Friday, September 15, 2023

The Bad Penny

 



I absolutely love historical  fiction.  I was thrilled that this was available to read.

I didn't realize that I read a previous book with the same characters.  You could read this as a stand alone but I recommend that you read The Ragged Orphan first.

I really enjoyed the story.  What  wonderful characters!  I came to love Jared, Alice, Tobey and Sam.  They were family even though they were not blood related.  

I hated the idea of any of them being hurt.  I held my breath until the very end.  I won't give anything away but WOW!


The Bad Penny
If you're born with nothing you have to make your own luck.

When Jared Johnson first meets Clarice Connaught he saves her from the hands of her father, who is brutally beating her in the street. Never one to walk past someone in distress, Jared doesn’t hesitate to help. But who is this girl and what is her story?
Jared Johnson started with nothing. At just twelve-years-old he was orphaned and homeless, but eight years later, Jared is a success. Running McGuire’s Rag & Bone Yard and surrounded by friends, all Jared needs now is to find the perfect girl to settle down with.

Nothing has come easy for Clarice but still she has dreams of a grander life and the finer things. And if her father isn’t willing to provide them then Clarice will do anything to find someone who is.
Jared and Clarice have one thing in common – they are survivors – and in Queen Victoria’s Birmingham you need your wits about you to keep the wolf from the door. But Clarice isn’t everything she seems, and like a bad penny that always shows up, she brings more trouble for Jared and his friends than they could ever have imagined…
Lindsey Hutchinson, the top 10 bestseller, Queen of the Black Country Saga, is back with a page-turning and heart-warming story perfect fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.
Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/TheBadPennysocial

Author Bio – 
Lindsey Hutchinson is a bestselling saga author whose novels include The Workhouse Children. She was born and raised in Wednesbury, and was always destined to follow in the footsteps of her mother, the multi-million selling Meg Hutchinson.

Social Media Links –  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Lindsey-Hutchinson/100031928935691/ 
Twitter https://twitter.com/LHutchAuthor 
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/LindseyHutchinsonNews 


#rararesources
#blog tour
#LindseyHutchinson




 

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Christmas Nights at the Star and Lantern

 

Yes, I am reading Christmas books already.  A small town, Christmas and Romance.  A winner to me!

Two people who can't and won't forget a short encounter years ago.  

I enjoyed the story.  I visited England at Christmas once.  I loved the atmosphere and going to the local pub.  It was cozy and welcoming.  That's what Quinn and his brother want when they purchase The Star and Lantern.    But Quinn has  an additional idea as he knows Celeste runs a bakery in town.

Celeste tries to stay away from Quinn.  But she is drawn to him.  What must happen for them to have a second chance of love?

A cozy story to read on a cold night even when it is in September.


#BoldwoodBooks

#HelenRolfe


Tuesday, September 12, 2023

A Courageous Betrothal


A short novella that leaves you wanting more.  I loved the main character- Jenny White.  She was spunky and one whom you want with you in times of trouble. 

But Jenny doubted herself.  She wasn't pretty enough.  How could anyone pick her compared to her sister?

An exciting story with action packed adventure during the American Revolution. I loved the heart throb of the story.  Highlander Caylan says the right things in his Scottish brogue to make any young or old woman swoon.  Jenny and her sister, Hannah, were not an exception. 

I received this novella to review from the author.




Denise Weimer holds a journalism degree with a minor in history from Asbury University. Represented by Hartline Literary, she writes historical and contemporary romance and romantic suspense set in her home state of Georgia. She's also a managing editor for Smitten Historical Romance and Heritage Beacon Historical Fiction, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. A wife and mom of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.


Website


Twitter




Thursday, September 7, 2023

The Best is Yet to Come




Loss and grief.  Two things Cade and Hope know very well.  

Hope appears to be just doing fine.  But internally she is a mess.  Cade shows his grief and suffers the consequences for his actions.

They met because they both volunteered at a dog shelter.  This brings them healing.  

Hope was a teacher.  She was compassionate and wanting to help.  Many times her hands were tied but she did what she could.  I could relate as I worked with teenagers before I retired.


An enjoyable book.

#DebbieMacomber

#Grief

#GriefRecovery



Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Captivated by the Cowgirl




Felicity was the youngest sister of three.  She witnessed both of her sisters finding the loves of their lives.  But she was convinced that it would never happen for her.  Of course, she had her suitors but she didn't feel anything more than friendship.

She never expected to meet the new stranger in town, Philip Berg.    He was there every time she needed that extra shoulder to lean on.  You can tell there was an attraction between them. But  they both had reasons to keep it hidden.

What Felicity did not know was Philip's secret.  Would this make or break their chance of being together?  
 
This was a quick read for me.  I love Jody Hedlund's books.  

This is Book 4 of the Colorado Cowgirls Series.  Each one of these books have beautiful covers.  

I received this copy to review from the author,  Jody Hedlund.


AUTHOR:

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.







Friday, September 1, 2023

Wooing Gertrude


Gertrude thought she had a plan.   But she didn't expect her new groom to be a criminal.  

Gertrude was discouraged.  She felt that God was not there for her.  He wasn't listening.  Have you ever felt like this?  I  can remember a time where I felt alone.  Failed relationships made me doubt any chance for future happiness.
It wasn't until I turned to GOD and prayed that my life changed.  I asked him to guide my steps and keep me safe from harm.  And if I was to remain single, to give me peace about that.  Not long afterwards I met my future husband.  

Gertrude met Enoch and unexpectedly her life changed.  With prayer and the help of her guinea pigs,  Gertrude found the happiness she was looking for.

I loved the story.  A great read.  

I received an advanced reading copy from the author to review.






About the Author

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHL) and has been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Live the Adventure Letter. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. In addition to writing, Jodie sings in her church choir and is a voracious reader. You’ll often find her praying for snow in Pennsylvania. :)

Look for Jodie on her website, Facebook, Pinterest, and MeWe.











Thursday, August 24, 2023

Amish Buggy Murder





Another cute mystery starring Ettie and Elsie-May.  These two sisters find themselves right in the middle of murder investigation. 

Both have had very close calls while they are snooping around.  I thought for sure that they were goners this time.

With the help of Detective Kelly, they connect the dots and help in solving the case. It is not always who you think it will be.  

I enjoy reading this series of books.   Her characters are a delight.

I received this book to review from the author.  




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Samantha Price is a USA Today bestselling author of Amish romance books and cozy mysteries. She was raised Brethren and has a deep affinity for the Amish way of life, which she has explored extensively with over a decade of research.
She is mother to two pampered rescue cats and a very spoiled staffy with separation issues


Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Jody Hedlund- Convincing the Cowgirl




Patience's mother told her that she would never have a husband.  She believed her.  So she was shocked when Spencer Wolcott came by and proposed.  But did he?

A cute story that points out that being different is ok.  Patience didn't like to cook. She wasn't fond of housework.  Patience was artistic. She especially loved to paint.  She had this special talent of improving her surroundings by a little paint here or there. It sometimes could leave a mess. Could Spencer love her "in spite of her messes"?

Patience was fortunate to have a wonderful relationship with her sisters.  I think that is why she so readily accepted Lucy as her cousin.  Her trusting nature got her into trouble.

This is book three of the Colorado Cowgirls series.  I have enjoyed all three.  The last installment is the next one for me to read. 

#JodyHedlund

#ColoradoCowgirl

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the author of over thirty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she's learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!). When she's not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate. 


Monday, August 21, 2023

The Midwives' War


Grace's story is one of hardship.  But it is also one of  strength and endurance.  She was determined to survive.  And survive she did. 

Grace was kind and good to everyone she met.  But if needed, she stood up for herself.  

I haven't read a book like this in a long time.  I cried when she cried.    I was concerned everytime Grace found herself in a terrible predicament.  I cheered when she survived.

What a story!!  It made me quite emotional.  It made me think of my maternal grandmother's family. My great grandfather served in WWI.  He never returned.  He died in Egypt.  My great grandmother became a widow at a young age and had 4 or 5 children.  My grandmother was only 2 years old. Life would never be the same.   

Believe me, I will look up any other books by Chrissie Walsh.  

#BoldwoodBookClub

#ChrissieWalsh

#rararesources


The Midwives’ War

‘See that patch of blue sky,’ he said. ‘Whenever you see one, that’s where I’ll be – thinking of you.’

Against the chaotic backdrop of World War II, Grace Murphy is working as a midwife in Doncaster Royal Infirmary with her two friends, Clodagh and Patsy. In between delivering babies and tending wounded airmen, the girls endure bombing raids, rationing and the hardships and heartbreak that war brings. But in the faces of the new babies she welcomes to the world, Grace always looks for hope, as she dreams of a time when the war will end.

When the midwives get the chance to go to a dance at the nearby RAF Finningly, they jump at the offer. The hangar is crowded with happy dancing couples but when the glamourous Spitfire pilots saunter in, looking dashing in their leather flying jackets and brightly coloured silk scarves, Grace can’t resist taking a peek. And the moment Grace meets pilot, Richard Carmichael, she knows he will capture her heart.

With every daring flying raid, Grace and Richard risk losing each other forever. All Grace can do is look out for Richard in the patches of blue sky, and hope that fate will bring them their very own wartime happy-ever-after…

Chrissie Walsh is back with this heart-breaking tale of love against the odds, perfect for fans of Fenella Miller, Daisy Styles and Margaret Dickinson.

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




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 for Aria

Social Media Links –

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Chrissie-Walsh/100063501278251/

Twitter https://twitter.com/WalshChrissie

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


Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Healing the Mountain Man's Heart







Sisters, Dinah and Naomi,  headed west with hopes for the future.  It didn't exactly turn out like they planned.

The next thing they knew they were  stuck in a cabin with a family made up of mostly boys.  I thought of the movie "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers".  Dinah found herself doctoring one brother while falling under the spell of the oldest one, Jericho. 

Their attraction to each other couldn't go any further as they had different plans and hopes for the future.  Was their anyway the two could come to some understanding?  

I always look forward to Misty Beller's books.  Her writing paints a picture for me.  I can see the beauty that she writes about.

I received this ebook from Celebrate Lit to review.

About the Book

Book: Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: August 15, 2023

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

Jericho Coulter, the eldest of six fiercely devoted brothers, is entrusted with safeguarding his family and the secret that binds them together: the Sapphire mine. To keep tragedy from striking again, he allows no outsiders on their land. When two women stumble upon their ranch, claiming Jericho himself sent for one of them as a mail-order bride, he aims to send them straight back where they came from.
Dinah Wyatt, a talented and determined doctor, wasn’t about to let her twin sister travel to Montana alone and marry a stranger. Dinah’s skills are immediately put to the test when one of the younger Coulter brothers is gravely injured, forcing the family to trust his life to her.As Dinah and her sister become entwined in the Coulter family’s life, sparks fly between the enigmatic Jericho and the captivating doctor. In a world where trust is hard to come by and secrets hold the power to change lives, Jericho and Dinah must learn that sometimes, the most precious secrets are those buried within our own hearts.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain family saga filled with a mail-order bride, hidden treasure, and love that heals wounded hearts.

 

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of 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

Sapphires in Montana? Are you sure?

 

When I was brainstorming ideas for my new series, I knew I wanted the stories to be set on a ranch amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Montana mountains. But I wanted something a little more unusual than that. I know, what could be more special than a ranch in the Rockies?

 

So I brought the conundrum to some writer friends and asked for help brainstorming. There’s nothing quite so fascinating as a group of writers in full brainstorming mode. Since the series is set during the mining boom in Montana, we discussed the idea of some kind of mine on the ranch, but not gold or silver. Or even copper. The remarkable Sarah Erredge (who writes as S.E. Warren) suggested Sapphires.

 

That thought immediately grabbed hold of me (especially since the Sapphire is the birthstone for my month of September). But I’d never heard of Sapphires being discovered in Montana. That seemed impossible… Right?

 

Until some quick research showed there are three well-known pockets of Sapphires in the state! Rock Creek is one of those locations, and is positioned perfectly for where I wanted to set my story—west of Helena and about a half day’s ride from the Mullan Road.

 

The timing of Sapphire discoveries in the state is perfect for my series as well. Early prospectors searching for gold in the gravel of the Missouri River repeatedly discarded the annoying blue pebbles that continually clogged their sluices without much thought to what they may be. It wasn’t discovered that these “pebbles” were Sapphires until 1895 when a man named Ed Coulter forwarded samples of these stones to Tiffany & Co. When Tiffany purchased the lot for $3,750 (approximately $110,300 as of 2018) and declared that the stones were “sapphires of unusual quality,” a small-scale sapphire rush began.

 

This rush is exactly what the Coulter brothers in the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series are trying to avoid. That’s why they keep the Sapphire mine on their property secret during this first book in the series, Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart.

 

I pray you love book 1 in this new series and fall as deeply in love with this ranch in the Rockies as I have, especially with the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch. 

 

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, August 8

Alena Mentink, August 8

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 9

Texas Book-aholic, August 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 10

Books You Can Feel Good About, August 10

Lighthouse Academy Blog, August 11 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 12

The Book Club Network, August 13

Blossoms and Blessings, August 13

Betti Mace, August 14

Connie’s History Classroom, August 15

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 16

Holly’s Book Corner, August 17

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 17

Splashes of Joy, August 18

Mary Hake, August 18

annette_reads_daily, August 19

Cover Lover Book Review, August 19

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 20 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 21

Pause for Tales, August 21

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 nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/272f6/healing-the-mountain-man-s-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway



Tuesday, August 8, 2023

The Laws of Attraction by Mary Connealy





Nell had enough of marriage.  It didn't agree with her.  She was ok being on her own.  She made a decent living making chaps for the men in her town.  

Brand Nolte was a widower doing his best for his three girls.  But was his best good enough?

This is Book 2 of the Wyoming Sunrise Series.  It was a story that was never boring.  Nell and her friends were very important members of Pine Valley, Wyoming.  They formed a bond that couldn't be broken even when they were threatened by the evil Deadeye Gang.

The community were supportive of each other.  But there was someone in their midst that would kill if they needed to.


I received this book from Celebrate Lit to review.




About the Book

Book: The Laws of Attraction

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: June 20, 2023

Can they risk giving in to the attraction between them while their lives are on the line?

If widowed seamstress Nell Armstrong has to make one more pair of boring chaps for the cowboys in her tiny Wyoming town, she might just quit the business altogether! So meeting Brand Nolte, a widower struggling to raise three girls on his own, seems like her dream come true. Brand has no idea how to dress the girls properly, and Nell finally has a chance to create beautiful outfits while also teaching the girls to sew.

But Nell is much more than a seamstress, and the investigative skills and knowledge she picked up alongside her late lawman husband soon become critical when a wounded stagecoach-robbery survivor is brought to town. As danger closes in from all sides, Nell and Brand must discover who has a target trained on them before it’s too late.

 

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books. She is the author of the popular series Brothers in Arms, Brides of Hope Mountain, High Sierra Sweethearts, The Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

About the Book


 

Click here to get your copy!


 

More from Mary

The Laws of Attraction, the idea of it, was what kicked off the whole Wyoming Sunrise series.

A woman justice of the peace.

Wyoming, oddly enough, was the first state in the union to give women the right to vote. And it wasn’t just voting, it was suffrage. That meant so much more than just voting. There were property rights involved, the right to serve on juries, and the right to run for office or be appointed to political offices.

Wyoming was the first state to have a woman justice of the peace. I read about Esther Hobart Morris and thought, hey, my heroine could be the second justice of the peace.

My heroine is a seamstress. Of the three heroines in the Wyoming Sunrise series, Nell, the heroine of book #2, is the one who is not in a traditionally masculine role. In book #1 Mariah is a blacksmith. In book #3 Becky is a lady rancher.

Nell just wants to sew pretty dresses and make beautiful bonnets. She likes to tat her own lace. She likes flowery fabric and lots of ruffles.

And then she moved to Wyoming. Nine thousand total residence and five men for every one woman. And the few women who are there all sew their own dresses.

To add to that, Nell, a widow, didn’t have a happy first marriage. She has no interest in marrying again. Staying single in a state like Wyoming isn’t easy, but she’s managed it. Her first husband was a lawman, and when a band of stagecoach robbers are plaguing the area, Nell finds she’s got skills to investigate these crimes that far exceed the local sheriff.

The sheriff is impressed, and when the town’s justice of the peace resigns, the sheriff appoints Nell.

I just had so much fun with this book. Nell is frustrated because she isn’t getting to make dresses. She does discover a talent for working with leather and making chaps. She hates it, but the orders just keep pouring in and she’s making a tidy living. Not having a lot of fun but definitely prospering.

And then a local homesteader with three half-grown daughters, all of whom desperately need a new dress, runs across Nell, and she wheels and deals him into letting her make them in exchange for his daughters working for her, making chaps.

Nell’s talent for investigating crimes soon puts her in danger. And Brandon Nolte, her best customer, finds himself, Nell, and his girls all surrounded by danger.

The Laws of Attraction—fun, fast-paced, and love is the most fundamental law of all.

Blog Stops

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 29

Texas Book-aholic, July 30

For Him and My Family, July 30

Connie’s History Classroom, July 31

Book Looks by Lisa, July 31

lakesidelivingsite, August 1

Lighthouse Academy Blog, August 1 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 2

Mary Hake, August 2

Betti Mace, August 3

Cover Lover Book Review, August 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 4

The Book Nook, August 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 5

She Lives To Read, August 6

Labor Not in Vain, August 6

Daysong Reflections, August 7

Holly’s Book Corner, August 7

Splashes of Joy, August 8

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, August 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 9

Pause for Tales, August 10

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, August 10

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 11

Wishful Endings, August 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/26d5b/the-laws-of-attraction-celebration-tour-giveaway




Samantha Price- SECRET

Trust finds herself once again risking everything. One false step she'll be in jail again. This book was more exciting to me than the ot...