Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: The Light at Wyndcliff by Sarah E. Ladd #TheLightatWyndcliff #SarahELadd #HFVBTBlogTours

The Light at Wyndcliff by Sarah E. Ladd

Publication Date: October 13, 2020

Thomas Nelson

Paperback & eBook; 352 Pages

Series: The Cornwall Novels, Book 3

Genre: Historical Romance/Regency/Christian

Set in 1820s Cornwall, this Regency romance evokes the captivating worlds and delicious dramas of Jane Austen, Daphne DuMaurier, and Winston Graham.

Raised on the sprawling and rugged Wyndcliff Estate near the dangerous coast of South Cornwall, Evelyn Bray lives with her grandfather, a once-wealthy man reduced to the post of steward. Evelyn is still grieving her father’s death and her mother’s abandonment when a passing ship is dashed against the rocks. The only survivors, a little girl and her injured mother, are rescued and brought to Wyndcliff Hall.

Liam Twethewey is just twenty-two when he inherits Wyndcliff Estate from his great uncle. His optimistic plans to open a china clay pit to employ the estate’s tenants meets unexpected resistance, and the rumors of smuggling and illegal activity challenge his new-found authority. Though wise beyond his years, young Liam quickly finds himself out of his depth in this land where long-held secrets and high-stakes agendas make no room for newcomers.

Brought together by troubling questions surrounding the shipwreck, Evelyn and Liam uncover even darker mysteries shrouding the estate. But as they untangle truths from deceptions, their loyalties separate them—and their budding love might not be strong enough to overcome the distance.

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My Review

 

This third book in the Cornwall series is my favorite, with its Gothic tones from a stormy coastal setting and dangerous mystery, but balanced with lightness from the friendship that develops between Liam and Evelyn. He struggles with getting to the bottom of the nefarious activities happening on his new property, and she is dealing with difficult circumstances with her decline in society and abandonment by her mother. I loved how the characters are good, genuine people, and the conflict comes from external sources. They both still have personal development which brings depth and it was easy to connect with them and their emotions. The pace is steady throughout the book and I most enjoyed the quiet conversations that formed the foundation of Liam and Evelyn's relationship. A wonderfully moody and sweetly romantic Regency story!

 

 

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

About the Author

 

Sarah E. Ladd has always loved the Regency period — the clothes, the music, the literature and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period and gave her idea of what life would’ve looked like in era. It wasn’t until 2010 that Ladd began writing seriously. Shortly after, Ladd released the first book in the Whispers on the Moors series. Book one of the series, The Heiress of Winterwood, was the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Genesis Award for historical romance. Ladd also has more than ten years of marketing experience. She holds degrees in public relations and marketing and lives in Indiana with her family and spunky Golden Retriever.

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Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, October 13
Review at Hallie Reads
Feature at Momfluenster

Wednesday, October 14
Review at McCombs on Main
Review at Gwendalyn's Books
Review at Probably at the Library

Thursday, October 15
Review at Jessica Belmont

Friday, October 16
Review at Bitch Bookshelf
Review & Excerpt at Bookworlder
Review at View from the Birdhouse

Sunday, October 18
Review at Jorie Loves a Story
Review at WTF Are You Reading?

Monday, October 19
Review at Book Bustle

Tuesday, October 20
Review at Books and Zebras
Review at Robin Loves Reading
Review at Into the Hall of Books

Wednesday, October 21
Review at The Lit Bitch

Thursday, October 22
Review at Faery Tales Are Real
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Friday, October 23
Review at Lu Reviews Books

Saturday, October 24
Review & Excerpt at Nursebookie

Monday, October 26
Review at The Caffeinated Bibliophile
Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Tuesday, October 27
Review at Captivated Reading

Wednesday, October 28
Review at Heidi Reads

Thursday, October 29
Review at YA, it's Lit

Friday, October 30
Review at A Darn Good Read
Review at Read Review Rejoice

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away 5 copies of The Light at Wyndcliff! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on October 30th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

The Light at Wyndcliff 

Review: Miracle Creek Christmas by Krista Jensen

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

When Riley Madigan moves to the sleepy mountain town of Miracle Creek, she hopes her new job as a high school art teacher will help her mend her recently broken heart. A little peace and quiet would be a gift this Christmas season. The last thing on her mind is love.

Former firefighter Mark Rivers has spent the last year recovering from burns sustained during a rescue operation. He’s been trying to piece his life back together but still struggles both emotionally and psychologically. When he meets Riley, he finally sees something that might bring some light back into his life.

When Mark asks Riley to work on a special nativity project, he finds himself falling for her quirky, unaffected ways. Riley doesn’t seem bothered by his scars, but is her affection for him real, or is this just another act of charity? One thing’s for certain, in a small town that views Mark as a fragile hero, it’s hard to pursue a relationship without everyone in his business. And although Riley has sincere feelings for Mark, is she ready to risk her heart?

Broken hearts and lives are mended as the town of Miracle Creek comes together to celebrate a Christmas to remember.

My Review

This is a book that got me feeling all the feels! I love when I'm able to be emotionally connected to the characters with all their highs and lows and everything in between. Mark and Riley are genuine and sincere with each other from the beginning (which was oh-so-awkward!), and their slow but steady developing friendship and romance was all the more special. They both have some serious issues they are struggling with and I loved how they accepted that about each other and felt like they could just be themselves. The small town setting is great, and the author brought it to life with an interestingly quirky cast of family and community members. A perfect read for the holidays that brings depth and themes of healing and miracles.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

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Don't miss these other books by author Krista Lynne Jensen I've read and loved!

And her new holiday multi-author collection . . .

Review: Almost a Bride by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Always close, but never a bride.

Longing to find true love, Kate Millington arrives in British Columbia on a bride ship. With countless men waiting to snag a bride, Kate has no trouble getting engaged. It’s staying engaged that’s the problem. After traveling to the remote mining town of Williamsville to marry her newest fiancé, she finds herself single again.

As the prosperous owner of a gold mine, Zeke Hart has everything he’s ever wanted except for a wife. At Kate’s arrival, he takes it upon himself to protect his childhood friend from the men clamoring to court her. The more he renews her friendship, the more he wants to win her for himself. But as much as Kate admires Zeke, she’s resolved not to marry someone who doesn’t share her faith.

When Zeke begins receiving anonymous threats, he unwittingly puts them both in grave danger. In the midst of peril, the past rises up to haunt them both, and Zeke realizes the fight for Kate’s affection may be his biggest challenge yet.

My Review

I've loved the Bride Ships series! Each woman has come from a different background and faces a variety of challenges. Kate thinks she is eager to get married, but at the last minute, fear grips her and she breaks things off. She has a connection to Zeke through characters from the previous books, and he takes on the role of her protector when she moves to his remote town. She has a bit of a naive stubborn streak though, and they butt heads several times even while developing and deepening their friendship. Zeke's strong physical attraction to Kate battles with their unmatched spiritual goals, and they struggle to share a visualization for their future. The unrest in the town with vandalism and danger brings an added element of tension and suspense, and the theme of giving our fears over to the Lord is one that both Kate and Zeke explore with their own inner turmoil. A strong conclusion to a compelling series!

 

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

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Don't miss the other books in The Bride Ships series . . .

Review: The Cottage by Coniston by Deborah M. Hathaway

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

What could possibly go wrong by asking someone else to make all of her decisions?

After a misguided kiss and subsequent rejection by yet another gentleman, Miss Amy Paxton convinces her brother to make all of her future decisions, especially in finding her a husband. His strategy? She must seek his advice before doing anything. Desperate for a happier future and a fresh start, Amy adopts her new way of life with relative ease. That is, until her new, self-assured landlord begins to meddle in her affairs.

With the passing of his oppressive grandfather, Mr. William Eastwood is finally free. Free to explore business ventures, free to help his parents—and free to marry his childhood friend, Miss Charity Winslow. But matters are complicated when he must help his new tenant, Amy Paxton, stand up to her overbearing brother. William soon discovers, however, that Amy is not as defenseless as she seems.

Anxious to discover the reasoning behind her behavior, William determines to uncover the real Amy, and an attraction sparks between them. But when challenges arise, Amy must protect herself as William struggles to choose between what his heart longs for—and what his duty demands.

My Review

Poor Amy! She's a bit of a hot mess when it comes to men, although I admire her forthrightness, being on the shy side when I was young. She's willing to try a different strategy though, by following her gregarious brother's cues when it comes to attracting a gentleman for her to marry. This of course leads to humorous scenes and misunderstandings. There is a bit of a love triangle as Amy and William develop feelings while he is unofficially promised to Charity, providing the conflict in the plot as well as in the characters' emotions. This book stood out with the entertaining banter and vibrant personalities, while allowing me to connect with the more vulnerable emotions running below the surface. A lovely Regency romance!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

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Don't miss the other books in the Seasons of Change series . . .

Review & Giveaway: Standout Saints: Church History Heroes from Around the World by Sierra Wilson

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

From prophets to pioneers, from songwriters to scientists, Standout Saints: Church History Heroes from Around the World presents the fascinating true stories of twenty women and twenty men from Church history. Each one-page biography describes impressive achievements and shares stories of great faith. Readers will encounter well-known and beloved Saints such as Joseph Smith and Eliza R. Snow along with lesser-known heroes from around the world such as Hu Wei-I, who miraculously translated the Book of Mormon into Chinese, and Mere Mete Whaanga, a prominent Maori woman who helped the Church spread into New Zealand. In addition, Standout Saints includes uplifting quotes, a Church history timeline, and resources for further study.

The courage and faith of these Saints made them stand out from the world, and this educational and inspiring book helps young readers know that they too can stand out.

My Review

I loved learning more about the personal stories of individuals in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from all over the world! They show how regular everyday people can make an important difference in the lives of those around them, and how faith helps us overcome our struggles. The illustrations are vibrant and full of life and personality. With 40 spotlights, there are several well-known names of pioneers and even more that I wasn't familiar with but am excited to learn more about. This is a great book for kids and adults alike, providing inspiration and encouragement to go out and be "standout saints" ourselves.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

About the Author

 

Sierra Wilson is a children's author/illustrator living in Alberta, Canada. She wrote The Atonement of Jesus Christ is for Me and I Can Be Like Jesus as well as several other books for children soon to be released. Before turning to writing, Sierra worked as a high school English and history teacher. She is the daughter of two modern-day pioneers and loves researching about pioneers and faithful heroes of all kinds. When she's not writing, you can find her adventuring with her husband and four children, cross-country skiing, or eating all the chocolate. 

Connect with Sierra:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

 

Giveaway

 

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Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: The Highlander's Hidden Heart by Julie Coulter Bellon

 

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A duke's daughter. A Highland warrior. And a love worth fighting for.

Lady Elizabeth, daughter of the Duke of Barrington, has done her best to secure an advantageous match, but a shy nature, combined with a stutter, hasn't helped her cause. After two Seasons, her father won’t wait any longer and promises her to a man she despises. There doesn’t seem to be anything Elizabeth can do beyond wish for a freedom she’ll never have---until a charming Highlander appears and makes all her dreams of a love match seem within her reach.

Alec Ramsay unexpectedly inherits an earldom and must leave his beloved Scottish Highlands to present himself in London and settle the estate affairs. After meeting his new neighbor, Lady Elizabeth, he feels a connection to her that he’s never felt with any other woman. Alec makes every effort to further their acquaintance, but soon finds out that Elizabeth could be swept out of his reach before they have a chance to explore the feelings between them. With everything at stake, can he risk all for a chance at love−−before it’s too late?

(Originally a novella in the Timeless Romance collection, now a full-length novel with new twists, turns, and romance!)

 My Review

There is an instant connection between Elizabeth and Alec, and they made each other feel comfortable and able to be themselves. And that accent! It's so fun to be able "hear" his Scottish brogue in my head as I read. Elizabeth's stutter drains her confidence and prevents her from standing up to her parents, resulting in being stuck with a suitor that puts up a good front, but is a horrible person. His unkindness to Elizabeth provides the necessary conflict for Alec to come to her rescue, which endears him to her even more. Their affection grows swiftly and I loved their chemistry! This author is skilled at enhancing a short story into a full length novel and I thoroughly enjoyed all the additional scenes and depth to the plot, characters, and their relationships. I loved the satisfying conclusion as Elizabeth and Alec overcome the obstacles to their relationship and future happiness.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, or was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, or purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

About the Author

 

After winning $10 in a second grade writing contest, Julie Coulter Bellon knew she wanted to be a published author someday. That dream came true and she is now the author of nearly two dozen romantic suspense novels. Her book All Fall Down won the RONE award for Best Suspense, The Capture and Second Look were Whitney Award finalists for Best Suspense, and Julie has been a #1 bestseller on several Amazon category lists.

Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She loves to read, write, teach, watch Hawaii Five-O, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order. Julie offers book deals, reviews, and writing tips on her blog ldswritermom.blogspot.com You can also find out about all her upcoming projects at her website juliebellon.com

 

Giveaway

 
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