Wednesday, December 30, 2020

A Cowboy for Keeps by Jody Hedlund

 



ABOUT THE BOOK

Greta Nilsson's trip west to save her ailing little sister, Astrid, could not have gone more wrong. First, bandits hold up her stagecoach, stealing all her money. Then, upon arriving in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns the man she was betrothed to as a mail-order bride has died. Homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta and her sister are worse off than when they started.

Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to get his new ranch up and running and is in town to purchase cattle when the mayor proposes the most unlikely of bargains. He'll invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt's ranch if Wyatt agrees to help the town become more respectable by marrying and starting a family. And the mayor, who has promised to try to help Greta, has just the candidate in mind for Wyatt to marry.


MY REVIEW

This book in my opinion is a bit different than what Hedlund normally writes but I still loved it just the same. Really, anything she writes is awesome!
These characters will make you fall in love with them from the very beginning especially little Astrid. ( By the way, I love that name! It's definitely different!)
Wyatt and Greta are perfect for each other. 
The romance in this story is just right. Not too mushy. 
I love that this book kept my attention and I finished it early in the morning. It was awesome!
I enjoyed my visit to Fairplay, Colorado. I didn't want to leave. 
Highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book.
All opinions are my own


ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Jody Hedlund is the author of over thirty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.






Monday, December 28, 2020

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 



About the Book

Haunted by her sister's mysterious disappearance, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to work for Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of education. When Cora sends Lucy into the hills to act as scribe for the mountain people, she is repelled by the primitive conditions and intellectual poverty she encounters. Few adults can read and write.

Born in those hills, Cora knows the plague of illiteracy. So does Brother Wyatt, a singing schoolmaster who travels through the hills. Involving Lucy and Wyatt, Cora hatches a plan to open the schoolhouses to adults on moonlit nights. The best way to combat poverty, she believes, is to eliminate illiteracy. But will the people come?

As Lucy emerges from a life in the shadows, she finds purpose; or maybe purpose finds her. With purpose comes answers to her questions, and something else she hadn't expected: love.

Inspired by the true events of the Moonlight Schools, this standalone novel from bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher brings to life the story that shocked the nation into taking adult literacy seriously. You'll finish the last page of this enthralling story with deep gratitude for the gift of reading.

MY REVIEW

Suzanne Woods Fisher has done an amazing job in bringing the mountain people from 1911 to life.
I so enjoy a good history lesson!
Fact mixed with fiction makes an excellent teacher along with a wonderful man Wyatt. His wisdom along with Cora's was incredible!
Through Lucy this story brought back many memories of when I first moved to Kentucky from Ohio. It definitely was a culture shock! I had a little trouble understanding the language but once I caught on it was OK. Church was a perfect example. It sounded to me like tourch. I'm like ohhhhhh you mean church? Yes the girl said. I felt so embarrassed!
This story breaks my heart. I can't imagine not being able to do all of those things! Reading especially! I'd be lost without my books.
Cora seemed like genuinely caring woman. I loved in getting to know her as a person.
Many lessons can be learned from this book.
I only lived maybe 45 minutes from Rowan County. Kentucky is full of history! But, I sure didn't know about the Moonlight Schools!
This was a fabulous book. I loved going back home again. I do miss Kentucky more than I thought I would! It's been my home for 32 years.
I definitely recommend this one!
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
5 stars for this touching read. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling, award winning author of fiction and non-fiction books about the Old Order Amish for Revell Books, host of the radio-show-turned-blog Amish Wisdom, a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazine.

Her interest in the Amish began with her grandfather, who was raised Plain. A theme in her books (her life!) is that you don’t have to “go Amish” to incorporate the principles of simple living.

Suzanne lives in California with her family and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. To her way of thinking, you just can't life too seriously when a puppy is tearing through your house with someone's underwear in its mouth.

Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com



Saturday, December 19, 2020

Her Amish Wedding by Winnie Griggs

 

Her Amish Wedding Quilt Blog Tour 

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Her Amish Wedding Quilt by Winnie Griggs, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Her Amish Wedding Quilt
Title: Her Amish Wedding Quilt 
Series: Hope's Haven #1 
Author: Winnie Griggs 
Publisher: Forever 
Release Date: December 15, 2020 
Genre: Amish Romance 

An Amish seamstress and a single father have a chance to make a fresh start in this heartwarming novel about finding love when you need it the most. 

Spirited, forthright, impulsive -- everyone told Greta Eicher she'd have to change her ways if she ever hoped to marry. Then her best friend Calvin, the man she thought she would wed, chooses another woman. Now Greta's wondering if the others were right all along. Her dreams dashed, she pours her energy into crafting beautiful quilts at her shop and helping widower Noah Stoll care for his adorable young children. 

Noah knows it's time to think about finding a wife. When Greta offers to play matchmaker on his behalf, Noah eagerly accepts. After all, no one knows his children better. But none of the women she suggests seems quite right, because, unexpectedly, his feelings of respect and friendship for Greta have grown into something even deeper and richer. But will he have enough faith to overcome the pain of his past and give love another chance? 




MY REVIEW

This new to me author has a great writing style and I have felt like I was in the story with Greta and Noah.
like how she brings her people to life in this story and they are so likeable that you feel like you've known them forever. I love a book like that.
I think that what I liked about this book was the friendships that were displayed in this story. However; a true friend would not do the things that were said and done in this story. That's just mean! But, there is a thing called forgiveness and redemption.
Yay for Greta! I've loved her from the start of this book.
She's responsible, caring, loving,
I don't know I just liked her a lot!
She also made me snicker a few times too. Especially when she put a certain someone in his place! Lol lol!! Just too cute!
Maisie was an excellent character too! So grown up and responsible!
Another thing that I liked about the story was how the author portrayed the Amish. How they're just like us and how some like to gossip. Their feelings I mean after all, they're human beings too.
What fascinates me most is their simple life styles. Their cooking is wonderful!
David and Anna were so adorable! It was a joy to know them. In my opinion they made the story lively.
Trust is certainly a hard thing. It's not easy for anyone but it's a necessary thing in life.
I read this story in two days because I wanted to savor it. It really was very good!
The romance part of this book was very good! Not too mushy at all!
I am going to say that my favorite scene was about the quilt Greta made.
One thing the author mentioned and I have learned the hard way is things are just that. Things.
Gott is the most important.
But what He does for us and whom He has placed in our lives is important too.
A friend recommended this book to me. I'm glad I picked it up and I in turn want to recommend to you!
My thanks to Forever publishing.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Winnie Griggs

Winnie Griggs is the multi-published, award-winning author of romances that focus on small towns, big hearts, and amazing grace. Her work has won a number of regional and national awards, including the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award. Winnie grew up in southeast Louisiana in an undeveloped area her friends thought of as the back of beyond. Eventually, she found her own Prince Charming, and together they built a storybook happily-ever-after, one that includes four now-grown children who are all happily pursuing adventures of their own. When not busy writing, she enjoys cooking, browsing estate sales, and solving puzzles. She is also a list maker, a lover of exotic teas, and holds an advanced degree in the art of procrastination.

CONNECT WITH WINNIE: Website | Facebook 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a book lover's prize package!

Her Amish Wedding Quilt

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight December 15, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on December 22, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Saturday, December 12, 2020

The Purple Nightgown by A.D. Lawerence

 



ABOUT THE BOOK

When Health Is Corrupted by Wealth
Step into True Colors -- a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime
Marvel at true but forgotten history when patients check into Linda Hazzard’s Washington state spa in 1912 and soon become victim of her twisted greed.

Heiress Stella Burke is plagued by insincere suitors and nonstop headaches. Exhausting all other medical aides for her migraines, Stella reads Fasting for the Cure of Disease by Linda Hazzard and determines to go to the spa the author runs. Stella’s chauffer and long-time friend, Henry Clayton, is reluctant to leave her at the spa. Something doesn’t feel right to him, still Stella submits herself into Linda Hazzard’s care. Stella soon learns the spa has a dark side and Linda a mean streak. But when Stella has had enough, all ways to leave are suddenly blocked. Will Stella become a walking skeleton like many of the other patients or succumb to a worse fate?


MY REVIEW

"Sometimes you just have to stand still and face what comes head on. And trust that God will guide you." Stand still.

This is so very true. You can't keep running away because eventually it will catch up with you. Secrets will come out.
This book is the weirdest one yet.
They just keep getting darker and darker with each book in this series. That's OK because this is my favorite series by far. I have learned so many new things from this awesome series.
I felt sorry for Stella. I can relate to her through her many migraines and all. I still admired her courage through her endurance and trials..
Yes, I didn't care for Dr. Hazzard and I'll leave it at that.
There are some surprises in this story that I never saw coming and those are what I like in a book.
This story will keep you riveted to your seat to see what happens next.
Trust me it didn't disappoint.
I recommend this to those are loving this series or for new readers that are sure enjoy this series.
My thanks to Barbour publishing for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR









Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Being West is Best JustRead Blog Tour 

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Being West is Best by Monique Bucheger, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Simply West of Heaven
Title: Being West is Best 
Series: Ginnie West Adventure #4 
Author: Monique Bucheger 
Publisher: True West Publishing 
Re-release Date: 2020 
Genre: Middle-Grade Contemporary Fiction 

Twelve-year-old BFFs, Ginnie West and Tillie Taylor, are matchmaking geniuses. 

Together, they maneuvered Ginnie’s widower-dad into proposing to Tillie’s divorcee-mom. Sweet! Certain they are well on their way to sisterhood, each girl is floored when Tillie’s lousy-excuse-for-a-father puts in an appearance after a six-year absence. Too bad “lousy dad repellant” doesn’t come in a can. Even though Tillie’s dad has sobered up and is determined to make amends, Tillie would rather he just disappear again. If he stays, “Operation: Secret Sisters” may need to be renamed “Operation: Not Gonna Happen.” 

If that’s not bad enough, the biggest bully in seventh grade comes over often and wishes he could call the West’s farmhouse “home.” When the bully’s abusive dad shows up as well, Ginnie thinks it’s time to change her family’s motto from “When you’re here, you’re family” to “There’s no more room at the West’s.” 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon


MY REVIEW

This was a cute little read and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
This is the 4 and last book on this series. I highly recommend this book because it's a good and clean read for teens/middle grades.
Ginnie and Tillie are just two of my favorite heroines in this story.
They are trying to deal with the many challenges that are happening in their families and some even made me snicker lol!
The author has done a fine job in keeping me entertained and turning the pages to see how things come to an end.
I was very impressed. The author has also done an awesome job in telling the story through a teenager's eyes and in how they view today's world
I really enjoyed being a part of the West family. Their many adventures just tickled me pink.
I've always wanted a family like theirs with lots of horses included. But oh well, it never happened. I had a good family either way it went.
My thanks for a copy of this book from Just Reads Tours. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Monique Bucheger

When Monique Bucheger isn’t writing, you can find her playing taxi driver to one or more of her 12 children, plotting her next novel, scrapbooking, or being the “Mamarazzi” at any number of child-oriented events. 

Even though she realizes there will never be enough hours in any given day, Monique tries very hard to enjoy the journey that is her life. She shares it with a terrific husband, her dozen children, an adorable granddaughter, a son-in-law, three cats, and many real and imaginary friends. 

She is the author of several books and plans to write many more. You can find more about Monique and her works on her website

CONNECT WITH MONIQUE: Website Facebook | Instagram | Twitter


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $50 gift card to the winner's choice of Amazon, Audible, Kobo, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble!

Being West is Best JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight December 1, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on December 7, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

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...