Friday, March 11, 2022

Book Blitz, Guest Post & Giveaway: Relentless Rebels by Sahron René

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We're celebrating the release of the second book in the Divine Destiny Chronicles, Relentless Rebels! Today, author Sharon René shares the major themes from Hesitant Heroes and Relentless Rebels. If you missed her Top 10 list, you can read that HERE. Next, we explore the ancient city of Petra as a setting in Relentless Rebels. Plus, there's an awesome two book giveaway to enter below. Enjoy!

Relentless Rebels
(Divine Destiny Chronicles #2)
By Sharon René
Young Adult, Christian, Dystopian
Paperback & ebook, 315 Pages
March 8, 2022 by Anaiah Press

After rescuing their kidnapped friends and stopping the government from assassinating Councilor Sierra Stone, Jordan and Team Seven thought the fight was over, but the real battle is just beginning. Sierra must now try to regain her role in the Global Collective Council while also convincing them that River Wallis, co-chair of the Council, tried to kill her. But her success could very well lead to a civil war.

The Council will do everything in their power to stop Sierra, including killing her allies. Barely surviving an attack on their mountain hideaway, Jordan and Team Seven’s lives are on the line. Again. But Team Seven won’t give up that easily, and they set out to rally support for their cause. Unfortunately for Team Seven, they’re caught in the middle as the world takes sides.

Amidst attacks, lies, betrayals, and devastating losses, Jordan’s faith is shaken, and she struggles with her hatred for River Wallis. She knows that judgment belongs to God, but when she finally comes face to face with River, Jordan must rely on her faltering faith to choose wisely—give in to her need for vengeance, or give it up for God to decide.

(Affiliate links included.)
 
What are the major themes of Hesitant Heroes and Relentless Rebels?

The majority of stories and novels have some type of theme running through their pages. It may not be a deep, philosophical theme but there is a reason the author wrote this story. Something the author needed to share with the readers.

There is a definite theme in both Hestiant Heroes and the sequel Relentless Rebels. I’d like to share that with you.

The biblical story of Queen Esther is the major theme of Hesitant Heroes. I’ve always loved this story and the verse that reads “for such a time as this.” I kept this theme in mind as I wrote Hesitant Heroes. The main character, Jordan Scott, also loves the story of Esther. As she and Team Seven find themselves in the middle of political chaos Jordan realizes that God is using her and her friends “for such a time as this.”

I hope that the reader will understand that God wants to use all of us for His glory. He has placed each one of us in a special place for such a time as this.

Teamwork is the secondary theme in Hesitant Heroes. Team Seven is composed of high school students from around the planet. Each one has certain skills and talents. For example, Jordan is a computer whiz, Matthew is a top athlete and Malese is a martial arts champ. As the book develops and the team must rescue kidnapped students and stop an assassination everyone’s skills are valuable. The mission could not be accomplished by one or two people. It takes a team with unique God given talents.

Relentless Rebels continues both of these themes, but new themes emerge. As the conflict and sorrow deepen Jordan has a crisis of faith. She’s always been close to God but suddenly she feels like He’s abandoned her. Why is God allowing Team Seven to experience trauma and loss?

Hasn’t everyone asked this question? Who hasn’t struggled with their faith?

Jordan must also deal with a desire for revenge against their enemy, River Wallis. She knows vengeance belongs to God and her desire for revenge is wrong, but she can’t stop her hatred for River.

The over arching theme of Relentless Rebels is probably the oldest theme in the book. Good vs. evil. Jordan and Team Seven represent the good and River Wallis is pure evil.

Think about almost every dramatic movie you’ve seen or book you’ve read – they can all be drilled down to good vs. evil.

In Relentless Rebels the contrast between good and evil is very clear and leads to the ultimate show down at an old Bavarian castle. Jordan faces River and the stakes are high.

Will Jordan forget her Christianity and give in to her desire for revenge or will she cower like a little girl and let River continue to rule the world?

Grab a copy of Relentless Rebels and find out.

Other Books in the Series

Hesitant Heroes
(Divine Destiny #1)
By Sharon René
Young Adult, Christian, Dystopian
Paperback & ebook, 336 Pages
September 7, 2021 by Anaiah Press

In a future where the planet is ruled by the powerful Global Collective Council, and religion is outlawed, Jordan Scott is chosen to attend Global Collective University because of her phenomenal computer skills. Shy and insecure, she has difficulty fitting in with the intelligent, worldly teens at GCU. She joins a secret Bible study and meets Matthew Thomas, a good-looking jock with a big heart. Jordan’s relationship with Matthew grows deeper, and she even manages to bond with her cranky roommate while growing closer to her fellow teammates. 
 
When Christian students mysteriously start disappearing from campus, Jordan stumbles upon the shocking truth—these students are pawns in a government plot, and she’s next on their list. Suddenly, she’s forced into a leadership position as she and her teammates journey from the European Alps to the jungles of Venezuela in a race to save the missing students and stop a political assassination. Fighting fears that have haunted her for years, Jordan battles with the strongest political force on the planet. She believes God placed her at GCU for “such a time as this.” Jordan will have to rely on her faith and friends to save the missing students and foil the evil government.

(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Sharon René loves to write young adult and children’s fiction. Her young adult dystopian trilogy has been acquired by Anaiah Press and the first book, Hesitant Heroes, released September 7, 2021. Hesitant Heroes is an exciting blend of danger, drama and a little romance.

The next book, Relentless Rebels, released March 8, 2022. It continues Team Seven’s exciting adventures. Defying Destiny, the prequel, is the last book in the trilogy.

Her first book, A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace, was published in 2018 by TouchPoint Press. This is a book of short stories and devotions for elementary aged children.

Sharon René grew up in Louisiana and now lives in Tennessee with one very spoiled cat.

 
Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive signed copies of Hesitant Heroes and Relentless Rebels by Sharon René (US only)

Ends March 13, 2022


Grab Our Button!









Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Review: The Mail-Order Bride Standoff by Angela Breidenbach, Vickie McDonough, Susan Page Davis, Margaret Brownley


My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it



Synopsis

4 Mail-Order Brides Get Cold Feet
 
Marriage plans are put on hold in the Old West when four mail-order brides have second thoughts. How will their grooms win their trust?
 
Right on Time by Angela Breidenbach
Could two people be less suited than an English gentleman and a western gal who is used to giving the orders? From the wild Montana Territory to the refined Kentucky horse farms, can Timothy prove worthy of Tara’s heart?
 
Pistol-Packin’ Bride by Margaret Brownley
Attorney Wade Bronson didn’t expect to get shot on his wedding day—and certainly not by his mail order bride…
 
The Bride Who Declined by Susan Page Davis
Rachel Paxton turns down a mail-order proposal, but a few months later she learns the man she rejected has died—and left his ranch to her in his will.
 
Twice the Trouble by Vickie McDonough
When Connor McLoughlin and his cousin Brian order a pair of mail-order brides, they think they’re getting two sweet Irish lasses. But what they get is a stage load of shenanigans.


My Review

Right on Time by Angela Breidenbach - 3 stars
Interesting story, but the characters' emotions were told rather than felt, romance was flat.

Pistol-Packin’ Bride by Margaret Brownley - 5 stars
Great characters, funny premise, enjoyed the romantic chemistry. The hero was so patient!

The Bride Who Declined by Susan Page Davis - 4 stars
Loved the story and characters, but missed the element of romance since there was none until the very end.

Twice the Trouble by Vickie McDonough - 5 stars
So fun to see the twins fall in love with the "wrong" man. Entertaining story and the couples quickly developed lovely chemistry as they got to know 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.


Book Blitz, Top 10 List & Giveaway: Relentless Rebels by Sharon René

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We're celebrating the release of the second book in the Divine Destiny Chronicles, Relentless Rebels! Today, we learn the Top 10 things to know if you are new to the Divine Destiny trilogy. Next, author Sharon René discusses the major themes of Hesitant Heroes and Relentless Rebels. On the final day, we explore the ancient city of Petra as a setting in Relentless Rebels. Plus, there's a two book giveaway to enter below. Enjoy!

Relentless Rebels
(Divine Destiny Chronicles #2)
By Sharon René
Young Adult, Christian, Dystopian
Paperback & ebook, 315 Pages
March 8, 2022 by Anaiah Press

After rescuing their kidnapped friends and stopping the government from assassinating Councilor Sierra Stone, Jordan and Team Seven thought the fight was over, but the real battle is just beginning. Sierra must now try to regain her role in the Global Collective Council while also convincing them that River Wallis, co-chair of the Council, tried to kill her. But her success could very well lead to a civil war.

The Council will do everything in their power to stop Sierra, including killing her allies. Barely surviving an attack on their mountain hideaway, Jordan and Team Seven’s lives are on the line. Again. But Team Seven won’t give up that easily, and they set out to rally support for their cause. Unfortunately for Team Seven, they’re caught in the middle as the world takes sides.

Amidst attacks, lies, betrayals, and devastating losses, Jordan’s faith is shaken, and she struggles with her hatred for River Wallis. She knows that judgment belongs to God, but when she finally comes face to face with River, Jordan must rely on her faltering faith to choose wisely—give in to her need for vengeance, or give it up for God to decide.

(Affiliate links included.)

Top 10 Things to Know if You are New to the Divine Destiny Trilogy

1. The Global Collective Council controls the planet. They are powerful and practically worshiped by their followers.

2. Hunter Wallis and his sister River Wallis are the leaders of the Global Collective Council.

3. Sierra Stone is a member of the Global Council. She is trying to make the government fair for all of the world’s citizens.

4. The main character, Jordan Scott, is from Old Memphis. She attends a boarding school called Global Collective University (GCU) with teens from all over the planet.

5. Jordan and her housemates are called Team Seven. Each member of the team has a special skill or talent such as ballet, martial arts, healing, and weightlifting.

6. The government kidnaps Christian students to use them in a plot to assassinate Councilor Sierra Stone. Team Seven must rescue the students and stop the assassination.

7. Team Seven travels to Old Venezuela and collaborates with a rebel leader, Hector Alvarado, to rescue the missing students and stop the assassination.

8. After accomplishing their mission Team Seven becomes wanted fugitives.

9. Team Seven escapes to the mountains of Old Venezuela and hides at Hector Alvarado’s rebel camp.

10. River Wallis, vice-chair of the Global Collective Council, vows to locate Team Seven and kill them.

Other Books in the Series


Hesitant Heroes
(Divine Destiny #1)
By Sharon René
Young Adult, Christian, Dystopian
Paperback & ebook, 336 Pages
September 7, 2021 by Anaiah Press

In a future where the planet is ruled by the powerful Global Collective Council, and religion is outlawed, Jordan Scott is chosen to attend Global Collective University because of her phenomenal computer skills. Shy and insecure, she has difficulty fitting in with the intelligent, worldly teens at GCU. She joins a secret Bible study and meets Matthew Thomas, a good-looking jock with a big heart. Jordan’s relationship with Matthew grows deeper, and she even manages to bond with her cranky roommate while growing closer to her fellow teammates.

When Christian students mysteriously start disappearing from campus, Jordan stumbles upon the shocking truth—these students are pawns in a government plot, and she’s next on their list. Suddenly, she’s forced into a leadership position as she and her teammates journey from the European Alps to the jungles of Venezuela in a race to save the missing students and stop a political assassination. Fighting fears that have haunted her for years, Jordan battles with the strongest political force on the planet. She believes God placed her at GCU for “such a time as this.” Jordan will have to rely on her faith and friends to save the missing students and foil the evil government.

(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Sharon René loves to write young adult and children’s fiction. Her young adult dystopian trilogy has been acquired by Anaiah Press and the first book, Hesitant Heroes, released September 7, 2021. Hesitant Heroes is an exciting blend of danger, drama and a little romance.

The next book, Relentless Rebels, released March 8, 2022. It continues Team Seven’s exciting adventures. Defying Destiny, the prequel, is the last book in the trilogy.

Her first book, A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace, was published in 2018 by TouchPoint Press. This is a book of short stories and devotions for elementary aged children.

Sharon René grew up in Louisiana and now lives in Tennessee with one very spoiled cat.


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive signed copies of Hesitant Heroes and Relentless Rebels by Sharon René (US only)

Ends March 13, 2022

 
Grab Our Button!









Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: With Every Step by Natasha D. Frazier

With Every Step JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for With Every Step by Natasha D. Frazier, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

With Every Step
Title: With Every Step 
Series: McCall Family series #2 
Author: Natasha D. Frazier 
Publisher: Encouraging Works 
Release Date: December 20, 2021 
Genre: Christian fiction, contemporary romance 

Born and groomed to be CEO, Darius is ready to run the family business, except Jeffrey McCall has reserved that position for the oldest son. 

Darius McCall’s CEO ambitions have driven his choices since junior high school. He’s worked alongside his father, preparing for the position most of his life. 

When Jeffrey McCall names Andrew, Darius’ older brother, as McCall Resorts’ new CEO instead of him, Darius becomes furious. He’s determined to prove that CEO is his rightful place - and spearheading the construction of their new Houston resort is just the way to do that - except Kennedy Slaughter may be a bigger distraction than he expected. 

Kennedy Slaughter becomes Slaughter Construction Inc.’s President after the sudden death of her twin brother. She now bears the weight of the company’s success on her shoulders. When McCall Resorts hires her company to build their Houston facility, she works to make her brother proud and fights against anything that will hinder the project’s success - including the undeniable attraction between her and Darius McCall. 

What will it take for Darius and Kennedy to secure the success they desire and balance the growing emotional bond between them? 

 
EXCERPT

Kennedy replaced the phone on the receiver after Mabel Stewart, SCI’s office receptionist, called to make her aware that the McCall Resorts team had arrived. She smoothed her hands along the buttons of her suit jacket and squared her shoulders.

Poised.

Precise.

Prepared.

She strutted into the office lobby and thanked Mabel who sat behind the receptionist desk. Three pairs of strikingly similar eyes locked on her. Her pulse sprang into a sporadic rhythm like a racer who’d just lurched into a full-on sprint. You’ve got this. The only one questioning your abilities is you.

“Good morning. You must be Kennedy Slaughter. I’m Jeffrey McCall, owner of McCall Resorts. These are my sons, Andrew McCall, CEO, and Darius McCall, COO and project manager.”

“I’m Kennedy. Pleasure to meet you all.” Kennedy framed her face with her brightest smile and shook each hand in the order introduced. Thank goodness for the practice of giving a firm, confident handshake in business school because they took no mercy when squeezing her hand. When she shook the last McCall’s hand, an indescribable warmth snaked up her arm.

Almost familiar.

Almost like their hands were made to be held by each other.

Something told her the feeling was mutual because for a millisecond, he paused the shake and hiked one eyebrow, like she could give him answers about what had just transpired between them. The right corner of his lip tilted upward, and something she couldn’t identify slithered through her. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Natasha Frazier

Natasha D. Frazier fell in love with love around the age of twelve because of artists like Babyface, Boys II Men, Whitney Houston, and New Edition. Around sixteen when her mother purchased a romance novel and left it lying around the house untouched, Natasha read it and a spark for the written word had been ignited.

Natasha believes that writing is one of her purposes and contributions to the world. She feels accomplished when she can get a few words written and like blah when life gets in the way. Her hope is that at the end of every novel, readers will feel like they’ve been wrapped in a cozy blanket with a mug of their favorite coffee/tea/warm drink. 

When she isn’t reading or writing, she is likely watching movies with her family. Natasha resides in Richmond, TX with her husband, Eddie Frazier, Jr. and their three children, Eden, Ethan, and Emilyn. Her greatest joy and commitment is to her family who she hopes to inspire above all else. One of her many mottos in life is: Faith removes limitations. Natasha and her family attend Parkway Fellowship in Richmond, TX, where she volunteers as a small group leader for elementary students. Natasha is also a member of the Houston Area Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

CONNECT WITH NATASHA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive an autographed copy of With Every Step and a $10 Amazon gift card!

With Every Step JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 7, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 14, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.






Sunday, March 6, 2022

Review: Nicole by Sarah Monzon


My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it



Synopsis

Who has time to date when she’s trying to raise a miniature human by herself AND save the planet from its irresponsible inhabitants? Not to mention my winning personality (snort) and my curves-have-curves figure (eyeroll) don’t exactly attract the opposite sex. Unfortunately, none of these reasons have stopped my best friends and SoCal sewing sisters from taking on the archaic role of matchmakers, and they’re not beneath a little bribery if that’s what it takes to get my cooperation. Let’s just say everyone has their weak spot, and donations to my favorite charities is mine.

If I were to consider a romantic relationship, my dream guy certainly wouldn’t be immature, everything-is-a-game Dr. Drew Bauer. The man raises my body temperature faster than global warming does the Earth’s! But life seems determined to keep throwing us together, especially now that one of my SoCal sewing sisters is engaged to his best friend, in which case there can only be one of two outcomes:

1. I kill him in a fit of annoyance.

2. My common sense escapes me, and I fall in love with him.

Honestly, I'm not sure which would be worse.


My Review

Such a fun story! I absolutely loved Drew and his teasing nature. He sure knew how to rile Nicole up. They develop some sweet chemistry after Nicole lets down her guard and begins to acknowledge that there's more to Drew than she gave him credit for. It was nice to see her realize with each layer she uncovers how great of a guy he is, even if his car isn't electric ;) 
 
The only reason I didn't rate this book five stars was how difficult it was for me to connect with Nicole. She's passionate about the environment and social issues, which is great, but her attitude of superiority was a pretty big turn off. Chapter three is full of preachy "woke" perspective disguised as normal conversation, which would have made me ditch the book if it wasn't one I'd signed up to review. Drew helps soften Nicole's rough edges over time and she begins to relax, but then she made comments in her narration toward the end of the book that still showed that same attitude of condescension, which made me roll my eyes. I think it helped that the author included Nicole's crazy mom to show the influences that affected her upbringing, but it made me wonder why Nicole embraced her mother's philosophies when she resented her and recognized how unhealthy it was. The biggest favor Drew did for Nicole was point out how she was doing the exact same thing to her own daughter Sierra.
 
Overall, I enjoyed the romance and Drew's personality, but felt that Nicole would have been a more relatable character if she was portrayed as an advocate without the elitism.

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 other books in the Sewing in SoCal series . . .








Saturday, March 5, 2022

Review: Honor in the Mountain Refuge by Misty M. Beller


My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing



Synopsis

This epic journey is his last chance to start a new life.

After being cast out of his Blackfoot village for his kindness to the Nez Perce captives, Chogan travels west in search of meaning for his life. Meaning that doesn’t require killing or torturing innocent people. Though the lovely face of Telípe, a Nez Perce woman, is imprinted on his heart, he avoids her village. She deserves a happy life with her husband and coming child.

With her husband dead and the birth of her babe imminent, Telípe’s reality looks nothing like she planned. She’s been forced to return to the village where she grew up and the chaos of her family’s lodge—with all her boisterous younger brothers. She desperately desires to start a new life for herself and the babe growing within her, but she can’t seem to climb above the mire of her past. When she stumbles into the brave who’d shown her kindness during her captivity, something ignites within her—a new hope.

Chogan’s determination to stay and help Telípe is thwarted by her people’s fear and hatred for his tribe—especially since he was among last winter’s kidnappers. It doesn’t matter that he did everything he could to keep her and her unborn child safe and comfortable during that awful event. But as a new predator threatens the safety of the village, Chogan determines to take down the massive wildcat that’s already injured several children—including one of Telípe’s younger brothers. When the danger escalates, Chogan is faced with an impossible choice. No matter which option he chooses, his life will never be the same—nor that of the woman he’s come to love.


My Review

I love the unlikely friendship that blossoms between Telípe and Chogan! She realized his kind and compassionate nature when he cared for her and protected her when she had been kidnapped by the Blackfoot warriors in a previous book in the series. With Chogan outcast from his tribe for rejecting violence, we learn about his struggles with his father and his search for purpose which unexpectedly leads him to reunite with Telípe. Their curiosity about each other lead to meeting in secret, and they develop a sweet connection. Chogan's protectiveness is endearing and his service to Telípe's village helps him find a level of acceptance as he continues to seek God's will for his future. I enjoyed the growing faith of both Chogan and Telípe as they embrace Christianity with help from the group of friends that have been traveling throughout the series but are beginning to settle down with new families starting. 

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.


Book Tour & Review: The Valet's Secret by Josi S. Kilpack



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing



Synopsis

A passionate kiss from a handsome valet becomes a Regency Cinderella story when he is revealed to be the heir to the earldom.


York, England, 1819

As a once happily married woman, Rebecca Parker had a good life, but now widowed, working for a living, and her only child grown, she feels invisible, tired, and lonely. That is until the day a valet speeding by on a horse nearly runs her off the road. Mr. Malcolm Henry is apologetic, gentle, and handsome. She’s instantly drawn to him, which is why, rather than stopping him from kissing her, she kisses him back, reigniting a nearly forgotten passion. But love at first sight only happens in fairy tales—never to an ordinary woman like her.

She sees Mr. Henry again and feels the possibilities growing until, while working in the kitchens during a dinner party, she sees the valet she kissed sitting at the right hand of the baroness. Mr. Henry is not the earl’s valet; he is the heir to the earldom—Kenneth Winterton.

Heartbroken, angry, and betrayed, Rebecca does not trust Lord Winterton and refuses to accept his apology. But when Lord Winterton proves he is as kind and gentle as “Mr. Henry” was, she finds herself willing to give him a second chance. But will he take a chance on her? He needs a wife to help him in his place in society, and nothing about Rebecca’s life does that . . . except how he feels when she is with him.

Trust, love, loneliness, and passion collide in this story about a man who will risk it all to fight for the woman he loves and a woman who does not believe in fairy tales—until she finds herself living in one.

My Review

I have to admit that I did not read the synopsis before reading this book- all I knew about the plot was that it was a Regency, there was a valet, and he had a secret. It was quite fun to get to know the characters, as the author is skilled at bringing them to life with depth and qualities that are easy to admire. Rebecca and Kenneth (Lord Winterton) are each at a crossroads in their lives, transitioning to new circumstances that are not comfortable but unavoidable. I loved their serendipitous moment of connection that impacts them each so greatly that it affects their choices about their futures. The undeniable chemistry between them influences their priorities, making their stolen moments together that much sweeter. I didn't make the Cinderella connection until the end of the book, and I thought the tie-in was subtle and clever. I was glad that I didn't suspect that it was a retelling, which shows how the author made it her own unique story while incorporating nods to the fairy tale. (I feel like most Cinderella retellings I've read echo the original too closely and I find them predictable and boring). The Valet's Secret is a refreshing Regency romance with characters that are mature in more ways than age, yet have all the possibilities of life and love before them, especially with the support of some rather likeable supporting characters. Highly recommend!

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.


Advance Praise

"Ebullient Regency romance...a classic case of mistaken identity inspires love between the heir to an earldom and a widow. Rebecca’s funny, chaste fantasies and worries about her humble stature mix with Kenneth’s discomfort about his subterfuge. Introspective passages reveal what each of them makes of the other. The novel is moved along by their fascinating hidden desires and aches, all of which are magnified by unspoken moments and meaningful gestures. There are nice period embellishments...The book is lighthearted about reimagining Cinderella’s tale, too. Uplifting themes about second chances in middle age come in as well. Reticence and propriety dictate Kenneth and Rebecca’s interactions; both are sensitive about social classes. The conclusion is joyous. Sweet and intense, The Valet’s Secret is an enchanting romance in which a like-minded couple faces odds that seem insurmountable, but remains passionate."

Foreword Reviews

About the Author


Josi S. Kilpack is the author of several novels and one cookbook and a participant in several coauthored projects and anthologies. She is a four-time Whitney Award winner—including Lord Fenton’s Folly (2015) for Best Romance and Best Novel of the Year—and a Utah Best in State winner for fiction. She is the mother of four children and lives in northern Utah.

You can find more information about Josi and her writing at josiskilpack.com