A Very English Christmas

What a delight!  I have read books by Carrie Turansky and Marguerite Gray.  I never read anything by Carole Lehr Johnson. I was thrilled by all three stories that brought three of my favorites authors from the past alive.

The main story is of Emma Grace who was helping her Grandmother at her antique shop.  Her life took a turn when a young man came to the shop to look for an unique Christmas present for his mother.  This tale introduced the following three stories.

Story one introduced Violet. Violet became friends with Jane Austen.  Who doesn't love Jane Austen?  A family hardship threatens the chance of Violet ever having true love and a family of her own.

Story two- Clara did not expect to ever marry. But with a little help from Mr. Dickens her dreams might just come true.

Story three-Arabella escaped London's expectations by visiting her grandmother in the lake district. She never expected to find love and romance.  But with the help of Beatrix Potter and a squirrel, she found true happiness.

Prayers and giving thanks were themes in all three stories. I appreciated this as I, too, give thanks for all my blessings.

I loved the chance to read this.  It was wonderful to read on this hot, hot day in August. Looking forward to Christmas!!

 

 

The Hidden Legacy

 About the Book

Book: The Hidden Legacy

Author: June Foster

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: September 5, 2021

Austin Ford has inherited the weight of his family's legacy, overseeing the sprawling Ford Ranch as his father steps back and his siblings forge their own paths. But when his beloved horse, Jack, falls gravely ill, Austin calls upon the new veterinarian in town, igniting a chain of events that will change everything.

Dr. Willow Lawson, a skilled veterinarian, is stunned when she first lays eyes on Austin Ford. The young, handsome rancher is the spitting image of her deceased husband, a shock that causes her to faint right in the horse barn. Determined to overcome the haunting memories, Willow throws herself into her work, even as her heart begins to stir for the charismatic rancher.

As Austin grapples with the strange, unexplained holes appearing on the North Pasture, he is drawn into a deeper mystery. Night flights over the ranch reveal flashing lights in the darkness, suggesting the holes are no mere animal burrows.

Amidst this growing unease, Austin and Willow's budding relationship is tested when her clinic is vandalized, leaving her devastated and out of work. The attacks seem to be more than random acts of violence, especially when Austin's father recounts tales of buried gold hidden on the ranch by their ancestor, Great Grandfather Jeremiah, during the Great Depression.

With prowlers encroaching on his land and his desire to protect Willow intensifying, Austin must navigate the treacherous waters of old family secrets and new-found love. Together, can Austin and Willow unravel the mystery threatening their lives and find solace in each other’s arms? Or will the shadows of the past and present prove too formidable to overcome?

"The Hidden Legacy" is a heart-pounding, romantic adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Book Excerpt

Austin stepped out of the horse barn and waved at the approaching van.

The vet parked her vehicle in front and got out. She marched toward him, her cowgirl boots leaving footprints in the reddish-brown soil. With her tight jeans and ponytail, she looked as if she should be working on a ranch instead of running a veterinarian’s office.

How could that petite woman manage to treat a large horse like Jack without help? She couldn’t have been more than five foot two. Dark brown almond eyes hinted of an Asian heritage. 

Austin took a couple of steps toward her. “Thanks for coming. Jack’s in here.”

She held out her hand. “I’m Dr. Willow Lawson. Nice to—” Willow’s eyes met his, and she stared for a moment. Then she gripped her throat and gasped. “No, it can’t be …” She screamed and gasped again. “You’re dead.”

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

***Insert Links Here***

 

About the Author

An award-winning author, June Foster is a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. June began writing Christian romance in 2010 as she and her husband traveled the US in their RV. Her adventures provide a rich source of information for her novels. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next book.

To date, June has written over thirty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels and novellas. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who encounter real-life difficulties yet live victorious lives. She's published with Winged Publications. 

June is active in her church and her ladies' fellowship group. She enjoys writing devotionals as well as fiction. She frequently attends writers' conferences such as Blue Lake Writers' Conference and Florida Christian Writers Conference.

Her novel, The Inn at Cranberry Cove, won the 2021 Selah award for Romantic Suspense. It is available on Amazon in paperback, hardback, and eBook format. In 2023, June won the Ames Award for her book Christmas at Cranberry Cove, book three in the same series.

Visit June at www.junefoster.com to see a complete list of her books.

Winter Wishes for the Homefront Nurses

 

Heartbreaking at times.  Secrets kept. Past hurts that can't be forgotten.

Three young women working as nurses during WW2. They became the closest friends trying to do what they can to make their world a better place.  Victoria trys to handle her past and questioning  her current feelings for a co-worker.  Freya wanting more but not sure how to get it. Sylvia learning that the world is not colorblind and happiness is not in a bottle.

The writing was superb. I hope that everything turns out well for them. I am pretty sure there will be another book in the future. I surely hope so as I was left with questions. What more can happen with these three fiesty homefront nurses?

I received this book from Boldwood to review.

#blogtour

#rararesources

Winter Wishes for the Home Front Nurses

Winter, 1942.

Secrets abound for the Home Front Nurses, but will one of them be able to tell the truth about her past before Christmas?

As the weather turns cold, and the war rages on, Veronica Campbell finds herself loving her job as a home front nurse more than ever. She’s spending time with her beloved best friends Sylvia and Freda, as well as assisting on life-saving operations with her fellow nurse Betty Wilson, and feeling valued and happy.

But at home, she wishes things were different. Because even cosied up by the fireside of her lovely little house, there’s a man who lives on her street. Someone she’d once thought she could trust, who – five years ago – had violently attacked her. His threats to her remain, but she’s been terrified into silence.

But everything changes when Betty needs somewhere to stay for Christmas, and Veronica impulsively suggests she move in with her. But can she trust Betty enough to let her guard down and tell her what happened that fateful day? Because if she doesn’t, they could both be at risk?

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

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

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

Bookbub profile: @RachelBrimble

Broncos and Ballads

 Wow! I was sure lucky to be able to read these two books early. I love romance stories. I knew 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 that 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 second book of this series is Broncos and Ballads.

I love the cover. Both Venus and Brock were not looking for love. Brock's reputation was shot. Venus was trying to recover from rejection.

So their agents came up with a cockmanie solution. Let's fake one!

Venus and Brock are followed and reported on. But when they were alone....

A cute story. I enjoyed this contemporary romance. 

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

#blog

#JodyHedlund

#cowboy

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over sixty sweet historical romances and is the winner of numerous awards. She lives in central Michigan with her husband and is the mother of five wonderful children and five spoiled cats. 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.

Stormy Times for the Dockyard Girls

Letty had the patience of a saint. Her husband would be gone for days and months trying to make a living. Her mother-in-law was not exactly friendly.

Letty was faithful and kind.  The unexpected happened that left her numb and bitter.

Ruth felt obligated to marry. But what a mess she found herself in.

I enjoyed the book. I was not happy when I finished it. I loved all the characters.   I couldn't put it down.

Constant prayer for strength was needed with all the area residents.   It was a hard life. But there was a sense of family amongst the neighbors.

I received this book from Boldwood Books to Review.

#blogtour

#rararesources

Stormy Times for the Dockyard Girls

Sometimes it’s not about saving others – it’s about saving yourself…

Great Grimsby, Peace Day July 1919

The Great War is over, and few families have been left untouched. Those who remain face a tough and uncertain future.

Letty Hardy has managed to keep her family afloat by running a café and chandlers on Grimsby Docks. She’s grateful for the safe return of her husband Alec from minesweeping duties, when many women were not so fortunate.

War has left deep scars buried beneath the surface and one explosive secret is set to blow the family apart.

Trawler owner, Richard Evans worked hard to leave a legacy. Something to hand down through the generations. With his sons lost to war, Ruth, his only daughter stands to inherit the Excel Trawler 

Company, so it's important that she marries well. But is her current suitor the right husband for Ruth?

Can the folk of Great Grimsby rebuild their lives and find the peace they so desperately seek?

A gritty story of love, forgiveness and redemption perfect for readers of Elaine Everest, Nancy Revell and Pam Howes.

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

Author Bio –

Tracy Baines is the bestselling saga writer of The Seaside Girls series. She was born and brought up in 

Cleethorpes and spent her early years in the theatre world which inspired her writing.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: @TracyBainesAuthor

Twitter: @tracyfbaines

Instagram: @TracyBainesAuthor

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

Bookbub profile: @tracyfbaines

A HARVEST OF HEARTS

Dang, Samantha Price! You keep doing it. I love reading your books. But you always leave me in suspense. And this was how you ended A Harvest of Hearts.

It's time to harvest the apple orchard. Under Florence and Matthew's supervision, the picking begins.  But there is a little more drama this year other than just Jonathan apples.  

Can Grace find happiness at last? Is Matthew willing to let her go without a fight?  Is Grace moving a little too fast in her relationship with Daniel?

I love this family.  I don't know how many previous books about Wilma, her children and friends that I have read.  Each book has been a delight. 

The next book will be A Season of Grace.

I received this book to review from the author.

 

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. You'll find a printable and downloadable Series-Reading-Order of all her books at: SamanthaPriceAuthor.com Like her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaPriceAu... Listen to audiobooks on her YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@samanthapriceau...

Genres:

Amish RomanceChristian FictionRomantic Suspense

Jodie Wolfe- Hannah's Quest

Hannah desperately wanted a new beginning.  A chance to find happiness and just maybe love.

No one knows what lays ahead. Hannah only knew that she had to get a job and keep it.  And this was the problem! Her life changed when she met the sweetest lady in town.

I really enjoyed the story. GOD'S love for us was clearly written throughout the book. I felt HIS love and guidance by Ms. Wolfe's words.

I highly recommend you pick up a copy of this lovely book. 

I received this book from the author to review.

#blogtour

About the Author

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

Victory for the Foyle's Bookshop Girls

I love reading a book and you are already familiar with the characters.  You don't have to waste time figuring out who's who. That was the case with this new book by Elaine Roberts.

The war is coming close to the end. Men are coming home not the way they left. Some with emotional scars that can't be seen. 

Secrets become known. A family being torn apart in ways you can't even comprehend.

The employees of Foyle's Bookshop are there for each other. They support and care for each other. They become more than co-workers.  This is rare in today's world where staff work from home and don't really know each other.

It's sad that this was the final book about Alice, Victoria and Molly.  I'll miss their determination to carry on no matter what comes their way.

I received this book from Boldwood to review.

#rararesources 

#BoldwoodBooks

Victory for the Foyles Bookshop Girls

London, 1918: the war in Europe may be drawing to an end, but there are new challenges for the Foyles bookshop girls.

As their dreams of the war ending look like they might finally come true, the girls of London’s Foyles bookshop allow themselves to look forward to a brighter future.

But their hopes may be shattered when news of a terrible flu that is gripping the world reaches London, and the girls realise they are not out of danger yet. Meanwhile, they have their own challenges to face when Alice discovers her father has been living a double life; Victoria’s beloved husband Ted struggles to adjust to life after the trenches; and the secret Molly has been keeping finally comes to light.

But, working side-by-side in London’s Foyles bookshop, Alice, Victoria and Molly have become more like sisters than friends. And together, they can brave any storm.

As London faces its toughest year yet, will the Foyles bookshop girls make it through to victory together?

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

Author Bio –

Elaine Roberts is the bestselling author of historical sagas set in London during the First World War. 

She joined a creative writing class in 2012 and shortly afterwards had her first short story published. 

She was thrilled when many more followed. Her home is in Dartford, Kent and she is always busy 

with children, grandchildren, grand dogs and cats.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @ElaineRobertsAuthor

Twitter: @RobertsElaine11

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elaine-roberts

 

Elaine Roberts

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

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

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.”