Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Book Tour, Author Interview & Giveaway: Promise for Tomorrow by Michelle De Bruin #PFTPrism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Promise for Tomorrow
By Michelle De Bruin
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 290 Pages
November 19th 2019 by Mantle Rock Publishing

Living a life of faith isn’t going the way Logan and Karen hoped until some special visitors arrive and offer them their future back.

Karen Millerson dreamed of teaching high school but now finds herself boarding with a farm family and teaching country school. She is engaged to marry Logan De Witt and is getting prepared to share in ministry with him. But when she gets blamed for the tragic fire at the school, Karen’s future grows uncertain.

Logan De Witt is working to clear his family’s name with the bank. But when he breaks his leg, hindering his ability to work the farm, Logan is faced with life-changing decisions. When his best friend can’t offer the help he requested, can Logan find a way to care for his family and court Karen at the same time before his love for her destroys all of them?

(Affiliate links included.)
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository


Interview with Author Michelle De Bruin

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am Michelle De Bruin. (My last name sounds like Duh Bryan). I live in Iowa in a small town with a Dutch heritage. My husband is Tom, and we have two teenage sons. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Religion with a Christian ministry emphasis, and also in Music. I’ve been a member of ACFW since 2015.

What do you do besides writing?

I am the spiritual services provider for an organization that provides services for people with physical and mental disabilities. In this role, I lead retreats, create and teach Bible lessons, write devotionals, and offer grief counseling. For fun, I like to play the piano and lead worship on Sunday mornings. 

Do you have images you can share that come close to how you picture your characters? Do you like to find visual inspiration for your characters before or during your writing process?

I do have images that help me picture my characters. When I run across models in clothing magazines or photos of actors, I cut them out and keep them in a folder. The easiest images I have to share are on this pinterest board I created of Edwardian fashion. Photos of men and women in the styles of the era help me create dimensional characters with a style accurate to the time period.  Here is the link to my pinterest board if you would like to take a look:  https://www.pinterest.com/MichelleDB40/1910-clothing-and-fashion/

What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book?

One song that inspired me while I was writing this book is the song, He is My Peace, by Dennis Allen. It is a choral arrangement, and so powerful. I found a high school choir on You Tube singing it. Here is the link if you would like to listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3ncws7o0zo

What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book?

I would like readers to take away from my book the message that faith wins. Every day. All the time. This is true because God is faithful, and he carries us through trouble to the beautiful plans that he has dreamed up for our lives. When everything seems to be going wrong, or things don’t turn out the way we expect them to, we can still rest in the promises God has made to us because he will deliver and work his plan in our lives in his own good time.

What can we look forward to coming from you in the future?

The third book in the Tomorrow series is releasing in November of 2020. It Is titled Dreaming of Tomorrow and continues the story of the hero and heroine from this book as they build a life together.
 



Other Books in the Series

Hope for Tomorrow
By Michelle De Bruin
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 294 Pages
October 23rd 2018 by Mantle Rock Publishing LLC

When Logan De Witt learns of his father’s sudden death, he returns home to the family’s dairy farm. During his stay, he discovers his mother’s struggle with finances and his younger sister’s struggle with grief. Concern for his family presses Logan to make the difficult decision to leave his career as a pastor and stay on the farm. As a way to make some extra money, he agrees to board the teacher for their local school.

Karen Millerson arrives from Chicago ready to teach high school but her position is eliminated so she accepts the role of country school teacher. Eager to put her family’s ugly past behind her, Karen begins a new career to replace the trust she lost in her own father who had been in ministry when she was a child.

Logan and Karen both sense a call from the Lord to serve him, but neither of them expected that one day they would do it together.

Can Karen learn to trust again? Will Logan lay aside his grief in exchange for God’s purpose for his life?

(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Michelle De Bruin lives in Iowa with her husband and two teenage sons. She has a bachelor’s degree in Religion with a Christian Ministry emphasis, and in Music. Michelle is the spiritual services provider for an organization that offers services for people with mental and physical disabilities. She has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2015. Michelle writes inspirational historical romance about people who live in rural communities. Characters that bring to life the delights of farm and small-town living, whispers of Dutch heritage, and Christian faith make Michelle’s stories distinct. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always on the lookout for glimpses of God’s love through the window of a good story. Her first book, Hope for Tomorrow, released in 2018. The sequel, Promise for Tomorrow, released November 2019.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a signed print copy of Promise for Tomorrow, chocolates, and a winter-themed quilted table runner (US only)
Ends February 26, 2020

Grab Our Button!






Sunday, February 16, 2020

Book Tour Grand Finale: Always the One by Tara Randel #AlwaysPrism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

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

. . . In Always the One, book 4 in the series, we get Derrick’s story. He lost the woman he loved years ago, but then fate brings them together. He should be excited, right? But Hannah isn’t exactly welcoming, with good reason. Still, he’s a Matthews and won’t quit until he convinces her they belong together. Will they find their happily ever after? Not only do we get that answer, but a recap of the Matthews clan as well.

I hope you enjoy Derrick and Hannah’s story.

—Tara


"This is a fast paced and well written story with a bit of romance and mystery. The characters are genuine and easy to like. I enjoyed reading Always The One, and I highly recommend it for romance readers. I look forward to more Harlequin Heartwarming tales!"


She closed her eyes and groaned. “I don’t want any more help from government agencies.”

“Then how about from an old boyfriend?”

It would be so easy to fall into his arms. Let him carry the burdens she’d been laboring with for so long. Go back to the days when the biggest decision she had to make was what color lip gloss to use or which jeans to wear. As much as she might want the reprieve, it wasn’t possible. This was her reality now. Not glamorous or flashy, but she had a good job. A few friends she trusted. Her mother would get well. She had to.


"Always the One by Tara Randel is a heartwarming story of second chances and new beginnings. . . . a perfect blend of appealing characters, romance, and light suspense. . . . I enjoyed Always the One very much and look forward to many more stories from the pen of Tara Randel."


"As Tara Randall usually does, the reader is kept eagerly turning from one page to the next in this romantic, suspense/mystery novel. . . . This is an intense, steadily flowing, poignant romance/mystery. The characters are endearing and defined well. . . . There are several twists which keeps it quite unpredictable. It is well-written and touching."


". . . a romance with a little mystery. I enjoyed how Derrick and Hannah find each other again. They were childhood sweethearts that got separated. . . . I enjoyed this book, which can be read as a stand-alone."

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

“You’re unbelievable,” she muttered through clenched teeth.

“So I’ve been told.”

She blew out a breath. “Derrick, you can’t stay here.” She looked down at her finger. “It’s complicated.”

“You keep telling me that, but, put simply, I want to help.”

She met his gaze, heat flashing in her eyes. “No one asked you.”

He shrugged. “Never stopped me from inserting myself anyway.”

“Fine. Suit yourself.”


"Always the One was another great book by Tara Randel. . . . This book kept me happily wanting to read more. . . . Always the One by Tara Randel was a clean contemporary adult romance full of the ups and downs of love. If you enjoy books full of past love pushing its way back to the present then you will adore this read."


"A sweet romance full of mystery, memories and love everlasting! . . . The story line caught my attention quickly and I enjoyed watching them reconnect. . . . I recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet reunion story with a hint of danger and intrigue thrown in."


"I LOVED it! . . . The characters and story drew me in right away. . . . Tara Randel did a terrific job with this one. While part of the series, this easily stands on its own. . . . Not only was this “heart-warming”, it was heart-breaking, endearing, and beautiful."

E-Romance News - Excerpt

She reached the end of the circuit, studying the grouping. As she moved closer to get a better look at one piece in particular, she noticed a couple on bicycles racing off from the group of friends. A memory flashed in her mind, reminding her of the times she and Derrick would leave their friends to ride their bikes to the beach. Truth be told, they’d had more fun when it was just the two of them, heading off on one adventure or another.

A nostalgic smile curved her lips. They’d had the best times. But that was so long ago, before events had thrown them a curveball.


"The characters in the novel were both likable and believable people. . . . Overall, I thought the novel was a nice cozy romantic read."


"I felt there was a strong balance of emotional drama combined with realistic suspense . . . What I appreciated was the quickening pace - how Randel started things off a bit slower but then gained a lot of momentum as she was disclosing how to connect Derrick with Hannah and vice versa."


"Randal has pulled me into the story from the beginning to the end and I loved the suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to find out who done it. . . . This is a book I highly recommend if you want an excellent read. It is chalk full of mystery, romance not too heavily overdone and second chances. I promise that it will keep you glued to wherever you are at until the book is finished. I sighed happily after it was finished."

Remembrancy - Review

"Always the One may be my favorite second chance with your first love book I’ve read yet. . . . There’s something about falling so hard and deep in love at a young age, a love that stands the test of time and separation, that gives me all the feels."


"Randel’s smooth and engaging writing style, combined with layered characters & a dose of suspense make Always the One my favorite installment of this series! Derrick and Hannah are easy to love – and so are Hannah’s mom and Hannah’s student Tommy. . . . All of this makes for a highly entertaining, charming, and sweet read you’ll enjoy from start to finish!"


"The characters are nicely developed and not always predictable. (yay!) I connected with Derrick and loved his patience most of all. Anna (Hannah) surprised me and I wasn’t as patient with her as Derrick was. I sympathized with her and Derrick both, though, and longed for them to reach their happy ever afters. . . . This is a wholesome romance with relatable characters that deal with love lost, love found, and finding a sense of belonging."

Pause for Tales - Review

"I enjoyed this story and watching Derrick pursue Hannah after all this time, to love her and want the best for her even if it meant it might not be him. That was a great sign of true love."


She tilted her head. “You weren’t serious when you said you never stopped looking for me, were you?”

He moved closer, his gaze locked on hers. “Dead serious. But my dedication only led to one disappointment after another.”

“I just…there was no one else in your life?”

He wasn’t about to admit there’d been a time when he’d almost moved on. “You’re hard to forget.” He turned to look across the room at Prescott holding court. “But I guess you had it easy getting over me.”

Splashes of Joy - Review

"The characters were realistic and there was just the right amount of mystery weaved within the romance to give this story a few Wow moments of enjoyment. This is really a sweet, clean romance. I encourage you to check out Always the One, along with the other books in the Meet Me at the Alter series by Tara Randel."

Hallie Reads - Review

"Derrick and Hannah have plenty of history to confront amidst a dose of suspense and unquestionable chemistry. It is a pleasure to see how their story occurs in Always the One, and I so enjoyed it. If you enjoy contemporary romance, like I do, I definitely recommend this book (and this series!)."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

Always the One
(Meet Me at the Altar #4)
By Tara Randel
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
February 4th 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

From USA TODAY bestselling author Tara Randel

She’s the love of his life… but is he still hers?

FBI agent Derrick Matthews has finally found his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life—but she isn’t exactly happy about it! Years ago, Hannah Rawlings disappeared overnight when her family went on the run, and she blames Derrick. She tells him she’s moved on and he should, too, but Derrick fears Hannah’s still in danger. He vows to protect her—even if that means betraying her trust…again.

Affiliate link included.

Other Books in the Series


About the Author


USA Today Bestselling Author Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn't come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. Family values, mystery and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery.


Tour Giveaway


Prize #1: Signed print copies of The Bridal Bouquet, The Lawman’s Secret Vow, tote bag and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. (Open to US only)

Prize #2: $25 Amazon e-Gift Card (Open Internationally)

Ends February 19, 2020

ENTER HERE
Grab Our Button!






Saturday, February 15, 2020

Review: Seasons of an Amish Garden by Amy Clipston



My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

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

Synopsis

Enjoy a year of beautiful seasons in this new story collection, as young Amish couples manage a community garden and harvest friendships and love along the way.

Spring Is in the Air
As the young people of Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, plant a garden in memory of their friend, Katie Ann begins to worry that her older brother, Ephraim, is dating her best friend. What if she somehow loses them both? But Christian, a new boy in the community, also works in the garden—and falling for him may be exactly the distraction, and lesson, that Katie Ann needs.

Home by Summer
Clara Hertzler is surprised when Jerry Petersheim, her old friend, comes to the garden to drop off his younger sister—especially because Jerry has been gone for years, and now seems to be living as an Englisher. As the friends get to know each other again, Clara pushes Jerry to examine why he abandoned his Amish beliefs. Will Clara help Jerry renew his faith in God, and will they find love beneath the summer sun?

The Fruits of Fall
Tena Speicher has come to live in Bird-in-Hand after her fiancé left her for an English woman. When a homeless veteran comes to the fruit stand one day and asks for food, Tena is not sure how to respond—but Wayne intervenes and offers to let him stay in the barn. Afraid to trust Englishers, Tena must learn, with Wayne’s help, that everyone is a child of God and deserving of kindness.

Winter Blessings
Ephraim and Mandy have dated for some time and now have plans to marry. But after a series of unexpected events and misunderstandings, they wonder if they should go their separate ways. What will happen when their friends at the Amish garden conspire to bring them back together?


My Review

This collection of stories is based off the novella the author wrote in An Amish Christmas Love, The Christmas Cat. A group of Amish youth are stranded at a widow's home during a storm and they enjoy getting to know her more and reminiscing about her husband. He had a special place in his heart for the local homeless shelter, so the youth decide to raise money to donate in his honor. In this book are four stories revolving around the garden and the young people who come together to take care of it. I love the concept, but some of the relationship drama seems immature and contrived. My favorite parts were with the widow, Emma, and her wisdom that she shares with her young friends.

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


Book Tour Grand Finale: The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck #StorySocTour

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

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 - Author Interview

What was your motivation behind THE FIFTH AVENUE STORY SOCIETY? Why did you want to write it?

The idea came after I spoke to a local writers group. One of the leaders mentioned their "story circles" and an idea was born. The Story Circle was the original title and had seven characters instead of five. But from the beginning it was about a group of strangers discovering who they were as they told their stories. The idea hit me so profoundly I went home from the meeting and wrote a synopsis in minutes and fired it off to my agent. He wrote back, "Love it!" The story felt right. I could "see" it so I knew I had to write it.

Hearts & Scribbles - Spotlight


"As always, Rachel Hauck’s character development is spot on. She created a world filled with believable characters and a story with a beautiful, spiritual thread. Wonderful storytelling. "

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

The door opened, and the discussion crashed to a stop. Jett rose to meet who he believed was the fifth member of this weird, cockamamie “society.”

“Lexa?” If possible, the world stopped spinning. His heartbeat slowed, and his thoughts careened together.

She moved across the threshold with ease, hitched her backpack on her shoulder, and raised her sparkling hazel gaze.

“Jett? You’ve got to be kidding me.” She had more heat in her eyes than the flames in the fireplace. “Did you do this? Send that stupid invitation?”


"This is an interesting, unique tale of how one event resulted in opening new discoveries in five individuals which changed each of their lives path forever. It is a story of freedom, unity, redirection, understanding, tolerance, acceptance, and many more topics."

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

“We still don’t know why we’re here.” Chuck glanced at each of them, his attention lingering longer on Coral than the others. “Don’t you want to know who sent the invitation?”

“What if the invitations were some promotional thing for the library? Sent to five random people. I get stuff ‘to the resident of’ all the time,” Lexa said, the presence of Jett starting to seep into her skin.

Did she want to punch him? Yell at him? Run away and never clap eyes on him again? Hug him? Yes, yes, all of the above.


"The story started strong and tapered off towards the middle. However, I am glad that I stuck through the novel because I love[d] seeing the true story of each character unfold. I enjoyed seeing that each character was able to find themselves and find each other."


"The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck is a moving story that goes on my “best of the best” list. The bookstore setting is atmospheric and charming, the characters rich and endearing, and every word of the prose is to be treasured. It’s a story of friendship, renewal and second chances, with a few heartwarming moments that moved me to tears. . . . Highly recommended."


"I give this book a resounding 5 out of 5 stars for the amazing characters and their individual stories, for the story of friendships coming from nothing, and for showing how the faith of one can affect many. I highly recommend picking this book up to read."


"Rachel Hauck is my new favourite in Contemporary INSPY . . . From the choices of her words to how she tucks in references which cross-relate to the revelations she's making about her characters; Hauck has this innate ability to connect you to her story and gives you a reason to ache for another chapter, another moment in this world she's created with a story you don't wish to exit. . . . by the time I first reached the Fifth Avenue Story Society's meeting space, I knew how much I was loving this experience . . . I was beyond smitten and dearly delighted that this became the first Hauck novel I read and it definitely will not be my last! Ooh, my dear stars... the joy of it!"


"This book is bound to be a movie at some point. The characters (and there are several) each have their own spunky personalities that need to be shared with the world. I love the contrast between them, from their backgrounds to their livelihoods."


"If you haven't read any books she's written so far than I have no hesitation in recommending you start with this one. I absolutely loved the premise and the characters . . . I thought The Fifth [Avenue] Story Society has some heartbreaking moments but also there is hope, hope for new beginnings, hope for brighter futures and best of meeting new people who will change your life for the better."


“I still say people can live selflessly, you know. There are couples who get along, don’t argue. Marriages where love conquers all.”

“Really?” Jett’s expression conveyed his doubt. “I’ve never seen one.”

“Well, you’re looking at the remaining half of a solid, giving marriage.” Ed glanced around the circle. “Granted, you don’t see much of what Esmerelda and I had in these modern times. All I see here is you kids with heartbreak. I don’t know what happened to you, Chuck, but I can see pain in your eyes.” He patted his new friend’s broad shoulder. “Lord only knows what happened with Coral and you two.” He waved at Lexa, then Jett. “Esmie and I chose the way of love. It was the sixties, so naturally love was on our minds. We decided things together, and when she was right, I said sorry. When I was right, she made my favorite pot roast.” He fell against his chair. “She made the best pot roast.”


"Stepping inside The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauk is like stepping inside the library itself–warm, cozy, and with a bit of mystery. . . . The Fifth Avenue Story Society offers a little bit of something for every type of readers, and is a wonderful fit for those who enjoy cozy reads involving bookstores, family, and business, with maybe even a little romance."

Splashes of Joy - Excerpt

“One day when you’re like forty or fifty, you’ll look back on your life and wonder what happened to the Jett Wilder who hoped, who dreamed. You’ll be completely unaware that your shallow, lonely existence was carved out by a faded, twisted memory of a morning on a mountaintop. That you’re haunted by the ghost of your dead brother.”

“That won’t happen. What you just said.”

“In some ways it already has, Jett. Between you and me.”


"Hauck’s writing quickly draws the reader in, and it’s easy to feel a part of the unlikely group. Character development is strong. I loved that the story was told in multiple POV’s, as it gives the reader the full picture, and you’re really able to connect with each person. . . . I had a hard time putting this one down, as I couldn’t wait to see how things turned out in the end."


"Before you do anything else, go put this book on your TBR pile! However you keep track of the books you want to read…whether you add them to Goodreads or you write them down…do it now. You need to read The Fifth Avenue Story Society.

This is a story that you will never forget. . . . I felt this story so deeply. The characters’ stories aren’t my stories, but that’s the point. Deep down, we’re the same."


"I love Rachel's books. I love her stories and how they can be very realistic and believable!! Her writing is amazing!! She [definitely] wrapped up the ending to this story very well . . . Wonderful plot and Characters that you can believe in and some you can even make friends with."


"I found myself not being able to put it down. . . . This book was heart-breaking, frustrating, and touching to read. It even had a haunting sadness to it. Still, there were elements of hope and even some humor. . . . My heart nearly broke at one point when it looked like everything was falling apart. Yet, at the end, everything came together and in a beautiful way."

All excerpts from The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck. Used with the permission of the publisher, Thomas Nelson. Copyright © 2020 by Rachel Hauck. Learn more at TNZ Fiction.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

The Fifth Avenue Story Society
By Rachel Hauck
Christian Contemporary Romance
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 400 Pages
February 4th 2020 by Thomas Nelson

An invitation to join The Fifth Avenue Story Society gives five New York strangers a chance to rewrite their own stories.

Executive assistant Lexa is eager for a much-deserved promotion, but her boss is determined to keep her underemployed.

Literature professor Jett is dealing with a broken heart, as well as a nagging suspicion his literary idol, Gordon Phipps Roth, might be a fraud.

Uber driver Chuck just wants a second chance with his kids.

Aging widower Ed is eager to write the true story of his incredible marriage.

Coral, queen of the cosmetics industry, has broken her engagement and is on the verge of losing her great grandmother’s multimillion-dollar empire.

When all five New Yorkers receive an anonymous, mysterious invitation to the Fifth Avenue Story Society, they suspect they’re victims of a practical joke. No one knows who sent the invitations or why. No one has heard of the literary society. And no one is prepared to reveal their deepest secrets to a roomful of strangers.

Yet curiosity and loneliness bring them back week after week to the old library. And it’s there they discover the stories of their hearts, and the kind of friendship and love that heals their souls.

Praise for the Book

"Hauck inspires and uplifts with this mix of tales." - Publishers Weekly

(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet and writes from her ivory tower.


Bookstagram Tour


Check out the Bookstagram Tour here, which has its own giveaway (ends 2/16)!

February 10th:
@momfluenster
@brenyandbooks
February 11th:
@simplehomemama
@angelakreais
February 12th:
@irishgirliereads
@christenkrumm
February 13th:
@suziewaltner
@ya.its.lit
February 14th:
read_by_a.cave
@courtneyec90

Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a print copy of The Wedding Dress (US only)
Ends February 19, 2020

Grab Our Button!






Friday, February 14, 2020

Review: The Problem with Cupid by Robin Daniels



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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

Synopsis

After Evan's relationship fail during Christmas vacation, he heads back to college with a new plan. It's time for a break from dating. He doesn't want to quit the game completely though. Garland, his funny, lovable, down-to-earth roommate, is constantly talking to girls. And never asking them out.

Evan might be on a romantic hiatus but that doesn't mean he can't help his best friend find love. So, when Evan meets Abby in student government class, he trades in his player card for Cupid's bow. She and Garland would be perfect together and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know they'll never hook up without help.

His matchmaking scheme works brilliantly. A little too brilliantly. By the time Garland and Abby start hitting it off, Evan has grown quite fond of her. That's the problem with playing Cupid. If you're not careful, you run the risk of getting shot by your own arrow.


My Review

This book played like a movie in my mind! The author does a great job of making it easy to visualize the characters and their mannerisms, and I love the humorous tone that runs throughout the story. Is there a term for two people who think they have unrequited love for each other but are actually both secretly in love? Whatever it's called, it's one of my favorite tropes! Plenty of hidden yearning and romantic tension. Evan is trying to play it cool, but just can't help himself when it comes to Abby. I love when characters fall hard for someone who isn't their usual type! Abby is hilarious with the things she says that slip past her filter, and she's easy to like. A super fun "new adult" romance! I hope the author continues to write more in this loosely connected series!

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



Don't miss the previous book in the Holiday Romance series . . .

https://amzn.to/37U5VOL


Review: Gambling on a Gentleman by Brenna Jacobs



My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

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

Synopsis

A society gentleman with a secret. An art expert who can expose him. An attraction neither of them can deny.
 
Alice Donnelly prefers paintings of medieval people to actual people, and classical art to the nonsense coming from contemporary artists. She also has a healthy disdain for the rich and ignorant who hire her to curate their collections, obsessed with valuing their financial worth without ever understanding the art. But her family depends on her paychecks, and so she reluctantly accepts a commission to assess the collection of one of Britain's most venerable aristocratic families.
When she meets the handsome and charismatic Geoffrey on her flight to London, she makes it clear she's immune to his charms. She has no time for romance. Not when she's starting the biggest job of her career.

Except it turns out that it's Geoffrey's family who has hired her, and now she must spend all her working hours trying not to fall for his charms. But much like a master painting, Geoffrey's layers draw her in against her better judgment.

As Geoffrey's secrets unravel, can Alice trust the privileged aristocrat with an artist's soul to see past her own baggage? Or is she just another way for him to rebel against his family?


My Review

First of all, isn't that the cutest cover?? I'm an art major so I enjoyed the plot and details about curating and discovering masterpieces. The setting in England was my fave! I traveled abroad for the first time last summer and now I enjoy books with European settings even more. The meet-cute seemed too coincidental for me, but it made for a fun setup as Alice and Geoffrey embark on restoring his family's financial situation and saving the estate. For some reason the chemistry fell flat for me- I think it had to do with not enough anticipation and romantic tension. There was also more telling than showing when it came to analyzing and reassessing their feelings for each other. Overall it was a pleasant diversion to read and see how the complicated family dynamics throw wrenches into both their relationship and professional goals.

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



Be sure to check out the other books in the ABC's of Love series . . .

https://amzn.to/31HlYNWhttps://amzn.to/3blxva5

https://amzn.to/37f07yqhttps://amzn.to/39mMTkx

https://amzn.to/2vltQs0https://amzn.to/37dLT0G

https://amzn.to/2OIx6ohhttps://amzn.to/2UAPUcV





Thursday, February 13, 2020

Review: Romancing the Rake by Nichole Van



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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

Synopsis

Lady Sophronia Sorrow considers herself an unlikely heroine. Why, just her name alone proves this. Sophronia Sorrow sounds like a girl from a gothic penny novel—the foolish miss who falls prey to a rake and becomes an object lesson for the true heroine to avoid. No, despite her mawkish name, Sophie refuses to spend her life invisible and unwanted, relegated to the margin of the text. Despite her eccentric, bluestocking ways, there must be a place where she is wanted. If only she could uncover the identity of her natural father, perhaps she would belong there?

But one thing Sophie knows for sure—unlike that foolhardy miss in a novel, she will not succumb to a rake. No matter how thoroughly the rakish Lord Rafe Gilbert may tempt her.

Lord Rafe Gilbert longs for freedom—freedom from his controlling father, freedom to live his life as he chooses. He knows playing the rake keeps his autocratic father in check, but Rafe longs to determine his own destiny. Case in point, he fell in love with Lady Sophie years ago, but his father’s threats and his mother’s health prevent him from pursuing Lady Sophie in earnest. So when Fate thrusts Sophie into his path, Rafe knows he must turn her away and distance himself. But doing the right thing has never been so impossibly difficult.

Sophie and Rafe soon find themselves on a journey together from London to a castle in the Scottish Highlands. Along the way, can two kindred souls heal from past hurts and seize a second chance to write a love story of their own?


My Review

I thoroughly enjoyed Sophie and her frank bluestocking mannerisms! Her scientific categorization of members of society and the way she studies and interprets their behavior was hilarious. She and Rafe have amazing chemistry, and he adores her eccentricities. The unfairness and injustice that keeps them apart is difficult to swallow, but important lessons are learned as they each passed through their own refiner's fire. Sophie especially had wisdom for Rafe that helped him finally overcome his anger and find inner peace. Their journey together was exciting as they came to know each other again, but this time at a much deeper level, and long-held family secrets are finally revealed. The sense of mystery and suspense propelled the plot forward and the way history wove their two families together was surprising. There is also an overarching mystery of the shipwreck in Rafe's past that connects all the books together. I'm loving this series and can't wait for more!

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



Don't miss the first book in the Brotherhood of the Black Tartan series . . .

https://amzn.to/2HoxTa2





Romance is in the Air Giveaway Hop!


https://www.bookhounds.net/2020/02/12/bookhounds-giveaway-romance-is-in-the-air-hop-win-10-ends-2-29-int/

Happy Valentine's Day! I'm giving away an ARC copy of The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd! Enter in the Rafflecoptor below and then check out the other giveaways on the hop!




http://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.

Cornwall, England, 1811
Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall . . . back on the Cornish coast she tries desperately to forget.

Jac Trethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced at Penwythe Hall, he battles both grief of this brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.

Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall Novels series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast.