Monday, November 30, 2020

To Steal A Heart by Jen Turano

 



ABOUT THE BOOK

After a childhood as a street thief, Gabriella Goodhue thought she'd put her past behind her until a fellow resident at her boardinghouse is unjustly accused of theft. In the middle of breaking into a safe that holds the proof to prove her friend's innocence, Gabriella is interrupted by Nicholas Quinn, the man she once considered her best friend—until he abandoned her.

After being taken under the wing of a professor who introduced him into society and named him as heir, Nicholas is living far removed from his childhood life of crime. As a favor to a friend, Nicholas agreed to help clear the name of an innocent woman, never imagining he'd be reunited with the girl he thought lost to him forever.

As Gabriella and Nicholas are thrown together into one intrigue after another, their childhood affection grows into more, but their newfound feelings are tested when truths about their past are revealed and danger follows their every step.


MY REVIEW

This fun read deserves 5 stars and more!
I loved this read because it made me laugh out loud in various places.
I love Turano's sense of humor and it shows through her writing to make us readers laugh out loud and enjoy her characters' adventures.
Gabriella is a delightful character and has a determined personality that readers will come to love just as I have.
If any of you are late night readers then you'll know what I'm talking about. This is definitely a stay up all night read. This book is so good that I wanted to finish Gabriella and Nicholas's story. It's so worth the read!
I love history especially the 1800's but the setting here is 1886. I love learning about how things get started and how Turano brings it to life. I like seeing how life was like in 1886.
She does an excellent job in drawing people into her stories
It enables me to escape today's world.
This book offers our characters' hope through the book.
I love how Turano reminds us and her people in the stories that she writes that God has not left us in vain. She reminds also that He has a plan for each one of us and is watching over us.
I highly recommend this book. You'll be delighted to meet up with Gabriella and Nicholas.
I so can't wait for the next book!
I'm now a forever fan of Turano's books!
My thanks for an ecopy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. When she’s not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, CO. Readers may find her at www.jenturano.com - https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoaut... , https://www.instagram.com/jenturanoau... or on Twitter at JenTurano@JenTurano.


Thursday, November 26, 2020

Timeless Treasure by Marylu Tyndall

 



ABOUT THE BOOK

New from Award-winning author, MaryLu Tyndall, a Time-Slip Novel!

A love story that spans the ages…

A woman with a past searching for pirate treasure
A pious professor seeking worldly recognition
And an historic pirate who brings them together.

The only thing Lexie’s mother left her after her death was a folder full of ancient letters and an old coin. Determined to remove the curse of poverty and crime from her family’s past, Lexie sets off to Charleston, S.C. to find the mythical treasure of Stede Bonnet.

Professor Barret Johnson represents everything Lexie hates. Born to wealth and privilege, Barret’s family are pillars of the community, successful, educated, Christians who never suffered a day in their lives. Yet she has no choice but to allow him to help her decipher the letters.

As the couple read each letter, we are transported into the past where we follow the adventures of Stede Bonnet from his start in Barbados, through each success and failure, and his eventual connection with Blackbeard himself.

Lexie discovers a kindred spirit in her ancestor, Bonnet, and lessons learned from the past soon drift into the present. But someone is after the letters, and soon Barret and Lexie find themselves in grave danger. They must figure out the puzzle Bonnet left them and retrieve the treasure before whoever is after them gets desperate enough to end their lives.


MY REVIEW

I'm giving this book five stars because this story is so beautiful!
Your heart will break for these people as the author tells their story and I learned quite a lot about Bonnet.
You know you're getting a treat when this author publishes a book because I don't see one that often from her.
Her writing is excellent! Her stories are so wonderful that they will draw you in in a second!
I finished this book in a couple of hours. I couldn't put it down!
You know, a thought accured to me while I was reading this book.
Bonnet came across to me as snooty and thought he was absolutely perfect which I disagreed with.
I didn't like the way he looked down on his crew or judged others beneath him.
Made me sad for him.
The greatest treasure anyone can have is with Jesus Christ and best of all, it's free. All you need to do is ask and believe.
Lexie, I can relate too in many ways. I liked her immensely because she's simply your down to earth person. She's like me. She wears her heart on her sleeve.
I love the inspiration verses that are in this story. They are gentle reminders that when we go astray there are consequences in the choices we make.
I truly loved and enjoyed this story. I wished that it didn't end too soon. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next.
My thanks for a copy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Best-selling author, MaryLu Tyndall dreamt of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her childhood days on Florida's Coast. With more than fourteen books published, she makes no excuses for the deep spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures. 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. A Christy award nominee, MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, and several stray cats on the California coast.


Thursday, November 19, 2020



ABOUT THE BOOK

When Elizabeth Kaufman received the news of her husband's death at the Battle of Vicksburg in 1863, she felt only relief. She determined that she would never be at the mercy of any man again, even if it meant she would never have a family of her own. Then Aaron Zook comes home with her brother when the war ends two years later.

Despite the severity of his injuries, Aaron resolves to move West and leave the pain of the past behind him. He never imagined that the Amish way of life his grandfather had rejected long ago would be so enticing. That, and a certain widow he can't get out of his mind.

Yet, even in a simple community, life has a way of getting complicated. Aaron soon finds that while he may have left the battlefield behind, there is another fight he must win--the one for the heart of the woman he loves.
Welcome back to the Amish community at Weaver's Creek, where the bonds of family and faith bind up the brokenhearted.

MY REVIEW

Since I couldn't wait for the print copy to come out I borrowed a copy from Netgalley.
This book was awesome and I finished it one day! I mean, I couldn't help myself and Amish fiction is truly a delight to read.
I love Drexler's books! I love how her character's feelings come out to me through the story. So many emotions among a few other things. She also does an excellent job of including some mystery, not so favorable characters and a little bit of romance.
I think my favorite character is still Katie. She's so full of energy, love and I love her outlook on life. She never seems to let anything get her down and in turn it makes me happy too. It makes me happy because she reminds me of God's love for us all and not to let anything get us down no matter what it is.
I did however find myself rooting for Elizabeth. She's just truly an amazing woman. Yes, we all have fears in life too. She deserves a second chance just like we all do! Especially if it's God's will.
The one character I didn't like was Sammuel. He rubbed me the wrong way.
I will say that I highly recommend this book! It's post Civil War Amish fiction but oh my! It's still a wonderful read! I love anything by her.
My thanks to Netgalley for a wonderful read. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Jan Drexler brings a unique understanding of Amish traditions and beliefs to her writing. Her ancestors were among the first Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren immigrants to Pennsylvania in the 1700s, and their experiences are the inspiration for her stories. Jan lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her husband of thirty-eight years, where she enjoys hiking in the Hills and spending time with their expanding family.



Saturday, November 14, 2020

Dreaming of Tomorrow by Michelle De Bruin


On Tour with Prism Book Tours


Dreaming of Tomorrow
By Michelle De Bruin
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 317 Pages
November 10, 2020 by Scrivenings Press LLC

Love leads them to a lifetime of commitment where the dreams they have held onto for so long start to come true.

Popular and eligible, Logan De Witt must convince the women in town that he is engaged to be married. A quiet, simple ceremony is what he has in mind for his wedding day, but when the date and time of his bride’s arrival is published in the newspaper, the whole town joins in the celebration proving to Logan and his new wife their sincere friendship and support. Added to the excitement of Logan’s marriage is the question of what the congregation should do with the unexpected donation of an orchard.

Karen Millerson is counting the days until her long-distance engagement comes to an end and she may travel to Oswell City to marry Logan. More than anything, she wants to share in his life as a help and support, but keeping a house and finding her place in the community requires much more work than she ever expected.

Learn, laugh, and love with Karen and Logan as they start a new marriage and work together ministering to the citizens of their small town.

(Affiliate links included.)

Other Books in the Series



MY REVIEW

A beautiful story well written indeed!
I was very happy to find out that this author has written another book because I enjoyed the first book so much!
I loved spending time with my new found friends Logan and Karen and loved their story so much!!
I also enjoyed meeting the whole town in this story. Some very nice people. Wonderful supporting characters too.
I think what I liked best was how everyone gathered together and helped one another.
It's a shame that we aren't like that anymore.
This book had the feeling of togetherness with a family feeling with it. I think that is what I loved best about this book.
I didn't want to say goodbye.
Once again I was sad to leave my friends and favorite pastor.
I loved the illustrations that were in this book because they gave you a loud hint in what the story was really about. I thought they were beautiful. Wish I could draw like that.
I highly recommend this story for it will leave you feeling comforted in more ways than one and your heart feeling full and satisfied.
My thanks to Prism Tours for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own



(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

About the Author



Michelle De Bruin lives in Iowa with her husband and two teenage sons. She has a bachelor’s degree in Religion with a Christian Ministry emphasis, and in Music. Michelle is the spiritual services provider for an organization that offers services for people with mental and physical disabilities. She has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2015. Michelle writes inspirational historical romance about people who live in rural communities. Characters that bring to life the delights of farm and small-town living, whispers of Dutch heritage, and Christian faith make Michelle’s stories distinct. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always on the lookout for glimpses of God’s love through the window of a good story.

Her first book, Hope for Tomorrow, released in 2018. The sequel, Promise for Tomorrow, released November 2019. The third book in the series, Dreaming of Tomorrow, releases November 2020.


Tour Schedule




Tour Giveaway



One winner will receive a $20 (USD) Amazon Gift Card and a copy of Dreaming of Tomorrow (winner can choose print if in the US and ebook outside the US)

Open internationally
Ends November 25, 2020

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Monday, November 9, 2020

 



ABOUT THE BOOK

Founded by five enterprising Amish maidels, the new Morningstar Marketplace is a joyous
success. What’s even more remarkable is the gift the business bestows upon each of these
unmarried women—the unexpected blessing of love . . .

Leaving Flaud’s Furniture to teach at the community’s new school is a joy for
Lydianne Christner. Old Order Amish, but new to Morning Star, she’s grateful that the congregation trusts her with the position—but she panics when handsome Bishop Jeremiah Shetler asks about the life she left behind. If anyone discovers the secret she’s hiding, she would, quite rightly, be shunned.

A widower, Bishop Jeremiah admires young Lydianne’s youthful energy and skill with the children. He’s also curious about her past, and the burden he senses on her heart. When his request to court her is
refused, he’s stung, and lonelier than ever. It isn’t until a crisis prompts a tearful Lydianne to confess to him that Jeremiah is faced with a choice that requires all of his faith—and teaches them both that love and forgiveness go hand in hand. 


MY REVIEW

Here's a a favorite quote from this book that I've felt matched the story to a T! and I just had to share this right away because it's so true even in our lives.
This comes from Maratha Maude to Lydianne; "Every one of us has a secret or two we've tucked into our hearts, because some things really are best kept between us and our Lord." " Bless you for all the work you've done with our scholars. "
I love this because I'm sure being a teacher is hard work. It can't be easy and pleasant at times.
I'm so glad that at least someone is willing to recognize that and appreciate it.
I've really really enjoyed this story! Hubbard has a unique way of writing that puts us into the hearts and minds of her characters.
Another saying that I really hadn't thought about being put this way is; when something wonderfully satisfying locks into place, it's as though our hearts were a jigsaw puzzle we finally find the missing pieces we've been searching for.
Folks I agree completely. Hubbard couldn't have put it in a better way.
I love her books so much that I eagerly await each one. She can't write fast enough for me. Her books are just so wonderful gut!
I finished this one in a few hours. Five stars for such a wonderful gut book! The writing was awesome and I enjoyed the bit of mystery that was added in nicely.
The characters were well rounded out and the story didn't feel rushed at all.
I especially liked in how Hubbard portrayed Bishop Jeremiah. After all, preachers/Bishops have feelings too!
I felt like they were all of my friends so therefore I didn't want to say goodbye. I don't like it when a great story ends! More please?!
My thanks to Netgalley for a wonderful gut book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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.



Wednesday, November 4, 2020

The Conqueror: Constantine's Empire, Book 1

 



ABOUT THE BOOK

The Roman Empire is on the brink of war. Rex, a daring young Germanic barbarian, catches the attention of Emperor Constantine and is given the enviable honor of serving as his bodyguard. When he is sent as a spy to the capital, he encounters Flavia--the bold and beautiful daughter of a rich Roman senator--in danger. After coming to her rescue, he joins her on a journey full of narrow escapes, secret identities, betrayal, loss and sacrifice. Through it all, both must consider the cost of following God. Combining the excitement of an adventure novel, historical and cultural accuracy, and an important message about what it means to follow Christ, this book will appeal to readers across a variety of interests. Volume 1 of the new Christian Empire Trilogy.


MY REVIEW

Well, not sure what to say and how to say it.
I will say that I really do admire the book cover. It's very well done.
However; I was disappointed with what was in inside the book.
From what a lot of people say they were too.
The writing and the research seemed to be well done but there was too much descriptive scenes shall we say Not recommended for children or young adults by any means.
I'm surprised that Revell published a book like this.
I gave this book three stars because of all the sex scenes and gory details of this book.
The way the author wrote them I didn't have any trouble imaging them. Not good.
The story itself had lots of interesting historical aspects and I loved that. I was hoping for a more of a Biblical fiction from the way the blurb sounded. But either way most of the book was OK.
I just hurried and skipped over the sex scenes and other ones I didn't care for.
My thanks to Revell/Baker Books for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bryan earned a degree in print journalism from the University of Tennessee. He then went on to study for a master’s degree in historical theology at Dallas Theological Seminary. From there he went to the University of Virginia, taking a PhD in the field of ancient church history. In 2002, Bryan took a position on the faculty at Moody Bible Institute in downtown Chicago, where he is a professor in the Theology Department. He teaches courses in theology, church history, and Western civilization from the ancient and medieval periods.


"NOTE TO PUBLISHER"
I'm sorry but I usually upload some photos with my blog but for some reason it won't let me tonight. I feel like this particular post is unexceptable/incomplete to me. 

HER INCONVIENT CHRISTMAS REUNION BY NINA SINGH


HER INCONVIENT CHRISTMAS REUNION BY NINA SINGH

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Her Inconvenient Christmas Reunion
By Nina Singh
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages
November 1, 2020 by Harlequin Romance

Can a mistletoe kiss…

…heal the past?


When Zayn walks back into Izzy’s life, years after he was forced to walk out of it, she’s faced with the undeniable attraction that’s never faded. Finding themselves co-owners of the vineyard that means so much to Izzy makes tensions run high! But then she’s seduced into a kiss under the Parisian Christmas lights… Can Izzy find it in her heart to forgive the man who once broke it?

(Affiliate links included.)
BAM | IndieBound | Apple | Kobo | Google Harlequin


MY REVIEW

Such a fun and delightful read and right before Christmas too!
This book is full of love, redemption, forgiveness, friendships and mending past hurts.
I very much enjoyed this novel.
This new to me author has made this book very realistic. To me it's amazing how these authors can do that.
What I really enjoyed was the tour through the winery. I've yet to do that myself. I imagined myself tasting the wine along with the 6 people in the wine room.
I especially love how authors describe certain scenes in the book where I can use my imagination. That's so much fun!
I've found that Izzy and Zayn were fun getting to know.
My favorite quote in the book: "There's nothing he can say. Nothing will ever change the past." "That doesn't mean you can't look to the future."
The reason I liked this quote is because of what it says. Only that person can make the change if he wants to. To give ones soul peace in my opinion. To save regrets later and be glad that you did make that one decision.
Another thing I liked about this story is no matter how hard you try hiding the truth it will always come out. In other words, the Truth shall set you free my friends.
The author portrays this very well.
I wish the book didn't end because it was so good!
What I find interesting is how the name Zayn is spelled. I've not seen it that way before.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own



About the Author


Nina Singh lives outside of Boston with her husband, children, and a very rambunctious Yorkie. When not at her keyboard, she likes to spend time on the tennis court or immersed in a good read.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive an ebook of Her Billionaire Protector by Nina Singh and a $20 Amazon eGift Card
Four Winners will receive an ebook of Her Billionaire Protector by Nina Singh

US only
Ends November 18, 2020

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The Songs that could have been by Amanda Wen

ABOUT THE BOOK Two couples in love. Two sets of impossible circumstances. One powerful God of grace. After a tailspin in her late teens, Lau...