Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews

ABOUT THE BOOK 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Victorian high society’s most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London’s most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor.

Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she's worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she'll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London's attention she'll need a habit-maker who's not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.

Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row's infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.

But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following their hearts?

ADVANCE PRAISE

“…a tender and swoon worthy interracial, cross-class romance in Victorian London…Readers will delight in this paean to women’s fashion and horseback riding.”— Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Matthews brings the Victorian era to vivid life with meticulously researched details and an impossible romance made believable and memorable.”— Booklist, starred review

“Matthews deftly underscores racial and gender discrimination in Victorian London in this excellent start to ‘The Belles of London’ series; rather than overshadowing, it propels the romance. Romance aficionados who love fashion and animals will delight in this tender romance and will be excited to see Evelyn’s friends in future installments.” — Library Journal, starred review

"Unflinching, tender, and moving, the delicately crafted The Siren of Sussex might just be my favourite work from Mimi Matthews; it certainly is one of my favourite historical romance reads this year."— Evie Dunmore, USA Today bestselling author of Portrait of a Scotsman

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS 

My Review 

A fabulous and fun read by Mimi Matthews. 

I felt that she has done an incredible job of portraying the tough subjects.  

Her research and description was spot on that she immediately drew me into the story.  

My favorite thing was the horses and fashion of the era. Then throw in a bit of romance and this book made for a perfect beach read!

I was sad when I finished the book. I didn't want it to end.

Matthews brings Evie and Ahmad 

to life so vividly that they left me shaking my head at times. Other times I found myself rooting for Evie and Ahmad. 

I loved how they faced their challenges head on! 

They give us readers some hope of our own. 

This is the first in the Belles of London series and I can't wait for more to come ! I highly recommend!

  

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats. 

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | BOOKBUB |

GOODREADS

GIVEAWAY 

Mimi has generously offered a fabulous giveaway package that book tour participants can add to their posts and on social media. Here are the details:

Timeframe: Jan 4 - Feb 7, 2022

Terms & Conditions:

Giveaway hosted by Mimi Matthews. No Purchase Necessary. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Open to US residents only. Void where prohibited.

The Giveaway Package:

1 winner (selected at random by Rafflecopter) receives the following:

Signed print copy of The Siren of Sussex

Horse scarf

Pewter sidesaddle brooch (made in Sussex, England!)

The Siren of Sussex tote bag

Three candles in scents: Fresh Hay, New Saddle, and Winter Ride

Box of Ahmad Tea (60 count, assorted flavors)

The Siren of Sussex bookmark

The giveaway is open from 12:01 am Pacific time 1/4/22 until 11:59pm Pacific time on 2/7/22.

The winner will be announced on Mimi's blog - mimimatthews.com – at 8:00 pm Pacific time on 2/8/22.

Rafflecopter Form:

Participants in the tour have the option of using the link to the giveaway form on Rafflecopter, or imbedding the form with their post.

Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/92989f07650/?

Marry Me, Millie by Amy Lillard

ABOUT THE BOOK 

Award-winning, USA Today bestselling author Amy Lillard's uplifting new series unites a "Widows Club" of women who share solace, friendship, and faith in the Amish community of Paradise Valley, Missouri. In this series starter, a young pregnant widow running a B&B meets a handsome outsider who begins to make her believe in love again.

When her young husband died unexpectedly, Millie Bauman thought her life was over too--until she learned she was carrying his child. Now, as she awaits the baby's arrival, Millie's sure her future will revolve around motherhood, the B&B she runs with her Aunt Sylvie, and the beloved Whoopie Pies her Widows Club whips up each week. But when a handsome newcomer arrives in town, Millie is intrigued, and the club wonders if Millie might find a second chance at love...

Henry King plans to stay in Paradise Valley long enough to take care of some family business, and hopefully mend the heartache of his own lost love. As Henry and Millie cross paths, it's clear their neighbors are gently trying to play matchmaker. Not wanting to disappoint, the two pretend to play along--but life gets complicated when a true and tender affection grows. As Millie gets ready to welcome her baby, they must rely on faith and fate to decide if they should risk their hearts on love again...

MY REVIEW

Yall this be my favorite book of Ms. Lillard's! It was just so much fun to read and I love this family! They sort of reminded me of the Brady Bunch!! I love all the feel good feelings this book gave me. It made me giggle at times. My favorite characters were Vern and Sylvie they made me smile and giggle. W all have past hurts but if we ask God for help we can overcome them. I thought Lillard did such a great job with descriptions and making this family so realistic that I felt like I was a part it. I got such enjoyment out of it that I hated to see it end! I hope there's going to be more about this family.

This is a book worth rereading again and again. 

I'll store this on favorite keeper shelf.

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 

Amy loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family...and maybe homemade tacos...and nail polish. But reading and writing are definitely high on the list.

Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, two spoiled cats, and one very lazy beagle. Oh, and don't forget the stray kitty that has taken up residence on her front porch. ^..^

When she's not creating quirky characters and happy endings, she's chauffeuring her prodigy to guitar lessons, orchestra concerts and baseball practice. She has a variety of hobbies, but her favorite is whatever gets her out of housework.

Amy also writes contemporary romances under the pen name Amie Louellen.

An award winning author, Amy is a member of RWA and ACFW. She loves to hear from readers. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest. For links to the various sites, check her website: www.amylillardbooks.com.

Present Danger by Elizabeth Goddard

ABOUT THE BOOK 

Former FBI Special Agent Jack Tanner is working as a detective in Montana when he comes across a body in the national forest during a search and rescue mission. He's committed to finding the killer, even if it means working alongside his old flame, US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors.

When Terra discovers that the murder victim had ties to a powerful and dangerous trafficker of archaeological artifacts, the investigation takes a deadly turn--one that hits too close to home. As Terra fears she lacks the courage to face what comes next, Jack is more determined than ever to protect her. But he's failed her before. And if he fails this time, it will cost them far more than just their hearts.

Join bestselling and award-winning author Elizabeth Goddard as she plunges you into a web of deceit made of hidden crimes, open threats, and long-buried family secrets in this gripping first book of an explosive new series...

MY REVIEW 

I was very happy to get my hands on this awesome novel! I always thought there was more to Erin and Nathan's story! I wasn't disappointed!

This is a fast paced novel that will make you bite your nails in suspense! I simply love stories like these.

Elizabeth Goddard is also one of my to go authors for suspense novels like this. She's a wonderful storyteller that pulls you into the story before you know it! It makes for a pleasant afternoon/evening and I'll even admit that parts of this story had me looking over my shoulder at times lol! Especially if I read at night!

5 stars forthe excellent writing and for keeping me on the edge of my seat with Erin and Nathan's strory.

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 

Elizabeth Goddard is the award-winning author of more than thirty novels and novellas. A 2011 Carol Award winner, she's a double finalist in the 2016 Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense, and a 2016 Carol Award finalist. Elizabeth graduated with a Computer Science degree and worked in high-level software sales nbsp;before retiring to write full time.

 

Love on the Range by Mary Connealy

ABOUT THE BOOK 

Wyatt Hunt is temporarily bedridden and completely miserable. Somehow Molly Garner's limited skills have made her the most qualified in their circle to care for Wyatt. But by the time he's healed, she's fed up with him and the whole ungrateful family. For even worse than his grumpiness were the few unguarded moments when he pulled at her heartstrings, and she has long determined to never marry.

MY REVIEW 

Wyatt finally at long last gets his story and my favorite book of this series!

A very nice ending to a great series!

Connealy writes the best stories! She pulls me in from beginning to end and this story will make you laugh, rejoice and fall in love with this amazing family. 

I loved reading about each of the brothers and I especially enjoyed them because each brought something special to this series.  

I loved reading about their adventures and really felt like I was a part of their family! Connealy has a way of doing that to her readers.

My favorite thing about Connealy is her humor.  It's her trademark and I've loved it since I read The Husband Tree. 

She's had me hooked ever since that book.

I can't wait to see what she comes out with next!

My thanks to Ms. Connealy and Bethany House for a copy of this book.  All opinions are my own. I was NOT required to write a positive review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is independently publishing a contemporary romantic suspense series called Garrison’s Law, book one is Loving the Texas Lawman. Her new historical series, High Sierra Sweethearts begins with The Accidental Guardian. She is also the author of these series: Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Wild at Heart, Cimarron Legacy, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages and Sophie's daughters, and has man other books.

She is a two-time Carol Award winner and has been a finalist for the Rita and Christy Awards. She’s a lifelong Nebraskan and lives with her very own romantic cowboy hero. She’s got four grown daughters and four spectacular grandchildren.

 

Crosshairs b Patricia Bradley

ABOUT THE BOOK 

Investigative Services Branch (ISB) ranger Ainsley Beaumont arrives in her hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, to investigate the murder of a three-month-pregnant teenager. While she wishes the visit was under better circumstances, she never imagined that she would become the killer's next target--nor that she'd have to work alongside an old flame.

After he almost killed a child, former FBI sniper Lincoln Steele couldn't bring himself to fire a gun, which had deadly and unforeseen consequences for his best friend. Crushed beneath a load of guilt, Linc is working at Melrose Estate as an interpretive ranger. But as danger closes in on Ainsley during her murder investigation, Linc will have to find the courage to protect her. The only question is, will it be too little, too late?

Award-winning author Patricia Bradley continues her Natchez Trace Park Rangers series with a story about how good must prevail when evil just won't quit.

 MY REVIEW 

You absolutely have to read this! 

It's an absolute can't put down book and your head will turn in many different directions as you try and solve this murder mystery!

There were definitely some exciting scenes in this book.  My favorite was at the very beginning! I could actually imagine it and gear it! 

Ainsley and Lincoln well..... they're just awesome together.  Yes they'll have to get over a few hurdles here and there but who doesn't!? 

I tend to like Ainsley's grandmother because she's just so feisty. 

Sonny I didn't much care for.  There was just something about him that rubbed me the wrong way. 

This book is fast action and will leave you thinking about the characters long after the book is finished!

5 stars for excellency in the writing and wwll rounded out characters although I'd love to know more about Ainsley's dad.  It's like he was there and then he wasn't. 

I highly recommend. 

My thanks for a copy of this book 

All opinions are my own and I was NOT required to write a positive review.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Patricia Bradley is a noteworthy author from America, who likes to write romance, suspense, and mystery books. She is particularly famous for writing the Logan Point and Memphis Cold Case. Author Bradley was born on January 29 in Memphis, United States. Currently, she resides in the North Mississippi.

 

The Healing of Natalie Curtis by Jane Kirkpatrick

ABOUT THE BOOK 

Classically trained pianist and singer Natalie Curtis isolated herself for five years after a breakdown just before she was to debut with the New York Philharmonic. Guilt-ridden and songless, Natalie can't seem to recapture the joy music once brought her. In 1902, her brother invites her to join him in the West to search for healing. What she finds are songs she'd never before encountered--the haunting melodies, rhythms, and stories of Native Americans.

But their music is under attack. The US government's Code of Offenses prohibits American's indigenous people from singing, dancing, or speaking their own languages as the powers that be insist on assimilation. Natalie makes it her mission not only to document these songs before they disappear but to appeal to President Teddy Roosevelt himself, who is the only man with the power to repeal the unjust law. Will she succeed and step into a new song . . . and a new future?

Award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick weaves yet another lyrical tale based on a true story that will keep readers captivated to the very end.

MY REVIEW 

I absolutely love the historical aspects of this book but it did drag somewhat.

I especially loved learning more about the Indians and their culture.  I felt like I could hear their music.  It was so cool!

Kirkpatrick does some real good research for her novels but my favorite book was One More River to Cross.  It reminded me of the Donner party.

I can relate to Natalie through our love of music.  In my opinion,  I think it's the love of music that soothes the soul. Natalie is a remarkable woman ahead of her time which was why I liked her. You don't necessarily have to have anything in common with a character at all to like them.

Her brother George was another person that I liked greatly.  Namely because of how he looked after his sister and I really enjoyed his adventures in the West

I felt like I was on an adventure with George and Natalie even though some parts of the story was slow.

I loved learning more about the Indians and their art. They do make beautiful artifacts. 

I recommend.  5 stars!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

If you'd like more information about me, please come visit my website at www.jkbooks.com and click on my blog. My dog also has a blog and you can find out what it's like to be Bodacious Bo, too. A monthly newsletter called Story Sparks is my way of sharing books about authors I enjoy as well as commenting on life and love. You'll find out more about me than you probably ever wanted to know!

One item not listed on my lists of books is my selection included in an anthology called "Crazy Woman Creek: Women Rewrite the American West" published by Houghton Mifflin I also have a piece in Storytellers II, a book published a few years ago by Multnomah Press and a few short selections in Daily Guideposts of a few years back. My first novella, "The Courting Quilt" is part of a collection that made the New York Times bestsellers September 2011 in a collection called Log Cabin Christmas. The rest of my writing, as they say, is history. Or it was until my first contemporary came out this fall. Called Barcelona Calling, it's the story of a writer who loses her way as she seeks fulfillment thinking she'll find it with fame. It's a laugh out loud book according to reviewers. I hope you'll enjoy it.

Secret Keeper at The old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox

 

ABOUT THE BOOK 

Present Day. After tragedy plunges her into grief and unresolved anger, Sarah Ashby returns to her childhood home determined to finally follow her long-denied dream of running Old Depot Grocery alongside her mother and grandmother. But when she arrives, her mother, Rosemary, announces to her that the store is closing. Sarah and her grandmother, Glory Ann, make a pact to save the store, but Rosemary has worked her entire life to make sure her daughter never follows in her footsteps. She has her reasons--but she'll certainly never reveal the real one.

1965. Glory Ann confesses to her family that she's pregnant with her deceased fiancé's baby. Pressured into a marriage of convenience with a shopkeeper to preserve the family reputation, Glory Ann vows never to love again. But some promises are not as easily kept as she imagined.

This dual-timeline story from Amanda Cox deftly explores the complexity of a mother-daughter dynamic, the way the secrets we keep shape our lives and the lives of others, and the healing power of telling the truth.

MY REVIEW 

Oh my gosh! I'm beyond pleased with this sweet Southern tale! I loved every bit of it!

I finished this book in one whole day because I wanted to see how this story played out and let me tell you I wasn't one bit disappointed. 

.This author sure knows how to spin a wonderful tale and one that still has my head spinning in more ways than one. What a fine story! Reminds me of Fried Green Tomatoes ( My favorite movie) of all time. There wasn't one thing that I  didn't like.  All of it was just awesome. 

There was a character that I didn't like  but that's ok. She's the one who made the story in my opinion.  At times my heart went out to her. 

Glory Ann was my favorite. I loved how the author shows us that even our favorite characters aren't perfect and that's what I loved.  It made Glory Ann strong and able to handle whatever life threw at her.

There's so many wonderful inspirational messages that are woven throughout the book. Ones that we can use in our everyday lives to remind us that God is willing to help guide us on our journey through life.

My thanks for a copy of this awesome book.  I was NOT required to write a positive review.  All opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Before becoming a stay-at-home parent, Amanda Cox spent her time counseling children, families, and individuals through life’s challenging moments. Now she uses those same skills to develop layered characters and stories, bringing them on a journey of hope and healing. A journey she hopes her readers experience in their own lives as they read.

A few of her favorite things are the sanctuary of the great outdoors, the feeling of pen on paper, the sound of her children’s laughter, and exploring new places with her husband of 15 years. (Oh, let’s not forget good fiction and good coffee. She’s addicted to both.) You can stay connected with her latest writing updates at www.amandacoxwrites.com. You can find her on social media by searching Amanda Cox Writes

To get a free short story featuring characters from The Edge of Belonging visit: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/fuj7mlfd83