A Contrary Betrothal

No one and I mean no one can write historical fiction like Denise Farnsworth. Once again I am blown away with her writing.  The book starts in 1813 on the Tennessee-Cherokee Nation border.

Susanna was the daughter of Captain Moore. Her father had the say to whom she was to wed.  His pick- Dr. Hawkins.  He was alright but Susanna didn't love him.   

Sam Hicks was half-Indian. He met Susanna and was smitten.  But he had no chance.

Battles were raging around them.  Danger lurked at every corner.  Sam and Susanna couldn't stop the passion between them. They couldn't even if they tried. 

A romantic read.  I loved it.  I don't recommend this but how can you not melt when Sam and Susanna's blood was blended together after they were injured.

I received this book to review from Celebrate Lit to review.

#blogtour

#romance

About the Book

Book: A Contrary Betrothal

Author: Denise Farnsworth writing as Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: August 18, 2026

A Cherokee lieutenant, a colonel’s daughter, and a desperate fight to protect both land and love.

Sam Hicks may be the educated son of a Cherokee chief, but his command of multiple languages and diplomatic skills can’t erase the prejudice he faces as a mixed-blood warrior. When he’s tasked with guarding Colonel Moore’s spirited daughter, Susanna, at a wilderness fort, he never expects to lose his heart to a woman he can never have.

Susanna Moore dreams of making her own way on the frontier like her Cherokee stepmother. The last thing she wants is an arranged marriage to the fort’s stuffy doctor—especially after she meets the noble and intelligent Sam Hicks. When she’s captured by a turncoat warrior during a Creek uprising, Sam risks everything to save her.

Their shared values and growing love give them hope—but with the Creek War raging and cultural pressures mounting, can a Cherokee lieutenant and a colonel’s daughter overcome the loyalties and prejudices set against them?

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Farnsworth, formerly Denise Weimer, has authored over twenty traditionally published novels and novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two adult daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

More from Denise

The seed idea for A Contrary Betrothal came from another author a number of years ago. She proposed a collection of stories in which the heroes were all Native Americans who served their country in different wars. I still love the idea even though it never came to pass! In fact, I loved it so much, I went ahead and wrote my story. And that story became Bent Tree Bride, first published with Smitten Romance. Now, it’s joining my Scouts of the Georgia Frontier series as book six.

Many people are unaware that the Cherokees fought alongside American troops under Andrew Jackson during the Creek War or Red Stick War, a portion of the War of 1812 that occurred in present-day Alabama. The Creek people were allied to the British, as the Cherokees themselves had been during the American Revolution. The motivation for this was, of course, to keep their land. Their warriors were so valuable to Jackson that they broke the ineffective cannonade on the town of Tohopeka, swimming across the river from behind and making the victory possible that ended the war at Horseshoe Bend.

Sam Hicks, the hero of A Contrary Betrothal, is a mixed-blood Cherokee lieutenant with the head of a scholar and the heart of a warrior. His struggle to intermingle the old ways and the new ways proves reflective of the metamorphosis of his people. Even though he’s been educated as the wealthy son of a chief, he knows his white colonel’s daughter, Susanna Moore, is out of his reach. But when he’s assigned to guard her and her little brother at a wilderness fort, he can no longer deny his attraction to the feisty young woman who’s determined to convince her father she can survive on the frontier as well as her Cherokee stepmother.

A Contrary Betrothal will resonate with readers who enjoy stories by authors like Laura Frantz, Shannon McNear, Michelle Griep, and Lori Benton. The forbidden love and fish out of water tropes create plenty of angst, and the battlefield scenes echo Last of the Mohicans. When people have asked me which of my books would translate well onto the big screen, in fact, this is one I think of. I invite you, dear reader, to be swept away by the action and romance of my final book of the Scouts of the Georgia Frontier.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 25

lakesidelivingsite, August 26

Books, Books, & More Books, August 27 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 27

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 30

Cover Lover Book Review, August 31

Jeanette’s Thoughts , September 1

Books You Can Feel Good About, September 2

Connie’s History Classroom, September 3

Simple Harvest Reads, September 4 (Guest Review from Donna)

Blossoms and Blessings, September 5

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 6

Holly’s Book Corner, September 7

Pause for Tales, September 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise 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/7zfBE/a-contrary-betrothal-celebration-tour-giveaway

Favor- Samantha Price

This sister's story is one of my favorites.  Favor loved her husband but her in-laws were another story.  On top of that she was convinced that she was being slighted by the whole family.

Tabitha's visit to get marriage advice made Favor to start looking at her life.  Some of her marital advice would scare anyone from getting married even Tabitha.  

I read this so quick.  I was wanting more.  And there will be another book about Tabitha's mother = Cherish.

I enjoy Samantha Price's books.  They are entertaining as well as being clean and wholesome.  I appreciate knowing that nothing will offend me.

I received this book from Samantha Price to review.

#blogtour

#SamanthaPrice

#Amish

Samantha Price is a USA Today bestselling and Kindle All-Star author of Amish fiction. She is best known for the Amish Bonnet Sisters series and the Ettie Smith Amish Mysteries series. When not writing, she loves having fun with her seven grandchildren, her dog, and her rescue cat who thinks he's a dog.

Hannah Linder- Tenderly Betrayed

Hannah Linder did it again.  What a lovely story. 

Iris and Wren had a very special relationship. Even in death,  Iris continued to write to her sister. She shared her thoughts, her fears and her dreams.  She told her about the handsome stranger who wouldn't smile or show much emotion.

Catastrophe happened after Iris and her family met Jericho.  He would not let anyone in.  He was determined to right a wrong.

Very powerful story.  I loved it from the first page to the very end.

#romance

#emotional

HANNAH LINDER resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Cynthia Ruchti with Books & Such Literary Management, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels filled with passion, secrets, and danger. She is a 2025 Carol Award winner, a five-time Selah Award winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Her novels, Beneath His Silence, When Tomorrow Came, Garden of the Midnights, The Girl from the Hidden Forest, and more are published with Barbour Publishing.

In way of career, Hannah is an international and multi-award-winning graphic designer who specializes in professional book cover design. With a Graphic Design Associates Degree under her belt, she designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, national, and international bestsellers (hannahlinderdesigns.com). She is also a self-portrait photographer of historical fashion. 

When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing instruments—piano, guitar, ukulele, and banjolele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, square dancing, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. Her greatest desire is to please her Savior and to write in a way that glorifies and uplifts Him. 

A Heart to Cherish

 

What a shame!  Jeannie Graber feels that she has to prove she's not flighty to her parents and even to herself.  She can and she will do this!  Well, I hope to do this.

Matthew Fisher is ready to move up in the company his brother owns.  But his brother does not have the confidence Matthew can.  Matthew is determined to prove him wrong.

Both are determined to prove to their loved ones that they are capable and will accomplish their goals.  

Romance, intrigue and the importance of your family's approval are the themes that runs through this sweet story.  I enjoyed every moment of reading this.

Amy Clipston is an award-winning bestselling author and has been writing for as long as she can remember. She's sold more than one million books, and her fiction writing “career” began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories. She has a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan University and is a member of the Authors Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America. Amy works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC, and lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and five spoiled rotten cats.

Hope

 

Hope has had a dream.  She never shared it with anyone. But now that the bed and breakfast is up for sale, she must.

Hope is almost positive her older sister will outbid her and get the inn.  She feels that Florence always gets her way.

Tabatha is at it again.  She is trying to find her way. What is she good at? It almost seems like nothing. Lol. She needs to trust GOD. He has plans for her.

I always enjoy Samantha Price's books.  Entertaining. Sweet. Clean.

I was able to receive an early copy to review from the author. 

#blog

#SamanthaPrice

Wartime for the Mill Girls

 

1930s.  England is at war. More women in the workforce than ever before. Briony and Jan Van Leyden are running the mill. They inherited the mill from Briony's parents.

The Van Leydens are great bosses. They truly cared for their staff. They became family.

I personally don't know how the country and the residents got through these difficult times.  But they did!  My mother is proof of that as she survived the war years when she lived in England as a child.

I couldn't put it down.  I enjoyed the story.

If I Could Be With You

 

Sometimes it's difficult to read what really happened during WW II.  My mother lived in England during the war. I had relatives who served and one great-uncle was a prisoner of war.  I have heard stories.  Real stories.

This book is about a group of women who gave their all to the cause.  They served their country well.  The Air Transport Auxiliary took risks with no hesitation.  

I enjoyed the story.  It was a serious one.  But Bonnie, Taxi and Duck delivered happy moments for the troop.  I am not even going to tell you who they are!!!

Pick up a copy.  It was entertaining but it also made you think of the risks that were taken to fight evil.

I.received this book to review from Boldwood Books.

#rararesources 

#WWII

#blogtour

If I Could Be With You

May 1944, it's the build-up to D-Day, for which the girls of the Air Transport Auxiliary Mystery Club are busy delivering the aircraft sorely needed, and the search goes on for a Nazi spy, who has information which cannot be allowed to get into the enemies hands.

For one of the girls, her husband in badly burned after his Mosquito is shot down, bringing the war closer to home than it's ever been before.

With danger at every corner, the girls unbreakable bond is put to the test like never before. Through it all, they stand firm, taking all the war can throw at them, before daring it to try again.

Purchase Links

Amazon Universal - tinyurl.com/axmaytm8   

Nook - tinyurl.com/2sm82dzs 

Author Bio 

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 

facebook.com/MWArnoldAuthor

Twitter – mick859

Instagram – Mick859

YouTube Channel –tinyurl.com/bde2rajj 

Jody Hedlund- Horseshoes and Honeymoons

Silver was being stalked.  Protection was needed.  But how was she going to protect her heart?

The last person she expected to see was Dustin McQuaid.  The last time she saw him he broke her heart. But he was the best in what he does- keeping his clients safe.  And Silver needed him in more ways than one.

Romantic. Spicy.  Hot.  I wanted to grab a hold of Dustin myself.  He sounded like  a dream.  But he sure had relationship issues! Could Silver change his future?

I love to read anything by Jody Hedlund. 

I was given the opportunity to receive a copy of this book by the author.

  AUTHOR-

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over sixty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle.

Horseshoes and Honeymoons

Author: Jody Hedlund
Series: Healing Springs Ranch, Book 4
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Northern Lights Press
Publication Year: 2026
ASIN: B0FX57RJ85

He thought he’d experienced the McQuaid legacy of love with his childhood sweetheart. But he’d been wrong. Or had he?

To Fly on Broken Wings

New author alert!  I can't tell you how excited I was to start reading this book. I never heard of Fayla Ott.  But the cover and title drew me in.  

Lila had a difficult childhood.  Her mother left when she was young. She stayed with her father. He needed her.  His problems became her problems. She was looked down upon by most.  

But one day a young pilot noticed her. Her world changed. He saw her beauty and her wisdom. He wanted to marry her despite his parents' objections.

This book really made me cry.  Lila's life before and after meeting Graham was one of tragedy and hope.  

Their love and marriage was interrupted by WWII.  Her struggles got to me.  I prayed she would have a happy ending.  I never imagined how the book actually ended.  I won't tell. You need to read it for yourself!

I was fortunate enough to receive an early reading copy to review from the author.  Believe me, I will now keep an eye out for future books by Fayla Ott. 

10 STARS!!

Freed by the Frontier

 

Something about the Frontier gets me everytime.  I am drawn to that time period.  Women had so many hardships.  No washing machine, no microwave, no stove and a lot of time, no respect.

These stories are of three woman that go through extremely difficult times.  I wouldn't want to be any of them.

They did what they had to to survive.  As a result, they discovered what they were made of. They  also found love.

 I loved all three stories. Only one author was familiar to me.  I have read numerous books by Denise Farnsworth. I know about her work and that is why I decided to read this.  I was pleasantly surprised that she thanked me in her author's notes.  Thank you!

I highly recommend picking up a copy of Freed by the Frontier.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit to review.

#blogtour

About the Book

Book: Freed by the Frontier

Authors: Sherry Shindelar, Denise Farnsworth, Susan F. Craft

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: June 30, 2026

Three remarkable women find themselves caught between two worlds on the American frontier. A captive of the Comanche must choose between escaping to white society or her growing feelings for a rising war chief in 1850s Texas. A Georgia judge’s daughter flees an unwanted betrothal during the War of 1812, only to be captured by Creek warriors but protected by a mysterious brave. And in 1754, an English lady traveling the Great Wagon Road to become a music teacher discovers her carefully planned future may not survive her attraction to a protective frontiersman.

From quaint civilized towns to treacherous mountain passes and wilderness villages, three couples navigate cultural divisions, overcome past wounds, and face deadly dangers to discover that love knows no boundaries. But as war clouds gather and ancient tribal alliances shift, will their newfound relationships survive the coming storm? Or will the clash of worlds tear them apart?

Three unforgettable romances prove that God’s greatest blessings often come disguised as our greatest challenges, and that true love can bridge any divide.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Authors

Originally from Tennessee, Sherry loves to take her readers into the past. A romantic at heart, she is an avid student of the Civil War and the Old West. When she is not busy writing, she is an English professor working to pass on her love of writing to her students. Sherry is an award-winning writer: 2025 Maggie winner, 2023 Genesis finalist, Maggie finalist, and Crown finalist. She currently resides in Minnesota with her husband of forty-one years. She has three grown children and three grandchildren. Connect with Sherry at sherryshindelar.com.

North Georgia native Denise Farnsworth, formerly Denise Weimer, has authored over twenty traditionally published novels and novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two adult daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

Nationally acclaimed writer of inspirational historical romance, Susan F. Craft retired after a 45-year career in communications. A widow who was married 48 years to her high school sweetheart, she has two adult children, one granddaughter, and a granddog. A history nerd, she enjoys painting, singing, and sitting on her porch watching chipmunks dine from her bird feeder. She recently learned how to play the ukulele. Soli Deo Gloria

More from the Authors

Imagine a time when the U.S. not far from the coast was unsettled wilderness. Where brave settlers faced the challenges of isolation and nature as they established a toehold of civilization. Where multiple nations clashed in battle as they vied for control of land and waterways.

This setting seeded with inherent danger and wild beauty calls to those of us who write frontier historical romances from the 1700s and 1800s. Three of us from Wild Heart Books—Sherry Shindelar, Denise Farnsworth, and Susan Craft—came together to pen a trio of novellas, Freed by the Frontier. Each of our stories connects to one of our previous series, but each novella can be read independently. We invite you to journey with us back to rugged mountains, wagon roads, and frontier settlements.

Wichita Path Sacrifice by Sherry Shindelar

The frontier has always captured my imagination. It is a place of hope and hardship, new beginnings and trials, dreams and risk, and in my stories, a place where love is forged. My novella is the prequel to Texas Forsaken, Book One in my Lone Star Redemption series. Wichita Path Sacrifice tells the love story of captive Maggie Logan (Eyes-Like-Sky) and Dancing Eagle, a renowned Comanche warrior. The story is set in Comancheria in the 1850’s when the Comanches ruled the southern Plains and settlers entered the Texas frontier at their own risk. Years ago, the real-life story of Cynthia Ann Parker broke my heart. Cynthia was captured by Comanches at age nine, and lived with them for twenty-four years, married, and had children. When she was eventually recaptured by cavalry and Texas Rangers, she wanted nothing to do with the settlers’ world. Her heart belonged to the Comanche and her husband and children who were lost to her. Cynthia’s story had a sad ending that haunted me. I wanted to write a captive story with a happier ending, and that desire led to Texas Forsaken. The prequel, Wichita Path Sacrifice, inspired by the real-life stories of Cynthia Ann Parker and her cousin Rachel Plummer, is an enemy-to-lovers story of love blossoming in the midst of trials, when it seems all hope is gone. It’s a story of choices between paths. Love requires sacrifice. Eyes-Like-Sky and Dancing Eagle must decide how much they’re willing to let go of and risk if they are to claim the dreams of their heart.

Ofuskee Trail Surrender by Denise Farnsworth

Keturah Caldwell disappeared from A Counterfeit Betrothal, the first book of my Scouts of the Georgia Frontier series. Pledged to wed the hero of that novel, the daughter of a Georgia judge  was abducted by thieves and sold to a war party of Creek braves. One of them, known as Wildcat, quietly protects her on the journey to his village in present-day Alabama. Keturah soon learns she has more in common with the adopted son of the micco than she would ever have guessed. When his cruel stepbrother turns his sights on Keturah and her younger sister, Keturah is forced to trust Wildcat in a marriage of convenience, though she vows to convince him to help them escape. They grow from enemies to lovers amid the War of 1812, as she learns that sometimes, greater blessings can come from abiding than from escaping.

Keturah also meets another captive, Susannah Moore, heroine of A Contrary Betrothal (formerly released as Bent Tree Bride), coming August 18 of this year.

Wagon Road Serenade by Susan F. Craft

An enemies-to-lovers historical romance, this novella is set in1754 on the Great Wagon Road spanning from Philadelphia, PA, to Augusta, GA. I wrote this novella as a complement to my three-novel Great Wagon Road series.

Elizabeth Stanton, her reputation marred from an injustice in London, seeks a second chance as a music teacher for a women’s academy in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She joins a wagon train, but scarred from her past, she vows never to rely on a man again. James Morgan, a widowed trapper, hears a vile rumor about Elizabeth and regrets agreeing to drive one of the academy’s wagons. To Elizabeth, James is another charming scoundrel. To James, Elizabeth is a tainted woman to be avoided. Both resist a growing attraction. James admires her willingness to help others. Her soft soprano voice fills the nights with a melancholy sweetness. Had he received false information and misjudged? Elizabeth tries to remain indifferent, but when he saves her and an orphan girl after Indians kidnap them, her heart softens.

Will his gentle treatment erase her misgivings? Can she trust him? Will their hearts reject discord and blend into a serenade of love?

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 11

Artistic Nobody, July 12 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 13

Texas Book-aholic, July 14

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 15

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 16

Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 16

Lyssa Loves Books, July 17

lakesidelivingsite, July 17

Guild Master, July 18 (Author Interview)

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 19

Cover Lover Book Review, July 20

Simple Harvest Reads, July 21 (Guest Review from Donna)

Holly’s Book Corner, July 22

Fiction Book Lover, July 23 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, July 24

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, the Wild Heart Authors aare 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/7zZDM/freed-by-the-frontier-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

 

Debbie Macomber- A Date with Santa

Every Christmas, Debbie Macomber writes a new book to celebrate the season.  This is the 2026 book.  I eagerly picked up the book and jumped right in.

Clare desperately wants the promotion at work.  She has worked crazy hours to accomplish her goal.  She knows she has tough competition but never expected her friend, Ethan, to also be in the running.

Unexpectedly, Clare is needed to watch her young nephew, Ricky.  Would she be able to get her promotion and take care of him?  And Christmas is right around the corner!!

A sweet story about learning what's important in life. 

I loved it.

Debbie Macomber is a leading voice in women’s fiction. Fifteen of her novels have reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller lists, and six of her beloved Christmas novels have been made into hit movies on the Hallmark Channel, in addition to the original series Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove, based on Macomber’s Cedar Cove books. There are more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide.