Tuesday, April 11, 2023

About the Book

Book: A Match in the Making

Author: Jen Turano

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: February 21, 2023

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America’s most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the employ of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond irritating.

Walter Townsend is reluctantly in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly motherless children who cannot keep a governess for long. What he wasn’t expecting was Miss Brinley, an amateur matchmaker who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle. Constantly besieged by society ladies on a mission to win his affection, Walter must find a way to overcome their inundating attention–and his unexpected attraction toward Gwendolyn.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado. Readers can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and at jenturano.com.

More from Jen

A Chat with Jen Turano

You’re known for writing historical romantic comedies set in the Gilded Age. What made you decide to write in that particular era?

Funny thing, when I first tried my hand at writing historical, I wrote Regency—think Jane Austen, lots of drama, dukes, and probably a few countesses in serious need of attitude adjustments. One of those books, I believe I titled it A Marriage of Inconvenience, is the book that landed me my first agent. But, as she was shopping that book around, I read this fascinating book about Alva Vanderbilt. There was so much drama involved with the New York Four Hundred during the latter part of the nineteenth century that I threw myself into researching everything I could find about high society. I’ve been writing about that fascinating moment in time ever since.

Your new series revolves around matchmaking. How did you come up with that idea, and what can we expect?

I’ve been wanting to do a matchmaker series forever, and that idea reinforced when I watched Season 4 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and there was a prevalent matchmaking thread. However, I didn’t want to do a normal matchmaker story, which is why I decided it would be hilarious to have a heroine accept a paid companion position and then, due to unforeseen circumstances, find herself turned into an assistant matchmaker even though she has absolutely no experience with matchmaking in general and is actually old enough to be considered a confirmed spinster.

How do you come up with such unusual ideas?

I think I just view life a little differently. I’ve always been rather weird, so when I think of matchmaking agencies, or lady detectives, or hat makers, I begin thinking up all these outlandish situations and then, just when my heroine or hero thinks that nothing else could go wrong, I throw something else at them. It’s a highly amusing job at times, although I’m certain my characters don’t appreciate my odd sense of humor.

Do you have a favorite character or book?

I adore Gertrude Cadwalader from Out of the Ordinary, although that’s not my favorite book. My favorite book is Diamond in the Rough because Poppy Garrison gets herself in some fabulous messes.

Your characters do seem to find themselves in some interesting mishaps and messes. Do you write these from personal experience?

You know, I have to admit that a lot of the outlandish situations I write are based on either observations I’ve made over the years or . . . yep, they’ve happened to me or my friends. I’ve definitely led an interesting life, although I do embellish the situations in some instances—creative license and all that.

How do you come up with such unusual names?

Contrary to what some may believe, I don’t make up any of my names. I scour old obituaries or shake down my friends who are into researching their ancestors for cool names. That’s how I got Mercy Miner, Temperance Flowerdew, and Lucetta Plum.

What’s coming up next?

I just finished up developmental edits for the second book in the Matchmakers series, so now I’ll go back to writing the third and final book in that series. After that? Well, I’m not positive yet. I have two ideas roaming around in my head for the next series I’ll delve into, but I simply don’t know which one I want to write quite yet.

Thanks so much for having me! Always fun being here with your readers.

All the best,

Jen

MY REVIEW

I love the author’s humor when she writes and this book is full of laugh out loud moments. The first book in this new series is a delightful look at matchmaking with a side of antics that heighten the story with chaos. Gwendolyn is such a fun character to follow with her no nonsense ethics and need to prove herself to her employer. I laughed when she soon discovered that she not only was going to be a companion to Mrs. Parker but also her matchmaking assistant. Poor thing has no idea what she is getting herself into as she begins her summer. I liked how Gwendolyn was not afraid to speak her mind when encountering people who try to, well let’s just say try to push themselves forward in a race to marry a certain gentleman. The women were not shy about tripping each other or spilling a drink on one of their competitors.

Walter is easy to figure out as he knows that he really needs a wife to help him with his three children. During the time period the story is written, the women were to be in charge of all the children’s needs and the husband was out making money. It is evident that Walter knows very little about his children when they continue to cause havoc wherever they go. I loved his children and knew they needed someone to step in and show them love while disciplining them to understand right from wrong. Walter has an encounter with Gwendolyn that doesn’t go well but she does learn what he is looking for in a wife. Their banter is fun and entertaining as Gwendolyn is now assigned to find him the perfect match. What Gwendolyn does question is why he is not looking for a marriage of love but rather a person to take care of his children.

I love the way Gwendolyn is able to make a connection with Walter’s children. They respond to her well after a few less than perfect shenanigans they try. The author shows us how important it is to give children a chance to explore their world yet be able to take direction when needed. I loved their time at the beach where Gwendolyn fishes with them and allows them to just be kids. This was such a sweet moment in the story and I could see how secure the children felt around her. There may have been a little incident as they were fishing but I will not mention it here.

The story is not only a look at matchmaking but a look at the Gilded Age where society is one that people think they are better than others. The author illustrates how we should not judge people because of their place in society. We should love each other equally and unconditionally . I loved the ending and can’t wait for the next book in the series.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 9

Christina’s Corner, April 9

To Everything There Is A Season, April 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 10

Texas Book-aholic, April 11

Karen Baney Reviews, April 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 12

Bigreadersite, April 12

Sylvan Musings, April 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 13

Betti Mace, April 14

Godly Book Reviews, April 14

She Lives To Read, April 14

Batya’s Bits, April 15

Connie’s History Classroom, April 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 16

Blogging With Carol, April 16

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 17

Cover Lover Book Review, April 17

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 18 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 18

Blossoms and Blessings, April 19

For Him and My Family, April 19

Splashes of Joy, April 20

Holly’s Book Corner, April 20

Southern Gal Loves to Read, April 20

By the Book, April 21

Back Porch Reads, April 21

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, April 22

Live. Love. Read., April 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jen is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of A Match in the Making and a $15 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/2549a/a-match-in-the-making-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, April 9, 2023

About the Book

Book: Perfectly Matched

Author: Liana George

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction

Release date: April 4, 2023

Nicki Mayfield is getting married!

Three days after deciding to marry so she can adopt the little girl who has captured her heart, Nicki Mayfield is heading to Texas to become Mrs. Ben Carrington. However, as the unlikely pair prepares to say “I do”, a shocking revelation threatens their plans to become a family.

Searching for the answers to the mystery that’s holding her future hostage, Nicki must also figure out how to keep Ms. O’Connor’s legacy alive at New Hope while simultaneously navigating a relationship with a guy she barely knows. None of which are proving to be easy tasks to manage.

Sacrifices will have to be made. Challenges overcome.

Can beloved organizer Nicki Mayfield succeed at building the unconventional family she wants or will circumstances beyond her control keep her from being perfectly matched in work, life, and love?

Find out as the final chapter in the Hopeful Heart Series comes to a conclusion!

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Liana George is a sought-after speaker, blogger, and author. Before pursuing a career in writing, she was a professional organizer and the former owner of By George Organizing Solutions in Houston. Her first two books in the Hopeful Heart Series, Perfectly Arranged and Perfectly Placed (Scrivenings Press), are based on her experiences as an organizer and her time living abroad in China. The third and final book in the series, Perfectly Matched, will release in 2023. In addition to penning novels, she is also the Co-founder and Creative Director at The Author’s Write Hand, a marketing/platform building/virtual assistance agency for Christian authors as well as a co-host of the Uncluttered podcast. When she’s not putting things in order or scribbling away, you can find her reading, traveling, or watching tennis.

More from Liana

Nicki Mayfield’s Guide to Preparing for the Unexpected

At the beginning of Perfectly Matched, Nicki Mayfield and Ben Carrington are about to tie the knot AND adopt a toddler. Being a wife and a mother are foreign concepts to Nicki, who never dreamed she’d be either. Especially not within such a short timeframe!

However, just as Nicki and Ben began to move forward with their new family, a shocking revelation threatens their happily ever after and throws their perfectly arranged plans out the window. Thankfully, being a professional organizer Nicki knows how to prepare for a surprise or two.

Here are Nicki’s five best tips for preparing for those unexpected moments in life:

Don’t panic. That usually only makes things worse! Take a few deep breaths, pray, and see if you can get a clear understanding of what’s going on so you can get a handle on the situation.
Devise a temporary plan. Knowing that things are not going according to plan doesn’t mean you have to jump ship completely. See if you can come up with an alternate plan to carry you through the next few hours, days, or weeks until you can get back to your original agenda.
Stand together, not divided. Don’t let the unexpected cause division – either mentally, relationally, physically, or spiritually. Now more than ever you and your friends/family/significant other need to band together. Find ways to make that happen—even if it might be costly—because you’ll need all the support you can get during those turbulent times.
Don’t make assumptions and give up. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, assume the worst, and be tempted to quit. Don’t! Keep the faith and keep fighting until you’re absolutely certain there are no other options left.
See the unexpected as a blessing rather than a curse. While we may not enjoy the interruption of an unexpected circumstance, it might just be part of God’s divine plans. If it is, then you can expect a blessing to come from it, regardless of how dim the situation may look at the moment.

See how well Nicki follows her own advice and handles all the unexpected twists and turns she faces in Perfectly Matched, book three in the Hopeful Heart Series, releasing April 4, 2023.

MY REVIEW

The cover of the book grabbed my attention and I knew this was going to be an emotional read. I liked learning more about China and how difficult it can be to adopt a child from there. I have read about how there were at one time laws about having a certain amount of children and how heartbreaking it is for the parents when one is taken away. This story takes us on a journey rich in emotions and God moments.

I loved both of the main characters and thought that their sacrifice to marry in order to adopt a child was good. We follow them as they travel to China to unravel the challenges they face as it seems they continue to get bad news. What is encouraging throughout the book is how faithful they were to God.

For both Nicki and Ben they face hard decisions as a life threatening illness finds them praying for God to save this precious young girl. I liked how the author shows that some children are taken from their families and then placed in orphanages. This part of the story was hard to read and appreciate how the author handled this in a good way.

The story is filled with stumbling blocks as Nicki and Ben try to do what is best for the child. There are a few surprises along the way and I loved how the illustration was presented of how much a mother’s love is. Without giving anything away, this was a good example of sacrifice for someone who loves unconditionally. It does have a happy ending and reminds us that we should trust God in all situations. Sometimes we must give up someone we love up in order for them to have a better life.

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

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 8

Pause for Tales, April 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 9

Texas Book-aholic, April 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 12

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 14

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, April 15

Blogging With Carol, April 16

Cover Lover Book Review, April 17

Susan K. Beatty, Author, April 18 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, April 18

The Sacred Line, April 19

For Him and My Family, April 20

Splashes of Joy, April 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Liana is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card & 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/25498/perfectly-matched-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, April 8, 2023

About the Book

Book: A Country of Their Own

Author: Hope Bolinger

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Release date: April 4, 2023

THE NOTEBOOK meets SEVENTEEN AGAIN

Priscilla is an old soul. Carter can’t wait to leave Florida, a haven for the elderly.

Together they’re forced to do community service at a retirement home. But all the residents look like teenagers. Are they meant to bring together the lovable residents Scarlett and Paul—who are actually 80 years old? Or is it too late for them to find love?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Hope Bolinger is a Managing & Acquisitions Editor at End Game Press and the Founder of Generation Hope Books.

More than 1400 of her works have been featured in various publications ranging from Writer’s Digest to Keys for Kids to HOOKED to Crosswalk.com.

She has worked for various publishing companies, magazines, newspapers, and literary agencies and has edited the work of authors such as Jerry B. Jenkins and Michelle Medlock Adams.

Twenty-one of her books are under contract or out now with traditional publishers, and she hopes more of her stories will find a home soon. She has also contributed to twelve other books.

More from Hope

Can you write a book based on a photo series.

I did. I stumbled across this photo series in my college days and it never let me go: https://digitalsynopsis.com/design/reflections-of-the-past-tom-hussey/

It made me think about how all people, young and old, are young at heart and wise beyond their years. In the publishing industry, I have experienced a great deal of ageism. You can seldom go to a conference without someone telling you something along the lines of, “Wow. I had no idea that you were so wise. I assumed because you are young that you know nothing.”

And I know that many of my fellow writers who are older have experienced ageism to the same degrees.

So I wanted to write a book that would level the playing field.

I wanted to have two teen main characters who end up good friends with two characters who are well into their 80s—who simply look like teens thanks to the funhouse mirror effects of Country Acres (a retirement home in which the 80-year-old characters are residents).

What made the book hit even closer to home was that I wrote it right after my grandma passed away—and right as the COVID shutdown took effect in 2020.

Grandma had played a huge role in my writing. She and I read my first book together. She owned a bookstore in which, when I was eight, I helped her to run the cash register. And she always supported me in my publishing dreams.

I am sad that she and Grandpa passed long before they could read this. But this book also encapsulates them. That my grandma tap danced well into her eighties, and that my grandpa would ride the waves on a boogie board.

We’re all young, we’re all wise … let’s listen to one another.

MY REVIEW

This book should have a warning label on it that says, “must purchase tissues with book.” I cried so much in this story that my eyes were red when I finished. It is a story that brings young and old together in a beautiful way. I loved Priscilla and her quirkiness. I love old movies and vintage clothes like her. Her respect for the elderly is nice and I loved how she wanted to be around them. There is something to be said for the older generation. They have many stories to tell and wisdom that the younger generation can learn from.

Carter is not sure he wants to be at the retirement center volunteering but once there he starts to really find himself being able to interact with the people. He and Priscilla have this unspoken attraction for each other that I found sweet. As they volunteer together they get to know each other better. Insecurities come out and I think they both found healing from their past.

The heroes of this story are Scarlett and Paul. Two older people who fall in love while at the retirement center is something to celebrate. Scarlett is someone I could spend hours talking to. She is full of life and wants others to find happiness. There is sadness in her but she doesn’t let it show much.

Paul is a romantic and is determined to get Scarlett’s attention. With the help of Carter they devise a plan to have Paul woo Scarlet. It was fun to read what ideas they come up with. Little do Carter and Priscilla know but there is something going on in the background to get them together.

I adored this story and how we witness second chances, forgiveness, new beginnings and helping a woman see her dream come true. There won’t be any dry eyes at the end of this story. The author has honored her grandmother in an emotional story that illustrates how we can learn from each other and find hope in difficult moments.

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