Book Tour & Review: The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America's borderlands.

As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William's, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future.

My Review

Once again Laura Frantz has transported me to an era that I knew little of, to a setting I knew nothing of, and enriched my reading experience with vibrant characters and history that everyone should learn about. The pace of the book begins slowly as we get to know Sylvie and her family, living in a lush and idyllic land, but surrounded on both sides by warring French and English. Despite their neutrality, they were unjustly driven from their homes and thrust into the lives of refugees. The contrast between Sylvie's beautiful "before" life and the harsh, heartbreaking reality of "after" is so great, and I gained a small sense of and vast sympathy for what millions of displaced people have felt over the ages. The author illustrates the historical backdrop with a variety of individuals that bring the story even more to life, and represent so many different perspectives and circumstances of the time. Sylvie and Will's unlikely and seemingly impossible connection brings miracles into both their lives, as they strive to support the Acadians within their reach. I loved their sweet and gentle romance that grew despite the outside influences and prejudices that they overcame as they were vulnerable and trusted each other with their devastating losses. This is a story that brought so many emotions, and filled my spirit with gratitude for the strength and endurance of our forebears who continued on in faith and hope through trials, injustices, poverty, illness, and grief.

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.

About the Author

Bestselling, award-winning author, Laura Frantz, has been writing stories since age seven. She is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century and her novels often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. Though she will always consider Kentucky home, she and her husband live in Washington State.

According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California. Foreign language editions include French, Dutch, Spanish, Slovakian, German & Polish.

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PRAISE FOR THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE

“Frantz’s atmospheric writing is easy to sink into, from the grimness of the disease-riddled voyage to the ethereal Acadian landscape. While William and Sylvie’s romance is a slow burn, there’s a rewarding payoff to this tale of second chances born from tragedy. Frantz’s fans won’t be disappointed.”— Publisher’s Weekly

“This book is undoubtably one of the best books I've ever read. I loved the faith thread, I loved the light in the darkness theme, I loved the characters, I loved the hope brimming from almost every page. I loved the growth (through every struggle and triumph), and I loved the history embedded into each detail.”— Tasha, The Clean Read Book Club 

 

“Fantastic story! The beautiful writing engages the reader from the beginning... Laura Frantz's books are exceptional because they evoke an abundance of emotions beyond the typical novel. I highly recommend this book to all historical fiction readers.”— Milena Bookish, Goodreads

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Missing Link by Natasha D. Frazier

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Missing Link by Natasha D. Frazier, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Missing Link
Series: The Langston Sisters #3
Author: Natasha D. Frazier
Publisher: Encouraging Works
Release Date: November 28, 2023
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Now that her sisters, Crystal and Ava, are moving on with their lives, it's time for Layla Langston to do the same. 

Experiencing burnout and lack of purpose, Layla is ready for a change and leaves Langston Brands to live life on her own terms. 

She dares to pursue her own dreams--dreams that lead her to start a new career as a journalist and thrust her in the middle of a murder investigation that just may put her life in danger. 

Mason Sterling's goal is twofold -- to get the best story possible and make Houston's local congresswoman pay for her crimes. What he doesn't want or need is anyone to tag along in the process. But when his boss hires Layla, and Mason is tasked with being her mentor, fighting their growing emotional bond is the least of his problems. 

He'll have to keep her safe to make a future with her a possibility.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

 

Excerpt

Mason paced the vinyl flooring for far too many minutes. He’d never understood why hospitals even had emergency rooms because he’d never seen anyone acting with enough urgency—and his father being injured was an urgent matter.

Mason approached the nurse again. “Ma’am, I’m here to see Walter Sterling. Where’s the doctor?”

Another nurse walked into the area, and the desk nurse seemed relieved. She approached Mason. “May I have your name?”

“Mason Sterling. Walter Sterling is my father. I need to see him.”

She tapped the screen on an electronic tablet. “The doctor will be out to see you shortly. Please follow me.”

The nurse led him to a more private area and disappeared. How many more times did he have to hear the doctor would be out before he actually saw him or her?

Mason huffed and paced for another twenty minutes in the small space. He stopped short when an older Black woman wearing a white coat entered the room. When they locked eyes, his feet couldn’t move fast enough to get to her.

“I’m Mason Sterling. Is my father okay? When can I see him?”

He searched her eyes for any sign of his father’s health status, but her face was as emotionless as the nurse who led him into the room minutes ago.

“Hi, Mason. I’m Dr. Riley.” She gestured toward a nearby chair. “Please have a seat.”

“I’d rather stand. When can I see him?”

“I’m sorry, Mason. Your father didn’t make it.”

Mason stood paralyzed.

Unable to move.

Unable to speak.

Unable to think.

She continued talking, but the words tumbled out of her mouth like puzzle pieces of the same color. He couldn’t decipher a single word. Blood rushed to his brain. His heart raced fast enough for him to believe he’d need a hospital bed.

A knot formed in Mason’s throat that he couldn’t swallow. If he did, tears would overtake him. Pain settled there. His stomach taut. All of his muscles tightened.

Mason belted out, “No.” Air barely escaped his lungs as he had to force himself to breathe.

The pain in his chest was just as real physically as it was emotionally. His heart ripped into pieces. That was the only explanation for the stabbing sensation in his chest. His eyes stung as tears spilled down his cheeks soaking his collar.

He finally sat in that chair Dr. Riley suggested he take. She’d mentioned something about whether there was someone else she could call for him. Usually, his father would be that person, and now he had no one.

 

More Books In This Series

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About the Author

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 by visiting natashafrazier.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a book box which includes book-related swag & a signed print copy of The Missing Link

(1) winner will win a $10 Amazon gift card

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 8, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 15, 2024. Winners 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

 

Review: The Sea Below My Toes by Charlotte Guillain, illustrated by Jo Empson

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

From the Look Closer series, this richly illustrated concertina book takes you on a journey through the deep dark waters, all the way down to the seabed, before floating back up to the surface.

A follow-up to The Street Beneath My Feet, The Skies Above My Eyes and The World Around Me, this visually stunning book ventures to the very bottom of the sea on a journey of discovery.

Through the waves and into the deep, you’ll spot all kinds of weird and wonderful marine creatures, explore the seabed and discover the impact humans have had on the underwater world.

As you dive below the surface, past sea otters playing in fields of giant kelp, you will see sea lions and shoals of mackerel playing in the shallows, before passing orcas hunting in pods in the deeper water.

As well as animals, discover the technology which is used under the sea, from scuba breathing apparatus to oil pipelines and deep sea submarines.

As you reach the very bottom of the sea, the 'twilight zone' where very little light can filter through, you will meet the mysterious creatures of the deep such as lanternfish and the luminous swell shark.

This book is part of the Look Closer series, a set of concertina books which help teach us about the mysteries which can be found in the world around us.

My Review

This book is gorgeous! The pages are thick and sturdy, definitely a must with the accordion design. The artist and author take the reader on a journey beginning at the surface and then descending deeper and deeper, sharing not only sea life but also the way humans explore the ocean. This is the first book I've read that focus on both! I think it's perfect to engage a variety of interests. Once the reader reaches the deepest point, the journey ascends until we reach the surface again, making it feel like we were taken on a wonderful expedition. The art is exquisite and the information shared is interesting and engaging. The book is large, and even though the cover is presented vertically, it is held and read horizontally, with the spine at the top. The accordion pages can be flipped one at a time, and also unfolded into a long, connected, dual-sided piece of art.

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: Smitten Book Club by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, Denise Hunter

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

"Consider that your beau is like a coveted novel whose compelling first lines you've just begun to read." -- A Gentlewoman's Guide to Love and Courtship

At a rummage sale, Heather, a member of the Fireside Book Club, discovers a turn-of-the-century romantic advice book written by a once-famous Smitten, Vermont resident. When she shares the precious volume with her friends in the club, they find clues about a hidden treasure rumored to be buried in their tiny town.

As Heather, Abby, Lia, and Molly take turns reading the book, each projects onto it her own literary tastes. Heather sees it as a mystery. Abby discovers delicious dashes of Jane Austen. Lia sees in it the idealism of a bygone day. And Molly just wishes they'd made the book into a movie!

One by one, each of the women finds romantic love often in spite of the historic book's advice. And in searching for the legendary gold, the friends discover the best kind of treasure. The kind that brings hope and healing to each of their hearts.

My Review

I enjoy collections like these with several authors providing the stories, giving me a taste of writing styles that may be a bit different from each other but mesh well enough to harmonize. Once again I'm reading a series out of order, with this being my first read of Smitten, but the coziness of the town and the loyalty of the community members came through strongly. The group of women lead the town as they rally behind Molly in her time of need, and a search for the town's legendary treasure connect the stories as they pass the vintage book to each other in search of clues. Heather, Abby, Lia, and Molly all have very distinct personalities and personal issues they work through while helping the others. The first three were interesting but didn't quite flow with me. My favorite story was the last one featuring Molly, by Denise Hunter, because I love her writing style and felt connected to the emotions of the characters as well as strong tension and chemistry between Molly and Gage. I look forward to reading the other collections to revisit Smitten and get to know more townspeople!

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 Smitten series . . .

Review: The Backcountry Brides Collection by Shannon McNear, Angela K. Couch, Debra E. Marvin, Gabrielle Meyer, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Jennifer Hudson Taylor, Pegg Thomas, Denise Weimer

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Some of these novellas have been released individually- click on the story titles for links to the novellas that are available as e-books

Synopsis

Travel into Colonial America where nine women seek love, but they each know a future husband requires the necessary skills to survive in the backcountry. Living in areas exposed to nature’s ferocity, prone to Indian attack, and cut off from regular supplies, can hearts overcome the dangers to find lasting love?
 
Shenandoah Hearts by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1754 - Great Wagon Road, into the Shenandoah Valley (Virginia)
As the French-Indian War commences, Magda Sehler wonders if Jacob Owens lost his mind to have abandoned his Philadelphia business and moved to the Shenandoah Valley. Or has he lost his heart?
 
Heart of Nantahala by Jennifer Hudson Taylor  
1757 - (North Carolina)
Joseph Gregory plans to buy a lumber mill, but Mabel Walker becomes a formidable opponent. When she’s forced to make a painful decision, she must choose between survival and love.
 
Her Redcoat by Pegg Thomas
1763 - Fort Michilimackinac (Michigan) during Pontiac’s Rebellion  
Laurette Pettigrew grew up in the northern frontier. Henry Bedlow arrived against his will. Their chance meeting changes everything. Will a deadly clash of cultures keep them from finding happiness?
 
A Heart So Tender by Debra E. Marvin
1764 – (New York)
As thousands of Native warriors converge on Fort Niagara, jaded British Lieutenant Archibald Walsh and idealistic schoolmistress Susannah Kimball learn the greatest risk lies in guarding their hearts.
 
A Worthy Groom by Angela K. Couch
1771 - Sapling Grove settlement on the Holston River (Tennessee)
The Cowden temper has been Marcus’s lifelong bane. A trait Lorinda Cowden curses. Now, winning the heart of his bride hinges on fighting a war without raising a fist.  
 
Across Three Autumns by Denise Weimer
1778-1780 – (Georgia)
Fighting Loyalists and Indians, Jenny White settles for strength over love . . .until Scottish scout Caylan McIntosh leads her family on a harrowing exodus out of Georgia’s Revolutionary “Hornet’s Nest.”
 
The Counterfeit Tory by Shannon McNear
1780 – (South Carolina)
Tasked with infiltrating an infamous Tory gang, Jed Wheeler has no wish to endanger the leader’s cousin, Lizzy Cunningham. He risks not only his life. . .but his heart.
 
Love’s Undoing by Gabrielle Meyer
1792 - Fur Post on the Upper Mississippi River (Minnesota)
When Englishman Henry Kingsley meets Abi McCrea, the daughter of a Scottish fur trader and Indian mother, will their worlds keep them apart, or have they finally found somewhere they truly belong?

My Review

Shenandoah Hearts by Carrie Fancett Pagels - 3 stars

I enjoyed the setting and characters, and some historical details. Magda's work as a silversmith was fascinating.  Jacob's avoidance in communication based on fear of rejection was overly long. The transitions between scenes were disjointed and the politics were difficult to understand, making me feel removed.

Heart of Nantahala by Jennifer Hudson Taylor - 4 stars

Lumbercamps are one of my favorite historical settings, and Mabel has her hands full since the death of her brother. I appreciated the way Joseph respected her and found alternative solutions to his purpose of buying her business, based on her needs.

Her Redcoat by Pegg Thomas - 5 stars

The setting of this story is quite volatile, and Laurette is constantly in danger, especially when she can't stand to be confined to her cabin alone, with only her dog for company. I loved the secret friendship she develops with Henry, recovering from sickness. As tensions come to a head, their relationship saves them both and gives them a brighter future.

A Heart So Tender by Debra E. Marvin - 2 stars

I liked the premise, but the pace was slowed by repetitive political visits, and the interactions between Arch and Susannah were lacking chemistry. Struggled with this one because it focused more on historical details I didn't have enough background information on and I felt lost.

A Worthy Groom by Angela K. Couch - 5 stars

An abused young woman, a forced marriage of convenience, and Marcus's task is to get Lorinda to trust him while providing for her and protecting her against the malevolent destruction of their farm.

Across Three Autumns by Denise Weimer - 5 stars

My favorite of the collection! Jenny and Caylan are larger than life, their vibrant personalities bursting off the page. Jenny is strong and full of grit, named Warrior Woman by the Natives who threaten their land and lives, along with the British. This story felt full and complete, with character growth, compelling events, and plenty of emotion as Jenny's world changes around her. I loved Caylan's devotion to her over time filled with hardships and heartache.

The Counterfeit Tory by Shannon McNear - 4 stars

This story had me biting my nails with anxiousness as Jed goes undercover to bring down the violent raiders. I couldn't stomach the things they did, but history shows how evil people can be. Jed's attachment to Lizzy is unexpected, but saves both of them in the long run. I appreciated the change in Lizzy as she finally had someone to believe in her and fight the lies from her family.

Love’s Undoing by Gabrielle Meyer - 4 stars

I enjoyed the perspective from Abi who is Métis, and learning about her role in different parts of the world and societies. Henry comes from the society who is a harsh judge of those with mixed ancestry, yet values her for the person she is.

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.

2024 Reading Challenge! #backlistbooks24

 

My reading challenge for 2024 is to join the 24 in '24 Challenge on Instagram hosted by @bookswithnopictures & @lemonyreads and target the 24 oldest books on my review list 📚📚📚 

Do you participate in reading challenges? 

What’s the first book you plan to read in 2024?

 

Faves of 2023!

97 of my fiction books were 5 star reads! 

Take a look at my Faves of 2023 here: https://amzn.to/48lUS07

 

  Happy New Year and Happy Reading!   

 

What were some of your favorite reads from 2023?

 

Review: The Reluctant Baronet by Elizabeth W. Watkins

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

When faced with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Scottish chemist Russell Parkinson finds himself thrust into a role he has never wanted: that of British aristocrat. Bearing his new title of baronet, Sir Russell circulates among the ton for the sole purpose of improving Society and saving lives. His plan is moving forward—but he did not anticipate meeting the charming Selina Clifton. 

 

Selina is a survivor. She battled smallpox and won, her scarred beauty a testament to her strength. But she has no idea how she will survive what is now required of her. With her family’s estate in jeopardy, it is up to Selina to marry and produce an heir. She agrees to enter into a courtship with a gentleman deemed eligible but is less than smitten with him. When handsome new baronet Russell arrives in London, she is immediately swept up in their easy camaraderie. But as their feelings deepen, the complicated tangle of forbidden love that ensues will threaten friendships and futures—everything they’ve fought to protect.

My Review

I enjoyed the Regency setting with two unique main characters. Their background and history influence them greatly in their current circumstances. I admired Russell's determination and purpose in making a difference, yet floundering as to how to accomplish his goals. He and Selina both have valuable friends that guide them and provide support in a society that can be a harsh judge. There are elements of mystery, layered throughout the story building to reveal more than what meets the eye. Plenty of historical details as well for those who are intrigued by how different life was back then and how improvements were made.

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: Marshaling Her Heart by Mary Connealy

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Becky Pruitt has always prided herself on knowing everything that's happening on her successful ranch, which makes her foreman Nate Paxton's admission to her quite a surprise. With the notorious Deadeye Gang on the loose, Nate--a former U.S. Marshal--believes that Becky's ranch might be the best spot for a group of Marshals to use as a base and hideout.

The timing couldn't be more crucial for the growing town of Pine Valley, and Becky feels a commitment to help. But after escaping the grasp of her harsh father, she's never liked giving up control--of her life or her ranch. Again and again, Nate's proven himself to her and she soon realizes that if there's anyone she can trust with her ranch--and her heart--it might be him. But the outlaws won't go quietly, and as danger draws ever nearer, Becky and Nate are faced with impossible choices that will test their growing bond.

My Review

This third book in the Wyoming Sunrise series wraps up the overarching plot of the outlaws targeting local citizens with Becky and Nate working together with the marshals to draw them in. Nate's hidden identity as a marshal takes Becky off-guard, but it adds to her admiration of him, even when they disagree. I loved that the main characters from the previous books play important roles, and Becky's friendship with Nell and Mariah is steadfast. Women's suffrage is a theme throughout the series, with Wyoming being the first state to allow women the vote and to hold offices. They are pretty proud of it, and I liked the historical details. Brand's daughter Samantha and her new role provides some comic relief, and I hope to see her with a story of her own in a future novella! I was happy to see the community band together to defeat the criminals and stand up for peace and freedom.

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 previous books in the Wyoming Sunrise series . . .

Review: The Laws of Attraction by Mary Connealy

 

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

If widowed town seamstress Nell Armstrong has to make one more pair of boring chaps for the cowboys in her tiny Wyoming town, she might lose her mind. So meeting Brand Nolte, a widower father struggling to raise three girls, seems like her dream come true. Brand has no idea how to dress the girls, and Nell finally has a chance to both create beautiful dresses and teach the girls to sew.

But Nell is much more than a seamstress, and the unique legal and investigative skills and knowledge she picked up alongside her late lawman husband soon become critical when a wounded stagecoach-robbery survivor is brought to town. As danger closes in from all sides, Nell and Brand must discover why there seems to be a bull's-eye on their backs.

My Review

My favorite of the series! I loved Nell in the first book and it was eye-opening to learn her backstory and all she's been through. Her experiences prepared her to really help her friends and the town, leading her on a path she never considered. The exasperated attitude she has about making money hand over fist sewing cowboy chaps rather than dresses is hilarious, but there's such demand she can't give it up. She is sensitive and compassionate to Brand's daughters and their needs, figuring a way for them to help each other rather than take pity on them with charity. The danger from the first book continues with the stage-robbing outlaws on the loose, and the author's trademark action, suspense, faith, and humor complement rather than compete with the romantic relationship that develops between Nell and Brand. I felt connected to them and their emotions which made for a rather satisfying reading experience!

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 Wyoming Sunrise series . . .