Book Tour & Review: A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Royalty comes to Sidmouth, bringing unexpected danger and the sweet possibility of romance . . .

When the Duke and Duchess of Kent and their daughter--the future Queen Victoria--rent neighboring Woolbrook Cottage for the winter, the Summers sisters are called upon to host three of the royal family's male staff in their seaside house. But they soon realize they've invited secrets and intrigue into their home.

Meanwhile, Emily Summers longs to become an author. A local publisher offers to consider her novel if she will first write a Sidmouth guidebook for him. Emily agrees and begins researching the area with help from the Duke of Kent's handsome private secretary. But a surprise visitor from her past shows up at Sea View, leaving Emily torn between the desires she's long held dear and her budding dreams for the future.

Return to the Devonshire coast with the Summers sisters, where loyalties are tested, secrets come to light, and new love emerges.

My Review

A lovely, meandering story focused on Emily's three loves- two different men and her writing. One suitor she long pined for abandoned her in her family's time of need, only to reappear with renewed hopes. Her new friend lodging at the inn provides a level of support and encouragement of her own dreams that she's never experienced before, but of course there are obstacles to the relationship. Her writing brings her new opportunities as she reaches outside her comfort zone, yet her family is there as her foundation of strength. I enjoyed seeing her character growth, becoming less self-centered as she follows her sisters' examples of selfless service and compassion. We also read in the perspective of older sister Sarah, who has another potential relationship developing, but her main focus is on the inn and her family. Having royals visiting the small community brought a level of excitement and drama, interesting characters, and elements of real history. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the first book in the On Devonshire Shores series . . .

About the Author

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing's Best Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

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PRAISE FOR A WINTER BY THE SEA

“Enlivened by historical details of the royal family’s 1819 visit to Devonshire, the narrative is propelled forward by an irrepressible protagonist whose spunk will easily win readers’ sympathy. This breezy and delightful installment is sure to satisfy Klassen’s fans.”— Publisher’s Weekly

“A Winter by the Sea is a story about finding your purpose and realizing that the things we hope and pray for...might not always be the things we truly need… The On Devonshire Shores series is truly a delight.”— Lauren, The Books Script

“Julie Klassen has provided such a beautiful escape with this series…I can't wait to see what comes next in this series and will be highly anticipating book 3!!”— Tasha, Clean Read Book Club

 

 

Review: Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Lauren Bailey may be a romantic at heart, but after a decade of matchmaking schemes gone wrong, there's only one match she's committed to now--the one that will make her a mother. Lauren is a dedicated first grade teacher in Idaho, and her love for children has led her to the path of international adoption. To satisfy her adoption agency's requirements, she gladly agreed to remain single for the foreseeable future; however, just as her long wait comes to an end, Lauren is blindsided by a complication she never saw coming: Joshua Avery.

Joshua may be a substitute teacher by day, but Lauren finds his passion for creating educational technology as fascinating as his antics in the classroom. Though she does her best to downplay the undeniable connection between them, his relentless pursuit of her heart puts her commitment to stay unattached to the test and causes her once-firm conviction to waver.

With an impossible decision looming, Lauren might very well find herself choosing between the two deepest desires of her heart . . . even if saying yes to one means letting go of the other.

My Review

As a parent who adopted, this book spoke right to my heart! I loved the message of God's timing and His perfect plan, which we can't always see, especially when we are in the middle of the journey. I learned some new things about international adoption, which the author pulled from her own personal experience. Josh was such a delightful character, and his vibrant personality offset Lauren's anxiety about her family and her adoption plan. Her family dynamics are complicated and slightly dysfunctional, but you could tell she still loved them even when her feelings were hurt. I felt like I connected with Josh and Lauren individually, but had a harder time connecting to their relationship because Lauren had to hold herself back, then their situation grows even more complicated. I loved all the friends that support Lauren, from her colleagues at work, to her church family, to her adoption support group. There is a strong sense of community and it shows how we can be a conduit for God's love as we serve each other.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: The Complete Book of Ground Covers by Gary Lewis

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

“A magnum opus of ground covers that deserves a place in every gardener’s library.” —Tony Avent, founder and owner Plant Delights Nursery

Ground covers are widely thought of as utilitarian—we turn to them when we have a problem that needs a solution. Yet these plants also offer a diverse range of beautiful and intriguing options with a variety of colors, textures, and forms. They can unify a landscape, knit together plantings and hardscape, and add extra layers of beauty, dynamism, and surprise. As a replacement for lawns, they can reduce our use of water, fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, carbon-based fuels, and transform a yard into a diverse landscape of habitat and food for native insects, birds, and other wildlife.

In this meticulously researched reference, nurseryman Gary Lewis profiles more than 4000 ground covers that can perform these roles with aplomb. No matter what kinds of conditions you’re facing—shade, dry soil, heavy clay, excess moisture—there’s a ground cover that will thrive and beautify your garden. Comprehensive, practical, and copiously illustrated, this indispensable volume belongs on the shelf of every designer, landscape architect, and serious gardener.

My Review

This large book is dense with information about ground cover plants and acts as an encyclopedia of listings in alphabetical order. It's a wonderful resource, and the most helpful part to me was the beginning with guidance on planning and designing. I also learned from the introduction which explained the various types of ground cover and what makes them different from each other. I was completely overwhelmed by the vast amount of plants to learn about, but there are 17 sidebars with lists of plants suggested for various conditions and categories, such as edible, trailing, tight spaces, lawn replacement, deer-resistant, fragrant, and the various soil and light conditions. I found it to be a good place to start, and was able to look up the plants by name rather than try to read through the plant listings beginning to end.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: Healing the Mountain Man's Heart by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, loyalty…and a hidden fortune.

Jericho Coulter, the eldest of six fiercely devoted brothers, is entrusted with safeguarding his family and the secret that binds them together: the Sapphire mine. To keep tragedy from striking again, he allows no outsiders on their land. When two women stumble upon their ranch, claiming Jericho himself sent for one of them as a mail-order bride, he aims to send them straight back where they came from.

Dinah Wyatt, a talented and determined doctor, wasn’t about to let her twin sister travel to Montana alone and marry a stranger. Dinah’s skills are immediately put to the test when one of the younger Coulter brothers is gravely injured, forcing the family to trust his life to her.

As Dinah and her sister become entwined in the Coulter family's life, sparks fly between the enigmatic Jericho and the captivating doctor. In a world where trust is hard to come by and secrets hold the power to change lives, Jericho and Dinah must learn that sometimes, the most precious secrets are those buried within our own hearts.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain family saga filled with a mail-order bride, hidden treasure, and love that heals wounded hearts.

My Review

I'm thrilled for a new series from a favorite author! Jericho has no idea what to do with the two women who show up expecting Naomi to marry him, but it was fortuitous timing since Dinah was able to care for his seriously injured brother. The forced proximity gives the ladies time to get to know the family of men, all while the brothers are trying to keep the secret of the mine of sapphires on their land. Jericho is especially protective due to the charge his father gave him before passing away, reminding me of Travis Archer in Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer. I love how Dinah helps Jericho rediscover his faith and how trusting in the Lord requires us to let go of our fears. They have great chemistry and make each other stronger. I'm looking forward to seeing what is in store for the rest of the family!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the next books in the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series . . .

Review: Betting on the Best Friend's Brother by Melanie Jacobson

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

I don’t want a dating coach. Especially not one I’ve been in love with since junior high.

My roommates say I’m a workaholic. But when my boss temporarily suspends my extra lab time, my best friend and bossiest roommate makes fixing my love life her summer project.

My love life is non-existent, but makeover schemes and blind dates with her weird library patrons are not the answer. When she takes drastic measures and calls in her brother, Joey—one of Austin’s hottest heartthrobs—to consult, it’s my worst nightmare.

I fell for Joey when I was fourteen, and no other guy has ever measured up.

I’ll do anything to keep Joey from finding out—including putting up with a bombshell transformation—if it hides my true feelings when he looks at me. He rejected me once, and it nearly broke me. I’ll never give him that chance again.

Opposites attract in this swoony romcom. A brilliant geneticist versus a hotshot trendsetter she's secretly loved more than half her life. Dive in for meddling roommates, quirky neighbors, Ahab the cursing parrot, found family, a sneaky matchmaker, and makeover shenanigans.

My Review

Wow, such a fun book with humor, banter, awkwardness, and sweet romance! I liked how we see Ava in all her dysfunctional workaholic glory, and we slowly learn how and why she became that way. Her best friend and roommate Ruby is helping her find more balance in her life and relationships by pushing her out of her comfort zone- for her own good, of course. Joey getting roped into the makeover as a flirting coach sets the scene for lots of great interactions, and forces him to take a second and third look at Ava. I appreciated that it's less of a makeover and more of her getting back to herself and putting effort into her presentation and being present and caring about making connections. Naturally there has to be some bombs in the dating experiment, and Joey contrasts nicely against them... once he gets a clue and starts to pursue Ava. They have great chemistry, and he helps Ava come to terms with some of the deeper emotional weight she is carrying. I love it when rom-coms have layered characters!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the other books in the Betting on Love series . . .

Review: My True Love Gave to Me by Karen Witemeyer

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

The Twelve Days of Christmas get a romantic Texas twist!

Anna King has pledged her heart to Simeon Shepherd, but her father refuses to grant her hand to the young farmer. Simeon determines to be patient and earn David King's respect over time with hard work and evidence of his ability to provide. However, when a wealthy new suitor arrives in Bethlehem, Texas to woo Anna with her father's support, patience is no longer an option. Simeon has twelve days before Christmas to best his rival and prove once and for all that he is Anna's true love.

A fun, quirky read that is short enough to squeeze into even the busiest holiday schedule.

My Review

This short and sweet novella is just right for the holidays! I loved Simeon's creativity in demonstrating his love and devotion to Anna. His whole family is involved and pretty soon the whole town too, and Anna takes such pleasure in figuring out the daily gifts. I bet the author had a blast coming up with ways to turn The Twelve Days of Christmas into historical Texas-themed items! Anna and Simeon's relationship is already established and strong when the story begins, but I would have loved a bit more development of their romance. I think I felt the lack because Simeon had to stay away from Anna while she gave her new suitor a chance (which he never really had). Overall, a delightful and uplifting Christmas-themed story!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: Wyoming Wild by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Hearts collide when a sheriff’s daughter asks a hardened US Marshal to join her fight for justice and rid a small town of her corrupt father.

Wyoming Territory, 1876

US Marshal John “Hawk” Hawking is one of the most respected lawmen in the West, so when a telegram arrives from the small town of Sand Creek warning him of a death threat against him, he immediately begins an investigation.

Posing as a farmer, Hawk heads to Sand Creek, a town ruled by a violent and corrupt sheriff. Only one person is trying to stop him—Liesl, the sheriff’s own daughter. When she meets the self-assured and attractive new farmer, John, she hopes he might help her in the fight for justice.

John is completely unfazed by Sheriff Hodges’s attempts at intimidation, and Liesl is quickly swept up by Hawk’s courage and integrity. Just as quickly, Hawk finds himself falling for Liesl’s strength and bravery, as well as her grace and beauty.

When Liesl discovers John’s true identity, she feels betrayed. Despite her lingering distrust of him, Liesl agrees to work with him to enact a dangerous plan that will put the criminals away forever. Liesl must put her life, and her heart, in the hands of his lawman if she has any hope of saving her family and her town. 

My Review

Ever since reading the Little House series and my dad's Louis L'Amour paperbacks, I've loved reading westerns with romance! This is an exciting hidden identity story with John going undercover in the small town to investigate the anonymous warning of a plot against his life. I really felt for Liesl and her difficult circumstances of realizing how corrupt her father and his friends are. I admired that she did what she could for the locals, and didn't let that feeling of powerlessness descend into hopelessness. She finds a hero in John and I was in anticipation of when they would be able to confide their secrets in each other. When John is ready to call in reinforcements, it made me realize how much we take our instant communication and quick travel for granted! Back then it took days, even with the telegraph. I love the way John falls for Liesl and is so protective of her and the town.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the previous books in the Savage Wells series . . .

Review: The Tiny But Mighty Farm by Jill Ragan

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

In The Tiny But Mighty Farm, author Jill Ragan of YouTube’s Whispering Willow Farm teaches you how to turn a typical suburban backyard into a productive mini farm.

Backyard mini farming is about regular people who live in regular houses turning all or part of their property into a productive, high-yielding mini farm. Unlike gardening, mini farming takes a very deliberate approach, with the main goal being to grow as much food as you can with as little land and as few resources as possible. Everything is done with planning and purpose, rather than as a hobby. Whether your property is one-tenth of an acre, one full acre, or somewhere in between, there are so many opportunities to grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs in creative and high-yielding ways.

If concerns about food security and the rising cost of food have you feeling uneasy, or if you just want to play a bigger role in feeding your family and your community, starting a backyard mini farm is the answer. With Jill as your friendly and encouraging guide, you’ll learn how to grow food for your family and, if you want, sell part of your harvest for a profit. From discovering what kind of mini farmer you want to be to selecting the best high-yielding varieties and planning out and preparing your growing spaces, it’s all covered in these pages.

With Jill’s help you’ll learn:
- The best tools for running a successful mini farm (hint: a tractor isn’t on the list!)
- Advice on whether to grow in the ground, in raised beds, or indoors
- How soil health impacts the longevity of your backyard farm
- Whether heirlooms or hybrids bring bigger yields
- Ways to use structures like high tunnels and greenhouses to improve production
- The many satisfactions of growing food for others and how much money you can expect to earn
 

In the process of cultivating food, you’ll also be cultivating yourself, your family, and your community in the most beautiful and inspiring ways. With help from The Tiny But Mighty Farm, food self-sufficiency and seasonal, organic eating is an achievable goal. Big yields from a typical backyard is what a well-designed, functional mini farm is all about.

My Review

This book is packed with information that is encouraging and inspiring for gardeners, especially at the beginning of the process. There are so many decisions to make, it can be overwhelming. The author walks the reader through the pros and cons of various styles, and shares what has brought them success in their farming journey. Our purpose and motivation for gardening and farming is important, and will determine the choices we make and prevent burnout. I read the book from beginning to end, but it is definitely one that I will go back to and use as a reference as I establish my own mini-farm for our family.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: DIY for Renters: Don't Call the Landlord by Charles Byers

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

DIY for Renters is a complete repair and maintenance guide for everyone who rents—not owns—their home. It’s designed to help apartment and house renters perform common repairs and upgrades that are economical and safe, and don’t conflict with tenant/landlord agreements. Also included are tips on taking down and removing upgrades when it’s time to move out of the rental unit so you can get your security deposit back in full. Packed with step-by-step instructions, illustrations, and color photos, this book teaches basic repair skills that potential future homeowners can use for the rest of their lives.

Charles Byers, an experienced vocational school educator, shows how to address all the normal maintenance issues that every home encounters, from squeaky doors and floors, wet basements, and replacing light switches to installing ceiling fans, plumbing, heating, and electrical repairs. Byers guides the reader to complete each project as inexpensively and perfectly as possible, using readily available materials from the local home center.

My Review

This is a useful resource for home repair! It covers many basics, including drywall, painting, doors, electrical, plumbing, and large appliances. It was easy to understand, with plenty of photographs demonstrating just what to do. I appreciated that each project was rated with a skill level of basic, semiskilled, or skilled, so the reader can self-assess whether the project would be comfortable for them to complete without assistance. Lots of helpful tips and information provide the reader with the knowledge to handle home repairs with confidence. A great tool for renters!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.