The Mistletoe Countess ~ Review

The Mistletoe Countess

by Pepper Basham

Grace Ferguson is delighted that her sister is going to be married and she imagines all sorts of fairytale loveliness for the life she is about to embark on. But when a secret threatens to ruin her family and more than one life - Grace does the only thing possible - she takes her sister's place.

But Grace has never sought a position in society so life as a countess is something she is unprepared for. But if literary knowledge is needed she's read a fair bit. And she is more than adequate as an amateur sleuth - having read any detective novel she can get her hands on. What she never expected was that this knowledge would come in handy when someone tries to do away with her new husband - Lord Frederick Percy.

Assuming the title of Havensbrook Hall was the last thing Frederick ever wanted - but the unexpected loss of his brother has him trying to restore the estate and save it from financial ruin. He needs money and marriage to an American heiress seems his only hope. When a last-minute change finds him marrying a substitute bride it will either be a colossal disaster or a blessing in disguise - and there is no way of knowing which until after their vows are said.

When danger follows Frederick and Grace across the ocean - he can't ignore the fact that someone seems determined to see him dead. The question is why. But finding the answer will have to wait as Lord and Lady Astley settle into their new roles.

As danger creeps ever closer, the darkness of the past threatens the happiness that Frederick and Grace have found during their short acquaintance and even shorter marriage. But to claim the inheritance that is rightly theirs they will need to delve into the past and its secrets to get to the truth, freeing them of the danger that seeks to end them all.

First off, I have to say there is a whole lot of story packed into this book. It isn't that it is too long just a lot of action and story, what with the whole marriage debacle and then the settling into life in England and solving the mystery surrounding Havensbrook Hall and the previous/current residents. Overall I'd say it was an excellent reading experience.

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.

(For those who don't want lots of kissing - a word of warning - there is a lot of kissing)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55889422-the-mistletoe-countess

About the Book:

Publisher: Barbour Fiction Release Date: September 1, 2021 Genre: Christian Historical Romance Will the magic of Christmas bring these two newlyweds closer together, or will the ghosts of the past lead them into a destructive discovery from which not even a Dickens’s Christmas can save them? Mistletoe is beautiful and dangerous, much like the woman from Lord Frederick’s Percy’s past, so when he turns over a new leaf and arranges to marry for his estate, instead of his heart, he never expects the wrong bride to be the right choice. Gracelynn Ferguson never expected to take her elder sister’s place as a Christmas bride, but when she’s thrust into the choice, she will trust in her faithful novels and overactive imagination to help her not only win Frederick’s heart but also to solve the murder mystery of Havensbrook Hall before the ghosts from Frederick’s past ruin her fairytale future. 

Where Giants Fall ~ Cover Reveal

 Where Giants Fall

 Edited by Angela R. Watts

and Michaela Bush

Blurb:

 The theme of this fantasy anthology is light in the darkness. 

This anthology offers bold, heartfelt stories that will leave the reader deep in thought and breathless from fast-paced action! If you enjoy stories about underdog heroes, or scary foes, this anthology will keep you reading past your bedtime!*

 Releasing early 2022!

*As titles get added to this anthology this blurb will change. 

Blood From a Stone ~ Review with Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

Blood From a Stone by David James Warren, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Blood From a Stone
The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone #5
By David James Warren

Rembrandt "Rem" Stone has a problem, he is a time traveler who is trying to fix the past to restore the present. But every time he fixes something in the past his present is altered. And now he has lost everything - his wife, his daughter, his home - everything. But this time he knows what to do - he'll stop the cycle before it begins.

But Rem is about to discover that time doesn't like to be messed with and there is always a cost involved - and this time he might not like what his meddling is about to cost him. But t save the future - his future - Rem is going to outwit time and fate. 

This is the fifth book in The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone series and there is no let up in the action as Rembrandt Stone attempts to bring a killer to justice and to do this he must stop him in the past. But with two cases to solve Rem needs to balance everything or risk destroying any chance he has at restoring the future.

The first thing you need to know is you can't read this book without reading the first four books. If you attempt to do so you will be missing most of the story as each builds upon the book before. This is not a book for light reading - it is intense page-turning suspense. This is well-written and won't leave you feeling let down. Nope, instead, you will be counting down the days until you can read the sixth and concluding book of the 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

The continuing adventures of Rembrandt Stone from the creative minds of James L. Rubart, Susan May Warren, and newcomer David Curtis Warren, writing collectively as David James Warren.

Title: Blood From a Stone
Series: The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone #5
Author: David James Warren
Publisher: TriStone Media
Release Date: October 5, 2021
Genre: Time Travel Detective Series

He fled the future with blood on his hands. Now, he’ll do anything to stop a killer. 

Tragedy has yet again taken from Detective Rembrandt Stone everything he loves. Now, he has one last chance to get things right and stop a killer he’s been hunting across four timelines. Instead, he gets tangled in a petty crime that just might cost him his one chance at justice. 

With two murders to stop, and thirty-eight lives still in the balance, Rembrandt must play his hand against time just right if he wants to win his future. Play it wrong and his life will stay shattered beyond repair. 

What sacrifices will he have to make to come home to his wife and daughter? 

The stakes have never been higher in the heart-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat fifth story of the True Lies of Rembrandt Stone.

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

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

CONNECT WITH REMBRANDT STONE: Website | Instagram

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

James L. Rubart is 28 years old, but lives trapped inside an older man’s body. He’s the best-selling, Christy Hall of Fame author of ten novels and loves to send readers on mind-bending journeys they’ll remember months after they finish one of his stories. He’s dad to the two most outstanding sons on the planet and lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington. More at http://jameslrubart.com/

CONNECT WITH JAMES: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award–winning author of more than eighty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. The mother of four grown children, and married to her real-life hero for over 30 years, she loves traveling and telling stories about life, adventure, and faith. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com. 

CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

David Curtis Warren is making his literary debut in these novels, and he’s never been more excited. He looks forward to creating more riveting stories with Susie and Jim, as well as on his own. He’s grateful for his co-writers, family, and faith, buoying him during the pandemic of 2020, and this writing and publishing process.

CONNECT WITH DAVID: Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Blood from a Stone and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 5, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 12, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

The Heart of a Cowboy ~ Review

The Heart of a Cowboy

Colorado Cowboys #2

By Jody Hedlund

What can I say - but if you loved My Forever Cowboy you will love The Heart of a Cowboy, which follows Wyatt's younger brother Flynn McQuaid as he journeys to Colorado. 

First off Flynn has some major resentment issues concerning what he regards as Wyatt's abandonment of the family, leaving them at the mercy of their abusive, controlling step-father. But joining Wyatt is now the family's only hope of a first and staying together as a Civil War draws more into its conflict every day.

Flynn is moving cattle "beeves" along the trail to Colorado. He is determined to get Wyatt's stock to him as healthy, and with as few losses, as possible. But when he rescues a young woman from drowning in the Neosho River his trip got a whole lot more complicated. Like really, really complicated. 

Linnea Newberry is a botanist on a expedition with her grandfather, Dr. Howell and a team of scientists studying the plant life along the Santa Fe Trail. Linnea had an unconventional upbringing resulting in a young woman who is brilliant, a bit absent-minded, bold, sweet, friendly, and beautiful. And when Dr. Howell talks Flynn into guarding Linnea from herself and the dangers of the trail, he knows he's made a big mistake.

Having sworn off the idea of marriage after seeing all the suffering his mother went through with his step-father, Flynn knows he's in trouble because he finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Linnea. Linnea is not at all what he's have expected from someone coming from money. And she's willing to help take his little sister Ivy in hand offering her a helping hand as she navigates life without a mother and only older brothers to look out for her. But each time Linnea finds herself in a new incident she fears that this will be the one that means she'll be sent home. And each time Flynn is there to rescue her.

I really liked this newest addition to Jody Hedlund's Colorado Cowboys series. It is interesting to meet Wyatt's siblings and experience the trail to Colorado with them and through their eyes (mainly Flynn's). I have to say, though unconventional, Linnea was a needed addition to the story she was definitely a tempering influence of both Flynn and Ivy. Though she was also an agitant to Flynn as well. 

Fans of Jody Hedlund's historical romance fiction will have no complaints with this book. And if you haven't yet read the first book no problem as it is easy to read this book without the backstory the first provides. And when you've finished The Heart of a Cowboy you can always go back and read My Forever Cowboy. 

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:

When he agreed to guard her, 

he never bargained on having to guard his heart.

Brilliant scientist Linnea Newberry is on the adventure of a lifetime, traveling the Santa Fe Trail with her grandfather, Dr. Howell, on a botanical expedition to Colorado Territory. She longs to be valued for her contributions and not seen as a helpless liability. But at every calamity she faces, her grandfather threatens to send her home.

After watching his ma suffer and die in childbirth, Flynn McQuaid has sworn off women and marriage forever. Headed west to start a new life, he has his hands full not only taking care of his younger siblings but also delivering cattle to his older brother. He doesn't need more complications.

When Flynn rescues Linnea from drowning during a river crossing, Dr. Howell promptly hires Flynn--unbeknownst to Linnea--to act as her bodyguard for the rest of the trip. As Flynn fights against the many dangers of the trail, he soon finds himself in the greatest danger of all--falling for a woman he's determined not to love.

An Alphabet for Change ~ Blog Blitz - Book Spotlight with Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for 

An Alphabet for Change by Steve Hallblade, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: An Alphabet for Change
Author: Steve Hallblade
Publisher: Good Soil Press
Release Date: May 21, 2021
Genre: Devotional

An accessible and thoughtful book that provides concrete steps for people to take as they seek to be genuinely transformed in their relationship with Jesus. 

The alphabet provides a simple road map that will draw you into the readings and encourage you to take practical steps toward personal transformation.

PURCHASE LINKS*: 

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steve Hallblade currently owns and operates a private marketing firm just outside St. Paul, Minnesota. Both he and his wife, Kristine, are active in the community at Eagle Brook Church in the Twin Cities. They have two adult children and live in Hugo, Minnesota.

CONNECT WITH STEVE: Website | Facebook | Instagram

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EXCERPT

GENTLENESS

“What if we chose gentleness in our responses, both in words and deeds? What would that look

like? I think it would look a lot like maturity. Gentleness is named in the Scriptures as one of the

Fruit of the Spirit. Have you ever seen ripe fruit on a little sapling? No. Fruit is the result of a tree

or plant that is both healthy and mature. Likewise, the Fruit of the Spirit is displayed in someone

who is healthy and mature.

Unfortunately, our world is becoming vastly devoid of gentleness. No place is this more evident

than today’s social media. Political posts, conspiracy posts, I’m-right-you’re-wrong posts—they

seem to be the dominant themes across all of the popular platforms. It seems there is no longer

room for difference of opinion nor cordial debate. Social media has provided humanity the

means to spew our toxic rhetoric and responses at one another in an unprecedented manner.

Gentleness calls for a different response.

Gentleness does not constitute losing one’s convictions or identity. It is a matter of responding

with a tenderness of the heart. It is listening to others, not only hearing them, but also looking for

understanding.”

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 gift card to Starbucks, a $25 gift card to Amazon, 
and a signed copy of An Alphabet for Change.

 

The full tour schedule is linked below. The giveaway began at midnight October 4, 2021, and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 11, 2021. 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/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Blessed ~ Review

The Blessed

The Gifted #3

by Lisa T. Bergren

The Gifted are still being hunted while seeking to recover Hasani. With their path being manipulated the Gifted were in need of allies but determining who could be trusted was not easy, because, as Daria had discovered "all men who wielded power were dangerous, in some measure." A truth she knew all too well.

As their enemy moves against them the Gifted grow stronger as they are doing the work of the Lord. But standing firm is not always easy in the face of evil and its insidious methods. But through it all faith is the Gifted's greatest weapon in their fight against the enemy.

This is the third and final book in The Gifted series. Each book must be read in order as each book builds on what came before. Set during the Middle Ages (mid 1300s) miracles and healings are an important focus of ones faith - it is interesting to see how this all plays out throughout this series. Daria's gifts are both feared and coveted by those in power making her and those with her a threat. This is not a quick read nor an easy one because of the darkness seeking to destroy the light but this is a good read. Highly recommended for those who are looking for fiction with a spiritual aspect to 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: Series: The Gifted #3 Publisher: Stonewater Books Release Date: September 27, 2021 Genre: Supernatural Suspense, Christian

(Previously released as THE BLESSED): The fellowship of the Gifted is thirteen in number---each in possession of a divine purpose, each forging ahead as catalysts in a war between light and dark. Among them are Sir Gianni de Capezzana and Daria d'Angelo, a couple in pursuit of new goals---to face the Church and avoid being burned as heretics. Trailed by the enemy, and on the run in an unpredictable land, they find respite and, at long last, love. Yet the enemy is closing in, hell-bent on their ultimate destruction...

Purchase at Amazon

Heartless Hette ~ Review

Heartless Hette

Hearth and Bard Tales #3

By M.L. Farb

Princess Hette is expected to marry someone who is titled and able to rule her kingdom. Well, Princess Hette is so not going to trade the life she has under her father for one under a husband. One suitor is different from the others - he offers Hette his heart but instead, he steals hers. With a spell compelling her to fall under the sorcerer's influence, Hette has no choice but to seek out her heart.

With the court fool and a village healer as her companions, Hette sets out to find her stolen heart. There are countless perils that are between them and Hette's heart. And their greatest challenge is that time is against them.

What I liked most was seeing how Hette changed as they pressed forward. She became more human, seeing people for who they were rather than what they did. These weren't easy lessons for her to learn and along the way she just may discover the power of laughter and friends.

This is the third book in the Hearth and Bard Tales. Now each story can be read and enjoyed as a standalone title. The storyteller who opens and closes each book is what ties the books together. There are several fairytale elements at play throughout the book that are well presented. I really love reading these books they are excellent reading and I highly recommend them all. Each is so different it would be hard to pick a favorite. I loved Konrad, who as the Court Fool was so invaluable, Demuth who was Hette's maid had a heart of gold, and then Peter a spell-bound frog - without them, Hette and the story would have been sadly lacking so much depth.

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

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About the Book:

Come to Germania, where a clockwork heart rules and a fool advises
-- and a laugh can bring both to their knees.

When Princess Hette refuses a sorcerer's proposal, he retaliates by stealing her heart--literally. Desperate to resist his influence, Hette makes herself emotionless, stifling all feelings until she can find her heart and win it back.

The Court Fool is the only one who knows where to find the sorcerer, and he has his own curse to battle.

Riddles and magic plague their path, but if Hette can't find the sorcerer in time, her heart will be the least of her losses.