Review & Giveaway: Courting the Country Miss by Donna Hatch



On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Courting the Country Miss
(Courting #2)
by Donna Hatch
Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 312 pages

August 4th 2017 by The Wild Rose Press. Inc.

Cynical and broken-hearted, Leticia banishes dreams of marriage. When her childhood friend, Tristan, wagers he can find her the perfect husband, she hopes the challenge will coax him to forgo his devil-may-care lifestyle. Meanwhile, Leticia throws herself into forming her charity school but meets opposition—even from the people she’s helping.

Guilt-ridden that his past mistakes robbed Leticia of true love, Tristan vows to set it right, but match-making has its pitfalls for a repentant scoundrel. When he finds two ‘perfect’ gentlemen to court her, he discovers his own deep feelings for the lady.

Though Tristan seems to reform, Leticia doesn’t dare risk heartbreak with a notorious rake. When opposition for the school takes a deadly turn, can Tristan protect her from a madman bent on destroying their dreams and their lives?

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│The Wild Rose Press

My Review

I loved reading about the characters again from Courting the Countess and seeing the story continue. I'm not a fan of "rakes" so it took a while for me to warm up to Tristan, but as the story progressed his vulnerabilities were revealed and his choices to become better and worthy of Leticia made him easier to like. Leticia's disappointment in her love life is the focus of her thoughts early in the book, so I was glad when she put her efforts into creating opportunities for education for the lower class. The action in the plot that came later made things exciting and it was great to see Leticia and Tristan's relationship develop from sibling-like to romance. Another lovely Regency from this author!

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

Other Books in the Series

Courting the Countess

(Courting #1)
by Donna Hatch

Adult Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 388 pages

October 5th 2016 by The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

When charming rake Tristan Barrett sweeps Lady Elizabeth off her feet, stealing both her heart and a kiss in a secluded garden, her brother challenges Tristan to a duel. The only way to save her brother and Tristan from harm—not to mention preserve her reputation—is to get married. But her father, the Duke of Pemberton, refuses to allow his daughter to marry anyone but a titled lord. The duke demands that Elizabeth marry Tristan’s older brother, Richard, the Earl of Averston. Now Elizabeth must give up Tristan to marry a man who despises her, a man who loves another, a man she’ll never love.

Richard fears Elizabeth is as untrustworthy as his mother, who ran off with another man. However, to protect his brother from a duel and their family name from further scandal, he agrees to the wedding, certain his new bride will betray him. Yet when Elizabeth turns his house upside down and worms her way into his reluctant heart, Richard suspects he can’t live without his new countess. Will she stay with him or is it too little, too late?

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│The Wild Rose Press

About the Author

Donna Hatch is the author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” and a winner of writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8 and has been listening to those voices ever since. She has become a sought-after workshop presenter, and also juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, and most of all, her six children (seven, counting her husband). A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty five years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.

Website│Blog│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Amazon

Tour Schedule

August 13th: Launch
August 14th:
Bookworm Nation
Bookworm Lisa
August 15th:
Teatime and Books
August 16th:
It's All About the Romance
Mel's Shelves
Katie's Clean Book Collection
August 17th:
Remembrancy
Nicole's Book Musings
August 18th:
Wishful Endings
I Am A Reader
August 20th:
underneath the covers
Rockin' Book Reviews
August 21st:
Paulette's Papers
Hearts & Scribbles
August 22nd:
Singing Librarian Books
August 23rd:
Getting Your Read On
Reading Is My SuperPower
August 24th:
Colorimetry
Heidi Reads...
August 25th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive an ebook of Courting the Countess Open internationally Ends August 29th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Link-up: Free / Bargain Books

Sharing the Love of Books
Enjoy our selection of New Releases / Free & Bargain Books this week

Authors please feel free to add your own books
Readers please free to add your own finds
(any genre except erotica welcome)

This weekly link up is hosted by Beck Valley Books & these awesome book loving blogs...
Monday
 Leels Loves Books | IrishdaisylovesRomance | Book Babble | Traci Hayden
Tuesday
Celticlady's Reviews | First Time Mommy Adventures 
Wednesday
Beck Valley Books | Jude Ouvrard
Thursday
Miki's Hope | Heidi Reads...
Friday
Ebook Addicts | I Love Romance | Colorimetry | J.C. Clarke
Saturday
3 Partners in Shopping | I Create Purty Thangs | Wishful Endings 

Sunday

Ali - The Dragon Slayer | Deal Sharing Aunt | Magic of Books Book Blog

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author

For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author

For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date 

For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please.  Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Here is this weeks awesome selection!

Would you like to share our linkup on your site? click here
Would you like to become a weekly host? sign up here

Come back and check out the new selection every week!

Romance Awareness Month Giveaway #3: The Vicar's Daughter by Josi S. Kilpack

This month is going way too fast! I'm really looking forward to Autumn though ;) Our third giveaway from Shadow Mountain Publishing's Proper Romance line is The Vicar's Daughter by Josi S. Kilpack! I love her thoughtful writing style and the transformations her characters go through. Be sure to enter Giveaway #2 for Blackmoore (ending Aug 25th) and the final giveaway will go live Aug 28th. Congratulations to Heather Spencer who won the first giveaway of Edenbrooke!

Synopsis

Cassie, the youngest of six daughters in the Wilton family, is bold, bright, and ready to enter society. There's only one problem: her older sister Lenora, whose extreme shyness prevents her from attending many social events. Lenora is now entering her third season, and since their father has decreed that only one Wilton girl can be out at a time, Cassie has no choice except to wait her turn.

Evan Glenside, a soft-spoken, East London clerk, has just been named his great-uncle's heir and, though he is eager to learn all that will be required of him, he struggles to feel accepted in a new town and in his new position.

A chance meeting between Evan and Lenora promises to change everything, but when Lenora proves too shy to pursue the relationship, Cassie begins to write Mr. Glenside letters in the name of her sister. Her good intentions lead to disaster when Cassie realizes she is falling in love with Evan. But then Evan begins to court Lenora, thinking she is the author of the letters.

As secrets are revealed, the hearts of Cassie, Evan, and Lenora are tested. Will the final letter sent by the vicar's daughter be able to reunite the sisters as well as unite Evan with his true love?

Entry-Form

Review: The Promise of Breeze Hill by Pam Hillman

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Natchez, MS; 1791
 
Anxious for his brothers to join him on the rugged frontier along the Mississippi River, Connor O'Shea has no choice but to indenture himself as a carpenter in exchange for their passage from Ireland. But when he's sold to Isabella Bartholomew of Breeze Hill Plantation, Connor fears he'll repeat past mistakes and vows not to be tempted by the lovely lady.

The responsibilities of running Breeze Hill have fallen on Isabella's shoulders after her brother was found dead in the swamps along the Natchez Trace and a suspicious fire devastated their crops, almost destroyed their home, and left her father seriously injured. Even with Connor's help, Isabella fears she'll lose her family's plantation. Despite her growing feelings for the handsome Irish carpenter, she seriously considers accepting her wealthy and influential neighbor's proposal of marriage.

Soon, though, Connor realizes someone is out to eliminate the Bartholomew family. Can he set aside his own feelings to keep Isabella safe?

My Review

I seriously loved the history and setting of this story! It's a time and place I know little about, so I was fascinated by the details of life there, the dangers and struggles, the successes and progress. The vibrant characters made it come alive and it was great to see Isabella and Connor's relationship shift throughout the book. The author chose to let us know who the villain is from the beginning so even though it wasn't a mystery who was causing the destruction, there was still heightened tension and I couldn't help but want to warn Isabella! It was admirable to see how Connor helped Isabella's father recuperate in body and mind, and his strength was able to continue as the foundation of Breeze Hill. The sweet romance is woven throughout various hardships and challenges, and I loved every minute of reading this book. Highly recommend to fans of Laura Frantz and Tamera Alexander!

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

Review: The Return by Suzanne Woods Fisher

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Beautiful and winsome, Betsy Zook never questioned her family's rigid expectations, nor those of devoted Hans, but then she never had to. Not until the night when she's taken captive in a surprise Indian raid. During her captivity, Betsy faces brutality and hardship, but also unexpected kindness. She draws strength from native Caleb, who encourages her to find God in all circumstances. She finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the intense new feelings this compelling man awakens within her. 

Handsome and complex, Hans is greatly anguished by Betsy's captivity and turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort. Eagerly, Tessa responds, overlooking troubling signs of Hans's hunger for revenge. When Betsy is finally restored to the Amish, have things gone too far between Hans and Tessa?
 
Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of pre-Revolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.

My Review

The complex dynamics of the characters in this book were so compelling amidst the trials they faced. There are multiple perspectives the story is told from which made it so interesting and the pace moved swiftly forward. Anna and Bairn from the first two books were influential as Tessa's parents and Bairn as the spiritual leader of the group, and I *loved* how their personalities shone through without the author retelling what happened in the previous books. Because of that, this book can definitely stand on its own and I think it will only make readers want to read the first book as well to discover how Anna and Bairn's romance began (The first book is my favorite- it's SO. GOOD.) Felix also plays an important role and I loved his rambunctious little family and the surprises that come out of his story.

I felt like we got to know Tessa the most, it showed her strong personality and also how vulnerable her unrequited love for Hans made her. Her fascination with a wild stallion she regularly seeks out shows her compassion and patience as she befriends it but never captures it. She stubbornly rebuffs "Rumpled Martin" over a grudge from long ago, and I admired his perseverance in earning her friendship and respect over time. Her not-so-secret habit of eavesdropping on her parents made me chuckle ;)

Betsy's story is heartbreaking and the realistic historical details of the raid and her captivity made me so sad for the real-life settlers who endured such traumatic experiences. I felt like the author did an excellent job representing both sides of the grievances the Indians and settlers had against each other and the humanity of the choices they made- good and bad. Because of the kindness and respect of her new Indian family, Betsy is able to differentiate between individuals and the choices they make. It was interesting and sad to see how fear and anger led many of the settlements to instead group all Indians together in their minds as the villains, leading to tragic results.

Overall I was completely satisfied with this book on its own and as an addition to the Amish Beginnings series. The rich history and the journey of the characters was forefront, and the romance sprinkled throughout created the perfect balance. Highly recommend!

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

Review: The Duke's Brother by Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Mr. Gregory Clark is having an awful day, and it only gets worse when he’s run over by … a woman. Mabel Russell reluctantly visits her sister in London for the Season, even though she’d rather stay in the country cataloging insects and aphids. When she runs into Mr. Clark, quite literally, she’s afraid to show any interest, especially since he’s a member of the dreaded Ton. But getting to know Mr. Clark becomes an unexpected delight.

*Note for readers: THE DUKE'S BROTHER was previously published in A Timeless Romance Anthology: All Regency Collection

My Review

This is a great novella, with well-rounded and interesting characters, a plot that can be quickly solved but also kept me reading to find out how everything played out, and bits of humor thrown in that made me smile :) The Regency genre is known for its formality and adherence to the rules of the ton, so it's always refreshing to read about those like Mabel and Gregory, who have interests and dreams outside of what society expects of them. Even though they are following their own non-conformist dreams, they didn't seem too modern since they still were polite and well-behaved. A perfectly enjoyable story that made me imagine how their happily-ever-after would continue, just what I look for in a novella!

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

Review: Mistress Grim by Jane Redd

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

The Grim Reaper has been collecting souls of the dead for hundreds of years, but even the Master of Death has to pass on his reign. Unfortunately, his progeny is not quite ready to replace him.

Cora Grim, daughter of the Grim Reaper, is suddenly thrust into her father’s role. Leaving the Underworld on her own to bring back the dead souls, she discovers that the Master of Death neglected to tell her one thing. She can still fall in love.

My Review

Wow! Although I don't read much fantasy, if I have a recommendation from a friend or the author is one of my favorites I will give it a try. Heather B. Moore (aka Jane Redd) is definitely one of my must-read authors and she did not disappoint! The fantasy elements are based in familiar mythology, but with  twists and details that made it interesting and not like a history lesson ;) I loved the characters of Cora and Leo and instantly felt like I could relate to them and their goals. The plot is intense and moved swiftly along to the climax. The romantic moments are charged and yet sweet also. A great quick read that took my imagination to new places!

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


Mistress Grim is available as part of the Shattered Worlds collection of 23 novella-length stories from various authors - currently only 99 cents!

Synopsis

 

Escape into twenty-three epic worlds that will leave you breathless.

From dystopian nightmares to gorgeous steampunk and fantasy settings to fairy-tale retellings and beyond, SHATTERED WORLDS has every story you’ve been dying to get your hands on!

This unique Young Adult/New Adult collection, inspired by the creative minds of today’s New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling authors, promises to satisfy your cravings for action and adventure as you experience rune magic and time-travel, overthrow corrupt governments, meet reapers and aliens, battle dragons, fall hopelessly in love, and break ancient curses, right alongside some of the bravest characters in fantasy fiction!

---

About the Author

Writing under Jane Redd, Heather B. Moore is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than a dozen historical novels set in ancient Arabia and Mesoamerica. She attended the Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican International School in Jerusalem and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University. She writes historical thrillers under the pen name H.B. Moore, and romance and women's fiction under the name Heather B. Moore. It can be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom.

Follow Jane Redd Books on 

Facebook - Goodreads - Amazon

Book Tour Grand Finale: The Alaskan Catch by Beth Carpenter

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for

The Alaskan Catch

By Beth Carpenter

We hope you enjoyed the tour and getting a taste of Alaska! If you missed any

of the stops you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Author Interview

What inspired you to write THE ALASKAN CATCH?

One thing I hear over and over in Alaska is, “I came for the summer and never left.” I wanted my heroine, Dana, to feel that connection, to recognize that Alaska is a place where she can become the person she wants to be.

What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read it?

As Sam tells Dana, “You can paddle your own boat or you can throw up your hands and let the current carry you wherever it will.” Find your river and keep on paddling.

Brooke Blogs - Excerpt

“I don’t feel sorry for you.” Dana gave a wry smile. Maybe she did feel bad for that boy whose mother deserted him, but not for the man he’d grown into. “In fact, if I’m honest, this weekend when I saw you and Ursula hug, I was a little jealous. I’d love to have someone in my life who was that glad to see me show up.”

Nicole's Book Musings - Ten Reasons to Fall in Love with Alaska

1. The Views Need I say more?

2. Summer Daylight In Anchorage on June 20th, the sun rises at 4:19am and sets at 11:40pm. In between it never gets completely dark.

Becky on Books - Review

"The Alaskan Catch is a sweet story about family, finding your own path (“paddling your own boat” as it’s put one more than once here–both figuratively and literally), and learning to put your trust in unexpected love even when it seems contrary to the plans you thought you had. Besides finding each other, Dana and Sam also find out some hard truths about their families’ histories during the course of the story, which each has to deal with in their own way. Neither is exactly on the path they thought they’d be by the end of the book, but since they’re on that new path together, it makes all the difference."

It's All About the Romance - Excerpt

“Hold it right there.”

Sam blinked. He knew he was tired, but was he hallucinating? A woman wearing flowery shorts and a pink tank top stood in his living room, near the hallway. She couldn’t have been more than five-two or three, but the red gun in her hands more than made up for her petite size. Especially since the hands seemed to be shaking.

Heidi Reads... - Review

"What an adventure! I loved all the details of Dana's adventure in Alaska. There was a mystery of old family secrets, a friendship-to-romance relationship, exciting excursions, and descriptions of amazing landscapes and wildlife."

Hearts & Scribbles - Character Interview

Today, we’re talking with Dana Raynott, the heroine from THE ALASKAN CATCH.

Dana, what brought you to Alaska?

I came looking for my brother. When I was sixteen, he and my father argued and Chris left home. My father would never tell me what they fought about. Recently my father died, and left Chris some money in his will. I thought it was the perfect time to track him down, get a few answers, and hopefully reunite our family.

Getting Your Read On - Review

"I really enjoyed this new Harlequin Heartwarming book by Beth Carpenter! It had a bit of everything in it- adventure, mystery and romance. I loved the Alaskan setting with so much of the story taking place outdoors with the beauties of nature on full display."

underneath the covers - Even Shopping is Different

My first ever Harlequin, THE ALASKAN CATCH, takes place in my hometown of Anchorage, Alaska. Anchorage is a typical American city in a lot of ways, but with its own personal style. For example, we have an international airport, a small plane airport, and a float plane airport. A wayward moose can throw a real wrench into rush-hour traffic. Many of the pedestrian overpasses are specifically designed to accommodate sled dog teams.

And then there’s shopping...

Rockin' Book Reviews - Review

"This book has a great story-line of friendship, mystery, forgiveness and love. I would recommend this to anyone. The kissing scenes are very modestly done. You cannot help but to fall in love with Alaska and the characters."

Lynn's Romance Enthusiasm - Review

"I’ve been a Harlequin fan since high school and I think this is a great addition to my collection. By the time you finish, you will understand why Harlequin has added to their Heartwarming series. . . . Toward the very end, Dana says something to Sam that sums things up nicely – this book was a great adventure. It also left me looking forward to reading more of this series. "

Books to Read Next - Excerpt

He frowned. Dana wasn’t helpless. In fact, two days ago, she’d threatened to shoot him. It was highly unlikely she’d come to any harm on a nice day downtown, surrounded by people. And yet here he was, worrying about her. Maybe Chris was right—Sam hadn’t been out with a woman for too long. He needed to get a grip.

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"The Alaskan Catch kept me grinning throughout each chapter. Sam and Dana are so sweet together, and you’ll find yourself rooting for them all along the way. Their backstories are poignant and compelling, and the more they (and we) discover the more compelling it becomes. An awesome dog, vivid supporting characters, and breathtaking kisses scenery (ok… that first kiss is pretty breathtaking too) round out the mix and may have you booking your next vacation in Alaska!"

The Bookworm Chronicles - Alaska Man

So, you want to date an Alaskan. Who wouldn’t? You’ve seen the pictures of hunky wilderness firefighters and fishermen. In Alaska, there are around a hundred and seven men for every hundred women. But women in Alaska have a saying. The odds are good, but the goods are odd.

Janice's Book Reviews - Review

"The book has some suspense and mystery to it and also adventure. Once you start the book it is hard to put down. . . . I really loved all the characters but I think Sam and Dana were my favorite. I definitely recommend this book. I have found another great author."

Thoughts of a Blonde - Review

"Beth Carpenter has earned herself a solid spot in the heart of the Harlequin Heartwarming author line-up with her debut novel in the line! It brings us secrets and despair, gorgeous countryside and the hearts of good, solid people to overcome the turmoil brought forth when lives are turned upside down with shocking revelations. The characters are down to earth, real and well developed and the plot takes us along for the ride of a sweet love story that stands the test of time and tribulation. Looking forward to seeing more from her!"

Harlie's Books - Excerpt & Review

Sam had purposely chosen not to reveal Dana’s last name yet. He wanted Ursula’s unbiased evaluation of her character first. And while he hadn’t talked to Ursula alone, it was obvious the two women clicked. It may have been when Dana offered to make the cornbread, or possibly when she complimented one of Tommy’s whirligigs, but at some point today, Dana had won Ursula over. He wondered if it would stay that way once Ursula knew her last name.

"I loved how Chris, Dana and Sam’s past were intertwined. I’m not going to say anything else because it’s the crust of the book. Hats off to Ms. Carpenter for her originality. Brilliant, actually. And also, that not everything was done in Alaska. Dana still had some things to take care off back home with her new found strength. Oh yes, Dana had some growing to do in the book. It was subtle but in the end, it was well worth it."

Paulette's Papers - Six Ways to Test Your Courage in Alaska

Dana Raynott, the heroine in THE ALASKA CATCH, plays it safe. She’s always done exactly what her father asked her to do, even if it wasn’t what she wanted. But after her father’s death, she travels to Alaska to find her long-lost brother and spends time with his best friend, Sam. In this new place, with Sam by her side, she discovers reserves of courage she never knew she had.

Want a challenge? Here are six ways to test your courage in Alaska...

Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader - Review

"A heartwarming novel about creating your own future and not living in the crux your family has left for you. This novel has a lot to learn about appearances not always being what they seem and just possibly our parents have learnt from something in their own past to guide them in the directions they try and push us into following. Everything in life is not as you expect it to be."

Christian Suspense Author Mary Alford - Review

"This is my first story by Beth Carpenter, but it won’t be my last. I loved the way the author wove an enticing story of romance and suspense, set in the beautiful backdrop of breathtaking Alaska. The characters were realistic and engaging. They had me cheering for them all the way to the end.
I would highly recommend, The Alaskan Catch to anyone looking for a great romance."

And don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

The Alaskan Catch
(Northern Lights #1)
by Beth Carpenter
Adult Contemporary Romance

Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 368 pages

August 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Where life's currents take you…

Dana Raynott just traveled 3,600 miles to reunite with the brother who changed his name and fled to Alaska nineteen years ago. It's impossible not to be moved by this wild, breathtaking state, even if Dana's no closer to finding the answers she came here for.

Her brother's best friend, Anchorage engineer Sam MacKettrick, might be able to help her. He's strong and kind—a six-foot, irresistible blend of diverse cultures. He's also haunted by a tragic family history with a startling connection to Dana's past…

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin│Kobo│Google Play│iTunes

About the Author

Once upon a time ...

when Beth Carpenter was a little girl, she read everything she could get her hands on, and entertained herself on the school bus by making up stories in her head. Not a lot has changed. She's still consuming books like M&Ms, and spends her days creating happily-ever-afters for her imaginary friends.

She lives in Alaska and Arizona with her husband and an aggressively affectionate fifty-pound lap dog. She loves to hear from readers.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│The Alaskan Catch Pinterest Board

Tour Giveaway

Taste of Alaska Prize Pack (US only), which includes:

• Alaska cross-body bag
• Wild Smoked Alaska Salmon for Dip
• Alaska Wild Berry Company Bering Sea Salt Caramels
• Gold Nugget Chocolate Chunks
• Raspberry Herbal Tea
• Salmon Jerky – Teriyaki and Original
• Three Bears Postcard
• Alaska Sourdough Starter
• Moose Notecards by Alaskan Artist Vonnie Gaither

$25 Amazon Gift Card (open internationally)

Ends August 22nd

a Rafflecopter giveaway