Showing posts with label 5 stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 5 stars. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Review: Timeless Love: Romantic Stories that Span the Ages by Andrea Boeshaar, Kari Trumbo, Misty M. Beller, Stephenia H. McGee, Dawn Crandall, Pepper D. Basham, Sarah Monzon





My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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This 7-novella romance collection will only be available until the first week of July for 99 cents, and then it will be "unpublished" from sell sites. (The digital edition of the collection will remain on the buyer’s device after the ebook is disbanded). Then all of the novellas and short stories in the collection will be published separately in print and ebook! 

All proceeds from the sale of this collection will be donated to the LiveStrong Foundation.
Enjoy seven romances through the ages in this Timeless Love limited time ebook. An open invitation to fall in love with the writing styles of a few new-to-you multi-published authors of your favorite Christian romance eras.


Synopsis

Give Me Thine Heart 1812 Andrea Boeshaar
Moira loathes the man she is set to marry. But when she meets Samuel Stryker, she soon guesses that he's from the colonies. When she finds a deep secret, Sam must make the decision: kill her or take her with him.

This Freedom Journey 1833 Misty M. Beller
Adrien Lockman left France to finally live life on his own terms, but when he discovers a half-starved and half-frozen woman in the treacherous Canadian mountains, the truth soon becomes clear--the only way they'll survive is together.

The Heart of Home 1865 Stephenia H. McGee
Opal Martin aspires to scrub the remnants of the War Between the States from her tattered life. When a nearly drowned soldier appears and asks if he can die on her porch, she must guard against the sudden revival of her heart's hope for love. Tristan Stuart wants to escape the pain of war. He wakes up at a house that's too much like home, with a woman determined to mend him he may discover a life worth fighting for. To save the last of what Opal holds dear, will he become the man she needs or let the troubled waters carry him away?

Enchanting Nicholette 1893 Dawn Crandall
Young, widowed, and newly out of mourning, Nicholette Everstone is an heiress yearning to be loved. Her parents had arranged for her to marry her loving late husband, but the marriage ended tragically on her wedding day. Returning to Boston after being away, she finds there's someone new to her set of friends and family she can't help but fall for. But when she learns of the danger and sacrifices this man takes on, will her heart be strong enough to keep her fears at bay?

Teach Me To Love 1899 Kari Trumbo
Izzy Lawson has taken her last abuse. When her husband dies, she rushes to Belle Fourche to stay with the only friend she has. The wall she's worked so hard to build crumbles in the arms of a man so different from her husband. Conrad Oleson can't read and it's shamed him for longer than he can remember. As Izzy reveals her painful past, he can't stay away. He'll do about anything, to get closer. Including, teach her how to love.

Façade 1942 Pepper D. Basham
Olivia Rakes has excellent observations skills for facts and details, but stumbles through matters of the heart. When her brother goes missing in German-occupied France, Livy enlists her services with a group of search-and-rescue spies, who not only thrust her toward espionage, but...romance. Agent Christopher Dawson has avoided Livy since she broke his heart. When the search for his best friend brings them together, the heart takes on a mind of its own. In a world where war changes the rules of life and love, can they work together to complete their rescue mission before the enemy catches them?

Bookishly Ever After 2018 Sarah Monzon
It all started with a bet and a book.
Emory Blake is the ultimate bibliophile. She'd take curling up with a novel over a night on the town any day. But then her best friend, Tate Woodby, accuses her of living between the pages of her paperbacks instead of the real world, and he makes a bet that will force her to experience the adventures of her fictional friends...instead of just reading about them. With her face no longer buried in books, Emory must confront the pain of the past.


My Review

Give Me Thine Heart by Andrea Boeshaar - 3 stars
This was a quick paced adventure that didn't seem entirely realistic, but was entertaining.

The Heart of Home by Stephenia H. McGee - 4 stars
I always find stories set in the South during Reconstruction after the Civil War to be fascinating. While it's easy to vilify the people on that side of the conflict, they are people with families and heartache as well. I loved that Tristan was able to find healing with Opal and her mother and they could lean on him for support as well. A sweet romance.

This Freedom Journey by Misty M. Beller - 5 stars
I always love the rugged wilderness settings in this author's stories. Being snowed in together while also dealing with loss and loneliness accelerates the developing relationship between Adrien and Mary. I loved Adrien's gentle nature and Mary's appreciation of his kindnesses. She is hardly a damsel in distress, proving herself strong and willing to do the hard work it takes to survive. They come to rely on each other and with the various trials they encounter during the harsh winter, their mutual support builds a solid foundation.

Enchanting Nicholette by Dawn Crandall - 5 stars
Fans of The Everstone Chronicles series will absolutely love this addition to the series! Cal Hawthorne and Nicholette Everstone are pleasant and charming together, but Cal has secrets and Nicholette struggles with any sort of danger that puts loved ones at risk. I enjoyed their friendship and loved the chemistry as they are instantly attracted to each other. There is a good pace to the story and it felt longer than a novella with its full plot and character arc.

Teach Me To Love by Kari Trumbo - 5 stars
I really enjoyed this story. Isabella is easy to feel sympathy for, and Conrad's compassionate and protective nature brings him closer to the young widow, even with his initial resistance. The help she is able to provide him with learning to read helps her confidence bloom again and it was lovely to see her repressed personality begin to shine through. Some conflict on the ranch brought an element of danger and suspense, and with the yearning romance, it's a well-rounded novella.

Façade by Pepper Basham - 5 stars
What a rollercoaster ride this story took me on in the middle of WWII France with two spies who have a second chance romance, once they untangled the miscommunications that ended their friendship. My eyes were opened to the sacrifices of the citizens during the turbulent and uncertain times of war, and made me even more thankful for those that risk and give their lives for the cause of freedom.

Bookishly Ever After by Sarah Monzon - 5 stars 
Seriously so cute! A contemporary romance of unrequited love told from the perspective of the clueless one, Emory. She has some hang-ups from her past that makes her avoid conflict and deeper feelings that have the potential for future hurt and vulnerability. Tate is so patient with her, and I loved the little observations clue the reader in that he's carrying a serious torch. The setting of Seattle was awesome, I love that city! Combine that with a soulful musician and reclusive bibliophile stretching outside their comfort zones and this story was a perfect blend of angst, humor, and sweet romance. 

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


Monday, June 4, 2018

Review & Giveaway: Loving Lieutenant Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden




Book Four in The Lancaster Family series

Heidi Reads... Loving Lieutenant Lancaster by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttps://deseretbook.com/p/romancing-daphne?autocomplete=true&variant_id=151796-paperbackhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Orphaned as a child, Arabella Hampton was the unwanted and unloved charge of a cruel aunt and neglectful uncle. The only light in her young life was the kindness of the Jonquil family, and she clung to the childish dream of someday living with them at Lampton Park. Now, years later, that opportunity is presented to Arabella in a most unexpected way: she is to be the lady's companion to the dowager countess. As she takes up residence at the estate, the young woman soon finds that life at the Park is far more complicated than she imagined. The lines of her position are blurred, and she is neither family nor servant. So when the countess plans a grand house party, Arabella is content to hide in the shadows. But one gentleman sees her there.

Lieutenant Linus Lancaster has retired from the navy and is not looking for love, especially when he finds himself entangled in his sisters' scheme to trap him into finding a wife at a house party at Lampton Park. Yet amid the festivities, he's impossibly drawn to the dowager's quiet companion, Arabella. Their regard for each other is undeniable, but they are haunted by their pasts. Can the two find a way to bridge their two worlds?


My Review

Oh my heart! I loved this one! Arabella and Linus find something special in each other, but their quick friendship develops into something more so slowly that I was filled with anticipation the entire book. New readers might be a little overwhelmed by all the characters in the Jonquil and Hawthorne families and their connections, but fans of the author will absolutely love seeing more about all their favorites, and it's more than just cameo appearances. There are significant scenes and subplots with Adam and Persephone, Phillip and Sorrel, Mater, Artemis, and especially the youngest Jonquil brother, Charlie. Linus's compassion for Charlie and his genuine friendship with the struggling young man showed his admirable personality and he also benefited with a stronger sense of belonging and purpose. Arabella is also struggling to find her place in new circumstances, and Linus's friendship is like a ray of sunshine in a caring but busy family. Their banter was so natural and full of humor, it was a pleasure to read. I really connected with these characters and highly recommend the book!

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



Don't miss the previous books in The Lancaster Family series . . .

Book One
https://amzn.to/2Im0Q5k


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttps://deseretbook.com/p/romancing-daphne?autocomplete=true&variant_id=151796-paperbackhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

When Persephone Lancaster receives a marriage proposal from the ill-tempered Duke of Kielder, she refuses, and then reconsiders. The obscene sum of money he's offering Persephone would save her family from ruin. With her characteristic optimism, she travels to the far reaches of Northumberland to wed a greatly feared stranger. Lodged deep in a thick forest infested with wild dogs, the Duke's castle is as cold and forbidding as the Duke himself, a man with terrible scars on his body and his soul. But the Duke's steely determination to protect his heart at all costs is challenged by his growing attachment to his lovely and gentle bride. With caring persistence, Persephone attempts to pierce the Duke's armor and reach the man beneath. Yet he cannot tolerate such exposure, and his repeated rejections take their toll. But when grave danger arises, the Duke realizes he must face the risk of revealing his true feelings or lose the woman he cannot live without.

Book Two
https://amzn.to/2KlC4To


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttps://deseretbook.com/p/romancing-daphne?autocomplete=true&variant_id=151796-paperbackhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Harry Windower adores blonde, green-eyes Athena Lancaster, but alas, a penniless man like himself has no hope of winning a young noblewoman's hand. To add insult to injury, Athena's brother-in-law and guardian, the Duke of Kielder, has asked Harry to assist Athena in finding a gentleman of her dreams. But the lovesick Harry is cunning as well: as the weeks pass, he introduces Athena to suitors who are horrifically boring, alarmingly attached to their mothers, downright rude, astoundingly self-absorbed, and utterly ridiculous.

Athena can't comprehend why she is having so little success meeting eligible and acceptable gentlemen. Indeed, her circle of admirers couldn't be be less admirable - nothing like the loyal, gentle friend she's found in Harry. But how long can Harry's scheme be hidden before it is discovered? And what will Athena do when she uncovers Harry's deception?

Book Three
Heidi Reads... Romancing Daphne by Sarah M. Eden


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttps://deseretbook.com/p/romancing-daphne?autocomplete=true&variant_id=151796-paperbackhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

As her first London Season looms before her, the thought of the impending social whirl fills Daphne Lancaster's timid heart with dread. She hasn't her sisters beauty nor their talent for conversing easily. Even her family's enviable connections may not be enough to prevent disaster.

But Daphne's misery turns to surprised delight when the first event of her Season brings an unexpected visitor to her door—James Tilburn, whose tender kindness stole her heart in her youth. When the handsome young gentleman expresses his desire to court her, Daphne is elated. Their feelings for each other quickly grow, and it appears that, much to Daphne s disbelief, her happily ever after is within reach.

Yet nothing is as it seems. The couple finds themselves caught in a tangled web of greed and deceit, leaving James and Daphne to determine whether they are willing to risk everything for true love.



Follow the blog tour . . .

June 8th
Min Reads and Reviews
I am a Reader
Why Not? Because I Said So 
Seeking With All Yur Heart 
Books Are Sanity

Friday, June 1, 2018

Review: Say You Love Me by Heather B. Moore


Book Three in the Pine Valley series

Heidi Reads... Say You Love Me by Heather B. Moore
  
 My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

Clara Benson is not looking for a relationship, especially not after her losing her teaching position, followed by a disastrous breakup with her fiancé, and the sudden death of the grandma who raised her. In fact, Clara picks up and moves to escape her mess of memories. She hopes that Pine Valley will be the perfect place to heal from heartache.

When she meets her boss’s lawyer, Dawson Harris, Clara can’t deny her attraction. But she’s determined to choose herself, and her healing, over a guy who might be charming, attractive, and oh, so appealing. Easy, right? But when Dawson becomes the one person who can straighten out her mess, she realizes that finding herself doesn’t have to be mean losing Dawson.

My Review

Loved it! Lots of sweet moments balanced with hesitation and angst, I was captivated by the pull between Dawson and Clara, and their struggle to cope with their issues while also not letting them prevent a future together. Dawson is not the typical leading man I prefer, but his vulnerability and eagerness to please Clara made him easy to like. They had great rapport and banter which I always love in contemporary romance! This book was a pleasure to read and made me look forward to the next book in the Pine Valley series. A perfect beach read for the summer at a great price!

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



Check out the other books in the Pine Valley series . . .

Book One
Heidi Reads... Worth the Risk by Heather B. Moore


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

When Alicia moves back to Pine Valley to help her mom through a serious addiction, the last person she wants to see is her teenage crush, Jeff Finch, who destroyed their friendship in one single disastrous night. But Alicia is determined to not let anything about Jeff affect her, especially since she hasn’t seen him in ten years. All she knows is that he’s living a successful and charmed life, and she is more than happy to keep anything between them in the past. But when he shows up with a date at the restaurant where she works, Alicia realizes she’s still not over her feelings, and Jeff is definitely looking at her in a way he never has before.

Book Two
Heidi Reads... Where I Belong by Heather B. Moore


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Jane Morris makes a living by cleaning the houses of the wealthy residents of Pine Valley, and she tries hard not to judge their extravagant lifestyles. But when one of her clients goes through a devastating breakup with his fiancé, Jane finds herself in the middle of his emotional mess. She wants to help him, but Cameron Vance is a man she could easily lose her heart to. Jane agrees to be his date to the charity event of the year, organized by Cameron’s mother. But the magical night shows Jane that if she’s a Cinderella, then Cameron is definitely a candidate for Prince Charming.

Book Four
https://amzn.to/2HXukHm

(releases June 12, 2018)

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Gwen Robbins loves her job waitressing at the Pine Valley resort restaurant, and as a single woman, she has no trouble turning down any offers of dates from the restaurant patrons. Even when her boss, Seth Owens, shows interest in her, she’s not tempted in the least, no matter how strong their attraction.

But when Seth helps her through a crisis, she begins to see him in a different light. He’s not the rich and privileged business owner she first makes him out to be, but a man who’s making huge sacrifices to follow his own dreams. As Seth encourages Gwen to mend her own divide with her family, she realizes her heart is slowly opening toward a better future.