The Express Bride by Kimberly Woodhouse

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Wilderness Is a Great Place to Hide

Jacqueline Rivers manages a Pony Express station in 1860 Utah territory after her father’s death. There are daily stresses placed on her in this unconventional role—and now a government official is asking her to sniff out counterfeiters. When Elijah Johnson passes through on the stage while on an exhausting quest to find his boss’s heir, he doesn’t want to leave the beguiling station manager. In fact, he may never leave when caught in the crossfire of the territory’s criminal activities. Jackie can’t decide if Elijah is friend or foe. Can she remain strong when secrets of the past and present are finally unearthed?

Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Express Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse.

More in the Daughters of the Mayflower series:

The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1620 Atlantic Ocean (February 2018)

The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1725 New Orleans (April 2018)

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep – set 1760 during the French and Indian War (June 2018)

The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1774 Philadelphia (August 2018)​

The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear – set 1794 on the Wilderness Road (October 2018)

The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall – set 1814 Baltimore (December 2018)

The Alamo Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1836 Texas (February 2019)

The Golden Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1849 San Francisco (April 2019)

The Express Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1860 Utah territory (July 2019).

MY REVIEW

I finished this great book last night. It was so  very  good that I couldn't put it down!! 

I was very excited to learn that it was about the pony express!!  Not much is written about the pony express and it plays a great part in our mail's history. 

This story is very exciting!! I felt like I was one of the riders delivering the mail and it went from East to West. I thought to myself what about from the South to the North? Doesn't mail have  to run that way too? 

I loved Jackie from the start. Her personality is awesome!! I think I'd love to have her as an older sister to look up to. I connected with her right away! She sure knows her stuff and I love that her heart is for the Lord. It shows in everything she does! 

I liked Elijah too. Even though his heart is in the right place he still has a lot to learn.

I wanted to hold him and take care of him throughout the whole story. He is my hero!! and so is Mr. Crowell! I liked Mr. Crowell immediately as well. His personality is wonderful! 

I loved the mystery that went on in this book.  Of course, I"m a pretty good guesser at the whole done it stuff especially as the author writes the minute Jackie said something to Mr.  Williamson his face changed into a frown and shoved her out the door rather rudely I might add. 

I love this author and I will look forward to more stories written by her. 

I received a copy from Netgalley and no compensations were received. All opinions are my own!!  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling author of more than twenty books who loves the JOY of story. A lover of history and research, she often gets sucked into the past and then her husband has to lure her out with chocolate. She's spoken to more than 800,000 people at more than 2,000 venues and has taught the craft of writing around the country. Married to the love of her life for twenty-five plus years, she makes her home in Montana. You can connect with Kimberley at: www.kimberleywoodhouse.comwww.facebook.com/KimberleyWoodhouseAu...

 

A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund

ABOUT THE BOOK

After facing desperate heartache and loss, Mercy agrees to escape a bleak future in London and join a bride ship. Wealthy and titled, Joseph leaves home and takes to the sea as the ships surgeon to escape the pain of losing his family. He has no intention of settling down, but when Mercy becomes his assistant, they must fight against a forbidden love.

MY REVIEW

What can I say about this book except another wonderful story written by Jody Hedlund and that I'm never disappointed when I read a new book by her? Right on both accounts!!

Jody does wonders with her characters and I enjoy making new friends with them! Too bad they weren't real people and too bad I couldn't pop into the story like Mary Poppins pops into sidewalk chalk paintings. How wonderful that would be!! 

I think Mercy would be my favorite character. I love her kind and compassionate ways towards others and always wanting to lend a helping hand where ever she may be at the time.

Now, doesn't Joseph remind you of someone always running away? I thought about this as I read through the book. And as usual I didn't think much about him. I still "liked him" and I enjoyed reading how his character changed like we can if we allow God to do His work in us instead of running in the opposite direction thinking we can do it all on our own.

Yes, change is scary but sometimes it can be for the good. I've had to do it even though I had no say so in it as I was only 14 at the time we moved to a new state, school, neighborhood and everything else. As I got older I adapted to it but really there's no place like home. 

And too home is where the people you love are and with God in your heart you can never be lonely! 

I think the thing I enjoyed most was the historic part of it as I love history. I always learn something new about a place and I even love the name of the town and sometimes I wonder how the author comes up with the name.

I loved going with Mercy and the other women to a new place. And of course I loved the ship they traveled on since I am a ocean liner buff. Ships fascinate me for some reason.

There wasn't anything about this story I didn't like. It was all very well written

I received a complintary copy from Bethany House publishers with no compensation received and all opinions are my own! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty 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.

On a Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher

ABOUT THE BOOK

When her father buys an island off the coast of Maine with the hope of breathing new life into it, Camden Grayson thinks hes lost his mind. An unexpected event sends Cam to his rescue, and she discovers the island has its own way of living . . . and loving.

MY REVIEW

I loved this new story by Suzanne. At first I wasn't sure I'd like it. 

I loved the characters and feel like I have made friends with them.

The house sounds like the house with the same colors in our Tates Creek area in my it's a one level house. Ugly as sin!

The coon cat is my favorite. I laughed until I cried because anyone that owns a cat knows what they do lol!!

Peg Legg ( love the nickname) can't cook worth a hoot and I never met anyone who can ruin coffee or biscuits. I love her personality. 

She's a stranger but the first time you meet her it's like you've known her all your life.

I think however the sisters are over dramatic. Some of the things especially Maddie can blow things out of proportion. But, then again we all can.

I loved Paul's enthusiasm about the Island. But he's in for a total surprise where that's concerned. 

Paul's daughters are something else altogether!! Oh my the sibling rivalry!!

Almost makes me wish I had sisters but not quit. I'm rather spoiled you know. 

I enjoyed watcher Cooper. Cooper is special!! He's a sweet little boy and a very confused one. I enjoyed watching him grow.

I think the favorite sister for me would be Blaine. Her feelings are a lot like mine. Always overlooked, everything gets turned around on her to make her look like the bad person and she's really not!! So I can really relate to her.

The least one I like is Cam For reasons unknown she comes off as a do gooder or I am better than you attitude.

Madison is the middle sister

I almost feel sorry for her. I think I'm to call her a show off. 

Jealousy is never a good thing because it can turn a person into ugly. God doesn't like ugly and we certainly know who is behind all of that!! Yep you guess it Satan!!

Grief is another thing that can bury a person. By this I mean keeping it all in and bottling it in is never a good thing either. Eventually it all comes out when u least expect it. Grief does not have a time to be through. It's not easy to loose someone when they pass. I know this from experience.

All in all I always enjoy the author's stories but her Amish stories will remain my favorite.

I strongly recommend this book. I received this book from the publisher with no compensations received and all opinions are my own

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

Between Us Guys by Joel Fitzpatrick

ABOUT THE BOOK

This easy-to-use, life-changing book for fathers and sons gives readers the tools to have important conversations with boys about life, faith, and being a man. With a conversational and captivating tone, fathers and other caregivers are guided into having gospel-focused conversations with boys about a wide range of topics from social justice and friendships to money, anger, and more.

Dads are given an incredible opportunity to be one of the primary influences in their children’s lives for the gospel. By inviting conversations in every arena of life, fathers pass down the message of Christ to the next generation. As a youth and family pastor and father to a young boy who’s entered into many of these conversations, Joel Fitzpatrick knows it’s important not to shy away from difficult subjects.

But he also knows dads and other caregivers need help in how to have intentional conversations with boys about God, themselves, and what difference knowing the gospel makes to their everyday life. Fitzpatrick invites fathers to share with their sons how the gospel shapes all aspects of life, including how they treat women, people from other ethnic groups, and much more. Specific, practical help is given to dads through suggested activities, God’s Word, and insightful questions.

In a world where television, the internet, social media, and gaming culture have taken away from quality time spent between fathers and sons, Between Us Guys urges readers to lean in to important conversations with the grace and knowledge of Christ

MY REVIEW

I loved how the author describes the differences between man and then there's a man.

By this, I mean some fathers are not around all the time for some reason or another. Then, there are men that really enjoy being a father and want to be around their children.

When I first opened this book I felt kind of weird because this was a book that talks about how to be a father to their sons or son. 

I learned quite a lot of interesting things about what it takes to be a father and not just make the baby and then leave or just being around for show. ( Not the word I'm looking for but maybe I'll find it later)

The author engages us in some wonderful biblical pamessages throughout the book. 

I think this book would be wonderful to use in Bible studies or Sabbath School/ Sunday school.

It would also be a wonderful gift to give someone.

I strongly recommend this book.

I received this book from the publisher with no compensations received. All opinions are my own!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joel Fitzpatrick has served as an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America with a focus on youth and family. He received his MDiv from Westminster Seminary California. Joel lives in southern California with his wife of 16 years and their two children.

Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin

ABOUT THE BOOK

In spring 1918, Lieutenant Colin Mabry, a British soldier working with MI8 after suffering injuries on the front, receives a message by carrier pigeon. It is from Jewel Reyer, the woman he once loved and who saved his life--a woman he believed to be dead. Traveling to France to answer her urgent summons, he desperately hopes this mission will ease his guilt and restore the courage he lost on the battlefield.

Colin is stunned, however, to discover the message came from Jewel's half sister, Johanna. Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence, found Jewel's diary and believes her sister is alive in the custody of a German agent. With spies everywhere, Colin is skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust begins to grow between them.

When their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot, danger and deception turn their search for answers into a battle for their lives

MY REVIEW

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Katie did not disappoint. I love her writing and the research that goes into making a wonderful story.

I loved the lessons and Spiritual messages that are in this book.

There is also action that will make you reel and that is what I like. 

Pigeons are annoying. I do not like them because if you're under one or if they fly over you they will poop on you. However; from this book I learned differently even though they're still annoying to me. 

I love Colin and Johanna. Even though Colin sort of annoyed me. I'd still like to have him as my protector.

I love how the author shows us that even men can be vulnerable too at times. It just shows that they're human.

Johanna is a woman after my own heart. I love her adventurous side. At least she didn't scream like Spiderman's dumb girlfriend did at everything. Johanna knew what needed to be done and went after it.

I had fun reading this book. I went after a copy from Netgalley since my book hasn't gotten here yet. My nose was hurting me to see what was inside lol. Thank you Netgalley!

I like how God closes one door and opens another even though that may not be what we want. Sometimes what he does is better!! 

And yes, it can hurt but with time who knows what adventures lie ahead!!

I strongly recommend this book.

I received a copy from Netgalley and no compensation were received. All opinions are my own!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Former bookseller-turned-author Kate Breslin enjoys life in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and family. A writer of travel articles and award-winning poetry, Kate received Christian Retailing's 2015 Best Award for First Time Author and her first novel, For Such A Time, won American Christian Fiction Writers 2015 Carol Award. Kate's third novel, High As The Heavens, released in June, 2017. When she's not writing inspirational fiction, Kate enjoys reading or taking long walks in Washington's beautiful woodlands. She also likes traveling to new places, both within the U.S. and abroad, having toured Greece, Rome, and much of Western Europe. New destinations make for fresh story ideas. Please visit her at www.katebreslin.com

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

No Place Like Here

By Christina June
Young Adult Contemporary

Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 288 Pages
May 21st 2019 by Blink

From Christina June, author of It Started with Goodbye and Everywhere You Want to Be, comes No Place Like Here, a modern twist on Hansel and Gretel.

Ashlyn Zanotti has big plans for the summer. She's just spent a year at boarding school and can't wait to get home. But when Ashlyn's father is arrested for tax evasion and her mother enters a rehab facility for "exhaustion," a.k.a. depression, her life is turned upside down.

The cherry on top? Ashlyn's father sends her to work with a cousin she doesn't even know at a rustic team-building retreat center in the middle of nowhere. A self-proclaimed "indoor girl," not even Ash's habit of leaving breadcrumb quotes--inspirational sayings she scribbles everywhere--can help her cope.

With a dangerously careless camp manager doling out grunt work, an overbearing father trying to control her even from prison, and more than a little boy drama to struggle with, the summer is full of challenges. And Ashlyn must make the toughest decision of her life: keep quiet and follow her dad's marching orders, or find the courage to finally stand up to her father to have any hope of finding her way back home.

Fans looking for stories with elements of drama, romance, friendship, and an unflinching look into navigating and improving even the most difficult parent-teen relationships need look no further.

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Other Books by the Author





MY REVIEW

What a beautiful cover!! It is what drove me to read it. 

This is a new to me author and as soon as I got the book I discovered it was a part if a series! Darn I always do that!!

But anyway I loved the characters and I especially loved the setting!!

It sort of reminds me of my own camp days when I was a little girl up til I was a teen. 

Days spent at camp were fun because I was always having fun and learning new things. Sometimes even making new friends was a part of it.

I also liked this novel because the author shows us that even our parents are human and can ha e their own set of problems.

I don't know much about depression but it can be a serious thing. 

Sometimes even parents can mess up and when serious things like with Ashlyn's dad, it can hurt the whole family even your kids. Wow!! 

I enjoyed this story and I strongly recommend it. 

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and no compensations were received. All opinions are my own

P.S. I wish I would have known this was on Netgalley. I would have read an earlier copy of it

About the Author

Christina June writes young adult contemporary fiction when she’s not writing college recommendation letters during her day job as a school counselor. She loves the little moments in life that help someone discover who they’re meant to become – whether it’s her students or her characters. Christina is a voracious reader, loves to travel, and hopes to one day be bicoastal – the east coast of the US and the east coast of Scotland. She lives in Virginia with her husband and daughter. She is the author of IT STARTED WITH GOODBYE, EVERYWHERE YOU WANT TO BE, and NO PLACE LIKE HERE.

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The King's Mercy by Lori Benton

ABOUT THE BOOK

For readers of Sara Donati and Diana Gabaldon, this epic historical romance tells of fateful love between an indentured Scotsman and a daughter of the 18th century colonial south.

When captured rebel Scotsman Alex MacKinnon is granted the king's mercy--exile to the Colony of North Carolina--he's indentured to Englishman Edmund Carey as a blacksmith. Against his will Alex is drawn into the struggles of Carey's slaves--and those of his stepdaughter, Joanna Carey. A mistress with a servant's heart, Joanna is expected to wed her father's overseer, Phineas Reeves, but finds herself drawn instead to the new blacksmith. As their unlikely relationship deepens, successive tragedies strike the Careys. When blame falls unfairly upon Alex he flees to the distant mountains where he encounters Reverend Pauling, itinerate preacher and friend of the Careys, now a prisoner of the Cherokees. Haunted by his abandoning of Joanna, Alex tries to settle into life with the Cherokees, until circumstances thwart yet another attempt to forge his freedom and he's faced with the choice that's long hounded him: continue down his rebellious path or embrace the faith of a man like Pauling, whose freedom in Christ no man can steal. But the price of such mercy is total surrender, and perhaps Alex's very life

MY REVIEW

A captivating book that will leave you hanging on until the very end!
I just love love Lori's books!! I love how they leave you thinking about the book long after it ends! 
I know I know I keep repeat ing myself  but hey! That's what i!I'm supposed to do right? Well, anyway I just enjoyed being talk back to that time and place and I kept wanting to scream at Joanna and wanting to beat Phineas up retched  man!!
I could imagine being and living on Severn.  A beautiful place the way the author described it. I could actually hear Alex working in the blacksmith shop and all sorts of action going on!
I think the thing I liked most was how Joanna stood up for what she believed in and stuck to her guns. I didn't think it was fair that she was forced to grow up but we have no control over what life deals is but we can choose how we deal with it. 
Alex is fascinating. From his accent right down to his body build if y'all know What I mean? lol! But seriously I enjoyed watching him change not the man I knew he could be! 
The reverend I thought was especially the best kind of person! I felt like he was the kind of friend that I can turn to if I wanted to tell deepest, darkest secret. If course if I actually had one! 
I love how he could look into your soul and without saying anything know what you're thinking before you say it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Waterbrook and Multnomah. No compensations were received and all opinions 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lori Benton was born and raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American and family history going back to the 1600s. Her novels transport readers to the 18th century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history, creating a melting pot of characters drawn from both sides of a turbulent and shifting frontier, brought together in the bonds of God's transforming grace.




When she isn’t writing, reading, or researching 18th century history, Lori enjoys exploring the mountains with her husband.




Burning Sky, Lori's debut novel, was a finalist for the ECPA 2014 Christian Book Award, and winner of the 2014 Christy Award for First Novel, Historical, and Book of the Year.