Saturday, March 30, 2019

A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh


About the Book:  As the daughter of Viscount Aynsley, Caroline Hatherleigh knows every rule of society--and she's always followed them precisely. But when she visits south Devonshire and encounters a fossil-hunting scientist and his sister, her assumptions about what is right are shaken. Questions she has never considered about the importance of friendship and faith suddenly confront her--and her comfortable understanding about how the world works is thrown off balance. What if God wants to be the center of her life, rather than merely a social obligation?

Gideon Kirby loves science, and hunting down proof of past lives is a joy he won't willingly give up. But his scientific leanings are being challenged both by his personal beliefs and by local smugglers in the Devonshire countryside. And every day his sister's illness becomes more desperate, her care growing more demanding. Adding a viscount's daughter to the mix is a complication Gideon never expected--especially since he must stay far away from this young woman he's falling for in order to protect his beloved sister's secret.

When a mysterious stranger visits the village, that secret will be exposed, no matter how Gideon fights. Then tragedy strikes in a smugglers' cave. And the threat of scandal may lead to broken hearts and passionless propriety. Will the shaky bond these two have nurtured be strong enough to overcome their differences--or will the trust they've withheld from each other tear three lives apart?

My Thoughts:  This is the first book in the series "Regency Brides Daughters of Ansley"  In this book we once again meet up with Caroline Hatherleigh, who we met in"" from the Promise of Hope series.  

In this novel, the reader is treated to suspense and romance regency style.   In this novel, we meet the heroine  Caroline Hatherleigh, who we find will be stretched beyond her training in the high society experience.   Caroline is sent to her grandmother's to avoid scandal and finds the hero of her dreams; but is he suitable?

Caroline finds that true love has no thoughts to social class when she falls for Gideon a scientist and befriends his sickly sister Emma.  Through this friendship, she learns about God and what it means to be a true believer of God.   She also learns the strength of prayer and that God does answer prayers.   

This is a novel that teaches us the strength of God in every situation and brings about Romans 8:28-29.  "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.  For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn  among many brothers and sisters"  NLT

Carolyn Miller does not disappoint in her writing.   The reader will love her characters, and never a dull moment in the storyline.  With the mention of Mary Anning the nineteenth-century finder of fossils.

Carolyn Miller has done extensive research and given us again a wonderful new series for those who love historical fiction.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐














About the Author: Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn's novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers.



 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am  disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.




Wednesday, March 27, 2019

A Very Austen Valentine





About the Book



Book: A Very Austen Valentine  
Author: Robin Helm  
Genre: Historical Romance (Regency), Religious and Inspirational  
Release Date: December 29, 2018

Six beloved authors deliver romantic Valentine novellas set in Jane Austen’s Regency world. Robin Helm, Laura Hile, Wendi Sotis, and Barbara Cornthwaite, together with Susan Kaye and Mandy Cook, share variations of Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, and Sense and Sensibility, featuring your favorite characters in sequels, adaptations, and spinoffs of Austen’s adored novels. Experience uplifting romance, laugh-out-loud humor, and poignant regret as these authors deftly tug on your heartstrings this Valentine’s Day.  

I Dream of You by Robin Helm

Newly-married Elizabeth Darcy has a plan: to charm her too-busy husband into desiring her company as much as he did when he was courting her. A series of romantic dreams gives her just the push she needs to put that plan into action.

Sir Walter Takes a Wife by Laura Hile

Faced with a lonely future and finding himself strapped for cash, Persuasion’s Sir Walter Elliot manfully decides to marry again. But his careful plans go sadly awry! A lighthearted Valentine mash-up featuring two of Jane Austen’s worst snobs.  

My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis

Jane and Charles Bingley have married, even though Miss Elizabeth Bennet remains certain Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy gave his best effort to keep them apart. After Mr. Darcy refused to stand up with Bingley and did not attend the wedding, she despises the gentleman more than ever and finds his company intolerable. How will she endure her visit to Kent if Mr. Darcy turns up everywhere she goes?  

Pretence and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite

A chance encounter with a handsome stranger forces Elizabeth to resort to subterfuge in order to discover his true intentions.  

My Valentine by Mandy H. Cook Mandy H. Cook

Little Charlotte was always determined and independent, traits which served her well as she battled a serious childhood illness and later as she took on Polite Society. Will those traits now deprive her of true love? Or would her lifelong Valentine win her heart?

The Lovers’ Ruse by Susan Kaye

 In this Persuasion alteration, Anne is so altered by Wentworth’s love in the summer of 1806, she refuses to give him up when both her godmother and father try to persuade her. “The Lovers’ Ruse”follows Frederick and Anne through their whirlwind courtship and their secret engagement. When Wentworth returns for his Annie girl, the cat comes out of the bag.

My Thoughts: These six charming novellas centered around Valentines will entice all those who adore Jane Austen's writings.   Based on characters from Jane Austen's novels;  I enjoyed reading into the lives of the Darcy's; I was impressed that the writers Robin Helm, Wendi Sotis and Mandy H. Cook are all centered their novellas around the same family.  Each storytelling its own unique view of their lives.

Each story is fun to read, and takes the reader back to a simpler time, of love, romance, and proper etiquette.  Each story has it's own charm and brings the reader closer to the characters.  

My favorites have to be the novellas containing the characters Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, my absolute favorite being  "I Dream of You".  In this novella we learn how to give rather than to receive and the joys we can draw from each act of kindness.  

If you love historical fiction, and Jane Austen novels, then this is certainly a book for you.

⭐⭐⭐⭐


Click here to purchase your copy!

 

About the Author



Robin Helm’s books reflect her love of music, as well as her fascination with the paranormal and science fiction. Previously published works include The Guardian Trilogy: Guardian, SoulFire, and Legacy (a guardian angel protects a supernaturally gifted girl), the Yours by Design series: Accidentally Yours, Sincerely Yours, and Forever Yours (Fitzwilliam Darcy switches places in time with his descendant, Will Darcy), and Understanding Elizabeth (Regency sweet romance). She contributed to A Very Austen Christmas: Austen Anthologies, Book 1, an anthology featuring like-minded authors, in 2017, and A Very Austen Valentine: Austen Anthologies, Book 2 which was released on December 29, 2018. New releases for 2019 include More to Love, a standalone historical sweet romance dealing with body image; Lawfully Innocent, a historical U.S. Marshal romance book in the Lawkeepers series; Maestro, a historical sweet romance featuring a brilliant musician and his student; and A Very Austen Romance: Austen Anthologies, Book 3. She lives in sunny South Carolina where she teaches piano and adores her one husband, two married daughters, and three grandchildren.

More from Robin

Do you love Historical romance, but avoid “those” covers like the plague? Would you enjoy an anthology featuring six Valentine-themed novellas set in the Regency period written by Christian authors? In A Very Austen Valentine, stories range from a young wife searching for a way to bring her marriage back to the way it was, to a laugh-out-loud courtship between Jane Austen’s worst snobs. Misunderstandings, concealed identities, and romance abound. There is even a sequel featuring the children of the Darcys and the Brandons. Every reader will find something to love in this wonderful collection.

Blog Stops

Emily Yager, March 29
Moments, March 31
Mary Hake, March 31
Pause for Tales, April 1
Creating RomanceApril 2
Book by Book, April 2
The Becca Files, April 7

Giveaway


 
To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away
Grand Prize: a $50 Amazon gift card 1st Place: An autographed paperback of A Very Austen Valentine: Austen Anthologies, Book 1 2nd Place: An autographed paperback of A Very Austen Christmas: Austen Anthologies, Book 2 3rd Place: A set of three ebooks – Reader’s Choice of any three of my books and 4th Place: a $5 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.



Click Here to Enter! 

 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am  disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”




Tuesday, March 26, 2019

The White City


About the Book



Book: The White City
Author: Grace Hitchcock  
Genre: Christian Historical/Suspense  
Release Date: March, 2019  

Mysterious Disappearances Taint the Chicago World’s Fair Step into True Colors—a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for bodyguard. Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?


My Thoughts:    This novel was based on the famous criminal of the time H.H. Holmes.  The author did a wonderful job mixing truth and fiction.   This is an intense novel, full of mystery, murder, romance, and a little humor.

The main character Winnie happens to be the inspector's daughter, who just happens to read mystery novels.  Put a strong, bold woman and a  runaway imagination together and you have the perfect setting for suspense.    

Not only is Winnie searching for the mysterious abductor, but she has to make a choice between two men vying for her love.   


Author has done a wonderful job of mixing some true facts and fiction to make a great novel.   Her writing flows easy and she keeps the reader in suspense.  No lagging or dragging of the storyline in this novel.

The characters carry the story well, they are well developed and easy to like or dislike in some instances.  I truly enjoyed this novel and look forward to the others in this series.   I highly recommend this book to those who like to read historical or mystery novels.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



Click here to order your copy.

About the Author



Grace Hitchcock is the author of three novellas in The Second Chance Brides, The Southern Belle Brides, and the Thimbles and Threads collections with Barbour Publishing. The White City is her debut novel and releases March 2019 with Barbour Publishing. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in southern Louisiana with her husband, Dakota, and son. Visit Grace online at GraceHitchcock.com.

Guest Post from Grace

True Colors—Fiction Based on Strange, But True, American Crime Stories True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through 6 unique stories of historical romantic suspense in the exciting new True Colors series. In book one, The White City, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped while attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a detective, for bodyguard. Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim? The Real Criminal Behind the Story While Winnifred Wylde is a fictional character, Doctor H. H. Holmes was very real and became infamously known as America’s first serial killer. Learn more about him HERE.

Blog Stops

Blog Stops

The Lit Addict, March 14
Multifarious, March 15
Back Porch Reads, March 15
Livin’ Lit, March 16
By The Book, March 18
EmpowerMoms, March 19
Bigreadersite, March 21
Genesis 5020, March 21
The Becca Files, March 21
Emily Yager, March 22
Pause for Tales, March 22
Mary Hake, March 23
Book by Book, March 23
amandainpa, March 25
Older & Smarter?, March 26

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The White City!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!


 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am  disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


  

Sunday, March 24, 2019

An Unpresentable Glory


About the Book:


Book: An Unpresentable Glory  
Author: Eleanor K. Gustafson  
Genre: Christian, contemporary, literary fiction  
Release Date: July, 2018

“I trusted you, and some day, you may know just how much you hold in your hands.” Linda Jensen leads a relatively quiet life in Westchester County, New York, as the owner of a highly acclaimed garden. Inherited from her parents, the garden is her pride and joy. It is not so joyful finding a strange man sprawled near her delphiniums! The mysterious man is sick, unable to do anything more than drink water—and beg for secrecy. Ignoring all alarm bells, Linda sees to his needs, but her caring act takes on unexpected significance, and unpresentable glory. Seeds of trust, and perhaps love, are planted in Linda’s garden haven. But as secrets are revealed and scandal hits the headlines, the act of caring for this man threatens to tarnish both of their reputations. Like weeds in Linda’s garden, circumstances threaten to choke out their fledgling relationship, and small moments prove to be the biggest influencers—on a national scale.

My Thoughts:   What would you do if you found a sick stranger on your doorstep?   That's what Linda Jensen came home to one afternoon that changed her life.    Her caring changed another persons life.  It showed  "Jay" what true caring and trust really was.   
 This was an interesting read that keeps the readers' attention.  All the characters were powerful in this novel and helped in supporting the storyline.  


This novel is about trust, integrity,  loyalty and loving God.  It's about trusting God in every situation. The author has a way of writing to keep readers' interest throughout the book.  

This is a good story for everyone.

⭐⭐⭐⭐


Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author



Ellie grew up in Branchville NJ, in a county with more cows than people. She attended Wheaton College in Illinois as a music major, then married a pastor/college professor/tree farmer/organist and writer. Together, they have three children and eight grandchildren. Music was Ellie’s first love until she tried on the cloak of writing and found it a comfortable fit. However, early writing attempts saw friends—and even her mother—advising her to stick to music as a career. She pushed manfully along, though, and An Unpresentable Glory is her sixth novel. “God first touched me through story,” Ellie says, “and made the bigger Story come alive. I love Him passionately!”

More from Ellie

What’s An Unpresentable Glory about? Here’s Linda’s point of view: Linda Jensen, a noted gardener, finds a stranger sprawled near her delphiniums, obviously ill. She gets him into her house and puts him to bed, deciding that water is the only safe thing to give him. Water in, however, must come out. He is helpless; she must serve him; but in doing this unpresentable task, she feels the presence of angels. [See the book Preface for my personal experience with this.]   Jay’s point of view: Jay finds himself ill and helpless on the lawn of a wealthy but caring gardener. He can’t even reveal his real name. When he leaves at week’s end, he sees the relationship as hopeless because of who he is and enormous repercussions if the hidden week comes to light. Tragedy and disaster haunt him, but a dual set of mentors leads him through churning waters. Will he ever get back to the garden? * * * Linda’s sun tea was “mostly Darjeeling with lemon and a sprig of mint.” After reading her description, I tried it and found it tasty, indeed!

Blog Stops

Giveaway


 
To celebrate her tour, Ellie is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Burpee Flower gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Click Here to Enter! 

 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am  disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


Thursday, March 21, 2019

Storm Proof


About the Book



Book: Storm Proof  
Author: Carol McLeod  
Genre: Religion/Christian life/Woman’s issues  
Release Date:March 5, 2019  

Go “storm chasing” through the pages of the greatest Book ever written! What storm has blown into your circumstances? Are you—or someone you love—suffering from the trauma of plans that have been washed away, relationships that have been uprooted, or security that has been devastated? Many believers have been known to ask, “God, where are You in this storm?” or, “Lord, did You send this storm into my life?” Just what does a believer do during a stormy season? StormProof: Weathering Life’s Tough Times tackles these and other tumultuous questions. Author Carol McLeod is a storm survivor—more than that, a victor—over infertility, depression, and cancer. She understands the spiritual, emotional, and physical challenges of the trials we face in our lives. A gifted Bible teacher, she provides “life preservers” of hope and faith through the eternal, practical wisdom found only in God’s Word. By examining key storms in the Bible, and the lives of those affected by them, Carol guides you to uncommon comfort for your own storms, offering the shelter of hope, joy, and faith. In StormProof, you will step out of the boat to walk the waves with Peter, knowing that Jesus always comes to be with you in the midst of your storms; you will be rocked aboard a wind-driven ship with the apostle Paul, in danger of being smashed against the rocks, but be preserved by God’s power; you will watch the gathering storm clouds with Noah, holding on to faith in God’s purposes. You will also experience Jonah’s self-inflicted tempest while affirming God’s unconditional love, sit in silence with Job and ponder his questions about the greatest storm of testing, and huddle with the disciples as their boat is swamped by surging waves—only to hear Jesus’s eternal words, “Peace, be still.” You will also hear about storms of harsh circumstances that others from recent history have encountered and overcome. Storms are common in every season of life. Yet, for a believer in Christ, the damage such storms cause can be contained, depending on how we navigate their tumultuous waves. There is a way—a triumphant way—to encounter the fierce gales of life and then exit the tempests with strength and resilience. There is a definitive way to walk through the most devastating of circumstantial tornadoes and emerge with grace, empowered for the future. There is a way to be StormProof.

My Thoughts:  We all go through storms in our lives, some may be a little drizzle and others may be a category 5 hurricane.  Either way, we can make choices on how to deal with them.  In "Storm Proof" written by Carol McLeod, the author takes us through various types of storms.  In each one she gives Biblical answers and personal illustrations to give the reader the strength they may require for each type of storm.  

As a 'hurricane 5" storm survivor ( I nearly lost my life to a brain infection; 5 months of rehabilitation to learn to walk again as well as other relearning issues), I can truly understand where the author is getting at in her book.   I also believe that everyone should read this book.  It helps to be grounded in God's word before, during and after a storm.  This book will help the reader understand that perspective.

A wonderful, easy read.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
 
Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author


Carol McLeod is a popular speaker at women’s conferences and retreats through Carol McLeod Ministries. She is the author of ten books, including Guide Your Mind, Guard Your Heart, Grace Your Tongue (Whitaker House, 2018), Joy for All Seasons (Bridge-Logos, 2016), Holy Estrogen (Harrison House, 2012), and Defiant Joy (Thomas Nelson, 2006). Carol hosts a daily podcast, A Jolt of Joy! on the Charisma Podcast Network, and a weekly podcast, The Joy of Motherhood, which is listened to by thousands of moms around the world. Her blog, Joy for the Journey (formerly A Cup of Tea with Carol), has been named in the Top 50 Faith Blogs for Women. After her 2013 devotional 21 Days to Beat Depression had nearly 100,000 downloads in the first month, YouVersion picked it up, where it has been read over 500,000 times in five years. She also has ten other devotionals on YouVersion, including Guide Your Mind, Guard Your Heart, Grace Your Tongue. Carol writes a weekly column for Ministry Today and often writes for Charisma magazine. She is also a frequent guest on and has cohosted 100 Huntley Street. Her teaching DVD The Rooms of a Woman’s Heart won a Telly Award in 2005 for excellence in religious programming. The first Women’s Chaplain at Oral Roberts University, she currently serves on the university’s Alumni Board of Directors. Carol has been married to her college sweetheart, Craig, for nearly forty years and is the mother of five children in heaven and five children on earth. Carol and Craig are now enjoying their new titles as “Marmee and Pa” to seven delicious grandchildren! She and her husband will soon be moving to Oklahoma, where Craig serves as the North American Director for Global Partners, a missions organization that plants churches in remote areas of the world.

More from Carol

I wrote this book and dedicated it to a lifetime friend and a woman who has survived the worst of life’s storms. ”You have danced in the sunshine… been drenched by circumstantial downpours… been threatened by windy situations… and been attacked by the blinding blizzard of events. But through it all, you have been faithful. You have been a warrior. You have been a worshipper. You have kept your eyes on Jesus. You have been StormProof. You haven’t just weathered the tough times in life…you have rejoiced through them! There is no one I would rather share an umbrella with than you, my friend.”

Blog Stops

Giveaway


 
To celebrate her tour, Carol is giving away
Grand prize of a $20 Starbucks Card and a Woman of God Umbrella 1st Place prize of a copy of Guide Your Mind, Guard Your Heart, Grace Your Tongue, and Whitaker House/Anchor adult coloring book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!




 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am  disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”