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."

The Girl from the Queen's Head

 

Last night I started this book. I thought I would read a few chapters.  

What a story!  I was on the edge of my seat (really bed).  I was so concerned for Jess' safety.  Will her husband find her?  Will a co-worker cause more problems?

I'm not as  patient and kind as some of these wives.  Fortunately, Jess made a decision to save herself.  But trouble follows where ever she goes.

Jess made friends so easily.  Her friends became family.  I loved the friendship with Peg.  They would do anything for each other.  No judgment. No questions asked. I have friends like that.  I am thankful and blessed.

I loved the book. It was romantic.  It was frightening.  It was a great read.

Family Matters at Blackberry Farm

Any time I read a WW II book, I think of my maternal grandparents.  My mother was born in England and lived there during the war.

My Mom told me stories of going to the bomb shelters.  My grandpa was a homeguard.  He would patrol the streets to make them safe from the Germans. Fortunately, he never met any.  I have my Mom's ration book where all the sweetie coupons are gone.  Obviously, she had a sweet tooth.

This story tells the struggles that families had during the war.  This was when families and neighbors pulled together. 

A great story .  I love Rosie Clarke. Her characters are so real. 

You need to pick up a copy.

 

Claire Holloway is Winging It

A new author discovered!  I have been reading the same type of book for ages.  This seemed interesting and I loved it.

The two main characters work for an airline.  Ryan was an associate pilot and Claire was a brand new hostess. A chance meeting at the airport brings them together.  Friendship develops.  Well, it could be more serious but a boyfriend and a former girlfriend get in the way.

I love how the author wrote her chapters. She alternated her chapters by writing one with Claire and the next one was Ryan.  

I enjoyed the book. It was entertaining.  It didn't offend me in anyway. Clean, cute romance. If you look closely, there are lessons to be learned for young people and their relationships with others. Okay, even older people can learn something here.

#blog

#airport

Angela Ruth Strong survived breast cancer, works as a flight attendant, and uses her own crazy life experiences as inspiration for the stories she writes. Her books have earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been nominated for a Christy, won the Cascade Award, and become Amazon bestsellers. She and her husband also got to play extras when her novel Finding Love in Big Sky was adapted for film. To help aspiring authors, Angela started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho.

Two Amish Widows

Two pregnant widows lost and not knowing where to turn.  Both were promised a home to help them get back on their feet.  Unfortunately they were promised the same home.

A story of opposites. A story of compromise. I enjoyed how Tillie and Lucinda met and became friends. Lifelong friends.

Have you ever become friends with someone you didn't like at first?  I can't say I ever did.  

A cute story.  I enjoyed how sweet it was. I guess that is one reason I love Samantha Price's books.

I received this from the author to review.

#Amish

#SamanthaPrice

#friends

About the author

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

The Bird of Bedford Manor

My mother was born in Bedfordshire, England before she immigrated to America in the 1950s.  I have relatives that still live there.  This is the first reason why I decided to read this.  The second reason is that I love historical mysteries.  Michelle Griep has a special talent of bringing these type of stories to life.

Juliet did everything she could to keep her and her grandmother alive. Even if it was illegal.  In doing so, she was caught by Henry Russell on his land poaching.

Instead of having her arrested, he asked for her help.  He had to protect his sister and she had what it takes.

An interesting story with many twists and turns. I enjoyed the book.

I received this from Celebrate Lit to review.

#blogtour

#CelebrateLit

About the Book

Book: The Bird of Bedford Manor

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction / Regency

Release Date: February, 2026

Bedfordshire, England, 1820: Ruined by the sins of her father, Juliet Finch is cast into a life of self-reliance. Survival is a harsh taskmaster, but she is a quick learner and excels at tracking and snaring wild game to feed herself. Juliet embraces her new identity until the day Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land—a crime punishable by death. Henry, however, has other offenses on his mind: namely, the troublesome stalker who’s making a misery of his sister’s life. To try to put a stop to her torment, Henry charges Juliet with tracking the elusive villain so he can be brought to justice. Using her skills, Juliet hunts down the rogue. . .but may just become the prey herself.

Reader favorite Michelle Griep has penned yet another masterpiece with this page-turning adventure that has it all:

• swoon-worthy romance
• clever turn-of-phrase
• colorfully memorable characters
• charming British setting

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

More from Michelle

The Waltz: The Dance That Shocked Regency England

Post by Michelle Griep

I’ll be the first to admit it…I can’t dance a lick. Not a jig, not a reel, and certainly not anything that requires turning in rhythm without stepping on someone’s toes. If you ever spot me on a dancefloor, it’s because someone shoved me there or I lost a bet. Which is probably why the waltz both fascinates and terrifies me. A dance that actually expects you to glide gracefully while holding someone close? Absolutely not. And yet in Regency England, it became the talk of the town.

When the waltz swirled onto the dancefloors of England in the 1790s, it caused more shock than delight. Imported from Austria and southern Germany, it was a turning, closely-held dance—far too close for the comfort of polite society. Many called it indecent, warning that no respectable couple should stand chest-to-chest before a room full of onlookers. Some critics even claimed the dance “ignited dangerous feelings” and threatened to erode proper English restraint.

Shocking, right?

But fashions shift, and all it took was the Prince Regent giving the dance his approval in 1814. Overnight, the waltz transformed from scandal to sensation. By the 1820s, it was everywhere.

Here are a few fun bits of waltz trivia from the era:
• Some etiquette books warned that too much turning could cause “disorientation” or “undue excitement.”
• Early chaperones sometimes counted the number of turns, convinced it reflected a couple’s level of impropriety.
• A lady’s hemline was said to act like a “barometer” of a gentleman’s behavior—if it swayed too wildly, he was holding her too tightly.

In The Bird of Bedford Manor, set in 1820, this same world of rigid rules and whispered scandals forms the backdrop for Juliet Finch—resourceful, determined, and driven into the woods by her father’s downfall. When Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land, everything changes. What begins as a crime punishable by death becomes something far more dangerous as he charges her with tracking the stalker tormenting his sister.

Juliet can track anything. But this time, she may become the hunted.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 24

Devoted Steps, February 24

Bizwings Blog, February 25

Book Looks by Lisa, February 25

Where Faith and Books Meet, February 25

Sylvan Musings, February 26

Sydney Schmied Books, February 26

Lily’s Corner, February 27

Melissa’s Bookshelf, February 27

Inspired by Fiction, February 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 28

Texas Book-aholic, March 1

Simple Harvest Reads, March 1 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 2

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 2

For Him and My Family, March 3

The Bookish Pilgrim, March 3

Betti Mace, March 4

Cover Lover Book Review, March 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 5

Blogging With Carol, March 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 6

Blossoms and Blessings, March 6

Stories By Gina, March 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 7

Holly’s Book Corner, March 8

Pause for Tales, March 8

Vicky Sluiter, March 8

Devoted To Hope, March 9

To Everything There Is A Season, March 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a print copy of the book!!

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

https://gleam.io/zqeQC/the-bird-of-bedford-manor-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

A Dutiful Daughter

Daughter, sister, Aunt, niece and friend.  Mirren was all that and more!  A dutiful daughter to her ill mother made her tired and with not much hope in meeting  her fiancée in Canada anytime soon.

Mirren's strength came from her friends. They did what they could to help her out. And Thank Goodness she had one brother, Robbie,that did what he could. Her other brother, Logan, was selfish and critical of Mirren's choices.

I wanted Mirren to find happiness. She really deserved it. She gave all her love and attention to everyone but herself.  Mirren came close to being physically hurt on more than one occasion.  

Mirren had a maternal aunt that she kept in contact with behind her mother's back.  So many years ago after a silly argument, her mother and Aunt Catherine parted ways.  What a loss. 

Great story.  I loved the characters. Mirren is one of my favorite characters. Warm, caring, patient and determined to take care of her family and friends.

I received this book from Boldwood to review.

#blogtour

#rararesources

A Dutiful Daughter

Will her devotion to duty stop her from pursuing her dreams?

Paisley, Scotland, 1920

By day young Mirren Jarvis works in the twisting department at Ferguslie Thread Mills and by night she works in a local fried-fish shop. She also cares for her sick mother and forgoes the freedom and luxuries her friends enjoy, dreaming of the day her fiancé, Donald, will send for her to come and live with him in America.

In the aftermath of the Great War, many of the women in Mirren’s life are struggling. Her cousin Grace’s fiancé believes he is no longer fit for marriage due to his war injuries, and her widowed sister-in-law faces stern opposition from Mirren’s mother about her decision to remarry. Meanwhile, Mirren worries about her younger brother Robbie’s involvement in politics, encouraged by his friend Joe Hepburn.

As the day-to-day reality of working two jobs and caring for her sick mother begins to weigh more heavily on Mirren, the promise of a life in America with Donald seems even more unobtainable. But when Mirren finally gets her freedom, her plans for the future begin to unravel and she is forced to confront a seemingly impossible choice about her own future.

Storytelling at its best, Evelyn Hood is the original bestselling Scottish saga writer 💫

Previously published in paperback as A Procession of One

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

Author Bio – 

The Sunday Times bestselling author of 28 published novels, Evelyn Hood had a variety of jobs, including being a journalist and a poultry farmer. She was a full time writer, best known for her family sagas, set mainly in her home town of Paisley (Renfrewshire) and on the Clyde coast, where she also lived.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16YScQLN3J/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

Instagram: @evelynhood52author 

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/evelyn-hood 

Amelia's March Arrangement

 

Only 18, Amelia had no choice to take the responsibility of her 3 nephews.  She was not sure how she was going to do it.

Owen hadn't seen his brother in years. But once he heard of the accident, he knew it was time for him to return to his hometown.

I can not imagine the stress Amelia was under. Three young boys and farm to run was no easy task.  Her Bishop encouraged her to marry. 

A sweet story of a young girl giving her all for the benefit of her orphan nephews.  Amelia deserved happiness. Could she marry without being in love?  

I enjoyed the book. Mindy Steele knows how to bring her characters to life.  

#Amish

#responsibility