Review & Giveaway: The Express Rider's Lady by Stacy Henrie

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Delsie Radford is going to make it to California, no matter the danger or difficulty. Her father may have kept her and her sister apart, but Delsie refuses to miss her sister's wedding—even with only eighteen days to get there. And she's found the perfect escort in Pony Express rider Myles Patton.

Myles can't believe it when a pretty socialite hires him to take her cross-country through rough terrain and dangerous territory. Surely she'll quit before they reach their destination—he's known girls like her before. But the longer they ride together, the more Myles notices Delsie's toughness and kindness beneath her polished exterior. And though they may be worlds apart…they might just be perfect for each other.

My Review

So, this is now my favorite book in the Love Inspired line. If I could use one word to describe the book it would be longing. Through the hardships of their fast journey across the wilderness, Delsie and Myles come to admire the strengths of each other and are intensely attracted despite the difference in their stations in life. Delsie is a fun character because she isn't your average socialite- she doesn't complain and is open to learning how to survive on the trail. Myles quickly becomes protective of her and while he rescues her physically from danger, she encourages his return to God simply by her example. There is a high level of yearning as Myles and Delsie feel conflicted by their growing feelings and the expectations of her father to marry a wealthy man of his own choosing. I also enjoyed the other man helping her on her journey, Amos, who was a father/grandfather figure and brought a touch of warm wisdom to the dialogue. Lots of action and adventure kept the pace moving and I couldn't put the book down. Highly recommend!

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

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

The Express Rider's Lady

by Stacy Henrie
Adult Christian Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 288 pages
February 9th 2016 by Love Inspired

Westward Wedding Journey

Delsie Radford is going to make it to California, no matter the danger or difficulty. Her father may have kept her and her sister apart, but Delsie refuses to miss her sister's wedding- even with only eighteen days to get there. And she's found the perfect escort in Pony Express rider Myles Patton.

Myles can't believe it when a pretty socialite hires him to take her cross-country through rough terrain and dangerous territory. Surely she'll quit before they reach their destination- he's known girls like her before. But the longer they ride together, the more Myles notices Delsie's toughness and kindness beneath her polished exterior. And though they may be worlds apart- they might just be perfect for each other.

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Book Depository - Harlequin - Walmart

Stacy Henrie has always had a love for history, fiction, and chocolate. She earned her B.A. in public relations before turning her attentions to raising a family and writing inspirational historical romances. Wife of an entrepreneur husband and a mother to three, Stacy loves to live out history through her fictional characters. In addition to author, she is also a reader, a road trip enthusiast, and a novice interior decorator.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest

 

Tour Schedule

February 1st: Launch

February  2nd: Heidi Reads... & The Power of Words

February 3rd: Katie's Clean Book Collection & Min Reads and Reviews

February 4th: Babs Book Bistro

February 5th: Savings in Seconds & Literary Time Out

February 7th: Wishful Endings & Zerina Blossom's Books

February 8th: Mom with a Reading Problem & Backing Books

February 9th: Seasons of Humility

February 10th: Singing Librarian Books, Christy's Cozy Corners, & Mel's Shelves

February 11th: Getting Your Read On & Tell Tale Book Reviews

February 12th: Dixie n Dottie, Reading Is My SuperPower, & Rockin' Book Reviews

February 14th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

$50 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
Print copy of The Express Rider's Lady (US only)
ebook of The Express Rider's Lady (open internationally)
Ends February 19th

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Review & Giveaway: Make Me a Match by Melinda Curtis, Cari Lynn Webb, Anna J. Stewart

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Three bachelors turned…matchmakers? 
 
One special night with Cooper Hamilton gave Nora Perry a precious gift. But no way is the sweet-talking salesman the right guy for her…or is he?

Former pro athlete Ty Porter could get burned when he falls for the beautiful reporter who ruined his career—and could now expose his most zealously guarded secret!

Gideon Walker has a long history with free-spirited flower shop owner Sophie Jennings. But when the banker-matchmaker fixes her up with potential candidates, he realizes he's made a terrible mistake…

My Review

The three men the novellas focus on are just feeling sorry for themselves for being stuck in a rut in their small hometown in Alaska. Their angst and the bar setting with the drinking was off-putting, but once they put their efforts into helping the single members of the community improve their social lives the stories got more fun as they came up with interesting group activities to do in the dead of winter. The first two stories were okay but I loved the third one! It redeemed the book for me.

Cooper is full of self pity since he feels trapped by taking care of his dad and being there for his friend, as if he only had one opportunity to leave and he missed it. When a one night stand shows up with his baby daughter seeking financial support, it makes him reevaluate what he wants out of life. I felt like his opportunity for love just fell in his lap, without much effort on his part.

Ty is full of self loathing after screwing himself out of his chance to make the big leagues in hockey, thus depriving his two best friends and himself the chance to ditch Alaska. Ex-girlfriend Kelsey was not someone I connected with since she had a cold hard exterior that looked for the worst in people. I understood them more as layers of their history was revealed (although vague) and they turned to each other instead running away.

Gideon's story was my favorite since the girl he had a secret crush on was crushing right back, but some complications were preventing them from realizing their shared feelings. He didn't wallow in regret as much as the other guys, and was very active in the matchmaking work. Sophie was a likable character with her kind and cheerful attitude and perseverance so I was rooting for her to find love. The special moments between the two were butterfly inducing and toe curling, just what I love about reading romance!

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

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Make Me a Match

by Melinda Curtis, Cari Lynn Webb, and Anna J. Stewart
Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
February 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Three bachelors turned…matchmakers?

One special night with Cooper Hamilton gave Nora Perry a precious gift. But no way is the sweet-talking salesman the right guy for her…or is he?

Former pro athlete Ty Porter could get burned when he falls for the beautiful reporter who ruined his career—and could now expose his most zealously guarded secret!

Gideon Walker has a long history with free-spirited flower shop owner Sophie Jennings. But when the banker-matchmaker fixes her up with potential candidates, he realizes he's made a terrible mistake…

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin

Award winning, USA Today bestseller Melinda Curtis writes the Harmony Valley series of sweet and emotional romances for Harlequin Heartwarming, and the sweet romantic comedy Bridesmaid series. A Memory Away is Book 6 in the Harmony Valley series. Brenda Novak says: “Season of Change has found a place on my keeper shelf”. Melinda also writes hotter romances as Mel Curtis. Jayne Ann Krentz says of Blue Rules: “Wonderfully entertaining.”

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Cari Lynn Webb lives in Alabama with her family. If she isn’t at her computer, she can usually be found: picking up her daughters from school, dropping off at swimming or soccer practice or running into the grocery store for that one thing she forgot on her shopping list. She loves escaping into a romance and her e-reader can usually be found in her passenger seat. Visit her at: www.carilynnwebb.com.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest

You’ve met Anna J. Stewart (or someone like her) before. She was the girl who spun in circles on the playground hoping her Wonder Woman costume would magically appear before playing cops and robbers a la Charlie’s Angels–as Sabrina (she was the smart one). Anna was the girl in the back of the class with a paperback romance hidden in her algebra book (and yes, she failed algebra).

Growing up in the 70′s and 80′s meant there weren’t a lot of YA books, so she ventured early into mainstream fiction and read Stephen King’s CARRIE at the age of 8. Discovering Nora Roberts and romance novels early in high school opened her eyes to the wonders of storytelling and the beauty of a happily ever after.

So here she is, many years later with an English degree from CSU Sacramento, an RWA Golden Heart nomination behind her, countless stories in her head, and a serious addiction to STAR TREK, SUPERNATURAL, and SHERLOCK. She recently wrapped up a nearly 8-year stint working as assistant to NYTimes bestselling author Brenda Novak where she helped run Brenda's annual online auction for diabetes research. When she's not writing or reading (which she never has enough time for!), she's working on dollhouse miniatures and tolerating her overly-affectionate cat named Snickers (or perhaps it's Snickers who tolerates her).

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Tour Schedule

January 31st: Launch

February 1st: Heidi Reads... & I Am A Reader

February 2nd: Christian Chick's Thoughts & Colorimetry

February 3rd: Zerina Blossom's Books, Deal Sharing Aunt, & Wishful Endings

February 4th: Getting Your Read On, Mel's Shelves, & Thoughts of a Blonde

February 5th: Underneath the Covers & Katie's Clean Book Collection

February 7th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
Copy of Make Me a Match (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)
Copy of A Memory Away by Melinda Curtis (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)
Copy of The Bad Boy of Butterfly Harbor by Anna J. Stewart (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)
Ends February 12th

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Cover Reveal: The Fall of Lord Drayson by Rachael Anderson

Coming soon from USA Today Bestselling Author Rachael Anderson

The Fall of Lord Drayson

Who is he really? A high and mighty Lord, or a lowly servant? When Colin Cavendish, the new earl of Drayson, informs Lucy Beresford that she and her mother have two months to vacate the house they've called home for the past two years, Lucy is fit to be tied.They have no money, no relations they can turn to for help, and nowhere to go. How dare the earl break the promise his father had made to the Beresfords without so much as a twinge of conscience? Mere hours later, Lucy discovers the earl unconscious and injured in the middle of the road. Grudgingly, she takes him into her home to tend to his wounds, but when he awakens with no recollection of who he is, Lucy seizes the opportunity to teach a much-needed lesson in humility. Pushing her own twinge of conscience aside, she informs the earl of Drayson that he is nothing more than a mere servant. Her servant, in fact. And thus begins the charming tale of a pompous lord and an impetuous young woman, caught together in a web so tangled that it begs the question: Will they ever get out?

Coming late-summer 2016

 

Author Rachael Anderson A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Website

Cover Reveal Giveaway 

$25 Amazon Gift Code or Paypal Cash Ends 2/17/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Review: A Midwinter Ball (Timeless Regency Collection) by Heidi Ashworth, Annette Lyon, Michele Paige Holmes

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

MUCH ADO ABOUT DANCING by Heidi Ashworth. Two years have passed since Lord Northrup declared his intentions for Miss Analisa Lloyd-Jones and forbade any other man to court her. Angry at the neglect, Analisa stopped reading his letters, never even breaking the seals. Tired of waiting, Analisa joins the house party at Mrs. Smith’s famous country home, determined to find a beau. When Lord Northrup unexpectedly joins the party, Analisa discovers she is no longer repulsed by the man who first laid claim to her hand.

SWEETER THAN ANY DREAM by Annette Lyon. Olivia Wallington is firmly established as a spinster, but that doesn’t stop her from dreaming about the perfect man. Ever since her father’s death, Olivia has been forced into seclusion by her mother. When her brother and his wife come for a visit, they discover the extent to which she lives under their mother’s thumb. With their help, Olivia sneaks out to attend a local ball, where she meets Edward Blakemoore. For a few divine moments, all of her dreams seem possible. But even someone like Mr. Blakemoore would be hard pressed to get past Mrs. Wallington’s fortress of protection—or past Olivia’s pride.

AN INVITATION TO DANCE by Michele Paige Holmes. Lady Ella has been isolated on her father’s estate since her mother’s death as her father travels the world. When Alex Darling arrives with a letter from her long-dead fiancé, and a demand that she travel to London for a series of engagements, Ella thinks her father instigated the strange demands and agrees. In London, she discovers the truth behind her fiancé’s death, and that new love might be possible in the arms of the most unexpected man.

My Review

This is a wonderful compilation of novellas that involve a winter ball in the setting. In each story the event propels the plot forward and serves as a catalyst for change in the relationship between the main characters. There's something special and almost magical about the energy of a dance that is so looked forward to, especially in those times. I enjoyed all the stories and felt drawn into the conflict and resolution each presented. The first story was a bit choppy, but I really liked the premise of the long absent fiancè making a sudden reappearance in Analisa's life. Daydreaming Olivia from the second story was easy to relate to with her imagination, but I could never have the patience she did with her abusive relatives! I loved the adventurous spirit of Ella in the last story and the hesitant relationship with her former fiancé’s grumpy friend. This is a collection I will be re-reading for sure!

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

Review & Giveaway: Undaunted Hope by Jody Hedlund

Be sure to scroll to the bottom to enter the book giveaway!

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Tessa Taylor arrives in 1870s Upper Peninsula, Michigan, planning to serve as a new teacher to the town. Much to her dismay, however, she immediately learns that there was a mistake, that the town had requested a male teacher. Percival Updegraff, superintendent and chief mine clerk, says she can stay through winter since they won't be able to locate a new teacher before then, and Tessa can't help but say she is in his debt. Little does she know that Percival will indeed keep track of all that she owes him.

Determined to become indispensable, Tessa throws herself into teaching, and soon the children of the widowed lighthouse keeper have decided she's the right match for their grieving father. Their uncle and assistant light keeper, Alex Bjorklund, has his own feelings for Tessa. As the two brothers begin competing for her hand, Tessa increasingly feels that someone is tracking her every move, and she may not be able to escape the trap that has been laid for her.

My Review

I loved this rugged setting for Tessa's story. The landscape and harsh weather is a huge element in the book and I was able to picture it vividly. Tessa is a proud and opinionated young woman, but with a kind heart as she strives to help not only the children, but the men of the town as well, further their education to improve their life situation. Although the living conditions are not ideal, she quickly connects with several children and members of the community. One family in particular she is drawn to is the adult brothers Alex and Michael, along with Michael's children. I loved the chemistry between her and Alex and the fun banter they shared. A sense of humor is something I find very attractive in a hero ;) She feels conflicted throughout the story since she has a deep aversion to lighthouses and the sacrifices it takes to run them, but she can't help feeling like a part of the family and coming to their aid as often as they come to hers. I felt that the secrets she's hiding from her past didn't match the characteristics she portrays in this book; to fully understand the situation I think reading the previous book in the series, Hearts Made Whole, would be helpful. However her past does come into play during the climax of the plot so it needed to be included. And talk about an evil villain! The injustices and tragedies he is responsible for as he preys on the members of the community made me so mad. In the afterword of the book the author shared that Mr. Updegraff was based on a real person in history- that makes it even worse! (Although that guy's ending was different and more violent than in the book). I don't often find afterwords interesting but this one is filled with fascinating information about which characters and landmarks are inspired by real history. You won't want to miss it!

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

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Review & Giveaway: Double Play by Raneè S.Clark

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

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

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

My Review

I had a hard time relating to the main characters in this book. Sophie is initially portrayed as a shallow, manipulative, and selfish fashionista. Her agenda to steal the groom was a turn off, but her interactions with David started bringing out her more relaxed side. I enjoyed the book more as the focus shifted to the two of them, and the banter and chemistry they shared. A big theme of the book was modesty and Sophie's ideal that a woman should be able to dress however she feels represents her and not be responsible for any inappropriate thoughts that it inspires in men who view her. She finds herself changing and wearing longer shorts and skirts around David because he respects her for her personality instead of solely for her looks, then feels conflicted that she might be doing it for him instead of herself. I appreciated her roommate's personal account that when she dressed immodestly, it influenced how she felt and acted, in a more edgy and worldly way, making choices that she ultimately came to regret. It was interesting to read about a Mormon "mean girl" and her journey of growing up a bit, even though I felt like she is a person I would avoid in real life.

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

Jan. 18th
Literary Time Out
LDS Writer Mom

Jan. 19th
Fire and Ice Reads
Seeking With All Yur Heart
Bonnie Gets a Say
LDS and Lovin' It

Jan. 20th
Min Reads and Reviews
Wishful Endings
Mel's Shelves

Jan. 21st
Bookworm Lisa
Singing Librarian Books
Rockin' Book Reviews

Jan. 22nd
Joy in the Moments
My Book a Day
Katie's Clean Book Collection
Books Are Sanity
Heidi Reads...

 

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Review: The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Sophie Dupont, daughter of a portrait painter, assists her father in his studio, keeping her own artwork out of sight. She often walks the cliffside path along the north Devon coast, popular with artists and poets. It's where she met the handsome Wesley Overtree, the first man to tell her she's beautiful.

Captain Stephen Overtree is accustomed to taking on his brother's neglected duties. Home on leave, he's sent to find Wesley. Knowing his brother rented a cottage from a fellow painter, he travels to Devonshire and meets Miss Dupont, the painter's daughter. He's startled to recognize her from a miniature portrait he carries with him--one of Wesley's discarded works. But his happiness plummets when he realizes Wesley has left her with child and sailed away to Italy in search of a new muse.

Wanting to do something worthwhile with his life, Stephen proposes to Sophie. He does not offer love, or even a future together, but he can save her from scandal. If he dies in battle, as he believes he will, she'll be a respectable widow with the protection of his family.

Desperate for a way to escape her predicament, Sophie agrees to marry a stranger and travel to his family's estate. But at Overtree Hall, her problems are just beginning. Will she regret marrying Captain Overtree when a repentant Wesley returns? Or will she find herself torn between the father of her child and her growing affection for the husband she barely knows?

My Review

I enjoy marriage of convenience stories in particular, and this one had the added twist of Sophie being in love with her new husband's brother. While I felt compassion for Sophie and her difficult circumstances, I didn't admire her weakness for Wesley and the choices she initially made. She reveals herself as a strong character however as she makes the best of her situation and works to become loyal to Stephen. He was definitely my favorite character in the story, a Mr. Darcy type that has vulnerabilities and a gentle nature behind his gruff exterior, and a secret longing for his wife. In fact, there are a few Austenesque phrases that jumped out at me as I read, which was fun :) The plot really revolves around Sophie and her feelings for the brothers, so it was like waiting for the hammer to drop until Wesley returned and created more conflict. There are several family members and friends who are distinct in their personalities and create a wonderful cast for Sophie to interact with, some holding secrets of their own... A wonderful book with themes of accountability, sacrifice, and forgiveness.

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