The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews

Publication Date: July 23, 2019 Perfectly Proper Press Paperback & eBook Genre: Historical Romance 

  READ AN EXCERPT.     

  An Uncommon Beauty… Hidden away in rural Devonshire, Phyllida Satterthwaite has always been considered more odd than beautiful. But in London, her oddity has made her a sensation. Far worse, it’s caught the eye of the sinister Duke of Moreland—a notorious art collector obsessed with acquiring one-of-a-kind treasures. To escape the Duke's clutches, she’s going to need a little help. An Unlikely Hero… Captain Arthur Heywood’s days of heroism are long past. Grievously injured in the Peninsular War, he can no longer walk unaided, let alone shoot a pistol. What use can he possibly be to a damsel in distress? He has nothing left to offer except his good name. Can a marriage of convenience save Philly from the vengeful duke? Or will life with Arthur put her—and her heart—in more danger than ever?

"In her sixth historical romance, Matthews (The Pug Who Bit Napoleon; A Victorian Lady’s Guide to Fashion and Beauty) weaves suspense and mystery within an absorbing love story. Readers will be hard put to set this one down before the end. Highly recommended to historical romance and/or mystery buffs and especially animal lovers." - Library Journal, Starred Review

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MY REVIEW

This is a great read!! Except for the cussing that went on in the story. We could've done without that. 

Philly and Arthur, well they were just an amazing couple! I loved that they ( especially him) didn't keep the truth from his wife except maybe just a teensy bit but I understand why.

Philly is just this amazing woman who doesn't let life get her down (not even the meanest woman in the story)!! Philly is all heart I just love her and I wanted to cry when she got hurt.

I could picture Arthur handsome, sophisticated especially in his Army coat sitting proudly on his horse. Oh my!! Makes me want to drool if I say so myself. However; his personality needed a lot of work but really who could blame him! I certainly can sympathize with him about the leg part. 

My leg hurts all the time now. I even carry a cane as well though I don't want to. On the note, it takes the pressure of my leg. 

I was glad to see that Arthur didn't let that stop him.

I will be looking forward to reading more from this new to me author. 

Her writing style is just incredible!!

I think I would classify this as another Cinderella tale though but it was still a delightful read!!

My thanks to Netgalley for this incredible book!! No compensation were recieved. All opinions are my own!

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews (A Victorian Lady’s Guide to Fashion and Beauty, The Matrimonial Advertisement) writes both historical non-fiction and traditional historical romances set in Victorian England. Her articles on nineteenth century history have been published on various academic and history sites, including the Victorian Web and the Journal of Victorian Culture, and are also syndicated weekly at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, two Shelties, and two Siamese cats. For more information, please visit Mimi Matthews’ website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, BookBub, Pinterest, Google+, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, July 23 Review at Bookish Rantings Review at View from the Birdhouse Wednesday, July 24 Review at Courtney Clark Thursday, July 25 Review at Gwendalyn's Books Friday, July 26 Review at Passages to the Past Monday, July 29 Review at Red Headed Book Lady Tuesday, July 30 Excerpt at Faery Tales Are Real Wednesday, July 31 Review at The Lit Bitch

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, one winner will receive a signed copy of The Work of Art! To enter, please use the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on July 31st. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open to the US only. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen. The Work of Art

She walks in love by Marylu Tyndall

ABOUT THE BOOK

She Walks in Love

(Protectors of the Spear #2)

by 

MaryLu Tyndall (Goodreads Author)

 4.64  ·   Rating details ·  47 ratings  ·  31 reviews

She must protect the Spear of Destiny at all costs 

He must bring the lady safely home 

But the powers of darkness chasing them have other ideas 

Lady Cristiana D'Clere, the new protector of the Spear, is on the run from the steward of her estate, who has kept her drugged for years. All she ever wanted was to be safe, marry well, and raise a bevy of wee ones. Instead, she is far from home, chased by men intent on killing her and stealing the Spear of Christ for its incredible powers. 

Sir Jarin the Just has never forgotten the woman who stirred his heart like no other. Determined to find and restore her to her proper place as Lady of Luxley Castle, he sets out on a journey fraught with more dangers than he ever could have foreseen. The biggest danger is to his heart, for he has vowed to remain unfettered and never surrender his freedom to a woman. 

Though the Spear protects the couple along their journey, Cristiana must learn to trust the One whose blood stains the relic, while Jarin must learn to rely on powers far above his own knightly skills. For the dark magic that is chasing them may take all the powers of heaven to defeat.

MY REVIEW

 A truly enchanting tale!! and in a way much more different than what I"m used to reading by this author. But overall, it was very enjoyable!! I couldn't put the book down!! I burned some midnight light reading this book and let me tell you reader friends!! Some of this book really made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck!! Wow!! 

This book is 2nd in the Protectors of the Spear series. This book will make you want to sit on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. 

The character are wonderful!! but, there are some who will be shady in this story too

Marylu is a wonderful writer and knows how to tell a story to make you believe that you are actually in the book with Christiana D' Clere is truly a heroine. She's my heroine because I love her kind, caring and vulnerable ways in which she uses the spear. She uses it for the good to help others.

I like that she has a very strong love for God. There are times that she feels undeserving of His love but, then don't we all? Are we not all a work in progress? 

I love how this author portrays good and evil and shows that there are dark forces all around us. These are the same evil forces that has run her off from all that she has loved. 

I love the knight Sir Jarin. I love it that he wants to step in a help in any way he can to set things right.

Just this past week our preacher preached on darkness. I think Marylu and my preacher Joe got together and discussed or hashed it out because I read a passage in where if the forces may seem very dark. He even shut his little flashlight off and all the other lights were turned off too. When he shown the flashlight, there was only a small small point of light. It was so dark that no a one of could see the other person!! Not even the one next to us!! Now that was sort of scary!! 

But, when he turned that little flashlight, it gave us hope. If that hope can get through then the darkness will run away Hallelujah!! 

I agree that money is the root of all evil. I think that it is the way people use it against each other. It can also leave you wanting for more until you are just never satisfied. 

God never leaves us but we walk away from He thinking that we can do things on our own. Not true!! What is that old saying Pride goeth before a fall? 

There is also a hidden message in this awesome book too! I love messages like that! 

There's this little saying that we can do things all through Christ if we turn unto Him. 

I enjoyed watching Christiana grow and learn about our Savior's love. His love is the sweetest gift that we can ever receive!! 

I encourage you my reading friends that if you don't know Christ please find someone that can lead you to Him!! You'll be glad you did!! I know I am!!

My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. No compensations were received and all opinions are my own!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award winning and best-selling author, MaryLu Tyndall dreamt of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her childhood days on Florida's Coast. After obtaining a degree in Math and working as software engineer for 15 years, she decided to test the waters as a writer. With now more than seventeen books published, she makes no excuses for the deeply spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures. As a follower of Christ, her stories often reflect her own journey and walk with God. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. In a culture that accepts the occult, wizards, zombies, and vampires without batting an eye, MaryLu hopes to show the awesome present and powerful acts of God in a dying world. MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, two grandkids, and three cats on the California coast, where her imagination still surges with the sea.

A Simple Christmas by Charlotte Hubbard

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Simple Christmas

(Simple Gifts #3)

by 

Charlotte Hubbard (Goodreads Author)

 4.59  ·   Rating details ·  136 ratings  ·  53 reviews

"Hubbard writes Amish stories with style and grace."

--RT Book Reviews 

The rustic beauty of a country Christmas fills the Simple Gifts crafts shop, while the Amish residents of Willow Ridge pull together in uncertain times--and in the face of an unexpected homecoming. 

Nora Hooley's shop is abuzz with preparations for the holiday open house, and Rosalyn Riehl is handcrafting wreaths from evergreen boughs, pinecones, and other natural materials. The work is a welcome diversion for the only unmarried daughter of Cornelius Riehl: her gruff dat has been receiving envelopes marked Past Due, leaving dutiful Rosalyn to manage the household's inexplicably shrinking budget. Then another distraction swaggers into Simple Gifts--blue-jeaned and leather-jacketed, with a reputation that precedes him.

Marcus Hooley hightailed it to Willow Ridge on a wing and a prayer--not that he's the praying type. He rejected his Amish roots long ago. But behind the bad-boy attitude is a gifted horse trainer who's counting on some 

bent-but-not-broken family ties to throw him a lifeline. He can't erase his past, but a sparking attraction with strong, spirited Rosalyn holds the promise of a second chance . . . and of shedding light on shadowy secrets to build a bright tomorrow.

MY REVIEW

There's nothing wrong with having a Simple Christmas. In fact, that is exactly what we're going to have this year ourselves. I don't really like all that noise and overcrowding that happens when big families get together. Although I do understand that sometimes that's the only time they see each other.

This author shows us that even the Amish aren't perfect. And that is what I liked about this story. Forgiveness and Grace. 

For Rosalyn the oldest of the sisters ( which I honestly thought she was the youngest. I guess it's because of the way her dad treated her). 

I can connect with her in this way. My dad was a piece of work too. For me, words hurt more than the physical abuse itself. Once said you can't take them back.

I enjoyed watching her change throughout the story. With God and the right person to come al

the right person, anything can happen!!!

Marcus is the perfect example. I was really rooting for him. He truly amazed me. Cause some people just don't want to grow up.

This was truly an amazing story of love, grace and a very special friendship. How I enjoyed the family of Willow Ridge! It's like coming home again

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Drawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, longtime Missourian Charlotte Hubbard (a.k.a. Naomi King) writes of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle in her new Seasons of the Heart series. Like her heroine, Miriam Lantz, Charlotte considers it her personal mission to feed people—to share hearth and home. Faith and family, farming and food preservation are hallmarks of her lifestyle, and the foundation of her earlier Angels of Mercy series. She’s a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and when she’s not writing, she loves to try new recipes, crochet, and sew. Charlotte now lives in Minnesota with her husband and their border collie. (less)

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Simple Gifts (3 books)

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Something Right by Rose Fresquez

ABOUT THE BOOK

Something Right

by 

Rose Fresquez (Goodreads Author)

 4.67  ·   Rating details ·  6 ratings  ·  5 reviews

Jake Larson is good at everything…except relationships. When his marriage ends, it leaves the firefighter with doubts he’s never experienced before. Now he’s determined to protect his crushed heart the only way he knows how: avoid falling in love at all costs. And thanks to his friend Ezra, Jake is more than content to fill the hole in his life with a newfound faith in Christ and the hope for a brighter—if single—future.

Renee Buchanan is one of the best interior designers Colorado has to offer, and she knows it. She’s young, skilled, and confident…except when she’s around Jake Larson. Every time Jake steps into a room, her carefully crafted professionalism crumbles, and she finds herself lost.

And that’s a problem when Jake hires Renee to decorate his fixer-upper of a home. Not only is Jake her brother’s best friend, he’s also the gentleman of her dreams. And no matter how determined she is to make this the well-designed house of her career, and how thick the walls around Jake’s heart are, something new sizzles up between them, something they can’t help but be drawn toward.

As they work together to chip away at the walls of both Jake’s house and his heart, Jake is faced with a life-changing decision: let himself fall for his best friend’s beautiful sister, or stay single but keep his friendship intact. Either way, Jake knows he must let go of his past before he can grab hold of the future…or else risk losing the second chance he desperately needs.

Something Right is a sweet interracial romance between a damaged firefighter and the interior designer determined to make him whole again.

Something Right is the second book in the standalone in series; The Buchanans

If you want to read them in order;

Book 1- First Site

Book 2- Something Right 

MY REVIEW

I'd love to give this book more than 5 stars!! 

The characters are enjoyable and I love the firefighters banter as they laugh and joke with each other. I also love they way they stand up for each other and support each other especially if one of their own is down! In my opinion, this makes a great team and it shows teamwork! Sadly though and especially at my work place there is no such thing as teamwork.

I always say it's best to start out as friends. That's the best kind of relationship and then if it's meant to be a much more sweeter thang comes out if it. 

I love this author's writing style. She has the ability to make you feel like you are right along with these guys doing their job and laughing with them.

Of course Jake is my favorite person in the whole story. Kind, gentle and caring he's the type that has your back no matter what situation someone may be in.

He's pretty special in my book.

I strongly recommend this book!! It was so good and I cried when I finished it. I didn't want to say Goodbye but hey, we can always reread it again and check in on our favorite people right?

I received a complimentary copy of this book with no compensations received 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rose Fresquez is a stay-at-home mom, with a husband and four kids. In her free time, she likes to spend time outdoors with the family, sing gospel music and plotting her next writing project.

Rose's writing projects include both Christian non-fiction and Christian fiction. 

Her latest release coming soon is Something Right. An interracial romance between a firefighter and an Interior Designer. Other books are; FIRST SITE, COMPLEX, the Ten Commandments for Kids and Families and Rose's Signed and Delivered devotional letters.

Visit my facebook page for updates on new books

https://www.facebook.com/rosefresquezbooks/

or signup for my newsletter at https://rosefresquez.com

Also working on the series THE OUTSIDERS IN ERON. 

Book 1; COMPLEX

BOOK 2 ; CHOICES. Coming soon

Never Say Goodbye by Mandi Blake

ABOUT THE BOOK

Never Say Goodbye (Unfailing Love, #2)

by 

Mandi Blake (Goodreads Author)

 4.42  ·   Rating details ·  12 ratings  ·  10 reviews

Lindsey Payne left her small, southern hometown six years ago for the bright lights of New York City with big dreams of becoming an actress. Now, she’s returning to Georgia with regrets and hoping to steer clear of those she’s wronged. 

Dakota Calhoun fills his days with work to keep his mind busy. The last thing he wants is time to dwell on the past or the mistakes he made. When a ghost from his past comes barreling back into his life, everything gets harder—and more dangerous. Now, Dakota is struggling to stay on the straight and narrow. 

Dakota and Lindsey have a past as long as their memories, but their future is tied up in old wounds. They’ll have to decide if they can forgive each other and themselves. Can they overcome the past and have the future they always wanted?

Never Say Goodbye is the second book in the Unfailing Love series, but the books can be read in any order. 

MY REVIEW

Just finished this sweet story about second chances. Isn't it wonderful that God gives us many 2nd chances?

I love the way God works things in His own timing not ours. Sometimes we may think it's forever or even longer than it seems but this story has a great ending!

I love how the author has portrayed jealousy. That is our worst enemy!!

Sometimes what we think is love is not how it's supposed to be. Some people just have a hard time showing their love or even saying it and without even realizing it they've damaged the other person.

But, there is One who loves us no matter what we do or how much we Sin. Our Father in heaven.

Sometimes it takes time to grow up and others are just not ready for commitment. I think if we're meant for that person God will see us through and that is the sweetest love there is. Oh so worth waiting for!!

Forgiveness is in this story too. I like that part even better!!

And take a guess who my favorite character was? Little Lydia!!

Such a sweet baby!! I could just picture her in her mama's arms with not a care in the world! Wouldn't life be so much better if we were all like that!!

Next come Lindsey and Dakota. I want a relationship like that and in a way, mine is like that.

Yes, we have our disagreements but doesn't everyone?

I am also blessed to have a wonderful relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book with no compensations received. All opinions are my own!!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mandi Blake was born and raised in Alabama where she lives with her husband and daughter, but her southern heart loves to travel. Reading has been her favorite hobby for as long as she can remember, but writing is her passion. She loves a good happily ever after in her sweet Christian romance books and loves to see her characters' relationships grow closer to God and each other.

A Lady's Maid by Jen Geigle Johnson

ABOUT THE BOOK

                             A Lady's Maid

by 

Jen Geigle Johnson (Goodreads Author)

 4.44  ·   Rating details ·  9 ratings  ·  8 reviews

Molly O’Malley, lady’s maid to the progressive Lady Amanda Halloway, is determined to continue the life’s work of her lost love, killed in the Peterloo Massacre. But when her efforts and a trip to Lady Halloway’s charitable orphanage culminate in her own abduction, Molly’s eyes are opened to the horrifying crimes transpiring in the city’s slums. Despite the risks, she broadens her mission and is drawn ever closer to the peril all around them. 

Thomas Flaherty, a footman in the Halloway household, has been with Molly from the beginning, but he fears she will never trust him with her heart. Even though her cause and happiness are of foremost importance to him, his loyal patience is tested by the fears that keep her at a distance. But with their safety on the line, Thomas is resolved to sacrifice everything for the woman he loves. 

Risking their lives and their love, Molly and Thomas and a team of nobles on their side will stop at nothing to empower the powerless, no matter the personal cost.

MY REVIEW

Wow!! and wow!! 

I'm like my friend. I learned a lot in this novel! 

The women before us was truly amazing and I appauld them!! I think that the ladies of yesterday would be quite upset with some us that don't cast their vote in these elections!! Think about what a difference that might I said might make!!

This is a new to me author and she truly is a gem! I love her research, stories, and her talent for bringing the lower class to life and their struggles. 

Not much is written about women's suffrage. That is one of the reasons I loved this book!!

I love Molly's vivacious spirit! Her sense of adventure even if it's sometimes naughty lol!! But, that is what makes Molly Molly. Her personality is superb and good at keeping her head.

I also love Lady Amanda's gentle spirit. She is a soothing balm at times. I love her approach about certain situations. 

In a way I'm glad I'm not a socialite although it probably would help us out a lot!! But then I wouldn't know how to act with that kind of money lol!! Anyone really!!

I even love the shady characters!! They really bring out the mystery part of this book!! 

This book will make you want to keep turning the pages to see what is going on with our friends in this book and yes they're easy to make friend's with.

I think the character I most related to was shy Chole. Whenever I get bad vibes about people and or their true character I tend to clam up or I fumble about to sound witty but I end up looking dumb so I just don't usually say anything at all.

But then, there are people like Lady Amanda or Molly that I feel like I can open up to them and be myself. Isn't that strange?

This book is a gem if you want to learn more about women's suffrage and the plight of the lower class. I strongly recommend it! You'll be glad you did!!

Oh and there's a surprise about the book! Let me know if you find it lol!!

My thanks to the publisher and no compensations were received. All opinions are my own!! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jen Geigle Johnson once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. Other vital things to know: the sound a water-ski makes on glassy water and how to fall down steep moguls with grace. No mountain is too steep for her to climb, yet. During a study break date in college, she sat on top of a jeep's roll bars up in the mountains and fell in love. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager. 

Now an award-winning author and mother of six, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure. She is a member of the RWA, the SCBWI, and LDStorymakers. She is also the chair of the Lonestar.Ink writing conference.

https://www.jengeiglejohnson.com

Twitter—@authorjen
Instagram—@authorlyjen
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenGei... (less)

BOOKS BY JEN GEIGLE JOHNSON

 

 

 

 

    

Reunited with the Cowboy

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Reunited with the Cowboy (Heroes of Shelter Creek #1) By Claire McEwen Adult Contemporary Romance Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages July 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She can save his ranch…

But can he forgive her?

Maya Burton knows she’s the last person rancher Caleb Dunne wants to see. After all, she survived the crash that killed his sister, and then left town. Now she has to convince the stubborn cowboy that she can help him save his ranch. But once she earns his trust—and his heart—will she be able to walk away?

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Harlequin│iBooks│Kobo


MY REVIEW

A sweet love story that will leave you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.

This is a great read with forgiveness and a light (hope) at the end of all the hurt and anger that our two favorite characters are going through.

Thing is about this story that I didn't like, was how they kept dragging this out never letting the past really go. 

Yes, I know it's very hard to do when certain trials in life are getting you down. Believe me, I know.

I now understand why it's sometimes hard to come home from a war. There's no telling what they've seen or done overseas. But even then, alcohol will not help. It just succeeds in dragging some people down with it. Alcohol will not take it away. Whatever has caused the pain will always be there and it will never go away unless you face your fears.

I really admired Maya. She stood fast and strong and passionate about what she believed in. Yay Maya!! 

It also takes a big person to say I'm sorry. I know many times that is hard to do. But, really it's more for you than the other person. I've said this in my other reviews and I really hope that this message will help people be blessed and reach out to them.

Sometimes we all just have to grow up and learn where we are meant to be like Trisha and Maya. And yes Caleb too. 

Small towns can be a blessing and a hindrance. I should know I grew up in one!! Everyone loves to gossip. Gossip is evil and can hurt others. It isn't nice!! Gossip stinks. Sometimes when it gets back to you it is so twisted that that wasn't how it happened at all! 

This is a wonderful tale about 2nd chances.

I feel if God opens doors for you you should take them!! There might not ever be another chance again

My thanks to Prism book tours for a wonderful read!! No compensations were received and all opinions are my own!! 

About the Author

Claire McEwen writes stories about strong heroes and heroines who take big, emotional journeys to find their happily-ever-after. She lives by the ocean in Northern California with her family and a scruffy, mischievous terrier. When she’s not writing, Claire enjoys gardening, reading and discovering flea-market treasures. She loves to hear from readers! You can find her on most social media and at www.clairemcewen.com.

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