Review & Giveaway: An Inconvenient Romance by Chalon Linton

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

The countryside of England provided an idyllic backdrop for Charles Brumley's and Leah Hasting's childhood. Neighbors and best friends, the pair passed many happy days racing through the rolling hills of Derbyshire. Everything was perfect—until Charles ruined it all and abandoned Leah for university.

Six years later, the former friends are thrust into each others paths once more. Leah had been looking forward to the ball, an opportunity to further her acquaintance with the handsome Mr. Wilkins—but when she sees Charles's familiar face through the crowd, her traitorous heart leaps.

Charles faces his own struggle: he has loved Leah since he was fifteen years old, yet it seems he is too late—it appears that her affections are otherwise engaged. As the pair tentatively renews their friendship, the spark between them in undeniable.

After so many years apart, Leah endeavors to reconcile her feelings toward her once cherished companion. But when a conniving revival for Charles's attention approaches Leah, the threat is clear: give up her association with Charles or a devastating secret about her family will be revealed. Faced with an impossible decision, Leah must make a choice—the ruin of her family or the ruin of her heart?

My Review

I loved the Regency setting in this friends-to-romance story! Charles and Leah are so informal with each other as youth, there was a real contrast to how polite and civilized they must act around each other as adults. All the fun parts of their relationship are shown in the prologue when they are young, but the majority of the story is full of hurt feelings, misunderstandings, lack of communication, and heartache. Even with all the angst, there is an underlying tone of hope and perseverance that makes the characters endearing (despite their flaws) and I was rooting for a happy ending as Charles and Leah flounder from the obstacles standing in their way. Leah's father and sister were grounding and their wisdom helped Leah as she is faced with decisions that will determine her future happiness. Another secondary character that balanced out Charles' moodiness is his friend from university who is visiting and knows just how to tease him and also propel him to fight for Leah. While I would have liked to see more happy moments between Leah and Charles throughout the book, I enjoyed the plot and would recommend this book to fans of sweet romance!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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For the Love of Books Giveaway Hop!

Happy Valentine's month! I'm celebrating by giving away a romantic book I LOVE, Falling Like Snowflakes by Denise Hunter! Isn't that cover amazing?! The story is just as great. Read my 5 star review here!

Synopsis

Eden Martelli is too busy fleeing the clutches of danger to realize she’s running straight into the arms of a new love.

Speeding north through rural Maine, Eden Martelli wonders how her life came to this—on the run with her mute five-year-old son dozing fitfully in the passenger seat. When a breakdown leaves them stranded in Summer Harbor, Eden has no choice but to stay put through Christmas . . . even though they have no place to lay their heads.

Beau Callahan is a habitual problem solver—for other people anyway. He left the sheriff’s department to take over his family’s Christmas tree farm, but he’s still haunted by the loss of his parents and struggling to handle his first Christmas alone.

When Eden shows up looking for work just as Beau’s feisty aunt gets out of the hospital, Beau thinks he’s finally caught a break. Eden is competent and dedicated—if a little guarded—and a knockout to boot. But, as he soon finds out, she also comes with a boatload of secrets.

Eden has been through too much to trust her heart to another man, but Beau is impossible to resist, and the feeling seems to be mutual. As Christmas Eve approaches, Eden’s past catches up to her.

Beau will go to the ends of the earth to keep her safe. But who’s going to protect his heart from a woman who can’t seem to trust again?
 

Entry-Form

Review: Still Life by Dani Pettrey

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright--and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.

Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit and support her best friend, who modeled for the show. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead--and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot. Worse, her friend can't be found. She immediately calls Parker for help. As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

My Review

Still Life can be read on its own, but I highly recommend reading the first book in the series, Cold Shot, to get a greater understanding of the cast of characters. That's where we first meet Avery and Parker with their palpable chemistry despite traumatic pasts preventing them from acting on their feelings. I also want to point out that I really appreciated that the author didn't rehash or summarize the entire plot from Cold Shot in Still Life, only brief mentions of how the characters had connected, so even if you read the books out of order the story hasn't been spoiled. I think this would also intrigue a reader who hasn't read the first book and make them want to experience Griffin and Finley's story. (It actually made me want to go back and read it again!)

I enjoyed the camaraderie between the members of the group of friends that worked together to solve the many angles of the case. It definitely balanced out the anxiety I felt from the suspense and creepiness of the crime. I noticed much less tension in their relationships than the first book when they were initially reunited. Now they are supportive with each other both socially and professionally. The details of the step-by-step investigation never felt mundane, but exciting as each revealed a deeper aspect in the plot. Some occasional glimpses into the mind of the villain also ramped up the anticipation as the story moved swiftly forward. A separate FBI case is explored simultaneously by Declan and Tanner which really got the pace hopping and provided an introduction to their fledgling relationship.

There are several twists in the case and Parker and Avery are practically inseparable as they partner up for their tasks in uncovering the mystery. It gives them plenty of opportunity to experience reawakened feelings and angst over what is keeping them apart. Fortunately their shared faith plays a major role in helping them overcome mental obstacles that were holding them back. There is a strong theme of redemption through Christ and forgiveness of self in their conversations that exhibited the respect they held for each other and their beliefs. Their romance takes a backseat to the intensity of the suspense plot, but they have their fair share of special moments ;)

I loved the setting of Baltimore, and the descriptions the author subtly included of the urban environment, the landscape, and even the influence of the weather conditions gave me a strong sense of the location and just how different it is from what I'm used to. I was drawn to the details of photography and art in the story, but it was also disturbing to see how they were used to represent the subject matter of death in a grotesque manner. Still Life is a book that kept me glued to the pages and I'm so excited to discover what's in store for Declan and Tanner in the next book, Blind Spot!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Don't miss Cold Shot, the first book in the Chesapeake Valor series!

Check out my 5 star review here!

Synopsis

In college, Griffin McCray and his four best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world--and friendships--crumbled.

Now Griffin is a park ranger at Gettysburg, having left life as a SWAT-team sniper when a case went bad. The job is mostly quiet--until the day he captures two relic hunters uncovering skeletal remains near Little Round Top. Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott determines that the body is modern--a young social justice lawyer missing since spring--and all evidence points to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI agent Declan Gray takes over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he'll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he--and those he cares about--are going to escape a downward spiral of murder that crosses continents.

Spotlight: Condemn Me Not: Accused of Witchcraft by Heather B. Moore

I love the images for the promotion of Condemn Me Not! This one in particular goes so well with the quote ;) Did you know that the model is actually the author's daughter? 

Condemn Me Not releases March 14, 2017 and is currently available for pre-order! The e-book is only $4.99!

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.

Can't Wait Wednesday: With You Always by Jody Hedlund

I'm so looking forward to Jody Hedlund's next book which starts a new series for her about the Orphan Train. I've been fascinated by this topic in our country's history since I read the Orphan Train Adventures series by Joan Lowery Nixon as a preteen. Isn't the cover of With You Always simply gorgeous?! It releases June 6, 2017 and is available for pre-order.

Synopsis

A Riveting Look at the Orphan Train from Historical Novelist Jody Hedlund

When a financial crisis in 1850s New York leaves three orphaned sisters nearly destitute, the oldest, Elise Neumann, knows she must take action. She's had experience as a seamstress, and the New York Children's Aid Society has established a special service: placing out seamstresses and trade girls. Even though Elise doesn't want to leave her sisters for a job in Illinois, she realizes this may be their last chance.

The son of one of New York City's wealthiest entrepreneurs, Thornton Quincy faces a dilemma. His father is dying, and in order to decide which of his sons will inherit everything, he is requiring them to do two things in six months: build a sustainable town along the Illinois Central Railroad, and get married. Thornton is tired of standing in his twin brother's shadow and is determined to win his father's challenge. He doesn't plan on meeting a feisty young woman on his way west, though.

Review: Valentine's Day Collection (Timeless Romance Anthology) by Janette Rallison, Heather B. Moore, Jenny Proctor, Annette Lyon, Heather Tullis, Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean Romance, comes VALENTINE'S DAY COLLECTION.

Six brand new contemporary romance novellas by Janette Rallison, Heather B. Moore, Jenny Proctor, Annette Lyon, Heather Tullis, and Sarah M. Eden.

A BRUSH WITH THE LAW by Janette Rallison
Bethany has endured a streak of depressing Valentine’s Days. And this one is turning out no different. Her friend set her up on a blind date—and Bethany can only hope that James will be a decent guy. But it seems the fated day has other plans, and Bethany finds herself in the middle of a comedy of errors that make a blind date with a stranger the least of her problems.

EVERY OCCASION by Heather B. Moore
When Maurie moves back to her hometown to open up her dream shop, she calls a local construction crew for help. Former teenage crush Grant shows up on her front porch, answering the call for the construction job, and Maurie’s memories of her troubled childhood return with full force. When she discovers Grant has a troubled past of his own, Maurie realizes that she might have misjudged him all along.

HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor
As Kayla trains for the Olympic swimming trials, she vows to never let another boyfriend get in her way. When she finds out her younger sister’s new high school swim coach is Nate—the guy Kayla had a huge crush on when they were in school together—Kayla realizes that her resolve is weakening. But Kayla isn’t willing to risk giving up her Olympic dream for anyone, not even charming Nate.

THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE by Annette Lyon
When Sam’s long-time boyfriend, Steve, texts that he has something important to ask her on Valentine’s Day, she’s sure that he’s going to propose. Determined to look great for the big day, she hits the all-night laundromat to wash her favorite outfit. When her clothes are chugging away in a machine, Steve calls and pops a question—not one she ever would have expected. Reeling with shock, she’s left facing the holiday alone, unless you count the other person at laundromat, a guy leaning against his own washer, intent on his phone.

DEAL BREAKERS by Heather Tullis
The last place Colette wants to be stranded is the snowed-in Denver airport, especially when her sister is enduring chemo treatments and needs Colette’s help back home. When Colette runs into another stranded passenger—none other than former college boyfriend Drew—she can’t believe how much he’s changed . . . and hasn’t changed. Drew is still the same amazing guy that Colette was foolish enough to blow off for someone else. By the time she’d realized her mistake all those years ago, Drew’s heart had been too broken to give her a second chance. Now Colette can only hope that she can work her way back into his heart.

HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden
On the surface, Helen seems to have her life figured out. Her advice column, Hey, Helen!, is gaining more readers every week. She regularly hangs out with the guy next door, laughing and chatting over pizza and work. But when her feelings for her handsome neighbor begin tiptoeing toward something more than friendship, Helen can’t help hoping Neil might feel the same way. Between her own uncertainties, his friend-zone treatment of her, and a pair of loudly interfering parents, Hey, Helen! could use a little advice in love.

My Review

After reading some deep historical novels, this novella collection of light contemporary romances was just what I needed! It made me smile, giggle, and get swoony (I've recently decided this is the best way to describe that butterflies/toe curling feeling when the romantic moments are really touching). I'm always impressed that the stories in the Timeless Romance Anthologies are so creative and varied. Here's what I thought of each in the Valentine's Day Collection...

A BRUSH WITH THE LAW by Janette Rallison
So. Funny. This is the one that made me giggle and think, "Girl, what are you thinking?!" Bethany has a great sense of humor to deal with the mishaps that keep her in the sights of a local policeman.

EVERY OCCASION by Heather B. Moore 
The chemistry is hot in this one! Maurie has a good perspective on life and her dysfunctional childhood, but that doesn't make returning home less painful. Grant was the one light in her youth but he has a confession of his own to make... great tension and backstories to make the characters vulnerable with each other.

HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor 
I haven't read anything by Jenny Proctor before but this definitely won't be the last! I loved the determination of Kayla to stick to her plan of no dating while training for the Olympics, and Nate's equal resolve to not let her get away. They had fantastic chemistry and charming banter.

THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE by Annette Lyon
I missed the college roommate experience so this was a fun setting for me to read. Poor Sam gets blindsided but helping with an impromptu YouTube challenge gets her mind off the devastation. I felt like the story ended abruptly and I would have liked more of a wrap-up.

DEAL BREAKERS by Heather Tullis
I've always thought it would be fun to be stranded in an airport... even though I know that's crazy! This author's writing style included more telling than showing, which didn't help me connect with characters' emotions. A creative plot though!

HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden   
One of my favorites of the collection, the secret love angle was so romantic and it was perfectly balanced with humor from Helen's column and compassion as she helps Neil take a difficult stand with some family issues. A strong story to end the anthology with, I finished with a big sigh of satisfaction :)

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review Snippet: Worth the Wait by Karen Witemeyer

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Benjamin Porter is one of only two men allowed inside the women's colony of Harper's Station, Texas. A freighter by trade, he works closely with local shopkeeper, Victoria Adams, to transport the colony's goods to market. But it is more than profit that keeps him coming back. He's fallen hard for the shopkeeper and her son. Tori is brave, beautiful, and a savvy entrepreneur--the ideal partner not only for his business but for his life. Too bad she's under the impression that a man, any man, is the last thing she needs.

Despite Ben's consistent kindness, Tori continues to hold him at a distance. His towering height and muscular frame, while attractive, are also dangerous. And she's faced dangerous men in the past and vowed never again.

After Ben convinces Tori to partner with him in a new venture, delivering goods to area farms and ranches, he finally has a chance to woo her in earnest. But when an accident derails his plans, what once was a chance at love may be lost forever.

My Review

I loved revisiting Harper's Station and seeing how Tori finally lets her guard down enough to trust Ben. I admired his patience and gentleness, and also that he stood his ground and provided stability and protection. Tori definitely has her reasons to mistrust men, but it took a special person to help her see that releasing the feelings she has been hiding from will bring her freedom from her past and peace in trusting God. This novella is just what I needed to tide me over until Heart on the Line releases! (It also includes a sneak peek at the first few chapters on Heart on the Line which promises to be a wonderful and exciting book!)

(I purchased a copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Don't miss No Other Will Do, the first book in the Ladies of Harper's Station series!

Check out my 5 star review here!

Synopsis

Men are optional. That's the credo Emma Chandler's suffragette aunts preached and why she started a successful women's colony in Harper's Station, Texas. But when an unknown assailant tries repeatedly to drive them out, Emma admits they might need a man after all. A man who can fight--and she knows just the one.

Malachi Shaw finally earned the respect he craved by becoming an explosives expert for the railroad. Yet when Emma's plea arrives, he bolts to Harper's Station to repay the girl who once saved his life. Only she's not a girl any longer. She's a woman with a mind of her own and a smile that makes a man imagine a future he doesn't deserve.

As the danger intensifies, old feelings grow and deepen, but Emma and Mal will need more than love to survive.

The next book in the Ladies of Harper Station series, Heart on the Line, will release June 6, 2017 and is available for pre-order!

Synopsis

Grace Mallory is tired of running, of hiding. But when an old friend sends an after-hours telegraph transmission warning Grace that the man who has hunted her for nearly a year has discovered her location, she fears she has no choice. She can't let the villain she believes responsible for her father's death release his wrath in Harper's Station, the town that has sheltered her and blessed her with the dearest friends she's ever known.
Amos Bledsoe prefers bicycles to horses and private conversations over the telegraph wire to social gatherings with young ladies who see him as nothing more than an oddity. His telegraph companion, the mysterious Miss G, listens eagerly to his ramblings every night and delights him with tales all her own. For months, their friendship--dare he believe, courtship?--has fed his hope that he has finally found the woman God intended for him. Yet when he takes the next step to meet her in person, he discovers her life is in peril, and Amos must decide if he can shed the cocoon of his quiet nature to become the hero Grace requires.

Release Week Special for Still Life by Dani Pettrey!

Go to Dani Pettrey's website to check out the exclusive bonus content for everyone who purchases STILL LIFE during release week (1/31-2/7), and anyone who pre-ordered it as well!

Synopsis

Work hits too close to home for crime scene photographer Avery Tate when her best friend disappears. The only lead is a chilling photo of her--apparently dead. As Avery, her boss Parker, and his friends dig into the case, she's forced to confront her feelings for Parker when they come face-to-face with a dangerous criminal.