Heidi Reads...

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Review: The Friend Zone by Sariah Wilson

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Disgraced college quarterback Logan Hunt was on his way to NFL stardom when he messed up big-time. Now the Texas star player with a bad temper has a new option: Seattle’s EOL College—as in End of the Line, to his fellow misfit recruits. It’s Logan’s last chance. If he can follow the rules. No parties, no fighting, no swearing, and oh, no dating the coach’s daughter, Jess. Simple. Yeah, right. For Logan, there has never been a rule he’s more tempted to break.

The deal is “just friends.” The pretty, confident, and fiercely smart math whiz is fine with pizza, tutoring, and keeping Logan in line. But the closer Jess gets, the more receptive she is to his warm heart and spirit—not to mention his irresistible off-field passes. With defenses down, they’re both heading into the danger zone.

It’s more than thrilling. It’s love. It’s also a game changer that could sideline Logan’s NFL goals—and more important, a future with Jess. But dreams are worth fighting for, right?

My Review

This is a fun, angsty, chemistry-filled college romp! Logan and Jess have both been through some rough things in their pasts, and have both changed in fundamental ways. I liked the depth to their characters and the great banter. There were also things I didn't really get about them, but it made the story interesting even if it prevented me from fully connecting with the characters. There's tons of romantic tension as Logan helps Jess get Ben while falling for her himself, and Jess is slow on the uptake to figure out what she really wants and needs. I love the idea of a valued coach working at a junior college and recruiting players who need a second chance, sending them back into the big leagues more prepared for life.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the next book in the End of the Line series . . .

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: An Uncommon Earl by Sian Ann Bessey

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Alexander Allerton, the Earl of Bloxley’s, greatest desire is to alleviate the suffering of the poor and less fortunate of England. So when his hackney carriage is involved in an accident that results in the death of one of those he is determined to help, he is devastated. Alexander vows to keep the promise he makes to the injured woman as she takes her final breaths: he will not rest until he finds her young son.

After a crippling accident years ago, Jane Hadford is accustomed to being largely ignored at social events. But being overlooked has allowed her to hone her observational skills—and she quickly perceives that all is not well with the handsome Lord Bloxley. When an unexpected opportunity arises to talk to the earl, he surprises them both by sharing with her his fruitless search for the child. Touched by Lord Bloxley’s story and by his desire to make things right, Jane determines to help him fulfill his promise. What she cannot anticipate, however, is that the quest she has chosen to undertake will bring into her life a small boy who will steal her heart and a gentleman who might well do the same.

My Review

I love these characters! Alexander and Jane were easy to get to know and see how perfect they are for each other. It was fun to see them discover that for themselves as they work together to find the child and also uncover some troubling secrets. The way Alexander fights for improved working conditions for children, specifically chimney sweeps, is admirable and shows his patience and determination through the slow process. He sees Jane for who she truly is and values her the way society doesn't. The pace of the book is steady and as the mystery slowly unfolds I didn't want to put it down. The romance is sweet and blooms naturally as the friendship and affection between Alexander and Jane deepens. Another wonderful book from a favorite author!

Don't miss the author's previous book . . .

GIVEAWAY

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Review: Isabelle and Alexander by Rebecca Anderson

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

https://deseretbook.com/p/lakeshire-park-ppr?ref=Grid%20%7C%20Search-1&variant_id=180177-paperback

Synopsis

Isabelle Rackham knows she will not marry for love. Though arranged marriages have fallen out of fashion, hers has been settled for some time to combine the upper-middle-class wealth of her father’s coal mines with Alexander Osgood’s prospering Northern country textile mills. Though not a man prone to romantic gestures, Alexander is well-known as an eligible bachelor. His good looks have turned more than one head, so Isabelle is content to think of herself as Alexander’s wife.

However, her marriage is not what she expected. Northern England is nothing like her home farther west in the lake country. Cold, dreary, and dark, the soot from the textile mills creates a gray hue that seems to cling to everything in the city of Manchester. Alexander is distant and aloof, preferring to spend his time at the mill rather than with her at home. Their few conversations are brief, polite, and lacking any emotion, leaving Isabelle lonely and desperately homesick.

Sensing his wife’s unhappiness, Alexander suggests a trip to his country estate. Isabelle hopes this will be an opportunity to get to know her new husband without the distractions of his business. But the change of scenery doesn’t bring them any closer. While riding together on horses, Alexander is thrown from his and becomes paralyzed. Tragedy or destiny? The help and care that Alexander now needs is Isabelle’s opportunity to forge a connection and create a deep and romantic love where nothing else could.

My Review

I absolutely loved the moody North and South vibe in this book! Isabelle struggles with the realities of her new circumstances, especially the landscape and the loneliness. I liked seeing the character growth in her as she handles obstacle after obstacle, and I wished to be able to know the thoughts of Alexander as he faces his own unexpected trials. I found it beautiful the way they were able to finally connect as they traveled their new road together. Their roles of caretaker and "invalid" made their relationship more difficult, but also gave them the opportunity to breach their defenses and come to really know each other and deepen their love. I liked the friends Isabelle made along the way and felt that they rounded out the story and added even more depth. Although I didn't feel the emotional connection to the characters like I had hoped, I enjoyed the story and the details.

About the Author

Rebecca Anderson is the nom de plume of contemporary romance novelist Becca Wilhite, author of Wedding Belles: A Novel in Four Parts, Check Me Out, and My Ridiculous Romantic Obsessions. Isabelle and Alexander is her debut historical romance novel.

High school English teacher by day, writer by night (or very early morning), she loves hiking, Broadway shows, food, books, and movies. She is happily married and a mom to four above-average kids.

Blog Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway: Finding Uncle Newton and his Nemesis by Douglas P. Cornelius

Finding Uncle Newton JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Finding Uncle Newton and his Nemesis by Douglas P. Cornelius, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Finding Uncle Newton and his Nemesis
Author: Douglas P. Cornelius
Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
Release Date: March 15, 2021
Genre: Middle Grade/Teen Historical Fiction (age 13-17)

She is outgoing, but orphaned. He is introverted, but a world-renowned scientist. Would moving in with Uncle Isaac Newton work? When his head was always in a book or the Bible?

Teen-aged Catherine Barton tries desperately to connect, so seeks a match for her energy in the London coffeehouses. That women were not welcome there in the late 1690’s would not stop her, and she does find promising boyfriend John.

Meanwhile, Uncle Isaac, as new Warden of the Mint, has his own challenges—nabbing counterfeiters, including the notorious, William Chaloner. He enlists Catherine to spy at the coffeehouse, and she welcomes the bond—all until boyfriend John gets implicated in a counterfeiting scheme.

Then a case of smallpox, a pandemic scourge that had killed millions just decades earlier, sends her off to dreaded isolation in the countryside.

And Uncle Isaac’s battle to nab the devious Chaloner turns into a challenging chess match. Will famous scientist Newton be embarrassed by a scofflaw from the street? Will Catherine ever find her true connection?

Based on actual historical events and people. Author is a prior recipient of Moonbeam and Illumination Awards for books for faith-driven teens.

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

Guest Post from Author Douglas P. Cornelius

Why learn about important historical figures through fiction rather than a biography?

I believe, at the onset, that fiction has a better chance of drawing the reader in. For today’s young reader, with so many resources competing for his or her attention, a story with a plot and a protagonist struggling to attain some goal, should sustain attention. Afterwards, if an interest in a particular person of history is generated, the youth can then follow up to get more detail to be found in the biography.

But what about the argument that fiction distorts the real life of an actual person? With my writing, I stay true to the key elements of that person’s character as well as the order of events in his or her life. Therein lies the challenge—to wrap a story around those constraints. It helps that most of the fiction relates to the imaginary characters who interact with the key person. Other variances can also be explained in the epilogue.

In addition, a fictional story, not bound by the shackles of a recitation of dates and events, typically uses a more expansive means of expression. You’ll probably find more adjectives, adverbs, and words that try to connect with emotions and feelings, as they are key to drawing the reader in as life events unfold involving forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation. (Bye the way, all this serves to promote writing skills of the reader, as well.)

In sum, I believe with historical fiction there is a good chance the reader will benefit in two main ways: learning about the life-impacting contributions of a Christian champion he or she should know about at some point, and being entertained along the way by an intriguing story. Too many books today have one or the other, but not both.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Illumination and Moonbeam award-winning author Douglas P. Cornelius hails from the Twin Cities, MN. He began writing after careers at Target, Ameriprise, and 3M. A Cornell University graduate, his hope is to reveal the lives of impactful Christian figures through story, rather than biography. Doug has been married for 45 years and has two children, three grandchildren, cat Selah, and new puppy Scout.

CONNECT WITH DOUGLAS: Website | Twitter

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Finding Uncle Newton and his Nemesis, winner's choice of another book by the author, and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 4, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 11, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US 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.

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: A Torn Allegiance by Jen Geigle Johnson

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Peace is tenuous in the small kingdom of Oldenburg, and the looming threat of invasion from Napoleon weighs heavily on the royal family. Their country’s best chance for safety lies in strengthening their alliance with the English. So it is that Prince Hayes Wilhelm finds himself returning to England, where he hopes a prominent duke can help him protect his country.

Lady Elsie longs to make a difference in the world, but spying was not quite what she had in mind. So when her father, the Duke of Shelby, approaches her about keeping a close eye on the visiting crown prince of Oldenburg, she reluctantly agrees. But the outspoken young woman did not anticipate finding in Hayes a man who shares—and respects—her progressive ideas. Their mutual attraction is undeniable, but Elsie cannot forget her charge to spy on the man who is quickly stealing her heart. With the threat of war looming ever closer, Elsie and Hayes must consider carefully whom to trust—before their secrets tear them apart.

My Review

I enjoyed this story with a nice blend of history, intrigue, and sweet romance. Elsie and Hayes both have engaging personalities and it's no surprise that they take to each other so quickly as they spend time together during the Season. Elsie is excited to aid her father by "spying" on the prince, but I would say it was less spying and more getting to know him and discerning his motives. She is frustrated since he enjoys conversations of cultural and societal topics rather than the threats his nation faces, and she sees just enough of his dealings to know there is more going on- but not enough to know what it means. Meanwhile they develop a wonderful relationship and the intrigue takes a backseat until the climax towards the end of the book. It was nice to see how they connected in so many ways and took the time to come to know and trust one another in the middle of complicated circumstances.

Don't miss the first book in the Royal Regency series . . .

Giveaway

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Monday, May 3, 2021