Thursday, March 21, 2024

Inventions of the Heart by Mary Connealy

 



1872 California. A continuation and second in a series about three sisters, daughters of the owners of a huge logging company. When their father died, their mother married again, to a man who turned out to be a monster. Since he was about to marry them off to other monsters, the sisters escaped but were always in danger of being found. All three are brilliant in their own way. It's interesting to see each one's strengths put to use. Their journey progressed in many ways at their home and at Zane's ranch where the girls had taken refuge. This book is concentrated more on Michelle and her new husband, who were hastily wed. They have to get to know each other, trust one another, learn each other's strengths. It's an entertaining story to read, would make a fabulous mini series. Nominate! 

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.

#InventionsOfTheHeart #NetGalley #BethanyHouse #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarBooks #MaryConnealy #BethanyHousePublishers

My reviews

A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham

 



Hazel was wrongly jailed, framed for a crime she didn't commit. She and her family had a high position in society, but when this happened, they left her on her own. After serving her time she found a job with a quiet young dentist, a confirmed bachelor. She was a perfect fit though, and they each grew through their insecurities. In this growth and stepping out in faith with her new friends, she told them about her past and they helped her to clear her name, uncovering the true person who committed the crime and murdered her husband. Putting them all in danger. But this time with God and friends on her side, all fell into place. Well told, keeping you turning those pages. Very good read. Lovable characters. 

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

#ALadyInAttendance #NetGalley #Revell #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarBooks #RachelFordham #BakerPublishingGroup

My reviews

Someone Like You Movie trailer

 

Karen Kingsbury is a fabulous Christian author, so you know this has to be good. Just watching the trailer you can tell it is. Heart wrenching, shocking, out-of-the-box story. Looks to be a good love story, very well acted and filmed.

Synopsis: 

Based on the popular novel by #1 NY Times Bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, Someone Like You is an achingly beautiful redemptive love story. Shocking news hits after young architect Dawson Gage loses his best friend, London Quinn. Now in his heartbreak, Dawson is compelled to launch an impossible search for London’s secret twin sister, twins separated as embryos. But along the way, Dawson never planned to fall in love.

Watch the trailer here

Buy tickets here

Release Date: 4/2/24

#SomeoneLikeYouMIN #someonelikeyoumovie @karenkingsbury @someonelikeyoumovie #MomentumInfluencers #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout http://www.karenkingsbury.com

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

The Poppy Sisters by Deborah Carr

 

Somewhat predictable, but the characters are so endearing that you enjoy making the journey with them to see what actually happens. You have to love these people. Orphaned sisters are both nurses, serving in different places during WW1. They both fall in love with patients, which is forbidden to do in both places. But that's what makes it so interesting to read. Love it!! Hard to put down all the second half.

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.

#ThePoppySisters #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #HistoricalFiction #FiveStarBooks #DeborahCarr

My reviews
BarnesAndNoble

If The Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer

 


A fun book to read. Earnest, good hearted people with danger, mystery, secrets and romance thrown in. Sigh, cry and laugh all the way through. Excellent Christian values and lessons. 

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.

#IfTheBootFits #KarenWitemeyer #CelebrateLit #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarNovel 



About the Book

Book: If the Boot Fits

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: March 12, 2024

One fateful night will change their destinies forever. . . .

Convinced that his stepmother and half-brothers have been wrongfully evicted by cattle king Eli Dearing, Asher Ellis uses the cover of an extravagant ball to break into the Three Cedars’ ranch house to search for proof. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy’s cry compels him to make a daring rescue.

Spunky and independent Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother’s life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind–his boot–and resolves to find him herself.

When Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. Asher values family above wealth, a rare trait that opens her heart. Afraid she will discover his past misconduct, Asher tries to keep his distance, but when a series of suspicious accidents befall her, he vows to protect her, even though saving her life could mean losing her love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Voted #1 Reader’s Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She and her husband make their home in Abilene, Texas. 

More from Karen

Character Names and Word Games

One of my favorite parts of writing any book is finding the perfect names for my characters. Names are so important. They carry meaning and expectation. They add historical flavor and help create a picture in the reader’s mind about who that character is. They can also add hidden joy to a story for me as the author that may or may not be realized by the reader.

If the Boot Fits was inspired by the classic fairy tale, Cinderella. I give it a fresh western twist and mixed up the plot a bit, but it was important to me to fill this tale with subtle nods to the version I loved as a child. One of the main ways I did this was through the naming of my characters.

I worked hard to create names that would harken back to the original while still carrying meaning of their own. Instead of Cinderella, we have a hero named Asher Ellis—Ash being a synonym of Cinder, and Ellis playing off of Ella. For our heroine, I wanted something to play on the “charming” motif without being too on-the-nose. I ended up selecting Samantha Dearing—Dearing like endearing or charming. Samantha is the feminine version of Samuel which comes into play in the story since her father’s name is Eli. The three key older ladies of the story all of names inspired by royalty, as befits a fairy tale—Regina, Elizabeth, and Victoria. Asher’s stepbrothers are named Jonathan and Fergus. However, Jonathan goes by Jack, giving a nod to the mice from Disney’s Cinderella, Jaq and Gus. Asher’s horse is named Bruno in honor of the dog who saved Cinderella from the tower room. We have a cattle king with a foreman named Duke as well. Whether readers catch all of these nods or not, they made me as the author smile while writing the story.

Here’s another way to have fun with names and other key story elements. I’ve created a word search for you to enjoy. Have fun!

Click here to play.



 

 

 




Blog Stops

Book Looks by Lisa, March 13
Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 13
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 14
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 14
Batya’s Bits, March 14
By the Book, March 15
Madi’s Musings, March 15
Texas Book-aholic, March 15
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 16
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 16
EmpowerMoms, March 16
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 17
Blossoms and Blessings, March 17
She Lives To Read, March 18
Where Faith and Books Meet, March 18
Blogging With Carol, March 19
Life of Literature, March 19
Simple Harvest Reads, March 19 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
ABBA’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 20
Books You Can Feel Good About, March 20
lakesidelivingsite, March 20
Alena Mentink, March 21
Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 21
Splashes of Joy, March 21
Betti Mace, March 22
For Him and My Family, March 22
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 22
Cover Lover Book Review, March 23
Holly’s Book Corner, March 23
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 23
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 24 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, March 24
Lily’s Corner, March 25
Wishful Endings, March 25
Pause for Tales, March 25
Life on Chickadee Lane, March 26
Just Your Average reviews, March 26
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of If the Boot Fits!! (US only)

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/2a7a9/if-the-boot-fits-celebration-tour-giveaway




My reviews

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Chasing the Horizon by Mary Connealy

 (A Western Light Book #1): (A Suspenseful Historical Western Romance Set on the 1800's Oregon Trail)

I love a good wagon train story and pioneer story, and this is both. With some extra high society influence and villains as well. Ginny has been put into an asylum and her daughter and former employee plot to get her out and go west to hide. Wonderful full dimension characters you either love or hate. Very interesting. Looking forward to spending more time with them in the next book!

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.

#ChasingTheHorizon #NetGalley #BethanyHouse #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarBooks #MaryConnealy

From the Back Cover

Her only chance at freedom waits across the horizon.

Upon uncovering her tyrannical father's malevolent plot to commit her to an asylum, Beth Rutledge fabricates a plan of her own. She will rescue her mother, who had already been sent to the asylum, and escape together on a wagon train heading west. Posing as sisters, Beth and her mother travel with the pioneers in hopes of making it to Idaho before the others start asking too many questions.

Wagon-train scout Jake Holt senses that the mysterious women in his caravan are running from something. When rumors begin to spread of Pinkerton agents searching relentlessly for wanted criminals who match the description of those on his wagon train, including Beth, she begins to open up to him, and he learns something more sinister is at hand. Can they risk trusting each other with their lives--and their hearts--when danger threatens their every step? --This text refers to the paperback edition.

About the Author

Mary Connealy (MaryConnealy.com) writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books and is the author of the popular series Wyoming Sunrise, The Lumber Baron's Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

My reviews

Friday, March 15, 2024

A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell

 

A new all time favorite for me. I want to stay here and continue to see their inventions, travels and marvels. I was captivated. Thoroughly.  London, England, 1860. All seems teetering on the edge for Clara and her family, with threats of the family's eccentricities being exposed unless she marries a ruthless suitor so he can have access to their funds. Theodore wandered into her Grandfather's clockwork shop and all things flew into motion. This story would be fabulous on the screen with the automatons and with the lessons of Christian faith. Beyond fabulous read. I think I'll always picture the miniature bee and butterfly automatons in her Grandfather's hair. 

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.

#ALadysGuidetoMarvelsandMisadventure #NetGalley #BethanyHouse #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarBooks #AngelaBell

Description

Miss Clara Marie Stanton's family may be eccentric, but they certainly aren't insane.

London, England, 1860
When Clara's ex-fiancé begins to spread rumors that her family suffers from hereditary insanity, it's all she can do to protect them from his desperate schemes, society's prejudice, and a lifetime in an asylum. Then Clara's Grandfather Drosselmeyer brings on an apprentice with a mechanical leg, and all pretense of normalcy takes wing.

Theodore Kingsley, a shame-chased vagabond haunted by the war, wants a fresh start far from Kingsley Court and the disappointed father who declared him dead. Upon returning to England, Theodore meets clockmaker Drosselmeyer, who hires him as an apprentice, much to Clara's dismay. When Drosselmeyer spontaneously disappears in his secret flying owl machine, he leaves behind a note for Clara, beseeching her to make her dreams of adventure a reality by joining him on a merry scavenger hunt across Europe. Together, Clara and Theodore set off to follow Drosselmeyer's trail of clues, but they will have to stay one step ahead of a villain who wants the flying machine for himself--at any cost.




Angela Bell is a twenty-first-century lady with nineteenth-century sensibilities. She resides in Texas with her charming pup, Mr. Bingley Crosby. One might categorize her books as historical romance, but Angela likes to describe them as “a cuppa Victorian whimsy” because it sounds so much more poetical.

Whenever you need a respite from the modern-day hustle, you’re welcome to visit her parlor at AuthorAngelaBell.com, where she can be found waiting with a pot of tea and a great book.

My reviews