Review: Alaskan Hideaway by Beth Carpenter

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

He traveled 3,800 miles to be alone… but is it what he really wants?

Relocating to Alaska after a family tragedy seemed an ideal way for author R.D. “Mac” Macleod to grieve in peace. But solitude feels overrated when Mac’s around B&B owner Ursula Anderson and her orphaned goddaughter, Rory, who’s already bonding with his dog. Worse, he’s imagining a future with Ursula and Rory. Is it time to finally forgive himself?

My Review

The gentle pace of this story took me a bit to get into, but I enjoyed Ursula's story of those in her life whom she loves and supports. She and Mac are an older couple which generally isn't my preferred age for the romance books I read, but I appreciated their perspective on life, their wisdom and sacrifices. Ursula is active with running the inn and cross-country skiing, and brings joy to many, including the young girl she is raising and her friends and family in the community. I loved how she and various business owners quickly work together to throw a reporter off the scent of Mac's trail. 

Mac is one tormented character, and the persistence of Ursula's genuine compassion and acts of kindness draw him out of the darkness where he can feel hope and experience a respite from his inner pain. As their friendship deepens, Mac is able to provide support to Ursula as well, and though they have their share of bumps in the road, the romance blossomed naturally. The setting of Alaska in the winter was perfect and I loved the little details that brought it to life, especially the reindeer run which sounds like a riot! Alaskan Hideaway is a nice follow up to the previous books in the series, and I look forward to more from the author.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: Unforgettable by Rebecca H. Jamison

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

As teenagers, Celia and Manny planned their future together in the branches of a mango tree. Soon afterward, Manny leaves Fogo Island for college, expecting to marry Celia and take her to America once he graduates. However, during Manny’s schooling, the volcano near Celia’s village erupts, burying her home.

They lose contact with each other, and Celia comes to believe that Manny has fallen in love with someone else. When their lives intersect again, too much has changed for their plans to ever become a reality, yet the promises they made and the desires of their hearts persist, becoming unforgettable.

My Review

I learned a lot from this book about a culture I'd never been exposed to- the people of Cape Verde. The island sounds idyllic and so does the relationship between Manny and Celia, until the erupting volcano changes the course of their lives. I was saddened by the diverging paths they took, and looked forward to the part of the story when they would be reunited. So much hardship was experienced by Celia, but I loved how the author focused on the kindnesses and hope she found in the support of her friends and family. There are many lessons that she and Manny learn over time, and the question of should they take a second chance on each other is one they struggle with- but because they each feel unworthy. I appreciated that they only saw the best in each other and brought out the best in each other. There are exciting moments, tense scenes, and tender experiences that made this book stand out in unique ways.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review & Giveaway: A Cowboy of Convenience by Stacy Henrie



On Tour with Prism Book Tours

A Cowboy of Convenience

(Sheridan Sweethearts #2)
By Stacy Henrie

Inspirational Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 288 Pages

June 1st 2018 by Love Inspired Historical

Groom by Agreement

A real home--it's what Vienna Howe dearly wants for her young daughter. Yet the ramshackle property she just inherited hardly qualifies. She can't afford the repairs--until foreman West McCall suggests they start a dude ranch together. For propriety's sake, they'll need a marriage in name only...a practical solution for two wary hearts.

Years ago, West convinced Vienna to marry a man of means, never realizing how cruel her husband could be. Guilt-ridden, he intends to secure the lovely widow's future. But despite his reluctance to get close to anyone, this union might do more than fix Vienna's ranch. It could open the door to a warm, loving future...

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My Review

There is a wonderful sense of anticipation throughout the book as we wait for West and Vienna to work up the courage to share their deepening feelings with each other. This is a lovely marriage of convenience story because they are already good friends with each other and have several years of built up trust behind them. They work together well as they build the neglected ranch into a dude ranch that wealthy easterners will pay good money to come visit and experience the western way of life. The conflict comes from their hesitation to risk their hearts to love again and the possibility of rejection if they share their feelings. As time goes by they have experiences, some frightening, that build a foundation of love that keeps growing stronger. I loved the setting and characters, especially cute Hattie and Vienna's friend Maggy from the previous book in the series.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)

Other Books in the Series

The Rancher's Temporary Engagement

(Sheridan Sweethearts #1)
By Stacy Henrie

Inspirational Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 288 Pages

February 1st 2018 by Love Inspired Historical

Undercover Fiancée

The Pinkerton agent that Edward Kent hired is intelligent, capable—and unexpectedly female! Though shocked to learn that Maggy Worthing will be investigating the threats to his Wyoming horse ranch, Edward needs to find the culprit. And if that means a temporary engagement to give Maggy a cover story, he’ll play along with the feisty detective.

Maggy always gets her man—at least when it comes to solving crimes. The young widow refuses to marry again and land under another husband’s thumb. Unmasking Edward’s enemies will earn her a longed-for promotion…but the heart has its own mysteries. Could working together with the handsome English aristocrat spark a real and loving partnership?

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About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie is the author of western romances and the Of Love and War series, which includes Hope at Dawn, a 2015 RITA Award finalist for excellence in romance. She was born and raised in the West, where she currently resides with her family. She enjoys reading, road trips, interior decorating, chocolate, and most of all, laughing with her husband and kids.

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Tour Schedule

June 4th:
Launch
The Power of Words
Kathryn Cooper Writes
Cafinated Reads
Jen Around the World
June 5th:
Katie's Clean Book Collection
Moments
Among the Reads
Books n Baubles
June 6th:
Christian Chick's Thoughts
Tell Tale Book Reviews
cherylbbookblog
Jorie Loves A Story
June 7th:
Singing Librarian Books
Britt Reads Fiction
Book by Book
Rockin' Book Reviews
June 8th:
Reading Is My SuperPower
Brooke Blogs
Remembrancy
Heidi Reads...
June 9th:
Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive a $40 Amazon e-gift card (open internationally)

- 1 winner will receive a signed print copy of THE RANCER'S TEMPORARY ENAGEMENT (US only)

- Ends June 13th

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Review & Giveaway: Where Trains Collide by Amber Stokes

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

*Only 99 cents!*

Synopsis

Two hearts racing in different directions will meet where trains collide.

Burned out and disillusioned with her chosen career path, Trisha Knolane gives in to impulse and hops on a train bound for Oregon, eager to escape the stress of college for a few days. But what begins as a fun little adventure takes an unexpected turn when she discovers that her ex-boyfriend is also on board.

All her hopes and dreams had once centered on Paul Benson. Now, when Trisha doesn't know where her current track will lead, Paul’s reappearance in her life only complicates matters and sparks difficult questions.

Questions that could change the course of her life.

A heartfelt and thought-provoking contemporary romance novella, Where Trains Collide faces the uncertain season of new adulthood head on and shows that sometimes a path of broken dreams can lead to life’s best destination.

My Review

I love a spontaneous adventure, but the main character in this book sure doesn't! That doesn't stop her from escaping for a quick getaway to visit her brother and friend when life becomes too much. We get to know her as she departs and even more when she encounters her boyfriend from three years ago. I thought it was interesting that we learned some of her flaws and his through their interactions on the train and at their destination, but also why they worked so well together. I liked how the book showed the importance of maturing during those young adult years when it's time to make life decisions. Even the absence of making a decision is a decision in itself. Reading this book made me think back on my college days and wonder a few what if's. The author captured not only the anxiety of that season but also the high emotions that accompany romantic relationships. A quick read but with many lovely moments!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

About the Author

Amber Holcomb (Stokes) is an indie author and freelance editor living below the majestic mountains of Montana with her adventurous husband. Previously, she worked in marketing for a Christian publisher for nearly three years. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor’s degree in English and now fuels her work with words in this new season of life.

You can learn more about Amber’s books, sign up for her author newsletter, join the Amber’s Gems street team, and more at www.SeasonsofaStory.blogspot.com.

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Giveaway!

In celebration of this new novella, enter for a chance to win a $15 Amazon.com gift card! Giveaway is open internationally (to anyone age 18 or older who can receive an Amazon gift card via email). Void where prohibited.

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