Freebie Alert! So Rare a Gift by Amber Lynn Perry

Don't miss this free e-book! I loved the historical setting and message of perseverance and love! Even though it's the third book in the series it can easily be read as a stand alone (I highly recommend the first two book in the series too!)

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Escape is Anna Rone’s only option. Never again will she be trapped in a loveless marriage. A new life in America means safety—and discovering the truth behind her beloved brother’s death. But when she is nearly captured and forced to return to England, her vow to never marry for anything but love is forgotten when she must marry for protection. Perhaps the handsome man she accepts is truly as caring as he seems. If he is not, her future in America is darker than ever before.

Captain Henry Donaldson aided the colonists too many times. And now, the British army intends to make him pay with his life. Without his friends in Sandwich, he would be a dead man. He’s already changed his name, and when the kind, courageous woman he rescued offers to become his bride, he accepts despite the risks. His past taught him that women are not to be trusted and that love can cut deeper than the sword. Only time will reveal if this choice will bring the greatest pain he’s ever known.

Giveaway: Daughters of His Kingdom series by Amber Lynn Perry at Stitches Thru Time

Swing by Stitches Thru Time to enter for a chance to win Amber Lynn Perry's entire Daughters of His Kingdom series! I love these books and highly recommend this amazing inspirational historical romance series!

Guest Post & Giveaway! Amber Lynn Perry and her latest book, So Rare a Gift!

A special welcome to Amber Lynn Perry, author of the Daughters of His Kingdom series (one of my favorite series!) Since her books have such a great historical setting, I asked her to share with us about the location she chose as the haven for her characters... 

Don't miss the giveaway at the bottom of the post for a digital copy of her newest book, So Rare a Gift! (Read my 5 star review here)

Heidi!! What an honor to be able to do a guest post, on Heidi Reads!! I’ve been a huge fan for a very long time, as you know. ;)  Thank you so much for having me, and for allowing me to share a little bit about my books…

Today, I’m talking about my favorite place in the world—Sandwich, MA!! (Do I see some raised eyebrows out there? *giggle* ) There is in fact a town, on Cape Cod, called Sandwich—named after the Earl of Sandwich, as you could probably surmise. I tell you, it is heaven on earth. For me, anyway. It’s beautiful and quaint and so full of wonderful history I get giddy just thinking about it.  

Allow me to elaborate.

Founded only seventeen years after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, Sandwich is the oldest town on Cape Cod. When I first visited there nearly twenty years ago, I was struck by the beauty of it—the shingle-sided homes (many with historical plaques by their doors); the thick trees that lined the roads and the quaint, perfectly picturesque shops and restaurants that dotted the town’s little main street.  

Upon starting my Daughters of His Kingdom series, I knew I wanted to set my story in New England, but didn’t want to focus on the already-so-well-known Boston—even though I *love* that place as well. Immediately, the memories of that little coastal town sparked in my memory and I knew it was the perfect setting for my characters to come to life. 

Sixty miles south of Boston, Sandwich is located right on the water, but being it is much smaller than Boston, it doesn’t have the large port and shipping industry that its big brother to the north has always attracted. 

Mainly agrarian, Sandwich residents were of the middling to poorer classes, and though it was far removed from the heated debates of upper Massachusetts, it was a hot-bed of political fervor—Whigs and Tories living side by side, both fighting (or not fighting) for what they believed in. It’s incredible to think that a quiet vacation town was once a vital part of the fight for America’s independence.

Many of the places and landmarks mentioned in my stories actually exist. Newcomb Tavern was once in fact a tavern owned by a Tory. (If you have read SO TRUE A LOVE than you will know more about that!) Today you can find it on VRBO.com and stay there on your next vacation! I so badly want to do that someday.  Shawme Pond and the Gristmill are actual places as well. The gristmill, operating since 1652, STILL grinds corn to this day, though you can only buy the cornmeal during certain times of the year. Bummer. (They weren’t selling it when I was there, or I’d have bought the lot! LOL) 

Have you ever been to Cape Cod? What did you think of it? I’d love to know!

Thank you again for having me, Heidi!!!

Thanks Amber! I'm totally planning a trip to the East Coast sooner rather than later now! The history is fascinating and the scenery looks amazing!

Amber is giving away a digital copy So Rare a Gift, the third book in the Daughters in His Kingdom series! 

It can definitely be read as a stand alone so don't worry if you haven't had a chance to read So Fair a Lady or So True a Love (both are excellent and have great e-book prices! The print books are on my wishlist for my personal library... check out those beautiful covers!)

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Review: So Rare a Gift by Amber Lynn Perry

I'm excited to announce that the author Amber Lynn Perry will be sharing a guest post with us tomorrow (8/18) about the setting of her books and a *giveaway* so be sure to check back for this special feature!!!

 

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Escape is Anna Rone’s only option. Never again will she be trapped in a loveless marriage. A new life in America means safety—and discovering the truth behind her beloved brother’s death. But when she is nearly captured and forced to return to England, her vow to never marry for anything but love is forgotten when she must marry for protection. Perhaps the handsome man she accepts is truly as caring as he seems. If he is not, her future in America is darker than ever before. 

Captain Henry Donaldson aided the colonists too many times. And now, the British army intends to make him pay with his life. Without his friends in Sandwich, he would be a dead man. He’s already changed his name, and when the kind, courageous woman he rescued offers to become his bride, he accepts despite the risks. His past taught him that women are not to be trusted and that love can cut deeper than the sword. Only time will reveal if this choice will bring the greatest pain he’s ever known.

My Review

Tensions are at an all-time high as the Revolutionary War gets underway in So Rare a Gift. Instead of a history lesson of battles and politics, we are treated to an intimate story of two individuals who are in the midst of their own trials during this turbulent period, being hunted by personal adversaries. Anna and Henry both have reasons to disdain marriage, but the characteristics they witness in each other give them hope that their situations can be redeemed if they unite forces. I loved how they grew closer together as they supported, protected, and even surprised each other. They share several sweet moments as their attraction and passion grows even though their marriage is one of convenience. They both quickly become loyal to the Patriot cause and do what they can to aid the citizens in nearby towns who are being persecuted. My favorite quote from the book is one that I feel applies to us today as well as we take a stand for what we believe is right:

"There will come a time when we will be called upon to act in defense of the cause we believe in. That time has come, and we were made for it."

The suspense is heightened as the perspective of the men stalking Henry and Anna is shown briefly throughout the book and the action is steadily brought to a climax. The couples from the previous books in the series are present as friends of Henry but this can easily be read as a stand alone. I recommend reading them all though for maximum enjoyment ;) This is a book that will be loved by fans of historical fiction and inspirational romance! I was also thrilled to learn that the author has two more books planned for the series and I can't wait to see what is in store for the characters during this amazing time in our country's history.

(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Don't miss the first two books in the Daughters of His Kingdom series!

Read my review of Book 1

Read my review of Book 2

 

E-book sale: $2.99 for So Fair a Lady by Amber Perry

Celebrate Independence Day by reading So Fair a Lady by Amber Lynn Perry! It's only $2.99 for the e-book, a fabulous deal! I rated it 5 stars, you can read my review here.

Synopsis


Boston, MA 1773: Shards of Eliza Campbell's life crash to the ground when she discovers a devastating secret: her father was a spy for the Sons of Liberty. Determined to uncover the truth--at any cost--not even a marriage proposal from the dashing British Officer Samuel Martin can dissuade her. When rescued from British capture by handsome patriot Thomas Watson, Eliza discovers what her father risked his life for and yearns to know more. But will her budding attraction to this courageous patriot damage her already wounded heart?

After years of being blackmailed by Officer Martin, Thomas plans to start a new life in the small town of Sandwich. However, when his actions place Eliza and her sister in danger, he must act quickly to protect them from falling into enemy hands. If the three of them are discovered, their lives will never be the same. Now, not only must he protect Eliza, he must protect his heart from a love that is sure to wound him far greater than any British soldier ever could.

Review, Interview & Giveaway! So True a Love by Amber Lynn Perry

Be sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post!

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Kitty Campbell knows that leaving the dangers of Boston behind for a more tranquil life in Sandwich is God's will for her. But not even twenty-four hours after arriving in the small sea-side town, she witnesses a terrible crime and is forced to stay silent or her family will be made to suffer. And yet, as the consequences for remaining quiet threaten more than just her family, Kitty is desperate to unload her burden. When handsome doctor Nathaniel Smith comes to her rescue more than once, she is tempted to risk everything by revealing what she knows, as her hidden attraction to the courageous patriot builds into much more than childish infatuation. When Doctor Nathaniel Smith discovers the town's ammunition stores have been raided, he knows immediately who to blame—the hated Tories. Desperate to keep the remaining powder out of enemy hands, he vows to find the men responsible. Then when Kitty Campbell is brutally assaulted and refuses to name her attacker, he suspects she might know something and keeps a closer watch for her safety, only to discover a fleeting attraction he harbored long ago threatens to grow into something akin to love. Yet, he knows a Tory and a Patriot would make a terrible match.

My Review

I absolutely loved the first book in this series (So Fair a Lady) and have been anxious to read Kitty and Nathaniel's story! She remained as stubborn as ever in her loyalties to the king, but it was enlightening to see things from her perspective. She finds herself caught in some dangerous predicaments as well as experiencing turmoil over her romantic feelings for Nathaniel, a staunch and very vocal patriot. He is such a charming and likeable character, and he has his own inner conflict over falling for Kitty. My favorite parts are when Nathaniel and Kitty were able to put aside their differences and just enjoy each other. Something I noticed is that in the first book, the patriots were a definite minority and quite unpopular, but in the second book things have reversed. It really shows how turbulent the times were approaching the Revolution. I'm looking forward to seeing how the political climate has progressed in the next book, which will feature Henry Donaldson, a British soldier and friend to Kitty and her sister, as the main character.

(Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

About the Author

Amber Lynn Perry is a historical romance novelist, focusing on her favorite time in American history--the Revolutionary era. She received a Bachelor's degree from Portland State University and currently lives in Washington state with her husband and two daughters. She loves to hear from readers and you can contact her through her website, www.amberlynnperry.com or through her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/authoramberlynnperry 




 
Interview with Amber Lynn Perry

What was something new you learned from publishing your second book?

I learned a lot! Historical facts, self-publishing tips and tricks, etc. But I think one of the most important lessons I learned is that haste makes waste! :) For me, writing is a slower process--and I really enjoy that. When I try to push it  and move too quickly, it loses its pleasure and the result is lower-quality writing.

Where do you draw inspiration for your characters' personalities?

Oh, from various people in my own life and from studying different personality types, actually--which I find incredibly fascinating!! But as a personal example--my husband teases me mercilessly--much like Nathaniel teases Kitty. ;) So sometimes I take things from personal experience and that makes it lots of fun. :)

Who is a historical female you admire?

Wow! This is a great question. There are many women in history that I find incredibly amazing and admirable. If we are talking strictly Revolutionary War era, I'm not sure if I could even pick only one, but I think in this moment I would choose Emily Geiger. She was only 16 when she volunteered to take a message to a Revolutionary leader. She was soon captured but memorized and ate the message before it could be discovered. Not long after, she was released, made her way to her destination and relayed the message perfectly. I find that wonderfully brave! Kitty's experience is similar to Emily's--I just couldn't pass up such an amazing piece of history. :)

I understand you've been to the setting of So True a Love, the Cape Cod town of Sandwich, MA. What is memorable about it for you?

Oh dear, that's difficult to put into words. For me, it's more of a feeling than a place or setting or monument. The town is so quaint and so lovely--so rich in history that is seems to surround me with its songs of the past. When I think of Sandwich and the precious little time I have spent there, I think of pink petals floating on the breeze, rays of sun breaking through the clouds, birds singing and the loamy scent of the ocean air. *sigh* I can't wait to go back. :)

I learned in my last interview with you that you are a huge lover of music. Are there songs that you associate with each of your novels?

Fun question!! I LOVED Let Her Go, by Passenger for So Fair a Lady. It really captured what I thought Thomas must have been feeling for Eliza. *sigh* As for So True a Love--I look really hard for a song that I thought would fit and I finally found Unconditionally, by Katy Perry. Both Kitty and Nathaniel are dealing with very deep, very personal things--needing to know they will be accepted by the other--and I was so excited to find that song. Such a fun question, Heidi. :)

Thank you Amber for the interview! It's always a pleasure :)

Amber is generously giving away one print copy and one e-book of So True a Love! Enter below for a chance to win her wonderful book! 

If you haven't read her first book, So Fair a Lady, I highly recommend it, and it's only $2.99 for the e-book, a fabulous deal! (Print copies available to order as well).
 

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E-book sale: 99 cents for So Fair a Lady by Amber Perry!

Download this amazing book for only 99 cents at Amazon! Read my 5 star review of So Fair a Lady by Amber Perry here.

Synopsis


Boston, MA 1773: Shards of Eliza Campbell's life crash to the ground when she discovers a devastating secret: her father was a spy for the Sons of Liberty. Determined to uncover the truth--at any cost--not even a marriage proposal from the dashing British Officer Samuel Martin can dissuade her. When rescued from British capture by handsome patriot Thomas Watson, Eliza discovers what her father risked his life for and yearns to know more. But will her budding attraction to this courageous patriot damage her already wounded heart?

After years of being blackmailed by Officer Martin, Thomas plans to start a new life in the small town of Sandwich. However, when his actions place Eliza and her sister in danger, he must act quickly to protect them from falling into enemy hands. If the three of them are discovered, their lives will never be the same. Now, not only must he protect Eliza, he must protect his heart from a love that is sure to wound him far greater than any British soldier ever could.

Cover Reveal! So True a Love by Amber Lynn Perry

Exciting news! Amber Lynn Perry, author of So Fair a Lady (which I rated 5 stars- you can read my review here) is publishing her second book in her Daughters in His Kingdom series, So True a Love! It's set to release early 2015, and she just shared the cover and synopsis of her new book and is hosting a giveaway at her blog, The Historical Christian Romance Review! Be sure to stop by and leave a comment to enter the giveaway and sign up for her newsletter! (giveaway ends Oct 15th)

Synopsis

Kitty Campbell knows that leaving the dangers of Boston behind for a more tranquil life in Sandwich is God's will for her. But not even twenty-four hours after arriving in the small sea-side town, she witnesses a terrible crime and is forced to stay silent or her family will be made to suffer. And yet, as the consequences for remaining quiet threaten more than just her family, Kitty is desperate to unload her burden. When handsome doctor Nathaniel Smith comes to her rescue more than once, she is tempted to risk everything by revealing what she knows, as her hidden attraction to the courageous patriot builds into much more than childish infatuation.

When Doctor Nathaniel Smith discovers the town's ammunition stores have been raided, he knows immediately who to blame--the hated Torries. Desperate to keep the remaining powder out of enemy hands, he vows to find the men responsible. Then when Kitty Campbell is brutally assaulted and refuses to name her attacker, he suspects she might know something and keeps a closer watch for her safety, only to discover a fleeting attraction he harbored long ago threatens to grow into something akin to love. Yet, he knows a Tory and a Patriot would make a terrible match. At least that is what his head understands, but can he make his heart believe it also?

The first book in the series, So Fair a Lady, is only $3.99 as an e-book, which is a fabulous deal! A print version is available as well.

Author Interview with Amber Perry and Giveaway of So Fair a Lady!!!

I'm so excited to share my very first author interview today! Welcome Amber Lynn Perry, author of So Fair a Lady!  Don't forget to scroll to the end and enter the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of her book!

The cover of your book is gorgeous! What was the process of designing the cover like?

It was SO fun to work on designing this cover. I didn't do the actual designing myself, I hired a company to do that, but I provided the pictures and gave them all kinds of ideas! I was actually the model for the cover--which was GOBS of fun because I love dressing up. ;) The great thing about self-publishing is that you DO have that kind of say in your cover, because from what I understand, if you publish traditionally you often don't have much say at all. 

What inspired you to write and publish So Fair a Lady?

I LOVE America and I love our history!! The freedoms that the people were willing to fight for back then are just as vital today. My goal in writing this story was to not only give people a delightful story, but hopefully to inspire people to gain a greater interest in this great country.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging about writing?

Write, and write, and write and write again!! I can't even begin to tell you how many times I wrote and re-wrote scenes, deleted scenes and added new ones, etc. It's hard work! I never would have thought that, but it's so true. 

If you could cast your characters in the movie version of your book, what actors/actresses would you choose?

That is a wonderful question!! For that fun tidbit, I will direct you to my pintrest page where I have posted all kinds of fun and fabulous pictures of characters, and tons more!! Here's the link: http://www.pinterest.com/amberlynnperry/so-fair-a-lady/ 

What are some of your favorite or most influential books that you would recommend to readers?

Wow, as a reader you know how hard it is to pick your favorite books! But I will tell you my top two historical Christian romances: A BRIDE MOST BEGRUDGING and THE MEASURE OF A LADY--both by Deeanne Gist. I'm a HUGE Dee fan, and those books really stuck with me. I'd read them over and over. 

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I love music! I taught voice lessons for years and performed on stage in many different productions. Now, as a mom, I love to sing with my children and dance around the house while we dust, fold, etc. Being a mom is such a blessing and I absolutely adore homemaking! (Not to say its always EASY--that's for sure!! LOL But I still love it. ;) )

Thank you so much for joining us today, and thank you for giving away a copy of So Fair a Lady to one of our readers!

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Read my review here

Synopsis 

Boston, MA 1773: Shards of Eliza Campbell's life crash to the ground when she discovers a devastating secret: her father was a spy for the Sons of Liberty. Determined to uncover the truth--at any cost--not even a marriage proposal from the dashing British Officer Samuel Martin can dissuade her. When rescued from British capture by handsome patriot Thomas Watson, Eliza discovers what her father risked his life for and yearns to know more. But will her budding attraction to this courageous patriot damage her already wounded heart?

After years of being blackmailed by Officer Martin, Thomas plans to start a new life in the small town of Sandwich. However, when his actions place Eliza and her sister in danger, he must act quickly to protect them from falling into enemy hands. If the three of them are discovered, their lives will never be the same. Now, not only must he protect Eliza, he must protect his heart from a love that is sure to wound him far greater than any British soldier ever could.

Entry-Form

Review: So Fair a Lady by Amber Perry

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing!

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Boston, MA 1773: Shards of Eliza Campbell's life crash to the ground when she discovers a devastating secret: her father was a spy for the Sons of Liberty. Determined to uncover the truth--at any cost--not even a marriage proposal from the dashing British Officer Samuel Martin can dissuade her. When rescued from British capture by handsome patriot Thomas Watson, Eliza discovers what her father risked his life for and yearns to know more. But will her budding attraction to this courageous patriot damage her already wounded heart?

After years of being blackmailed by Officer Martin, Thomas plans to start a new life in the small town of Sandwich. However, when his actions place Eliza and her sister in danger, he must act quickly to protect them from falling into enemy hands. If the three of them are discovered, their lives will never be the same. Now, not only must he protect Eliza, he must protect his heart from a love that is sure to wound him far greater than any British soldier ever could.

My Review

I have loved reading novels set in the Colonial time period since I picked up Ann Rinaldi's Time Enough for Drums as a teenager. There is something about the political birth of our country and the patriots that affected change that is so powerful. This book is especially dynamic since Eliza begins loyal to the King of England, but as she follows the prompting of her father to search for the truth, she comes to an understanding that the true King to whom her loyalties belong is God.

The relationship Eliza has with her sister Kitty is sweet and also grounding since they don't know where their future will take them, but they are strong for each other. The chemistry between Eliza and Thomas is palpable, and the restrained passion creates a wonderful romantic tension. It was interesting to read Officer Martin's point of view as well, since he doesn't appear to be a villain to Eliza and Kitty, and his decisions stem from a real worry for Eliza.

The pacing of the novel is well-done, with a good balance of action and apprehension as well as pondering and growth. The ending wraps this book up, however there is another novel in the series with Kitty as the main character, and I am excited that it will be releasing this summer! I definitely recommend this book to fans of Jody Hedlund and Laura Frantz. Amber Perry's debut novel has been not only a pleasure to read, but also thought-provoking and inspiring.

(ARC provided by the author for unbiased review)

Amber Lynn Perry is a historical romance novelist, focusing on her favorite time in American history--the Revolutionary era. She received a Bachelor's degree from Portland State University and currently lives in Washington state with her husband and two daughters. She loves to hear from readers and you can contact her through her website, www.amberlynnperry.com or through her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/authoramberlynnperry

Stay tuned for my upcoming interview with the author Amber Perry and a giveaway of her novel, So Fair a Lady!