Written in the Stars

Both Gio and Bess have very physical jobs that leaves them exhausted and energized at the same time.

They have been friends for awhile.  Neither have ever crossed the line into boyfriend/girlfriend status.  But they were tempted.

Bess appears as though she has it all together.  She has a secret.  This secret makes her feel  disappointed and ashamed. 

Gio's secret makes him feel on edge.  He is always expecting the worse.  He is hard on himself as well as his mother.

Both have much to learn about asking for help and accepting it.

Gio sounds pretty hot to me in his fireman uniform.  I think he must be hard to resist. But Bess keeps him at a distance until it is impossible for her to fo so anymore.  And the sparks fly as if is "Written in the Stars".

Helen Rolfe is the author of many bestselling contemporary women’s fiction titles, set in different locations from the Cotswolds to New York. Most recently published by Orion, she is bringing sixteen titles to Boldwood – a mixture of new series and well-established backlist. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and children.

The Enchanting of Miss Elliot

Many years ago I saw a movie about the Harvey Girls.  I think Judy Garland was in it.  So I was familiar with the term.  I was eager to start this story.

Lorna accepted a dare made by her brother and signed up as one.  It sure sounded like a lot of hard work and long hours on their feet.  But Lorna thrived as a Harvey Girl.

Gaston Reid only saw Lorna as his friend's little sister until he saw her in her work costume. She was quite a sight.  He was determined to protect her but who can protect his heart?

It was action packed and full of excitement.  The spark between Lorna and Gaston Reid added to my enjoyment.  I could fall for Gaston myself if I wasn't married.  

I received this book to review from Celebrate Lit.

#blogtour

#CelebrateLit

About the Book

Book: The Enchanting of Miss Elliot (Aprons and Veils: Book Three)

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: July 29, 2024

She thought he was her forever—he had other plans.

Of all the dares Lorna Elliot had accepted, becoming a Harvey Girl waitress was by far the dumbest—and she’d pulled some pretty foolhardy antics. Her back was sore. Her feet were swollen. And she had done it to herself in a fit of pique over a Texas Ranger who was mooning over another woman. Lorna had longed for distraction at the time, but after weeks of training, she might keel over and die in the middle of the dining room floor with a plate of apple pie in one hand and a pot of coffee in the other. But, she’s an Elliot. And Elliot’s never quit. The only thing she’d ever quit was attempting to win Ranger Reid and now that he’s the new sheriff in her hometown, it’s going to be impossible for her to move on unless she takes control of her heart—for better, or for worse.

Sheriff Reid had never wanted to settle down until he had fallen hard for a runaway mail-order bride turned Harvey Girl who chose another. When news of an outlaw’s escape lands on his desk, he eagerly rides out in pursuit all the way to Topeka and overhears the outlaw’s plans that revolve around the wealthy Elliot family and their daughter, Lorna. It’s up to Reid to see his childhood friend safe . . . despite Lorna insisting that she can protect herself without him.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple his­torical novels and novellas, including the American Royalty, True Colors, and Aprons & Veils series. She holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives on the Northshore of New Orleans, with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter in a cottage that is always filled with the sounds of sweet little footsteps running at full speed. When not writing, or chasing babies, she’s baking something delightful and can usually be found with a book clutched in her fist.

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More from Grace

Q & A with Grace Hitchcock

Q: What is your favorite trope to read? Which of your books have that trope?

To name a few, I love stories about marriage of convenience, fake dating, mail-order brides, runaway brides, and enemies to lovers. In my books, I do have some of those tropes, but I adjust them to fit my story

My Harvey Girl books by tropes:

Runaway Bride: The Finding of Miss Fairfield

Mail-Order Bride: The Pursuit of Miss Parish

Friends to Lovers/Fake Dating: The Enchanting of Miss Elliot

I’d love to write an enemies-to-lovers trope in the future!

Q: Have you ever been asked to spice up, or down, a kissing scene? How did you do it?

For my May release, To Catch a Coronet, the editor challenged me to make the kissing scene longer and more romantic. Haha it took me my entire writing session that day to make the short scene two paragraphs longer in order to make the kissing more swoon-worthy, while still staying true to the level of affection I have in my books. With that critique in mind, I attempted to add a bit more “swoon” in The Enchanting of Miss Elliot as well.

Q: What historical novel has most impacted you? How?

Grace: I feel like every season, there is a novel that touches me. The one that stuck the longest has to be Tracie Peterson’s Westward Chronicles (a Harvey Girl series). They are moving, unique tales that inspired me to write my own Harvey Girls series! I re-read the Westward Chronicles every few years.

Q: How does your faith integrate into your writing in practical ways? 

Grace: No matter how subtle my theme or short the verses, my stories will always point the reader to the Lord. Usually, whatever I am personally learning spiritually while writing impacts my heroine/hero in some way.

For The Enchanting of Miss Elliot, the heroine, a firm believer, is despairing that God will not give her the desires of her heart and sets out to find a new future and a re-directing of her heart. It’s a very realistic struggle, and the reader can see through the story the beauty of trusting God in our daily walk and with our biggest dreams.

Q: What’s your life like outside of writing?

Grace: Besides reading at least one to two books a week, I love to take long walks to the park with my family, exercise on my bike, plan the family’s next travel adventure, and try new baking challenges. As a wife and mama of three, I usually have some happy recipients for the new recipe.

Q: Will there be more Harvey Girl books from you?

Grace: Yes! I am currently working on Book Four in the Aprons & Veils series, The Vanishing of Miss Victoria. It will release mid-2025.

About The Vanishing of Miss Victoria:

Love got her into this mess—never loving again would get her out.

Corinna Victoria Roberts had never been lucky—not in her choice of husband, or her lot in life after the man she’d eloped with had promptly abandoned her, taking her gold and jewels with him. When her husband’s thieving, lawless relatives show up at her door announcing his death and demanding that her late father’s restaurant empire be signed over to them, her life is in danger. She flees to take a position no one expects of her—as a Harvey Girl waitress in New Mexico.

Tanner Sterling has hunted his last bounty. As the new foreman on his friend’s ranch, he wasn’t expecting to rescue a Harvey Girl from a raging river his first day. He is intrigued by the shy beauty and becomes friends with Corinna over many meals at the Harvey House. But, when a picture of her on a wanted poster with a massive bounty arrives in Tanner’s mail, everything he knows about Corinna shifts. If he doesn’t claim the bounty on her head, he knows far less honorable men who would love to ride off with the stunning Harvey Girl. Despite wanting to hang up his past along with his gun belt, Tanner will do anything to protect Corinna from the coming storm.

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Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 16

Pens Pages & Pulses, August 16

Melissa’s Bookshelf, August 17

Karen Baney Reviews, August 17

Bizwings Book Blog, August 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 18

Texas Book-aholic, August 19

Devoted To Hope, August 19

lakesidelivingsite, August 20

Hannahbandanarama, August 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , August 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 22

Books You Can Feel Good About, August 22

Betti Mace, August 23

Book Looks by Lisa, August 23

Simple Harvest Reads, August 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, August 24

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 25

Mary Hake, August 25

Connie’s History Classroom, August 26

Labor Not in Vain, August 27

Cover Lover Book Review, August 28

Holly’s Book Corner, August 28

Pause for Tales, August 29

Lights in a Dark World, August 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving to two winners an autographed copy of The Pursuit of Miss Parish each!!

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/2ddaa/the-enchanting-of-miss-elliot-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

Chance

Trust surely has had her ups and downs.  On the surface, she is known as a "criminal".  But there is so much more to her than that.  Is it up to Jack, a FBI agent, to discover the real Trust?

I found this book quite exciting.  There were numerous twists and turns.  Who's the bad guy?  Can Trust stay out of jail?  Who can she trust? How far will she go?

This is Book 2 of Shunned by the Amish Series.  Book three sounds just as exciting.  

Thanks Samantha Price for giving me the "CHANCE" to read this great story. 

#blogtour

#SamanthaPrice

Raised in the Brethren, Samantha has a profound affinity for the Amish way of life, which she has explored extensively through over a decade of dedicated research. Her stories resonate with authenticity and heart, drawing readers into the serene and inspiring world of the Amish community. Samantha is also a devoted animal lover. She shares her home with two pampered dogs and a rescue cat who believes he's a dog too.

Samantha loves to hear from her readers. Connect at:

SamanthaPriceAuthor dot com

Wishing for Misletoe

Ariel is a writer and she is stuck.  She can't start writing even one page. She feels the need to get away.   Ariel's friend offers her vacant house on Sanctuary Island.  It's a perfect place for her to get her head together.

I'm from Michigan and Sanctuary Island sounds so much like Mackinac Island.  Wintertime on an island might not be ideal for some but for Ariel, it's perfect.  She soon will discover what GOD plans for her life. 

Tom Fuller, the next door neighbor, and his daughter never expected how much their lives can change after meeting Ariel.

A sweet story.  It has everything you want in a story.  There's great characters. A wonderful location. A book that gives you hope.  And it's Christmas!

Thank you, Robin Lee Hatcher, for giving me the chance to review Wishing for Mistletoe.

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 90 novels and novellas with over five million copies in print. She’s known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA®, the Carol, the Christy, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice.

Robin is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®.

When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.

The Women of Wynton's

The 50s. Glamour. Fashion. A time long forgotten. This is a story that brings you back to those magical days.

Wyntons had a long history and tradition.  It kind of made me think of Macys.  The store had its scandals and rumors ran wild.  Of course. Audrey must be sleeping with Mr. Wynton.  How else could she have risen so far in the company?  Don't this still happen in today's world?  The falsehoods and lies that run rampant and can destroy people's reputations.

Audrey loved her job and enjoyed helping other staff reach their potential.  But tragedy strikes and Audrey finds herself right in the middle of a murder mystery. Can her fellow employees help her solve this crime?  

This book was very entertaining.  I enjoyed meeting the Women of Wynton's. They all came from different backgrounds (economic and social).  This didn't stop them from forming a closeknit work family which carried over in their personal lives.

I loved it.  

I received this book to review from Celebrate Lit.  

#blogtour 

About the Book

Book: The Women of Wynton’s

Author: Donna Mumma

Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction

Release date: July, 2024

Mid-Century Glam Meets Murder Mayhem

Get swept away to the glamor of a 1950’s department store where four women’s loyalties, vanity, friendship, and detective skills are put to the test.

Audrey Penault once led a glamorous life as a model but now works as devoted secretary to Mr. Wynton. To her fellow employees, she is too vain and uppity.

Mary Jo Johnson, a wife and mother, longs to find her worth in the cosmetics department, but it may take a while for the shy housewife to discover her voice.

Vivian Sheffield owns and runs the bridal salon within Wynton’s. She is proud of her accomplishments and won’t let anyone take them away.

Gigi Woodard dislikes her job as waitress in the store’s lunchroom, but she is determined not to let her secret shortcomings cause her to lose the position.

These four women have much to dislike about each other, but they unanimously agree that Mr. Wynton is the best of employers and must be protected at all costs from someone who seems determined to see him gone for good. When other employee deaths occur, can the women band together to solve the murders, or will they discover it is one of their own bent on destroying Wynton’s from within?

 

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Donna Mumma perfected storytelling in her first grade classroom, spinning tales exciting enough to settle a roomful of antsy six-year-olds. She is an award winning author who loves to blend history, mystery, and a dash of hope in stories that explore ordinary people who learn extraordinary life lessons. Donna is an active member of Word Weavers International, serving as president for the Tampa chapter as well as a mentor for chapters around the country. She was recognized as the Word Weavers traditional groups president and mentor of the year in 2022. She also serves as a line editor and contributor for Inskpirationsonline.com, a site featuring devotions written for writers by writers. An avid believer in education, Donna earned her M. Ed in elementary education and writes educational blogs and articles to assist teachers overseas for the International School Project. A native Floridian, she loves sharing life with her husband and her energetic collie, Duke.

More from Donna

Two models posed in red, flowy iconic 50’s dresses, white gloves, and classy hats. Perfect makeup and hair. Years ago, this picture hung in the dressing rooms of my favorite clothing store.

I was hooked.

Every time I entered the store, I’d walk to the dressing rooms to stare at the picture whether I had something to try on or not. There was something about that image that drew me in.

A few years later, I happened upon the same picture from the store on a social media page I’d joined featuring fashions from the 1950’s. I discovered my beloved photo came from a cover of Vogue magazine issued in 1955.

Then my imagination started churning. Every movie I’d watched with Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Kim Novak came to mind. I pictured four women, wearing the classy, tailored suits, full-skirted dresses, and the beautiful gowns from the 50’s. They were going to work in a department store because I grew up on a dairy farm, way out in the country of central Florida, and the big department stores like Burdines, Maas Brothers, and Robinsons were the most glamourous, luxurious places I’d ever seen.

These women were going to have to deal with a few murders. And the fact they don’t care much for each other.

As I researched, departments stores, history, fashion, and life in Florida in the 1950’s these characters came alive. First was Audrey, a former fashion model and the personal secretary to the owner of Wynton’s Department Store who may be the most hated woman around town. Miss Vivien, the owner and designer for Wynton’s bridal salon, who fights being set aside because she’s growing older. Mary Jo, a young wife and mother who longs to be at home but must take a job at Wynton’s to save her family. Lastly, Gigi, a girl who’s tired of the tough breaks in her life and hopes a new job at Wynton’s will bring her better fortune.

I wanted their experiences in the story to be true-to-life for that period and drew from stories and memories my own mother shared with me when I was growing up. I had so much fun writing about The Women of Wynton’s as they worked their way through mayhem, murders, and a Christmas parade, but also learned much about the women in this period of history. It is my hope my readers will too.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 2

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 2

Stories By Gina, August 3 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 3

Pause for Tales, August 4

Texas Book-aholic, August 4

Inspired by fiction, August 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 7

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, August 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , August 8

Books You Can Feel Good About, August 9

Simple Harvest Reads, August 10 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Paperbacks and Throwbacks, August 10

Book Looks by Lisa, August 11

Cover Lover Book Review, August 12

For Him and My Family, August 13

Lights in a Dark World, August 14

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 14

Labor Not in Vain, August 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Donna is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a print 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/2d090/the-women-of-wynton-s-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Home Front Nurses

Three young women who want to make a difference.  

Freda, Sylvia and Veronica became fast friends while working at a hospital in Bath, England as nurses. Injured soldiers and displaced families are treated with honor and respect. It does takes its toll as they grow in their profession.

So far, Bath has been spared from the bombing Germans.  But how long will this last?  

Heart wrenching at times but a delight to read.  

I received this ebook from Boldwood Books to review. 

#raresources

#Boldwoodwood

#blogtour 

#RachelBrimble

The Home Front Nurses

September 1941, Bath – three friends are about to find that some of the biggest battles are to be found on the home front…

As war rages and brave soldiers returning home from the frontline need nurses more than ever, fiercely proud redhead Sylvia Roberts is determined to help in any way she can. In spite of her mother’s belief she isn’t good enough, Sylvia believes that becoming a home front nurse is her calling.

Together with the two friends she makes on her first day in the job – Freda and Veronica – she knows she can help save lives. And, as the devastation of war shows no signs of ceasing, their work becomes ever more vital.

Then Sylvia’s life is thrown into the path of a man who might just be able to capture her heart. Even though he is somebody who everyone – except her best friends – seems prejudiced against. Can love really conquer all, in times of war?

One thing she knows is that – in the dangerous days that will follow – she and her friends will all need to support each other right to the end…

The Home Front Nurses is a gripping, uplifting story of unbreakable bonds of friendship in times of strife and heartbreak.

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

Author Bio – 

Rachel Brimble is the bestselling author of over thirty works of historical romance and saga fiction. The first book in her series, The Home Front Nurses, is set in Bath.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @rachelbrimbleauthor 

Twitter: @RachelBrimble

Instagram: @rachelbrimbleauthor

Convincing Lou

Can Ellie Lou Williams trust GOD?  Does he really listen?  Lou does need some convincing that GOD really listens.  

She puts herself at risk to save her ranch. She doesn't hesitate. She jumps right in and faces the challenge before her. 

A cute story with a few twists and turns.  You can't help but love feisty Lou.  She has gumption and plenty of spark.  Caleb Martin, a soon to be retired U.S. deputy marshal, can't help being intrigued by her. Once he realizes she's a girl!!

I love the frequent Bible quotes and passages that are throughout the story.  The message is clear.  GOD is there with you during your highs and lows.  He listens.  He is someone you can rely on in your times of need.  Pray often and be grateful for your blessings.

Lou deserves a happy ending.  Can Caleb be an answer to a prayer?

This is a part of a new series:

I received this book from Jodie Wolfe to review.

#JodieWolfe

#blogtour

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), and COMPEL Training. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie.

Saved By The Matchmaker

Scars are not always just on the outside.  We all have scars at one point or another.  Some are quicker to heal than others. 

Enya was badly bruised after a failed relationship.  She found herself in a bad situation.  Sullivan's (just love that name) scars were more visible. 

Both were carrying heavy emotional loads.  Is it possible to cast off these negative messages?

I loved this book.  The characters came to life for me.  I once was fed negative messages that took me a few years to get rid of.  The mind games played by my ex could have ruined my life.  But with time and my faith in GOD, slowly you start to realize that it wasn't true.

Sullivan and Enya were fortunate to have Bellamy, the matchmaker, put them together. Maybe he really knows what he is doing!!

Thanks, Jody Hedlund, for giving me the opportunity to review this wonderful book.

Token of Love

This book took my breath away.  It had two story lines about 200 years apart.

Four main characters that were quite a like in many ways.

Matthew and Jonas were GOD fearing men who took their responsibilities very seriously.  Lillian and Janelle were afraid to open their hearts due to their pasts.  But were Matthew and Jonas worth the risk?

The book was "A Token of Love" given to us by the author, Carrie Turansky.  It touched my heart.  It made me stop and think.  It made me cry.  I loved the story.  It wasn't always easy to read but it was so worth it. A treasure.

#blogtour

#CarrieTuransky

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of more than twenty inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Holt Medallion. She loved traveling to England to research her latest Edwardian novels including The Legacy of Longdale Manor, No Journey Too Far, No Ocean Too Wide, Across the Blue, and Edwardian Brides series.  Her novels have received stared reviews from Christianbooks.com and Library Journal. They have been translated into several languages and enjoyed by readers around the world. Carrie loves to connect with reading friends on Facebook, Instagram, and via her website and blog: carrieturansky.com.

 

The Christmas Tree Farm

The Christmas season was always the busiest time of year for Madison's grandparents.  They ran a Christmas tree farm.  She had so many fond memories of visiting and helping them with their business.  

After being out of the country, Madison returns to find many homes and businesses destroyed by a wildfire.  Her sister tells her that the farm is in trouble and they need to sell.  Madison is determined to save the farm. 

Her determination and grit is remarkable.  With the help of a young girl, who happens to be the daughter of a childhood boyfriend, she does everything she can to hold onto the farm that she loves. A little romance with the girl's father might cause some diversion from the task at hand.  He made my heart go pitter/patter.

Madison begins to understand herself better as well as her sister and their mother. 

I enjoyed the book and had my fingers crossed that the beloved farm would survive for many years to come.

Author

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark movie, and the movie based on her novel The Happy Camper premiered on UPtv in 2023. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at MelodyCarlson.com.

The Christmas Duet

Debbie Macomber has written another winner.  I can't tell you how many of her books I've read.  I particularly love her Christmas books.

The Christmas Duet involves a teacher, Hailey, who really wants to be a songwriter.  She lost her confidence while dating her last boyfriend. Can she gain it back?

She needs to get away over the holidays.  A perfect opportunity opens up in a remote cottage in Podunk, Oregon. She longs for a quiet two weeks to do what she loves: compose music.  Her plan goes all haywire after she meets Jay.  He turns her world upside down in the most delightful way.

Have you ever changed your traditional Christmas plans for something new?  Did it disappoint your parents, siblings or children?  Hailey's mother wasn't too happy and she was going to do something about it.

I loved the story.  I finished it in one night.  I read this in July but I'm ready for Christmas Debbie Macomber style.

#blogtour

#achristmasduet

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author and a leading voice in women’s fiction today. She is a multiple award winner with more than 200 million copies of her books in print. Five of her Christmas titles have been made into Hallmark Channel Original Movies, as well as a series based on her bestselling Cedar Cove stories.