Showing posts with label friendship. Show all posts

Monday, December 16, 2024

Never Forgotten by Hannah Linder

1850 England - years ago two wealthy upper society friends were pledged by their parents to each other. He fought his family and moved to America, but his former life found him there. Murder, lies and deception form a great mystery for both, engulfing them. He's come back to England and is determined to uncover it all and find justice and revenge, but it doesn't go smoothly. They have a lot to uncover - at great personal risk - including their feelings for one another. Tense, engulfing read that gets harder to put down the more you learn. Excellent read!

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.

#NeverForgotten #HannahLinder #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #BarbourFiction

About the Book

Book: Never Forgotten

Author: Hannah Linder

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Regency Romance

Release date: November, 2024

All He Wanted was Justice. All She Wanted was His Heart.

Georgina Whitmore, not accustomed to any man being unaffected by her charms, is plagued with the disappearance and rejection of Simon Fancourt. Twelve years later, Mr. Fancourt returns to British society with two children and a mad hunger for justice.

Racing against time, Simon works to uncover the men responsible for his wife’s horrific murder, protect his children, and fulfill his father’s unexpected will by marrying Georgina—the last thing in the world he wants to do.

Though her heart throbs to accept, she would rather lose him again than have his name without his love. She denies his proposal of matrimony, knowing it will cost them both. But as tragedies unravel and secret enemies narrow their sights on Simon, Georgina risks her life—and her reputation—to protect him and the children. Will the danger scorch them alive? Or will it, for the first time, open his heart to her?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels filled with passion, secrets, and danger. She is a four-time Selah Award winner, a 2023 Carol Award semi-finalist, a 2023 Angel Book Award third place winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Also, Hannah is an international and multi-award-winning graphic designer who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and international bestsellers. She is also a self-portrait photographer of historical fashion. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, ukulele, and banjolele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, square dancing, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse.

More from Hannah

We seldom know anyone. I mean, really know them. We brush hands with people, laugh with them, tell them our stories, listen to theirs, and think we know them.

But we don’t.

We have no idea what thrums in their heart, late at night, when they burrow their face into a wet pillow. We have no idea what they fear. We have no idea what beautiful thoughts dance in their mind, or what ugly mysteries harden like lava in the pit of their chest.

“We all have secrets,” Georgina Whitmore, our heroine in Never Forgotten, once said to Mr. Simon Fancourt. He didn’t understand. He didn’t even suspect.

Because he’d sat beside her a hundred times.

Played whist with her.

Rode alongside her in summer carriage rides.

Smiled at her—emptily—and cringed a little when she smiled back.

If you had asked him, at seventeen years old, if he knew Georgina Whitmore, he would have been earnest in his answer. “Yes.” Lovely. Soft. Teasing. Ridiculous. Shallow. All attributes he professed to know only by their brief, passionless courtship.

She was more than he had ever noticed.

Deeper than he had imagined.

Perhaps if he had looked longer, prodded harder, he might have seen a glimpse of what dwelled in the heart of the woman he was betrothed to marry. How long is too long? How many years may blindness, ignorance, and prejudice be forgiven? Even if Simon finally discovers the loveliness of her heart, will it be too late?

If you walk away from Never Forgotten with nothing else, I hope you feel challenged to look deeper. As you’re brushing hands, laughing, telling stories—I hope you stare into people’s eyes and search for a bit of their soul.

We’re all more than what we seem.

We all have secrets.

Like Simon, you may discover the people around you are more beloved, dear, and wonderful than you ever imagined.

Blog Stops

Alena Mentink, December 6
Book Looks by Lisa, December 6
Inspired by Fiction, December 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 8
Stories By Gina, December 9 (Author Interview)
Pens Pages and Pulses, December 9
Texas Book-aholic, December 10
Cover Lover Book Review, December 11
Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 11
Betti Mace, December 12
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 13
Mary Hake, December 13
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 14
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 15
Pause for Tales, December 16
Books You Can Feel Good About, December 16
For Him and My Family, December 17
An Author’s Take, December 18
Sylvan Musings, December 18
Holly’s Book Corner, December 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Hannah is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a print copy of the book!!

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/00adcf54111

My reviews

Friday, August 9, 2024

The Women of Wynton's: A Classy 1950s Mystery by Donna Mumma

What a great story to get wrapped up in. I love the 1950s setting. 3d characters, women who work at the store, each with different backgrounds, who see each other's gifts and strengths and come together to solve a mystery that has impact on them all. Murder and subterfuge surround them, yet they are all grateful for the store and the support they receive from each other. So hard to put down. The mystery snowballs until you just have to know what happens next, all while rooting for these girls. Another fave story!

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.

#TheWomenOfWyntons #DonnaMumma #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianMystery&Suspense #BarbourFiction

About the Book

Book: The Women of Wynton’s

Author: Donna Mumma

Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction

Release date: July, 2024

Mid-Century Glam Meets Murder Mayhem

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

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

More from Donna

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

I was hooked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 2
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 2
Stories By Gina, August 3 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 3
Pause for Tales, August 4
Texas Book-aholic, August 4
Inspired by fiction, August 5
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 6
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 7
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, August 7
Happily Managing a Household of Boys , August 8
Books You Can Feel Good About, August 9
Simple Harvest Reads, August 10 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Paperbacks and Throwbacks, August 10
Book Looks by Lisa, August 11
Cover Lover Book Review, August 12
For Him and My Family, August 13
Lights in a Dark World, August 14
Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 14
Labor Not in Vain, August 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Donna is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2d090/the-women-of-wynton-s-celebration-tour-giveaway

My reviews

Monday, September 11, 2023

A Counterfeit Betrothal by Denise Weimer - Scouts of the Georgia Frontier Book 1

1813 Georgia. Esther was born with a club foot and had a limp. She was verbally and physically abused by her father, then later her husband. After she was made a widow, Jared came to her rescue and changed her life when she went back to his family's homestead to help his sister-in-law. Verbal abuse can be even more long lasting. It takes a long time to build confidence and trust. This is a precious story of frontier life and living off the land. Esther was taught healing plants and ways by an Indian woman. Secrets are uncovered. Esther - a healer that needs healing. It's a good long story told in stages; quite intricate, faith filled and healing, satisfying. Wonderful read.

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.

#ACounterfeitBetrothal #DeniseWeimer #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #FiveStarNovel #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #WildHeartBooks

About the Book

Book: A Counterfeit Betrothal

Author: Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: September 6, 2023

A frontier scout, a healing widow, and a desperate fight for peace.

At the farthest Georgia outpost this side of hostile Creek Territory in 1813, Jared Lockridge serves his country as a scout to redeem his father’s botched heritage. If he can help secure peace against Indians allied to the British, he can bring his betrothed to the home he’s building and open his cabinetry shop. Then he comes across a burning cabin and a traumatized woman just widowed by a fatal shot.

Freed from a cruel marriage, Esther Andrews agrees to winter at the Lockridge homestead to help Jared’s pregnant sister-in-law. Lame in one foot, Esther has always known she is secondhand goods, but the gentle carpenter-turned-scout draws her heart with as much skill as he creates furniture from wood. His family’s love offers hope even as violence erupts along the frontier—and Jared’s investigation into local incidents brings danger to their doorstep. Yet how could Esther ever hope a loyal man like Jared would choose her over a fine lady?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Weimer has authored over a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

More from Denise

Romance on the Colonial Georgia Frontier

Near my home north of Atlanta, we have plenty of history, which is great for a lifelong history buff like me. But apart from some Colonial-era settlement in Savannah and Augusta, most of it (at least, the recorded part) doesn’t trace back much before the Civil War. Many town and river names hint of the native people and earlier times.

Imagine my surprise when I learned that a War of 1812 fort existed in what is currently Gwinnett County—then Jackson County—less than forty miles northeast of current downtown Atlanta. That evidence of this fort was plowed up in someone’s back yard in 2009 made it even more intriguing. And the fact that I grew up in Jackson County and later briefly lived and worked in Gwinnett (as a historical interpreter, of all things) made my connection to Fort Daniel a close one. The location is now an archeological site with a small museum maintained by the Fort Daniel Foundation.

Most folks, even those who live around here, aren’t aware that the Creek War (or Red Stick War) fought in modern-day Alabama was part of the War of 1812. Or that the Cherokees fought alongside the Americans against the Creeks, allied to the British. The military side of that story is explored in my earlier novel, Bent Tree Bride. But when I learned about Fort Daniel, a home front romance, A Counterfeit Betrothal, book one in my Scouts of the Georgia Frontier Series, was born.

1813

At the farthest Georgia outpost this side of hostile Creek Territory, Jared Lockridge serves his country as a scout to redeem his father’s botched heritage. If he can help secure the peace against Indians allied to the British, he can bring his betrothed to the home he’s building and open his cabinetry shop. Then he comes across a burning cabin and a traumatized woman just widowed by a fatal shot.

Esther seems to have everything against her—a physical handicap, an abusive past, and then being stranded on the frontier without money, friends, or relatives. Not to mention, the assailant who killed her husband still appears to be stalking her. Her only skill? The herbal remedies learned from a Cherokee woman. The harshest winter in Georgia history closes in, threatening to extinguish all hope. Yet through the example of the loving Lockridge family who take Esther in, she finds her identity and strength in God’s love…and eventually, the love of a good man.

In writing this story, I drew on real history and folklore as related in History of Gwinnett County Georgia 1818-1943 Vol. I by J.C. Flanigan and The Early History of Jackson County Georgia: The Writings of the Late G.J.N. Wilson. The panther attack Esther and Tabitha Lockridge face during the hard winter is based on an 1830s account of a Missouri settler. And the Wog? This strange creature of legend is not only mentioned in the History of Jackson County, but I grew up hearing tales about it as late as the 1980s.

A Counterfeit Betrothal is a story of how healing and redemption can happen among the harshest circumstances. But it’s not just a survival tale. Its sweet romance and loyal friendship will take you back to bayberry candles and syllabub at Christmas, the scratch of a fiddle at a spring log rolling, and the laughter of loved ones gathered around a crackling fire. I hope you enjoy the journey!

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, September 6
For him and My Family, September 7
Life on Chickadee Lane, September 7
Connie’s History Classroom, September 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 9
Avid Reader Nurse, September 9
Bizwings Book Blog, September 10
Books You Can Feel Good About, September 11
Blossoms and Blessings, September 11
lakesidelivingsite, September 12
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 13
Holly’s Book Corner, September 13
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 14
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 15 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, September 15
Cover Lover Book Review, September 16
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 17
Pause for Tales, September 17
Simple Harvest Reads, September 18 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
She Lives To Read, September 19
Love. Love. Read., September 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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/2813a/a-counterfeit-betrothal-celebration-tour-giveaway

My reviews

Amazon

Friday, April 21, 2023

The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan

Excellent story about a group of friends, how they support and help each other by joining forces. Working together they can achieve great things. Focusing on one main family and the father and daughter from the Vicarage, it's the story of a small village and town where the people came together during the war. One woman comes back from London where she was a famous and successful fashion designer, lending her skills to the local sewing group. When the vicar's daughter is engaged to be married, she gets out her mother's wedding dress from the attic, bringing it to the group for intense mending, and learning more of its history as the story goes along. She then decides to lend it to anyone in the group to wear for their wedding and the idea expands from there until they have many donations of wedding dresses and brides waiting to borrow them. The lack of fabric makes it necessary to make clothes with less or mend and rework existing clothes. The English government had very strict guidelines for it.

My Grandmother was a master at reworking clothes. She worked at church rummage sales, bringing home clothes and remaking them into what she liked. She had a great eye for it and did beautiful work. I inherited many of her creative talents, but never remade clothes. I find it fascinating and am thinking about trying it out now that I'm retired and on a budget.

I really got lost in this and hated to see it end. Romance, warm hearts, misunderstandings and people reflecting on their lives and who they are as a person. Because of the war women stepped up to fill jobs that they never would have had otherwise. They learned new skills and excelled in ways that would not have been allowed before. Loved this story, it's beautifully told.

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.

#NetGalley #TheWeddingDressSewingCircle #JenniferRyan #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #FiveStarNovel #RandomHouse

My reviews

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

The Blizzard Bride, DAUGHTERS OF THE MAYFLOWER #11 by Susanne Dietze

“I hope we can all draw strength from God’s Word, but also through the example of those who’ve gone before us."

1800s Christian Historical set in Nebraska. You never know where one of the Mayflower books are going to take you, but you can guarantee you'll be attached to the characters quickly. In our lives, some of us are deeply hurt by others, and ostracized by no fault of our own. Forgiveness and compassion through God's love will see us through healing. Murder, mystery, friendship, understanding and love are woven throughout. Abby moves to a small town as a teacher, working for the secret service to catch the man who murdered her father. Dash is her partner, but also her old love who hurt her deeply. They make a good team as they work through misunderstandings on both sides, while forming lasting friendships in the town. Told with some humor and great lessons.

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.

#TheBlizzardBride #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #SusanneDietze #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarBooks

My reviews

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Proposing Mischief by Regina Jennings

This is one of the best love stories of all time. It develops slowly, with people who are achingly real. Maisie and Boone both have their own hang-ups, flaws and self-doubt, but the way they grow together as they deepen their friendship and love is deeply satisfying. Sigh. Side rolling humor threaded within danger, mystery and social inequality. Tops even the first fabulous book of the series. I know I'd love to see the Crystal Cave that was found deep in this mine. I've been to Howe's Cavern in NY and found it amazing. But to have a cavern where you could have weddings, a ball, etc would be wonderful. Rough edged Maisie will steal your heart, as will Boone who is unwaveringly focused on solving, learning, and keeping his business going successfully. Especially when his business becomes Maisie. Sigh. Always nice to see a socially snobby family turn out to be made of good stuff underneath. As good underneath as the down to earth family who works with their hands and isn't afraid to get dirty. Looking forward to the next story as I hate to see this one end. (So nice to see Calista the detective and their feisty family again.)

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.

#ProposingMischief #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #fivestarbooks #ChristianHistoricalRomance

My reviews:

Saturday, March 5, 2022

Heaven and Hell for the Tobacco Girls by Lizzie Lane

Pretty much a slice of time for the girls who started out together as tobacco girls, close to the end of WW2. I hadn't read the previous books, but things were well explained, and it didn't hurt the story. It's nice to read of such close friendships, through everything that happens to them. With multiple characters in the book, there are several lives being lived, several lines to follow. Each has their own complicated story, as the point of view shifts from one to another. Nothing boring for sure. Keeps you wanting to pick it up again to see what's going to happen. Life is interesting in England during this part of the war, especially as so many men were stationed there, hailing from all over. Discrimination and racial inequality of the era is also touched on briefly, mainly coming from American citizens. An emotional roller coaster at times. Excellent read with just a few brief spots that would make someone who wants a clean read feel uncomfortable. A bit frustrating though as it cuts off somewhat abruptly, leaving you hanging until the next book to find out what happens.

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.

@BookandTonic #HeavenandHellfortheTobaccoGirls #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

My reviews