Cover Reveal for Cornerstone Series ~ Spring

Today I'm thrilled to be participating in the cover reveal for the SPRING Cornerstone series coming from Beyond the Bookery beginning this autumn!

 

16 Christian fantasy fairy tale retellings filled with faith, clean romance, danger, and courage from authors Laurie Lucking, Kirsten Fichter, E. G. Bella, Jewel Windall, Saraina Whitney, Rachel Kovaciny, Abigail Kay Harris, Madisyn Carlin, Lucy Peterson, Anna Augustine, Olivia Godfrey, Kendall Hoxsey, K. R. Mattson, C. K. Heartwing,  Kendra E. Ardnek, Katja H. Labonté.

 

Available to pre-order at Amazon. 

 

Now for the first four covers!

 

 

 

 

The Hudson Collection ~ Review

The Hudson Collection

On Central Park #2

By Jocelyn Green

 

Elsa Reisner works at the American Museum of Natural History in the ornithology department. But her passion for birds is getting lost in the work of preparing specimens for the displays. When she is assigned the task of cataloging a vast collection left to the museum she finds much more than she could have imagined.

The estate is scheduled for demolition, Elsa is working on a limited timeline, as are the architectural salvage workers who are removing the library. Add in a missing treasure, a sinister secret, and a tragedy and one gets a moving historical story that blends factual events with fictional aspects into a captivating read.

 

Elsa is a polio survivor who is experiencing the fallout from her illness - prejudice and even scorn. But she is not alone as she befriends two WWI survivors who dealing with their scars as Eugenics still holds sway in the minds of those seeking to have a superhuman race.  

 

Yes, there are some harsh topics presented. History not to be proud of but important yo be aware of. I highly recommend this book, but I have never been disappointed in the author's work. It was well researched and well written making for an unputdownable read.

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

About the Book:

Step into the beguiling world of 1926 New York and discover the power of resilience,
friendship, and love from award-winning author Jocelyn Green.

Elsa Reisner's lifelong dream of working as an ornithologist at the American Museum of Natural History is fading as the job begins to drain her passion. But fate takes an unexpected turn when she is assigned to catalog the bequest of a recently deceased patron whose Gothic country mansion holds secrets and treasures waiting to be discovered.

As Elsa delves into her task, she forms an unlikely bond with the estate's delightful gardener and her daughter, as well as an architectural salvage dealer who still bears scars from the Great War. Together, they embark on a thrilling treasure hunt for a missing relic intended to safeguard the servants' futures before the estate is sold. At the same time, Elsa's body seems to betray her with new symptoms from a childhood disease that isn't through with her yet.

With the brooding veteran and her handsome colleague joining the search, Elsa must navigate the tangled web of secrets and hidden motives along with the changing state of her health. As her deadline looms ever closer, will she be able to secure a new life for her friends before the estate slips from their grasp?

 

AUTHOR BIO

Jocelyn Green (JocelynGreen.com) inspires faith and courage as the bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including the Christy Award-winning The Mark of the King and Drawn by the Current and her On Central Park series.

 

 

 

  

Waiting for the Rancher ~ Review

Waiting for the Rancher

High Country Ranch #1

By Jody Hedlund

Maverick Oakley just wants to make everything all right. Unfortunately, everything goes wrong when his best friend's bride-to-be gets pre-wedding jitters. Now, Sterling wants to kill him, and the rest of the Oakley family has made him public enemy number one. Everyone that is except Hazel.

For years, Hazel crushed on her big brother's best friend. But she knows Maverick will never see her as anything other than another little sister. But still, she has her dreams. And at least she can work with Maverick as she helps care for the High Country Ranch's mares and foals. 

Maverick is still mourning the loss of his pa and his ma's decline. Worse, he blames himself for it all. And now that he's ruined his friendship with Sterling, he has no one to lean on—no one except Hazel. Years ago, he promised Sterling that he would never pursue a relationship with Hazel. But something about Hazel is just so right.

Waiting for the Rancher is the first book in Jody Hedlund's new series, High Country Ranch, which follows the Oakley siblings. This series is a companion series to her Colorado Cowgirls. There is plenty of romance for those who love that in their historical fiction (kissing and flirting). This is a case of friends to something more with plenty of roadblocks standing in the way. And who doesn't love a book with horses in it? I know I love horses (I have 10). But those familiar with the author's work won't be disappointed, and if you've never read her before, what better way to introduce yourself to her work than with the first book in a new series.

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:

In the high country of Colorado,
there’s nothing more important than loyalty . . . except maybe love.

Hazel Noble loves her job managing the mares at High Country Ranch. As the foaling season begins, she gets to spend even more time with the horses . . . and with her secret crush, Maverick Oakley, the owner of High Country Ranch and her brother Sterling’s best friend.

When Maverick unwittingly ruins Sterling’s wedding, he goes from best friend to worst enemy. With the rift between their families, Maverick is faced with the possibility of losing Hazel, and he can no longer deny how much he’s always cared about her. The trouble is that he and Sterling made a vow not to court each other’s sisters, and he doesn’t want to break his word and cause further problems.

Maverick gathers the courage to speak with Sterling about their vow, but Sterling demands that he stay away from Hazel. When a tragic accident strikes, Maverick is forced to finally choose where his loyalties lie—with his best friend or his best friend’s sister. After pushing Hazel away, will he be too late to win her heart?

• Charming flirt
• Best friend’s sister
• Friends to more
• Secret crush
• Emotional scars
• Unexpected injury
• Horse ranch

*All of the High Country Ranch series books are sweet, closed-door romances with plenty of sizzle. The inspirational themes are light, and the book's main focus is romance.

Highcliffe House ~ Review

Highcliffe House

Proper Romance

By Megan Walker

Highcliffe House is a story of first impressions and misjudgments as Anna Lane and Graham Everett are forced to work together when Anna's father has her fill in for him when researching a potential investment opportunity. An opportunity that could be the making of Graham as he seeks to find a permanent means of earning an income to provide for his mother and sisters.

For the last three years, Anna and Graham have been polite to one another but dislike each other. A week spent together in one another's presence is something to endure. At least that seemed to be the case until Graham's little sister Tabs (Tabitha) befriended Anna. Suddenly, the two see one another in a new light.

But new light or not old feelings and old grievances are hard to change, especially when money is involved.

This was a delightful addition to the Proper Romance collection from Shadow Mountain. This book has a Regency setting with an enemies-to-friends-to-something-more feel to it. I loved how the story progressed in a back-and-forth between Graham and Anna's POV. It was interesting to see how they both changed. And then disaster strikes, and all seems lost. I love how challenges arise, and one is left wondering just how everything will be put to rights or if despair will take hold. Highly recommended to fans of clean reading Regency and Historical 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:

The daughter of a wealthy investor and a handsome young businessman clash in this enemies-to-lovers romance from the author who brought you Lakeshire Park.

1813, Brighton, England
When Anna Lane offered her heart to Alexander Lennox, she did not expect to learn he had secretly promised his suit to another. Hurt and embarrassed, Anna begs her father to take her to the seaside where she can escape the gossip of the ton and recover, but her father insists they remain in London so he can attend to some business. Feeling the sting of rejection again, Anna longs for the day when she can dictate her own future and find a companion who will love her for who she is.

Born into modest circumstances, Graham’s hard work and ability to spot a good investment has allowed him to provide for his mother and younger sisters. Now, with a new opportunity in his sights, Graham approaches Mr. Lane, his business partner and mentor, hoping to persuade him to travel to Brighton to close the deal. Graham must act fast or else he might lose his chance to turn his meager earnings into permanent financial stability.

To Graham’s relief, Mr. Lane is interested in his proposal, but he counters with one of his own. He has business elsewhere, so Anna—whom he trusts with his business affairs—will accompany Graham to Brighton, and if she gives a good report, he will invest. Both Anna and Graham hesitate. Though they have a passing acquaintance through Anna’s father, the two have never truly got along. Anna feels that Graham is only interested in money, while Graham feels that Anna is stubborn and self-absorbed.

The two reluctantly travel to Brighton together, and Anna is determined to find fault with every inch of the seaside town—including Graham. She is tired of feeling like a pawn being moved about by other people’s desires. But while staying at Highcliffe House and seeing the kind and gentle way Graham treats his family, Anna wonders if there is more to her rival than she thought.

But it will take more than a day at the beach for these two headstrong hearts to admit that if they set aside their misconceptions about each other and be vulnerable enough to share their true selves, they might have a chance at real love

Love on a Whim ~ Review

Love on a Whim

Cape Cod Creamery #3

By Suzanne Woods Fisher

First off I have to say I just love the cover of this book - the cake, the pastel colors of sunrise (or sunset) it just drew me to the book. Yes, I know don't judge a book by it cover but it can certainly be the first step towards picking out a book. And this cover does the book justice as the author takes us back to Cape Cod for a third visit. This time Dawn Dixon's BFF Brynn Haywood is the central character.

Brynn has done something totally out of character - she got married to a man she met hours before. Yikes! And that's exactly how she's now feeling. And Dawn, being Dawn, wants to fix everything, even if it means ignoring everything Brynn wants. Because Dawn knows best, even if everyone else thinks she basically a control freak. 

But Brynn's arrival in Cape Cod couldn't have come at a better time as Linc Hayes, the Dixon family friend, estranged family is "in town" for Linc's daughter's wedding. Can you see where this is going? Yeah, everyone is going to have to pitch in to pull off this wedding, because there is a mom-zilla of the bride thing going on. And all the while Brynn is trying to figure out just where she wants her life to be headed.

This is the final book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone title if you haven't read the previous books. It was actually really good and it was interesting to see Dawn in action again. I have to admit I would not want her for a friend - I can just imagine what she'd find wrong with my life (inner cringe) and want to fix. I love how Cape Cod brought changes to the lives of so many, by visiting they were able to take a look at their lives from a different perspective and "reset" their lives so to speak. And did I mention I love the cover!

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:

Brynn Haywood's impulsive marriage to a man she'd known less than 24 hours leaves her with deep regret. She flees to Cape Cod, finding refuge with her loyal friend, Dawn Dixon. As Brynn grapples with her emotions, Dawn acts swiftly, eager to help secure a lawyer for her through her mother Marnie's good friend, Lincoln Hayes. However, Lincoln's preoccupation with his daughter's lavish wedding brings unexpected challenges.

The arrival of Lincoln's estranged son, Bear Hayes, stirs the waters further. Alarmed by his father's extravagant generosity toward the Dixon family, Bear ignites friction between Marnie and Lincoln. As the wedding day arrives, Lincoln vanishes--and an unwelcome guest makes a surprise appearance.

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher delights with this sweet story of love, family, and the unpredictability of life.

Memorial Day and Its Personal Cost

 Memorial Day always brings to mind my Dad. 

He served yet his service caused irreparable damages that wouldn't be seen for many years.
These damages were stealthy, damaging as they made their way throughout his body.
By the time there were physical signs it was already too late. But efforts were made,
we had hope that maybe he could hold on a little longer. Maybe a new treatment would be
discovered. But his service in Vietnam exposed him to Agent Orange. And it worked all too
well. It affected him on a cellular level, altering tissue, lying in wait, and taking his life too soon.
He was only in his 50s and never had the opportunity to see his daughters step into the roles that
life would offer them. His love of the written word had an impact and I appreciate the love of
book he shared with me.
I wish you had been able to write the books you had planned to.
May the words I share be a legacy to honor both you and our Heavenly Father.

Sheltered by the Doctor ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

Sheltered by the Doctor by Danielle Grandinetti, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Sheltered by the Doctor
Harbored in Crow's Nest #5
By Danielle Grandinetti

Dr. Nick Matrone has made Crow's Nest his home; he just wishes people would stop judging him because of his Italian heritage. One person who doesn't seem to hold it against him is Mindy Zahn.

Mindy doesn't want to be a waitress, but she needs to help her family survive the less productive years that the farm's been having. And she's tired of men thinking she's morally loose because of her job. 

Nick is different, his looks are respectful, but she knows once he learns that she uneducated and illiterate he'll think her beneath him. But when her little sister Mabel is left behind when her parents suddenly leave town, Mindy needs help though she's loath to admit it.

But when danger comes to her door literally, Mindy will need to accept the help of her friends and the plan that they come up with to keep her and Mabel safe. But for the plan to work, she just might break her heart. But can she and Nick pretend to have a relationship that they don't have but both want? Um, hm, you know where this is going. But who's to say if it is a good thing or just another danger magnet that could get them both killed.

Danielle Grandinetti is a skilled weaver of Historical fiction with touches of romance and mystery to capture and engage one's attention. And I'll be honest: I live in Wisconsin and love reading about it. Now, this is the fifth book in the series, but it can be read and enjoyed without reading the previous books, as there are only a couple of scenes that reference previous interactions between other characters. All-in-all, it is a good read and one I would recommend without hesitation to anyone 13 years and up.

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: Sheltered by the Doctor
Series: Harbored in Crow's Nest #5
Author: Danielle Grandinetti
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press
Release Date: May 21, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Romantic Suspense

A fake relationship might keep her safe, but will it break their hearts? 

Wisconsin, 1931—Mindy Zahn can’t understand why her parents deserted the family farm, leaving her mute younger sister in her care. Until her mother’s cryptic warning to keep her sister safe becomes a life-threatening task. 

Searching for that elusive something to ease his weary heart, Dr. Nick Matrone is drawn to the cheery Mindy. He would never presume to bring such a sweet woman into his beleaguered past, so friendship is all he can offer. Except, he doesn’t expect needing to save her life. 

As the danger grows, they both must battle through physical and emotional wounds to have a hope of their counterfeit relationship becoming true. 

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

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in This Series

   

   

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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. Find her online at daniellegrandinetti.com.

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

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Tour Giveaway

One (1) winner will win a Crow's Nest Prize Bundle, which includes a print copy of Confessions to a Stranger, a Crow's Nest canvas tote, a Crow's Nest paperback notebook, and Crow's Nest stickers!

The full tour schedule is linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight on May 22, 2024, and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 29, 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!