Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: An Alaskan Proposal by Beth Carpenter

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

An Alaskan Proposal
(Northern Lights #4)
By Beth Carpenter
Contemporary Romance

Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages

January 1st 2010 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Can he teach her survival skills—

without endangering his heart?

When Sabrina Bell taps Leith Jordan for a crash course in conquering the great Alaskan outdoors, he figures he’s on safe ground. They’re polar opposites and his spectacular home state’s just a pit stop for the hotshot fashionista. So no one’s more surprised than Leith when he starts falling for her. Now he’s a man with a plan: get Sabrina to fall in love with Alaska…and, hopefully, with him.

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Harlequin│Kobo│iBooks

My Review

Another great book in the Northern Lights series! I really enjoyed the easy friendship that developed between Leith and Sabrina, although I didn't understand how they could keep their relationship casual once the kissing started. I loved the Alaskan setting and all the camping and exploring described. It made me want to pack up and escape to the mountains! Even though Sabrina begins inexperienced in the outdoors and more comfortable with high fashion, her genuine personality shone through as she was determined to gain the experience she needed to succeed. Her strength and compassion attracted Leith and even though he had issues with trust in committed relationships, he also valued the light and warmth she added to his life. The two dogs Tal and Boomer were full of personality and showed another example of how opposites could complement each other. There were some cameos of the characters from the previous books in the series which was fun, and I also liked Leith's sister Volta and niece Emma. A great cast of characters made this a well-rounded story.

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

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Once upon a time ...

when Beth Carpenter was a little girl, she read everything she could get her hands on, and entertained herself on the school bus by making up stories in her head. Not a lot has changed. She's still consuming books like M&Ms, and spends her days creating happily-ever-afters for her imaginary friends.

She lives in Alaska and Arizona with her husband and an aggressively affectionate fifty-pound lap dog. She loves to hear from readers.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│An Alaskan Proposal Pinterest Board

Tour Schedule

January 21st:
Launch
Baroness Book Trove
It's All About the Romance
Reading Is My SuperPower
January 22nd:
underneath the covers
Book by Book
Mythical Books
The Power of Words
January 23rd:
Reading On The Edge
Declarations of a Fangirl
Thoughts of a Blonde
Hearts & Scribbles
E-Romance News
January 24th:
Rockin' Book Reviews
Kimber Li
Heidi Reads...
My Life Loves and Passion
January 25th:
Becky on Books
Remembrancy
Locks, Hooks and Books
EmpowerMoms
January 26th:
Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a book tote, a print copy of A GIFT HORSE by Beth Carpenter, and a $25 Amazon Gift Card

Prize open to US continental residents - If winner doesn’t have a US mailing address, the alternate prize is a $25 Amazon card and two e-books (A GIFT HORSE and THE ALASKAN CATCH).

Ends January 30, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: The Marriage Bargain by Stephanie Dees

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Jules Sheehan will do anything to keep custody of the two orphaned girls in her care--including a marriage of convenience with their uncle. Cam Quinn crosses the globe as a travel writer, but he's ready to settle down. Now tough, tender Jules is offering the home he's secretly longed for. Can this marriage in name only become a family of the heart?

My Review

This was a great marriage of convenience story! I loved the way Jules and Quinn are working together to care for Eleanor and Emma. They get to know each other quickly in often overwhelming circumstances, and the characters from the previous books in the series play an integral role in providing support and encouragement. I thought the author skillfully handled the issue of different ethnicity with sensitivity- not ignoring it, but not letting it overshadow things. The plot conflict comes when Quinn and Jules develop romantic feelings for each other, but begin to fight them out of fear. They had great chemistry and the partnership they form to create a family for the girls becomes a family for each of them as well. I felt like the characters were well developed and even though I was frustrated with their reticence, I could understand where they were coming from.

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

Review: A Baby for the Doctor by Stephanie Dees

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A Family to Call Her Own

After becoming a foster parent to a young boy, equine therapist Jordan Conley's life gets turned upside down. Little Levi is in need of an exceptional pediatrician, which means seeking help from Dr. Ash Sheehan—a man that, despite her heart-pounding crush, isn't her type. Her life is horses and hay, and she can't imagine the suit-clad doctor in a pair of cowboy boots. As a confirmed bachelor, Ash has never been nervous around women, but there's something about Jordan that flusters him, and working closely together doesn't help. The last thing he's looking for is long-term romance. But the more involved he gets, the more he wishes they could stay together…always.

My Review

I was excited to try a new-to-me Love Inspired author, and happy to say I enjoyed her story! Even though this is part of a series I didn't read the previous book first and felt it stood well on its own, while incorporating characters that appear in all four books. There is a strong theme of family, the kind we build ourselves through love and determination. I loved how Jordan supports her sister and brother-in-law's family of foster children and also takes in Levi. She has a rough background, but has channeled her experiences and developed a therapy program that is fulfilling. Ash is drawn to her genuine and compassionate personality as they spend more time together with Levi, but she has a hard time believing that the doctor with such a different lifestyle than hers could be interested. They have great banter and I loved reading their interactions. Her relationship hangups bring some conflict into the story, but Ash's perseverance pays off as Jordan settles into her new reality as a mother and accepts Ash's love for her and Levi.

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

Review & Giveaway: Meant for You by Raneé S. Clark

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A hometown hero that’s suffering a personal crisis. A single-mom who’s finally back on her feet. And the what-ifs they finally have a chance of seeing come true.

A year after her divorce, Chelsea Lewis spends most of her days working part-time at her cousin’s bakery and hiding veggies in her picky son’s lunches. Then she reconnects with an old friend who helps Chelsea in all the ways she’s forgotten she needs—including romantic ones.

Former football player, DJ Kaiser, is back in his hometown, working as a fireman to serve his community, but after nearly burning down his own house with a barbeque and wrecking the Chief’s truck, his mistakes are stacked against him—until he sets out to ease the stress of Chelsea’s load. Serving her has him feeling like a hero again.

When Chelsea’s ex shows up and begs Chelsea to move closer so his young son doesn’t grow up without his father, Chelsea and DJ have to consider what’s best for Chelsea’s little family, even if that means sacrificing the relationship that has saved them both.

My Review

I enjoyed getting to know DJ and Chelsea and all their flaws, quirks, and strengths. They felt very realistic. Chelsea has been living at her parents home recovering from a divorce, and struggling with her two year old's resulting behavior. It was interesting that in a situation that she feels helpless, she chooses to exert control in what she feeds her son and allows him to consume. There is definitely some mom guilt there. I liked her attitude towards her relationship with her ex-husband Brady. They are friends and do their best to be considerate of each other. The fact that DJ is Brady's close friend and hers from high school make them both feel conflicted when they reconnect and begin a romance. It was nice that they fell right back into their friendship so they had that foundation when they began to consider more, and they went in with their eyes open as to what that could mean for Brady. Some drama and angst ensues of course, and they each are tested with their vulnerabilities and levels of self-confidence and confidence in each other. DJ is struggling with his job and future career path, which made him more susceptible to doubt even though he is generally a confident person. I appreciated that the author included a spiritual aspect with Chelsea turning to the Lord in prayer, especially since the characters are portrayed as active members of the Church. I think it would have felt shallow without showing that Chelsea, DJ, and the other characters live their beliefs. Overall, this is a sweet romance that explores the unexpected transitions we go through in life and the importance of friends and family to support and encourage us.

(The characters are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and there are some references that are specific to that faith, but this story can be enjoyed by any fan of clean contemporary romance).

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Kiss Me at Midnight by Lucinda Whitney

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

She’s a single mom holding on to her job. He’s a career man focused on his business. Can they put the past behind them in order to build a future together?

When Filipe Romano arrives at the SoliMar beach resort, his newest acquisition, he plans to complete renovations quickly before moving on to his next property. But a stumbling block arises when he discovers Celeste, the sister of his deceased best friend, is an employee at the resort’s aquarium, which he intends to sell. To complicate matters more, he has unresolved feelings for Celeste and blames himself for the accident that killed her brother.

Celeste Ferreira, a stressed single mom, needs a miracle. Without any prospects or means to start over, she clings to the job she loves as aquarist at the SoliMar Aquarium. After she discovers the new owner is Filipe, an old family friend, their history makes it hard for Celeste to trust him, especially with her position in peril.

Though closing down the aquarium makes good financial sense, Filipe finds himself reluctant to disappoint Celeste and decides to help her with the repairs for the upcoming inspection. But is working side by side enough to forget the past and build a new future, or is the pain between them too deep to move on?

My Review

This was a great second chance romance- well, more like a rekindled friendship that turned into more. The characters were so likeable and I really enjoyed their relationship as they quickly got to know each other again. I didn't feel connected to their emotions, but the story was compelling and kept me reading. The setting is lovely and I always appreciate the way the author makes me feel like I am visiting the beautiful locations. There are strong themes that are explored such as forgiveness, trust, grief, and hope. There is some conflict brought into the story with resentment from one of Celete's coworkers and her unreliable ex-husband. I wish we had gotten a little more closure about why the coworker was so vindictive, but that's kind of like life- we don't always get all the answers. I was pleased with Celeste and Filipe's happy ending and another wonderful story in the Romano family series.

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

---

The Romano Family series follows the stories of the Romano cousins of northern Portugal as they find love and their Happily-Ever-Afters.

Current books in the Romano Family series:

- Book 1- Hold Me At Twilight
- Book 2- Meet Me At Sunrise
- Book 3- Love Me At Sunset
- Book 4- Keep Me At Christmas
- Book 5- Kiss Me At Midnight
- Book 6- Marry Me At Dawn (coming soon)

Review: Hawaiian Holiday by Michele Paige Holmes

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Ten strangers. Six days in paradise. One unforgettable Christmas.

Hailey Walsh has always loved Christmas, and this year the holiday was supposed to be the most magical of all, spent with her large family and her fiancé in preparation for their wedding just two days after. Then Gage broke their engagement.

Now, instead of playing in the snow with her nieces and nephews, Hailey’s building a playground with children she’s never met before, spending her Christmas with strangers in Hawaii, on a service program she hopes will lift her spirits and help her begin to pick up the broken pieces of her life and heart.

Gage Stevens didn’t want to spend Christmas in Hawaii any more than he wanted to break his engagement, but sometimes fate has a way of slamming a guy against a wall and forcing him to tough decisions— for the good of others, be that his ex-fiancée or his mom. And while he’s certain that no ocean breeze or tropical wonderland can heal what’s wrong, one glimpse at a familiar head of red hair and Gage realizes fate may not be done with him yet.

My Review

I loved the themes in this story! Gratitude, service, friendship, and hope helped Hailey as she struggled through the aftermath of an unexpected breakup. Realizing that others are also enduring trials, ones she considered tougher than what she was experiencing, was the first step in finding things to be thankful for. The wisdom of Micah and Lucy who run the program brought depth and perspective, and my favorite quote was "Alternate endings can be happy too." The Hawaiian setting was fun and provided an escape for the people who are looking to reset, reevaluate, and prepare for a new future. I didn't understand or agree with Gage's choice to not communicate what he's going through with Hailey, although this is what provided the plot. I liked the parts where Hailey is finding healing and peace, and knows that she will be okay whether she gets back together with Gage or not.

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

Review: Falling for Lucy by Heather B. Moore

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

The perfect relationship sometimes means letting things get a little messy.

Lucy Morley’s older sister is perfect, and her younger brother is nearly there, too. Yet Lucy can’t even hold down a job, let alone stick with something like college. She drops out and floats from job to job. After yet another disastrous firing, she lands an interview at a bookstore—her dream job—and it doesn’t hurt that her new boss, Adam Parks, is pretty much her dream man. But if Lucy is good at one thing, it’s guarding her personal life and more importantly her heart. Adam has other plans in mind, though, and they include finding a way into Lucy’s heart.

My Review

This author is one of my favorites for clean contemporary romance. I can always count on her to strike a balance with humor, emotion, and romantic chemistry- without getting too dark or too fluffy. I liked Lucy and her enthusiasm, even though she feels inferior to her siblings. She has a healthy self-acceptance and seems to be searching for her role and purpose. She finally finds a good fit working at cozy bookshop, and I enjoyed the sense of family there (even when it was at times dysfunctional, courtesy of Adam's sister). Adam is a decent guy, and I appreciated that his attraction to Lucy never crossed the creepy boss line, but remained appropriate while friendly. A super cute story that ended too quickly for me!

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

FALLING SERIES:

Falling for Sydney
Falling for Maria
Falling for June
Falling for Lucy

Review: Seeing Miss Heartstone by Nichole Van

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Miss Belle Heartstone—heiress and savvy businesswoman—needs a husband. Immediately. As in, yesterday would not have been soon enough. Her mother’s attempts at matchmaking have been disastrous. So Belle decides to solve the problem her way—survey the market and purchase the best groom available.

Colin Radcliffe, Marquess of Blake—debt-ridden and penniless—needs a large infusion of cash. Desperately. Preferably cash that does not come with a wife attached. It is no surprise, then, when he receives Miss Heartstone’s brazen proposal—her cash, his title, their marriage—that he politely declines.

But before he leaves her, Blake suggests something truly radical: Maybe before finding a husband, Belle should find herself.
 
His simple words send them both on an unexpected journey, spanning continents and years, entwining their lives in ways neither could have foreseen. Can two lonely souls move past societal expectations and forge a unique life together?

Please note: The basic storyline of Seeing Miss Heartstone was originally published as a novella titled, An Invisible Heiress, in the Spring in Hyde Park anthology. This current novel is a greatly expanded version of that plot, adding over 200 pages of text and creating a more robust, well-developed story.

My Review

I enjoyed the characters in this Regency story because of how they sought to expand their horizons and were courageous enough to make changes to achieve their goals. Belle and Colin challenge each other in the best ways, complementing each others strengths and forming a strong business and friendship. I liked that they helped those less fortunate, especially veterans of the Napoleonic wars and their families. I felt bad for Colin that he was kept in the dark for so long, but understood why. There is plenty of angst as Belle and Colin both struggle with how to reveal/expose the secret identity of LHF. The storytelling is enhanced with letters between the two over the years, and I can't imagine waiting six months for replies! I liked the story when it was a novella, and even better as a novel with more themes explored and a deepening of the thoughts and emotions of Belle and Colin. A sweet romance with ups and downs between two people who are perfect for each other- if only they can manage to forgive and trust. 

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

Review: Wait For Me by Susan May Warren

The sixth book in the Montana Rescue series

My Rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Pete Brooks can't believe he's waited an entire year for Jess Tagg to return to Montana, only to have her break his heart by getting engaged to her ex-fiancé. Worse, a series of mistakes on the job have cost lives, and Pete isn't sure he wants to continue to work in Search and Rescue. Maybe if he can just get over Jess, he can figure out how to move forward.

EMT Jess Tagg has returned to Montana to finally give her heart to Pete, but it seems he's no longer interested. When a terrible fight between them sparks an impulsive decision, she finds herself crashed on the side of a highway along with Esme Shaw. And just when she thinks things couldn't get any worse, she and Esme are taken captive and into the untamed Montana wilderness--with murderous intent.

Now Pete and the other PEAK Rescue Team members are in a race against time, the elements, and the actions of a vengeful man. Pete will have to use everything he's learned to find Jess and Esme--and pray that his past mistakes don't cost him the life of the woman he can't stop loving.

My Review

I have a horrible habit of putting off reading the last book in a series I've loved because then that would mean there are no more books to look forward to. Completely irrational, since I know the author has another exciting series coming. All the books have been full of adventure, action, and angst, and this one is no different. Pete and Jess have provided some of the relationship drama in the previous books, and it was satisfying for them to finally grow, communicate, and have a resolution. They had quite the build-up! There is also a romance between Esme/Shea and a young man she met in the previous book, which gave us a nice break from the Pete and Jess drama. The murder case involving Esme's friend also comes to an end with the unexpected villain made known and it brought the elements of suspense and danger to the plot. It was nice to have everything wrapped up, and I'm ready for some fresh love stories from the author!

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

Review: Timeless Victorian Collection: The Queen's Ball by Anthea Lawson, Rebecca Connolly, Jennifer Moore

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

THE QUEEN'S BALL: Three brand new Victorian Romance novellas by Anthea Lawson, Rebecca Connolly, and Jennifer Moore.

WALTZED by Anthea Lawson
Eleanor Tremont never expected her father to pass away unexpectedly – leaving her with a horrible stepmother, two grasping step-sisters, and no dowry whatsoever. Relegated to a servant in her own home, she struggles to come to terms with her bleak new life. Summoned to Queen Victoria’s Stuart Ball, can Ellie find her happily-ever-after despite impossible odds? Add an absent-minded Godmother, an orange carriage, and a dancing-slipper mishap, and prepare to be swept away into this fairytale romance…

A LOVE TO CLAIM by Rebecca Connolly
Abigail Sterling is not at all pleased to see that the man who broke her heart is in London, and even less pleased that he wants to renew their friendship. But, against her better judgment, she finds herself drawn to him, just as she always had been. Letters from a secret admirer keep her from completely giving into Matthew again, and soon her heart is torn between a familiar love and a mysterious one.

COMING HOME by Jennifer Moore
After the sudden death of her father, Clara Brightly is sent far from her home in India to live with relatives on the Isle of Wight. The islanders are suspicious of newcomers, and none more so than a local landowner, Grant Mason who, at first meeting, considers Clara to be arrogant and disdainful of the island he loves. When the two are appointed to lead the church choir in an island-wide competition, Clara discovers that she may have a place on the island after all. Grant comes to realize that what he took as haughtiness was merely shyness, and Queen Victoria’s ball at Osborne house seems the perfect place to tell her. But when Clara is offered a chance to return to India, she must decide once and for all what “home” really means.

My Review

I can always count on the stories in these collections to be unique, creative, and very different from each other despite a common theme! I liked getting to know the writing style of a new-to-me author, Anthea Lawson, and her Cinderella retelling. Rebecca Connolly and Jennifer Moore are favorites, and I really felt they shined with bringing the emotions of the characters to life and making me hope for a happily ever after. Each story felt fully formed and took me through the obstacles the couples had to overcome in order to find their true love.

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

Books in the Timeless Victorian Collections:
SUMMER HOLIDAY
A GRAND TOUR
THE ORIENT EXPRESS
THE QUEEN'S BALL

Books in the Timeless Regency Collections:
AUTUMN MASQUERADE
A MIDWINTER BALL
SPRING IN HYDE PARK
SUMMER HOUSE PARTY
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
A SEASON IN LONDON
FALLING FOR A DUKE
A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE
ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN
WEDDING WAGERS