Tuesday, February 28, 2023

My Thoughts and More on A Not So Persistent Suitor by Sandra Merville Hart

About the Book

Book: A Not So Persistent Suitor

Author: Sandra Merville Hart

Genre: Christian historical romance

Release date: Febraury 14, 2023

He’s fighting for his career…She’s bent on achieving her own goals…Will their love survive a second chance at happily ever after?

Cora Welch dreams of a future teaching kindergarten, which is in its infancy, and marriage to Ben Findlay, her beau and her twin brother’s best friend. But she returns to college from summer break to learn of Ben’s unwise choices in pursuit of his career—choices that destroy her trust in the man she thought she knew and loved.

Ben is working hard toward his dream to become the best reporter in the city. He’s no stranger to fighting for a goal against all odds, ever since he was orphaned at age thirteen. Even though Cora has captured his heart, he makes the mistake of escorting the boss’s daughter to a fancy banquet to further his career—with far-reaching repercussions. Now he’s hurt Cora and botched his career goals.

Winning Cora’s trust again proves harder than Ben expects, especially as they both face struggles of their own. When events spiral out of their control, catapulting them into hardship and even danger, only God can restore their dreams—though the outcome may look far different than either of them planned.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This is the second book in the Second Chances series, and this story focuses on Cora Welsh, one of the twins that Samuel and Rose adopted due to their second chance marriage. Cora is studying to become a kindergarten teacher, and that is still a new profession in the year 1883. She is going to school in Cincinatti, Ohio, and although I should be familiar with that city, the author pointed out many sites and historical detail that sent me looking for pictures.

Cora is courting Ben Findlay, a newspaper reporter. She comes back from a summer visit with her family to find out that Ben, at the request of his boss, escorted his boss's daughter to a function. Well, that is when trouble starts. Ben realizes that he should have told Cora, but jealousy has a way of taking a life of its own.

There are many trials that Cora and Ben must see themselves through before they can even think about getting married. Not just the jealousy issue, but also the mess that Ben finds himself at work and the issue of his long-lost father. And Ben's own faith comes into question, and he asks himself what he believes. Is he more like his father than he thought?

I enjoyed reading more about this family and getting to see the twins who had lived through so much in the last book, not only thrive but reach for the stars as they were loved and cared for by their adoptive family. I look forward to John and Rennie's story next.

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

Sandra Merville Hart, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of inspirational historical romances, loves to discover little-known yet fascinating facts from American history to include in her stories. Her desire is to transport her readers back in time. She is also a blogger, speaker, and conference teacher. Connect with Sandra on her blog, https://sandramervillehart.wordpress.com/.

More from Sandra

I have wanted to write a story set in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the 1880s for several years. It seems to me that it was on my heart to write while I was still working as a Programmer Analyst and writing was but a dream.

Twins Cora and John had been living on their family’s farm before moving to Cincinnati to attend college. John went rogue on me (he does that in Book 3 too 😊) and got a job at a newspaper working with Ben, and decided not to go to college. Meanwhile, Ben begins to court Cora.

When our story begins, Cora is in her second and final year at the Cincinnati Kindergarten Training School. Kindergarten is still in its infancy in 1883, when our story begins. In fact, the demand for kindergartens grew in the 1870s. There were about four hundred kindergartens by 1880, and the need to train teachers for them was a natural part of that growth.

A training school in Cincinnati was organized in March of 1880. At first, kindergarten students (aged four – six) learned the 3 R’s –reading, writing, and arithmetic. Before long, principals in higher grades complained that kindergartners also needed a basic knowledge of music, drawing, and manual training.

This led to greater training for kindergartener teachers, who learned teaching tools that included games, songs, and handwork.

I imagine that incorporating games, songs, and activities engaged the children’s interest in a new and fun way for them.

Part of my research included The Songs and Music of Friedrich Froebel’s Mother Play by Fro. Bel. Friedrich. Early training schools used Friedrich Froebel’s writing extensively in their training so I mentioned his Mother Play book within the story.

Though demand for kindergartens was growing, most schools didn’t address the needs of these four to six-year-old children by providing a kindergarten class. Cora has to fight for a local school to start a new class to open the fall after she graduates.

Another fun thing about this novel is the places I’ve included that the modern reader familiar with Cincinnati will recognize:

Fountain Square, the Suspension Bridge, St. Peter’s Cathedral, and the Zoological Gardens to name a few.

Follow characters you’ve grown to love in A Not So Convenient Marriage, Book 1 in the “Second Chances” series into A Not So Persistent Suitor, Book 2!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 15

Blossoms and Blessings, February 15

Texas Book-aholic, February 16

deb’s Book Review, February 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 18

Writing from Walsh Mountain, February 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 19

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 20

Connie’s History Classroom, February 21

Holly’s Book Corner, February 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 23

Simple Harvest Reads, February 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, February 25

lakesidelivingsite, February 26

Christina’s Corner, February 26

Cover Lover Book Review, February 27

Pause for Tales, February 28

Mary Hake, February 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sandra is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/24516/a-not-so-persistent-suitor-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, February 27, 2023

My Thoughts on The Last Chance Cowboy by Jody Hedlund

About:

With danger drawing ever closer, their only hope of saving their futures lies in each other.

As a midwife, Catherine Remington is successful in bringing new life into the world, but she's failed one too many times in finding true love. When she's accused of a murder she didn't commit, she's forced to flee to Colorado to honor a patient's dying wish by delivering a newborn infant to his father.

The repentant prodigal Dylan McQuaid is finally back in Fairplay. As sheriff, he's doing his best to prove to the town he's a changed man and worthy of their trust. When a woman shows up with an infant son he didn't know he had, Dylan is left with only complicated choices on what to do next.

Having grown attached to Dylan's son, Catherine doesn't want to part ways with the infant, but what she doesn't bargain for is how easily she'll fall for the charming sheriff, or how quickly the past will catch up with her and put their love and lives in danger.

My Thoughts:

This is going to be a totally gushing review of this book. First off, it is by one of my favorite authors. Second the trope is a marriage of convenience, my favorite. Third it continues one of my most beloved fictional families. Fourth, Dylan is a cowboy. Fifth, the redemption story is beautiful.

I read this book in less than a day. A day. I have not been able to do that in quite some time. Due to life and familial obligations, it is just not normally feasible. But on a semi cold lazy Sunday afternoon, I relaxed and began this adventure. The only thing I am sad about is that it ended.

There is redemption, family, romance, true love, swoony hero, sizzling kisses, danger, some humor (though the characters were not too fond of a certain revelation), and a baby to bring them all together.

Dylan has, with the grace of God, changed for the better. Though his past still haunts him, he has made headway in turning his life around and becoming sheriff. A post he hopes to keep. But one day Catherine, (with a C) enters his life with his son, a good mistake he did not know about. But he determines to be a good father and husband, if only Catherine will agree to marry him.

Catherine is a midwife with natural talented skill in caring for both the mother and baby. At the beginning of the story her life is thrust into two very uncomfortable and even dangerous situations. However, she is bound and determined to not harm her father's political aspirations and to keep a promise to a dying woman. So, she runs. Right into Dylan's arms. The rest you will need to read and enjoy for yourself.

I have enjoyed all of author Hedlund stories, but this one is my absolute favorite, for now. Can't wait for more.

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:

Jody Hedlund (www.jodyhedlund.com) is the bestselling author of more than 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats.

Sunday, February 26, 2023

My Thoughts and More on A Heart's Rescue by Lena Nelson Dooley

About the Book

Book: A Heart’s Rescue

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: October 4, 2022

He’s been tasked to protect her, but his heart has become far too involved.

Angelina de la Fuente Delgado, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is on her way home from a trip to Spain when her ship is attacked by pirates. The brigands capture her and her aunt and steal all the merchandise on the ship. After forcing most of the crew to walk the plank, they sink the vessel into the Atlantic.

Brian O’Doule was sent by Angelina’s father to protect her, but keeping her safe among the dangers of the sea is as hard as concealing his love that’s been growing for years. When they’re kidnapped by pirates, he does everything in his power to protect the women and to find a way for them all to escape. Will Angelina ever see her home and her beloved father again? Or will she be forced to marry the fierce pirate captain?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Adventure on the high seas is where this story takes us. The year is 1805 and Angelina Delgado is getting ready to depart Spain and go back to her father's home in Florida, which is still Spanish held at this time. Traveling along with her is her Aunt Elena who also acts as her chaperone.

Brian O'Doule has been sent by Angelina's merchant father to see her and her aunt safely home. But that is much more difficult than anyone can imagine when a pirate ship overruns the merchant vessel and destroys it completely. However, the pirate has plans for Angelina, plans she fears greatly. He plans to take her back to his plantation and make her his wife. Brian is saved as he acts a translator for the pirate and Angelina, Brian is also a voice of calm for the women. All the while he is also promising to rescue them all.

This was an interesting look at how even the Mississippi River could hide pirates and their nefarious gain and ways. Will Angelina ever escape the pirate's clutches, and will Angelina's father ever know what happened to her? A romantic tale on the high seas and up the Mississippi River.

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

Lena Nelson Dooley has been an author for 36 years. Her 51^st book released in June 2020. Raised in Arkansas, she married a Texan 56 years ago. They have lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex for decades. She is an active member of ACFW and one of the founding members the DFW local chapter. She’s often been a speaker for other writers’ groups and conferences, both as a keynote speaker and a workshop teacher. Her fans love reading her books filled with characters who grip your heart.

More from Lena

I’ve been a lover of history for decades. In college and graduate school, all my elective courses were history. Of course, I chose the countries and eras I wanted to learn about. When I began writing novels, my first one was a contemporary story. After that at least 75% or more of my novels have been historical, all the way from 1805 through the early 21^st century.

Several decades ago, I read about a tavern in New Orleans that had been there since the late 1700s. I found that fascinating, so I researched it and found the history of the place interesting. It was Pirate’s Prize. I don’t know if it is still there after all the recent hurricanes.

When I was writing A Heart’s Forever Home, book 3 in my Love’s Road Home series, I wrote some of the heroine’s family history from the characters in A Heart’s Rescue. If you read book 3, you’ll be glad to learn even more about those characters who were ancestors of some of the characters in book 3.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 22

Texas Book-aholic, February 23

deb’s Book Review, February 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 25

Pause for Tales, February 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 26

Connie’s History Classroom, February 27

Cover Lover Book Review, February 28

Betti Mace, March 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 3

Blogging With Carol, March 4

For Him and My Family, March 5

Holly’s Book Corner, March 6

Simple Harvest Reads, March 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lena is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/24702/a-heart-s-rescue-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, February 24, 2023

My Thoughts on The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin

About:

Copenhagen, 1940

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden. American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream--and makes the dangerous decision to print resistance newspapers.

As Else hears rumors of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--she also becomes intrigued by the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse. Henrik makes every effort to conceal his noble upbringing, but he is torn between the façade he must maintain and the woman he is beginning to fall in love with.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence.

My Thoughts:

In The Sound of Light, author Sundin takes us to Denmark during World War 2 and the invasion of Germany, even though Denmark said they were neutral. This is a story of secrets and danger, and most of all about the times when we should stay silent and when we should speak up.

Henrik is a Baron, but he has left that all behind as he poses as an illiterate shipyard worker to pass secret missives and information to the British. He also is doing it in a way for vengeance against his father who owns the shipyard. But as Henrik goes about his clandestine work and gets to know others, he finds himself at a crossroads about his father. Maybe some of the memories and things he has been told are not all cut and dry, but maybe there is something more.

Elise is a woman physicist and also an American who decides to ride out the war and continue her research in Denmark. She was quite a remarkable woman, I liked her a lot, and when she learned to stand up for herself, she did so with kindness. She is also faced with some difficult decisions on when to stay silent and when to speak out.

These two meet one another while they are living in the same boarding house. Both Henrik and Elise are also working for the resistance, yet it is so secretive no one knows anyone. Both have their secrets they must bear. I really like the title and all the implications it has with the theme of this story that even has a little fairy tale theme woven in it.

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:

Sarah Sundin is the bestselling author of When Twilight Breaks, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, and the popular WWII series Sunrise at Normandy, among others. She is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award winner, and her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly, and have appeared on Booklist's "101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years." Sarah lives in California. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

My Thoughts on What Happens Next by Christina Suzann Nelson

About:

Popular podcaster and ex-reporter Faith Byrne made a name for herself telling stories of greatness after tragedy--but her real life does not mirror the stories she tells. While her daughters spend the summer in Hawaii with her ex-husband and his new wife, she must manage life on her own. All of that changes when she's asked to spotlight her childhood best friend's missing person case on her podcast.

Dora Crane has never accepted that her younger daughter could be dead, keeping her home looking the same as when her daughter disappeared. But when her husband leaves her and her older daughter intervenes, she agrees to counseling and to pack up her missing daughter's belongings under one condition: Faith Byrne comes to Deep Valley and sheds light on the cold case.

As the long-abandoned investigation moves forward, old wounds and long-buried secrets are exposed. Will these two women, whose lives have never been the same, finally get the answers they need to reconcile the past and the future?

My Thoughts:

Wow, this story. First off, I will make note that this is not my usual read. I tend to stay away from stories if I can that is about missing children, unless I know how it ends. However, with that being said, I have read author Nelson before and have liked the way she tells her stories, and the synopsis intrigued me enough to pick up the book.

This was a story about loss and grief and life not turning out to be fair or the way we would like it to be. It is a story about different kinds of loss. Not just every mother's worst nightmare. Without giving anything away, the author delves into loss and grief in a hopeful manner. Now with that being said, this story did break my heart and I was crying by the end.

We are told the story in three different points of view. Dora, the grieving mother who will not give up hope of her daughter returning home, even though it has about cost her everything and everybody else in the thirty-six years Heather has been missing.

Faith was Heather's best friend the summer before Heather disappeared. Faith was not aware of Heather's disappearance as she moved away before it happened, and no one told her. So, when she finds out it comes as a complete shock. Faith actually has an interesting job. She is podcaster who delves into hope, the what happens next aspect of life after tragedy. That is also the name of her podcast.

And the third point of view is Heather herself. The ten-year-old girl having fun in the summer of 1987 with her friends in a small town in the USA. We see and view the events of that summer through her eyes and what was actually happening.

This story is not for the faint of heart. It took me a little time to get through it. I was pulled in the story, but I knew the reading would be hard. It was also not a story to skim, to skip to the end either, I needed to read it straight through, as the revelations happened to the characters in the story too.

A heartbreaking but hopeful read written with beautiful emotion about the love of family and friends and a hope that surpasses all understanding.

I was provided a copy of this novel by Bethany House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Christina Suzann Nelson (www.christinasuzannnelson.com) is an inspirational speaker and Christy award-winning author. Her first novel, If We Make It Home, was honored as one of Library Journal's top five inspirational novels of 2017, and her 2021 novel, The Way It Should Be, won the Christy Award for general fiction.

In 2017, Christina was named the OCW Cascade's Writer of Promise and received a Cascade award for her novel Swimming in the Deep End. Her stories have been published in the Cup of Comfort for a Better World, Cup of Comfort for Adoptive Families, as well as other publications.

Christina is over-the-top about her passions, including the stories created somewhere in the twists and turns of her less-than-focused brain. When she's not writing, Christina serves on the board of Every Child Linn-Benton, a nonprofit where she has the opportunity to influence the lives of families and children in the foster care system.

On a typical day, she chases escaped farm animals, reads, hikes with her dog, and enjoys her husband and six kids.

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

My Thoughts and More on A Life Reclaimed by Olivia Rae

About the Book

Book: A Life Reclaimed

Author: Olivia Rae

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 28, 2022

Book: A Life Reclaimed

Author: Olivia Rae

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 28, 2022

A Scoundrel, A Spy, and A Secret. Will She Ever Learn the Truth?

Desperate to avoid a second loveless marriage, Anne Howell hides out in a cave on the Welsh coast. If she can get to England, she should be safe from her stepfather’s long reaching hand. She thinks her prayers are answered when she rescues a shipwrecked sailor, Thomas Armstrong, who agrees to help her, claiming he has ties to Queen Elizabeth I. Though she fears he may be an accomplished liar, she has no choice but to trust him, especially when a secret from her past puts spies on her trail and threatens to destroy her future.

Upon learning his true mother was executed in place of a dethroned queen, Thomas Armstrong sets out to find the cowardly monarch and avenge his mother’s death. Broke and in debt, he is finally on the verge of reaching his goal when his ship goes down in a storm and he ends up owing his life to the honest and forthright Anne Howell. He fears his quest is finished – until he learns there are those who would pay handsomely to have Anne in their possession, enough to clear his debt and enable him to pursue the revenge he seeks. But in helping Anne he has lost his heart, and now faces a devastating choice – remain loyal to his goal of avenging his mother or follow his feelings to an uncertain future with Anne.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

A Life Reclaimed is a story of Tudor England and a what if story and how that may have affected a generation later. There are plenty of secrets, a mystery, and much political intrigue and it could be just as dangerous to be the Queen's favorite as it was being her enemy.

This story starts off with the death of Thomas's father and the devastating secret he soon learns that leads him off the course of his life. He chooses not to be the lord of the manor but seeks a life of hunting down those he wants to exact vengeance on while living a life that constantly has him in trouble. The only good thing he has going is that he is a favorite of Queen Elizabeth. She soon tires of his behavior and sends him away.

Unfortunately, his ship sank, and he is rescued by a young widow who is hiding and living out in a cave. Anne has never had a good life. She has always been unwanted and abused, and now her stepfather wants to sell her to a wife beater. She is bound and determined she will not have another loveless marriage. Then she meets Thomas who seems to bring nothing but trouble into her life.

They decide to mutually help each other, and they have quite the adventure. As Thomas is running from the Queen's spies, there is another more serious claim that Anne holds that makes her the more desired hunted. This was an interesting take of Queen Elizabeth's reign and all the secrets and scandals surrounding her. Very unique.

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

Olivia Rae is an award-winning author of historical and contemporary inspirational romance. She spent her school days dreaming of knights, princesses and far away kingdoms; it made those long days in the classroom go by much faster. Nobody was more shocked than her when she decided to become a teacher. Besides getting her Master’s degree, marrying her own prince, and raising a couple of kids, Olivia decided to breathe a little more life into her childhood stories.

Olivia is the winner of the Book Buyers Best Award, Angel Award, New England Readers’ Choice Award, the Golden Quill Award, the American Fiction Award, and is a gold and bronze medalist in the Illumination Awards.

More from Olivia

I’ve always been drawn to English history and back in 2009, I was blessed to visit London with my daughter. We immersed ourselves in the area’s rich history by going to museums, visiting Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, Temple Church, and so much more. Of course, a tour of the city wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to the Tower of London. There I learned about the tragic and short life of Lady Jane Grey, who was the queen of England for nine days.

Later that day, I found a postcard that displayed the famous painting, The Execution of Lady Jane Grey by Paul Delaroche. My mind started racing and the seeds for the Secrets of the Queens series took root. I wondered what would’ve happened if Lady Jane Grey had lived. A Life Reclaimed, the third book in the Secrets of the Queens, is not about Lady Jane Grey per se, but it follows the story of a young man whose life has been changed because of her escape from death.

I hope you enjoy my tale of mystery, intrigue, and love as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Blog Stops

Rebecca Tews, February 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 10

Worthy2Read, February 11

Texas Book-aholic, February 12

deb’s Book Review, February 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 15

For Him and My Family, February 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 16

Betti Mace, February 17

Cover Lover Book Review, February 17

Connie’s History Classroom, February 18

Holly’s Book Corner, February 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 19

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 20 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 20

Pause for Tales, February 21

Blogging With Carol, February 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away the grand prize of a themed gift box!!

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/242a3/a-life-reclaimed-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, February 20, 2023

My Thoughts and More on A Wedding in Wild Harbor by Grace Worthington

About the Book

Book: A Wedding in Wild Harbor

Author: Grace Worthington

Genre: Clean Romance

Release date: September 29, 2022

She needs a hero to save her beloved bookshop. He needs a girlfriend to satisfy his mother’s dying wish.

Can this grump and sunshine pair work out the perfect deal for a happily ever after?

If Cassidy Woods could make one dream come true, it would be to save her struggling bookshop from closing its doors. So when wealthy investor Liam Henry announces he is shutting down her store, Cassidy will do anything to change his mind, including becoming his girlfriend.

Liam Henry is running out of time. His mother’s final wish is that he’d meet the girl of his dreams before it’s too late. But Liam doesn’t stand a chance without some kind of help. No woman can see past his grumpy exterior to discover if he has a beating heart under his designer suit.

When his mother advertises his search for a girlfriend, Liam makes the best and worst plan of his life: ask Cassidy to become his fake girlfriend. Too bad she’s his gorgeous employee who’s about to get axed from her job.

Cassidy’s sunshine is the perfect opposite to his grump, forcing Liam to make an outrageous trade off he’s destined to regret.

Now everybody’s happy, except the mismatched couple who are headed toward a bumpy road that unravels every tightly constructed argument they’ve put up against love. In the end, only one of them can win.

When they’re thrown together in a race against time, will a plot twist they didn’t see coming ruin everything?

Or will they discover that in fooling everyone, the only person who’s fallen for it is themselves?

A delightful, sweet romance with a grumpy boss and plucky heroine, both who are determined to save the day even if that means teaming up in a fake engagement to do it.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was a sweet and romantic read with the trope of a fake relationship that turns complicated until the couple realizes that they are in love with each other. I had so much fun reading this warm-hearted story and I look forward to more from new to me author Worthington.

Liam Henry is rich and almost untouchable, except when it comes to his mother and niece. He comes across as a ruthless businessman, to most everybody else he was very grumpy, but he is a noble character deep down in his soul. His mother, who is dying of cancer, wants so much for him to find the right woman to love, especially when she is gone. Liam resists her at every turn until she takes matters into her own hands.

Cassidy Woods has been heart broken in love before and also is managing epilepsy. Her one passion is the Books Forever bookstore and her children's program. Unfortunately, the store is not making any profit and the owners have sold it to the one and only Liam Henry. The same one that she already had an unfortunate meeting with. The story opens up with that eventful circumstance.

However, Liam needs help, and he figures Cassidy would be just the one to help him since she is already disgusted with him, and she needs a favor in return. But neither of them realizes the power of their attraction or the sacrifices of true love.

This was a great small town romantic story to escape into.

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

Author of sweet romance and sweet romcom novels. Grace Worthington loves quaint small towns and the beach is her happy place, which is why you’ll find both in her books. She’s obsessed with chocolate, romcoms from the 80’s & 90’s, and doodles. Find out more at graceworthington.com

More from Grace

If I could send you anywhere on vacation to relax, I’d send you to Wild Harbor. It’s the perfect spot to fall in love and raise a family–the type of town you’ll never want to leave once you visit.

A Wedding in Wild Harbor is set in this fictional town on Lake Michigan, a place where you can sink your toes in the sand, let the waves lull you to sleep, and marvel over the gorgeous sunsets.

I created the fictional town based off of the quaint small towns along Lake Michigan that look like they belong in a Hallmark movie. It’s the quintessential small town with meddling neighbors, quirky townsfolk, and a coffee shop where everyone knows you by name.

The Wild Harbor sweet romance series follows the stories of four siblings–three sisters and one brother–and their journey to find love. Each story is a standalone and they don’t have to be read in order, though characters reappear in each book.

I hope the sweet love story and charming town give you a needed escape from your fast-paced life.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, February 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 12

Life, Love, Writing, February 12

Texas Book-aholic, February 13

deb’s Book Review, February 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 15

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 16

Holly’s Book Corner, February 16

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 17

She Lives To Read, February 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 19

Mary Hake, February 19

Pause for Tales, February 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 21

For Him and My Family, February 22

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 23

SusanLovesBooks, February 23

Cover Lover Book Review, February 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and copy of the book!!

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/242ab/a-wedding-in-wild-harbor-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, February 19, 2023

My Thoughts and More on Priscilla's Piggy by Marisa Masterson

About the Book

Book: Priscilla’s Piggy

Author: Marisa Masterson

Genre: Sweet Historical Romance

Release date: Febraury 10, 2023

This marriage needs something more than a pig to hold it together—

Jack Dixon knew his mother was right. It was time he married. He’d go along with whatever she writes in the letter to the matchmaker.

Priscilla Pringle fell in love with the man who wrote such a tender letter. Too bad that the man she meets in Missouri is his opposite. She’d leave and go home except for the little piggy she is bottle feeding.

Will she stay after the piggy is weaned? Is Jack the only one who needs to change

to make a marriage work?

Read to find out.

Click here to get your copy!

More Thoughts:

This was a surprising little book that was full of romance and even suspense with twists and turns. Priscilla needs to leave her father's home due to a bad match her not so good father is trying to force upon her. So, she takes matters into her own hands and signs up to be a mail order bride.

Her husband to be, Jack Dixon, has just gotten back from the military and he is haunted by his war years. He is not sure he needs a wife, but his mother persuades him to get one to help her around the house and farm.

What happens is a whirlwind marriage and a very eventful first few months as Priscilla deals with Jack's war demons while knowing nothing about the danger that is stalking after her. Her family is full of some dark secrets. I enjoyed this story by a new to me author.

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

The smiling teacher. That’s what her students called her. How did this dedicated teacher end up as an author? A spinal cord injury took her out of the high school classroom. After seven years of healing, she asked the Lord what He had for her. Now, thirty-seven books later, Marisa is still enjoying the direction He sent her when God opened the door for her to begin writing.

Marisa’s sweet romances often are set in her home state of Wisconsin. Growing up, she loved hearing stories about her family who pioneered in that state. Those stories, in part, are what inspire ideas for her books.

Though she’s from Wisconsin, Marisa and her husband of thirty-four years live in Saginaw, Michigan. They have two grown children and a precious three-year-old granddaughter, Hunny Junebug. She’s been Marisa’s best physical therapy and keeps her moving.

More from Marisa

As a girl of about ten, I remember holding a glass 7-Up bottle for the orphaned piglet. My grandpa attached a black rubber nipple and had me feed it—just like Fern in Charlotte’s Web. Unlike Fern, I knew not to name it or grow attached. It would be sold when it reached 40 pounds.

That memory came in handy with Priscilla’s Piglet. I wondered what I could add to keep my heroine at the farm after she decides the hero is not her perfect match. The memory prodded my brain. Who doesn’t love a baby that is in need—even if it’s a baby pig! It seemed the perfect fit for this story.

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 13

Stories By Gina, February 14 (Author Interview)

Girls in White Dresses, February 15

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 16 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 17

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 18 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, February 18

Pause for Tales, February 19

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 20

For the Love of Literature, February 21 (Author Interview)

Connie’s History Classroom, February 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 23

Artistic Nobody, February 24 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, February 24

For Him and My Family, February 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marisa is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/242ae/priscilla-s-piggy-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, February 16, 2023

My Thoughts and More on A Trail So Lonesome by Lacy Williams

About the Book

Book: A Trail So Lonesome

Author: Lacy Williams

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: January 12, 2023

Spending five months eating trail dust wasn’t Leo Spencer’s first choice. Or his second. He’s not one to run away, but some situations can’t be fixed and his family—two brothers and a sister—needs to start over. Which is how he finds himself on a westbound wagon train.

Evangeline has a secret, one that has sent her on a journey across the plains on the Oregon Trail. When her father is badly hurt and she needs help, Leo is there. A deal is struck and the two unlikely friends form an alliance… that leads to more.

But Evangeline’s secret looms over her… and Leo’s family troubles are far from over.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

I am really excited about this new series set on a wagon trail journey about romance and families. Many families decided to head west for a new start at life and business and some were running away from trouble and secrets. In this new series we get a look at what some of these pioneer stories may have been like.

Leo Spencer and his siblings have a lot of drama in their lives. He and his family are looking for a new start after his wayward brother brought misfortune upon them. But even before the incident happened, his family was already abandoned by their father and his two half-brothers are intent on joining them. This does not sit well with Leo who is nursing some old wounds with bitterness and unforgiveness. And on top of his family issues, he keeps getting distracted by a certain young woman by the name of Evangeline. He finds himself keeping an eye out on her and her little sister and father.

Evangeline is desperate to start a new life for Sara and for Sara not to be tainted by Evangline's secrets. Evangeline is very book smart and wealthy but that will not necessarily help her get across the USA any safer. She finds she needs and relies on Leo and his family much more than she cares to. She also is developing feelings for Leo who acts like he is displeased with her, but his eyes and touch say something else. Can these two survive the mounting dangers and hardships that will ultimately come their way?

This is mostly Evangeline's and Leo's story, but we are given glimpses of some of the other characters story arcs beginning for the rest of the series, and I look forward to them. This was an addicting read.

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

Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see in Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published sixty books in a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at www.lacywilliams.net/vip

More from Lacy

Leaving Home

Do you remember what it was like when you left home? Was it a specific event that sticks out in your mind? Or was it gradual?

I moved into the dorms at my university when I was eighteen. After that, I felt sort of… in transition. I went home for winter break and during the summer, but I didn’t feel like my parents’ house was home anymore. I married my sweet hubby when we were both twenty and that’s when I felt like I had a true home again. (Even though it was a tiny one-bedroom apartment!)

My new series, Wagon Train Matches, is all about travelers on a journey across the country in their Conestoga wagons. In the 1850s, people would leave home, leave everything and everyone behind and travel across the plains and mountains mostly on foot. It was difficult and dangerous. And when they arrived, they didn’t have houses ready and waiting for them!

It’s been a lot of fun researching for this series. Understanding why people would risk everything for a new start. I think it would be both exciting and terrifying!

In A TRAIL SO LONESOME, heroine Evangeline wants to leave home for a new start. She’s carrying a secret with her (a bigger secret than the library of books she’s packed in the wagon!) and believes that starting over in Oregon will change everything.

Only it doesn’t take long on the trail for someone to discover her secret. Hero Leo has secrets of his own. He can’t afford Evangeline to look too closely at his family. But he also can’t seem to stay away from her.

Eek! I’m really excited to kick off this new series with A TRAIL SO LONESOME. I hope you love these characters as much as I have while writing them.

-Lacy

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 16

Pause for Tales, February 16

Vicky Sluiter, February 17

Texas Book-aholic, February 18

deb’s Book Review, February 19

Labor Not in Vain, February 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 20

Lighthouse Academy, February 21 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 22

Connie’s History Classroom, February 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 24

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 25

Britt Reads Fiction, February 26

Simple Harvest Reads, February 27 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Karen Baney, February 27

Cover Lover Book Review, February 28

For Him and My Family, March 1

Holly’s Book Corner, March 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lacy is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and copy of the book!!

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/24517/a-trail-so-lonesome-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

My Thoughts and More on Fleeing Egypt by Jaycee Pierce

About the Book

Book: Fleeing Egypt

Author: Jaycee Pierce

Genre: Women’s Fiction (Christian)

Release date: October 24, 2022

When Jennifer (Jen) Hoyt leaves for college, the word ecstatic feels like an understatement for how she feels. She can finally move away from the dysfunctional family who neglected and abused her to make a better life on her own. After being an overachieving outcast in school, Jen is confident of academic success, but what she wants most is to be a part of a loving family.

During her first year of college, Kyle, a friend of a friend, captures her heart, but her attempts to “make him love her back” have dire consequences. When Jen finds out she is pregnant, she knows one thing: she wants to keep her baby. Will Kyle decide to form the family she so desperately wants? If he doesn’t, how will Jen keep her baby safe from those who hurt her? Jen doesn’t know the Lord yet, but He’s already making a way for her.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Fleeing Egypt completely took me by surprise. When I started reading, I was not sure where the author was going to take this story about a young woman who gets pregnant in the late 1980's and knows for her sake and the baby's that she needs to get away. And quickly.

At hearing the news of her pregnancy, Jen is quite upset and as we get to know her family background and even her boyfriend, it is very understandable. Now Jen wants to keep her baby, but those who should be her supporters are not the kind of people I would ever want to know myself. So, an opportunity arises that has Jen basically fleeing to an unknown place to stay safe. Not knowing what a blessing and answer to prayers she is and will become.

Without giving too much away, Jen finds her true worth and finds the life and love her heart has always longed for even in the midst of this desperate situation. Her journey was not for the faint of heart, but she struck out into the unknown for the life of her baby and walked away with so much more.

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

No one is more surprised than I am to read the word author and know it applies to me. I had different dreams as a child, and this was not remotely on my radar. At three, I wanted to be an Olympic swimmer. When I was eight, I “ran for president,” telling people to vote for me in the election year when I would finally be thirty-five (I had calculated it precisely). In my teens, I had lowered the bar and just wanted to be a lawyer. While those doors never opened, God has faithfully led me on a winding path to get me where I am today.

I have held a variety of jobs: customer service representative, loan processor, professional video game player, city councilwoman, church secretary, math teacher, and most importantly, mother. While I was training to be a teacher, God inspired me to write a yet-to-be-published children’s book. Not long after, I began this novel. I wrote a week each summer between school years while my son and his father were camping without me. Depending on how you want to count time, it either took me five weeks (of actual time in front of a computer screen) or three years (looking at a calendar) to finish. Then I spent several years editing and finding a publisher. I hope that you find as much pleasure from reading it as I got from writing it.

More from Jaycee

God works in mysterious ways. I honestly never intended to be a writer, and this entire endeavor started in a way that seemed almost accidental at the time. I had just finished my first year of teaching mathematics. That summer, the members of my immediate family went on a five-day “male bonding” camping trip.

Left home alone, I called friends and family members to reconnect and fill my need for social interaction. One conversation in particular left me with a lot of “what if” questions about how life would have been different for me without God in the picture. I wrestled with different scenarios and then decided I needed to organize my thoughts.

I started writing and thirteen hours later ended up with about 40 pages of text. I sent those to my cousin, Jill, who wanted to know what happened next. Her encouragement kept me writing until this novel was completed, two summer camping trips later.