Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Review: Jailbird by Taylor Dean


Book Two in the Sound of Silence series

Heidi Reads... Jailbird by Taylor Dean

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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

Synopsis

My hometown decided to rename me Jailbird.

Every day I silently scream out, “My name is Mia Faraday!” My time in jail does not define me. I am so much more than one heated mistake.

And yet, my slip-up weighs on me. There’s so much more to the story than anyone realizes. I must face Stony, my ex, and confess everything.

I don’t want to. I’d rather have five teeth pulled. While I’m awake. Without anesthesia.

But this is something I have to do, something I need to do. Not just for Stony. I need to do it for me. Especially for me. I can’t move forward with my life until I gain closure from the past.

When I meet Grayson Elliott, I am easily pulled into his orbit and it’s exactly where I’d love to stay. He makes me laugh and not take life so seriously. He makes me want to live again.

But I don’t love me right now, and that healing needs to come first. I’m not relationship-ready or marriage material. My mind is focused on redemption. I want it. I need it.

Besides, when Grayson hears about my colorful past, I’m sure he’ll be gone before I have time to utter the word goodbye.

After all, who could ever love a jailbird?


My Review

Such an emotional book and a great sequel to Stone Silence! It was great to see Mia's point of view and get inside her mind. It was easy to see why she was attracted to Grayson with his infectious happiness and vibrant personality, but I had a harder time seeing why he fell for Mia so quickly since she was pretty standoffish and rather depressing at first. Since it's told in first person from Mia's POV only, I wish there were more clues as to what drew him to her. Once she allows Grayson to draw her out of her shell and allows herself to let go and feel happy, the chemistry between them skyrockets :) I appreciated the struggles she was going through and admired her resolve to overcome and seek after the good things she could have in her life, instead of dwelling on negative thoughts that she is undeserving. It's a powerful redemption story with themes of forgiveness and grace. I loved how much a part of the story Spencer is and seeing how her and Stony's life was moving forward. Can't wait to read the next book!

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



Check out the other books in the Sound of Silence series . . .
(The author recommends reading them in order)

Book One
Heidi Reads... Stone Silence by Taylor Dean


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

Book Three
http://amzn.to/2DalF0U

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Saturday, August 11, 2018

Book Tour Grand Finale: Nice to Come Home To by Liz Flaherty

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Nice to Come Home To
By Liz Flaherty

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

Thank you so much for joining me on the debut ride for Nice To Come Home To. It’s the third book in a mini-series from Lake Miniagua, and Cass and Luke’s story was such a satisfying one to tell. I have to admit I got a little selfish in the writing of it…

I hope you enjoy the trip with me this week. There will be giveaways, excerpts, some blog posts where I hope you join in the conversations, and…did I mention giveaways?

— Liz


"I really enjoyed this book. It's a make you feel good book. The story was great and had me eagerly gobbling up this book. It had it's funny carefree moments, but also serious hit you right in the heart moments. . . . All the characters are well written and makes you want to be part of this little town."

Declarations of a Fangirl - Cass’s & Luke’s Tips on Running an Orchard

Thank you so much for having me here today!

Cass Gentry writes a cozy mystery series and has spent most of her adult life in California. Although she played volleyball in high school, that was twenty years ago. She’s not a country girl—much less an outdoorsy one, but when her mother dies, Cass inherits half of an apple orchard on Lake Miniagua, Indiana...


"Another great contemporary (clean!) romance from Liz Flaherty, set in the quaint Indiana town of Lake Miniagua. I loved watching Cass and Luke’s relationship move from business colleagues to a sweet friendship to something even sweeter. Great characters, a beautiful setting, and humor as well as heart abound – not to mention the gentle message of accepting yourself, flaws and all, and accepting the painful parts of your story with grace and self-forgiveness."


“Mr. Rossiter?”

The voice came as he was locking the door of the apple barn behind him. He turned, squinting into the setting sun. “Yes? We’re closed, but can I get you something quick?”

“I’m Cass Gentry.”

“Oh.” The sun moved enough that she became less of a silhouette and more of the tall, slender person he remembered from Marynell’s funeral. She wasn’t as slim now, and the cap of light brown hair was almost certainly her own, but he’d have recognized her anywhere. He extended his hand. “Nice to meet you. I expected you earlier today.”

Remembrancy - Review

"Liz Flaherty brings this series full circle. Don’t worry, if you haven’t read the other two books, you won’t be lost, but if you have, Nice to Come Home To is that much sweeter. As Cass learns that some friendships survivor tragedy, that family is what you make it,and that accepting herself—flaws and all—is the only way to live fully. And maybe, just maybe, falling in love isn’t something to fear."

Among the Reads - About Brothers and Sisters and Teenagers

Thank you for having me here today.

The only teenagers I raised were the ones I’d known since birth, whose diapers I’d changed and whose personalities I’d had something to do with and who I loved more than I ever thought it was possible to love anyone...


"Nice to Come Home To by Liz Flaherty is a wonderful read. . . . This book touches so many emotions and heartfelt situations. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Royce, Cass, Zoey, Lucas, and Seth. These characters are all absolutely wonderful and each have their own story to tell."

E-Romance News - Excerpt

When Luke gets his first clue that Cass isn’t going to be a silent partner…

Cass beamed, her eyes lighting. The expression opened a place in him he’d thought was permanently closed. Oh, boy. “I love the orchard, and I love everything you’ve done to it.”

Encouraged, he asked the question that had lingered uppermost in his mind since they’d toured the orchard earlier in the day. “Do you know what you’d like to do? Stay a silent partner like your mother was? Sell out? I don’t have the money, but having a financially savvy brother-in-law has ensured I have good credit.”

It was as if he’d slapped her. The light left her eyes and her beam faded to a polite smile. She started to speak, then stopped, turning her head to gaze out at the lake. Spangled with moonlight, starshine and colored lights on boats cruising the calm water, it was a good thing to look at. Calming and exhilarating at the same time.

What had he said? Whatever it was, she was neither acknowledging nor answering.

Splashes of Joy - Review

"Cass and Luke’s story is a beautiful and heartwarming one. I enjoyed watching the two work closely together, attractions were noticeable, but they were so determined to not fall in love. . . . I appreciate so much that this is a good clean, fun, and enjoyable book to read!"


When Luke is still being a pain in the neck about the coffee shop…

“Tell me again why we can’t just have the coffee shop in the center corridor of the barn. It’s plenty big enough and access is right there from both entrances. That leaves the side areas for offices or even other little shops if this thing takes off.” Luke looked both tired and impatient. And on the edge of angry.

Cass wasn’t good at standing her ground—it wasn’t something that had ever worked particularly well for her. But… “Because the coziness factor would be gone. It would never be quiet or intimate or conducive to working.” She had said all this. She knew she had. Who knew that under that straight, silky hair of his, Luke Rossiter had such a thick head?


"I really enjoyed this sweet story. There are other stories related to this one, all set in this quaint community. However, the author did a really good job of making this book readable as a stand alone. I had not read the other stories and had no trouble diving into this one."

Handcrafted Reviews - The Idea Trail

I’m not much for having ideas. I mean, I like the idea if having them, but I think when the Lord was wiring my brain, He gave me frizzy hair instead of ideas—that’s all I can figure. Naturally enough, one of the most frequent questions a writer is asked is, “Where do you come up with your ideas?”

Er…what ideas would those be?

But with Nice to Come Home To, released this month from Harlequin Heartwarming (squealing and jumping up and down here—aren’t you glad you can’t see the frizzy hair?), I can pinpoint the idea trail. Want to come along?...

Book by Book - Review

"So, if you’re in need of a heartfelt contemporary romance to read, check out Nice to Come Home To. I enjoyed experiencing the ups and downs with Flaherty’s immensely likeable characters and smalltown community, and I’m sure you will, too."

Becky on Books - Meeting the Protagonists of Nice to Come Home To

Thanks for having me here today!

Characters, and the development thereof, are my favorite parts of writing books. They usually come to me pretty fully developed, scars and all, long before I know their stories. This is fun.

But then the characters do exactly what everyone else does—they change...


"An emotional rollercoaster that will leave you smiling! This story was quick to draw my attention with it’s in depth details of what each character is feeling as the setting is laid out. We get not only the potential romance of Cass and Luke, but also several feel good moments between the older characters and with the teens. It’s a complex story with many pieces pulling at our hearts, but it comes together well. Memorable, sweet and very enjoyable. Loved it!"


A kissing kind of day…

Luke’s distinctive rap came on the door at that moment, and the women laughed as Cass went to open it. He called, “Evening, Zoey,” and pulled Cass onto the porch, wrapping his arms around her. “This is probably wrong on so many different levels, but I can’t care right now. It’s a kissing kind of day.” The last words were murmured against her lips, and all she could do was swallow a sigh.

They’d avoided physical contact beyond the occasional one-armed hug, even though they’d talked all around the subject. The conversation always ended with the assertion that neither of them was interested in dating anyone, much less someone they were in business with. If they got a little hormonal, well, that was just the way it was. They were adults, after all—they could handle themselves. Besides everything else, they were in charge of two teenagers whose hormones made their own look like rank amateurs.


"I did enjoy and connect with the two main characters–Cass and Luke. Both are a little bit older and have been married before. That already made them more interesting and relatable to me. The story was sweet with a little conflict here and there, but never more than what the reader would want.

...I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a solid romance with heart, soul, and lightheartedness."


Thank you so much for having me to visit!

Breast cancer has affected my life. I lost my mother to it, my friends Dottie and Inge, and others. I have friends who are fighting it now. When you read Nice to Come Home To, you won’t see their names in the dedication—that happened years ago when I wrote One More Summer—but the disease still attacks. All too often, it still wins...


When Cass finds out where the music is…

Later that day, walking through the orchard with Misty keeping her company, Cass looked through the branches of a pear tree, loving the picture the nearly leafless limbs made against the pale blue sky.

She eyed the tree trunk where it divided. It made her wish she had one of the orchard’s ladders out here. It had been a while since she climbed a tree just for the sake of climbing it. The last time had probably been when the volleyball team camped near the creek at the back of the Worths’ farm.

There weren’t enough leaves left on the tall Bartlett pear tree to offer the whispering accompaniment to her thoughts she remembered from those days, but still…it had been a while.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

https://amzn.to/2Ml47XyNice to Come Home To
By Liz Flaherty
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
August 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Will an apple a day…

Keep love at bay?

For Cass Gentry, coming home to Lake Miniagua, teenage half sister in tow, is bittersweet. But her half of the orchard she inherited awaits, and so does a fresh face—Luke Rossiter, her new business partner. Even though they butt heads in business, they share one key piece of common ground: refusing to ever fall in love again. But as their lives get bigger, that stance doesn’t feel like enough…


Other Books in the Series


About the Author


Liz Flaherty was a little nervous about retiring from her day job, but making quilts, more family time, traveling at the mere mention of “why don’t we go...” and becoming a Harlequin Heartwarming author have made the past years more fun and exciting than she could ever have imagined.


Tour Giveaway


5 PRIZE PACK WINNERS WILL RECEIVE: a backlist book, dish towel, magnet, and notepad (picture includes an example - not a complete prize)
US only
Ends August 15th

Grab Our Button!





Friday, August 10, 2018

Review: The Lady and the Gent by Rebecca Connolly


Book One in the London League series

Heidi Reads... The Lady and the Gent by Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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

Synopsis

A woman of great fortune…
 
Margaret Easton needs a husband, and she needs one now. Her parents are convinced that only a European will do, but Margaret wants nothing more than to stay in England. The trouble is that there is only one man Margaret can think of, or rather, one she cannot forget, and he wouldn’t do as a husband at all. Then she finds herself in his care unexpectedly, and her hunt becomes even more complicated than she could have ever imagined.

A man of great mystery…
 
Rafe Thornton has never said more than ten words to Margaret Easton, but she is rapidly becoming the sole occupant of his thoughts. She is distracting him from his operative work as the Gent, and keeps him from his usual focused nature, which he doesn’t mind at all. When she stumbles into his world, his work and his emotions collide, forcing him to choose between saving the Crown, and protecting his love.

My Review

This was a fun book to read and I loved the undercover mystery man persona of Rafe. He and Margaret have an undeniable connection, even before they officially met. It was sweet how they always looked for each other to make eye contact and while Margaret knew that he probably wasn't as he seemed, it didn't stop her from fantasizing. Fortunately for her he was even more than what she hoped ;) I was surprised at what Margaret allowed herself to endure at the hands of the chaperone/companion/matchmaker her parents hired sight unseen. It was strange that she, her parents, and friends who might have rescued her allowed someone of a lower class, obvious animosity, and questionable taste to have that much power over her life. I loved the time Rafe and Margaret spent together and how they were able to get to know one another. Their time with the gypsies was especially fun and exciting! There are plenty of great kissing scenes and I enjoyed their chemistry and the dynamic of their relationship. The intrigue of Rafe's work added an element of suspense and made this an enthralling book I didn't want to put down. Fans of The Suspect's Daughter by Donna Hatch will definitely enjoy this book!

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



Don't miss the next book in the London League series . . .

https://amzn.to/2uTsKRw

Now available!

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Synopsis

A disgruntled operative…
Gabriel Statler, Lord Wharton, has a problem. His duties as an operative for the Crown are being compromised for the sake of his cover, where he is known only as the Rogue. His days are now filled with trivial investigations, and none of the problems are ones he wants to solve. Then he meets a mysterious young woman who holds more secrets than he likes, and, against his better judgment, he takes her case.

A determined client...
Amelia Berger needs the Rogue, and she needs everything he can offer without revealing everything she knows. Her secrets are her own, and she has far too many to risk revealing even one. But when working with Rogue turns into something entirely unexpected, she finds that the secrets she began with are not the ones she most needs to protect.




Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Review & Giveaway: The Roses of Feldstone by Esther Hatch


Heidi Reads... The Roses of Feldstone by Esther Hatch

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttps://deseretbook.com/p/roses-of-feldstone?variant_id=165724-paperbackhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Standing before Feldstone Manor, site of so many happy memories, Rose Davenport feels nothing but dread. Her family’s annual visit to the stately home was once brightened by her friendship with the earl’s youngest son, William, but everything changed the day his elder brother was disinherited and William became heir to his father’s earldom. From that moment, William made it clear he has no interest in continuing an acquaintance with Rose. Heartbroken, she sets out to prove that she will simply not be ignored—or outdone—by the arrogant future lord of the manor. 

When his elder brother marries for love, William’s entire life changes in an instant. He does not have the same option to marry whom he chooses, and he must let go of the feelings he has harbored for his dear friend, Rose. He steels himself against her annual visits, determined to keep his feelings for her a secret. But when he makes the hasty promise to marry within six months, he never dreams that his actions will lead Rose to impulsively undertake the same challenge.

My Review

Such a great Regency story that reminded me a bit of my favorite (Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson) in that both main characters are head-over-heels in love with each other but don't know that the other feels the same way, because of familial and social constraints and misdirection. Rose is understandably frustrated with William, and I couldn't fault her for goading him at times. The author struck a good balance between showing William and Rose's friendship as it once was so the reader would know what Rose is grieving, and exposing the two sides of William- his gruff and often rude behavior to Rose and his true nature that is kind, thoughtful, and struggling to suppress his romantic feelings for her. The pace was steady which helped prevent the angst from bogging down the narrative, and I enjoyed both London and countryside settings. I appreciated the historical details of the plight of the young London chimney sweeps and Rose's compassion for them instead of disregarding the circumstances she can't ignore. A must-read for fans of sweet Regency romance!

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



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Sunday, August 5, 2018

Review: The Merry Lives of Spinsters by Rebecca Connolly


Book One in The Spinster Chronicles series

Heidi Reads... The Merry Lives of Spinsters by Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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

Synopsis


Spinster is as spinster does...

Georgiana Allen is a spinster and everybody knows it. She also happens to be one of the writers for the Spinster Chronicles, and everybody knows that as well. She’s accepted her lot in life, and, along with the other spinsters in her circle, takes great pride in the articles she writes and the influence she has. Then Captain Anthony Sterling infiltrates their group, and her life, and Georgie impossibly begins to hope once more.

Tony Sterling had no idea what to expect when he agreed to break up the Spinsters for his cousin, but he certainly did not expect Georgie Allen. From the very first meeting, she upends everything he thought a spinster would be, and her beauty and wit keeps him on edge in thrilling ways. The more he gets to know the Spinsters, the less he wants to break them up. And the more he wants Georgie in his life. Permanently.


My Review

This is such a great idea for a series of books! I already can't wait to read the next one. It was fun to get to know each of the very different young women in the group that has bonded together as friends and supporters. By today's standards, mid-twenties are not old maids, but in Regency times they are past their prime. Each woman has a unique personality and situation that has brought them to this point, whether it's too selective, too shy, too opinionated, too independent, too cynical, or undesirable family. For some it's a mystery why no man has taken an interest. Georgie has had a desire to marry and have a family, but she never received any offers, despite her beauty and moderate dowry. We get to see her conflict and angst over her pride in what she has created with the Spinsters, but also her regrets and unfulfilled dreams. The first part of the book was slow for me and I felt it was too wordy, with lots of inconsequential conversation, even though it was giving a good feel for the dynamic of the group of friends. I would have liked to see more plot-based action with their role as Spinsters and models/mentors for the younger girls of Society. Tony really livened things up and the more time he and Georgie spend together, the more I became interested and involved in the book and their relationship. Their romance was unexpected for both and their delight in those falling-in-love feelings was a pleasure to read. They both revel in the affection they have for each other and the joy in expressing it, especially with sweet kisses ;) I liked the first part of the book okay, but I loved the second part!

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


Thursday, August 2, 2018

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Kingdom Come Series by Cecelia Earl




Welcome to Kingdom Come Series Blog Tour and giveaway, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Lazy Days of August Giveaway Hop!


https://www.stuckinbooks.com/2018/07/lazy-days-of-august-giveaway-hop.html

Are you enjoying your summer? I've read so many great books and am staying within 1-2 books of my Goodreads Challenge schedule. Here's one that I really enjoyed that I'm giving away- Veins of Gold by Charlie N. Holmberg! The combination of historical and paranormal/fantasy was intriguing and well-balanced, and I loved the sweet romance of course ;) Read my full review here! Enter in the Giveaway Tools widget below and then check out the other blogs on the hop!

GIVEAWAY: Veins of Gold by Charlie N. Holmberg at Heidi Reads... (ends 8/15/18)

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Synopsis

Desperate to save her siblings from poverty, a young woman discovers magic fueled by gold . . . and a love for the man who wields it.

Abandoned by their father for the gold rush, Gentry and her siblings labor to survive alone in the inhospitable west. When bizarre natural disasters begin wreaking havoc on the land, Gentry discovers a world of magic. Desperate for help, she accepts aid from a mysterious stranger.

Winn not only sees the magic, but controls its hunger by feeding it gold—the very thing Gentry’s father left to acquire. But the earth’s unrest only grows worse, and Gentry’s fear leads her to a terrible choice: marry a wealthy man she does not love, or trust in Winn’s unpredictable power to save her family.


About the Author

Born in Salt Lake City, Charlie N. Holmberg was raised a Trekkie alongside three sisters who also have boy names. She is a proud BYU alumna, plays the ukulele, owns too many pairs of glasses, and finally adopted a dog. Her fantasy Paper Magician series, which includes The Paper Magician, The Glass Magician, and The Master Magician, has been optioned by the Walt Disney Company. Her stand-alone novel, Followed by Frost, was nominated for a 2016 RITA Award for Best Young Adult Romance, and her novel The Fifth Doll won the 2018 Whitney for Speculative Fiction. She is a board member for Deep Magic Ezine and lives with her family in Utah.