A Wartime Welcome from the Foyles Bookshop Girls

Ellen was the oldest.  She took the responsibility of the house after her mother died.  She wanted to get a job but her father was strict and forbid her from looking.  Until one day it became a necessity for her to earn an income.

A wonderful story of Ellen and her experiences in the workplace. She worked part-time at two jobs. She was employed at the newspaper and at a bookstore she frequented often since she was a child.    She loved what she was doing especially at Foyle's Bookshop.  The friendships she made and the support they gave her at Foyle's was much more than she ever imagined.

Ellen was on a mission to prove her father was innocent of any wrongdoing after he was arrested for being a spy.  With the help of her family and friends she made at the store and at the newspaper, she set out to discover who was the "real" spy.  

I enjoyed the book and became fond of Ellen and her family.  She learned that asking for help is not a weakness. 

I received this book to review from Boldwood Books.

#blogtour

##rararesources 

A Wartime Welcome from the Foyles Bookshop Girls

London, 1918: the world is being torn apart by war, but for the girls of London’s Foyles bookshop, where there is friendship, there is hope… Perfect for fans of Rosie Clarke and Elaine Everest.

Ellen Beckford and her sister Mary are living under their father’s shadow. Before their beloved mother died, they had dreamed of bright futures, but torn apart by grief, Harold Beckford barely lets his daughters out of his sight. Then Harold is injured during a break-in at his office at London’s docklands, and can no longer work. And with prices rising and food scarce, Ellen has no choice but to defy her father’s rules and seek employment. She finds a position at London’s renowned Foyles bookshop, and the other shop girls quickly take her under their wing.

But there are dark times ahead. Ellen’s father is accused of gathering intelligence from the docklands for the enemy, and the police seem determined to see him shot for spying. With the help of her new friends, can Ellen clear her father’s name and save her family from destitution?

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/bookshopgirlssocial

Author Bio – 

Elaine Roberts is the bestselling author of historical sagas set in London during the First World War. Previously published by Aria, she is bringing her successful Foyles Girls titles to Boldwood who will publish the fourth in this series in February 2024.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElaineRobertsAuthor/

Twitter https://twitter.com/RobertsElaine11

Bookbub profile: Elaine Roberts Books - BookBub

Finally His Bride

Willow and Caleb are the best of friends.  They both couldn't imagine being apart from each other.  Willow didn't want to leave her home, her family and Caleb.  Her parents insisted she leave the next day on a ship bound for the Pacific Northwest.   It was her best chance to have a better life.

Caleb made sure Willow wouldn't be alone on this journey even if he had to break a promise to her.

A willow tree bends its branches towards water.  It is resilient.  It adapts to its environment.  Willow does what she needs to.  She is stronger than she knows.  She can survive.  She could survive without Caleb.  But did she want to??

I was frustrated that Caleb and Willow didn't recognize or verbalize their true feelings for each other.  They both were frightened of the change it would bring to their relationship if acknowledged.  Can you imagine what could have been lost if it wasn't?

There were quite a few characters  that I loved.  Jonas, Isaac and Frannie were my favorites.  They risked all to help Caleb and Willow out.

I was extremely pleased to see that there will be a continuation of this series, Bride Ships : New Voyages.

I was given the opportunity to obtain a copy of this book to review from the author.

AUTHOR-

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over forty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle.

A Season of Harvest

How often can you say you have a joyful heart after reading a book?  But I can.  I just finished this moving story about the Nielsen Family. They are a loving family that are beyond blessed. 

Lark was stubborn and rarely asked for help.  Lilac was artistic and sweet tempered.  They depended on each other.  Both worked extremely hard to keep their homestead running to the point of exhaustion. 

Everyone has their struggles.  But it seems Lark has more than her fair share.  The people of Sheridan are there to get her through.  Isaac McTavish wants to help but Lark keeps him at a distance. 

I have been a reader of Lauraine Snelling's books for a few years.  She is a fantastic storyteller.  I have loved every one.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit to review.  

#blogtour

#celebratelit

About the Book

Book: A Season of Harvest

Author: Lauraine Snelling

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: January 30, 2024

Can her dreams for the future–and a budding romance–survive the trouble that comes calling?

Larkspur Nielsen is determined to keep her family homestead running and to fulfill their dream of starting a seed catalog, with or without her siblings’ help. With Isaac McTavish back in town, Lark finds herself at odds with her own heart and her determination to shoulder the burden of carrying her responsibilities alone. But Isaac is set on convincing her that he’s here to stay and she doesn’t have to carry everything by herself.

As a new romance blossoms between Lilac and an old schoolmate and the other Nielsen sisters are busy caring for their families, Lark bears more and more responsibility on the farm. When a long-feared threat returns and Lark approaches the breaking point, the life she has always dreamed of is in danger of disappearing forever.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Lauraine Snelling is the award-winning author of nearly one-hundred books, fiction and nonfiction, for adults and young adults. Her books have sold more than five million copies. She makes her home in Tehachapi, California.

More from Lauraine

Please provide a brief summary of your new novel, A Season of Harvest.

Lauraine Snelling: With her three sisters all finding their own paths of life and love, Larkspur Nielsen determines to shoulder their family farm and business dream herself and stay single—even if drifter Isaac McTavish, claiming he’s back in town for good, now seeks her heart. When danger from the past comes knocking, Lark must choose whether to insist on going it alone or accept the love and support God—and Isaac—hold out.

Each of the previous books in your current series, Leah’s Garden, follows a different Neilsen sister as the main character. What led you to save Larkspur’s story for the series conclusion?

LS: I’d actually planned Larkspur’s story to be first since she’s the oldest. However, once The Seeds of Change started coming together, Forsythia took over the story! So the first book became hers.

Loyalty plays a key role in A Season of Harvest. Without giving spoilers, can you hint at why loyalty is at the core of the story?

LS: Loyalty threads through the whole series. These sisters are loyal to each other, to their friends, and to everyone they know. Through all the books, they take care of each other so faithfully. Even their initial departure from Ohio stems from drastic action they take to protect each other and their family. Loyalty then streams over into other characters in the series, especially Isaac McTavish, who really grows into loyalty in this book. Even our villain stays loyal to his purpose all the way through.

Which of the four Neilsen sisters do you personally resonate with the most?

LS: Truth be told, I resonate with each of them. But really, I tend to identify with whichever one I’m writing at the moment! 

A Season of Harvest returns to a major conflict from the first book in the series, The Seeds of Change. Was it always in your plan to circle back and address that conflict again in the series conclusion?

LS: It wasn’t always in our plan, but as the book came together, it became inevitable. One benefit of a great editor is that they sometimes contribute ideas, and my editor, Jessica Sharpe, pointed out how key it would be for Ringwald to confront Larkspur at the end of the series. As the book went on, it became so important to resolve that conflict, and we kept the villain in the stories just enough to keep readers from forgetting about him.

What do you hope readers learn or take away from this series?

LS: A reminder of how important our families are. The Nielsens stood by each other in so many crises, and that’s what I would hope readers take away—just a reminder of how important your family is and how absolutely critical faith in Christ is. Salton becomes a place of healing, a place for people to recover joy. That we have so many joys and things to learn in this life is a theme that weaves through all my books.

What led you to set these stories in the homesteading period? How was the setting important to the story you wanted to tell?

LS: It’s one of my favorite periods! The homesteading era was such a time of change and adventure. As for why Nebraska, I hadn’t set stories there very much yet. For Kiersti, it was special to join in on The Seeds of Change and get to write about Nebraska homesteaders living in a soddy because her great-grandfather, a son of Danish immigrants, was born in a soddy in Nebraska in the late 1800s.

Is this truly the last your readers will see of the Neilsen sisters and the rest of their community?

LS: As far as we know!

Now that you’ve wrapped up the Leah’s Garden series, what are you working on next?

LS: A series set in 1889 near Decorah, Iowa. Six-year-old Ruth and twenty-one-year-old Amalia are thrown together on a ship crossing over from Norway when their families die of cholera. Ruth’s dying mother gives her daughter into Amalia’s custody, and the two orphans travel to Iowa to take over the family boardinghouse Ruth will inherit. They must battle a greedy relative trying to claim the property and somehow make ends meet for the motley band of orphans who gather under their roof, while finding a way to make this new land home.

Blog Stops

Wishful Endings, February 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 6

Texas Book-aholic, February 7

The Avid Reader, February 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 8

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 9 (Author Interview)

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 9

She Lives to Read, February 10

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 11

Mary Hake, February 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 12

For Him and My Family, February 13

Splashes of Joy, February 13

Holly’s Book Corner, February 14

Cover Lover Book Review, February 15

Connie’s History Classroom , February 16

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, February 16

Live. Love. Read., February 17

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 17

lakesidelivingsite, February 18

Pause for Tales, February 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lauraine is giving away the grand prize package of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback set of all four books in the Leah’s Garden Series: The Seeds of Change, A Time to Bloom, Fields of Bounty, and A Season of Harvest!! (US Only)

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/29c4f/a-season-of-harvest-celebration-tour-giveaway

Robin Lee Hatcher- To Marry An English Lord

Does an Englishman know what to expect at a Western ranch?   Sebastian finally accepted his friend's invite to visit his ranch.  He was amazed by the beauty.  Yes, the view was breathtaking.  But he was mesmired by Jocelyn, his friend's sister.

The location is one where I have visited a few years ago.  I highly recommend going if you have not been.  It is stunning.  I can imagine Sebastian, his sister, Mary and their friend, Roger, overwhelmed by GOD'S handiwork.  

Jocelyn and Sebastian appear to be different.  But they have the need to be loved in common.  They struggle to show their vulnerability.  How sad, if love and happiness  are lost because of this. Sometimes you just need to take a chance.

This is the second book of the British are Coming Series.  I look forward to reading the next one.  I love outwest and Robin Lee Hatcher's books.  

I received this early copy to review. 

Short Bio

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of 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 AMISH BONNET SISTERS: Her Hopeful Heart

Debbie never expected to be in this position.  She had such high hopes for a happy ever after with Fritz. But her life isn't a fairy tale!  

Another sweet story from Samantha Price about an Amish family who sticks together through good and bad times.  Debbie had a lot of support from her family.  They gave her the courage to move forward.  She would have loved to just disappear until she wasn't the talk of the town but she had her son and her business to take care of.  

Wilma and Ada were doing what they could to help Debbie through this difficult time.  Their methods were questionable.  I was surprised how well Debbie handled the situation when she found out what they said and done to improve her sales at the tea booth.  It was funny.

I'm so glad that there will be another book as Samantha Price left us hanging at the end.  How will this series end for Wilma and her children?  I can't wait to find out.

Thank you, Samantha Price for this delightful series.

#Amish

#SamanthaPrice

Samantha Price wrote stories from a young age, but it wasn't until later in life that she took up writing full time. Samantha is best known for the Ettie Smith Amish Mysteries series and the Expectant Amish Widows series.

To learn more about Samantha and her books, visit: SamanthaPriceAuthor.com

A Cherished Betrothal

 

What an emotional story!  Times were so much more difficult then.  Illness, injuries and even Indian attacks were possible.  Elspeth never forgot what happened to her and her family so many years ago.  She didn't forget the boy who not only rescued her but captured her heart.  

Alex never forgot what happened to his family but he held on to the anger and pain. He was set on revenge. Elspeth and her father knew that the only way for Alex to find peace was through GOD'S grace.   

The story was beautifully written.  Denise Weimer did an excellent job writing A Cherished Betrothal.  Her research and dedication to her readers shows in this book.

About the author

North Georgia native Denise Weimer has authored a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. Former managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas’ two historical imprints, she serves as Acquisitions & Editing Liaison for Wild Heart Books and as a freelance editor, helping other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

Over the Garden Fence

A delightful story of two friends.  Molly and Janice live next door to each other.  They made it possible to visit Over the Garden Fence.  

They are a hoot!  I enjoyed their lives and wished I had someone like them next door.  They both knew that they had someone watching out for them close by. 

They both discovered that you never can predict what's just around the corner.  I loved reading about their relationship with each other as well with others. 

This is a wonderful read.  I had a few chuckles.  I loved Molly and Janice.  They had a wonderful friendship and had great fun.

I was given the privilege to read this book from Boldwood Books.

#blog tour

#rararesources

#KarenLouiseHoĺlis

Over the Garden Fence

What can two elderly women do, when they want to live their best lives, but don’t know where to start?

Next-door neighbours, Molly and Janice, are in their seventies and are both widowed and lonely. In lockdown, they had their garden fence removed so they could have socially-distanced chats outside. 

Now the pandemic is over, but the conversation continues. In fact, it has become a daily ritual -weather permitting.

As their friendship develops, talk turns from news headlines, the Sewing Bee and the Royal family to their own long-lost hopes and dreams. Is it ever too late to contact a former boyfriend? Or to heal family rifts? Or to try new things? Of course not! Because growing older doesn’t mean giving up.

Purchase Links - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CMDPRR7Z

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMDPRR7Z

Author Bio –

Karen Louise Hollis was born in Lincoln in 1969 and is a full-time carer for her mother and a single mother to her son. 

She has had books published and self-published since 2003, including short stories and poetry, and non-fiction books on motherhood, gymnastics and Doctor Who. 

Her book Un-Conventional : 13 Years of Meeting the Stars of Doctor Who was published by Hirst Publishing in 2010 and her biography of actor Anthony Ainley - The Man Behind The Master was published by Fantom Publishing as a hardback in 2015, later as a paperback and audio CD.

Her first novel Welcome to Whitlock Close was published in 2022 and her second novel Starting Again in Silver Sands Bay in 2023. 

Karen Louise usually writes books based in Lincolnshire and including characters of all ages. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and writes books in various genres including non-fiction, romance, recent historical fiction (1980s) and contemporary women’s fiction.

She also reviews books and writes a book blog – iheartbooks.blog – and is very active on social media, especially on Twitter/X at @KarenLNHollis 

Social Media Links – https://twitter.com/KarenLNHollis

https://www.instagram.com/karenlouisehollis/

The Seamstress of Acadie

 I thoroughly enjoyed this very detailed story.  I was quite impressed with the book and I loved the story.  

It is 1754 in Acadie which is modern day Nova Scotia.  The English and the French were fighting over land.  Sylvie and her family were caught in the middle of this conflict.

What would you do if all that you knew just disappeared?  Sylvie loved her home. She expected to live and die there. She couldn't imagine any other place to be as magical as the orchards she cared for. 

Who was the enemy?  Who was your friend?  This was the life for Sylvie and her family.  Why was she so attracted to William Blackburn? He was a British Army Soldier who threatened everything she loved.

I knew nothing of this actual conflict.  I enjoy reading historical fiction.  But it is amazing when I learn about real events and actual history.  

I was given the opportunity to be on a author's review team for this book.

#blog tour

#LauraFrantz

Laura Frantz is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of 15 novels, including The Rose and the Thistle, The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Lacemaker, and A Heart Adrift. She is the proud mom of an American soldier and a career firefighter. Though she will always call Kentucky home, Laura lives with her husband in Washington State. Learn more at www.LauraFrantz.net.

Dark Shadows Over Coronation Close

 

I was real excited to read this.  I read a previous book of this series and I loved it.

There are some real serious topics dealt  between the pages of the book.  But Lizzie Lane has a special writing talent that accomplishs this task in a tasteful way.  

Jenny, Thelma and all the neighbors of Coronation Close are doing their best to live week by week.  I really love both Jenny and Thelma.  They are so different but are the best of friends.  I don't always agree with their decisions.  And I find myself wanting to shout "No, don't".  But they can't hear me.

I hope there will be more to come.  I loved the story. Thanks to Boldwood Books, I was able to read this to review.

#rararesources

#blogtour

Dark Shadows Over Coronation Close

There’s talk of war and dark clouds fester on the horizon...

Bristol 1938

A shadowy presence overshadows Coronation Close, watching and waiting. Jenny Crawford is the first to notice the stranger and wonders why his attention is fixed on Thelma Dawson’s house. When challenged he makes a hasty retreat.

Meanwhile Thelma is having trouble with her precocious daughter Mary who is about to leave schooland start work. Mary considers herself an adult but to Thelma she’s still a little girl; an attitude resented by her daughter.

Unknown to her mother, Mary is secretly befriended by a stranger, an older man who treats her as the grown up she thinks she is. But what does this man want with this naïve young girl?

Problems shared are problems halved. Jenny and Thelma certainly share theirs as the shadow of war rolls over from Europe and nothing seems certain.

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

Author Bio – 

Lizzie Lane is the author of over 50 books, a number of which have been bestsellers. She was born 

and bred in Bristol where many of her family worked in the cigarette and cigar factories. This has 

inspired her saga series for Boldwood The Tobacco Girls.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgshaddick

Twitter: https://twitter.com/baywriterallat1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielane40/ 

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lizzie-lane

Amish Friends Life Hacks

 I collect all things from Wanda E. Brunstetter.  I love her fictional books but her cookbooks are fantastic.  I have made some really delicious food items that I discovered from the multiple books I own.

Her newest book is called Amish Friends Life Hacks.  There is so more handy tips and ideas to enjoy.  I love the different chapters ranging from garden ideas to making your own health items such as sore throat cures. 

These are great gifts for anyone.  I love the way they are made as the pages are sturdy and can be wiped clean.  I can be messy when trying out new recipes.  Plus the book can be folded open and it stays that way.  

I love all the new ideas to make my life easier and even more cost efficient.  

Amazon:

Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Life Hacks: Hundreds of Tips for Cooking, Cleaning, Gardening, Wellness, and More https://a.co/d/iCOcTvs

About the author

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 100 books with more than 12 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD. Wanda is considered one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre, and her work has been covered by national publications, including Time Magazine and USA Today.

Wanda's fascination with the Amish culture developed when she met her husband, Richard, who grew up in a Mennonite church, and whose family has a Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Meeting her new Mennonite sister-in-laws caused Wanda to yearn for the simpler life. In their travels, she and her husband have become close friends with many Amish people across America. Wanda's desire to explore their culture increased when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith.

All of Wanda's novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

Wanda's primary attraction to the Amish is their desire to live a devout Christian life that strives to honor God, work hard, and maintain close family ties. Whenever she visits her Amish friends, Wanda finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties, which is in stark contrast to the chaos and busyness that plagues so many modern "Englishers." Time and time again, Wanda loses her heart in the Amish life, and she hopes her readers will, too. For more information, visit: www.WandaBrunstetter.com

The Irish Matchmaker

This past year we visited England, Scotland and Ireland.  It was a trip of a lifetime.  My mother is from England.  So I have some British blood running through my veins.  I can't get enough of anything related to those countries.  So just the title of this book made me want to read it.  And I'm so glad I did.  

There is a festival in Ireland called Lisdoonvarna.  It sounds amazing.  It's a matchmaking festival. It has been going on for over 160 years.  There is a lot of dancing and music going on as well as a chance of finding true love.  This is the location and basis for this book.  

Catriona is following in her father's footsteps as a matchmaker.  She has plans to snare her own match.  But things are not always what they seem. Will she get the man of her dreams?

Donal Bunratty is raising his daughter on his own since his wife passed.  He would do anything for her.  What will he do when she asks for a "new" mother?

I have read all 4 of  Jennifer Deibel's books.  I loved everyone.  She takes me on a vacation with every page she writes.  She has become one of my favorite authors.  I look forward to every book she publishes.  

I received this book from the author to give a honest review.

About the author

Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher and freelance writer. Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic Magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona.