Heidi Reads...

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Falling in Love Event: Author Julie Wright, Sale & Giveaway!

Lies Jane Austen Told Me by Julie Wright

Ever since Emma read Pride and Prejudice, she's been in love with Mr. Darcy and has regarded Jane Austen as the expert on all things romantic. So naturally when Emma falls for Blake Hampton and he invites her home to meet his parents, she is positive an engagement is in her future. After all, Blake is a single man in possession of a good fortune, and thus must be in want of a wife. But when it turns out that what Blake actually wants is more of a hook-up than a honeymoon, Emma is hurt, betrayed, and furious. She throws herself deeper into her work as CMO of Kinetics, the fastest growing gym franchise in the nation. She loves her work, and she's good at it, which is why she bristles when her boss brings in a consultant to help her spearhead the new facilities on the East Coast. Her frustration turns to shock when that consultant turns out to be Blake's younger brother, Lucas. Emma is determined not to fall for Lucas, but as she gets to know him, she realizes that Lucas is nothing like his brother. He is kind and attentive and spends his time and money caring for the less fortunate. What she can't understand is why Lucas continues to try to push her back into Blake's arms when he so clearly has fallen as hard for her as she has fallen for him. Realizing that her love life is as complicated as anything Jane Austen could have dreamed up, Emma must find a way to let Blake know that it's time for him to let her go and to let Lucas know it's time for him to love her back.

AMAZON * Deseret Book

"Wright does contemporary romance right in this diverting novel with just enough heft."-Publishers Weekly

"Employing her own deliciously dry sense of wit, Wright deftly pays homage to the inherent romantic wisdom found in Austen's classic novels in this delightfully fun and refreshingly sweet contemporary romance."-Booklist

"Modern, clever, and funny, Wright's novel is a smart remix of tropes from Austen's work. Lies Jane Austen Told Me is a satisfying and sweet contemporary romance that knits together romantic classics with modern manners."-Foreword Reviews

Author Julie Wright

Julie Wright (1972-still breathing) was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. She's lived in LA, Boston, and the literal middle of nowhere (don't ask). She wrote her first book when she was fifteen. Since then, she's written twenty three novels and coauthored three. Julie is a two-time winner of the Whitney award for best romance with her books "Cross My Heart" and "Lies Jane Austen Told Me" and has also won the Crown Heart award. Her book "Death Thieves" was a Whitney finalist for 2016. She is agented by Sara Crowe. She has one husband, three kids, two salamanders, one dog, and a varying amount of fish (depending on attrition). She loves writing, reading, traveling, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner.

Giveaway Details Ends 10/1/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. 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. This 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: Promises and Primroses by Josi S. Kilpack

Heidi Reads... Promises and Primroses by Josi S. Kilpack

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

https://deseretbook.com/p/mayfield-family-v1-promises-and-primroses?variant_id=161083-paperback

Synopsis

Lord Elliott Mayfield aims to correct the very messy marital mistakes and spousal scandals of his brothers and sisters by requiring his nieces and nephews to choose worthy companions. If they choose wisely, they will receive their generous share of the family’s inheritance.

Peter, Elliott’s eldest nephew, thinks the entire idea is ridiculous. A widower with two young daughters, he simply needs a governess, not a wife. Julia Hollingsworth certainly has the credentials and the experience, but is altogether too young and pretty for such a job. So why can’t he stop thinking about her?

Julia loves working as a governess, despite the objections of her mother, Amelia. And as it turns out, Amelia has a lot to say about the Mayfield men—none of it good. But Julia dismisses the rumors of ruined reputations and instead concentrates on helping Peter with his children and his fledgling business in canine husbandry. His kindness and gentleness is endearing—and increasingly attractive.

But Amelia, whose heart was broken thirty years ago by none other than Elliott Mayfield, is determined to prevent any relationship from blooming either between Peter and Julia—or between herself and Elliott.

Hearts and history collide as both couples must face their pasts and decide if risking it all is worth the promise of new love and a new future.

My Review

This is a book I finished with a sigh and satisfied smile. Isn't that the best feeling? The premise of the book and series with Lord Elliot's marriage campaign is unique and intriguing, and I'm looking forward to the books that are sure to follow. This first book focused not only on the oldest nephew, Peter, but also explored the history of Lord Elliot's past relationship with Peter's governess's mother. The four-person point of view wasn't overwhelming at all, but seamlessly woven together in a lovely balance as each character worked through their issues. I especially loved Julia and her selfless service for Peter and his children, even though she doesn't have a need for employment. The slowly blossoming romance between her and Peter was oh-so-good and despite the conflicting family dynamics, they are able to find their way to a happily-ever after. Such a wonderful Regency romance with depth and the promise of more to come!

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

GIVEAWAY: One Year Subscription to Audiobooks.com!

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Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Cost of Betrayal by Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, Lynette Eason

Welcome to THE COST OF BETRAYAL Blitz with JustRead Publicity Tours.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Cost of Betrayal

Authors: Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, Lynette Eason

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: September 4, 2018

Genre: Novella Collection / Romantic Suspense

FAITH WILL BE TESTED. TRUST SHATTERED.

THREE BESTSELLING ROMANTIC SUSPENSE WRITERS REUNITE FOR NOVELLAS OF DEADLY BETRAYAL.

Dee Henderson - "Betrayed"

After serving six years of a twenty-year sentence for a murder she didn't commit, Janelle Roberts is finally freed. But the truth is still waiting to be discovered, and a murderer is still at large. Janelle needs to be somewhere safe with someone she can trust. She may not survive another act of treachery.

Dani Pettrey - "Deadly Isle"

Tennyson Kent is trapped on the isolated island of her childhood by a storm surge, and she is shocked when the typically idyllic community turns into the hunting grounds of a murderer. Cut off from any help from the mainland, will she and first love Callen Frost be able to identify and stop a killer before they become the next victims?

Lynette Eason - "Code of Ethics"

When Detective Isaac Martinez lands in the ER with a gunshot wound, he pulls through thanks to trauma surgeon Ruthie St. John. But as the witness to a crime and possible corruption, Martinez is at risk from someone intent on silencing him--and those around him--forever. When he barely survives another attack while recovering, both he and Ruthie must flee, trying to outrun deadly killers while locating the evidence they need to end the danger.

TO PURCHASE A COPY*

EXCERPT

From Code of Ethics by Lynette Eason

Ruthie slid the chart back into its slot and slipped down the hall to room four. She pushed open the door and came to an abrupt halt. A young man dressed in green scrubs held a syringe, ready to push it into her patient’s IV. “Excuse me. Who are you?”

The person turned and shot her a small smile. “I’m the new night nurse. I was just getting ready to give Mr. Martinez here his medicine.”

“I just read his chart. He’s already had it.”

But the person had already turned back to the port. He inserted the needle.

Ruthie gasped. “I’m his doctor and I said stop!”

He continued to ignore her. Fear for the man in the bed overrode anything else. She lunged forward and shoved the nurse away. He stumbled backward with a surprised cry while the syringe fell from the port and tumbled to the floor.

He shot to his feet. His dark eyes glittered, menace emanating from him. Chills enveloped Ruthie. He was no nurse. He sprang at her and wrapped his fingers around her throat.

She let out a scream before his grip tightened and cut her air off.

Realization finally hit.

This man was here to kill her patient.

But he was going to do his best to kill her first.

****

Isaac woke at the sound of the scream. Instinct had him reaching for his weapon only to find his hand flailing uselessly at his side. Sounds of a scuffle reached him and he tried to speak. A crash sounded. Another scream.

“What’s going on in here?”

A curse.

Then scrambling, running footsteps.

“Security! And I need a doctor! Ruthie, are you okay?”

Isaac worked himself into a sitting position, hating the weakness and the flashes of pain. The door opened and several hospital workers rushed in.

“Ruthie!”

Isaac looked down to see a woman on the floor and another woman squatting in front of her. “Hey.”

The first woman, dressed in street clothes, scrambled to her feet and focused on him. “You need to lay back down. You don’t want to move wrong and tear that wound open.” She sounded hoarse.

He waved a hand. “I’m fine. What happened?”

“You’re not fine, you’ve been shot. And had surgery. Don’t mess up my work.” She touched the bandage on his shoulder. “No blood, that’s good. How do you feel?”

“Like I’ve been shot. Who are you?”

She jolted and snapped her gaze up to meet his.

And that’s when he noticed the red marks that would soon turn to bruises. He blinked and reached out to stroke the side of her neck. She flinched away. “Who choked you, and why?”

“I’m Dr. Ruthie St. John, the surgeon who removed the bullet in your shoulder earlier today. As for who tried to choke me, I’m not sure. But he was trying to jam this into your IV.” She held up a syringe.

For more excerpts from the other stories in The Cost of Betrayal, be sure to check out the other stops on the tour!

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dee Henderson is the author of numerous novels, including Taken, Undetected, Unspoken, Full Disclosure, and the acclaimed O'Malley and Uncommon Heroes series. Her books have won or been nominated for several prestigious industry awards, such as the RITA Award, the Christy Award, and the ECPA Gold Medallion. Dee is a lifelong resident of Illinois.

CONNECT WITH DEE: website | facebook

Dani Pettrey is a wife, mom, grandma, and the author of the Chesapeake Valor series, and the Alaskan Courageromantic suspense series, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and Sabotaged. Her books have been honored with the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, a Christy Award nomination, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award, among others.
She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves—the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their two daughters, a son-in-law, and a super adorable grandson.

CONNECT WITH DANI: website | facebook | twitter | pinterest | instagram

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Oath of Honor and Called to Protect, as well as the Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and the Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master's degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children.

CONNECT WITH LYNETTE: website | facebook | twitter

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) Winner will win The Perfect Hideout JustRead Book Box!!! It includes a copy of The Cost of Betrayal and many more goodies!
For more info on the box or want one yourself, check out our Etsy Shop.

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight September 4, 2018 and last through 11:59 PM EST on September 12, 2018. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Due to shipping cost, only US mailing addresses valid. For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.

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Be sure to visit a stop on the tour each day for extra entries!

TOUR SCHEDULE

For the full tour schedule, click on either of the launch pages below.

(All stops expected to post by 12:00 NOON EST)

Launch Post @JustReadTours
Launch Post @JustCommonly

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Monday, September 3, 2018

Review & Giveaway: The Shipbuilder's Wife by Jennifer Moore

Heidi Reads... The Shipbuilder's Wife by Jennifer Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

https://deseretbook.com/p/shipbuilders-wife?variant_id=165721-paperback

Synopsis

The day of her parents’ garden party dawns bright as Lydia Prescott eagerly anticipates a marriage proposal from a handsome and wealthy plantation owner. The lovely debutante plans to steal a moment away with her beau, but her plans go terribly awry. Instead of her intended, she is joined by a stranger—the largest man she’s ever laid eyes on. And it is clear Jacob Steele is there for reasons far more sober than the party. With British raids erupting all around them, it is his job to reassure plantation owners of their safety. In reality, however, Jacob is an espionage agent, and the truth is dire: America is on the verge of invasion by the British. Blissfully unaware of the danger surrounding her, Lydia basks in the glow of her recent engagement. But her joy is short-lived—a surprise British attack results in a devastating wound, and her plans for the future are shattered. Lost in her devastation, Lydia could never dream that Jacob, that giant of a man she met so briefly, would prove to be her saving grace. And with a war raging around them, she may be called upon to save him too.

My Review

I loved learning details about the War of 1812 from a more personal perspective, which is one reason I enjoy historical fiction. This author in particular is gifted at exposing me to times, locations, or events that I know little about, and enlarging my perspective of the world and the people in it. The danger, harsh circumstances, and struggles kept me turning the pages, and the gentle romance that grew between Lydia and Jacob tempered the heavier aspects of the plot. Lydia undergoes a definite change from the beginning of the book, and I admired the way her compassion for others grew into a selfless nature. The story is also told from Jacob's perspective, and he was an intriguing character with all the qualities I look for in a hero- strong and brave, yet vulnerable in ways not always seen at first. I loved the feeling of patriotism and devotion to a cause that is larger than themselves. Definitely a book that will be enjoyed and loved by fans of historical fiction and sweet romance.

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

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