Tidewater Bride Review

 

 

About the Book

Selah Hopewell seems to be the only woman in the Virginia colony who has no wish to wed. True, there are too many men and far too few women in James Towne. But Selah already has her hands full assisting her father in the family's shop. And now she is in charge of an incoming ship of tobacco brides who must be looked after as they sort through their many suitors.

Xander Renick is perhaps the most eligible tobacco lord in the settlement. His lands are vast, his crops are prized, and his position as a mediator between the colonists and the powerful Powhatan nation surrounding them makes him indispensable. But Xander is already wedded to his business and still grieves the loss of his wife, daughter of the Powhatan chief.

Can two fiercely independent people find happiness and fulfillment on their own? Or will they discover that what they've been missing in life has been right in front of them all along?

Bestselling and award-winning author Laura Frantz takes you to the salty shores of seventeenth-century Virginia in this exploration of pride, honor, and the restorative power of true love. (Goodreads)

 BUY HERE

 My Thoughts

This was the much anticipated Laura Frantz book that I simply didn't want to end. I get plain giddy over a new Frantz book and hesitate starting to read it because I know I will have to wait another year for the next one. This story was wonderful and met all expectations. I loved the characters and the setting. Xander and Selah's relationship develops differently and while this isn't my favorite couple of Laura's I still enjoyed their characters. I loved the secondary characters and also there are a few twists and turns you might not expect in the latter part of the book. I will say that there is a lot crammed into this story and honestly I think it could have been split into two novels. The end of the story just has SO much going on and the timeline seems to be a little tricky as the course of events play out. So while I so enjoyed this book I do wish the last part of the book flowed a bit better. Also, I personally think we need a sequel about Oceanus and the Powhatan nation.

So I highly recommend to all Laura Frantz and historical fiction fans! 

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."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Releases for the First Half of 2021

 I am SO excited about these books coming out! 

 

 

 

 

 

Top Ten Books of 2020

 My goodness what a book year! This year was loads better than last year when it comes to books and I am excited to share my favorites. There were so many other amazing books but these are ones that have really stuck with me after reading them. They are in no particular order. There are some debut authors this year that really did an incredible job. I am excited to dive into 2021 reading! 

See what else people loved this year: Top Ten Tuesday

The Dress Shop on King Street Is A Must Read

 About the Book

Harper Albright has pinned all her hopes on a future in fashion design. But when it comes crashing down around her, she returns home to Fairhope, Alabama, and to Millie, the woman who first taught her to sew. As she rethinks her own future, secrets long hidden about Millie's past are brought to light.

In 1946, Millie Middleton boarded a train and left Charleston to keep half of her heritage hidden. She carried with her two heirloom buttons and the dream of owning a dress store. She never expected to meet a charming train jumper who changed her life forever . . . and led her yet again to a heartbreaking choice about which heritage would define her future.

Now, together, Harper and Millie return to Charleston and the man who may hold the answers they seek . . . and a chance at the dress shop they've both dreamed of. But it's not until all appears lost that they see the unexpected ways to mend what frayed between the seams. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

 My Thoughts

 This is Ashley Clark's debut novel and it most certainly blew me away. It is in my top ten books of the year and I am anxious to read her next story. This book has a lot going on with a dual time line and multiple characters. It was very well done and I adored both story lines and all of the characters. Each person in this book was well developed and I felt like I got to know them personally. There is so much that this book holds I couldn't begin to describe it all. This book brings home the fact of how racism has affected people lives FOREVER as it continues to do today. There is a wonderful story of family and romance and there is a twist near the end that you don't see coming. This isn't a fast read by any means and I thoroughly enjoyed savoring each page. If you enjoy dual time lines you will love this book! 

I highly recommend so go buy a copy now! Five stars. 

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

Courting Misfortune Review

 

 About the Book

Calista York needs one more successful case as a Pinkerton operative to secure her job. When she's assigned to find the kidnapped daughter of a mob boss, she's sent to the rowdy mining town of Joplin, Missouri, despite having extended family in the area. Will their meddling expose her mission and keep Lila Seaton from being recovered?

When Matthew Cook decided to be a missionary, he never expected to be sent only a short train ride away. While fighting against corruption of all sorts, Matthew hears of a baby raffle being held to raise funds for a children's home. He'll do what he can to stop it, but he also wants to stop the reckless Miss York, whose bad judgment consistently seems to be putting her in harm's way.

Calista doesn't need the handsome pastor interfering with her investigation, and she can't let her disguise slip. Her job and the life of a young lady depend on keeping Matthew in the dark. (Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts

 Having been to Joplin I was curious to read the historical aspect of the town. I had a difficult time connecting with the characters and the first part of the book moved a tad slow. But as the story moved on things started to flow a bit better and I got more into the story line. There are some fun moments and Calista is a very independent woman. Some of the scenes are pretty over the top but that can be part of the fun. It is interesting to read how rowdy this town was and the details of it's past. 

If you enjoy Regina Jennings you will love this new book. This is the first in a new series so I am curious to see what comes next! 

Three Stars. 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh Hey December

 

 

 It has been a while since I have written a blog post. The past couple months have been a complete blur and really the past year seems to have escaped my mind. Life, as for many, has been hectic and frustrating. I am so looking forward to a day at home for Christmas. 

I am hopeful the last few weeks of this year can be simple but joyful and that I can focus on what really matters. Life is not going to magically become perfect come 2021 but it still encouraging to be starting a new year.  

I have been doing a study on Ecclesiastes with my church group and my goodness it has really helped! I feel completely scattered every week and then when I prepare for study and then dig deeper with my sisters in Christ I am reminded that God is in control. I encourage you to study Ecclesiastes!

 

With decorating for Christmas I decided to continue what I tried last year and decorate with citrus. It is an "old fashioned' type look and I love it! I dehydrate oranges, grapefruit, and lemons and then put them on the tree as ornaments! Also, a friend of mine shared this DIY Dried Orange Wreath video and I think I might need to give it a try. 

You can also make garlands and it is a bright happy look. I like the ornaments because the Christmas lights shine so pretty through them.

Rebecca St. James had new songs come out in July and I am the last to know. This one I have been listening to a lot.

Also this is a great version of Little Drummer Boy.

I hope you have a great holiday season.

Happy December and Merry Christmas!

An Ivy Hill Christmas with Celebrate Lit Tours

 

 

About the Book

Book: An Ivy Hill Christmas

Author: Julie Klassen

Genre: Christmas Historical Romance

Release Date: September, 2020

 

Richard Brockwell, the younger son of Ivy Hill’s most prominent family, hasn’t been home for Christmas in years. He prefers to live in the London townhouse, far away from Brockwell Court, the old family secret that haunts him, and the shadows of his past mistakes. But then his mother threatens to stop funding his carefree life–unless he comes home for Christmas. Out of options, he sets out for Ivy Hill, planning to be back on a coach bound for London and his unencumbered bachelor life as soon as the festivities are over.

But Christmas in the country presents many surprises, including encounters with an orphaned apprentice, the first love he disappointed years ago, and Arabella Awdry, a young lady who is far more appealing than he recalled–and determined to have nothing to do with him.

Will Christmastime in Ivy Hill, with its village charm, kissing boughs, and joyous songs, change his heart . . . and hers as well?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

 

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane–Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for 16 years and now writes full-time. Her novels have sold over 1 million copies, and three of her books, The Silent Governess, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and a Christian Retailing‘s Best Award, and has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

 

More from Julie

My fascination with England began as a girl when I read The Secret Garden and Jane Eyre, and watched A Christmas Carol. I have now been to Great Britain several times, and my affection for the place has only grown. I love the country villages with their stone buildings and thatched roofs, the narrow, winding roads (though not driving on them), the ancient churches, friendly people, plummy accents, and history. Writing fifteen novels set there has been a real pleasure.

An Ivy Hill Christmas includes all the elements of an idyllic Olde English yuletide: A charming village setting, snowfall, mistletoe, caroling, gifts for less fortunate neighbors, and festive gatherings of friends and family. I thoroughly enjoyed researching 19^th century Christmas traditions and weaving them into this novella.

In the story, a confirmed bachelor is determined to remain aloof from the celebrations going on around him—and from his mother’s matchmaking schemes. But divine hope, friendship, and unexpected romance change his heart…and his mind.  I love a transformation story; don’t you?

If you’ve read the TALES FROM IVY HILL series, you will enjoy returning to the village and spending time with favorite characters. But rest assured, the novella is a standalone, meaning you can enjoy it whether or not you’ve read the other books, as these reviews attest:

“[A] standalone novella that not only beautifully captures the kindness, hope, love, and faith of Christmas but also skillfully evokes the period holiday atmosphere of Regency England.”  —Booklist

“This feel-good tale of love and redemption will delight Klassen’s fans and new readers alike.” —Publishers Weekly

And if you like the novella, I think you will like the other books as well. An Ivy Hill Christmas would also make a lovely gift for a reading friend.

Finally, if you want to add a British flair to your own modern-day celebrations, buy (or make) mince tarts or Christmas pudding, place Christmas “crackers” (pull-apart gift tubes) on your table and wear the included paper crowns. Refer to Father Christmas instead of Santa; and instead of “Merry,” wish everyone a hearty, “Happy Christmas.”

Happy Christmas!

 

Blog Stops

Through the Lens of Scripture, November 30

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 30

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 30

Christian Bookaholic, November 30

Andrea Christenson, November 30

Texas Book-aholic, December 1

KarenSueHadley, December 1

Robin’s Nest, December 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 1

Blessed & Bookish, December 2

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 2

Mia Reads, December 2

Wishful Endings, December 3

lakesidelivingsite, December 3

Through the Fire Blogs, December 3

For Him and My Family, December 3

Just Your Average reviews, December 3

She Lives To Read, December 4

Remembrancy, December 4

deb’s Book Review, December 4

Writing from the Heart Land, December 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 5

Quiet Workings, December 5

Blogging With Carol, December 5

Spoken from the Heart, December 5

The Christian Fiction Girl, December 6

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 6

Connect in Fiction, December 6

Artistic Nobody, December 6 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Worthy2Read, December 7

Genesis 5020, December 7

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 7

Inklings and notions, December 7

Life of Literature, December 7

For the Love of Literature, December 8

Connie’s History Classroom, December 8

Batya’s Bits, December 8

Labor Not in Vain, December 8

Hallie Reads, December 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 9

Older & Smarter?, December 9

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, December 9

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 9

Betti Mace, December 9

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 10

Faery Tales Are Real, December 10

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, December 10

Mary Hake, December 10

Daysong Reflections, December 11

Bigreadersite, December 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 11

Splashes of Joy, December 11

Vicky Sluiter, December 12

To Everything There Is A Season, December 12

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 12

Blossoms and Blessings, December 12

The Write Escape, December 12

A Baker’s Perspective, December 13

Bizwings Blog, December 13

Simple Harvest Reads, December 13 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Pause for Tales, December 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Julie is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of An Ivy Hill Christmas and the other three books in the Ivy Hill series, plus the winner’s choice of Bingley’s Tea!!

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

ENTER HERE

 

 My Thoughts

 I love a great holiday story. While this is a short book it still holds a fun story line. I love the cover! Arabella is a great character but it took me awhile to warm up to Richard Brockwell. It was fun to read some Christmas traditions. I think that is what really made this book all the better is the historical aspect of it. There is some romance of course but the pages just flow together nicely to make up a cozy winter read. If you enjoy Klassen's timeless novels this book will make a great addition to your collection. 

Four Stars. 

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

The Red Ribbon Review with Celebrate Lit Tours

 

About the Book

Book: The Red Ribbon

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian historical/suspense

Release Date: October, 2020

 

An Appalachian Feud Blows Up in 1912

Book 8 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History

In Carroll County, a corn shucking is the social event of the season, until a mischievous kiss leads to one of the biggest tragedies in Virginia history. Ava Burcham isn’t your typical Blue Ridge Mountain girl. She has a bad habit of courtin’ trouble, and her curiosity has opened a rift in the middle of a feud between politicians and would-be outlaws, the Allen family. Ava’s tenacious desire to find a story worth reporting may land her and her best friend, Jeremiah Sutphin, into more trouble than either of them planned. The end result? The Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

 

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She’s a native of the Blue Ridge Mountains where her family have lived for generations. She’s the mom of five kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus, and proud AlleyCat over at the award winning Writer’s Alley blog. Her debut historical romance novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in April 2015, and the second in February 2016. Her first contemporary romance debuted in April 2016.

 

More from Pepper

Feuds, Moonshine, and Family Loyalties by Pepper Basham

My upcoming release for Barbour’s True Colors series is really close to my heart…and pretty close to my house.

The Red Ribbon, my first foray into a historical suspense novel, takes place in the county where I grew up. Carroll County, Virginia, is a county on the border of Virginia and North Carolina, not too far from Mt. Airy (Mayberry).  Nestled in the foothills and mountains of the Blue Ridge, it is a part of the Appalachian Mountains, and with that comes similar histories as other backwoods Appalachian communities: feuds, moonshine, and family loyalties.

One thing I love most about my Appalachian upbringing is the intense closeness of family – and when I say ‘family’ I mean, of course, my mom, dad, and brother, but also my aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents…the whole “gang”, as my granny used to say.

The closeness of family, and the protection of the family name, is a big deal in Appalachia. There’s a lot of pride in the way your ‘name’ is thought of throughout the community, so when someone insults your name, there’s a good chance the repercussions aren’t going to be pleasant. Especially back in the early 1900s, when The Red Ribbon takes place. In fact, insulting someone by “stealing a kiss” is one of the events that leads to The Hillsville Courthouse Massacre/Tragedy.

A long-time feud between the Allen family and the “Courthouse Clan” came to a head inside the Hillsville Courthouse in March 1912 and this event resulted in the largest shootout within a courthouse in Virginia history. The story followed with a nationwide manhunt and made national news until the sinking of the Titanic the following month.

Growing up in Carroll County, I knew a few things about this story. Rumors and whispers, really. Most folks didn’t talk about it because it still caused a stir among those who were descendants (because another thing about Appalachia is that families tend to stay on or around family land for generations). People still took “sides”. So, when I decided to write this book, I knew I was stepping into precarious territory. Not that anyone would start up a shootout nowadays because of a book, but because people still have some deep feelings about how their ancestors are portrayed in history, and since many of my family members still live in Carroll County, I wanted to tread carefully into the events of “The Allen Tragedy”.

What I discovered was a story that still held a whole lot of mystery even one hundred years later. Bullet holes still mark the courthouse steps from that fateful day, rumors still circulate about who was to blame, and no one knows who fired the first gunshot that began the tragic shooting.

I’m not a “scary” book writer or reader, but I love a good adventure, so this book takes the reader on an adventure into Appalachia to my neck of the woods, and follows the journey of Ava Burcham and Jeremiah Sutphin as they live among the illegal moonshiners, dirty cops, and mountain gunslingers of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

(To learn more about the true events of the Courthouse Tragedy, you can read about it here: LINK

Have you ever read a book set in Appalachia? If so, what was the title and what did you learn about the Appalachian culture? Have you ever visited the Blue Ridge Mountains?

Let’s chat mountain people, mountain ways, and mountain books 😊

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 29

Fiction Aficionado, October 29

deb’s Book Review, October 29

Blossoms and Blessings, October 29

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 30

Texas Book-aholic, October 30

Blogging With Carol, October 30

Inklings and notions, October 31

Emily Yager, October 31

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 31

Hallie Reads, October 31

For Him and My Family, November 1

reviewingbooksplusmore, November 1

Christian Bookaholic, November 1

Betti Mace, November 2

Genesis 5020, November 2

For the Love of Literature, November 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , November 2

Rebecca Tews, November 3

Robin’s Nest, November 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 3

Connect in Fiction, November 4

Older & Smarter?, November 4

To Everything There Is A Season, November 4

Artistic Nobody, November 4 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

21st Century Keeper at Home, November 5

By The Book, November 5

Remembrancy, November 5

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 6

Britt Reads Fiction, November 6

Life of Literature, November 6

Connie’s History Classroom, November 7

Splashes of Joy, November 7

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, November 7

A Reader’s Brain, November 8

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 8

Through the Fire Blogs, November 8

Godly Book Reviews, November 8

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, November 9

Bigreadersite, November 9

Where Faith and books Meet, November 9

Books I’ve Read, November 10

Just the Write Escape, November 10

Adventures of a Travelers Life, November 10

Amanda Tero, blog, November 11

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 11

Pause for Tales, November 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a 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

I have read a few of Pepper’s books and so I was excited to pick up a copy of this book. I love the idea of this book series of true crime and have read a couple of the other books. I think this is the best book in this series so far. Pepper adds a bit more character development and a tad more romance to this book compared to the others. There was just more depth to the story line.

This book wasn’t terribly suspenseful and moved a tad slow for me but it was still a good quick read. I think each book Pepper Basham writes is better than her last. I am excited to read what she comes out with next!

 

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

Nothing Short of Wondrous

 

 

 About the Book

It is 1886, and the government has given the US Cavalry control of Yellowstone. For widowed hotelier Kate Tremaine, the change is a welcome one. She knows every inch of her wilderness home like the back of her hand and wants to see it protected from poachers and vandals.

Refused a guide by Congress, Lieutenant William Prescott must enlist Kate's aid to help him navigate the sprawling park and track down the troublemakers. But a secret from his past makes him wary of the tender feelings the capable and comely widow raises in him. When her 6-year-old son is kidnapped by a poacher who wants the boy to guide him to the place where the last of the Yellowstone bison congregate, Will and Kate must work together to rescue him, save the bison, and protect the park. In doing so, they may just find that two wounded hearts can share one powerful love when God is in control. (Goodreads)

 

BUY HERE

 

My Thoughts

 

I love National Park history so most any book that has to do with that subject I get excited to read. This book started off pretty good. Of course the setting of Yellowstone is wonderful and I loved the peek into what it might have been like in 1886. I really struggled in loving the characters and that is what made this story simply not my favorite. I think the story line was okay but I just didn't love Kate or William. There are some great chapters that made me keep wanting to read what would happen next. I think if you enjoy National Parks you might enjoy this story. 

 

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 Sound of Falling Leaves

About the Book

 After aspiring opera singer Tessa loses her voice in a fire, she needs both a place to heal and a way to keep music in her life. She retreats to her aunt's apple orchard in rural North Carolina to collect folk ballads. But amid the autumn splendor of this isolated Appalachian community, she uncovers an unnerving connection between a murder case and a long-ago disappearance. Tessa gets a glimpse into an almost-forgotten world, encounters a corrupt, small-town political dynasty, and finds superstition and prejudice at every turn.

She's also drawn to Zeke, the handsome but enigmatic orchard caretaker, who shows her that mountain justice is neither impartial nor just. But battling a conspiracy of silence, Tessa isn't sure if she can trust him. Yet somewhere in the mists of the Blue Ridge Mountains, evil lurks, and a killer is determined to keep the past where it belongs--dead and buried. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

 

The story line of this book intrigued me so I thought it would be a great book to read this time of year. The characters are all very strong willed and add a certain flair to the book. The story was a tad slow for me at times. I really enjoyed the history of the rural North Carolina area and there are some great secondary characters that make this story all the better. Zeke had me puzzled for a while and I just wasn't so sure about him but by the end of the book I thought his character developed nicely. I wasn't on the edge of my seat reading it but I still enjoyed the book. 

Four Stars. 

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

My Thoughts on The Love Note

 

 

 

 

About the Book

 Focused on a career in medicine and not on romance, Willa Duvall is thrown slightly off course during the summer of 1859 when she discovers a never-opened love letter in a crack of her old writing desk. Compelled to find the passionate soul who penned it and the person who never received it, she takes a job as a nurse at the seaside estate of Crestwicke Manor.

Everyone at Crestwicke has feelings--mostly negative ones--about the man who wrote the letter, but he seems to have disappeared. With plenty of enticing clues but few answers, Willa's search becomes even more complicated when she misplaces the letter and it passes from person to person in the house, each finding a thrilling or disheartening message in its words.

Laced with mysteries large and small, this romantic Victorian-era tale of love lost, love deferred, and love found is sure to delight. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

 

The cover of this book is stunning and after reading Joanna Politano's previous novels I knew I needed to read this one. I completely fell in love with this story and the characters. This is Politano's best yet and I couldn't set it down. I love the mystery and setting and probably my favorite character is Aunt Maisie as she added a lot to the story. The romance is very well written and I also appreciate the strong willed women who believe they are capable of bigger things. The ending takes you on an extra adventure you won't expect and while slightly rushed (I didn't really want it to end) it wrapped things up nicely. 

If you are searching for a new adventure look no further. 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."