Review: The Rancher's Christmas Bride by Brenda Minton

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A Cowboy for Christmas

After being jilted at the altar, all Marissa Walker wants for Christmas is to escape her life. Fleeing to Bluebonnet Springs and the ailing grandfather she’s never known seems like the perfect solution. But when her limo breaks down, neighboring rancher Alex Palermo comes to her rescue. With his ranch in jeopardy, Alex can’t afford any distractions right now—until he sees a bedraggled runaway bride on the side of the road. Alex can’t turn his back on the spunky city girl, and soon his priority becomes convincing her to stay. Because Christmas—and his future—would be much merrier with Marissa as his bride.

My Review

Marissa is truly escaping her previous life when she relocates to Bluebonnet Springs in her wedding dress (although not in a limo). She goes from city girl to cowgirl, learning to take care of her estranged grandfather's ranch, with some help from her rescuer Alex. Alex is fighting demons from his past, especially the volatile and abusive father that left quite a mark on him and his siblings. Marissa is a light in his world, showing him with her actions how to love, overcome and develop faith. Her grandfather Dan is quite a character, rough around the edges but providing wisdom when Alex and Marissa need it most. I enjoyed the members of the community and Alex's family who support each other, especially when Dan's ranch is in danger.

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 other books in the Bluebonnet Springs series . . .

Review: The Christmas Family by Linda Goodnight

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Contractor Brady Buchanon can't wait to surprise single mom Abby Webster with his company's Christmas home makeover prize. But once he does, the struggling waitress turns him down flat! Raised in foster care, Abby won't accept charity. Yet when her dilapidated porch almost injures her daughter, Abby finally agrees to Brady's offer. As the hardworking bachelor pushes to finish the house in time for Christmas, he starts falling for Abby and her little girl. With the holidays in sight, Brady wonders if Abby will not only accept her beautiful new home, but also his wish to make her his wife…

My Review

Brady seems too good to be true! I loved his heart for Christmas and providing improved homes to those in need. He's determined to help Abby when he learns of the accessible needs her daughter has for their home. Moving Abby in with his parents during construction gives her a look into his family with all their flaws and blessings. Their falling in love felt natural and sweet, and despite a few rocky patches, I loved their happily ever after. The subplot of vandalism on Buchanan properties continues as it has through the other books in the series and I can't wait to read the final book to learn the outcome of that mystery.

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 other books in The Buchanons series . . .

Review: Lone Star Dad by Linda Goodnight

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

The Secret Next Door

Nurse Gena Satterfield knew raising her rebellious nephew, Derrick, would be tough, but moving to Gabriel's Crossing was supposed to help ease the transition into their new reality. That was before she realized her new neighbor was Quinn Buchanon—her teenage crush, the town's onetime star quarterback…and Derrick's father. Her sister's dying wish was that Gena keep this secret. Yet watching Quinn connect with the boy and penetrate his angry walls, Gena begins to see him in a whole new light. Now, torn between the truth and the promise she made, Gena has to follow her heart. And hope they can all heal together…as a family.

My Review
 

The themes of redemption and forgiveness is strong in this story as Quinn learns he is a father and struggles through his feelings of betrayal and loss of the missed years. Gena is caught between her sister's request and realizing that the changes in Quinn make him more than ready to be a good father to Derrick. This type of story line always makes me sad for the childhood years and memories that were missed out on. It was inspiring to see Quinn, Gena, and Derrick's journey as they drew closer together and began to trust in their new relationships.

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 other books in The Buchanons series . . .

Review: The Texan's Twin Blessings by Rhonda Gibson

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Stand-In Father

As temporary guardian to his twin baby nieces, William Barns barely knows a diaper from a burp cloth. The well-meaning but meddling neighbor ladies suggest a wife—namely Emily Jane Rodgers. Although William isn't in the market for a bride, he needs a loving woman to watch over the children, and Emily Jane fits the bill nicely.

Emily Jane agrees to care for William's nieces—not become his betrothed. Fully determined to find her own way in life and to open her own bakery, Emily Jane isn't looking for a husband. But no matter how hard she resists, Emily Jane is roped in by the twins' little hugs and William's tender regard. And soon she longs to be a permanent part of this ready-made family…

My Review

This is a sweet story with the potential for a marriage of convenience, but Emily Jane fights it with everything she has. She has her own dreams and from her past experiences it doesn't occur to her that she can have both a family and bakery with a supportive husband. I admired that she was so willing to sacrifice and help William with the twins- and I felt like he took her for granted a bit. Their proximity with taking care of the twins together gave them the opportunities to get to know each other better, although it was a rocky path. It was inspiring to see Emily Jane's perspective shift as she learns to trust and believe in God and others.

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 other books in the Granite, Texas series . . .

Review: Scrooge and the Girls Next Door by Melanie Jacobson

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

When the sunniest woman in Creekville buys the house next to the grumpiest man on the street, sparks fly . . . and not just because she keeps blowing his fuses...

Twenty-six-year-old Paige Redmond, single mom and go-getter, can’t wait to give her daughter, Evie, the Christmas of her dreams. Nothing can get in Paige’s way, not even her newly purchased fixer-upper cottage needing way more fixing than she planned.

Paige tackles the holiday with Clark Griswold spirit, amusing the entire town—except for her humbug next door neighbor, the grumpy but deliciously handsome Professor Henry Hill. With the help of colorful friends and found family—plus a feral cat and a pancake snowman—Paige and Evie wage a campaign to cure the cranky professor of his Christmas blues.

When Paige's feelings for Henry wind up as tangled as her Christmas lights, there's suddenly more than Christmas spirit on the line. Will Henry pull the plug on their first solo Christmas? Or can Paige and Evie convince the town's biggest scrooge to open his grinchy heart to the holiday . . . and to them?

Experience the laughter and magic of a Creekville Christmas from USA Today bestselling author Melanie Jacobson today!

My Review

I was so happy to read Paige's story and have all the great characters from the Creekville Kisses series make appearances. This author excels at vibrant characters whose personalities jump off the page- even when they are as staid as Henry. I loved how Paige was able to peel back his layers and help him loosen up, while also learning to respect his boundaries. There is plenty of chemistry, hilarious encounters, and heart melting moments as Paige and her daughter crack open Henry's heart and they all find the happiness Christmas and love have to offer.

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 connected books in the Creekville Kisses series . . .

 

Review: A Game of Hearts by Joanna Barker

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

If you can't join them... beat them.

Marigold Cartwell has only one goal: to defeat her long-time rival on the archery field. She knows she can outshoot irritating, cynical Tristan Gates, but the local bowmen’s society—the one he belongs to—refuses to allow women to compete. Spurred on by their rejection, Marigold decides to start a new society. Naturally, it has only one rule: no men.

Tristan Gates is used to Marigold Cartwell always getting her way, so he is far from surprised when she forms her own society. He knows how relentless she can be, something he learned firsthand facing her at the targets. But Tristan has enough worries of his own, what with his bachelor uncle falling in love with a fortune hunter. He has no time to entertain Marigold’s ambitions.

However, after a visit to the seashore ends in disaster—and scandal—Marigold and Tristan soon realize how little they know about each other. The strained tension between them quickly turns to simmering attraction, but an important archery competition looms ahead. Lines are drawn all around them, with Marigold and Tristan on opposite sides, and neither can afford to lose. Yet winning might be the very thing to tear them apart.

My Review

My goodness, the rivalry between these two is intense! Especially on Marigold's side, perhaps because she feels she has more to prove. Tristan's demeanor is more annoyed and dismissive, which of course is infuriating to Marigold. I wondered how they would ever overcome it, but sure enough, the author skillfully maneuvered them into situations where their true personalities behind the walls are revealed, and they share moments of connection full of wit, humor, and emotion. Such a fun read! I loved the ladies of the neighborhood banding together with Marigold, and the lessons both she and Tristan learn about themselves and each other. The chemistry between them grows steadily stronger, and I loved their romance! It's one of my favorites of the year for sure, and one I will definitely be reading again for the sheer pleasure of it!

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.

Book Tour & Review: Beneath His Silence by Hannah Linder

 

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Will Seeking Justice Lead to Her Own Demise?
 
A Gothic-Style Regency Romance from a Promising Young Author
 
Second daughter of a baron—and a little on the mischievous side—Ella Pemberton is no governess. But the pretense is a necessity if she ever wishes to get inside of Wyckhorn Manor and attain the truth. Exposing the man who killed her sister is all that matters.
 
Lord Sedgewick knows there’s blood on his hands. Lies have been conceived, then more lies, but the price of truth would be too great. All he has left now is his son—and his hatred. Yet as the charming governess invades his home, his safe cocoon of bitterness begins to tear away.
 
Could Ella, despite the lingering questions of his guilt, fall in love with such a man? Or is she falling prey to him—just as her dead sister?

 

Book Trailer

 

 

 

My Review

The melodramatic Gothic vibe of the book was almost too much for me, but the genuine personalities of the main characters, Ella and Henry, had me invested in the story and I just had to see how the mystery was resolved. I found it surprising that Ella felt that she could go into a situation where her sister was murdered and not be unscathed. I also found it rather shocking that Henry allowed an unsafe situation remain in his home without necessary precautions. With my belief somewhat suspended, I found a ray of light in Henry's son Peter, who brought joy to everyone in the dark estate. The thread of faith woven into Ella and Henry's relationship also lifted the heaviness of the story and gave them a deeper connection. The author's writing has the feeling of Jane Eyre, with pauses and skip aheads that I found a bit jarring but reminded me more of the classics. Very much layers built upon layers. I would say the plot started out mysterious, but finished up with more suspense as the tension builds when Ella, Henry, and Peter discover just how dangerous their circumstances really are.

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.

Endorsements

"Fast-paced danger and suspense from an exciting newcomer to Regency fiction."— Julie Klassen, award-winning author of A Castaway in Cornwall

"A strong story of loss and forgiveness, resentment surrendered to faith, and the mercy of God. Readers will enjoy this turbulent mystery with a smile-worthy ending."— Kristen Heitzmann, Christy Award-winning author of Secrets and The Breath of Dawn

"This book has everything I love...a dark and broody hero, a spunky heroine on a mission, and a deeply delicious creepy manor home. Beneath His Silence is a rather gothic tale set in Regency England, filled with plenty of intrigue, danger, and romance to make for a very satisfying read."— Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Lost in Darkness

 

 

About the Author

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award finalist, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and international bestsellers. She is also a local photographer and a self-portrait photographer. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments--piano, guitar, and ukulele--songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse.

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Exclusive Interview with Author Hannah Linder at Austenprose.com