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Showing posts with label clean romances. Show all posts
Showing posts with label clean romances. Show all posts

Thursday, February 23, 2023

The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel (Review)

The Maid of Ballymacool

The Maid of Ballymacool is a lovely story that is part romance part mystery set in the town of Ballymacool, Ireland in the 1930s.

BOOK DETAILS

Title: The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel
Category: Adult Fiction, 352 pages
Genre: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Inspirational Fiction
Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Co 
Publication date: February 21, 2023
Format: Hardcover, Trade Paperback, & eBook
Rating: PG for theme physical and emotional abuse


BOOK DESCRIPTION

Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School as an infant. She has worked there since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.

Fan favorite Jennifer Deibel invites you back to the Emerald Isle in the 1930s for this fresh take on the Cinderella story, complete with a tantalizing mystery, a budding romance, and a chance at redemption.


MY REVIEW
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

The Maid of Ballymacool is a lovely story that is part romance part mystery set in the town of Ballymacool, Ireland in the 1930s. Ballymacool House actually exists, and the author expounds more on this in her notes at the end of the book which I also enjoyed reading.

Brianna Kelly is an orphan who is mistreated by the schoolmistress of the Ballymacool House and Boarding School where she was raised from infancy and where she now works hard as a maid. Despite the lack of parental love in her life, Brianna's spirit is not broken because she loves the woods and nature and finds refreshment for her soul there. She is a lovely character and my heart ached for her. When Michael Wray is sent to the school to see about his young mischievous cousin, he meets Brianna and is immediately attracted to her. 

Yes, this has the definite feel of a Cinderella story and I was curious about the mystery surrounding Brianna, which kept me engaged in the story. Irish history comes alive as the author describes life in the boarding school and small town, with its characters, some of which make an appearance from her previous book A Dance in Donegal, which I read. The dialogue is interspersed with Gaelic expressions, which I liked, but they were not followed by a translation so I had no idea at times what the phrase meant.

The ending was very satisfying and finally, Brianna goes through an emotional period as she comes to understand what was taken from her. Throughout the story, she seemed accepting of her mistreatment and never rebelled against the schoolmistress, but as the plot moves along we finally get to see how Brianna is truly affected by all that has happened to her and how she gains the courage to stand up for the respect of which she is deserving as a human being.

This was a quick and enjoyable read, but may be triggering for those who've experienced physical and emotional abuse. However, the themes of jealousy, isolation, self-respect, resilience, and justice make this an interesting novel, especially after coming out of a global pandemic.


Disclosure: Thanks to the publisher for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.



PURCHASE LINKS




AUTHOR BIO


Jennifer Deibel is the author of A Dance in Donegal (winner of the Kipp Award for Historical Romance) and The Lady of Galway Manor (a Parable Group bestseller). Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and in other publications. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children.

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR








Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Her Country Gentleman (Audiobook Review)


A historical romance collection featuring three novellas that are fun, quick to read (or listen to) and clean. The audiobook version is very entertaining and I highly recommend it!

Audiobook Details:

Title: Her Country Gentleman
Series: Timeless Georgian Collection (Book 1)
Authors: Sian Ann Bessey, Sarah M. Eden, & Rebecca Connolly
Genre: Historical Romance, Georgian Romance, Inspirational Fiction
Publisher: Mirror Press (Feb 15, 2022)
Narrated by Kim Bretton
    Length: 7 hours 31 minutes


    Book Description:

    Her Country Gentleman is the first book in the Timeless Georgian Collection, a new anthology series from Mirror Press. The book features three novellas from bestselling historical romance authors whose stories reveal that not all love is found in London...

    Spring at Tribbley Hall by Sian Ann Bessey

    When Charlotte's grandmother invites her to accompany her to Norfolk, Charlotte jumps at the chance to visit the sea and escape the fuss surrounding her sister's wedding preparations in London. Lord William Cheston, on the other hand, is most unhappy when his mother informs him that her old friend and a granddaughter are coming to stay. Not only is it lambing season, but he's also dealing with the mysterious loss of several sheep. The last thing he needs is a child underfoot. When Charlotte and William first meet, he does not realize that the lovely young lady is the granddaughter in question, and she assumes that the man dressed in work clothes in the barn is a servant. Soon afterward, however, Charlotte stumbles upon a clue to William's sheep's disappearance, and when her life is placed in jeopardy, William is forced to choose between saving his unwanted houseguest and catching the thief.

    Love of My Heart by Sarah M. Eden

    Cordelia Wakefield has never lived anywhere but London and is not overly happy when her family is forced to retrench to a small estate near Teviotbrae, Scotland. An ill-fated game of battledore and shuttlecock brings her face-to-racquet with Sebastian, who runs the home farm at nearby Teviot Castle. What begins as a clash of personalities, expectations, and preferences, soon leads to a friendship neither had expected. As the magic of Teviotbrae weaves its spell, the possibility of something more than friendship begins to blossom. But what future is there for a lowly farmer and a London lady?

    Miss Smith Goes to Wiltshire by Rebecca Connolly

    Martha Smith wants to marry for love, and will not be persuaded otherwise. She is highly sought after in Society for her beauty and status but refuses to consider any suitor whose only claim is that his prospects meet with her mother's approval. Her widowed mother has had enough of Martha's romantic sensibilities and is sending her to stay with unfortunate cousins in Wiltshire to show her that marrying for love is a risk that is too great. Benjamin Steele, Lord Hillier, is working on his new and dilapidated estate when he first catches sight of the striking Martha Smith. Becoming Lord Hillier has only brought him a house that needs significant repairs, tenant farms that had been abandoned, and only the money he'd already possessed. He wants meaning in his life, and he's more than willing to work for it. Though worlds apart in all else, on this point they can agree: a life of meaning would change everything.


    My Review:
    Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

    The three novellas in Her Country Gentleman were a delight to listen to. I enjoyed all three stories. Although short, each had well-developed characters, a good plot, and an enjoyable storyline that featured heroines who each became enamored with a country gentleman.

    Spring at Tribbley Hall by Sian Ann Bessey features Charlotte, a spunky heroine who escapes with her grandmother to the country and has a heart-pounding adventure when a sheep thief goes a little too far. Love of My Heart by Sarah M. Eden features Cordelia, forced to relocate with her family to the country where she discovers lovely vistas that inspire her artistic soul and draw her to a kind gentleman farmer. And finally, Miss Smith Goes to Wiltshire by Rebecca Connolly features a young woman who wishes to marry for love, and so is temporarily banished by her mother to the country to visit her aunt. Martha is charmed by the country life and a certain gentleman, and the reader is regaled with humorous scenes between the two. 

    The narrator Kim Bretton does an excellent job with all the character accents and she brings each story to life, with its lovely heroines and comedic scenes. Very entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this first collection book and I eagerly look forward to the next one.




    PURCHASE LINKS

    AMAZON | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS


    Audible.com ~ Audible.ca



    AUTHOR BIOS

    Sian Ann Bessey


    Born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales, Sian left her homeland to attend university in the U.S. and earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English.


    She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then, she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children's books. She is a USA Today bestselling author, a Foreward Reviews Book of the Year finalist, and a Whitney Award finalist.


    She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she's home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.


    WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS



    Sarah M. Eden



    Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today bestselling author of multiple historical romances, including AML's "2013 Novel of the Year" and Foreword Review’s 2013 “IndieFab Book of the Year” gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, and the Whitney Award's "2014 Novel of the Year," Longing for Home: Hope Springs. 


    Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a bachelor’s degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski.


    WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS



    Rebecca Connolly



    Rebecca Connolly is the author of more than two dozen novels. She calls herself a Midwest girl, having lived in Ohio and Indiana. She's always been a bookworm, and her grandma would send her books almost every month so she would never run out. Book Fairs were her carnival, and libraries are her happy place. 


    She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She received a master's degree from West Virginia University, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.


    WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS






    Wednesday, March 2, 2022

    Claiming Her Legacy by Linda Goodnight (Review)

    Claiming Her Legacy

    Every once in a while I long to read a good Western romance, and this one hit the spot.
     
    Book Details:

    Title: Claiming Her Legacy by Linda Goodnight 
    Category: Adult Fiction,  pages
    Genre: Western Romance, Historical Romance
    Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
    Release date: April 5, 2022
    Content rating: PG-13 (violence related to western life on the frontier)


    Book Description:

    With her family’s legacy on the line, a woman with everything to lose must rely on a man hiding from his past…

    Oklahoma, 1890

    Frontier women don’t ride off alone to track an outlaw—not even women as capable as tomboy spinster Willa Malone. But Willa desperately needs the bounty money offered for her father’s killer if she’s to keep their homestead and take care of her sisters. That means she needs an expert tracker's help. Gideon Hartley has the skill, but the handsome trail guide also has a troubling secret…

    Gideon has spent years trying to numb his pain with whiskey. Little by little, their quest—and Willa’s belief in him—is restoring the sense of purpose he thought he’d lost. Journeying into the heart of danger, they’ll have to face down the past together if they hope to protect their future…


    My Review:
    Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

    Every once in a while I long to read a good Western romance, and this one hit the spot. Willa Malone is a strong heroine, determined, and fiercely independent. She's tough yet vulnerable. Gideon is a broken man, running from his past, escaping through the whiskey bottle. He is charming and a renowned trail guide, but he has lost his way. Together, these two characters, with their realistically portrayed problems, will discover that with the right person, one can overcome even the most difficult personal trials.

    This book had it all: frontier life with all its tough themes, clean romance with a touch of faith, flawed characters the reader could root for, danger and adventure, and a good storyline and plot. It was the perfect escapism for the long winter nights and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The author writes well and the characters were well developed and believable. And I just love that cover.

    I am glad to have discovered this author and I would definitely read her again. If you like Western romances this one is not to be missed.

    Disclosure: Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

    By the Book:

    About the Author:

    New York Times bestseller Linda Goodnight fell in love with words as a young child when her mother took her to a tiny library and let her fill a cardboard box with books. The next week she was back again, forever hooked on the beauty and power of the written word. Her other passions are her faith and her blended family. A former nurse and teacher, she lives in Oklahoma with her husband where she enjoys baking and travel. Connect with Linda at www.lindagoodnight.com






    Friday, January 21, 2022

    The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews (Review and Giveaway!)


    The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews

    I've read several books by Mimi Mattews but I think that this one may be my favorite so far!

     
    BOOK DETAILS:

    Title: The Siren of Sussex: Belles of London (Book 1)
    Author: Mimi Matthews
    Genre: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction
    Publisher: Berkley Romance (January 11, 2022)
    Length: (432) pages
    Format: Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook
    Tour Dates: January 10-30, 2022
    Content: PG-13


    BOOK DESCRIPTION

    Victorian high society’s most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London’s most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor.

    Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she's worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she'll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London's attention she'll need a habit-maker who's not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.

    Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row's infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.

    But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following their hearts?


    MY REVIEW:
    Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

    I've read several books by Mimi Mattews but I think that this one may be my favorite so far. Historical fiction with interracial romance at a time in history when class and gender were still not on equal terms  caught my attention. Ahmed is a half-Indian tradesman, a man somewhat jaded with his life experiences but who dreams of becoming his own man. Evelyn is a gentleman's daughter, orphaned and now tasked with the responsibility of marrying well so that her sisters could have a good life. I wondered how the author was going to pull off this complex romance. But of course, she succeeds beautifully.

    Matthews knows how to begin her stories so that the reader's interest is quickly piqued. I was pulled along as she deftly created her characters and paced her romance just right. Both Evelyn and Ahmed are strong main characters supported by a good cast of secondary characters. The author knows how to create romantic tension and passion all while keeping it clean as a novel. Ahmed is swoothworthy and Evelyn knows her own mind. They make a memorable couple. And if you love fashion, the author describes such beautiful dress and riding habit creations and fashion trends.

    Matthew's stories always have me googling stuff that she introduces in her novels, like the Pretty Horsebreakers and also the spiritualism movement, which I did not realize was so prevalent back then. As a Christian, I was grateful this aspect of the story is only part of the backdrop of what some in this Victorian era believed and not practiced by the main characters. However, there is a séance scene.

    This was a great start to what promises to be another worthwhile series from an author who doesn't shy away from exploring topics that were once swept under the rug, misunderstood or stigmatized. I look forward to reading the next books in this series!



    ADVANCE PRAISE:

    “…a tender and swoon-worthy interracial, cross-class romance in Victorian London…Readers will delight in this paean to women’s fashion and horseback riding.”— Publishers Weekly, starred review

    “Matthews brings the Victorian era to vivid life with meticulously researched details and an impossible romance made believable and memorable.”— Booklist, starred review

    “Matthews deftly underscores racial and gender discrimination in Victorian London in this excellent start to ‘The Belles of London’ series; rather than overshadowing, it propels the romance. Romance aficionados who love fashion and animals will delight in this tender romance and will be excited to see Evelyn’s friends in future installments.” — Library Journal, starred review

    "Unflinching, tender, and moving, the delicately crafted The Siren of Sussex might just be my favourite work from Mimi Matthews; it certainly is one of my favourite historical romance reads this year."— Evie Dunmore, USA Today bestselling author of Portrait of a Scotsman


    PURCHASE LINKS:



    AUTHOR BIO:




    USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.

    Connect with the Author:






    GIVEAWAY DETAILS
    Ends Feb 7, 2022






    Terms & Conditions:

    Giveaway hosted by Mimi Matthews. No Purchase Necessary. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Open to US residents only. Void where prohibited.

    The Giveaway Package:

    1 winner (selected at random by Rafflecopter) receives the following:

    Signed print copy of The Siren of Sussex
    Horse scarf
    Pewter sidesaddle brooch (made in Sussex, England!)
    The Siren of Sussex tote bag
    Three candles in scents: Fresh Hay, New Saddle, and Winter Ride
    Box of Ahmad Tea (60 count, assorted flavors)
    The Siren of Sussex bookmark

    The giveaway is open from 12:01 am Pacific time 1/4/22 until 11:59pm Pacific time on 2/7/22.

    The winner will be announced on Mimi's blog - mimimatthews.com – at 8:00 pm Pacific time on 2/8/22.




    Friday, December 17, 2021

    Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen (Review)

    Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen

    This was a fun easy read, perfect for Regency mystery lovers to cuddle with on cold winter nights. Don't miss out on Klassen's latest release.


    BOOK DETAILS:

    Title: Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen
    Genre: Regency Romance, Historical Suspense, Inspirational Fiction
    Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (December 7, 2021)
    Length: 416 pages
    Format: Hardcover, trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook


    BOOK DESCRIPTION

    Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen in this atmospheric Regency tale brimming with mystery, intrigue, and romance.

    When Miss Rebecca Lane returns to her home village after a few years away, her brother begs for a favor: go to nearby Swanford Abbey and deliver his manuscript to an author staying there who could help him get published. Feeling responsible for her brother's desperate state, she reluctantly agrees.

    The medieval monastery turned grand hotel is rumored to be haunted. Once there, Rebecca begins noticing strange things, including a figure in a hooded black gown gliding silently through the abbey's cloisters. For all its renovations and veneer of luxury, the ancient foundations seem to echo with whispers of the past--including her own. For there she encounters Sir Frederick—magistrate, widower, and former neighbor—who long ago broke her heart.

    When the famous author is found murdered in the abbey, Sir Frederick begins questioning staff and guests and quickly discovers that several people held grudges against the man, including Miss Lane and her brother. Haunted by a painful betrayal in his past, Sir Frederick searches for answers but is torn between his growing feelings for Rebecca and his pursuit of the truth. For Miss Lane is clearly hiding something…


    MY REVIEW:
    Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

    From the first page to the last this was a great historical mystery with a touch of romance. Klassen succeeds in creating a great cast of characters, all with a past and their own personal dilemmas, enough to make us question if they are a suspect.

    Rebecca, who has been working as a lady's companion, returns home, only to find her brother suffering from deep depression. To help him, she decides to stay at Swanford Abbey, where she is to perform a task for him. There, she meets Frederick again after years of being away. She had a crush on him as a teenager, but he broke her heart when he married. Now, he is a widower and Rebecca is no longer a besotted teen but does anyone ever forget their first love? Rebecca hasn't. And when they join forces to uncover who committed a murder, Rebecca's past comes full circle.

    Although a murder mystery, I really enjoyed how the author explores the topics of mental illness, betrayal, revenge, guilt, and familial responsibility. She does this seamlessly, without weighing down the story, all within the mystery of a spooky medieval-abbey-turned-grand-hotel, which is a great setting for a who-dun-it mystery novel. It's well-written and engaging. Not a boring moment. 

    This was a fun easy read, perfect for Regency mystery lovers to cuddle with on cold winter nights. Don't miss out on Klassen's latest release.


    YOUTUBE VIDEO


    Author Julie Klassen shares her inspiration for Shadows of Swanford Abbey





    PURCHASE LINKS



    AUTHOR BIO


    Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold over a million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of 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 Christian Retailing's BEST Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

    Connect with the Author:








    Thursday, November 25, 2021

    Love and Lavender by Josi S. Kilpack (Review)


    If there is one thing that I can expect when I pick up a book written by Josi S. Kilpack is that I will be reading an intelligent story with unforgettable unique characters.

    Book Details:

    Title: Love and Lavender: A Mayfield Family Romance (Book 4)
    Series: Proper Romance
    Author: Josi S. Kilpack
    Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Inspirational Fiction
    Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing (November 2, 2021)
    Length: (320) pages
    Format: Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook
     
    Book Description:

    Hazel Stillman is a woman of rare independence and limited opportunities. Born with a clubbed foot, Hazel knows marriage is unlikely, so she devotes herself to teaching at a private girls’ school.

    When her uncle offers Hazel a substantial inheritance is he marries, she is offended. What kind of decent man would marry for her money? But when she learns the school might be sold, she knows she must consider all her options.

    Duncan Penhale thrives on order and process. He has no interest in marriage, so when Elliott Mayfield, his guardian’s brother, offers him an inheritance if he weds, Duncan finds it intrusive. However, an inheritance means he could purchase a building and run his own firm.

    Hazel and Duncan believe they have found a solution to both of their problems: marry one another, claim their inheritances, and then part ways to enjoy their individual paths. But then Uncle Mayfield stipulates that they must first live together as a couple for one year.

    Over time, their marriage of convenience becomes much more appealing than they had anticipated. At the end of the full year, will they go their separate ways or could an unlikely marriage have found unsuspecting love?


    My Review:
    Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

    If there is one thing that I can expect when I pick up a book written by Josi S. Kilpack is that I will be reading an intelligent story with unforgettable unique characters, characters that have real-life issues or challenges so different from the unrealistic perfect heroes of most romance novels. I was not disappointed by her latest novel which tackles a woman with a club foot and a man on the autism spectrum. So interesting!

    Both Hazel and Duncan stand out as characters and would have been considered weird in their day, but I loved how realistic the author made them. She brought out the best in them and did not sugarcoat their issues. Instead, we see the possibility of love growing between two people shunned by a society that did not fully understand their limitations and who did not always embrace their strengths. Hazel is a strong feminist character, whose kindness and forgiveness take her far in life. So many great lessons without the preachiness.

    The story flowed well and kept my interest throughout. I was rooting for this couple. I loved the setting that added to the intrigue of living at a time when certain conditions were not well understood. The author did excellent research because her portrayal of what life must have been like for both these individuals was well done.

    I have not read any of Kilpack's previous novels in this series but now I plan to. Each is a stand-alone novel and includes a flower in the title and as a token woven through each story.

    If you are looking for good clean romance novels with unique storylines, Kilpack is an author to discover. I have a few of her novels on my bookshelf that I'm wondering why I haven't read them yet. Time to rectify that!

    PURCHASE LINKS

    AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS


    AUTHOR BIO


    Josi S. Kilpack has written more than thirty novels, a cookbook, and several novellas. She is a four-time Whitney award winner, including Best Novel 2015 for "Lord Fenton's Folly, and has been a Utah Best of State winner for Fiction. Josi loves to bake, sleep, eat, read, travel, and watch TV--none of which she gets to do as much as she would like. She writes contemporary fiction under the pen name Jessica Pack.

    Josi has four children and lives in Northern Utah.


    Connect with Josi: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER |
    INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS





    Monday, September 6, 2021

    Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong (Review and Giveaway!)

    Husband Auditions

    Every so often, I enjoy reading a rom-com, especially when the premise involves an original storyline.

    Book Details:

    Book Title: Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong
    Category: Adult Fiction,  272 pages
    Genre: Christian Romance, Romantic Comedy
    Publisher: Kregel Publications
    Release date: August 17, 2021
    Tour dates: August 17 to Sept 7, 2021
    Content Rating: G

    Book Description:

    ​How far would you go to find the perfect husband? All the way back to the 1950s?

    In a world full of happily-ever-after love, Meri Newberg feels like the last young woman on the planet to be single, at least in her Christian friend group. So when she's handed a strange present at the latest wedding--a 1950s magazine article of "ways to get a husband"--she decides there's nothing to lose by trying out its advice. After all, she can't get any more single, can she?

    Her brother's roommate sees the whole thing as a great opportunity. Not to fall in love--Kai Kamaka has no interest in the effort a serious relationship takes. No, this is a career jump start. He talks Meri into letting him film every silly husband-catching attempt for a new online show. If it goes viral, his career as a cameraman will be made.

    When Meri Me debuts, it's an instant hit. People love watching her lasso men on street corners, drop handkerchiefs for unsuspecting potential beaus, and otherwise embarrass herself in pursuit of true love. But the longer this game goes on, the less sure Kai is that he wants Meri to snag anyone but him. The only problem is that he may not be the kind of husband material she's looking for . . .

    With droll comic timing, unbeatable chemistry, and a zany but relatable cast of characters, Angela Ruth Strong has created a heartfelt look at the reality of modern Christian dating that readers will both resonate with and fall for.

    My Review:
    Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

    Every so often, I enjoy reading a rom-com, especially when the premise involves an original storyline. Husband Auditions caught my eye because of the premise: Meri, a single woman, is given a 1950s magazine article of "ways to get a husband" that she decides to explore while being filmed for a reality show. It promised to be a fun read, and for the most part, it was.

    I particularly liked that the main male character Kai is Hawaiian and I thought he was the best character in the book. Meri came across as a bit juvenile at times. The story is told from both Kai and Meri's point of view in alternating chapters. This is not your typical romance as the end has a twist. The story made me sympathetic toward young women who are looking to get married and cannot find Mr. Right, however, I questioned why Meri, who was a Christian woman with moral standards, was looking for a husband everywhere else but at her Church.

    If you're looking for a clean sweet read with some funny moments, this one will entertain you.



    Buy the Book:


    About the Author:


    Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there's nothing else she'd rather write about.

    She is the author of the Resort to Love series and the CafFUNated mysteries. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon best-sellers. Finding Love in Big Sky was recently filmed on location in Montana and will air soon. Her latest release is Husband Auditions.

    Strong also writes non-fiction for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho and teaches as an expert online at Write That Book.

    Learn more at www.angelaruthstrong.com, and follow her on Facebook (Angela Ruth Strong Fan Page), Twitter (@AngelaRStrong), and Instagram (@ang_strong).


    Enter the Giveaway!
    Ends Sept 14, 2021


    a Rafflecopter giveaway






    Monday, April 12, 2021

    The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch (Book Review and Kindle Giveaway!)


    The Indebted Earl is the third book in the Serendipity & Secrets series by Erica Vetsch. I loved all the books and this one ended up being the best one for me. Check out my review and enter the giveaway to win a Kindle HD Fire!

    Book Details:

    Title: The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch
    Category: Adult Fiction, 288 pages
    Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Christian Fiction
    Publisher: Kregel Publications
    Release date: March 2, 2021
    Contact Rating: G

    Book Description:

    Can Captain Wyvern keep his new marriage of convenience all business--or will it turn into something more?

    Captain Charles Wyvern owes a great debt to the man who saved his life--especially since Major Richardson lost his own life in the process. The best way to honor that hero's dying wish is for Wyvern to escort the man's grieving fiance and mother safely to a new cottage home by the sea. But along the way, he learns of another obligation that has fallen on his shoulders: his uncle has died and the captain is now the Earl of Rothwell.

    When he and the ladies arrive at his new manor house in Devon, they discover an estate in need of a leader and a gaggle of girls, all wards of the former earl. War the new earl knows; young ladies and properties he does not. Still wishing to provide for the bereaved Lady Sophia Haverly, Charles proposes a marriage of convenience.

    Sophie is surprised to find she isn't opposed to the idea. It will help her care for her betrothed's elderly mother, and she's already fallen in love with the wayward girls on the Rothwell estate. This alliance is a chance to repay the captain who has done so much for her care, as well as divert her attention from her grief. When Wyvern returns to his sea commission, she'll stay behind to oversee his property and wards.

    It sounds so simple. Until the stalwart captain is arrested on suspicion of smuggling, and Sophie realizes how much he's come to mean to her. Now she'll have to learn to fight, not only for his freedom but also for his love.

    My Review:
    Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

    The Indebted Earl is the third book in the Serendipity & Secrets series by Erica Vetsch. I enjoyed the first book The Lost Lieutenant and I loved the second book The Gentleman Spy and this third one was the best out of all three for me. Such a great story! The books are all stand-alone so you can enjoy them in whatever order you read them.

    This engaging historical romance features Lady Sophia Haverly, the sister of Marcus, the main character from the second book, who makes a short appearance in this one too. Sophia's fiancé Rich dies overseas of battle wounds. His naval captain and friend, Charles Wyvern, returns to England after the war ends and visits Sophia to fulfill his promise to Rich that he would take care of her and his mother. Charles unexpectedly inherits an earldom and becomes guardian to three young girls. Sophie and Charles agree to a marriage of convenience and their life suddenly becomes filled with so much possibility.

    I loved the premise of this story that had not one dull moment in it. Vetsch does such an amazing job bringing both the main characters and the secondary characters of the girls and Mamie, the mother-in-law to life. Such good character development, with bits of humor interspersed throughout. The characters are realistic, flawed, and grow with the arc of the story. I was touched by several scenes in this book. 

    Vetsch writes very well with a good knowledge of the era and its language. The story moved along at a good pace and I could not help but want to read it quickly. I enjoyed it thoroughly from beginning to end. 

    A feel-good marriage of convenience tale that is sure to please fans of historical romance with a touch of Christian elements. I'm a fan of Erica Vetsch and eagerly look forward to her next book!


    Buy the Book:





    About the Author:



    Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.

    Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.

    A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.

    Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).


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