Thursday, April 29, 2021

Review: Present Danger by Elizabeth Goddard

 

About:

Hidden crimes. Open threats. Long-buried secrets.
They'll be fighting for the truth--and their lives.

Former FBI Special Agent Jack Tanner is working as a detective in Montana when he comes across a body in the national forest during a search and rescue mission. He's committed to finding the killer, even if it means working alongside his old flame, US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors.

When Terra discovers that the murder victim had ties to a powerful and dangerous trafficker of archaeological artifacts, the investigation takes a deadly turn--one that hits too close to home. As Terra fears she lacks the courage to face what comes next, Jack is more determined than ever to protect her. But he's failed her before.

If he fails this time, it will cost them far more than just their hearts.


My Thoughts:

There is an ominous presence of danger in this story that introduces us to Agent Terra Connors and Agent Jack Tanner. Starting with a plane crash that pretty much picks up the pace for this entire book and it could be relentless and hard to put down at times.

So there is a murderer on the loose and the mystery as to who and why and what is not easily answered. I certainly could not guess, correctly anyway. Not only is the danger very real, but Jack and Terra have a romantic past that did not work out and their lives after took some very different turns. Now they are both working on this case and it can be difficult to hide your feelings and hurt.

The secondary characters were very interesting as well, and I know that some of them will be the main characters in the continuation of the series. I like getting to know them a little bit and the history they have. 

I found the mountain setting and the way the different authorities worked together and depended on one another fascinating. I liked seeing the teamwork that can help save so many lives.

This was a good action packed beginning to a new series that I look forward to continuing.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:


Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty novels, including Present Danger and the Uncommon Justice series. Her books have sold over one million copies. She is a Carol Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award finalist. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at www.ElizabethGoddard.com.

Monday, April 26, 2021

Review: All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese

 

About:

Molly McKenzie's bright personality and on-trend fashion and beauty advice have made her a major social media influencer. When her manager-turned-boyfriend tells her of an upcoming audition to host a makeover show for America's underprivileged youth, all her dreams finally seem to be coming true. There's just one catch: she has little experience interacting with people in need.

To gain an edge on her competitors, she plans to volunteer for the summer at a transitional program for aged-out foster kids, but the program's director, Silas Whittaker, doesn't find her as charming as her followers do. Despite his ridiculous rules and terms, Molly dives into mentoring, surprising herself with the genuine connections and concern she quickly develops for the girls--and Silas. But just as everything seems perfectly aligned for her professional future, it starts to crumble under the pressure. And as her once-narrow focus opens to the deep needs of those she's come to know, she must face the ones she's neglected inside herself for so long.

My Thoughts:

I adored this book. This was quite a layered story to unwrap and I enjoyed every moment of it. It also touched my heart in ways I was not expecting.

Molly is a guru in makeup and fashion. She is a twin and loves her brother very much but they see life very differently. He is a pastor and she is a social media personality. Their relationship is poignant and close and I liked how they stuck with each other. I wish Molly's parents were a little more in her life, but I have met people like them before so they were cast in a realistic light.

Silas comes from a completely different background, but he was adopted into a strong and compassionate family that helped develop him into the man he is today. Silas's mission in life, his ministry, was a unique and very needed one. I do not know if there is such homes where I live, but it is a great idea.

When Silas and Molly met I knew their relationship was going to be really fun to watch. I was not disappointed. Silas and all of his proper ways compared to the ever exuberant and dreams big Molly- had me on the edge of my seat for them to get together. The fireworks from the beginning, to the friendship that led to a slow burn romance. Their banter when they were unsure of one another and when they began to fall in love was very witty and the nickname Molly had for Silas was spectacular.

When the story gets to the point, of all that really matters, the aha moment for Molly and Silas was priceless. I consider this a very relevant book for today in all of the social media madness that exists. I highly recommend this story.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Nicole Deese's (www.nicoledeese.com) eight humorous, heartfelt, and hope-filled novels include the 2017 Carol Award-winning A Season to Love. Her 2018 release, A New Shade of Summer, was a finalist in the RITA Awards, Carol Awards, and INSPY Awards. Both of these books are from her bestselling Love in Lenox series. When she's not working on her next contemporary romance, she can usually be found reading one by a window overlooking the inspiring beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She lives in small-town Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two rambunctious sons, and princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Review and Giveaway: A Marriage of Inconvenience by Amy Vastine

 


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

A Marriage of Inconvenience
(Stop the Wedding! #3)
By Amy Vastine
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 213 Pages
April 1, 2021 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She’s met the perfect man…
But he’s engaged!

Wedding planner Sophia Reed never imagined she’d meet her perfect man during a bank robbery. Evan Anderson is handsome and funny and makes Sophia believe in love at first sight. There’s only one small hitch—he’s engaged to someone else, and Sophia is planning his wedding! But Evan’s wedding is purely a business arrangement…and true love might just turn this almost-perfect wedding into a beautiful catastrophe!

My Thoughts:

I always enjoy marriage of convenience stories, both historical and contemporary. This one is slightly different. It is a marriage of convenience between two good friends that will benefit both for awhile. And while there is no passion or true love, they are friends and they really didn't see any way out of their very complicated family and business matters.

But in the very first chapter, in quite an unconventional and terrifying way, Evan meets the love of his life, Sophia. Sophia also has some pretty strong electrifying feelings for Evan, that is until the truth of who he is totally crushes her.

How can Sophia, a wedding planner, plan the wedding of her career when she is in love with the groom? This makes for a heartbreaking dilemma with interesting conversations and actions. On top of that, there is a slight danger thread running through this novel as well. 

Both Evan and Sophia were characters I really rooted for. Evan was just really a great guy, a little misguided by nobleness at times, but he was one that Sophia knew was a treasure. She had very mixed feelings and I felt for her. And she was confused at the care and respect Evan had for everyone, including her, that she just couldn't hate him. What was going on? Many secrets needed unraveled.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

USA TODAY Bestselling Author

Stop the Wedding!

Book 1: A Bridesmaid to Remember
Book 2: His Brother’s Bride
Book 3: A Marriage of Inconvenience

(Affiliate links included.)

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

About the Author


Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read. Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart husband, three teenagers who keep her on her toes, and their two sweet but mischievous pups.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive (US only):
- $25 Amazon gift card
- “I love you to the bookstore and back” book bag filled with several of my favorite Heartwarming books
- Blackwell Sisters cleaning cloth
- Bookmark

Three additional winners will receive an ebook of the first book in the Stop the Wedding Series, A Bridesmaid to Remember (open internationally)

Ends April 28, 2021

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Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Review: Stalling for Time by Christy Hayes

 

About:

Formerly published in 2013 under the title “A Kiss by Design,” this book has been extensively revised from the original. 

What’s a girl to do when her best friend is making a huge mistake? College sophomore Emily Dilbert has been best friends with Dylan Chamberlain since the second grade. When she finds an engagement ring in Dylan’s backpack, she panics and vows to do whatever it takes to stop him from marrying a girl he barely knows. 

Dylan Chamberlain has been in love with his brother’s girlfriend, Emily, since they were kids. When his brother asks for help planning a surprise proposal, Dylan knows it’s time to bury his feelings and finally let Emily go. If only his heart would cooperate. 

After her roommates fail to lure Dylan away from his girlfriend, Emily is forced to confront him directly. When she accidentally puts them in a compromising position, will Dylan reveal his long-buried feelings, or will Emily realize she’s dating the wrong brother?


My Thoughts:

Sometimes the love of your life has been with you the whole time, you just never noticed. That is exactly what happens to Emily when she discovers an engagement ring in her best friend's Dylan's backpack. How has he gotten so serious over his new girlfriend already, and why should she care so much since she is dating his older brother Zach?

But Emily's feelings have changed for Zach in a big way. She is beginning to see that their relationship is one sided, and she doesn't see herself happy with him anymore. And this nonsense with the ring and Dylan is eating her alive. She concocts a series of plans that in a comedy of errors backfire on her. Meanwhile Dylan has been in love with Emily forever, and that ring is certainly not what she thinks it is. And he is also tortured over all of this.

This is a new adult story that is pretty clean though I would definitely rate it on the PG13 scale as the tension between them sizzles. I really enjoyed this friends to lovers story. This is the second book that I have read in this series and I have been enjoying this group of roommates and their journey through college and life.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Monday, April 19, 2021

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Texas Trails by Caryl McAdoo

 



About the Book


Book: Texas Trails

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: March 6, 2021

The steps of a righteous man are guided by the Lord.

Rife with adventure, this rights-of-passage story comes to life as Enoch Lowell and his best friend Gus strike out to Kansas with their herd of beeves, hoping to earn a profit and cut the apron strings. What they find on the prairie changes their lives forever. Promises made, promises kept, but nowhere is it written there can’t be a happy ending for all. A true Texas trail tale to warm your heart!   

 

Click here to get your copy!


My Thoughts:

Mothers and sons, sons and mothers, a beautiful but at times a bittersweet relationship. Especially as the sons grown to be young men. That transition can prove rife with aggravation, worry, and sometimes bad feelings. Author McAdoo touches on this topic with two mothers and their sons, and the women their sons love. What a conundrum.

This story touched my heart and the author really wrote her heart out in this one. She gives us the perfect balance in showing the mothers and the sons point of views. The mothers having a hard time letting go and the sons wanting to move on, yet still honor their parents. And of course the young ladies who want to begin their lives, but must remember they may have sons one day who will grow up as well.

This topic is near and dear to me right now and it was a story that while I read it for review, helped me in my personal walk. To know that this is normal and that I am not alone. I enjoyed this continuing family story and the adventures of the cattle run these young people had. A great western.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own. 

About the Author


Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling stories—over fifty-five published—delight Christian readers around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her; you may listen at YouTube. Sharing four children and nineteen grandsugars (three greats), Caryl and Ron (her high-school-sweetheart-husband of over fifty years) live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas. The McAdoos wait expectantly for God to open the next door.

 

More from Caryl

Get along little doggie!

TEXAS TRAILS is the sixth novel in the Cross Timbers Family Saga series. I’d never written much about being on a cattle drive and thought it would be great fun. Back in the Texas Romance Family Saga series, Charley Nightingale made several trips to Kansas with a herd and took his son Nathaniel, but I skipped over the actual drive part.

Readers first met co-hero Enoch Lowell in QUINCY & PRISCILLA then got to know him better in DUPLICITY At The Lowell House when his best friend Gus Hale (TEXAS TRAIL’s other co-hero) is introduced. Both those stories are set in 1866. For TEXAS TRAILS, it’s three years later, and Enoch is ready to declare himself a man and start earning his own way. Driving a bunch of cows up to Kansas sounds like the ticket to cut his mother’s apron strings and earn some dollars in the process.

The son of Morgan and Charity O’Neal Lowell (LEAVING TEXAS, book four) and grandson of Liberty O’Neal Harrell (GONE TO TEXAS, book one) talks Gus into going with him, and as partners, they start building a herd. All the while, Charity is pitching a fit as her plan for her firstborn includes Harvard University.

One thing I loved about this story is that Morgan sets it up—behind the scenes of course—for trusted men to take in his son and Gus on their trail drive. Enters the infamous Texas Ranger Levi Baylor (Texas Romance Family Saga book two HEARTS STOLEN) and the boy he reared as his own (grown now), Charley Nightingale!

I already love those two men from my earlier Texas Romance Family Saga series—just as my readers do—and totally relished their appearance in this story! Revisiting old beloved friends brings great joy to this author, in real life and my fictitious world!! I adore crossing these characters over the two series!

So many things are apt to happen out on the prairie that cowboys never expect. There are rivers to cross and the natives to deal with, some who pose real danger to life and limbs! Cows birth calves, storms descend, and herds stampede, but that’s not all that can make a cowboy’s days rough. Enoch’s and Gus’s lives are definitely changed forever on the out there on the trail.

I’m thinking if I were a younger woman, I would totally enjoy going along on their cattle drive! How about you?

Blog Stops

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 7

Simple Harvest Reads, April 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Lakesidelivingsite, April 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 9

Connie’s History Classroom, April 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 11

deb’s Book Review, April 12

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 13

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 14

For Him and My Family, April 15

Texas Book-aholic, April 16

Inklings and notions, April 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 18

Splashes of Joy, April 19

Pause for Tales, April 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 20

 

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10a4b/texas-trails-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, April 12, 2021

Review: The Witness Tree by Denise Weimer

 

About:

To gain his wife, he must break her heart.

Past betrayal has turned John Kliest’s passion to his work as a builder and surveyor in the Moravian town of Salem, North Carolina. Now, to satisfy the elders’ edict and fulfill his mission in Cherokee Territory, he needs a bride. But the one woman qualified to record the Cherokee language longs for a future with his younger brother.

Clarissa Vogler’s dream of a life with Daniel Kliest is shattered when she is chosen by lot to marry his older brother and venture into the uncharted frontier. Can she learn to love this stoic man who is now her husband? Her survival hinges on being able to trust him—but they both harbor secrets.

My Thoughts:

This story was better than I expected. I read it within a day as I was so drawn into the the life of newlyweds Clarissa and John, their Moravian lifestyle, and their mission to the Cherokee Tribes. The cultures of the Moravians and the Cherokee could not have been more different and I liked how the author fleshed out the historical part.

Now the romance was something else as well. Clarissa wanted to marry Daniel, John's younger brother. However, John wanted to marry Clarissa and he needed a wife to go help with the mission. The elders agreed. Clarissa is not happy, though she is quite drawn to John and his dangerous vibe he gives off. These two have much to overcome, to become acquainted with one another, and to try to have a strong marriage. But as they are buffeted by many outside forces they both realize gifts they never had and a love that is worth sacrificing everything for.

This is a favorite for this year and definitely a reread. If you like authors like Laura Frantz and Lori Benton, then let author Denise Weimer take you on her wilderness adventure.

I purchased this book for my own reading pleasure. All views and opinions are my own.

Review: Sisters Ever After by Erin Stevenson

 

About:

Gianna Harper is living on borrowed time. Newly widowed, she’s struggling to hold things together at home and keep her business afloat while dealing with her late husband’s effects. But something’s not right, and now Gianna is convinced that he was involved in something a lot more sinister than shady business dealings.

Brock Hennessey fled California to make a fresh start in northwestern Montana. He hopes he’s put enough miles between him and danger, banking on a promised job to give his family a new start in a safe place.

Circumstances pit Gianna and Brock against one another, and neither one is willing to give an inch. As their professional dealings grow more acrimonious, their daughters become best friends and suddenly, the four of them are thrown into situations that have them acting, looking, and sounding like a real family.

Set against the stunning backdrop of northwestern Montana, Sisters Ever After is the first book in the Canadian Meadows series.

My Thoughts:

This cover is absolutely fantastic for the setting of this story and I think helps set up the story.

We are introduced to two people who have come from very difficult and uniquely challenging circumstances. Gianna is a recent widow whose husband, Greg, appears to have committed suicide. However, she is fighting to have that looked into as all of his finances and business dealings are tied up with the insurance company and there is no easy way to access them. Gianna is left holding the bag on his rentals and their upkeep as she is also trying to stay afloat with her salon. Not only trying to make ends meet, dealing with her grief, she also has a little girl, Paisley. 

Brock is on the run and going into hiding with his little girl, Piper, to keep her safe from her mother and his ex-wife. He has accepted a job from Greg, not knowing yet he has died. When Brock and Gianna first meet, it is filled with instant dislike and suspicion. They come to find out that they both need each other to help one another to get over these life hurdles and the new ones that are certainly coming their way.

I really enjoyed this story and it puts me in the mind of author Melissa Tagg and her books. I liked the setting and the similarities between Brock and Gianna and their little girls who when they meet become fast friends and hope to be family. Piper and Paisley were cute little girls who both have been through much and that gave them a little bit more maturity. Brock's back story is tragic and it made me very sad as it seems all too common. Gianna had her own past to deal with especially when it came to coming to terms with her past indiscretions and her relationship with her late husband. And the atmosphere of Montana was breathtaking.

I looked forward to more in this series from new to me author Stevenson.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Thursday, April 8, 2021

Review and Giveaway: The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch

 


About:

Can Captain Wyvern keep his new marriage of convenience all business--or will it turn into something more?

Captain Charles Wyvern owes a great debt to the man who saved his life--especially since Major Richardson lost his own life in the process. The best way to honor that hero's dying wish is for Wyvern to escort the man's grieving fiancé and mother safely to a new cottage home by the sea. But along the way, he learns of another obligation that has fallen on his shoulders: his uncle has died and the captain is now the Earl of Rothwell.

When he and the ladies arrive at his new manor house in Devon, they discover an estate in need of a leader and a gaggle of girls, all wards of the former earl. War the new earl knows; young ladies and properties he does not. Still wishing to provide for the bereaved Lady Sophia Haverly, Charles proposes a marriage of convenience.

Sophie is surprised to find she isn't opposed to the idea. It will help her care for her betrothed's elderly mother, and she's already fallen in love with the wayward girls on the Rothwell estate. This alliance is a chance to repay the captain who has done so much for her care, as well as divert her attention from her grief. When Wyvern returns to his sea commission, she'll stay behind to oversee his property and wards.

It sounds so simple. Until the stalwart captain is arrested on suspicion of smuggling, and Sophie realizes how much he's come to mean to her. Now she'll have to learn to fight, not only for his freedom but also for his love.

Click here to read an excerpt.

My Thoughts:

So much to say about this story and the major one was the direction this story went with the characters. Charles is a man of the sea and he was grievously injured along with one of his men, Rich. He also experiences guilt that he lived and Rich did not especially since he blames himself for Rich's wounds.

Sophie is a young woman who has dreams of a life together with her fiancé, until the devastating news arrives that he has died. Now what is she to do? All her hopes and dreams have been broken. I felt for Sophie, a woman questioning the fairness of life and the goodness of God.

Charles and Sophie are a couple with a little bit of an age gap, Charles is a bit older than her. He is also a bit adrift due to his wound and the war being over and not having a ship to command. And then life makes him a guardian of three precocious girls and they keep him on his toes and he knows he needs help. So he and Sophie agree to a marriage of convenience to continue to care for Sophie's almost mother-in-law and and these three young ladies. I enjoyed this family of convenience that were put together not by birth or choice but by circumstances.

I also liked how Charles and Sophie "knew" each other through the letter writing that she and her fiancé did frequently. This was a true love's tale of moving on, making sacrifices, and learning to love one another and quite possibly have an amazing life and love story after all. Throw in danger and smuggling and you have a wonderful third book to a series that I have greatly enjoyed. Certainly ones for the keeper shelf.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:


Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate. 

 
Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.
 
A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.
 
Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor)Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).


Giveaway:



Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Review and Giveaway: Three Makes a Family by Cari Lynn Webb

 


On Tour with Prism Book Tours


Three Makes a Family
(City by the Bay Stories #7)
By Cari Lynn Webb
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 223 Pages
April 1, 2021 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Can love for a child…
Make them a family?

Lawyer Molly McKinney needs to be the best—now more than ever. Relocating to San Francisco means a chance to provide a stable income and home for her nine-month-old daughter. And defending former rival Drew Harrington against charges of witness tampering will boost her reputation. As they work to clear Drew’s name, their feelings grow. But does Molly have room in her life for love?

USA TODAY Bestselling Author

My Thoughts:

This was a sweet romance between two long time friends who were destined to be together. And one adorable baby girl by the name of Hazel.

Molly and Drew, both lawyers, have been friends since their college days. Molly and her baby girl have moved back home due to Molly's ex being a real jerk. Molly wants sole custody since he never really cared for either of them. Molly gets her chance to start her own firm when she is hired by Drew's family to represent him in a case that could destroy his career. Drew does not want Molly to help him as he fears that whoever is out to get him, will come after her.

There is a bit of a mystery that Molly and Drew need to figure out, especially why Drew has become the fall guy. What is actually going on and who is behind his downfall? Molly is also having issues with her ex, as he seems to want to make her life as uncomfortable as possible.

Molly has always loved Drew and their working together can certainly bring out the best and worst in them. Drew might have been a bit overprotective which resulted in shutting Molly out. Their romance was worth the wait, even with all the ups and downs. I enjoyed this sweet romance of two people finally getting together.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

City by the Bay Stories
Book 1: The Charm Offensive
Book 2: The Doctor’s Recovery
Book 3: Ava’s Prize
Book 4: Single Dad to the Rescue
Book 5: In Love by Christmas
Book 6: Her Surprise Engagement
Book 7: Three Makes a Family

(Affiliate links included.)

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

About the Author


Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers. Visit her at her website.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


$50 Amazon gift card, complete set of the 5 Blackwell Sisters books and spring assortment of candy (US only)

Ends April 14, 2021

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Monday, April 5, 2021

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: A Dark Beauty by Clarissa Kae

 



About the Book

Book:  A Dark Beauty

Author: Clarissa Kae

Genre: Fairytale

Release date: March 9, 2021

 

A Victorian Twist on Beauty And The Beast

Bold and brilliant, Georgiana has a gift for fixing machines—from clocks to carriages—while her father has a penchant for finding trouble. In an accidental fire, Georgiana and her father scar the once handsome face of Lord Pichon, cousin to the queen.

Rumors of Georgiana’s gift raise her family’s status. Her incomparable beauty captures the eye of many gentlemen and the wrath of Lord Pichon. Abandoned by his peers and alone in his cold castle, Lord Pichon is determined to enact revenge.

When Georgiana’s father makes a terrible mistake, she sacrifices herself to pay his debt—as a lowly maid in Lord Pichon’s castle.

Her wit and warmth begin to thaw Lord Pichon’s estate, making him question his version of the past. Will her kindness break the beastly lord or will he hold her family hostage forever?

 

Click here to get your copy!


My Thoughts:

This was an interesting retelling of my favorite fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. Taking place in Victorian England, our two main characters, Georgiana and Lord Dom Pichon have something in common. They are both scarred by a fire that Dom believes was set by her family on purpose. 

Enter Queen Victoria and her need of Georgiana to secure Prince Albert's Crystal Palace, but her cousin Dom sees that as a mistake. As he really does not trust Georgiana and her family no matter their ability in the best locks around. So the story picks up and I enjoyed how the author wove the old tale and it's characters into her story. Dom and Georgiana have quite the biting repertoire with one another and we are told what a beauty Georgiana is. Not all of the characters were obvious at first, but after reading and pondering for awhile, I can see the cleverness of this retelling. I also enjoyed the Gothic feel it also possessed.

This was my first author Kae novel and I have been quite interested in her work for awhile. I did enjoy the story, it moved a little slow at the beginning for me and then the tale picked up. I look forward to reading more of her work.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own. 

About the Author

 

Clarissa Kae is a preeminent voice whose professional career began as a freelance editor in 2007. She’s the former president of her local California Writers Club after spending several years as the Critique Director.

Since her first novel, she’s explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her upcoming release. With numerous awards to her name, Clarissa continues to honor the role of storyteller.
 
Aside from the writing community, she and her daughters founded Kind Girls Make Strong Women to help undervalued nonprofit organizations—from reuniting children with families to giving Junior Olympic athletes their shot at success.
 
She lives in the agricultural belly of California with her family and farm of horses, chickens, dogs and kittens aplenty.
 

More from Clarissa

As a young girl most of the fairy tales talked about beauty as the only attribute but when Disney came out with Beauty and the Beast, my world was rocked. For the first time the heroine was a woman with a brain and a plan. I began researching the fairy tale and read every version. When my youngest daughter was born (with dark hair and big beautiful brown eyes) I named her Isla Belle. For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of writing a Beauty and the Beast retelling. And finally, that dream as come true.

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, March 25

Labor Not in Vain, March 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 26

The Write Escape, March 26

Books and Everyday Life, March 26

Texas Book-aholic, March 27

Breny and Books, March 27

The Christian Fiction Girl, March 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 28

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, March 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 29

Through the Fire Blog, March 30

Inklings and notions, March 30

deb’s Book Review, March 31

Connect in Fiction, March 31

Inside the Wong Mind, March 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 1

Inspiration Clothesline, April 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 2

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 3

To Everything There Is A Season, April 3

Beauty in the Binding, April 3

Connie’s History Classroom, April 4

Blogging With Carol, April 4

A Baker’s Perspective, April 5

Genesis 5020, April 5

Pause for Tales, April 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 6

Godly Book Reviews, April 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, April 7

Mary Hake, April 7

 

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Clarissa is giving away to two winners one $25 Amazon gift card each!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/109d3/a-dark-beauty-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, April 4, 2021

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: A Tapestry of Light by Kimberly Duffy

 



About the Book

 

Book:  A Tapestry of Light

Author: Kimberly Duffy

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: March 16, 2021

Calcutta, 1886.

Ottilie Russell is adrift between two cultures, British and Indian, belonging to both and neither. In order to support her little brother, Thaddeus, and her grandmother, she relies upon her skills in beetle-wing embroidery that have been passed down to her through generations of Indian women.

When a stranger appears with the news that Thaddeus is now Baron Sunderson and must travel to England to take his place as a nobleman, Ottilie is shattered by the secrets that come to light. Despite her growing friendship with Everett Scott, friend to Ottilie’s English grandmother and aunt, she refuses to give up her brother. Then tragedy strikes, and she is forced to make a decision that will take Thaddeus far from death and herself far from home.

But betrayal and loss lurk in England, too, and soon Ottilie must fight to ensure Thaddeus doesn’t forget who he is, as well as find a way to stitch a place for herself in this foreign land.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

My Thoughts:

This was a lovely and tender story that focused on much deeper struggles than I thought it would. Ottilie is a woman who has faced much hardship, pain, and loss in her young life. Losing her family to sickness and accident, her grief was profound and it helped shape her and her decisions. Ottilie is also Eurasian, part British and part Indian and has suffered prejudice on both sides. With only a small remnant of her family left, she was determined to do all she could to protect her brother, who now through a series of events is a new English baron.

Ottilie is a tough person on the outside. She has built up numerous walls and has fortified them to keep herself from more pain. But that has also made her very stubborn and somewhat hard to others, except to those who truly know her.

I understood Ottilie. She was in a tough situation due to no fault of her own. She could not help her ancestry, nor could she stop the disasters that had befallen her family. She was a Christian, but the doubts were genuine and I completely understood. She wanted answers and she was asking the hard questions. She wondered if God was real and if so why so cruel. But she hung on to her faith during her journey. No, it did not make life better for her, situations still remained out of her control and she could not control others and how they felt about her. She did cling to the living God more and though she was surrounded by those who did not care for her and family secrets were pummeling her, her faith, even in her doubts, stayed strong and growing. Even when she didn't notice.

This was an epic journey that immersed this reader in the sights and sounds of India and all the way to England of one woman's journey who tries to hang on to all she has left on earth and realizes she is more loved by her Father in heaven than she knew.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and thoughts are my own. 


About the Author


Kimberly Duffy is a Long Island native currently living in Southwest Ohio, via six months in India. When she’s not homeschooling her four kids, she writes historical fiction that takes her readers back in time and across oceans. She loves trips that require a passport, recipe books, and practicing kissing scenes with her husband of twenty years. He doesn’t mind.

 

More from Kimberly

When I set out to write a new novel, I plan the entire thing from start to finish. I write down each scene on an index card and know exactly what’s going to happen when I sit down for the day’s work. I’m meticulous that way.

But I never plan my characters’ spiritual arcs. Because I want their faith journey to be organic to the story. I want it to feel authentic. It’s such an important part of each of my books and I recognize that some things just refuse plotting and need to develop in a more natural way.

My debut novel, A Mosaic of Wings, features a heroine steeped in science. Nora loves the natural world and so her faith was encouraged by studying the wings of a butterfly or examining an interesting plant. She’s not particularly sentimental or emotive so the faith element of that story had to be presented in a way that made sense for her. Nora’s faith arc is subtle.

Not so for A Tapestry of Light. I had no intention of writing a book that delved into my own struggle with doubt. But that’s what Ottilie required. And it wrung me dry.

Then built me back up.

My faith story is a twisted kind of one. Raised a Christian, I went into ministry, firmly attached myself to the faith of my childhood, and thought it would never waver.

I was wrong.

Oh, how it wavered. For whatever reason, when I hit about 30, it seemed everything I had always believed no longer made sense. It was devastating. Terrifying. And it broke me.

But brokenness is its own sort of beauty and when you recognize there is no way for you to pick up the pieces yourself, God can come in and fill those cracks and shattered places.

Those five years of doubt and questioning and facing the reality that even though I’d always loved Christ, I didn’t really know Him (and didn’t really know why I believed in Him), were some of the most painful I’ve experienced. But I believe with every bit of my being that God is in the business of redemption. Of restoration. Of filling up so that we can pour out.

And he took my own very personal struggle and helped me turn it into a story that, I hope and pray, might encourage others. I gave Ottilie my questions. I gave her my doubt. I gave her my fear and desperation and, in the end, I gave her my hope.

There’s a little piece of me in each of my books, but this one contains my heart.

Blog Stops

Life of Literature, March 27

Through the Fire Blogs, March 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 27

Texas Book-aholic, March 28

Breny and Books, March 28

By The Book, March 29

Genesis 5020, March 29

Inklings and notions, March 29

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 30

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, March 30

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 31

Mia Reads, March 31

Reflections from my bookshelves, March 31

Connie’s History Classroom, April 1

Remembrancy, April 1

For Him and My Family, April 2

Rachael’s Inkwell, April 2

Vicky Sluiter, April 2

deb’s Book Review, April 3

Batya’s Bits, April 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 4

Godly Book Reviews, April 4

Pause for Tales, April 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 5

Simple Harvest Reads, April 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 6

A Baker’s Perspective, April 6

Labor Not in Vain, April 6

She Lives To Read, April 7

Betti Mace, April 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 8

To Everything There Is A Season, April 8

Mary Hake, April 8

Wishful Endings, April 9

Bigreadersite, April 9

 

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Kimberly is giving away the grand prize $25 Amazon gift card along with a signed copy of either A Mosaic of Wings or A Tapestry of Light!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/109d5/a-tapestry-of-light-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, April 3, 2021

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Bitter Betrayal by Rebecca Hemlock

 

 


About the Book

 

Book:  Bitter Betrayal

Author: Rebecca Hemlock

Genre: Adventure Suspense

Release date: November 2020

 

Escape. Murder. Secrets.

Scientist Luke Wilkins has always been one step ahead of Lee, his longtime rival. Luke and his best friend Josh start off on an expedition to Nunavut’s territory for an environmental study. All seems well until their plane crashes in the middle of nowhere. As Luke regains consciousness, he discovers that he’s being held prisoner by Lee and his men.

Luke has something that Lee wants. A ring that has been shrouded in mystery for centuries and Lee will do whatever it takes to get it. Luke fears that he will never see his family or friends again unless he hands it over.

Lee will stop at nothing until the ring is his, but would he go as far as murder?

 

Click here to get your copy!


My Thoughts:

Bitter Betrayal takes the reader on an adventure throughout the homelands of the Vikings.  Luke Wilkins is a scientist who loves history, especially Viking history. He comes to have a special Viking ring in his possession that causes him a great deal of concern and problems. He and his team, including his little boy, are just trying to find history and truth along with the legends surrounding this ring.

Unfortunately, he is impeded at every turn by his worst enemy and his henchmen. I say henchmen because they really were the classic bad guys out to get Luke and his team, solely it seems, due to Lee's hatred of Luke.

This is a novella split into two parts in this collection, and it does leave off on a cliff hanger. I am intrigued by this mystery, especially the ancient Viking part. This was an interesting tale and my interest is piqued for the next installment. I just hope Luke and his team can get ahead of those trying to stop them no matter the cost.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

 

Rebecca Hemlock has written stories her entire life. She always knew she wanted to be a writer. That dream became a reality for her in 2016 when she landed her first job writing for her local newspaper. That same year, she was able to publish a children’s book under the pen name R.C. Burch.  With a little help from some wonderful people, Rebecca  was able to move forward in her writing career.

Rebecca published two more children’s books the following year, but children’s fiction was only the beginning. She self-published a novella in 2019, titled Bitter Betrayal, Arctic mysteries,  and completed her first novel in 2020. When she is not writing, Rebecca enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with family.

Aside from being a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she is also a member of Sister in Crime. Rebecca has a degree in English and a certificate in Creative Writing and is also pursuing a degree in Creative Writing.

 

More from Rebecca

This book was so much fun to write. There are so many places in this world that have been barely touched by man. I took an interest in Northern Canadian culture after watching a documentary about how the Vikings first settled there.

After reading through the different artifacts that have been found there, Bitter Betrayal was born. I knew this would make a tremendous mystery-suspense story. Whenever I start a Mystery Suspense book, I usually like to add a dash of romance with a historical twist.

Luke Wilkins is someone that most single dads can relate to. He has a difficult time trusting other people. Especially when it comes to his son, Adam. He must trust those around him if he’s going to stay alive.

Bitter Betrayal teeters on the concept of how far someone would go for what they want. If you love Clive Cussler as much as I do, then this Novella is for you.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 3

Pause for Tales, April 3

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 4

Through the Fire Blogs, April 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale , April 6

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 7

Mary Hake, April 7

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 9

Texas Book-aholic, April 10

Inklings and notions, April 11

Blogging With Carol, April 11

Older & Smarter?, April 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 13

For Him and My Family, April 14

CarpeDiem, April 14

deb’s Book Review, April 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 16

 

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Rebecca is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10a1e/bitter-betrayal-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts and More on The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar

  Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours ! About the Book Titl...