Blog Tour, Double-Interview & Giveaway: Something Borrowed by Rachel Scott McDaniel, Allison Pittman, and Susie Finkbeiner

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Something Borrowed by Rachel Scott McDaniel, Allison Pittman, and Susie Finkbeiner, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Something Borrowed
Authors: Rachel Scott McDaniel, Allison Pittman & Susie Finkbeiner
Publisher: Kregel
Release Date: August 13, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical Romance Collection

One Perfect Dress--three different Love stories 

In this brand-new novella collection, three renowned Christian historical fiction authors trace generations of wartime romances through a special wedding dress with love sewn into its seams.

 "A Heart in Disguise" by Rachel Scott McDaniel Clara Westlake loves her job as a seamstress in the US "Camouflage Corps," sewing suits for snipers and contributing to the war effort. But when she overhears a threat against her beloved New York City, the Great War comes too close to home--except no one believes her forewarning. She must recruit Marcus Reeves, a childhood friend searching for his purpose after suffering a devastating war injury. As they search for answers together, they may also uncover a love that lasts.  

"A Letter to Eli" by Allison Pittman Bette and Alice are lifelong friends, trying to make a good life for themselves in New York City while World War II rages. It's never far away from their thoughts--not with Alice's fiancé serving at sea, in danger every minute. That's a worry Bette doesn't envy. Then a secret letter reunites her with her soldier ex-boyfriend, now wounded and back in the States. But can the innocent love these two had before the war be rekindled in the face of tragedy?  

"A Daffodil in the Dress" by Susie Finkbeiner Kate Becker and Ike Finch have worked together at his family's bookstore since Kate's husband died in the early days of the Vietnam War. She has her daughter, Eloise, to take care of and bills to pay, and this job was a godsend. A second love is not in the cards, especially not with the world still teetering on the edge of insanity. But when Ike brings little Eloise special flowers one spring day, Kate begins to look at him as more than an employer. Is falling in love again worth the risk?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop

 

Interview with Authors Rachel Scott McDaniel & Susie Finkbeiner

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

 

Rachel: Basically, I’m a stay-at-home mom with a vivid imagination. So while I’m folding laundry or dicing vegetables, I’m usually dreaming up a story. 

Susie: Sure! I live with my husband and our three kids (plus our one cat) in West Michigan. I’m the author of novels like The All-American, All Manner of Things, The Nature of Small Birds, and Stories That Bind Us. Something Borrowed is my tenth book!

What do you do besides writing?

 

Rachel: I love to read. I no doubt read more than I write. I’m also a huge outdoorsy person. I love to spend as much time as I can outside. Give me a book and sunshine, and I’m one happy lady.

 
Susie: These days I spend a lot of time in the car, transporting teens to their various activities. But, honestly, I love being a cross country/track/drama/soccer/basketball mom.

When I’m not on taxi duty, I enjoy acting in plays at my local community theatre (shout out to Master Arts Theatre!). I also sing on the worship team at church, enjoy lunch dates with my husband, and reading here and there throughout the day.

What was your favorite part of researching for this book?

Rachel: I absolutely loved learning about the early days of camouflage. When I landed on a website featuring the U.S. Women’s Camouflage Corps, I knew I wanted to write my story revolving around these brave seamstresses who designed rock suits for snipers overseas.

 

Susie: Writing this novella was an interesting experience. For one, I’ve researched the 1960s for the better part of a decade, so I was already up to speed about the history and pop culture of the time. For two, this was my very first time writing a romance. Honestly, I found myself researching how to write kissing scenes and learning the various tropes and the meaning of HEA (happily ever after, I found out). My favorite part of research was picking Bethany Turner’s brain for how to do all things smoochie.

Do you like to find visual inspiration for your characters before or during your writing process?

Rachel: Hmm…the answer to this question changes with each story. For “A Heart in Disguise,” I couldn’t find any stock photos or celebrity that matched the picture of my characters in my head. Because I focus a lot on the emotional aspect of the characters in this story, I felt I didn’t need a physical image constantly before me. Again, this changes with each story, so maybe for the next book I’ll find a visual representation that inspires my creativity.

 

Susie: I actually don’t use images when I’m developing my characters. I just sort of picture them in my mind. To tell you the truth, I am so picky that if I tried to scour the internet for pictures of what my characters would look like, I’d spend far more time than I should trying to find just the right photo.

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

Rachel: I listen to a lot of instrumental music while I’m writing, because lyrics tend to distract me. I have a perpetual bad habit of singing along to my faves, and so that renders me unproductive in writing LOL. But for this story, I listened to the Netflix Persuasion soundtrack on repeat.

 

Susie: Oh, this is always my favorite question to answer! I, as you may suspect, listened to lots of 1960s music while writing. Of course that includes Aretha Franklin, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beatles, The Supremes, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez…the list could go on forever!

What message would you like readers to ultimately take away from your novella?

Rachel: My hope is for readers to grasp the importance of following your heart, even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular. It sounds like a cliché but often we let our own reasoning and other people’s opinions to sway us from our heart’s directive. It’s important to be true to yourself.

 

Susie: At one point in my story Katie—my protagonist—says, “New things deserve the chance to grow.” For Kate, that ends up being a new love that deserves the chance to thrive, as scary as that can be. For someone else, that might mean letting a new passion have time to develop or a new friendship the chance to deepen.

New things are scary. But often, if we let them grow, we can see that they’re a chance that God gives us to have a more beautiful life.

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

Rachel: My next novel The Dreams We Knew releases in February 2025. This is the second story from the Roaring 20s duology, and I’m super excited about this book!

 

Susie: I usually have a great answer for this question. But at the moment the only answer I have is this: I don’t know! For the first time in eleven years I don’t have a contract which is both freeing and terrifying. So, I’m doing some research and early writing for a project that I’ve wanted to write for years. I’m also doing my best to trust that God has a purpose for this new story and a place for it to live.

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About the Authors

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis and the RWA Touched by Love awards, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. She enjoys life in Ohio with her husband and two kids.

Connect with Rachel at rachelmcdaniel.net to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Allison Pittman is the author of multiple award-winning books, including The Seamstress and For Time and Eternity. She is also copresident of a Christian writers group in her hometown of San Antonio, Texas.

Connect with Allison at allisonkpittman.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Susie Finkbeiner is the author of The All-American and All Manner of Things which were both selected as Michigan Notable Books. Her other novels include Stories That Bind Us, The Nature of Small Birds, and the Pearl Spence series. Susie and her husband live in West Michigan with their three children.

Connect with Susie at susiefinkbeiner.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a signed print copy of Something Borrowed and some book-related goodies!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 12, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 19, 2024. 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. Book will be signed by at least one of the authors. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Review: Winning Winnie's Hand by Deborah M. Hathaway

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

She’s no damsel, but dang…this knight in shining armor kinda makes her want to be.

Born into a driven and successful family, Winnie Knox tries—and fails—to impress her parents and siblings as she bounces from career to career, year to year. In a last-ditch effort, Winnie takes on consulting work at a stately home in England, hoping to gain a nice bit of prestige as she improves the massive British estate.

In true Knox Fashion, Winnie dives headfirst into her new position. In true Winnie Fashion, she ends up with her car headfirst...in the mud. But what does she see coming to her rescue? Nothing short of a knight in shining armor.

Literally. A knight in shining armor. On a horse. What century is this again? Well, whatever it is, Winnie doesn’t mind lingering in it if she gets to stare at a man like him all day. This job is going to be a walk in the park.

Of course, nothing is ever as easy as it should be with Winnie as she puts her foot in her mouth and straightaway offends the knight—who just so happens to be someone far more important than the simple thespian he appears to be.

But Winnie Knox is a professional. She can charm anyone.

Can't she?

My Review

This book was so fun! I wasn't too sure about Winnie at first- she was overly confident with her business strategy... but the author showed us the complicated family dynamics that shaped her personality and influenced her choices, and I loved her character arc as she developed passion for the project and connection with the people involved. Matthew is like the captain that will go down with his sinking ship. He knows that changes need to be made but he fights against all of Winnie's ideas without the type of communication she needs for them both to be successful. These two have quite a delightful journey from stubborn pride to acceptance and embracing alternate possibilities. The setting is a character in itself as Winnie discovers the history of England and why Matthew feels so strongly about bringing it to life. There are so many humorous moments woven into their growth journey, especially references to the movie A Knight's Tale. Reading this book totally made me want to watch it again! I loved how Winnie and Matthew's experiences together and the romance that develops between them opens their eyes to unexpected hopes for the future. I'm so excited for more in this 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.

Winning Winnie's Hand is the first book in the clean and sweet rom-com Men of the Isles series by Deborah M. Hathaway. Although this enemies-to-lovers, boss/employee romance is a stand-alone novel, the books are best enjoyed when read in order.

Book 2

Takeover Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: Where Trees Touch the Sky by Karen Barnett

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Where Trees Touch the Sky by Karen Barnett hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Where Trees Touch the Sky 

Series: National Parks 

Author: Karen Barnett 

Publisher: Kregel 

Release Date: August 13, 2024 

Genre: Christian Fiction, Dual Timeline 

Some secrets have shadows as long as the redwoods are tall. 

In the early 1920s, the accelerating destruction of the California redwoods is more than nature-loving Marion Baker can bear. Throwing herself headlong into the work of the Save the Redwoods League, she is shocked to learn that Frank Duncan, a man she's grown to love, is the son of one of the area's worst timber barons. Though devastated by the betrayal, she realizes this could also be an opportunity--if only she can convince him to help preserve her favorite grove from his father's greedy grasp. Is her love strong enough to persuade him to save these precious trees? Or will Marion choose to sacrifice her beliefs to keep Frank by her side? 

Nearly fifty years later, in 1972, polio survivor June Turner is deeply proud of the legacy her great aunt Marion has left as a redwood warrior. And despite her disability, June is determined to prove herself capable as a ranger at the recently established Redwood National Park, even if it means taking to the trails with her crutch in hand. What better way to carry on the family tradition of preserving God’s magnificent creation?

When aspiring film student Adam Garner approaches June to help make a documentary about Marion's life, she swiftly grabs the opportunity to spread her aunt's worthy reputation. That is, until they unearth a secret that might shatter the family legacy. In the scramble for answers, June may lose not only her family pride but also her own dreams. 

Karen Barnett's beautifully crafted split-time novel, set against the majestic backdrop of a beloved national park, immerses the reader in history that feels as fresh as if it happened yesterday. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

 

Excerpt

If the color green had a scent, it would smell like a redwood grove. Marion cradled the bouquet of roses in one arm and breathed deep of the fresh air. This was the one place she sensed God’s voice, as sure as she heard the wind whispering in the branches and the chatter of the trickling stream. Whenever her soul splintered, the forest had a way of piecing her back together. The treetops disappeared into the misty canopy several hundred feet above her head, but it wasn’t their size that gave her solace. It was their age. Living to be over a thousand years old, these ancient trees would likely consider her twenty-two as a mere blink of an eye. Entering her favorite grove, Marion pulled off her cloche hat and gazed up at the large tree to her left. Sweet memories flooded her mind. Years ago, she’d begun naming a few of the giants after people she had lost, transforming this section of woods into a personal memorial garden. A sacred space. 

 

Also Available: 

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About the Author

Karen Barnett is the award-winning author of eight novels including When Stone Wings Fly and The Vintage National Parks Novels. A former national park ranger, she’s also a hobby photographer and enjoys teaching writing workshops with both Cascade Christian Writers and West Coast Christian Writers. She and her family live in Albany, Oregon.

Connect with Karen by visiting karenbarnettbooks.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 Where Trees Touch the Sky and book related goodies!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 14, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 21, 2024. 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.

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Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Batch of Love by Natasha D. Frazier

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Batch of Love by Natasha D. Frazier, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Batch of Love
Author: Natasha D. Frazier
Publisher: Encouraging Works
Release Date: August 6, 2024
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Nailed It meets You’ve Got Mail in Batch of Love  

A small-town baker with dreams of moving out of the mall’s food court and opening her own brick-and-mortar bakery enters a baking competition for a chance to win $25,000. But instead of winning the grand prize, she finds herself in the middle of her ex’s plan to acquire her business for a big box retailer. 

Two years ago, Ginger opened a bakery, Ginger’s Goodies, to honor a promise she made to her late mother. Ready to take her business to the next level, Ginger enters a baking competition hosted by big box retailer, Decadent Dough. What she doesn't count on is running into her high school ex, Brock Pearson, who works for the company. 

Instead of joining his father’s firm, The Pearson Group, Brock Pearson was eager to prove he could be successful outside of his father’s shadow and joined the legal team at Decadent Dough thirteen years ago. When his mentor retires, he throws his hat in the ring to become his successor. The job is his if he can find potential acquisitions, one of which is Ginger's Goodies. 

 For Ginger, joining Decadent Dough is a hard NO. 

However, Brock will not back down easily because now he wants to win her heart again.  

And just when Brock and Ginger were at the precipice of sealing the deal of love.... 

Brock's boss learns Ginger is the daughter of his college rival. Now, he will stop at nothing to destroy her business. To make matters worse, he convinced Ginger that Brock is part of his scheme. To prove his innocence, Brock may lose his shot at the promotion he's coveted and the career he's worked so hard for. 

Ginger and Brock's careers and hearts hang in the balance. Which is more important than the other?  

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

 

Excerpt

 

At closing time, she hurriedly rounded the corner into the walkway and crashed into a man’s chest that had to be made of steel, knocking the cell phone out of his hand.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry.” She knelt to pick it up, but a strong hand on her wrist stopped her.

“No, no, you’re okay. I should’ve been watching where I was headed. I was a little too preoccupied.” He waved the phone in the air. “You’re…good.” His dark brown eyes widened.

“Ginger.” Her name came off his lips in a whisper, a mixture of disbelief, recognition, and a plethora of other emotions she was certain.

Ginger’s eyes trailed up to his and air trapped in her chest. Her eyebrows raised above her glasses, and her eyes fluttered. She suddenly needed water, and for a moment, she couldn’t decide whether to run and scream or throw her arms around Brock Pearson’s neck because she hadn’t seen him in over twenty years.

“Brock,” she’d finally said, still unable to complete a full cycle of breathing. All of a sudden, her brain ceased sending signals to the rest of her body as she stood in the middle of the food court, unable to take her eyes off him.

And him her.

The light chatter in the distance, the music humming from the PA system, and mall patrons all faded as she struggled to pull her thoughts together. Granted the Houston metro area was large enough not to run into the same person twice, but to see Brock after nearly twenty years tossed her off her axis. What was he doing there? Had he moved back to town? What was he doing with his life? All valid questions, yet Brock was none of her concern anymore.

She’d spent the entire summer before her freshmen year in college getting over their breakup.

“It’s good to see you,” he finally said. He had to be in as much shock as she was because his gaze remained fixated on her—a spiral of emotions flashing in his eyes. And she almost hated to see it because something stirred within her.

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About the Author

Natasha D. Frazier fell in love with love around the age of twelve because of artists like Babyface, Boys II Men, Whitney Houston, and New Edition. Around sixteen when her mother purchased a romance novel and left it lying around the house untouched, Natasha read it and a spark for the written word had been ignited.

Natasha believes that writing is one of her purposes and contributions to the world. She feels accomplished when she can get a few words written and like blah when life gets in the way. Her hope is that at the end of every novel, readers will feel like they’ve been wrapped in a cozy blanket with a mug of their favorite coffee/tea/warm drink. 

When she isn’t reading or writing, she is likely watching movies with her family. Natasha resides in Richmond, TX with her husband, Eddie Frazier, Jr. and their three children, Eden, Ethan, and Emilyn. Her greatest joy and commitment is to her family who she hopes to inspire above all else. One of her many mottos in life is: Faith removes limitations. Natasha and her family attend Parkway Fellowship in Richmond, TX, where she volunteers as a small group leader for elementary students. Natasha is also a member of the Houston Area Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

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

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card!

(1) winner will win a 3 book bundle of backlist titles by Natasha D. Frazier!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 13, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 20, 2024. Winners 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Book Tour & Review: Saved by the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

After her annulment is finalized, Enya Shanahan finds herself caught in a web of scandal and obligation while carrying a secret that threatens to shatter her family's reputation. Determined to find a suitable marriage for Enya, her father turns to a wily matchmaker to save them from their circumstances.

Sullivan O'Brien, a steamboat captain committed to aiding enslaved people on their path to freedom, is faced with an ultimatum from his father. Forced to marry or lose his livelihood, a marriage of convenience seems to be the only solution. As he and Enya face the trials of their pasts and a city consumed by fire, they must confront their deepest fears and learn to trust in love, even when darkness threatens to engulf them.

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund returns to 1800s St. Louis in this dramatic and stirring tale of resilience and love against all odds.

My Review

I really felt for Enya as she struggled to navigate the difficult circumstances she's in. She was rather impetuous in the first book, and in this one we see the fallout of her choices. Her family supports her in the best way they know how- making her a good match, even though they don't know each other yet. It shows her level of despair and desperation that she goes along with the plans instead of rebelling again. I just love the matchmaker Bellamy and his shrewd insight into the lives and hearts of those who come to him. Sullivan has a wounded heart, and Bellamy can sense what he needs, and what Sullivan can provide to Enya. Their beginning was naturally rocky, but the goodness they have inside peeks through as they learn more about each other and transition to married life. They way they slowly and secretly fall in love is complicated by their insecurities- blending sweetness and chemistry with frustration and tension. I loved the setting of the steamboat on the river as they journey from St. Louis to New Orleans and back again. The unexpected dangers they face bring a level of suspense and provide a thrilling climax that reveals their newfound devotion to one another. I'm loving this series and can't wait for (hopefully) Kiernan's story in 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.

 

A Shanahan Match series

 

 

About the Author

 

Jody Hedlund (JodyHedlund.com) is the bestselling author of more than fifty novels and is the winner of numerous awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle.

 

 

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Hunted by a Killer by Laurie Winter

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Hunted by a Killer by Laurie Winter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Hunted by a Killer
Author: Laurie Winter
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: July 23, 2024
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Is she the pursuer…  

Or the pursued? 

When a body was found at the edge of the bayou, police detective Charlotte Reid knew the serial killer who murdered her sister was back. And if she didn’t stop him, he’d kill again. FBI special agent Austin Walsh insisted Charlotte couldn’t do it on her own. But then the murderer gave Charlotte a deadly challenge—catch him, or she’d be his next victim…  

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

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

 

 

Excerpt

Before following her out, Austin took a minute to look at the photographs of the four victims. He would put up one of Ginny Gerard as soon as they received the photo from her family. “You have not been forgotten.” He spoke to the murdered women like they were standing in the room. In his mind and heart, they were. “Your killer will face justice for what he did.” He turned his gaze to the picture of Ruby, whose resemblance to Charlotte was striking. “And I promise to keep Charlotte safe.” With notebook and pen in hand, he turned off the lights and left the room, locking the door behind him, securing the proof of stolen lives.

 

Also Available

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About the Author

Multiple award-winning author Laurie Winter creates authentic characters who overcome the odds to find true love. She keeps her life balanced with jogging and binge-watching true-crime shows. Laurie enjoys time with her family and two dogs, all of who inspire her every day.

Connect with Laurie at lauriewinter.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card and paperback copy of Hunted by a Killer!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 5, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 12, 2024. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Review: Rocky Mountain Journey by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

About the Book

Masquerading as a man, Faith Collins embarks on a perilous journey through the untamed wilderness of the Rocky Mountains in search of the Peigan Blackfoot woman who once saved her father's life. She joins a group of trappers who may be able to lead her to the place the woman is hiding, but keeping Faith's identity a secret proves more difficult than she imagined.

Grant Allen is searching for his younger brother, who was separated from him when their parents died many years ago. After receiving word that his brother went west to the Rockies, he unites with a group of trappers, hoping they can lead him to his brother's location. Soon Grant realizes there's a woman hiding among the men, and he's determined to find out who she is, what she's hiding, and how he can keep her safe in this country of wild animals and even wilder men.

In this rousing conclusion to her Sisters of the Rockies series, Misty M. Beller embarks on an adventurous journey where loyalty, love, and sacrifice intertwine amid the unforgiving frontier.

My Review

I've enjoyed this series about the adventures of the Collins young women as they search, make friends, and fall in love. Faith is the youngest, and I was surprised at her impulsiveness and naiveté when she leaves the safety of her family and continues the pursuit on her own without much of a plan. Grant saves her life more than once as he sees through her disguise and protects her from danger. I usually find this trope compelling but I struggled to connect with Faith and Grant's emotions. There is suspense added to the plot when they discover that they are not the only ones close on the trail of Steps Right. Grant is also searching for the younger brother he was separated from, making their travels more complex. The resolution of Steps Right being reunited with White Horse and the Collins daughters expressing their gratitude for her was very heartwarming. 

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.

Sisters of the Rockies series

 

 

Book Tour & Excerpt: The Lady Glass by Anneka Walker

About the Book

 

Theresia Dvorak has nothing left of her parents—nothing save her dowry, a priceless crystal vase stolen and sold by her own stepmother. Theresia will do anything to secure what is rightfully hers—even assume a false identity and steal her future back. When she gains entrance to a house party and has a memorable run-in with the handsome naval captain Rolland Reese, her mission is compromised. She swore never to trust an Englishman again, but when he makes a daring proposal she cannot refuse, she must work side by side with him if either of them is to achieve their aim. Rolland is stunned when his homecoming from the war takes a decidedly deadly turn. The quickest solution is to throw a house party and invite all the suspects. With the stakes incredibly high, Rolland must root out the killer before they turn their sights to the next potential victim: his own father. The mysterious Theresia is undoubtedly the most suspicious of his guests, but against all odds, he finds himself risking everything to protect her. As Rolland unravels a tangle of clues, he faces the greatest threats of all: a heart of fire and a future as fragile as glass. 

Excerpt

 

Rolland scratched his chin. The dark stubble there matched the short, thick hair on his head and was only marginally darker than his deep, brown eyes. “Granger, I am afraid that after a full night of avoiding women, fate has trapped me with one.”

“Seems so, Cap’n.”

Rolland gave her a once-over. “Couldn’t you have climbed through any other window?”

“Yours was the only one open.”

“Of course it was. You can take my bed for a few hours, and Granger and I will sleep in the closet. When the house is quiet, if it ever is with such diverse company, I will have Granger sneak you out.”

Theresia had already been pushed past her limit of scandals for one night by hiding her identity, sneaking into a duke’s house, and being caught in a man’s bedchamber. She wasn’t about to willingly spend the night here. “I am afraid such an idea is beyond my sensibilities.”

Rolland coughed on a laugh. “Forgive me, but our actions do have consequences. And I would much rather turn you in as an intruder than disappoint my mother by letting her think otherwise.”

Theresia crossed her arms. “I do not care what your mother thinks. I cannot stay in this room. If you will not let me leave through the door, I must take my chances through the window.”

Rolland stepped back. “By all means, sacrifice yourself.”

She glared and marched by him. She even leaned the opposite direction to avoid feeling anything toward Rolland that would lessen her ire. Because if she knew anything about herself, it was that the more frustrated she was, the more determined she became. She might have leaned too much to the side, though, especially while wearing Johan’s wife’s dress. Apparently she was not bruised enough from being plowed to the floor mere minutes earlier, because she tripped over herself. She saw the ground coming fast toward her but, miraculously, never felt it—thanks to a man who was both injured and extremely capable.

Rolland caught her arm, and in a rush, she was pulled back into his arms.

She stared up at his grim expression. “Do you see why I cannot stay here?” Her voice came out breathless. “This is the third time in the short duration since we’ve met that you have thrown yourself at me.”

He released her like a hot coal. “Usually when I save someone, they say thank you.”

She ran her hands down her skirt, her heart pounding fiercely once more. “Dare I thank someone for forcing me to remain in a condemning situation? Forgive me. I will just be on my way.” She took a step forward, and her ankle gave out. No hand came forward this time to stabilize her. Thankfully, she caught herself on the bed.

“Miss?” Granger stepped forward when Rolland did not move. It seemed she had effectively put the captain in his place.

“It’s not broken,” she said, putting weight on it once more. No, not broken, but it hurt enough to make balancing on her toes and scaling down a wall far scarier than it already was. She glanced out the window and then over at Rolland. “You will stay in the closet the entire time?”

In the short window she’d known the man, she’d witnessed a myriad of his emotions. This one she would guess to be exasperation. “You have my word.”

“That will have to be good enough.”

“I will go in search of a maid’s uniform,” Granger said. “And a coal bucket. If we are going to sneak you out of ’ere, we had best be thorough.”

She was glad there was someone thinking clearer than she was. It was apparent now that she should have had a backup plan. Why, oh why, had she thrown out all the rules of propriety that had been drilled into her for years? She knew already that she would not sleep at all. How could she even close her eyes knowing that she was in a strange man’s bed? Especially since somewhere in the house could be her prized vase and only hope for the future?

About the Author

 

Anneka R. Walker is a best-selling author of historical and contemporary romance. With humor and an abundance of heart, she crafts uplifting stories you won't soon forget. She is the winner of the Swoony Award, the LDSPMA Praiseworthy Award, and various chapter contests. Her books have received praise from Publishers Weekly, Historical Novel Society, Midwest Book Review, and Readers Favorite. She graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in English and history and hopes to never stop learning. She is a blessed wife, proud mother of five, lover of Jesus, connoisseur of chocolate, and believer in happy endings.

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