Wednesday, June 28, 2017

The Soul of a Lady by Wanda Luce

The Soul of a LadyThe Soul of a Lady by Wanda Luce
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Source: Library
Genre: Regency Romance


Book Description:  At twenty-six, Lydia Hathaway has endured years of heartbreak, longing for a love that's never come. Her deceased father's foolhardiness has left her family bankrupt, and she is eventually left no alternative but to take a position as a companion to Susan Ashcroft of Danbury Park in Surrey. Anxious for peace, Lydia rambles early one morning across the muddy wilds of the Ashcroft estate, where she has a most unimaginable encounter with Connor Parkhurst, the notorious viscount of Denton. 

As their paths continue to cross, Lydia falls ever deeper in love with the charming rogue while battling against his growing assault on her heart. In spite of his forward attentions, she considers his behavior toward her nothing less than idle flirtation. Tormented in a relentless battle to suppress a love she cannot overcome, Lydia resolves to leave the Ashcrofts and Danbury Park forever. After all, she is nothing to Lord Denton—isn't she?




My thoughts: This was a good book. I didn't connect with the stories or characters, so I am giving it 3.5 stars. It was well written and had a good story line.

The book is set during the Regency period. Lydia is a young women whose circumstances have been reduced. Without a fortune she has been employed as a companion to a spoiled young woman. She is a woman of grace and wisdom.

Lord Denton is a man who has a fortune, but is tired of treasure seeking young women vying for his attention. Lydia is a breath of fresh air for him. She seems to not be effected by his wealth, but he can't fully give his heart until he knows her true character.

I believe that this is a book that can be enjoyed by lovers of the Regency genre. It is clean with conversation of people's indiscretions, but only contains a little kissing.

Source: I borrowed this book from my local library as part of a summer challenge.

Note: The original title for this book was Lydia.



Online Purchase Links:


Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Book Spotlight ~ "The Ghost of You and Me" by Kelly Oram (Blog Tour with a giveaway)






 The Ghost of You and Me by Kelly Oram How do you tell someone who hates you and blames you for the death of his best friend that you miss him? From the bestselling teen and young adult author of Cinder & Ella comes a new heart-wrenching romance sure to bring all the feels. The tragic death of Spencer Schott unravels the lives of the two people he loved most—his girlfriend, Bailey, and his best friend, Wes. Secrets and guilt from that fateful night keep both Bailey and Wes from overcoming Spencer’s loss and moving on with their lives. Now, nearly a year later, both Bailey and Wes are still so broken over what happened that Spencer can’t find peace in the afterlife. In order to put his soul to rest, he’s given one chance to come back and set things right...even if that means setting up his girlfriend with his best friend. With the emotional resonance of Jellicoe Road and the magical realism of The Lovely Bones, The Ghost of You and Me is a story about overcoming grief, finding redemption for past mistakes, and the healing power of friendship and love. Fans of John Green, Sarah Dessen, and Nicholas Sparks are sure to love this haunting new tale from Kelly Oram. This is a clean young adult romance stand alone novel that reads like contemporary drama romance and has just a touch of magical realism.





 

Teaser Time!!

********************

I open the door and slam into a solid chest. Strong hands grip my arms to steady me, and they don’t let go. I know the hands are Wes’s without having to look. “Are you okay?” he asks.
At first, I’m comforted by his presence. His smell is familiar, and the heat of his tall, lean body feels like it could thaw my frozen heart. For a split second, I melt against him. His arms come around me as if holding me is as natural to him as breathing. For a second, everything is right in my pathetic world. For a second, I’m alive again.



********************




Author Kelly Oram Kelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen--a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which her family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and likes to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, four children, and her cat, Mr. Darcy.




    $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 7/26/17 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Blog Tour ~ "Mormon Girl: Incognito" by Kari Iroz (with a giveaway)







Mormon Girl IncognitoMormon Girl Incognito by Kari Iroz
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received from publisher to review
Genre: LDS Romance/Comedy/Suspense

 Book Description: Hilarious heroine Jacklyn Wyatt is back—this time in a dicey Vegas adventure! Jacklyn “Jack” Wyatt is just your average Mormon girl—other than her brief stint with the FBI, her subsequent brush with death, and her dreamy boyfriend, Special Agent Damon Wade. But in the eight months since she helped save a kidnapping victim, Jack’s life has returned to its mostly stagnant state. She’s still trapped in a dead-end job, and even her relationship seems to be stuck in a rut. These days, adventures are few and far between. So when Damon heads to Las Vegas on assignment, Jack sees the perfect opportunity to surprise her boyfriend and rekindle the spark in their relationship. But the surprise is on her: she has just landed herself in the middle of a high-stakes operation involving Russian criminals. Unwittingly drawn undercover once more, Jack is all too aware that the survival of Damon and his associates depends on the success of her charade. In the unfamiliar world of luxurious limos, exclusive nightclubs, and gambling, Jack must convince the high-rolling hustlers that she is a terrifying international arms dealer. If only she knew anything about poker. Or guns . . .




My thoughts: I love the MC, Jack. She is hilarious. She gets in the worst situations and her sarcastic personality and humor get her through everything.

A Date with Danger comes before this book. I would suggest they be read in order, and really, I loved both of them. Mormon Girl: Incognito takes place after the first and mentions situations from the first book. Plus, you get to know the personalities of Jack and Damon.

The location of this story is mainly in Las Vegas. Damon is there for work and asks Jack to join him and meet his family. Damon is with the FBI and undercover, but Jack doesn't know that and decides to surprise him early. She ends up being surprised when she unwittingly almost blows his cover on a case. Now she is part of the case.

The way Jack handles herself in stressful situations is great. Like I mentioned above, she has as very sarcastic personality and a way with words. There were many "laugh out loud" moments. But at the same time, she is able to overcome her insecurities (in a unique way) and get the job done.

The book contains religious references. You can probably tell by the title of the book. I think it would be fun for anyone to read. There is kissing and violence.



Online Purchase Links:


Enter the Tour Giveaway:
(Prize and winner notification will be coming from Covenant Communications.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit the Tour Stops!

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

A Love So True by Melissa Jagears

A Love So True by Melissa JagearsA Love So True by Melissa Jagears
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from publisher to review.
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Book Description:  Evelyn Wisely has a heart for the orphans of Teaville and works at a local mansion that rescues children out of the town's red-light district and gives them a place to live. But her desire to help isn't limited to orphans. The owner of the mansion, Nicholas Lowe, is willing to help her try to get the women working in prostitution out of the district as well--if she can gain the cooperation and support of local businessmen to go against the rest of the community. 
David Kingsman has recently arrived in Teaville from Kansas City to help with one of his father's companies in town. While he plans on staying only long enough to prove his business merit to his father, he's shown interest in Evelyn's work and is intrigued enough by her to lend his support to her cause. 
They begin with the best of intentions, but soon the complications pile up and Evelyn and David's dreams look more unattainable every day. When the revelation of a long-held secret creates a seemingly insurmountable rift between them, can they trust God still has a good plan for them despite all that is stacked against them?

My thoughtsA Love So True is the second book in a series, but can be read as a stand alone.


Teaville, Kansas is a small community with a red light district. Evelyn Wisely is a 27 year old woman who is trying to better the lives of the children born to the "soiled doves" and try to help the mother's as well. She has made it her mission to help women get out of the life they are in. She has grand plans and tries to solicit help to achieve her goals. This puts her in the path of David Kingman, a wealthy business man. The attraction is there, but both hold on to secrets that could make a relationship impossible.

This book took me longer to read than planned. This book contains a lot of social issues, and it took me a little longer to fully appreciate all that it offers. The book deals with material that was taboo for 1908. Many tried to pretend that "houses of ill repute" did not exist and considered the women as beneath redemption. You can still see some of that in today's world, but I hope that we are a little more educated.

This book is not one that I could sit down and continue reading for hours at a time. I had to savor this one a little more to get all of the messages that Melissa Jagears was giving me.

I give this book a high recommendation. It does mention prostitution and the plight of the prostitutes. It also contains Christian themes and a little bit of kissing.



Online Purchase Links:


Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Book Blast for "The Ghost of You and Me" by Kelly Oram (with a giveaway)


The Ghost of You and Me by Kelly Oram

 How do you tell someone who hates you and blames you for the death of his best friend that you miss him? From the bestselling teen and young adult author of Cinder & Ella comes a new heart-wrenching romance sure to bring all the feels. The tragic death of Spencer Schott unravels the lives of the two people he loved most—his girlfriend, Bailey, and his best friend, Wes. Secrets and guilt from that fateful night keep both Bailey and Wes from overcoming Spencer’s loss and moving on with their lives. Now, nearly a year later, both Bailey and Wes are still so broken over what happened that Spencer can’t find peace in the afterlife. In order to put his soul to rest, he’s given one chance to come back and set things right...even if that means setting up his girlfriend with his best friend. With the emotional resonance of Jellicoe Road and the magical realism of The Lovely Bones, The Ghost of You and Me is a story about overcoming grief, finding redemption for past mistakes, and the healing power of friendship and love. Fans of John Green, Sarah Dessen, and Nicholas Sparks are sure to love this haunting new tale from Kelly Oram. This is a clean young adult romance stand alone novel that reads like contemporary drama romance and has just a touch of magical realism.






Author Kelly Oram Kelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen--a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which her family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and likes to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, four children, and her cat, Mr. Darcy.




    $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 7/15/17 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, June 19, 2017

It's Cover Reveal time! ~ Yesterday's Promise by Michele Paige Holmes

I am excited to show you the new cover in the Hearthfire Series by Michele Paige Holmes.

YESTERDAY'S PROMISE
Release date: July 5, 2017
Goodreads link

Book description:

New from Michele Paige Holmes, Amazon’s bestselling historical romance author and Whitney Award Winner, comes the newest Hearthfire Historical Romance, YESTERDAY’S PROMISE.

In the Scottish Highlands, 1746:
Nineteen-year-old artist Katherine Mercer dreams of selling her paintings to help support her struggling family. Before she has the opportunity, Katherine learns she is to be sold—or practically so—given in marriage to a lord she has never met or even heard of. In return, a much-needed settlement will be made upon her mother. 

Katherine’s situation goes from frightening to surreal when her husband-to-be Laird Collin MacDonald arrives with an entourage of men, each heavily armed and speaking with a thick brogue. As if leaving all she knows behind and traveling to another country with strangers isn’t bad enough, Katherine soon discovers a Scottish heritage she knew nothing of, a brother-in-law who wants her dead, and far more at stake with her paintings than she had ever imagined. Forced to turn to her reclusive husband for answers, comfort, and even her very survival, Katherine begins to unravel the mysteries of her past and what it is to love and be loved.



Pre-order your copy from Amazon.

Other Hearthfire Romances: 

SAVING GRACE
LOVING HELEN 
MARRYING CHRISTOPHER 
TWELVE DAYS IN DECEMBER
YESTERDAY’S PROMISE (Scottish Historical)
HEARTHFIRE ROMANCE COLLECTION, VOLUME 1 (box set)

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Wed by Necessity by Karen Kirst - Book Review

Wed by Necessity by Karen KirstWed by Necessity by Karen Kirst
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley (To Review)
Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Book Description: Her Inconvenient Husband 

When a riding accident strands socialite Caroline Turner overnight with the new stable manager, she gets the one thing she never wanted—a husband! Marrying the infuriatingly stubborn Duncan McKenna wouldn't have been her first choice, but with her reputation damaged, it's her only option. Still, there's something about the brash, rugged Scotsman that fascinates Caroline.

If Duncan wanted to wed a society girl, he would have stayed in Boston with his family and his fortune. He expects Caroline to balk at her new modest lifestyle, but instead the strong-willed beauty seems determined to prove him wrong, making her all the more irksome…and irresistible. The marriage of convenience isn't what Caroline and Duncan planned, but could they be a perfect match?
 



My thoughts: This is the first Karen Kirst book that I have read. It is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone.

The book takes place in Tennessee in the 1800's. Caroline has been raised as a socialite and has been taught to look down at men who may not be her social equal. Things change when Duncan comes into town. He has the look of a drifter, but has been hired by Caroline's father to take care of the horses.

Life gets harder for them when they find themselves wed or face scandal. Both are harboring secrets, neither fully trusts the other.

I found this book to be cute and fun to read. I enjoyed the pacing, I liked the dilemma's the characters found themselves in, and above all I liked that they believed in honor and fidelity, despite the uncertainties in their marriage.

There are a few couples mentioned in the book that I believe their relationships were the romance in previous books in the series. I may have to pick up a couple and read some more about this town and the people who live there.



Online Purchase Links:


Karen Kirst
About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  Karen Kirst was born and raised in East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains. A lifelong lover of books, it wasn't until after college that she had the grand idea to write one herself. The pursuit of her dream would take longer than she first anticipated...years, in fact. In the fall of 2010, she got the happy news that Harlequin Love Inspired Historical wanted to publish her manuscript-a true blessing from God. Now she divides her time between being a wife, homeschooling mom, and romance writer. She enjoys reading, hosting tea parties and spending time with friends.

Visit her WEBPAGE.

Saturday, June 10, 2017

Tour Grand Finale for "The Man She Knew" by Loree Lough (+ giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for
The Man She Knew
By Loree Lough

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below...

Launch - Note from the Author

Researching this novel was different from any other I’ve written, because Ian Sylvestry is my first ex-convict hero! A very troubled teen, Ian got involved with some bad dudes, and didn’t realize just how bad they were until, one rainy night, he goes along with them as they commit a felony. He had plenty of time to think about his unwise, immature choices while he served ten years for the crime. Plenty of time to think about all the people his imprudent decision had hurt. Upon his release, he works tirelessly to become a respectable citizen, and earns the respect of family and friends. But is it too late to win back the heart of Maleah Turner, the love of his life…?

Rockin' Book Reviws - Review

"The story is a very good one. The characters were portrayed well, the scenes easily visualized from familiarity, and had a steady smooth flow throughout most of the book. A few real social problems are addressed. It is also a story of strong family relationships and support, and of dysfunctional homes. It is often uplifting and has a few twists which adds to the drams. I truly enjoyed the quite predictable tale."

deal sharing aunt - Interview

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book?

For The Man She Knew, I learned that everyone, no matter what terrible thing is in their past, deserves a second chance. I also learned a whole lot about life in prison, and what it’s like to return to a society that flat-out doesn’t trust you. Those who succeed in life after serving a prison term are to be commended, because my research and interviews proved…it ain’t easy!

Booklove - Review

"Amazing, beautiful and captivating with strong and lovely characters and a flowing and engaging plot. I loved it and would recommend it to everyone."

Beck Valley Books - Excerpt

Those final moments in the courthouse were as vivid now as they had been that dreary morning: Ian, looking like a terrified boy as one guard slammed the prison van’s side door and another put the vehicle into gear. He’d raised a hand to wave goodbye, but the chain connecting handcuffs to leg irons stopped him. Tears filled his eyes, and unable to watch, she’d closed her own. By the time she opened them again, the driver had already made the first turn onto Lombard Street and started the hour-long trip Lincolnwood Correctional of Central Maryland…

Hearts & Scribbles - Character Descriptions



Ian Sylvestry:

Mid-30s, 6’2”, 190 lbs.; green eyes, dark hair (ponytail), diamond stud in left earlobe, tattoos; former convict, now owns a popular bistro in historic Fells Point.

Janice's Book Review - Review

"Loved that beside that he owed and ran a restaurant that he also did search and rescue with his dog. Love the families on both sides and closeness. I definitely recommend this book."

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Introduction to the Series



“By Way of the Lighthouse” features heroes and heroines separated by hurt, anger, and disagreements.

Falling Leaves - Excerpt

Was this it then? The end?

When they tell her I’m gone, will she cry?

Ian hoped not. He’d only seen her cry once, on the day the carted him off to Lincoln.

Most awful thing ever…

Because he’d caused her tears, and it shamed him, even now.

If the powers that be decided to give him one more chance, he’d make things right.

Somehow, I’ll make things right…

Brooke Blogs - Character Interviews

Interview with Ian Sylvestry:

Q: So Ian, tell us what led up to your arrest…
A: I was a dumb kid with a big chip on my shoulder. After my mother ran off to England with another guy, my dad turned to alcohol to hide from what she’d done to us, leaving me to pretty much raise myself.

Q: And that’s how you got involved with what you’ve referred to as “some bad dudes”?
A: It makes no sense to me now, but back then, they were like brothers, there for me no matter what.

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"There are a lot of things going on in The Man She Knew – and it all combines to make a great read! An inspiring story of second chances, forgiveness and family, this novel more than lives up to its ‘heartwarming’ brand. It never gets sappy, though, or saccharine; instead, Lough has given us warm characters, a compelling plot, and a tender romance."

Cinnamon Cindy's Book Blog - Excerpt

It had been a mistake, asking Andy to drop him this far from her grandparents’ drive. Walking on flat ground had been a challenge with crutches, and then the cane. He took his time, but tromping through deep snow made him wince with every step. If you put yourself in the hospital, you’ll only have yourself to—

Becky on Books - Interview

Where did the inspiration for this book come from?

For some reason, I kept hearing stories about how difficult it is for the newly released—men and women—to return to normal lives. From reuniting with family to finding a job, they meet obstacles of every variety. Now, I’m no Pollyanna…I realize some of these people are hardened criminals that will return to their old ways and probably end up right back in prison. But some of them honestly want to leave that life behind, and do everything in their power to start fresh and stay on the right path. So I wrote a story featuring a guy like that, who made a stupid mistake—and paid for it—and wanted little more of life when he left prison bars behind than to prove himself a changed man.

Christian Suspense Author Mary Alford - Review

"This is a heartwarming story of love overcoming all obstacles. I thoroughly enjoyed the romance and the characters that Ms. Lough created in this epic story and I can’t wait to read what she has in store for us next."

It's All About the Romance - The Setting



All stories in the “By Way of the Lighthouse” series are set in and around Baltimore, and feature the quaint, picturesque, and historic streets, shops, and homes.

Bookworm Lisa - Review

"This book dealt with some real emotional issues. I was impressed the Loree Lough took a tough subject matter and turned it into a positive. There are so many psychological issues that had to be overcome for this book to succeed. I felt that it was done well.

If you like books about second chances, success in spite of obstacles, family loyalty, and honor, this may be a book for you to dive into."

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

He’d forgotten how good, how right she felt in his arms. If she kept looking up at him that way he’d kiss her, long and hard and…

Ian cleared his throat. “You look pretty good in an evening gown.”

“And you look pretty good in a tux.”

“Good thing it didn’t snow, like Marty Bass said it would.”

“In his defense, he said might.”

“So he did…”

“But you’re right. If it had snowed, I’d break my neck in these shoes.”

Nicole's Book Musings - The Song that Changed Everything

On the night of the big charity ball, Ian and Maleah shared a dance. Just one dance. But it was enough to remind them both how perfect their young love had been…

Getting Your Read On - Review

"The whole premise of the book is such an interesting one and I was caught up in Ian's struggle. There is just something about a story of second chances, especially one in the extreme like this one. It wasn't just a second chance at love but a second chance at life."

Thoughts of a Blonde - Review

"Redemption, turmoil and undying love are brought to life in Loree Lough’s latest release! We meet Ian, a tarnished man who has gone to great lengths to turn his life around and is such a joy to grow to adore throughout the book. The heroine however, is not easy to love. She’s a kind and generous soul to everyone else, but to him, she’s self-righteous and hurtful. In the end, we have to find forgiveness in our heart as well as we make our way through the story towards that happily-ever-after..."

underneath the covers - Excerpt

He missed hearing her sweet-yet-sultry voice. Missed those big glittery blue eyes, too. Once, that cheery smile had the power to light every dark corner of his life and make him forget that his mother had chosen another man over him and his dad.

Inside the Mind of an Avid Reader - Review

"This book has every thing you could want from a clean contemporary romance. You have heartache, love, laughter, and of course the Happily Ever After. If you looking for something to just make you feel good while your reading it and keep a smile on your face this book is perfect for you."

And don't forget to enter the giveaway below...

The Man She Knew
(By Way of the Lighthouse, #1)
by Loree Lough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
June 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Don't they both deserve a second chance?

Fourteen years ago, one reckless act cost Ian Sylvestry everything, including the girl he planned to marry. Since then, he has fought hard to turn his life around. Returning to his Baltimore town after serving a prison term was the first step. Winning back Maleah Turner's trust is a far more daunting challenge. From their first sparks-flying reunion, it's obvious they still have powerful feelings for each other. In fact, they might be even stronger together now. But if their second chance is going to work, Maleah has to believe that Ian is a changed man. She really wants to believe…but she simply isn't convinced.

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleHarlequin

About the Author


Bestselling author LOREE LOUGH once sang for her supper, performing across the U.S. and Canada. Now and then, she blows the dust from her 6-string to croon a tune or two, but mostly, she writes novels that have earned hundreds of industry and "Readers' Choice" awards, 4- and 5-star reviews, and 7 book-to-movie options. The Man She Knew, #1 in her “By Way of the Lighthouse” series, her 3rd for Harlequin Heartwarming, is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Harlequin.com.

Tour Giveaway

- Two winners will receive a $10 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
- Two winners will receive an ebook of THE MAN SHE KNEW (open internationally)
- Two winners will receive a print copy of THE MAN SHE KNEW (US only)
- Ends June 13th

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Grab Our Button!

Thursday, June 8, 2017

Blog Tour for "Romancing Daphne" by Sarah Eden + tour giveaway!


Romancing Daphne by Sarah M. EdenRomancing Daphne by Sarah M. Eden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Genre: Regency Romance

Book Description:  As her first London Season looms before her, the thought of the impending social whirl fills Daphne Lancaster's timid heart with dread. She hasn't her sisters beauty nor their talent for conversing easily. Even her family's enviable connections may not be enough to prevent disaster.

But Daphne's misery turns to surprised delight when the first event of her Season brings an unexpected visitor to her door—James Tilburn, whose tender kindness stole her heart in her youth. When the handsome young gentleman expresses his desire to court her, Daphne is elated. Their feelings for each other quickly grow, and it appears that, much to Daphne s disbelief, her happily ever after is within reach.

Yet nothing is as it seems. The couple finds themselves caught in a tangled web of greed and deceit, leaving James and Daphne to determine whether they are willing to risk everything for true love.



My thoughts; I didn't realize that this book was part of a series of books that feature one of my all time favorite characters, The Duke of Kielder. The first book that I read of Sarah Eden's was Courting Miss Lancaster. From that moment I have read everything I can get my hands on written by Sarah Eden. While this book is part of a series, you can read them separately, but I do recommend starting with Seeking Persephone. It will give you an introduction to the characters and you may come to appreciate the Duke as much as I do.

Daphne is the third daughter and she hides behind the persona of mediocrity. She has been told that she is plain, so she dresses plainly. She doesn't think she is witty, so she hides her personality from others. She has read extensively and hides her intelligence. In fact, running and hiding is the talent she shows the word. The fact is that she is a very accomplished, intelligent, and kind person.

James Tilburn is a young man with a domineering father. He has spent his life trying to take care of everyone in his his family, leaving his thoughts and desires in the background. He is "forced" to seek out Daphne and give her a boost into society by pretending to be a suitor. Somewhere along the line, the pretending and the desire to court Daphne become blurred, but he is caught in a trap not of his own making.

I loved this book. I love this family. I hope Sarah Eden writes more about the Lancaster's. There is a younger sister and a brother that I would love to read a story about. :) I admire the dry humor, brutal honesty, and fear that Kielder inspires. His escapades and personality are "laugh out loud" moments. Not to say that I didn't like James and Daphne. Keilder always steals the show for me.

If you haven't read these books, "what are you waiting for!"

Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. The gushing and loving the book are my own thoughts and opinions!



Online Purchase Links:


Sarah M. EdenAbout the Author: (Taken from Deseret Book)  SARAH M. EDEN read her first Jane Austen novel in elementary school and has been an Austen addict ever since. Fascinated by the English Regency era, Eden became a regular in that section of the reference department at her local library, where she painstakingly researched this extraordinary chapter in history. Eden is an award-winning author of short stories and was a Whitney Award finalist for her novels Seeking Persephone and Courting Miss Lancaster. Visit her at www.sarahmeden.com.

Enter the tour giveaway:
(Prize and winner notificaton will be coming from Covenant Communications.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit the Tour Stops:


*June 5th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://www.kindleandme.com/, https://atransparentmom.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/ 

 *June 6th: http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/, http://readingismysuperpower.org/, https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/ 

*June 7th: http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/, http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/

 *June 8th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/ 

*June 9th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://thethingsilovemost.com/, http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/, http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/


Wednesday, June 7, 2017

The Man She Knew by Loree Lough (Blog Tour + Giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

The Man She Knew
(By Way of the Lighthouse, #1)
by Loree Lough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
June 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source Received to review as part of this blog tour.

Book Description:    Don't they both deserve a second chance?

Fourteen years ago, one reckless act cost Ian Sylvestry everything, including the girl he planned to marry. Since then, he has fought hard to turn his life around. Returning to his Baltimore town after serving a prison term was the first step. Winning back Maleah Turner's trust is a far more daunting challenge. From their first sparks-flying reunion, it's obvious they still have powerful feelings for each other. In fact, they might be even stronger together now. But if their second chance is going to work, Maleah has to believe that Ian is a changed man. She really wants to believe…but she simply isn't convinced.


My thoughts:  A stupid decision can alter the path of your life. Ian Sylvestry learned this fact when he was sent to prison, leaving the girl he loved heartbroken. Years have passed and he is a successful businessman, but he still has not made amends with Maleah.


This book was about second chances. How do you take a wrong and find a way to make it right? Ian knows that he has lost trust and respect, but knows he is a man worthy of both. His past broke him and he is letting it break his future happiness.

Maleah comes from a family of law enforcement. The last person they want her to find happiness with is an ex-felon. She has problems overcoming the hurt that he put her through. How can she let go of the past to find happiness with Ian?

This book dealt with some real emotional issues. I was impressed the Loree Lough took a tough subject matter and turned it into a positive. There are so many psychological issues that had to be overcome for this book to succeed. I felt that it was done well.

If you like books about second chances, success in spite of obstacles, family loyalty, and honor, this may be a book for you to dive into. It is clean with kissing.






Bestselling author LOREE LOUGH once sang for her supper, performing across the U.S. and Canada. Now and then, she blows the dust from her 6-string to croon a tune or two, but mostly, she writes novels that have earned hundreds of industry and "Readers' Choice" awards, 4- and 5-star reviews, and 7 book-to-movie options. The Man She Knew, #1 in her “By Way of the Lighthouse” series, her 3rd for Harlequin Heartwarming, is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Harlequin.com.
Tour Giveaway

- Two winners will receive a $10 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
- Two winners will receive an ebook of THE MAN SHE KNEW (open internationally)
- Two winners will receive a print copy of THE MAN SHE KNEW (US only)
- Ends June 13th

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Grab Our Button!