Friday, January 25, 2019

Review: So Bright a Hope by Amber Lynn Perry


Heidi Reads... So Bright a Hope by Amber Lynn Perry

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

When Caroline Whitney receives word that the brother she thought was dead is in fact a prisoner of war, she is frantic to rescue him. On the way to find help, she hides from the Redcoats, but is quickly discovered by a rugged British soldier who claims she must go with him, or be tried for espionage. The world would tell her this man is the enemy, but the veiled secrets in her captor’s eyes reveal he is more than he seems. If she fails to trust, more could be endangered than her life—her heart is bound to be broken a second time.

As a double agent in the service of Washington, British Captain James Higley must keep his true convictions a secret or face being killed as a traitor. On his newest mission, he discovers a courageous woman hiding in a barn, and is forced to capture her, or both their lives will be in jeopardy. When she offers her compliance in exchange for help in finding her brother, he accepts, despite his inner warnings. He must keep his distance from this alluring Patriot, or risk revealing not only his identity, but the true feelings of his heart.


My Review

So intense!!! This is a wonderful conclusion to the Daughters of His Kingdom series, delving into the world of espionage during the Revolutionary War. I was amazed that even with the book's swift paced plot, I felt like I got to know the characters quickly and connected with them as they faced challenges. It's written in a way that immersed me in the setting, had my hands gripping my kindle from the action, and feeling the powerful emotions of Caroline and James. They had strong chemistry, and also strong convictions as they each fought in their own way to support Washington and the Patriots. Part of the story is also told from the point of view of Captain Greene, the vengeful Redcoat pursuing them, increasing the suspense and tension. There are some twists that I don't want to give away, but something else I enjoyed was how the lives of the characters from the previous books in the series were entwined with James and Caroline. This book would read well as a stand alone, but for full enjoyment of this amazing series I recommend reading them in order and watch the history unfold during the birth of our country's independence.

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



Don't miss the previous books in the Daughters of His Kingdom series . . .

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Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: With This Pledge by Tamera Alexander

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Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for With This Pledge by Tamera Alexander, the first full novel of the Carnton series, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

9780718081836 Title: With This Pledge
Series: Carnton, Book 1  
Author: Tamera Alexander  
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: January 8, 2019  
Genre: Historical Romance  

History takes on vivid life in the stunning first full-length installment of USA TODAY bestselling Tamera Alexander’s new series, The Carnton Novels.  

What can a woman—a mere governess—do against the scourge of slavery?

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Clouston’s quietly held principles oppose those of the Southern Cause—but when forty thousand soldiers converge on the fields of Franklin, Tennessee, the war demands an answer. The Carnton home where she is governess is converted into a Confederate field hospital, and Lizzie is called upon to assist the military doctor with surgeries that determine life or death. Faced with the unimaginable, she must summon fortitude, even as she fears for the life of Towny, her fiancĂ© and lifelong friend.

As a young soldier lies dying in Lizzie’s arms, she vows to relay his final words to his mother, but knows little more than the boy’s first name. That same night, decorated Mississippi sharpshooter Captain Roland Ward Jones extracts a different promise from Lizzie: that she intervene should the surgeon decide to amputate his leg.

Lizzie is nothing if not a woman of her word, earning the soldiers’ respect as she tends to the wounded within Carnton’s walls. None is more admiring than Captain Jones, who doesn’t realize she is pledged to another. But as Lizzie’s heart softens toward the Confederate captain, she discovers that his moral ground is at odds with her own. Now torn between love, principles, and promises made, she struggles to be true to her heart while standing for what she knows is right—no matter the cost.

From the pages of history and the personal accounts of those who endured the Battle of Franklin, Tamera Alexander weaves the real-life love letters between Captain Roland Ward Jones and Miss Elizabeth Clouston into a story of unlikely romance first kindled amid the shadows of war.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository

EXCERPT

Head HERE for an exclusive excerpt!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling novelist whose works have been awarded and nominated for numerous industry-leading honors, including the Christy Award (two-time winner, seven-time finalist), the RITA Award (two-time winner, four-time finalist), the Carol Award, the Maggie Award, the Booksellers Best Award, and Library Journal's top distinction, among others. After seventeen years in Colorado, Tamera and her husband now reside in Nashville, Tennessee, where they live a short distance from Belmont Mansion and Belle Meade Plantation, the setting of Tamera’s two USA Today bestselling Southern series.  

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

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(1) winner will win a release copy of With This Pledge + $10 Amazon Gift Card

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 14, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm January 28, 2019. US only for a print copy of the book. International winners will receive an ebook. Gift card prize will be issued as an e-gift card. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.



Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
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Thursday, January 24, 2019

Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: An Alaskan Proposal by Beth Carpenter


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Heidi Reads... An Alaskan Proposal by Beth CarpenterAn Alaskan Proposal
(Northern Lights #4)

By Beth Carpenter
Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
January 1st 2010 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Can he teach her survival skills—

without endangering his heart?

When Sabrina Bell taps Leith Jordan for a crash course in conquering the great Alaskan outdoors, he figures he’s on safe ground. They’re polar opposites and his spectacular home state’s just a pit stop for the hotshot fashionista. So no one’s more surprised than Leith when he starts falling for her. Now he’s a man with a plan: get Sabrina to fall in love with Alaska…and, hopefully, with him.

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My Review

Another great book in the Northern Lights series! I really enjoyed the easy friendship that developed between Leith and Sabrina, although I didn't understand how they could keep their relationship casual once the kissing started. I loved the Alaskan setting and all the camping and exploring described. It made me want to pack up and escape to the mountains! Even though Sabrina begins inexperienced in the outdoors and more comfortable with high fashion, her genuine personality shone through as she was determined to gain the experience she needed to succeed. Her strength and compassion attracted Leith and even though he had issues with trust in committed relationships, he also valued the light and warmth she added to his life. The two dogs Tal and Boomer were full of personality and showed another example of how opposites could complement each other. There were some cameos of the characters from the previous books in the series which was fun, and I also liked Leith's sister Volta and niece Emma. A great cast of characters made this a well-rounded story.

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

Other Books in the Series


About the Author


Once upon a time ...

when Beth Carpenter was a little girl, she read everything she could get her hands on, and entertained herself on the school bus by making up stories in her head. Not a lot has changed. She's still consuming books like M&Ms, and spends her days creating happily-ever-afters for her imaginary friends.

She lives in Alaska and Arizona with her husband and an aggressively affectionate fifty-pound lap dog. She loves to hear from readers.
Tour Schedule

January 21st:
Launch
Baroness Book Trove
It's All About the Romance
Reading Is My SuperPower
January 22nd:
underneath the covers
Book by Book
Mythical Books
The Power of Words
January 23rd:
Reading On The Edge
Declarations of a Fangirl
Thoughts of a Blonde
Hearts & Scribbles
E-Romance News
January 24th:
Rockin' Book Reviews
Kimber Li
Heidi Reads...
My Life Loves and Passion
January 25th:
Becky on Books
Remembrancy
Locks, Hooks and Books
EmpowerMoms
January 26th:
Grand Finale


Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive a book tote, a print copy of A GIFT HORSE by Beth Carpenter, and a $25 Amazon Gift Card

Prize open to US continental residents - If winner doesn’t have a US mailing address, the alternate prize is a $25 Amazon card and two e-books (A GIFT HORSE and THE ALASKAN CATCH).

Ends January 30, 2019

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Forever Yours Event: Author Lorin Grace & Giveaway

 

    

 Mending Hearts with the Billionaire by Lorin Grace 

 Candace’s ten-year plan has two flaws, year eleven and Colin. Everyone who meets Candace wearing one of her colorful wigs knows she is a cancer survivor. Determined to live life to the fullest, her accomplishments range from painting murals to convincing students on campus to give up drinking. Few people know the secret to her success includes a detailed ten-year plan and a bucket list full of check marks. Candace never dreamed she’d make it to year eleven. 

Computer expert Colin Ogilvie can navigate the most difficult codes. While his friends were chasing girls, he was hacking past firewalls and developing billion-dollar apps. He never felt he was missing out until he met Candace. After five hundred and twelve days in the friend zone, he wonders if he can ever crack the code to the wall protecting her heart. 

What science can’t solve, art can. Their relationship changes when a meddling friend commissions Candace to help restore an antique merry-go-round. As Candace brings new life to the old merry-go-round, she discovers her own life can have a different path than she planned. But is she brave enough to not only reveal her biggest secrets to Colin but brave a chance on her own happily ever after? 

https://amzn.to/2We2EVl     




 

Gathering his courage, he moved to the leather seat facing her. “Penny for your thoughts.” 

She raised one of her painted brows. “Do you even have a penny?” 

“I can transfer it via two or three different apps.” 

“But I don’t need a penny.” 

 “What do you need?” 

“Chocolate?” 

“I can do chocolate.” He pulled up a shopping app. “It will be waiting at the Blue Pines Inn’s front desk.” 

“Caramels and cherries?” 

“Of course. And they are hand dipped in Blue Pines.” The first hint of a real smile flashed across her face. “So how many of your thoughts does that get?” 

Candace patted the seat next to her. “Probably not as much as it should. I was thinking about what Dr. Christensen told me about turning a corner. I just don’t know where to go.” 

    



  

“If you haven't read this book or series, this is Colin! Great and unassuming, flying under the radar but amazing beyond all expectations.” ~Julie 

“Mending Hearts is my favorite!! Colin is one swoon-worthy guy. “ ~Renee 

“This is a wonderfully written story about these struggles and the importance of being there for each other.” ~Deborah


     


   

Author Lorin Grace 


Lorin Grace was born in Colorado and has been moving around the country ever since, living in eight states and several imaginary worlds. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Graphic Design. Currently, she lives in northern Utah with her husband, four children, and a dog who is insanely jealous of her laptop. When not writing Lorin enjoys creating graphics, visiting historical sites, museums, and reading. Lorin is an active member of the League of Utah Writers. Her debut novel, Waking Lucy, was awarded a 2017 Recommend Read award in the LUW Published book contest. Mending Fences received a 2018 Recommend Read award in the LUW Published book contest. 

    



  

    




  

 

Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 2/14/19 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 may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.