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Friday, February 19, 2021

 

About the Book

Book:  Winning Miss Winthrop

Author: Carolyn Miller

Genre: Regency Historical Romance

Release date: March 2018

Catherine Winthrop is almost at her last prayers, rejected years ago by the man who stole her heart. When tragedy brings him back into her life, she must suffer further grief in silence, amid her family’s pain and hostility, which eventually sends her to seek solace in Bath. 
Jonathan Carlew might be wealthy, but the mystery surrounding his birth has shadowed his life, bringing fresh challenges as he takes on the Barony. Caught between appeasing the Winthrop family’s concerns and doing what he could to salvage their failing estate, he must also weigh the echoes of the past with the demands of his new responsibilities.
Two hearts must decide whether present speculation will condemn them to the dust of their memories, or if the whispers of forgiveness can provide freedom for the future.
Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband she has pastored a church for ten years, and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher. 
A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her Regency novels include The Elusive Miss Ellison, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, Winning Miss Winthrop, Miss Serena’s Secret, The Making of Mrs. Hale, A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, Underestimating Miss Cecilia, and Misleading Miss Verity, all available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Koorong, etc.

More from Carolyn

In 2015 I was fortunate enough to visit England and see my sister who was living there at the time. What followed was three weeks of visiting parts of England, Ireland and Scotland in a whistle-stop tour of some of the places I’d long dreamed about visiting, but never thought I’d get the chance: London, Brighton, the Blarney stone in an Irish castle, Chatsworth in the Peak District, Loch Ness and Culloden in the Scottish Highlands, the gorgeous grounds of Dunrobin Castle, and the beautiful Cotswolds of England, which includes World Heritage-listed Bath.

I’ve used many of the places I’ve visited as inspiration behind my historical stories, but none as much as the places I visited while in Bath. Pretty much every place I visited – Sydney Gardens, Bath Abbey, the Pump Room, The Assembly Rooms and more – were mentioned in my story Winning Miss Winthrop, which I view as my homage to Jane Austen’s Persuasion, which vies with Pride and Prejudice as my favorite Austen novel.

I loved my all-too-brief time in Bath, and I love this story, with its depiction of two people learning to overcome the misunderstandings of the past in order to find a future. Winning Miss Winthrop is the first book in the Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series, and has the attention to period detail, romance, banter, and faith threads that readers in the Regency Brides series have come to expect. I hope readers enjoy Catherine and Jon’s story.

MY REVIEW 

The author has written an enchanting story of two people who were in love, but drifted apart. Catherine is such a sweet and caring person. She can't figure out why the love of her life suddenly stopped seeing her. You can feel the anguish she carries deep within her. Have you ever loved someone and they one day without explanation, disappeared from your life? Catherine's pain is so deep, I could feel her emptiness.

The story is very emotional and takes us on a journey of forgiveness and rediscovery. When Catherine and her mother suffer a great loss they are shocked and emotionally spent. I loved how the author turns the story when Catherine's past walks in the door. Jonathan is vert straight forward and seems to do everything he can to ignore Catherine. How is it possible that Catherine's future is now determined by her lost love Jonathan?

There is no doubt that Catherine is hurt and angry when Jonathan has taken over their home and has been given a noble title. The richness of the Regency period is undeniable in this beautifully written book. I loved the description of the beautiful land and the attires that women wore. They are very prim and proper and all vying for Jonathan's attention. It must be hard for Catherine to watch women swoon over Jonathan. The author writes of lost love in a romantic way while showing us how hard it is to hold on to hope. Will Catherine and Jonathan be able to forget the past and find happiness again? Don't miss this lovely story of hope, forgiveness and love that runs deep between two people.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 17

lakesidelivingsite, February 17

For Him and My Family, February 18

Texas Book-aholic, February 19

Labor Not in Vain, February 19

KarenSueHadley, February 20

Woven by Words, February 20

Artistic Nobody, February 21 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

deb’s Book Review, February 22

Mia Reads, February 22

Inklings and notions, February 23

All-of-a-kind Mom, February 23

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 24

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 25

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 26 (Author Interview)

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, February 26

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 27

Connie’s History Classroom, February 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 28

Spoken from the Heart, February 28

Simple Harvest Reads, March 1 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Hallie Reads, March 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carolyn is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon prize and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1074d/winning-miss-winthrop-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

 

Dream Again

About the Book

Book:  Dream Again

Author: Ann Marie Bryan

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: August 20, 2020

Ann Marie Bryan - Dream Again - Front CoverOne random day. One burst of laughter. One perfect moment. That’s all it takes for Gianna Barrett to capture Carter McIntosh’s attention—and his heart. His whole life has been a series of miracles, so this falls right in line. If only it were that simple. The object of his desire refuses to give him the time of day. Not deterred, Carter is sure he’s ready to put his heart on the line for love. Big mistake. He isn’t quite prepared and finds himself wrestling a soul-deep hurt into submission.

“There has been an accident….”

That devastating revelation shattered Gianna’s life, and in that one chaotic moment, everything she had was taken away. She has spent years carefully crafting her new normal, so there is no way Carter can just insert himself into her life. The fight is on but not for long. Their attraction is instant, and before she knows it, all her cynicism goes out the door.

When Gianna learns more about Carter’s life, she gets a better understanding of her beginning. As she starts her journey to healing, she uncovers Carter’s startling secret. In the days that follow, she struggles with feelings of regret, fueling her natural tendency to retreat. But the flames of desire burn hot and it’s not easy to break their unexpected connection. As the past reaches for them, they soon realize that to move forward, they must look back. Will they allow God to be the anchor they so desperately need—before it’s too late? For all they ever wanted was to be loved.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Ann Marie Bryan - Author PhotoAnn Marie Bryan is a dedicated multi-talented leader with a passion for excellence. She is the CEO and Founder of Victorious By Design, an organization committed to providing top quality professional writing services, comprehensive personal and professional development programs and exceptional performing arts services to meet the unique needs of individuals and organizations.

A Christian Fiction author, Ann Marie writes to educate, inspire, and empower others. She desires to tell great stories with fascinating characters to show the awesome power of God in the lives of people and places. Her celebrated bestselling Encounters of the Heart series, blend faith and romance that test the resilience of love.

Ann Marie’s greatest passion is to empower others to succeed by tapping into their God-given potential. She enjoys writing, reading, dancing, teaching, meeting people and traveling. With all the knowledge and experiences that God has so graciously blessed her with, Ann Marie is determined to make her life a ministry for the Lord.

 

More from Ann Marie

I am super excited that you are a part of this amazing Dream Again tour. I use the words—emotional, inspirational, compelling, and romantic—to describe my writing style. I love to put readers in the heart of the story to give them a chance to think how they would react in similar situations.

 

It was therapeutic for me to write Dream Again. Last year, my mom passed, so it was a year of grieving and adjusting for me. While I was going through, I decided to write a story about someone who suffered the loss of a parent. I wrapped that experience into a beautiful love story, Dream Again, which gives hope while showing the awesome power of God in the lives of two hurting people.

 

I hope you will enjoy reading Dream Again as much as I have enjoyed writing it. In this novel, you will witness the incredible transformative power of love in the lives of Carter McIntosh and Gianna Barrett as they lift their faith and develop the courage and tenacity to leave the past behind. Dream Again is laced with love, faith, friendship, and a sense of community, while demonstrating God’s desire to free people from life-altering events. I pray that you will catch a glimpse of God moving through time to secure the future of those He loves.

 

Thank you for touring with me and for taking the time to read Dream Again. Stay victorious!

MY REVIEW 

The author shows her talent by writing a story that examines the emotions of loss, trust, love and faith. She has wrapped it all up in a beautiful story that follows our main character as she slowly lets her heart trust. Gianna is poised, smart and faith driven. I love that she listens to God about every aspect of her life. I love the fast pace of her job as editor. It has to be difficult to tell writers they need to change certain words or paragraphs. 

I was excited that she was taking a much deserved vacation with a little stop over for research. Now why couldn’t the famous author himself do his own research? When Gianna meets Carter you can feel sparks fly. He is handsome, sure of himself and has a big secret. I did figure out what the secret was, but I enjoyed reading how good he is at avoiding certain questions. His mother was a voice to be reckoned with. I though she was a bit pushy but she does have Carter’s best interest at heart.

At the center of the story are two people who both learn to allow God to direct their paths as they dream about their future. The best part for me was how Gianna reacts to the secret Carter has been hiding. It shatters her hope and trust in him. The hard part is letting go of hurt and allowing God to heal her broken heart. There is a good faith element in the story and it is relevant to the characters as they navigate their feelings for each other. I do think Carter may have rushed a few things with Gianna, but God gently corrects him. Isn't God good? He is always there when we call out to Him. 

Gianna has a moment when she breaks down and there in that instant we see the real Gianna. Her hurt , disappointment, guilt and trust issues all come to the surface. This is the meat of the story for me. The author shows a broken, vulnerable Gianna who cries out to God in her darkest day. She surrenders everything and the chains of the past are gone. I won’t say if Gianna and Carter get together because after all that is where you the reader will experience a story filled with a lesson in forgiveness and unconditional love. After reading the book, I feel an urging in my Spirit to make some things right in my life. It is time to let go of that last hold the enemy has on me. 

“With just one word from our God, darkness flees, and His glory surrounds us.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, February 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 19

Through the Fire Blogs, February 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 21

Susan K. Beatty, Author, February 22 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 23

Inklings and notions, February 24

For Him and My Family, February 25

deb’s Book Review, February 26

Artistic Nobody, February 27 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 28

By The Book, March 1 (Author Interview)

Spoken from the Heart, March 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 2

Pause for Tales, March 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Ann Marie is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of Dream Again!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10868/dream-again-celebration-tour-giveawa

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

 

the Hesitant Heiress (1)

About the Book

Book:  The Hesitant Heiress

Author: Dawn Crandall

Genre: Christian Historical  Romance

HesitantHeiressAfter being unjustly expelled from the Boston Conservatory of Music, Amaryllis Brigham sees her dreams of founding a music academy in her hometown of Seattle, Washington, disappearing before her very eyes. Now, the only way to achieve her goal comes with high stakes for someone set on avoiding men as much as possible: Marry within the year to inherit the immense fortune of her estranged grandmother. Amaryllis reluctantly moves in to her aunt’s Boston home and rubs shoulders with fashionable society. Despite her own misgivings, she soon finds herself quickly falling in love with the most unlikely of men–Nathan Everstone, the envy of every eligible female, whose father has haunted her dreams for the decade following her mother’s tragic death. However, Nathan turns out to be much more than he seems…and everything she never knew she wanted. But just as everything Amaryllis has recently hoped for comes to fruition, it all falls apart when she finds that the real culprit who has been managing her life isn’t who she thought at all.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

IMG_3973Dawn 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.

 

More from Dawn

Some things just float your boat, you know? What are some of yours? I’m thinking, for many of you, having piles of awesome newly released novels to read is one of those things. Do you remember what it was that you loved to do more than anything else… when you were a kid? Well, for me, at least, it hasn’t changed much. I remember being in third grade and KNOWING that I was meant to write books. But having ADD in the 80’s and feeling like I was a pretty lousy student through most of my school years sort of put my dreams of being a published author in the category of “pipe dream”. Then during my senior year of college, I had one glorious spring break week of creative thinking, and I came up with the name of the heroine I would (hopefully) write someday—Amaryllis Brigham. And I also came up with the last name of the hero, and the family I would write a series about—the Everstones.

Five years after I graduated from college, I got married. And because I had lots of extra time at that point, I decided to check out some books about character development from the library. Which was the first clue to my husband that I wanted to write a novel. Yes, I hadn’t even told him! Then another five years went by while I worked full time at a daycare. I had definitely thought more about writing it by then, but I didn’t really know how to start.

But then I did. At the age of 32, during January 2010, I finally started writing The Hesitant Heiress. I just dove in, half planned and half one-chapter-at-a-time. I love history so much, when I’m doing research the world as it was just comes to life in my imagination and the story possibilities are endless! And really, I wrote Nathan and Amaryllis’s story for myself—for the joy of writing! Creating story, I found, was my favorite hobby beyond reading them! I did have a dream once during the two year process of writing THH, and I very vaguely saw a cover face out on a shelf. But again, to me it seemed like an impossibility, and I just kept focused on the joy I attained from writing it. If you would have told me back then that that first novel I loved writing would be traditionally published and on the market two and a half years after I finished writing it, I would have laughed in your face! And then, when I first saw Amaryllis on the cover of that first book in my series of five… I thought back to the dream I had that one time, and she was it. The way Amaryllis Brigham is situated on the cover of my published novel was very similar to the vague book cover of my dream. God had done it; He had taken the biggest desire of my life, given me a dream even when I was too cautious to hope, and He had made it a possibility.

MY REVIEW 

I have been wanting to read this book for awhile. I can’t figure out why it has taken me so long to do so. This was a very enchanting story that swept me away to a time where balls take place and the most available of bachelors can be found. I loved that  Amaryllis is an accomplished pianist and has dreams of opening her own school someday. I was flabbergasted by the letter that was sent to the school she attended. That letter finds Amaryllis removed from the school and her dreams shattered. Her self esteem is at its lowest when her grandmother’s will is read. Why do people insist on making silly declarations in their wills? Amaryllis has no desire to get married by a certain date in order to inherit what her grandmother has left her. 

Oh but standing in the wing is the dashing Nathan. I do believe this is the man for Amaryllis. Now if only she can be convinced this is her mate everything will work out fine. There is friction between the two  which entertains readers throughout the story. I so wanted to tell them to knock it off and get married already. However Amaryllis has a guilty conscience that prevents her from finding happiness. She doesn’t feel like her father loved her and the death of her mother haunts her everyday. 

The story is filled with unsavory characters as well. They are villains who want nothing more than to seek revenge. It plays out very well as the author takes us on a journey filled with action. I loved the story and appreciated the faith element as well. When a shocking secret is revealed it shakes the story up. What a tangled web it is and it will have more than a few characters in an emotional turmoil. Get ready for an adventure that is sure to please those who love historical fiction with a bit of intrigue and romance. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 11

Worthy2Read, February 11

Inklings and notions, February 12

Mia Reads, February 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 13

Labor Not in Vain, February 13

A Baker’s Perspective, February 14

deb’s Book Review, February 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 15

Rachael’s Inkwell, February 15

Rebecca Tews, February 16

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 16

Texas Book-aholic, February 17

Connie’s History Classroom, February 18

Blogging With Carol, February 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 19

Bliss, Books and Jewels, February 19

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 20

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 20

For Him and My Family, February 21

Simple Harvest Reads, February 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 23

Beauty in the Binding, February 23

Hallie Reads, February 24

Guild Master, February 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dawn is giving away the grand prize package of the complete Everstone Chronicles series in paperback and a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10744/the-hesitant-heiress-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, February 15, 2021

 

About the Book

Book:  Courting Country

Author: LoRee Peery

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: October 2020

One Secret Love + One Misdirection and Multiple Situationships = Courting Country

Taggart Bauman has secretly loved Kylie Gordon since they were young, but she married his best friend. When Kylie is widowed, Taggert promises to take care of her. And even though he could be free to profess his love, he chooses to keep his feelings a secret. If Kylie knew that he’d failed to save her husband, she’d never forgive him. He knows, because he can’t forgive himself.

After being alone for so long, Kylie believes an online dating service is her last chance at finding love. But she continually finds herself in “situationships” that require Taggert to rescue her. When at last she reconnects with Eldon Wenz, an old friend from their college years, she thinks perhaps this is finally her second chance at love…but just in case, she asks Taggert to accompany her when she travels to Eldon’s ranch.

But sometimes things are not what they seem, and when one more situationship crops up, Taggart vents his resentment and tells Kylie she needs to work out the choices she’s making.

Will Taggart lose Kylie forever, friendship and all, or will Kylie realize that what she’s been searching for has been right in front of her the whole time?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Nebraska country girl LoRee Peery writes fiction that hopefully appeals to adult readers who enjoy stories written from a Christian perspective, focusing on the romance. These include novels and novellas for women and men in the Contemporary, Romance, Historical, Time Travel, and Mystery/Suspense categories. She writes of redeeming grace with a sense of place. Her Frivolities Series and the book based on her father’s unsolved homicide, Touches of Time, are available on Amazon. She is who she is by the grace of God: Christian, country girl, wife, mother, grandmother and great-, sister, friend, and author.

 

More from LoRee

Whenever I’m asked to write about myself, I groan silently. I love reading and gaining insight into other authors, but always wonder what’s interesting about me. Just now, I glanced down at the few left-handed fingertips I’m using on my keyboard.

I am right-handed, but at this moment in mid-October, 2020 and for four more weeks, my right arm is in an immobilizer. I have strict orders not to use the arm at all. Here’s what happened…

Pain struck on Mother’s Day. I’d applied eye makeup for the first time since the Covid-19 lockdown began in March. I lowered my arm and the stab took me to my knees. I’m used to something always hurting due to fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis, and I have a high pain tolerance. If I’m nauseated I know the pain is high, and that sudden ice pick that didn’t abate was eight on the pain chart, which caused me to be sick to my stomach all day.

Good comes out of tribulation. I spent hours in the Bible, especially the Old Testament. One of those early mornings, probably between two and three, I picked up a yellow legal pad and praised the Lord through what I later called LoRee’s psalms. Many could be considered lamentations, but if I began downhearted, I ended noting how good my heavenly Father is to me.

I have no room for complaints. I’ve never asked “Why?” Patience grew in that waiting room of my heart. I learned I could write, rather print, with my left hand. I set aside my fictional story to honor my Savior. And I became humble, since I needed my husband to be my right hand.

MY REVIEW 

It is not unusual today  for people to go on dating sites to find a mate.  After my mother died, my dad moved  back to his home state. He told me he had purchased computer.  I knew right away what he was up to. Sure enough six months after my mother passed, my dad got remarried. Yes he found his new wife on the internet. My dad was lonely and I now understand why he went on the dating site. 

Kylie is a widower and has not been on a date in a very long time. She gets talked into putting a profile up on a dating site. Now there are several things wrong here. If she would only look right in front of her, she would see her dear friend Taggart. I did laugh when she goes  out on a date with someone she  knew in high school. Oh my, Eldon is not for her at all. His place was dirty, animals not taken care of and he just gave me the creeps. Poor guy tried with lovely emails he sends Kylie. However there is a secret about those emails. When Kylie finds out the secret, she is angry, hurt and disappointed. 

The story is all about second chances. The most important one in the story is the second chance  to reconnect with God. There is a good amount of faith in the story and although I liked it, I felt it was a bit preachy at times. I did like how the author illustrates how we can miss up, but God is there to give us another chance. It is a sweet story and I love second chance stories. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 4

Britt Reads Fiction, February 4

Godly Book Reviews, February 5

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 6

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 8

Simple Harvest Reads, February 9 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 9

deb’s Book Review, February 10

Inklings and notions, February 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 12

For Him and My Family, February 13

Artistic Nobody, February 14 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Labor Not in Vain, February 15

Texas Book-aholic, February 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, LoRee is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of Hiding from Christmas, a bluebird charm, a cardinal figure, and book bling!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1070e/courting-country-celebration-tour-giveaway