Monday, December 31, 2018

The Christmas Heirloom: Four Holiday Novella's of Love

The Christmas Heirloom by Karen WitemeyerThe Christmas Heirloom: Four Holiday Novellas of Love Through the Generations by Karen Witemeyer. Kristi Ann Hunter, Sarah Loudin Thomas,
Becky Wade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Review from Netgalley
Genre: Inspirational Romance


Book Description Perfect for the Christmas season, four beloved authors bring their bestselling, award-winning talents to a multigenerational collection of romantic holiday novellas. In stories ranging from 1820s Regency England to present-day Washington state, readers will be treated to Christmas tales of an heirloom brooch passed from mother to daughter for almost two hundred years. Will the family legend claiming the brooch brings love to its recipient hold true for these women separated by the years but bonded together by the ties of family?

in Kristi Ann Hunter's "Legacy of Love," Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman's grandson. While he may be far above her station, she can't help but notice that his desire to make this Christmas special for his grandmother matches her own.

in Karen Witemeyer's "Gift of the Heart," widow Ruth Albright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local banker. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love as the holidays draw near.

in Sarah Loudin Thomas's "A Shot at Love," Fleeta Brady's rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her mother's brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance one December.

in Becky Wade's "Because of You," Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?



My thoughts: This was a wonderful book. I wish I would have had a chance to review it when I first finished it, I was on a short vacation with my family.

This is a romance that spans generations. It starts with a Dowager who passes along a locket she received from her husband when they were married. She gives it to her Lady's Companion, who marries her grandson. The locket is passed on to through the maternal line. It brings love into the lives of the women who receive it.

Each story was well written and a joy to read.



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The Kindle version is only $2.39!



Wednesday, December 26, 2018

The Queen's Ball ~ A Timeless Victorian Collection

The Queen's Ball (Timeless Victorian Collection #4)The Queen's Ball by Anthea Lawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Victorian Era Novella Romance

Book Description:  THE QUEEN'S BALL: Three brand new Victorian Romance novellas by Anthea Lawson, Rebecca Connolly, and Jennifer Moore. 

WALTZED by Anthea Lawson:
Eleanor Tremont never expected her father to pass away unexpectedly – leaving her with a horrible stepmother, two grasping step-sisters, and no dowry whatsoever. Relegated to a servant in her own home, she struggles to come to terms with her bleak new life. Summoned to Queen Victoria’s Stuart Ball, can Ellie find her happily-ever-after despite impossible odds? Add an absent-minded Godmother, an orange carriage, and a dancing-slipper mishap, and prepare to be swept away into this fairytale romance…

A LOVE TO CLAIM by Rebecca Connolly:
Abigail Sterling is not at all pleased to see that the man who broke her heart is in London, and even less pleased that he wants to renew their friendship. But, against her better judgment, she finds herself drawn to him, just as she always had been. Letters from a secret admirer keep her from completely giving into Matthew again, and soon her heart is torn between a familiar love and a mysterious one.

COMING HOME by Jennifer Moore:
After the sudden death of her father, Clara Brightly is sent far from her home in India to live with relatives on the Isle of Wight. The islanders are suspicious of newcomers, and none more so than a local landowner, Grant Mason who, at first meeting, considers Clara to be arrogant and disdainful of the island he loves. When the two are appointed to lead the church choir in an island-wide competition, Clara discovers that she may have a place on the island after all. Grant comes to realize that what he took as haughtiness was merely shyness, and Queen Victoria’s ball at Osborne house seems the perfect place to tell her. But when Clara is offered a chance to return to India, she must decide once and for all what “home” really means.


Books in the Timeless Victorian Collections: 
SUMMER HOLIDAY 
A GRAND TOUR 
THE ORIENT EXPRESS 
THE QUEEN'S BALL 

My thoughts: I love great stories. Whenever I read one of the Timeless Collections, I know I am in for a treat. This collection of three novellas did not disappoint.

The stories were unique in plot and characters. The first book is a Cinderella retelling. I loved how Anthea Lawson incorporated many of the aspects of the original tale but added her own spin on them. She made the tale realistic in the Victorian Era.

Rebecca Connely's story is one of forgiveness and second chances. Matthew is meticulous on how he deals with the woman he loved years before. It really is sweet. It also illustrates how sometimes people put their families before the one they love.

The final story is by Jennifer Moore. A broken heart can be healed when one is accepted and cherished. Clara is in England due to the generosity of distant relatives. Life and opinions change when understanding and charity are given.

Each story has a common element, they all at some point go to the Queen's Ball. This is a great escape book. The stories are short and sweet. Perfect for when you don't have a lot of time to become invested in a longer book.



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Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Jesus Worked Miracles by Heidi Poelman

Jesus Worked MiraclesJesus Worked Miracles by Heidi Poelman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Religious Children's Picture book

Book Description:  When Jesus was alive, He performed miracles to show He was the son of God. This reverent picture book introduces children to the stories of lepers healed, the dead raised, and, ultimately, the miraculous Resurrection of our Lord. Although these events took place thousands of years ago, Jesus still works miracles today in the lives of those who have faith in Him.


My thoughts: Today is Christmas Day. It is a time for me to reflect upon the Savior. This book was perfect for today. It focused on the Savior's life, instead of just His birth.

This book is beautifully illustrated. It brings the stories of Jesus to life for children. Many of the miracles of Jesus are discussed, as well as the miracle of His birth and resurrection.

I wish that my children were small enough to hold them on my lap and share this book with them. Regardless, I will purchase it for my collection to share with children who are important to me.

Source: I received a complimentary eBook. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.



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Heidi Poelman
About the Author:  (Taken from Goodreads)  Heidi Poelman has always loved learning about inspiring people. In A is for Abinadi, she found a way to write about many of her favorites. Heidi received her degrees in communication from Brigham Young University (BA) and Wake Forest University (MA). She lives in Utah with her husband and three children.



Monday, December 24, 2018

A Night at the Opera by Stacy Henrie

Night at the OperaNight at the Opera by Stacy Henrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Historical Romance



Book Description:  An unforgettable kiss. A kaleidoscope of senses. A night she'll always remember.

From USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie, comes NIGHT AT THE OPERA, An American Heiress novel.

NIGHT AT THE OPERA
--1908--
When American heiress Gwen Barton aids an injured gentleman in an opera box in London, she shares a kiss with the stranger that changes her life. More determined than ever to be herself, in spite of the limp she’s sustained since childhood, she will marry for love and not a title. She also resolves to learn the identity of the man she helped—and kissed. Surely he can’t be the irritating Avery Winfield, though. But as circumstances continue to throw Gwen and Avery together, she begins to wonder if there is more to this man than she first thought.

While most of London only knows him as the nephew of a duke, Avery Winfield is actually working for the Secret Service Bureau to ferret out German spies from among the ton. It’s a profession that gives him purpose and a reason to remain a bachelor. But the more he interacts with Gwen Barton, an heiress from America, the more he begins to question his plans and neglected faith. Then he learns Gwen is the young lady from the opera box who helped him. Now his most important mission may have nothing to do with saving Britain from danger and everything to do with risking his heart for the woman he met that night at the opera.



My thoughts: Who knew that a night at the opera can change the course of a life?

Gwen Barton is a woman with a good head on her shoulders. She is smart and adapts well to the situations that come her way. Her good deed in helping an injured man at the opera leads to intrigue, danger, and romance.

This book was a joy to read. I loved my moments in the Edwardian Era with Gwen and Avery. They make a good team, even though it takes them a while to figure it out. I was rooting for them from the moment they met, even though they had many obstacles to overcome.

This is one of those books that make you feel good while you are reading it. I give it a high recommendation.



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Stacy HenrieAbout the Author:  (Taken from Goodreads)  Stacy Henrie, a USA TODAY bestselling author, has always had a love for history, fiction, and chocolate. She earned her B.A. in public relations before turning her attentions to raising a family and writing inspirational historical romances. Wife of an entrepreneur husband and a mother to three, Stacy loves to live out history through her fictional characters. In addition to author, she is also a reader, a road trip enthusiast, and a novice interior decorator. Her books include Hope at Dawn, a 2015 Romance Writers of America RITA finalist for excellence in romance.


Visit her Webpage!

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Christmas on Maplewood Mountain by Elizabeth Bromke

Christmas on Maplewood MountainChristmas on Maplewood Mountain by Elizabeth Bromke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Genre: Contemporary Romance



Book Description:  It’s December, and Mary Delaney has little to show for her tenth year at Wood Smoke Lodge. Her business has been steadily dwindling. Her relationship prospects, too. But, her sister, Anna, has an idea that just might change Mary’s luck. Unfortunately, their own sisterhood might be working against them. Worst of all, it’s all coming to a head during the holidays, making Mary feel lonelier than ever.

Meanwhile, Kurt Cutler is living the high life in the tech world. Fresh on the heels of wild success in the uncharted world of cryptocurrency, he looks for a way to ensure his young company doesn’t lose its grip. When his right-hand woman suggests a get-away at her sister’s snowy mountain retreat, he jumps on the opportunity to unplug and unwind.

If Mary’s sister, Anna, can back off, Mary has every chance of enjoying the magic of the holidays. But when Mary and Kurt have to choose between love and their own priorities, what will win?

Find out if a wintry weekend can become more for people from two opposite worlds in Elizabeth Bromke’s cozy romance, Christmas on Maplewood Mountain.



My thoughts: Opposites do attract and you sometimes you do know you are interested in someone at a first glance.

This is a really cute book set in a rural setting at Christmas. Mary owns a small lodge set in the Mountains. It is rustic and perfect for a quiet getaway. Unfortunately, she is struggling to make ends meet. Her sister recommends her lodge for her companies retreat. Sparks fly between Mary and the companies owner, Kurt. The attraction is instant, but it felt right in this story. It is about two souls finding a perfect fit and acting on their attraction.

It isn't all easy, there is a jealous sister, an office community, and obstacles of dealing with guests at Christmas time. I found this book to be sweet. It was an easy book to read and provided a virtual getaway for me.



Get a copy on Kindle Unlimited!



Elizabeth BromkeAbout the Author:  (Taken from Goodreads)  Elizabeth Bromke is the author of the Maplewood Sisters series, a five-book saga that follows the lives of four small-town sisters, each looking for happiness. In her stories, Bromke weaves together family dynamics and the triumphs and trials of modern relationships. With the recent success of Christmas on Maplewood Mountain, Bromke has established herself as an emerging voice in clean, contemporary romance. 

Elizabeth lives down the street from her parents in the mountains of Arizona. There, she enjoys her own happily-ever-after with her husband and young son.

Visit her Webpage!

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Rachel Anderson is part of the "12 Days of Clean Romance"



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.



 






  I haven't read a book by Rachael Anderson that I didn't absolutely love and this awesome book didn't fail to meet that grade. ~Vicki This forbidden Regency romance was excellent! Once I started, it was hard—almost impossible—to put down. ~Charissa

 This is the first full-length novel I've read by Rachael Anderson, but it definitely won't be the last. I really enjoyed the story--the writing was really good with no annoying parts or awkwardness, the plot was interesting, the characters were endearing (I loved the banter between Brigtson and Abby!), and this book was just really good. Highly enjoyable. Great choice for those who like clean, well-written Regency romances. ~AE2

This is a wonderful story for anyone who enjoys a clever and heart-warming historical tale that will leave them with a smile on their face. ~Phyllis  

   






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.










 


   


  Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 1/10/19 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, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, 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 & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, December 14, 2018

Mark of the Raven by Morgan L Busse

Mark of the Raven (The Ravenwood Saga, #1)Mark of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Fantasy



Book Description Lady Selene is the heir to the Great House of Ravenwood and the secret family gift of dreamwalking. As a dreamwalker, she can enter a person's dreams and manipulate their greatest fears or desires. For the last hundred years, the Ravenwood women have used their gift of dreaming for hire to gather information or to assassinate.

As she discovers her family's dark secret, Selene is torn between upholding her family's legacy--a legacy that supports her people--or seeking the true reason behind her family's gift.

Her dilemma comes to a head when she is tasked with assassinating the one man who can bring peace to the nations, but who will also bring about the downfall of her own house.

One path holds glory and power, and will solidify her position as Lady of Ravenwood. The other path holds shame and execution. Which will she choose? And is she willing to pay the price for the path chosen?



My thoughts: Wow!!!! Seven houses were given gifts to protect their lands from common enemies and to bring peace and prosperity to their people. One house fell, betrayed by the other houses and the gift was thought to be lost.

Now the houses are threatened by the Dominia Empire. An assembly has been called to strengthen political ties. The problem is that not all houses think that the Empire is an enemy.

I said it at the beginning, but, Wow! There are so many layers in this story. I was blown away by the crafting of this book. It is set in a time and place that is fictional. It has fantasy elements, political strife, romance, alliances, secrets, fears, assassination, loyalty, light vs. dark, etc. If I thought a little longer and harder I'm sure I could come up with more.

I can't wait for the next installment of this book. The book does contain violence.




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Morgan L. BusseAbout the Author:  (Taken from Goodreads)  Morgan L. Busse is a writer by day and a mother by night. She is the author of the Follower of the Word series and the award-winning steampunk series, The Soul Chronicles. Her debut novel, Daughter of Light, was a Christy and Carol Award finalist. During her spare time she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel.
Visit her WEBPAGE!

Haley Scott is featured in 12 Days of Clean Romance (Get a #FREE ebook)








A Snow Globe Christmas by Hayley Wescott Kelsey Patrick is homesick for the snow and family Christmas tree from her childhood in Connecticut. The holidays are coming and South Florida weather is lovely, but it's not what she wants for Christmas. She's making the best of it, but she expects her Christmas to be un-snowy and lonely. When she receives a lovely and thoughtful last minute Secret Santa gift from Mrs. Claus, Kelsey's Christmas spirit is revived. When she tries to find the one who gave her the gift under the guise of Mrs. Claus, she makes an assumption that leads her down the wrong path. Brett Taylor is firmly seated in the friend zone and knows Kelsey is making a mistake, but he's in no position to try to change her mind. Just when both Brett and Kelsey are set to spend their holidays working and alone, a chain of events just might change all that. And maybe Mrs. Claus will see her sweet work behind the scenes bring two love birds together at last.











“Oh, you are still going to be able to make it to my supper party after the gift giving, aren’t you?” Kelsey asked. “I mean, it’s nothing special, just a big tray of lasagna and some appetizers and dessert, of course. And being cramped into my tiny apartment will be an adventure. But, it’s Christmas, and you guys are my Florida family. We’re all working over the festive period, so we need to let our hair down a little, don’t you think?” “Hey, I’m coming back with you after the gifts to help you get ready. Wouldn’t miss the Patrick festive Christmas lasagna,” Annie said giggling. “Tell me what you need me to bring and I’ll get it while I’m out now. It was the best night of the year, last year.” “Thank you, that means a lot, Kelsey said, touched at Annie’s compliment. “I think I’m good, though.” She paused. “No, hang on a minute. They didn’t have any heavy cream when I went to the store earlier. Could you see if Nielsen’s has any, if you’re going to be next door at Caspar’s.” “I can do that. Ooh, I do hope you’re gonna use that cream in your famous cherry trifle. I just love that stuff,” Annie said, not disguising the desire in her voice. Kelsey couldn’t help wondering if she was actually drooling. It made her smile to think her food was so appreciated. “I might, I might not. It’ll all depend on whether you get me the cream,” she teased. “Oh, I’ll get you that cream,” Annie vowed. The two women laughed and made their good byes, assuring each other that they’d meet up at work the next day. Hanging up, Kelsey wondered what it must be like, to be one of those people who left everything to the very last minute. To not have even thought about what you were going to buy someone, the night before that gift was to be given, that would never sit well with Kelsey. Normally her tree would have been up on the very first day of December, and her presents and cards wrapped and delivered across the country a week ago. She absolutely hated that her tree had only gone up today when it was just a week and a half from Christmas. But, because of all the shifts she’d taken at work she didn’t really have much of a choice if she wanted to sleep any. It was done now and her living room sparkled from all the fairy lights as they flashed their bright hues over the glittering tinsel and shiny metallic baubles. Feeling weary, Kelsey stretched and yawned loudly. Winston looked at her with wide eyes. “Bed time?” she asked him. He ran straight through to the bedroom and began to stake his claim at the end of the bed. He kneaded the mattress with his paws, then settled down, curling his body up into a tight ball, though he left his legs out in front of him, making him look a bit like a furry shrimp. Kelsey slipped off her shorts and tee shirt and slipped on an old night shirt. It had a very faded Mickey Mouse on it and was so misshapen from all the years of washings that it was barely holding itself together. But it was comfortable on the warm nights here in Florida, and so Kelsey would never part with it. The sheets were cool as she slipped between them, and it wasn’t long before she had fallen fast asleep. She dreamed of snow falling all around her with fat, heavy flakes landing on her hair and her eyelashes. Wrapped up in a thick coat, with woolen mittens and a hand-knitted scarf and hat she was toasty warm. She twirled around and around, as though she were a ballerina in a music box, turning her face up to the sky and opening her mouth so the snow could land on her tongue, all icy and fresh. It was like Heaven on Earth, and when the alarm sounded Kelsey didn’t want to wake up and face the bright sunshine, or the palm trees, or the sea because there would be no snow again today in Florida


.



Wonderful story! The characters are engaging and I love the emphasis on family. Christmas away from home filled with memories takes the reader on a sweet Christmas adventure with friends and surprises to make for a nice evening read. The end is such a sweet surprise, I never saw it coming! Very good clean romance.



     



 




Author Hayley Wescott Hayley Wescott loves a sweet love story with the emphasis on the sweet. As a Christian author, she's happy and fulfilled to write stories about real life that don't include cringe-worthy moments or details a reader doesn't really want. Some of Hayley's stories are about real life. Contemporary stories about flawed people and people that have issues. But each of these stories is resolved in a positive way and the guy always gets the girl. As part of the Hero Hearts group, Hayley loves writing about heroes who will save the day in big ways and small ones. With Annie Boone, who writes historical romance, and Kate Cambridge who writes both historical and contemporary romance, these three will deliver sweet stories that will capture your heart. Handsome men with big hearts and big jobs and the women who end up falling for them.
 



 


















   Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 1/6/19 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, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, 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 & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway