Review: Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

* Undeniably Yours is currently free on e-book! *

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

When Meg Cole’s father dies unexpectedly, she becomes the majority shareholder of his oil company and the single inheritor of his fortune. Though Meg is soft-spoken and tenderhearted–more interested in art than in oil–she’s forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of her father’s empire.
The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father’s thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.
Bo’s determined to resent the woman who’s decided to rob him of his dream. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them–her wealth, his unworthiness, her family’s outrage–and earn the right to love her.
But just when Meg begins to realize that Bo might be the one thing on the ranch worth keeping, their fragile bond is viciously broken by a force from Meg’s past. Can their love–and their belief that God can work through every circumstance–survive?

My Review

I started the Porter Family series with the second book, Meant to be Mine, and I've been meaning to get back and read Bo and Meg's story. It totally confirmed why Becky Wade is one of my favorite contemporary fiction authors! The characters are flawed enough to be realistic and relate-able without making them unlikable. I particularly connected with Meg and her issues with anxiety. I loved how she uses coping techniques to manage her overwhelming feelings and searches for a way to come to terms with her circumstances. Even though she was raised in an environment of wealth and is the heiress of a huge fortune, her struggles show that everyone has difficulties, no matter what their station in life. Bo's protectiveness of her is pretty awesome. The way their friendship developed naturally from heartfelt conversations gave their eventual romance a foundation that was tested by the conflict that emerged from Meg's past. There are scenes that hint to the reader what is to come, which amped up the tension instead of diffusing it. It made me want to read all the books in the series again before finishing with the newest one which releases in the beginning of May 2016.

(I won a copy of this book in a giveaway from the author; this is my honest review)

Bonus!  I marked off "A book you own but have never read" from my 2016 Reading Challenge! Eight more books to go...

Don't miss the rest of the Porter Family series! Now is a great time to get these books while they are on sale!

 e-book sale: $1.99
My review here - 5 stars!

e-book sale: $1.99 
My review here - 5 stars!

Pre-order sale: $7.99 for print book 

Short story e-book 99 cents

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Synopsis

Sophie Pope is devastated when she hears the news: her former boyfriend, college football star Anthony "Rocket" Rogers, is engaged to be married. Determined to win him back before he says I do, Sophie hatches a foolproof plan to stop the wedding. But when Rocket's best man, aspiring baseball player David Savage, thwarts her plot, she realizes the game is up. For David, though, it s just beginning . . .

David knows that Sophie is just another pretty face, and he's more than happy to save his best friend from her shallow advances. She's not his type at all, so he's baffled by his response to an awkward encounter with Donovan, another of Sophie's former flames. Despite himself, David feels driven by an inexplicable need to protect her. Pretending to be Sophie's new fiancé leads to unexpected sparks between the pair, and soon they're searching for excuses to spend time together. But when a curveball threatens to send them in opposite directions, will Sophie and David step up to the plate for the possibility of true love?

Entry-Form

Review & Giveaway: The Hearts We Mend by Kathryn Springer

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Planning and Post-It notes are the epitome of Evie’s life. But when she meets Jack, her life gets more than a little complicated.

Thirteen years ago, Evie's firefighter husband was killed in the line of duty, leaving her to raise their young son, Cody, alone. Now, Cody is marrying the love of his life, and as he packs up his belongings, the house feels as empty as Evie's heart. But for all her planning and mad organizational skills, Evie could never have anticipated the dramatic shift her life is about to make.

Tattooed, rough-around-the-edges Jack raises quite a few eyebrows in the tight-knit community of Banister Falls. Where Evie's life is stream-lined, Jack's approach to living is moment-by-moment. But as Evie gets drawn into Jack's world—a world that isn't as safe or predictable as the one she's worked so hard to create—he challenges her to open her eyes to the problems outside the walls of the church.

Jack doesn't make Evie feel comfortable, but he definitely makes her feel something. Something she hasn't felt since Max passed away—or, maybe ever. Because even though Jack isn't anything like her late husband, he just might be everything she needs.

My Review

I started this book not realizing it was the second in a series. It took me a few chapters to get a feel for all the characters and their relationships since the story pretty much dives right in to Evie's life, and I think it would have been a smoother start for me if I had already read the first book, The Dandelion Field. Evie is angsting over her empty nest now that her only son is married, but once she and Jack become unlikely friends, the story focuses on her eye-opening experiences in the seedy part of town and the love and kindness needed by the people there. Evie has a true heart for service and I admired that she made friends in Jack's neighborhood quickly and without judgement. Her compassion is a blessing to Jack's family and although he doesn't feel worthy of her, he falls for Evie and they begin a sweet romance (amazing first kiss, by the way!) I felt for Jack as he repeatedly tries to be the rescuer and fix-it man for his splintered family, only to realize that he has to let God take care of things out of his control. I loved his character trait of being handy at renovating and improving buildings, it reminded me of my uncles and their skills :) The theme of letting go of fear to embrace the blessings God has in store for us is one that was successfully represented throughout the course of the book. Now I'm going to go read The Dandelion Field!

(Thank you to Litfuse Publicity and Zondervan Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Don't miss the first book in the Banister Falls series, The Dandelion Field

Synopsis

This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn't need a man to fight her battles.

After Raine's dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter's youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that's compromised when Raine reveals she's pregnant.

Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend's son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: The baby is mine.

Knowing gossip of Raine's pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin's reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin's feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.

As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.

Book Tour Giveaway: Painting Rain by Annette K. Larsen

Synopsis

How do you heal your heart after tragedy leaves you broken? When the person you loved didn’t deserve it and they can’t earn your forgiveness because they’re already dead? How do you move on, and heal, and love?

If you’re Princess Lorraina, you paint. A year ago Lorraina watched Tobias die, and she still doesn't know how she's supposed to heal—or forgive. How can she when she’s still running away? In an attempt to reinvent herself, she steps outside her comfortable life as princess and seeks the tutelage of a master painter—a man who is not at all impressed by her pedigree, and demands not just talent, but emotional honesty. Struggling to learn what’s being taught, she finds herself drawn to someone who not only knows her secrets, but who she once considered far below her notice. Now she is compelled to seek him out despite knowing their relationship would be forbidden if discovered. Staying away from him doesn’t seem possible when discovering him may be the key to healing her heart and rediscovering herself.

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Author Annette K. Larsen 

I was born in Utah, but grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona and St. Louis, Missouri, the fifth of seven children. I attended Southern Virginia University and Brigham Young University, where I studied English and Theater. I now live in Idaho with my husband and four children. I have Charlotte Brontë to thank for the courage to write novels. After being bombarded with assigned reading about women who justified abandoning either their families or their principles in the name of love, I had the great fortune of reading Jane Eyre. And that was it: finally, a heroine who understood that being moral and making the right choice was hard, and sometimes it hurt, but it was still worth it. After rereading it several years later, I realized that if I wanted more books to exist with the kinds of heroines I admired, then I might as well write a few myself. My books are about women who face hard choices, who face pain and rejection and often have to face the reality of sacrificing what they want for what is right. The consequences are often difficult or unpleasant, but in the end, doing what’s right will always be worth it. I believe there is no substitute for good writing or good chocolate. Fortunately, one often leads to the other.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Blog Tour Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Code or Paypal Cash 

Ends 3/31/16

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

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Review: Thin Ice by Irene Hannon

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

After losing her parents in a car accident and her sister to a house fire, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Life is finally starting to feel normal again when an envelope arrives in the mail--addressed in her sister's handwriting. And the note inside claims she is still alive.

FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case, but he's coming up with more questions than answers. If Ginny Reed is still alive--who is the woman buried in her grave? Where is Ginny? And is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game--or the target of a sinister plot? As he digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: whoever is behind the bizarre ruse has a deadly agenda.

Bestselling author and two-time Christy Award finalist Irene Hannon warms readers' hearts as they root for a romance between Lance and Christy, but she pulls out all the stops as this high-stakes thriller chills to the bone in a race to the finish.

My Review

A suspenseful plot, a creepy villain, a vulnerable victim, and themes of sacrifice and family make this a compelling book. The villain was creepier than I expected, and the scenes from that point of view kept the  pace moving forward. At first Christy is looking for answers, but Lance soon realizes she is in a desperate situation. Her anxiety is palpable as she waits for the next clue or discovery, and I was biting my nails in trepidation. There is also a subplot with Lance's brother serving in special forces overseas, and Lance's devotion to his family is admirable. The romance between Lance and Christy followed the same formula as the previous book in the series- they verbally acknowledge the attraction to each other and make a plan to pursue a relationship after the case is closed. It kind of kills the anticipation and romantic tension. They still shared some special moments and I especially enjoyed the ending scene which is heart-warming.

(Thank you to Revell Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review: Love's Violet Sunrise by Naomi Rawlings

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

With her brother facing trial for a murder he didn't commit, German immigrant Mabel Krause needs a lawyer who can help prove her brother's innocence. The only trouble is--she can't afford one.

Hiram Cummings needs money to return to law school, and the fastest way to earn it is by working as a legal clerk for the powerful and rich Rhett Vandergriff. When a desperate immigrant comes to him for help, he finds himself on a mission to prove a man's innocence, risking his job in the process.

But all is not as it appears, and Hiram soon learns that not only is his job at risk, but he's also in danger of losing his heart--if he and Mabel don't lose their lives first.

Love's Violet Sunrise is a prequel to the bestselling Eagle Harbor Series, as well as part of the American State Flower Collection.

My Review

Naomi Rawlings has a gift for writing strong characters who are confronted by seemingly impossible circumstances yet manage to persevere by seeking God's will and following it. I admired Mabel's tenacity in not giving up when rejected over and over. Her determination compels Hiram to recognize that his integrity took precedence over his job and dreams for the future and he could not allow her to fend for herself. The story is suspenseful as powerful men pursue them while they are trying to solve the crime in order to free Mabel's brother. They bond during the time they spend working together and the romance that blossoms is quick but sweet. This is a wonderful beginning to a series I enjoyed reading and it made me want to go read all the books again :)

(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Review & Giveaway: Deliverance (The Moses Chronicles) by H.B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Experience the life of Moses as never before, following his journey from fugitive of Egypt to prophet of God. In this exhilarating follow-up to H.B. Moore’s biblical drama The Moses Chronicles: Bondage, the account of Moses’s flight from Egypt continues. Moses’s life as he knew it is over. He has chosen to stand for his beliefs at the cost of being cast out of his royal home and family. He is free of the wickedness of Egypt, but peace is not to be found, for Moses is as much an aimless wanderer as those in the nomadic tribe he encounters in the wilderness.

Exhausted by long weeks of travel, he nevertheless jumps to action when he observes a group of young women accosted by a band of Badrayan men at a communal well. These lovely daughters of Jethro are grateful for his help, and their Midianite tribe welcomes Moses with open arms. As he learns the ways of the Midianites, his kinship with Jethro grows—as does his admiration of one of Jethro’s daughters, Zipporah. But when Moses suddenly receives a burning call to free the very people he has long oppressed, will he have the courage to return to the land from which he has been exiled?

My Review

Once again, totally epic, amazing, compelling. I've never thought much about Moses' life between when when he was raised in Egypt to when he returns to set the Israelites free. I appreciated that this novel is based as much as possible on Biblical accuracy, the history and culture of the period, yet brings the story to life in such a vivid way that made me completely immersed in the world as I read. The story picks up where the first book left off, Moses wandering in the wilderness in search of a new life. His experiences with desert tribes are incredibly different from his upbringing in the royal Egyptian court, but he adapts and thrives, becoming a blessing to those he comes across. The feelings and emotions of Moses are explored as he reconciles his newfound knowledge that he is truly a Hebrew and learns from Jethro about worshiping the one true God and the importance of family. The story is told just as much from the perspective of Zipporah, and I loved the sweetness of their romance. She is strong, compassionate, and devoted to her family. Her life is full of hard work, but the love of her family relationships and faith in God bring her peace. The skirmishes and battles with an aggressive neighboring tribe bring tension and action to the plot, and Moses proves invaluable with his skills learned in Egypt. The book wraps up with the events leading to Moses' return to Egypt, and it was incredible to read about them from the perspective of a character I feel like I connected with, who was also a real person. It makes me want to study the scriptural account of Moses, his life and communications with God. Highly recommend!

(Thank you to Covenant Communications for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Don't miss the first book in The Moses Chronicles series! Read my 5 star review here!

 

March 7th
Rockin' Book Reviews
Joy in the Moments
Literary Time Out

March 8th
Heidi Reads...
I am a Reader
EmpowerMoms

March 9th
My Book a Day
Mel's Shelves

March 10th
LDS and Lovin' It
Seeking With All Yur Heart
Min Reads and Reviews
LDS Womens Book Review

March 11th
Katie's Clean Book Collection
Getting Your Read On
LDS Writer Mom

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Book Tour & Giveaway: Courting Cassandry by Joyce DiPastena

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Courting Cassandry

By Joyce DiPastena

We hope you enjoyed going back to Medieval times, finding tokens of courtship from Gerolt to Cassandry, and their story at their chance for a rare second chance at love! If you have been gathering tokens for the giveaway, here is the eighth one (previously not posted):

If you missed any of the stops or tokens, go back and check them out now...

Launch - Author Q&A

What is your motivation behind Courting Cassandry? Why did you want to write it?

Courting Cassandry is the second book in my Hearts in Autumn Romance series. The couples in this series are older than couples in most romances, in their 40s and 50s. Now that I’m, oh, somewhere around those ages myself, I thought it would be interesting to explore how romances might develop between more mature couples, all based on the premise: “You’re never too old to fall in love!” Because really, don’t we all want to be loved regardless of our age?

The Written Adventure - What is a Hearts in Autumn Romance?

These are characters who have already lived rich lives, who have experienced depths of heartache and joy that my younger characters only stand on the threshold of. That gives my autumn couples layers of complexity that I can’t quite reach with younger characters. And I am finding that aspect exceptionally enjoyable!

Lampshade Reader - Interview

6. If you were presented with the opportunity to travel through time, which period would you choose and why?

My fascination with the Middle Ages began with King Henry II of England, who has played an offstage role in several of my books, so I suppose I would like to go back to the days when he was king and see what he was truly like. Not what his modern critics or supporters say he was like, but what he was really like.

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

Fire churned in her stomach. How dare you make me feel again? After you failed me so abysmally. You abandon me, then sweep back into my life as though you were never gone. But I will always be a child to you, your sparrow, when at this moment I want nothing more than to wipe away the taste of Sir Samson with your kiss on my lips.

Bookworm Lisa - Review

"The characters and story are well written. This is a clean romance that pulled me in from the beginning. I love reading Joyce's books and this book lived up to my expectations!"

deal sharing aunt - Excerpt

At the risk of another rebuff, Gerolt took her hand again, allowing some of the purple blossoms to scatter at their feet. How could she not feel his longing for her in his touch? His thumb swept lightly over her knuckles. “I cannot let you simply disappear again.”

I Am A Reader - Medieval Tokens

One event at which a lady might quite openly give a token to a man with few repercussions was at a tournament. These tokens were usually called “favors” and when worn by the knight, indicated that all his successes on the tournament field would be won on behalf of the lady whose token he wore.

Letters from Annie Douglass Lima - Medieval Rules of Inheritance

Sometimes well-meaning readers question the lines of inheritance in my medieval romances. More familiar with the popular and wide spread Regency romance, they assume that the strict rules of inheritance that basically disowned the rights of daughters during the Regency or even Victorian eras have always stood in England. This was not the case.

EskieMama Reads - Excerpt

“I hate seeing you in such distress.” The vehemence that shook his lowered voice made her turn her head to gaze at him. “As much as we love them, children can sometimes be the very devil. If you would like me to shake Egelina for you, I should be happy to oblige.”

Getting Your Read On - Review

"I loved the stories within stories. Each character in this book has a story to tell. They all weave together but shape each character separately. It was a gentle and slow unfolding and I feel like I became more personally acquainted with each character page by page."

underneath the covers - Medieval Entertainments, Part 1 – Dancing

The curious thing about medieval dancing is that no one knows how medieval couples actually danced. Written descriptions of dancing in Europe didn’t appear until the mid-1400s, during the Renaissance. Nevertheless, we know people did dance during the Middle Ages because there are references to dancing in medieval poetry, as well as glimpses of dancing in medieval paintings and illuminated manuscripts.

Singing Librarian Books - Review & Interview

"Readers will be captivated by the charming and beautiful love story, as well as the wonderfully developed characters. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy medieval romance novels."

5. What inspired the idea for your Courting Cassandry or Hearts in Autumn Series?

A couple of years ago, a writers group I was in challenged us each to try to write an autumn-themed story. While I was trying to come up with an autumn theme, the thought came to me, “What if I wrote a story about falling in love during the characters’ ‘autumn years?’” So I wrote a romance about an older couple and enjoyed it so much, I decided to turn it into a series called “Hearts in Autumn.” Courting Cassandry is the second title in the series. (The first was Loving Lucianna.)

Zerina Blossom's Books - Medieval Entertainment, Part II - Chess

Chess was a hugely popular game among the nobility of Europe during the Middle Ages. The game is believed to have originated in India in the 6th century and made its way to Europe somewhere around the year 1000. The rules were somewhat different than the modern game and the names of some of the pieces changed, translated into more familiar European concepts.

Courting Cassandry

(Hearts in Autumn #2)

by Joyce DePastena

Adult Historical Romance

ebook, 348 pages

February 17th 2016

Is it too late for second chances when the girl you loved in your youth comes back into your life?

Gerolt de Warenne became guardian to a child-heiress named Cassandry when he was only nineteen-years old. As he watched her grow into a lovely young woman, he found himself falling in love with her, but Cassandry viewed him as an older brother. So, burying his feelings, he gave permission for her to marry another.

Twenty-four years later Gerolt and Cassandry meet again. With the loss of their respective spouses, Gerolt hopes to finally court Cassandry, but she desires to remain a widow. Instead, they agree to a betrothal of their children.

Matters become complicated as their friendship begins to evolve into the romance Gerolt has always wanted. But by the law of the medieval Church, Cassandry and Gerolt can’t marry if their children do. Can they find a way to be together? Or must they sacrifice their future for the love of their children?

"Courting Cassandry" is a “Hearts in Autumn” romance, medieval romances revolving around heroes and heroines “in the autumn of their years.” Because love isn’t only for the young!

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The First Book in the Series

Loving Lucianna

(Hearts in Autumn #1)

by Joyce DePastena

Adult Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 220 pages

October 11th 2014

Sir Balduin de Soler gave up long ago on love. He never had the means to support a wife until an unexpected advancement in his fifties allows him to reassess his future just as the lovely Lucianna enters his life. 

Lucianna Fabio harbors a secret, painful memory from her past that has kept her unwed, as well. Now in her forties, she thought herself too old to marry until she meets Sir Balduin. Now suddenly their lonely autumn lives feel very much like spring again . . . until Lucianna’s brother appears without warning and threatens to revive the secret that will destroy Lucianna’s second chance at love. 

"Loving Lucianna" is the first in Joyce DiPastena’s new "Hearts in Autumn" romance series, medieval romances revolving around heroes and heroines “in the autumn of their years.” Because you’re never too old to fall in love!

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Joyce DiPastena dreamed of green medieval forests while growing up in the dusty copper mining town of Kearny, Arizona. She filled her medieval hunger by reading the books of Thomas B. Costain (where she fell in love with King Henry II of England), and later by attending the University of Arizona where she graduated with a degree in history, specializing in the Middle Ages. The university was also where she completed her first full-length novel…set, of course, in medieval England. Later, her fascination with Henry II led her to expand her research horizons to the far reaches of his “Angevin Empire” in France, which became the setting of her first published novel, Loyalty’s Web (a 2007 Whitney Award Finalist).

When she’s not writing, Joyce loves to read, play the piano, and spend time with her sister and friends. A highlight of her year is attending the annual Arizona Renaissance Festival .

Joyce is a multi-published, multi-award winning author who specializes in sweet medieval romances heavily spiced with mystery and adventure. She lives with her two cats, Clio and Glinka Rimsky-Korsokov, in Mesa, Arizona.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter

Tour Giveaway

$20 See's Candies Gift Certificate (if US) or $20 PayPal Cash (if international)

Copies of Loving Lucianna and Courting Cassandry (signed print if US, ebook if international)

Ends March 12th

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