Review & Giveaway: A Tip of the Cap by Rebecca Connolly

About the Book

Series: The London League  
Genre: Adult, Regency, Romance  
Publisher: Phase Publishing  
Publication date: February 1, 2019

With Cap in hand... 

Malcolm Colerain, Earl of Montgomery, needs a wife. He has four children, a peerage, and a demanding secret occupation as a member of the London League; all of which give him a fulfilling life, so a proper marriage of convenience is all he seeks. But when he meets Elizabeth Owens, things begin to change. Distance becomes difficult, convenience becomes rather inconvenient, and his exciting life as a spy turns on its head.

…Love comes to call... 

Beth Owens seizes the chance to marry the handsome and striking Earl of Montgomery, marriage of convenience or not. Her heart is his for the taking, and she is determined that he eventually will. But the more she learns about her husband, the more he puzzles her. He has secrets, she is well aware, but just how many and how deeply do they run? And when she finds a few secrets of her own, will they ever have a chance at love?

GOODREADS | AMAZON

 

Review

5 stars / It was amazing

I loved the complicated dynamics of Malcolm and Beth as they yearn for each other and struggle with their feelings. Malcolm is especially angst-ridden as he still grieves for his first wife and finds himself falling for Beth. She is perfect for him and his children, and she is patient as she works to discover the hidden layers of Malcolm. His secret life as an agent provides him an escape and distraction from his familial circumstances and often runs when Beth gets too close. I liked seeing the other members of the League call him on it and encourage him to focus on his most important priorities. It was gratifying when Malcolm and Beth finally overcome the issues and allow themselves to fully enjoy their relationship. Of course, danger is always looming for the London League and a dramatic revelation of the treasonous suspect brings an exciting climax to the plot. Another fabulous addition to the series, I'm hoping that Rook's story will be next!

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

The Books in the Series

About the Author

Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.

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Singing Librarian Books

Review: 100 Extraordinary Stories for Courageous Girls: Unforgettable Tales of Women of Faith by Jean Fischer

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Girls are world-changers! And this deeply inspiring storybook proves it!

Just for the girls in your life, ages 8 and up, this collection of 100 extraordinary stories of women of faith--from the Bible, history, and today--will empower them to know and understand how women have made a difference in the world and how much smaller our faith (and the biblical record) would be without them. Featuring full-page, colorful illustrations alongside the true stories of amazing women like Lydia, Naomi, Rahab, Rebekah, Jane Austen, Corrie ten Boom, Bethany Hamilton, Rosa Parks, Mother Teresa, and dozens more, the stories of these 100 women will encourage and inspire girls to become the world-changers God created them to be!

My Review

This book is a treasure! I love the high quality binding with ribbon bookmark, the thick pages, and the beautiful illustrations. There is one page of text for each story, and I was impressed with the easy conversational tone to the storytelling, making it easy for young girls to relate to the iconic women they are learning about. It is so important for them to have heroes and heroines to look up to and emulate, and this book is chock full of them, from several eras in history and across a wide variety of cultures. I loved the apt inspirational Bible quotes for each woman that encourages and further helps apply the scriptures to the reader. There is a table on contents at the beginning, making it easy to find a particular person since they are presented in no particular type of order. I believe this would make a lovely gift for a young woman from ages 8 to 18. Highly recommend!

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

Review: Abigail by Jess Heileman

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Since the death of her mother, Abigail Blakeslee has lost all desire to become a debutante and enter Society. But now, foregoing her first Season has brought an unwanted invitation to join her aunt and cousins for a summer at Timpton House, the large estate of the Stanton family.

Reluctantly accepting, Abigail is thrust into the vexing world of social propriety and matchmaking she had hoped to avoid. More vexing still is her cousin’s suitor, the young Timpton heir—Edwin Stanton. Moody and distant at times, remarkably endearing at others, Edwin seems a puzzle she can never solve, but can never quite put away. Bet then, Abigail has her own secret to hide—her own mystery to conceal. Perhaps such puzzles are better left unsolved, or perhaps love can find a solution.

My Review

This was a wonderful escape into the world of Regency England! I enjoyed Abigail and her somewhat unconventional attitude, and found it interesting who she chose to placate and who she felt she needed to be disrespectful to. She and Edwin definitely have a Darcy/Lizzie thing going, and it was fun seeing their interest and attraction despite their best efforts. I especially liked the parts where they get away from the house and are able to discover the deeper layers behind each of their facades. There are family secrets that are alluded to but also unexpected and bring quite the twist to the story.

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

Review: My Not So Wicked Stepbrother by Jennifer Peel

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

I, Emma Loveless, have a destiny. It's not the greatest of destinies, but when you have a name like Loveless, what can you do? I'm cursed to always be the friend, never the girlfriend. Unless you count my love affair with Duncan Hines, Dr. Pepper, and the ever-lovable Pillsbury Doughboy. They've seen me through it all, but a girl needs more than refined sugar to curl up to every night. It doesn't help that I have a meddling, albeit wonderful, mother who can't help playing matchmaker. Thanks to her, I can say I've been on a date with a felon. Now she swears she's found the one for me, her new optometrist, Dr. Sawyer King. Meanwhile, I'm preparing for the inevitable restraining order. That is, until I meet the sexy doctor and have to admit my mother is right--love at first sight does exist.

Unfortunately, my last name means business. Not only do I find myself in the friend zone, but also the twilight zone. Only in my world would Mr. Right turn into my stepbrother. To top it off, he brings with him a wicked stepmother who will do anything to keep us apart. Despite all this my heart--or is that my mom?--keeps telling me Sawyer is the one. But what if true love isn't strong enough to interfere with my destiny? It'll be me and the Doughboy...for eternity.

My Review

Loved it!!! The funny snark (yet not annoying) of Emma kept me entertained throughout this angst and drama fest balanced by witty humor, genuine compassion, true friendship, and toe curling romance. The characters jump off the page, and the first person perspective of Emma really gets the reader in her head. Two of my favorite tropes blend nicely here- unrequited love and friends to lovers- as Emma and Sawyer are made for each other... except tragedy strikes and they end up as step brother and sister. (Since everyone is an adult when this happened and they never had to live together, I didn't find it off-putting). The friendship between Emma and Sawyer is so sweet and full of yearning, that when conflict arose and drove a wedge between them, I really felt the emotion and could not put the book down. I can always count on this author to keep me engrossed in her books no matter the hour! (I've learned the hard way not to start one at bedtime...) Highly recommend for fans of clean contemporary romance with depth and emotion!

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

Review: Mending Fences by Suzanne Woods Fisher

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future.
 
Luke Schrock is a new and improved man after a stint in rehab, though everyone in Stoney Ridge only remembers the old Luke. They might have forgiven him, but nobody trusts him.

Amos and Fern Lapp allow Luke to live at Windmill Farm under two conditions. First, Luke must make a sincere apology to each person he's hurt--a four-page, single-spaced list. Second, he must ask each victim of mischief to describe the damage he caused.

Simple, Luke thinks. Offering apologies is easy. But discovering the lasting effects his careless actions have caused . . . that isn't so simple. It's gut-wrenching.

And his list keeps growing. Izzy Miller, beautiful and frustratingly aloof, also boards at Windmill Farm. Luke's clumsy efforts to befriend Izzy only insult and annoy her. Eager to impress, Luke sets out to prove himself to her by locating her mother. When he does, her identity sends shock waves through Stoney Ridge.

My Review

I love this author's books for the deep themes she deftly explores. Normally I want romance to be the focus of a book, but the author did such a fabulous job showing the redemption journey of Luke and how he changes. I love the balance of subtle nudges and more attention-getting epiphanies that contribute to the opening of his eyes, the development of his conscience, and compassion for others. It was so thought-provoking and I appreciated that it was not an instant or overnight change, but a more realistic shift over many experiences and talks with mentors. He learns from the wisdom and examples of several people in the community- David Stoltzfus, the bishop, Amos, Fern and Izzy who he lives with at Windmill Farm, Teddy Zook and Annie Smucker who he works so hard to make amends with. Even though the story begins with Luke full of flaws and a flawed perspective, he wasn't completely unlikeable, and it helped that David had faith in him. I was really rooting for him and it was gratifying to see him get in touch with his emotions, comprehend the consequences of thoughtless choices, and experience the sweetness of forgiveness. There is some romance with his challenging friendship with Izzy, and I'm hoping we will see more of them in the next book!

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

Review: Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A storied castle. A band of rebels. And a nation chasing the centuries-old dream of freedom . . . What legacy will they leave behind?

When Laine Forrester travels to France to attend her longtime friend's vineyard wedding, she expects to find a bride on the brink of a fairy-tale life. But after a series of unforeseen setbacks--a devastating diagnosis, a castle restoration put on hold, and the emergence of deep-seated family dynamics that threaten to derail the new couple's fledgling marriage--it seems the storybook life Laine had imagined for her friend--and once, for herself--is suddenly crumbling before her eyes.

With hopes of resurrecting a happy ending for one of them, Laine throws support behind her friend and agrees to accompany the couple to the groom's family home in Ireland, where the merging of a mysterious inheritance, long-buried wounds, and a fractured family set out to upend the trip from the start. It's in the unlikely corners of a historic Dublin pub, and across the wide-open moors bordering Ireland's majestic Wicklow Mountains, that Laine is slowly drawn in by the land and the people, sparking hope for something she never imagined possible: the courage to heal. But with secrets of her own--and a heart afraid to trust again--Laine must determine how much she's willing to risk in mending the broken places within herself, and whether she believes that even through the depths of our pain, a beautiful story can emerge.

Set in three time-periods--the revolutionary era of the late eighteenth century, Ireland's turbulent Easter week of the 1916 Rising, and present day--Castle on the Rise weaves a story of legacy, conviction, and redemption against the backdrop of Dublin's storied streets, and the stretch of Ireland's stunning emerald shores. It raises the question: given the choice between the fairy tale or a life of truly anchored faith--which legacy would you choose?

My Review

Such an evocative telling of three different yet connected stories. I have to admit I struggled with the triple storyline in the first book The Lost Castle, but with this one I found the setting of Ireland so compelling and loved the history I discovered among its pages. I don't remember learning about Ireland's struggle for freedom in school, and I am especially grateful to the author for bringing it to life in such a meaningful way. It made me want to learn even more and follow up with my own research... a definite sign for me of an amazing book!

While I didn't feel connected to the characters' emotions in the way that I feel them as well, they were so interesting and I was filled with compassion as I read of their struggles and strength amid adversity. This isn't a book you want to read in spurts. I did better reading it in longer sittings so I could stay immersed and keep track of the three stories easier. As I got deeper into the book the stories began to converge with small details and links through history, and I couldn't wait to see the modern day characters discover the mysteries of the castle and its previous inhabitants. By the end my heart was full and I shed a few tears as each story wrapped up. There's something so earnest about war based in revolution, and the author did an excellent job portraying that passion and desperation for freedom from oppression. Highly recommend!

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

Review: Let's Begin Again by Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Maurie's dreams are finally coming true, but when Grant Shelton shows up at her doorstep, she discovers that she's left love out of the equation.
 
USA Today bestselling author Heather B. Moore welcomes you to Pine Valley!

When Maurie Ledbetter moves back to her hometown to open her dream shop, she calls a local construction crew for help. Former teenage crush Grant Shelton shows up on her front porch, answering the call for the construction job. Seeing Grant again brings back Maurie’s memories of her troubled childhood, and she doesn’t know if spending time around Grant is the best way to move on. But when she discovers Grant has gone through difficulties of his own, Maurie realizes that he might be the key to her own healing.

My Review

Another winner of a story from the Pine Valley series I so quickly fell in love with! The beginning of this story was familiar to me since the author had published it in a novella collection, but added so much more content to this book and really made the characters that I enjoyed in the short story come to life. It was gratifying to see where their story led and how they dealt with the challenges in their lives and relationship. I admired Maurie's resilience after a dysfunctional childhood and time in foster care, the way she stayed strong and learned from those who showed genuine love for her. Grant struggled more as an adult with his failed marriage and desire to keep his son in his life, and Maurie supports and encourages him as he puts his life back together. Their curiosity about each other as youth picks right back up as adults, and they had *fantastic* chemistry! I also loved Maurie's best friend/business partner with her quirky personality, and I have my fingers crossed that she gets a Pine Valley story of her own!

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

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Don't miss the other amazing books in the Pine Valley series! 
(They can easily be read in any order)

Review: Heart of Red, Blood of Blue by Rebecca Belliston

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A girl on the run. A kingdom to save.

Princess Gisela of Steinland was born without color. Albino. To add to this curse, her betrothal to Prince Jerrik of Kronga ends in his death and starts a ten-year-war her father is determined to win, even if it means bringing her out of hiding to do it. Now the savage Krongon war commander, Bloodless Kristoff, seeks the hearts of the entire royal family, especially Gisela's.

Desperate, her father agrees to another alliance that involves her marrying an old brute of a king. Unwilling to be the sacrificial lamb, Gisela goes on the run. Thrown into the center of a battle between three kingdoms, she finds herself fighting for her life and the right to be truly loved.

Can the girl who started the war find a way to end it?

My Review

Epic, intense, full of adventure, deception, and character growth! I especially loved seeing Gisela discovering her flaws and rising to the challenges before her to realize her inner strength. The plot is strong with the politics and dynamics of kingdoms, greedy kings, evil assassins, commanders of armies, the commoners they either oppress or support, and the women who must stand strong despite the injustice running rampant. I was never confused or overwhelmed by the details, even when there is a bit of mystery or suspense because we are seeing things through Gisela's limited perspective only, which I enjoyed. I felt like there was a great balance between the relationships, the action, and revealing the big picture little by little. There is romance which of course I loved, and Gisela learns important but hard lessons about trust, loyalty, and the characteristics of genuine love. I was enthralled the entire time and was pleasantly surprised with the twists and turns on Gisela's journey from an isolated and naive princess to a powerful force that directly influences the fate of the kingdoms and the outcome of the war. I know this will be one of my favorites of the year, and *highly* recommend!

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

Review & Giveaway: Escape to Everly Manor by Chalon Linton

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Nineteen-year-old Lizzy and her young brother, Thomas, find themselves orphaned after a tragic accident claims the lives of their parents. Their estranged Uncle Cline arrives to claim his inheritance, and his roguish ways cast a shadow over the manor. Both the family estate and guardianship of his niece and nephew were left to him, and diabolical Uncle Cline is determined to indulge in his newfound wealth and rid himself of his charges. Desperate to save her brother from a dangerous life at sea, and herself from being married off to a detestable old gentleman, Lizzy knows there is only one choice left— they must run.

Lizzy and Thomas sneak away and find refuge in an abandoned cabin. There they remain hidden until fate acquaints Lizzy with Mr. Barton, a charming gentleman who is immediately intrigued by the mysterious young woman. Concealing her identity, Lizzy is unaware that there is much more to this compassionate man than meets the eye. Through his kindness to herself and her brother, Lizzy begins to trust him. Soon Lizzy realizes Mr. Barton may be her best hope for a life in which she can live—and love—as she chooses . . .

My Review

I loved the unique plot in this Regency romance! The characters are memorable and I loved Barton and Lizzy's interactions, even if their misunderstandings were frustrating at times. There is a strong supporting cast of characters that rounded out the story, and I enjoyed the family dynamics and evidence of their devotion to one another. Lizzy is so protective of her brother, and Barton is full of compassion for the both of them, making him a perfect hero! The setting of the small village was idyllic and the adventure made the pace of the book move steadily forward.

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

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