Thursday, November 29, 2018

Another Book Release from Rachael Anderson ~ My Brother's Bride (enter the #Giveaway )



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.




 Read an Excerpt

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

When Brigston entered the kitchen, Abby’s back was partially to him, so she didn’t immediately see him. Her brow was furrowed in concentration as she whipped something in a bowl. She paused to lift the spoon, only to frown at the white liquid dripping from it.
“Are you certain this will thicken into a cream?” she asked.
A flash of irritation crossed Monsieur Roch's face until he spotted Morgan and seemed to think better of it. He managed a patient tone in his accented French. “It takes time, my lady.”
Morgan stifled a chuckle as Abby examined another spoonful of the liquid. “I’ve been whipping it for several minutes, but it doesn’t seem even a little thicker to me. Have I forgotten to add something?”
“No,” said the cook in clipped tones.
Morgan stepped forward and leaned in close. “If your arm is tired—”
Abby jumped, and what liquid remained on the spoon splattered across Morgan’s face. She spun around, her eyes growing wide with horror when she saw what she’d done.
He wiped a dab from his nose and tasted it. “A little more sugar, perhaps?”
“Brigston! I’m so dreadfully sorry.” She dropped the spoon into the bowl and grabbed a rag from a nearby wash basin, dabbing it across his face.
“Not that rag!” cried the cook. “It was only just used to mop the floors.”
Abby dropped it as though it had burned her, and Morgan tried not to cringe at the thought of filthy water coating his face.
Monsieur Roch retrieved a clean rag and held it out to him, appearing apologetic. He flicked another irritated glance at Abby before returning to his work.
As Morgan wiped the cream from his face, he wondered what Abby would do or say next. Offer another fumbled apology? Make her excuses and flee? Pretend the incident never happened and return to her labors? He never knew what to expect from her.
Her face scarlet, she cleared her throat and lifted her adorably determined chin. “You are most welcome, my lord.”
He raised a brow. “For what, my lady?”
“I have heard that cream does wonders for one’s complexion, and it seems the rumors are correct. Your skin appears much . . . creamier.”

********************
 



Praise for My Brother's Bride

I found this book to be completely unexpected. I have read all the historical novels by this author and they have all been fun and delightful reads and even though this book had those elements as well, it was definitely more emotional than I was expecting... I loved Abby’s quiet strength and Morgan’s protectiveness. These two were great together. ~Melanie

 My to-read list is long but Rachael is one author I always bump to the top and put all other books on hold for. She never disappoints so it's no surprise that this is another top-notch offering from Rachael. I loved these characters and cheered for them as they overcame obstacles and circumstances that tried to keep them apart. My Brother's Bride is an awesome and needed addition to the clean romance genre. So many authors pump out books so fast that often I find the quality of their work is lacking. Since I read for entertainment I'm able to forgive a lot and typically just overlook the shortcomings that are prevalent with so many books in this genre. Thankfully that is not the case with Rachael's books. I'm grateful for the time she takes to ensure she offers her readers quality books with original storylines that won't disappoint. ~ Kathy    

Giveaway Details $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 12/16/18 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

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Lehi, Lehi, What Do You See by Sandra Meaders ~ Children's Picture Book Blog Tour with a giveaway!




Lehi, Lehi, What Do You See? by Sandra Meaders

Lehi, Lehi, What Do You See? by Sandra Meaders
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Religous Children's Picture Book

Book Description:  Help your children learn to love the scriptures with this fully illustrated storybook! From Lehi to Moroni condenses important stories from The Book of Mormon, so that children can get to know and love it. This storybook is perfect for bedtime, for reading during sacrament meeting, and as part of family scripture study. The engaging and detailed illustrations will ensure From Lehi to Moroni is picked up and read over and over again.



My thoughts: This is a really cute picture book for children. It reminds me of one of my favorite books to read with my children when they were small, "Brown Bearn, Brown Bear, What Do You See?". It teaches children colors as well as introduces them to stories from "The Book of Mormon".

This is a great quiet book for church, or to curl up to and read together.



Online Purchase Links:




About the Author:  
Picture
Sandra Meaders studied English and minored in creative writing and history at Southern Virginia University and earned her master's degree in literature from the University of Akron. Currently, She is raising two children, managing a blog, and editing on the side. Lehi, Lehi, What Do You See? is her debut children's book.


Visit the Tour Stops:


November 26, 2018 - Rockin' Book Reviews (https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/)
November 27, 2018 - Singing Librarian (https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/youth)
November 28, 2018 - My Book A Day (http://mybookaday.com/), Bookworm Lisa (http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/)
November 29, 2018 - Life's Journey to Perfection (http://www.lifesjourneytoperfection.net)
November 30, 2018 - Making Life a Bliss Complete (http://www.ablisscomplete.com)

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Monday, November 26, 2018

Simply Starstruck by Aspen Hadley

Simply Starstruck by Aspen HadleySimply Starstruck by Aspen Hadley
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Description:  Kate Evans never imagined she'd be a young widow and single mom, staying in her aunt's guest cottage. She also never imagined she'd live next door to Jess Sullivan, an actual movie star. Struggling to put herself back together, Kate gets swept up in a whirlwind of dating, but can she keep ignoring what her heart really wants?



My thoughts: This is Aspen Hadley's first book? Seriously? Man, she writes a good story! I fell in love with her characters and the whole "vibe" of the book.

This book takes a good hard look at relationships. Kate is a widow. Her world was turned upside down when her husband passed away unexpectedly. The problem was that it was unexpected for her, but not for him. He had kept the fact that he was sick from her. With her world turned upside down, she moves to stay with her aunt.

In this story, Kate dates three men. Each of them teaches her different things about herself and she rediscovers who she was before her life changed. There were a few moments when I wanted to tell her to stop and look at what she was doing. (Yes, I do get emotionally invested in fictional characters.) Her son is as cute as can be and I loved the movie star next door, Jess. He was pretty down to earth for a celebrity. ;)

Aspen Hadley writes with a Kate with a very sarcastic side. (Have I mentioned before how much I like a sarcastic voice? It is one of my favorites.) I was entertained by Kate's shenanigans from the first page. I think I smiled through most of the book. This was the escape book that I needed after a couple of stressful weeks.

This book is clean with kissing.



Online Purchase Links:


Aspen Hadley
About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads) Aspen Marie Hadley loves nothing more than a great story. She has devoted herself to story-telling for the majority of her life, writing her first novel at her kitchen table in the 8th grade. 


Outside of writing, Aspen's number one hobby is reading. Number two is sneaking chocolate into and out of her private stash without being caught. Other favorite things include: playing the piano, listening to classic rock, telling jokes around the dinner table, eating ice cream, traveling, a good case of the giggles, and riding on ATVs over the red rock country of Southern Utah.

Aspen shares her life with a patient husband, 4 hilarious children, and 1 grumpy dog in a quiet Utah suburb next to her beloved mountains. 

Given the choice she would road trip her life away, singing along to the radio and sleeping in every morning.

You can also find her on Facebook at facebook.com/aspenthewriter and Instagram @aspenhadley_author. 

Thursday, November 22, 2018

I am thankful for many things!

This is the day many of us reflect upon our blessings. If it's not a holiday for you, I would still encourage you to think about the things that are good in your life.

Last week my oldest child was married to a wonderful young woman.  They are so happy and are a perfect match.  Watching my children find joy and happiness is incredible.  My next child, a daughter, has been married for one year.  He is also a great young man, and we are blessed to have him as a part of our family.  I have a son who left in August to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He has grown and I am amazed when he shares his testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ.  My youngest son is a Sophomore in High School.  He has a great group of friends that I enjoy.  They are a positive influence on him and I give thanks for that.  Lastly, I have been married for twenty-six years to my best friend!  We have our ups and our downs, but we love and respect each other.  Marriage is work and I love that I am married to a man who navigates life with me.

I haven't done a lot of reading lately.  It has been busy and I am trying to spend more time with my family rather than have my nose constantly in a book.  I am behind, but committed to continue and try to catch up.   Reading is an essential activity for me.  It is a great stress relief (unless you are behind on reviews).

May you have a blessed day,


The Truth about Miss Ashbourne by Joanna Barker

The Truth about Miss Ashbourne by Joanna  BarkerThe Truth about Miss Ashbourne by Joanna Barker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Regency Romance

Book Description:  Governess Juliana Ashbourne has dreams reaching far beyond the confines of her current position, hoping to someday establish her own school for girls. When she inherits a fortune from her late grandfather, she is shocked to learn that “someday” may soon be within reach. However, there is one condition: she must spend a month at the estate of Havenfield—with the very family who disowned her mother. Intent on securing the money she needs to start her school, Juliana accepts the invitation, vowing to guard her heart against those who shunned her all her life. But Havenfield is far from what she expects. She discovers a grandmother seeking forgiveness, a cold and disapproving aunt, and a painfully shy cousin. And then there is Mr. William Rowley. Though the heir to the estate is a merciless tease, Juliana finds in him a friend and confidant—and perhaps something more. As she struggles to make sense of her new place in the world, her stubborn independence clashes with a yearning to belong and the even more confusing desires of her heart.

My thoughts: This is a sweet Regency Romance. It is also the debut novel of Joanna Barker, which made this book more impressive! The book was well written and easy to read. I loved the characters, setting, and the plot.

The book is told from Julianna Ashbourne's point of view. As the book begins she is a governess with a dream of having her own school and teaching girls subjects that were reserved for boys. She loves children and wants to help them improve. Her work position is precarious and an opportunity comes her way where she can inherit a large sum of money if she spends a month with her estranged grandmother.

The book takes some interesting turns when she discovers the heir to the estate her grandmother loves on is a man she ran into on the street. Let's just say that she didn't form a favorable impression. I enjoyed William Rowley's character. He seems to have many edges, so I wish that I could have gotten to know him better and what he was thinking.

The story has a vindictive aunt, a jealous employer, a loving grandmother, a sweet cousin, and the woman who will do anything to get the man she wants. There are many things to love about this book.



Online Purchase Links:


Picture
About the Author:  Joanna Barker was born and raised in northern California. She discovered her love for historical fiction after visiting England as an eleven-year-old, and subsequently read every Jane Austen book she could get her hands on. After graduating Brigham Young University with a degree in English, she worked as an acquisitions editor before devoting herself full-time to writing. She enjoys music, chocolate, and reading everything from romance to science fiction. She lives in Utah and is just a little crazy about her husband and two wild-but-loveable boys. 

Visit her WEBSITE.

Saturday, November 17, 2018

Enter to win in the "Thankful for Cash" giveaway!



Thankful for Cash $250 Giveaway Sponsor Sign Ups

November 15th to December 15th

Enter for your chance to win $250 in PayPal Cash or a $250 Amazon Gift Code!



A HUGE thank you to this fabulous group of sponsors who made this giveaway possible. Be sure to stop by and show them some love!

  Sponsor List

I Am A Reader Clean Wholesome Romance Coupons and Freebies Mom Krysten Lindsay Hager A.L. Sowards JeanBookNerd Lori's Reading Corner Mary Abshire, Author Rockin' Book Reviews Kasey’s Reviews Author Melissa Wright Bookworm Lisa All the Ups and Downs Victoria Simcox Glistering: B's Blog Wishful Endings Prism Book Tours Simple Wyrdings Dorine White- The Write Path Across the Books Diva Booknerd Jody's Free Books

  Giveaway Details $250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com eGift Card Ends 12/15/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. 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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers, and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Spotlighting "The Truth About Miss Ashbourne" by Joanna Barker ~ Enter the Giveaway today!



The Truth about Miss Ashbourne
The Truth About Miss Ashbourne by Joanna Barker
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Regency Romance




Book Description:  Governess Juliana Ashbourne has dreams reaching far beyond the confines of her current position, hoping to someday establish her own school for girls. When she inherits a fortune from her late grandfather, she is shocked to learn that “someday” may soon be within reach. However, there is one condition: she must spend a month at the estate of Havenfield—with the very family who disowned her mother. Intent on securing the money she needs to start her school, Juliana accepts the invitation, vowing to guard her heart against those who shunned her all her life. But Havenfield is far from what she expects. She discovers a grandmother seeking forgiveness, a cold and disapproving aunt, and a painfully shy cousin. And then there is Mr. William Rowley. Though the heir to the estate is a merciless tease, Juliana finds in him a friend and confidant—and perhaps something more. As she struggles to make sense of her new place in the world, her stubborn independence clashes with a yearning to belong and the even more confusing desires of her heart.




Look for my review next week!  I am excited to dig into this book, after my son's wedding this weekend.



Online Purchase Links:



PictureAbout the Author Joanna Barker was born and raised in northern California. She discovered her love for historical fiction after visiting England as an eleven-year-old, and subsequently read every Jane Austen book she could get her hands on. After graduating Brigham Young University with a degree in English, she worked as an acquisitions editor before devoting herself full-time to writing. She enjoys music, chocolate, and reading everything from romance to science fiction. She lives in Utah and is just a little crazy about her husband and two wild-but-loveable boys. 

Visit her WEBSITE!

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Saturday, November 10, 2018

The Spinster and I by Rebecca Connolly ~ Blog Tour with a giveaway!


The Spinster and I
The Spinster and I by Rebecca Connolly

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Regency Romance

Book Description:  Poor, unfortunate Spinster...

Prudence Westfall, spinster, has unexpectedly had the greatest misfortune of all: she has inherited a fortune, and is now an heiress. But as a Spinster, and a stammering shy one, nothing could be worse than having a bevy of suitors pay her attention. Opportunity strikes at a house party when the most unlikely person offers the perfect solution.
Camden Vale is no gentleman, and he’s not prone to saving anyone, but something about Prue changes all that. When his offer to befriend her extends beyond the house party, and his feelings extend beyond expectation, no one is more surprised than he. Except, perhaps, for the other Spinsters, and they have much to say on the subject.


My thoughts:  I love the dialogue in this book!  Rebecca Connolly is able to convey the emotions and thoughts of her characters eloquently.  I felt empathy and compassion for them as they struggled through Regency society.

Pru is a wallflower.  She is happy to remain in the shadows.  Her mother is overbearing, and frankly, not a nice woman.  To me, it the way that Pru acts in society is indicative of social anxiety.  Her mother shows no compassion, only ridicule as her daughter struggles.  The mother is only thinking of her own societal gain and reputation.

Camden is a hero, even if he doesn't realize it.  He befriends Pru, knowing that she the help he can give in making it through social engagements.  He knows how to calm her.  I love it when friends realize that there is more to their relationship.  I married my best friend.  It brings back fond memories as to when I thought of my husband as more than just my friend.

Pru also has an amazing set of friends.  We all need people in our lives who help and uplift.

This is a book that I wouldn't mind re-reading.  In fact, last night I ordered a couple of more of her books for my kindle!  I am looking forward to spending more time with the imagination and writing of Rebecca Connolly.






Online Purchase Links:



Rebecca Connolly headshot  Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.


Author Interview:

1. Who are some of your favorite Regency authors? Do these authors inspire your own writing?
I love Jen Geigle Johnson, Sarah Eden, Jennifer Moore, Elizabeth Johns… And I am constantly meeting more lovely writers who love the same ears I do! I am inspired by so many authors, but in my time period and outside of it! The best inspiration of all, though, has to be Jane Austen.

2. If you could go to tea with one of your characters, who would you go with and why?
Oh, I think I would want to go to tea with Charlotte Wright. She doesn’t hold anything back, and I bet she has some fantastic stories!
3. What inspired the idea for The Spinster and I?
I had created a group of spinsters that had gotten to that point in their lives for different reasons. This particular story starred a girl who was painfully shy and wanted nothing more than to remain unnoticed by the world, and I wanted someone to notice her in a way that would actually work for her. He just so happens to be the most unlikely candidate, which makes it so deliciously fun!
4. What did you as an author take away from writing The Spinster and I?
I think the biggest thing I took away was that we need to look beneath the surface in everyone. There is so much more to a person than what we can see.
5. What is your current WIP?  What can you tell us about it?
My current WIP is part of the Spinster Chronicles series, and I can tell you that it is a VERY interesting pairing, and it is set at Christmas!

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Wednesday, November 7, 2018

The Gem Thief by Sian Ann Bessey ~ Blog Tour with a giveaway!


The Gem Thief by Sian Ann BesseyThe Gem Thief by Sian Ann Bessey
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre:  Mystery/Romance
Source: Received to Review


Book Description Gracie Miller is a small-town girl who has landed her dream job in New York City. As jewelry designer for one of the most prestigious jewelers in the world, she completed a particularly stunning piece, a custom setting for a large pink diamond. But when her billionaire client Mrs. Katsaros comes to repair a minor issue with the setting, Gracie is horrified to realize it is not the ring she created. Someone has forged her design, and the priceless diamond is gone.

Mrs. Katsaros has no desire to bring media attention to the jewelry heist, so she recruits her nephew, Quinn, and his FBI agent friend, Steve, to do some sleuthing off the record. When they discover that the missing ring is just one of many forgeries in the widow's collection, they look to Gracie for help. They need her to act the part of Quinn's fiancée. From the lights of New York to the shimmering islands of the Mediterranean, Gracie is swept into a thrilling hunt. But amid the search for the elusive thief, she and Quinn find themselves increasingly distracted by their growing feelings for each other. What neither realizes is how close the danger lies and how serious the vendetta is—because, apparently, it is worth killing for.




My thoughts: What is not to love about this book? You have quirky/lovable characters, mystery, humor, travel, and romance in one book!

The book starts off as Gracie Miller is on her way to work. A rude skateboarder barrel down the street forcing her to move quickly, spilling her hot chocolate and getting sprayed by muddy water as the cars drive by. That is the first page of the book. For me, when something like that happens, I know that it is the book for me.

Gracie is a jewelry designer who finds herself involved with investigating the jewelry theft of one of her customers. She is professional and trustworthy. She is paired up with Quinn, the wealthy widow's nephew, as they try to track down the thief. It begins in New York, and goes to Greece by a cruise.

The dialogue is well done. I loved learning about the characters and journeying with them.

I give this book a high recommendation.



Online Purchase Links:


Sian Ann Bessey
About the Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  Sian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend Brigham Young University in Utah, where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English. 

She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children's books. She is a USA Today bestselling author and a Whitney Award finalist.
Although Sian doesn't have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, she can still wrap her tongue around, "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch." She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she's home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.



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Monday, November 5, 2018

A Convenient Engagement by Ashtyn Newbold

A Convenient Engagement by Ashtyn NewboldA Convenient Engagement by Ashtyn Newbold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Regency Romance

Book Description A false engagement. A mysterious coast. Two reluctant hearts.

Much to her father’s dismay, Miss Amelia Buxton aspires to become a spinster, just like her eccentric aunt. Growing up with parents who married for every reason but love, she has never seen a joyful marriage. When Amelia requests a summer trip to the legendary waters of Brighton, her father allows her the excursion, but with one requirement: she must return engaged, or agree to the proposal of the man of his choosing.

Crawling with tourists, Brighton is not the town Adam Claridge had once loved. When his sister Eleanor disappears without warning, Adam is desperate to bring her home. In his search, he happens upon Miss Amelia Buxton, a young tourist that proves vital in his search for Eleanor. But Amelia is conducting a search of her 
own—a search for a husband—and Adam has little choice but to offer a fair trade: he will play the role of Amelia’s betrothed in exchange for her assistance in finding Eleanor.

Convenient at first, Amelia and Adam’s arrangement quickly plummets into disarray. Falling in love had not been part of their bargain.




My thoughts: The book begins as Amelia makes a bargain with her father to become engaged while in Brighton, or to come home and marry the man he has chosen for her. Amelia has no desire to marry, but makes the bargain so her Aunt Margaret could be dipped into the waters and receive a cure for her bad leg.

From page one this book captured my interest. Amelia is smart and capable. She also loves her Aunt deeply. She shows resilience, conscience, and resourcefulness as she embarks on a quest to help Adam, a man she met on the beach, who will help her by entering into a false engagement to appease her father's demands. She in turn will help him find his missing sister.

There are many moments that are quite funny. Amelia and Adam have great conversations. I loved the banter between the two of them. When you add an eccentric Aunt, it gets better. The characters came to life for me and I loved reading what happens next to them.

I am excited that this will be a series and that I can get to know characters that appeared in this story when they have their own book. I can't wait to read them.



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Coming Soon!

Look for the rest of the Brides of Brighton series!



A Convenient Engagement (October 2018)
Marrying Miss Milton (November 2018)
Romancing Lord Ramsbury (December 2018)
An Unexpected Bride (January 2019)