The Reluctant Duchess (Ladies of the Manor #2)

by Roseanna M. White (Goodreads Author)

ABOUT THE BOOK

 4.41  ·   Rating Details  ·  189 Ratings  ·  127 Reviews

Lady Rowena Kinnaird may be the heiress to a Highland earldom, but she has never felt good enough—not for her father, not for the man she thought she’d marry, not for God. But after a shocking attack, she’s willing to be forever an outcast if it means escaping Loch Morar and the men who have jeopardized her life.

Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has suddenly found himself in possession of a rare treasure his enemies are prepared to kill for. While Brice has never been one to shy away from manor-born ladies, the last thing he needs is the distraction of his neighbor, Lady Rowena, who finds herself in a desperate situation. But when the moody Earl of Lochabar tries to trap Brice into marrying Rowena, Brice finds he’s not as opposed to the idea as he expected to be.

Rowena wanted to escape the Highlands, but she’s reluctant to resort to marrying a notorious flirt just to gain his English home. And when she learns that Brice is mixed up in some kind of questionable business with a stolen treasure, she ’fears she’s about to end up directly in the path of everything she was trying to avoid. (less)Gosh! what an amazing read! I'm completely blown away by this story! Roseanna did a wonderful job in writing this book. I love how shade her characters grow and mature. with the way they interact with each other especially Rowena 

                                                     MY T HOUGHTS                                                

I loved watching Rowena grow out of her shell and learning to walk with Lord! Rowena has had a hard life, until she met Brice. 

Brice is my hero for that reason! He too has changed a lot since The Lost Heiress. His love for the Lord shows in everything he does. I think we can learn a lot from Brice. 
I love the way he wants to protect Rowena from harm. He'd be an awesome father!
Ella is as flighty as they come! She's an awesome person as well. She is the one who refriended Rowena and made her feel like one of the family. 
I don't think I could live that lifestyle. I would definitely feel out of place especially of I couldn't be myself as God intended me to be.
Society can be cruel to those who don't live up to their standards. 
I believe that Rowena is right on certain things like the Fire Eyes. Only greed can cause evil and harm others. Ppl bring that on themselves. 
Only if we believe in God and trust His ways will true light show through.
Thank you Roseanna for anther wonderful story. 
I received a copy of this book from Roseanna in exchange for am honest review

White by Denise Weimer

I enjoyed this book because it was a different read than what I'm used to. I loved how this book was intertwined with past, present and maybe future? I also liked how the people interacted within this lovely story. I imagined myself there with them. 
Jennifer in the mean time wants a place to belong and I can't say I really blame her. I've felt that way sometimes. I love what she does for a living. I like Jennifer. I have no idea why I like her. I think it's because she knows what she wants and goes after it. She also wants to help her new friends along the way. 
Michael is a secret man. He likes keeping to himself. Pretty much like I do, so I can relate to this also. 
Michael and his father have a soft spot for animals. I like this in a man. Michael has a lot to learn about his family. Secrets are not good to be kept. Sometimes they can cause harm even when they're not meant to. In the end, they may end up hurting the person you love. Secrets have a way of coming out whether you want them to or not. For this reason, I have labeled this book as a sort of mystery. I like finding out the past. History is so much a part of us. It makes us who we are today. 
Denise has certainly kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next!! I always love to try out new authors and she'll certainly be at the top of my new favorites!! 
Denise, I'm looking forward to reading your next installment!! ( I also laughed when Jennifer found an unsuspected surprise!!! Although in real life I'm sure it wouldn't be funny if it happened to me) This was one of my favorite scenes in the book. The other one was toward the end.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

A Flight of Arrows by Lori Benton

 ABOUT THE BOOK

It is said that what a man sows he will reap--and for such a harvest there is no set season. No one connected to Reginald Aubrey is untouched by the crime he committed twenty years ago.

Not William, the Oneida child Reginald stole and raised as his own. Identity shattered, enlisted in the British army, William trains with Loyalist refugees eager to annihilate the rebels who forced them into exile. Coming to terms with who and what he is proves impossible, but if he breaks his Loyalist oath, he'll be no better than the man who constructed his life of lies.

Not Anna, Reginald's adopted daughter, nor Two Hawks, William's twin, both who long for Reginald to accept their love despite the challenges they will face, building a marriage that bridges two cultures.

Not Good Voice and Stone Thrower, freed of bitterness by a courageous act of forgiveness, but still yearning for their firstborn son and fearful for the future of their Oneida people.

As the British prepare to attack frontier New York and Patriot regiments rally to defend it, two families separated by culture, united by love, will do all in their power to reclaim the son marching toward them in the ranks of their enemies. 

MY THOUGHTS

Lori, I like this story from the beginning. I had asked Lori if I could do a review on this novel and I was excited when she said yes!!

The cover is lovely and very inviting.

I got to meet new characters and make new friends through this book

I love Two Hawks. I can picture him in my mind as courageous, kind and caring of his friends and family. I admire his strength and determination to go after what he wants.

Reginald knows he has done wrong a long time ago. I thought it very brave of him to finally right a wrong from years ago

William is another story altogether. I think he is brave and very determined and I think much stubborn!

Anna Catherine is a pretty special lady to wait so long for a good thing. I guess that is what waiting for the right man will do to u. Anna Catherine loves her job. I think I would enjoy what she does.

Indians are God's people too. He created us all equal. I am glad Stone Thrower knows Jesus as his savior.

I think that I would live to live back in the old days! Reading about them is certainly interesting.

I love reading history and fiction mixed together. I thought Lori has done a wonderful job in bringing her characters to life. I appreciate what the Americans did so long ago to fight for our freedom!!!

History is a part of who we are today.

Lori, I will be waiting to read your next novel. I especially look forward to seeing what the cover of next book will look like.

I loved being taken back in time. I could some of the battles that were taking place and could see some running.

I will read this over and over again it was so good! I tried not to give nothing away. Hopefully I did ok

Thanks Lori for another wonderful book

I received this book in exchange for an honest review 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lori Benton was born and raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American and family history going back to the 1600s. Her novels transport readers to the 18th century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history, creating a melting pot of characters drawn from both sides of a turbulent and shifting frontier, brought together in the bonds of God's transforming grace.

When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching 18th century history, Lori enjoys exploring the mountains with her husband.

Burning Sky, Lori's debut novel, was a finalist for the ECPA 2014 Christian Book Award, and winner of the 2014 Christy Award for First Novel, Historical, and Book of the Year. 

The Atonement by Beverly Lewis

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Must-Have Novel from the #1 Name in Amish Fiction

The mistakes of the past haunt Lucy Flaud, who years ago stopped attending the activities for courting-age young people in her hometown of Bird-in-Hand. Now twenty-five and solidly past the age of Amish courtship, Lucy has given up any hope of marriage, instead focusing her efforts on volunteering in both the Plain and fancy communities of Lancaster County. Yet no matter how hard Lucy strives, she feels uncertain that she'll ever find redemption.

Dale Wyeth has a deep mistrust of modern-day "advances" and the dependency they create. The young Englisher's interest in living off the grid is fueled further when he meets Christian Flaud, Lucy's father. Dale appreciates the self-sufficient ways of the Old Order Amish, and Christian invites him to learn more about them by staying at the family farm.

As Christian and Dale grow closer, developing a father-son rapport, Lucy begins to question what Dale's being there might mean for her. Could God be testing her? Or is it possible that even the most unworthy heart--and two people from very different walks of life--can somehow find a new beginning?(less)

                                                     

                     MY THOUGHTS    

I love reading Beverly's book because they always remind me of God's loving grace and forgiveness of why he sent his Son.

I have struggled with forgiveness in my life and am still struggling with.
Like Lucy in many ways. Today I finally feel at peace. Reading this book has given that back to me.
God is always there even when we are struggling with the bad things in our lives.
There r still some things I need to do though.
Lucy certainly kept things bottled up for years and this isn't a good thing to do. This is why I can relate to Lucy.
I think Christian made some poor choices in his life as well. In certain things especially in regards to his daughter but I see now why he did them . I wish that I had a dad to look after me. I would love a kind,caring father like Christian. I would even love a big family like he's got but I'm pretty much satisfied with my lot in life. God has blessed me beyond what I deserve.
God never leaves us but we tend to leave Him in our hour of need.
There is a favorite scene in this book and it has to do with the covered bridge. I love covered bridges because they are a rich part in our history and some are even a landmark
I was finally left alone to read this because my husband was always around to bug me lol!!! But it was a wonderful and special story for me.
Thank u Beverly for another wonderful book! Please keep them coming!
I received this copy from Bethany House for my choice of the month in exchange for an honest review (less)

                                                    ABOUT THE AUTHOR        

                     

Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."

More Than a Promise by Ruth Logan Herne

Genre: Christian, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Franciscan Media
Publication date: February 23, 2016
Number of pages: 292

"My Three Sons"... Naughty sons, at that!... meets "Sarah, Plain and Tall" in this delightful marriage of convenience story that shows how amazingly inconvenient love... and life... can be! Widower Matt Wilmot is in trouble. His boys are causing chaos and wreaking havoc, his former mother-in-law is threatening to sue for custody, his father just had heart surgery and their family company is liable for a huge balloon payment on a loan his father took out to expand the business the previous year. But rain and illness took their toll, and Matt is having a rough time spinning multiple plates in the air.

​But when he discovers Elle Drake next door, a woman with a wonderful hand at managing errant boys, cranky relatives, and frustrated men... Matt's world suddenly tips back into a more normal orbit. And when drastic measures are required, it's the girl next door who's there to save the day.

Elle Drake wanted nothing more than to create beautiful pottery and have a family, but when her millionaire husband publicly dumped the renowned artist for another woman, Elle moves back to Cedar Mills to start anew, the spinster artist with her big potting shed. But when her to-die-for good-looking neighbor thinks marriage is a good idea, Elle figures he's either crazy, desperate or right.

But a marriage of convenience can become its own conundrum, and when life takes sudden turns, can this marriage become all that they bargained for? And maybe more than a promise?

Add to GOODREADS

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Multi-published, bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne loves God, her family, her country, dogs, chocolate and coffee! A country gal with a heart for the big city, Ruthy likes nothing more than to write the kind of books she loves to read, and she's even more happy that now she gets paid to do it! She's been married for a Very Long Time and she and her husband Dave live on a small farm in upstate New York where lake effect snow buries them on a regular basis in winter. But that's all right... it gives her more time to write!

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I loved this book and so Ruth is going to be my favorite new author!!! 
This story is about love, laughter and yes learning on how to find family time to spend together with three wonderful little boys who desperately need a mom to guide them along the way. 
I never knew that 3 little guys could cause such trouble!!! They are funny, fun loving and it takes a wonderful neighbor to help show them the way.
I think shy quiet Todd has to be my favorite. Randy is second and Amos such a cute little guy!! Makes my heart melt into little shreds because that's how my son used to be. 
Randy is my other half. By this, I mean his temper. He has a temper like mine but he also has a heart of gold. 
I think that God gives us a wonderful gift through children that they might teach us some lessons through life. Randy is just such a kid. 
Matt is a dumbkoff. He can't see the precious gifts in front of him. He's a workaholic like his father before him. 
I really don't know what a single parent is like but, it can't be easy. I have to applaud Matt though. 
He really does try. I know what mothers in laws are like. We get along ok but not like Id like to. 
Gloria can't see past her nose either. She has always given Matt a hard time no matter what it is or what he is doing. 
Elle is my favorite character. I love her ability to adjust in any given situation. Elle has tried hard for years and has never had children. She reminds me of Abraham and Sarah. Sarah was barren for years. She's also wonderful with her hands. Hands that can create anything she sets her mind to!! 

I laughed until I cried throughout this book. It seemed that everytime I turned a page the three boys were getting into something. 
This town has a small town atmosphere and usually everyone knows everyone else's business even before you do!! I grew up in such a town!! Marysville, Ohio used to be such a small village until I moved away. It was the size of Matt's town. The first time I went back for a visit, I couldn't get over how much my hometown had grown. It's even got a Walmart now lol!!!
In some ways, I think that small towns are an awesome influence and sometimes not. I was glad to get away from this town and now that I did, I miss it!!!
This is book teaches us something that all of us needs to learn at some point in time. Sometimes it takes small hands to do it. Children are a blessing!! 
Through Christ all things are possible!! 
I received a copy of this book for an honest review. I strongly recommend this book who want to take a trip with 3 wonderful little boys!!!

Enter the giveaway HERE

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April 11--cherylbbookblog | A Holland Reads
April 12--Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance | Reading Is My SuperPower
April 13--Buzzing About Books | The Power of Words
April 14--Smiling Book Reviews | Singing Librarian Books
April 15--Katie's Clean Book Collection | Colorimetry | The Green Mockingbird
April 16--Just Commonly | Red Headed Book Lady

Buckhead Dead by Deborah Malone -- Review + Giveaway

About the Book

Skye Southerland and Honey Truelove have just finished an interior design job for Sylvia Landmark, one of Buckhead’s most eccentric characters, and their designs are to die for. After a celebration at Sylvia’s home where they reveal the new décor, including a desk with a possible link to the pirate Blackbeard, Sylvia turns up dead, leaving the ladies wondering if this desk is worth more than they bargained for. Skye and Honey are now suspects in the murder of a woman who had few friends, and plenty of possible enemies. In an attempt to clear their names, Skye, Honey, and Honey’s loveable cousin Ginger embark on a journey to find the real killer, figure out the real history behind the desk, and clear their names before they end up going to jail, or even worse becoming the next victims! With plenty of warnings from Skye’s husband Mitch, and the ruggedly handsome Detective Montaine assigned to Sylvia’s case, these girls still manage to get right in the middle of the investigation, while having time to enjoy all that Georgia has to offer.

About the Author

Deborah Malone’s first novel Death in Dahlonega, finaled in the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Category Five writing contest! Deborah was nominated for 2011 and 2012 Georgia Author of the Year in Novel category. She has worked as a freelance writer and photographer, for the historic magazine “Georgia Backroads” since 2001. She has had many articles and photographs published, and her writing is featured in “Tales of the Rails,” edited by Olin Jackson, as well as the “Christian Communicator.” She is a member of the Georgia Writer’s Association, Advanced Writers and Speaker’s Association and the American Christian Fiction Writers.

Review

I laughed until I cried!!! It took some getting into but once I did it seemed to take right off!!! 
I'm going to have to say Honey was my favorite character. She was the thinker of the group and had spunk, and outgoing. Honey always attracted men whenever she was around especially Detective Robert as she called him. Skye was more like me. She never wanted to be the center of attention. Quiet and shy most times when Honey and Ginger weren't around. 
It seemed the three girls fed off of each other's energy. What one didn't think of the other one did!!
They were trying to clear their name and went against everything Skye's husband and the Detective told them not to do lol!! 
It also seemed that every time they tried to have fun something always came up and they wound up getting into trouble anyway. I laughed mostly at Skye for some of things she done and because they always never turned out the she wanted. Sounds like me also. Seems like some things are just not meant to be. 
Mitch was my hero. He's everything a husband should be!! Kind, caring, and considerate and most of all he's there for Skye no matter what kind of trouble she winds up in. 
Snake and Tiny are something of a different nature altogether. I can see why they would be suspects. For pretty big fellas they sure have some weird nicknames.
I can usually figure out mysteries pretty quickly and this one is no exception but I did get a kick out of the three girls. 
They were very entertaining!! 
I recommend this book very strongly. I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Celebrit bloggers.

Giveaway

To celebrate the book tour, Deborah is graciously giving away a $50 Darden gift card.  Click to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/94c8

Blog Stops

March 29: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

March 30: Our Perfectly Imperfect Life

March 31: Just Commonly

April 1: ArtisticNobody

April 2: Through The Open Window

April 3: Mary Hake

April 3: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

April 4: Bigreadersite

April 5: Daysong Reflections

April 5: Cassandra M’s Place

April 6: Lights in a Dark World

April 7: Bukwurmzzz

April 7: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

April 8: Red Headed Book Lady

April 8: Texas Book-aholic

April 9: For the Love of Books

April 10: Reader’s Cozy Corner

April 11: Books! Books! Books!

Sweet as Honey ( The Honeybee Sisters#1)

ABOUT  THE BOOK

it was amazing 5.00  ·  Rating Details  ·  1 Rating  ·  1 Review

“Sweet as Honey is a warm, wonderful book filled with delightful characters, humor and tenderness. Jennifer Beckstrand writes lovely stories, sure to touch your heart.”--RaeAnne Thayne,New York Times bestselling author

Smart, kind, and good-hearted, the three Christner girls are affectionately known as The Honeybee Sisters in the beloved Wisconsin Amish community where, under the care of their aunt, they've grown into skilled beekeepers--and lovely, sought-after young women. . .

Though she has blossomed into a beauty, Lily Christner doesn't really believe it. Deep down, she still feels like a lonely, gawky teenager. Maybe that's why she's all but promised herself to Paul Glick, the one boy who never teased her in her awkward girlhood--unlike Dan Kanagy, whose creative name-calling left her in tears many a time. Now he's back in town after two years away--and being surprisingly sweet, suspiciously attentive--and making Lily unsettlingly yet deliciously nervous. It seems Dan wants Lily's forgiveness--and her heart. But can he convince her--not to mention her protective schwesters and aendi--that despite the past, her future lies with him?... 

   MY THOUGHTS

I loved this story as I do all of Jennifer's books. I made new friends and this book shows us another side of the Amish that we're not used to seeing in most Amish books. I am used to seeing most Amish for forgiving others and not being abusive or controlling other people. 

I loved Lily from the start. I think because she reminds me of myself when I was little. Always being called names. But, I eventually grew out of all that. Yes, names still hurt even after we're adults but being adults I think that we can handle them a little bit better with God's help. My favorite phrase is I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. 

Poppy meant well. Poppy is a wonderful person too. We know we can turn to her especially when one of us is getting picked on!! I wish I had her courage sometimes. Poppy knows how to stand up for herself something that Lily needed to do on her own. 

Rose reminds me of Haley Mills. I guess because of her hair. The curls around her face and all. Rose is the shy and quiet type who likes to keep to herself and is definiailey terrified of boys lol!! She's a great cook and like me loves to bake. It doesn't matter what it is!! 

Aunt B is my most favorite although I wouldn't want to come up on her unexpectedly!!!  Aunt B's favorite phrase is" once you feed a boy he's like a stray cat always wanting to come around all the time" lol!! She's something else!! It takes a lot of determination raising 3 girls by yourself. But, I think she's done a wonderful job!! I don't think it's fair looking down on someone just because she's a little bit different. It's for this reason that I like Aunt Bitsy.  Especially since she has two ornery parents that are very opinionated. 

Dan is ok. I just don't like his name calling and wanting to show off every time you turn around. He's always got this big smile on his face. Especially when he goes over to the Honeybee Sisters. How can anyone stay this happy I will never know. At least he was very handy.

Paul was something else entirely. He is a big baby. Whenever something doesn't go his way he throws  a  temper tantrum. 

Overall, I think the story was wonderfully written and I can't wait until the next book comes out.

I gave this book 5 stars and Jennifer must've know that yellow is my favorite color!!  I think yellow fits the story because of Dan's smiles

I recommend this book for all Amish lovers!! 

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I grew up with a steady diet of William Shakespeare and Jane Austen. After all that literary immersion, I naturally decided to get a degree in mathematics, which came in handy when one of my six children needed help with homework. After my fourth daughter was born, I started writing. By juggling diaper changes, soccer games, music lessons, laundry, and two more children, I finished my first manuscript—a Western—in just under fourteen years.

I have always been fascinated by the Amish way of life and now write Inspirational Amish Romance. I am drawn to the strong faith of the Plain people and admire the importance they put on enduring family ties. I have visited and studied Amish communities in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin where I met with a bishop and a minister as well as several Amish mamms, dats, and children. It has always impressed me at what salt-of-the-earth people they are. My interactions with these kind people have been some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have a dear Amish friend with whom I correspond in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She helps me keep my facts straight and gives me inspiration for my stories.

My goal is to write uplifting, inspiring stories with happy endings and hopeful messages. If my books make readers want to give themselves a big hug or jump up and down for joy, I’ve done my job. I am a member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers and am represented by Mary Sue Seymour of The Seymour Agency.

There are three Amish romances in the Forever After in Apple Lake Series (Summerside/Guideposts). Kate’s Song, Rebecca’s Rose, and Miriam’s Quilt are all now available.

I have six Amish Romances in the works with Kensington Books. The first and second books, Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Summer, are now available in stores and online. The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill is set in northern Wisconsin Amish country.

The series, The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill, is about an elderly Amish couple who try to find suitable mates for their grandchildren. What could be more fun than throwing two young people together to see if sparks ignite? No one would ever suspect two octogenarian Amish folks of mischief.

Romantic Times gave Huckleberry Hill 4 1/2 stars and chose Huckleberry Summer as a TOP PICK.

I have four daughters, two sons, three sons-in-law, and two adorable grandsons. I live in the foothills of the Wasatch Front with my husband and one son still left at home.