Monday, August 17, 2020

Review & Giveaway: The Gentleman Spy by Erica Vetsch


 
My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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Synopsis

He only wanted a duchess for a day―but she's determined to make it a marriage for life

When his father and older brother suddenly pass away, the new Duke of Haverly is saddled with a title he never expected to bear. To thwart the plans of his scheming family, the duke impulsively marries a wallflower. After all, she's meek and mild; it should be easy to sequester her in the country and get on with his life―as a secret agent for the Crown.

But his bride has other ideas. She's determined to take her place not only as his duchess but as his wife. As a duchess, she can use her position to help the lowest of society―the women forced into prostitution because they have no skills or hope. Her endeavors are not met favorably in society, nor by her husband who wishes she'd remain in the background as he ordered.

Can the duke succeed in relegating her to the sidelines of his life? When his secrets are threatened with exposure, will his new wife be an asset or a liability?



My Review

Charlotte is the kind of character that I find easy to relate to in fiction. She loves reading, wants to do what is right but also speaks up, even when it is unpopular, and is compassionate and sacrificial. I loved her newfound passion for helping unfortunate women and the way she developed confidence in herself and in her new role. Marcus has quite a bit on his plate being an unexpected duke, an undercover agent, and new groom. I wish we knew more about his emotions in the early stages of his relationship with Charlotte, but he was just too good at repressing and compartmentalizing. The intrigue of the mystery he is trying to solve comes and goes throughout the book and seems to slow the pace rather than increase it. I enjoyed the focus on Charlotte and the way she navigates the new relationships in her life- husband, difficult mother-in-law, genuine friends, secret half sister, and converted former madam. There is a faith element woven in that is not often emphasized in Regency fiction, and I appreciated the way it gave hope and inspiration to the characters. I hope there will continue to be more in this series!

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

GIVEAWAY

Sunday, August 16, 2020

To Sketch a Sphinx by Rebecca Connolly


 
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

From the Hand of Sketch...

Henrietta "Hal" Mortimer has been working with England's operatives and spies for years, her remarkable memory and artistic talents invaluable to many missions. The last thing she expects is to be pulled into a field mission herself, and to be partnered with the most insufferable asset she has ever met. Worse, then, that she has to marry the man.

And the mind of Sphinx...

There are very few people who rattle John Pratt, gifted code-breaker for the Crown, but Hal Mortimer was one of them. Marrying her in order to go into the field for their mission in Paris would be torture, but they had no choice. Will their mutual spite doom their mission before it starts or can they set it aside and work together for the safety and security of their country?


My Review

As different as these two characters are, I loved them as individuals and loved them with each other- both when they are bickering (which they do so well) and when they are romantic. It was refreshing to have a somewhat fresh storyline to follow- the League is taking a new strategy to get ahead of the Faction rather than reacting to it's treachery. I absolutely loved the setting of Paris and the new characters we are introduced to! I'm hoping that we get future stories for the deep undercover spies that helped Hal and John. Sidenote: I have to admit that Hal's nickname often threw me off since it's so masculine in my mind, but it really created a swoony contrast when John would call her Ange. Hal and John each have a "very particular set of skills" (I'm saying that in Liam Neeson's voice in my head), which make them quite brilliant assets. They start out a bit competitive with each other, but as they work together they realize that they perfectly complement each other, in more ways than just their spy skills ;) I loved their chemistry and the way they grew to care for and support each other as true partners. This book has a perfect balance of intrigue, suspense, romance, and action. It wraps up with a satisfying ending, but also with a lead-in to the next book, which I can't wait for!

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



Don't miss the previous books in the London League series . . . 

 

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Book Tour Grand Finale: Ready to Trust by Tina Radcliffe #RTPrism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

(With its own giveaway through August 16th.)

Launch - Author Interview

What inspired you to write READY TO TRUST? 

Ready to Trust is the second book in the Hearts of Oklahoma series about the Rainbolt siblings who were raised by the oldest sibling, Mitch. Book 2, Ready to Trust is Reece’s story. I wanted to write about a black sheep who was called back to the flock. That’s Reece. A hunky hero with a heart for the Lord who knows only too well about making mistakes and asking for forgiveness. I think deep down inside I wanted to share that Christian men can be hunky and still be faith heroes. 


"A second chance romance, full of family, faith, and heart. It was a fast read for me, because it just grabbed me right out of the gate with a quick hook, and I didn't put it down. Zoe is such an adorable little girl, she is so cute! I also really enjoyed Willard, who adds some years of experience and humor to the story. Highly enjoyable and satisfying read, with amazing characters."


Grief slammed into her like an Oklahoma tornado, pummeling her heart with new aches. Though emotion threatened to spill, she held back tears. She didn’t cry about the past anymore. The past was a lot like what if and Claire didn’t ever go there, because what if was a place for dreamers. She was no longer a dreamer.


"I love stories of reconciliation and forgiveness. Tina Radcliffe has crafted an enjoyable story, set in Oklahoma, that includes forgiveness of past mistakes and reconciliation that doesn’t happen overnight. . . . The characters are likeable and believable – the kind of people you wish were your neighbors. The plot is well-thought-out with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and reading. . . . While it is an adult novel, Ready to Trust would be appropriate for a k-12 Christian school library. High school girls in particular will enjoy this clean romance."


"Let's take a moment to appreciate the hot guy on the cover! Ready To Trust is Tina Radcliffe's second book of her Hearts Of Oklahoma series but can be read as a standalone. This is a fast but meaningful read. . . . I enjoyed reading this book for all the warm fuzzies, humor and inspiration. Tina Radcliffe has written a lovely and charming story that I recommend for fans of contemporary Christian fiction."

Hallie Reads - Review

"As Claire and Reece sort through the complications of their relationship, Radcliffe shares a romance that is delightful to read. I enjoyed getting to know her characters, seeing them move forward from the events and feelings of the past that have held them back for far too long. It is an easy book to recommend to readers in need of a quick and entertaining romance."


"I enjoyed reading this sweet clean romance with beautiful ranch scenery. It took me through a life story of loss, challenges, and love. . . . Zoe was such a cute little girl in this story. Nan, Asa, Daisy, Mitch, and Willard were side characters that made me smile. I loved the side characters! . . . Claire went through hard things in life and so had Reece. I enjoyed watching them slowly but surely grow together."


"The book was a quick and fairly straightforward read. I like that there wasn't a ton of back and forth drama of misunderstandings. . . . I did love that family played an important role in the novel. I look forward to reading more books from the series."


"I really liked Claire, she was someone you could relate to. She has been through so much and dealing with pain and past is hard. Reece though was probably on of the best leading man in a romance novel. . . . I loved that I actually felt what they were feeling. I was on an emotional rollercoaster and didn't want to put the book down. I really enjoyed the story and all the characters"

Pause for Tales - Review

"Reece and Claire have some big issues they need to work through.I enjoyed walking on this journey to true love, albeit a little rocky. . . . This was another delightful romance to curl up with."


"Overall, Ready to Trust is a pleasant contemporary read set in Oklahoma, complete with a ranch, an orchard, horses, and even a goat. . . . The interactions between Reece and Zoe were wonderful to read. . . . There are some great secondary characters in this story who made me smile. They served to spur Reece and Clair to think beyond themselves. I like the diversity of situations and perspectives from the various characters and the wisdom they brought to the story."


"Tina Radcliffe pulls you into a story of finding yourself, finding hope, and learning that God always has a plan. Even if you don’t know what it might be. . . . The storytelling and characters were perfect for a solid can’t-stop-reading. The humor and grace kept the dark moments from becoming too intense while still telling a heartfelt tale.

This one is going on the keeper shelf. The messages of faith, family, and forgiveness will stay with me for a long time."

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

I’m not a long-term kind of guy and I have zero interest in a future...with anyone. The words offered by Reece Rainbolt six years ago mocked Claire as she was seated at a window table at Arrowhead Diner. She stared out the window, fighting the shame of the past. What a fool she’d been—in love with a man who crushed her heart beneath his boot heel and walked away.

Splashes of Joy - Review

"Author Tina Radcliffe does a very nice job of weaving these two families together, hashing out the differences and coming to an ending that will please everyone, or at least it did me. . . . And this sweet romance is sure one that is so much fun to read. I encourage you to check out Ready to Trust for your next fun read."
 

"Ahh, Ready to Trust by Tina Radcliffe was such a sweet story! . . . and let me say I was not disappointed. . . fun characters, the lighthearted romance, and the sense of community that Tina Radcliffe displayed. A truly enjoyable book with a lighthearted feel"


“If you’d let yourself, you’d have more friends in Rebel than you have fingers and toes. You could find a place for yourself and Zoe here. A good life.”

Claire shook her head. “There are too many memories.”

“Make new memories.”


"This author is one of my favorite Love Inspired authors . I was very excited to read this book. Welcome to Rebel Ranch in Rebel, Oklahoma. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. . . . This is a book about second chances and redemptions. The characters are real feeling and well written. The storyline will grab you in the beginning - and you will not want it to end."
 

". . . a great book. I loved everything about it and laughed out loud at specific points. Ms. Radcliffe did a fantastic job on this novel. Zoe is such a character, and she will be a handful for her parents in her teen years. I am also recommending this book to anyone that reads inspirational clean, and wholesome romances. Or to ones that love to read romance novels!"


"Radcliffe has written a romance which in of itself isn't a romance as it is more of a healing of hearts and a second chance at a new beginning for two characters weather worn from life. She takes you through the motions of how one of them is more willing to let go of the past than the other whilst at the same time, there is this little girl in the middle of it all, too. . . . Overall, what I loved most about the story and the characters is how grounded Reece is now in his life and how important family is to him. . ."


"This is a very cute story about misconceptions, pre-judgements, community unity, overcoming one's past and creating new memories. It is also an inspiring tale about overcoming obstacles and prevailing.

This Christian Fiction will surely uplift and inspire the reader."
 

"I thought this one was a great read. I loved getting to know Reece and Claire. I could relate to Claire's feelings and her trust issues. It was a delight to read and was easy to keep reading to find out how it would all end.

I am giving Ready to Trust a very well deserved five plus stars."


“No, you didn’t.” His expression darkened. “You trusted your belief that I would let you down like everyone else. You’ve been waiting for it, expecting my betrayal every single day.” He shook his head.


"I loved Reece’s and Claire story in Ready to Trust. . . . Ready to Trust is a wonderful story. I look forward to reading more of the books in the series."


"Tina Radcliff writes a sweet romance. One about change, forgiveness and second chances. Reece and Claire have some big issues to overcome. I love how Zoe stole Reece's heart from the beginning. . . . The book was enjoyable from the first chapter. Engaging and heartwarming."

Rincón de Joss - Excerpt

“Reece? Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked quietly this time.

He sucked in a ragged breath and struggled to calm himself. “I don’t know what I am, to tell you the truth.”

“I understand and I know this isn’t easy,” Nan said. “But try to be kind.”

Uplifting Reads - Review

"This story was so familiar to me for some reason. Then again, I have been reading a lot of these inspirational, second chance and rancher romances lately. I'd say that you have the same general formula as a lot of those books, but Tina makes this story her own and you'll love [following] Claire and Reece along their journey."


"She has a gift for creating realistic characters and such small towns that readers may want to flock to them. . . . I absolutely loved this story . . . Fans of the author and the previous novel are sure to enjoy this book. It was as sweet and precious as the first novel. Overall this is an adorable, heart-tugging, beautiful, peachy treat of a book!"


And he did recall. He’d often find himself in the library watching her shelve books as he struggled over homework assignments. She was always polite when he had questions about locating resource books. Claire was one of the few people at Rebel High who saw him as a person, not just a pretty face or a dumb jock. That was enough to fuel a crush on her that he never told anyone about.

Remembrancy - Review

"The Rainbolt family and the town of Rebel, Oklahoma invite readers in and make them feel so welcome, they will not want to leave. And, even when they’re pushing at each other, every scene with Reece and Claire spending time together is one I devoured.

Add to that the handsome cowboy whose heart is wrapped up in his little girl from the moment he meets her, and you just can’t get much better."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

Ready to Trust
(Hearts of Oklahoma #2)
By Tina Radcliffe
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages
July 21, 2020 by Love Inspired

Proving he’s a changed man could be his biggest challenge yet.

Rancher Reece Rainbolt’s shocked to learn he’s inherited half of Claire Ballard’s family farm—and that he’s a father. Now Claire’s determined to break ties with the man who once left her behind. But Reece will buy her half only on one condition: she must stay in town to help with the harvest…and let him get to know his little girl.

(Affiliate links included.)

Other Books in the Series

Finding the Road Home
(Hearts of Oklahoma #1)
By Tina Radcliffe
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages
February 18, 2020 by Love Inspired

Some paths need courage to follow…

Can they find their fresh startwith roadblocks around every corner?

To care for her orphaned nieces and nephews, Daisy Anderson moved to a small town for a new deputy position—but now her job could be eliminated. With potential budget cuts looming, her only hope is to work with police chief Mitch Rainbolt to save their department’s funds. But can their fight for her job lead to something neither dared wish for: a future together?

(Affiliate links included.)

And coming in December...

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

About the Author


Tina Radcliffe is the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award-winning author of inspirational romance. She is an ACFW and Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, and a four time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Tina is the author of fifteen inspirational romances for Harlequin HarperCollins.


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a Lily Queen Canvas Totebag (retail value $21.99), a $25 Amazon gift card and a print copy of READY TO TRUST (US/CAN only)

Ends August 19, 2020

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Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Review: Coming Home to Maverick by Sophia Summers



 
My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

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Synopsis

Bailey is back. Maverick thought he was over her. But neither can deny the feelings that will always be there.

Bailey has made mistakes, so many she doesn't think she'll really ever forgive herself. But her daughter deserves the kind of life Bailey had growing up. When she shows up on her parents' doorstep back to her hometown, the one person she isn't ready to see is Maverick. But will she ever be able to face him?

The minute Maverick hears Bailey is back, he knows his heart still belongs to her. But what kind of man trusts a woman who left him at the altar? As he grapples with a new daughter that he can't help but wish was his, all the responsibilities of running his family's ranch, and the hurt he feels about Bailey's betrayal, he finds new love and hope not only with her but with God.

As soon as God is a part of the equation, the sweetness they find is better than they ever had. Just maybe this second chance around is God's gift of happiness to them both.


My Review

This is a feel-good second chance romance set in small-town Texas. There are strong themes of homecoming and forgiveness as Bailey reconnects with the family and friends she left behind with no word or explanation. While it's understandable that she had wanted to chase her dreams of being a singer, I didn't get why she ghosted people she had such good and strong relationships with. She does an awful good job of self-flagellation for her bad choices now that she's back home, and her parents and Maverick are both encouraging of her turning things over to God for healing. The characters seem almost too good to be true, and the slower pace of the story matches the setting, making it a relaxing read.

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


Review: Molly by Sarah Monzon

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I absolutely refuse to tell a lie no matter the consequences. So don’t ask me a direct question unless you’re prepared for a direct answer—that’s something my SoCal sewing girlfriends have learned the hard way.  

But who would have thought my honesty policy would get me fired from my job at the preschool? Or that a desperate—and not to mention devastatingly handsome—single father of one of my (now-former) students would hire me that same day as a nanny for his daughter?  

I’m an education professional. How hard can taking care of a four-year-old and her over-stressed, over-worked father be?

My Review

So. Funny. I loved Molly's voice! Fresh, quirky, self-aware, and self-accepting. The honesty policy sounds like a good life rule... until you quickly learn how convenient it can be to bend the truth in uncomfortable situations- like the one that got Molly fired. Ironically, her candid, scientific answer about body functions also gets her hired by the handsome and desperate doctor to care for his precocious daughter. Of course, attraction ensues while Molly becomes an integral part of the little family, though not without some all-too-realistic mishaps. I liked how the author shows how Molly's childhood experiences have influenced the importance of integrity in her life. The story is told from both Molly and Ben's first person POV, which made it interesting and fun to get in Ben's head as well. Recommend to fans of clean contemporary romance and especially those who loved The Match by Sarah Adams.

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



Don't miss the next book in the Sewing in SoCal series . . .

Coming October 2020
 
http://www.goodreads.com
Synopsis

WWSOD—What would Scarlett O’Hara do?
 
Anything to survive, that’s what. But instead of a man-eating Southern belle in hoop skirts and big hats, my version of existence looks an awful lot like a financial conglomerate employee staring blankly at budget analysis spreadsheets. Either way, the motto has served me well most my life. Until now, that is. The corporate retreat location has just been announced, and this city girl is headed to a dude ranch in the country. How will Scarlett help me survive that? No, this time I’ll turn to the sage advice of preteen YouTubers and their ponies to keep me from making a fool of myself.
 
But who’s going to help me navigate the kind yet reticent cowboy in the black Stetson—the cattle ranch owner who’s slowly claiming corners of my heart?





Review: A Well-Trained Lady by Jess Heileman



My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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Synopsis

Arabella Godwin is an Incomparable in London Society—elegant, wealthy, and meticulously trained. Yet, she has nothing to show for her efforts aside from her pretentious reputation and a collection of disappointed suitors. When her plan to secure a promising offer of marriage is temporarily delayed, she must bide her time in the company of an estranged childhood friend—the much-too-endearing, but regrettably untitled, Augustus Brundage.

As the friends’ tattered relationship returns to familiarity, Arabella must prevent herself from fully regressing into the carefree, impressionable young lady who once foolishly trusted Augustus with her heart. To make the same mistake again would ruin everything she has worked for—and certainly more.

But, can a heart be so easily trained?

My Review

Arabella drove me a just little crazy! Once she slowly sheds the insincere society persona she had embraced due to her mother's influence, she becomes actually likeable, and I could see why Augustus had fallen in love with her and was willing to give her another chance. She reminds me a bit of Jane Austen's Emma as she gives lessons to Ruth, trying to help improve her manners, when really Ruth has the important characteristics Arabella would do well to emulate. Augustus and Arabella have such fun banter, which were my favorite parts. Family secrets come to light and complicate Arabella's future, right when she was so close to grasping happiness. I was all tied in a knot as Arabella is caught between her parents and their own private agendas. This book had plenty of ups, downs, and twists leading to a perfectly satisfying happily-ever-after.

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



Don't miss the other books in the Seasons of Change series . . .











Review: Love's Mountain Quest by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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Synopsis

Young widow Joanna Watson is struggling to make a new home for her five-year-old son, Samuel, in the little mountain town of Settler's Fort. When she returns home from work to find Samuel and the woman watching him missing, with no lawman in town, she enlists a man she prays has enough experience in this rugged country to help.

Isaac Bowen wants nothing more than a quiet, invisible life in these mountains, far away from the bad decisions of his past. But he has a strong suspicion of who's behind the kidnapping, and if he's right, he knows all too well the evil they're chasing.

As they press on against the elements, Joanna fights to hold on to hope, while Isaac knows a reckoning is coming. They find encouragement in the tentative trust that grows between them, but whether it can withstand the danger and coming confrontation is far from certain in this wild, unpredictable land.


My Review

Boy, this one jumped right into the action! I felt like I quickly got to know Joanna and Isaac quickly through their actions and thoughts as they desperately search for her kidnapped son and friend. We experience the author's trademark perilous journey through the wilderness with various dangers and trying conditions. I was surprised that tracking the outlaws took up so much of the book, but it turned out that this was a long game situation since Isaac had a secret past that gave them an advantage in the pursuit. It's a mixed blessing since it brings more issues for Joanna to deal with after she's fallen for the rugged mountain man- overcoming mistrust and relying on the good man he is now. The scenes with the outlaws and Laura, the young woman they are holding captive, are a bit disturbing, which heightens the tension and suspense. I appreciated the spiritual message of turning to God in faith during our darkest hours, and also the theme of redemption and forgiveness. I'm glad that the next book in the series is about Laura so we can see her healing process from all she went through.

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



Don't miss the other books in the Hearts of Montana series . . .









Monday, August 10, 2020

Review: The Light Within by A.L. Weston



My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

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

Synopsis

At the end of the sixteenth century in Ireland, a Scottish clan took over Dunluce Castle, claiming it for their own in hopes of unifying the Irish and the Scottish. Secrets and lies are held within its walls, but love shook through the cracks, gasping to unleash.

Catriona O’Brien is a daughter and a storyteller. Through the tales told by the light of the fire each night, Cat basks in the idea of unseen worlds. When Catriona and her friends share a mystical experience as children, Cat’s life is changed. As she grows older, she frequently ponders the mystery she still doesn’t understand, letting its influence guide her.

When a mysterious stranger from the castle comes to hide in her shed, Catriona is forced on a journey that leads her to an understanding of what her heart desires. But her stranger’s secrets run deep. Will their love be enough to break through the deceit? Or will duty and responsibility destroy their love?

An enchanting tale of love through an unlikely turn of events that could alter the history of their clan...

My Review

I was really intrigued by the premise of this book and was excited to try out a new-to-me author. Unfortunately, it turned out to be not my cup of tea. I enjoyed the characters in the beginning, especially Catriona's devotion to her family. But it was difficult for me to get into the story since so much of it was ambiguous and mysterious, with no real answers forthcoming. Instead of making me curious, I ended up losing interest. The writing style was mostly telling, in a first person POV alternating between Cat and Brogan. I found it odd that major aspects of the characters stayed a secret when it was told from their inner thoughts. This one ended up being a pass for me.

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