Thursday, August 24, 2017

Review: To Wager Her Heart by Tamera Alexander


Heidi Reads... To Wager Her Heart by Tamera Alexander

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

With fates bound by a shared tragedy, a reformed gambler from the Colorado Territory and a Southern Belle bent on breaking free from society's expectations must work together to achieve their dreams—provided that the truth doesn't tear them apart first.

Sylas Rutledge, the new owner of the Northeast Line Railroad, invests everything he has into this venture, partly for the sake of the challenge. But mostly to clear his father's name. One man holds the key to Sy's success—General William Giles Harding of Nashville's Belle Meade Plantation. But Harding is champagne and thoroughbreds, and Sy Rutledge is beer and bullocks. Sy needs someone to help him maneuver his way through Nashville's society, and when he meets Alexandra Jamison, he quickly decides he's found his tutor. Only, he soon discovers that the very train accident his father is blamed for causing is what killed Alexandra Jamison's fiancee—and what has broken her heart.

Spurning an arranged marriage by her father, Alexandra instead pursues her passion for teaching at Fisk University, the first freedmen's university in the United States. But family—and Nashville society—do not approve, and she soon finds herself cast out from both. Through connections with the Harding family, Alexandra and Sy become unlikely allies. And despite her first impressions, Alexandra gradually finds herself coming to respect, and even care for this man. But how can she, when her heart is still spoken for? And when Sy's roguish qualities and adventuresome spirit smack more of recklessness than responsibility and honor?

Sylas Rutledge will risk everything to win over the woman he loves. What he doesn't count on is having to wager her heart to do it.

Set against the real history of Nashville's Belle Meade Plantation and the original Fisk University Jubilee Singers ensemble, To Wager Her Heart is a stirring love story about seeking justice and restoring honor at a time in history when both were tenuous and hard-won.


My Review

This author's writing style is rich with history and a meandering pace that ensures that readers don't miss a thing. I haven't read many books set during Reconstruction so I appreciated the new perspective of the freedmen and those in the South seeking to help them. Much of the story revolves around the work and issues at Fisk University where Alexandra secures a job teaching men, women, and children. It is at the same time encouraging and daunting, with the endeavor receiving both support and opposition. There is an emphasis on the importance of education and the freedom that knowledge brings- for both Alexandra and her students. On the other end of the spectrum is the development of the railroad lines in the area and the politics and Southern etiquette that influences the business that Sy is pursuing. Although they have little in common, seemingly chance meetings give them the opportunity to help each other and an unlikely friendship develops between Alexandra and Sy. I loved how they interacted- Alexandra's propriety not able to mask her strength and spirit, while Sy is unable to keep from admiring her and bringing light and cheer to her life in small and big ways. The romantic moments they share are so heartfelt and wonderfully written. While the highs and lows of the plot didn't feel particularly compelling or pull strong emotions from me (like the previous book in the series, To Win Her Favor), I was glad that I read this book and would recommend it to fans of historical fiction.

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


Spotlight, Excerpt & Giveaway: Perfectly You by Robin Daniels


  http://amzn.to/2ipGShl  

Perfectly You by Robin Daniels

Ivy Nixon is the student body Vice President at Franklin High School. Each year, the school holds a date auction to raise funds for the senior class graduation party, and this year, Ivy’s in charge. Planning the event is a huge task and Ivy is determined to prove she can get the job done right. Unfortunately, she’s still one participant short and her deadline is looming. Andy Walker, her cute but socially reclusive art class table mate, is her last resort. He may not be popular, but he’s funny, talented, and full of surprises. With a makeover and some major social marketing, Ivy is sure he could fetch a decent price at the auction. Andy reluctantly agrees to help, but the more time Ivy spends with him, the more her feelings shift from professional to romantic in nature. To top it off, she’s done her marketing so well, that other girls are starting to notice Andy too. Come auction time, will Ivy be able to let him go to the highest bidder? Or will she find a way to keep him for herself…

Content Description: This is a stand-alone YA contemporary romance with companion novels set at the same high school. It contains minor language, innuendo, and crude humor, some steamy kissing, a party scene where underage drinking is taking place, and a brief but tasteful conversation about sex. The author has attempted to write characters who make good choices in questionable situations, in effort to keep the content appropriate for teens. This book contains no sex, written or implied, and no explicit language. Recommended for ages 14 and up.


EXCERPT  

He smiled back at me. "Then you approve?" he asked, waving his hand over his body. "I even wore school colors, just for you." My eyebrows bunched together. "You wore a white polo," I said flatly. He defended himself. "And the school colors are red and white, are they not?" "Fine. You win," I conceded, shaking my head. Why was he so difficult? And cute?

  
Author Robin Daniels 

Robin Daniels is a wife, mother of five and avid consumer of books. She loves reading SO much that she was actually grounded from it as a twelve year old. No Joking! Her mom caught her reading when she was supposed to be cleaning, which was a common occurrence. At that point mom took the books and instructed her to go watch TV or play outside like a normal kid. Robin is a sucker for home design shows and magazines, watches way too much Netflix and has a very codependent relationship with with a certain diet soda who’s brand shall not be named. (Though anyone with a similar problem could probably guess which one.)

   


amazon or paypal$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 9/15/17 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




Review & Giveaway: Courting the Country Miss by Donna Hatch


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Courting the Country Miss
(Courting #2)
by Donna Hatch
Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 312 pages
August 4th 2017 by The Wild Rose Press. Inc.

Cynical and broken-hearted, Leticia banishes dreams of marriage. When her childhood friend, Tristan, wagers he can find her the perfect husband, she hopes the challenge will coax him to forgo his devil-may-care lifestyle. Meanwhile, Leticia throws herself into forming her charity school but meets opposition—even from the people she’s helping.

Guilt-ridden that his past mistakes robbed Leticia of true love, Tristan vows to set it right, but match-making has its pitfalls for a repentant scoundrel. When he finds two ‘perfect’ gentlemen to court her, he discovers his own deep feelings for the lady.

Though Tristan seems to reform, Leticia doesn’t dare risk heartbreak with a notorious rake. When opposition for the school takes a deadly turn, can Tristan protect her from a madman bent on destroying their dreams and their lives?


My Review

I loved reading about the characters again from Courting the Countess and seeing the story continue. I'm not a fan of "rakes" so it took a while for me to warm up to Tristan, but as the story progressed his vulnerabilities were revealed and his choices to become better and worthy of Leticia made him easier to like. Leticia's disappointment in her love life is the focus of her thoughts early in the book, so I was glad when she put her efforts into creating opportunities for education for the lower class. The action in the plot that came later made things exciting and it was great to see Leticia and Tristan's relationship develop from sibling-like to romance. Another lovely Regency from this author!

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

Other Books in the Series

Courting the Countess by [Hatch, Donna]
Courting the Countess
(Courting #1)
by Donna Hatch
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 388 pages
October 5th 2016 by The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

When charming rake Tristan Barrett sweeps Lady Elizabeth off her feet, stealing both her heart and a kiss in a secluded garden, her brother challenges Tristan to a duel. The only way to save her brother and Tristan from harm—not to mention preserve her reputation—is to get married. But her father, the Duke of Pemberton, refuses to allow his daughter to marry anyone but a titled lord. The duke demands that Elizabeth marry Tristan’s older brother, Richard, the Earl of Averston. Now Elizabeth must give up Tristan to marry a man who despises her, a man who loves another, a man she’ll never love.

Richard fears Elizabeth is as untrustworthy as his mother, who ran off with another man. However, to protect his brother from a duel and their family name from further scandal, he agrees to the wedding, certain his new bride will betray him. Yet when Elizabeth turns his house upside down and worms her way into his reluctant heart, Richard suspects he can’t live without his new countess. Will she stay with him or is it too little, too late?


About the Author

Donna Hatch is the author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” and a winner of writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8 and has been listening to those voices ever since. She has become a sought-after workshop presenter, and also juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, and most of all, her six children (seven, counting her husband). A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty five years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive an ebook of Courting the Countess
Open internationally
Ends August 29th

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Grab Our Button!





Link-up: Free / Bargain Books



Sharing the Love of Books
Enjoy our selection of New Releases / Free & Bargain Books this week

Authors please feel free to add your own books
Readers please free to add your own finds
(any genre except erotica welcome)

This weekly link up is hosted by Beck Valley Books & these awesome book loving blogs...
Monday
 Leels Loves Books | IrishdaisylovesRomance | Book Babble | Traci Hayden
Tuesday
Celticlady's Reviews | First Time Mommy Adventures 
Wednesday
Beck Valley Books | Jude Ouvrard
Thursday
Miki's Hope | Heidi Reads...
Friday
Ebook Addicts | I Love Romance |
Colorimetry | J.C. Clarke
Saturday
3 Partners in Shopping | I Create Purty Thangs | Wishful Endings 
Sunday

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author
For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author
For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date 
For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please.  Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Here is this weeks awesome selection!

Would you like to share our linkup on your site? click here
Would you like to become a weekly host? sign up here


Come back and check out the new selection every week!







Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Romance Awareness Month Giveaway #3: The Vicar's Daughter by Josi S. Kilpack



This month is going way too fast! I'm really looking forward to Autumn though ;) Our third giveaway from Shadow Mountain Publishing's Proper Romance line is The Vicar's Daughter by Josi S. Kilpack! I love her thoughtful writing style and the transformations her characters go through. Be sure to enter Giveaway #2 for Blackmoore (ending Aug 25th) and the final giveaway will go live Aug 28th. Congratulations to Heather Spencer who won the first giveaway of Edenbrooke!

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Cassie, the youngest of six daughters in the Wilton family, is bold, bright, and ready to enter society. There's only one problem: her older sister Lenora, whose extreme shyness prevents her from attending many social events. Lenora is now entering her third season, and since their father has decreed that only one Wilton girl can be out at a time, Cassie has no choice except to wait her turn.

Evan Glenside, a soft-spoken, East London clerk, has just been named his great-uncle's heir and, though he is eager to learn all that will be required of him, he struggles to feel accepted in a new town and in his new position.

A chance meeting between Evan and Lenora promises to change everything, but when Lenora proves too shy to pursue the relationship, Cassie begins to write Mr. Glenside letters in the name of her sister. Her good intentions lead to disaster when Cassie realizes she is falling in love with Evan. But then Evan begins to court Lenora, thinking she is the author of the letters.

As secrets are revealed, the hearts of Cassie, Evan, and Lenora are tested. Will the final letter sent by the vicar's daughter be able to reunite the sisters as well as unite Evan with his true love?





Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Review: The Promise of Breeze Hill by Pam Hillman


Heidi Reads... The Promise of Breeze Hill by Pam Hillman

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Natchez, MS; 1791
 
Anxious for his brothers to join him on the rugged frontier along the Mississippi River, Connor O'Shea has no choice but to indenture himself as a carpenter in exchange for their passage from Ireland. But when he's sold to Isabella Bartholomew of Breeze Hill Plantation, Connor fears he'll repeat past mistakes and vows not to be tempted by the lovely lady.

The responsibilities of running Breeze Hill have fallen on Isabella's shoulders after her brother was found dead in the swamps along the Natchez Trace and a suspicious fire devastated their crops, almost destroyed their home, and left her father seriously injured. Even with Connor's help, Isabella fears she'll lose her family's plantation. Despite her growing feelings for the handsome Irish carpenter, she seriously considers accepting her wealthy and influential neighbor's proposal of marriage.

Soon, though, Connor realizes someone is out to eliminate the Bartholomew family. Can he set aside his own feelings to keep Isabella safe?


My Review

I seriously loved the history and setting of this story! It's a time and place I know little about, so I was fascinated by the details of life there, the dangers and struggles, the successes and progress. The vibrant characters made it come alive and it was great to see Isabella and Connor's relationship shift throughout the book. The author chose to let us know who the villain is from the beginning so even though it wasn't a mystery who was causing the destruction, there was still heightened tension and I couldn't help but want to warn Isabella! It was admirable to see how Connor helped Isabella's father recuperate in body and mind, and his strength was able to continue as the foundation of Breeze Hill. The sweet romance is woven throughout various hardships and challenges, and I loved every minute of reading this book. Highly recommend to fans of Laura Frantz and Tamera Alexander!

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


Sunday, August 20, 2017

Review: The Return by Suzanne Woods Fisher


Heidi Reads... The Return by Suzanne Woods Fisher

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Beautiful and winsome, Betsy Zook never questioned her family's rigid expectations, nor those of devoted Hans, but then she never had to. Not until the night when she's taken captive in a surprise Indian raid. During her captivity, Betsy faces brutality and hardship, but also unexpected kindness. She draws strength from native Caleb, who encourages her to find God in all circumstances. She finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the intense new feelings this compelling man awakens within her. 

Handsome and complex, Hans is greatly anguished by Betsy's captivity and turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort. Eagerly, Tessa responds, overlooking troubling signs of Hans's hunger for revenge. When Betsy is finally restored to the Amish, have things gone too far between Hans and Tessa?
 

Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of pre-Revolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.

My Review

The complex dynamics of the characters in this book were so compelling amidst the trials they faced. There are multiple perspectives the story is told from which made it so interesting and the pace moved swiftly forward. Anna and Bairn from the first two books were influential as Tessa's parents and Bairn as the spiritual leader of the group, and I *loved* how their personalities shone through without the author retelling what happened in the previous books. Because of that, this book can definitely stand on its own and I think it will only make readers want to read the first book as well to discover how Anna and Bairn's romance began (The first book is my favorite- it's SO. GOOD.) Felix also plays an important role and I loved his rambunctious little family and the surprises that come out of his story.

I felt like we got to know Tessa the most, it showed her strong personality and also how vulnerable her unrequited love for Hans made her. Her fascination with a wild stallion she regularly seeks out shows her compassion and patience as she befriends it but never captures it. She stubbornly rebuffs "Rumpled Martin" over a grudge from long ago, and I admired his perseverance in earning her friendship and respect over time. Her not-so-secret habit of eavesdropping on her parents made me chuckle ;)

Betsy's story is heartbreaking and the realistic historical details of the raid and her captivity made me so sad for the real-life settlers who endured such traumatic experiences. I felt like the author did an excellent job representing both sides of the grievances the Indians and settlers had against each other and the humanity of the choices they made- good and bad. Because of the kindness and respect of her new Indian family, Betsy is able to differentiate between individuals and the choices they make. It was interesting and sad to see how fear and anger led many of the settlements to instead group all Indians together in their minds as the villains, leading to tragic results.

Overall I was completely satisfied with this book on its own and as an addition to the Amish Beginnings series. The rich history and the journey of the characters was forefront, and the romance sprinkled throughout created the perfect balance. Highly recommend!

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


Saturday, August 19, 2017

Review: The Duke's Brother by Heather B. Moore


Heidi Reads... The Duke's Brother by Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Mr. Gregory Clark is having an awful day, and it only gets worse when he’s run over by … a woman. Mabel Russell reluctantly visits her sister in London for the Season, even though she’d rather stay in the country cataloging insects and aphids. When she runs into Mr. Clark, quite literally, she’s afraid to show any interest, especially since he’s a member of the dreaded Ton. But getting to know Mr. Clark becomes an unexpected delight.

*Note for readers: THE DUKE'S BROTHER was previously published in A Timeless Romance Anthology: All Regency Collection


My Review

This is a great novella, with well-rounded and interesting characters, a plot that can be quickly solved but also kept me reading to find out how everything played out, and bits of humor thrown in that made me smile :) The Regency genre is known for its formality and adherence to the rules of the ton, so it's always refreshing to read about those like Mabel and Gregory, who have interests and dreams outside of what society expects of them. Even though they are following their own non-conformist dreams, they didn't seem too modern since they still were polite and well-behaved. A perfectly enjoyable story that made me imagine how their happily-ever-after would continue, just what I look for in a novella!

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


Friday, August 18, 2017

Review: Mistress Grim by Jane Redd


Heidi Reads... Mistress Grim by Jane Redd

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

The Grim Reaper has been collecting souls of the dead for hundreds of years, but even the Master of Death has to pass on his reign. Unfortunately, his progeny is not quite ready to replace him.

Cora Grim, daughter of the Grim Reaper, is suddenly thrust into her father’s role. Leaving the Underworld on her own to bring back the dead souls, she discovers that the Master of Death neglected to tell her one thing. She can still fall in love.


My Review

Wow! Although I don't read much fantasy, if I have a recommendation from a friend or the author is one of my favorites I will give it a try. Heather B. Moore (aka Jane Redd) is definitely one of my must-read authors and she did not disappoint! The fantasy elements are based in familiar mythology, but with  twists and details that made it interesting and not like a history lesson ;) I loved the characters of Cora and Leo and instantly felt like I could relate to them and their goals. The plot is intense and moved swiftly along to the climax. The romantic moments are charged and yet sweet also. A great quick read that took my imagination to new places!

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


Mistress Grim is available as part of the Shattered Worlds collection of 23 novella-length stories from various authors - currently only 99 cents!


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com
Synopsis
 
Escape into twenty-three epic worlds that will leave you breathless.

From dystopian nightmares to gorgeous steampunk and fantasy settings to fairy-tale retellings and beyond, SHATTERED WORLDS has every story you’ve been dying to get your hands on!

This unique Young Adult/New Adult collection, inspired by the creative minds of today’s New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling authors, promises to satisfy your cravings for action and adventure as you experience rune magic and time-travel, overthrow corrupt governments, meet reapers and aliens, battle dragons, fall hopelessly in love, and break ancient curses, right alongside some of the bravest characters in fantasy fiction!




About the Author

Writing under Jane Redd, Heather B. Moore is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than a dozen historical novels set in ancient Arabia and Mesoamerica. She attended the Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican International School in Jerusalem and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University. She writes historical thrillers under the pen name H.B. Moore, and romance and women's fiction under the name Heather B. Moore. It can be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom.

Follow Jane Redd Books on