Love Unseen Review

 

 

 About the Book

Hannah Hadley is a permanent fixture in London Society and well on her way to becoming a spinster. Despite her beauty and kind disposition, Hannah has accepted the harsh reality of her situation: she will never marry. Continually affected by an illness from her youth, Hannah acknowledges her chances of entertaining potential suitors, at least respectable ones, is slim.

To members of the ton, Jonathan Carter is undeniably unsuitable. Though he is in possession of a massive fortune and is handsome as well, there remains an insurmountable black mark against him: his is new money. Even so, he’s caught off guard when his enchanting neighbor, Miss Hadley, flatly rejects his offer to dance. Despite their rocky introduction, however, they find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another. But when circumstances force Hannah from her home, the couple’s warm association comes to an abrupt end. Now, Jonathan must find a way to rescue the woman he just might love or risk losing her forever. (Goodreads)

 

Releases July 5th!

PRE-ORDER HERE

 My Thoughts

Oh this story took me on quite the adventure! There are many things that make it unique and it has several characters that I won't soon forget. I love Hannah's personality. I love her perspective on life and I just wanted to reach into the book and give her a hug. Her family is atrocious and I was really frustrated with them so many times. They were so awful it was almost distracting from the rest of the story line.  It certainly is not a relaxing read because there are so many emotions that take over while reading. Jonathan Carter I also got frustrated with a few times. I think the fact that he isn't perfect made him a more realistic character. There are some really fun scenes and the romance is just sweet and simple. I thought it was well written and I applaud the author at writing from such a different perspective. I wish there were a few things fleshed out a bit more and perhaps less of the crazy family but I still really enjoyed this story. I recommend and I will be looking for more books by this author.

Four Stars.

"I received this book from NetGalley for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Along A Breton Shore Review

  

 

 About the Book

A soldier and a young woman, on opposite sides of the revolution, must run for their lives across a war-torn France in this gripping novel of friendship, love, and survival.

France, 1794

Maxence Étienne, a soldier for the République, believes fiercely in the revolution that is bringing liberty to France. But even though the monarchy has fallen and Maxence is part of a great cause, he is still searching for a place to belong.

Armelle Bernard is a young woman from Breton whose father was sentenced to death for hiding counterrevolutionaries. She decides to confront the priest who betrayed her father, and as the conflict escalates, she herself is ordered to be executed—an order to be carried out by Maxence.

Maxence has seen his share of violence and bloodshed, but he also carries a tragic secret and can’t bring himself to carry out his assignment. In allowing Armelle to escape, he is forced to combat a fellow soldier, who dies in the struggle.

Though Armelle and Maxence are strangers and on opposite sides of the revolution, they find themselves united as fugitives of the new republic. Now they must find a way to trust each other as they search for a path to peace, and to freedom. (Goodreads)

Releases June 6th! Pre-Order HERE!

My Thoughts

 

 Oh my goodness I loved this book. I was very thankful I had read Beyond the Lavender Fields prior to this one as there is a lot of back story and characters that tie together. While this can be read as a stand alone, I really do recommend reading the other book first. I went into this story not a big fan of the main character and I couldn't fathom a way that the author was going to redeem him in my mind. The thing about Arlem Hawk's writing is that she gives the reader the history, the setting, the common people at the time, and then lets the reader discover good things from both sides. She has written from both perspectives of the French Revolution and it is completely fascinating to me. I know very little of this time in history so that has been fun to learn. There is also a list of French Terms at the start of the book and I referred to it A LOT.  All that to say, I ended up loving the main character and enjoying the journey that Maxence and Armelle embark. There is a love story and I thought it was well written. There is also a gut punch of grief and emotion that hits in the latter half of the book that I couldn't believe the author wrote in. She did it in such a realistic way, I really appreciated it because it spoke to the reality of the times. You will have to read the book to understand.

I loved this book and I can't wait for her next book! 

Five Stars! 

 

"I received this book from Shadow Mountain Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review." 

 

 

 

 

 

Rocky Mountain Rendezvous with Celebrate Lit Tours

About the Book

Book: Rocky Mountain Rendezvous

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 6, 2023

 

In 1837, Juniper Collins and her sisters are shocked by their father’s final request in his will for a special set of beads to be returned to a Piegan Blackfoot woman he credits with saving his life during his travels west. Together, the sisters set out for the trapper rendezvous to find the woman, but their mission turns more daunting when they come upon the mass of men and lodges spread out in the Green River Valley.

Riley Turner came west to find peace and quiet and live off the land, but when four unprotected women arrive at the rendezvous, he feels compelled to help them and is more fascinated by Juniper than any other woman he’s known.

As their search brings only empty leads and dead ends, the sisters must decide whether to return east or stay in the mountains to continue looking–and that’s if the mystery woman is even still alive. Is the risk to honor their father’s last request worth the danger they find at every turn?

Discover the majesty–and treachery–of the Rocky Mountains in this unique combination of exhilarating adventure, inspiring faith, and sweet romance from USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

 

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

 

More from Misty

What IS a trapper rendezvous?

Rocky Mountain Rendezvous is the story of four sisters who head west to accomplish their father’s deathbed request—return a special set of beads to a Blackfoot woman who saved his life during his travels west two decades earlier. The sisters head west with the supply wagons bound for the 1837 trapper rendezvous to find the native woman. But the sight that greeted them in the Green River Valley (in modern-day Wyoming) was nothing like they expected!

Men EVERYWHERE!

Supply wagons would come from the east every summer, and mountain men and natives would come from all throughout the Rockies to trade furs for the supplies they’d need in the coming year. This was usually the only opportunity for trading each year, so EVERYONE came and the camp stretched for miles. This was a great time for friends to catch up, and the festivities always included a great deal of drinking and horse racing. The rendezvous was a sight to behold!

 

In Rocky Mountain Rendezvous, Riley Turner is one of the trappers at the meet-up, and he realizes immediately what kind of danger the ladies are in from unscrupulous men in the crowd. He helps them with their search, and they find so much more than they expected along the way!

Each book in this series will take place during a different year, featuring a different rendezvous. Definitely fodder for fun stories. I pray you love this first book as the Collins sisters embark on the search of a lifetime.

 

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, May 3

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 3

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 4

Texas Book-aholic, May 5

By the Book, May 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 6

Connie’s History Classroom, May 7

The Book Club Network, May 7

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 8 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 8

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 10

Karen Baney Reviews, May 10

Daysong Reflections, May 11

Books You Can Feel Good About, May 11

Betti Mace, May 12

For the Love of Literature, May 12

Blossoms and Blessings, May 13

Life, Love, Writing, May 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews , May 14

Mary Hake, May 14

For Him and My Family, May 15

Holly’s Book Corner, May 15

Pause for Tales, May 16

To Everything There Is A Season , May 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty 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.

 

GIVEAWAY!

 

My Thoughts

 I just love anything that has to do with rendezvous. I think they are fascinating and that is main reason I decided to read this book. Also, I grew up in the Rocky Mountains so I do enjoy stories with that setting. I loved the sisters idea and their interactions, and it is obvious how this series will probably continue now after reading the first book. I really liked the setting of this novel and there is a bit of a mystery that makes this book a slight page turner. I had a hard time with the two main characters and I struggled to really love them. There were a few parts that were a bit slow and so because of that I had a hard time being fully invested in the plot. I did appreciate the slight cliff hanger at the end and I am sure many others will completely love this story. 

Three and a half stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the Shadow of the River Review

 

 

About the Book

In 1881, Jacci Reed is only five years old when a man attempts to kidnap her from the steamboat her mother, Irena, works on. Badly wounded during the confrontation, Irena takes Jacci aboard the Kingston Floating Palace, a showboat tied up beside them. There, Jacci's actor grandfather tends to her mother and Jacci gets a first taste of the life she will come to lead.

Fifteen years later, Jacci is an actress aboard the Kingston Floating Palace, and largely contented with her adopted family of actors, singers, and dancers. Especially Gabe, who has always supported her, and the gruff grandfather she has come to know and love. Jacci's mother has been gone for years, but the memory of the altercation that ultimately took her life--and the cryptic things Jacci has overheard about her past--is always there, lurking in the back of her mind.

When someone on the showboat tries to kill Jacci, it's clear her questions demand answers. But secrets have a way of staying in the shadows, and the answers she craves will not come easily. Gabe only hopes they come in time for him and Jacci to have a future together. (Goodreads)

 

 BUY HERE

 

 My Thoughts

I just adore the cover of this book! It is stunning! I haven't read a book by Ann H. Gabhart for awhile and with the premise of this story I HAD to read it. I really enjoyed this one! The characters are wonderful and the setting is so interesting and refreshing. I loved the mystery the grows through the entire book. I wasn't shocked by the ending but it still made for a good page turner. I honestly wanted so much more. I wanted more on the steamboat and more of Gabe and his interactions with Jacci. I think the author could have added more chapters and I would have been happy with that. Some of the things I thought were tied up a little too quickly. The "romance" was pretty rushed and sudden. I wanted to get to know these characters even better because I enjoyed them so much. All that to say that I really had a good time reading this story and if you are wanting something with a fun setting you might like this book!

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

 

 

 

 

 

The Swindler's Daughter Review

 

 

 About the Book

 A surprise inheritance. A cache of family secrets. A choice that will change her life forever.

Lillian Doyle has lived her entire high-society life with her widowed mother, believing her father died long ago. But when news arrives that her estranged father only recently passed away--in jail--Lillian is startled to find that the man has left a business and all of his possessions to her, making her a rather unusual heiress.

When she goes to take possession of her father's house in a backwoods Georgia town, the dilapidated structure is already occupied by another woman who claims it was promised to her son, Jonah. In her attempts to untangle the mess, Lillian will discover not only a family she never knew she had but a family business that is more than meets the eye--and has put a target on her back.

To discover the truth and take hold of the independence she's always dreamed of, she'll have to make friends with adversaries and strangers--especially Jonah, the dusty and unrefined cowboy who has secret aspirations of his own. (Goodreads)

 

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I really wanted to love this book. I love the idea of it and the overall plot I found interesting. I just struggled to get into the story. There are some very unique ideas in this book that I haven't really read much on which is great. I like the mystery that flows throughout the entire story and I do enjoy Jonah's character. The setting is fun and I did get a little frustrated with a couple of the characters but the ending wrapped everything up nicely. I think the main thing is I just couldn't click with the characters. A lot of people have really enjoyed this story, it just wasn't my favorite. I know many others will love it!

Three Stars. 

" I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

The Long March Home-A Story I Won't Soon Forget

 

 

 About the Book

 Jimmy Propfield joined the army for two reasons: to get out of Mobile, Alabama, with his best friends Hank and Billy and to forget his high school sweetheart, Claire.

Life in the Philippines seems like paradise--until the morning of December 8, 1941, when news comes from Manila: the Japanese have bombed Pearl Harbor. Within hours, the teenage friends are plunged into war as Japanese warplanes attack Luzon, beginning a battle for control of the Pacific Theater that will culminate with a last stand on the Bataan Peninsula and end with the largest surrender of American troops in history.

What follows will become known as one of the worst atrocities in modern warfare: the Bataan Death March. With no hope of rescue, the three friends vow to make it back home together. But the ordeal is only the beginning of their nearly four-year fight to survive.

Inspired by true stories, The Long March Home is a gripping coming-of-age tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the power of unrelenting hope. (Goodreads)

 

BUY HERE

 

My Thoughts

 

Wow! This book is not what I was expecting! I really didn't have any knowledge on the Pacific Theater, the Philippines or the Bataan Death March prior to reading it. This book is written in such a way that I could not put it down. It takes you right into the middle of what happened in the Philippines during WWII. It is gut wrenching to read what happened to these people and to think about how they survived or how they died and the people they left behind. While reading I was thinking about how these things would have an impact the men who survived and how could they possibly go back to live a "normal" life?! It truly is astonishing. One of the other unique and also excellent plot points in this book is the dual timeline. The reader gets to go back and read how Jimmy grew up and how the group of friends was created. The entire book takes you back and forth from the front lines and POW camp to flashbacks of a much simpler and happier time prior to the war. This was a great idea because this story doesn't shy away from the gruesome atrocities that these men experienced. This is a heavy read with a lot of description on what actually happens. I found it really interesting how the sickness and overcrowding and bad food and limited resources really changed the picture in my mind. Of course I knew there was sickness and people died, but after reading this story with its many details, I have a much different perspective on that now. 

This is a heart wrenching story that I won't soon forget. I applaud the authors and I am thankful for people who shed a light on lesser known history. 

Five Stars. 

" I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

In This Moment Review-A Must Read!

 

 

 

About the Book

 Maggie inherited a gift from her time-crossing parents that allows her to live three separate lives in 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each night she goes to sleep in one time period and wakes up in another. Until, that is, she turns twenty-one, when she will have to forfeit two of those lives--and everyone she knows in them--forever.

In 1861, Maggie is the daughter of an influential senator at the outbreak of the Civil War, navigating a capital full of Southern spies and wounded soldiers. In 1941, she is a Navy nurse, grappling with her knowledge of the future when she's asked to join a hospital ship being sent to Pearl Harbor. And in 2001, she's a brilliant young medical student, fulfilling her dream of becoming a surgeon, yet unable to use her modern skills in her other paths.

While Maggie has sworn off romance until she makes her final choice, an intriguing man tugs at her heart in each era. The mysterious British gentleman. The prickly, demanding doctor. The charming young congressman. She's drawn to each man in different ways, only complicating the impossible decision she must make, which looms ever closer.

With so much on the line, how can Maggie choose just one life to keep and the rest to lose? (Goodreads)

BUY HERE!

To celebrate the release of In This Moment, the author is giving away a prize package from the Pearl Harbor Memorial! To enter, follow To Everything There Is A Season Blog and sign up at the link below. 

Giveaway!!!

My Thoughts

Oh my goodness this book! I knew this story would be amazing but I just had no idea what Gabrielle Meyer had come up with! I loved everything about this story. I loved the three timelines, they were all written so well it was easy to go back and forth. I loved characters from each timeline and the intense patience it took to wait until the very end to find out what Maggie decides. The history is completely fascinating and I learned so much even though it was all about well known historical events. The author has such a way of making history come alive. The very best part of this story is how encouraged Maggie is by knowing that God truly is in control. Her anxiety and desire to make big decisions and the frustration with her different lives hit so very close to home. The ending chapters completely blew me away and right when I thought it couldn't get any better---it did. There is hope in the waiting and the pain. Praise the Lord! 

You don't have to read the first book in the series to enjoy this one, but as always I do recommend that you read both! Book three can't come soon enough! 

Five Stars! 

"I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

When Tomorrow Came

About the Book

Book: When Tomorrow Came

Author: Hannah Linder

Genre:Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance

Release date: April, 2023

They Waited Their Whole Lives for Their Papa to Return

Nan and Heath Duncan, siblings abandoned by their papa and abused by their guardian, have no choice but to survive on the London streets. When a kind gentleman rescues Nan from such a life, the siblings are separated and raised in two vastly different social worlds. Just when both are beginning to flourish and years have healed some of their wounds, their long-awaited papa returns and reunites them—bringing demands with him. Nan is expected to marry a rich suitor she’s never liked, and Heath is expected to forsake his gentle spirit and become the hardened man his father always was.

Dangers unfold, secret love develops, fights ensue, and murder upsets the worlds Heath and Nan have built for themselves.

They’ve waited their whole lives for their papa to return, for tomorrow to come—but now that it has, will they be able to see through to the truth and end this whirlwind of a nightmare before it costs one of their lives?

 

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. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award finalist, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate 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 local photographer and a self-portrait photographer. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, and ukulele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. To follow her journey, visit hannahlinderbooks.com.

 

More from Hannah

Love interests me. Not just in the romantic sense, but in every sense, because love is the driving emotion behind so much of what we do. It’s the heartbeat of everything. What do we have but love? Yet isn’t it the very essence of our greatest pain?

 

Sometimes it doesn’t make sense. Sometimes love has no reason. Like a tumultuous wind or a wet branch that sways in different directions, love is often petulant and aimless and powerful. But sometimes it’s soft, like a flower lifting dewy petals to the sunshine. The epitome of everything good, sweet, and true.

 

What makes love change? What makes two friends who have always been fraternal one day confess romantic affection? How much wrong, how much affliction, does it take for sweet love to sizzle into hatred? Even then, is it really hatred? Or merely the charred crust of the adoration still throbbing beneath? And how strong are the cords of new love? Will they break at every pull and tug, or are they more unfaltering than anyone might think?

 

Maybe those are silly questions. Maybe, like snowflakes, every heart knows a different answer. But if I explored anything in When Tomorrow Came, it was this. I glided through the story and felt love shift from brotherly to intimate, from hopeful to disappointed, from untested to proven, from safe to betrayed.

 

Just as love is the heartbeat of life, it is also the heartbeat of this story. I hope you will find yourself falling in love with the characters and their journey as much as I did.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, April 28

To Everything There Is A Season, April 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 29

Connie’s History Classroom, April 30

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, April 30

Lily’s Book Reviews, May 1

Genesis 5020, May 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 2

Betti Mace, May 3

Book Looks by Lisa, May 3

Labor Not in Vain, May 4

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, May 4

Cover Lover Book Review, May 5

Blogging With Carol, May 6

For Him and My Family, May 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 7

Where Faith and Books Meet, May 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 8

Holly’s Book Corner, May 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 10

Splashes of Joy, May 10

Pause for Tales, May 11

Books I’ve Read, May 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Hannah 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.

GIVEAWAY

My Thoughts

Hannah Linder again has penned a unique historical romance that has quite a bit of mystery and darker moments. This story has a different tone than her first novel that I wasn't quite expecting. There isn't anything graphic or bad per se, it was just a bit of the darker side of poverty and the evil hearts of men.  I did love the mysterious aspect that flows throughout the book. In the first part of the book, I liked getting the back story of Nan and Heath. About half way through there is a major shift and I really struggled with Nan's character at that point. I didn't like how easily swayed she was by others and she grated on my nerves a bit. While reading about Nan, the reader also gets to read about Heath and his adventures. There is a lot happening and it seemed like a lot to mix together in one novel. I did like Gilbert, as I think he is my favorite character in this story. 

I still enjoyed most of this book though some of it seemed a bit choppy at times.

 I am eager to read Hannah Linder's next novel! 

Three Stars.

" I received this book from Barbour Publishing for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Mail-Order Bride Substitute Review

 

 

About the Book

Book: Mail-Order Bride Substitute

Author: Linda Ford

Genre: Historical Western Romance

Release date: March 29, 2023

 

Olivia comes from a rich family, but it hasn’t protected her from malicious rumors. A marriage of convenience as a mail-order bride to Riley Shannon is exactly what she needs for a fresh start. Especially when he makes it clear he wants no romance. Something she is in complete agreement with. She’ll go in place of her friend, Sylvia, who has changed her mind about the arrangement she made with Riley.

Riley has bitter memories of loving a rich woman who doesn’t care to embrace ranch life. He has no intention of repeating that lesson. When Olivia steps from the train, offering to be his substitute bride, his answer is a resounding ‘no thanks.’ But Olivia isn’t about to take no for an answer and makes her way to the ranch, determined to prove she is the answer to his prayers.

What will it take for these two to overcome the barriers to their love?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

 

Linda Ford is a multi-published author who makes her home in rural Alberta, Canada where she is near enough to the Rockies to see them every day. She didn’t always want to be an author. In fact, she dreamed of running an orphanage. In a way, her dream came true. She married a rancher. They had four children then adopted ten, an experience which has given her much fodder for the happy-ever-after stories she writes. Growing up on the prairie and learning to notice the small details it hides has given her an appreciation for watching God at work in His creation. Her upbringing also included being taught to trust God in everything and through everything—a theme that resonates in her stories.

Mail-Order Bride Substitute is her 100^th title.

 

More from Linda

For the most part, I write westerns.  Historical western romances to be exact. Now I’m not a cowgirl. I don’t even ride horseback. (Shh. Don’t tell anyone.) So, you might well ask, what qualifies me to write stories of this era and these kinds of people?

 

Well, I could list a number of reasons. 1) I had a father who liked to visit museums and tell stories about settling the west. Not only that, but for a few summers when I was very young, my mother and my siblings accompanied him to live in a…well, the best way to describe it is to say it was a cabin on wheels with nothing inside but a few cupboards and rough bunk beds. You could say I experienced pioneer life firsthand albeit it through the eyes of a child 2) As a child, I read anything I could get my hands on, including Zane Grey. I fell in love with his heroes, his heroines and his settings. 3) I dated and married a man who lives to watch westerns. And as a good date and later, a good wife, I spent many hours watching them. 4). I still love those larger-than-life heroes (aka cowboys) and the stubborn but kind heroines.

 

Mail-Order Bride Substitute is the third in a 5-book (and counting) series of Montana Mail-Order Brides. I like creating families and have done exactly that in this series. There are four brothers—the Shannons–and then their friends who see how successful their marriages are and decide to try this mail-order bride business for themselves.

 

I tend to create strong families and this series is no exception. Mrs. Shannon was a kind, guiding mother. Mr. Shannon was tough as old leather yet fair. Their sons do their best to honor them. I also prefer settings that include mountains which is why I have set this series in beautiful western Montana.

 

I love these stories. Or maybe it’s the cowboys and the brides who gather their courage around them to travel west to marry—and yes, tame—these young men.

 

Incidentally, this is my 100^th book to be published.

Blog St0ps

Vicky Sluiter, April 15

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 16 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, April 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 17

Texas Book-aholic, April 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 19

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 20

Connie’s History Classroom, April 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 22

Cover Lover Book Review, April 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 24

Mornings at Character Cafe, April 24

For Him and My Family, April 25

Holly’s Book Corner, April 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 26

Pause for Tales, April 27

Labor Not in Vain, April 28

To Everything There Is A Season, April 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda 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.

GIVEAWAY!

My Thoughts

I just love the cover of this book. It is fresh and colorful and perfect for the story line. This was a new take on the mail order bride trope. While this is a very typical story line that has been written many times over, the characters made this story unique. Olivia’s character is so vibrant you can’t help but smile at how she handles life. Riley struggles to understand how the woman came to be in his life and challenges her to stick out living on the ranch.

As you can imagine, it makes for some humorous chapters and also some more in depth perspective I wasn’t expecting. I do wish that at the middle of the book there was a bit more action or adventure since it got a bit slow for me. The ending did surprise me a bit and I appreciate how the author wrote the final pages.

 

This story reminded me a lot of Sarah Plain and Tall. It was an enjoyable read.

Four Stars.

 

“I received this book from the author for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.”

Under The Java Moon Review

 

 

About the Book

 Based on a true story, this gripping WWII novel captures the resilience, hope, and courage of a Dutch family who is separated during the war when the Japanese occupy the Dutch East Indies.

Java Island, 1941

Six-year-old Rita Vischer cowers in her family’s dug-out bomb shelter, listening to the sirens and waiting for a bomb to fall. Her charmed life on Java—living with other Dutch families—had always been peaceful, but when Holland declares war on Japan and the Japanese army invades Indonesia, Rita’s family is forced to relocate to a POW camp, and Rita must help care for her little brother, Georgie.

Mary Vischer is three months pregnant when she enters the Tjideng women’s camp with thousands of other women and children. Her husband, George, is somewhere on the Java Sea with the Dutch Navy, so she must care alone for her young children, Rita and Georgie, and her frail mother-in-law. The brutal conditions of the overcrowded camp make starvation, malaria, and dysentery a grim reality. Mary must do everything she can to keep her family alive.

George Vischer survives the bombing of his minesweeper but feels little hope floating on a small dinghy in the Java Sea. Reaching the northern tip of the Thousand Islands would be a miracle. Focusing on of the love of his life, Mary, and his two children, he battles against the sea and merciless sun. He’ll do whatever it takes to close the divide between him and his family, even if it means risking being captured by the Japanese.

Under the Java Moon highlights a little-known part of WWII history and the impact of war on Indonesia, its people, and the more than 100,000 Dutch men, women, and children who were funneled into prison camps and faced with the ultimate fight for survival. (Goodreads)

 

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My Thoughts

This book holds an incredible story. Once I started reading, I really couldn't put this book down. This covers a history that I didn't know happened. The historical research and the fact that it is based on a true story is incredible. Indonesia during World War II is something I never considered and I just can't believe that people survived. What horrors other human beings can do to one another is mind boggling to me. This is not an easy read and I appreciate that Heather B. Moore doesn't skip the tough stuff. It is not terribly graphic per se but there are some scenes that are really hard to read. BUT we need to read this story. This needs to be talked about and taught as part of history. This book is told from three perspectives and it is done flawlessly. I was able to go back and forth between them all without issue. To read of an event from the perspective of people who were really there is incredible. It makes history come alive and it also should make us so thankful for what we have today. This is a fantastic book and one I won't soon forget. 

Five Stars.

" I received this book from Shadow Mountain Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

A Match in the Making Review with Celebrate Lit

 

 

About the Book

Book: A Match in the Making

Author: Jen Turano

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: February 21, 2023

 

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America’s most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the employ of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond irritating.

Walter Townsend is reluctantly in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly motherless children who cannot keep a governess for long. What he wasn’t expecting was Miss Brinley, an amateur matchmaker who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle. Constantly besieged by society ladies on a mission to win his affection, Walter must find a way to overcome their inundating attention–and his unexpected attraction toward Gwendolyn.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

 

Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado. Readers can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and at jenturano.com.

 

More from Jen

A Chat with Jen Turano

You’re known for writing historical romantic comedies set in the Gilded Age. What made you decide to write in that particular era?

Funny thing, when I first tried my hand at writing historical, I wrote Regency—think Jane Austen, lots of drama, dukes, and probably a few countesses in serious need of attitude adjustments. One of those books, I believe I titled it A Marriage of Inconvenience, is the book that landed me my first agent. But, as she was shopping that book around, I read this fascinating book about Alva Vanderbilt. There was so much drama involved with the New York Four Hundred during the latter part of the nineteenth century that I threw myself into researching everything I could find about high society. I’ve been writing about that fascinating moment in time ever since.

Your new series revolves around matchmaking. How did you come up with that idea, and what can we expect?

I’ve been wanting to do a matchmaker series forever, and that idea reinforced when I watched Season 4 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and there was a prevalent matchmaking thread. However, I didn’t want to do a normal matchmaker story, which is why I decided it would be hilarious to have a heroine accept a paid companion position and then, due to unforeseen circumstances, find herself turned into an assistant matchmaker even though she has absolutely no experience with matchmaking in general and is actually old enough to be considered a confirmed spinster.

How do you come up with such unusual ideas?

I think I just view life a little differently. I’ve always been rather weird, so when I think of matchmaking agencies, or lady detectives, or hat makers, I begin thinking up all these outlandish situations and then, just when my heroine or hero thinks that nothing else could go wrong, I throw something else at them. It’s a highly amusing job at times, although I’m certain my characters don’t appreciate my odd sense of humor.

Do you have a favorite character or book?

I adore Gertrude Cadwalader from Out of the Ordinary, although that’s not my favorite book. My favorite book is Diamond in the Rough because Poppy Garrison gets herself in some fabulous messes.

Your characters do seem to find themselves in some interesting mishaps and messes. Do you write these from personal experience?

You know, I have to admit that a lot of the outlandish situations I write are based on either observations I’ve made over the years or . . . yep, they’ve happened to me or my friends. I’ve definitely led an interesting life, although I do embellish the situations in some instances—creative license and all that.

How do you come up with such unusual names?

Contrary to what some may believe, I don’t make up any of my names. I scour old obituaries or shake down my friends who are into researching their ancestors for cool names. That’s how I got Mercy Miner, Temperance Flowerdew, and Lucetta Plum.

What’s coming up next?

I just finished up developmental edits for the second book in the Matchmakers series, so now I’ll go back to writing the third and final book in that series. After that? Well, I’m not positive yet. I have two ideas roaming around in my head for the next series I’ll delve into, but I simply don’t know which one I want to write quite yet.

Thanks so much for having me! Always fun being here with your readers.

All the best,

Jen

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 9

Christina’s Corner, April 9

To Everything There Is A Season, April 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 10

Texas Book-aholic, April 11

Karen Baney Reviews, April 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 12

Bigreadersite, April 12

Sylvan Musings, April 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 13

Betti Mace, April 14

Godly Book Reviews, April 14

She Lives To Read, April 14

Batya’s Bits, April 15

Connie’s History Classroom, April 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 16

Blogging With Carol, April 16

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 17

Cover Lover Book Review, April 17

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 18 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 18

Blossoms and Blessings, April 19

For Him and My Family, April 19

Splashes of Joy, April 20

Holly’s Book Corner, April 20

Southern Gal Loves to Read, April 20

By the Book, April 21

Back Porch Reads, April 21

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, April 22

Live. Love. Read., April 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jen is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of A Match in the Making and a $15 Amazon gift card!!

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

 GIVEAWAY

 

My Thoughts

In typical Jen Turano fashion this book is anything but serious. Set in the illustrious Newport at the height of the social season the reader is taken on a matchmaking adventure with many laughs along the way. Gwendolyn finds herself as assistant matchmaker which was not her plan. She was hoping it would be a relaxing summer and discovers quite the opposite. Jen Turano is known for her characters having witty banter and ending up in ridiculous situations. Since the leading hero has children who cause a stir wherever they go, the combination of the children’s antics with Gwendolyn’s forthright personality creates some entertaining scenes throughout the book. I did enjoy this story because it is light and silly and fun. Even the ending scene had me giggling.

If you are needing a lighthearted story with lots of dialogue and banter you will enjoy this book.

“I received this book from Bethany House for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.”