Wednesday, March 24, 2021

The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch

 


ABOUT THE BOOK

Can Captain Wyvern keep his new marriage of convenience all business--or will it turn into something more?

Captain Charles Wyvern owes a great debt to the man who saved his life--especially since Major Richardson lost his own life in the process. The best way to honor that hero's dying wish is for Wyvern to escort the man's grieving fiance and mother safely to a new cottage home by the sea. But along the way, he learns of another obligation that has fallen on his shoulders: his uncle has died and the captain is now the Earl of Rothwell.

When he and the ladies arrive at his new manor house in Devon, they discover an estate in need of a leader and a gaggle of girls, all wards of the former earl. War the new earl knows; young ladies and properties he does not. Still wishing to provide for the bereaved Lady Sophia Haverly, Charles proposes a marriage of convenience.

Sophie is surprised to find she isn't opposed to the idea. It will help her care for her betrothed's elderly mother, and she's already fallen in love with the wayward girls on the Rothwell estate. This alliance is a chance to repay the captain who has done so much for her care, as well as divert her attention from her grief. When Wyvern returns to his sea commission, she'll stay behind to oversee his property and wards.

It sounds so simple. Until the stalwart captain is arrested on suspicion of smuggling, and Sophie realizes how much he's come to mean to her. Now she'll have to learn to fight, not only for his freedom but also for his love.


MY REVIEW

I took my time to read this awesome book because I wanted to savor it. This is the best book in the series and I didn't want to say goodbye. 
I loved all the characters in this story and I feel that Erica Vetsch has outdone herself on this one. 
This will be forever my favorite in the series! 
Children really are a jem and they really do observe us adults on a daily bases. 
Little Betsy was my favorite! She made me want to laugh at times and sometimes I felt like some of her expressions were what I do when I want to get my way or to convince someone that they should go my way. A little girl after my own heart. 
There were oftentimes that I felt just like Penny. 
I especially enjoyed the bit of mystery that was added into the story. People aren't what they seem. Someone always has a hidden side to them.
Vetsch is such a good storyteller that I love losing myself in her stories and this one is no exception! 
It was so awesome to see old friends like Marcus and Carolyn from the previous book and yes, even the cantankerous mother that I absolutely did not like! 
I think that my favorite of all of them is Sophie. Her personality is wonderful. I love that she puts others before herself even three little girls. 
This story is just swell! A great read that I highly recommend and you'll want to read the others in this series as well. 
Whenever there is a book that can be read as a stand alone I disagree. It's always good to read the others before you jump in on a book like this because I feel that you may have missed something in the other stories. 
I hope there is a 4th book for this series. I feel that there is more to tell and I love being all into a good story so this one was no exception. 
Vetsch certainly knows what she's doing when she tells a Regency story like this one. I love her research for this era. It makes it that much more interesting and I love to learn how her stories for this era came about. 
I highly recommend this book. 
My thanks to Kregel Publications for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review for this story. All opinions are my own. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate. 
 
Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.
 
A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.
 
Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor)Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).


BOOK GIVEAWAY













Wednesday, March 17, 2021

 



ABOUT THE BOOK

Uncover the Story Behind a One-Hundred-Year-Old Love Letter

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Clara Blackwell helps her mother manage a struggling one-hundred-year old family bookshop in Asheville, North Carolina, but the discovery of a forgotten letter opens a mystery of a long-lost romance and undiscovered inheritance which could save its future. Forced to step outside of her predictable world, Clara embarks on an adventure with only the name Oliver as a hint of the man’s identity in her great-great-grandmother’s letter. From the nearby grand estate of the Vanderbilts, to a hamlet in Derbyshire, England, Clara seeks to uncover truth about family and love that may lead to her own unexpected romance.


MY REVIEW


I think I'm going to say what a beautifully written story that will have you all in from the beginning to end and will leave you thinking about these people long after their story has ended.
I love and enjoy Ms. Basham's books very much and this one is no exception. She just has that amazing way of telling a story and bringing it to life for us readers while at the same time offering hope, love and joy all at once. You know, all those good feels of a sweet love story that will make your heart melt.
That's how I felt about this one.
I will be adding this one to my keeper shelf and to my list of favorites for 2021.
Thank you Ms. Basham! Wonderful job well done!
5 stars!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pepper D Basham has been telling tales ever since she was a little girl. When her grandmother called her a “writer” at the age of ten, Pepper took it as gospel and has enjoyed various types of writing styles ever since. A native of the Blue Ridge Mountains, mom of five, speech-language pathologist, and lover of chocolate, Pepper enjoys sprinkling her native Appalachian culture into her fiction wherever she can. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC, where she works with kids who have special needs, searches for unique hats, and plots new ways to annoy her wonderful friends at her writing blog, The Writer’s Alley.

Monday, March 15, 2021

Shelter in the Storm by Laurel Blount

 



ABOUT THE BOOK

In this moving Amish romance, two broken hearts find hope in each other after a terrible loss.

Unspeakable tragedy strikes the Amish hamlet of Johns Mill when an unstable Englischer opens fire in the Hochstedler's General Store. In the aftermath, and under the media's spotlight, Joseph Hochstedler struggles to hold his shattered family together, drawing unexpected comfort from a faithful childhood friend.

Born with a serious heart defect, optimist Naomi Schrock has always longed to live a life of service. She rolls up her sleeves, determined to help Joseph cope with this terrible crisis. But dare she hope that his friendship will finally deepen into love?

As the media's obsession with the Hochstedler shooting escalates, Joseph and Naomi find themselves caught between tradition and compromise, lingering sorrows and uncertain hopes. And in the end, two people who've already lost far too much must find the courage to trust their hearts one last time.


MY REVIEW

All I can say is wow! The best Amish book that I've read in a very long time! I was all in the from the beginning and lived every minute of it.
I can relate to Naomi is so many ways! Her thoughts, feelings, and health. I felt like she was the sister I never had. In Christ of course!
Poor Joseph I felt so bad for him trying to do the right thing but how do you know what the right thing is? Especially when other people shove their thoughts and opinions at you? Follow your heart of course and don't hold back any secrets from your relationship.
If God intends for it to work out then it will like Bishop Issac says;

" We drive ourselves into confusing places when we try to take the reins into our lives. It is Gott's job to guide us in whatever direction He deems best."
"Ours is to follow willingly, even when the path lie along a road we ourselves wouldn't choose."

The best advice in the whole wide world but as humans we sometimes tend to forget that.
The wisdom of the bishop is my most favorite thing about this book as it can be for us readers to think about and use as a guideline in our own lives long after this story is over.
The author has done a fine job by adding all the ingredients of a wonderful Amish fiction book that I very much enjoyed. I didn't want the book to end.
I will make a point that I haven't read her other books before but I'm going to look them up. 
I like her style of writing by bringing out the best in her Amish characters. This book so wonderful y'all!
I highly recommend.
My thanks to Berkeley publications for a copy of this book. I was NOT disappointed in this story at all!
All opinions stated are my own.
Five stars!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Award-winning author Laurel Blount writes captivating romances full of grit and grace—with characters who’ll walk right off the page and into your heart. She lives on a farm in Georgia with her husband, their four fabulous kids, and an assortment of ridiculously spoiled animals. Connect with her at www.laurelblountbooks.com 



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The Robin's Greeting by Wanda Brunstetter

 



ABOUT THE BOOK

A Season of Hope Is Coming 

For the past two years Belinda King, along with her two grown daughters and teenage son, has been struggling to keep the family greenhouse running. Despite disconcerting events that have threatened to put them out of business, they have survived two growing seasons. And now Belinda can focus on the two suitors vying for her attention. Herschel Fisher, a new acquaintance, makes her feel relaxed, and Monroe Esh, an admirer from her past, reminds her of her youth.

But just when Belinda thinks she can choose between her suitors, life throws more trials her way. Her son, Henry, becomes bitter about the idea of her dating anyone. Her daughter-in-law finds her missing mother. Belinda gets sick. And attacks on the greenhouse start again.

When can Belinda hope to experience the peace and love her weary heart longs for?



MY REVIEW

I was going to wait until closer to the publication date but I couldn't help myself. I just had to open it and start reading! Oh my!
Y'all! This book is full of surprises!
Brunstetter has once again woven another tale about Sylvia, Henry and Belinda. I hate saying goodbye but their story is so fascinating and to see what God has orchestrated for this family is truly amazing!
I've made some wonderful friends from the first book in this series and new ones in this last book.
My heart in a way goes out to Virginia. You see, when I first met her I didn't like her for more reasons than one. I can relate to her on one thing and that's our legs. I have a bum leg too and I felt the pain that Virginia experienced. It's not fun. It hurts!
The mystery that made this series was a good one. I was very surprised when I found out who done it. I never never expected it to be him. Just wow!
Brunstetter sure knows how to keep us in suspense! I never saw that one coming. Blew me away!
I'm gonna end my review with a favorite Bible verse John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whosoever believes in Him will have ever lasting life. That's a wonderful promise. Ain't so?
I am sad to see this series end but as always I'm looking forward to see what Brunstetter comes out with next!
Definitely 5 stars on this sweet book. Kept my attention the whole way through.
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



New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.





Monday, March 8, 2021

Braced with Love by Mary Connealy

 



ABOUT THE  BOOK

Left with little back in Missouri, Kevin Hunt takes his younger siblings on a journey to Wyoming when he receives news that he's inheriting part of a ranch. The catch is that the ranch is also being given to a half brother he never knew existed. Turns out, Kevin's supposedly dead father led a secret and scandalous life.

But danger seems to track Kevin along the way, and he wonders if his half brother, Wyatt, is behind the attacks. Finally arriving at the ranch, everyone is at each other's throats and the only one willing to stand in between is Winona Hawkins, a nearby schoolmarm.

Despite being a long-time friend to Wyatt, Winona can't help but be drawn to the earnest, kind Kevin--and that puts her in the cross hairs of somebody's dangerous plot. Will they all be able to put aside their differences long enough to keep anyone from getting truly hurt? 


MY REVIEW

I TOO LOVE HEARING ABOUT WHEN SHE COMES OUT WITH ANOTHER BOOK! THEY ARE JUST SO FABULOUS! I just love her stories BECAUSE THEY MAKE ME SMILE AND LAUGH SOMETIMES TOO!
My heart really went out to this family. The things things they went through. Oh my!
I loved this adventure! Connealy made me feel like I was in the story right along with the Hunt brothers. I just can't imagine how this man got away with such things! I know it kept me on the edge of my seat turning the pages to see how he he did it and why but it was just so very wrong!
My heart went out to those Hunt brothers. I felt their feelings right along with them.
But Ms. Connealy offered hope and redemption for this misfit family and my heart rejoiced with them as well.
I love love how God orchestrates things and how he sends certain people into our lives.
In my opinion this makes for a wonderful life adventure!
I'm actually living one myself but it's not as exciting as Ms. Connealy's. This story will make you cry at times, laugh out loud at times ( which is why I love her stories. She knows how to leave your heart full and satisfied after a great read! I know mine is right now)!
5 stars! Wish I could give it more!
Highly recommend
My thanks to Bethany House for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist.
She is the bestselling author of 48 books and novellas.
Her most recent three book series are: Cimarron Legacy, Wild at Heart, Trouble in Texas, Kincaid Bride for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing and many novellas and several stand-alone books for multiple publishers.
Mary will be a published author for ten years in 2017 with nearly a million books in print. She has a degree in broadcast communications with an emphasis in journalism and has worked at her local newspaper.




The Preacher's Daughter by Patricia John

 



ABOUT THE BOOK

For a Pennsylvania Amish family whose faith has been tested, the blessings of marriage, home, and togetherness seem impossible. Patricia Johns brings her trademark warmth to this story of love’s powerful redemption.
 
With her preacher father in prison for fraud, Elizabeth Yoder’s life in the community of Bountiful has been painfully uprooted. Mindful of wearing out her welcome with her family, she jumps at the chance to stay with elderly Bridget Lantz while the woman’s daughter is away. Elizabeth has secret plans to leave for another Amish community where she might get a fresh start, but here with Bridget, she feels comfortable—until Bridget’s strapping grandson, Solomon, returns from eight years with the English, and inspires feelings that shake Elizabeth’s resolution . . . 
 
Solomon has had his own trouble with the law, after falling in with some bad influences. He’s paid the price, despite his innocence, but the Amish are even more wary of him than they are of spirited Elizabeth. With good reason, he supposes—he’s not sure he’s ready to commit to this way of life again, especially since the Englishers are the ones offering him solutions. The only thing that seems certain is his attraction to Elizabeth. As they strive to find their places in the community, and with each other, can they open their hearts to the blessing of love? 


MY REVIEW

Another wonderful Amish book and I thoroughly enjoyed.
I like this author's style of writing because she's not afraid to talk about tough subjects. Shock, grief and loss in a much different way.
I like how she adds that God will and does orchestrate things as to how they should go in real life and sometimes they don't even when life gets tough like it is for us now.
Romance was perfectly rounded out to where it wasn't too mushy.
I love Amish stories because I love learning about the way they live, religion, and well, just their lifestyle in general. Seems to me they will be able to get through hards times if needed to.
I really enjoyed this novel and feel that this is her best yet!
5 stars hands down for an awesome story.
One I will be thinking about for a while now.
My thanks for a copy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Publishers Weekly bestselling author Patricia Johns writes sweet romance with Harlequin Inc and Kensington Books. She has her Hon. BA in English Lit and lives in Alberta, Canada with her husband and son.
 

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...