Heidi Reads...: 2023

Sunday, December 31, 2023

2024 Reading Challenge! #backlistbooks24

My reading challenge for 2024 is to join the 24 in '24 Challenge on Instagram hosted by @bookswithnopictures & @lemonyreads and target the 24 oldest books on my review list 📚📚📚

Do you participate in reading challenges?

What’s the first book you plan to read in 2024?

Faves of 2023!

97 of my fiction books were 5 star reads!

Take a look at my Faves of 2023 here: https://amzn.to/48lUS07

Happy New Year and Happy Reading!

What were some of your favorite reads from 2023?

Saturday, December 30, 2023

Review: The Reluctant Baronet by Elizabeth W. Watkins

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

When faced with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Scottish chemist Russell Parkinson finds himself thrust into a role he has never wanted: that of British aristocrat. Bearing his new title of baronet, Sir Russell circulates among the ton for the sole purpose of improving Society and saving lives. His plan is moving forward—but he did not anticipate meeting the charming Selina Clifton.

Selina is a survivor. She battled smallpox and won, her scarred beauty a testament to her strength. But she has no idea how she will survive what is now required of her. With her family’s estate in jeopardy, it is up to Selina to marry and produce an heir. She agrees to enter into a courtship with a gentleman deemed eligible but is less than smitten with him. When handsome new baronet Russell arrives in London, she is immediately swept up in their easy camaraderie. But as their feelings deepen, the complicated tangle of forbidden love that ensues will threaten friendships and futures—everything they’ve fought to protect.

My Review

I enjoyed the Regency setting with two unique main characters. Their background and history influence them greatly in their current circumstances. I admired Russell's determination and purpose in making a difference, yet floundering as to how to accomplish his goals. He and Selina both have valuable friends that guide them and provide support in a society that can be a harsh judge. There are elements of mystery, layered throughout the story building to reveal more than what meets the eye. Plenty of historical details as well for those who are intrigued by how different life was back then and how improvements were made.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Review: Marshaling Her Heart by Mary Connealy

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Becky Pruitt has always prided herself on knowing everything that's happening on her successful ranch, which makes her foreman Nate Paxton's admission to her quite a surprise. With the notorious Deadeye Gang on the loose, Nate--a former U.S. Marshal--believes that Becky's ranch might be the best spot for a group of Marshals to use as a base and hideout.

The timing couldn't be more crucial for the growing town of Pine Valley, and Becky feels a commitment to help. But after escaping the grasp of her harsh father, she's never liked giving up control--of her life or her ranch. Again and again, Nate's proven himself to her and she soon realizes that if there's anyone she can trust with her ranch--and her heart--it might be him. But the outlaws won't go quietly, and as danger draws ever nearer, Becky and Nate are faced with impossible choices that will test their growing bond.

My Review

This third book in the Wyoming Sunrise series wraps up the overarching plot of the outlaws targeting local citizens with Becky and Nate working together with the marshals to draw them in. Nate's hidden identity as a marshal takes Becky off-guard, but it adds to her admiration of him, even when they disagree. I loved that the main characters from the previous books play important roles, and Becky's friendship with Nell and Mariah is steadfast. Women's suffrage is a theme throughout the series, with Wyoming being the first state to allow women the vote and to hold offices. They are pretty proud of it, and I liked the historical details. Brand's daughter Samantha and her new role provides some comic relief, and I hope to see her with a story of her own in a future novella! I was happy to see the community band together to defeat the criminals and stand up for peace and freedom.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the previous books in the Wyoming Sunrise series . . .

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Review: The Laws of Attraction by Mary Connealy

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

If widowed town seamstress Nell Armstrong has to make one more pair of boring chaps for the cowboys in her tiny Wyoming town, she might lose her mind. So meeting Brand Nolte, a widower father struggling to raise three girls, seems like her dream come true. Brand has no idea how to dress the girls, and Nell finally has a chance to both create beautiful dresses and teach the girls to sew.

But Nell is much more than a seamstress, and the unique legal and investigative skills and knowledge she picked up alongside her late lawman husband soon become critical when a wounded stagecoach-robbery survivor is brought to town. As danger closes in from all sides, Nell and Brand must discover why there seems to be a bull's-eye on their backs.

My Review

My favorite of the series! I loved Nell in the first book and it was eye-opening to learn her backstory and all she's been through. Her experiences prepared her to really help her friends and the town, leading her on a path she never considered. The exasperated attitude she has about making money hand over fist sewing cowboy chaps rather than dresses is hilarious, but there's such demand she can't give it up. She is sensitive and compassionate to Brand's daughters and their needs, figuring a way for them to help each other rather than take pity on them with charity. The danger from the first book continues with the stage-robbing outlaws on the loose, and the author's trademark action, suspense, faith, and humor complement rather than compete with the romantic relationship that develops between Nell and Brand. I felt connected to them and their emotions which made for a rather satisfying reading experience!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the other books in the Wyoming Sunrise series . . .

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Blog Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway: The Marine's Deadly Reunion by Loretta Eidson

The Marine's Deadly Reunion JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Marine's Deadly Reunion by Loretta Eidson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Marine's Deadly Reunion
Series: The Protectors
Author: Loretta Eidson
Publisher: Inspirational The Protectors Collection (Love Inspired)
Release Date: December 26, 2023
Genre: Christian romantic suspense

To keep a child safe

They must outrun a killer…

When Sergeant Daria Gordon saves US Marine Jake Fisher and his baby niece from an attacker, she instantly puts a target on her own back. Someone murdered Jake’s sister and now they want Jake and Daria dead. To survive, Jake and Daria must discover this ruthless killer’s identity. But can they uncover the truth and keep the baby safe…before the killer finds them?

Guest Post from Author Loretta Eidson

The Marine’s Deadly Reunion
Character Bio’s

Let’s talk about my hero and heroine for The Marine’s Deadly Reunion. First, there’s US Marine Jake Fisher. He spent his early childhood in the Ozark Mountains romping around the neighborhood with his best friend, Daria Gordan. Being the older of the two (by only two months), he considered it his responsibility to watch out for her. She was kind of cute, too, with her long dark hair and brown eyes, so hanging out with her made him look important during those middle school years. He loved playing football. Claimed he’d go pro someday. It didn’t matter that his scrawny torso didn’t look the sporty type. He’s okay with babies, but moms are supposed to take care of them.

Second, there’s the dainty Daria Gordon. Hanging out with Jake, her best friend, during their middle school years, who never challenged her introverted personality. He did all the talking, well, most of it. She liked that about him. He was quick-witted and outspoken, something she wasn’t. It didn’t hurt that he was the best-looking boy in her class. Her dreams were to become a nurse and help people. She loves children, babysits for her brother’s family, and prays one day she’ll have a family of her own.

Jake’s dad’s job transfers the family to California, leaving Daria and Jake miles apart. As the years pass, Jake receives a football scholarship, but feels the tug to join the Marines and serve his country. He had one girlfriend in high school and thought she was the one. However, after being sent to Afghanistan, he receives a letter he hadn’t expected. She no longer loves him and wants to move on with her life. He tosses the letter aside and focuses on his position as a marine.

Daria doesn’t know what to do without Jake around. She’s not interested in any of the guys in high school. Becoming a nurse is her dream, but after clinicals in the hospital and witnessing violent crime wounds, she changed her career and became a police officer. Maybe she can help stop crimes before they happen. During her off time, she dates a few guys, including a fellow officer and somehow, none of them keeps her interest.

She finds herself with a bit of a temper and gets into trouble at work. Her boss sends her to anger management classes and threatens to assign her to desk duty if she can’t keep it under control. After sixteen years, thoughts of Jake have faded.

Jake is sent home from active duty. His sister is killed in an accident and he gains full custody of his eight-month-old niece, Emma. Upon his return, he’s certain someone murdered his sister and is after Emma. He has a scuffle in a parking lot with a man trying to kidnap Emma. He pulls a gun about the time the man runs away, and a squad car pulls up.

Who would have dreamed petite and shy Daria Gordon would still be in town, turn into a beautiful lady, and become a cop? But then, who would believe the scrawny Jake from middle school would grow tall, with broad shoulders and a muscular physique. The two butt heads as a power play between them occurs while trying to stay alive and keep Emma safe.

Also Available

About the Author

Loretta Eidson

Award-winning author Loretta Eidson lives by the motto ‘never a dull moment,’ especially with her four children, thirteen grandchildren, and four great-grands. Her love of reading began during the required library time in middle school, where she devoured Phyllis Whitney’s mystery novels before she moved on to suspense author Frank Peretti. She left her eighteen-year administrative assistant position at her church to pursue the dream of writing inspirational romantic suspense. She has multiple short stories in anthologies, but her heart is writing romantic suspense. She believes in the power of prayer and loves putting her hero and heroine in realistic predicaments where they must trust God to pull them through.

Connect with Loretta by visiting lorettaeidson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $50 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 18, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 25, 2023. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Review: Forged in Love by Mary Connealy

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

In 1870, Mariah Stover is left for dead and with no memory when the Deadeye Gang robs the stagecoach she's on, killing her father and brother. As she takes over her father's blacksmith business and attempts to move forward, the old-fashioned townspeople meet her new occupation with disdain.

Handsome and polished Clint Roberts escaped to Western Wyoming from the painful memories he left back east. In the hope of a new life, he opens a diner where he creates fine dishes, but is met with a harsh welcome from the townsfolk who prefer to stick to their old ways.

Clint and Mariah are drawn together by the similar trials they face in a new town, and Clint is determined to protect Mariah at all costs when danger descends upon her home. As threats pursue them from every side, will they survive to build a life forged in love?

My Review

I'm always taken back to the vibe of my dad's old Louis L'Amour books when I start a new Western series by Mary Connealy. Granted, I enjoy that her heroines play a more central role and romance is a key component, but the setting, adventure, suspense, dry humor, and strong characters full of grit make these books impossible to resist. I love that Mariah keeps running her father's blacksmith shop, and Clint is a gourmet chef bringing flavor to the small town. There is some unrequited love, some forced proximity, and plenty of intrigue as they try to protect themselves against unknown villains. Not all answers are found, which continues part of the plot throughout the series, connecting the books.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the next books in the Wyoming Sunrise series . . .

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Book Tour & Review: Calling on the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Haunted by the death of her sister, Finola Shanahan has resolved that she's not worthy of a family of her own and commits to spending her days caring for immigrants in the slums. When Finola sabotages yet another unwanted relationship her parents arranged for her, her father calls upon the local Irish matchmaker, who pairs her with successful wagonmaker Riley Rafferty. Finola quickly realizes her usual tricks won't work on him, however, as she cannot outsmart or outwit the dashing, determined, and daring man.

A candidate in the St. Louis mayoral election, Riley is confident a union with the wealthy Shanahan family will help solidify his chances of winning--and even more assured he and Finola can make a difference together. When a cholera outbreak begins to take St. Louis by storm, they must navigate a burgeoning attraction and growing danger testing all they know about love and sacrifice.

My Review

The passionate natures of Finola and Riley stood out to me in this compelling story. I loved the vibrant setting of mid-19th century St. Louis that served as a backdrop for their turbulent relationship. They are both devoted to helping others- Finola through compassionate service to the poor, and Riley is known for dangerous rescues where others wouldn't or couldn't step in. In fact, Riley's daring rescue of Finola serves as their first meeting, and in no time Riley goes from thinking he will never marry again to never being able to marry anyone but Finola. She puts up quite the fight, especially against her unwilling attraction to him. I loved their antics and the shenanigans involving not only them, but their clever matchmaker Bellamy as well. Finola and Riley both have hidden reasons for the way they live their lives, which are slowly revealed and bond them together in their heartbreaking pasts. I was riveted as Riley's patience stood up to Finola's stubbornness, and could not wait to see how they would manage to overcome the complicated choices before them.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Looking forward to the next book in A Shanahan Match series . . .

Praise for Calling on the Matchmaker

“Hedlund’s textured historical backdrop brings the city’s Irish tenements to life, and the romance between Finola and Riley, full of longing and barely contained passion (“She was like a fire burning down a building. And he was walking straight into the flames”), is a treat. Readers will revel in this charming romp.”— Publisher’s Weekly

“SOOO CRAZY GOOD!!! Absolutely loved this book - one of my new favorites from this author!”— Marilee, Marilee Loves to Read

“Sizzling chemistry, rich detail, and compelling action.”— Misty M. Beller, USA Today bestselling author

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over fifty novels and is the winner of numerous awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle.

Friday, December 15, 2023