Review: The Last Way Home by Liz Johnson

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

When Eli Ross left Prince Edward Island to join the NHL, he left a broken family behind. More than a decade later, he's broke and headed home to an uncertain welcome. He wants to make things right with the family he wronged, but his mom's business partner isn't making it easy. To top it off, the coaching job he's accepted turns out to be far more difficult than he anticipated.

For years, Violet Donaghy has put everything she had into making Eli's mom's ceramics shop a success, and she's not eager to forgive the man who hurt the family that's taken her in as one of their own. But when the kiln at the shop starts a fire that nearly destroys the studio, she'll need all the help she can get to save the business and their summer income.

Can these two strong-willed people come together to mend the broken pieces of the Ross family? Or will the ghosts of the past continue to haunt them?

Return to Prince Edward Island for a romantic story of family, forgiveness, and the power of love.

My Review

I loved this story so much! There's something magical about Prince Edward Island, especially for fans of Anne of Green Gables. This contemporary romance doesn't shy away from the harder things in life, and it makes the redemption story of Eli all the sweeter. Violet also has a tough past that she still hasn't made peace with. They are drawn together through their connection with his family, and they both acknowledge that they have secrets and are curious about each other's. Over time they recognize the good in each other and working together to help Mama Potts gives them a common goal. The author does a wonderful job of connecting with the emotions of the characters and I was glued to the pages as I read the book straight through. Both Eli and Violet develop in their faith and also their sense of belonging as they process their thoughts and feelings with each other and move forward towards a brighter future. It was so fun to have a cameo of the characters from the author's other PEI series when Eli and Violet stumble across the Red Door Inn. Immediately after finishing this book I read the first book in the series, Beyond the Tides, which is also excellent. I can't wait for Levi's story with the next book!

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.

Check out the first book in the Prince Edward Island Shores series . . .

Review: The Baby's Christmas Blessing by Meghann Whistler

 

 

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A second chance at love... with a newborn as matchmaker!

Nothing will be merry about Steve Weston’s Christmas if he doesn’t find a nanny for his newborn nephew fast. But the best choice is Chloe Richardson, the woman he pushed away years ago. He has a second chance at making the season’s joy last for a lifetime—unless he allows old wounds to separate them once more…

My Review

I loved the holiday setting as Aiden and Chloe are reunited when his aunt hires her to be an emergency nanny for Aiden's infant nephew after his sister unexpectedly dies. Chloe was extremely hurt when Aiden didn't keep in touch after a summer kiss as youth, but as the story progresses we learn about Aiden's unfortunate family circumstances which makes it easier for her to find closure and forgive him. Their attraction is still there, however they are both in transitional phases of life which keeps them holding back. It was difficult to see how they could make a future work without Chloe giving up her dream of teaching, but the magic of the holidays and the love of a sweet baby helped them overcome their challenges and find a way forward together.

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.

Blog Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway: Healing Hazel by Jennifer Moore

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Healing Hazel by Jennifer Moore, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: Healing Hazel 

Series: The Blue Orchid Society #3 

Author: Jennifer Moore 

Publisher: Covenant Communications 

Release Date: September 8, 2022 

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance / Historical / Victorian

Hazel Thornton has one great ambition: to help the sick and wounded as a nurse. But that dream can never become a reality. After a devastating childhood trauma, she has spent her life battling fits of panic that make it impossible to finish her studies. Everything changes, however, when a trip to Spain takes a perilous turn that derails her plans to visit her father for Christmas and immediately plunges her into the dangers of a brutal war.

With single-minded focus, she springs into action to help her fellow travelers. To ensure their continued care, she begins work at a Spanish hospital alongside Dr. Jim Jackson, a man whose only emotion seems to be wariness of his new assistant. Armed with gifts of support from each of her dearest friends, a group that dubs themselves the Blue Orchid Society, Hazel embarks on a journey of hope and healing to battle the demons of her past with the help of the doctor who has captured her heart.

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

 

GUEST POST FROM AUTHOR JENNIFER MOORE

My favorite thing about Historical Fiction is the paradox that “these people are just like us” while at the same time, “they were so different back then.” I always like to put myself in the shoes of the character I’m reading about and wonder how I would react to things during the time period. Like, would I have followed Hitler if I was a German citizen? Of course, based on who I am as an American in the 21st century, I adamantly deny even the smallest possibility that I would. But that’s just the thing. The circumstances are both similar and completely foreign to what we know today. And while we can imagine ourselves with our modern attitudes in the setting, we can’t fully understand how it actually was to actually be there, in that situation, in that time.

I found this particularly true when I was researching the Carlist Wars in Spain for this book. On one hand, the culture of 19th century Spain is nothing like my own. It was fascinating and different to learn about, the traditions, the language, the food, all of it so foreign to me. But there were also shocking similarities that reminded me so much of the current political situation in the US.

The wars were fought over succession. Who should be the next king (or queen)? And the two factions became more and more divided as time went on. On one side were the traditionalists, the Carlists. They were religious and believed in the old ways, they wanted Spain to stay how it was with old-fashioned values and believed the Cristinos had unfairly installed their ruler instead of the rightful one. The Cristinos or Liberales believed in progress and change. They didn’t want religion in their government and believed in social justice. They wanted Spain to move forward instead of being trapped in outdated traditions.

Reading about these two groups and how their inability to compromise led to so many deaths and thrust Spain into a civil war that lasted decades, I couldn’t help but compare the climate of the time to what I see every day on the internet.

And so, what’s the takeaway? People are people, and we have the same worries for our kids, the same frustrations with our jobs, and many of the same fears that people have always had—but on the flip side, there are things we cannot ever fully understand about a different culture and a different time. The only thing we can really do is appreciate it, learn from it, and hope when future generations look back at us, they can have empathy.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Jennifer Moore lives with one husband and four sons who produce heaps of laundry and laughter. She earned a BA from the University of Utah in Linguistics, which she uses mostly for Jeopardy. A reader of history and romance, she loves traveling, tall ships, scented candles, and watching cake decorating videos. When she’s not driving carpool, writing, or helping with homework, she’ll usually be found playing tennis.

Connect with Jennifer by visiting authorjmoore.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Healing Hazel, bookmark, blue orchid pin, themed stickers, and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 20, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 27, 2022. 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. Gift card open internationally. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

Blog Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway: His Small Town Dream by Tara Randel

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for His Small Town Dream by Tara Randel, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: His Small Town Dream 

Series: The Golden Matchmakers Club #3 

Author: Tara Randel 

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming 

Release Date: August 23, 2022 

Genre: Contemporary Romance (Sweet/Clean)

This city girl…

Could be his perfect match! 

Adam Wright is ready to stop nursing his broken heart and give in to his family’s matchmaking. He knows lively marketing exec Carrie Mitchell wants to return to New York, but he’s showing her all small-town Golden has to offer…including himself. When his ex-fiancée arrives, it could scare Carrie away, or it may be a chance to heal past hurts…and share his small-town dream with her!

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

 

 

 

GUEST POST FROM AUTHOR TARA RANDEL

I have always enjoyed setting my books in small towns. Probably because I grew up in one and remember how much I loved it there. I recall the town green where we watched the July 4th parade and gathered to count down before the Christmas tree lights blazed to life. How if I walked from my house to the town center, I passed a dozen neighbors along the way. I had wonderful friends and lovely memories. Now, I travel to get that small town feel.

For instance, we spend a week in the north Georgia mountains almost every fall. Since autumn is my favorite season, I love to see how the leaves have changed color and go for long hikes in the woods. But when we are in one of the towns in the area, I especially love to people watch. My special town, Golden, was born from the many vacations we have taken in this area.

In creating Golden, I’ve taken the best of every town and plunked it down in one place. My imagination runs wild as I bring to life a place where I’d love to live myself. Since this is my town, I create the businesses, the descriptions of the town and surrounding areas, and most of all, the characters. Trust me, there is no lack of drama in a place where everyone knows each other, or a newcomer arrives and has to learn about the townspeople. There is a lot of conflict packed there and I love coming up with plots that will build on the conflict and then drag it out, revealing the setting as the story progresses.

I take lots of pictures when I’m in the mountains, so I have inspiration when I’m creating. I can see downtown Golden in my mind’s eye; the six blocks of Main Street on a slight incline, full of interesting businesses to lure tourists. The buildings are painted different colors and are neatly kept by the shopkeepers. Ornate cast iron lampposts line Main Street, supporting large planters brimming with flowers, the variety and colors changing with the seasons.

There is a local hangout, Smitty’s Pub, where there is action in most of the books, along with the always important coffee shop where characters meet up. You never know where the matchmakers might gather, but usually they can be found at the ringleader’s house while they plot the future of the unsuspecting couples. I’ve included cabins by the lake, had characters hike through the beautiful woods or searching for waterfalls and offered my characters horseback riding on secluded trails. To me this is heaven on earth.

In another series, I set the town on the Florida coast, similar to where I live. I was able to bring the lovely weather, beach activities and the fun of living near the water to those stories, while creating characters who thrive in the this setting.

Mostly, I love my characters’ connections to these towns. The joy of their hometown or how they unintentionally fall in love with their new home. There are roots, traditions and pride in these settings that I love to portray. I also enjoy reading stories set in small towns when I get lost in a good book. And from what I can tell, readers love to visit these towns as well.

Small towns are a wealth of content for writers, and to be honest, I just love them, so it’s natural that I’d pick a small town in which to set a story every time I write a book.

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and, of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. She writes for multiple genres, including romance, mystery and Women’s fiction.

Connect with Tara by visiting tararandel.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive an autographed print copy of Stealing Her Best Friend’s Heart and Her Christmastime Family, a festive fall mug and towel, and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. (1) additional winner will receive a $10 Amazon e-Gift Card.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 19, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 26, 2022. 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. Gift card open internationally. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

Review: An Autumn Kiss (Timeless Victorian Collection) by Laura Rollins, Annette Lyon, Lisa H. Catmull

 

 

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

 

An Autumn Kiss is the seventh book in the Timeless Victorian Collection, a bestselling anthology series from Mirror Press. The book features three novellas from acclaimed historical romance authors whose stories reveal if one kiss will change the lives of the three heroines.

“The Plucky Miss Ruth,” by Laura Rollins
Miss Ruth Hughes is certain she’s caught in a time loop—every day she wakes to find it exactly as the one before. A thrilling prospect to be sure. If the many books she reads on time travel has taught her anything, it is that to break free she must complete an all-important task. For Ruth the task is straightforward: reunite a couple, once desperately in love but forced apart by society. Unfortunately, things are not always as easy as they first appear. Struggling, Ruth opens up to the handsome Lord Lambert and he readily agrees to help. With autumn on the brink of turning into winter, time is running out for Ruth to help the ones who need her most. And, with a bit of luck, perhaps she can even find a little time for her own happily ever after.

“Mr. Dowling’s Remedy,” by Annette Lyon
Crandall Dowling’s aspirations of becoming a physician collapse when he develops symptoms that land him in an asylum. He’s been at Sherville Retreat long enough for autumn leaves to appear when Beverly Stanton arrives. She’s held under the dubious diagnosis of “hysteria” but seems perfectly sane, unlike Crandall, though his verbal and physical tics don’t seem to scare or even bother her. Beverly and Crandall develop a friendship fueled by an undeniable attraction that under other circumstances could become more. But in an asylum, one cannot plan a future, let alone one of love or marriage. Then tragedy strikes, testing staff and patients beyond anyone’s training. When the dust settles, Beverly’s diagnosis may be reversed, but if she leaves, what will become of her? What of Crandall? And what of their autumn-born love?

“A Railway Through the Roses,” by Lisa H. Catmull
Mr. Adrian Everard has tried everything to keep his father’s factory open, but a single solution remains. Marry an heiress before Christmas to fund the desperately needed railway. The local landowner, Lady Anne Baxter, will not agree to sell her garden—or her heart. Indeed, his childhood friend is determined to sabotage all his efforts to find a wife. As the deadline for Adrian to choose a bride draws close, one thing becomes painfully obvious. Saving the factory will mean losing the woman he loves forever.

My Review

This collection's stories are unique and captivating! I enjoyed each one equally, with vibrant characters, fascinating plots, and a full story arc even with the shorter format. These feel longer than the typical novella, and I was immersed in the Victorian era with its exciting vibe of progress. The first story has paranormal elements of the Groundhog Day variety, and it was fun to see Ruth try different methods and behavior to discover the elements needed to break the loop. The second story had a setting I've found both fascinating and disturbing- an asylum, where injustice occurs and those affected have little means to combat it. I loved the sweet friendship and romance that blossoms as Beverly and Crandall find hope and comfort in one another. I'm so glad that the time finally came when standards and  accountability were more widely enforced. The last story showed that even though times were progressing, financial need and business prospects were still a major factor in marriage connections. Adrian and Anne are at an impasse with bringing prosperity to the area through railroad transportation, and it takes falling in love for them to finally realize that compromise is achievable. Overall, the romance and chemistry between the well-drawn characters made this a stand-out collection and wonderful addition to the series!

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 SERIES

Since 2015, Mirror Press has been presenting the Timeless Romance Collection, a curated anthology of novellas and short stories featuring bestselling authors from the contemporary and historical romance genres. The collection has hit the USA TODAY bestselling list and charted at #1 at Amazon.com. Learn more about the series and other anthologies published by Mirror Press at their website.

 

About the Authors

Laura Rollins has always loved a heart-melting happily ever after. It didn’t matter if the story took place in Regency England, or in a cobbler’s shop, if there was a sweet romance, she would read it.

Life has given her many of her own adventures. Currently she lives in the Rocky Mountains with her best friend, who is also her husband, and their four beautiful children. She still loves to read books and more books; her favorite types of music are classical, Broadway, and country; she loves hiking in the mountains near her home; and she’s been known to debate with her oldest son about whether Infinity is better categorized as a number or an idea.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS


Annette Lyon is a USA Today bestselling author, a 9-time recipient of Utah’s Best in State medal for fiction (three times for novel-length works and five times for short fiction), and a Whitney Award winner for BAND OF SISTERS. She's the author of over a dozen novels, at least that many novellas, a cookbook, a popular grammar guide, and over a hundred magazine articles.

She’s a founder and regular contributor of the Timeless Romance Anthologies line of sweet romance stories, which she served as editor for its first three years. She's also one of the four co-authors of The Newport Ladies Book Club series. She graduated cum laude from BYU with a degree in English.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS


Lisa H. Catmull: I write clean and wholesome romances in the Victorian era and sweet contemporary romances. My books have been nominated for Swoony, RONE, and Whitney awards.

I taught Middle School English and History for seven years before pursuing screenwriting and writing. I currently live between a canyon and a lake in Utah with my husband, two cats, and two rambunctious children.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review: Courting The Cowboy by Carolyne Aarsen

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Meeting the Cowboy's Family

Looking for inspiration, artist Ella Langton rents a cabin in the isolated Porcupine Hills of Alberta. She didn't count on having neighbors, but rancher Cord Walsh and his three children are just a stone's throw away. Still healing from a tragic accident, Ella has no plans of reaching out, but she's having a hard time keeping them out of her yard...and her thoughts. And when little Suzy ropes Ella into helping her with an art project, she can't help her growing feelings for the girl's rugged daddy. With three persistent children, Cord and Ella may find their fenced-off hearts opening up sooner than they thought!

My Review

I took me a bit to understand Ella, yet as each layer was revealed I loved how her journey took her from darkness to light. It was a process for her to embrace a new perspective with the unsolicited help from her overworked neighbor Cord, his friendly children, and his matchmaking father. As an artist I love when the main character is also creatively inclined, and it was interesting to see the various elements and influences of the art world and the pressure on her production and mental health. The pace of the narrative isn't always smooth, and I wished for more development of the romance between Ella and Cord to be shown. Overall it was a sweet read and I loved the happy ending.

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.

Check out the books in the Cowboys of Cedar Ridge series . . .

Review: Montana Groom of Convenience by Linda Ford

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Their Marriage Bargain

Carly Morrison’s father issued an ultimatum: get married or lose her ranch. But while she can rope and ride as well as any man, leading one to the altar is another matter—until newcomer Sawyer Gallagher suggests a marriage of convenience. Their arrangement might be a sensible solution to her predicament, but Carly’s growing feelings are a genuine complication.

Desperate to provide a home for his orphaned sister, Sawyer takes a chance on lassoing himself to headstrong cowgirl Carly. He’s convinced he’s too hardened by life to love anyone…until their union is threatened. Is it too late to turn this practical partnership into a real Big Sky family?

My Review

This is definitely a character-driven story, and I loved how Carly, Sawyer, and his little sister are all strong, yet have hidden vulnerabilities that are slowly revealed as they get to know and rely on one another. Carly's dad is well-meaning but completely manipulative which I didn't care for, and he would have had a much healthier relationship with his daughter learning to communicate rather than manage her life through coercion. That being said, the chemistry and romance are spot-on, turning the marriage of convenience into a genuine friendship and partnership, despite the expectations Carly and Sawyer placed on themselves. Loved this sweet romance!

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.

Check out the books in the Big Sky Country series . . .