More Than We Remember, will have readers reflecting on the story long after the final page.  After a fatal car accident, three women find themselves connected in a shocking way that will change their lives forever.  A coach’s wife, a deputy, and a counselor…three women carrying burdens of their own, are all searching for answers to overcome the pain of their pasts. 

More Than We Remember is the first book I have read by Christina Suzann Nelson. She realistically portrays issues that both adults and teenagers are facing in society, including addiction to pain medication and the popularity of vaping among teens. The women, their husbands, and children all have struggles they are facing, and everything is not always as it seems.

The characters were well-developed and the readers could personally feel the pain they were experiencing. I did not care for the personality or character of deputy Emilia Cruz, but I could sympathize with the struggles that she was experiencing in her family life as she tried to find justice for victims in her law enforcement career. More Than We Remember is recommended for readers who are looking for a novel focusing on deeper subject material. I am looking forward to reading Christina Suzann Nelson’s next novel.

*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bethany House Publishers and was not required to write a positive review.  All opinions expressed are mine.        

PAULA'S REVIEW:

This novel was so touching. The writing had me emotionally involved.

Emilia, Addison, and Brianne move in different circles. When a horrific car accident happens, their circles intersect like a Venn Diagram.

Each woman is haunted by her own demons. Each one has been shaped by her background and circumstances. Each one has faith, sometimes strong, sometimes floundering. Each one is just trying to live her life. Much like the rest of us.

Ms. Nelson has posed seemingly impossible situations for each woman and through their interaction and through those around them, they are shown to grow in their faith. The everyday things become more than they can deal with. But God is in control and He can change perceptions. As Addison says: “It’s easy to see what we want to see, or even what we expect to see. It’s much harder to stand back and see the truth.”

The author has a way of creeping into the thoughts of her characters and giving us profound lessons. There are shocking moments as well as tender ones and the relief of amusing antics of children and a dog. This novel comes across as real life.

This is the first book I have read by Ms. Nelson and I will be sure to look up her previous offerings. I give this book 5 stars.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Back Cover Blurb:

One night changes everything. . . .

When Addison Kilbourn's husband is involved in a car accident that leaves a woman dead, her perfectly constructed life crumbles apart. With her husband's memory of that night gone and the revelation of a potentially life-altering secret, Addison has to reevaluate all she thought she knew.

Emilia Cruz is a deputy bearing a heavy burden far beyond the weight of her job. After a traumatic brain injury, her husband is no longer the man she married, and Emilia's determined to prevent others from facing the same hardship. When she's called to the scene of an accident pointing to everything she's fighting against, she's determined to see justice for those wronged.

Brianne Demanno is hiding from reality. She once thrived as a counselor, but when tragedy struck a beloved client, she lost faith in herself and her purpose. When her neighbors, the Kilbourns, are thrown into crisis, Brianne's solitary life is disrupted and she finds herself needed in a way she hasn't been for too long.

As the lives of these women intersect, they can no longer dwell in the memory of who they've been. Can they rise from the wreck of the worst moments of their lives to become who they were meant to be?

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:
Buy More Than We Remember at Amazon
Buy More Than We Remember at Christianbook.com

Author Bio:

CBA bestselling author Christina Suzann Nelson (www.christinasuzannnelson.com) writes stories that focus on changing legacies from dysfunction to hope. Her first novel, If We Make It Home, was named a Library Journal Best Book of 2017 and a Foreword INDIES 2017 Book of the Year. Christina is a part of Oregon Christian Writers and a member of ACFW, where she has served as the northwest zone director. She lives in Oregon's gorgeous Willamette Valley with her husband of 26 years and their children.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#INTERVIEW with Author Susanne Dietze, and THE BLIZZARD BRIDE Review by Winnie Thomas

Chatting with Author Susanne Dietze!

First, allow our waiter to bring you something refreshing. Perhaps something warm to dash away that wintry chill?

Photo from IMBD of actor Andrew Walker looking quite a bit like Agent Dashiell Lassiter

Deb:
Do you feel there's a 'best thing' and a 'worse thing' about making the switch from historical romance to contemporary romance?  Anything you could share about that?

Susie:
I'm still writing my first to-be-published contemporary, so I'm not sure I'm equipped to have the best answer, but one thing that's stayed the same is doing research. Even with a contemporary, I've had to do my homework on my characters' professions, the setting, etc. Perhaps one of the best changes is being able to use my regular vocabulary. Don't get me wrong; I love historical phrases and words that give a story flavor. But it's refreshing right now to write without worrying a word I'm using hadn't come into being at the time my story is set. For instance, many of the words we use to describe children are pretty modern, like teenager, tween, and kid.

The worst thing? It's not really a "worst thing" but the characters can reach each other at any time on their cell phones. No need to write letters, leave each other a note, or send word with a reliable or not-so-reliable person.  A historical character who has learned juicy info, gets lost in the woods, or can't make it to an event because of an emergency can't simply make a call like a contemporary character can. And yes, characters can lose their phones or drain their batteries, but that can only happen so many times. 

Credit: Pixabay TerriC

Deb: Susie, you have been part of many Barbour novella collections! (How many?)  Which one gave you the most enjoyable research? Is there one that you'd love to have expanded in to a full novel?

Susie: I have published 12 Barbour novellas, and I have three coming out in 2020 (I also have a novella out with WhiteFire). They've all been so much fun to write, and I've loved the research. I even learned a smidgen of Swedish for my story in Lessons on Love! I'd say the one story that would've been fun to make into a full novel is Star of Wonder, my story from The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection. The hero and heroine were friends first, and they had a mystery to solve, too. It could have been fun to expand those things, as well as to spend more time in an English manor at Christmastime!

Deb:  THANKS SO MUCH, SUSIE! We are loving The Blizzard Bride!  

Please visit Susie's PINTEREST PAGE to enjoy more of the inspiration behind this popular story!

I’ve been enjoying The Daughters of the Mayflower series with each book telling the story of a descendant from the Mayflower settlers during a different time period in the United States. The Blizzard Bride focuses on the “Children’s Blizzard” in January 1888. I had never really heard much about the blizzard before, so it was interesting to me to learn more about this event. One of the reasons I enjoy reading historical fiction is that I learn more about different areas and historical happenings. Susanne Dietze did a marvelous job of creating a story around the Children’s Blizzard. The small-town setting in Nebraska is easily visualized, and the characters are colorful, realistic, and vividly drawn. Abby is independent, courageous, and capable, while Dash is heroic, helpful, and, well, dashing. Their shared background affects their current relationship, but the past needs some healing and forgiving before they can move on.

The twists and turns kept me guessing and turning pages while I tried to figure out who the bad guy was. Intrigue, suspense, and history combined with inspiration and a touch of romance made this a wonderful read and a great addition to the series.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author and Barbour Publishing. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:
A Blizzard Changes Everything
Abigail Bracey arrives in Nebraska in January 1888 to teach school…and to execute a task for the government: to identify a student as the hidden son of a murderous counterfeiter—the man who killed her father.

Agent Dashiell Lassiter doesn’t want his childhood sweetheart Abby on this dangerous job, especially when he learns the counterfeiter is now searching for his son, too, and he’ll destroy anyone in his way. Now Dash must follow Abby to Nebraska to protect her…if she’ll let him within two feet of her. She’s still angry he didn’t fight to marry her six years ago, and he never told her the real reason he left her.

All Dash wants is to protect Abby, but when a horrifying blizzard sweeps over them, can Abby and Dash set aside the pain from their pasts and work together to catch a counterfeiter and protect his son—if they survive the storm?
 
Available in digital ebook, library binding and paperback:
Buy The Blizzard Bride at Amazon
Buy The Blizzard Bride at Christianbook.com