Saturday, October 27, 2018

You'll want to read "Wedding Belles: A Novel in Four Parts"

Wedding Belles: A Novel in Four PartsWedding Belles: A Novel in Four Parts by Melanie Jacobson, Jenny Proctor, Becca Wilhite, Brittany Larsen
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Reeived to Review
Genre: Clean Contemporary Romance

Book Description:  Harper is an event planner with dreams of taking over the Charleston wedding scene . . . until she meets the biggest Bridezilla of her career. She needs the job, but the only way to keep it is to hire a temperamental chef with big dreams of his own.

Janie is a classical cellist booked to play a posh Charleston wedding. She’s excited to have the lucrative gig until the groom’s brother, Emmett, shows up and asks her to help him play a song he wrote for the happy couple. The only trouble? Emmett is her unrequited high school crush.

Lily has been Dahlia's best friend, partner-in-crime, and now her maid of honor . . . until suddenly there's no wedding, and she's left to clean up Dahlia's biggest mess of all. She's been friends with Deacon, the jilted groom, for just as long, and it's up to her rescue him after Hurricane Dahlia blows through.

Sutton is a photographer running from her past. Only the pleas from her best friend to photograph her wedding could bring Sutton back to Charleston. Her plan is to get in and get out before her ex knows she and their daughter are in town. At least it’s the plan until she meets Max, who turns out to be the safe place she didn’t know she was looking for.

Can each of these couples trust their growing chemistry, or are they on the verge of new disasters?



My thoughts: I loved the unique way this novel was presented. There are four stories that revolve around one event. Two prominent Charleston families will be joined as their children marry. It is a huge celebration with many people involved.

This story looks at four different aspects of the wedding: the wedding planner, the caterer, the string quartet, the maid of honor, and the photographer. The wedding flopped, but because of it a few great romances were set into motion.

I loved how seamlessly the stories came together. It took a lot of work and preparation for the author's to pull this off. I was very impressed at how talented each of them are. This book is worth reading. There are a few more people in the book who I would love to see find a happy romance, I hope that this is not the last "novel in four parts" book that I read from them.



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This is a talented group of authors.  Click on the links below to visit their Goodreads page and check out more of their work.  You'll be glad you did!






Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Fall in love with "A Christmas Courting" ~ Blog tour with a giveaway!


A Christmas CourtingA Christmas Courting by Jennifer Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Clean Christmas Novella Collection


Book Description:   This holiday season fall in love, with heartwarming tales of Christmases past in A Christmas Courting, an enchanting collection of Regency romances.
Love and Joy Come to You by Jennifer Moore
Lord Covington has planned a quiet holiday with his grieving mother but finds his plans rudely disrupted when lovely Cassie Weatherby and her young siblings are invited for Christmas. Despite his reservations, however, he begins to recognize in Cassie a kindred spirit.
A Christmas Courting by Chalon Linton
When obligations keep her in London, Keturah Hensley sadly anticipates missing the festivity of Christmas at her family's country home and the company of her best friend, Christopher Shepherd. When she learns that Christopher will be joining her family in London for Christmas, she is delighted--but her elation is short-lived. Christopher is coming to Town to court the woman of his dreams, and Keturah fears she may have lost the chance to win his love.
Mistletoe Memories by Jen Geigle Johnson
From childhood, Patrick, Duke of Montrose, knew he'd found his perfect match in Lady Alice Tarrington. When he's sent on a grand tour, Patrick is confident he'll marry his sweetheart upon his return. But when he receives word that Alice is to marry another, will he be too late to claim her heart?
Second-Chance Christmas by Heidi Kimball
Francie and Gerard have been friends since childhood, but their friendship ended when she declined his heartfelt proposal of marriage. However, when her interactions with Gerard's holiday houseguests provoke in Francie unexpected jealousy, she realizes she must fight for Gerard's affections or risk losing him forever.



My thoughts: Christmas can be a magical time of the year. Homes are decorated, families gather, gifts are given. The novella characters in this book for one reason or another are not anticipating a "Happy Christmas."

The novella's are short and sweet. It seems rushed to have a courtship happen over a short time span, but in most of the stories, the characters knew each other before the opening of the book. It is a continuation of a relationship. The romance didn't feel rushed to me, but part of a natural progression.

I really enjoyed every single story. They are all well done.



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Enter the Tour Giveaway: 
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Saturday, October 20, 2018

Sky Jumpers by Peggy Eddleman

Sky Jumpers (Sky Jumpers, #1)Sky Jumpers by Peggy Eddleman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source; Netgalley (for review)
Genre: Tween Dystopian



Book Description What happens when you can’t do the one thing that matters most?

12-year-old Hope lives in White Rock, a town struggling to recover from the green bombs of World War III. The bombs destroyed almost everything that came before, so the skill that matters most in White Rock—sometimes it feels like the only thing that matters—is the ability to invent so that the world can regain some of what it’s lost.

But Hope is terrible at inventing and would much rather sneak off to cliff dive into the Bomb’s Breath—the deadly band of air that covers the crater the town lives in—than fail at yet another invention.

When bandits discover that White Rock has invented priceless antibiotics, they invade. The town must choose whether to hand over the medicine and die from disease in the coming months or to die fighting the bandits now. Hope and her friends, Aaren and Brock, might be the only ones who can escape through the Bomb’s Breath and make the dangerous trek over the snow-covered mountain to get help.

For once, inventing isn’t the answer, but the daring and risk-taking that usually gets Hope into trouble might just save them all.
 



My thoughts: I received this book from Netgalley to review a very long time ago. My best intention was to read it right away, but it didn't work out that way.

This is a tween to YA dystopian book. It was very well written and really captured my attention and imagination. I wish that I had read it sooner!

This book takes place after WWIII. The Earth has been drastically altered and people live with little to no technology. People live in fortified villages to try to stay safe from bandits who roam and steal what they do not produce themselves. This book is full of adventure. Hope and her friends are early teens who have to use skills the cultivated on the sly to save their town when bandits strike.

I think this is a wonderful book for kids of all ages (that includes adults). It does contain non-graphic violence.



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Peggy Eddleman
About the Author(Taken from Goodreads)  Peggy Eddleman is the author of the middle grade post-apocalyptic adventures SKY JUMPERS and THE FORBIDDEN FLATS (Random House). She lives at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains with her three hilarious and fun kids (two sons and a daughter), and her incredibly supportive husband. Besides writing, Peggy enjoys playing laser tag with her family, doing cartwheels in long hallways, trying new restaurants, and occasionally painting murals on walls.

Visit her WEBPAGE.

Thursday, October 18, 2018

"Out of the Best Books" by S. Michael Wilcox (Book Blog tour with a giveaway.)


Out of the Best Books by S. Michael WilcoxOut of the Best Books: Eternal Truths from Classic Literature by S. Michael Wilcox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Christian non-fiction

Book Description:   From Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables to Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, the characters of classic literature have stood the test of time. There are countless reasons to pick up a good book—but is it possible to find eternal truths in secular works? In Out of the Best Books, Latter-day Saint scholar S. Michael Wilcox demonstrates that when it comes to learning gospel principles, truth can shine forth in all good works—and literary classics are a prime example.

With underlying lessons on life, faith, and eternal characteristics, secular works can inspire as surely as religious volumes. It is through the experiences of characters like Atticus Finch, Elinor Dashwood, and Ebenezer Scrooge that their authors' inspired words have the power to create life-changing lessons for readers. Learn to find inspiration, wisdom, and spiritual knowledge in the age-old classics. God is in every good thing—you just have to look.



My thoughts: I love to look at the books that I read and think about what lessons they taught or emphasized to me. I am finding that I want to read books that uplift me and make me think. (Mainly fiction.)

S. Michael Wilcox looks at twelve books of classic literature and discusses the truths that they teach. Eleven come from works of fiction and the last is from the teachings of Jesus Christ in the bible. I have to admit that I have not read all of the books that he looks at, and found myself skimming for the main message of the book instead of reading all of the chapter. That is why this is a four star instead of five star rating.

One of my ecclesiastical leaders has mentioned more than once "don't read junk". This book fits along with his teachings. I felt my burdens lightened as I read some of the chapters. There many wonderful insights in the pages of this book. I think that I may have to read some more books to fully understand the message being taught.



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S. Michael WilcoxAbout the Author: (Taken from Goodreads) S. Michael Wilcox is an instructor at the institute of religion adjacent to the University of Utah. A frequent speaker at Brigham Young University Education Week, Michael also conducts tours of the Holy Land, Church history sites, Europe, China, and Central America. He received a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Brigham Young University, a master’s in media from the University of Arizona, and his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in educational philosophy. He is the author of House of Glory and When Your Prayers Seem Unanswered.


Enter the Tour Giveaway:
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Thursday, October 11, 2018

Worth the Risk by Heather B. Moore

Worth the Risk by Heather B. MooreWorth the Risk by Heather B. Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book  Description When Alicia moves back to Pine Valley to help her mom through a serious addiction, the last person she wants to see is her teenage crush, Jeff Finch, who destroyed their friendship in one single disastrous night. But Alicia is determined to not let anything about Jeff affect her, especially since she hasn’t seen him in ten years. All she knows is that he’s living a successful and charmed life, and she is more than happy to keep anything between them in the past. But when he shows up with a date at the restaurant where she works, Alicia realizes she’s still not over her feelings, and Jeff is definitely looking at her in a way he never has before. 


My thoughts: Alicia's heart was broken by her best friend, Jeff. In a moment of misjudgment, he lost what he valued most. Years later, Alicia finds herself back in her hometown to help her struggling mother. The problem with small towns is that eventually you are bound to run into each other.

"Worth the Risk" is a contemporary romance that has a great story. The chemistry and friendship is strong between Jeff and Alicia, but there is a lot of history and hurt feelings. The story centers on Jeff trying to make things right and Alicia learning to forgive. Thrown in the mix is a mother who suffers from a mental illness, hoarding. So while Jeff and Alicia are healing, there is a secondary story of Alicia's mom learning to heal and the reasons behind her illness. I loved how friends and loved ones can make a difference.

I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more of the series. I really want to get to know the town and the people better.



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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



Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Finding Us by Heather B Moore

Finding Us by Heather B. MooreFinding Us by Heather B. Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Description:  Felicity Miner is not normally an anxious person, and she’s been on her own since high school. But after a shoplifter steals from her bookshop, she calls the cops. When Officer Leo Russo shows up, Felicity has to tell herself that just because the romance novel she’s been reading has a hero police officer doesn’t mean she needs to project her imagination onto the real man. Yes, Officer Russo is unexpectedly generous, and he helps make Felicity’s home more secure when her worries won’t settle down. But the more Felicity is around Officer Russo, the more she imagines a future between them. Is he merely doing his duty, protecting and serving the citizens of Pine Valley, or is there potential for something more? 




My thoughts: Sweet! That sums up the book for me in one word. It was a book that I felt good reading. I loved the plot and the characters. I enjoyed that Heather B. Moore added the books and author name of another clean romance writer. (That was really sweet.)

Felicity works at a book store. She loves books. (I can relate.) She happens to be reading a book about a police officer when she is in need of the help of one. It was humorous as she tried to separate Leo from the main character of her book.

I read this book quickly. I loved Leo. He is a gentleman and knows how to help Felicity. He comes from a loving family and is able to help Felicity with her own family problems. There isn't anything about this book that I didn't like.



Online Purchase Links:


This book is available with Kindle Unlimited.


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

Monday, October 8, 2018

Enchanting Nicholette by Dawn Crandall

Enchanting Nicholette (The Everstone Chronicles)Enchanting Nicholette by Dawn Crandall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Book Description:  In this captivating novella by Dawn Crandall, Nicholette Everstone is already a widow at the age of twenty-two: her husband was murdered on their wedding day. She has just returned to Boston after two years of mourning in Europe. Although her husband was loving, the marriage was an arranged one, and Nicholette would like to wed again--this time for love...and to someone safe

As she acclimates to life in Back Bay again, Nicholette meets someone she can't help but fall for. But when she learns of the danger and sacrifices Cal Hawthorne takes on for the safety of others, will her heart be strong enough to keep her fears of "what if" at bay?



My thoughts: Life hasn't been easy for Nicholette Everstone. She has just finished her mourning period of two years after tragically loosing her husband, William, on her wedding day. She reluctantly reenters society, not yet ready for the sympathy and attention she is sure to get.

One of her first outings is to a book store. There she meets a delightful young lady, May Hawthorne and her handsome brother, Cal. From the moment they meet it felt as if the book soared! The chemistry and attraction was instant, but the romance wasn't instant. There are many moments in the book that made me laugh. I loved every moment that I had with the characters.

This is a novella that is part of a series of books. I highly recommend "The Everstone Chronicles". Dawn Crandall has brought the characters to life for me. You could read this book on it's own, but I would suggest that the others be read first. There is so many things that happen that build up to this book.

This book is clean with kissing.



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This novella was originally published as part of a novella compilation, Timeless Love: Romantic Stories that Span the Ages.  The ebook was available for a limited time.  "Enchanting Nicholette" is now available on it's own.  This is the second time I have read this story, I loved it both times!  I have written separate reviews on my thoughts after reading the book the first and second time.  My first review can be found HERE.


Dawn CrandallAbout the Author:  (Taken from Goodreads)  Dawn Crandall’s debut Gilded Age Victorian romance, “The Hesitant Heiress,” was a 2015 ACFW Carol award finalist in the debut category and received the 2015 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the 2015 Write Touch Reader's Choice Award and the 2015 Romancing the Novel Reader's Choice Award. Her follow-up novel, “The Bound Heart,” received the 2016 Laurel Award from Clash of the Titles. Dawn earned a BA in Christian Education from Taylor University. She’s been balancing books and babies lately as her two sons were both born as the four books of her Everstone Chronicles series were being released from Whitaker House from 2014 to 2016. Dawn lives with her husband and two young sons on a hobby farm in her hometown in northeast Indiana.

Visit her WEBPAGE.


Dawn Crandall is giving away a copy of a book in the series, "The Cautious Maiden".  Stop by and comment on her facebook post to enter!  Go to this LINK.

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I am including links to all of her books in the Everstone Chronicles in order.  I love this series and I highly recommend all of the books!


Friday, October 5, 2018

Clean Wholesome Romance is doing another #Giveaway


What?  Clean Wholesome Romance is doing another $100 giveaway.  You have a chance to enter this one too.   

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Just think how many books you could buy with $100! Or maybe you need a new Kindle! Or maybe you want to try Kindle Unlimited! Or maybe you want to buy a gift for someone! Or maybe you just need an extra $100! Just look at this list of Sponsoring Authors. There is a great combination of longtime favorites mixed with new found friends. We are giving away another $100 thanks to these incredibly generous authors! Each of these authors writes clean wholesome romance.


Giveaway Sponsors


  Please show these amazing authors some love! Visit their sites. Sign up for their newsletters. Download their books. Review their books. Follow them on Social Media. There are so many ways you can support them!  

Giveaway Details

One winner will be awarded $100 in Paypal Cash or a $100 Amazon Gift Code! Winning entry will be verified! Make sure you actually subscribe and confirm your entries so you don’t get disqualified. If you already subscribe to an author’s newsletter you can, of course, claim the entry! Ends 11/9/18
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 may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter, Amazon, Paypal or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. The giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader/Clean Wholesome Romance and sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Proximity by Traci Hunter Abramson (Blog Tour with a #giveaway)




Proximity

Proximity by Traci Hunter Abramson
Rating: 4 of  stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Suspense/Romance

Book Description:  Tia Parker always seems to fall for the wrong guy. But when she meets Evan Spence at a friend's wedding, it seems like she's finally found Mr. Right. Their spark is undeniable, but reality may extinguish any hope for a future: they are separated by thousands of miles. As the couple struggles with the pitfalls of pursuing romance long-distance, Tia is taken off guard by a new arrival in town. Colby Farren is handsome and charming and has made it clear he's interested in Tia. Yet despite his obvious infatuation, Tia can't seem to get Evan out of her mind. Caught between the attention of two very different men, her complicated love life is soon eclipsed by much more sobering concerns. A break-in at her apartment is just the first in a series of bizarre events, each bringing her one step closer to a dangerous liaison. And knowing who to trust could be a matter of life and death.


My thoughts: If something feels off about a person, you should listen to your gut.  Traci Hunter Abramson has delivered another page turner full of suspense and some romance.

Tia  Parker is a woman that everyone likes.  She is an athletic trainer and can play baseball with the boys and  be feminine at the same time.  She seems to know everyone and is a kind person to all around her.  She has the instant attraction when she meets Evan at her friends wedding.  They have chemistry.  But, he lives across the country and his work keeps him busy.  While her interest is in Evan, a new man comes to town and lets his interest in Tia be known.

Strange things start to happen, like the air being let out of her tires at a baseball game.  Someone is keeping track of her and it is unsettling to say the least.  The suspense builds as Tia tries to find out who is following her.

This book keeps you on your toes (or your eyes on the book) as you follow Tia, Evan, and Colby.  It was hard to put this one down.



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Traci Hunter Abramson
About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She has gone on to write more than twenty bestselling novels that have consistently been nominated as Whitney Award finalists and five-time Whitney Award winner. When she’s not writing, Traci enjoys spending time with her husband and five children, preferably on a nice quiet beach somewhere. She also enjoys sports, travel, writing, and coaching high school swimming.



Visit her WEBSITE!

Enter the tour giveaway:
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Monday, October 1, 2018

Winning Miss Winthrop by Carolyn Miller

Winning Miss Winthrop (Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope #1)Winning Miss Winthrop by Carolyn Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: I purchased my own copy.
Genre: Regency Romance



Book Description:  Catherine Winthrop has cried out to God too many times to count. Years ago, the man who stole her heart rejected her--and she's never recovered. Now tragedy has brought him back into her life. This time it isn't her heart he's taking, it's her home and her family's good name--and she has no one to share her grief.

Jonathan Carlew's life may look enviable from the outside--wealthy, handsome, landed--but the mystery surrounding his birth has shadowed his entire life. Now as he ascends to the barony, fresh challenges await, including a scheming mama who wants him to embrace power, even at the cost of losing love. How can he remain the kind, honorable man he strives to be and still meet the demands of his new society responsibilities?

These two broken hearts must decide whether their painful past and bitter present will be all they can share, or if forgiveness can provide a path to freedom for the future.

Set in the sumptuous salons of Bath, Regency England's royal breeding ground for gossip, Winning Miss Winthrop is the first volume in Carolyn Miller's new series. Fans of the wholesome and richly drawn first series won’t want to miss this new set of characters.



My thoughts: In the last two months I have read all of Carolyn Miller's books, one was a re-read. I have become a fan of hers and I will try to get my hands on everything she writes. I have already pre-ordered her book coming out in November. I am hooked.

Miss Winthrop is a treasure. She has led a blessed life and gives back by helping those who are less fortunate. Her future changes when her father unexpectedly passes away and the man she loved three years ago becomes his heir. Things did not end well for them, and there are a lot of unresolved issues. This leads to awkwardness, anger, and hurt feelings.

The book portrays how quickly situations can get out of control, that good intentions can lead to gossip and rumors. I love how the characters rose above how others treated them and knew of their value and self-worth. Miss Winthrop (Catherine) has a heavy burden. She deals with her mother, who suffers from emotional issues (depression/anxiety). She holds everything together while situations and people let her down and lean on her for support.

This book is emotionally driven. Carolyn Miller presents the story from both Catherine and Jonathan's point of view. You know as a reader that if one or both of them let go of their pain and talked about the past, that the book could have been resolved quicker. But, the lessons of forgiveness would not have been so sweet.

This is a clean book with Christian themes.





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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.