CROSSED LINES by Jennifer Delamere, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas

I always enjoy Jennifer Delamere’s books, so I was excited to read Crossed Lines, the second book in her Love Along the Wires series. With a setting in London in 1881 and a cast of colorful, realistic, and endearing characters, this book brought to life the world of the telegraph office. I enjoyed learning more about this little slice of history while enjoying a charming romance.

“God has a way of know our needs and providing for them, even before we know what they are. You must trust in His timing.”

Emma Sutton is a cheerful, likeable telegraph operator who is longing for marriage and her own home. Mitchell is an engaging, hard-working, and enamored of Emma. When his friend Christopher falls for Emma, also, he agrees to help Christopher. I enjoyed seeing how this love triangle played out. The author has penned a delightful, well-written story, and I’m excited to see what she has in store for Rose in the next book of the series.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House. All opinions are my own.

See Paula's Review!

BackCover Blurb:
When romance finally blossoms in her life, will it grow in the right direction?

Emma Sutton knows she should be satisfied with her life. She has a position at London's Central Telegraph Office, and behind her rented rooms is a small plot where she can indulge her passion for gardening. But ever since she was orphaned as a child, she has longed for a family of her own and the stability and consistency it provides. Her deepest wish appears realized when a handsome engineer is thrown into her orbit and sends her a thrilling love note.

Mitchell Harris's sharp wit and facility with a pen have enabled him to thrive despite serious obstacles. That the woman of his dreams works just two floors above his should make life perfect. But a childhood accident has left Mitchell convinced he'll never draw a woman's affection, especially from someone like Emma. When his best friend--who once saved his life--falls in love with Emma too and asks for help writing her love letters, Mitchell must choose between desire and loyalty. 

Bethany House Publishers, August, 2021

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy Crossed Lines at Amazon

Buy Crossed Lines at Christianbook.com

Buy Crossed Lines at Baker Book House

SARAH'S CHOICE by Pegg Thomas, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

"If life was a choice . . . . . . ."

There were many days when Sarah Feight wondered why she had survived. Having experienced unspeakable horrors, she was haunted by the memory of losing her beloved husband and extended family in the dead of one night, crushing her idyllic life on Pennsylvania's wild frontier. Sarah's future could have been forever marred, but for the one who had rescued; a freighter named Leith McCully who arrived on the grisly scene, gently prying Sarah's hands away from her husband's lifeless body before carrying Sarah to the relative safety of Fort Pitt. If only that had been the whole of her story.

"If he was reading her right, she was choosing whether or not she wanted to live. What could he say to persuade her?"

Sarah Feight was exactly the kind of woman the frontier needed if she could overcome her debilitating sorrow. Leith McCully would be blind not to notice all of her outward attributes, but it was her strength of character that was even more attractive. Little by little it appeared that the young widow was beginning to trust him, but would it be enough? "The least he could do was to see after (her) welfare . . . he wasn't going to fail her".

This story embodies the essence of love and loss on the American frontier. Filled with real and imaginary characters. its pages boldly declare a tale of admirable tenacity in the face of a rapidly changing American landscape. Sarah faces many, many challenges and a myriad of choices; some of her decisions seem questionable but understandable. Others are nothing short of courageous. Enjoy this peek back in time, when nothing or no one but God himself stayed the same.

"She hadn't imagined anything good rising from the ashes of such a tragedy. How very wrong she'd been."
*3.5 stars. I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a review.

BackCover Blurb:
Sarah Feight has her life planned with a loving husband, a promising new settlement, and big dreams to shape the future of trade on Pennsylvania’s frontier. An Indian attack at dawn changes everything.

When he pulls his freight wagons into Fort Pitt, Leith McCully never dreams he’ll be conscripted into the militia and ordered to defend the fort. Worried about trader friends on his delivery route, he rides to their settlement and returns with Sarah, the only survivor.

Fort Pitt is crowded to twice its capacity with the settlers who have taken refuge there and surrounded by the rising smoke of burned-out settlements. Tempers flare, disease breaks out, and the constant fear of the next attack has everyone on edge.

Cully keeps an eye on Sarah because he feels responsible for her. And, though he doesn’t admit as much, she tugs at his heart. Sarah sees Cully as the last link to her past. A friend of her husband’s family. She’s going to need someone she can trust, and she trusts Cully. Her rescuer.

Are trust and admiration enough to help them survive the siege and its devastating consequences? Is there any hope for a future beyond?

 

August 2021-Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

 

WHEN THE PILOT FALLS by April Hayman, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

Book three in the Ever After Mysteries.

Travel back to the days of bi-wing planes and stunt shows in this intriguing tale of hidden pasts and thwarted love. Set during prohibition, this story has the glamour of Hollywood stunt flying and a criminal family feud.

The heroine, Willie, is a female stunt pilot with tenacity who will not let obstacles like crashing her plane get in her way. The hero, Hugh, is a man of conviction and stands by his word.

This was an engaging, exciting story and took us into the world of a mobster kingpin and his manipulative daughter. A nice, quick read with a solid faith thread and justice prevailing.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
4 stars and. a solid faith thread. 

BackCover Blurb:
In 1923, there aren’t many pilots, but Willie Labeau didn’t let that stop… her.

A bear of a man, Hugh Taylor, needs a stunt plane pilot, and despite their rocky introduction, Willie sets off for golden California and a new life as his pilot. There’s just one little thing she has to do in addition to flying.

Leave his past alone. Period.

When the flame of her own curiosity becomes fanned by encouragement from Willie’s sister, the feisty pilot can’t help but do just a little investigating.

And Hugh vanishes.

Friends rally around her, and with all the information she can find in hand, Willie sets off to rescue Hugh and battle the evil family holding him hostage.

A fierce air race, a sincere act of humility—are they enough to free Hugh and give Willie a chance to be with him… forever?Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. When the Pilot Falls offers a retelling of “East of the Sun, West of the Moon” that will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat as you watch hearts soar and daring dos. 

Celebrate Lit Publishing, September 2021

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

UNDER THE TEXAS MISTLETOE: A Trio of Christmas Historical Romance Novellas by Karen Witemeyer, Reviewed by Trixi, Paula, and Winnie

TRIXI'S REVIEW:
I love novella story collections, and Witemeyer is one of many favorite authors. To have three stories in one book by her is like getting an early Christmas present! You'll also find some bonus material which includes a couple of her favorite recipes, fun facts about nineteenth-century Christmas celebrations and a hope-filled Christmas devotion. So without further ado, here's my review on each novella:

A Texas Christmas Carol
I loved this fun take on one of my favorite Christmas movies “A Christmas Carol”! Instead of Ebenezer, our hero is a Scrooge-like bachelor named Evan Beazer, and our heroine is Felicity Wiggins. She decides to take on the mission of enlisting Evan's monetary and physical help to distribute Christmas baskets and bring him Christmas cheer (in spite of his grumpiness). It's fun to watch her break down the walls he's built, and touch his hidden tender heart! Witemeyer references the biblical story of the persistent widow when it comes to the tenacity Felicity shows. It also has a deeper meaning to the story that I think readers will enjoy, the real reason behind Christmas. The epilogue was my favorite, and very heartwarming. I found this to be a tender love story and a fun take on a favorite Christmas tale.

An Archer Family Christmas
I've read every one of the Archer brother stories, so to see them all come together for a Christmas celebration was purely delightful! Watching the children's excitement along with the adults definitely got me in an early Christmas mood. There's a bit of danger to add a little spice to this story, but I love how Jim Archer plays the hero to save his wife. The ending was sweet and brought some tears to my eyes. If you've read the Archer Brothers stories, (if not, you should!), you'll love this extra addition!

Gift of the Heart
Since my favorite Biblical story is Ruth and Naomi, this held a special place in my heart. I really enjoyed the nod to scripture. Widow Ruth Fulbright and her daughter Naomi relocate to Hope Springs, Texas two years after her husband’s death. Taking the job as a cook at the Homespun Cafe, she hopes to start a better life for her and her daughter. In the meantime, she meets her landlord, Beauregard Azlin—or Bo for short. Thus begins their happily-ever-after story, and while this may sound too perfect, it has a few rocky places they both must navigate. Ruth is good for Bo in boosting his self-confidence and in return, Bo is good for Ruth in resurrecting feelings she thought buried with her husband. Naomi is the glue that binds them together! I love her spunky spirit, her childlike view of the world and her compassion for one stray cat lovingly nicknamed Teddy. Talking about the tabby, he contributes his own quirkiness and personality to the mix. A mish-mash family whose love story is hard earned and has a satisfying end. Witemeyer inserts her trademark humor that had me laughing out loud in quite a few spots and her characters are ones I would have enjoyed meeting. Too bad it's not real because I could make a life in Hope Springs myself! A delightful story with a Biblical twist.
* I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House on behalf of the author and was not obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Delightful trio of stories with great bonuses: a Baby Jesus devotional, a nice summary of traditions and two sweet recipes.

A Texas Christmas Carol:
Clever Texas Twist on an old favorite. Great play on names. Evan has a heart that has turned hard and cynical but Felicity is determined to thaw it. Watch as a beautiful transformation takes place, and for the true meaning of Christmas to shine through.

An Archer Family Christmas:
A family Christmas gathering turns into a fight for the life of a newborn and hope for Cass and Jim Archer. The author once again brings faith and family together and shows the Archer clan can pose a formidable united front.

Gift of the Heart:
Reminiscent of the story of Ruth and Boaz. Widow Ruth with her small daughter, Naomi, starts a new life in a resort town as a cook. The only thing of value she has is an heirloom brooch that she uses for collateral. Resort owner Bo keeps it for her in exchange for rent on a cottage. Ms. Witemeyer spins a beautiful Christmas time story of new beginnings with wit and romance.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread.

WINNIE'S REVIEW:

Under the Texas Mistletoe is a collection of novellas guaranteed to get you in the Christmas mood and delight your heart. Karen Witemeyer’s historical romance stories are always well-written and populated with colorful, endearing characters that the reader can relate to and grow to love. All three of the stories in this book are charming. While my favorite is Gift of the Heart, I also enjoyed the other two, A Texas Christmas Carol and An Archer Family Christmas. Sprinkled through the book are additional Christmas goodies—recipes, a devotion, and some fun Christmas facts.

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy clean, wholesome, uplifting historical romances.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author and Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:
Three Charming and Festive Holiday Novellas Spiced with Humor, Frontier Action, and Sweet Romance

In this 3-in-1 novella collection, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer presents the new story "A Texas Christmas Carol," in which a town's wealthy, Scrooge-like bachelor finds his world invaded by a woman set on earning his donation for helping the local poor, and by the penetrating questions of three mysterious visitors.

It also includes, for the first time in print, "An Archer Family Christmas." When the Archer clan gathers for the Christmas holiday, an unexpected request for help leaves Cassandra Archer directly in the path of a dangerous outlaw. Desperate to protect the woman he loves, Jim Archer races to the rescue, only to find that Cassie's life is not the only one in peril. It will take a Christmas miracle--and the entire Archer clan--to keep a second Archer Christmas from ending in disaster.

In previously published "Gift of the Heart," a widow and her young daughter move to Hope Springs for a fresh start. But with no money to secure a home, Ruth must convince a wealthy resort owner to accept her heirloom brooch as collateral. Will the pin that brought love to three generations soften the heart of a wounded recluse and give Ruth a second chance at love as the holidays draw near?

Sprinkled throughout the collection, you'll find a hope-filled Christmas devotion, Witemeyer holiday recipes, and fun facts about nineteenth-century Christmas celebrations!

Bethany House Publishing, August, 2021

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy Under the Texas Mistletoe at Amazon

Buy Under the Texas Mistletoe at Christianbook.com

Buy Under the Texas Mistletoe at Baker Book House