Hearts of Gold by Grace Hitchcock

 

Three novellas set in the 1800s with the depth of full length books. Easy to sink deeply into the stories and become attached to each of them. Each has obstacles to overcome and build their lives, each has a handsome helpmeet to become close to. Strong yet sweet girls you'll love to champion! 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.

#HeartsOfGold #GraceHitchcock #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarNovel 

About the Book

Book: Hearts of Gold

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: August 14, 2023

The Bridal Shop

Alice Turner, the owner of one of Charleston’s finest bridal shops, is determined never to be dependent on a man for anything after the disgrace of her father’s prison time. When her best friend requests Alice to be her maid of honor, she reluctantly sets aside her feelings on marriage and dons a stylish bridesmaid’s gown, never intending to catch the eye of the handsome groomsman. Will he be able to convince Alice to open her heart again?

Miss Beaumont’s Companion

When Italian lady’s companion Aria St. Angelo is coerced into posing as her political employer’s absent daughter for the evening at the Louisiana Governor’s masquerade ball, she wasn’t planning on falling for Byron Roderick—the most eligible bachelor in the capitol. But, when he pays call at the Beaumont’s home, Aria is quickly shuffled into the shadows once more, forced to watch him fall in love with another woman.

The Becoming of Miss Blanche

Content to remain a Harvey Girl forever, fiery Tacy Blanche has worked in nearly every Harvey House down the Santa Fe line. But, when she accepts the position of second waitress at the new Montezuma resort, Tacy isn’t expecting her former fiancé’s brother to return to her life—

Pinkerton Jasper Caffery had long abandoned hope of ever finding Tacy again, but while on holiday in New Mexico, Jasper collides with the woman who had never noticed him before. He decides to take his chances and attempt to woo her. However, when Tacy’s past catches up with her, more than Jasper’s heart is at stake.

 

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About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in the New Orleans area with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com. 

More from Grace

Q: What do you love about writing historical fiction?

Grace: I absolutely love the research aspect. I love learning and discovering little known pieces of history. In that research, I love asking the great “what if” question and see where it takes me while still having to follow the guidelines set up for historical fiction.

I’m pretty certain every author started as an avid reader who dreamed of how they would change an ending or change who the heroine ended up with if they could write the book instead. (Anyone else think Theodore Laurence should have married Jo March?) It’s that ever-beautiful question of “what if” that has haunted some of my favorite stories and often drives my own stories to spark to life.

Q: Have you traveled to any places you’ve written about?

Grace: My books have been set in Chicago, many in New York, Newport, New Orleans, and Charleston, which I’ve been able to visit! My upcoming Regency Romance, To Catch a Coronet, is set in London, which I toured many years ago. After writing my Regency, I’ve added an overflowing number of places to visit in England, and even Scotland where my third book will be set.

Want to know which book is set where?

Hearts of Gold: Charleston, Baton Rouge, and New Mexico

The Finding of Miss Fairfield: Charleston and New Mexico

The Pursuit of Miss Parish: New Mexico

To Catch a Coronet: London

My Dear Miss Dupré: New York and Newport

Her Darling Mr. Day: New Orleans

His Delightful Lady Delia: New York

The Gray Chamber: New York

The White City: Chicago

Q: How do you incorporate faith into your storylines?

Grace: I always weave in a faith theme, or verse, into the story. My goal with this novella collection, Hearts of Gold, is to provide readers with clean entertainment while subtly pointing them to Christ. And as with all of my books, something that I am learning inevitably ends up in the story in some form or another. Even though it feels a bit vulnerable to put my personal lessons in a book, I think that it offers a level of genuineness that can bring life to the story and hope to the reader.

Q: What aspect of romance do you enjoy writing about?

Grace: Before I started writing for publication, I would be reading and get very aggravated if the heroine chose the wrong hero in my eyes and I would rewrite the ending in my head, or even set aside the book with only pages left so I didn’t mess up the ending I wanted. Writing a romance is so much fun because now I understand the “formula” if you will about the obstacles placed in the lover’s path and the beauty of when they finally are together.

Q: Please tell us about your most recent book.

Grace: To Catch a Coronet releases with Kregel Publications in May 2024! This Regency Romance has been so much fun to research and while it is a challenge to change eras from Gilded Age to Regency, I’ve loved finding new, unique ways to get my heroines into trouble that inevitably has them meeting their true hero!

About To Catch a Coronet:

London, 1813

Sometimes the only way to out stride scandal is to catch a crown big enough to silence it.

After breaking off two arranged engagements, country baker turned heiress Muriel Beau takes matters into her own hands and asks the visiting baron she loves to marry her in a very public proposal and is met with an emphatic rejection. With no other course but to flee Kent society, Muriel knows the only way out of this debacle is to out stride it by catching what every society matron dreams of obtaining—a coronet with a sumptuous title to match. And after a glittering reception in the courts of London, Muriel’s best laid plans might come true after all.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 18
DevotedToHope, November 18
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 19
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 20 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 20
Lakesidelivingsite, November 21
Texas Book-aholic, November 22
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 23
Alena Mentink, November 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 24
Cover Lover Book Review, November 25
Hannahbandanarama, November 25
For Him and My Family, November 26
Books You Can Feel Good About, November 26
Back Porch Reads, November 27
Exploring the Written Word, November 27
Blossoms and Blessings, November 28
Holly’s Book Corner, November 29
Splashes of Joy, November 29
Pause for Tales, November 30
Connie’s History Classroom, December 1
Lights in a Dark World, December 1

Giveway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed Copy of My Dear Miss Dupré, Her Darling Mr. Day, and His Delightful Lady Delia!!

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/28ef0/hearts-of-gold-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Five and Dime Christmas by Susanne Dietze; Patty Smith Hall; Cynthia Hickey; Christina Lorenzen

Four Historical Novellas
1881 Scranton PA isn't far from where we live. I miss the old Woolworths store we had in our town. Always a great place to be. They always had what you needed. This book is great to read, with these authors it could be nothing less. Sweet Christian romances for four of the girls who work at the store, all with different circumstances and struggles, and four perfectly unique men who were meant to make their lives better. Easy to love each of them. 

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.

#FiveandDimeChristmas #NetGalley #ChristianHistoricalRomance #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

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A Bride For Harley by Heidi Gray McGill

 

Always be yourself.

1867-68. Christian Historical Romance standalone novella with depth. Loretta is 17 and chafes against her sister managing their lives since they became orphans. She also doesn't know that their finances have run out. Her sister contracted a marriage by proxy and wed a man in Montana, a friend of their father's. Leaving everything they had, unwillingly, she begrudges every step as they travel. Then reality steps in. Very well told, you can deeply feel every thought she has. Harley and his family are not what she expected, and she learns more about her sister than she expected. Great story, right to the end. Beautiful Christian messages, lessons. Heartbreaking, heart wrenching as Loretta's becoming herself unfolds, delight in how she grows and who she is.

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.

#HeidiGrayMcGill #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalRomance #ABrideForHarley

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The Heirloom Brides Collection by Tracey V. Bateman, Joanne Bischof, Mona Hodgson, Kim Vogel Sawyer

Treasured Items Bring Couples Together in Four Historical Romances

What a pleasure to read! Four Christian Historical Romances set in the early 1800s. I'm not usually a fan of short stories. I like to set my stakes and settle in for a long read. This book completely fulfilled that expectation. I enjoyed every bit of each story. Now, that doesn't mean that I didn't want to continue to read more. I'm hoping that there will be continuations of each individual story and they will all be series. Another book that I'm so glad I was able to read! Each girl has her own special situation, each has with a perfect ending.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Barbour Publishing - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials inAdvertising.” .

From the cover: Meet four women whose lives are in transition and watch as something old, new, borrowed, or blue brings them joy, romance, and renewed faith. Betsy's something old is a lost family watch. Wren's something new is a home built with her in mind. Clara's something borrowed is a farmhand from the neighbors. Darla's something blue is her mother's missing cameo. Will each woman find the treasure her heart is intent upon in these four historical romance novellas?

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A Heart’s Home by Colleen Coble

From the publisher:
This Christmas, a tragic loss at Fort Laramie ushers in hope and healing.

When a young mother dies after giving birth at Fort Laramie, Emmie Croftner is shaken by the death of her dear friend-and reminded of the dangers of childbirth. She won't be able to hide her own pregnancy much longer. She's dreading the day that Isaac Liddle, the handsome soldier she adores, discovers her secret.

Then the young infant's father offers a solution: Emmie should marry him so the child can have a family.

With the Sioux Wars threatening soldier and civilian alike, a ready-made family could be the answer to Emmie's prayers for safety. But at what cost to her heart-and Isaac's?

My review:

This is the sixth book in a novella series and it's a very good read even as a stand-alone book. It would be good made into a Hallmark movie.  It's a Christian Historical Romance set in December 18, 1866, Fort Phil Kearny, Wyoming Territory.

I can't imagine what it must have been like to live then and there - Indian uprisings, life in a fort, women dying early from childbirth, others dying from illness and harsh living conditions. Then add in all the variations of human personality. This is not a place or time period that I would want to live in. But Colleen Coble is able to imagine it and has written an excellent series. If you are looking for a quick read - pick this up. If you're looking for a longer book - pick up the series!  Clearly written, great style with a mild Christian message.  A book you can feel good about!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Among the Fair Magnolias, Four Southern Love Stories

by Tamera Alexander, Dorothy Love, Shelley Gray, Elizabeth Musser 

I don't normally go for short stories. Oh, I was already a fan of the authors, but  I love to invest myself in a nice big book, where I can settle in and really enjoy the characters. I've got to say I was quite surprised that I loved this book. After reading them I can say that they didn't feel at all like short stories. All are set in time shortly after the Civil War, and all are faithfilled Christian Romances. Each was richly told and I was hooked on the characters, romances and stories. Each and every one will pull on your heartstrings! There's enough depth in each novella to keep you entertained, with satisfying finishes. 

 

From the book publishers: "In the most turbulent decade of our nation's history, four Southern women—their destinies forged by birth and heritage—face near impossible choices on their journeys in life . . . and in love."

To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander
This is a continuation of one of the characters in To Win Her Favor (A Belle Meade Plantation Novel). Savannah has lost her family home, and she has an old letter that her father wrote indicating there is something he hid inside the house that could possibly restore her fortune. The house has been purchased by a Yankee who met a Southerner on the battlefield and convinced him to come to the area. He's having the house redecorated by his fiancée, and by happenstance Savannah is chosen to do the work. 

An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray
A young man is forced to protect the honor of his girlfriend - from his abusive step-father. After he kills the man, he is rejected by both his mother and his girlfriend, so he runs away and eventually joins a band of outlaws. For various reasons, that comes to an end and he returns home to see his estranged mother, who as it turns out is very ill. She is being attended to by his former girlfriend, so he has the chance to see them both again before he leaves. This is a time for healing all around, and each character's life is enhanced by the other.

A Heart So True by Dorothy Love
Abigail and her family return to their summer home on Pawleys Island, SC. She is in love with a friend whom she quarreled with the last time she saw him, and she wonders if he will reconnect with her again. Her father expects her to marry Charles, the son of family friends - a young man with investment talents that he believes will enhance their family funds and aid in his quest for an elected seat in the new government after the war. Abigail hasn't told her father about Charles and his abusive behavior and doesn't know how to begin to make him understand. A story full of tension, heartache and testing of relationships in and out of the families involved. 

Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser
In this story a young girl grows up on her family's plantation, and as is typical is partly raised by a slave - who has a son. They are now freedmen, and Emily is in love with the woman's son - who is now a preacher and very politically active during this volatile time. Emily is expected to marry the son of a neighboring plantation, but they disagree on all their values - he is even seen riding with the KKK. You'll find heartache, murder, mystery and romance full of twists throughout.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Thomas Nelson - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements andTestimonials in Advertising.”.

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