Goddess Fish Promotions Book Review: Morning Star

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Charlotte Hubbard will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

When four maidels join forces to turn an abandoned barn into an Amish marketplace, the unmarried women have community in mind. But their fledgling enterprise promises to reap surprising rewards for each in turn, including the gift of unexpected love . . .

For Regina Miller, the new Morning Star Marketplace is a chance to share her secret work with the world—without revealing herself. Old Order Amish forbid the creation of art without purpose, but without a husband, Regina has been free to explore the joy of painting in her attic. Yet when Gabe Flaud’s curiosity leads him to speculate that Regina herself is the painter, the full weight of their community’s judgement falls on her shoulders. When Gabe stands up to defend Regina, questioning the Order’s restrictions, he reveals his own guilty secret and is shunned along with her. Forced to turn to each other for companionship, the young couple must learn to balance their own needs with their deep faith … and a love that will show them all things are possible.

Read an Excerpt

Regina entered her bedroom, stepped onto her large wooden trunk, and then opened the short, narrow door in the wall so she could climb the wooden stairs to the attic.

What if nobody wants my paintings, or worse yet, ridicules them? And what if folks figure out that I’m the artist—and that I’ve been living a lie for years? Best to nip this in the bud before I have to tell any more whoppers and get caught in them.

And yet, as Regina stood in the center of her secret studio, something deep inside her longed to display the work that so satisfied her soul. Nearly every evening, after a day of staining furniture, she spent a few hours in her hideaway, painting nature scenes.

Regina needed to paint the way most folks needed to eat and breathe. Her schoolteacher had complimented her artwork when she’d been young—and her parents had allowed her to take a short watercolor class at Koenig’s Krafts when she’d entered rumspringa. Dat’s brother Clarence was a preacher, however, so he’d been adamant about Regina joining the church at an early age. She’d secured her salvation at seventeen by being baptized, but she’d forfeited her innermost soul: in the Morning Star district, members were forbidden to create art for art’s sake because it was considered worldly and it called attention to the artist.

Regina had obediently tucked her paints and brushes into her wooden trunk, but she’d felt the loss of her art acutely. After her parents had died when a train collided with the bus they were all riding home from a wedding, Regina had kept herself sane by taking up her paints again, setting up her easel in the attic—out of sight when anyone came to visit. At twenty-two, she’d been rather young to live alone on her family’s small acreage but moving in with Uncle Clarence, Aunt Clara, and their young daughters would’ve killed her spirit forever.

Bishop Jeremiah had taken her side and had dropped in on her often until she’d gotten a little older. Martin Flaud had hired her because her father had been one of his finest craftsmen—and because Regina had proven herself to be more meticulous at staining and finishing than any of his male employees. She’d survived the rough, lonely times by working hard at the factory, and by surrounding herself with the quilts and curtains Mamm had made and the furniture Dat had built for their cozy home.

And so the last ten years had passed . . .

Regina had willingly given up any chance for marriage—because she couldn’t reveal her sinful pastime to a husband.

Gazing at the nature paintings that surrounded her on that Sunday afternoon, Regina felt torn. Why had God given her a keen eye and the talent to render woodland scenes, flowers, and wild creatures on paper if He wouldn’t allow her to paint pictures of His creation openly and without guilt?

Review:  I've been interested in Amish culture for years. I'm amazed that any of them are still around because well, they may be peaceful, but they are hypocrites and Gabe actually points out at one point in the story.

Regina is a "old maid" and Gabe is sort of her boss. Both have secrets that get them in trouble with the church. For Regina its her love of painting which is too worldly, as is Gabe's love of music and playing the guitar.

I shake my head at these things as creating things that bring joy to others just can't be a sin. Gabe feels much the same as I do. I loved him. He was truly the perfect guy, totally questioning his faith and not following along blindly. I got him, because the Amish make very few changes. I could see how easy it would be for him to just walk away and start a new life.

Regina is more grounded. She knows what she stands to lose if she leaves. She's torn, because for her leaving the Amish would mean losing her friends.

The characters in this story were so well crafted. You had some that you absolutely loved and others you wanted to hit over the head with a cast iron skillet.  The maidels were wonderful and independent, though as we can see, this series is going to see all these older Amish gals finding love.

The romance that buds between Regina and Gabe is so sweet and perfect it may make your heart burst, especially the ending. It was absolute perfection.

This was a delightful light read that will leave you with warm fuzzy feelings.

Rating: 5 flowers

About the Author:

In 1983, Charlotte Hubbard sold her first story to True Story. She wrote around 70 of those confession stories, and she’s sold more than 50 books to traditional or online publishers. A longtime resident of Missouri, she’s currently writing Amish romances set in imaginary Missouri towns for Kensington. She now lives in Omaha, NE with her husband of 40+ years and their Border collie, Vera.

Website http://www.charlottehubbard.com
Facebook http://www.Facebook.com/Charlotte.Hubbard1

Order Ebook

Kindle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZPKX5SQ
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Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/morning-star-charlotte-hubbard/1134434813?ean=9781420145151oks New Zealand Apple: https://books.apple.com/nz/book/morning-star/id1507818638
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Google Play https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Charlotte_Hubbard_Morning_Star?id=goq5DwAAQBAJ

Order Print
Zebra Books
July 28, 2020
ISBN-13: 9781420145120
ISBN-10: 1420145126

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Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours: The Highlanders Christmas Bride

The Highlander's Christmas Bride by Vanessa Kelly

Publication Date: October 29, 2019

Zebra Books

eBook & Paperback; 432 Pages

Series: Clan Kendrick, Book #2

Genre: Historical Romance/Scottish

Summary:  In bestselling author Vanessa Kelly’s irresistible Clan Kendrick series, Christmas in the Highlands means family, celebration—and for one brother, the beginning of a passionate adventure . . .

Being thrown over by the man she expected to marry was humiliating enough. Now that Donella Haddon, grandniece of the Earl of Riddick, has also proven a failure as a nun, she has no choice but to return to her family’s estate. The brawny Highlander sent to escort her is brash, handsome, and the only thing standing between Donella and a gang of would-be kidnappers. But the scandal in her past can’t be so easily outrun . . .

Wealthy widower Logan Kendrick was expecting to meet a plain, pious spinster—not a gorgeous, sharp-tongued lass who can hold her own in any ambush. Though she’s known as the Flower of Clan Graham, Donella is no shrinking violet. In fact, she might be the perfect woman to bring happiness back to his lonely little son’s life, just in time for Christmas. But first he must protect her from ugly gossip and a mysterious threat—and convince her that their wild, unexpected desire is heaven sent.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Review:  Vanessa Kelly is a new to me author and what better way to discover a new author than with a holiday book. When I was much younger I used to dive into Christmas romances and read nothing but from Nov through January.

I am a little on the fence with this one, because very early into the book, the language felt a little too modern for me. The story is set in 1819, so I just had a hard time especially at the beginning dealing with how Donella and Logan talked, especially to the nuns.

I also couldn't fathom how such a high strung lady, could want to sequester herself as a nun, when she was obviously doing such a lousy job at it. It took a long time to learn the real reason for that, much to long in my book.

The story itself is an enjoyable one and fast paced for a book of its length (around 430 ish pages). The characters are fun and you definitely will come to appreciate all of them and their quirks.

I was more in love with Logan's character. He had a good head on his shoulders. Donella was a little bit annoying to me. She feels like the typical strong historical heroine that won't listen to sense and always goes traipsing off into trouble because she's so "smart." My favorite though is Logan's son, Joseph, who was absolutely precious.

This is a nice light read, more for fans of romance than historical novels, as I again felt a lot of the characters actions and speech were a little out of the time period. Still, it is a good way to warm yourself up on a cold winter night



Rating: 4 flowers

About the Author

Vanessa Kelly is a USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author who was named by Booklist, the review journal of the American Library Association, as one of the “New Stars of Historical Romance.” Her Regency-set historical romances have been nominated in a number of contests, and she has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for Best Historical Romance. Her books have been published in nine languages.

Vanessa’s latest book, The Highlander Who Protected Me, was a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, and BookScan bestseller. Her Renegade Royals Series was a national bestseller, as was The Improper Princesses Series. My Fair Princess was named a Goodreads Romance of the Month and is a USA Today and BookScan bestseller. The Highlander’s Princess Bride, book 3 in the series, was a Barnes and Noble top 50 bestseller.

When she’s not dreaming of plots for her next Regency novel, Vanessa is writing USA Today Bestselling books with her husband, under the pen name of V.K. Sykes.

You can find Vanessa at vanessakellyauthor.com or at vksykes.com. For all of Vanessa's latest news and contests--and to receive a free story--please sign up for her newsletter on her website.

Clan Kendrick Facebook Group | Facebook Author Page | Pinterest | Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule
Tuesday, October 29
Review at Coffee and Ink

Wednesday, October 30
Feature at A Book Geek
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time

Thursday, October 31
Review at Amy's Booket List

Friday, November 1
Review at Gwendalyn's Books
Excerpt at Donna's Book Blog
Review at View from the Birdhouse

Saturday, November 2
Review at Fictitiouswonderland

Monday, November 4
Review at Nursebookie
Review at A Bookish Affair

Tuesday, November 5
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Wednesday, November 6
Review at Bookish Rantings
Interview at Jathan & Heather

Thursday, November 7
Review at Unabridged Chick
Guest Post at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Friday, November 8
Excerpt at Maiden of the Pages
Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Monday, November 11
Review at Jessica Belmont
Review at Stephanie's Novel Fiction
Guest Post at What Is That Book About

Tuesday, November 12
Excerpt at The Lit Bitch
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Giveaway
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away signed copies of THE HIGHLANDER’S PRINCESS BRIDE and THE HIGHLANDER WHO PROTECTED ME + a $20 Amazon gift card! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on November 12th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open internationally.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

The Highlander's Christmas Bride

Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours: Project Duchess

Project Duchess by Sabrina Jeffries

Publication Date: June 25, 2019
Zebra
eBook & Paperback; 352 Pages
Series: Duke Dynasty, Book 1

Genre: Historical Romance/Regency

From New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries comes a sparkling new series about an oft-widowed mother’s grown children, who blaze through society in their quest for the truth about their fathers . . . and in the process find that love just might conquer all . . .

A series of stepfathers and a difficult childhood have left Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt, with a guarded heart, enviable wealth, and the undeserved reputation of a rogue. Grey’s focus on expanding his dukedom allows him little time to find a wife. But when his mother is widowed yet again and he meets the charmingly unconventional woman managing his stepfather’s funeral, he’s shocked to discover how much they have in common. Still, Grey isn’t interested in love, no matter how pretty, or delightfully outspoken, the lady . . .

Beatrice Wolfe gave up on romance long ago, and the arrogant Duke of Greycourt with his rakish reputation isn’t exactly changing her mind. Then Grey agrees to assist his grief-stricken mother with her latest “project”: schooling spirited, unfashionable Beatrice for her debut. Now that Beatrice is seeing through Grey’s charms to his wounded heart, she’s having trouble keeping him at arm’s length. But once Grey starts digging into her family’s secrets, she must decide whether her loyalties lie with her family . . . or with the man whose lessons capture her heart . . .

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Google Play | iTunes | IndieBound | Kobo

Praise for Sabrina Jeffries’ previous novels
“Quick pacing, witty dialogue, and charmingly original characters set Jeffries’ books apart” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Master storyteller Jeffries is at the top of her game.” —RT Book Reviews, Top Pick on The Secret of Flirting

“Quick wit, lively repartee, and delicious sensuality drive the elaborate plot of this sinfully delightful addition to Jeffries’s latest series.” —Library Journal, starred review on The Pleasures of Passion

“With its irresistible combination of witty banter, well-defined characters, and a wonderful surfeit of breathtaking sensuality, the latest in Jeffries’ Sinful Suitors series is a straight flush.” —Booklist, starred review on The Danger of Desire

“Lovely, poignant, and powerful.” —Kirkus Reviews on The Study of Seduction

Review: I have been a reader of Sabrina Jeffries for quite some time. I really love her books.

This one had a heaping dose of...it couldn't happen...just in the main premise of the series.

See in Regency England...there are were only about 60 non royal dukes..so how a woman could have been married to as many as Mama Lydia did was a bit of a stretch...and then to produce all these young handsome rakish Dukes is an even bigger improbability.

But I'll forget that because this is fiction and romance and not totally based on reality.

Getting into the story was not the easiest thing as there was a lot and I do mean a lot going on at the onset, but once you settle in, its a good read.

I even learned something.  What you ask? There is such a thing as Funeral biscuits. (AKA Cookies) Seriously, they are  a thing. Check out this link for more info. And while I'm at it, I didn't know that many women didn't attend the funerals of their loved ones because of their delicate sensibilities.  Wowzas!

The story itself is part romance and part mystery, as there is a question in his half brother's mind that the current Duke that had died might have been murdered and the prime suspect would be Bea's brother.

I loved Grey and Bea. They were strong and likable characters that made this a fun read as a roundabout investigation brings the two of them together and apart.

The story also touches on abuse on a few levels that happened in the pasts of both main characters, which made for some interesting reading.

I like how the mystery is what is going to tie all the stories in this series together. I look forward to seeing how all the things play out.

Rating: 4 flowers

About the Author

Sabrina Jeffries is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 50 novels and works of short fiction (some written under the pseudonyms Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas). Whatever time not spent writing in a coffee-fueled haze is spent traveling with her husband and adult autistic son or indulging in one of her passions—jigsaw puzzles, chocolate, and music. With over 9 million books in print in more than 20 languages, the North Carolina author never regrets tossing aside a budding career in academics for the sheer joy of writing fun fiction, and hopes that one day a book of hers will end up saving the world.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub

Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, June 24
Excerpt at The Lit Bitch

Tuesday, June 25
Feature at Coffee and Ink
Review at Bibliophile Reviews
Review at Henry and Benny's Book Nook

Wednesday, June 26
Review at Let Them Read Books
Review at The Book Junkie Reads

Thursday, June 27
Review at Amy's Booket List
Interview at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Friday, June 28
Review at To Read, Or Not to Read
Review at For the Sake of Good Taste

Monday, July 1
Review at A Bookish Affair
Review at Jorie Loves a Story

Tuesday, July 2
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time

Wednesday, July 3
Feature at Broken Teepee
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Thursday, July 4
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Friday, July 5
Review at View from the Birdhouse
Feature at What Is That Book About

Giveaway
We have two paperback copies of Project Duchess up for grabs! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on July 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Project Duchess

Goddess Fish Promotions: You Never Forget Your First Earl

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Ella will be awarding a signed copy of the book (International Giveaway) to 5 randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

With her three good friends all recently married, Elizabeth Turley is ready for some husband-hunting of her own. One gentleman in particular sparks her interest. Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington is tall, handsome, and dashing. He’s also just a bit too sure of himself. But Elizabeth has observed enough about the rules of attraction to pique the earl’s attention. Yet once she has it, the discovery of a troubling secret taints her future happiness . . .

Lord Harrington must marry or lose a prestigious position in Brussels, and pretty, well-connected Elizabeth fits his needs admirably. But could it be that he has underestimated his bride? She doesn’t bat an eye in the face of the danger they encounter overseas. She’s strong-willed, intelligent, and more enticing each day—yet also more indifferent to him. Now Geoffrey faces his greatest challenge: to woo and win his own wife, or risk losing her for good . . .

Read an Excerpt:

“It would not be only you pretending you might be interested in me,” Lord Littleton explained. “I would be seen to be interested in you as well.”

This still seemed unnecessary. Either Lord Harrington would want her for herself or not. She did not like to engage in deceptions. “To what purpose?”

“My dear lady.” Lord Littleton possessed himself of her hands, his gaze capturing hers.

Good Lord, the man was dangerous. She sent a prayer of thanks to the deity that she was not affected by him. “Do you do that on purpose?”

He shook his head and stared at her. “Do what?”

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes at him. “Look into a woman’s eyes as if she were the only lady on earth you wished to be with.”

“Ah, no,” he said a little sheepishly. “It just happens. I can’t seem to stop myself.”

“It’s like this, Lizzy”—her brother cut in—“any gentleman who’s interested in a lady don’t wish to see another man making up to her.” He gave his friend a disgusted look. “Littleton agreed to help, but you can see how dangerous it is for him to be in Town. He truly can’t help himself from flirting, and he’ll soon find himself in a bumble-bath if he remains too long. He’s not ready for a leg-shackle yet, but he’d be bound to raise some lady’s expectations and that won’t do.”

“That’s it exactly.” Lord Littleton must have realized he was still holding Elizabeth’s hands and released them. “But that’s not the only reason Turley and I thought I’d be the best one. You see, Harrington and I never got on well together. That will give him the extra incentive to court you properly.”

“And,” Gavin added, “Littleton is so full of juice that he is just as eligible as Harrington. Other than the title that is.”

Her brother and Lord Littleton focused their gazes on her, and she glanced from one man to the other. “I understand.” Or she thought she did. Men were such strange creatures. She wondered why Lord Harrington did not like Lord Littleton. He seemed amiable enough. “Very well, then. How do we begin?”

Review: Ella Quinn has got me back into reading regency romances again. This was the genre that I fell in love with when I first started reading adult romances when I was in junior high...ok..I was younger than that.

Her books have great characters.

Elizabeth is a strong heroine but she wants a love match. Geoffery is trying to find a perfect diplomats wife. Geoffery isn't exactly the most likable hero. He's ambitious and is more career oriented than looking for love. He's a little bit dim sometimes too. That's what makes the book fun! OK, Geoff is more than just dim, he's the kind of guy you want to shake some sense into. I wanted to do that so many times in this book.

You'll remember Geoffery from her last book, The Marquis and I. If you haven't read that book, you are definitely missing out. I liked revisited the other characters from The Worthington series. Charlotte, who was Geoff's first choice of a bride is Elizabeth's best friend.

Elizabeth is such a sweet character. Like most ladies, she is looking for a love match, and between her friends and family and Geoff's family they work to get him to fall in love with her, and it seems like it is working, until shortly after the wedding.

This is really when you want to shake Geoff.

As they travel to Brussels, she takes control and becomes a "qualified" wife of a diplomat. It is in being such a good wife that she was hurt.

Ms. Quinn, it is not fair to make me cry like that over a character. I had to keep reminding myself that this is romance and that nothing would happen to Elizabeth, but it still made me tear up.

The ending was perfect.

I look forward to the next book in the series.

Rating: 5 flowers

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn’s studies and other jobs have always been on the serious side. Reading historical romances, especially Regencies, were her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to start writing them.

She is married to her wonderful husband of over thirty years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters, and a Portuguese Water Dog. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true and are now living on a sailboat. After cruising the Caribbean and North America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern Europe. She's currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is back at work, recovering from retirement.

Website: http://www.ellaquinnauthor.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EllaQuinnAuthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ellaquinnauthor

Blog: http://ellaquinnauthor.wordpresscom/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Forget-Your-First-Worthingtons/dp/1420145185/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/you-never-forget-your-first-earl-ella-quinn/1127062571?ean=9781420145182#/

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Great Escapes Book Tours Book Review: Kappy King & the Puppy Kaper

Kappy King and the Puppy Kaper (An Amish Mystery) by Amy Lillard

Kappy King and the Puppy Kaper (An Amish Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 1st in Series 

Setting - Pennsylvania 

Zebra (December 26, 2017) An Imprint of Kensington Books Paperback: 352 pages 

ISBN-13: 978-1420142976 

E-Book ASIN: B06XZQTCQH

Content to be unmarried and plain-spoken, Kathryn “Kappy” King is an odd-woman-out in the Amish community of Blue Sky, Pennsylvania. But she’s skilled at making the special kapps local women need to cover their hair. And she might be the only one who can unearth the danger hiding in this peaceful valley . . .

When Kappy's neighbor, Ruth Peachey, turns up dead in her yard, everyone in Blue Sky believes it’s a tragic accident. Until the Englisch police find the gentle dog breeder was deliberately struck down—and arrest her mentally-challenged son, Jimmy, for the crime . . .

Jimmy’s sister, Edie, returns to Blue Sky clear his name, yet no one will speak to a shunned former Amish woman, much less give her information. Determined to help, Kappy starts digging for the truth among her seemingly-innocent neighbors. But suddenly a series of suspicious “accidents” threatens Edie and the Peachey farm—property Edie is determined to protect for her brother’s future.

Now, as danger looms large in the small community, Kappy must bait a trap for a killer snapping hard at her heels. And Edie must decide whether to make a home once more in the town she thought she’d left behind . . .

Review: I'm a sucker for Amish books and an Amish cozy mystery is probably one of the best things for me.

This book brought me so much joy! It was truly fun and quite different. I've read Amish mysteries before, but never a cozy mystery.

Kappy is a spinster, who makes the "caps" that Amish ladies wear. She's a little bit odd, but she's very lovable

When her neighbor is found murdered and her handicapped son is arrested, Kappy steps in helping out Ruth's daughter Edie find the killer. Edie is under the Bann for leaving the Amish community after being baptized. I'm pretty sure this friendship goes against much of the Amish belief when it came to "shunning" but I loved Kappy and Edie because they were so different. Edie is a bit naive for a woman who has been living away from the Amish for 10 years.

This book was the perfect cozy, full of fun and funny characters that you will fall in love with. Its fast paced and well, once you start reading you won't want to put the book done. I know I didn't.

The way Edie and Kappy went about hunting Ruth's killer was a bit madcap, but it made things more fun.

There weren't many people with a reason to want someone like Ruth dead, so as they checked off suspects things got really interesting. I really wasn't expecting  the killer to be who it was.

I look forward to reading more books about Kappy and Edie, and I kind of hope Edie returns to the fold.

Rating: 5 flowers

Amy Lillard is the award-winning author of more than twenty novels, including the Wells Landing series, The Quilting Circle novels, the Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries and the Kappy King Mysteries. Born and raised in Mississippi, she now lives with her husband and son in Oklahoma. Please visit her online at www.AmyWritesRomance.com.

Author Links:

• amywritesromance.com
• Facebook: @AmyLillard918
• Twitter: @AmyWritesRomance
• Goodreads

Purchase Links

• Barnes & Noble / http://bit.ly/2z4jdep
• Hudson Booksellers / http://bit.ly/2zKFaMJ
• Amazon / http://amzn.to/2msMglR
• Books-A-Million / http://bit.ly/2ihSO23
• IndieBound / http://bit.ly/2A1lW8y
• Walmart / http://bit.ly/2iXr1n8

Book Review: Nobody's Princess

Author: Sarah Hegger

Title: Nobody's Princess
Publisher: Zebra
Publish Date: Feb 23, 2016

Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb:

Tiffany Desjardins has a plan. Well, she had a plan, until her past and all its complications came back to haunt her. Her not-quite-ex-husband, Luke, is missing, and suddenly everyone needs to find him--including Tiffany, if she wants to marry the true man of her dreams. Then there's Thomas Hunter, Luke's brawny friend, who won't take "no road trip" for an answer--and who won't stop showing up in her daydreams…

Thomas couldn't care less about Luke's personal life, but he needs to find him if he's going to make his fledgling minerals and metals company a reality. And if that means following Tiffany, who's taken off in Luke's rare Lamborghini Miura, he's more than willing--especially if there might be a chance to negotiate some of Tiffany's lovely curves. As Tiffany and Thomas speed along without a map, the only destination that seems certain is being together…

Review: I've never read Sarah Hegger before. This is the last book in her Willow Park Romance. Tiffany is a bit of a poor little rich girl, who is trying to change her life.  I wasn't sure if I was going to like her at first, but as she grew and found her real self she really was endearing. I really felt sorry for her too.

It was great to see her transform from the girl that just had to be beautiful into a real thinking breathing woman. Her soon to be ex's brother Dakota calls her Barbie, and when you get the descriptions of Tiffany, Barbie is a pretty good one for her.

Thomas was really great too, from the very start when she mistakes him for a male model. Oo la la. He's even better when you get to know him, because he's a nice guy and he really cares about Tiffany, and more about her than about her looks.

The two of them are great foils for themselves, but they have awesome chemistry.

Then there's Luke. I wanted a bit more of a mystery involving him, but that wasn't the case. Most of the drama involved Dakota. OK, a lot of the drama involves Dakota.

The best part of the book is Tiffany becoming her own woman, standing up to her father, who feels she's only as good as her pretty face, but as you learn her love of numbers and the way she works things out,without having much of an education, you know shes definitely much more than that. Thomas helps her to want more from her life. That's another reason to love him as a hero.

This was a great intro to this author for me.

Rating: 5 flowers

Book Review: An Amish Man On Ice Mountain

Author: Kelly Long
Title: An Amish Man Of Ice Mountain
Publisher: Zebra
Publish Date: April 28, 2015
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: Net Galley

Book Blurb:

Joseph King has good reasons to work an oil rig far from his beloved Ice Mountain . . . and to mind his own business. He hopes to protect his younger brother Edward from worldly influences. And maybe he can finally forget how yielding to temptation forced him to leave home in disgrace. Still, no honorable Amish man would let Priscilla Allen and her four-year-old daughter remain homeless, living out of their car. And how can he not be drawn to the feisty waitress's bravery and hidden strength . . .

Offering Priscilla a home on Ice Mountain as his wife-in-name-only gives her a place to start again. For Joseph, it's also an unexpected chance to regain his reputation and standing in the community. But Priscilla's warmth, caring, and determination to adjust to Amish society are renewing Joseph's long-buried hope. Now as his guilt and her wrenching secrets threaten the fragile trust growing between them, they will need the riskiest of miracles to put the past to rest--and fulfill a promise only love and renewed faith can bring.

Review: I have a love and hate relationship with this series. There's a lot of thing that set this series apart from the typical Amish romance, some are good, some aren't so good.

Likes:

1. I like that we see the Amish portrayed as sexual beings. I realize that they are a very religious people but they do have the same desires the rest of us have, and it is nice to see them portrayed as such.

2. I love that these books aren't set in the usual settings. (It is also cool that the ice mine is real)

3. Each book has a real world issue that the Amish people are dealing with. In this book it is domestic violence and sexual abuse.

4. I really love the characters and how the characters from the first book still figure prominently into this story, without making things difficult to understand.

Dislikes

1. Joseph's father's cancer/heart attack/illness whatever you want to call it. I like miracles where they can be believable, but in this case it was laughable. A stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis usually doesn't happen in the ER either and PET scans don't usually happen that way either.

2. The bishop letting all the Englischers into the faith. To the best of my knowledge about this faith, it is not that easy, even if they are a mountain people. The bishop seemed a little too easygoing.

3. This story seemed to go on much longer than it should have. I felt it should have wrapped up after the drama with Priscilla's ex or even after the business with her father.

The book was enjoyable but there was way too much that didn't feel quite right for the Amish

Rating: 3 flowers

Book Review: The Importance Of Being Wicked

Author:Victoria Alexander
Title:The Importance Of Being Wicked
Publisher: Zebra Books
Publish Date: Jan 29, 2013
Buy:Amazon

Review Copy Provided By: Net Galley

Book Blurb: 

In this dazzling new novel, #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander welcomes you to Millworth Manor, a delightful English country estate where love is always perfectly at home. . .
For Winfield Elliott, Viscount Stillwell, finding a prospective bride always seemed easy. Perhaps too easy. With three broken engagements to his name, Win is the subject of endless gossip. Yet his current mission is quite noble: to hire a company to repair his family's fire-damaged country house. Nothing disreputable in that--until the firm's representative turns out to be a very desirable widow.

Lady Miranda Garrett expected a man of Win's reputation to be flirtatious, even charming. But the awkward truth is that she finds him thoroughly irresistible. While Miranda resides at Millworth to oversee the work, Win occupies her days, her dreams. . .and soon, her bed. For the first time, the wicked Win has fallen in love. And what began as a scandalous proposition may yet become a very different proposal. . .

Review: This book's title is a little deceiving. Winfield Elliot wasn't all that wicked in this story. In fact, he was very much a pussy cat. Sure he has a string of engagements that were broken (If you want to read more about those, check out the novella Lord Stillwell's Excellent Engagements) but he wasn't the one breaking things off.

Lady Miranda is a strong, intelligent and argumentative heroine. I think she picks fights with Win, just for the fun of it. And actually that's half the fun of the story, Win and Miranda arguing.

This may be a Victorian novel, but it felt like a Regency at times. If it weren't for the modern conveniences that Miranda was looking to add to Lord Stillwell's country home that was devastated by fire. She is proposing to add ELECTRICITY! Oh my! But wait, Lord Stillwell doesn't know she's the architect, because, well, you know..women just don't do things like design buildings!

So Miranda has a secret to keep.

There relationship develops through their mutual desire to annoy the other and they do that a lot, sometimes at the expense of their budding relationship.

It makes for fun reading, but it also makes the romance slow going.

In fact, if you are looking for a hot, steamy romance, this isn't your book.

But if you like something a little more light, sweet and funny with just a touch of spice, this is your book.

Rating: 4 flowers

Book Review: The Christmas Countess

Author: Adrienne Basso
Title: The Christmas Countess
Publisher: Zebra
Publish Date: Oct 1, 2008
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb:  Rebecca Tremaine’s family told her that her baby was stillborn, and that it was for the best, since her fiancé had tragically died. While going through her recently deceased father’s papers, Rebecca discovers that her daughter lived and was given to Cameron Sinclair, the Earl of Hampton, and his wife. When Rebecca insists on meeting with her daughter, Cameron reluctantly invites her to spend the holidays with his family, never expecting that she could help him forget the loss of his wife. Love, family, and the magic of the holiday season bring two different couples together in Basso’s latest richly emotional and elegantly written Victorian historical romance.

Review: This was an interesting plot for a Christmas romance. Usually these are light fluffy reads, and though there is still some holiday fluff, there is also the heartbreak of Rebecca finding out the child she believed born stillborn, was given away without her consent at childbirth.

That's pretty deep for a romance and it really doesn't seem plausible that the actions of characters in this book could have happened, but then again, the things that happened in the film Titanic probably couldn't have happened either and everyone and their grandmother loved that film. (Except me).

In the case of this book, I actually enjoyed it. However, I enjoyed the subplot best of all. There are actually two romances going on in this book. Rebecca and the Earl and Daniel and the Earl's sister Charlotte. For some reason I loved Daniel and Charlotte best of all.  I think it was because Daniel fell in love with her inspite of her infirmity (which is one leg shorter than the other). The scenes between those two were so much more romantic.

Rebecca and Cameron had too many inner struggles to make their romance easy to take. For one, Lily, was the child born of her love for her fiancee who happened to die before they married, so that allows you to believe that though she's a free thinking woman, she's also free with her favors, and that doesn't quite sit right with a woman who is a vicar's daughter. She is also very prim and proper in a lot of her doings with Lily.

Overall both romances worked for me in the long haul. I was happy that everyone was matched up in the end. I only wish that in the epilogue there could have been something to show readers how Daniel and Charlotte were doing.

Rating: 4 flowers

Book Review: Always My Love

Author: Dorothy Fletcher
Title: Always My Love
Publisher: Zebra
Publish Date: Sept 1979
Rating: 4 stars

Always my love is a story of a widowed aunt, Louisa and her niece, Iris, traveling to France where they meet a young man. Iris is disillusioned with love after being dumped by her fiancee two years before. When Paul Chandon enters there lives in a French cafe, Iris wants nothing to do with him, and when her aunt allows him to join them in their exploration of Paris, Iris is angered and fearful that he's a gigolo after her aunt's money.

Dorothy Fletcher paints a beautiful picture of Paris. Her descriptive storytelling really allows the reader to see the city. This seemed very unusual to me, since this was a romance novel.

Iris' worry for her aunt is well written and you feel her emotions as if they were your own. The only problem I had with Iris was she was a relatively strong character, considering the year this book was published. She was independent and intelligent and yet she didn't feel that she could talk to her aunt about her concerns over Paul.

Paul was the best character by far. He is a man of mystery for the most part, but he handles Iris' barbs with great ease. The average man would have given up on her.

Thankfully Iris met another man on the trip, Claude Marchand, who gave her a bit of advice and also helped her sort out who Paul was. I'm not sure how I felt about the scales being dropped from her eyes when she realized that Paul was wealthy and likely not after her aunt though. It makes Iris appear shallow, but then I remind myself that this book was written in the late seventies. May/December relationships, with the woman being the older party weren't so prevalent then. Though why shouldn't 46 year old Louisa hook up with a 32 year old man if she wants? The author paints her as being very beautiful and youthful for her age.

Overall this book held up well over the years. The story is still entertaining and the characters are well developed. Its definitely worth reading if you should happen to find it. I actually think it read like an old tv mini-series or movie of the week.