Review & Giveaway: The Alaskan Catch by Beth Carpenter



On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Alaskan Catch
(Northern Lights #1)
by Beth Carpenter

Adult Contemporary Romance

Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 368 pages

August 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Where life's currents take you…

Dana Raynott just traveled 3,600 miles to reunite with the brother who changed his name and fled to Alaska nineteen years ago. It's impossible not to be moved by this wild, breathtaking state, even if Dana's no closer to finding the answers she came here for.

Her brother's best friend, Anchorage engineer Sam MacKettrick, might be able to help her. He's strong and kind—a six-foot, irresistible blend of diverse cultures. He's also haunted by a tragic family history with a startling connection to Dana's past…

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My Review

What an adventure! I loved all the details of Dana's adventure in Alaska. There was a mystery of old family secrets, a friendship-to-romance relationship, exciting excursions, and descriptions of amazing landscapes and wildlife. I felt like the emotions of the characters weren't delved into so I didn't make an emotional connection with them and felt more like an observer, but they were so likable and realistic and entertaining that I just tried to fill in the blanks for myself and enjoyed reading the story. It had a great pace and balance between all the elements of the plot, and each aspect unfolded naturally as I read. Dana and Sam gradually confide in each other and their conversations on life made them more three-dimensional and complex, especially when they discovered their connection to the past. I also enjoyed Chris, Dana's brother (who I hope will have a book of his own), and Ursula, Sam's surrogate mother, who rounded out the story and the interactions with them showed deeper parts of Dana and Sam's personalities. Looking forward to reading more by this author and someday visiting Alaska myself!

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

About the Author

Once upon a time ...

when Beth Carpenter was a little girl, she read everything she could get her hands on, and entertained herself on the school bus by making up stories in her head. Not a lot has changed. She's still consuming books like M&Ms, and spends her days creating happily-ever-afters for her imaginary friends.

She lives in Alaska and Arizona with her husband and an aggressively affectionate fifty-pound lap dog. She loves to hear from readers.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│The Alaskan Catch Pinterest Board

Tour Schedule

August 12th: Launch
August 13th:
Brooke Blogs
Nicole's Book Musings
Cafinated Reads
Becky on Books
August 14th:
It's All About the Romance
Heidi Reads...
Hearts & Scribbles
Christian Suspense Author Mary Alford
August 15th:
Getting Your Read On
underneath the covers
Rockin' Book Reviews
Lynn's Romance Enthusiasm
August 16th:
What to Read Next
Reading Is My SuperPower
The Bookworm Chronicles
Janice's book review
August 17th:
Thoughts of a Blonde
Harlie's Books
Paulette's Papers
Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader
August 18th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

Taste of Alaska Prize Pack (US only), which includes:

• Alaska cross-body bag
• Wild Smoked Alaska Salmon for Dip
• Alaska Wild Berry Company Bering Sea Salt Caramels
• Gold Nugget Chocolate Chunks
• Raspberry Herbal Tea
• Salmon Jerky – Teriyaki and Original
• Three Bears Postcard
• Alaska Sourdough Starter
• Moose Notecards by Alaskan Artist Vonnie Gaither

$25 Amazon Gift Card (open internationally)

Ends August 22nd

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Review, Interview, & Giveaway: Courting the Country Miss by Donna Hatch

Cynical and broken-hearted, Leticia banishes dreams of marriage. When her childhood friend, Tristan, wagers he can find her the perfect husband, she hopes the challenge will coax him to forgo his devil-may-care lifestyle. Meanwhile, Leticia throws herself into forming her charity school but meets opposition—even from the people she’s helping.

Guilt-ridden that his past mistakes robbed Leticia of true love, Tristan vows to set it right, but match-making has its pitfalls for a repentant scoundrel. When he finds two ‘perfect’ gentlemen to court her, he discovers his own deep feelings for the lady.

Though Tristan seems to reform, Leticia doesn’t dare risk heartbreak with a notorious rake. When opposition for the school takes a deadly turn, can Tristan protect her from a madman bent on destroying their dreams and their lives?

~ Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon UK ~ 

~ Amazon Canada ~ Amazon Australia ~

Come check out her other books and see what's new!

And she has even more books we have not featured!

Be sure to check them out on her website!

Donna Hatch is the author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” and a winner of writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8 and has been listening to those voices ever since. She has become a sought-after workshop presenter, and also juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, and most of all, her six children (seven, counting her husband). A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.

Connect with the Author here: 

~ Facebook ~ Website ~ Amazon ~
~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~

I loved reading about the characters again from Courting the Countess and seeing the story continue. I'm not a fan of "rakes" so it took a while for me to warm up to Tristan, but as the story progressed his vulnerabilities were revealed and his choices to become better and worthy of Leticia made him easier to like. Leticia's disappointment in her love life is the focus of her thoughts early in the book, so I was glad when she put her efforts into creating opportunities for education  for the lower class. The action in the plot that came later made things exciting and it was great to see Leticia and Tristan's relationship develop from sibling-like to romance. Another lovely Regency from this author!

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

Can you tell us a little about yourself? 

I have been married for almost 30 years and we have 6 children and one grandchild. I recently moved to the Pacific Northwest and I love the beautiful area! My first book was published in 2008 and to date, I have 19 published titles.

What do you do besides writing? 

I enjoy going for walks, hiking, and music in all its forms: listening to it, singing, and playing the harp. I enjoy old movies and browsing antique stores. Since my move to the Pacific Northwest, I have taken up gardening a little which I enjoy much more than when I lived in the Arizona desert.

Do you have images you can share that come close to how you picture your characters? Do you like to find visual inspiration for your characters before or during your writing process? 

The female model on the cover of my book looks a lot like I'd pictured my heroine, Leticia, of this book. My hero, Tristan, looks nothing like the model. My hero looks more like the hero on the cover of my book, The Suspect's Daughter.  The appearance of the characters usually develops during the first few chapters of the rough draft.

What are some songs that you listened to or inspired you while writing your book? 

I like to listen to new age piano music such as Yanni or David Lanz or to the Regency Age music channel on Pandora. I can't listen to any lyrics or a drum beat or it bumps me out of my writing groove.

What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from the book? 

Take your pick; love conquers all, we all deserve second chances, forgiveness heals wounded hearts, serving others makes us better people and creates meaning and purpose to our lives. Readers might pick out others.

What can we look forward to coming from you in the future? 

I am working on book five of the Rogue Hearts series and I'm also plotting a third book in the Courting Series.

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 

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Link-up: Free / Bargain Books

Sharing the Love of Books
Enjoy our selection of New Releases / Free & Bargain Books this week

Authors please feel free to add your own books
Readers please free to add your own finds
(any genre except erotica welcome)

This weekly link up is hosted by Beck Valley Books & these awesome book loving blogs...
Monday
 Leels Loves Books | IrishdaisylovesRomance | Book Babble | Traci Hayden
Tuesday
Celticlady's Reviews | First Time Mommy Adventures 
Wednesday
Beck Valley Books | Jude Ouvrard
Thursday
Miki's Hope | Heidi Reads...
Friday
Ebook Addicts | I Love Romance | Colorimetry | J.C. Clarke
Saturday
3 Partners in Shopping | I Create Purty Thangs | Wishful Endings 

Sunday

Ali - The Dragon Slayer | Deal Sharing Aunt | Magic of Books Book Blog

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author

For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author

For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date 

For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please.  Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Here is this weeks awesome selection!

Would you like to share our linkup on your site? click here
Would you like to become a weekly host? sign up here

Come back and check out the new selection every week!

Review & Giveaway: Havencross by Julie Daines

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

When a shocking scandal involving her father spreads through London society, Elaine Cardinham and her parents are forced to retreat to their country home in Cornwall for refuge. But Havencross is no sanctuary for Elaine. She is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of her brother—and the heartbreak she left in her wake all those years ago. It has been five long years since Gareth Kemp last saw Elaine—when she rejected his marriage proposal. Her reappearance convinces him of one thing: he has never stopped loving her. To put his feelings for her aside, he focuses his attention on the dangerous smuggling plaguing the Cornish coast. As Elaine attempts to run from her past, she ventures ever closer to a dangerous truth—and Gareth may be the only one who can save her from a deadly finish.

My Review

I love this author's writing style, so I was so excited to read her new book! And it did not disappoint. I felt transported to the setting and loved the rich historical details and descriptions of the landscape. Elaine and Gareth are easy to like, and I loved how their relationship developed as they grew close again. The danger and tension of the plot kept the pace moving steadily along and I felt like there was a good balance between the various aspects of the story. This is definitely a book I plan to read again and highly recommend!

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

Follow the blog tour: 

August 7th
Bookworm Lisa
Fire and Ice Reads
Mel's Shelves
My Book a Day
Joy in the Moments

August 8th
Getting Your Read On
I Love to Read and Review Books
Empower Moms
Wishful Endings
Heidi Reads...

August 9th
Books Are Sanity
Rachelle Writes
LDS Writer Mom

Rockin' Book Reviews
Thoroughly Here

August 10th
Katie's Clean Book Collection
LDS and Lovin' It
Min Reads and Reviews
I am a Reader
Bonnie Gets a Say

August 11th
Singing Librarian Books 
Why Not? Because I Said So 
Literary Time Out
A Transparent Mom
Reviews From the Heart

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Romance Awareness Giveaway #1: Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

I am *thrilled* that Shadow Mountain Publishing has provided a copy of Edenbrooke for me to give away for Romance Awareness Month! Words cannot express how much I adore this book. I totally relate to Marianne, her insecurities and strengths, and Phillip is the perfect hero in my mind- funny, charming, strong, and utterly in love. He even surpassed Mr. Darcy as my literary crush! The romantic tension is off the hook... and it never gets old. I can't count how many times I've read it (especially my favorite parts... and there are so many). Whenever I need a pick-me-up, or have a hard time falling asleep at night, it always takes me to my happy place :) It's the first book I recommend whenever someone asks what I like to read. If you haven't read it, don't wait any longer! Enter for a chance to win a print copy of this "Proper Romance" below!

Synopsis

Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she'll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry.

From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will Marianne be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke.

Entry-Form

Review: Yesterday's Promise by Michele Paige Holmes

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

In the Scottish Highlands, 1761

Nineteen-year-old artist Katherine Mercer dreams of selling her paintings to help support her struggling family. Before she has the opportunity, Katherine learns she is to be sold—or practically so—given in marriage to a lord she has never met or even heard of. In return, a much-needed settlement will be made upon her mother.

Katherine’s situation goes from frightening to surreal when her husband-to-be Laird Collin MacDonald arrives with an entourage of men, each heavily armed and speaking with a thick brogue. As if leaving all she knows behind and traveling to another country with strangers isn’t bad enough, Katherine soon discovers a Scottish heritage she knew nothing of, a brother-in-law who wants her dead, and far more at stake with her paintings than she had ever imagined. Forced to turn to her reclusive husband for answers, comfort, and even her very survival, Katherine begins to unravel the mysteries of her past and what it is to love and be loved.

My Review

Wow. I was not prepared for how much I would love this book! I had heard that it was the first book in a two-part series, and normally I don't like when a book ends on a cliffhanger and then I have to wait several months for the second book to publish in order to finish the story... but this one is so well-written that I can't help but give it 5 stars! It actually does pause in a natural place, so even though the full tale will conclude in the second book, I felt satisfied when I finished reading this book. It definitely helped that I was prepared for the type of ending it has, and the good news is that the second book, A Promise for Tomorrow, releases only a few months later- this fall- so the wait won't be long.

All the characters really come to life and practically jump off the page! I was fully immersed the entire time I was reading and it was too hard to put down! The introduction and the beginning of each chapter is told from Collin's point of view, flashbacks to his youth and earliest interactions with Katherine. The present day narrative is from Katherine's perspective, and I really liked her personality and determination. She doesn't remember her childhood experiences in Scotland so we got to learn along with her the complex dynamics and history between the different clans and the English. Despite the harsh traveling circumstances she thrives in the beauty of her homeland, and her relationship with Collin blossoms gradually and wonderfully. I loved the give and take between them, the devotion and loyalty, and hesitant feelings maturing into full romance. There are deep layers to Collin that Katie seeks to uncover and know as she falls in love with him and wants to support him and his burdens. There is an element of intrigue as Katherine sorts out political loyalties and where her place is in all the drama and hopes for the future. I am *so* looking forward to the second book and seeing how she confronts her enemies and becomes a leader in her clan.

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

Review: The Secret of the India Orchid by Nancy Campbell Allen

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Anthony Blake is in love with his best friend's sister, Sophia Elliot. But his plans to court her are put on hold when he is forced to resume his role as an undercover spy for the Crown. A secret document listing the names of the entire network of British spies-including his own-has been stolen. To protect Sophia, Anthony cuts off all ties to her and exchanges his life as an honorable earl for the façade of a flirtatious playboy.

Heartbroken and confused, Sophia travels to India, hoping to find healing in one of the most exotic regions of the British Empire. But the exotic land isn't as restful as she had hoped. Instead, she finds herself embroiled in a mystery of a missing sea captain, a possible murder, and a plot that could involve the prince of India. And when Anthony appears at the British Residency, asking questions and keeping his distance from her, she is stunned.

She still loves him, and, in her heart, she knows he loves her too. But how can she rebuild her relationship with him if he won't confide in her? Does she dare offer her heart to him a second time, or will their love be lost under the India sun?

My Review

This is a lovely Regency romance, set in India and including a plot of espionage and secret identities. Of course, Anthony's work to recover the stolen document comes between him and Sophia, and he can't tell her a thing about it. Much of the book is the couple angsting over their feelings for each other that they think they cannot act on. There are also many details about the company they keep, shared in a formal manner, but I didn't find it interesting since it didn't relate to the main characters or show me more about them. I found myself skimming to get to the parts where things progressed in the spy plot or Anthony and Sophia's relationship. I didn't find myself connecting to their emotions but rather felt like an observer as they go through the motions of being just friends when they each secretly wish for more. Overall it was somewhat entertaining but I wished for something more that would compel me to care more about the characters and their future together.

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

Link-up: Free / Bargain Books

Sharing the Love of Books
Enjoy our selection of New Releases / Free & Bargain Books this week

Authors please feel free to add your own books
Readers please free to add your own finds
(any genre except erotica welcome)

This weekly link up is hosted by Beck Valley Books & these awesome book loving blogs...
Monday
 Leels Loves Books | IrishdaisylovesRomance | Book Babble | Traci Hayden
Tuesday
Celticlady's Reviews | First Time Mommy Adventures 
Wednesday
Beck Valley Books | Jude Ouvrard
Thursday
Miki's Hope | Heidi Reads...
Friday
Ebook Addicts | I Love Romance | Colorimetry | J.C. Clarke
Saturday
3 Partners in Shopping | I Create Purty Thangs | Wishful Endings 

Sunday

Ali - The Dragon Slayer | Deal Sharing Aunt | Magic of Books Book Blog

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author

For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author

For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date 

For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please.  Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Here is this weeks awesome selection!

Would you like to share our linkup on your site? click here
Would you like to become a weekly host? sign up here

Come back and check out the new selection every week!

August is Romance Awareness Month!

I'm thrilled to be participating in Romance Awareness Month, sponsored by Shadow Mountain Publishing and featuring their "Proper Romance" line of books! I will be giving away *FOUR* Proper Romance titles throughout the month of August, and sharing the giveaways happening on other blogs on my Facebook page. There will also be an exciting Facebook party this Friday, August 4th, where you can chat with the authors and win prizes!

Have you read any of the Proper Romance books? 
Which one is your favorite? 
Which ones would you like to read?

Click the image below to go to the Facebook event page and RSVP!