Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Review: A Song for the Stars by Ilima Todd





My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

Inspired by a true story

Hawaiian Islands, 1779

As the second daughter of a royal chief, Maile will be permitted to marry for love. Her fiancé is the best navigator in Hawaiʻi, and he taught her everything he knows—how to feel the ocean, observe the winds, read the stars, and how to love.

But when sailors from a strange place called England arrive on her island, a misunderstanding ends in battle, and Maile is suddenly widowed before she is wed.

Finding herself in the middle of the battle and fearing for her life, Maile takes John Harbottle, the wounded man who killed her fiancé, prisoner, and though originally intending to let him die, she reluctantly heals him. And in the process, she discovers the man she thought was her enemy might be her ally instead.

John has been Captain James Cook’s translator for three voyages across the Pacific. He is kind and clearly fascinated with her homeland and her people—and Maile herself. But guilt continues to drive a wedge between them: John’s guilt over the death he caused, and Maile’s guilt over the truth about what triggered the deadly battle—a secret she’s kept hidden from everyone on the island.

When Maile is tasked with teaching John how to navigate using the stars so he can sail back to England, they must also navigate the challenges of being from very different cultures. In doing so, they might also find the peace that comes when two hearts become one.


My Review

I loved the way the two perspectives of Maile and John were shared in this book- both in first person perspective, with Maile telling the story and John's through journal entries. Sometimes letters or journals in storytelling makes me hesitant, but the author used it very successfully here, with John's emotions coming out clearly, his sense of wonder over the fascinating culture, his struggles vulnerabilities. Maile has tones of Disney's Moana with her independence, love of the ocean, and loyalty to her people. The historical story has darker themes however, with culture clash, misunderstanding, war, death, and grief. I thought the author did such a good job balancing the strong elements of the book and weaving them together- character development, interesting history and culture of the Hawaiian people, action with the battle scenes, and significant moments between Maile and John. They are both working through the devastation of loss, but Maile especially is confused and overwhelmed as she grieves her fiancé, heals and protects John, defends her father, worries over her people and the future, and experiences kindness from John. I liked seeing the lighter moments between them when they make each other laugh and some playfulness come out. John coming to know the ocean in the special way that Maile does is profound to him and deepens their connection. Their romance is so sweet and genuine and heartfelt. I appreciated the lovely storytelling that made this book stand out and it's one I highly recommend! 

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


Monday, April 8, 2019

Review & Giveaway: The Unexpected Champion by Mary Connealy


http://justreadtours.com/2019/04/08/welcome-to-the-unexpected-champion-blog-tour-giveaway

Book Three in the High Sierra Sweethearts series

Heidi Reads... The Unexpected Champion by Mary Connealy

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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Synopsis

City dweller John McCall never expected to be out in the High Sierras of 1868 on a wild-goose chase to find the Chiltons' supposedly lost grandson. But now that he's out here, things have gotten even more complicated, mostly due to wildcat Penny Scott. She's not like any woman he's ever met--comfortable in the woods, with a horse, and with a gun.

When Penny and John are taken against their will by a shadowy figure looking for evidence they don't have, both realize they've stumbled into something dangerous and complicated. With their friends and family desperately searching for them, Penny and John must make a daring escape.

When they emerge back into the real world, they are confronted with a kidnapper who just won't stop. They must bring a powerful, ruthless man to justice, even as this city man and country woman fight a very inconvenient attraction to each other.


My Review

The conclusion to the High Sierra Sweethearts series did not disappoint! Full of adventure, humor, and tough characters with tender hearts. I enjoyed getting to know Penny more, and John had some surprises up his sleeve in this book! He has a great attitude, and I was impressed that he was so proactive in hunting down his kidnapper instead of remaining a victim. Penny and he are a great match as they both learn from each other's very different skill set. I liked the new settings the characters explored and the new types of adventure as they investigate in the city. I felt like this third book brought something fresh to the series as well as wrapping up the loose ends of the mystery and bringing more of the characters we fell in love with in the first two books. I'd love to read novellas for Adam and Utah!

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



Don't miss the previous books in the High Sierra Sweethearts series . . .

Book One
 Heidi Reads... The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy

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Synopsis

She's the only witness to a wagon train attack. Keeping her safe, though, means his world is about to be turned upside down.

When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes an attack by the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he's finally carved out a home and started a herd--while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail. He'd hoped the days of driving off dangerous men were over, but the latest attack shows otherwise.

Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace becomes an accidental guardian when he offers the only shelter for miles around and agrees to take them in until they can safely continue their journey. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling--yet enticing.

Trace and Deborah find themselves drawing ever closer as they work together to bring justice to the trail and help the group survive the winter--but every day closer to spring means a day closer to leaving the mountains forever.

Book Two
Heidi Reads... The Reluctant Warrior by Mary Connealy


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Synopsis

Union army officer Cameron Scott is used to being obeyed, but nothing about this journey to Lake Tahoe has gone as expected. He's come to fetch his daughter and nephew, and seek revenge on the people who killed his brother. Instead he finds himself trapped by a blizzard with two children who are terrified of him and stubborn but beautiful Gwen Harkness, who he worries may be trying to keep the children.

When danger descends on the cabin where they're huddled, Cam is hurt trying to protect everyone and now finds Gwen caring for him too. He soon realizes why the kids love her so much and wonders if it might be best for him to move on without them. When she sees his broken heart, Gwen decides to help him win back their affection--and in the process he might just win her heart as well.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

website | facebook | twitter | instagram 

GIVEAWAY


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Tour Landing Page at JustRead Publicity
http://justreadtours.com/2019/04/08/welcome-to-the-unexpected-champion-blog-tour-giveaway





Saturday, April 6, 2019

Book Tour Grand Finale: A Rancher to Remember by Karen Rock


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
A Rancher to Remember
By Karen Rock

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

Launch - Note from the Author

Welcome back to the Cade-Loveland extended family! Their 100+ year-old feud is finally over, the water rights dispute settled, and now they can live peacefully, right? Oh... if only it were that simple... Lots of drama still ahead for these strong, faithful and hardworking ranchers in the sixth book of my Rocky Mountain Cowboys series, a raw, complicated second chance love story with a dramatic plot twist you won’t forget!


"A Rancher to Remember by Karen Rock is a great book to get sucked into. Cassidy and Daryl have a great love story, one that can bring a person to tears. I am giving this book a five-star rating and recommending it to everyone that reads clean romances. I adored this story."


"A Rancher to Remember boasts bursts of white-knuckle action, two hurting kids, and a potential second-chance romance soaked in grief and regrets. . . . If you enjoy steamy kisses, good folks, and healthy doses of conflict (and reconciliation) in your stories, A Rancher to Remember fits the bill! There’s never a dull moment with the Cade and Loveland crew and this is yet another entertaining addition to this series."


Why had she come back to Carbondale?

It was a mystery Cassidy desperately wished to solve, not just for herself but for a grieving Daryl. She wanted to help her sister’s family pick up the pieces—an altruistic wish, nothing more. So why did her eyes follow handsome Daryl, then? “I know what a big heart your mama had.” Cassidy rubbed Emma’s arm. “How could she help but love you?”

Cassidy had come to love them as her own these past few weeks.


"Oh, I just love this series! . . . Daryl and Cassidy seemed so perfect for each other in some ways, yet polar opposites in others. I truly wasn’t sure how the author was going to pull this happily-ever-after off, but she did! I enjoyed reading this story from the first page to the last!"

Pause for Tales - Review

"A Rancher to Remember was a heartbreaking read of love lost and found and of letting go even when it is too soon. . . . This story brings out a lot of emotions and it really digs deep to bring out the hopefulness and longing of what good could come out of this tragic outcome for this family. You might just want to have a few tissues ready."


"I love how there are moments when each of the main characters react with extreme anger because that is how grief works. It doesn’t matter who you’re mad at; you’re just mad because the loss you experienced isn’t fair. Grief is hard work, and I think the author does a great job of showing us just how real these characters’ emotions are. The way that the story plays out is very believable as is the romance between the main characters. I really think you will love this book as well as the others in the Rocky Mountain Cowboys series."


Daryl grinned and extended a hand to Cassidy. “Shall we?”

“I guess we must,” she said breathlessly as he swept her into his arms and slowly danced her around the crowded floor.

She smelled so good. He closed his eyes and breathed in the sweet scent rising from her neck. The way her small hand wrapped around his, the other resting on his shoulder, stirred his blood. His heart lifted. His spirit soared.

Euphoria.


"With her Rocky Mountain Cowboys series, Karen Rock has become one of my favorite authors in the Harlequin Heartwarming line of clean romances. . . . The characters and back stories of these two families are intricately woven and their “happily ever afters” are not easily won. Aside from the obvious cowboy attraction, what I like most is their humanness – weakness, pride, and misunderstandings, tempered with caring, sacrifice, kindness and love. . . . I recommend A Rancher to Remember, as well as the whole series, to all who enjoy a clean romance with character depth."

Slice of Life - Review

"The reader is immediately swept up into Karen Rock’s romance, A Rancher to Remember, as Cassidy Fulton risks her life to expose corruption in the Philippines, and the intrigue continues as she struggles to attain the missing sections of her memory after returning to her hometown of Carbondale, Colorado."


"Whenever I am re-visiting either the Cade's or the Loveland's, it doesn't take long to notice how well-versed Ms Rock has become in writing these stories! Each new installment is an extension of the whole series. . . . This time round, I thought it was fitting we were swinging by the Loveland ranch. . . you might need to brace yourself to transition through a new set of adversities or incidents that might push your beloved characters to the edge of what they can personally handle. All with the joy of knowing that in the end, Rock will give her characters a fitting sense of resolution and will give us, the reader, a wicked good read!"


"A Rancher to Remember has everything you want and expect from a second chance romance. There’s grief, pain, restoration, romance (of course), kissing (swoon), and so much more. Both Cassidy and Daryl certainly have their flaws, but to be honest that just makes the story even better."


"An emotional journey of forgiveness and redemption! With her signature way of wrapping a group of characters around our heart, Karen Rock brings us the next book in her Rocky Mountain Cowboys series. . . . Loved the raw emotions brought to the surface with this cast of characters!"


"I lovey lovey love this series! . . . It was a roller coaster of emotions and wow, did things end in a dramatic way! This book and it's characters were completely different than any of the other books. It felt fresh and exciting. I loved it!"


"I really enjoyed the book. . . . I have enjoyed all the books in the series. I look forward to reading the next book. . ."

Brooke Blogs - Excerpt

A couple of hours later, after finishing their witness statements, Daryl and Cassidy strode from the sheriff’s office.

“Thank you, Daryl,” she said once they hopped in his truck. “You saved my life.”

He cupped the side of her face, leaned close and brushed her lips with a heart-stopping kiss so brief she could have imagined it. Dreamed it. Maybe she had. If so, she didn’t want to wake from this adrenaline-fueled moment. Or lose it.

EmpowerMoms - Review

"This story had great characters (Cades and Loveland families), clean romance, funny, and some sad tragic life events that the characters had to work thru with faith and diligence.

I highly recommend this book and hope to read more from this series and author."

onemused - Review

"This book was truly heartwarming as we follow the two main characters as they work through their own issues individually and together. Noah and Emma (Daryl and Leanne's kids) were just precious and the icing on the cake- there were so many adorable and lovely scenes with the two of them. I love the personal and romantic journeys in this book and highly recommend as a story of beautiful second-chance romance."

Remembrancy - Review

"Y’all, Rock blew me away with this book. . . . A Rancher to Remember surprised me in the best kind of way with Rock’s ability to deliver solid stories with tough issues, family ties that are almost unbreakable, and lots of heated kisses for the romantic in her readers."

Hallie Reads - Review

"A Rancher to Remember is a story full of heart. Family, betrayal, second chances… It’s got a few surprises and plenty of great moments, and I enjoyed it all. "


". . . this one does not disappoint. I loved Daryl and Cassidy’s story. I thought they were so sweet and fun together. I found their chemistry was undeniable. I had no problem to stay focused on the book and keep reading. I had it read from cover to cover in one day. . . . Great book!"

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post, if you haven't already...

https://amzn.to/2U4Ka7uA Rancher to Remember
(Rocky Mountain Cowboys #6)
By Karen Rock
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages
April 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

They can’t change the past…

but they can choose their future

Globe-trotting journalist Cassidy Fulton is back in Carbondale, Colorado. Only she can’t remember why—or the accident that killed her estranged sister. Helping her piece together this mystery is her brother-in-law and former fiancé, Daryl Loveland. Overcoming their grief seems impossible. Yet one thing is clear: Cassidy can’t imagine her life without Daryl or her adorable niece and nephew. But can the ranch ever really be her home?


Other Books in the Series

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About the Author

Award-winning author Karen Rock is both sweet and spicy—at least when it comes to her writing! The author of both YA and adult contemporary books writes sexy suspense novels and small-town romances for Harlequin and Kensington publishing. A strong believer in Happily-Ever-After, Karen loves creating unforgettable stories that leave her readers with a smile. When she’s not writing, Karen is an avid reader who also loves cooking her grandmother’s Italian recipes, baking and having the Adirondack Park wilderness as her backyard, where she lives with her husband, daughter, dog and cat who keep her life interesting and complete. Learn more about her at http://www.karenrock.com or follow her on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/karenrock5.
Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card - Open Internationally
1 winner will receive signed, print copies of the first five books in the Rocky Mountain Cowboys series (Christmas at Cade RanchFalling for a CowboyBad Boy RancherA Cowboy's Pride & Winning the Cowboy's Heart) - US Only
- Ends April 10, 2019

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Friday, April 5, 2019

Blog Tour & Giveaway: The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings

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Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings with JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

9780785224938Title: The Baggage Handler  
Author: David Rawlings  
Publisher: Thomas Nelson  
Genre: Magical Realism / Christian Allegory Fiction 
Release Date: March 5, 2019

In a similar vein to The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews or Dinner with a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory, The Baggage Handler is a contemporary story that explores one question: What baggage are you carrying?

When three people take the wrong suitcase from baggage claim, their lives change forever.

A hothead businessman coming to the city for a showdown meeting to save his job.

A mother of three hoping to survive the days at her sister's house before her niece’s wedding.

And a young artist pursuing his father’s dream so he can keep his own alive.

When David, Gillian, and Michael each take the wrong suitcase from baggage claim, the airline directs them to retrieve their bags at a mysterious facility in a deserted part of the city. There they meet the enigmatic Baggage Handler, who shows them there is more in their baggage than what they have packed, and carrying it with them is slowing them down in ways they can’t imagine. And they must deal with it before they can leave.

In this modern-day parable about the burdens that weigh us down, David Rawlings issues an inspiring invitation to lighten the load.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

rawlingsd 

David Rawlings is an Australian author, and a sports-mad father of three who loves humor and a clever turn of phrase. Over a 25-year career he has put words on the page to put food on the table, developing from sports journalism and copywriting to corporate communication. Now in fiction, he entices readers to look deeper into life with stories that combine the everyday with a sense of the speculative, addressing the fundamental questions we all face.  

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR: website | facebook | instagram
 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

We're collecting all the Baggage Passport Stamps to get rid of! Collect them all and enter the giveaway below. Each stop will have a unique stamp. Just enter the word(s) you'll find on each stamp for more chances to win!

(1) winner will win:
  • a hardcover copy of The Baggage Handler,
  • a book tote from the publisher, Thomas Nelson
  • and a $15 Amazon Gift Card!
Be sure to check out each stop on this tour for more chances to win. Giveaway begins at midnight April 1, 2019 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 8, 2019. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Due to shipping cost, only US mailing addresses valid. For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.

The stamp you're collecting from this stop is:




Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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Thursday, April 4, 2019

Review & Giveaway: Miss Adeline's Match by Joanna Barker



https://amzn.to/2urSljN

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttps://deseretbook.com/p/miss-adelines-match?variant_id=174104-paperbackhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Miss Adeline Hayes is the perfect lady's companion: pleasant, conversational, and unceasingly proper. But when her closest friend, Charity Edgeworth, breaks off her arranged marriage without explanation, even Adeline's superior skills are put to the test. Charity's father banishes the two young women to the country, sending Adeline with a charge to find Charity a husband or suffer dire consequences.

As Adeline takes on the role of reluctant matchmaker, she discovers more than one obstacle in her path. Not only does Charity prefer escaping in books to socializing, but Adeline soon finds her own attentions distracted by the standoffish—and irritatingly handsome—Mr. Evan Whitfield. Amidst an eventful foxhunt and the unexpected arrival of Charity's former betrothed, Adeline simply doesn't have time for a battle of wits with Evan. But the two are continually drawn together until Adeline begins to question her tightly guarded convictions about love and marriage.

However, when secrets are revealed and truths made known, Adeline must face her most fearsome obstacle yet: herself.


My Review

Such a moody vibe in this Regency romance, and I think much of it has to do with the winter setting! I felt transported and could practically feel the chill of the snow and wind. Adeline is an interesting character, unlike any lady's companion I've read in other stories- she is better at navigating Society than her charge/friend, Charity, and has a confidence that doesn't reflect her lower standing. I appreciated her witty retorts to the gossipy ladies who made Charity uncomfortable with their remarks. She also knew when it was prudent to rein herself or Charity in. She has a flaw of becoming manipulative, justifying that she's doing it because she sincerely wants what's best for Charity... but there are some personal motivations influencing her as well and her social juggling is bound to come crashing down. She and Evan (love that name) don't have the best first impression of one another, which makes it all the better as they get to know and fall in love with each other. I truly enjoyed seeing Evan's personality open up from a dour Mr. Darcy to an enchanted Mr. Knightley. There is plenty of emotion and angst as heartbreak, loyalty, secrets, and rejection play a role in each character coming to a place of understanding and forgiveness. Loved it and looking forward to more from this author!