An Unlikely Courtship ~ Review with Interview and Giveaway

An Unlikely Courtship
Regency House Party: Somerstone #2
By Heidi Kimball

Lord Anthony has a reputation as a bit of a rogue, leaving broken hearts in his wake but never his own. When the Countess Du'Breven surprises him with an invitation to a house party at her Somerstone Estate he is more than willing to put off returning home and seeing his father. He sees the next few weeks filled with some flirtatious interludes.

Isabel Townshend sees the upcoming house party as a chance to change her family's dismal financial situation. With her father's fragile health she hopes to be aided by Countess Du'Breven in her plan to elevate her sister Anne's own prospects. But when their carriage has an unfortunate incident she has a chance meeting with Lord Anthony that casts him in an unfavorable light in her opinion.  Lord Anthony finds himself intrigued by this young lady who seems determined to keep him and his flirtatious ways far away.

An Unlikely Courtship is a fun addition to the Regency House Party series. Isabel and Anthony are an excellent match in the eyes of the Countess but whether they see one another in such a light will depend on a great many things - the first seeing past their first impressions of one another.

This is a series that is joined by location Somerstone and characters that cross from one book to the other ~ but each is a stand-alone book that can readily be read in whatever order you wish. Each book is authored by a different author and in this case, it is by Heidi Kimball. Each book focuses on a different cast of main characters while interacting with the other background characters so it is fun seeing how each story plays out and weaves into the other.

If you are looking for a diversionary read and love Regency era manners give the Regency House Party in Somerstone and An Unlikely Courtship a read. But beware scandal is just one misstep away and all could be lost. A perfect weekend read to escape with. This is a gentle clean read that you won't mind sharing.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through SLB Book Tours with no expectations but to offer my honest thoughts ~ all opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Series: Regency House Party
Genre:  Adult, Historical, Regency, Romance
Publisher: Indie
Publication date: September 9, 2018

One can only be careless with so many hearts 

before he ends up breaking his own.

Lord Anthony is an outrageous flirt with a devil-may-care attitude. The last thing on his mind is settling down. When the Countess Du’Breven invites him to her house party, promising to see him married, Anthony finds the prospect diverting and accepts. But when he meets a damsel in distress unwilling to accept his help, Anthony realizes his attraction to her may be his downfall.

Isabel Townshend is at her breaking point, caring for her ailing father and her innocent younger sister. She has a family secret to protect and no time for handsome young men, even at a house party with so many eligible bachelors. When Lord Anthony disturbs her well-laid plans, Isabel realizes her determination to protect her family may cost her future happiness.

With hearts at odds and defenses drawn, will Isabel and Anthony be able to put aside their differences and find love at last?
​
An Unlikely Courtship is one of five books set in the Regency House Party Series. While each is a stand-alone story, watch our characters mingle together with others from the books in the series. The stories can be read in any order.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

About the Author

At a young age Heidi perfected the art of hiding out so she could read instead of doing chores. One husband and four children later, not much has changed. She has an abiding love for peanut butter M&Ms, all things fall, and any book that can make her forget she is supposed to be keeping her children alive.
​
Heidi currently lives just north of Boston, in a charming old town in southern New Hampshire.

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | WEBSITE

Author Interview:

1) Who is your favorite comfort read author?

This is such a hard question, but I might have to say Rebecca Connolly. Her writing always just pulls me right in and I love her characters.

2) What do you most like about the Regency era?

I love how subtle everything is - dialogue, flirtation, touch. So little means so much, you just have to read between the lines.

3) What one author past or present would you like to mentor you?

Jane Austen, most definitely. She was so great at nailing human nature and really creating amazing characters so many people have connected with.

4) How do develop your setting (a photo, a trip, a random comment)?

So many ways. Sometimes it’s a line in a song, sometimes it’s a scene from a movie. But I love building a scene so that my reader can see what I’m envisioning in my mind.

5) If you could share a cup of tea (or coffee) with anyone who would it be?

Hard one! Right now, I might say my sisters. We all live super far apart and I don’t get to see them near enough.

6) Do you have a favorite Regency period author that you would recommend?

Well, besides Austen? Definitely Georgette Heyer. She’s a master and her books are SO MUCH FUN. Frederica is one of my favorites.

7) Who is your favorite character in your book?

I’d probably have to say Isabel. I love her sassiness and her fierce loyalty toward her family. I think both of those things are what really get Anthony’s heart into trouble.

8) What is your favorite thing about writing?

I love creating something that can bring someone else some enjoyment. It’s fun to think about people I’ve never met enjoying my book, just the way I’ve enjoyed reading so many.

Giveaway

Enter the giveaway HERE.
​
Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.

Tour Schedule

November 12
Heidi Reads…
November 13
Robin’s Nest
November 14
Emily Yager
November 15
Maiden of the PagesRemembrancy
November 16
Paulette’s Papers
November 17
Blooming with Books
​Jorie Loves A Story

Sports and Moments of Inspiration

I'm not a big movie person but occasionally a movie just manages to catch my eye and one that did so was Woodlawn. This one is based on true events in early 1970s Birmingham, Alabama. What I like is that it is a time where segregation is falling to the law of the land. But change is never easy and hate and prejudices are at a high. But when the High School football team has an awakening to the fact that their preconceived notions about their fellow teammates are just that - notions without a solid foundation - the racial divides start to crumble. 

But, as with most things of importance, the changes did not happen overnight. It was a hard fought battle and one that those outside the high school even attempted to thwart. I believe that this is something that we all should strive for in this contentious time. If we all could use these events as an inspiration to effect a change in our own small corner of the world imagine what we could accomplish.

That is what I like about this movie it portrayed real events, real fears, real tensions and allowed one to see that by pushing past these feelings one is able to see beneath the surface to the person within. And beneath the surface, we all have dreams and hopes that when compared are not that different from those of others.

Do you have a favorite sport-themed movie that inspires you to push on, to strive past what you thought possible?

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

About The Movie (Synopsis)

Life has become a balancing act for Adonis Creed. Between personal obligations and training for his next big fight, he is up against the challenge of his life. Facing an opponent with ties to his family's past only intensifies his impending battle in the ring. Rocky Balboa is there by his side through it all and, together, Rocky and Adonis will confront their shared legacy, question what's worth fighting for, and discover that nothing's more important than family. Creed II is about going back to basics to rediscover what made you a champion in the first place, and remembering that, no matter where you go, you can't escape your history.  The film releases in theaters on Wednesday, November 21.  #CreedII

On Magnolia Lane ~ Review

On Magnolia Lane
A Blue Ridge Romance #3
By Denise Hunter

Pastor Jack McReady has feelings for Daisy Pendleton but he knows she sees him only as her pastor. And then there is the difference in their ages nearly ten years - which Jack feels might be a  problem in Daisy's eyes.

When his best friends get together to help him out Jack finds himself with a profile on a dating app - he can't imagine what his congregation will have to say about that! Or worse all the single women might think he is looking for a pastor's wife. Fortunately, it is under the name TJ rather than Jack but when the nudge that his friends gave Daisy is replied to Jack is worried that Daisy will be hurt if he doesn't respond.

Getting to know Daisy outside of his professional life becomes the highlight of his week but what will happen when Daisy finds out that Pastor Jack is also TJ. Will the trust and new found friendship that they are developing be destroyed forever?

Daisy is all for helping anyone she can but accepting thanks or gratitude is just not something she's comfortable with. And the issues she's allowed to lower her estimate of herself over the years well they just prove that she's not the type of person someone like Jack (or any guy with a degree for that matter) should be stuck with. The guy she met online - TJ - he's safe, basically a stranger, someone she can share things with, things that might lower her friends' estimate of her.

When Jack asks for Daisy's in organizing a massive fundraiser for the local girls home - he knows that she'll be able to pull it off. But when Daisy learns of a secret that if true could destroy all that she knew, she knows of only one person to whom she can go to with her grief. Will it be Jack? Or will it be TJ?

On Magnolia Lane is if not the best book in this series at least tied for the honor. I really like Jack's character and the personal struggle he faces when it comes to Daisy and his alternate identity of TJ. Daisy's fears and insecurities are understandable as cruel words have a way of sticking around and reminding one of their stings at the most inconvenient times. All too often one judges one's own achievements or lack of achievements against those of others, which is just wrong as each person is unique in their own skills and abilities. Like life, this book has moments that run the full spectrum of emotion that most can relate to.

This would make for an interesting book club selection and I would love to hear all the different takes on the various situations that arose throughout the book. For those unfamiliar with the Blue Ridge Romance series, you don't have to read the other books before enjoying this one, as each is complete in and of itself. Fans of contemporary romance fiction will want to curl up in a warm corner with a cup of tea and invest an evening or two in this one.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through TLC Book Tours with no expectations except that I offer my honest opinion ~ all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Falling in love with Daisy was easy for Jack. 
But finding the courage to tell her

becomes problematic when his secret feelings 
lead to even bigger complications.

Pastor Jack McReady has secretly carried a torch for Daisy for two long years. She’s a member of his congregation, after all, and she’ll never see him as more than a trusted counselor. Jack’s best friend Noah has taken every opportunity to encourage his lovesick friend, but when Noah catches wind that Daisy has joined an online dating site, he takes matters into his own hands and orchestrates a meet-cute of the most unconventional kind.

Owner of the local flower shop, Daisy Pendleton is content with her small-town life, but she’d sure like someone to share it with. After several disastrous first dates, she’s about to give up—and then she finds a seemingly wonderful man online. Daisy gets to know TJ through a series of messages but finds herself spending more time with Pastor Jack outside of the church at the same time. What she doesn’t know is that her online prospect and Jack are one and the same.

Just as Daisy’s love life starts to look promising, a mysterious woman appears in town. Daisy is faced with a revelation about her family that turns her world upside down, and she looks to both TJ and Jack for help.

Jack must find a way to reveal himself as her online suitor without breaking her heart and losing her trust. As Daisy faces Jack’s betrayal, she’ll have to learn to extend grace to herself, her family, and the man she’s grown to love.

From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom (now a beloved Hallmark Original movie) comes the final book in Hunter’s Blue Ridge Romance series.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes and Noble

About the Author:

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 30 novels, including “The Convenient Groom” and “A December Bride” which have been made into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on The 700 Club and won awards such as The Holt Medallion Award, The Carol Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking good coffee, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband raised three boys and are currently enjoying an empty nest.

Connect with Denise:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Instagram Tour Stops:

Monday, November 5th: @sarahandherbookshelves

Tuesday, November 6th: @thecaffeinated_bibliophile

Wednesday, November 7th: @rissi006

Thursday, November 8th: @_ebl_inc_

Thursday, November 8th: @jennblogsbooks

Friday, November 9th: @livethecozylife

Friday, November 9th: @thesketchyreader

Saturday, November 10th: @kim_reads

Review Tour Stops:

Monday, November 5th: Book by Book

Tuesday, November 6th: Christian Bookshelf Reviews

Wednesday, November 7th: View from the Birdhouse

Thursday, November 8th: Amy’s Book-et List

Friday, November 9th: The Sketchy Reader

Monday, November 12th: The Romance Dish

Tuesday, November 13th: Blooming with Books

Wednesday, November 14th: Romantic Reads and Such

Thursday, November 15th: Christian Chick’s Thoughts

Thursday, November 15th: Run Wright

Friday, November 16th: Jathan & Heather

Monday, November 19th: Fiction Aficionado

Tuesday, November 20th: Empowermoms

Wednesday, November 21st: From the TBR Pile

Friday, November 23rd: Kritter’s Ramblings

Monday, November 26th: The Lit Bitch

Monday, November 26th: A Chick Who Reads

Tuesday, November 27th: Read Eat Repeat

Wednesday, November 28th: Black ‘n Gold Girl’s Book Spot

Thursday, November 29th: Splashes of Joy

Friday, November 30th: What is That Book About

Dead Sea Rising ~ Review

Dead Sea Rising
Dead Sea Chronicles #1
By Jerry B. Jenkins

Nicole Berman has a theory that she thinks will change the history of the Middle East as we have always believed it to be. But to prove her theory she needs the permission of Saudi Arabia to lead an archeological dig to find the evidence she is sure exists. But will the Saudis allow a woman to lead a dig, though she has the experience she's never before lead a dig?

When tragedy strikes her mother all thoughts of a dig are momentarily put on hold. But when a perceived accident turns into an investigation with both Nicole and her father, Ben number one on the police suspect list both are naturally surprised. Who could possibly want to attack Virginia Berman?

As the present day is played out the reader is offered two additional story-threads that are important to what is unfolding in Manhattan. We are given glimpses of Ben Berman's life as an angry 18-year-old, who in an attempt to prove something to both his parents and himself enlists and is sent to Vietnam. Vietnam is rough as Ben is assigned to a hospital tasked with getting the injured stabilized and shipped out to other out of combat hospitals or back on duty.

The other story-thread is set in 2000 B.C. in Shinar, Mesopotamia, which is under the rule of Nimrod, who has taken the name of Amraphel for himself. The main focus of this thread is on Terah the chief officer of Nimrod and his life. Terah and his wife Belessunu are finally expecting their first child, which couldn't come at a worse time as Nimrod fears, due to the words of his soothsayers, that a coming male child will threaten his reign! As Terah plots and prayers to the gods he carved, his wife prays to the God of their forefather Noah for the son she knows she carries.

It is interesting as these various threads progress to the conclusion of the book, which is the first in a series. The conclusion of the various threads in not reached as they are integral to the additional books if I'm reading the story correctly. If you like mysteries, historical and contemporary fiction you've found the perfect combination in this book. I highly recommend this book for longtime fans of Jerry's and for those new to him and his work. I for one can't wait until book 2 comes out to find out what happens next!


About the Book:

A heart-stopping adventure of

Biblical proportions

Nicole Berman is an archaeologist on the brink of a world-changing discovery. 
During her first dig in Jordan, she believes she has found concrete evidence of
a biblical patriarch that could change history books forever. But someone doesn’t
want the truth revealed. While urgently trying to connect pieces of an ancient puzzle,
a dangerous enemy is out to stop her.

Day by Day Through the Gospel of John ~ Review

Day by Day Through the Gospel of John
365 Days in the Presence of Jesus
Compiled and Edited by Lance Wubbels

This is the time of year when one has to look for a new devotional for the coming year. 365 Days in the Presence of Jesus is for whole a year ~ a whole year which is spent focused on the Gospel of John. This offers a unique perspective as the works of a variety of authors, preachers, and teachers are compiled in this book.

Now just to be clear every single verse is not addressed but some verses have several days of devotionals offering different viewpoints on it. I really like this as it makes one stop and think about what one can get out of these verses.

This book includes an introduction and an overview of the contributors so one has a passing familiarity with the authors. There is not an index or table of contents so if there are notes you want to go back to, be sure to mark the pages with a little tab (like a post-it tab or a ribbon). There is space at the margins for making quick notes and there are a couple of blank pages in the back so that you can mark down the dates (as the pages are unnumbered) that make an impact on you (or if you are like me just have a small notebook for your notes).

This would make an excellent gift for a new believer or for someone seeking as it is the Gospel of John. It would also make a wonderful couple's or family devotional to read together. I would highly recommend this devotional to any and all.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House with no expectations except that I offer my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Words from the past can have a remarkable ability to refresh us today. The writings of legendary preachers and Bible teachers, such as Charles Spurgeon, Hudson Taylor, Catherine Booth, and Andrew Murray continue to provide encouragement and truth for Christians around the world. 

From the classic writings of these revered saints, Lance Wubbels has compiled and edited the best of the best of their inspirational insights into this 365-day devotional. Chapter by chapter, through the Gospel of John, readers will gain an unforgettable understanding of the life, words, and ministry of Jesus Christ. 

Excerpts are taken from the writings of:
· Charles Spurgeon 
· Alexander Maclaren 
· Joseph Parker 
· S. D. Gordon 
· Alexander Whyte 
· George MacDonald 
· John Wesley 
· R. A. Torrey 
· Hudson Taylor 
· Charles Finney 
· Matthew Henry 
· Frances Ridley Havergal 
· Catherine Booth 
· Adam Clarke
· Andrew Murray

Here is a one-year devotional that is packed with profound biblical commentary, brilliant wisdom, and practical application that you'll look forward to reading every day.

Stratagem ~ Review

Stratagem
By Robin Caroll

Grayson Thibodeaux's company creates games that have a psychological aspect to them and when his ex-wife dies during one of these "games" he becomes the prime suspect. Grayson is innocent but knows that Anna Belle's betrayal of their marriage gives him a motive and that the lead detective has all but convicted him.

As evidence continues to mount Grayson feels as if he is in one of his own games. Can he get to the truth before it is too late or will the real killer get away with murder?

Stratagem is an intense game of strategy that will keep the reader in suspense as to who the guilty party truly is. And with lives in the balance, everything depends on peeling back the layers of an elaborate deception.

Looking for suspense that will keep you flipping the pages and reading late into the night Stratagem is just for you!

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


About the Book:
Psychologist Grayson Thibodeaux creates mind-bending adventure games for businesses as team-building explorations. When his ex-wife’s company hires Grayson’s to create an elaborate game, he doesn’t see how things can get worse. Until she dies during the course of the game he created…making him the prime suspect for murder.

The Kingdom of Nereth ~ Blog hop with Author Interview and Snippet

Series: Nereth Trilogy
Genre: Young Adult, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Historical, Medieval
Publisher: Indie
Publication date: March 1, 2016

Dark times are upon the land of Nereth. Centuries have passed since the rightful heir to the throne was banished. The people are losing hope in ancient legend, which foretells of one who will rise up, overthrow the evil king and queen, and restore peace. Like all others in Nereth, Edlyn has suffered greatly. Orphaned as a child, Edlyn grew up as the serf of a drunken lord. Now a spirited seventeen-year-old, Edlyn works to buy her freedom while fighting off the unwanted advances of Sheriff Hurst. One morning, Edlyn discovers a young man hiding in the stable. He is fleeing from Sheriff Hurst and inflicted with a sword wound that will surely be fatal without her help. In a split-second decision, Edlyn conceals the young man from Sheriff Hurst and begins nursing him back to health. As the young man’s strength returns, Edlyn learns that his name is Maddock, and she is stunned to find that he has come from the mysterious land to the north. Maddock soon comes to Edlyn’s aid, rescuing her from Sheriff Hurst. Suddenly declared outlaws, both Edlyn and Maddock must escape for their lives to enchanted Ravenshire Forest and then the desolate mountains beyond. As their adventure unfolds, Edlyn and Maddock discover that their meeting may have been more than chance, for their lives prove bound by a fate that neither of them could possibly have imagined.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

About the Author

TJ Amberson hails from the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her husband and nutty cocker spaniel. Her most recent novels include The Kingdom of Nereth, The Council of Nereth, Fusion, and Love at Lakewood Med. When she’s not writing, TJ can probably be found enjoying a hot chocolate, pretending to know how to garden, riding her bike, playing the piano, or surfing the Internet for cheap plane tickets.

With a love of writing in multiple genres, TJ Amberson strives to provide well-written, age-appropriate, and original novels for tweens, teens, and new adults.

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | WEBSITE 

Author Interview

1) How did you determine the setting for your book? Was it someplace that you had visited, pictures you'd seen, a flash of something that may or may not have been?

The concept and setting for THE KINGDOM OF NERETH started when, out of nowhere, the opening scene began playing through my mind. I saw a medieval farm. It was sunrise. A young woman—strong and intelligent—who was dressed in a medieval dress and had a long braid hanging down her back, was carrying water toward the barn.  The visual impact of that scene struck me so much that I immediately began writing a story around it.

2) If you could live as any of your characters which one (or two) would you be? And why this one?

Tough question! Ultimately, of all of the characters in THE KINGDOM OF NERETH, I would choose to live as Maddock. He has such keen senses, survival skills, and athleticism that he has an upper hand in the unpredictable world of Nereth. But it would also be fun to be one of the Langerlen - either Ailith or Kegan - since these forest creatures have almost supernatural powers.

3) What two authors (1 from the past and one from the present) would like to spend the weekend with and how would you spend it?

From the past, I would choose to spend the weekend with Shakespeare. It would be awesome to find out definitively whether or not all of the works that are attributed to the playwright were indeed written by one person. I would spend the weekend hopefully playing a role in one of his productions!

From the present, I can't decide! Someone like Amanda Flower, perhaps, who manages to publish a huge number of books every year! And they're all fun and well-written. I would love to watch someone like that for a few days and get a sense of her writing process.  

4) What is your all-time favorite book that you want others to read and love as much as you do?

LES MISERABLES by Victor Hugo.

5) What is the one question you wish was asked during an interview and how would you answer it?

For THE KINGDOM OF NERETH, I love when people ask me to name my favorite character from the novel. I have to say Peyton. In fact, he's one of the favorite characters that I have ever written. Why? Because I didn't plan to write him. He walked himself into a scene and insisted upon staying there. His slightly gruff demeanor, his bravery, his discrete and minimal display of emotion...he brought such a great dynamic to the story that I can't imagine the book without him. I'm forever glad he showed up!

Snippet

Edlyn noticed the blood-stained tear in Maddock’s dirty shirt. “You are hurt, sir.” 
Covering his abdomen with one hand, Maddock took a step toward the stable door. “I will leave. I…”
Maddock trailed off when the chickens outside suddenly began clucking loudly. Edlyn jumped at the unexpected clamor, over which she heard the sound of horses approaching fast. After another glance at the young man, Edlyn rushed by him, opened the stable door, and looked out. Six men on horseback were galloping across the meadow toward the stable. Five of the riders had swords drawn, and the rider in front held a flag aloft—a flag, Edlyn realized with a shudder, which bore the symbol of the infamous Sheriff Hurst. 
Edlyn slowly turned to Maddock. “I presume this is about you.”
Maddock did not respond. Wincing, he reached out with one arm to brace himself against the wall while keeping his other hand pressed on his abdomen.
“I could be imprisoned for helping a fugitive, or killed,” Edlyn went on frankly, shutting the stable door. “It depends on what you have done.”
Maddock found his voice, “I will not put you in danger.” 
He made another move to leave but swayed and began to fall. Edlyn lunged forward, catching Maddock in her arms. Staggering under the weight of his limp body, she lowered him to the dirt. From the sounds outside, Edlyn knew that the riders were nearly upon them. She also saw that Maddock’s breathing was growing shallow and the life in his dark eyes fading. He would not escape those who hunted him. For one moment, Edlyn hesitated, looking between Maddock and the stable door. Then she spoke upward, as if to the sky:
“This young man might be an outlaw, but may the spirits of Ravenshire Forest curse me for eternity if I ever help Sheriff Hurst.”

Giveaway

Enter the giveaway HERE.

Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.

Tour Schedule

November 5- Wishful Endings | Why Not Because I Said So
November 6- Emily Yager | Paulettes Papers 
November 7- cherylbbookblog
November 8-Edits & Reviews by Leslie
November 9- Tell Tale Book Reviews
November 10- Blooming with Books