The Elusive Miss Ellison ~ Review

The Elusive Miss Ellison
Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace #1
By Carolyn Miller

If you are looking for a delightful way to pass the day as you enjoy a spot of tea you've found it in The Elusive Miss Ellison.

Lavinia Ellison has no use for the nobility of England who live off the toil and suffering of those who are under their "care". And unfortunately for Nicholas Stamford, the newest Earl of Hawkesbury, he already has a strike against him in the opinion of Livvie, one from which he may never raise in her estimation.

Lavinia, as the local minister's daughter, offers a helping hand to those within the village of St. Hampton Heath and she's determined to see that Lord Hawkesbury do his duty by the villagers and his tenants. But a quiet country life caring for the needs of others isn't what Nicholas seeks. He's searching for a way to heal from the horrors of war and from the guilt he's been carrying for far too long. Lavinia's wit and intelligence might prove to be a distraction to that will make a permanent change in his life, but the daughter of a country reverend could never tempt his heart, or could she?

But when Lavinia and Nicholas have a chance to get to know one another they come to realize that first impressions are not necessarily a true likeness of who a person truly is. But a long-held family secret is lurking in the past, one that could change everything. And it could end any thought of friendship or something more before it ever begins.

This book is a delightful blend of a unique story with a subtle nod to the talent of Jane Austen.  Fans of Regency and historical fiction can enjoy this newest offering that promises a meeting of personages that will rival that of Elizabeth Bennett and Mister Darcy.  Even better this is but the first book in a new series.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review ~ all expressed opinions are my own.


About the Book:

"Handsome appearance counts for naught unless matched by good character and actions." That's the firm opinion of not-so-meek minister's daughter Lavinia Ellison. So even though all the other villagers of St. Hampton Heath are swooning over the newly returned seventh Earl of Hawkesbury, she is not impressed. If a man won't take his responsibilities seriously and help those who are supposed to be able to depend on him, he deserves no respect from her. In Lavinia's pretty, gray eyes, Nicholas Stamford is just as arrogant and reckless as his brother--who stole the most important person in Livvie's world.

Nicholas is weighed down by his own guilt and responsibility, by the pain his careless brother caused, and by the legacy of war he's just left. This quick visit home to St. Hampton Heath will be just long enough to ease a small part of that burden. Asking him to bother with the lives of the villagers when there's already a bailiff on the job is simply too much to expect. That is, until the hoydenish, intelligent, and very opinionated Miss Ellison challenges him to see past his pain and pride. With her angelic voice in his head, he may even be beginning to care. But his isn't the only heart that needs to change.

These two lonely hearts may each have something the other needs. But with society's opposition, ancestral obligations, and a shocking family secret, there may be too many obstacles in their way.

Fans of Georgette Heyer, Lori Wick, and Julie Klassen will enjoy the spirited exchanges between the bluestocking minister's daughter and the bruised war hero as they move past pride and presumption to a humbled appreciation of God's grace and the true strength of love. 

Who is the heroine of your life? ~ The Zookeeper's Wife Trailer and Giveaway

Who is the heroine of your life?

Everyday life goes on around us and we don't always notice the little things that those around us are doing. Often these little things are the things that make our life easier, these are the things that can change our world. Often the heroine of our life does so quietly, sending out tiny ripples that have a far greater effect upon us than we would ever realize looking forward. But when we look behind us we see a fuller picture.

A gentle nudge here or there to encourage us to overcome a seemingly insurmountable obstacle - an obstacle that is but a small rise to any even greater hill and then into the mountains. It can be a hand to help us regain our footing when we've slipped. A steadying influence as we peddle for the first time. The helpful hints to remember how to spell a word or master a mathematical challenge or preventing a scientific disaster when a report is due the next day.

My heroine has done all this and more. She's been there when I've needed someone to talk to or a rare shoulder to cry on. She's championed those in need by giving what she can and could and has encouraged me to do the same. A heroine doesn't need to go out looking for dragons to slay - she sees the needs around her and just does what is necessary to accomplish her goal. She makes her small corner of the world better by doing what she can and the ripples that she sends out have an untold effect on those who are touched by them.

My heroine is a quiet champion who does what she can whenever she can. Who is the heroine of your life?

~*~*~*~*~*~

The Zookeeper’s Wife Trailer: http://www.focusfeatures.com/thezookeeperswife/video/official_trailer

THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE - Synopsis

In 1939 Poland, Antonina Żabińska (portrayed by two-time Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain) and her husband, Dr. Jan Żabiński (Johan Heldenbergh, a European Film Award nominee for the Academy Award-nominated The Broken Circle Breakdown), have the Warsaw Zoo flourishing under his stewardship and her care.

When their country is invaded by the Germans, Jan and Antonina are stunned and forced to report to the Reich's newly appointed chief zoologist, Lutz Heck (Golden Globe Award nominee Daniel Brühl of Captain America: Civil War).

To fight back on their own terms, the Żabińskis covertly begin working with the Resistance and put into action plans to save lives out of what has become the Warsaw Ghetto, with Antonina putting herself and even her children at great risk.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Scenes from the movie

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Without Warning ~ Review

Without Warning
A J.B. Collins Novel #3
By Joel C. Rosenberg

This time it is personal and it has come home - America is under attack, the first target, the nation's capital. One would think President Harrison Taylor would take the threats of Abu Khalif more seriously after being held hostage. But the President keeps brushing off concerns expressed by those with keeping him in the know.  And J.B. Collins is determined to let the nation know that contrary to the President's political grandstanding Abu Khalif is not on the run and is in fact about to fulfill his promise to bring down America and the infidel nations.

When successive attacks begin occurring across the nation, one strike is about to change J.B.'s life forever. Can a journalist use his investigative skills and his knowledge of Abu Khalif to help bring down the world's most deadly terrorist?

This book packs in a lot of action as J.B. comes to terms with his life as it now stands - his choices and his regrets. With lives on the line, he makes a decision that will take him back to the Middle East, where he will take part in the ultimate story - his own.

If you like non-stop suspense with a political twist you need to read this book - this series. Get ready for some unexpected twists before you experience a not to be forgotten ending. If you haven't read the previous two books in the series I would highly recommend reading them first as the series builds upon itself. Fans of Joel Rosenberg's work will appreciate his latest fiction offering.

Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book with no expectation of a positive review ~ all expressed opinions are my own.

About the Book:
As he prepares to deliver the State of the Union address, the president of the United States is convinced the Islamic State is on the run, about to be crushed by American forces once and for all. But New York Times foreign correspondent J. B. Collins tells the president he’s dead wrong.

With the Middle East on fire, the Israeli prime minister dead, and Amman in ruins, Collins fears a catastrophic attack inside the American homeland is imminent. He argues that only an all-out manhunt to capture or kill Abu Kahlif—the leader of ISIS—can stop the attack and save American lives. But will the president listen and take decisive action before it’s too late?

India ~ Review with Giveaway and Trailer

India
By Debra Schoenberger

India the very name brings images to mind and this book will bring to the reader images that don't have to be imagined. All too often one thinks of the exotic, a land of spices, a land of adventure. But the truth of this land is presented here thanks to the photographic talents of Debra Schoenberger.

"India is, quite simply unforgettable, a land of contrasts," this statement taken from one of the very few textual portions of this book sums up this book perfectly.  India has vast grandeurs of architectural wonders and the close crowded streets that can be found in any area with a large population within the confines of a city.

A book with more than one hundred pictures definitely tells a story that couldn't be portrayed with only words. Prepare for a visual journey that is rich in the depth that its very subject matter is presented. See the everyday life of India and study at leisure this world that one might never have the chance to explore in person.

I like the glimpses that the author shares. Other books that, I have, in the past, examined show only the tourist attractions around this land. I appreciate the effort the author went to in sharing the India she has grown to love. The pictorial nature of this book makes it perfect for any age reader regardless of reading skills. Take a day to explore this land and share the experience with those whom you'd like to take the journey with.

I was provided a digital review copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review ~ all expressed opinions are my own.

Book Description:

I have always been fascinated by the sheer beauty and diversity in Indian culture. "Sensory overload in a glance" is an apt description of a country that is always in movement. To be able to stand still in the middle of all that movement allows me to really "see" her people and absorb the flow of life from birth to death.

From learning how to make yellow ink from cow urine to watching funeral pyres burn in Varanasi, I realized that I would have to spend a lifetime here to grasp the immense value of her art, stunning architecture, fascinating food, and love of all that is beautiful.

Buy the book:   Amazon   Blurb   iTunes   Website

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Author's Bio:

Debra Schoenberger aka #girlwithcamera

"My dad always carried a camera under the seat of his car and was constantly taking pictures. I think that his example, together with pouring over National Geographic magazines as a child fuelled my curiosity for the world around me.

I am a documentary photographer and street photography is my passion. Some of my images have been chosen by National Geographic as editor's favourites and are on display in the National Geographic museum in Washington, DC.  I also have an off-kilter sense of humour so I'm always looking for the unusual.

​Connect with the author:    Website ~  Facebook ​~ Instagram ~  Pinterest

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Courting Carrie in Wonderland ~ Review

Courting Carrie in Wonderland
By Carla Kelly

Sergeant Major Ramsey Stiles was finally back in Yellowstone after serving in the Philippines in the Philippine-American War, (a war, I might mention, I don't recall ever being mentioned in any of my history classes and I still have the books).  The peace and magic of America's Wonderland just what he needed to heal from the horrors he experienced. The only problem, his new job comes with a lot more paperwork as he works to keep everything working together for the tourists, the army, and the animals.

Carrie McKay loves her job working with the Wylie Camping Company but, due to an incident in her past, her experiences are not the most pleasant thanks to a lying tongue that seeks to keep her from succeeding.

When Carrie finds herself in need of a little help Ramsey just happens to be nearby and this chance meeting is about to change both their lives in ways that neither would have ever anticipated or expected. 

This story is more than a romance that takes place in the setting of the Yellowstone, one gets an education about Yellowstone in the earlier years. One also gets a look at the lack of appreciation those with power have in regards to the need for nature to balance itself. One is transported to this land that was known as Wonderland.

This historical romance is a lesson that you'll not mind learning and you'll want to revisit again and share with like-minded reading friends.  There is a lot of story packed into this nearly 400 paged book. Fans of Carla Kelly will enjoy this newest work.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.

About the book: 

Struggling through college and balancing her summer job with the Wylie Camping Company, Carrie simply doesn’t have time to consider romance. War Veteran Sergeant Ned Ramsey isn’t looking for love either, busy with his own complicated affairs. But as the magic of Yellowstone starts making its way into their hearts, both begin to see love move up their priority list.



About the author: 

Carla Kelly is a veteran of the New York and international publishing world. The author of more than thirty novels and novellas for Donald I. Fine Co., Signet, and Harlequin, Carla is the recipient of two Rita Awards (think Oscars for romance writing) from Romance Writers of America and two Spur Awards (think Oscars for western fiction) from Western Writers of America. She is also a recipient of a Whitney Award for “Borrowed Light,” “My Loving Vigil Keeping,” and “Softly Falling.”

My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas ~ Review

My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas
Priscilla's Reveille 
By Erica Vetsch

When Priscilla Hutchens receives word that her brother and his wife have died, she hurries to the rugged and dangerous army post they called home. She's determined to save the young niece and nephew she's never met from the horrors of army life.

To Priscilla's dismay, she can't just whisk the children away to her home in Cincinnati. Culture and refinement are put on hold by the arrogant post surgeon Major Elliot Ryder who shockingly lays claim to the very children she wishes to rescue. He's the uncle she never knew the children had thanks to the estrangement that had divided her family with her brother's enlistment.

Elliot sees no reason for Priscilla to take Tessa and Timothy from the life they've known and he is determined to keep his promise to his sister regarding her children. Unfortunately, Priscilla is as determined as he is when it comes to the children, but he has a history with the children, unlike Priscilla.

Can these two come to an understanding that allows Tessa and Timothy to have what their hearts most desire ~ a family? Or will someone win this battle of wills making sure everyone loses in the end?

This is a sweet book that will leave the reader feeling satisfied when the last page is turned. If you are looking for a gentle, clean read you've found it hidden among the stark openness of Fort Bliss, Texas. Fans of historical romance fiction will enjoy this book that is set in 1874. And there is no need to worry you won't be blushing as you read.

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


About the Book:

A custody battle brings

two stubborn individuals together

at a remote Texas fort ... 

Fashion artist Priscilla Hutchens has a grudge against the army that has ruined her family and taken the people she holds most dear.  When her twin niece and nephew are left orphaned at Fort Bliss, Texas, she swoops down on Fort Bliss to gain custody of them immediately.  

There is just one thing standing in the way—Post surgeon Major Elliot Ryder, who also has a claim to the children. Priscilla and Elliot will cross swords, but each will have to lay down arms if they are to find a lasting peace on which to form the family both are longing for. 

 Who will win the battle? Or will a truce be called for the sake of love and family?

Journey now to Fort Bliss in West Texas of 1874, where a battle is about to be waged between hearts.

For Love and Honor ~ Review

For Love and Honor
By Jody Hedlund

Sir Bennett has returned home after a plea from his mother, Lady Windsor, - the family is teetering on the edge of ruin brought about by the foolish grief filled actions of his older brother. Determined to do his duty by his family Sir Bennett reluctantly agrees to his mother's plan, even if it costs him the desire of his heart - a marriage based on love.

Lady Sabine has no desire to marry, knowing that the secret she carries could cost her her life. Her only desire is to add to her collection of rare treasures of art, jewels, and books. Knowledge is her passion and one her wealth allows her to feed. But her grandmother, Lady Sherborne, is determined that her only grandchild, not spend the entirety of her life alone and the dire straights the Windsor family finds themselves in could work in Sabine's favor.

But with both Sir Bennett and Lady Sabine both keeping secrets from the other as to the purpose of their meeting could love ever be a possibility? Only time will tell and time is the one thing that Sir Bennett does not have.

Those who read the previous two books in this series An Uncertain Choice and A Daring Sacrifice will enjoy Sir Bennett's story. And as the road, to love is never easy he may have to depend on his friends Collin and Derrick as well as his mentor the Duke of Rivenshire to help when matters take a potentially dangerous turn.

This book can be read as a stand-alone if you haven't read the previous two. This book, like the previous two, is appropriate for tweens and teens who like clean reads. And the cover is delightful and suits the book perfectly.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Lady Sabine is harboring a skin blemish, one, that if revealed, could cause her to be branded as a witch, put her life in danger, and damage her chances of making a good marriage. After all, what nobleman would want to marry a woman so flawed?

Sir Bennet is returning home to protect his family from an imminent attack by neighboring lords who seek repayment of debts. Without fortune or means to pay those debts, Sir Bennet realizes his only option is to make a marriage match with a wealthy noblewoman. As a man of honor, he loathes the idea of courting a woman for her money, but with time running out for his family’s safety, what other choice does he have?

As Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet are thrust together under dangerous circumstances, will they both be able to learn to trust each other enough to share their deepest secrets? Or will those secrets ultimately lead to their demise?