Review: Cowboy Christmas Homecoming by Mary Connealy, Ruth Logan Herne, Julie Lessman, Anna Schmidt

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Glad tidings, hearts binding.

They’ve weathered a lot worse than winter. For widow June Harper, another cold front is about to hit. Most call him Hugh. She’d call him Scrooge, except as the man ensures her needs are met, June can’t help but wonder how to meet the needs of his heart.

Netty Lewis can take care of herself, has for a while now. Some hired help over the holidays doesn’t change that. And even if Roy does take care of her, that doesn’t mean he cares for her or that he’ll stay past Christmas.

Pastor Colton McCabe is having the opposite problem. He’s not sure he’ll make it through the holidays with his new housekeeper. Grace can’t seem to do anything right but love. Perhaps being a homekeeper will earn her a permanent residence in his heart.

And no one longs for a home more than Connie Lancaster. She’s determined to return to St. Louis, and no cowboy can change her mind. But if Isaac can change her heart, maybe Connie will see the homecoming she’s been waiting for isn’t to a place but a person.

My Review

This is a sweet collection of heart-warming stories set in the West during the holiday season. Each author's writing style is distinct yet complements the others. I enjoyed reading about the characters and the struggles they have, the relationships they develop, the faith they practice or grow in, and the way they celebrate Christmas. I especially loved the idea of having the nativity pieces start a ways away from the manger, then slowly journey through the room as it gets closer to Christmas where they are united and Jesus appears. The romance is very sweet and gentle- not very many kisses if any at all which is my only complaint ;)

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, Author Interview & Giveaway: Reclaiming Hope in Wishing Bridge by Ruth Logan Herne

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Reclaiming Hope in Wishing Bridge by Ruth Logan Herne, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: Reclaiming Hope in Wishing Bridge 

Series: Wishing Bridge #5 

Author: Ruth Logan Herne 

Publisher: Independently Published 

Release Date: October 22, 2022 

Genre: Women's Fiction with romantic elements (clean) 

She swore she'd never come back to Wishing Bridge. 

She needed nothing. No family. No links to a past that broke her heart. Heather Johnstone was successful in her own right, by her own actions. She'd built a pristine life and gave no one the right or opportunity to disrupt it, but then her father called... the one person who'd loved her. Who'd cared. 

And there was no other choice, it seemed. 

She'd go back and face a past that was now tragically changed and fairly unimportant, but that's the thing about growing up. You don't always know what's important until it's too late. 

Hank Reynolds had spent over a decade trying to inspire change. Change in a shrinking town adjacent to Wishing Bridge, and a school district that serviced several towns. Hank took his teaching and coaching seriously. Seriously enough to help no small number of kids find their way to success, but when a tragic flood takes a major toll on the little town of Hopewell, the aftermath stuns the surrounding communities with the loss of life and livelihood. Who can help? Who can help them re-establish the good old days in a place that had lost their grip on good a long time ago? 

Hank knows what the school needs the minute he sees Heather. Northeast Wyoming Central needs an administrator that puts kids first, all the time. Not just when it looks good for a photo op. And when his phone calls bring back more of their high school football teammates, Hank knows something else is happening... Coming back to Wishing Bridge isn't just good for the town and the schools... It's good for the prodigals. 

Because whoever said you can't go home again was wrong and Hank Reynolds intends to prove it, but when Heather's life takes a sudden turn, he realizes something else: sacrificial love means putting others first. Even if it's the person you love more than anyone else on the planet. 

Grab a cup of coffee, a Coke or a spot of tea and join the folks of Wishing Bridge, NY as they gather folks in to help, to love, to fix, to nurture... Welcome back to Wishing Bridge... where prayers and wishes mingle to make dreams come true.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

 

INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR RUTH LOGAN HERNE

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am absolutely living my dream of being a mom and grandmother, writing great stories as a USA Today bestselling author and running a pumpkin farm with my husband and several members of my delightful family. Our lives are hectic, busy and mostly fun, but the reward is seeing readers laugh, cry and sigh over my books and having crowds of happy fall shoppers fill our yard with smiles, wagons filled with pumpkins and happy children!


What do you do besides writing?

So many things! We are blessed to live in a historic farmhouse (always in need of fixing!) with 50 acres that we turned into a retirement dream of a pumpkin farm that is riotously fun!


What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

I love that the Wishing Bridge series, originally contracted with Waterfall Books (Amazon) have taken on a life of their own. Readers love them, share them, talk about them, so when we talk about research for a Wishing Bridge book, it depends on what we’re looking at. The pastoral setting and the great, embracing town is wonderful but the emotions of the humans involved, their paths, their pasts are often hard… and gripping. Writing the guts of the story, the emotions that draw the readers in and leave them remembering the story long after the last page is turned, is my favorite part because I love connecting with readers on that level. Uplifting and empowering women to overcome and be strong is always my end game.


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?

What a great question but gosh… I don’t do any of that… I envision the characters based on certain physical characteristics but that’s not how I see them. I see them through the lens of their journey, their lives, their mistakes. Hard to picture that accurately because photos are two-dimensional and great characters just go deeper. 

(I love that response Ruthie! I feel like that's the way I experience characters in my mind as well but never knew how to describe it like you just did!)

 

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

Strike #2!!!! When I’m writing Christmas novels or novellas out of season I use things like Breath of Heaven (Amy Grant) and “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” (Casting Crowns) to keep my brain in sync with the story, but not for Wishing Bridge. 

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

I want readers to see and feel the grace and beauty of God’s timing… and to embrace the opportunities that God sends their way, even if they come disguised. He’s there. He’s got this… we just can’t always see around the bends in the road.


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

Great question! I have two brand new Guideposts mysteries that have just been released. “Love’s a Mystery in Sleepy Hollow, NY” and “Love’s a Mystery in Cut and Shoot, Texas”, two wonderful 2-in-1s where I wrote the contemporary stories and Gabe Meyer and Janice Thompson wrote the historical segments…. We had such a fun time working together!

And for 2023 there will be a new mystery series “Whistle Stop Café Mysteries” coming from Guideposts Fiction, “The Lawman’s Second Chance” coming in January, “Kindling Christmas in Wishing Bridge” scheduled for fall of 2023! I am so blessed to be working regularly… God has truly blessed me!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Multi-published, award-winning and bestselling inspirational author Ruth Logan Herne has worked with multiple publishers and has published over seventy novels and novellas: Basically, Ruthy is living her dream of being a published author and having a great deal of fun doing it! With words to warm the heart and ease the soul, Ruthy takes her readers on the journeys of some unforgettable characters and situations, but in the spirit of being a true Pollyanna at heart, she loves a happy ending! She has a heart for women as overcomers and that spirit of faith and strength shines through every one of her stories. A mother of six with a seventh "daughter of her heart", Ruthy has fourteen grandkids, runs a busy big pumpkin farm with her husband Farmer Dave, and has an absolute love for God, Jesus, her family, country, dogs, chocolate and coffee....

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

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

 

(1) winner will receive a lovely book bundle from Ruthy including several books, chocolate, and a $20 Amazon Gift Card... cozy just got a little bit better.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 14, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 21, 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. 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: To Capture His Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Seaside, England, 1886

Eva Caldwell is an accomplished and well-known photographer who often works with the local constabulary to assist in documenting crime scenes, which means she also often works alongside the handsome and charming detective, Nathan Winston. She appreciates his intellect and how he treats her like an equal, but Eva’s heart is still healing from a past relationship, so, for now, she decides to keep her feelings for Nathan a secret.

One evening, Nathan arrives on her doorstep asking for a personal favor. Would Eva be available to photograph his mother’s legendary, week-long dinner party and matchmaking event? The catch is that Eva would also have to pretend they are courting in order for Nathan to avoid the many single women seeking his attention.

Though wary of the charade, Eva agrees. Spending a week with the two things she loves most—her detective and her camera—sounds simple enough. And if she wants to imagine that Nathan’s pretend courtship of her is real, well, what’s the harm in that?

But when a criminal from Nathan’s past threatens revenge on the detective, Nathan must be extra vigilant to keep his mother and the rest of the partygoers safe. He confides in Eva, and as the two work together to solve the mystery and apprehend the criminal, they find that they might capture more than they expected—each other’s heart.

My Review

I love a house party setting with a variety of characters! This one was a bit unique with Eva and Nathan already knowing each other through the case solved in the previous book, as well as her photography work. I loved the details about early photography and how she had a mobile darkroom that she brought to Nathan's estate. This is the second book in the series and I wish I had read the previous one first, since Eva and Nathan's friendship begins there and I missed out on that since this book moves right into a deeper relationship, even though there is a brief pretense of pretending. Nathan's skills as law enforcement and a detective helped him see that Eve might return his feelings, but also sensed her reservations, and I loved how patient he was with her. They have some special moments that are so romantic, and even though there is a suspenseful mystery developing that keeps them preoccupied, working together gives them the opportunity to grow closer. Nathan's mother and sisters as well as Eva's assistant Sammy all added to the story with their vibrant personalities, and the drama from the guests as well as the danger from the villain kept the pace of the story moving along from beginning to end.

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 first book in the Matchmakers series . . .

Review: In the Shadow of a Queen by Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Based on the true story of the free-spirited daughter of Queen Victoria.

Princess Louise’s life is upended after her father’s untimely death. Captive to the queen’s overwhelming mourning, Louise is forbidden to leave her mother’s tight circle of control and is eventually relegated to the position of personal secretary to her mother—the same position each of her sisters held until they were married.

Already an accomplished painter, Louise risks the queen’s wrath by exploring the art of sculpting, an activity viewed as unbefitting a woman. When Louise involves herself in the day’s political matters, including championing the career of a female doctor and communicating with suffragettes, the queen lays down the law to stop her and devotes her full energy to finding an acceptable match for her defiant daughter.

Louise is considered the most beautiful and talented daughter of Queen Victoria, but finding a match for the princess is no easy feat. Protocols are broken, and Louise exerts her own will as she tries to find an open-minded husband who will support her free spirit.

In the Shadow of a Queen is the story of a battle of wills between two women: a daughter determined to forge her own life beyond the shadow of her mother, and a queen resolved to keep the Crown’s reputation unsullied no matter the cost.

My Review

I don't read many books about royalty, fiction or non, so I didn't know what to expect when I read this book except that Heather B. Moore always draws me into the historical setting and the lives of the historical figures her books are based on. Sure enough, I felt immersed in the life that Louise lives over the span of her childhood and young adult years. We're shown the family dynamics through vignettes of daily life and excerpts from actual letters which begin each chapter. People that strongly influenced Louise as well as moments of great impact were touched on, and I felt like it prepared me for the majority of the book which focused on her young adult years of pursuing her interests as much as the queen would allow, as well as the hunt for her future husband. Political relationships were woven in but not aggressively, so I felt that they added to the greater picture rather than taking over. As an artist myself I loved the details of Louise's drawing and sculpture, and I hope to one day see some of her work in person. Of course I adore romance so the husband hunt was fascinating. Because Louise's older siblings married for connection, the queen was more lenient as the years went on as to who Louise could consider. The author explored the logistics of such a process, Louise's vulnerability, and eventually the gentle romance that developed, which was absolutely lovely. The overall theme of Louise's relationship with her mother was intriguing, with details and nuances that could only come from meticulous research, which I know this author excels at. This is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and would make an excellent book club pick.

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.

Review: A Daughter's Courage by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

After accidentally destroying the intricate chalice her people have treasured for over a hundred years, Charlotte Durand sets out on an expedition in search of a skilled artisan who can repair the damage. What she expected to be a two-day hike becomes much more daunting when a treacherous snowstorm sets in.

The last thing Damien Levette needs in the middle of a mountain blizzard is to tend to another person, but he can't leave behind the mysterious woman he found half-frozen at the edge of a mountain lake.

As they battle both the elements and each other, Charlotte and Damien must work together to survive the peril of the mountains--or it could be the downfall of them both.

My Review

While each of the books in this series can be read on its own, I would definitely recommend reading them in order to get to know the community and its members as each story builds on the next a bit. I've loved the mysterious concept of this group of people living so isolated from society in a network of caves. Naturally some of the younger people begin to feel interest about the outside world, and while Charlotte is a nurturer and excellent cook, she takes the journey to fix her mistake without hesitation. She had been a bit sheltered and comes across as naive in the beginning, but learns so much being stranded and fighting for survival alongside Damien. He makes a timely appearance and has secrets of his own, which are revealed slowly as he and Charlotte grow closer together and explore faith, companionship, and their own individual struggles.

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 Brides of Laurent series . . .

 

Review: Merry Ex-Mas by Courtney Walsh

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

I haven’t been home for Christmas in eight years.

But that’s about to change. This year, I’m traveling to my small hometown to convince my producer to make me the permanent host of Good Day Denver.

The plan: Charm viewers by sharing my favorite family Christmas traditions, and in turn, get the likes, clicks and shares to land the job.

Not the plan: Running into my ex-boyfriend.

In my house.

For Christmas.

But here he is, a guest of my mother, who apparently had more trouble letting go of Max Weber than I did.

Unfortunately, he is as handsome and charming and talented and annoying and frustrating and flirty as ever.

Even more unfortunately, he seems to have a plan of his own—to convince me to give him a second chance.

Which is not happening.

There’s just one problem—my viewers love him. More than that, they love us. Me and Max. My ex.

The boy who broke my heart.

The boy I now have to fake flirt with to win over the hearts of my viewers.

But it’s not their hearts I’m worried about. . . it’s mine.

Merry Ex-Mas is a sweet, small town, second chance romance with a dash of not-so-fake flirting, a tiny bit of enemies to lovers and just enough forced proximity to make things sizzle.

My Review

As expected, this author delivered all the banter, angst, emotion and romance that she is known for! Marin has every right to feel so hurt and angry at Max, but as the layers unfold we learn more about the breakup and why things went down the way they did. Max is such a great character, and he really gives Marin a run for her money, especially with a live audience watching! I love how he takes the opportunity to win her back, and his sincerity in not "faking it." Marin's Christmas special in her hometown forces her to realize how much she misses her family and what she is giving up by chasing her career. Marin and Max's reconciliation is rocky but full of fun moments as they finally give each other another chance and save the special connection they have.  

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.

Review: Adjacent But Only Just by Nichole Van

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Viola Brodure, gentlewoman and celebrated authoress, faces a personal dilemma suited for a novel—everyone wishes for her to make a love match with Ethan Penn-Leith, the famous Highland Poet. And by everyone, she means everyone—her father, her adoring readers, the gossip columnists, and her patron, the overbearing Duke of Kendall. Why, even Queen Victoria herself has given a nod of approval to the match. After all, the popular novelist and the famous poet are the perfect heroine and hero for their own love story. A literary dynasty waiting to be born.

The problem, of course, is that Viola has never met Ethan, not in the flesh, at least. She has read about him and devoured his poetic writings, but does the man himself live up to his dashing reputation?

Malcolm Penn-Leith exists in twilight. He manages his farm, Thistle Muir, in the shadow of the Scottish Highlands. As the older brother of the renowned Ethan Penn-Leith, Malcolm tends to his prized cows while Ethan basks in the limelight. Harder still, Malcolm lives under a cloud of grief after the death of his wife five years ago.

But then Miss Viola Brodure arrives in Malcolm’s wee village, intent on meeting Ethan and beginning a courtship. Viola—petite, blond, shy, and English—is nothing like Malcolm’s late wife. And yet, Viola awakens a piece of his heart that he thought lost in the abyss of his grief.

For her part, Viola is surprised to find herself more attracted to the stoic Malcolm than the charming Ethan. So now what? She isn’t meant to fall in love with the man adjacent to Ethan Penn-Leith. That’s not the plot she had outlined. After all, Malcolm and Viola are not the match made in heaven that everyone wishes to see. As social pressures mount, can Malcolm and Viola overcome the weight of his past and the expectations of her future to forge a new path together?

Please note that the basic elements of this story first appeared in a novella entitled A Ring of Gold. This current novel is a greatly-expanded adaptation of that novella.

My Review

Oh my heart! I loved this story when I read it as a novella, and the author has enriched it so much in this full length novel. I'm so happy that she has expanded it to an entire series to include the stories of all the Penn-Leith siblings. In the first book of the series we see Malcolm's personality before it is altered by his intense grief. I loved that glimpse into his past, and in this book he is emerging from the darkness, changed, yet with the same foundation. It's no wonder Viola is drawn to his thoughtful and gentle maturity that contrasts with his brother Ethan's flighty gregariousness. She and Malcolm have a sweetly intense chemistry and I loved their special moments together as they acknowledge the bond and connection they feel. Viola faces pressure to conform to the expectations and standards of others, but the landscape of the highlands and Malcolm's quiet encouragement gives her the courage to grasp the freedom that she so desperately desires. I love the poetry woven into the story and the influence it has on the characters. I'm earnestly awaiting the next book in this enthralling 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.

Don't miss the first book in the Penn-Leiths of Thistle Muir series . . .

Review: Hearts of Briarwall by Krista Jensen

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A TURN OF THE CENTURY ROMANCE

Lydia Wooding is fascinated by the latest inventions the new century brings, including motorcars. She longs for the independence they represent and believes that women should have a say in the future of the industry—just as they should have a say in suffrage, adventure, and, of course, love.

Spencer Hayes is a man of practicality and innovation, but he lacks the financial backing to make his dream a reality. When he contacts his childhood friend, Andrew Wooding, about a promising business venture, he is invited to Briarwall Manor to discuss the terms. Once there, he is surprised to find that Andrew's once shy, younger sister, Lydia, has grown into a young woman of beauty, wit, and a bit of fire. Even better, the two share a passion for motorcars.

Andrew, however, is wary of cars, having lost his parents in a tragic auto accident when he and Lydia were young. And he's not sure a relationship between his sister and Spencer is the best idea—not when Sir Lawrence is available and could match both Lydia's social status and her fortune.

Torn between risking their hearts and being loyal to their dreams in an era of whirlwind change, Spencer and Lydia anchor themselves with the determination they both share: to live life to its fullest.

My Review

This is one of my favorite books of the year! I usually prefer Regency to Victorian, but the author was so skilled at bringing the country estate hominess of Briarwall Manor to life, with Andrew and Lydia hosting a variety of characters, including Spencer. Lydia and her friends are embracing the ideas of innovation and change, and I love that Spencer doesn't try to stifle Lydia but appreciates her mind and vibrant personality. Their friendship and romance develops quite naturally, but Andrew's interference in Lydia's prospects provide some of the conflict in the story. Spencer also feels caught between Andrew and Lydia with his business proposal and investment opportunity, and Lydia is hurt from feeling like she's not trusted by the men in her life. The genuine natures of Lydia and Spencer appealed to me, and they are such a perfect match for each other. I loved their sweet chemistry and it really made the story come to 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.