Wednesday, November 7, 2018

#TFBRH Fall Colors



This book not only features fall colors on its cover, it is also has an autumn setting and the author does such a great job bringing the season to life through subtle descriptions.

Heidi Reads... Finding Us by Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

Felicity Miner is not normally an anxious person, and she’s been on her own since high school. But after a shoplifter steals from her bookshop, she calls the cops. When Officer Leo Russo shows up, Felicity has to tell herself that just because the romance novel she’s been reading has a hero police officer doesn’t mean she needs to project her imagination onto the real man. Yes, Officer Russo is unexpectedly generous, and he helps make Felicity’s home more secure when her worries won’t settle down. But the more Felicity is around Officer Russo, the more she imagines a future between them. Is he merely doing his duty, protecting and serving the citizens of Pine Valley, or is there potential for something more?

My Review

The cover of this book may seem unassuming, but it is chock full of memorable characters with quirky and likeable mannerisms and personalities! As much as I enjoyed the other books in the Pine Valley series, I do believe this one is my favorite. Bookstores, bikes, hot chocolate, and autumn! What I loved most about Leo and Felicity is how genuine they are. As themselves, and with each other. They accepted one another for who they are- quirks, flaws, and everything. The flirting and banter was cute without being cheesy or cliche, and so fun to read. Leo and Felicity both have things they are struggling with, and come from very different families. I think that helped them give each other a new perspective when supporting and encouraging through the other's issues. I really connected to their emotions and it brought depth to the story and made the romance one full of anticipation and delight. This is one that I plan to read again for sure! Highly recommend!

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



Tuesday, November 6, 2018

#TFBRC Heartbreaker



I loved all the beautiful angst and longing and frustration and anticipation in this lovely and unique book! Highly recommend!

https://amzn.to/2DqwUWW

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Synopsis

Kate Worthington knows her heart and she knows she will never marry. Her plan is to travel to India instead—if only to find peace for her restless spirit and to escape the family she abhors. But Kate’s meddlesome mother has other plans. She makes a bargain with Kate: India, yes, but only after Kate has secured—and rejected—three marriage proposals.

Kate journeys to the stately manor of Blackmoore determined to fulfill her end of the bargain and enlists the help of her dearest childhood friend, Henry Delafield. But when it comes to matters of love, bargains are meaningless and plans are changeable. There on the wild lands of Blackmoore, Kate must face the truth that has kept her heart captive. Will the proposal she is determined to reject actually be the one thing that will set her heart free?

Set in Northern England in 1820, Blackmoore is a Regency romance that tells the story of a young woman struggling to learn how to follow her heart. It is Wuthering Heights meets Little Women with a delicious must-read twist.


Review & Giveaway: The Gem Thief by Sian Ann Bessey



Heidi Reads... The Gem Thief by Sian Ann Bessey

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

Gracie Miller is a small-town girl who has landed her dream job in New York City. As jewelry designer for one of the most prestigious jewelers in the world, she completed a particularly stunning piece, a custom setting for a large pink diamond. But when her billionaire client Mrs. Katsaros comes to repair a minor issue with the setting, Gracie is horrified to realize it is not the ring she created. Someone has forged her design, and the priceless diamond is gone.

Mrs. Katsaros has no desire to bring media attention to the jewelry heist, so she recruits her nephew, Quinn, and his FBI agent friend, Steve, to do some sleuthing off the record. When they discover that the missing ring is just one of many forgeries in the widow's collection, they look to Gracie for help. They need her to act the part of Quinn's fiancĂ©e. From the lights of New York to the shimmering islands of the Mediterranean, Gracie is swept into a thrilling hunt. But amid the search for the elusive thief, she and Quinn find themselves increasingly distracted by their growing feelings for each other. What neither realizes is how close the danger lies and how serious the vendetta is—because, apparently, it is worth killing for.


My Review

This romantic suspense book was just my speed. The author did a great job of letting me get to know the characters while also jump starting the plot. Gracie has a pretty amazing job as a fine jewelry designer in New York City, but she is also down to earth and genuine. I loved the world travel and seeing it through the eyes of Gracie for whom it's a first time experience. There is a perfect balance between the progressing relationship of Gracie and Quinn, and following the mystery of who is behind the stolen jewelry and forgeries. Quinn is a high-powered attorney, but appreciates Gracie for who she is and learns to bring some more balance into his life. I loved Quinn's aunt and her compassion and generosity. It was neat to see her and Gracie form a friendship throughout the journey as they support each other's vulnerabilities with their own strengths. There was a steady pace throughout the book with various climaxes as they draw closer to solving the case and the attraction between Gracie and Quinn blooms into romance. I was glued to the pages and finished the book with a happy sigh :)

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

Spotlight, Excerpt & Giveaway: Star Spangled Second Chance by Christie Logan

 

Star Spangled Second Chance by Christie Logan 

They were best friends before he left town without a word. Now he's back. Will her heart be broken again? Good girl Portia Phillips always followed the rules, colored inside the lines and walked the straight and narrow. Only her best friend Raymond Alessio could ever get her to quit being "perfect Portia" for a minute and take a risk. Portia fell in love with Raymond way back in fourth grade. That love only grew stronger as years passed, but she kept it hidden, until one Fourth of July when she finally had the courage to share her feelings. That was the night he broke her heart. Since then she's kept it safe, under lock and key. Now, eight years later, he's back in town with his young daughter. His life's a mess, but his love for Portia never changed. Can Raymond convince her to give him another chance? Will Portia find the courage to risk her heart a second time?  

Get your copy for just 99 ¢

   

EXCERPT 

Portia stood with Raymond on Lake Verona's shore and looked out at the smooth surface of the water. "Remember the last time we were here?" he asked.

"Sure I do. You showed me how to skip stones." She picked up one of the small stones at her feet and flung it out, frowning as it landed with an ungainly plop. "Guess I lost the knack."

"It wasn't flat enough." Raymond selected another stone and handed it to her. "Try this one."

As she pulled back her arm to fling the stone, he stepped behind her and gently held her arm to guide her aim. "This way. And don't forget the little flick of the wrist just before you let go."

His touch made her feel warm and safe. Protected. She wanted to sink into his arms even though her brain told her to watch her step. With Raymond guiding her she tossed the stone, adding the wrist flick, and watched it skim the water's surface one, two, three times before disappearing. She laughed in delight and cried, "Did you see that?"

Turning in his arms, she expected to find him grinning back at her. Instead his face was serious. Her smile faded as she gazed up at him. "Raymond?" His arms closed around her and pulled her toward him.    
 
Praise for Star Spangled Second Chance 

This sweet, clean, contemporary romance is well written. I love the way the author used flashbacks to fill in the history of the couples previous relationship and things that happened to it. The characters are so likable. I look forward to reading the rest of the Holidays in Applewood series. 

Wow, what a second chance story! If you love this genre this is a must read.

  
Author Christie Logan 


 Christie Logan writes sweet romance straight from the heart. She lives in upstate New York with too many pets, too many dust bunnies lurking under the bed, and too many plot bunnies bouncing around in her head. She thinks everyone deserves a happy ending and in her books, everyone gets one. 


     


$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 11/29/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.    





Monday, November 5, 2018

Review: A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson


Heidi Reads... A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

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Synopsis

Ninety years ago, Millie Sullivan's great-grandmother was a guest at oil tycoon Howard Dawkins' palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Now, Millie plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of the same manor. But when her grandmother suggests that there is a lost diary containing the location of a hidden treasure on the estate, along with the true identity of Millie's great-grandfather, Millie sets out to find the truth of her heritage--and the fortune that might be hers. When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate's private library, he threatens to have her fired. But her story seems almost too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up . . .

Get ready for a romantic escapade through dark halls and dusty corners that will have you holding your breath and sighing with delight as two charming characters get caught up in the adventure of uncovering the past and finding their way to an unexpected future.


My Review

A combination of an intriguing setting, enjoyable characters with a sweet romance, and a mystery to be solved through letters and journal entries made this story a memorable start to a new series. Millie and Ben both have elements of desperation and vulnerability with the issues they are dealing with, and it was fun seeing their relationship progress as they worked together on a journey of discovery. Millie's devotion to her aging grandmother hit close to home for me, and I thought the themes of forgiveness and faith in God's grace were powerful and inspiring. This felt like a dual timeline book because of the way the diary was written, (which I'm not a big fan of because I often feel torn between the two stories), but I'm still looking forward to the next book in the series.

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


Spotlight & Giveaway: The Unwanted Suitor by Michelle Pennington





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Series: Regency House Party
Genre:  Adult, Historical, Regency, Romance
Publisher: Indie
Publication date: September 2, 2018

When Cornelia Greystock received a proposal from Sir James Hawkston, she couldn’t bear it. It had been inspired, she knew, from pity and remorse—not love. Unable to face him afterward, she leaped at an offer of employment from the Countess, Lady Du’Breven. Serving as her companion, Cornelia struggles to adjust to the change in her social status, but the hard work distracts her from her broken heart. That is, until the Countess decides to hold a summer house party at her family estate and invites Sir James.
Sir James has never recovered from his disappointment when Miss Greystock refused his proposal and then fled, according to her family, to live with an unheard-of aunt in Ireland. When he grudgingly accepts an invitation to Lady Du’Breven’s house party, however, he is astounded to find Miss Greystock there. One thing is certain—this time he’ll court her the way he always should have. He is almost certain she returns his feelings, but he must tread carefully. If she refuses his proposal a second time, it would not be gentlemanly to ask a third. As time grows short and she continues to hold him at arms-length, will he find a way to at last win her hand?

About the Author

Michelle Pennington writes clean, heart-pounding, sigh-inducing romance across multiple genres. Her books include Young Adult, Contemporary, Regency, and Fantasy. The genre might change, but her characters will always be falling in love.

She spends her days quoting movies with her husband and making messes faster than her four kids. She also has a cat her kids call Boots, but is really Hessian Boots, the perfect Regency gentleman, complete with a snowy white cravat. She loves to make magic by stringing words together, but she also creates designer sugar cookies, sings loud in church, and kills too many house plants.


Giveaway


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Review & Giveaway: Fate & Fortune and Kismet & Karma by Robin Daniels


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

https://amzn.to/2ANek8xFate & Fortune
(Fate & Fortune #1)
By Robin Daniels
YA Contemporary Romance, Duology
ebook, 270 Pages
September 20th 2018

Bryce has liked Paige since they were little but has never had the guts to act on his feelings. Paige is devastated over being dumped by her long-time boyfriend and can’t seem to move on. They’re stuck in a rut, until fate decides to pull them out.

Both Paige and Bryce are talked into seeing a fortune teller at the annual Summer’s End Carnival. Neither of them buys into the mysticism, until the psychic’s predictions start coming true. Now, the most bizarre things are happening and there isn’t a clear explanation. Each of them must figure out if they’re the subject of an elaborate hoax or a bigger plan forged by destiny.

*This book is part one of two. Books should be read sequentially.

https://amzn.to/2QlFdGjKismet & Karma
(Fate & Fortune #2)
By Robin Daniels
YA Contemporary Romance, Duology
ebook, 184 Pages
October 25th 2018

Bryce and Paige belong together, but they’ll never make it happen alone. When inspiration strikes in multiple ways, a friend decides it can’t be a coincidence; it’s a call to action. With a little luck, the help of fate, and the matchmaking plan of the century, Bryce and Paige just might get their happy ending.

You heard Paige and Bryce's version of the story in Fate & Fortune. Now join Eric, Amy, Cody, Kennedy and Genie to see how things really went down.

***This book completes the series. Book one can be read as a standalone, but book two cannot. Fate & Fortune should be read first.***


My Review

5 stars / It was amazing

What a fun ride! I loved this group of friends and their distinct personalities. The dynamics of their sibling relationships, friendships, and romances unfolded throughout the book and I loved getting to know them. Bryce and Paige were so likeable that I couldn't help but root for them to get together. The ways that they were given opportunities to draw closer to each other were fun and obviously contrived- and because Paige and Bryce suspected someone was behind it all and not buying into the mystical but still playing along, it made it believable. They had amazing chemistry and there is just the right balance of angst, hope, and romance.

The second book revealed exactly how Eric, Kennedy, and Genie schemed and brought their two friends together. More complicated dynamics are revealed, including a secret romance and unrequited crush. This book showed the story from several perspectives, all in first person POV, but I liked it because it really got me into the heads of the characters and helped me connect with them. I loved this creative YA duo of books and can't wait for more from the author!

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

About the Author



The most important thing to know about me is that I'm basically a sixteen-year-old trapped in an adult's body. It's why I feel such a great connection to all of my characters and why I love to write romantic comedy. The kid in me just wants to be goofy. Besides being a writer; I'm a wife, mother of five, volleyball enthusiast and home decorating guru. My list of favorites includes: reading, Christmas, pedicures, dessert, steak, Arizona winters and most importantly, Diet Coke.

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Ends November 21, 2018

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#TFBRC DNF




One book that I did not finish was Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. I'm not a fan of zombies, but I am a huge Jane Austen fan, so I thought I'd give it a try because it sounded fun and interesting. I found it boring because I felt like the author didn't make it his own, but rather simply interjected zombie scenes in the original text. Maybe I didn't get far enough to get to the interesting parts. There was some humor but it felt at odds with the more traditional tone it attempted to keep. Someday I'll try watching the movie. Maybe.