The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen

The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Book Description:  Much has happened in idyllic Ivy Hill in recent months, and while several villagers have found new love and purpose, questions remain--and a few dearly held dreams have yet to be fulfilled.

Jane Bell is torn. Gabriel Locke is back and has made his intentions clear. But Jane is reluctant to give up her inn and destine another man to a childless marriage. Then someone she never expected to see again returns to Ivy Hill. . . .

Mercy Grove has lost her school and is resigned to life as a spinster, especially as the man she admires seems out of reach. Should she uproot herself from Ivy Cottage to become a governess for a former pupil? Her decision will change more lives than her own.

A secretive new dressmaker arrives in the village, but the ladies soon suspect she isn't who she claims to be. Will they oust the imposter, or help rescue her from a dangerous predicament?

In the meantime, everyone expects Miss Brockwell to marry a titled gentleman, even though her heart is drawn to another. While the people of Ivy Hill anticipate one wedding, an unexpected bride may surprise them all.

Don't miss this romantic, stirring conclusion to Tales from Ivy Hill.


My thoughts: This was a very satisfying conclusion to the "Tales from Ivy Hill" series. I was happy to dive back into the lives of the characters. The book ended up just as I hoped it would.

There is not one but two brides in this story. Jane and Mercy finally have their lives come together and find love and happiness. Both women at different points in the series faced uncertainty with their livelihood as well as personal issues.

There are a few new faces that came to town in this story. Jane had an unexpected surprise visit from someone from her past who brought love and happiness into her life. A new dressmaker came to town and became a mystery for the residents to uncover.

Mercy's story is sweet. She had many options but found the one that would give her the greatest satisfaction and happiness. This book was everything that I hoped it would be.

This book is a clean work of Christian fiction. It does contain kissing.

Source: I requested a review copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

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 Governess, The 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. 

Visit her WEBSITE.

Whiteout by Brett Cain ~ Blog Tour with a Giveaway!

Whiteout by Brett Cain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Suspense

Book Description:  Long hours of driving on the frigid interstate have taken their toll. In a split second, Frank Sawyer’s car drifts and clips a passing van on the otherwise empty Montana highway. In the aftermath of the wreck, Sawyer encounters a gruesome scene: the van’s passenger did not survive. But it isn’t the crash that took his life—he’s been shot. Before Sawyer can assess what’s happened, he’s struck from behind. When he regains consciousness, he discovers that his attacker is gone, his car is missing—and the police have named him their prime suspect in the dead man’s murder.

The harsh winter weather bears down as the chaos unfolds, and Sawyer finds himself trapped in the small town of Cluff. And law enforcement is keeping him firmly in their sights, so there’s no possibility of escape. As he struggles to clear his name, Sawyer looks to the past for answers, becoming embroiled in a decades-old mystery that may hold the key to proving his innocence.

My thoughts: I enjoyed Brett Cain's debut novel. I would not have guessed it was his first book. It read well, had great pacing, and the story-line was well plotted. I was drawn in by the characters and the mystery surrounding the dead FBI agent. I will admit to wondering why Frank Sawyer would go to such extreme measures instead of letting the police handle it, but it is explained later in the story.

The book takes place in Montana during a series of heavy snowstorms. Frank is unhurried to explore the country after serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. An automobile accident leaves him stranded in the town of Cluff. He is an outsider and therefore looked at with distrust. It isn't helpful to his case that he was found next to a dead FBI agent without his car. It would appear that he is a drifter and up to no good.

This story contains suspense. It would seem that the killer is also stranded and a step ahead of Frank. Fortunately, he makes some good friends that help him when he needs it. It appeared that there may be a little romance in the book, but it is not a main part of the story.

I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to readers of clean suspense. There is a little talk of religion, but it is mainly referencing Frank's time as a missionary prior to this book. The book contains non-graphic violence.

Source: Thanks to Covenant Communications for the complimentary copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book

Enter the Tour  Giveaway:

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*Jan. 28^th: http://mybookaday.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

*Jan. 29^th: https://brightlystreet.com/, http://empowermoms.net/

*Jan. 30^th:  http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/,

*Jan. 31^st: https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/

*Feb. 1^st: http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/ , http://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/,

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Forever Yours Romance Event ~Reina M. Williams (Enter the Giveaway!)

Italian Honeymoon by Reina M. Williams Get whisked away on a sweet, romantic European vacation with the Lovestruck Billionaires! When love strikes, these billionaires must risk their most valuable assets--their hearts. Julia Ross can't believe her sister is married. They'd promised each other they'd stay single, but now it's just Julia, facing another change in her well-ordered life. And then there's the groom's brother, Romeo, who wants to change even more--he and his family want to compete with her family's restaurants, and entice her to work for them. But nothing about Romeo Bianchi is enticing...until he proposes. Romeo Bianchi likes to shake things up--on his terms--and a fake wedding to Julia Ross seems like the perfect opportunity to rattle both of their families. But when their pretend marriage causes real problems, the two decide to face them together, until love strikes and Julia runs scared. Then they both have to decide if change is a price they're willing to pay for their happily ever after.      

She set her glass on a nearby table and brushed her hands, as if to rid herself of this stuck feeling. She needed to do something. She needed a change.

Maybe it was time to plan starting her own restaurant. But not at this moment. Since she’d already said her congrats and all to the happy couple, she headed upstairs to the bridesmaids’ room, where she and Elissa and Zoe had gotten ready before the ceremony earlier.

When she got to the elevator and pressed the button, Danton’s younger brother, Romeo, sauntered up to her, a drink in hand.

“Jules, leaving the party?” He downed the rest of his drink and set the glass on the floor.

Ugh. No consideration. And only her sister and Elissa’s best friend, Zoe, called her Jules. Where did this guy get off? He and his ruthless family could all rot. She crossed her arms and clenched her jaw. She had to be polite, for Elissa’s sake. At least he wasn’t bad to look at, all lean and athletic looking, but deceptively boyish, with that stupid cute smile and dimple in his left cheek.

So she’d eyed him during the ceremony. Checking out the enemy was all. Romeo’s family seemed to have it in for Dad, and she had no idea why. As usual, Dad was closed-mouth about the situation. She tightened her arms against her chest.

Supposedly, Danton had made them stop the takeover attempts. That didn’t excuse Romeo and his family, especially since now there were rumors that they were planning to scoop up some properties in the area to open rival restaurants.

They boarded the elevator. Romeo gave her that stupid smile and asked her what floor. She pushed the button herself. He shrugged, but didn’t push a button. Oh, great. He was either on the same floor or planning on following her. Well, she knew the head of security here, so he’d better watch himself. The doors closed and they glided up.

Romeo looked at her again. Shoot, he had fine eyes, all bluish-grey, like her favorite storm clouds over the city…and fine pecs, and broad shoulders, and, yes, he was fine. But she wasn’t minding that, not one bit.

Ugh. She better watch herself—more like check her eyesight if she couldn’t see right through Romeo Bianchi.

    Praise for Reina's books: "This is the sort of story I would happily recommend to my mum or grandma, or even a teenage reader.” ~Long and Short Reviews “I recommend if you’re looking for something lighthearted.”~Kathleen, Amazon review “A wonderful afternoon read with a cuppa and a few iced tea biscuits....” ~Susanne, Meditative Meanderings “All the stories had lovely themes of opening and awakening – whether it is to new possibilities, love, or a new path in life. …for those who enjoy sweet and light-hearted reads these novellas are a perfect fit!” ~Meredith, Austenesque Reviews         Author Reina M. Williams Reina M. Williams writes sweet romance with a touch of sass, from Austenesque series to contemporary twists on fairy tales. When she's not writing or spending time with her sons, you're most likely to find her watching a period drama or Disney movie, walking in a park, baking, or reading. A California native, she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
          Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 2/19/19 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

Forever Yours Event ~ Featuring Author Lorin Grace (Enter the Giveaway)

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Mending Hearts with the Billionaire by Lorin Grace


Candace’s ten-year plan has two flaws, year eleven and Colin. Everyone who meets Candace wearing one of her colorful wigs knows she is a cancer survivor. Determined to live life to the fullest, her accomplishments range from painting murals to convincing students on campus to give up drinking. Few people know the secret to her success includes a detailed ten-year plan and a bucket list full of check marks. Candace never dreamed she’d make it to year eleven. Computer expert Colin Ogilvie can navigate the most difficult codes. While his friends were chasing girls, he was hacking past firewalls and developing billion-dollar apps. He never felt he was missing out until he met Candace. After five hundred and twelve days in the friend zone, he wonders if he can ever crack the code to the wall protecting her heart. What science can’t solve, art can. Their relationship changes when a meddling friend commissions Candace to help restore an antique merry-go-round. As Candace brings new life to the old merry-go-round, she discovers her own life can have a different path than she planned. But is she brave enough to not only reveal her biggest secrets to Colin but brave a chance on her own happily ever after?

   





Gathering his courage, he moved to the leather seat facing her. “Penny for your thoughts.” She raised one of her painted brows. “Do you even have a penny?” “I can transfer it via two or three different apps.” “But I don’t need a penny.” “What do you need?” “Chocolate?” “I can do chocolate.” He pulled up a shopping app. “It will be waiting at the Blue Pines Inn’s front desk.” “Caramels and cherries?” “Of course. And they are hand dipped in Blue Pines.” The first hint of a real smile flashed across her face. “So how many of your thoughts does that get?” Candace patted the seat next to her. “Probably not as much as it should. I was thinking about what Dr. Christensen told me about turning a corner. I just don’t know where to go.”


     


 “If you haven't read this book or series, this is Colin! Great and unassuming, flying under the radar but amazing beyond all expectations.” ~Julie “Mending Hearts is my favorite!! Colin is one swoon-worthy guy. “ ~Renee “This is a wonderfully written story about these struggles and the importance of being there for each other.” ~Deborah


   


 

Author Lorin Grace Lorin Grace was born in Colorado and has been moving around the country ever since, living in eight states and several imaginary worlds. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Graphic Design. Currently, she lives in northern Utah with her husband, four children, and a dog who is insanely jealous of her laptop. When not writing Lorin enjoys creating graphics, visiting historical sites, museums, and reading. Lorin is an active member of the League of Utah Writers. Her debut novel, Waking Lucy, was awarded a 2017 Recommend Read award in the LUW Published book contest. Mending Fences received a 2018 Recommend Read award in the LUW Published book contest
            Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 2/14/19 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