Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Jody Hedlund- Spurs and Sparks

Wow! I was sure lucky to be able to read these two books early. I love romance stories. I love cowboys so I was in for a treat. Spurs and Sparks and Broncos and Ballads are the first two books of the Healing Springs Ranch series.

Two brothers came from a great family. Their parents are just as much in love as when they got married. Their Dad has some health issues but he is fiesty. He's ready for his sons to settle down and marry. Happy Ever After.

But it doesn't always happen that way.

The first book is Spurs and Sparks.

Tyler is busy as can be running the ranch. With his father recovering from his illness, a nurse is needed. But she wasn't what Tyler expected.

Emotions run high. And like the title indicates there were some sparks between the two of them.

I really liked the family. They were warm and loving. Tyler had to rethink his life's direction before he could even think of romance.

Great contemporary love story.

I received an early copy of the book from the author to review.

#JodyHedlund

#blog

#romance

Saturday, July 5, 2025

To Love A Beast

One of my all-time favorite Disney films is Beauty and the Beast. I was pleasantly surprised that this story is loosely based on it. The book is quite clever. I enjoyed discovering connections to the Disney movies: names, etc.

The characters were wonderful to read about. Callista was surrounded by the staff employed by Everett Griffin. She came as an employee but left with them becoming very special. Mrs. Potter was my favorite character. She was a woman with much wisdom.

Near the end of the story there was a line that I highlighted. It was "that it's not the cover that makes a person love a book". It's what is inside that counts. I can hear my Mom saying this to me as I was growing up. Everett was disfigured but his pure heart and goodness shined through after he allowed Callista to see his true self.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit to review.

#KarenWitemeyer

#CelebrateLit

About the Book

Book: To Love a Beast (One Upon a Time in Texas Book One)

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 10, 2025

Beauty & the Beast in 1800’s Texas.

Once known among New York’s elite as the American Adonis, Everett Griffin now lives as a recluse in the wilds of Texas. The treachery of a former admirer left his face and his spirit riddled with scars, so he hides himself away, his only companions a trio of trusted servants and an oversized dog. Locals whisper of the beastly man who lives in the gloomy manor outside of town and his tendency to attack anyone who dares approach. Everett relishes his fearsome reputation and uses it as a shield to guard his privacy. Until a young woman as stubborn as she is beautiful infiltrates his sanctum and lays siege to his defenses.

When an injury to her father jeopardizes the family’s book binding business, Callista Rosenfeld determines to fulfill the contract herself, and no insufferable client or woman-eating dog will deter her. Finding unlikely allies among Mr. Griffin’s staff, Callista secures her position and sets to work transforming the manor’s remarkable library. Her employer transforms as well, his ill-tempered growls subsiding to reveal a considerate, intellectual nature. Affection blooms as Callista and Everett discover hidden depths in each other, but the evil schemes of a vengeful hunter threaten to leave their love and their lives in tatters.

More from Karen

Having Fun with Character Names

I was a college student when the Disney animated adaptation of Beauty and the Beast released, and it instantly became my favorite fairy tale of all time. As a bookish young woman myself, I found Belle so relatable, and the rest of the cast delighted me as well. Throughout my Texas Ever After series and continuing with this new Once Upon a Time in Texas series, I’ve enjoyed paying homage to the Disney characters who inspired my western retellings. To Love a Beast is no different.

Let’s start with our beastly hero, Everett Griffin. The name Everett means “wild boar” and a griffin is a mythological beast with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. Quite fitting for our Beast. Next is the lovely Callista Rosenfeld, a book binder and novel lover. Callista means “most beautiful,” perfect for our Beauty. Rosenfeld references the enchanted rose that plays such a key role in the fairy tale plot.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen’s books have won numerous awards, including the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, and National Reader’s Choice Award. Karen is an avid cross-stitcher, and makes her home in Abilene, Texas with her husband. Learn more about Karen and her books at her website.

Next, we have our supporting cast. Mrs. Potter is our motherly housekeeper who invites Callista to tea on a regular basis. Our stuffy butler playing the role of Cogsworth is Mr. Timens. Notice the TIME in his name that pays homage to the clock-faced Disney character. Everett’s valet and best friend is Ray Lightfoot, who’s name plays with the candlestick image with both his first and last name.

I love having fun with my character names and giving them additional story meaning. You’ll find more Beauty and the Beast Easter eggs in my story as well. Those elements make the story so fun to write, and I hope you will find it incredibly fun to read as well.

Happy Reading!

~Karen

Blog Stops

Maureen’s Musings, June 27

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 28

The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate , June 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 29

Inspired by Fiction, June 29

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , June 30

Where Faith and Books Meet, June 30

Devoted Steps, July 1

Sylvan Reads, July 1

She Lives To Read, July 1

Texas Book-aholic, July 2

Blossoms and Blessings, July 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 3

Blogging With Carol, July 3

Stories By Gina, July 4 (Author Interview)

Labor Not in Vain, July 4

For Him and My Family, July 5

Holly’s Book Corner , July 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 6

Jodie Wolfe, July 6

The Lit Lady, July 7

Wishful Endings, July 7

Bizwings Book Blog, July 8

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 8

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 9

Mary Hake, July 9

To Everything There Is A Season, July 10

Life Love Writing, July 10

Min Reads and Reviews, July 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of an eBook copy of the book and Beauty & the Beast themed goodies!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54249

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

With Mercy's Eyes

About the Book

Book: With Mercy’s Eyes

Author: D.T. Powell

Genre: Christian Contemporary Fiction

He turned his back on God a long time ago. But God never forgot him.

Six months after struggling actor Lane Harris lost his husband in a tragic accident, he lands a movie role guaranteed to put him on the Hollywood map. But one producer holds the power to shut down his shot at stardom—and she’s a Christian. If she finds out he’s gay, it’s over. Lane is careful not to say too much around her.

When an alcohol-fueled tryst with his co-star ends in humiliation, and his landlord hands him an eviction notice, Lane looks for someone to talk to. He finds a confidant in the Christian producer. After a night of too little sleep and not enough coffee, he lets slip his sexual orientation. Instead of a verbal flogging, the woman recounts recently losing her own husband.

The only Christians Lane knows condemn him upon learning he’s gay. But this one is different. She doesn’t embrace his sexuality, but instead of treating him with disdain, she offers compassion. Christians are supposed to hate people like him. So, why doesn’t she?

– – – – – – –

With Mercy’s Eyes by D. T. Powell is an issue-facing Contemporary novel for adult churched Christians. It addresses homosexuality and same-sex attraction from a Biblical perspective without falling into the trap of the extreme responses we too often see from modern churches. It holds similar views to Jackie Hill Perry, Becket Cook, Rosaria Butterfield, and Christopher Yuan.

Book Excerpt

Others quietly shuffled toward the opposite side of the room, pretending not to pay them any attention.

Lane followed, but every step dragged him down, as if sand filled his shoes.

The surgeon took a seat, but Lane hesitated. He knew what those furrowed brows and tight jaw meant. If he sat, the world would end. He paced between a snack machine and the chair to stall reality until he was ready. But he could never be ready.

To his credit, the surgeon waited.

A boy bought pretzels from the vending machine. The bag’s sharp crackle seemed to rip away bits of air as breathing grew impossible.

A newscaster droned about politics on the flatscreen mounted on the opposite wall. His voice picked Lane’s nerves, stealing snippets of attention, but not enough to eclipse the doctor’s presence.

Finally, he sat.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Harris.”

Lane knew what came next. Those soul-crushing words—they would drown him. But there was nothing he could do to stop them.

“We did everything we could, but his injuries were too severe. Your husband is dead.”

Kennedy Funeral Home, Huntington Park

Saturday, October 6th

Lane sat in the front row as Stephen’s mother, extended family, and friends filed out.

MISSING EXCERPTS:

Excerpt One: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/with-mercys-eyes-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Two: https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2025/07/01/with-mercys-eyes-by-d-t-powell-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Three: https://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews/epic-book-launch-with-mercys-eyes-by-dt-powell
Excerpt Four: https://nannie3.blogspot.com/2025/07/with-mercys-eyes.html
Excerpt Five: https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com/2025/06/with-mercys-eyes-launch.html
Excerpt Six: https://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/with-mercys-eyes-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Seven: https://www.guildmaster97.com/posts/with-mercys-eyes-epic-book-launch-excerpt/

***Insert Links Here***

About the Author

D. T. Powell has loved stories since before she can remember, and it was one of those stories that God used to change her life and prompt her to start writing. In addition to writing book reviews for a magazine as well as original contemporary and speculative fiction, she has actively contributed to the fanfiction community since 2013. Her original work has been published by Writers Digest, Clean Fiction Magazine, Twenty Hills Publishing, The Order of the Pen Press, Wolrdsmyths, and Cadence Writing. She enjoys reading, playing pickleball, and playing an occasional video game. You can find her online as dtill359.

Her favorite verse is Psalm 126:5, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”

Saturday, June 28, 2025

A New Dawn For The Mill Girls

Verity's beginnings couldn't predict her future. With perseverance and hard work, she climbed out of the pit she lived in.

Oliver ran the mill that was Verity's inheritance. Attraction was immediate. He was from another class than her. And that caused a problem.

Verity was quite a firecracker. She had many ideas for the Mill and no one could stop her. She looked beyond what was expected.

I loved Oliver and Verity's relationship. He was the calm. She was the storm. And in the end, this did create conflict.

I couldn't put the book down. It was a great story. I loved it.

I received this book from Boldwood Books to review.

#blogtour

##rararesources

A New Dawn for the Mill Girls

West Yorshire 1897

A new mistress for Lockwood Mill.

Verity Lockwood despises life at Far View House, where her father and mill owner, Jebediah Lockwood, drowns his fortune—and his wits—in drink. With debts mounting, whispers spread - how much longer can Lockwood’s Mill survive?

The dark and dirty mills of Yorkshire are no place for a gently bred young woman, but when Verity learns that her father’s ruin threatens not only her home but the livelihoods of the workers who depend on it, she refuses to stand idly by.

Oliver Hardcastle, the mill’s stern and steady manager, is doubtful of Miss Lockwood’s sudden involvement. She’s quiet and unassuming, yet behind her demure exterior lies a sharp mind and as Verity challenges tradition with her bold ideas, she soon earns the respect of the other workers –especially the mill girls— and the reluctant admiration of Oliver himself.

But as their partnership deepens into something more, powerful men begin to take notice. Other mill owners scoff at Verity’s reforms, seeing her as a threat to the order they seek to maintain. And when enemies close in, Verity and Oliver must stand together—not only to save the mill, but to fight for a love neither of them expected.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/NewDawnfortheMillGirls

Author Bio –

Chrissie Walsh was born and raised in West Yorkshire and is a retired schoolteacher with a passion for history. She has written several successful sagas documenting feisty women in challenging times.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: ChrissieWalsh

Twitter: @WalshChrissie

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/ChrissieWalshNewsletter

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/chrissie-walsh

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers

I really enjoy story collections especially if the stories are by different authors. It gives you an opportunity to be introduced to new authors. This collection consists of authors I know and a couple I didn't.

The seven Rangers sound so dreamy. Strong, silent and so so handsome. How could any of the young ladies resist their charms? But actually they did, at first.

There's some action and drama in each story. And unexpected romance. Everything you want in a story to be entertained! I highly recommend this collection.

I received this complimentary book to review from Celebrate Lit.

#blogtour

#Romance

About the Book

Book: Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers

Authors: Gabrielle Meyer, Amanda Barratt, Erica Vetsch, Susan Page Davis, Lorna Seilstad, Kathleen Y’Barbo, and Vickie McDonough

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 17, 2025

Seven dedicated Texas Rangers risk their hearts and their honor in this thrilling saga of romance and justice in the untamed West.

In 1875 Texas, the notorious Markham gang threatens the peace of the frontier, prompting seven determined Rangers to pursue them across the state. But their mission becomes complicated when love ambushes the lawmen at every turn.

While tracking the outlaws, these stalwart Rangers encounter extraordinary women who challenge their dedication to the badge: a young widow protecting dangerous secrets, a jeweler’s daughter guarding precious cargo, a former soiled dove seeking redemption, a stubborn horse owner with a score to settle, a quick-thinking bank teller turned hostage, a talented silversmith forced into counterfeiting, and a brave witness who holds the key to bringing down the gang.

From train robberies to kidnappings, these Rangers must navigate the dangerous territory between protecting their hearts and upholding the law. But when love and duty collide, even the most steadfast lawman might be forced to choose between justice and romance.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Gabrielle Meyer, a Minnesota native, draws inspiration for her historical fiction from the rich stories and landscapes of her home state, where she lives on the banks of the upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. A former employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, Gabrielle loves weaving real people, places, and events into her captivating tales.

Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch weaves her love for Jesus, history, romance, and sports into her stories, including The Debutante’s Code, the first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series. When she’s not crafting fiction or planning her next trip to a history museum.

Bestselling author Amanda Barratt brings to life overlooked moments in history through her award-winning novels, including The Warsaw Sisters, Within These Walls of Sorrow, and The White Rose Resists. Based in Michigan, she’s often immersed in research, tackling her ever-growing TBR stack, or savoring a slice of lemon cake.

Carol Award finalist Lorna Seilstad explores life’s complexities with humor in her nine novels, including the Lake Manawa Summers and Gregory Sisters series, as well as several novella collections. When she’s not writing, she teaches women’s Bible classes, runs a toy store, plans weddings, or spends time with her Pyredoodle, Honey Bea.

Publishers Weekly Bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee and bestselling author of more than one hundred books with over two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad. A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, Kathleen and her hero in combat boots husband are the parents and in-laws of a blended family of Texans, Okies, and a family of three adorable Londoners. Though she’s an avid reader and loves road trips with her husband, if it’s a Saturday in the fall you’ll find Kathleen cheering on her beloved Texas Aggies.

More from Erica

Hello! I’m Erica Vetsch, and I am thrilled that the Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers novella collection is being republished by Wild Heart Books. This collection, and its predecessor, Seven Brides for Seven Texans, are dear to my heart.

If you have read my previous blog post about Seven Brides for Seven Texans, you will know that all the authors in the collection worked closely together and collaborated well to bring the interconnected novellas into one cohesive story. This required lots of cooperation and communication, and a careful readthrough for continuity.

The process was so much fun that when the original publisher approached me about creating a sequel, I was eager to do so. Six out of seven of the original authors were game to try it all again, and we recruited someone to fill the vacancy left when one of the originals retired from writing fiction.

This time, however, much of the groundwork had been laid. Though we needed seven new heroes and seven new heroines, the setting and especially the town of Hartsville were already set in stone.

For Seven Brides for Seven Texas Rangers, it was again incumbent upon me to come up with a basic premise for the entire collection, in this case a band of Texas Rangers chasing a gang of bad guys, and then let the authors choose their own storylines. We communicated with one another to make certain that each story would be different, but also be part of the whole. Bank robberies, kidnappings, horse thieves, witness protection and more! All set against the backdrop of the American West.

Once again, the authors agreed to turn their mss in to me early so I could read them all for continuity, since I was the person most familiar with all the stories. I was able to make notes on each novella that helped the project editor and speed up the editorial process.

It was a joy working so closely with this group of authors. I learned so much about their processes and talents, and they established a high bar. I enjoyed each and every story in this collection, and I hope you will, too!

Blog Stops

Sylvan Musings, June 14

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 14

Life on Chickadee Lane, June 15

Vicky Sluiter, June 16

Pens Pages & Pulses, June 16

She Lives To Read, June 17

Madi’s Musings, June 17

lakesidelivingsite, June 18

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 19

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 20

Texas Book-aholic, June 21

Blossoms and Blessings, June 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 23

Simple Harvest Reads, June 24 (Guest Review from Donna)

Holly’s Book Corner, June 24

Cover Lover Book Review, June 25

For Him and My Family, June 26

Pause for Tales, June 27

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, June 27

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, the Wild Heart Books Authors are 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54236

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Samantha Price- Quilty Until Proven Innocent

The two sisters are at it again. They find themselves with an antique quilt and a murder to solve. Why would anyone want to kill Walter?

Ettie and Elsa-May are the cutest Amish sisters. They thrive on a little intrigue in their lives. Detective Kirby always warns them about the danger they are in and to stay out of the investigation. But he seems to rely on their inquisitive nature and their skills in finding the truth.

This is not the first book of the series. And I hope it won't be the last. I enjoy the lighthearted stories.

I received this book by the author to review.

#blogtour

#SamanthaPrice

#Amish

About the author

Samantha Price grew up in the Brethren faith and has a deep connection to the Amish way of life. Her heartfelt stories offer readers a peaceful escape into Amish family and community life. When she's writing, her loyal dog and rescue cat—who's convinced he's a dog too—are always by her side. Outside of storytelling, Samantha enjoys cooking and spending quiet moments in nature.

Samantha loves hearing from her readers. Connect at:

SamanthaPriceAuthor dot com

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Saving the Mountain Man's Legacy

A few years ago I was introduced to Misty M Beller's books. I have been a fan ever since. She has a way to draw me right in the story as if I was part of it. This was no exception.

Brothers of Sapphire Ranch has been a delight. I have loved every brother. This is about Sampson. He is trying to right a wrong. In the meantime, he finds himself helping a young woman and an infant.

Could Jewell trust Sampson? Sampson knew that she was in danger and that only he could keep her and the baby safe.

I was flabbergasted by the cruelty of some the men. I guess that is why they are called "bad guys".

This is the conclusion of the series. I'm sad. But I am positive there are a lot more hours of enjoyment to come.

I received this book to review from Celebrate Lit.

#blogtour

#CelebrateLit

About the Book

Book: Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 18, 2025

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune.

Sampson Coulter is determined to undo his disastrous mistake that is jeopardizing his family’s future. Now he’s deeply embedded in the corrupt mining empire of the ruthless Mick McPharland, and has earned the trust of Jedidiah, the brutal right-hand man. The threat reaches much farther than his own family, and he knows he must dismantle the operation from within…or die trying.

Grieving the loss of her mother, Jewel Hampton is shocked to discover a newborn baby on her doorstep. When she seeks help from her father, Jedidiah, she never imagines he’ll force her to marry Sampson Coulter, the kind man who only gave her a ride to town. Though her father has always been willing to pass her off, at least she has Sampson’s promise to protect her and the baby. It doesn’t hurt that he’s the most handsome man she’s ever seen.

Marrying Jedidiah’s daughter adds an impossible complication to Sampson’s mission. It seems he can’t have it all—redemption for himself, justice for the victims of the corruption, protection for the innocent…and a life with the woman and babe he’s coming to love.From a USA Today bestselling author comes the gripping series finale filled with high-stakes danger, a marriage of convenience, an instant family, and love that heals wounded hearts.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a 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 Friends!

I’m BEYOND excited to share the finale of the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series with you! This is Sampson’s story, the black sheep of the family. I thought it might be fun to give you a taste of one of my favorite scenes in the book:

***

Sampson eyed the woman he’d been told to marry. “I’d feel better if you and Ruby weren’t at the mercy of your father. I’d rather give you my name and make sure you have a nice place to live—a safe place. I’ll make sure you want for nothing.” She studied him with furrowed brow. He let his eyes plead with her as he said this last part. “Please consider it. For Ruby’s sake, if nothing else.”

Her expression didn’t change, she simply…stared at him. What thoughts churned in that mind of hers? Did she believe him?

Or did she think he was on her father’s side, trying to manipulate her into giving him control?

Show her the truth, Lord.

At last, her mouth parted as she prepared to speak. Her voice came out hesitant. “Would you expect to…live with us? Like a real husband?”

He shook his head, fighting off the burn in his cheeks at what she really asked. “You can live wherever you like. My family has a ranch a day’s ride from here. You’re welcome to move in there. Or if you want to be on your own, near a town, we’ll find a place you like.” He forced himself to meet her gaze again. They had to be honest with each, and he couldn’t let embarrassment get in the way of anything she needed to ask. “I won’t expect anything from you. Nothing like in a usual marriage.”

Her shoulders sagged a little, as if in relief. But a small furrow remained between her brows. “Why are you doing this? Why would you willingly burden yourself with us?”

He let himself consider her question. Why did he want her to say yes so much? He didn’t owe her anything. She was the daughter of his enemy—kin to the man who stole a year’s worth of sapphires from his family.

But this woman was different. Nothing like Jedidiah. And for some reason, he craved to keep her safe. To protect her from the evil who’d sired her. She didn’t deserve to be at that man’s mercy. Nor did the sweet child.

Sampson could help her so easily. Not only did he have money from his share of the sapphires, which he’d saved for years, he also had his pay from McPharland.

He swallowed as he tried to put all this into words. “I can help you.” His voice graveled with how much he wanted to do that. And then he let himself say the real truth. “And maybe in helping you, I can make up for my own mistakes.”

I pray you love Sampson and Grace’s story in Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy!

Blessings!

Misty