Showing posts with label wonderful characters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wonderful characters. Show all posts

Monday, April 13, 2026

Sooner or Later by Vickie McDonough

Rebekah was running away from her father - who had just sold her. She collapsed as she was travelling, and Mason found her. He was on the way to take his nephew and niece to their father. Mason's sister, their mother, had been estranged from him, and Mason didn't want to raise the kids himself. He had no desire to get married either. He discovered that the kids' father was in Oklahoma for the Great Land Run. Mason headed there and Rebekah stayed with them as it was on her way to where she had thought to escape to. Things draw them together as they travel and it all comes to a head at the Land Run. Sweet love story with characters you'll love and keep turning the pages for.

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.

#SoonerOrLater #VickieMcDonough #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #ChristianWestern #WildHeartBooks

About the Book

Book: Sooner or Later

Author: Vickie McDonough

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 31, 2026

Rebekah’s dreams have become a nightmare.

For years, Rebekah’s mother told her that sooner or later a handsome man would come along and sweep her off her feet. That was before her mother and brother had died and her stepfather arranged for her to marry their repulsive neighbor in exchange liquor and a half-side of beef. She won’t marry the vile older man and flees in the dark of night.

Mason Danfield has no interest in a wife. He’s focused on caring for his motherless niece and nephew. But when Mason finds a young woman stranded on the side of the trail, he can’t leave her behind to possible die on the prairie.

A chance encounter with Jake, the children’s father, ends up with Mason riding in the 1889 Oklahoma land run. He hopes to get land for Jake and the children. Maybe then he can talk Jake into marrying Rebekah, so she can have a home and stay with the children she has come to love. But for some reason, the idea of her and Jale together doesn’t sit well with Mason.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author




Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 54 books and novellas. Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, OWFI Best Fiction Novel Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, making cards, gardening, and traveling.

 

Excerpt from the Book

April 2nd, 1889

Indian Territory

Never in her life had Rebekah Bailey done anything so daring, but then she’d never been this desperate before. She peered over her shoulder at the dilapidated house as she tiptoed toward the barn. Good. Still dark.

The full moon illuminated the rickety A-frame shack that had been her home for as long as she could remember. The breath she’d been holding came out on a ragged sigh. At least she’d managed to get out of the house without Curtis hearing her. But she was far from safe.

Her heartbeat resounded in her ears, and she was certain her closest neighbors, who lived miles away, could hear it. Hugging her ma’s ancient carpetbag against her chest, she quickened her pace.

A sharp creak in the direction of the house jerked Rebekah from her reverie. With a quick tug on the reins, she turned Prince west and kicked his sides. West toward the open plains and Indian Territory. Then northwest toward Denver–and freedom. She prayed it was the last place Curtis would think to look for her.

The chanting of tree frogs gave music to her ride, and an owl hooted somewhere in a nearby tree. She used to love the sounds of the night, but now they only reminded her that she was alone. Hoping to ward off the night chill, she tugged her frayed cloak around her. The world seemed normal, asleep, as it should in the middle of the night. But she felt anything except normal. Her world had fallen apart this evening with Curtis’s declaration. Nothing would ever be same for her. She shivered at the memory. “I’ve made a deal with Giles Wilbur,” Curtis had said, grinning with pride. “Swapped you for a half side of beef and some moonshine. In the morning, you’ll be moving in with him and be his woman.” Thoughts of the filthy, drunken sloth of a man more than twice her age made her blood run cold. How could Curtis expect her to live with Mr. Wilbur without the sanctity of marriage? How could he simply swap her like she were livestock—something to be bartered? Bile churned in her stomach and burned a path to her throat. Tears blurred her vision and streamed down her cheeks.

She’d never felt so alone. Completely alone–as though not a single person in the world cared for her. But the gentle touch of the wind to her cheeks reminded her of the One who never failed. Rebekah turned to her heavenly Father as Prince trotted down the dark road. “Protect me, Lord–and show me the way. And Father . . . oh, Father, give me courage for the ride ahead and strengthen Prince’s old bones–”

The faint sound of approaching hoof beats intruded on Rebekah’s prayer.

Oh, no! Curtis!

She was certain her heart would jump clear out of her chest. The reins nearly slipped from her trembling hands. Fear of what was behind her overpowered the fear of what was ahead.

Taking a deep, determined breath, and with a firm grip on the reins, Rebekah dug her heels into Prince’s side.

“He–yah!!!” she cried softly.

Prince vaulted into a gallop and raced down the road.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 7
Texas Book-aholic, April 8
Artistic Nobody, April 9 (Author Interview)
Cover Lover Book Review, April 9
For Him and My Family, April 10
Happily Managing a Houehold of Boys, April 11
Guild Master, April 12 (Author Interview)
Books You Can Feel Good About, April 13
lakesidelivingsite, April 14
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 15
Fiction Book Lover, April 16 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, April 17 (Guest Review from Donna)
Cover Lover Book Review, April 18
Holly’s Book Corner, April 19
Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 20 (Author Interview)
Jodie Wolfe, April 20

Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, Vickie 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.

https://gleam.io/mieGk/sooner-or-later-celebration-tour-giveaway


My reviews

Friday, April 10, 2026

Chancing the Frontiersman’s Heart by Andrea Byrd

 

Kentucky in the 1700s. I couldn't help but love Dawn right away as she pointed out the plants and animals along their journeys. That she was Jacob's young love and they'd been separated, then he rescued her from abusive stepparents on the journey west was amazing. The way the story unfolded kept the pages turning quickly. The Siege of Bryan’s Station and the Battle of Blue Licks were real battles, and they were in the middle of them. I really loved this book and highly recommend it. Very well written!

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.

#ChancingTheFrontiersmansHeart #AndreaByrd #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #ChristianWestern #WildHeartBooks

 

About the Book

Book: Chancing the Frontiersman’s Heart

Author: Andrea Byrd

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 24, 2026

From Andrea Byrd comes a stirring tale of faith and courage on the Kentucky frontier—a story of second chances, steadfast love, and the family bonds that sustain us through life’s darkest hours. Perfect for fans of Lori Wick and Janette Oke.

Kentucky Territory, 1782

When Dawn agrees to travel west with her cruel stepparents, she has one goal—to reunite her young stepsister Mary with her uncle at Bryan’s Station. But a chance encounter with Jacob McFadin, her childhood sweetheart, changes everything. Despite her missing left hand and the scars of rejection she carries, Jacob sees past her differences and offers marriage to help protect them on their journey.

Jacob has spent years trying to prove himself as more than just the youngest McFadin brother. When he recognizes Dawn, the girl who captured his heart years ago, he knows God has given him a second chance. But his desire to finally make a name for himself threatens to tear apart their fragile new family.

As they face the perils of the Kentucky wilderness and escalating tensions with British and Indian forces, Dawn and Jacob must learn to trust in God’s plan—and each other. When violence erupts at Bryan’s Station, they discover that true worth isn’t found in grand achievements, but in the boundless love of family and faith.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Andrea Byrd is a small-town wife and mom from southern Kentucky who harbors a deep love of days gone by, expressed with pioneer skirts and a once-in-a-lifetime ride in an authentic biplane. She seeks to respect the past, giving voice to those that came before, while reminding readers that no aspect of their past defines them.

 

 

 

More from Andrea

As a reader of historical fiction, I love reaching the end of a novel and reading the author’s note to learn how real people and events inspired the written words. Now, as an author myself, I try to provide the same for my own readers and Chancing the Frontiersman’s Heart is no exception.

While the Siege of Yorktown is considered the last major battle of the revolutionary war, ten months afterward, American forces would suffer great losses at the Battle of Blue Licks. During this conflict, more than sixty Kentuckians would lose their lives.

However, what intrigued me most about this piece of American history was actually the events leading up to it. The Battle of Blue Licks was a result of a skirmish a few days prior: the Siege of Bryan’s Station. In what is now Lexington, Kentucky, a fortified settlement was attacked by Delaware and Shawnee warriors, as well as Canadian Rangers.

Playing a vital part in the station’s ability to withstand the attack, of course, were the women of Bryan’s Station. During this conflict, the women would do more than simply provide support though. They would put themselves directly in harm’s way, venturing outside the safety of the settlement walls, in order to fetch water from the spring. Though Bryan’s Station was surrounded and they could be descended upon the moment they left the fold, the women (and girls) marched forwarded with heads held high to do what had to be done.

As soon as I learned of the women of Bryan’s Station and their act of bravery, I knew I had to weave these historical events into this novel. I hope you find their story as inspiring as I did!

Happy Reading!

Andrea Byrd

Blog Stops

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea 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.

https://gleam.io/KhGOn/chancing-the-frontiersmans-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway


My reviews

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Native Patriot by Pegg Thomas

 



I need 10 stars for this. Excellently good book. A Lenni Lenape Indian who is a Quaker and an illegitimate girl are part of a camp following in Pennsylvania during the Revolutionary war. Each are not fully accepted by the community yet earn their way through hard work and their nature. Interesting and realistic days in their lives as the war progresses and they have to deal with so much to both survive and fit in, even their own personal prejudices. Their journey of faith also grows as the story progresses. Enriching journey to immerse yourself and travel along with. Fulfilling read. 

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.

#NativePatriot #PeggThomas #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #SpinnerOfYarns #ChristianHistoricalRomance 

Synopsis
A sweeping historical romance set against the authentic backdrop of the Revolutionary War’s Pennsylvania campaign.

More than just blacksmith, Lenni Lenape Mark Running Bear was raised in a Quaker household since the age of ten. His loyalty was to the pacifist community that took him in until the battle brewing around him robbed him of his last link to the past. Mark must make a decision while surrounded by the chaos of a war he never wanted.

Left by her mother with the camp followers of Major General Nathanael Greene, Grace soon learns that danger and hungry eyes follow her even outside of the backstreets of Philadelphia. She trusts no man and never has, but the young Quaker blacksmith helps her several times without asking for anything in return.

As the savage battles of Brandywine, White Horse Tavern, Paoli, and Germantown rage around them, Grace struggles trust and to survive in the world of the military camp while Mark faces an impossible choice: honor his Quaker upbringing of nonviolence, or embrace the warrior heritage flowing through his veins.

In the crucible of America’s fight for independence, two souls must decide if love is worth fighting for—or if the divisions between their worlds are too great to overcome.

My reviews
Amazon

Sunday, March 8, 2026

Lady Codebreaker by K.D. Alden

 

Incredible depth into history from Prohibition through WW2. Fascinating story of a woman genius who can decipher coded from messages all over the world yet is not accepted because she's not male. Newspaper jumble puzzles are nothing compared to this. She meets and eventually marries another brilliant codebreaker and ends up heading up her own very successful team, yet the credit is taken by others. These people were invaluable to winning the war. Many lives and a lot of money were saved because of them. A very fully dimensional Grace painfully transitions through different roles at work and in her personal life. Formidable foes, threats and danger. 

I received this book free from the author and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#LadyCodebreaker #KDAlden #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #HistoricalFiction #NetGalley

Synopsis
Fans of Kate Quinn and Kristina McMorris will love this gripping historical novel based on the true story of the woman who used her codebreaking skills to bring down Prohibition gangsters and WWII Nazis, and who ultimately helped found the present-day CIA.

Grace Smith has never been one to conform to society’s expectations. She flees small-town Indiana to seek adventure—and finds more than she bargained for when she’s hired by an eccentric millionaire to learn codebreaking. Soon she’s using those skills to help head the government’s fledgling cryptanalysis unit.

During Prohibition, Grace takes up the fight against rumrunners—not to mention Al Capone himself. And as the country careens from one Great War to another, it’s Grace who must crack the secrets of foreign governments, catch spies, and derail saboteurs . . . before it’s too late.

With wry wit and sheer grit, she forges her own path as a codebreaker, wife, mother. She’s spent a lifetime going up against powerful men and winning. But as war rages and the stakes grow impossibly high, Grace faces a truly impossible choice: her family or her country?

My reviews

Thursday, February 12, 2026

The Doctor’s Convenient Marriage (Second Chances in Harmony Springs Book 3) by Lauralyn Keller

 

Victoria and Harrison are from Boston Socialite families. In rebellion to their families, they both became doctors and each had a dream. Women were not acceptable as doctors at that time and her father, unfeeling, was determined that she marry a Socialite man who happened to be an abusive cad. How Harrison and Tori escape to Harmony Springs is a satisfying story, as is their difficult love story. Danger, theft and pure struggles unfold. You have to love them both as they work it all out. 

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.

#TheDoctorsConvenientMarriage #LauralynKeller #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #HistoricalChristianRomance #WildHeartBooks

page-turner, romantic, easy-to-read, wonderful characters, realistic, original

About the Book

Book: The Doctor’s Convenient Marriage

Author: Lauralyn Keller

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: January 20, 2026

She wants the freedom to practice medicine, and he needs a wife. But their bold escape from Boston’s high society rests on a marriage vow neither intended to make real.

Victoria Mountbatten has fought hard to earn her medical degree, but her powerful father uses his influence to block any doctor from hiring her. Faced with an ultimatum—marry a society gentleman or face disinheritance, Tori sees only one path to freedom. She makes a bold proposition to Dr. Harrison Blake, a colleague she’s worked alongside for years: a plan that will take them far from Boston’s stifling society.

Harrison Blake has always dreamed of building a hospital in the untamed West where he can truly help people. But his inheritance comes with a catch—he must marry before his thirtieth birthday. So even though Tori’s proposal is shocking, a marriage of convenience may be the perfect solution for both of them.

In the quiet moments of Harmony Springs, feelings grow and lines blur. Can their partnership blossom into true love, or will the walls around their hearts destroy the fragile trust they’ve built?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Lauralyn Keller loves to combine history and romance in stories that touch the heart. She lives in beautiful Colorado and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and reading.

 

 

 

 

 

More from Lauralyn

You might have noticed all three books in the Second Chances in Harmony Springs series feature a marriage of convenience. While that was partly for continuity, it also spoke to my own heart.

I love this trope. There’s something beautiful about the type of romance where two people agree to something practical and unemotional, only to slowly discover all the messy, tender, unexpected feelings they absolutely did not plan for. It’s a popular trope because beneath the external circumstances—inheritance rules, social expectations, survival needs—lies a universal truth: sometimes love grows in the unlikeliest places.

For me, the appeal isn’t just the forced proximity or the slow-burn tension, though I love both. It’s the way a practical arrangement forces two people to reveal their truest selves. A marriage of convenience strips away the excitement of courtship and goes straight to the heart of compatibility. The characters must ask: Can we build a life together? Can we rely on each other? Can we trust each other with our hopes, fears, and futures?

Those are deeply romantic questions, even when the relationship begins with a contract instead of a kiss.

In The Doctor’s Convenient Marriage, Tori and Harrison enter their agreement not out of despair, but from determination. Tori refuses to sacrifice her dream of practicing medicine, even as Boston society tries to conform her to their expectations. Harrison is more heart-driven, longing to build a hospital in the untamed West where he can serve those who need it most. Their marriage isn’t about survival. It’s about carving out the freedom to become who they were meant to be.

That mutual ambition changes the dynamic. Instead of one rescuing the other, they rescue each other, and in doing so, they learn to see beyond professional camaraderie into something far deeper and more vulnerable.

What I love most about their journey is the way real affection steals up on them quietly. They start as friends and coworkers, but then things begin to change. Little glances. Quiet confessions. Moments of care neither expected to give or receive.

A marriage forged for convenience becomes a partnership rooted in respect. And that becomes the foundation for love. That’s the irresistible beauty of this trope: the idea that love can flourish not in spite of practicality, but right alongside it.

I hope you love this story as much as I do. It’s a heartfelt conclusion to a series that’s been in the works for years. I’m deeply grateful to all who’ve come along on this journey, and I look forward to seeing where the road takes us from here.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 3
Texas Book-aholic, February 4
Pause for Tales, February 4
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 6
Simple Harvest Reads, February 7 (Guest Review from Marilyn)
Jodie Wolfe, February 7
Bizwings Blog, February 8
For Him and My Family, February 9
Devoted To Hope, February 10
lakesidelivingsite, February 11
Lyssa Loves Books, February 11
Books You Can Feel Good About, February 12
Devoted Steps, February 13
Cover Lover Book Review, February 14
Vicky Sluiter, February 15
Holly’s Book Corner, February 15
Connie’s History Classroom, February 16
Mary Hake, February 16

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Lauralyn 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.

https://gleam.io/pX7ww/the-doctors-convenient-marriage-celebration-tour-giveaway


My reviews

Monday, February 9, 2026

Before the Dawn (Brides of the West Book 7) by Erica Vetsch

 

 

Exquisitely beautiful and tense. The depth of compassion you feel for Karen and David is deep. I really resonated with Karen when David rejected her after a mine accident blinded him. Quite a journey for the two of them, and the struggles, both mental and physical, keep you riveted till the too short end.

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.

#BeforeTheDawn #EricaVetsch #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #HistoricalChristianRomance #WildHeartBooks

page-turner, romantic, easy-to-read, wonderful characters, realistic, original



About the Book

Book: Before the Dawn

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 10, 2026

A determined wife and a blind mining engineer—separated by fear, connected by love, and tested by darkness that threatens to tear them apart.

David Mackenzie was the most capable mining engineer in Colorado until a cave-in left him blind and filled with guilt over the deaths of his workers. Now he fears he’ll never be worthy of love or respect again. When his fiancée returns from nursing her sick aunt, he must find the courage to break their engagement before she wastes her life caring for a broken man.

Karen refuses to give up on the man she loves, but David has built a wall between them that grows higher with each passing day. When he tries to call off their engagement, she forces him into marriage through an unconventional lawsuit. Now she must find a way to break through his bitter shell and prove that her love hasn’t changed—before his fears and pride drive them apart forever and she loses not only the man she loves but also her chance at the family she’s always longed for.

When David’s cousin reveals a deadly secret about the cave-in, Karen and David find themselves trapped underground, forced to work together to survive. In the darkness, they must confront the fears that threaten to destroy them both. But even if they survive, can they find their way back to the love they once shared?

 

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

My story, Before the Dawn, is set in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. As a girl born and raised in Central Kansas, the first time I visited mountains, I was in awe…and also a little worried. Having grown up in a land where you can watch your dog run away for three straight days, not being able to see very far when in between mountains was a bit claustrophobic.

My children, growing up in SE Minnesota, had a similar experience. We were able to take the kids to Colorado several years ago, which is where I first became interested the history of Colorado Mining.

We took the kids to Idaho Springs, where we toured a mine and ore processing facility from the 1880’s. The Argo Mine was fascinating. When I ask my kids about what they remember, it’s always the panning for gold. My daughter reminded me that I was the first in the family to find any gold in my pan, a few little bright flakes, upon which many an adventurer has wagered his life.

The kids also got to sift through a box of sand and dirt to find colorful stones. As my son was enamored with agates and polished rocks at the time, this was the highlight for him.

When I wrote Before the Dawn, I tried to make the setting a character. The story is so tied to the setting, that if I changed where the story took place, it wouldn’t be the same story at all.

I hope, as you read Before the Dawn, you are drawn into the mountains, that you can feel a bit of the same sense of awe that I felt the first time this prairie girl saw the Rockies.

Blog Stops

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.

https://gleam.io/QhNDV/before-the-dawn-celebration-tour-giveaway

My reviews
Amazon

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

The Midwife: Salem Village - Book 2 by Pegg Thomas

 

Taking place during the early Salem Witch trials, this is a very tense story.  The characters realistically bring to life what it would have been like to have lived in that area at that time. To live under the pressure of constant accusations going on around you - people whom you know are completely innocent. And knowing the power it gives to those in the village who crave it. There is also the fact that both Quaker and Puritan families lived in this village, and they were wary of each other, yet many tried to get along and share their trades. A blossoming love story carries on the difficulties between them all when a Quaker girl and Puritan boy fall in love and when a midwife to all residents is caught up in her own dilemmas. Plenty to keep you engaged to the very end, and wanting a next one to see how it all pans out for everyone. 

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.

#TheMidwife #SpinnerOfYarnsPublishingLLC @PeggThomas #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

My reviews

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas

 

I really enjoyed getting to know and spend time with Hetta, Garland and Fritz as well as their family and friends. Richly told, loosely based on real history, Hetta and Fritz come to America from Germany in 1930s. Fritz as a prisoner of war, Hetta 14 years later looking for her fiancé who had disappeared, after she saw an article with her fiancé's name on a gravestone. Garland is a police officer who got tangled up in it all. Intricate story of love and hope that takes paths that you may not expect. Very intriguing, keeps you turning the pages to see what happened, with history of the wars in Germany mixed in. Excellent choice to spend your time with and add to your library. 

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

#TheseBlueMountains #NetGalley @SarahLoudinThomas 

My reviews
Amazon