Beloved Hope by Tracie Peterson

Beloved Hope by Tracie Peterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to review
Genre:  Historial Christian Fiction

Book Description:  A Compelling Novel of Forgiveness and Hope from Leading Author Tracie Peterson 

Hope Flanagan survived the massacre at the Whitman Mission, but at terrible personal cost. Safe now in Oregon City, she lives with her sisters, Grace and Mercy, and Grace's new husband, Alex. As she spends her days tending their flock of sheep, Hope's mind and soul are slowly healing. Yet, though she was once surrounded by suitors, she has no interest in giving her heart again after the man she loved died in her arms.

Hope's precarious new peace is shattered when those responsible for the massacre are captured and put on trial. She is asked to testify against them, but she's not sure she can bear to relive the events of those horrific days.

As Hope struggles to free herself from the pain of her past, Lance Kenner, an Army lieutenant, brings an unexpected ray of light into her life. But what will Lance think of her if he learns the truth behind her anguish? And what secrets lie in his past?


My thoughts: Wow! It is hard to find the words to express the emotions that I am feeling at the end of this book. Tracie Peterson has taken a difficult subject and left me with a feeling of peace. The first book in the series was hard to read, the characters suffered at the hands of others. It was a book of understanding. This book is one of healing.

The book starts as Hope is asked to testify against the men responsible for the Whitman Massacre. The range of her emotions is understandable and reasonable. It is hard not to hate the man who repeatedly raped you and killed the man you love. Army Lieutenant Lance Kenner keeps her from making a mistake that would effect the rest of her life.

The romance starts slowly. They are friends. I loved that it wasn't rushed, part of that was Hope's need to heal and come to terms with her past. Lance is understanding, sympathetic, and very good for her.

Hope has an excellent support system. The bond between the sisters has grown stronger and they truly love each other. It would be nice if everyone who had gone through trauma had sisters like Grace and Mercy.

I feel as if Tracie Peterson was able to establish the feelings between the white man and the Native American in a fair way. Tensions were high in the Oregon Territory in the 1840's. The white man encroached on Indian territory and threatened their way of life. Both sides of the dispute are presented. This story is from the view point of a white settler victim, but some of the characters have Native American friends. I felt compassion for all of the people in the story.

This story has a strong Christian theme. Hope is learning to have a better relationship with God and to trust Him as she struggles with her fear and hatred. I love how this was presented. There is so much hope and forgiveness in this book. It is inspiring.

The book does have some violence and the mention of rape in the past.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads) Tracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.

Visit her Website!

#Moonstruck by Sariah Wilson

#Moonstruck by Sariah Wilson
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: I requested a copy from Netgalley
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Description:  After pop star Ryan De Luna praises Maisy Harrison’s YouTube cover of his classic hit, he offers Maisy and her fledgling band the opportunity of a lifetime: to be his opening act.

Music may be Maisy’s life, but she has one ground rule: never date a musician. That goes double for a heartbreaker like Ryan. If only she didn’t feel so vulnerable to his larger-than-life charm. And maybe now more than ever, when he asks for her help to shake off his playboy image. How can she resist playing the part of his fake girlfriend for the duration of the tour?

Ryan’s never met anyone like Maisy. She sees past all the star-studded fame and treats him like any other guy. And the more time they spend together, the more he finds himself falling for her. Now he’d like to make their imaginary fling an IRL thing. But can he convince her to take a chance and trust him with her heart?

My thoughts: I don't think you can go wrong with a Sariah Wilson book. She has a writing style that appeals to me and I love it!

This is the second book in the #Lovestruck series. It's basically about famous people falling in love with the guy/girl next door. From the very beginning the dialogue between Maisy and Ryan is amazing. The banter drew me in and didn't let me go.

Maisy and Ryan have parent issues. It makes Maisy hard to trust a man, but a musician is an absolute "no"! That is until she meets Ryan and he breaks down most of her barriers. The relationship between Maisy and her brothers, Ryan and her brothers, her brothers and attractive females.... is fantastic. The core of characters is solid. I could not have asked for more.

The romance is pretty intense. Maisy and Ryan are attracted from the beginning, but she puts up boundaries and fights her feelings. She has vowed to wait until marriage to have intimate relations with a man, and it adds for some interesting conversations. Ryan is a gentleman, but there is a definite heat factor between them.

The books contains some pretty great kissing and lots of innuendo.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

About the Author: (Taken from Amazon)  Bestselling author Sariah Wilson has never jumped out of an airplane, never climbed Mt. Everest, and is not a former CIA operative. She has, however, been madly, passionately in love with her soulmate and is a fervent believer in happily ever afters--which is why she writes romance. She has published many happily ever after stories. She grew up in southern California, graduated from Brigham Young University (go Cougars!) with a semi-useless degree in history, and is the oldest of nine (yes, nine) children. She currently lives with the aforementioned soulmate and their four children in Utah, along with three tiger barb fish, a cat named Tiger, and a recently departed hamster that is buried in the backyard (and has nothing at all to do with tigers). 

Her website is www.sariahwilson.com.

Shauna Gonzales is part of the "Great Summer Reads"

Shaunna Gonzales currently resides with her family in the greater Seattle area. Married

over thirty years, her role as wife and mother of four continue to be her priorities.

A storyteller in her youth, she endevored to extend her love of stories to the written word and in 2005 began to write her first novel. Though that manuscript will remain buried, she has continued to learn.

Once told by her doctors that she would never leave her wheelchair -- due to her Multiple sclerosis. It has been tucked in a closet while she continues on. (In other words muddles on.)

Shaunna has worked as a professional reviewer for InD'Tales eMagazine for three years. In 2012 she also served as the vice president of Moonwriters, the on-line chapter of American Night Writers Association (ANWA She prefers to write romantic fiction and has ventured into the romantic suspense, and time-travel genres. Her debut novel, Dark Day s of Promise was released by Desert Breeze Publishing in 2012 re-released 2015.

Although she prefers to spend her days writing, she is willing to share what she has learned from the school of life and is often found "giving back." 

~ Facebook ~ Website ~
~ Amazon ~ Goodreads ~

Thirty-four year old Vicki Laramie must learn to trust before she can love, but she might die trying.

While Vicki’s children grapple with the death of their father -- a man whom she’s successfully fabricated as loving, a lie her rebellious teenager recognizes -- she must find a way to support her family and find a role model for her boys. 

She never intends to fall for Staff Sergeant Chase, her best friend’s son, who suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She’d much rather choose a safer man to love, but her children have a voice in the decision she makes. 

With two deaths to deal with, a suitor after her money, a rebellious son, and Sergeant Chase’s repeated attacks, she can only hope to survive the danger she faces. If she doesn’t, her children will be left without either parent.

~ Universal Amazon Link ~ 

~ iTunes ~ Kobo ~ 

~ B&N ~ Smashwords ~

Author Interview:

1.     How long does it take you to write a book, and what was your fastest book to write?

a.     A year but my shortest book took me about six months.

2.     What is your favorite thing to do in the summertime?

a.     Sit in the shade beside my garden.

3.     Is there a message in your book you hope to share with your readers?

a.     No not really but I did in my first book I did.

4.     Are any of your characters based on real people?

a.     Yes, some of my shady characters are based on an ex-boyfriend or my sister's ex-husband

5.     What advice would you give to others who wish to become authors?

a.     Just do it, no matter what the nay-sayers say.

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event Page 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rachael Anderson is coming out with another book! Sneak an early peak at the cover!

Coming in November!

A New Book by A Favorite Author!!

  My Brother's Bride by Rachael Anderson Abigail Nash leads a lonely existence. Her mother died giving birth to her, her father's business dealings took him away more often than not, and her ailing great-aunt, unable to provide much in the way of companionship, was a lack-luster guardian at best. So when her dear friends offered to launch her into London society, it appeared Abby's life was taking a turn for the better, with suitors and social engagements aplenty. When she marries a proclaimed darling of the ton, it seems she will at last settle into the life of her dreams. But appearances aren't always what they seem, and dreams often become disappointments. Just months into her marriage, Abby finds herself widowed, penniless, increasing, and determined to never hope again. But when her late husband's brother, the Earl of Brigston, attempts to thaw the numbness surrounding her heart, Abby must decide if she has it in her to risk another chance at happiness, knowing the odds are not in her favor.

   


Author Rachael Anderson A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.  

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Newsletter

BookBub * Goodreads * Amazon Author Page

$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in Paypal Cash Ends 8/31/18 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

The Affair at Wildemoore by Annette Lyon

The Affair at Wildemoore: A Romance Novella by Annette Lyon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source: Received to review.
Genre: Regency Romance Novella

Book Description:  Ellen Stanhope escorts her three daughters to a ball. As her oldest flirts with a beau, Ellen is reminded of her courtship and early years of marriage with Anthony, before tragedy struck, which made their marriage fade and dull. Not until Ellen sees Anthony dancing with a woman he courted years before does she realize how much she misses him, still loves him, and wish he still loved her.



My thoughts: Usually romance books are written about  newly discovered love. This book focuses on a couple who have been married for awhile and have allowed their romance to grow stagnant. Love is something that has to be worked at, it's wonderful to read a story about rekindling feelings.

I could easily relate to their feelings and the evolution of a relationship. Life gets in the way of focusing on a your spouse. They both reminisced on the past and it was a reminder of what yet could be.

I read this novella in less than an hour.  This is the perfect in-between books story or for when you don't have a lot of time.  It is clean with kissing.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Laurie Lewis is part of the Great Summer Reads promotion!

Laurie (L.C.) Lewis will always be a Marylander at heart—a weather-whining lover of crabs, American history, and the sea. She admits to being craft-challenged, particularly lethal with a glue gun, and a devotee of sappy movies. Her ninth published novel, her first romance novella, Sweet Water, was inspired by a visit to Oregon’s magnificent coastline, and time spent with Mother Eugenie, upon whom the character Mother Thomasine is based. 

Laurie’s women’s fiction novels include The Dragons of Alsace Farm (2016), Awakening Avery (2010), and Unspoken (2004), written as Laurie Lewis. 

Using the pen name L.C. Lewis, she wrote the five volumes of her award-winning FREE MEN and DREAMERS historical fiction series, set against the backdrop of the War of 1812: Dark Sky at Dawn (2007), Twilight’s Last Gleaming (2008), Dawn’s Early Light (2009), Oh, Say Can You See? (2010), and In God is Our Trust, (2011).

She is currently completing a political suspense novel planned for a summer 2017 release, a re -release of a romantic comedy, and she’s working on another historical fiction novel for a 2018 release. She loves to hear from readers.

~ Facebook ~ Website ~
~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~
~ Goodreads ~

Fears and secrets are the dragons we each must face. . . 

In need of his own redemption, Noah Carter finally confronts his childhood hero, the once-beloved uncle who betrayed him. Instead of vengeance, he offers forgiveness, also granting Uncle John a most curious request—for Noah to work on the ramshackle farm of Agnes Deveraux Keller, a French WWII survivor with dementia.

Despite all Agnes has lost, she still has much to teach Noah. But the pair’s unique friendship is threatened when Tayte, Agnes’s estranged granddaughter, arrives to claim a woman whose circumstances and abilities are far different from those of the grandmother she once knew.

Items hidden in Agnes’s attic raise painful questions about Tayte’s dead parents, steeling Tayte’s determination to save Agnes, even if it requires her to betray the very woman she came to save, and the secret her proud grandmother has guarded for seventy years.

The issue strains the fragile trust between Tayte and Noah, who now realizes Tayte is fighting her own secrets, her own dragons. Weighed down by past guilt and failures, he feels ill-equipped to help either woman, until he remembers Agnes’s lessons about courage and love. In order to save Agnes, the student must now become the teacher, helping Tayte heal—for Agnes’s sake, and for his. 

~ Universal Amazon Link ~ 
~ Goodreads ~ 

Author Interview:

1.     What is the thing you struggle with the most while writing? And how do you defeat it?

a.     Self-doubt is my biggest nemesis. The little voices tell me there are more critical things to do than write. And there clearly are, but then I  tell myself that the books authors write help others to push their own hard things back for a while, and then I feel good about hitting the keyboard again.

2.     What kind of music do you listen to while you write?

a.     I’m inclined to listen to soft music—Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Alex and Sierra, and David Archuletta.

3.     What is your favorite part of writing? O

a.     h wow, there are so many delightful things. Creating interesting characters is fun. Sometimes I just laugh my head off at their idiosyncrasies, and sometimes they become part of you. I love seeing complex threads come together seamlessly. That’s when you know your story is tight and comes full circle. Typing THE END feels great because you met your goal. And the best part is hearing back from readers when they tell you your book touched them in some way. That’s immeasurably wonderful!

4.     Which of your personality traits did you write into you characters? (Deliberately or accidentally)

a.     All my characters have some part of me in them. It’s how I can relate to them and help them grow. Tayte from “The Dragons of Alsace Farm,” is very much me. She wants to do what’s right, but she has a tendency to be a steamroller. I think I do a pretty good job of reigning that trait in, but it’s there.

5.     Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

a.     There are a few. First and foremost, I hope “Dragons” inspires readers to have the hard conversations with their aging loved ones early. There is so much guilt in managing an aging loved one’s life, and it triples when that loved one has dementia. Knowing their wishes and working out a plan before it hits, relieves so much of that guilt. Secondly, I hope readers feel the power of redemption in the book, that we all need to  be, and can be redeemed from even our biggest mistakes.

6.     Do you have any advice for other writers?

a.     Get started. Get a notebook to jot down things that inspire you—character treats of people you meet, places that wow you, fun words and names, story ideas, etc. Make a character bible for each of your characters. Know them and what they like look so well that you can see and hear them as you write. Outline your story. It’s awful, and the creative part of our brain hates doing it, but it will make your story stronger, and you’ll write more quickly with better continuity.

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event Page 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Meet Author Donna Hatch ~ Great Summer Reads

Donna Hatch is the author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” and a winner of writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8 and has been listening to those voices ever since. She has become a sought-after workshop presenter, and also juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, and most of all, her six children (seven, counting her husband). A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.

~ Facebook ~ Website ~ 
~ Amazon ~
~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~

The widowed Elise is a perfect English lady living within the confines of society for the sake of her impressionable young son. Her quiet world is shattered when she meets the impulsive and scandalous Jared Amesbury. His roguish charm awakens her yearning for adventure. But his irrepressible grin and sea-green eyes hide a secret.

A gentleman by day, a pirate by night, Jared must complete one last assignment from the Secret Service before he can be truly free. Elise gives him hope that he, too, can find love and belonging. His hopes are crushed when his best laid plans go awry and Elise is dragged into his world of violence and deceit. She may not survive the revelation of Jared's past...or still love him when the truth is revealed.

The Guise of a Gentleman is a clean and wholesome Regency Romance, a.k.a. "clean" that explores finding one's true self, loyalty, honor, and trusting loved ones. With plenty of swashbuckling action, it provides a several good twists that play off of familiar situations and proudly proclaims the redemptive power of love.

~ Universal Amazon Link ~ 
~ Goodreads ~ 

Author Interview:

1.      What is your favorite book that is not yours?

That’s almost like asking me which of my children is my favorite. I love so many! It might be a shorter list of favorite authors. One of my favorites as a child, that I read over and over was A Little Princess by Frances Hodgsen Burnett. I also ate up the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

2.      Do you write in multiple genres? Which genre is your favorite to write?

I’m pretty stuck on historical—specifically Regency, but I’m also published in fantasy (with strong romantic elements) and plan to write more fantasies, too.

3.      How young were you when you started writing?

I dabbled with in when I was in second grade and go serious in junior high.

4.      If you could meet any author, past or present, who would it be and why?

Probably Jane Austen, partly to ask her questions about the era in which she lived to fill in research holes, but also because she was both snarky and romantic that I think we are kindred spirits.

5.      How long does it take you to write a book, and what was your fastest book to write?

Each book is different. I can write a novella in a few weeks if I really put my mind to it. Once, I wrote one over a weekend. A full-length novel usually takes several months. The fastest I ever wrote a full-length novel was probably somewhere in the area of three months.

6.      What is your favorite thing to do in the summertime?

Hands down, my favorite summer activity is go to the beach. In fact, I’ll do that in the winter, too—I just dress differently. I also love to swim if the water’s warm, and to go hiking if it’s not too hot.

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event Page 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Secret of Haversham House by Julie Matern (Blog tour with a Giveaway)

The Secret of Haversham House by Julie Matern
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from publisher to review
Genre: Historical Romance

Book Description:  Francesca Haversham is eighteen years old and about to step into a glittering future--all she has to do is secure her wealth with an advantageous marriage. Then she learns the truth: her entire identity is a lie. Now Francesca faces a horrible choice. Will she give up all she knows or continue to lie about her past and risk everything, including her heart?



My thoughts: This book is titled The Secret of Haversham House, but instead of using the word Secret, I think Secrets would be appropriate.

I loved the start of the book. A couple who have longed and prayed for a baby are unexpectedly given the opportunity to be parents to a beautiful baby girl. The problem is that they are British Nobility and blood lines are everything to the peerage.

I found myself thinking about love and loyalty while reading this book. Who are the people who will stay close to you when they find out that you are not exactly what they imagined you to be? Does birth parents compared to adopted parents really matter? Who will try to take advantage of you for their own gain? There are many points to contemplate.

I enjoyed the fact that this is a book about love. There is romantic love, but there is so much more. There is love and acceptance from family near and far. Francesca has many more people who care about her for who she is that who would ridicule her for her birth circumstances.

This book is well written. It has a feeling and a flow to it that you would expect to find in a book written years ago, rather than recently. The main secret is revealed from the start, so I didn't feel it was a spoiler to discuss it in this review. There are many more secrets that are revealed one at a time. A title does not mean someone is a good person, while someone of lowly birth can be full of integrity and honor.

This book discusses pre-marital relations and a person who ruins women's reputations on purpose. I found this to be clean and thoroughly enjoyed my time reading it.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon *  Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

Read an Excerpt:

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

Francesca stopped breathing as Mr. Ashbourne gently took her gloved hand in his and expertly spun her around the room, leaving her former partner spluttering at the lack of manners, in the center of the dance floor. She became dizzy at the realization that Mr. Ashbourne was actually dancing with her. After several turns, he lowered his head and whispered into her ear, his nose tickling her skin and sending a thrill up her spine, causing a delicious sensation in her midriff. “Are you unwell?” he asked. “You look faint.” She recovered herself and observed that he had a playful smile on his lips, fully aware of the power his presence had on young ladies. Not wanting to appear as inexperienced as she really was, she blurted out, “Oh no, you merely surprised me, that is all.” “Then I shall take pleasure in surprising you whenever I can as it only serves to heighten your beauty!” Francesca’s cheeks burned under his scrutiny and she bent her neck to avoid his piercing gaze and gather her confused thoughts.

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

About the Author:  Julie Matern is a resident of Utah. She attended the University of Exeter in Exeter, England, and graduated with a double major in French and Education. She was born and raised in England, moving to America after her marriage and is the mother of six children. She has served in the PTA for over 20 years, taught tap dance, and enjoys amateur photography. She is the author of ‘British War Children’ ( for which she received a “Recommended Read” award from the League of Utah Writers) and ‘British War Children 2: An Enemy Among Us’.

Hometown: Highland, UT

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Visit the Tour Stops:

July 23-The Power of Words | Paulette’s Papers
July 24-Life is What It’s Called | Encouraging Words From the Tea Queen | Blooming with Books
July 25-Pause for Tales | Reading Is My SuperPower | Singing Librarian Books
July 26-Heidi Reads… | Bookworm Lisa | Why Not? Because I Said So!
July 27-Remembrancy | Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic 
July 28-Edits and Reviews by Leslie | Jorie Loves A Story​