Chancing the Frontiersman's Heart

 

Jacob grew up in a loving family. But he always felt that he was held back as he was the youngest son.  Dawn did have loving parents but with their deaths, she only experienced cruelty from her stepparents and others due to her deformed hand. 

Jacob and his family left all they knew to start a new life in Kentucky. On this journey, he noticed a young woman and child being abused.  He couldn't sit by and do nothing. He realized that he knew her from childhood.  His best friend who disappeared.

Andrea Byrd wrote such a beautiful story.  Nature comes alive with her words. Danger from Indians lurked in every corner. Does Jacob and Dawn even have a chance to be more than friends?

A powerful story of survival and strength.  A story of commitment.  Compassion.

#blog

#CelebrateLit

I received this book from Celebrate Lit to review.

About the Book

Book: Chancing the Frontiersman’s Heart

Author: Andrea Byrd

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 24, 2026

From Andrea Byrd comes a stirring tale of faith and courage on the Kentucky frontier—a story of second chances, steadfast love, and the family bonds that sustain us through life’s darkest hours. Perfect for fans of Lori Wick and Janette Oke.

Kentucky Territory, 1782

When Dawn agrees to travel west with her cruel stepparents, she has one goal—to reunite her young stepsister Mary with her uncle at Bryan’s Station. But a chance encounter with Jacob McFadin, her childhood sweetheart, changes everything. Despite her missing left hand and the scars of rejection she carries, Jacob sees past her differences and offers marriage to help protect them on their journey.

Jacob has spent years trying to prove himself as more than just the youngest McFadin brother. When he recognizes Dawn, the girl who captured his heart years ago, he knows God has given him a second chance. But his desire to finally make a name for himself threatens to tear apart their fragile new family.

As they face the perils of the Kentucky wilderness and escalating tensions with British and Indian forces, Dawn and Jacob must learn to trust in God’s plan—and each other. When violence erupts at Bryan’s Station, they discover that true worth isn’t found in grand achievements, but in the boundless love of family and faith.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Andrea Byrd is a small-town wife and mom from southern Kentucky who harbors a deep love of days gone by, expressed with pioneer skirts and a once-in-a-lifetime ride in an authentic biplane. She seeks to respect the past, giving voice to those that came before, while reminding readers that no aspect of their past defines them.

More from Andrea

As a reader of historical fiction, I love reaching the end of a novel and reading the author’s note to learn how real people and events inspired the written words. Now, as an author myself, I try to provide the same for my own readers and Chancing the Frontiersman’s Heart is no exception.

While the Siege of Yorktown is considered the last major battle of the revolutionary war, ten months afterward, American forces would suffer great losses at the Battle of Blue Licks. During this conflict, more than sixty Kentuckians would lose their lives.

However, what intrigued me most about this piece of American history was actually the events leading up to it. The Battle of Blue Licks was a result of a skirmish a few days prior: the Siege of Bryan’s Station. In what is now Lexington, Kentucky, a fortified settlement was attacked by Delaware and Shawnee warriors, as well as Canadian Rangers.

Playing a vital part in the station’s ability to withstand the attack, of course, were the women of Bryan’s Station. During this conflict, the women would do more than simply provide support though. They would put themselves directly in harm’s way, venturing outside the safety of the settlement walls, in order to fetch water from the spring. Though Bryan’s Station was surrounded and they could be descended upon the moment they left the fold, the women (and girls) marched forwarded with heads held high to do what had to be done.

As soon as I learned of the women of Bryan’s Station and their act of bravery, I knew I had to weave these historical events into this novel. I hope you find their story as inspiring as I did!

Happy Reading!

Andrea Byrd

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, March 28

Books Less Travelled, March 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 30

Bizwings Blog, March 30

lakesidelivingsite, March 31

Sylvan Musings, April 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 2

Devoted To Hope, April 3

For Him and My Family, April 3

Abba’s Warrior Princess, April 4

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 5

Bigreadersite, April 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 6

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 7

Mary Hake, April 7

Fruitfully Planted, April 8

Holly’s Book Corner, April 8

Lyssa Loves Books, April 9

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 10

Pause for Tales, April 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

https://gleam.io/KhGOn/chancing-the-frontiersmans-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

Bonnets, Buggies and Betrayal

 

Ettie has a way in solving murders. She knew it couldn't be her good friend, Maggie.  It just couldn't be.

With her sister, Elsa-May, she had to prove that Maggie was innocent. It appears their attempts will fail.

With a little poking around, the Sisters might just do the impossible.

There has been 33 books of the Ettie Smith Amish Mysteries.  Each one is entertaining. You can't help loving Ettie and Elsa-May. Plus each book cover is so cute with their sweet dog, Snowy, on it.

I received this from the author to review.

Samantha Price is a USA Today bestselling author of Amish romance and cozy mysteries. Raised in the Brethren faith, she writes with a heartfelt understanding of the Amish way of life.

When she’s not writing, Samantha enjoys quiet moments at home with her rescue cat and her fluffy white dog, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Snowy from the Ettie Smith Amish Mysteries.

Find a full downloadable and printable Series-Reading-Order at: SamanthaPriceAuthor dot com

Petticoat Ranch

 

Sophia and her daughters are tough little cookies.  They had what it takes to take care of themselves. It was a necessity after her husband, Cliff, was murdered.

She was a wonderful mother. She protected her girls and taught them how to survive. Sophia wasn't one to depend on a man. Her husband was useless after he returned home from the war. But Clay McClellen didn't know the whole story.

It was frustrating that Sophie felt she had to keep secrets from Clay.  Clay automatically thought Sophie was helpless.  He was in for a surprise!

An interesting story to read.  I enjoyed the storyline.  

I received this book to review from Celebrate Lit.

#blog

About the Book

Book: Petticoat Ranch

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 10, 2026

From beloved author Mary Connealy comes a delightful Western adventure brimming with danger, laughter, and unexpected romance—a tale of a resourceful widow, a rugged cowboy, and the ready-made family that will steal his heart. Perfect for fans of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer.

Sophie Edwards has survived two years in the Texas wilderness with four daughters and her wits. When a stranger falls injured near her hidden cabin during a thunderstorm, she discovers he’s the spitting image of her late husband—because Clay McClellen is her husband’s twin brother, a man who never knew his brother existed.

Clay came to Texas seeking justice for his brother’s murder. What he finds instead is a ready-made family, a rundown ranch, and a fiercely independent woman who doesn’t need rescuing—even when danger comes calling. Sophie may have pulled him from a flooded creek, but Clay is determined to be the protector she deserves, whether she wants one or not.

As vigilantes close in and old enemies resurface, Clay and Sophie must learn to trust each other and God’s plan. But can a mountain man used to solitude embrace life with four talkative daughters? And can Sophie open her guarded heart to love again—especially when the man looks exactly like the husband who broke it?

A heartwarming tale of second chances, faith, and finding love in the untamed West. 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies with cowboys and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 75 books and novellas. She has over a million and a half books in print.

Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Visit her website or find her at Petticoats & Pistols!

More from Mary

Petticoat Ranch is my husband’s story.

My husband is a cowboy…or rather he’s a Nebraska cattleman. Our ‘horse’ though we used to have horses, is now a pick-up truck and a four-wheeled rig that can crawl all over rugged land.

My Cowboy grew up in a family of seven sons.

His mom was about the coolest, nicest lady ever born…a living embodiment of ‘Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.’ She could tell stories of chaos and mayhem for HOURS and just laugh. I loved her.

Then I married My Cowboy and we had FOUR DAUGHTERS.

My husband spent his whole life confused.

And example of a usual conversation:

My Cowboy: Why won’t they stop crying!?

Why won’t they stop giggling?

Why won’t they stop TALKING?

Me: Um, cuz they’re girls?

He was constantly befuddled. He loved them (still does) so madly but they did NOT make sense to him.

That’s Petticoat Ranch.

A mountain man comes to find his brother’s wife…his brother died and he’s come to ‘rescue’ them. Except they’re unbelievable tough and competent and, well, maybe they could use a little rescuing, life is tough in Texas for a widow and her four children and, in a weak moment, she agrees to marry this man who looks EXACTLY like her husband. A man she never knew existed.

And there they are. Her and her four tough Texas daughters.

Him who’s pretty much never seen a woman in his life, and certainly not a CHILD.

Now they’re married about twenty-four hours after she found out he existed…and they have to figure out how to get along.

I try really hard to thread that needle where a man is befuddled by a woman…but he’s not stupid. A woman is exasperated by a man…but she’s got a good heart.

I shove them together…and leave them to try and get along. If someone is trying to kill them, or steal their ranch, or whatever horrible outlaw is in the book, that adds to the fun.

I shove them together and then leave them to figure out how to get along.

I love Petticoat Ranch. I’ve done this kind of book many times, the mountain man who’s never been around women. The feisty lady rancher who’s used to being in charge. And never did I find that sweet spot quite as well as I did in Petticoat Ranch.

One of my very favorite books.

Ah, tough, self-sufficient Sophie. She really can use the help and he really does look exactly like her dead husband.

Ah, confused but definitely attracted Clay. He’s trying to take care of her and take charge…and she’s not cooperating.

She was definitely in charge when his brother was alive…he was kinda cranky and inept. Why won’t Clay just let her run things?

All those tough little Texas cowgirl daughters who can’t quite figure out if this is they’re pa, given back to them by God…or if this is some new guy that they are desperate to make love them, when their real pa was so desperate to have sons.

I love that Wild Heart Books is re-releasing Petticoat Ranch.

Thank you Wild Heart for giving it another chance at life.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 24

Texas Book-aholic, March 25

Holly’s Book Corner, March 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 26

Jodie Wolfe, March 27

For Him and My Family, March 27

Devoted To Hope, March 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 29

Book Holds and Jello Molds, March 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts , March 30

She Lives To Read, March 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 31

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 1

Vicky Sluiter, April 2

Sydney Schmied Books, April 2

Cover Lover Book Review, April 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 4

Labor Not in Vain , April 5

Stories By Gina, April 6 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

https://gleam.io/0Pzml/petticoat-ranch-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

The Lumberjills Take a Stand

Did you know that during WW2 that there were lumberjack girls?  I know I didn't. A very dangerous job. One mistake can cause you a limb or your life. This storyline is based on young women doing just that.

The young ladies became tough and put up with no nonsense.   Down the road was a temporary American military base.  Their presence caused quite a lot of bother as the lumberjills observed abuse to the soldiers....the black soldiers. They were not going to just stand by and do nothing.  

My favorite character is Harry (Harriet).  A 14 year old girl who acts tough due to her past.  She has a heart of gold and will do what she can to make things right.

This was Book 2 of the LumberJill series. I wouldn't call this a light read.  I enjoyed the book.  

I received this book from Boldwood to review.

#blogtour

#rararesources

The Lumberjills Take a Stand

The peace at Wipers Farm is threatened by an accidental run-in between the Lumberjills, a group of Black American Army Laborers and their superiors, who don't take kindly to the girls inviting the laborers to the local public house and take out their anger on their men.

Whilst making new friends, dangerous enemies are quick to anger and all the Lumberjills, as well as their friends in the village, are in mortal danger. In the midst, love is blooming for one of the girls, paving the way for a post war life.

Only by sticking together and trusting each other and their friends, old and new, to do the right thing, can they hope to survive.

Purchase Links

Amazon / Apple - mybook.to/LJ2TAS 

Nook - tinyurl.com/7pwazwy4

About M W Arnold

Mick is a hopeless romantic who was born in England and spent fifteen years roaming around the world in the pay of the late HM Queen Elisabeth II in the Royal Air Force, before putting down roots and realising how much he missed the travel. This, he’s replaced somewhat with his writing, including reviewing books and supporting fellow saga and romance authors in promoting their novels.

He’s the proud keeper of two Romanian Were-Cats bent on world domination, is mad on the music of the Beach Boys, and enjoys the theatre and humouring his Manchester United-supporting wife. (Please don't mention this last to her!)

Social Media Links – See attached

facebook.com/MWArnoldAuthor 

Twitter – mick859

Instagram – Mick859

YouTube Channel –tinyurl.com/bde2rajj

 

Mail - Order Baroness

 

Beautiful story.  I have enjoyed Misty M Beller's books for awhile. I know that I will enjoy it and be entertained.  

Rose has suffered so much.  Singing used to give Rose pleasure. Now it caused pain.

James couldn't forget Rose. His childhood friend.  But he felt so much more for her. Where was she?  

Exciting and suspenseful. Can Rose escape her evil stepfather?  Can she open her heart to James?  

I received this book from Celebrate Lit to review.

#blogtour

#CelebrateLit

About the Book

Book: Mail-Order Baroness

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 10, 2026

Five sons of an English duke, all raised in the Rocky Mountains…

James Balfour, the charming middle son of an English duke, is determined to prove he’s capable of taking leadership of his family’s Montana ranch as the next deadly winter approaches. With the household stretched to its limits, James crafts a clever plan to hire Rose Prescott—his childhood best friend—and to right an old wrong.

Rose’s remarkable singing voice was meant to be her gift, but in Virginia City, it’s become her curse. Forced by her stepfather to perform nightly shows, she dreams of escape and a life free from his control. When a newspaper ad for a housekeeper offers her a way out, she risks everything and flees, hoping her stepfather can’t find her. She never expected to return to the Balfour ranch, nor to see James again, whose charm now reminds her too much of the men who’ve betrayed her before.

James’s desire to protect Rose is shaken when his old friend treats him like an enemy. Winning her trust becomes his greatest challenge yet. As tensions rise on the ranch, old secrets and new dangers threaten everything James and his family have built.

With enemies closing in, Rose must decide whom she can trust—and whether she’s willing to fight for the freedom and love she’s always longed for.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a royal family saga featuring a mail-order bride, a second chance romance, and an aristocratic marriage of convenience…all set in the rugged Montana Territory.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is an ECPA and USA Today bestselling author with over 1 million books sold. She writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

More from Misty

Hello Reader Friends!

I’m so excited to be back with you in the Lords of the Rockies world—where Regency roots and Montana grit collide in the best kind of way.

When I first dreamed up this series, I couldn’t stop thinking about what would happen if five sons of an English duke were raised far from ballrooms and titled expectations…out in the wide-open wilderness instead. No polished drawing rooms. No London Season. Just rugged mountains, hard work, and the kind of faith that’s tested (and strengthened) when survival itself requires perseverance.

And now I’m thrilled to share the newest installment with you…

Welcome to Mail-Order Baroness!

One of my favorite things about writing romance is getting to explore the truth that God is always in the business of redemption—of taking what’s been broken and offering something new. That’s one reason I especially love the second-chance romance trope.

There’s just something so moving about two people who have already been hurt—by life, by circumstances, sometimes even by each other—and yet are given an unexpected opportunity to try again. Not because everything is suddenly easy, but because they’re different now. Wiser. Humbled. More aware of what truly matters.

In Mail-Order Baroness, you’ll find a love story rooted in that kind of hope—the kind that doesn’t ignore the past, but doesn’t let the past have the final word either.

One of my favorite things about writing romance is getting to explore the truth that God is always in the business of redemption—of taking what’s been broken and offering something new. That’s one reason I especially love the second-chance romance trope.

There’s just something so moving about two people who have already been hurt—by life, by circumstances, sometimes even by each other—and yet are given an unexpected opportunity to try again. Not because everything is suddenly easy, but because they’re different now. Wiser. Humbled. More aware of what truly matters.

In Mail-Order Baroness, you’ll find a love story rooted in that kind of hope—the kind that doesn’t ignore the past, but doesn’t let the past have the final word either.

If you enjoy stories with:

• old wounds that still ache
• hard-earned forgiveness
• trust rebuilt one choice at a time
• and the gentle reminder that God can restore what feels beyond saving

…then I think this one will tug at your heart.

At its core, this book is about a fresh start that doesn’t come from pretending yesterday didn’t happen—but from bravely stepping forward anyway, learning to hope again, and discovering that the Lord can write something beautiful even after disappointment.

I pray you love Mail-Order Baroness! J

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

Sydney Schmied Books, March 14

Madi’s Musings, March 14

Pause for Tales, March 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 15

Holly’s Book Corner, March 15

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 16

Simple Harvest Reads, March 16 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 17

Texas Book-aholic, March 17

Slyvan Musings, March 18

Devoted To Hope, March 18

Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 18

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20

She Lives To Read, March 21

For Him and My Family, March 21

Life on Chickadee Lane, March 22

Book Looks by Lisa, March 22

Cover Lover Book Review, March 22

lakesidelivingsite, March 23

Lyssa Loves Books, March 23

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 24

Fruitfully Planted, March 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 25

Connie’s History Classroom, March 26

Artistic Nobody, March 26 (Guest Review from Donna)

Blossoms and Blessings, March 27

Mary Hake, March 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

https://gleam.io/F0qYE/mail-order-baroness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Lassos and Lace

Emberly loved her job.  The family resort- Healing Springs Ranch- brought her so much joy.  She worked hard but the benefits were many. That's why so many guests wanted to stay there.  Can this ranch heal her heart?

Max was attracted to this location as it was private.  He needed some privacy to think things over.  What will be his next move?

Emberly decided to be Max's  personal concierge.  His recommendation could and would make a big difference in the resort's success. Unbeknownst to him, she found out who he really was.  It really did not make much of a difference to her. Max liked to be treated normally. Plus she was gorgeous.

I enjoyed the quick paced romance.  Sparks were flying. And the rest could be a royal romance.

#blog

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of The Doctor's Lady and The Preacher's Bride. Jody has received much industry recognition, most recently being awarded an ACFW 2014 Carol Award in the Historical Romance category for her novel, 'A Noble Groom'.

In addition to this, Jody has also received the 2011 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award; the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers; and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards.

Currently she makes her home in Michigan with her husband and five busy children.

Favorite Verse: Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV) "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."