Wednesday, November 12, 2025
The Lumber Baron's Wife by Lynn Austin
Saturday, August 30, 2025
The Undercover Heiress of Brockton by Kelly J. Goshorn
Riveting. Etta is a wealthy heiress and disguises herself as a man to be an outstanding newspaper reporter. Centered around a true explosion and disaster, it's a great story of how people come together to survive a tragedy in their town, an investigation to determine what happened, and two people coming together in a non-traditional society role. Wonderful characters.
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.
#TheUndercoverHeiress #KellyJGoshorn #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistorcalRomance #BarbourFiction
realistic, informative, page-turner, easy-to-read, romantic
About the Book
Book: The Undercover Heiress of Brockton
Author: Kelly J. Goshorn
Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction
Release Date: August 1, 2025
A Socialite in Disguise Seeks Truth and Justice
Henrietta “Etta” Maxwell is a hard-hitting investigative reporter for The Enterprise Daily. The catch? Etta must pen her columns under the nom de plume, Henry Mason—a fact that routinely puts a knot in her knickerbockers.
Leo Eriksson is a second-generation firefighter with a passion for rendering aid to those in need. When Leo discovers that Henry Mason is really Henrietta Maxwell, the fire department’s wealthy benefactress, he agrees to keep her identity secret. After a sudden blast rocks the Grover Shoe Factory, Leo and Etta team up to determine if the explosion is related to a series of suspicious fires in the area.
When an unnamed source reveals Etta’s secret identity to a rival reporter, she falsely accuses Leo of being the informant. As the truth comes to light, Etta must persuade Leo to give her a second chance or lose the only man she’s ever loved.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Kelly J. Goshorn weaves her affinity for history and her passion for God into uplifting stories of love, faith, and family set in nineteenth century America. Her debut novel, A Love Restored, won the Director’s Choice Award for Adult/YA fiction at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference in 2019, and earned recognition as both a Selah Award finalist in the Historical Romance category and as a Maggie Award Finalist for Inspirational Fiction. When she is not writing, Kelly enjoys spending time with her young adult children, binge-watching BBC period dramas, board gaming with her husband, and spoiling her Welsh corgi, Levi.
More from Kelly
A Little Swedish Flavor
Beginning in 1844, Swedish immigrants began arriving in Brockton, Massachusetts. By 1920, Swedes accounted for approximately 30% of the city’s population. Their long-lasting impact on Brockton’s character remains evident today with annual cultural celebrations and religious festivals.
The Undercover Heiress of Brockton is set in the Swedish neighborhood of Campello. My hero Leo Eriksson’s favorite meal is Kalops, a savory beef stew that is traditionally served with boiled potatoes and pickled beets. For Leo, a bachelor who takes most of his meals at The Drake Tavern, the dish recalls happy childhood memories of his mother’s cooking.
Kalops contains typical stew ingredients like carrots, celery, onions, and garlic, but what makes this dish unique is the addition of allspice. Allspice adds a warm spicey flavor to the recipe that makes it perfect for a chilly winter day.
I had the opportunity to taste test this recipe, and while I would never brag about my own cooking skills, I have to say that it turned out quite well. I’d love to hear from you if you decide to give this traditional Swedish dish a try.
Kalops (Swedish Beef Stew)
Recipe courtesy of Skandibaking.
SERVINGS: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes mins
Cook Time: 2 hours
INGREDIENTS
2.4 lbs chuck roast (or other beef cut suited for stews)
1 medium onion
2 cloves garlic
3 large carrots
1 stalk celery
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
1/4 tsp ground allspice (or more to taste!)
2-3 bay leaves
3 cups beef stock (can also use water and bouillon)
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
SERVED WITH: 7 large potatoes
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prep the beef by cutting into 1 inch cubes. Season well with salt.
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil when preheated and add beef in one layer, searing on all sides. If you need to sear the meat in batches, you can remove one batch before adding the next to ensure that it browns well.
- Dice your onion and celery while the beef is cooking (or prep ahead of time). Finely mince the garlic cloves.
- Once the meat is browned on all sides, add in the onion, celery, and garlic. Cook until just softened.
- Chop your carrots into bite sized pieces. You can either add the carrots now if you like them super soft or add them with about 45 minutes left of cooking if you prefer them to have more of a bite.
- Add one tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Once melted, add in three tablespoons of flour and stir until everything is coated. Add in ground allspice.
- Pour in beef stock, stirring while adding to dissolve the flour coating. Once all of it has mixed in, add in 2-3 bay leaves. Now is a good time to taste for initial seasoning – add in salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a boil, lower the heat to a simmer and cover. Let the stew simmer for about an hour and 15 minutes; add more water or stock if needed! Now is also the time to add the carrots if you want them to be less soft.
- Simmer for an additional 45 minutes or until the beef is very tender – in the meantime, prepare the potatoes for serving.
- Prep potatoes by peeling and cutting in half. Place in a pot with cold water and add salt. Heat over medium-high heat with the lid on until it boils. Remove the lid and boil for about 15 minutes or until a knife poked into the center of a potato releases easily (you can also just taste for doneness!). Drain and set aside until ready to serve.
- Remove bay leaves. Check for final seasoning (add more salt if needed). Add stew to bowls and serve with boiled potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley if you would like. Enjoy!
Blog Stops
Pens Pages & Pulses, August 27
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 28
Mornings at Character Cafe, August 28
Texas Book-aholic, August 29
Devoted To Hope, August 29
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 30
Books You Can Feel Good About, August 30
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 31
Blogging With Carol, August 31
Hannahbandanarama, September 1
For Him and My Family, September 1
Stories By Gina, September 2 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, September 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
She Lives To Read, September 3
Mary Hake, September 3
Book Looks by Lisa, September 4
Books Less Travelled, September 4
Blossoms and Blessings, September 5
Bizwings Book Blog, September 6
Holly’s Book Corner, September 6
Lily’s Corner, September 7
Jodie Wolfe, September 7
Pause for Tales, September 8
Life on Chickadee Lane, September 9
Cover Lover Book Review, September 9
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Kelly 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/00adcf54286
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
The Marriage Masquerade by Erica Vetsch
About the Book
Book: The Marriage Masquerade
Author: Erica Vetsch
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: July 8, 2025
A disgraced captain and a runaway heiress—hiding from the past and bound by fate—will their marriage masquerade lead to true love?
Noah Kennebrae, disgraced ship captain, has escaped to a remote lighthouse to avoid his grandfather’s schemes and the ghosts that haunt him. Taking a job under an assumed name, he’s determined to start over—until he meets Annie Fairfax. The feisty housekeeper’s warmth and spirit captivate him, and he falls for her despite his best efforts. But he’s keeping secrets that could destroy her trust…and his chance at redemption.
Desperate to escape the calculating grasp of her father, Anastasia “Annie” Michaels flees home to become the unlikely housekeeper on an isolated island. Working incognito at the lighthouse, she finds solace in her newfound independence and unexpected friendship with Nick. However, as their relationship deepens, Annie’s fear of abandonment resurfaces when she learns the truth Nick has been hiding.
Caught in a marriage masquerade of their own making, Noah and Annie must navigate secrets, lies, and painful pasts in hopes of a future together.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum.
More from Erica
I love a hidden identity story! And in the case of The Marriage Masquerade, both the hero AND the heroine are hiding their true identities.
The Marriage Masquerade features Noah, who is running from the guilt of a mistake he feels he made that lost both a Great Lakes ship and several lives. Anastasia Michaels is running away from an arranged marriage.
They both flee to a remote lighthouse on the North Shore of Lake Superior, he as an assistant lighthouse keeper and she as a housekeeper and cook.
The lighthouse in The Marriage Masquerade is based directly upon the Split Rock Lighthouse, one of my favorite places to visit along the North Shore. Situated on a cliff high above the lake, Split Rock is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.
When I first visited this exquisite place, I fell in love. And when I fall in love with an historical site, I need to know as much of the history of the place as I can. Several of the incidents that occur at the fictional lighthouse in the story come directly from the history of Split Rock.
Filtering liquid mercury, polishing the Fresnel lens, hiding dishes in the oven when the inspector comes, and other happenings in The Marriage Masquerade actually happened in the real lives of the lightkeepers at Split Rock.
Noah and Anastasia’s story is a forced proximity romance, with a dash of hidden identity, redemption, and learning to stand on your own two feet. I hope you’ll enjoy their journey from fearful, guilt-ridden characters to healed through love, confident, and ready to embark on a lifelong journey together.
If you would like to learn more about Split Rock and see glorious photos of this picturesque site, check out: https://www.mnhs.org/splitrock
Blog Stops
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 12
She Lives To Read, August 13
Fiction Book Lover, August 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn)
Devoted Steps, August 14
Melissa’s Bookshelf, August 14
Life on Chickadee Lane, August 15
Texas Book-aholic, August 15
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 16
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 17
Devoted To Hope, August 17
For Him and My Family, August 18
Simple Harvest Reads, August 18 (Guest Review from Mindy)
Books You Can Feel Good About, August 19
Inklingsandnotions, August 19
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 20
Inkwell Inspirations, August 20
Artistic Nobody, August 21 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Blossoms and Blessings, August 21
Little Homeschool on the prairie, August 22
Vicky Sluiter, August 22
An Author’s Take, August 23
Books Less Travelled, August 23
Holly’s Book Corner, August 24
Pause for Tales, August 24
Jeanette’s Thoughts , August 25
Jodie Wolfe, August 25
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Erica is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
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/00adcf54276
Sunday, June 15, 2025
A Lesson in Propriety (Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies Book #1) by Jen Turano
A Gilded-Age Historical Rom-Com Set in Chicago
Monday, April 21, 2025
Perfect: A Sweet Gilded Age Romance (Hearts on Display Book 1) by Kimberly Keagan
Saturday, November 30, 2024
To Choose the Longshot (Kentucky Debutantes of the Gilded Age Book 2)
Delightfully interesting. As Delia runs from the altar at the beginning of the book, it becomes rather obvious that he is the wrong guy for her, and the unravelling is quite the story. Even if it seems somewhat obvious it is wonderfully written and quite entertaining to read. You can't help but fall in love with her, Jake and his nieces. The high fashion and building danger make the story flow. Even though Delia is raised with the social set, they're down to earth. Good 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.
#ToChooseTheLongshot #LisaMPrysock #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #WildHeartBooks
About the Book
Book: To Choose the Longshot
Author: Lisa M. Prysock
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: November 5, 2024
In a world where wealth and status reign, can true love prevail?
Miss Delia Lyndon, a young woman born into the prestigious Spencer-Lyndon family, is initially enamored with Thaddeus, the son of a prominent local stable owner, when he begins vying for her hand in marriage. She is keenly aware of how a union between the two families would seal their status as one of the most beloved couples from Lexington. However, when Jake, a handsome and charming newcomer, arrives on the scene, he catches her attention, casting doubts and fears in Delia’s heart. Torn between two suitors, Delia must navigate societal expectations, family pressure, and her own desires. Will she choose the man who seemingly has it all – wealth, charm, and a shared background in Kentucky’s elite circles – or will she follow her heart to the humble yet captivating Jake?
Jake Williams is determined to prove his worth in the competitive world of horse racing. Despite his humble beginnings as a farmer, he refuses to be intimidated by his rival’s malicious attempts to sabotage his chances, both on the racetrack and in winning Delia’s affections. With his trusted steed, Horizon, by his side, Jake faces each challenge head-on, guided by his unwavering faith.
When mysterious events begin occurring leading up to the annual Phoenix Stakes horse race, Delia must look beyond appearances and uncover the truth that lies beneath.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Lisa M. Prysock is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes both Christian Historical Romance and Contemporary Christian Romance books—”Romance with a Dash of Food, Fashion, Faith, & Fun.” She writes both traditionally and indie published novels.
Kentucky inspires her writing and is home. Happily married to her husband of more than 24 years, she homeschooled two of their five children, now grown. When she isn’t writing, she likes to cross stitch, crochet, sew, scrapbook, read, swim, dance, take walks, travel, explore historical homes, garden, cook for her family, learn to play the piano and violin, and read great books.
More from Lisa
Hello Celebrate Lit Friends and Readers! I’m back to share a looksie at Book 2 from Kentucky Debutantes of the Gilded Age. I’ve really enjoyed my deep dive into all things Kentucky Derby and the world of horseracing in To Choose the Longshot.
Most of us have heard of Churchill Downs and Lexington’s Keeneland. But before Keeneland was the Lexington Association Racetrack. The annual spring race generally opened each year on that course with a featured race known as the Phoenix Stakes. It dates as far back in history as 1831! You can take a peek at the fascinating horse names of all the winners from 1831 to 2012, here. Of course, I’ve fictionalized names of winners and many events around the races in my series, but it’s fun to peek at real-life history when crafting our stories.
Leading up to and through the Gilded Age, the time period and setting of this series, the Phoenix race was generally sponsored by the Phoenix Hotel in Lexington. And more than Kentucky horseracing history, in Book 2, readers will get to come along for a glimpse at another course located in Baltimore, Maryland when the story takes our main characters to Pimlico. They referred to this track as the Old Hilltop in the early days of American horseracing history.
And atop Pimlico sits the famed weathervane. Did you know that painting the Preakness Stakes weathervane is a grand Pimlico tradition dating to 1909? The vane style is unique, commissioned by the Maryland Jockey Club, bearing the shape of a thoroughbred and jockey ever since the original arrow-shaped one was struck down by lightning. The new vane was christened by the colors of the silks carried by that year’s winner, Effendi.
I had a great deal of fun writing To Choose the Longshot starting with the very first page. The novel opens with a runaway bride! It’s always a wonder what makes a bride runaway, and my imagination went to work at once creating the situation that causes this bride so much consternation.
Readers get to learn more about Veronica’s sister in Book 2, Miss Delaney Lyndon. Everyone calls the shy and demure middle sister, Delia. And all of Lexington expects one of the Lyndon sisters to marry into the Sullivan family, since these two families are “Kentucky horseracing royalty.” But who will Delia choose to marry? Will she marry her handsome, wealthy, and daring beau, Thaddeus Sullivan, or will a rugged newcomer and underdog in their midst from the Adirondacks, Jake Williams, turn her head?
I cannot fail to mention that the beloved character of Aunt Mae from Book 1 makes an appearance in Book 2. She certainly has her hands full attempting to help Delia reach a decision about who she should marry, knowing it will impact the future of Velvet Brooks Farm for generations to come. But if anyone can help steer Delia to a decision, it’s Aunt Mae. As our heroine grapples with perceptions and tries to balance expectations with what’s in her heart, find out what happens next with a deeper look at the world of horseracing, sure to give horse enthusiasts plenty to cheer about.
Happy reading!
Blessings!
Lisa
Blog Stops
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 19
lakesdielivingsite, November 20
Holly’s Book Corner, November 20
For Him and My Family, November 21
Texas Book-aholic, November 22
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 23
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 24
Labor Not in Vain, November 25
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 26
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 27
Stories By Gina, November 28 (Author Interview)
Devoted To Hope, November 28
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 29
Books You Can Feel Good About, November 30
Simple Harvest Reads, December 1 (Guest Review from Donna)
Pause for Tales, December 2
Leslie’s Library Escape, December 2
lakesdielivingsite, November 20
Holly’s Book Corner, November 20
For Him and My Family, November 21
Texas Book-aholic, November 22
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 23
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 24
Labor Not in Vain, November 25
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 26
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 27
Stories By Gina, November 28 (Author Interview)
Devoted To Hope, November 28
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 29
Books You Can Feel Good About, November 30
Simple Harvest Reads, December 1 (Guest Review from Donna)
Pause for Tales, December 2
Leslie’s Library Escape, December 2
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
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/00adcf54102
Monday, August 26, 2024
Meeting Her Match by Jen Turano
A lovely laughing out loud story to keep you company as well as any friend. Wonderfully endearing characters. Camilla has taken on more than she realized when she agrees to help Owen. After an attempted kidnapping she travels to his home in Virginia and his not-so-formal family. A lady of the Four Hundred meets a family still in touch with its roots, and learns a bit along the way. Fabulous read!!
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.
#MeetingHerMatch #JenTurano #BethanyHousePublishers #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #FiveStarNovel #ChristianHistoricalFiction #ChristianHistoricalRomance
Sunday, July 7, 2024
A Conflicted Betrothal by Denise Weimer (Scouts of the Georgia Frontier Book 4)
Absolutely wonderful characters that tie you in pieces all the way through. This takes place in the earliest time of our country's patriotism, with conflict and in-depth reasoning against the loyalist stance. Tense build up right to the very end. Parlor intrigue and the history behind the Stamp Act riots in Georgia make it quite interesting. The lessons of being true to oneself and one’s own convictions, and determining the point at which it is not only appropriate but imperative that we speak out are carried throughout. You have to love them, even the nasty twin sister.
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.
#AConflictedBetrothal #DeniseWeimer #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalFiction #WildHeartBooks
About the Book
Book: A Conflicted Betrothal
Author: Denise Weimer
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: June 11, 2024
A King’s Ranger, a secret patriot, and a love that calls everything into question.
As a King’s Ranger on Georgia’s frontier, Ansel Anderson loves his independent life. But he’s also a second son, which means he’ll need the favor of someone influential to secure a land grant to settle his future. What better way to win support than by marrying the daughter of a member of the Governor’s Council? Yet Ansel’s straightforward plan is complicated by Miss Scott’s aloofness and his own growing sympathy for the passionate cause of the Liberty Boys.
As drawn to the enigmatic Ansel Anderson as Temperance Scott might be, he’d be more of a match for her feisty twin sister—who is all too happy to oblige. Not only would timid, nearsighted Temperance make a poor wife for a man trained for life on the frontier, but anyone she allows close to her must share her secret patriot ideals.
When Savannah erupts into riots and intrigue following the passage of the Stamp Act, Ansel is tasked with identifying a spy passing sensitive information to the Liberty Boys and the author of anonymous letters threatening those loyal to the governor. And as suspicions focus on the Scott family, which is he prepared to sacrifice—love or loyalty?
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 mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.
More from Denise
The American Revolution That Almost Happened a Decade Earlier:
The Setting for A Conflicted Betrothal
Savannah, Georgia, 1765. Sedition, secret letters, spies, and Sons of Liberty. An absolutely irresistible combination for an author of historical romance! All this intrigue centered around the passage and implementation of the Stamp Act.
The crowning grievance after a series of increasingly repressive acts levying taxes for Britain, the act required an imprint on official papers or a small blue paper affixed with tin foil to a document, including bills, calendars, warrants, deeds, court documents, commercial papers, degrees, newspapers, pamphlets, ads, almanacs, indentures, appointments, and even cards and dice. Anyone breaking the Stamp Act would be tried in admiralty court in Novia Scotia. Colonists objected to not having a local trial by their peers and because English parliament, not the local upper and lower colonial houses, set the tax.
Savannah seethed with discontent while awaiting the appointment of a stamp master and the arrival of the stamps.
Then a sensational article in the Georgia Gazette revealed that four local citizens had received letters signed by “the Townsman” accusing them of being the stamp master or having stamped papers in their possession. The men were instructed to publicly advertise their innocence or risk grievous results.
When protest and riots speared by the fledgling Liberty Boys repeatedly erupted, the governor called out his Royal Rangers to quell the potential rebellion. But the rangers and the militia were riddled with secret patriots, many of whom were the sons of prominent loyalists. Imagine being in the position where you are sworn to serve and protect—only, you suspect you may be on the wrong side.
That’s what happens to my hero in A Conflicted Betrothal. Georgia Royal Ranger Ansel Anderson is summoned from his frontier post to provide intelligence to his father’s friend, a loyalist judge. To obtain the land grant he needs, he’s also to court the man’s daughter, an ardent patriot. Patience Scott has no intention of letting herself fall for a sworn King’s Man…until anonymous letters threatening those loyal to the governor corner her into agreeing to a betrothal. But will their attraction to each other survive their conflicting loyalties?
Blog Stops
Texas Book-aholic, July 2
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 3
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 4
lakesidelivingsite, July 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 5
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 6
Pause for Tales, July 6
Books You Can Feel Good About, July 7
Simple Harvest Reads, July 8 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 9
Inkwell Inspirations, July 10
For Him and My Family, July 11
Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 12
Blossoms and Blessings , July 12
Cover Lover Book Review, July 13
Life on Chickadee Lane, July 14
Connie’s History Classroom, July 15
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/2c80b/a-conflicted-betrothal-celebration-tour-giveaway

























