Pre-order Condemn Me Not by Heather B. Moore!

I absolutely can't wait to read this book!

Synopsis

“This woman was one of the most impudent, scurrilous, wicked creatures of this world; and she did now throughout her whole trial discover herself to be such a one. Yet when she was asked what she had to say for herself, her chief plea was that she had led a most virtuous and holy life.” —Reverend Cotton Mather, 1692

USA Today Bestselling author Heather B. Moore brings the life of her 10th great-grandmother to center stage. Susannah North Martin, accused of witchcraft in 1692, joins five women in the Salem Jail, all sentenced to death for their crimes. Amidst tragedy, Susannah finds hope and compassion as she remembers a well-loved life, and readers discover that love reaches far beyond the grave as Susannah faces the magistrates in Salem.

Review: Cowboy Creek Christmas by Cheryl St. John and Sherri Shackelford

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A season for love and family 

Mistletoe Reunion by Cheryl St.John 
When Marlys Boyd moves West hoping to find acceptance for her doctoring skills, she's surprised to find her former fiancé, Sam Mason, running the local newspaper. And with the ladies in town determined to make a match of the doctor and the single father, she's not sure she can resist building the family they once dreamed of.

Mistletoe Bride by Sherri Shackelford
Pregnant by a man who betrayed her trust, a mail-order marriage is Beatrix Haas's only hope. But when she arrives in Cowboy Creek and learns her intended groom has died, she needs a new daddy for the baby that's coming right away. Blacksmith Colton Werner offers the mother and child the protection of his name, but can their marriage of convenience ever lead to true love?

My Review

Mistletoe Reunion

A sweet story of second chance love between Marlys, a female homeopathic doctor and Samuel, a journalist and author. They never expected to be reunited after so many years, and old feelings are brought to the surface again to be explored. I liked that Marlys is intellectual and driven in her career because she wants to help people. She is very compassionate which shows her softer side. Samuel is a perfect match for her because he admires her independence and the sacrifices she makes to benefit the lives of others. He's a bit hesitant to see if she has room in her life for him, but his son helps them bond and see the happiness that the love of being a family would bring.

Mistletoe Bride

This story has a fabulous beginning with a great hook- Colton marries Beatrix on her deathbed to provide a name for her soon to be born son... but she doesn't die! He instantly feels protective and concerned for her, and it doesn't wane after she recovers, but blossoms into care and affection. Their romance grows sweetly, I loved how he defends her and shows his regard for her in such sweet ways since he doesn't have any experience with relationships. He also has deeper issues about his past which brings another dimension to the story as Beatrix helps him turn to God for forgiveness. There is a bit of a language barrier in the beginning and a cultural dynamic such as the persecution against Austrians by those of German descent because of the war in Europe. Well-developed characters and a great plot made this a story I'll want to read again.

(I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher; all opinions in this review are my own)

Favorites of 2016: Novellas

Of the 197 books I read in 2016, I rated 74 of them 5 stars! Here are the novellas and novella collections that had me glued to the pages- and I've already read some of them again!

(Check out my 2016 faves for historical and contemporary books, and next up will be my favorite series!)

 With This Ring? A Novella Collection of Proposals Gone Awry 

by Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, Melissa Jagears

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

Timeless Romance Anthology: Mail Order Bride Collection

by Stacy Henrie, Kristin Holt, Annette Lyon, Sarah M. Eden, Heather B. Moore, Sian Ann Bessey

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 Timeless Romance Anthology: Road Trip Collection

by Jolene Betty Perry, Sarah M. Eden, Ranee` S. Clark, Annette Lyon, Heather B. Moore, Aubrey Mace

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 

 A Lady's Favor by Josi S. Kilpack

Amazon - Goodreads

One Small Chance by Lucinda Whitney

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 Timeless Regency Collection: A Country Christmas

by Josi S. Kilpack, Carla Kelly, Jennifer Moore

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

Love for All Seasons by Stacy Henrie

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

What are YOUR favorite novellas or novella collections?

Favorites of 2016: Contemporary

In 2016 I found myself really getting into contemporary romance! I enjoy both first person and third person POV and I read a good mix of both. Here are the stand-out contemporary novels I read in 2016 (in no particular order). I highly recommend all of them and they are all ones I plan to read again in the future! Add them to your Goodreads TBR or Amazon wishlist!

 

(Check out my historical faves of 2016, and stay tuned for my favorite novellas and series!)

 

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

Amazon - Goodreads

 

 Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 Change of Heart by Courtney Walsh

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

His Personal Relationship Manager

Amazon - Goodreads 

 

 Pimpernel by Sheralyn Pratt

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 Beyond the Rising Tide by Sarah Beard

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 Gladly Beyond by Nichole Van

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 The Thirteenth Chance by Amy Matayo

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

Walk of Infamy by Sheralyn Pratt

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

What are YOUR favorite contemporary novels you read last year?

Favorites of 2016: Historical

I've been inspired by several blogs I follow to make a "Best of 2016" post. But I quickly ran into a problem. Of the 197 books I read last year, 74 of them were ones I rated 5 stars! How do you narrow that down?! I bit the bullet and got it down to 37, but that still seemed like too many for one blog post. So I've divided my favorites up by genre and I'll be sharing them in four separate posts: historical, contemporary, novellas, and series. 

Here are the amazing historical novels I read in 2016 in no particular order. I highly recommend all of them and they are all ones I plan to re-read again in the future!

A Captain for Laura Rose by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 Doing No Harm by Carla Kelly

Amazon - Goodreads

Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

The Express Rider's Lady by Stacy Henrie

 Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 The Moses Chronicles: Deliverance by H. B. Moore

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 Willowkeep by Julie Daines

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 So Rare a Gift by Amber Lynn Perry

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

 A Place for Miss Snow by Jennifer Moore

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

The Governess by Kristen McKendry

Amazon - Goodreads - My Review

What were your favorite historical novels that you read in 2016?

Review: To Warm a Wintered Heart by Deborah M. Hathaway

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Paperback available for purchase at the author's website

Synopsis

After an uneventful season in Bath, Miss Charlotte Rosebury returns home to Warwickshire, looking forward to a visit from her mother’s friend. Their expected guest, Mrs. Worthington, has promised that her son will be accompanying her, and as Charlotte has only ever heard stories of the gentleman who rarely leaves his Yorkshire estate, she is most pleased to meet him. However, when her warm welcome is returned with a fierce frown from the handsome man, she cannot help but long to be free of him and his blue-eyed glare.

Despite his mother’s protests, Mr. Gabriel Worthington had made the decision long ago to remain unmarried, but when he meets Charlotte, doubts about his decision creep into his fearful mind, and he wishes for nothing more than to flee from the woman and never return.

For weeks, the two are forced to live within the same home, and though they provoke one another with teasing and stolen glances, an unlikely friendship blossoms between them, a friendship that grows stronger than either of them had expected. Will Gabriel concede to the choices binding his heart, or can Charlotte’s warmth be just the thing to strengthen their love and, at last, end their fears?

My Review

I've found a new author to follow! I'm a fan of Regency romances so I loved the setting and the details of the time period which enhanced but didn't overshadow the story. It actually had tones of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice with the negative first encounter of the main characters, and the somewhat formal language transported me to the era but couldn't hide the story's foundation of heart and emotion and a light dash of humor.

Charlotte and Gabriel had a rough start with the assumptions he made of her and misunderstandings that ensued, but once they became more friendly it was fun seeing their attraction grow even thought they tried to fight their feelings. There are several great scenes with high romantic tension and swoon-worthy kissing :)
The rude insinuations from various socialites to Charlotte's face was a bit overkill and made them seem like caricatures, but it did showcase her wit in gracefully handling the cattiness.

The theme of overcoming fear of loss and allowing love and happiness in Gabriel's life brought depth to the story as he struggles with his growing attachment to Charlotte. She was extremely kind for giving him chance after chance, but she also didn't let him get away with his unsociable attitude which was refreshing. They had an interesting dynamic that shifted throughout the book and kept me glued to the pages. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from Deborah M. Hathaway!

(I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher; all opinions in this review are my own)

Cover Reveal & Giveaway! The Rise of Miss Notley by Rachael Anderson

 

The Rise of Miss Notley by Rachael Anderson 

To escape an undesirable match, Miss Notley must give up her riches for rags. When Miss Coralynn Notley’s father barters her off to the first titled gentleman to come along, she realizes she must flee her home or be forced to wed a despicable man. Driven by desperation, she applies for the position of housekeeper at Tanglewood Manor, the home of the handsome Mr. Jonathan Ludlow. The moment Jonathan sees Miss Notley, he is intrigued. She is far too young and inexperienced for the position, yet there is something about her that that inspires a certain hope within him. Does he dare offer her the position of housekeeper or will doing so result in catastrophe? The Rise of Miss Notley is the delightful tale of a mysterious gentleman and a determined young woman, caught together in a web so tangled it begs the question: Will they ever get out?

Coming February 2017

 

Author Rachael Anderson

A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Website - Facebook

 

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 1/25/17 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comfy Cozy Giveaway Hop! Enter to win Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd

This is my favorite reading weather! There's nothing more cozy than a soft blanket, a hot cup of raspberry herbal tea, and a good book! I've picked one of my favorites to give away, Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd. It was a pleasure to be immersed in the English countryside with a bit of intrigue and romance.  

Read my 5 star review here! 

Enter in the Giveaway Tools widget below for a chance to win a print copy of 

 Dawn at Emberwilde! Thank you to Stuck in Books for hosting the giveaway hop!

Synopsis

Isabel Creston never dared to dream that love could be hers. Now, at the edge of a forest filled with dark secrets, she faces a fateful choice between love and duty.

For as long as she can remember, beautiful and free-spirited Isabel has strained against the rules and rigidity of the Fellsworth School in the rolling English countryside. No longer a student, Isabel set her sights on a steady yet unexciting role as a teacher at the school, a safe yet stifling establishment that would provide her a steady environment to care for her younger sister Lizzie, who was left in her care after her father’s death.

The unexpected arrival of a striking stranger with news of unknown relatives turns Isabel’s small, predictable world upside down, sweeping her and her young charge into a labyrinth of intrigue and hidden motives.

At her new family’s invitation, Isabel and Lizzie relocate to Emberwilde, a sprawling estate adjacent to a vast, mysterious wood rife with mysterious rumors and ominous folklore—along with whispers of something far more sinister. And perhaps even more startling, two handsome men begin pursuing Isabel, forcing her to learn the delicate dance between attraction, the intricate rules of courtship, and the hopes of her heart.

At Emberwilde, Isabel will discover that the key to unlocking the mystery of her past may also open the door to her future and security. But first she must find it—in the depths of Emberwilde Forest.

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