Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Interview with Megan Walker, Author of Lakeshire Park!






Megan Walker was raised on a berry farm in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where her imagination took her to times past and worlds away. While earning her degree in Early Childhood Education, she married her one true love and started a family. But her imaginings of Regency England wouldn't leave her alone, so she picked up a pen and wrote her first novella, A Beautiful Love: A Regency Fairy Tale Retelling which was published in 2019. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband and three children. Lakeshire Park is her debut novel.


Author Interview:


Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Sure! I majored in Early Childhood Education at Brigham Young University, but in between senior semesters I married my husband, who was set to move to Houston, TX, for medical school. So, through BYU, I had the privilege of completing my student teaching through an inner-city school district in Houston, which was an incredible experience that shaped both my teaching and my life. Coming from small town Missouri, I hardly knew how to drive on a three-lane freeway, let alone eight lanes! I’ll always be a country girl at heart. Now we’re living in St. Louis, MO, and I’m happily raising my three children and writing to my heart’s content.

What do you enjoy doing besides writing?

I love the outdoors, playing board games and sports with my family, reading, baking (though I’m not super great at it) and watching movies and TV shows.

What are some things on your bucket list that you have accomplished, and some you look forward to?

Writing a BOOK! and traveling Europe, seeing the pyramids and the Holy Lands. I have lots more traveling to do … one in particular is to take England with my writing partners. We are READY, we just need time and money, haha!

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 have two images, but they were strictly for inspiration and not exactly how I picture Amelia and Peter, so I won’t share them. (forgive me!) But yes, I do like to find visual inspiration for my characters. It’s a very loose interpretation though, almost more like finding a face to fit the personality in my head, and then making adjustments so they REALLY ARE how I picture them. 
What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book?
Imagine Dragons Walking the Wire is Amelia’s song. Ed Sheeran’s Dive is Peter’s.
What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book?

Don’t ever give up hope. No matter how bad things get, keep going. You never know what tomorrow can bring.

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

Right now, I’m working on my second Regency romance novel! My heroine is very different from Amelia, so it’s been fun getting to know her. I’ve also got a novella coming out in August in a series with my writing partners. Stay tuned for details -- I am so excited to share more stories with you!

What is your favorite way to connect with readers?

Facebook and Instagram, though COVID19 is making it hard for me to keep up! I’m going to work harder at posting more, because I LOVE engaging with reader friends. It always brightens my day!!


Thank you Megan! I can't wait to read more of your stories!



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

(Read my review here)

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Synopsis

Brighton, England 1820

Amelia Moore wants only one thing—to secure the future happiness of her younger sister, Clara. With their stepfather’s looming death, the two sisters will soon be on their own—without family, a home, or a penny to their names. When an invitation arrives to join a house party at Lakeshire Park, Amelia grasps at the chance. If she can encourage a match between Clara and their host, Sir Ronald, then at least her sister will be taken care of.

Little does she know that another guest, the arrogant and overconfident Mr. Peter Wood, is after the same goal for his own sister. Amelia and Peter begin a rivalry that Amelia has no choice but to win. But competing against Peter—and eventually playing by his rules—makes Amelia vulnerable to losing the only thing she has left to claim: her heart.


Praise for Lakeshire Park:

“…readers will find it easy to invest in practical, business-minded Amelia as she learns to follow her heart. This gentle love story is a treat.”—Publisher’s Weekly 

“An immersive drama…Walker effortlessly amplifies the decorum of Regency England with chic wit and delightful characters.”—Booklist

"Charming, beautifully written, and hopelessly romantic. Sure to be a new favorite."—Julianne Donaldson, best-selling author of Edenbrooke
  







Friday, April 24, 2020

Review: The Noble Smuggler by Sian Ann Bessey




My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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Synopsis

Despite living at her father’s inn her entire life, Elizabeth Doyle has always managed to avoid involvement with the smugglers who frequently gather there. Until now. When a handsome smuggler is brought to her with dire injuries, Elizabeth risks everything to hide him—completely unaware that the wounded man is not who he appears to be.

When an opportunity arises to infiltrate the notorious smuggling gang he believes caused his father’s death, Jonas Ainsworth, the Viscount Langton, pretends to be one of them. But when he is wounded midcharade, Jonas’s life is placed in the hands of an unlikely savior: a smuggler’s daughter. Forced to flee before his wounds have fully healed, he does not think he will ever see her again—until she appears on his doorstep, seeking safe haven. Divided by their social standings yet united in their mutual desire to expose the leader of the smuggling ring, Jonas and Elizabeth are undeniably drawn to each other. Neither realizes, however, that they are dangerously close to uncovering explosive secrets from the past—secrets that will alter the course of their lives forever.


My Review

What stood out to me first was the era- late 1700's. The politics of the time come into play along with powdered wigs, but both were used moderately- thank goodness! ;) Elizabeth and Jonas both rescue each other in turn, and their bond forms quickly. They instinctively trust, even before they know the secrets the other is hiding. There is a wonderful sense of anticipation and suspense throughout the entire story as they work together to end the smuggling through more than one avenue, and uncover the mystery behind Jonas's father's death. I especially enjoyed the mother and sister of Jonas and the unpretentious way they accept and embrace Elizabeth into their fold. Elizabeth never aspires to join the upper class, feeling more comfortable with a future as a maid, but her role in undermining the master of the smugglers keeps her uncovering clues with Jonas and his family and friends. All the while the danger mounts from both the smugglers and her unscrupulous father and corrupt magistrate. While I wished for more chemistry and romantic development between Jonas and Elizabeth, the strong plot kept me glued to the pages as I read to the satisfying conclusion.

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



Review: Lakeshire Park by Megan Walker




My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

Brighton, England 1820

Amelia Moore wants only one thing—to secure the future happiness of her younger sister, Clara. With their stepfather’s looming death, the two sisters will soon be on their own—without family, a home, or a penny to their names. When an invitation arrives to join a house party at Lakeshire Park, Amelia grasps at the chance. If she can encourage a match between Clara and their host, Sir Ronald, then at least her sister will be taken care of.

Little does she know that another guest, the arrogant and overconfident Mr. Peter Wood, is after the same goal for his own sister. Amelia and Peter begin a rivalry that Amelia has no choice but to win. But competing against Peter—and eventually playing by his rules—makes Amelia vulnerable to losing the only thing she has left to claim: her heart.


My Review

This book was an absolute delight to read! It had it all for me- conflict, sacrifice, humor, yearning, and interestingly complex dynamics. The relationship between Amelia and Peter started with friction- more antagonistic on her side because of a debacle over a pair of gloves. It was fun to see how their interactions altered over time as she got to know him better and see more layers to his personality. Peter reminds me a bit of Philip from Edenbrooke- charming, loves to laugh, teasing, and full of longing for his secret love, bringing a sense of vulnerability as well. The dynamics of those in the house party kept me on my toes as Amelia struggles to forge a future of security for her and Clara. She has to decide between a guaranteed practicality or a risky choice of love, which she has never believed in due to her parents' example. I loved how everything builds up to the climax and ending where I was satisfied with the resolutions for all my favorite characters.

Highly recommend to fans of sweet Regency romance, especially those who enjoyed Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson.

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








Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Review: Hooking a Handyman by Brenna Jacobs



My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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Synopsis

When Zoey returns home to California to live with her ailing grandmother, she's less than enthusiastic when Nana tries to set her up with Harry, the handyman who's been helping her out around the house for years. But then she discovers Harry the handyman is actually Harrison Beckford, the handsome host of the hottest home renovation show on television.

To Zoey, Harry seems too good to be true. He's got the job, the house, the dog, even two adorable kids who Zoey quickly falls in love with. But as she gets swept up in Harrison's glamorous life, Zoey starts to let go of things that have always mattered to her in the past. Her career. Her friends. Soon she starts to wonder: Will fitting into Harrison's life require too much renovation of her own, or will the two of them be able to merge their worlds into a balanced and level whole?


My Review

This book is cute and fun and flirty, although I had a hard time relating to Zoey and her single-mindedness about her career. She falls into a too-good-to-be-true romance with Harry, the celebrity handyman, and his adorable kids. About midway through the book when she starts feeling apprehensive about her conflict of Chicago career or California relationship things get a little deeper as she struggles to figure out how to have both. I appreciated the quote from the self-help book she comes across in the newsroom that helps her gain some perspective, as well as the strong women in her life that support and encourage her. It was interesting to see her character arc as well as Harry's as the obstacles to their relationship make them realize how important they are to each other.

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


Review: Steal My Heart by Heather B. Moore



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

She’s ready to leave Prosper behind, forever. So why did she have to meet him, of all times, and at all places? That was never the plan.

USA Today bestselling author Heather B. Moore welcomes you to Prosperity Ranch!


Disaster seems to follow Evie Prosper’s dating life everywhere. A fresh start can only mean leaving Prosper forever, which is what she’s determined to do, until she meets Carson Hunt. He unknowingly saves her from another dating disaster, yet their paths keep crossing. Carson is relocating to Prosper of all places, and if Evie could change that one thing about him, she might rethink their connection.


My Review

LOVED IT!!! Evie starts out seeming a bit fickle, but we quickly get to know her and understand her vulnerabilities and source of naiveté. She is easily likeable which makes it realistic for Carson to fall for her. Carson- he is something else. Almost too good to be true! I appreciated his level of maturity and confidence, his self-awareness of the struggles he faces and acceptance that he is handling his grief in his own way. Despite that, he is open and friendly, and perfect for Evie with his consideration and compassion. His confidence rubs off on her and I loved seeing her recognize her own strength and capabilities. This is the kind of romance that for me is just such a pleasure and even comforting to read, and I needed it at a time like this (for future reference- the COVID-19 quarantine). I enjoyed more of the Prosper family and their dynamics and can't wait for the next book!

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



Don't miss the first book in the Prosperity Ranch series . . .

https://amzn.to/2KkgHDZ




Monday, April 13, 2020

Blog Blitz: When Valleys Bloom Again by Pat Jeanne Davis

When Valleys Bloom Again JustRead Blog Blitz 
Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for When Valleys Bloom Again by Pat Jeanne Davis, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

When Valleys Bloom by Pat Jeanne Davis Title: When Valleys Bloom Again
Author: Pat Jeanne Davis
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing
Release Date: January 16, 2019
Genre: Historical Romance

As war approaches in 1939 Abby Stapleton’s safety is under threat. Her father, a British diplomat, insists she go back to America until the danger passes. Abby vows to return to her home in London—but where is home? With her family facing mortal danger so far away and feeling herself isolated, she finds it hard to pray or read the Bible. Did she leave God behind in war-torn London too? Then Abby becomes friendly with Jim, a gardener on her uncle’s estate.

Jim can’t get Abby out of his mind. Did she have a sweetheart in England? Was it foolish to think she’d consider him? He curses his poverty and the disgrace of his father’s desertion and drunkenness haunts him. Can he learn to believe in love for a lifetime and to hope for a happy marriage? Abby couldn’t know the war would last a long time, nor that she would fall in love with Jim—soon to be drafted by the U.S. Army—or that she’d have to confront Henri, a rejected suitor, determined by his lies to ruin her reputation and destroy her faith in God’s providence. Will she discover the true meaning of home?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook
 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pat Jeanne Davis

Pat Jeanne Davis has a keen interest in 20th Century United States and British history, particularly the period of World War II. Her longtime interest in that era goes back to the real-life stories she heard about family members who served during the war. When Valleys Bloom Again is a debut inspirational romance set in WWII. She enjoys flower gardening, genealogy research and traveling with her British-born husband.  She writes from her home n Philadelphia, Pa. Pat has published essays, short stories and articles online and in print. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.  She loves to hear from her readers. Visit her at https://www.patjeannedavis.com

CONNECT WITH PAT: Website | Facebook | Instagram  


 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card!

When Valleys Bloom Again JustRead Giveaway

Giveaway will begin at midnight April 13, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on April 20, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US mailing addresses only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.


 
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Saturday, April 11, 2020

Book Tour Grand Finale: Her Surprise Cowboy by Claire McEwen #HSCPrism

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

Thank you for joining in the book tour for Her Surprise Cowboy!

Are you ready for a springtime romance? The hills around the Northern California town of Shelter Creek are green and lush. The staff at the Shelter Creek Wildlife Center is busy rescuing baby bunnies and a cute fox. And Trisha Gilbert, a single mother who works at the center, is enjoying the good weather and more time outdoors with her baby son, Henry. . .


Liam and Trisha meet!

That night with Trisha had somehow saved his life. And now she was here. It was almost impossible to comprehend, but when he blinked and looked again, there she was, staring at him with an expression that resembled horror.

Liam glanced around to see Jace and Vivian watching him with quizzical expressions on their faces. How long had he been standing here, lost in memories?

Trisha was so still, she looked like she’d quit breathing. Liam pulled air into his lungs in silent sympathy. “Trisha.” It wasn’t much, but it was all he could manage.

Remembrancy - Review

"Claire McEwen gives readers and education in wildlife management and welcomes them into the wild beauty of the Northern California landscape. From the friendships to the meddling of the book biddies to the romance, it’s the people of Shelter Creek that leave their mark."


In this excerpt from Her Surprise Cowboy, Trisha is trying to avoid Liam after she spots him in the grocery store.

Trisha hadn’t expected her first step to happen so soon. She wasn’t ready. Her emotions had been rubbed so raw during her conversation with Becca that the moment she spotted Liam in the Shelter Creek Market, she almost burst into tears.

That was why she was hiding behind the potato chip display, waiting for him to finish choosing milk in the dairy section. Trisha peered around the corner again. How could anyone take so long picking out a carton of milk? She pretended to examine the ingredients on a potato chip package while she waited, heart thrumming hard in her veins.

“No matter how long you stare at those, they’re not going to get healthy.”


". . . well written and a fun read for relaxing. The characters are well-defined and seem so real. There is slight humor and serious, plus fun, situations." - LAWonder10

"This is a wonderful story. I love the way Liam and Trisha find each other again. . . . The characters are well-developed and it is easy to feel their emotions. . . . I highly recommend this story to others who enjoy great relationships and learning new things." - Vickie

Splashes of Joy - Review

"Author Claire McEwen does a really nice job of weaving the past together with the present in a way that readers can connect. And since I have only read one of the previous books in this series, I was able to keep up with the characters and the plot with no problem. . . . This is a sweet story of forgiveness and a chance at life neither of them expected. If you love sweet Heartwarming drama, this is a great one for you."


"It is always interesting when a father comes home to a child. Even more so when he is surprised to be a dad. I really like this series because the author weaves in the characters from previous books in the series, even the non human ones. . . . I can not wait to read more from this series and author."


"It has been a while since I have read a romance, and Her Surprise Cowboy by Claire McEwen is perfect. The characters are well developed, and the story came together fabulously. I loved the ending. All in all, my rating is five stars. I highly recommend this to all readers of sweet romance."


"Her Surprise Cowboy was such a fun “surprise daddy” story! . . . I loved the changes that occurred in both Trisha and Liam throughout the novel as they learned to trust each other and opened their hearts to love.

Even though this is book three in the series, readers should have no trouble jumping into this wonderful cast of characters and beautiful setting."

Kimber Li - Excerpt

Trisha bumps into Liam at the grocery store.

Trisha set her shopping basket down and went to retrieve Liam’s basket from where it lay on its side. She collected the cans that had flown out. “You have a dog?” She waggled the can of dog food she’d just found.

“Yup.” He was looking at her with such a serious expression that Trisha braced herself. Did he know about Henry already? He was still standing in the milk. He gingerly stepped out of the puddle, onto dry linoleum.

“I’m truly sorry I bumped into you.” She needed to leave, to get away from his hazel eyes, and the way he was studying her so carefully. It was disconcerting how familiar his face was. There was the curve of his lower lip, the faint stubble blurring the line of his jaw, the thick lashes and tousled curly brown hair. She remembered, suddenly, how soft it had felt under her fingers. Yet he was a complete stranger.

Hallie Reads - Review

"Her Surprise Cowboy is a sweet story of love and family, truth and secrets, ranching and wildlife. It proved a pleasure to spend time in Northern California with Trisha and Liam as their complicated romance unfolded; I enjoyed it immensely—I’m sure other readers of contemporary-cowboy romances will enjoy it, too."


"Her Surprise Cowboy is a book that I found very interesting. I loved the place that Trisha work at that took care of the wild animals. Especially the part about the coyotes. . . . I also enjoyed the Book Group called Book Biddies that were all friends of Trisha. They were so much fun and cared for Henry and Trisha."

Pause for Tales - Review

"This was a delightful romance of two people learning from their biggest mistakes and embracing life and who they have become due to them."

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

Liam talks with Monique, local hairdresser and member of Shelter Creek’s Book Biddies, about the baby son he’s just learned about the night before.

Liam was petting Ranger’s head and pondering a tree when the unfamiliar woman sat herself right down on his tailgate.

“That’s a pretty nice tree,” the bleached-blonde lady said as she sat down. “A coast live oak. I love their twisting silver trunks. This one must be a few hundred years old.

Startled by her presence, Liam scooted over to make more space for her. “I was just thinking that. How much it’s seen. All the weather and people’s lives...” Liam realized he was revealing his inner thoughts to a total stranger. “I’m sorry, I guess you caught me in a strange mood. What can I do for you?”


Liam visits Tricia and Henry for the first time.

Liam folded his big frame to sit cross-legged. He seemed to take up most of the space in the living room. He set up some of Henry’s blocks close to him. Henry crawled over and waved a pudgy arm to knock them down. Then the baby took a block and put it in his mouth. “I’m not sure that’s for eating, big guy.”

“It’s okay for now. I’ll get his teething ring back out of the freezer in a few minutes.”

Liam glanced at her ruefully. “I didn’t even know they got teeth this young. I have a lot to learn.”


"Her Surprise Cowboy is a sweet & tender romance with layered characters and a heartwarming subplot, particularly if you are interested in wildlife rescue. Watching Liam embrace the role of “daddy” is as swoony and endearing as you might expect, and so is the romance between Liam & Trisha. A story that draws you in, characters that capture your heart, and just the right amount of humor and warmth."


"There is a certain layer of joy in reading a story about second chance romance . . . McEwen has such a wonderful way of tucking you into her character's lives and giving you a reason to take up residence beside them as [they're] working out their problems. Although the circumstances within Her Surprise Cowboy aren't ideal they are realistic and it is how she showed the willingness to grow and the ability to right wrongs is what rooted me in the pages of the novel - whilst having this beautiful community of Shelter Creek fully represented and present."


"5 Teacups filled to the brim for Claire McEwen's Sweet, country, western romance Her Surprise Cowboy! If you love a good western and a good Hallmark movie, then this is the book for you! I absolutely fell in love with the characters in this amazing tale . . ."


Trisha and Liam go on their first family outing

Trisha went to put Henry in the stroller, but Liam held out his arms. “Can I carry him for a bit?”

She hesitated, anxiety whispering vague warnings in her ears. “Well, I guess. Just watch your step.”

He shot her an amused look. “I’m fairly good at walking.”

“I know, I’m just—” she sighed, hating to admit it “—overprotective. Everyone teases me about it. Maya, Vivian, all the ladies in my book club.”

She set Henry carefully in Liam’s hands and he nestled Henry on his hip, his arms around him, just like she carried him. At least he’d been watching her. He was trying.


"Her Surprise Cowboy is a wonderfully written contemporary romance about forgiveness, fresh starts, starting over and rebuilding trust that is sure to bring a tear to even the most cynical of eyes. Claire McEwen imbues her story with plenty of hope, warmth and heart and has penned a love story that will lift the spirit and make readers smile. . . . A first class romance that will steal readers’ hearts, Her Surprise Cowboy is a terrific page-turner by Claire McEwen."

Reading Excursions - Review

"Claire McEwen is a new-to-me-author, but the Heartwarming line isn’t new to me at all. These are the “hope & inspiration” line that feature wholesome stories of love, compassion, and belonging; along with the happy-ever-after ending. . . . Home isn’t a place, so much as where one’s family is. Heart-tugging, emotional, and endearing – this story of love, second chances, and redemption didn't disappoint."

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

Her Surprise Cowboy
(Heroes of Shelter Creek #3)
By Claire McEwen
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages
April 1st 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Looking for redemption…

Finding a future

Rancher Liam Dale is in Shelter Creek to make amends for his troubled past. He had no idea vet assistant Trisha Gilbert would be there, too—and he’s even more shocked to discover he’s a daddy! Trisha has good reasons not to trust him and a baby boy to protect. But now that he knows he’s a father, Liam longs to transform this unexpected reunion into a true family.

(Affiliate links included.)

Other Books in the Series

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About the Author


Claire McEwen writes romance set in quirky small towns and beautiful western settings. Her strong heroes and heroines take big emotional journeys to find their happily-ever-afters. Claire’s books have been published by Harlequin’s Superromance and Heartwarming lines, and have won various awards, including The Golden Quill, the Book Buyers Best, and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award. Claire lives by the ocean in Northern California with her family and a scruffy, mischievous terrier. When not dreaming up new stories, she’s a busy mom who enjoys gardening, hiking, discovering flea-market treasures and wandering on the beach. A life-long bookworm, she always has her Kindle close by.


Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
Ends April 15, 2020

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