Thursday, April 30, 2020

The Noble Smuggler by Sian Ann Bessey

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ABOUT THE BOOK



Despite living at her father’s inn her entire life, Elizabeth Doyle has always managed to avoid involvement with the smugglers who frequently gather there. Until now. When a handsome smuggler is brought to her with dire injuries, Elizabeth risks everything to hide him—completely unaware that the wounded man is not who he appears to be.

When an opportunity arises to infiltrate the notorious smuggling gang he believes caused his father’s death, Jonas Ainsworth, the Viscount Langton, pretends to be one of them. But when he is wounded midcharade, Jonas’s life is placed in the hands of an unlikely savior: a smuggler’s daughter. Forced to flee before his wounds have fully healed, he does not think he will ever see her again—until she appears on his doorstep, seeking safe haven. Divided by their social standings yet united in their mutual desire to expose the leader of the smuggling ring, Jonas and Elizabeth are undeniably drawn to each other. Neither realizes, however, that they are dangerously close to uncovering explosive secrets from the past—secrets that will alter the course of their lives forever.



MY REVIEW

I loved this book so much that I didn't want it to end! I really enjoyed the adventures that this book had to offer. 
The way the author used her words to describe the scenery I felt like I was there right along with Elizabeth who quickly became my favorite character. 
Elizabeth was someone that I greatly admired from afar. She was determined, smart and what I most liked about her was that she had some backbone to her. I guess you had to be in those days and times. The 17oo's to be exact. 
Jonas wasn't too far behind. He's awesome because he's kind, caring and he does his job pretty darn good in my opinion! My hero! Too bad he isn't a real person. He can have my back anytime! 
This book won't let you put it down until you're finished because there's just so much going on and the author has covered some subjects very well. 
Her writing is just so exciting!The characters were just wonderful to be around but of course there's some unsavory ones as well but hey, that's what makes a great story isn't it? 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sian Ann BesseySian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. 
She left her homeland to attend Brigham Young University in Utah, where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English. 
She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college.
Since then she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children's books.
She is a USA Today best selling author and a Whitney Award finalist.
Although Sian doesn't have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, she can still wrap her tongue around, "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch." She loves to travel and experience other other cultures, but when she's home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking and reading. 

Hadley Beckett's Next Dish by Bethany Turner

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ABOUT THE BOOK



Celebrity chef Maxwell Cavanaugh is known for many things: his multiple Michelin stars, his top-rated Culinary Channel show To the Max, and most of all his horrible temper. Hadley Beckett, host of the Culinary Channel's other top-rated show, At Home with Hadley, is beloved for her Southern charm and for making her viewers feel like family.

When Max experiences a very public temper tantrum, he's sent packing to get his life in order. When he returns, career in shambles, his only chance to get back on TV and in the public's good graces is to work alongside Hadley.

As these polar-opposite celeb chefs begin to peel away the layers of public persona and reputation, they will not only discover the key ingredients for getting along, but also learn the secret recipe for unexpected forgiveness . . . and maybe even love. In the meantime, hide the knives.
Fan-favorite Bethany Turner serves up a heaping helping of humor and romance with this thoroughly modern story centered on cooking, enemies, and second chances.





MY REVIEW

I had fun with this delightful Rom-Com book! I enjoyed it so much I finished it in an entire day! 
This book is Bethany Turner's best yet and my favorite! I mean, what's not to love!
I like how Turner puts just the right amount of humor in this book. My husband kept asking me what was so funny so I ended up reading a few passages to him. It made him smile. 
Hadley's grandma made the book that much more lovable. I liked her. Why I liked her is that she was a staunch supporter in whatever Hadley did. She cracked me up. I don't think she ever grew up lol. 
She reminded me of my own grandma at times. Her fiestiness especially. I liked her zest for life.
Hadley is a remarkable character and I ended up loving her because of her quirks and crannies so to speak. Her heart was all the way in and I liked how she made her viewers feel like they were her family.
I loved the phrase " Let Hadley be Hadley." A rarity indeed but one I came to appreciate.
Not many people will let you be yourself. Not even in the foodie world.
You know, I think Max Cavanaugh reminds me of Gordon Ramsey. I used to watch his food show all the time He'd get mad at the slightest thing. 
I think that is the reason I didn't care for Max. He was too standoffish. Eventually I began to warm up to him even though he didn't make it easy!
I enjoyed learning about Max and Hadley! I loved the way that Turner has made them realistic and definitely believable! I could hear their banter coming through the pages of the book. I love it when the characters can interact with the readers so to speak.
Sometimes life can be trying and hard, or it can be what you make of it. Or my biggie is that you can learn from it.
In my opinion, it's easier to learn from it.. Wouldn't it be much better and easier for everyone involved?
I'd like to think so.
But anyway, I was sad when the book ended. I will be rereading this again in the future! So worth the reread!
This book deserves five stars and more. It's one you won't want to put down until you finish. Hadley is just one of those characters that makes you think about her long after it's over. Oh, and we can't leave Max out either!
I highly recommend this book! I think you'll love it as much as I did!
I was blessed to get to read this book.
My thanks goes to Thomas Nelson publishers for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bethany Turner
Bethany Turner is the award-winning author of The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck and Wooing Cadie McCaffrey and the director of administration for Rock Springs Church in Southwest Colorado.
A former bank executive and a three-time cancer survivor (all before she turned 35), Bethany knows that when God has plans for your life, it doesn't matter what anyone else has to say.
Because of that, she's chosen to follow his call to write. She lives with her 
husband and their two sons in Colorado, where she writes for a new generation of readers who 
crave fiction that tackles the thorny issues of life with humor and insight. Learn more at seebethanywrite.com.



Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Pockets of Promise by Laurie Stroup Smith




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WELCOME TO THE TOUR FOR POCKETS OF PROMISE BY THE AUTHOR LAURIE STROUP SMITH



ABOUT THE BOOK


Pockets of Promise (The Pocket Quilt, #1)

Series Title  Book #1 in The Pocket Quilt Series
Author   Laurie Stroup Smith
Publisher Vinspire Publishing
Release Date April 30, 2020
Genre  Amish
Hook  



Mariah Mast’s best friend Josiah Weaver has concentrated his efforts on providing for their future together, but on her eighteenth birthday, Mariah finds herself edging away from Josiah and her faith. 
An encounter with police, a misunderstanding of intentions, and hurt feelings compound her confusion. Her grandmother sends her to stay with an aunt in Pinecraft and gives her a pocket quilt with handwritten messages tucked inside.
Thrilled to have her help at the bed and breakfast, Aunt Birdie introduces Mariah to a group of new friends, including Luke Yoder, a young Amish man who works for his father’s construction company. 
Spending time with him opens up a new world for Mariah. Her grandmother’s words of wisdom offer guidance as she makes a decision that will have lasting consequences for those she loves.
Will she find fulfillment in Florida? Or does her heart belong in Holmes County?


  1. MY REVIEW

I enjoyed this fresh new author and her style of writing. This book was a fun read! I love books like these.
I wasn't sure what to expect but when I first opened the book I immediately fell in love with the main character Mariah.
I really enjoyed her life's journey.
I think my most favorite character was Grandma. I loved her words of wisdom and one such advice was,“A mistake here and there doesn’t make you a bad person. How you react after making a mistake matters more than what you did.”Thankfully, we can learn from our errors, as well as from those who have gone through similar experiences before us. A life lesson to be sure!
We all make mistakes that's for sure. I always say that we're a work in progress.
I felt like this was my own Grandma speaking to me.
Another favorite thing was the setting! Oh my heart! Smith has described Florida so well that I was actually there and I couldn't wait to see what great things will Mariah get into during her stay with Aunt Birdie.
A place I want to visit very much! I've never seen the Gulf or that area of Florida. I didn't want to come back home.
I gave this book 5 stars because I felt that this story was very much deserving. The flow of writing was smooth and had all the right feels that I love in a book.
The Quilt on the front is beautiful.
I highly recommend this beautiful book. You'll love it as much as I did!
My thanks for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.




  Purchase Links


Amazon 

(paperback) https://www.amazon.com/Pockets-Promise-Pocket-Laurie-Stroup/dp/1734150742/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3Q0I46CQNHJAC&dchild=1&keywords=pockets+of+promise+laurie+stroup+smith&qid=1585333149&sprefix=pockets+of+promise%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-2


Barnes and Noble (paperback) https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pockets-of-promise-laurie-stroup-smith/1136276842?ean=9781734150742
Ebook available soon


About the Author
Bio 



Laurie Stroup Smith
While writing Amish fiction and contemporary romance, Laurie Stroup Smith strives to connect readers with friends and family through her stories while inspiring her audience to serve others. She was named a Finalist in the 2017 ACFW First Impressions Contest and a Semi-Finalist in the 2018 and 2019 ACFW Genesis Contests. She has been interviewed by Loveland Magazine.

Before writing, Laurie earned a bachelor’s degree in both athletic training and exercise science and later obtained her master’s degree in health promotion and education. She now writes full time and lives with her husband and their two daughters in Cincinnati. For a week or two each summer, they enjoy discovering new adventures along the western coast of Michigan.





Social Media Links
Website https://lauriestroupsmith.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lauriestroupsmith/
Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/lauriestroupsmith/
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/LaurieMSmith/
Goodreads      https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19903556.Laurie_Stroup_Smith
Amazon   amazon.com/author/lauriestroupsmith
Twitter  https://twitter.com/LStroupSmith



Giveaway 



Embed in Blog or Website: a Rafflecopter giveaway Link to Giveaway: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/05b8a7155/?

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