Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Support Your Local Sheriff by Melinda Curtis


On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Support Your Local Sheriff

(Harmony Valley #10)
by Melinda Curtis

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages

October 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Will he pass the daddy test?

With his job in jeopardy, it couldn't be a worse time for Sheriff Nate Landry's recent past to come back to haunt him. But it would take an army to stop SWAT team leader Julie Smith. The fellow cop—and sister of his ex-fiancée—wants one thing from the beleaguered lawman: custody of the toddler son that Nate didn't know he had.

He may not be natural daddy material, but he quickly takes a shine to little Duke. And then there are the feelings Nate's been hiding for years. Only now Julie's running for sheriff of Harmony Valley—against him. Time to retreat? Not if he wants a future with the woman he loves.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

Excerpt

“Hello, Nate.” Julie Smith put nearly three years of disdain and disappointment in those two words.

“Julie.” Nate shot to his feet, steady as always, guarded as always. If Nate was the sheriff, he was off duty. He wore a brown checkered shirt and blue jeans, not a service uniform.

Duke was balanced on her thighs, his small hard-soled sneakers digging in for purchase as he reached for Nate once more.

Couldn’t Duke loathe Nate as much as Julie did?

Couldn’t Nate look as if the past few years had been one big heartbreak?

No on both counts.

Duke’s fingers flexed as he reached for Nate.

And Nate? It was annoying how good he looked. His black hair might have been in need of a trim and his chin shadowed with stubble, but his teeth hadn’t fallen out, his broad shoulders weren’t bullet ridden, and worst of all, he didn’t look sleep deprived.

The mayor and town council were still on the pulpit surrounded by animated residents with loud voices. Chaos had arrived in Harmony Valley, just not the way Julie had envisioned it.

The man next to Nate came to his feet. He wore a wedding ring, held a swaddled newborn, had spit-up on the shoulder of his yellow polo, and New Dad bags under his eyes.

Julie gave him a sympathetic smile. Duke reviled naps and could be a restless sleeper at night. Not as restless as Julie lately, but still…

The man with the baby cleared his throat, shaking Nate out of tall, dark and stunned mode.

“Flynn,” Nate said. “This is Julie, my…”

And there it was. That awkwardness Julie had been waiting years for.

She pounced. “I’m the sister of Nate’s ex-fiancée.”

Flynn slid a questioning look Nate’s way.

Her moment had arrived. Julie stood, scooping Duke to her hip with her left arm. “Didn’t Nate tell you he was engaged? He left my sister at the altar.”

This is Nate and Julie’s first meeting since Nate left her sister at the altar. She was always protective of her little sister, who demanded Julie (a SWAT team member, by the way) never confront Nate after he dumped her. But now, all bets are off and Julie will do anything to make Nate’s life as uncomfortable as she can. At least, until she remembers he used to be her best friend.

Melinda Curtis is an award-winning USA Today bestseller. She writes sweet romance for Harlequin Heartwarming, sweet romantic comedies and sexy traditional contemporary romances. Her latest release, Support Your Local Sheriff, is an ode to the quiet heroic sheriffs her mother made her watch with her on Sundays when there was nothing else on TV.

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author, Melinda Curtis is the award winning author of contemporary romance that spans the sexy scale - from sweet romance to sweet romantic comedy (written under the Melinda Curtis brand) to fun, sexier romances (written under the Mel Curtis brand).

Melinda loves writing romances about women who don't realize how strong they are until a hero comes along to show them, while simultaneously capturing the wry humorous power struggle of falling in love (because, really, who lets the man have the last word?).

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│Instagram

Tour Schedule

October 23rd:

Launch

Hearts & Scribbles

Book Lover in Florida

Rockin' Book Reviews

Katie's Clean Book Collection

October 24th:

Mello & June, It's a Book Thang!

Getting Your Read On

Heidi Reads...

October 25th:

Paulette's Papers

Nicole's Book Msuings

Janices Book Review

It's All About the Romance 

October 26th:

Zerina Blossom's Books

Thoughts of a Blonde

Reading Is My SuperPower

underneath the covers

October 27th:

Brooke Blogs

Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader

The Bookworm Chronicles

Becky on Books

October 28th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive autographed copies of Time for Love, A Memory Away, A Man of Influence, and Marrying the Single Dad
- US Only. International will receive ecopies.

- Ends November 1st

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Book Blast & Giveaway: Mine for a Day by Delaney Cameron

   

Mine for a Day by Delaney Cameron

Growing up in the shadow of three beautiful sisters isn’t easy when you’re average. Not that anyone in Violet’s family ever mentions it, but it’s pointed out to her again and again by everyone else. Guys don’t mind talking to her or hanging out with her, but she doesn’t make the cut as girlfriend material. She compensates for her lack of social life by staying busy. Holding down two jobs and working on her master’s degree is a decent enough smokescreen. What most people don’t realize is that her sensible, no-nonsense exterior hides the heart of a hopeless romantic. More than anything, Violet wants to love and to be loved. There was a time when Jackson looked forward to getting married and having a family, but all that ended his senior year of college. Because of the selfish actions of others, he had to walk away from someone he cared deeply about. Disillusioned and heartbroken, he resolved never to risk falling in love again. This means keeping his relationships short in length and light on commitment. As such, they never come close to touching his heart. This system works flawlessly until he meets Violet; someone who reminds him of what he used to be, and who makes him question whether he really is better off without love.

   
 Praise for the Book

A "chance" meeting between Jackson and Violet leads them to a relationship that frees them from their hurting hearts and to a love that makes for a life worth living. Loved the line "The seemingly insignificant things are never unimportant, and chance meetings have little to do with chance." A most enjoyable romance from Delaney Cameron! Easily one of my favorite authors. I especially like how she shows the development of the relationship for our hero & heroine. A sweet, sweet romance. A beautiful story of unexpected love.

Excerpt

One minute Violet was listening to her newest audiobook; the next she was staring in horror at the busted grille and sagging bumper of a pearly-white Land Rover.

“I’m so sorry,” she said to the serious-looking man walking toward her. “I can’t think how it happened.”

“Can’t you?” his deep voice drawled. “Maybe I can help you figure it out. Were you texting your boyfriend?”

She couldn’t help smiling at his question. The fact that she didn’t have a boyfriend had been a popular topic over the Memorial Day weekend. If she hadn’t been aware of the direness of this situation before, she had no doubts about it now. “No, I wasn’t. Would you like to check my phone?”

He ignored her attempt at humor, choosing instead to inspect the damage to their respective vehicles. The situation reminded her of a show she’d seen recently where a dating expert illustrated different ways to meet men. Running into their car had been one of the more humorous examples. Violet couldn’t have executed this plan any better if she tried, nor could she complain about the result.

The man crouching next to her ten-year-old Fiat was tall enough to make even her feel short. That didn’t happen often when you were five-eleven. His striped polo shirt and jeans fit his wide shoulders and narrow hips like a glove. Costa sunglasses rested in his light brown hair, and his eyes were the color of polished steel. In the words of her Aunt Anita, he was the cat’s meow.

He rose to his feet, dusting off his hands. “This isn’t your first rodeo, is it?”

“Actually, it is. With the exception of today, the rest of those scratches and dents were there when I inherited Leonie.”

For the first time since he stepped out of his vehicle something close to humor entered his handsome face. “In other words, you probably won’t bother to have it, I mean Leonie, repaired.”

Her lips twitched at the correction. “That’s right. Shouldn’t we be calling the police?”

“I don’t think that’s necessary. I’ve got a friend who owns a body shop.”

She reached into her purse. “Let me give you my insurance information.”

“Don’t worry about it,” he said, turning to walk away.

“But it’s my fault. I should have been paying attention.”

He stopped and glanced over his shoulder, an attractive grin forming on his lips. “I agree, but there’s no point in raising your insurance rates over what amounts to a fender bender. Just watch where you’re going from now on. The owner of the next car you back into might not be so distracted by that pretty smile of yours.”

Distracted by her pretty smile? Where had that come from? He’d gone from ice cold to oozing charm in ten seconds. Some people just couldn’t make up their minds.

After giving him a decent head start, Violet left the rest area. Her clean accident record was still intact, but only because of Mr. Wonderful’s kindness. If she hadn’t been so tired from three days of nonstop activity, she might not have done such a stupid thing.

From the moment she arrived at Millicent’s house in Chattanooga on Friday afternoon, she’d been swept up in all the activities of a reunion weekend with a few of her college friends. This included several late-night sessions where everyone provided details about the current man in their life. Violet’s contribution had been sadly lacking.

A quick glance at her phone confirmed that she wouldn’t roll into Columbus until almost ten. She would have been further along if she hadn’t stopped in Dalton. The sight of a Carter’s outlet store had been too much of atemptation to pass up. She’d spent a happy hour browsing the racks and shelves buying baby clothes for her nephew Micah and her friend Holly’s daughter Rebecca.

Hopefully Rachel remembered to feed Bluebell. Her best friend and roommate had become increasingly absentminded since she met Pierre, an exchange student from France. Not that Violet could blame her. If she hada guy whispering sweet nothings in French into her ear, she’d walk around with her head in the clouds, too.

A sigh escaped her lips. Her own Prince Charming didn’t seem to be in any hurry to make an appearance. Her dating life had gone from a dribble to a dry creek bed. She hadn’t given up on finding love, but she was starting to wonder if love had given up on her.

 

Author Delaney Cameron I'm a Georgia girl at heart if not by birth. I love to read, watch college football, and spend time with my husband. I'm a hopeless romantic so there will always be a happily ever after in my stories. I also like to write about second chances because love doesn't always work out the first time. My books are sweet romances set in both contemporary and regency settings featuring stories about the journey to love, from that first meeting to the point where two people know their hearts are no longer their own. My characters aren't perfect. They make mistakes and have faults like the rest of us. They learn the sometimes painful truth that the path to love isn't always smooth, but it's a road worth traveling.

Website * Facebook

 

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 11/19/17 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 & Giveaway: Christmas Grace by Jennifer Moore, Krista Lynn Jensen, Chalon Linton, Anita Stansfield

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Let Nothing You Dismay by Jennifer Moore
After their childhood friendship blossomed into love, one young couple's whirlwind romance ended in bitter disappointment. Now, years later, can a long-overdue Christmas gift heal two wounded hearts?

Christmas at Canterwood by Krista Lynn Jensen 
A charming new governess is determined to create a magical Christmas for her young charges. What follows is a season of warmth, laughter, and even the promise of an unanticipated love.

Winter Angel by Anita Stansfield 
For generations, one small London bakery has carried on the sweet tradition of delivering bread to the impoverished. When the lovely baker meets a down-on-his luck stranger, her kindness will open the door to a bright friendship—and an astonishing discovery.

Christmas Grace by Chalon Linton 
After suffering a heartbreaking loss, one woman returns home to honor the family tradition of staging a Christmas celebration for the surrounding village. But when a severe snowstorm hinders her plans, help—and hope—find her in the most unexpected of ways.

My Review

I absolutely loved this collection of heartfelt holiday stories set in Regency England! Each one had a perfectly sweet romance full of the hesitation and anticipation of unexpected love. I felt like it was easy to get to know the characters quickly and connect with them and whatever their struggle or heartache was. I loved watching the happy endings unfold for each of the couples in the stories and I loved the cozy feeling that the snowy Christmas setting brought. I honestly couldn't pick a favorite because I loved them all so well- that must be a good sign :) Highly recommend!!!

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

Follow the blog tour . . .

Oct. 23^rd
My Book a Day
Heidi Reads...
I Am a Reader

Oct. 24^th
Min Reads and Reviews
Wishful Endings
I Love to Reads and Review Books
Empower Moms

Oct. 25^th
Joy in the Moments
LDS Writer Mom
Brightly Street

Oct. 26^th
LDS and Lovin' It
Singing Librarian Books
Katie's Clean Book Collection
Bookworm Lisa
Rockin' Book Reviews
Why Not? Because I Said So

Oct. 27^th
Literary Time Out
Reviews From the Heart
Bloggin' 'Bout Books

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Book Blitz & Giveaway: This is Not a Werewolf Story by Sandra Evans

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Blitz for

This is Not a Werewolf Story

By Sandra Evans

This Middle Grade Fantasy is perfect for Halloween! Full of fun and mystery, and set at a boarding school where everything isn't quite as it seems. Read the excerpt and enter the giveaway below...

This is Not a Werewolf Story
by Sandra Evans
Middle Grade Fantasy
Hardcover & ebook, 352 pages
July 26th 2016 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

This is the story of Raul, a boy of few words, fewer friends, and almost no family. He is a loner—but he isn’t lonely. All week long he looks after the younger boys at One Of Our Kind Boarding School while dodging the barbs of terrible Tuffman, the jerk of a gym teacher. 

Like every other kid in the world, he longs for Fridays, but not for the usual reasons. As soon as the other students go home for the weekend, Raul makes his way to a lighthouse deep in the heart of the woods. There he waits for sunset—and the mysterious, marvelous phenomenon that allows him to go home, too. But the woods have secrets . . . and so does Raul. When a new kid arrives at school, they may not stay secret for long.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository

Excerpt

Chapter 1

This is the chapter where the new kid runs so fast, Raul decides to talk 

New kid. New kid. The words fly around the showers and sinks. I can almost see them, flying up like chickadees startled from the holly tree in the woods.

All the boys are in the big bathroom on the second floor, washing up before breakfast. The littlest kids stand on tiptoe to peek out the windows that look onto the circle driveway.

I pick Sparrow up and hold him so he can see. He’s the littlest of the littles but the kid is dense--like a ton of bricks.

I can’t believe my eyes. No kid has ever come to the school on the back of a Harley. Not in all the years I’ve been here, and I’ve been here longer than anyone. The driver spins the back wheel and a bunch of gravel flies up.

The new kid is holding onto the waist of the driver. He must have a pretty good grip because the driver looks over his shoulder and tries to peel the kid’s fingers away one by one. Then the driver takes off his helmet. We all gasp, because it turns out the driver is a lady with long straight black hair.  

Next to me Mean Jack whistles. “What a doll!”

Mean Jack thinks he’s a mobster. A made man, that’s what he calls himself. I call him a numbskull, but not out loud.

About the Author

Sandra Evans is a writer and teacher from the Pacific Northwest. Her forthcoming middle grade novel, This is Not a Werewolf Story (Simon & Schuster July 2016), was inspired by her favorite 12th century French tale, Bisclavret, by Marie de France. Born in Washington state, Sandra spent her childhood on U.S. Navy bases from Florida to Hawaii, and returned to the Northwest as a teenager. Since then, she has lived and traveled in France and Europe, but has never strayed far for long from the Puget Sound region.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter

Blitz Giveaway

2 winners will receive a print copy of THIS IS NOT A WEREWOLF STORY plus Swag

Open to UK and US entrants

Ends October 31st

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Book Tour Grand Finale: The Keeper of Her Heart by Stacy Henrie

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for

The Keeper of Her Heart

By Stacy Henrie

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

There are some stories, some characters, which grab ahold of you and won’t let go. THE KEEPER OF HER HEART and its heroine Ada Thorne are just such a story and character for me. So it’s with much anticipation, that I share this book with readers...

The Power of Words - Review

"The Keeper of Her Heart has earned a special place in my heart. This well-written, poignant story is bittersweet and heartwarming at the same time. British settings are a favorite of mine, and historical detail of the World War I era is conveyed in a way that pulls you right into the story. . . . I thoroughly enjoyed The Keeper of Her Heart and look forward to more from Stacy Henrie."

Backing Books - Excerpt

Desperation strangled Ada’s breath, making her light-headed. “If I am not to marry for love, then what is the purpose of such a union?"

“To maintain the life you have always known,” her father said, his voice rising again. “You will marry a man of good breeding and fortune who will see that you want for nothing.”

An image of a content and pampered lap dog came to her mind. No wonder she preferred horses and their strength and power to other creatures meant to sit silent and look lovely.

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Review

"Stacy Henrie is a master at historical fiction, especially during the World Wars. In this offering, we are treated to the story of Ada, a young woman of class, in the early 1900s in England. . . . I found it fascinating and loved watching Stacy Henrie bring this time in history to life in a way that I never could have imagined."

Colorimetry - Excerpt

“It’s war, Ned.” Ada didn’t bother to disguise the pleading in her tone. “I don’t want to have to say goodbye; I don’t want you gone.”

“I don’t want to go,” he admitted in a low voice. His next words sent another shudder through her. “But if it’s right, Ada, I need to go.”

When he pulled her to him, she went. She shut her eyes and leaned into his touch. Was there anything she could say to persuade him differently? For the first time in their marriage, she suddenly understood what Ned had felt whenever he longed to protect her from something. That’s what she wanted to do in this moment—to protect him and herself.

Remembrancy - Review

"Through it all, this book weaves World War I history and life in London into the story. As readers follow Ada’s journey, her sprouting faith is encouraging in the midst of the challenges thrown out her. . . .Stacy Henrie’s newest book is a reminder of the One who gives hope in the midst of our darkest hours as well as second chances—at forgiveness, healing, and even love."

underneath the covers - Excerpt

“Thank you, Minnie.” Ada rose from her chair. “Rosie and I are lucky to have you and Thomas and the children.”

Tears glittered in her friend’s eyes now. “We’re the lucky ones. And don’t you go forgettin’ it. ’Specially the next time you go disappearin’ into yourself. All right?”

“I won’t.” She offered Minnie a smile—and this time it wasn’t forced.

Wishful Endings - Review

"THE KEEPER OF HER HEART is a story of love, perseverance, friendship, and second chances.The characters are genuine and easy to relate to, while the story is touching. Fans of the genre will find much to love here! . . . I loved how the story pulled out my emotions. It was engaging, sweet, and inspiring. It's one I definitely recommend!"

Paulette's Papers - Excerpt

“What did your gran have to say?” Ned asked from behind.

Ada jumped to her feet, her back to him, and hurried to remove the evidence of her tears before he caught sight of them. She wouldn’t have Ned thinking they were tears of regret.

“She’s well. And what’s more”—Ada spun around, pasting on a bright smile—“she wishes us happiness here in London.”

Heidi Reads... - Review

"This book starts out mild and unassuming, then packs an emotional punch, and wraps up with the happy ending you didn't think would happen. I slowly fell in love with each of the characters and their strength during times that become increasingly dangerous. . . . I loved the romance, the history, and the emotion in this unforgettable story!"

Rockin' Book Reviews - Review

"There is so much sadness and yet they keep pushing forward to find happiness again. Very uplifting. . . . I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy history and a good love story. It’s packed full of goodness!"

Teatime and Books - Excerpt

Deep down, though, a germ of fear attempted to sprout inside her. She’d never known deprivation or difficulty or hard work. But she was determined to see her decision through—she would prove that marrying for love wasn’t the swift path to misery and regret that her parents believed it to be. She loved Ned. And she trusted that his current employer, Hugh Whittington, would follow through on his promise to help find Ned a new job.

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"The Keeper of Her Heart by Stacy Henrie is poignant and inspiring, the highs and lows of Ada’s life drawing the reader in wholeheartedly. The theme of God’s presence in times of joy as well as sorrow and fear walks hand-in-hand with Ada’s determined spirit and her compelling courage. Life doesn’t always work out the way we planned but in God’s hands we are held through it all."

And don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

The Keeper of her Heart

by Stacy Henrie

Inspirational Historical Romance

ebook, 271 pages

September 26th 2017 by Beyond the Page Publishing

If you like the novels of Deanne Gist and Lauraine Snelling, you’ll love USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie’s inspirational romance set against the backdrop of World War One!

Even at a young age, Ada Thorne knew that she would marry only for love, never money. So when she finds herself irrevocably drawn to Ned Henley, the lowly gamekeeper on a neighboring estate, she defies her parents and society by eloping with him to London to build a new life.

Without her family’s support, life in the city is far more difficult than the one of ease and privilege Ada has always known. She’ll find herself relentlessly tested in ways she never imagined—especially when Ned, answering the call of duty, enlists to serve his country in World War One.

Alone and near poverty with a child to raise, Ada’s resolve will be strained at every turn. And as she struggles to remain true to her convictions and live life on her own terms, Ada will embark on a journey of courage, faith, and love that will surpass even her own humble dreams . . .

Advanced Praise for the Book

“Stacy Henrie possesses superior storytelling skills, her historical accuracy and attention to detail are unsurpassed, and she knows how to create characters we can identify with and whom we really care for.” —Fresh Fiction

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo│iBooks│GooglePlay

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie is the author of western romances and the Of Love and War series, which includes Hope at Dawn, a 2015 RITA Award finalist for excellence in romance. She was born and raised in the West, where she currently resides with her family. She enjoys reading, road trips, interior decorating, chocolate, and most of all, laughing with her husband and kids.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive a $40 Amazon e-gift card and an e-book copy of any of Stacy's books (winner's choice)

- Open internationally
- Ends October 25th

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Review: Mending Fences by Lorin Grace

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

The fence that once brought them together now keeps them apart.

Mandy needs one last photo to complete her MFA project, digitally transforming the deteriorating Crawford mansion into the stately building it could have been. But a fence stands in her way.

Determined to keep land developers and paparazzi from his great-grandfather’s estate, Daniel Crawford has taken to chasing off intruders by any means possible. No one is going to cross the fence into his land. Or his heart.

My Review

I enjoyed this story for the most part, there was some great back and forth between Mandy and Daniel. I just wished there was more that they based their relationship on than one summer spent together as children and two or so dates as adults. It felt underdeveloped and I think their relationship would have felt more substantial if there had just been... more. It was the details that made this story stand out to me- the house of artists with each kitchen cupboard featuring a different painting from the masters, the chalkboard in the basement for visitors to sign, the creativity of Mandy's MFA project. Mandy's friend and housemate Candace was also a fun supporting character and I felt like I was able to see more between the two of them than Mandy and Daniel.

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

The Destined for Love Mansions series:

Kiss Me in the Rain by Lindzee Armstrong
Roping His Heart by Jaclyn Hardy
The Princess and The Pizza Man by Cassie Mae
Mending Fences by Lorin Grace
Love Me at Sunset by Lucinda Whitney
Saving Sycamore Bay by Cami Checketts

Review: The Heart Only Grows by Michele Paige Holmes

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

For Children’s Aid Society employee Addelaide Campbell, riding the Orphan Train is a labor of love—a last, heart-wrenching attempt to do the best she can for the children entrusted to her care. If only she could keep them all…Or at the least, keep children from the same family together. When the sheriff of Somerset, Wisconsin, offers an unexpected proposal that might allow her to do just that, Addie takes a leap of faith—or possibly insanity—and decides to accept.

Miles Linden has sworn off women, children, marriage, and family. In the two years since he lost his wife and daughter to influenza, loneliness has been his constant companion, except on Friday nights when he drowns his sorrows at the local saloon. He’s coping with this arrangement just fine, until the morning he’s rudely awakened by a pert woman and two gawking children who mistake him for a real outlaw, instead of a man sleeping off his liquor on the cot at the jail. Being awakened and accused are the least of the surprises awaiting Miles, since Addie Campbell and the Orphan Train arrived in town.

My Review

Be still my heart! How I loved this sweet story of two orphans that brought together two lonely people to form a family. I've always been fascinated by the history of the orphan train, and since we have adopted our two daughters, it's a topic that is close to my heart. I love characters like Addie, she is a woman who has suffered hardship, but it has made her more compassionate and an advocate for the orphans. Miles' sorrow is understandable, and I loved how Addie accepted what he was able to offer- and not offer- with gratitude. I also loved that he was quick to look beyond himself to the family now in his care and couldn't help but respond. A wonderful novella with characters that are easy to connect to, great pacing, and a full story arc- just the kind of reading that makes me cozy up and sigh with happiness :)

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

Timeless Romance Singles: 

FROM CAIRO, WITH LOVE by Nancy Campbell Allen
SOPHIA'S LEAP-YEAR COURTSHIP by Kristin Holt
STARTING OVER IN STEEPLE RIDGE by Liz Isaacson
THE MATCHMAKING GAME by Donna Hatch
THE HEART ONLY GROWS by Michele Paige Holmes
MORE TROUBLE IN LOVELAND by Jennifer Peel

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
Tuesday
Celticlady's Reviews | First Time Mommy Adventures 
Wednesday
Beck Valley Books | Between the Coverz | Bookalicious Traveladdict
Thursday
Miki's Hope | Heidi Reads...
Friday
Ebook Addicts | I Love Romance | Colorimetry | Futures
Saturday
3 Partners in Shopping | I Create Purty Thangs | Wishful Endings 

Sunday

Ali - The Dragon Slayer | Deal Sharing Aunt | Living Life With Joy

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, in case 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: Hometown Girl by Courtney Walsh

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Courtney Walsh returns with a hopeful and emotional new book about seizing second chances, finding yourself, and forging your own path.

Beth Whitaker isn’t supposed to be a small-town girl. She’s always dreamed of leaving Willow Grove, Illinois, for the big city, but she feels trapped, struggling to make up for a mistake that’s haunted her for years. Just when Beth is finally ready to break free, her sister impulsively buys a beloved but run-down farm on the outskirts of town, and she begs Beth to help with the restoration. Reluctantly, Beth agrees to help—and puts her own dreams on hold once again.

Drew Barlow hasn’t been back to Fairwind Farm since he was a boy, and he’s spent all these years trying to outrun the pain of a past he thought he buried long ago. When he learns that the owner has passed away, his heart knows it’s finally time to do the right thing. Returning to Willow Grove, Drew revisits the old farm, where he attempts to piece together his memories and the puzzle of the crime he witnessed so long ago.

Both on a journey to find peace, Beth and Drew are surprised when they begin to experience a restoration of their own. But when long-buried secrets break through the soil and the truth unfurls, will it threaten their budding relationship—and the very future of the farm?

My Review

I just love this author's writing style! She has a way of drawing me into the lives of people who are struggling against the darkness and as their stories weave together the light emerges and hope shines brightly on its way to a happy ending- which really seems more like a new beginning. The contrasts and similarities between Beth and Molly as sisters really stood out to me, and it was interesting to see the characteristics they embraced and which ones they left behind as they were influenced by their parents and the people around them. I loved that they both rediscovered qualities about themselves that they believed didn't apply anymore. It's reassuring that it's never too late to decide to change and pursue a new focus in life. Beth and Drew are both holding on to painful secrets, and the process of loosening up around each other shakes the secrets out of dark corners where they can now be released... although Drew required a little more shaking ;) It was nice to see how they supported each other and yet had a realistic dynamic based on their very defined personalities. They had fabulous chemistry, and that first kiss- wow. I admit I read that scene a few times over (fans self). It was gratifying to see how the long time mystery unfolded and also watch the community band together to work hard for a new Fairwind Farm.

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