Review: Fire and Ice by Mary Connealy

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Bailey Wilde is one of the best new ranchers in the West. She's been living disguised as a man for a while, but when Gage Coulter comes to drive her off her homestead, he quickly realizes he's dealing with a woman--a very tough, very intriguing woman at that.

Gage is an honest man, but he didn't make his fortune being weak. He won't break the law, but he'll push as hard as he can within it. Five thousand acres of his best range land is lost to him because Bailey's homestead is located right across the only suitable entrance to a canyon full of lush grass. Gage has to regain access to his land--and he's got to go through Bailey to do it.

Spending a winter alone has a way of making a person crave some human contact. In a moment of weakness, Bailey agrees to a wild plan Gage concocts. Can these two independent, life-toughened homesteaders loosen up enough to earn each other's respect--and maybe find love in
the process?

My Review

The author's trademark humor and action are in full play in this novel, but what stood out to me was the layers and depth of Bailey's character. I've been looking forward to her story since in the previous two books she seemed like the toughest and hardest of the three Wilde sisters. Her father encouraged her to go to war dressed as a man, and the experiences she had not only strengthened her, but gave her vulnerabilities she struggles to overcome. We see both sides of her personality as her ranch is threatened and she endures a harsh lonely winter. Gage is also a contrast of strength and vulnerability and once they let their guard down, the two connect in ways that help heal their trauma from the past. I enjoyed reading the conflict Gage's mother brings into the mix with several chuckles, and was glad that the sisters' dysfunctional relationship with their father was finally put to rest. This book reads well as a stand alone but I recommend you read the whole Wild at Heart series for full enjoyment- they are all 5 stars in my book!

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

Books & Beverages - The Shoppe!

I'm super excited to share that fellow blogger Jamie Lapeyrolerie from Books and Beverages has opened an online store, The Shoppe!

It features the extraordinarily useful Book Blogger's Planner which was designed specifically for book bloggers, by a book blogger! The pages are clean and easy to navigate, with 6 non-dated monthly calendars, weekly checklists and weekly notes pages, pages to record the books you’ve read, and pages just for writing down your favorite quotes.

Jamie is the biggest C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien fan I know (check out the Inklings series on her blog), and the other fun products in The Shoppe! are postcards, stickers, bookmarks, and iPad cases featuring memorable and profound quotes from the authors.

I am impressed by the quality of the design as well as the high quality materials. I highly recommend visiting The Shoppe! and finding something special for yourself or the book lover in your life :)

When you purchase items from The Shoppe, you are also helping to change the world! A portion of the profits goes to:

● World Vision’s work with refugees
● Compassion’s work with students and education
● Children’s Hunger Fund work to help kids in America and around the globe with supplies they need to go to school
● Mocha Club's Action Project

About the owner
The Shoppe! was started by Jamie Lapeyrolerie, author of Books and Beverages and She Laughs With Dignity. You can connect with Jamie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and
Pinterest! If you enjoy a podcast, J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, please check out Jamie’s
podcast, Jack & Tollers: An Inklings Podcast!

Review & Giveaway: Three Little Words by Jennie Hansen, K.C. Grant, Aubrey Mace

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

The road to true love never did run smooth, but a few bumps along the way make it all the more thrilling. This timeless truth is showcased in Three Little Words, a charming compilation of short stories written by a trio of popular LDS romance novelists. Readers are invited to follow the journeys of three young women as they encounter love where they least expect it.

Rescuing Bailey by Jennie Hansen
For as long as she can remember, Bailey has loved the boy next door. But despite her feelings, his schedule and his little brother keep getting in the way. Will her childhood crush finally blossom into something real, or will she discover that true love is waiting just around the corner?

Three Little Words by K.C. Grant
The bet is simple: Elizabeth, a speech therapist, has three days to teach a country bumpkin with a drawl as thick as molasses how to speak like a gentleman. But as she gets to know her charming student, it soon becomes clear that there may be more to him than meets the ear.

A Crying Shame by Aubrey Mace
Cassandra is in love with the idea of love, though after her most recent breakup, the possibility of finding Mr. Right seems hopeless. But when she meets a handsome classmate in her painting class, she may end up learning more about chemistry than about art.

My Review

A common aspect of these three delightful stories is that the main character needed to re-evaluate her perception of others. I enjoyed the unrequited love theme in Rescuing Bailey, but didn't quite connect with her character. There was a bigger focus on her day-to-day actions than showing the interactions with Gunter. She came off as an isolated person who didn't reach out to others. In Three Little Words, I was instantly a fan of the nod to My Fair Lady, with a fun twist since Elizabeth is in the role of Higgins and her project Matt didn't actually need reforming. My favorite of the three was A Crying Shame, once Cass's BFF Elle gets her out of her heartbreak hangover and challenges her to have fun for once at a evening painting class. It was a realistic portrayal of Cass slowly warming up to the idea of being herself and discovering that she and others really do like the real her. Her admirer Max is adorable with his sincere flirting and the descriptions of the class made me want to bust out a canvas and some acrylics :)

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

Jan. 4th
Julie Coulter Bellon 
Getting Your Read On
Joy in the Moments
Rockin' Book Reviews

Jan. 5th
Bookworm Lisa
Heidi Reads...
I am a Reader
Literary Time Out

Jan. 6th
My Book a Day
Fire and Ice Reads
Wishful Endings

Jan. 7th
LDS and Lovin' It
Mel's Shelves
Katie's Clean Book Collection

Jan. 8th
Little Light Design Collective
Singing Librarian Books
Books Are Sanity
Min Reads and Reviews
The Things I Love Most
LDS Women's Book Review

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: The Mariposa Hotel by Julie Wright, Melanie Jacobson, Heather B. Moore

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Welcome to Tangerine Street

Tangerine Street is a must-see tourist stop with a colorful mix of one-of-a-kind boutiques, unique restaurants, eclectic museums, quaint bookstores, and exclusive bed-and-breakfasts. The Mariposa Hotel, a new resort, has revitalized Seashell Beach, bringing new life to the sleepy beach town. In the charming gardens of the hotel sits a three-hundred-year-old wishing well transported from Mexico. One toss of the coin, a sincere wish, and lives are changed forever…

Other books in the Tangerine Street Romance series:
The Fortune Café
The Boardwalk Antiques Shop

My Review

The Ghost of 913
Mari, a hotel maid working to pay college tuition and studying criminology, notices the tiniest details and is intrigued by the "ghost" who barely leaves a trace in his room. U.S. marshal Grant is involved with witness protection and feels he can't share details about his work with Mari which sets the scene for misunderstanding as they instantly connect but his job eventually gets in the way.

My favorite story of the three, I loved the dimension to each of the characters. Mari and Grant both have deeper struggles they are working to overcome and find healing in their relationship with each other. I also appreciated that they took a week or two to get to know each other before diving into a romance.

Butterfly Kisses
Ridley, acclaimed photographer who subs as concierge while in town shooting a surf competition meets Brooke, a plastic surgeon trying to recruit doctors to join her on a charity trip to repair cleft palates. Both make assumptions about the other based on stereotypes without getting the whole story, but end up falling for each other as they entertain what was supposed to be just a fling.

This story seemed a little more "surface" to me as Brooke and Ridley flirted with each other despite the stereotypes they each disdained about the other. They did share some pretty romantic moments, but there wasn't a foundation of trust behind their initial relationship.

Dreams Come True
Regean is the hotel events manager handling a charity gala for Hollywood producer KC Woods with a demanding assistant, but when she meets Kevin in the lobby, accepts a date only to discover later he is one and the same. More mistaken assumptions complicate things but Reagan bravely gives him a second chance and helps him smooth out some family drama that followed him to the hotel.

I liked the chemistry between Kevin and Reagan, even though it moved pretty quickly. There was a decent balance of physical attraction and appreciation of personality. The fact that Reagan stepped out of her comfort zone to embrace the romantic moments with Kevin made their relationship more special. The subplot of Kevin's family drama rounded out the story nicely.

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

Review and Giveaway: At Love's Bidding by Regina Jennings

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

After helping her grandfather at their Boston auction house, Miranda Wimplegate discovers she's accidentally sold a powerful family's prized portrait to an anonymous bidder. Desperate to appease the furious family, her grandfather tracks it to the Missouri Ozarks and makes an outlandish offer to buy the local auction house if they promise not to sell anything until he arrives.

Upon their arrival, however, they discover their new business doesn't deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its manager, ruggedly handsome Wyatt Ballentine, is frustrated to discover his fussy new bosses don't know a thing about the business he's single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more cattle than they can count--but no mysterious painting--Miranda and Wyatt form an unlikely but charged partnership to try and salvage a bad situation getting worse.

My Review

I loved the high contrast between the locations Miranda and Wyatt are from, and that they each get to experience the other's lifestyle. Going from Boston to the wilderness of Pine Gap definitely put Miranda at a disadvantage, but she rallies and attributes she felt weak in such as self-esteem, confidence and courage become strengths as she rises to the challenges before her. There is humor in many of the scenes but I think the compassion that Miranda and Wyatt both share is highlighted as they interact with the community and prioritize the needs of others. The mystery unfolds and takes the story in a direction I didn't foresee but complicates the budding romance between Miranda and Wyatt. Their special moments together are well-depicted, I could feel the tension and joy as they discover the thrill of new love.

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

After a cross-country trip to track down a sold painting that could ruin her family's business forever, Miranda Wimplegate forms an unlikely but charged partnership with livestock auctioneer Wyatt Ballentine in Regina Jennings' At Love's Bidding. Miranda and her grandfather discover their new auction house doesn’t deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its frustratingly handsome manager, Wyatt, is annoyed to discover his fussy new bosses don’t know a thing about the business he’s single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more heads of cattle than they can count–but no mysterious painting–Miranda and Wyatt must try and prevent a bad situation from getting worse.

Join Regina in celebrating the release of At Love's Bidding by entering to win her Cozy Winter Night giveaway and RSVPing to her January 5th author chat party!

 

One grand prize winner will receive everything you need for a cozy winter night:

• One copy of At Love's Bidding
• A coloring book for adults
• A pie dish
• Gourmet hot chocolate
• A fuzzy throw blanket
• Warm slippers
• Wintery coasters

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 1/5. The winner will be announced at the At Love's Bidding Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Regina and other readers, as well as for a chance to win some great prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 5th!

Review: The Brontë Plot by Katherine Reay

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Lucy Alling makes a living selling rare books, often taking suspicious measures to reach her goals. When her unorthodox methods are discovered, Lucy's secret ruins her relationship with her boss and her boyfriend James—leaving Lucy in a heap of hurt, and trouble. Something has to change; she has to change.

In a sudden turn of events, James's wealthy grandmother Helen hires Lucy as a consultant for a London literary and antiques excursion. Lucy reluctantly agrees and soon discovers Helen holds secrets of her own. In fact, Helen understands Lucy's predicament better than anyone else.

As the two travel across England, Lucy benefits from Helen's wisdom, as Helen confronts the ghosts of her own past. Everything comes to a head at Haworth, home of the Brontë sisters, where Lucy is reminded of the sisters' beloved heroines, who, with tenacity and resolution, endured—even in the midst of change.

Now Lucy must go back into her past in order to move forward. And while it may hold mistakes and regrets, she will prevail—if only she can step into the life that's been waiting for her all along.

My Review

Katherine Reay has a lovely quality of writing. I felt like the stories from classic literature came to life as Lucy applied their quotes and lessons to the situations she found herself in. After a sweet introduction to her meeting James, I really missed the details of their romance as the time skipped quickly ahead to their break up. I would classify this more as women's fiction since the focus is on Lucy and Helen's journey of righting past wrongs and self-discovery. The conflict Lucy feels over the creative aspects of her personality that she inherited from her father which contribute to the poor choices she made really drives her character arc. I liked seeing her make the brave and hard decisions on the path to make things right and how it led her to peace and second chances.

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

Review: The Guise of a Gentleman by Donna Hatch

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Though her heart longs for adventure, Elise strives to be a perfect English lady living within the stifling confines of society for the sake of her impressionable young son. Her quiet world is shattered when she meets the impulsive and scandalous Jared Amesbury. His roguish charm awakens her yearning for adventure. But his irrepressible grin and sea-green eyes hide a secret. A gentleman by day, a pirate by night, Jared must complete one last assignment from the Secret Service before he can be truly free. Elise gives him hope that he, too, can find love and belonging. His hopes are crushed when his best laid plans go awry and Elise is dragged into his world of violence and deceit. She may not survive the revelation of Jared's past...or still love him when the truth is revealed.

My Review

The scenes in this novel are unique and full of action. The way that Elise and Jared meet is hilarious. They have an instant attraction to each other but as their friendship develops both fight it for different reasons. I liked the contrast of how Elise appreciated her independence as a widow while Jared was seeking freedom from the pressures of his adventurous life. I would consider this a clean romance, with characters full of passion. The Amesbury brothers reveal more of their complicated dynamics and family loyalty which made me pick up the next book in the series as soon as I finished this one :)

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

Review: The Stranger She Married by Donna Hatch

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

When her parents and twin brother die within weeks of each other, Alicia and her younger sister are left in the hands of an uncle who has brought them all to financial and social ruin. Desperate to save her family from debtor's prison, Alicia vows to marry the first wealthy man to propose. She meets the dashing Lord Amesbury, and her heart whispers that this is the man she is destined to love, but his tainted past may forever stand in their way. Her choices in potential husbands narrow to either a scarred cripple with the heart of a poet, or a handsome rake with a deadly secret. Cole Amesbury is tormented by his own ghosts, and believes he is beyond redemption, yet he cannot deny his attraction for the girl whose genuine goodness touches the heart he'd thought long dead. He fears the scars in his soul cut so deeply that he may never be able to offer Alicia a love that is true. When yet another bizarre mishap threatens her life, Alicia suspects the seemingly unrelated accidents that have plagued her loved ones are actually a killer's attempt to exterminate every member of her family. Despite the threat looming over her, learning to love the stranger she married may pose the greatest danger to her heart. And Cole must protect Alicia from the killer who has been exterminating her family before she is the next target.

My Review

Wow. The Rogue Hearts series came highly recommended and this first book did not disappoint! There are vibrant characters who are flawed enough to be realistic but not unlikeable. The difficult circumstances provide impetus to push the action forward in unpredictable ways. I had my suspicions about the mysteries unfolding, but was uncertain enough to be kept guessing. I felt like Cole and Alicia fell rather quickly for each other in the beginning which made their attraction seem superficial or based on physicality, but as the story progresses they are able to appreciate each other for deeper reasons. I thoroughly enjoyed this clean but passionate romance and can't wait to read the next brother's story!

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

Review & Giveaway: Asleep on the Hay: A Dust Bowl Christmas by Ben Sowards

 

Asleep on the Hay: A Dust Bowl Christmas by Ben Sowards

It’s Christmas Eve when a knock comes at the door of Paul’s family farmhouse. A small family is stranded due to a broken-down truck and seeks shelter for the evening. Paul’s grandfather not only welcomes them in, but offers them dinner and a bed for the night. Even though it is a season of giving, Paul’s heart is not filled with charity. It’s the height of the Dust Bowl and food is scarce. Why should he share what little he has with strangers? Worse, in order to help the sick baby, Paul will have to sell his beloved calf to buy a part to fix the truck. Angry, he retreats to the barn, where he sleeps and dreams of faraway Bethlehem. In his dream, he visits Mary and Joseph, and their newborn son, Jesus. The family offers Paul food and shelter and warmth—extending to him the love and charity he lacks and teaching him of the true meaning of Christmas.

   

My Review: 5 stars / It was amazing

I've fallen in love with the art in this book! It's always wonderful to discover an artist whose work resonates with me. The painterly quality, the light and expression depicted in the illustrations made the story come to life. I appreciated the realistic feelings of the boy who is conflicted about the sacrifice he is being asked to make, and how the comparison of the Christmas story puts things in perspective and blesses him with charity, the pure love of Christ. Highly recommend for children and families, would make a perfect gift!

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

 
Author & Illustrator Ben Sowards

Ben Sowards is the illustrator of many well-loved picture books, including A Christmas Dress for Ellen, Seven Miracles that Saved America, and Christmas Oranges. Ben Sowards teaches others to paint both traditionally and digitally at Southern Utah University, where has directed the illustration program since 2001.

Website

$25 Blog Tour Giveaway Giveaway Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 12/30/15 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 publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway