Saturday, April 28, 2018

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN TEXANS (and Texas Rangers too!), Review by Rebecca Maney


Meet the seven Hart brothers of the 7-Heart ranch in central Texas. Each man is content in his independent life, without the responsibilities of a wife and children—until their father decides 1874 will be the year his grown sons finally marry, or they will be cut from his will. How will each man who values his freedom respond to the ultimatum? Can love develop on a timeline, or will it be sacrificed for the sake of an inheritance?








REBECCA's REVIEW:

"Outstanding" is an adjective that would accurately describe this endearing collection of Texas romances. Each and every story was well plotted, capitalized on extraordinary characterizations, and blended seamlessly among its counterparts, reading as if written by one author, rather than seven.

If I had to choose a favorite(and I would rather not), it would be Bowie and Elise; their rediscovery of each other, their sweet realization of true love, and their deep struggle to express it, was both heart breaking and heart warming. What a wonderful set of stories!


BACK COVER BLURBS: 


The Ranger's Reward by Gabrielle Meyer
Texas Ranger, Griffin Sommer stops to check on the young widow, Evelyn Prentis minutes before the Markham gang arrives at her farm needing a place to hide. Griff and Evelyn are forced to pretend they’re married to keep Griff’s identity a secret, but will Evelyn’s young son let the truth out before Griff can bring the gang to justice?

More Precious than Rubies by Lorna Seilstad
Fun-loving, charismatic Texas Ranger Whit Murray is restless for an adventure. When bandits attack the train he is on and steal jewels Violet Tatienne is transporting home to her father’s jewelry store, the two of them must work together to find the thieves. Will each one’s individual goals keep them from discovering the real treasure is in each other?

Jesse’s Sparrow by Amanda Barratt
Former soiled dove, Sara Byrne longs for escape. . .and rides straight into danger. Ranger Jesse Rawlings wants only to defend and protect.  . .no love involved. But when Sara’s stagecoach is robbed and her possessions stolen, can she find the strength to aid a man she deems anything but trustworthy in bringing justice to the perpetrators?

The Countess and the Cowboy by Kathleen Y’Barbo
Ava Becker is furious that her brother sold her favorite stallion to the irritating Texas Ranger Ezra Creed. When the horse goes missing, Ezra blames Ava, who sets out to find the horse, landing in an outlaw’s camp instead. Can Ezra protect the persistent Ava without falling in love, or will love make for a dangerous chase?

Simple Interest by Susan Page Davis
While making his monthly deposit, Ranger O’Neal Brewster is forced to watch robbers escape with the prim and pretty bank teller as their hostage. Augusta Ferris quickly makes the outlaws regret kidnapping her, but she is determined to get back the bank’s money—whether the Ranger helps her or not.

Partners in Crime by Vickie McDonough
Micah McCullough, a Texas Ranger working undercover in the Markham gang, is tasked with guarding Laurel Underwood, a silversmith, who was kidnapped to create plates for printing counterfeit money. Laurel knows she doesn’t have the expertise. Her only option is to stall and seek escape. What will the outlaws do when they learn her secret?

Guard Your Heart by Erica Vetsch
When Constance Spanner witnesses a murder, Branch Kilborn is tasked with protecting her until she can testify against Cass Markham. This is the Ranger squad’s chance to abolish the Markham gang once and for all, but Branch soon finds that protecting Constance has become about more than just the job


Available in multiple formats:
BUY Seven Brides for Seven Texans at Amazon
BUY Seven Brides for Seven Texans at Christianbook.com

DO YOU NEED MORE TEXANS?


Review:
"I'm not looking for a woman." . . . . "You might not be looking, but one might've found you."

Return to Hartville, Texas where you will enjoy reading this delightful collection of stories regaling the merits of romance, especially when attraction of the feminine nature manages to arrest some of the toughest men on the face of the earth; Texas Rangers. Ranging from a young widow to a silversmith, from a hat maker to a countess; a former soiled dove, a jeweler and a bank teller; they each successfully prove that under every silver badge beats a heart just waiting to be captured by love.

BUY Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers at Amazon 
BUY Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers at Christianbook.com

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

THE ACCIDENTAL GUARDIAN by Mary Connealy, reviewed by Trixi Oberembt




Take a man who survived to make his living on the Sierra Nevada range, two women and two small children who escaped a wagon train massacre, mix them up and you have an adventurous tale of epic proportions! Connealy’s imagination runs as wild as the mountainous terrain that Trace has made his home in this story.



“I’m going to change, Gwen. I am. The West is different than where we came from. It’s a land that demands strength of people. A land that tests courage."

One would think after the many years Trace lived here that he was a rugged, rough mountain man with ill manners, but just the opposite is true.  Once he encounters Deb and her sister Gwen and the two children after the massacre, he sets out to do what’s right by them. Pushing for home and shelter, he’s made it a lifelong vow to bring the men responsible to justice. A true hero in every sense of the word. Protective, defender of the weak, tender when needed but just as tough when situation calls for it, and he don’t take no guff.  Deb was one character that surprised me! She was tough and had what it takes to survive with plenty of backbone and hard-working attitude to get by; she bucked up and did what had doing. These two definitely had plenty of sparks and banter between them! Fun to watch from the sidelines.  

“And…well, I can’t be kissing a man. That’s a good way to get tangled up….in forever.”

Deb: “But men and women not understanding each other is a mighty common thing I’d say.”
Trace: “It’s a wonder they don’t do a better job of avoiding each other.”

One word description: Un-putdownable (if only real life didn’t interrupt)! I can’t say I’ve never met a book I didn’t like, nor a hero I didn’t fall in love with written by this author. Western adventure stories are her specialty!  I know I’ll find a laugh or three, strong characters, a little faith mixed in, and romance brewing. This one also had a few heart-in-my-throat scenes when danger edged a little too close for comfort, and plenty of action to keep it going. She had me wanting more; but that’s just a common thing with a Connealy tale! I’m already anticipating the next novel, it can come soon enough for me.

BACK COVER BLURB-
When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes the hand behind the attack as the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he'd finally carved out a home and started a herd--while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail, driving off dangerous men. He'd 
hoped those days were over, but the latest attack shows he was wrong.

Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace offers the only shelter for miles around, and agrees to take them in until she can safely continue. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling--yet enticing. 

Working to survive the winter and finally bring justice to the trail, Trace and Deborah find themselves drawn together--yet every day approaches the moment she'll leave forever. 



*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via Netgalley and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *


:Available in paperback, hardcover, digital e book and audiobook.
BUY The Accidental Guardian at Amazon
BUY The Accidental Guardian at Christianbook.com

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

THE MEMORY OF YOU by Catherine West, Review by Winnie Thomas




Set against the backdrop of California wine country, this stirring and heart touching story captivated me from the first page. Catherine West has a definite knack for creating realistic, flawed, hurting characters that endear themselves to the reader and embed themselves in your heart. She also is an expert at taking on hard issues and messy lives and combining them with faith, redemption, forgiveness and love to craft a story that stays with the reader long after the story ends.


I loved this story of Tanner and Natalie and how they were able to grow and work through their problems and their relationship. One of my favorite quotes from the story is, “The minute he’d laid eyes on her again a truckload of memories pulled up and parked right beside him.” Another one is, “He couldn’t afford to give away a piece of his heart when there was so little left of it in the first place.”

Catherine West has fast become one of my favorite authors.  I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy contemporary inspirational fiction.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, with no obligation to do so. All opinions are my own.

BACK COVER BLURB:
 
Thirteen years ago, Natalie lost a part of herself when her twin sister died. Will traveling back to the family winery finally put the memory to rest, or will it completely destroy her?
When Natalie Mitchell learns her beloved grandfather has had a heart attack, she’s forced to return to their family-owned winery in Sonoma, something she never intended to do. She’s avoided her grandparents’ sprawling home and all its memories since the summer her sister died—the awful summer Natalie’s nightmares began. But the winery is failing, and Natalie’s father wants her to shut it down. As the majority shareholder, she has the power to do so.

And Natalie never says no to her father.

Tanner Collins, the vintner on Maoilios, is trying to salvage a bad season and put the Mitchell family’s winery back in business. When Natalie shows up, Tanner sees his future about to be crushed. He knows Natalie intends to close the gates, and he's determined to convince her otherwise. But the Natalie he remembers from childhood is long gone, and he’s not so sure he likes the woman she’s become. Still, the haunted look she wears hints at secrets he wants to unearth. He soon discovers that on the night her sister died, the real Natalie died too. And Tanner must do whatever it takes to resurrect her.

But finding freedom from the past means facing it. For both of them.

Available in paperback, digital ebook and hardcover:
BUY The Memory of You at Amazon
BUY The Memory of You at Christianbook.com

Monday, April 23, 2018

THE CUPCAKE DILEMMA by Jennifer Rodewald, reviewed by Kim





The Cupcake Dilemma by Jennifer Rodewald is such a fun novella! I knew I was going to buy this novella,  but the always awesome Carrie (from readingismysuperpower.org,)  made me push it to the very top of my mountainous TBR pile. I’m so glad because this book is just about perfect!

It is narrated by Kirstin, our heroine, and told in first person. I loved her sense of humor, her hilarious kitchen mishaps that will have you laughing out loud, and her relationship with Ian. And speaking of Ian, what a great hero. I loved his goofiness, his patience with said kitchen antics, and his brother 😀 (would love his story some day! Jen? Maybe? Please?) And the ending - So. Good. 


I am not a re-reader per say, but this is one story I wanted to start over as soon as I finished it! I also loved catching up with Syd, Kale, and Joe from Ordinary Snowflakes (another awesome read by Jen) and now I will be searching out the other book set in this wonderful little town of Rock Creek - Reclaimed. Also, I do have a warning for you, I don’t even like cupcakes, but you will be craving them before this book is over! 

This is for sure gonna be a top 2018 read for me. 5 stars are not enough so I’m giving this one 6 stars!! And for 1.99 you cannot go wrong! 


BACK COVER BLURB:
"Adorable, laugh-out-loud read." -Author Toni Shiloh
"This story was so FUN!! I ADORED it!" -Author Mikal Dawn

My name is Kirstin Hill. I'm a simple girl trying to figure out life in a small town. There are a few things you should know about me before we begin. I grew up in the city. I'm a teacher, a first-year teacher (some of you understand that significance). And finally, when it comes to cooking, I'm a disaster. Maybe none of those things seem story worthy, but trust me—I have a story. I call it The Cupcake Dilemma, and it literally changed my life. How? I'm glad you asked.

It all started with an extra assignment delegated to me at school right before Valentine's Day... But before we get too far, let me begin by stating this clearly. I was voluntold.



*I purchased this book with no obligation to review. This review is my honest opinion.

BUY The Cupcake Dilemma at Amazon 

Sunday, April 22, 2018

THE HEART BETWEEN US by Lindsay Harrel, reviewed by Karen Klepsteen





The synopsis of The Heart Between Us makes you think that the book was going to be primarily centered around Megan's journey around the world, but at least half of the story was about her twin sister, Crystal. The dual viewpoint in the story helped me to see both sides of the girls' relationship. It was exciting to see Megan come out of her shell and learn more about herself and what she wanted out of life. In some ways I was more drawn into Crystal's story, though. I feel like I got a better glimpse of her weaknesses and her struggles than I did of Megan's. Maybe this was because the story takes place three years after Megan's heart transplant, and most of her health struggles are in the past. 




This story has so many themes: overcoming fear, moving past trauma, having or being a chronically ill family member, and correctly aligning our priorities. I feel like this story is very relatable since we all have struggles in life and have to learn how to prioritize our relationships with God and with those around us. I'd recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a light read that still has depth and true heart.

BACK COVER BLURB:
Lindsay Harrel presents a powerful story of healing, adventure, and learning how to live life to the fullest.
Megan Jacobs always wished for a different heart. Her entire childhood was spent in and out of hospitals, sitting on the sidelines while her twin sister Crystal played all the sports, got all the guys, and had all the fun. But even a heart transplant three years ago wasn’t enough to propel Megan’s life forward. She’s still working as a library aide in her small Minnesota hometown and living with her parents, dreaming of the adventure she plans to take “once she’s well enough.” 

Meanwhile, her sister is a successful architect with a handsome husband and the perfect life—or so Megan thinks.
When her heart donor’s parents give Megan their teenage daughter’s journal—complete with an unfulfilled bucket list—Megan connects with the girl she meets between the pages and is inspired to venture out and check off each item. Caleb—a friend from her years in and out of the hospital—reenters her life and pushes her to find the courage to take the leap and begin her journey. She’s thrown for a loop when Crystal offers to join her for reasons of her own, but she welcomes the company and the opportunity to mend their tenuous relationship.

As Megan and Crystal check items off the bucket list, Megan fights the fears that have been instilled in her after a lifetime of illness. She must choose between safety and adventure and learn to embrace the heart she’s been given so that she can finally share it with the people she loves most.


BUY  The Heart Between Us at Amazon
BUY The Heart Between Us at Christianbook.com

***I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and am under no obligation to post a review, nor a positive review. All opinions are my own

Saturday, April 21, 2018

MY HEART BELONGS IN SAN FRANCISO --Abby's Prospects-- by Janice Thompson, reviewed by Paula Shreckhise


This is a realistic portrayal of the rough and tumble gold rush period in 1853. There is humor as well as hope within its pages.

Abby Effingham and her family’s butler want to travel to Oregon to catch up with her mother who has a penchant for travel and adventure. Washed out roads force them to detour to San Francisco with the plans for her mother to join them there. When they arrive in San Francisco, a booming gold town, they encounter Sam Harris and his father, owners of The Gold Rush Inn and the woman who runs their dining room, Cookie. Cookie is a delightfully quirky character you grow to love quickly, not the least for her humor and her habit of quoting scripture for every situation.

The author injects much levity into this fish-out-of-water story. Her descriptions of the bustling town in its early days is that it “has grown too big for it’s britches”. The antics of the boisterous, mostly male inhabitants is contrasted by the refinement of Abby and Neville, her butler. Things get more complicated when the two are forced to seek employment due to their dwindling funds and their resolve to do something on their own.

The Gold Rush Inn is a remarkable place where you can get the best food in town, thanks to Cookie. The owners are Godfearing people who demonstrate their faith in the way they conduct their business and by the way they help people.

Will Abby reconnect with her mother or will her father come to rescue her from this harsh mining town? Will her parents reconnect?

This book offers hope and shows how God loves all of us and only wants the best for everyone.

There is an interesting footnote in the book entitled: Fun Facts About The California Gold Rush.

BACK COVER BLURB:
 Journey now to San Francisco, California, of 1853 where...
An English socialite finds more treasure than expected on her trip to the American West.

When Abby Effingham becomes stranded in the middle of the California gold rush, her money depletes quickly even while her prospects for marriage increase daily. But Abby is on a mission to find her mother—not romance. Will a ridiculous scandal keep her from traveling on, or will it wake up an aloof innkeeper to the treasure right under his roof?

Samuel Harris runs a moderately priced hotel where Abby and her family’s elderly butler find shelter. He is looking forward to when she—and her parade of suitors—move on, though he concedes to let her work in his restaurant. When the sassy socialite is in trouble, will Samuel come to her rescue or find himself alone?


* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.*

BUY My Heart Belongs in San Francisco, California at Amazon
BUY My Heart Belongs in San Francisco, California at Christianbooks.com

Friday, April 20, 2018

DEAL ALERT! My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho!

To Celebrate Mother's Day, Barbour Publishing has put My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho: Rebecca's Plight, on a fantastic sale! Just $3.25 for the paperback. What a deal!

Click here for the link!


Limited time only (just like they say on TV!)

Thursday, April 19, 2018

THEIR AMISH REUNION by Lenora Worth, Review by Trixi Oberembt


How could he expect true forgiveness from others if he didn’t have the courage to look at himself in the eye and offer forgiveness to the man he’d become?

Forgiveness is such a powerful tool to free ourselves from self-guilt and shame! It’s a lot harder to forgive ourselves when we know we’ve hurt others in the process. How do you go about reconciling those past mistakes? Jeremiah wrestles with this very thing when it comes to feeling like he’s failed his family and the woman he was to marry years ago. He sets out to prove he’s no longer that old man and strives to make up for those lost years. When all along it’s God who can work in the hearts of those he’s wronged. Finding forgiveness and open arms in the One who can truly heal hearts and lives!

Ava has her own struggles when she knows Jeremiah is back for good. Contending with the fact he left the Amish to become a Navy SEAL and how it conflicted with their faith. She must work through her own feelings to come to accept him as a changed man who relies on the Lord for His strength and his willingness to become part of the community. 




I loved that this made me feel all the emotions Ava and Jeremiah felt! There were times when my heart ached for them both and a few times I cried real tears. I could picture everything in my mind and I was so wrapped up in the story! Naturally, the faith elements were alive and well and played a huge part in the story. Faith, forgiveness, redemption, love and a couple of precious children all rolled up into a great start to an Amish series.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to review nor leave a positive review. 

Back Cover Blurb:
 
Return to Lancaster County
Love blooms in the Amish Seasons series


Widowed single mother Ava Jane Graber can’t believe her eyes. Her first love is back in Lancaster County. Years ago, Jeremiah did the unthinkable: left the Amish—and her—for the Navy SEALs. Now the prodigal hero wants redemption from his community, his family and from the woman he never forgot. For the ex-soldier, becoming Ava’s husband is his ultimate mission.


BUY Their Amish Reunion at Amazon 
BUY Their Amish Reunion at ChristianBook.com
 

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Poll!


WhiteFire Publishing has some exciting news about the launch of a new line of books for young readers. It's been in the works for awhile and it's now time to NAME the new line.

And WhiteFire is asking you, the readers, for your opinion.

Here are some things to consider about the readers and books for this new line:

  • for picture books to young adult
  • the image the name brings to mind
  • easy to say and remember

To submit your opinion, click this link  http://bit.ly/WFPkids

Thank you for supporting publishers like WhiteFire who provide clean reading material for all ages.

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

THE REGENCY BRIDES COLLECTION, by multiple authors, Recommended by Rebecca Maney

Seven delightful novellas joined by a common thread; loving and being loved during the early nineteenth century was more than complicated, but just as satisfying in the end!

from Authors Amanda Barrett, Angela Bell, Susanne Dietze, Michelle Griep, Nancy Moser,  MaryLu Tyndall and Erica Vetsch!


"And this was the woman he'd forsaken after their wedding?" - First Comes Marriage

"If you let that songbird fly away, you'll never get her back." - Masquerade Melody

"We were duped into participating in yet another matchmaking scheme." - Three Little Matchmakers

"Pretend that I am brave. Pretend that fear is strength." - The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady

"Perhaps God is answering my 'what now' question?" - When I Saw His Face

"I knew of no other way to stop you from making the gravest error of your life." - The Highwayman's Bargain

"The idea of the Marriage Mart was distasteful, but it seemed there would be no escape for him." - Jamie Ever After

BACK COVER BLURB:
Romance is a delicate dance bound by rules and expectations in Regency England...
Seven couples must navigate society’s gauntlet to secure the hand of true love....

Charity and Luke are strangers who were forced to marry three years ago.
Adelaide and Walter share a love of music and disdain for elitism.
Caroline and Henry are thrown together by three orphans.
Helen and Isaac harbor his unlikely secret.
Esther is empowered to choose between two men.
Sophia is determined not to choose a man like Nash.
Jamie and William face a daunting London season together.

Will their faith grow and love prevail in a time when both were considered luxuries the elite could not afford?


Available in paperback, hardcover and digital ebook:

 BUY The Regency Brides Collection  at Amazon
 BUY The Regency Brides Collection at Christianbook.com

  (Author), Angela Bell (Author), Susanne Dietze (Author), Michelle Griep (Author), Nancy Moser (Author), MaryLu Tyndall (Author), & 1 more

Monday, April 16, 2018

Out Now! First Love Forever Romance Collection...and a Giveaway!



A first love is never easily forgotten...
and coming face to face with that person again can be awkward when the heartstrings are still holding on to the “what ifs.”

In settings from 1865 to 1910, nine couples are thrown back on the same path by life’s changes and challenges. A neighbor returns from law school. An heiress seeks a quick marriage. A soldier’s homecoming is painful. A family needs help. A prodigal son returns. A rogue aeronaut drops from the sky. A runaway bridegroom comes home. A letter for aid is sent. A doctor needs a nurse. Can love rekindle despite the separation of time and space?

First Things First by Susanne Dietze
1877 – South Texas: Texas rancher’s daughter Georgie Bridge mourned when her first love, Ward Harper, left town to study the law, but now he’s back—as opposing counsel in a case against her father.

A Most Reluctant Bride by Cynthia Hickey
1880 – Ozark foothill ranch: Maggie Spoonmore marries her father’s former foreman, Zach Colton in order to salvage her reputation, yet struggles to believe he married her for love and not her inheritance.

Weeping Willow by Marcia Gruver
May of 1861 – Port Royal, Virginia: In Civil War Virginia, tables are turned for Willow Bates when Julian Finney, her childhood crush and steadfast defender, returns from the war a broken man in need of rescue.

His Anchor by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1894 – Mackinac Island, Michigan: Robert Swaine, a ship captain, returns to Mackinac Island where his first love, Sadie Duvall struggles to support her siblings. Will she anchor him to the island he has vowed to leave behind?

After the Ball by Martha Rogers
1910 – Dallas, Texas: Chase Thornton, a wealthy oil man yearns for the life of a cowboy and his first love, Susannah King, but can she trust him to keep his word to leave the city and stay on the ranch?

Lighter Than Air by Lorna Seilstad
1900 – St. Louis, Missouri: After Titus Knott crashes his hot air balloon behind Ella Mason’s boarding school, he must convince his former sweetheart that his words are true and not full of hot air.

In Due Season by Connie Stevens
1901 – Whitley, Kansas: Leah Brown accepts her role of town spinster until Gareth Shepherd unexpectedly steps back into her life. Now she’s faced with a choice. Can she forgive the man who jilted her?

Heartfelt Echoes by Jennifer Uhlarik
1875—Virginia City, Nevada: A short, urgent letter mentioning his childhood love, Millie Gordon, forces deaf Travis McCaffrey to turn to his estranged birth father for help rescuing the woman he can’t forget.

Prescription for Love by Erica Vestch
1905 – New Orleans: Erstwhile fiancée Natalie Morrison is the last person Dr. Mackenzie wants as his new nurse, but when an epidemic hits, Phin finds she’s come back into his life at the perfect time.

***

The authors are celebrating the book's release! There are oodles of prizes, more than pictured here. Just enter the easy-peasy Rafflecopter form! Thanks for helping us celebrate!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, April 15, 2018

LOVE, LACE and MINOR ALTERATIONS by V. Joy Palmer, reviewed by Kim


Fun! That is the first word that comes to mind after reading Love, Lace, and minor alterations by V. Joy Palmer. Most of the book is told in first person by Izze, our main character, but occasionally we get to hear  Miles' point of view too. I really like how Joy did this because, while I do enjoy first person, sometimes I miss getting a glimpse into what the other character is thinking and feeling. Izze has such a great sense of humor (Yes, that was me laughing out loud in the waiting room at the doctors office, but I’m sure those snorts were from someone else!) Izze is very real and quirky and was so refreshing to read! 







In addition to the humor, both Izze and Miles had to learn to trust God in everything. Jeremiah 29:11 was really the theme of the book. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  What a great reminder. I think we all need to remember this verse. 



What a great debut novel! I am hoping there will be future books about Joy’s roommates too!

4.5 stars!
*I won this book with no obligation to review or give a positive review. This is my own opinion.

BACK COVER BLURB:
Isabel “Izze” Vez, bridal consultant extraordinaire, has been helping brides find The Dress for years. She loves nothing more than helping make wedding dreams come true…but sometimes the happy endings grate on her. How many times can a girl discover someone else’s gown without dreaming of the day it’ll be her turn to wear one?

When James Miles Clayton walks into her life, he represents everything Izze can’t handle: change. He’s determined to bring the Ever After Bridal Boutique into the black…and to prove to Izze that she should give him a chance.

But if there’s anything Izze handles worse than change, it’s trust. She may have a few issues—fine, she knows she does. But will they keep getting in the way of any chance of her own Happily Ever After? She wants to trust God to give her those dreams of love and lace, but that’s going to require some…minor alterations.

Available in both digital ebook and paperback




Saturday, April 14, 2018

A NAME UNKNOWN and A SONG UNHEARD by Roseanna M. White, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas



 
A Name Unknown  by Roseanna M. White

Having read some of Roseanna M. White’s previous novels, I knew I was in for a treat with A Name Unknown. The cover is absolutely beautiful, and the premise was so fascinating. I loved the setting in Cornwall and London directly before the beginning of WWI. White’s descriptions and attention to detail are superb, showing obvious extensive research.

The main characters, a stuttering novelist named Peter Holstein, and a talented thief named Rosemary Gresham, seem unlikely associates, but they are so vividly drawn and endearing that I was totally captivated by them and their story. The messages of redemption, forgiveness, and faith woven throughout the book added further dimension to it.

Roseanna M. White’s talent for crafting a unique, memorable story makes her a favorite author of mine. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy clean, historical romantic fiction. 

BACK COVER BLURB:
Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins that helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they concentrate on stealing high-value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. But when Rosemary must determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany, she is in for the challenge of a lifetime. How does one steal a family's history, their very name?

Peter Holstein, given his family's German blood, writes his popular series of adventure novels under a pen name. With European politics boiling and his own neighbors suspicious of him, Peter debates whether it might be best to change his name for good. When Rosemary shows up at his door pretending to be a historian and offering to help him trace his family history, his question might be answered.

But as the two work together and Rosemary sees his gracious reaction to his neighbors' scornful attacks, she wonders if her assignment is going down the wrong path. Is it too late to help him prove that he's more than his name?

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to review or post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

A Name Unknown is available in paperback, digital ebook and Audibook
BUY A Name Unknown at Amazon

 
A Song Unheard  by Roseanna M. White

I absolutely adored the first book in this series, A Name Unknown, so I was anxiously awaiting the release of A Song Unheard. I definitely was not disappointed. The gorgeous cover and the description of the book completely captivated me. Roseanna M. White has an amazing talent for infusing her books with authentic historical details while spinning a delightfully fascinating fictional tale. Her expertise in creating memorable, engaging characters and placing them in unique settings and situations has put her books on my “must-read” list.

Willa and Lukas, the main characters in this book, intrigued me from the start, and the complex plot made it difficult for me to put the book down until the final page. The secondary characters were also expertly drawn. With intrigue, suspense, romance, music, and a healthy dose of humor, this story makes for a deeply absorbing read. I enjoyed the threads of redemption, faith, and grace seamlessly woven throughout the book. I would recommend this book to those who like historical fiction.

BACK COVER BLURB:
Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I--to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.

Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he's won--until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father's work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.

But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn't--that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.


Available in paperback, digital ebook and audiobook:
BUY A Song Unheard at Amazon
BUY A Song Unheard at Christianbook.com


I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Friday, April 13, 2018

THE SEA BEFORE US by Sarah Sundin, reviewed by Karen Klepsteen



This newest series by Sarah Sundin is probably the heaviest one she's written so far, and I mean that in an entirely good way! The Sea Before Us has a prologue that explains the reason for the Paxton brothers' estrangement. While Sarah's not afraid to tackle serious subjects, it's such a serious way to start the story, but it's important. Because of this, we get to see Wyatt Paxton's growth over the years as he joins the U.S. Navy and tries to do his part to mend the rift in his family.

When introduced in the story, Dorothy Fairfax has also come a long way in her young life. Having survived the London Blitz but not without tragedy, Dorothy and her father are trying to survive, each in their own ways. As Dorothy and Wyatt come to know one another and grow closer together, it's both sweet and frustrating to see how they learn to let go, forgive, heal, and accept God's plan for their lives. Set against the backdrop of England in the days leading up to D-Day, the story is set up beautifully in its themes of forgiveness and timing.



There are some interesting plot twists that kept me on my toes, and I'm anxious to see how the Paxton family grows throughout the Sunrise at Normandy series!

BACK COVER BLURB:
In 1944, American naval officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton arrives in London to prepare for the Allied invasion of France. He works closely with Dorothy Fairfax, a ÒWrenÓ in the Women's Royal Naval Service. Dorothy pieces together reconnaissance photographs with thousands of holiday snapshots of France--including those of her own family's summer home--in order to create accurate maps of Normandy. Maps that Wyatt will turn into naval bombardment plans.

As the two spend concentrated time together in the pressure cooker of war, their deepening friendship threatens to turn to love. Dorothy must resist its pull. Her bereaved father depends on her, and her heart already belongs to another man. Wyatt too has much to lose. The closer he gets to Dorothy, the more he fears his efforts to win the war will destroy everything she has ever loved.

The tense days leading up to the monumental D-Day landing blaze to life under Sarah Sundin's practiced pen with this powerful new series.


Available in paperback, ebook digital, hardcover and audiobook!

 

***I received a copy of this book from NetGalley with no obligations to review or give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Thursday, April 12, 2018

A LIGHT ON THE HILL by Connilyn Cossette, Review by Winnie Thomas







I haven’t read much Biblical fiction, but I’d heard so many good things about Connilyn Cossette’s books that I decided to give them a try. I was overwhelmed with the emotions I felt while reading A Light on the Hill. The author is a master at bringing Biblical fiction to life. 


From the descriptions of the settings to the realistic and vividly drawn characters and suspenseful situations, she crafts a tale that is riveting and memorable. The emotionally-charged, multi-layered storyline kept me turning pages far into the night. Cossette’s perfect pitch author voice gave the story authenticity, and her obviously deep research into her subject matter whetted my appetite to learn more about this time period. I’m looking forward to more books in her City of Refuge series.
A Light on the Hill is filled with suspense, intrigue, danger, and romance, with threads of mercy, hope, and faith seamlessly woven in to make this an unforgettable story.

BACK COVER BLURB:
 
Seven years ago, Moriyah was taken captive in Jericho and branded with the mark of the Canaanite gods. Now the Israelites are experiencing peace in their new land, but Moriyah has yet to find her own peace. Because of the shameful mark on her face, she hides behind her veil at all times and the disdain of the townspeople keeps her from socializing. And marriage prospects were out of the question . . . until now.

Her father has found someone to marry her, and she hopes to use her love of cooking to impress the man and his motherless sons. But when things go horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to flee. Seeking safety at one of the newly-established Levitical cities of refuge, she is wildly unprepared for the dangers she will face, and the enemies--and unexpected allies--she will encounter on her way.


 BUY  A Light on the Hill on Amazon.com
 BUY A Light on the Hill on Christianbook.com

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/Bethany House with no obligations to reveiw or give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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