Jack ~ Review

Jack

Minnesota Kingstons #1

By Susan May Warren

He is returning home for Boo, his little sister's wedding. For the last ten years, he's been trying to ignore what could have been the biggest mistake, make that regret, of his life. But it's all good. He's forgotten all about Harper, and she's sure to not be at the wedding. 

Okay, he's been running, but it has shaped him into the man he is today. He's a tracker. Sure, the pay is good, but the satisfaction of helping others drives him. Now, Harper is asking him to help her find an MIA bridesmaid. This is so bad, Boo's perfect wedding is threatened, and Harper needs his help. Jack can't help himself; he has to help, but he works alone and makes no promises.

But this is Harper, and she's not about to sit back while Jack works. Nope, she's in this, and Jack will just have to accept her help. But the deeper they dive into the mystery, the closer danger comes. And it could leave them dead.

As with all of Susan May Warren's books, there are ties to previous books and series. Just enough to whet one's appetite for another book, but not enough to detract from a story that can be enjoyed on its own. This book offers hints about what's to come in the series, but the story itself does not end in a cliffhanger. If you want romance, suspense, and a good dose of family drama Jack is waiting to be added to the top of your TBR pile.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

There's Trouble in the North...

Meet Jack, a tracker with a past he’s trying to escape the first epic book of the Minnesota Kingston series by USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren.

Her secret blew apart his life—and now she needs his help? If only he could say no…

Ten years should be long enough for Jack to forget the girl-next-door, his kid sister’s bestie and the woman—no, girl—who derailed his life. Now, he sort of likes his loner world as a missing person’s tracker. Well, mostly. But of course, when he returns home for his sister’s wedding, there she is…
Nope, not forgotten at all.

Of course Jack the Grump has shown up for his sister’s wedding, and by the way he looks at Harper, um, clearly her sins aren’t forgiven. So what—she’s sooo over her best-friend’s brooding, dark oldest brother. Really.

Then a bridesmaid goes missing.

And sure, Harper is a journalist who knows how to sniff out truth, but the clock is ticking and there’s only one person who can help…Perfect. No problem. She’s not going to fall for her childhood crush again. Promise.

Yes, Jack can admit that Harper’s not the girl he used to call Pigtails anymore. She’s all grown up…but he’s not going to get burned again. Still, what’s a guy going to do?

So, find her missing friend, get the bride down the aisle and ditch town before they find themselves in over their heads…or worse.

Dead.

Jack is a best friend’s brother, childhood crush, grumpy-to sunshine, sweet but sizzly romantic suspense about second chances and finding the family you always wanted…

Tropes:

• Second Chance at Love
• Unrequited Love
• Return to hometown
• Grumpy/Sunshine
• Secrets
• Boy/Girl Next door
• Kissing only

The Minnesota Kingstons
Book1: Jack
Book 2: Conrad
Book 3: Doyle
Book 4: Austen
Book 5: Steinbeck

A Noble Protector ~ Review

A Noble Protector

Cornerstone #8

By Madisyn Carlin

Varrick Landreth, along with his brothers and sister, has been betrayed. He is dying and left to do so in utter agony. When his sister seeks out an outcast young woman for aid, Varrick is anything but pleased. He is the family's protector and he doesn't know this stranger who could endanger Elissy. 

But this stranger in the Dead Woods has sought this refuge after being betrayed and left for dead. Gwen Yesen fears what offering her aid will mean if she is seen. Those who sought her death will never be satisfied until she meets the fate of her parents. But Gwen is the only one who can help Varrick and his brothers find the cure they seek. 

A Noble Protector is a non-magical retelling of the Wild Swans. I loved how various elements of the original fairytale were reworked to remain in the story but in an entirely plausible real-world way. The betrayal that both Varrick and Gwen faced is seen after the fact, but the repercussions are far-reaching and guide the actions of both throughout this original retelling.

I highly recommend this book for tweens and up. It is well-written and offers a wide range of feelings—despair, fear, hope, determination, love, and so much more. This book does have moments of violence but nothing graphic, just enough to set the mood for the utter hopelessness of their situation, before hope is offered. There is a definite faith element running throughout that gives hope during the darkest moments and which is appreciated.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

She’s an outcast. He’s a dying prince. Together, they may be the kingdom’s last hope.

Outcast princess Gwyn Yesen has resigned to live in anonymity for the rest of her life. When her only friend, the princess of the land unintentionally granting Gwyn safety, needs help, Gwyn knows she must assist—even if it risks revealing who and what she really is.

What would you do to save your family? That's the question dying prince Varrick Landreth find himself answering. Willing to do anything to save his brothers and sister, he finds himself joining forces with a suspicious woman keeping too many secrets.

As death nears and time runs out, Gwyn and Varrick must work together to save the royal family before usurpers and schemers enact their final, deadliest plan. But secrets have a way of being revealed at the worst time, and soon Varrick finds himself not only fighting for his family and kingdom, but being forced to choose Gwyn’s fate.

A Noble Protector is a New Adult Christian fantasy Wild Swans retelling and is Book #8 in Cornerstone Series. 

Each book can be read as a standalone.

Squire of Truth - Now Available

 Jill Williamson's return to the land of The Blood of Kings

with Squire of Truth, 

the first book in The Blood of Kings: Legends series

from Sunrise Publishing.

About the Book:
Cole Tanniyn, squire to the soon-to-be king, has journeyed far from his days as a stray stable boy in a distant mountain village. Haunted by the echoes of past failures on the battlefield, he seeks solace in music, hoping to find belonging among fellow musicians. His quest leads him to Mistel Wepp, a spirited songstress determined to forge her own path on stage.

For too long, Mistel has been bound by a past of confinement and control. Now on her own, she toils tirelessly to make her mark, but the struggle to earn a living in a world that fails to appreciate her talents proves exhausting. When she connects Cole with the future king and discovers he’s a skilled lutist, she sees an opportunity to change her future.

When a heinous crime leaves Mistel’s roommate dead, she turns to Cole for help. Despite his inexperience as an investigator, Cole vows to uncover the truth. Together, they delve into the dark alleys of Armonguard, uncovering a sinister web of secrets and sorcery that threatens the kingdom. As their journey unfolds, their shared love of music catches the attention of the king, who commissions them to compose a song for his upcoming wedding, offering a glimpse of normalcy amid adversity. Can Cole and Mistel prevail against enemies wielding dark magic? Or will they become the next casualties in a deadly game of power?

Giver of Wonders ~ Review

Giver of Wonders

By Roseanna M. White

Giver of Wonder is an interesting read. It is a Christmas story, but not in the way most people think. Set in the early days of the Christian faith, when it was on the edge of persecution and acceptable, it follows the Visibullis family. The father is a firm non-believer, while his wife and three daughters are.

Although the Visibullis women are forbidden from worshipping with fellow believers, we are given a unique look into the lives of believers who gather in their own gathering—home worship, as many of the earliest believers did. 

The youngest daughter, Cyprus was given a gift of healing that changed her life and that of her sisters when Petros and Nikolaos came to her aid. Soon, Cyprus and her sisters began a friendship with the young men. With many ups and downs, Cyprus and her sisters grew up and faced even more significant challenges to their faith. The greatest challenge comes just as the celebration of Christ's birth arrives - only a miracle can save them.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

A miracle once saved her life ~ will another give her a future?

Cyprus was little more than a child when a fall left her paralyzed...and when the boy known as the wonder-worker healed her. Ever since, she has wondered why the Lord spared her, what he has in store for her. But her pagan father thinks she was spared solely so she could be introduced to the wealthy wonder-worker, Nikolaos.

Nikolaos has never questioned that his call in life is to dedicate himself to the church and to God. Never, that is, until he and his cousin Petros meet the compelling Cyprus Visibullis. For years he struggles with the feelings she inspires...and with the sure knowledge that Petros loves her too.

Petros knows he will never be good enough for Cyprus's father to consider him as a match for his favorite daughter not as long as Nikolaos is there. But when tragedy strikes the Visibullis family, he will do anything to save his beloved. Unfortunately, his beloved is determined to do anything to save her sisters ~ even at the cost of herself.

As the festival of lights bathes their Greek city in beauty, Cyprus, Petros, and Nikolaos celebrate the miracle of their Savior s birth together one last time. And in remembrance of their Lord's greatest gift, one of them will make the ultimate sacrifice for the others...and a centuries-long tradition will be born.

Married by Twelfth Night ~ Review

Married by Twelfth Night

Regency Christmas Brides

By Anneka Walker

When he is promised the means to secure the future of his estate and that of his mother and sister, Richard Graham never thought fulfilling his great aunt's requirements for a bride would be so difficult. Worse, only one young lady seems to possess all the necessary qualifications. But to capture this perfect miss's heart, he'll need the help of her younger sister. Grace has none of the traits his aunt requires, but she captures his heart.

Married by Twelfth Night is a fun conclusion to the Regency Christmas Brides series. I love how Grace and Richard are convinced they are all wrong for the other. Weighing matters of the heart against his family's future is a big thing throughout this story.  

If you want a sweet Regency Christmas, read this new title from Anneka Walker. This is a no-spice, enemies-to-something-more read, and it wants to make its way to the top of your Christmas TBR list.

 

About the Book:

 Mr. Richard Graham will do anything to find a wife by Christmas, 

including calling in a favor from the one woman who despises him.

Richard Graham cannot believe his luck when his great-aunt promises him a fortune if he’s married by Twelfth Night. He can finally clear his father’s debts and save his beloved Belside Manor. Miss Ruth Steele meets all the marriageable requirements his aunt insisted upon, but he’ll need the help of her clever and beautiful sister, Grace, to win the quiet woman over. Not only is Grace a dear friend to his younger sister, with loyalties to his family estate, but she also happens to owe him a generous favor. If she can put aside her dislike for him, his Christmas miracle will be easily attainable by the looming deadline.

Grace Steele never planned to make a bargain with Richard Graham. She cares little for the overly charming man and his penchant for flirtation, and she has spent the last several years establishing this fact. But when Richard offers to scare away an unwanted suitor in exchange for her help, she relents. What harm can arise from a pretend courtship over the holidays? Besides his unsettling effect on her, it allows time for her impossibly shy sister to warm to Richard and sends a clear message to Mr. Dobson that she is unavailable. Once Ruth and Richard are married, she will be forever rid of the much-too-perfect Richard Graham.

And all by Twelfth Night. What could possibly go wrong?

*Love blooms in the least expected place in this witty, kisses only, holiday romance. 

Read as a stand-alone, or enjoy it as the last book in the Regency Christmas Brides series.

Other books in the Regency Christmas Brides series:

A Seasonal Pursuit by Rebecca Connelly

Rules of a Ruse by Laura Beers

Yuletide Bride by Kasey Stockton

Married by Twelfth Night by Anneka Walker

A Seasonal Pursuit ~ Review

A Seasonal Pursuit

Regency Christmas Brides #1

By Rebecca Connolly

Rose Portman and three of her cousins have been promised what they most desire. There is just one catch: they are all expected to find love and marry by Twelfth Night. A Seasonal Pursuit is the first book in the Regency Christmas Brides series written by four authors.

Rose wants nothing more than to avoid society and enjoy a quiet life in a cottage. With just such a promise dangling in front of her, Rose has no choice but to attend a holiday house party in York away from her family. But can she find someone willing to marry her from amongst the other guests? And more importantly, can she find someone with whom she can find love?

Webb Rixton's mother and sister are pressuring him to find a new wife. His children need a mother, and he needs companionship. Marriage is the last thing he wants to pursue, but he agrees to attend a local house party. 

Rose and Webb soon form a friendship and agree to help one another with the family pressures they are both facing.  Soon, they enjoy an unexpected friendship that could lead to something more. But love, never! Rose refuses to abandon her dream, and love would undoubtedly complicate everything. 

This was an enjoyable read, with all the good feelings of a family Christmas. I love series that are multi-author offerings, as they offer a fresh feel with each book. And I love Christmas reads. I highly recommend this book if you want a clean Regency holiday romance.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

*Regency Christmas Brides: Four festive tales of romance.

'Twas the month before Christmas, and all through the house, 

four cousins have been told they all need a spouse...

Have yourself a married little Christmas…

Rose Portman, determined spinster, has a bit of a predicament. Her great-aunt has challenged her to get married before Twelfth Night and promised that, if she does, Rose will inherit the perfect country cottage with the funds to maintain it. Rose has always wanted to get away from London and Society, and this could be her chance! But the catch is that Rose has to attend a holiday house party in York and find a husband among the guests. Worst of all… she must marry for love.

Webb Rixton, Lord Downing, is attending a holiday house party hosted by his neighbor, but only because his mother and sister are making him. He knows his young children need a mother, but no one could possibly replace his late wife, so marriage and love are the last things on his mind. Still, he thinks he might have found a friend in the refreshingly frank Miss Portman, and a friend could be just what he needs to return to the land of the living. When she tells him of her situation, and her plot to thwart it, he is determined to help her, setting them both on a path of the most unexpected nature.

Will this season be particularly jolly for Rose and Webb? Or will the weather not be the only thing that is frightful?

*Decking the halls has never been quite so jolly in this sweet, snarky, swoonworthy holiday romance. Read as a stand-alone, or enjoy it as the last book in the Regency Christmas Brides series.

A Seasonal Pursuit by Rebecca Connolly

Rules of a Ruse by Laura Beers

Yuletide Bride by Kasey Stockton

Married by Twelfth Night by Anneka Walker

The Dancer and the Dragon Speaker ~ Now Available

The Dancer and the Dragon Speaker

The Intertwined Tales

By Laurie Lucking

I really enjoyed this book, which offered a unique twist on The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Princess Emelia and her four sisters are threatened with the destruction of their kingdom, Oneska, unless they comply with Prince Leonnar of Tsantar's demands. They were to be available at his bidding to grace the court of Tsantar whenever he sent his dragons to "escort" them to his gatherings. The goal is to marry one of the princesses and gain access to Oneska's secrets. 

Emelia is stymied with little hope of thwarting the dragons until she tries to learn "Dragon Speech," which gets the attention of Merric, a new stable hand who has a way with horses. Merric has unique insights into dragons, which Emelia hopes will help. But first, she has to get past Merric's evasive wariness. 

Could dragons be as good as Merric says? Or are they the beasts of destruction that Prince Leonnar claims? Princess Emelia must choose who to believe, the future of Oneska depends on it.

This was an enjoyable read, and I highly recommend it for fans of fairytale retellings or those who like clean romance that won't make you blush or cringe. (Raise your hand if you agree!) I was thoroughly engaged and enjoyed this book in one day. I always consider a book a good read when it makes me want to read the author's other works and Laurie Lucking did that with The Dancer and the Dragon Speaker.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Sisters trapped under threat of fire and destruction. 

Dragons enslaved by a power-hungry prince. 

A stable hand who must devise a plan to save them all.

Dragons circle the Oneskan palace at night, shrouding the kingdom in fear and mystery. Only Princess Emelia and her sisters know the fiends fly them to the enemy country of Tsantar under cover of darkness, where Prince Leonnar hopes to steal their secrets and gain control of Oneska. Their father’s proclamation that the man who drives away the hovering dragons will marry one of his daughters incites the princesses to redouble their efforts to escape Prince Leonnar’s tyranny.

When the enigmatic new stable hand, Merric, offers to help, Emelia finds him as frustrating as he is attractive. His superior knowledge of dragons gives her new hope, until he shatters her trust by showing more interest in protecting the vile creatures than getting rid of them. But only by finding a way to work with Merric—and with the dragons she detests—will Emelia have any chance of freeing herself, her sisters, and her kingdom from Tsantar’s clutches forever.

Retelling The Twelve Dancing Princesses and The Language of the Birds

The Intertwined Tales is a multi-author series of clean fairytale retellings. Each novella entwines a famous fairytale with a lesser-known story to create one happily ever after. These standalone stories can be enjoyed in any order.

The Art of Us ~ Review

The Art of Us 

By Julie Wright

This book is timely as more people find themselves homeless. It is told from the perspective of a high school student who has lost her mom and been abandoned by her father. 

Ireland Raine seems to have it all. At least, she's doing a really good job of hiding just how bad her life has become. She sleeps in a sleeping bag by night in a freezing, out-of-the-way public bathroom (little more than an outhouse). Her clothes, well washing is not possible. And food? She gets a meal at school. She just needs to hold on for a little longer to avoid foster care. When she turns 18, everything will be different; she won't have to hide anymore. She can get a job, get into college, and live the rest of her life.

That is until everything falls in on her. But before it does, she makes friends with her crush, Kal Ellis. Things seem great until the truth of her situation becomes known. But should some secrets be kept secret? Or is it better to reveal the truth, though it is initially hurtful? This choice is more fully fleshed out and has a more significant impact on readers. What is the correct answer? What would you choose?

This sensitively written book allows tweens and teens to glimpse the harsh realities of life for those without a home. I appreciate its educational qualities. I feel this is a book that schools and public libraries should have on their shelves. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

*Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection*

About the Book:

Falling in love is complicated when you’re both keeping secrets.

On the surface, everything seems perfect for high school senior Ireland Raine. She’s intelligent and artistically talented, and her natural beauty and quiet charm are enviable. However, Ireland harbors a secret she’ll guard at any cost—she’s homeless.

When her crush, Kal Ellis, invites her on a date, she seizes the opportunity. Ireland has never had a boyfriend before, and Kal is not just a guitarist for the local band, he’s also an artist. Their connection is instantaneous, and he suggests they collaborate on the school mural. Working and laughing alongside Kal, Ireland can momentarily forget her problems.

However, when someone exposes her secret, Ireland ends up in a foster home alongside her most despised adversary, Mara Washington. To make matters worse, Ireland discovers it was Kal who revealed her secret.

Furious, Ireland must decide if she has the strength to forgive the boy who stole her heart or if she is better off alone.

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A Lady Most Alluring ~ Now Available

A Lady Most Alluring

A Grimm Regency Tale

By Amy Newbold

A delightful Regency twist on Cinderella that does not have a cruel stepmother or evil stepsisters. A Lady Most Alluring finds Cecilia Barnet, her older sister Miriam, and her mother leaving London behind. Following the death of her father, the family has to remove to the country and is tenants of the Colbourne family.

This book reminded me of Lizzie and Jane's closeness in Pride and Prejudice and Marianne and Elinor's in Sense and Sensibility. 

Cecilia is trying to live below the notice of others. Before her father's death, she was linked to a scandal through no fault of her own. Since then, she has been attempting to distance herself from any hint of anything being improper. So when she attracts Benedict Lockhart's attention, she is no more surprised than anyone about this turn of events. Her sister Miriam is supposed to garner attention and raise the family's standing to what it once was. 

Even more disturbing, Cecilia finds herself drawn to the gentleman, who is trying to avoid any and all romantic entanglements to the point of societal rudeness! 

This sweet story is appropriate for tweens, teens, and those who want clean, no- or low-spice romance. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Books:

A scandal. 

A wager. 

A masquerade ball.

Cecilia Barnet flees London and a scandal for a fresh start in the countryside. Desperate to keep a low profile, her sole focus is finding a match for her sister, Miriam.

As Benedict Lockhart arrives with his mother at their country estate, he is determined to avoid romantic entanglements. He makes a wager with his friend that he can rebuff the attentions of the rural ladies.

When Cecilia and Benedict meet, it’s dislike at first sight. But within the small country social circles, they are repeatedly thrust together. An undeniable attraction sparks between them, and Cecilia fears rejection if Benedict learns of her past. As she strives to protect her secret from him, Benedict fights his growing feelings for her. He clings to his wager and plans to return to London unattached.

If Cecilia can't find the courage to be truthful, it will cost her a chance at unparalleled happiness. And if Benedict can't set aside his pride, he will lose the only woman who's ever spoken to his heart.

This charming Regency romance novella is inspired by Cinderella.

This series reimagines classic Grimm Brother tales as Regency romances. Sit back, grab a hot chocolate, and enjoy these stories of sweet romance and loveable characters.

A Grimm Regency Tale series

• A Lady Most Engaged by Audrey Glenn
• A Lady Most Fitting by Sienna Peake
• A Lady Most Untamed by Amanda Panhorst
• A Lady Most Intrigued by Jenni Ward
• A Lady Most Entangled by Mary-Celeste Ricks
• A Lady Most Isolated by Heloise C. Kensington
• A Lady Most Alluring by Amy Newbold

The Princess and the Shoemaker ~ Available Now

The Princess and the Shoemaker  Intertwined Tales By S.R. Nulton  This book was attention-grabbing. I was of the mind, "I'll read one chapter before bed." Yeah, that did not happen. Instead, I stayed up well into the night because the story drew me in, and I just had to know what happened. Princess Cherree has been living under a curse that preyed on her love of dancing. But now someone has gone even further, and now she can never stop dancing. Her only hope is to find a way to break this curse before it takes her life. But can a pair of cursed shoemaking elves help her?  When an enchantment goes wrong, anything can happen, and Cherree must be strong while those around her try to determine what can be done to free the young princess.   The elves were an intriguing element in this story. Their skill with shoe-making and understanding of magic made them essential. But they were suffering under a curse that was thwarting their magical abilities. The younger of the two, Enen, connected with Cherree because of their perceived closeness of age, and they developed a friendship.  I found the lack of respect Cherree received from the people a bit perplexing, but this book is a companion to the author's Refurbished Fairy Tales series. I now feel I need to read the books that seem most important to understanding the backstory, The Twelve "Dancing" Princesses and Rivers of Gold. But this book so thoroughly captured my attention I am more than willing to take a step back and read these other books and then reread this book from a different viewpoint.  This book is appropriate for tween readers. It is light on the potential of romance in the future. I would like to revisit these characters in a future book. There is still a question of where all the other Elves are.  I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own. About the Book: A princess cursed to move.  An Elf separated from his people.  A pair of deadly shoes destined to change both their lives. Elves have been a thing of myth and legend for years, to the point where even the Fey don’t know that they exist. Cherree has loved dancing since she was a babe, but there are more dangers than just snooty nobles. She’s also experienced enough curses to know when she’s under one. When a mysterious pair of red dancing slippers appear, creating chaos in her life, she turns to the experts. Who knows more about making shoes than a cobbler? Well, maybe his mythical assistants. Can they save the new princess from dancing herself to death? Or, will this be one curse too many for the princess? Two Intertwined Tales.                                  One Happily Ever After.

Investigation of a Journalist ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Investigation of a Journalist 

by Danielle Grandinetti, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Investigation of a Journalist

Harbored in Crow's Nest #6

By Danielle Grandinetti

This is the sixth book in the Harbored In Crow's Nest series, set in 1931 Wisconsin. I love the historical aspect of this series and the suspense thread running throughout it. This time, we finally get Buck Wilson's story.  

Buck Wilson has been an intriguing person to get to know. In Crow's Nest, he is a bit of an enigma, hated or disliked by most. Yet he has moments where he comes across as a caring, good person. But his associations paint him in a different light. But the time has come for Buck to reveal the truth; to do so, he must reach out to the one person he never wanted to bring into this life.

Caroline Wagoneer last saw Buck over two years ago. He left one month before they were to be married, so when he shows up asking for her help, she is faced with a choice. Does she help him stop a dangerous foe? Or does she turn her back on his plea? But his plea touches her heart. 

I enjoyed this book and feel this series is best read in order. Although this book can be read as a standalone title, you would be missing background information from the previous books. I love that Buck gets a second chance at the life he has had to leave behind. But a chance isn't a promise of tomorrow, and the people Buck is trying to stop won't go down quietly. 

I really enjoy this kind of book and am willing to forego sleep for it. If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend it. Danielle Grandinetti has a way of making history come alive with her gift of wordsmithing, and she is on my must-read list of authors.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Investigation of a Journalist

Series: Harbored in Crow's Nest #6

Author: Danielle Grandinetti

Publisher: Hearth Spot Press

Release Date: November 19, 2024

Genre: Christian Historical Romance/Suspense

A second chance to set the record straight, and rekindle a lost love. 

Wisconsin, 1931—Buck Wilson refuses to accept failure as his reward for all he has sacrificed, but he’s kept secrets for too long to be believed. With his freedom on the line, there’s only one person he trusts to mine for the true story: the woman he left one month before their wedding. 

All investigative journalist Caroline Wagoneer wants is to shine a light on the truth wherever darkness threatens to obscure it. Which is the only reason she agrees to help her ex-fiance when he begs for her to go undercover in Crow’s Nest. What she discovers paints Buck in a whole new light. 

With lies and rumor hemming them in, Buck and Caroline realize their love may be doomed on the altar of altruism. 

Unless love can truly conquer all. 

Welcome to Crow’s Nest, where danger and romance meet at the water’s edge.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy Directly From the Author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

Also Available

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About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti is an award-winning inspirational romance author fueled by tea and books. As a FHLCW Reader’s Choice and Selah Award Finalist, she mixes romance, suspense, and history to bring her stories to life. Originally from the Chicagoland area, she now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline with her husband and their two young sons.

Connect with Danielle at daniellegrandinetti.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each win a paperback copy of Confessions to a Stranger, a Crow's Nest tote bag, and a Crow's Nest Journal!

The full tour schedule is linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight on November 19, 2024, and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 26, 2024. The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

An Honorable Deception ~ Review

An Honorable Deception

The Imposters #3

By Roseanna M. White

This was such a good read. I loved finally getting Yates's story, and as an added bonus, we got more of Lavinia. But in between and all around it, we have a bigger story. A story that has serious implications throughout the nobility. 

The Imposters receive a plea for help. Lady Alethia Barremore's former Indian nanny has disappeared. Worse, an acquaintance who had information has gone missing. Then, someone attacks Alethia just following her meeting with Yates, leaving her to die.

Yes, the Imposters have a case before them—a case that has potentially far-reaching consequences and paints some of the nobility in a less-than-stellar light. When Lavinia stumbles upon her dear friends' long-kept secret, though, she offers to help as Marigold and Gemma's participation is limited. 

This is the final book in The Imposters series and, in my opinion, the best. It was interesting how the past had to be confronted in this book. For several of the characters it was distorting their perceptions of themselves and keeping them from the futures they were being offered. I think my favorite part was when some of my favorite characters from the author's previous series made an appearance. This was overall a good book that touched on some serious concerns. I think this book reads better when read in series order, though you could read and enjoy it as a standalone title.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

As the leader of elite private investigative firm the Imposters, Lord Yates Fairfax has made an art of concealing his identity. But when his newest client, the beautiful Lady Alethia Barremore, is shot while leaving their meeting, he throws caution to the wind and rushes to her aid. Though Lady Alethia thought she was only looking for her missing former nanny, she has clearly stumbled upon dangerous secrets.

Lady Lavinia Hemming suspects there's more to her oldest friends than they're willing to admit, and when she stumbles upon the truth that they're the Imposters, she recruits herself into the firm. Happy as she is for the distraction of an investigation, Lavinia's own family secrets continue to haunt her. And the one thing to bring laughter back into her life--her friendship with Yates--lands her squarely on the bad side of her best friend, his sister.

Tormented by a past that she doesn't dare to voice aloud, Lady Alethia does what she can to help her handsome host, her new friends, and the investigators. But as clues lead them deeper into the darkest of society's secrets, Alethia, Yates, and Lavinia soon learn anew that the gentry isn't always noble . . . and truth isn't always honorable.

The Paris Portrait ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Paris Portrait by Heidi Eljarbo, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Paris Portrait
A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #3
By Heidi Eljarbo

Fabiola Bennett and her good friends Pippa and Cary travel by car to her brother's home just outside Paris. There Fabiola's brother, Eivind shows her an old cookbook he recently bought at an auction. Fabiola, being who she is, is intrigued and stays up late into the night studying the book and makes a discovery. The cookbook is much more than a cookbook and it is a clue to a potential find of historical significance if it can be proven.

The Paris Portrait is a split-time story told in from two different perspectives. Fabiola's portion of the story is set in 1973. Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun's portion is set in 1789 and in the midst of the beginnings of the French Revolution.

Élisabeth is a court portraitist and as such she has become close to France's queen, Marie Antoinette. We are taken into the luxurious and extravagant life of the Versailles court. A court unconnected to the poor people who are growing frustrated with the excesses that are in stark contrast to their daily struggles. Élisabeth's talent finds her caught in the middle. She can see the truth of life outside of court and must walk a careful line in-between if she hopes to survive what she sees coming. Her life and that of her daughter depend on it.

This is the third book the Fabiola Bennett Mystery series, a book which can be read and enjoyed without first reading the previous books. I love how both portions are historical and that the "current day" mystery is played out in the distant past. I also love seeing the "mystery" being solved by Fabiola and her friends without the use of the technology we are so used to today - no cellphones, no computers, no GPS. No this is a day of maps, travel for research, and footwork. This is an excellent read and highly recommended as an escape from the familiar.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

   

 

About the Book

Title: The Paris Portrait
Series: A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #3
Author: Heidi Eljarbo
Publisher: Independently published
Release Date: November 12, 2024
Genre: Historical Mystery, Dual Timeline, Fiction

Fabiola stumbles upon a clue that indicates a royal portrait went missing almost two hundred years ago. Is this true, or is there substance to the rumor?  

Paris, France, 1973. 
After an enjoyable but dusty road trip, Fabiola and her friends, Pippa and Cary, arrive in a small village on the outskirts of Paris to spend a few days with Fabiola’s brother Eivind and his family. 

On their first evening there, Eivind shows Fabiola an ancient recipe book he bought at an auction. The book is filled with old writing, and he asks Fabiola to decipher the pages. After the others have gone to bed, she spends hours reading and is gripped by the last pages that have nothing to do with recipes for baked goods and stews. Certain the author was a famous portrait artist at the time of the French Revolution, Fabiola and her friends set out on a treacherous investigation, dodging murderers and thieves to learn the truth.  

Versailles, France, 1789.
Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun— portraitist and close friend of the extravagant queen of France, Marie Antoinette—has already painted thirty portraits of the queen. Her contemporaries compare her to the old Dutch masters, calling her one of the greatest portrait painters of her time. 

But outside on the streets, Paris is becoming more perilous with every day that passes. Madame Le Brun would be a fool to think the rumors of a revolution will pass, and aristocratic life will continue as before. 

Amid the turmoil, she paints one final portrait of Marie Antoinette, knowing well her association with the queen could cause her to be arrested or executed. As chaos and riots in Paris turn to violence, Madame Le Brun flees with her young daughter, hoping her royal friend and the portrait will be safe.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More Books in This Series

 

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About the Author

Heidi Eljarbo grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history. 

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter. 

 Heidi’s favorites are her family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

Connect with Heidi by visiting heidieljarbo.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon giftcard + a paperback of one Fabiola Bennett Mystery of your choice!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 12, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 19, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Across the Ages ~ Review

 Today, I am thrilled to feature Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer, the fourth book in the Timeless series.

One woman. Two separate lifetimes. A life-altering decision that could reshape her destiny.

This series has an intriguing premise: there are people among us who live in a second time period. Going to sleep finds you living your second life. You don't dream; you live.                                

In Across the Ages, Caroline dwells in 1727 and 1927. In both, she seeks answers about the "curse" she was born with. Could the answers she seeks come from the mother who abandoned her as a baby?

When a series uses a unique split-time scenario, such as this one, one would think it would become stale, but each time, it comes across as fresh and new. And with pirates in one timeline and gangsters in another, it is not boring.        

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own. 

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Purchase at: 

http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/across-the-ages/422230
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209357000-across-the-ages (or another link with purchase info 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Series: Timeless #4
Release Date: November 5, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Time-Travel Romance Fiction

Caroline holds a deep secret. Living in 1727 and 1927 simultaneously, each night she goes to sleep in one life and wakes up in the other. In search of answers to her unique existence, Caroline stumbles upon a letter from her mother hinting at her own experiences as a time-crosser, sending Caroline on a daring quest to uncover the truth. In 1727, Caroline disguises herself as a cabin boy and joins a ship sailing for the Bahamas, her mother’s last known location, where she crosses paths with a ruthless but handsome pirate and is caught in a web of secrets, deception, and unexpected alliances.

In 1927 St. Paul, Minnesota, Caroline grapples with her other life as the daughter of a renowned preacher. Her two older brothers have fallen prey to the corruption rampant during Prohibition, and Caroline struggles to keep their involvement hidden to save her father’s career. As her search for answers about her time-crossing leads her to the dangerous yet exciting world of speakeasies, Caroline enlists the help of a childhood friend who is now a police officer. But with her family’s future at risk and their loyalties tested, Caroline faces a life-altering decision that could reshape her destiny.

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Tea With Elephants ~ Review

Tea With Elephants

Suitcase Sisters #1

By Robin Jones Gunn

"If you want to travel fast, go alone. If you want to travel far, go together." This quote which is from the back cover so perfectly sums up this book. As besties Fern Espinoza and Lily Garden fulfill a longtime dream of taking a trip to Kenya, a trip that lasted only a week, but was life changing.

Fern's life is in a state of upheaval at the time and with the support of her husband and Lily, she is determined to enjoy the experience. For both Lily and Fern the time in Kenya allows both to see the world and their lives through a changed perspective. It is amazing what one week can do in a person's life.

I loved the scenes where the safari part of the trip took place. With a title like Tea With Elephants, one gets a visual in one's head and it is always nice when such an expectation is met. I've read Robin Jones Gunn's books in the past and was not disappointed in this series debut. And fun bonus there are a couple of recipes to try out.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

When longtime friends Fern and Lily get the chance to fulfill their dream of going on safari in Kenya, they welcome the break from their complicated worlds back home. But the journey will provide more than a change of scenery; it just might give them a new perspective on the lives they’ll return to.