Heidi Reads...

Sunday, October 10, 2021

Review: Timeless Regency Collection: The Inns of Devonshire by Sally Britton, Annette Lyon, Deborah M. Hathaway

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Three novellas, three times the romance, and three times the love . . . in this brand new Timeless Regency Collection: The Inns of Devonshire

THE SEVENTH STAR INN by Sally Britton
After years of looking after one another, Susan Baxter and her mother view their neighbors in Totnes as family. When a new landlord inherits the leases on their homes and businesses alike, Susan dreads knowing her world could change at the whim of a stranger. But when she meets Collin Stonecroft and his inquisitive daughter, her feelings shift quickly from cautionary to hopeful. Collin has lived in the confines of London boarding houses all his life, and he’s determined to give his daughter more. They check into the Seventh Star Inn with plans to return to London as soon as possible, but both find Miss Baxter and her local history lessons far too enchanting to leave behind. When Susan learns of Collin’s proposed changes to her beloved neighborhood, will she be able to help him see that some things are perfect the way they are?

THE TRUTH ABOUT MR. BLACKMORE by Annette Lyon
Leigh’s life at the Old Grey Inn is drudgery broken by flights of fancy thanks in part to novels by Simon Blackmore. When Mattias McGrady comes to the inn for a fortnight, Leigh captures his attention. A relationship develops, and she dreads the end of his stay, which will mean a return to an unhappy life. An urgent letter to Mattias leads to him inviting Leigh to an event that stands to change both of their lives forever. If all goes well, Leigh will have a life of her choosing after all. But half-truths and lies have a way of complicating matters. When their plans go awry, Leigh loses her reputation and Mattias almost surely loses his career. Can either of them find happiness?

THE COACHMAN'S CHOICE by Deborah M. Hathaway
Ever-reliable Mary Thorne has helped her widowed mother run The Golden Mermaid Inn for years. She spends her days greeting guests, ensuring the inn runs smoothly—and dodging flirtatious remarks from passing coachmen. But she’s far too busy to pay any attention to such men, even the enticingly attractive Mr. Northcott. Known far and wide for his horsemanship, punctuality, and dallying reputation, Robert Northcott relishes his life as a coachman, especially his freedom to flirt with numerous women from inn to inn, all without the messy details of commitment. There’s just one woman who's immune to his charms: the lovely, single landlady of The Golden Mermaid. Robert is determined to win Mary over, just as heartily as she is determined to keep her distance from him. But his carefree life is threatened when his pursual of Mary becomes more than just a game...

My Review

This collection is delightful from start to finish! I loved the countryside setting with inns as a main feature. The role of the inn was different with each story, and I appreciated the variety. A similarity between them is that the heroine is in a situation with low marriage prospects, considered a spinster, when the opportunity for love arrive unexpectedly. I was enthralled with each story, and loved them each equally, which is the best thing ever in a collection! I give credit to the authors for creating characters that I could quickly relate to and connect with, interesting plots, and fun relationships of sweet romance blossoming with attraction and chemistry. Adding this one to the faves folder on my Kindle for re-reading in the future!

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.

About the Authors

Sally Britton is a wife, mother, and author who loves the world of romance, received her BA in English from Brigham Young University, and reads voraciously. She started her writing journey at the tender age of fourteen on an electric typewriter, and she’s never looked back.

Sally primarily lives in Oklahoma with her husband, four children, and Izzie the Aussie Shepherd. She loves researching, hiking, and eating too much chocolate.

Annette Lyon is a USA Today Bestselling author. She's won a Whitney Award (2010) and is an eight-time recipient of Utah's Best of State medal for fiction and short stories. She's the author of more than a dozen novels, even more novellas, a cookbook, a grammar guide, and some 120+ articles. She's worked as a professional editor for publishers and bestselling authors and graduated cum laude from BYU with a degree in English.

Deborah M. Hathaway graduated from Utah State University with a BA in Creative Writing. As a young girl, she devoured Jane Austen's novels while watching and re-watching every adaptation she could. She finds inspiration for her novels during her travels with her English husband to the United Kingdom, where she draws on the beauty of the country in such places as Ireland, Yorkshire, and her beloved Cornwall. Be sure to sign up for Deborah's Newsletter to stay updated on new releases, free and discounted Clean Romance novels, and more!

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Bookbub

Join the virtual book tour of THE INNS OF DEVONSHIRE, a collection of novellas by bestselling authors Sally Britton, Annette Lyon, & Deborah M. Hathaway, October 4-17, 2021. Thirty-five popular on-line influencers specializing in Regency romance, historical romance, and inspirational fiction will join in the celebration of the release of the 18th book in the bestselling Timeless Regency Collection with a spotlights, exclusive excerpts, and reviews of this new anthology set in Regency England.

Oct 04 Fire and Ice

Oct 04 Austenprose

Oct 04 Timeless Novels
Oct 05 Lu Reviews Books
Oct 05 Beauty in the Binding
Oct 05 For Where Your Treasure Is
Oct 06 Probably at the Library
Oct 06 Our Book Confessions
Oct 06 Bookworm Lisa
Oct 07 Literary Time Out
Oct 07 Reading with Emily
Oct 08 Bringing Up Books
Oct 08 Gwendalyn's Books
Oct 09 Becky on Books
Oct 09 Books and Socks Rock
Oct 10 The Christian Fiction Girl
Oct 10 Heidi Reads
Oct 11 My Jane Austen Book Club
Oct 11 Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen
Oct 11 Wishful Endings
Oct 12 So Little Time…
Oct 12 The Caffeinated Bibliophile
Oct 12 Laura's Reviews
Oct 13 Austenesque Reviews
Oct 13 Storeybook Reviews
Oct 13 Rosanne E. Lortz
Oct 14 From Pemberley to Milton
Oct 14 Chicks, Rogues and Scandals
Oct 14 Christian Chick's Thoughts
Oct 15 A Darn Good Read
Oct 15 Relz Reviewz
Oct 15 Reading is My Superpower
Oct 15 Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina
Oct 16 My Bookish Bliss

Oct 17 The Book Diva Reads

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Double Author Interview with Susan May Warren and James L. Rubart for the Blood from a Stone Book Tour & Giveaway!

Blood from a Stone JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Blood From a Stone by David James Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

The continuing adventures of Rembrandt Stone from the creative minds of James L. Rubart, Susan May Warren, and newcomer David Curtis Warren, writing collectively as David James Warren.

Title: Blood From a Stone
Series: The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone #5
Author: David James Warren
Publisher: TriStone Media
Release Date: October 5, 2021
Genre: Time Travel Detective Series

He fled the future with blood on his hands. Now, he’ll do anything to stop a killer.

Tragedy has yet again taken from Detective Rembrandt Stone everything he loves. Now, he has one last chance to get things right and stop a killer he’s been hunting across four timelines. Instead, he gets tangled in a petty crime that just might cost him his one chance at justice.

With two murders to stop, and thirty-eight lives still in the balance, Rembrandt must play his hand against time just right if he wants to win his future. Play it wrong and his life will stay shattered beyond repair.

What sacrifices will he have to make to come home to his wife and daughter?

The stakes have never been higher in the heart-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat fifth story of the True Lies of Rembrandt Stone.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

Interview with authors

Susan May Warren and James L. Rubart

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Susie: I’m the wife of a man who loves adventure, the mother of four amazing adult children, most who have inherited their father’s need to see the world, May-May to the most beautiful grand-daughter on the planet, dog mom to two rascally labradoodles, owner of Novel.Academy, a school that teaches authors how get published and build brilliant careers, co-founder of Sunrise Publishing, and USA Today best-selling, RITA award-winning novelist of over 85 books. Oh, and I scuba dive. 😊

Jim: I’m a twenty eight year old trapped inside an older man’s body. Uh, my wife says sometimes I’m a 12 year old boy who’s trapped … Darci is the love of my life, definitely my better three quarters. We live on a small lake in Eastern Washington state with our two cats. Our sons decided to leave us when they reached adulthood and we love them dearly. I’m a bestselling, Christy Hall of Fame author, audio book narrator, speaker, and co-owner of The Rubart Writing Academy where my son and I show people how they can reach the same dreams I have.

What do you do besides writing?

Susie: I am an DIY home remodel addict…I love to design a remodel and implement it. It is not beyond me to stop my SUV and rescue old furniture off the side of the road and give it new life. I need a bigger garage.

Jim: You know those people who have few hobbies? I’m the antithesis of that. I love to water ski, snow ski, dirt bike, ride bicycles, hike, backpack, play golf, play guitar, do photography, do sleight of hand, and scuba dive. (But Susie and I haven’t gone yet together. Someday!)

What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

Susie: The music, by far. I have a classic rock playlist and ever time Rem got in his car, I imagined what tunes would accompany his journey to the next location. I also enjoyed playing with time…messing with Rem and his futures (and pasts!) so I could see him grow into the amazing character he becomes.

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?

Susie: For sure. Seeing them is huge…and actually, I like to find a TV or movie character that sort of embodies Rem. I saw Rem in Henry Cavill, who plays a panicked detective in an old movie entitled, Night Hunter. Great movie and great inspiration for Rem!

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

The entire collection of Journey, some Creedence, Kansas, 38 Special and occasionally Bryan Adams. Yeah, it was fun.

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

Susie: That no matter what happens, your past helps you become who you are today, the lessons you learned were valuable, and that there is a purpose in everything, if we’re willing to trust and wait for it.

Jim: That regrets are chains that hold us back from truly living. If we’re always looking back, we can’t see the bright future coming right at us. How do we know it’s bright? Because there are always second chances, and third and fourth and fifth chances. We just need to be open to seeing them.

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

Susie: Currently, I’m working on a 3 book series for Revell, set in Alaska. But, I’m always noodling on where time and adventure could take me…and my readers. So, stay tuned!

Jim: I’m working on my first non-fiction book, about father’s and sons; how to raise them well. Also a contemporary novel based on Satan’s request to sift Peter like wheat.

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

CONNECT WITH REMBRANDT STONE: Website | Instagram

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James L. Rubart, Susan May Warren, David Curtis Warren

James L. Rubart is 28 years old, but lives trapped inside an older man’s body. He’s the best-selling, Christy Hall of Fame author of ten novels and loves to send readers on mind-bending journeys they’ll remember months after they finish one of his stories. He’s dad to the two most outstanding sons on the planet and lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington. More at http://jameslrubart.com/

CONNECT WITH JAMES: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award–winning author of more than eighty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. The mother of four grown children, and married to her real-life hero for over 30 years, she loves traveling and telling stories about life, adventure, and faith. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

David Curtis Warren is making his literary debut in these novels, and he’s never been more excited. He looks forward to creating more riveting stories with Susie and Jim, as well as on his own. He’s grateful for his co-writers, family, and faith, buoying him during the pandemic of 2020, and this writing and publishing process.

CONNECT WITH DAVID: Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Blood from a Stone and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 5, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 12, 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, October 5, 2021

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Single Dad's Holiday Match by Tanya Agler

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Single Dad's Holiday Match

(Smoky Mountain First Responders #1)

By Tanya Agler

Contemporary Romance, Sweet Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages

September 28, 2021 by Harlequin Heartwarming

'Tis the season… For unexpected love!

Officer Jonathan Maxwell is just as devoted to his job as he is to his two young daughters, leaving zero time for a social life. Until he meets Brooke Novak. The newly hired community center director is a single parent, too, and also part of his latest investigation. Jonathan needs Brooke’s help if he's going to close his case by Thanksgiving…but she might be the biggest distraction from keeping his mind on his job.

(Affiliate links included.)

Excerpt

If news of this visit reached Mr. Whitley, it would serve her better if the transaction had occurred during her predecessor’s tenure. As it was, she only had six months to turn this center around, and this wasn’t a good beginning.

“Just gathering facts, Mrs. Novak.”

“Ms. Novak.” She shrugged as they reached the front of the building. “Brooke works, too. The computer lab is on the second level. Follow me.”

Noise crackled on his walkie-talkie, and she stepped back while he answered.

“I’m going to take a rain check on that tour of the lab.” He glanced at the blue sky, dotted with white fluffy clouds against the verdant mountain peaks, a change from the flatter, brown landscape of Houston. “Not that there’s a hint of rain around.”

That smile surfaced again along with a glimpse of his appealing sense of humor, and her gaze went to his left ring finger, which was bare. She blinked away any curiosity about his marital status while he waited for her to enter the building. Though the officer had an easygoing manner, he’d transitioned to all business when it came to questions regarding this morning’s accident. His trail would hopefully peter out somewhere else. The last thing she needed was for the center to become embroiled in a fake ID scheme.

As much as she wanted to return his smile, not that it was aimed at her as anything other than the director of the center, she couldn’t. She liked her job and intended to keep it. Colin wasn’t the only Novak to like Hollydale, not by a long shot.

Excerpted from The Single Dad’s Holiday Match by Tanya Agler, Copyright © 2021 by Tanya Agler. Published by Harlequin Heartwarming.

Bookstagram Tour

Check out the Bookstagram Tour HERE, which has its own giveaway!

October 4th:
@travelerswife4life
@wishfulendings
October 5th:
@pickagoodbook
@bookisheclectic
October 6th:
@heidireadsblog
@savingsinseconds
October 7th:
@suziewaltner
@jhannabass
@stories.buddy

October 8th:
@bookwormjourney
@curlygrannylovestoread

About the Author

Tanya Agler is a write-at-home mom, wife, and beagle and bunny wrangler who writes sweet contemporary category romance, three of which have been published by Harlequin Heartwarming. She moved often as a child, attending twelve different schools before attending the University of Georgia where she received degrees in journalism and law.

She lives in Georgia with her wonderful husband and her four kids (Kath, MJ, Cupcake, and Chunk). She often talks about her new rescue beagle, Linus, on Twitter and Facebook. One of her favorite things to do is to curl up with a glass of iced tea and a dessert while watching a classic movie (think all the way back to Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn, snappy dialogue, and shoulder pads).

She loves visiting new parts of the country while attending writers’ conferences.

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Sheriff’s Second Chance by Tanya Agler, winner's choice of print (US only) or ebook

Ends October 13, 2021

ENTER HERE