3.13.2022

Enchanting the Heiress ~ Review


Enchanting the Heiress
Home on the Heath #3
By Kristi Ann Hunter

Miss Harriet Hancock may not be titled but she is an heiress. An heiress with a secret, a secret that is keeping her from living the life she truly wants.

Jonas Fitzroy is tired of Miss Hancock's meddling ways. She thinks nothing of implying a mistruth here or there to get the result she wants. He saw how she meddles in his sister Sophia's life and he doesn't want to be caught in any of her "plans". 

But Sophia hatches a plan to get Jonas out of his solitary existence she just needs Harriet's help to pull it off. Never one to deny Sophia, Jonas finds himself agreeing to speak about his art with Harriet but gets pulled into a scheme of helping her to write a book. Past experiences have made him wary of Harriet and her request.

As the two work together Jonas has moments when he wonders if he has misjudged Harriet. But when the truth that Harriet has guarded for years comes out, Jonas has to wonder if he truly ever knew the real Harriet. 

Enchanting the Heiress is the third and final book in the Home on the Heath series. This time we get to know Jonas and Harriet. Jonas has spent years avoiding any and all close relationships with everyone other than Sophia. Harriet has been living a lie, it was with the best intentions but she has trapped herself in it. Harriet and Jonas couldn't be a more unlikely couple but their friends see the potential. But the truth that Harriet has been concealing could destroy the fragile friendship that has been forming between them. 

I have to say I'm sorry that this series is ending. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all the characters who graced these pages. The characters all have depth and there are layers that have to be peeled away to get to who they truly are at their core. Harriet was definitely more than what I was expecting, especially with what I saw of her in the two previous books. Now, I feel this book is best read after reading Vying for the Viscount and Winning the Gentleman but one could read this book as a standalone and not get lost, some reference to previous incidents wouldn't be as clear but not to the point of ruining the story. 

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:

Miss Harriet Hancock enjoys playing the role of eccentric heiress, using her wealth and influence to cleverly and anonymously better the lives of those in Newmarket. Though she keeps people at a distance to protect a years-old secret, when her friend pleads for help on a personal project, Harriet can't resist.

Stablehand Jonas Fitzroy would do anything for his twin sister, even if it means seeking out the woman whose meddling ways have made him wary and suspicious. The last thing he expects is for Miss Hancock to request his help in writing a book. Intent on revealing her underlying plan, Jonas agrees.

As they work together, an unexpected friendship forms. But when things for once don't go according to Harriet's plan, she's left wondering if good intentions might not be enough. Is there a way to mend the broken pieces of her life? And will Jonas give her another chance at his heart?

3.10.2022

Love's Fortress ~ Review with Spotlight and Giveaway

Love's Fortress JustRead Takeover Tour

Welcome to the Takeover Tour for 
Love's Fortress by Jennifer Uhlarik, 

Love's Fortress
Love's Fortress 
Doors to the Past 
By Jennifer Uhlarik 

Twenty-six years ago Dani Sango's father Franklin was convicted of art forgery. His conviction destroyed Dani's world and her family. But her father has died and she is left with questions that need answers.

Brad Osborn's brother has made a mess of his life and Brad has custody of his young niece Brynn. Juggling his work-life as curator of the Andrews Museum of Western Art with his home-life with a dropped in his lap four-year-old is about to get even crazier. 

In 1875, in St. Augustine, Indian prisoners are brought from all they know and settled in the fort. Sally Jo Harris has desired to be a missionary and given a chance to share the Good News with these beaten-down people. Sally Jo along with Luke Worthing and Sarah Mather accept the challenge to reach out with God's love and care.

It is interesting to see these two stories come together. The commonality that draws them together is ledger art - artwork, drawings created by the Indian prisoners. Having visited St. Augustine's fort several times as a child/teen when I lived just north of St. Augustine I always cringed when the tours went through the areas that the various Indians were housed. And I could totally relate to Brynn's dislike of the dark enclosed places within the fort. It's been years since I've seen the fort but this book most definitely described it well and I felt as if I was there again. 

The Doors to the Past series are all stand-alone stories so you can easily read this or any book with no worries about wondering what you may have missed. This is a split-time book that offers a story that progresses but alternates between the two times bringing one to the climax. I will say that if you are a reader who likes to skip ahead don't do it. You will miss too much by doing so.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Love's Fortress 
Series: Doors to the Past 
Author: Jennifer Uhlarik 
Publisher: Barbour Fiction 
Release Date: March 1, 2022 
Genre: Fiction / Christian / Romance 

An Epic Love Story From the Past Brings Closure to Dani’s Fractured Family Roots 

Upon receiving word that her long-estranged father has passed away, Dani Sango inherits the former art forger’s entire estate. Among his many pieces of artwork are a series of obviously Native American drawings and paintings, which lead her to research St. Augustine of 1875. White Elk is transported to Florida to join other Cheyenne braves already being held in Fort Marion. Sally Jo Harris is at the fort teaching the Indians. When a friendship develops between them and false accusations fly, it could cost them their lives. Can Dani discover how their story ends and how it shaped her own father’s life?

Walk through Doors to the Past via a series of historical stories of romance and adventure. 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Christianbook | BookBub

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES


Jennifer Uhlarik

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Uhlarik discovered the western genre as a preteen, when she swiped the only “horse” book she found on her older brother’s bookshelf. A new love was born. Across the next ten years, she devoured Louis L’Amour westerns and fell in love with the genre. In college at the University of Tampa, she began penning her own story of the Old West. Armed with a BA in writing, she has won five writing competitions and was a finalist in two others. In addition to writing, she has held jobs as a private business owner, a schoolteacher, a marketing director, and her favorite—a full-time homemaker. Jennifer is active in American Christian Fiction Writers and is a lifetime member of the Florida Writers Association. She lives near Tampa, Florida, with her husband, teenage son, and four fur children.

CONNECT WITH JENNIFER: 


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Love's Fortress and a $15 Amazon e-gift card!

Love's Fortress JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. The full tour schedule is linked below. The giveaway began at midnight on March 9, 2022, and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 16, 2022. 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.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

What Happened at the Cross ~ Spotlight with Excerpt

What Happened at the Cross JustRead Blog Blitz 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for 
What Happened at the Cross 
by Billy Graham, hosted by 

About the Book

What Happened at the Cross Title: What Happened at the Cross 
Author: Billy Graham 
Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
Release Date: November 23, 2021 
Genre: Christian, Spiritual Growth, Easter 

The cross of Christ towers over 2,000 years of history. What happened on that hill called Calvary? In this compilation of his life's work, Billy Graham explains what Jesus accomplished on the day of his death, the meaning of his sacrifice, where he is now, the price of victory, and how to live with hope. 

It’s almost impossible to find one of Billy Graham’s sermons that didn’t focus on the incredible events that happened over 2,000 years ago on Mount Calvary, and that’s because he centered his life and ministry around its message. In this special collection of the beloved evangelist's inspiring messages on the cross, discover simple yet profound truths that will change your life. 

This one-of-a-kind message includes: 
• An exclusive foreword from Franklin Graham and afterword by Will Graham 
• More than 40 bonus pages of Scripture references pointing readers to what God's Word says about the cross and salvation 
• The Steps of Peace salvation plan from the Billy Graham Evangelical Association 
• Seven chapters of rich content explaining what happened at the cross; the price of victory; the meaning of the cross; the king's eternity, and how to live life with hope 

Perfect for Christians seeking spiritual encouragement and a better understanding of the Gospel's message, What Happened at the Cross will help you better understand the meaning of the cross and equip you to proclaim the gospel in your Church, your community, and beyond.

Purchase Links*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | ChristianBook | BookBub


About the Author

Billy Graham, world-renowned preacher, evangelist, and author, delivered the gospel message to more people face-to-face than anyone in history and ministered on every continent of the world in more than 185 countries. Millions have read his inspirational classics, including Angels, Peace with God, The Holy Spirit, Hope for the Troubled Heart, How to Be Born Again, The JourneyNearing Home, and The Reason for My Hope.

Excerpt

The award-winning coach at the University of Alabama, Paul “Bear” Bryant, once said, “The price of
victory is high but so are the rewards.” Another Paul, the great apostle, declared that he would not
boast in anything except the cross of Jesus and said, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward
call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14). Victory is something we all want to experience. In fact, I have
never met anyone who would choose defeat over victory. But through life we all experience both,
whether a competition, or battle between our will and God’s will. What is the greatest and most costly
battle ever to take place? Who was the victor, and what was the reward? The greatest battle ever
fought was between good and evil, and it took place at Golgotha, a rugged hill outside the walled city of
Jerusalem. Jesus Christ was Victory, paying the cost with His blood. The reward was the salvation of
human souls.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a copy of What Happened at the Cross.

What Happened at the Cross JustRead Giveaway

The full tour schedule is linked below. The giveaway began at midnight March 8, 2022, and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 15, 2022. 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.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

3.07.2022

Love, Faith, and Tender Kisses ~ Review

Love, Faith, and Tender Kisses
By Lisa Renee, Milla Holt, Meredith Resce, 
Lorana Hoopes, Narelle Atkins, Carolyn Miller, 
  and Autumn Macarthur

Love, Faith, and Tender Kisses is a collection of seven novellas that offer a mix of contemporary romance reads. 

In the Fake Engagement Mistake, we are offered a fake romance that may not be as fake as it was supposed to be. Becca just wants her parents to let her make her own decisions about her life and asks her brother's best friend Paul to be her fake boyfriend/fiancee. There is just one little thing she doesn't know Paul has always had a crush on her and he isn't about to let this chance at something more get away from him.  This a sweet story with an ending that you just have to read.

In the Last Flight Home Macey has just had her hopes of romance blow up and now she finds herself on a nine-hour flight home to England with the fiancee she broke up with five years ago. Talk about awkward. Caleb's heart was broken when Macey ended things between them and to be on a flight with her couldn't have been more unexpected. Can the issue that tore them apart be breached or will Macey stubbornly hold onto her anger. Or will Caleb's reasoning finally make sense to Macey? Is this a second chance at romance or just additional heartbreak? 

In Falling for Maddie Grace an on-the-field collision knocks umpire Maddie Grace out and brings her back into the life of one of her father's former players. Zac has had no problem avoiding romance and holding true to his morals but when he knocks out Maddie Grace everything is about to get muddled up. Before Maddie had always been just one of the guys and coach Jimmy's daughter but now that he's injured her and she needs his assistance he starts to see her differently. Could they have something more and not become just another sensational-rumor-filled headline?

In The Billionaire's Impromptu Bet a bet between "friends" to get a random guy to propose within a month takes an unexpected turn when entitled Brie Carter is given an ultimatum by her father. Get a job or get married within a month or you are on your own. SWAT Officer Jesse Calhoun isn't impressed by spoiled little rich girl Brie. But when Brie gets a job at the local coffee place and starts spending time with him he realizes he may have misjudged her. But with a secret bet between them do they even have a chance of a happily ever after? 

In His Perfect Catch Mia Radcliffe takes an extended break from her life in Sydney, hiding out in Sapphire Bay to avoid the social fallout of her ex's fall from everything amid a political scandal. What she never expected was to connect with her cousins' next door neighbor. Pete McCall has been flipping properties and has bought a beach house in need of a major over-all but he has a promise to keep where Mia is concerned. But keep an eye out for Mia isn't a problem as the two connect over missing keys and coffee. But when their life plans seemingly lead them in opposite directions is there hope for what might be? Or has their chance at romance ended before it truly has a chance to start?

Originally Yours is set in Wisconsin just as Christmas break is getting ready to start. Gloria has been planning on returning to her family home in Georgia when a winter storm disrupts her plans. But Gloria has a personality that finds her always in an upbeat helpful frame of mind. But missing Christmas with her family brings to light some of her past issues and may be behind her avoidance of any romance in her life. Josiah doesn't have time for romance - he has a plan and it is set in stone. Unfortunately for him he didn't check with God first. This Christmas just might find two people not looking for romance with an unexpected gift - but it may take a nudge or two from their friends to see the possibilities.

In Imperfectly Proverbs 31 we meet Daniel who is forced into investigating a blogger Samantha (Sam) who seems too good to be true. Sam feels that she has to put a perfect persona out there, that she needs to be the woman of Proverbs 31 (don't we all at times). But Daniel is against any hint of untruth and sets up a potentially tense situation for the two of them. 

Overall this is a great collection of novellas and a perfect introduction to seven distinct authors. Looking for clean reads and romance with a faith based foundation? Well. you will want to pick up this set. It is perfect for when you want to enjoy a quick story (think at the most  two or three hours of book relaxation per story). 

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

About the Book:
Boy meets girl. Man meets woman. Sparks fly. All good love stories start here and usually face a myriad of challenges before the young couple find that together they are better. This set of Contemporary Christian romance stories come from writers across both sides of the pond and Downunder, proving that romance is not only a sweet thing, it's global. Here's a set of stories to inspire, encourage faith, and meet all the warm-fuzzy expectations.

In this boxset, you'll receive a total of seven novellas from these popular Christian Romance authors:

Fake Engagement Mistake © 2021 by Lisa Renee
Last Flight Home © 2021 Milla Holt
Falling for Maddie Grace © 2021 Meredith Resce
The Billionaire's Impromptu Bet © 2021 Lorana Hoopes
His Perfect Catch © 2021 Narelle Atkins
Originally Yours © 2021 Carolyn Miller
Imperfectly Proverbs 31 © 2021 Autumn Macarthur



3.01.2022

Lady Ludmilla's Accidental Letter ~ Review

Lady Ludmilla's Accidental Letter
Merry Spinsters, Charming Rogues #1
By Sofi Laporte

Lu has been living as her aunt's companion since the death of her parents. Her long-ago season in London was a disaster that she blames entirely on Adrian St. Addington. She's given up on being anything but a spinster, spending her days in a closed-up house with her Great Aunt Mildred and letters from her secret friend Addy. Her correspondence with Addy started by accident when a letter to a friend went to the address's newest resident rather than its former. Correspondence with a man was a social no-no but Lu was not willing to give it up. And that her correspondence was with a man she had never met was even more shocking but she longed for more than a shut-in existence. What she never expected was an opportunity to actually meet Addy face-to-face.

His correspondence with a most intriguing lady has filled his days with something delightful. Unsure of her true identity, Madame "Lu" has helped him get through the last three years. But a chance to actually meet her is something he is unsure of. Could Lu want to know him if she knew who he really was? Highly doubtful with his reputation.

But what neither is aware of is that there is an incident in their past that has linked them together though no one is aware of it. Could the past destroy what was a perfectly lovely friendship by correspondence? Or could they have something more?

Lady Ludmilla's Accidental Letter is a delightful Regency read that is not to be missed. I love how Lu changes as the story progresses and how her growth helps those around her as well. There is an interesting situation as to who Addy is and as the story progresses it is even more interesting to see what a tangle results. 

This is the first book in what I hope will be a most enjoyable series Merry Spinsters, Charming Rogues. I love the idea of an accidental letter leading to a friendship that would not have been and that it was also the catalyst for a potential happily-ever-after. This is the kind of book you want to have on hand when you are having a down day because it will leave you with more than one smile on your face as you read through it. 

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:
Lady Ludmilla Windmere, spinster extraordinaire, has a dilemma. She has fallen in love with her best friend, and that cannot be. The problem? She hasn’t met him. Not once. For they have only ever corresponded by letter. When she sets out to uncover the identity of her secret correspondent, her world shatters. For Addy turns out to be none other but London’s worst hellrake.

Adrian St.Addington, hellrake extraordinaire, has a problem. He is developing a marked tendre for a spinster, and that cannot be. The problem? He suspects she is taking him for someone he is not. Or is it that she knows precisely who he is? Either possibility he finds profoundly disturbing. For he has a role to uphold, cost what may. And a depraved heart like his surely cannot fall in love…least of all with a plain, outspoken spinster.

Determined to discover the truth behind the man she loves, Lu does what she does best: she sits down and writes a letter…


Escape into the world of the Regency ton with Sofi Laporte's new series, where spinsters are merry, rakes are charming, and no one is who they seem.

2.28.2022

The Thief and the Nobel ~ Review

The Thief and the Noble
A Robin Hood Regency
by Dana LeCheminant

Lady Marian Russell is determined to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. She's seen the stark difference between how she lives and the poor. But how to make the difference has eluded her until she learns of a thief who redistributes his ill-gotten gains among London's downtrodden. 

Can she talk this thief into taking her on as a student? Marian is determined to convince the mysterious Robin into doing just that. How hard could it be to steal from the rich? Marian is about to find out during the swirl and fuss of her first London Season.

Robin has perfected the art of stealing from London's finest but only from the most deserving of his unique skills. He has no time for debutants and their flighty ways. But Marian Russell is different, not flighty but with an intelligent head on her shoulders. But stealthy thief not so much. 

The Thief and the Noble is a delightful Regency twist on Robin Hood. It was fun getting to know Marian and Robin and seeing how they play off of each other. The dialogue between them is engaging and keeps the story believable. There is danger from the very act of thievery but when a copycat thief begins targeting the wrong people Marian, Robin, and their "band" have to unmask this new threat. And then there is this attraction between Marian and Robin that is proving just a tad problematic in the midst of everything - as in it is starting to become a major distraction. 

This is one London Season that won't soon be forgotten and you've been invited to take part in it.

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 daughter of a marquess, Lady Marian Russell is poised to impress in her first London Season. She is young, beautiful, and wealthy—but catching an eligible husband is the last thing on her mind. Marian is disillusioned with how the upper-class lives while the poor of London suffer, and she is determined to right this imbalance. When she comes face-to-face with a mysterious man who steals from arrogant aristocrats and redistributes the spoils to the poor, Marian recognizes a motivation that mirrors her own. She is determined to discover the true identity of the unscrupulous hero and offer her assistance.

When she unmasks the bandit Robin, he begrudgingly agrees to train the lovely Marian in the art of thievery in exchange for her silence, quickly realizing that his heart may be stolen next. But when they discover a copycat thief operating in London, they are faced with a foe whose purpose is far from noble. Amid distracting suitors, becoming a champion of the poor, and a growing attraction Marian can’t ignore, can she and Robin expose the renegade pilferer without risking themselves—and each other?

The Blackout Book Club ~ Cover Reveal

Today I'm taking part in the Cover Reveal for The Blackout Book Club by Amy Green This WWII novel follows a group of women involved in the home front war effort in Maine. The book releases November 15, 2022, so add it to your TBR List.

Plot Description:
An impulsive promise to her brother before he goes off to the European Front puts Avis Montgomery in the unlikely position of head librarian in small-town Maine. Though she has never been much of a reader, when wartime needs threaten to close the library, she invents a book club to keep its doors open. The women she convinces to attend the first meeting couldn't be more different--a wealthy spinster determined to aid the war effort, an exhausted mother looking for a fresh start, and a determined young war worker.


At first, the struggles of the home front are all the club members have in common, but over time, the books they choose become more than an escape from the hardships of life and the fear of the U-boat battles that rage just past their shores. As the women face personal challenges and band together in the face of danger, they find they share more in common with each other than they think. But when their growing friendships are tested by secrets of the past and present, they must decide whether depending on each other is worth the cost.


Pre-order Link:
https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/431778

Now to the book cover: