Can't Wait Wednesday: So Pure a Heart by Amber Lynn Perry

I'm so excited to read the fourth book in Amber Lynn Perry's Daughters of His Kingdom series, So Pure a Heart! The books are set in the pre-Revolutionary Colonial era, although I think the series is now taking us into the fight for liberty. Each book reads well as a stand alone but of course I recommend reading them in order. So Pure a Heart releases June 20th and is now available for a special pre-order price of $2.99 for e-book at Amazon!

Synopsis

Since the night her dear uncle gave his life for hers, Hannah Young is determined to risk everything by spying for the Patriots in order to seek retribution against the British soldier who killed him. But when her former love, Joseph Wythe, insists on ensuring her safety, she must decide if the vengeance she seeks is worth the danger of his nearness. For the love she once felt is liable to grow deeper and more threatening to her heart than it ever was before.

Leaving his young ward to join the fight for liberty is the hardest thing Joseph Wythe has ever done. Nearly. The most difficult happened ten years past, which he tries his best forget. Seeing Hannah Young again after all this time does something frightening and wonderful to his soul. Though her determination to spy for the Patriots is honorable and brave, he will never allow her to take such a risk without him to protect her, no matter how she protests—and no matter how he knows he will ache all the more for the thing he always wanted and still could never have.

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Check out the first three books in the Daughters of His Kingdom series . . .

 

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

Boston, MA 1773: Shards of Eliza Campbell's life crash to the ground when she discovers a devastating secret: her father was a spy for the Sons of Liberty. Determined to uncover the truth--at any cost--not even a marriage proposal from the dashing British Officer Samuel Martin can dissuade her. When rescued from British capture by handsome patriot Thomas Watson, Eliza discovers what her father risked his life for and yearns to know more. But will her budding attraction to this courageous patriot damage her already wounded heart?

After years of being blackmailed by Officer Martin, Thomas plans to start a new life in the small town of Sandwich. However, when his actions place Eliza and her sister in danger, he must act quickly to protect them from falling into enemy hands. If the three of them are discovered, their lives will never be the same. Now, not only must he protect Eliza, he must protect his heart from a love that is sure to wound him far greater than any British soldier ever could.

Read my 4 star review here

Synopsis

Kitty Campbell knows that leaving the dangers of Boston behind for a more tranquil life in Sandwich is God's will for her. But not even twenty-four hours after arriving in the small sea-side town, she witnesses a terrible crime and is forced to stay silent or her family will be made to suffer. And yet, as the consequences for remaining quiet threaten more than just her family, Kitty is desperate to unload her burden. When handsome doctor Nathaniel Smith comes to her rescue more than once, she is tempted to risk everything by revealing what she knows, as her hidden attraction to the courageous patriot builds into much more than childish infatuation. When Doctor Nathaniel Smith discovers the town's ammunition stores have been raided, he knows immediately who to blame—the hated Tories. Desperate to keep the remaining powder out of enemy hands, he vows to find the men responsible. Then when Kitty Campbell is brutally assaulted and refuses to name her attacker, he suspects she might know something and keeps a closer watch for her safety, only to discover a fleeting attraction he harbored long ago threatens to grow into something akin to love. Yet, he knows a Tory and a Patriot would make a terrible match.

 

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

Escape is Anna Rone’s only option. Never again will she be trapped in a loveless marriage. A new life in America means safety—and discovering the truth behind her beloved brother’s death. But when she is nearly captured and forced to return to England, her vow to never marry for anything but love is forgotten when she must marry for protection. Perhaps the handsome man she accepts is truly as caring as he seems. If he is not, her future in America is darker than ever before. 

Captain Henry Donaldson aided the colonists too many times. And now, the British army intends to make him pay with his life. Without his friends in Sandwich, he would be a dead man. He’s already changed his name, and when the kind, courageous woman he rescued offers to become his bride, he accepts despite the risks. His past taught him that women are not to be trusted and that love can cut deeper than the sword. Only time will reveal if this choice will bring the greatest pain he’s ever known.

Spotlight, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Man She Knew by Loree Lough

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

The Man She Knew

(By Way of the Lighthouse, #1)
by Loree Lough
Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
June 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Don't they both deserve a second chance?

Fourteen years ago, one reckless act cost Ian Sylvestry everything, including the girl he planned to marry. Since then, he has fought hard to turn his life around. Returning to his Baltimore town after serving a prison term was the first step. Winning back Maleah Turner's trust is a far more daunting challenge. From their first sparks-flying reunion, it's obvious they still have powerful feelings for each other. In fact, they might be even stronger together now. But if their second chance is going to work, Maleah has to believe that Ian is a changed man. She really wants to believe…but she simply isn't convinced.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

Excerpt

“Will you listen to that?” Ian’s aunt shouldered Maleah into his arms. “They’re playing your song.”

A little wine had sloshed over the rims of the glasses, dampening the skirt of her brocade gown. Small price to pay, she decided, and smirking, began moving toward her table.

“People are starting to stare. Dance, you two, dance!”

He relieved her of the goblet, and led her to the center of the floor. “Don’t know what gets into her sometimes. Sorry.”

“No apology required. I’d have ended up on the floor just now if you hadn’t caught me.”

He’d forgotten how good, how right she felt in his arms. If she kept looking up at him that way he’d kiss her, long and hard and…

Ian cleared his throat. “You look pretty good in an evening gown.”

“And you look pretty good in a tux.”

“Good thing it didn’t snow, like Marty Bass said it would.”

“In his defense, he said might.”

“So he did…”

“But you’re right. If it had snowed, I’d break my neck in these shoes.”

Smalltalk. Ian disliked it almost as much as pretending the foot and a half separating them was okay, when what he really wanted was to draw her so close he could feel her heartbeat, drumming against his chest.

An elderly couple plowed into his back, driving his bearded chin into her forehead.

“Sorry,” he said, inspecting her face. “That’s a relief. No whisker scratches.”

“Any plans to shave the beard someday? Not that you don’t look handsome, just as you are.”

“It serves a purpose,” he said cautiously.

“Oh?”

If hearing why he’d grown it didn’t turn her against him, once and for all, nothing would.

“There was this new guy at Lincolnwood,” he began. “Skinny li’l fella with thick glasses and buck teeth.”

“What was he in for?”

“Caught his girlfriend in bed with his cousin.”

Maleah gasped. “He killed his cousin?”

“And the girlfriend. Those skinny guys can fool ya. But I digress. He looked crossways at a couple of the tough guys one day, and they started in on him. Three against one wouldn’t have been fair, even if he’d been the size of a linebacker.”

“So you stepped in…”

“Yeah, and one of the guys whipped out a shiv.” Ian took her hand in his, guided her forefinger along the ropelike scar on his cheek. Maleah snapped her hand back so fast, he wondered how she kept from punching herself in the jaw.

“Sorry you asked?”

“No.”

She looked into his eyes. Deep into his eyes.

“I’m…I’m sorry that happened to you.”

He waved her sympathy away. “Good crowd,” Ian said, surveying the room. “How much do you think the Washburne Institute raked in tonight?”

“Why? Are you going to round up your buddies and rob the ticket counter?”

The wisecrack cut to the bone, surprising Ian so badly that he nearly trod on her toes.

“Now I’m the one who’s sorry,” she said, pressing her forehead into his chest. “That was completely uncalled for, and didn’t come out at all like I intended it.”

He couldn’t imagine how she’d intended it, because the only thing Ian could think of was an article he’d read in the Sunday Sun about how that the brutal truth was often hidden behind sarcastic humor. If that’s how she really felt…

If, biggest li’l word in the English language.

If he had a lick of sense, he’d walk away, this time for good. But like it or not, he loved her more now than he had all those years ago.

He’d done his time, paid the price for his crime, and it hurt like crazy hearing her admit, straight out, that she still saw him as capable of armed robbery. He’d never been much good at hiding his feelings. In the off-chance she’d look into his eyes again and see that she had the power to inflict pain, Ian pulled her close, so close she couldn’t see his face at all. With any luck, the song would end soon and he could leave her alone on the dance floor without looking like an inconsiderate jerk.

Bestselling author LOREE LOUGH once sang for her supper, performing across the U.S. and Canada. Now and then, she blows the dust from her 6-string to croon a tune or two, but mostly, she writes novels that have earned hundreds of industry and "Readers' Choice" awards, 4- and 5-star reviews, and 7 book-to-movie options. The Man She Knew, #1 in her “By Way of the Lighthouse” series, her 3rd for Harlequin Heartwarming, is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Harlequin.com.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

Tour Schedule

June 3rd: Launch

June 4th:

Rockin' Book Reviews

deal sharing aunt

Booklove

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium

June 5th:

Hearts & Scribbles

Janice's Book Review

Katie's Clean Book Collection

Falling Leaves

June 6th:

Brooke Blogs

Reading Is My SuperPower

Cinnamon Cindy's Book Blog

Becky on Books

June 7th:

Christian Suspense Author Mary Alford

It's All About the Romance

Bookworm Lisa

Heidi Reads...

Hardcover Feedback

June 8th:

Nicole's Book Musings

Getting Your Read On

Thoughts of a Blonde

underneath the covers

Inside the Mind of an Avid Reader

June 9th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

- Two winners will receive a $10 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
- Two winners will receive an ebook of THE MAN SHE KNEW (open internationally)

- Two winners will receive a print copy of THE MAN SHE KNEW (US only)
- Ends June 13th

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Review: Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Grace Mallory is tired of running, of hiding. But when an old friend sends an after-hours telegraph transmission warning Grace that the man who has hunted her for nearly a year has discovered her location, she fears she has no choice. She can't let the villain she believes responsible for her father's death release his wrath in Harper's Station, the town that has sheltered her and blessed her with the dearest friends she's ever known.

Amos Bledsoe prefers bicycles to horses and private conversations over the telegraph wire to social gatherings with young ladies who see him as nothing more than an oddity. His telegraph companion, the mysterious Miss G, listens eagerly to his ramblings every night and delights him with tales all her own. For months, their friendship--dare he believe, courtship?--has fed his hope that he has finally found the woman God intended for him. Yet when he takes the next step to meet her in person, he discovers her life is in peril, and Amos must decide if he can shed the cocoon of his quiet nature to become the hero Grace requires.

My Review

It was a pleasure to revisit Harper's Station and my favorite characters there, as well as getting to know some new ones. I loved the "instant messenger" way that Grace and Amos are able to connect even though they live miles apart. They are so sweet together- Grace brings out protective instincts in Amos and he wants to show her that he can take care of her. Grace appreciates his friendship and reassuring presence, but is used to taking care of things on her own. There's an interesting conflict in Amos- he is accepting of who he is, but is very aware that he's not the strong manly man that ladies find attractive. So there's a dynamic of confidence and vulnerability that Amos finds at odds within himself repeatedly. Grace senses that in him and is thoughtful in the way she interacts with him. The addition of a tall and handsome Pinkerton agent on the scene complicates the situation as Grace must decide if he's trustworthy with critical evidence. I enjoyed the scenes from Helen's point of view, another woman living on the outskirts of the settlement who rescues a wounded man and nurses him back to health, despite her complete fear and mistrust of men. (I *really* hope there will be a novella written with more about her and Lee!) The mystery and romance was entertaining and the climax at the end kept me swiftly turning pages until the conclusion.

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

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Don't miss No Other Will Do, the first book in the Ladies of Harper's Station series, and Worth the Wait, the series novella . . .

Check out my 5 star review here!

Synopsis

Men are optional. That's the credo Emma Chandler's suffragette aunts preached and why she started a successful women's colony in Harper's Station, Texas. But when an unknown assailant tries repeatedly to drive them out, Emma admits they might need a man after all. A man who can fight--and she knows just the one.

Malachi Shaw finally earned the respect he craved by becoming an explosives expert for the railroad. Yet when Emma's plea arrives, he bolts to Harper's Station to repay the girl who once saved his life. Only she's not a girl any longer. She's a woman with a mind of her own and a smile that makes a man imagine a future he doesn't deserve.

As the danger intensifies, old feelings grow and deepen, but Emma and Mal will need more than love to survive.

Read my 5 star review here

Synopsis

Benjamin Porter is one of only two men allowed inside the women's colony of Harper's Station, Texas. A freighter by trade, he works closely with local shopkeeper, Victoria Adams, to transport the colony's goods to market. But it is more than profit that keeps him coming back. He's fallen hard for the shopkeeper and her son. Tori is brave, beautiful, and a savvy entrepreneur--the ideal partner not only for his business but for his life. Too bad she's under the impression that a man, any man, is the last thing she needs.

Despite Ben's consistent kindness, Tori continues to hold him at a distance. His towering height and muscular frame, while attractive, are also dangerous. And she's faced dangerous men in the past and vowed never again.

After Ben convinces Tori to partner with him in a new venture, delivering goods to area farms and ranches, he finally has a chance to woo her in earnest. But when an accident derails his plans, what once was a chance at love may be lost forever.

 

Review: A Holiday in Bath by Julie Daines, Caroline Warfield, Jaima Fixsen

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean & Wholesome Romance, comes A HOLIDAY IN BATH.

Three brand new Regency Romance novellas by Julie Daines, Caroline Warfield, and Jaima Fixsen

TRIAL OF THE HEART by Julie Daines
Marianne Wood has been summoned to Bath to testify against the man who killed her family. She dreads coming face to face with the monster of her nightmares, but finds surprising comfort under the care of a charming barrister, Harby Northam. Despite his kindly attentions, Mr. Northam is a shrewd and discerning man of law with an awful secret. Marianne is put to the test as she deals with the evil of her past and her growing affection for the mysterious Mr. Northam.

LORD EDMUND’S DILEMMA by Caroline Warfield
Lucy Ashcroft doesn’t share her stepmother’s belief that she might find a husband during her sojourn in Bath, but she does enjoy a respite from a household full of half-siblings and a younger sister preparing for her London Season, something Lucy can’t even dream about. In Bath, she enjoys the company of the elderly ladies in her aunt’s circle, and happy to be out from under her stepmother’s watchful and speculating eye. But when Lucy meets Lord Edmund Parker, all of her expectations for a quiet, unassuming holiday suddenly change.

THE ART OF KISSING IN THE PARK by Jaima Fixsen
Caroline Trenholme is not pleased with Bath, the fussy, antiquated resort of the shabby-genteel. She ought to be in London, finding a man—not here, coddling her irrational grandmother. In the park, she crosses paths (literally—this is Bath, after all) with a nameless, mannerless rogue, intent on stealing a kiss. As if his proposition weren’t insult enough, even her dog seems to like the man better. It's impossible! Especially once she suspects she might like him too…

My Review

I loved this novella collection! Each story was set in Bath, England during the Regency era, and it was so fun to learn historical details about that location. The first story by Julie Daines was full of drama, intrigue, and emotional turmoil (without being melodramatic). The friendship and affection that develop between the vulnerable Marianne and protective Mr. Northam balances out the darker parts of the story, and I loved how everything wrapped up. The second story by Caroline Warfield was a delight, and since I haven't read anything by this author before I'm looking forward to seeking out her other books. Lucy's sweet and compassionate nature make her a perfect match for the charming Edmund who is looking to turn his life in a direction different from his parents' expectations. The last story by Jaima Fixsen has plenty of kissing as the title implies, and while I liked the characters, their relationship seemed too based on physical attraction. It was still a fun story and finished the collection off nicely.

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

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Don't miss the other Timeless Regency Collections . . .

Review & Giveaway: Romancing Daphne by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

As her first London Season looms before her, the thought of the impending social whirl fills Daphne Lancaster's timid heart with dread. She hasn't her sisters beauty nor their talent for conversing easily. Even her family's enviable connections may not be enough to prevent disaster.

But Daphne's misery turns to surprised delight when the first event of her Season brings an unexpected visitor to her door—James Tilburn, whose tender kindness stole her heart in her youth. When the handsome young gentleman expresses his desire to court her, Daphne is elated. Their feelings for each other quickly grow, and it appears that, much to Daphne s disbelief, her happily ever after is within reach.

Yet nothing is as it seems. The couple finds themselves caught in a tangled web of greed and deceit, leaving James and Daphne to determine whether they are willing to risk everything for true love.

My Review

Oh, what a sweet and heartrending story! I loved Daphne from the first page, and while her story began a bit slowly, the foundation of building the characters served the later part of the story well since I felt able to connect to their emotions when the plot steadily picked up speed. The dynamics of both James and Daphne's families play a huge role in the plot, from James' meddling upward-climbing father to Daphne's overprotective brother-in-law, the Duke of Kielder (who also brings much of the humor). Trust and forgiveness are important themes that are explored as the relationship that Daphne and James built is threatened by secrets. I loved their friendship and innate goodness that made them a perfect match, and although James could be a bit frustrating, it was nice to see him utilize his backbone in the end and fight for his true desires. A wonderful romance and addition to the Lancaster Family series!

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

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Beach Reads Giveaway Hop!

Happy summer! As much as I love the cool weather of spring, it's always nice to get away to the beach and soak in the sun. We live 20 minutes from the beach and bay in Southern CA so I'm planning an extensive list of beach reads! I enjoy contemporary romance the most when I'm relaxing at the beach, so I'm giving away a print copy of one I recently read, Wrong For You by Jenny Proctor. (Check out my review here)

Synopsis

Lane Bishop is a hardworking, intelligent, young woman. With her recent move to Chapel Hill, she is determined to leave behind the drama and effort of keeping up with the dating scene. Even so, Lane somehow manages to get dragged out by a gaggle of girls to go watch boys play soccer. Just watching is not Lane’s forte, so she joins in the fun and leads her team to victory.

Rather than feeling intimidated by the vivacious beauty on the opposing team, Jamie Hamilton is intrigued. Risking his “untouchable” dating status, he decides to pursue Lane—with a little help from his older brother Simon. With Simon’s behind-the- scenes assistance, Jamie proves irresistible, even to a disillusioned dater like Lane. But as she gets to know both brothers, Lane can’t help but wonder—beneath the grand gestures and romantic words, is she falling for the wrong guy?

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