Review: The Innkeeper's Bride by Kathleen Fuller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Bestselling author Kathleen Fuller returns to the Amish community of Birch Creek, where an inn provides the perfect backdrop for romance.

Levi Stoll moved to Birch Creek with his widowed father, sister, and grandmother to run a much-needed inn in the small town. Within this thriving community Levi has found his purpose and joy in the new inn. It doesn’t hurt that the move also provides him a fresh start, leaving behind some mistakes he’d much rather forget.

Selah Ropp has returned to Birch Creek after trying to outrun her own unhappiness. Genuinely glad to be back with old friends, Selah starts to work at the inn and can’t deny the sparks that fly between her and the handsome innkeeper. He’s like no man she’s ever met.

But Selah has a past, and she knows Levi will reject her if he discovers it. What she doesn’t know is that Levi is overcoming his own past mistakes while trying to ignore his attraction to his employee.

With Kathleen Fuller’s trademark humor and memorable characters, The Innkeeper’s Bride reminds us all that with God’s grace, the past is forgotten and love will reign supreme.

My Review

I was so happy to see Selah get her own happy ending! She was a complicated character in the previous books in the series, so it was nice to learn more about her past and understand her struggle with depression. I enjoyed the cast of characters which included Levi's family, Selah's friends and family, and a non-Amish guest at the inn with secrets of his own. I thought the plot was interesting and added another dimension to the story when it delved into the father-son relationship of Jackson, the guest, and his father who owns a local motel and feels threatened by the new Amish inn. We also see the elderly couple, Cevilla and Richard, hit some rocky spots along their relationship journey. Levi is such a likeable guy, and even though he and Selah have their own ups and downs, their friendship was wonderful and naturally blossomed into more. This has been a delightful series with fun characters and a heart-warming community.

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

---

Don't miss the other books in the Amish Brides of Birch Creek series . . .

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Once Upon an Irish Summer by Wendy Wilson Spooner

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for Once Upon an Irish Summer by Wendy Wilson Spooner, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Once Upon an Irish Summer
Author: Wendy Wilson Spooner
Publisher: Ambassador International
Release Date: April 3, 2020
Genre: Young Adult Historical Romance

Two teenagers, two centuries, one city.

1817 Ireland - Allen Hamilton crosses the Atlantic alone to find a way to save his family from imminent financial and social ruin before it's too late. Instead he is met with prejudice, sickness, and starvation.

2018 Fort Wayne, Indiana - A gifted young artist struggles with debilitating grief after a sudden death in her family. When she unearths Allen Hamilton's noble rise from rags to riches in Antebellum America, their shared connection inspires her own healing and renewed inspiration.

Based on a 200-year-old letter collection, Once Upon an Irish Summer brings to life and weaves together this true story of romance, mystery, and hope.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook

---

EXCERPT

“It was the most cutting-edge, all-wooden fort ever built in North America, designed for defense by only seventy-five men.”

“Defense from what?”

“France, England, Indians, mostly. Can you imagine living here surrounded by only thick forest, wild animals, and Indians?”

“Um, no. That sounds scary.”

Preston nodded. “This place was an outpost on the edge of nowhere, absolutely nothing. Just forest and wilderness for hundreds of miles.”

“Gosh. That makes a crazy picture in my head. I don’t remember much from our grade school history lessons.”

“That’s because history bores you, Beth.”

“You’re right about that. But I’ve never had a decent history teacher, either. Seriously, last year? Mr. Belch—that’s really his name—droned on and on about nothing and had the worst breath ever.”

Preston laughed. “Well, did you ever think about what Mr. Belch droned on and on about?”

“No. Why would I? History isn’t my thing, you know?”

Preston shook his head. “You’re missing out, Beth—” He stopped talking, and a wide grin spread across his face.

I stared at him. “What?”

He tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. “I’m going to change your mind.”

“About what?”

“Hello. History.”

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Wendy Wilson Spooner became a novelist after writing academically and for family history clients. Her love of history compels her to write the true stories she unearths during research, and she's found that truth is indeed much more exciting and inspiring than fiction! She writes about family, faith, grief, art, and overcoming obstacles in life by coming to know who we truly are—children of God, and the descendants of remarkable people who paved the way for us—even if they really struggled. Wendy believes in learning from our ancestors, honoring them, and standing on their shoulders to become someone even better. When not writing, Wendy currently serves as Vice-Chair for Daughters of the American Revolution over the American Heritage Contest in Art and Sculpture. She also loves to hike, paint, travel and spend time with her favorite people—her family.

CONNECT WITH WENDY: Website | Facebook | Instagram  

---

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Once Upon an Irish Summer with a gorgeous Irish bookmark!!

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 April 28, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on May 5, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US mailing addresses only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

 

---

 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Review & Giveaway: The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

He's doing what he can to save the Prince Regent's life . . . but can he save his new marriage as well?

Evan Eldridge never meant to be a war hero--he just wanted to fight Napoleon for the future of his country. And he certainly didn't think that saving the life of a peer would mean being made the Earl of Whitelock. But when the life you save is dear to the Prince Regent, things can change in a hurry.

Now Evan has a new title, a manor house in shambles, and a stranger for a bride, all thrust upon him by a grateful ruler. What he doesn't have are all his memories. Traumatized as a result of his wounds and bravery on the battlefield, Evan knows there's something he can't quite remember. It's important, dangerous--and if he doesn't recall it in time, will jeopardize not only his marriage but someone's very life.

Readers who enjoy Julie Klassen, Carolyn Miller, and Kristi Ann Hunter will love diving into this brand-new Regency series filled with suspense, aristocratic struggles, and a firm foundation of faith.

Read an excerpt from Kregel by clicking here!

---

My Review

Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes because I love seeing the characters get to know each other in such close circumstances and overcome unique obstacles to become partners in heart. The themes of trust and integrity are explored here as secrets play a big part in the conflict and plot. Evan and Diana both have traumatic experiences they are dealing with- Evan from the war and Diana from her abusive father. I loved the way these two hurting people were able to come together and help each other begin to heal. The romance was perfect and I appreciated the subtle humor that was woven in. This is the first Regency book I've read where the Prince Regent plays such a meddling role! The author hit a perfect balance between development of the characters and their relationship and the suspense and intrigue that kept the pace of the book moving forward toward the climax and satisfying conclusion. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series! Definitely one that fans of sweet romance won't want to miss!

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

---

About the Author

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.  

Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.

A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England.

Connect with Erica Vetsch and learn more about her books: 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

---

The next book in the Serendipity & Secrets series is available for pre-order!

---

Giveaway