Friday, August 31, 2018

The Captivating Lady Charlotte by Carolyn Miller

The Captivating Lady Charlotte by Carolyn   MillerThe Captivating Lady Charlotte by Carolyn Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: I purchased this one.
Genre: Christian Regency Romance

Book Description:  Her heart is her own--but her hand in marriage is another matter

Lady Charlotte Featherington is destined for great things on the marriage market. After all, as the beautiful daughter of a marquess, she should have her pick of the eligible nobility hen she debuts. She, however, has love at the top of her list of marriageable attributes. And her romantic heart falls hard for one particularly dashing, attentive suitor. Sadly for Charlotte, her noble father intends her betrothed to be someone far more dull.

William Hartwell may be a duke, but he knows he was Charlotte's father's pick, not the young lady's own choice. And the captivating Lady Charlotte does not strike him as a woman who will be wooed by his wealth or title. While she has captured his heart, he has no idea how to win hers in return--and the betrayal and scandal his first wife put him through makes it difficult for him to believe that love can ever be trusted. His only hope is that Charlotte's sense of responsibility will win out over her romantic notions.

Can a widowed duke and a romantically inclined lady negotiate a future and discover love beyond duty? Will they be able to find healing and hope from the legacy of grace? Poignant and charming, this is another beautifully written, clean and wholesome Regency romance from Carolyn Miller.
 



My thoughts: Lady Charlotte is a gently bred woman in the Regency Period. She has grown up with expectations on what her life should be. As she has her presentation to the Queen and is accepted for her Season, her hopes for love in a marriage are dashed when she realizes that her parents will not approve of the men who are turning her head.

Charlotte grows up a lot in this book. She starts as a silly girl and becomes a woman of grace and compassion. She grew on me as the book progressed. She has to learn what love really looks like, what she wants in her life, and how to serve others.

The Duke is a complex man. He lived a lie with his late wife and is still hurting from deceit. For some reason he is drawn to Charlotte from the moment he met her, but he is not wanting to put his heart in the hand of another and be hurt again.

This book was a interesting. Carolyn Miller's tale takes us into ballrooms, drawing rooms, London, and the countryside. The book's romance is not sudden, but it is built upon and nurtured. There is also a mystery on the side that adds intrigue.

This book contains some kissing and a little violence. It is also a Christian Regency Romance



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Carolyn   Miller
About the Author (Taken from Goodreads)  Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn's previous novels have won several contests, including the 2014 RWA "Touched by Love" and 2014 ACFW Gensis contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and My Book Therapy.


Thursday, August 30, 2018

Aligned with Christ by Toni Sorenson (Blog tour with a giveaway)




Aligned With Christ
Aligned with Christ by Toni Sorenson
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Nonfiction/Religion

Book Description:  Is there a sure way to know that what you’re doing is what the Savior would have you do? Best-selling author Toni Sorenson’s inspiring series, including Defined by Christ and Refined by Christ, has motivated audiences to assess and strengthen their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Now, the author invites you to be aligned with Christ and learn to turn mind, body, and will to the Savior and to claim the peace that comes from the assurance that you’re truly in tune with heaven. For those struggling to strengthen their relationship with Jesus and for all who are striving to withstand mortality’s feelings of unworthiness and hopelessness, this volume provides a simple, scripturally rich roadmap intended to lead you on a joyous journey of self-examination—to assess your own spiritual alignment, to reroute when necessary, and to come to know the love of the Savior—not just when you reach your desired destination, but along every step of the way. 


My thoughts: This is a book that I need in my life right now.  I haven't finished it yet.  I dropped my son off at the Provo MTC this week and I am realizing how much I need to work on my testimony and spirituality.

This is a book that I will finish and post my review here when it is completed.


Online Purchase Links:



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Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Coming in November ~ A Yuletide Regency Romance Collection! (I can't wait)

I am a fan of the "Timeless Romance" Anthologies.  I have read many of them.  I have yet to come across one that I didn't absolutely love!


From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean & Wholesome Romance, comes A YULETIDE REGENCY.



Pre-order your copy today!



Monday, August 27, 2018

Coming to theaters in October ~ Jane and Emma (tour with a giveaway)




JANE & EMMA is based on the life of Sister Jane Manning, one of the first black Mormons. She returns to Nauvoo to find that Joseph Smith, her prophet and friend, has been assassinated. Jane spends a ceaseless night with his widow, Emma Smith, sitting watch over the body of the prophet as a whirlwind of loss and confusion leaves them wondering how either one of them will be able to move forward. Through the long night, Jane wonders if the prophet’s promise to extend the blessings of eternity to her has died along with him. The film explores the possible events of that night, including Jane’s endeavor to remain amongst the Mormon people and Emma’s struggle to cope with her heartbreaking loss. Poignant issues of racism and polygamy threaten to break their bond of friendship. In the end, will Jane and Emma have the courage to follow the path each believes they must take?


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RELEASE DATE: 

October 12, 2019

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The JANE + EMMA cast includes Danielle Deadwyler as Jane (THE HAVES AND THE HAVE NOTS, GIFTED), Emily Goss as Emma Smith (THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET, SNAPSHOTS), Brad Schmidt as Joseph Smith (THE BIRTH OF A NATION, HOUSE OF LIES), and K. Danor Gerald as Isaac James (SAINTS AND SOLDIERS, THE VOID)

JANE & EMMA is directed by Chantelle Squires (THE WORK & THE GLORY trilogy) and written by Melissa Leilani Larson (FREETOWN). It is produced by Jenn Lee Smith, Madeline Jorgenson, and Tamu Smith and Zandra Vranes (Sistas in Zion) of Clearstone Films. The Executive Producers are Brent Jorgensen, Sundance Film Festival Co-Founder Stirling VanWagenen, and Jon Lear.

The movie also features the title song “Child of God,” performed by The Bonner Family.

Monday, August 20, 2018

Miss Serena's Secret by Carolyn Miller

Miss Serena's Secret (Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #2)Miss Serena's Secret by Carolyn Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Regency Romance



Book Description With devastating scars in her past, Serena Winthrop is sure no man can be trusted—especially not men like the far-too-smooth Viscount Charmichael. His reputation as a charmer and a gambler is everything she despises. And the young artist makes sure that this disreputable heir to an Earldom knows of her deep disapproval whenever they encounter one another.

Henry, Lord Carmichael, is perfectly aware of his charms to the women of the ton. He's gambled with plenty of their hearts as easily as he does their husband's money—it's all in good fun to him. But lately he's been wondering if there's more to life—and confronting the idea that his actions might not prove worthy of the admirable wives his friends have found.

When Serena's brother-in-law asks his best friend to protect his young ward, Henry promises to be on his best behavior and not woo her. But the more he learns of her, the more he realizes she might be his best reason for changing his character. Then the lady's art leads her to London infamy. Now Henry must choose between the life mapped out for him as the Earl apparent, and the love of his life. And Serena's secret may mean the end of his titled family line.

The second in a new series by internationally popular author Carolyn Miller is full of the same rich historical detail and evocative writing that readers enjoyed, and familiar characters make appearances here. The witty banter will continue to draw in fans of Jane Austen, Sarah Ladd, and Julie Klassen.



My thoughts: Miss Serena has a secret... but I haven't determined what exactly the secret is. It could be one of a few things. One of them wouldn't be horrendous in our day, but it would have ruined her in the Regency Era. She is a wonderful artist, who is not a man and very young? She has feelings for a man she deems as inappropriate or she has problems with her monthly cycle? For us today, any or all of the above would not be tragic.  (All of these issues are openly presented to the reader, so I don't know how big of a spoiler my mentioning them is.)

Overall, I found this book as a fun one to read. Serena has a hard time letting anyone in to her "bubble." She prefers to be with her art, but for a time, she even looses her interest in that. Her family is mostly supportive and help her through a nightmare for a young woman. Her trust in people has been lost due to a couple of circumstances she was a victim of.

Harry has a lot to overcome in this story. He has been a gambler and gave his "affections" too freely. His story is about learning the error of his ways and finding redemption. He realizes that he is not the man that he wants to be. His change has Christian themes. It is nice to be reminded that people can find redemption and forgiveness.

There were a few time when I felt that this book lagged a bit in pacing. It didn't keep me from turning the pages and finding enjoyment in the story. In fact, I can't wait to read the third. I have yet to read the first, but I have purchased a copy!

This book contains Christian content, mention of past physical relations, a man taking unwanted liberties with an innocent young women, and the evils of gambling addiction.



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Carolyn   Miller
About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn's previous novels have won several contests, including the 2014 RWA "Touched by Love" and 2014 ACFW Gensis contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and My Book Therapy.


Thursday, August 16, 2018

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie KlassenThe Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Historical Women's Fiction



Book Description:  New from the Top Author of Inspirational Regency Romance

Return to Ivy Hill in The Ladies of Ivy Cottage as friendships deepen, romances blossom, and mysteries unfold.

Living with the two Miss Groves in Ivy Cottage, impoverished gentlewoman Rachel Ashford is determined to earn her own livelihood . . . somehow. When the village women encourage her to open a subscription library with the many books she has inherited or acquired through donations, Rachel discovers two mysteries hidden among them. A man who once broke her heart helps her search for clues, but will both find more than they bargained for?

Rachel's friend and hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and fills her days managing her girls' school. So when several men take an interest in Ivy Cottage, she assumes pretty Miss Ashford is the cause. Exactly what--or who--has captured each man's attention? The truth may surprise them all.

Meanwhile, life has improved at the coaching inn and Jane Bell is ready to put grief behind her. Now if only the man she misses would return--but where is he?

As the women of Ivy Hill search for answers about the past and hope for the future, might they find love along the way?



My thoughts: It has been too long since I read The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill . I had forgotten several key points of the book. It took me a little while to get up to speed and continue on with the story. I highly recommend reading the first book before this one, or read them one right after the other.

This book is not fast paced, just like the first. Julie Klassen is building the story, piece by piece. It moves just like life would. I like that the book is not a race, but a story that is told in detail and interesting for the reader.

The books center around a group of friends who had grown apart, but have reconciled and found enjoyment in each others company. The friends are at different places in their lives. It is very interesting to see how they handle situations, disappointment, and heartbreak.

This book is a slow romance. Not all of the women find happiness at once. The book splits it's time between the characters and describes what is happening with their prospects. I love looking back at past time periods to see how much different we are today, but at our cores we are the same.

I liked this book better than the first, but I really think that I need to go back and re-read it. I want to see what I missed and be reminded of events. Jane's relationships are of particular interest to me.

This is a clean book. It does contain mention of infidelity and premarital relations.



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Julie Klassen
About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her books, The Silent GovernessThe Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also won the Midwest Book Award, the Minnesota Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award, and been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. She blogs at http://www.inspiredbylifeandfiction.com.

Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. 

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Anna the Prophetess by H.B. Moore (Blog Tour with a giveaway!)


Anna the Prophetess
Anna the Prophetess by H.B. Moore
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Biblical Fiction



Book Description:  Anna the Prophetess is the dramatic chronicle of the only woman to be called a prophetess in the Gospels. When Anna’s great-niece Julia is exiled to Jerusalem as punishment for her refusal to marry a man old enough to be her father, Anna shares the story of her early days of courtship with her husband. Although Julia’s parents admonished her to observe firsthand how lonely Anna’s life is, Julia instead discovers that her great-aunt’s life is far from lonely—it is full of love, peace, and incredible faith. As Anna shares her unwavering testimony of the coming Messiah with her great-niece, these two faithful women are changed forever as they seek the Lord’s will in their lives and joyfully witness the long-awaited miracles of Christ’s birth.

My thoughts: It is wonderful to read books about women in the scriptures that were full of faith.  Anna is the only woman to have earned the title of "prophetess" in the scriptures.  There isn't much known about her and why she received the distinction, but I love fiction, a way of wondering what her life would have been like and what lead her to her role in history.

This book is full of Jewish culture.  It is fascinating to me to look into what life may have been like for those who lived before.  H.B. Moore brings Anna to life by adding a fictional niece and talking about love and marriage.  They did things very differently and if not done properly, a young couple would be shunned.

This book brings the time and the scriptures to life.  Connecting with Anna and thinking of what her life could have been has deepened my love for the words and people of the Bible.  Anna had a great love for the Savior and in this book she is awaiting the day that she could see him for herself.

This is a fascinating and lovely book.  It is well written and brings the scriptures to life.



Online purchase links:



Heather B. Moore
About the Author (Taken from Goodreads)  Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author, with a dozen historical written under the pen name H.B. Moore. Latest is Slave Queen (Thomas & Mercer). Under Heather B. Moore she writes romance and women’s fiction and inspirational non-fiction, latest is Condemn Me Not: Accused of Witchcraft. Her various author names can be confusing so her kids just call her Mom.


Visit her blog for writing and book signing updates: http://mywriterslair.blogspot.com

Sign up for Heather's newsletter or email her with accolades at: www.hbmoore.com




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Monday, August 13, 2018

The Calico Ball ~ A Timeles Western Collection

Calico BallCalico Ball by Carla Kelly, Sarah Eden, Kristin Holt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Historical Romance Anthology

Book Description:  From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean & Wholesome Romance, comes CALICO BALL. 

Three brand new Historical Western Romance novellas by Carla Kelly, Sarah M. Eden, and Kristin Holt. 


THE KEEPER OF THE WESTERN DOOR by Carla Kelly
When Mary Blue Eye travels to Wyoming Territory with her friend to help her settle into her new married life at Fort Laramie, Mary is treated more like a servant than the friend she thought she was. Thankfully, she finds a new friend in Sergeant Blade, though Mary fears that her Seneca Indian heritage will keep a man like Blade from truly caring for her. Soon Mary is tasked with making fourteen calico dresses in two weeks, and Blade turns out to be the best ally she could ever ask for.

A CONVENIENT ARRANGEMENT by Sarah M. Eden
Patrick Quinn needs a wife. Hiring maids who leave within weeks to marry another fellow in a female-scarce Wyoming town hasn’t been helpful. Quinn needs a woman who will stay. When he writes to a mail-order bride service, and four-foot-eleven Mirabelle Smith shows up, they agree to each attend to their own duties and tasks. Their marriage will be a convenient arrangement for them both. But sometimes the heart has other ideas.

ISABELLA’S CALICO GROOM by Kristin Holt
Dr. Henry Merritt is desperate for dental patients, especially since Dr. Isabella Pattison arrived in the growing town of Evanston in the Wyoming Territory. It seems the female patients want a woman’s touch, and the male patients are quite fond of a pretty dentist. But if Henry doesn’t find a way to put Isabella out of business, his own practice will go under. When Isabella proposes that they team up together, and Henry gets to know her, he discovers the last thing he wants is for Isabella to leave.



My thoughts: Another winner from the Timeless Romance Collections. Calico Ball shares three stories set in the Western Frontier. Each of the stories share the theme of a the characters participating in a Calico Ball. Now, I did not know what a Calico Ball was before reading this book. It was a worthy endeavor. The women would make a dress made of Calico, attend the ball, and then donate it to someone in need.

I love the variety of the stories. Each of the female MC's are very different in personality and circumstance. The first story has a woman who is a Native American and how she is treated differently from the white women, even though she is a woman of refinement.

The second story the woman is a mail-order bride. She is spunky and sweet and wants nothing more than to be loved. A commodity that she has not know in her life. The issue of the donated dress is sweet and loved how it turned out. You have to read it to discover the compassion of an ornery old man.

The final story is about a professional woman, she is a dentist during the time when it frowned upon for women to have a career. She breaks many barriers and is not what she seems to be at the beginning of the story.

The three stories make you think about life and values. I enjoyed every moment lost in this book and it is one that I would pick up and read again. It is clean with a few kisses scattered in.



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Wednesday, August 8, 2018

The Roses of Feldstone by Esther Hatch ~ Blog tour with a giveaway!


The Roses of Feldstone by Esther HatchThe Roses of Feldstone by Esther Hatch
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre:  Regency Romance

Book Description:  Standing before Feldstone Manor, site of so many happy memories, Rose Davenport feels nothing but dread. Her family’s annual visit to the stately home was once brightened by her friendship with the earl’s youngest son, William, but everything changed the day his elder brother was disinherited and William became heir to his father’s earldom. From that moment, William made it clear he has no interest in continuing an acquaintance with Rose. Heartbroken, she sets out to prove that she will simply not be ignored—or outdone—by the arrogant future lord of the manor. When his elder brother marries for love, William’s entire life changes in an instant. He does not have the same option to marry whom he chooses, and he must let go of the feelings he has harbored for his dear friend, Rose. He steels himself against her annual visits, determined to keep his feelings for her a secret. But when he makes the hasty promise to marry within six months, he never dreams that his actions will lead Rose to impulsively undertake the same challenge.



My thoughts: I love a book that makes me feel good and has depth to it. I found both of these aspects in The Roses of Feldstone.

Rose is a character that I loved. She is smart and unassuming. She was born to privilege, but treats everyone with kindness and compassion. (Unless there is a suitor she wants to avoid, then she just hides.) She treats tenants, servants, and abused chimney sweeps as if they were friends. No one is beneath her notice or concern. She is strong and knows how to speak her mind, even when her thoughts could get her into trouble. She is great at banter and holding her own against her childhood friend, William.

William is more of a troubled character. He will inherit his father's title and estate after his brother left in scandal. He is cautious and more concerned with everyone else with little regard to his own welfare and emotions. Rose was the perfect nemesis and love interest for him. She remembers the boy who showed her great kindness.

This book has more than romance. For one, there is a deeper meaning to the Roses in the title. I love it when the title is well thought out and plays a part in the plot of the book. Also, the author adds a bit about the abuse of chimney sweeps in London. The story of a young boy forced into the trade is heartbreaking. Child labor laws were a blessing.

I enjoyed every moment I spent in the pages of this book. It is well worth the time to read. It does contain some kissing.



Online Purchase Links:


Esther Hatch
About the Author:  (Taken from Amazon)  Esther Hatch grew up on a cherry orchard in rural Utah. After high school, she alternated living in Russia to teach children English and attending Brigham Young University in order to get a degree in archaeology. She began writing when one of her favorite authors invited her to join a critique group. The only catch was she had to be a writer. Not one to be left out of an opportunity to socialize and try something new; she started on her first novel that week. Visit her at estherhatch.com.



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Saturday, August 4, 2018

Love on a Limb by Laurie Lewis ~ Great Summer Reads





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.





Matthew Grayken is young, successful, and dying, which is why he’s about to propose to a total stranger. He isn’t interested in love. He needs a caregiver, a companion, and someone to be his legal voice when he can no longer speak for himself.



Lonely, compassionate nurse Mikaela Compton is intrigued by Matt Grayken’s tender request, but when their friendly marriage turns into love, she rejects the inevitability of Matt’s death and prays for a miracle instead.


Mikaela succeeds in reigniting Matt’s will to fight, but his body is losing the battle, and her determination to save him causes her to betray the fundamental promise she made him--to help him die peaceably.


Their last hope at saving Matt's life will require a sacrifice from each of them, and force them to decide how far out on a limb they're willing to go for love.




Author Interview:
         
1)     What is your favorite book that is not yours?                     
a)      From  Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon. It's a difficult, brilliant book.
2)     Do you write in multiple genres? Which genre is your favorite to write? 
a)     Yes. I love the challenge of writing emotional but clean romance but I do love the research of historical fiction.
3)     How young were you when you started writing?
a)     I can't remember a time when I didn't write. When I was a kid, I wrote episodes of my favorite TV shows, casting me playing opposite my favorite teen idols like Bobby Sherman and David Cassidy. 
4)     If you could meet any author, past or present, who would it be and why?   
a)     I'd love to sit down with Nicholas Sparks. Anyone with that many bestsellers would make a great mentor.
5)     How long does it take you to write a book, and what was your fastest book to write?
a)      I'm slow. I usually plan for two novels a year, but historical fiction novels take a full year at least because of the research. I've been working on a WWII novel for over a year because the research requires live interviews with the main character--an 88-year-old French WWII survivor who survived the Nazi invasion of her small town.
6)     What is your favorite thing to do in the summertime?

a)     I love the ocean, so heading to the beach with family is my very favorite thing to do in the summer. I love everything about the water--the sound of the waves, the smell of the sea, it's movement and the way its color changes with the sky. Ahhhhhh. . . .





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