Showing posts with label England. Show all posts

Monday, November 4, 2024

The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen

A surprise homecoming tests the bonds of sisterhood as a hidden past comes to light . . .

A return to 1820 Devonshire and the Summers family, with Claire working through the downfall of her reputation, having taken care of her aunt in Scotland, then taking a chance to return home where her family now lives, years later. New relationships evolve and new possibilities for her. Beautifully written, everyone is completely believable, and you can't help feeling attached and defensive at times. The story takes you through a lot of feelings but hope shines through with second chances and a close-knit family. Nicely wrapped up and opened for the next installment.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheSeasideHomecoming #JulieKlassen #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalRomance #BethanyHousePublishers

My reviews

Amazon

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

A Token of Love: (A Victorian London Split-Time Christian Historical Romance Novel) by Carrie Turansky

Interesting time-slip story that brings to life a foundling home in England in 1885 and its 2023 Museum. The problem of child trafficking ties both times. Brilliantly illustrates people involved in both timelines and their relationships, with fully believable characters and their struggles with what goes on in their lives, how they work through it and also weaves in romances that you want to cheer on. Hope, perseverance, fighting for what's right, caring about each other. Shining a light in the darkness. Excellent read, important subjects.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#ATokenOfLove #CarrieTuransky #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #BethanyHousePublishers

About the Book

Book: A Token of Love

Author: Carrie Turansky

Genre: Fiction, Historical Romance

Release date: September 3, 2024

Separated by centuries, the lives of two women intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice.

In 1885 London, Lillian Freemont embarks on a treacherous journey to reunite with her long-lost niece, Alice, who was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital eight years ago. Fueled by her sister’s plea and armed with the gold token that identifies her niece, Lillian teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to expose the grim reality of the shadowed streets of London. As Lillian and Matthew unravel the mystery of Alice’s disappearance, their partnership blossoms into one of shared purpose and undeniable attraction.

In present-day London, Janelle Spencer finds herself unexpectedly running the Foundling Museum. When filmmaker Jonas Conrad arrives to document the museum’s history, their collaboration takes a surprising turn as they uncover articles from the past that shed light on a haunting connection to the present. As Janelle becomes caught between exposing the truth and protecting the museum’s reputation, she must decide if she can risk everything for what she believes.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of twenty-one inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She loves traveling to England to research her Edwardian novels, including No Journey Too Far, No Ocean Too Wide, Across the Blue, and the Edwardian Brides series. Her novels have been translated into several languages and have received starred reviews from Christianbook.com and Library Journal.

More from Carrie

Come with me to London!

My latest novel, A Token of Love, is a dual-time story set in London during the late Victorian Era and present day. That prompted my husband and I to take a trip to London earlier this year. We were especially delighted to visit the Foundling Museum which tells the story of the Foundling Hospital, the first children’s charity home in England. The Foundling Hospital and Foundling Museum tie the historical and contemporary plots together in A Token of Love.

Thousands of children were taken in by the Foundling Hospital when their mothers could no longer care for them. Some of the mothers left small items such as coins, thimbles, and pieces of jewelry with their infants as identifiers in the hope that if their situation changed, they might be able to return and reclaim their child. Those items were called tokens, and we saw several of them on display at the Foundling Museum.

Each token is unique and represents a mother’s love and desire to be reunited with her child. It was very moving to view them on display and think of all the heartache and hope behind each token.

More than two years ago, I saw an image of the tokens on Pinterest. That sparked my curiosity, and I followed the research trail to learn more about them. That led to the Foundling Museum’s website, which offers a treasure trove of information and personal stories about the mothers and children connected by those tokens. What I discovered helped me develop the characters and plot for A Token of Love. The story highlights one mother who gave her daughter into their care, then eight years later tries to reclaim her. But her daughter is missing, and that sets off a series of events that stirs all of London. Family drama, romance, inspiration, and a touch of mystery will make the story meaningful for readers.

If you like stories based on true events in history that will touch your heart and lift your spirit, then I think you will enjoy reading A Token of Love!

If you’d like to see more photos from my research trip to London and the Foundling Museum, I hope you’ll visit my website photo page!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 7
Maureen’s Musings, October 7
Books You Can Feel Good About, October 8
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 9
Connie’s History Classroom, October 9
Texas Book-aholic, October 10
Devoted To Hope, October 10
Simple Harvest Reads, October 11 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Live.Love.Read., October 11
Stories By Gina, October 12 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, October 12
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 13
lakesidelivingsite, October 13
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 14
Cover Lover Book Review, October 14
Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 15 (Guest Review from Marilyn)
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 16
Blossoms and Blessings, October 17
Holly’s Book Corner, October 17
Inspired by Fiction, October 18
Pause for Tales, October 18
Labor Not in Vain, October 19
To Everything There is A Season, October 20
Romances of the Cross, October 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away the grand prize of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of A Token of Love!!

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/00adcf5461/

My reviews

Monday, May 20, 2024

Stars of Twilight Fair by K. Lyn Smith

“Presumptuous questions are the best sort, Mr. Corbyn, followed closely by impertinent ones.”

Poetry. Sweetly, beautifully told story with characters you truly have to love. Dilemmas of inheritance and peerage combined with a scandal present obstacles for them to overcome. Makes your soul sing!

I received this book free from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#StarsOfTwilightFair #KLynSmith #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #DavenwoodPress #VictorianHistoricalRomance

My reviews

Monday, April 1, 2024

The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep

Take a run down the streets and back streets of Victorian London, even a circus. Detectives Kit, Jackson, Graybone and Charles have all lived lives fighting criminals and protecting the innocents, in such different ways that complement and make a great team. Throw in a new baby, mystery, murder and romance and you've got quite a story. A great one. Ice in their veins, deep love in their hearts. Good faith lessons throughout.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheSleuthofBlackfriarsLane #NetGalley #MichelleGriep #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BarbourPublishing #ChristianHistoricalFiction

Synopsis:

Wife. Mother. Homemaker. Detective. Kit Forge wears many hats, and if that’s not enough, she’s partnered with her father to open a new detective agency. It’s hard to be all things to all people, but Kit never shies away from the impossible. Despite her hard work and good intentions, some things fall through the cracks.

Namely, her husband.

But Jackson barely notices. He’s too busy putting out his own fires. As the new chief inspector of a busy London station, he must salvage the disaster left behind by the former police chief—an obstacle made all the harder when the superintendent breathes an ultimatum down his neck.

Against her father’s advice, Kit takes on a case involving a missing child, one in which she and Jackson become a little too emotionally involved. . .and end up endangering their own little girl in the process.

Can Kit and Jackson learn that just because they can say yes doesn’t mean they should?

About the Author

Michelle Griep's been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper's Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood's Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you'd like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

And guess what? She loves to hear from readers! Feel free to drop her a note at michellegriep@gmail.com.

My reviews

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

A Christmas Baby at Goodwill House by Fenella J Miller

Joanna is closing out Goodwill House and moving the family to a restored manse. While it's being restored, they're all still living at Goodwill House and up and down living continues as the War goes on. Newly married to John, they are separated most of the time because of the war, and each has rocky times. Her baby is due just before Christmas, so they focus on that somewhat. Interesting tale as they all cope with wartime issues. Disappointing, wobbling between atheism and prayers as convenient. Somewhat abrupt ending but overall a good read with likeable characters.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#AChristmasBabyatGoodwillHouse #NetGalley #FenellaJMiller #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BoldwoodBooks #HistoricalFiction

My reviews

Thursday, August 3, 2023

A Fond Farewell for the Tobacco Girls by Lizzie Lane

Wow the war is finally over and so much has changed in their lives, but the three M's are still tight friends. What a great journey! complicated for each of them, such depth. Gives you a good overview of what life must have been like during the war, from different perspectives. Stretches your heartstrings with sorrow, joy, wondering, unknown, starting new. Excellent long read.

I received this book free from the authors, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#NetGalley #AFondFarewellfortheTobaccoGirls #LizzieLane #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BoldwoodBooks #HistoricalFiction

My reviews

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Yesterday's Tides by Roseanna M. White

Timeslip Christian Historical largely set in Ocracoke Island on the NC Outer Banks. In WW2 it was where “Torpedo Junction” was and English fishing vessels were turned into protectors for America’s East Coast. It timeslips with families in WW1. There are many twists and turns and mysteries that are interesting to unravel, and wonderful characters to get attached to. I didn't want it to end.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#YesterdaysTides #NetGalley #RoseannaMWhite #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistorical

My reviews

NetGalley

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

The Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen

1819 Sidmouth England. When their father dies, his estate goes back to an heir. Their Mother and four sisters own the house at Sea View but have little to live on. Their former lady's maid helps them to consider taking in borders to help keep them going. This is the start of a fabulous series with shadows of Jane Austen. It's easy to settle in and feel involved in their lives. The struggle of starting this business after being a Gentleman's family, lost loves, new interests, new people and their lives, social norms and their reduced state add flavor to the story. Originally, they had come there because their mother was in need of the healing of the sea. One sister was born with a cleft palate has had several surgeries, left more scarred inside than she is outside now. Interesting things to learn about the area, healing baths and cleft palates. Beautifully written, keeps you enthralled to the end and looking forward to the next in the series.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheSistersofSeaView #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #JulieKlassen #ChristianHistorical

My reviews

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

The Hat Girl's Heartbreak by Lindsey Hutchinson

England 1906 It's so nice to read a story where a group of girls come together and completely support one another. The warmth jumps right off the page. Ella had a hard time of it but is trying to move on. She designs hats and has a partner in their own millenary shop. Lovely story as she goes on, with other girls coming into her life, the success that grows in the shop. She still ends up in danger but has quite a team to help her out. Excellent read right to the end. The kind of people you want to know and feel right at home with.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheHatGirlsHeartbreak #NetGalley

@raresources @LindseyHutchinson @BoldwoodBooks @BookAndTonic

#raresources #LindseyHutchinson #BoldwoodBooks #BookAndTonic #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

From the publisher

Will it be tears or triumph for the Hat Girl from Silver Street?

It’s been five years since Ella Bancroft lost the love of her life, Harper Fortescue, and despite her friends’ encouragement, she’s still not been able to move on. The one thing keeping Ella smiling is the success of her hat shop, Ivella. Her beautiful designs and fabulous creations are the first choice for the fashionable Edwardian ladies of Walsall, and her fame is spreading far and wide. Darcie Newland won’t ever forgive Ella for stealing her fiancé and ruining her life, even though

Harper was never really hers in his heart. After being exiled by her parents to Scotland after yet another scandal, Darcie is now back in Birmingham and set on revenge.

As her hat shop flourishes, and the possibility of a new love appears when she least expects it, Ella finally dares to hope for a happy future. But storm clouds are gathering over the Black Country, and life might have other plans for the hat girl from Silver Street. The Queen of the Black Country sagas is back with this page-turning story of friendship and fun, love and second chances. Perfect for fans of Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3RvKmLJ

Author Bio –

Lindsey Hutchinson is a bestselling saga author whose novels include The Workhouse Children.

She was born and raised in Wednesbury, and was always destined to follow in the footsteps of her mother, the multi-million selling Meg Hutchinson.

Social Media Links

Facebook:

Lindsey Hutchinson | Facebook

Twitter:

Lindsey Hutchinson (@LHutchAuthor) / Twitter

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

Bookbub profile:

Lindsey Hutchinson Books- BookBub

Boldwood Books

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Saturday, October 15, 2022

Star of Wonder by K. Lyn Smith

Victorian Christmas romance 1840 England. Andrew has been a soldier in India trying to prove himself worthy to marry Aster. They promised to wait for each other, but he's been away too long. We're never quite good enough in our own eyes, are we? To her it seems he must not care anymore though. When he learns she's to be married he gets back home quickly. His perfect timing turns interesting. Very well told, sweet and deep characters you can't help falling for. Excellent read. Works as a stand-alone, but part of the Something Wonderful series. Don't you just LOVE that cover?

I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#KLynSmith #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #SweetRomance #VictorianRomance

My reviews
Goodreads

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

The Invincible Miss Cust by Penny Haw

1874 to 1922 Ireland and England. The true story of a very strong lady who pursued her passion for animals and became a veterinary surgeon. She had to fight men and her own family to do so. I understand her position as I was also brought up around boys and could never understand why things were different for me than for them. I could do everything they could, sometimes better, they got to have all the fun.

Aleen was from an Aristocratic family during a time when women's lives were so much more restricted and rigid, making her situation harder to want to care for animals, especially horses and dogs. She lived an interesting life, was very lonely and treated unfairly. Through it all she still loved her family and tried to reach out to them over all the years and keep in touch, after they disowned her. She had a guardian and his family to support and guide her, through college and eventually back to Ireland. It's a good long read that I had a hard time putting down and thought about often throughout my day. Inspirational. Excellent writing brought her to life.

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout @bookmarked @sbkslandmark #TheInvincibleMissCust #PennyHaw

My reviews