Monday, April 19, 2021

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch

The Indebted Earl JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Indebted Earl
Title: The Indebted Earl 
Series: Serendipity & Secrets #3 
Author: Erica Vetsch 
Publisher: Kregel Publications 
Release Date: March 23, 2021 
Genre: Christian Regency Romance 

Can Captain Wyvern keep his new marriage of convenience all business--or will it turn into something more? 

Captain Charles Wyvern owes a great debt to the man who saved his life--especially since Major Richardson lost his own life in the process. The best way to honor that hero's dying wish is for Wyvern to escort the man's grieving fiance and mother safely to a new cottage home by the sea. But along the way, he learns of another obligation that has fallen on his shoulders: his uncle has died and the captain is now the Earl of Rothwell. 

When he and the ladies arrive at his new manor house in Devon, they discover an estate in need of a leader and a gaggle of girls, all wards of the former earl. War the new earl knows; young ladies and properties he does not. Still wishing to provide for the bereaved Lady Sophia Haverly, Charles proposes a marriage of convenience. 

Sophie is surprised to find she isn't opposed to the idea. It will help her care for her betrothed's elderly mother, and she's already fallen in love with the wayward girls on the Rothwell estate. This alliance is a chance to repay the captain who has done so much for her care, as well as divert her attention from her grief. When Wyvern returns to his sea commission, she'll stay behind to oversee his property and wards. 

It sounds so simple. Until the stalwart captain is arrested on suspicion of smuggling, and Sophie realizes how much he's come to mean to her. Now she'll have to learn to fight, not only for his freedom but also for his love. 

 

EXCERPT

 

Honora Mary leaned out of Cilla’s embrace, holding up her arms to Captain Wyvern. The captain backed up a step, puzzlement in his eyes. Honora Mary’s face crumpled, and her lower lip quivered.

“Honestly, she’s never met a stranger.” Cilla moved closer and handed the baby to the captain, who took her as if she were a bomb with a lit fuse.

The baby hung in his hands, his arms straight out, her face split with an adorable smile. A gout of spittle rushed over her lower lip as she squealed and kicked.

“She appears to have sprung a leak.” Furrows lined the captain’s brow beneath the forepeak of his bicorn.

Cilla laughed and dabbed at the baby’s chin. “She’s teething.”

“She won’t break, will she?” he asked. “I’ve never done this before.”

Sophie smiled. “You look as if you’re the one about to shatter. Let her sit on your arm, and hold her against your chest so she doesn’t fall.” She helped him, but even with Honora Mary on his arm, he still looked as if he were holding an explosive. The man had lived through war, and he was flummoxed by a tiny girl.

Sophie wanted to laugh, the first such impulse in a long time. Something in her chest eased a bit, like the moment when you first took off your stays at night and drew a deep, unfettered breath.

 

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES


 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Erica Vetsch

Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks. You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com where you can read about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/EricaVetschAuthor/ where she spends way too much time!

CONNECT WITH ERICA: Website | Facebook | Instagram

 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of The Lost Lieutenant, The Gentleman Spy, & The Indebted Earl and a $10 Amazon gift card!

The Indebted Earl JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 19, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 26, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

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Sunday, April 18, 2021

Review: A Hopeful Christmas: A Regency Romance Collection by Anneka R. Walker, Sian Ann Bessey, Carla Kelly, Krista Lynne Jensen



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

Kindle the spirit of the season as four of your favorite storytellers weave tales of love and hope in this charming yuletide collection.

LORD BLAKELY’S GIFT
When Miss Ivy Hunt and Lord Curtis Blakely establish a secret acquaintance, neither can deny that their feelings extend beyond friendship. But as the children of bitter rivals, it will take a Christmas miracle for this star-crossed pair to reach their happily ever after.

A SEASON OF HOPE
Following the death of her father, Amelia knows Christmas will be lean. But when circumstances become dire, it is the unexpected arrival of a childhood friend that renews Amelia’s hope—both for the future and for love.

CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA
After two years at sea with the Royal Navy, surgeon Will Crenshaw longs for a quiet Christmas with his family. But when unrest at home threatens to ruin the holidays, it takes the kindly intervention of a mysterious house sitter to remind them of the true meaning of the season.

EXPECTATIONS AT CANTERWOOD
Marina Rowley is a spinster, Richard Stanhope a war-weary military man. A case of mistaken identity throws them together, but the unexpected stirrings of their hearts lead to an unforgettable holiday romance.

My Review

It was easy to fall into these stories and devour them! I loved the theme of hopefulness even in troubling circumstances, and it was inspiring to see how the miracles of the Christmas season came to pass in the lives of the characters. I wouldn't be able to choose a favorite among the stories as I enjoyed them all and it's was a special pleasure to have a collection of stories from a variety of my favorite authors! These novella collections have become something I look forward to reading every year, and they are also perfect for re-reading!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.



Fort Reno Series Review: Holding the Fort, The Lieutenant's Bargain, and The Major's Daughter by Regina Jennings

Book One


My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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Synopsis

Louisa Bell never wanted to be a dance-hall singer, but dire circumstances force her hand. With a little help from her brother in the cavalry, she's able to make ends meet, but lately he's run afoul of his commanding officer, so she undertakes a visit to straighten him out.

Major Daniel Adams has his hands full at Fort Reno. He can barely control his rowdy troops, much less his two adolescent daughters. If Daniel doesn't find someone respectable to guide his children, his mother-in-law insists she'll take them.

When Louisa arrives with some reading materials, she's mistaken for the governess who never appeared. Major Adams is skeptical. She bears little resemblance to his idea of a governess--they're not supposed to be so blamed pretty--but he's left without recourse. His mother-in-law must be satisfied, which leaves him turning a blind eye to his unconventional governess's methods. Louisa's never faced so important a performance. Can she keep her act together long enough?

My Review

I love when characters meet in unusual ways, and this one sure delivered! Louisa turns Daniel's life upside down, in good ways and unexpected ways. She is great with his daughters who can be a bit difficult, and following her instincts helps her provide what the girls really need beyond book learning. It's endearing how they are attracted to each other but fight their feelings since they don't think they are from the same walk of life- but Daniel thinks she's above him while Louisa believes the opposite. Louisa's rascal of a brother Bradley provides a humorous point of view, and I also loved Lieutenant Hennessy, the Major's right hand man and best friend who encourages his pursuit of Louisa. A vibrant cast of characters made this an enjoyable read and made me look forward to continuing the series. 

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

 Novella 1.5 
(from the Hearts Entwined collection- read my review here)

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Synopsis

As punishment for his recklessness, Private Bradley Willis is ordered to help a retired cavalry officer move a herd across Indian Territory. No one told him he'd be herding camels or that the captain's daughter would join them on the trail. Despite the mysterious incidents halting their progress, Bradley has to get this herd to Texas--or lose his commission.

 

Book Two 


My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

Hattie Walker dreams of becoming a painter, while her parents want her to settle down. As a compromise, they give her two months to head to Denver and place her works in an exhibition or give up the dream forever. Her journey is derailed when a gunman attacks her stagecoach, leaving her to be rescued by a group of Arapaho . . . but she's too terrified to recognize them as friendly.

Confirmed bachelor Lieutenant Jack Hennessey has long worked with the tribe and is tasked with trying to convince them that the mission school at Fort Reno can help their children. When a message arrives about a recovered survivor, Jack heads out to take her home--and plead his case once more.

He's stunned to run into Hattie Walker, the girl who shattered his heart--but quickly realizes he has a chance to impress her. When his plan gets tangled through translation, Jack and Hattie end up in a mess that puts her dreams in peril--and tests Jack's resolve to remain single.

My Review

In the first book I really felt for Jack and his unrequited love for Hattie. Their reunion is unexpected and again the author devises a highly unusual and entertaining first meeting! The way that they get to know each other again is so sweet, and their eyes are opened not only to the strengths, but also the weaknesses, flaws, and quirks. Jack comes to know the real Hattie, not just the enigma he placed on a pedestal, and Hattie quickly recognizes the significant changes in the young boy she knew and tolerated. Their relationship is rocky and goes through plenty of ups and downs that kept me glued to the pages. I loved Hattie's determination to make something of her painting talent, and Jack's devotion to the success of the school for Arapaho children. The pace is steady with humor, gentle romance, and some suspenseful action as the danger from the stagecoach robbery continues to plague Hattie. This one is my favorite of the series!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

 Book Three

  My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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Synopsis

Caroline Adams returns to Indian Territory after tiring of confining society life. She wants adventure, and when she and her friend Amber come across swaggering outlaw Frisco Smith, they find his dreams for the new territory are very persuasive. With the much-anticipated land run pending, they may just join the rush.

Growing up parentless, all Frisco Smith wanted was a place to call his own. It's no wonder that he fought to open the Unassigned Lands. After years of sneaking across the border, he's even managed to put in a dugout house on a hidden piece of property he's poised to claim.

When the gun sounds, everyone's best plans are thrown out the window in the chaos of the run. Caroline and Frisco soon find themselves battling over a claim--and both dig in their heels. Settling the rightful ownership will bring these two closer than they ever expected and change their ideas of what a true home looks like.


My Review

There is plenty of history in this exciting tale of the land run and the genesis of new towns and homesteads! Caroline and Frisco appeared in the previous books, but this one really explores their personalities and ambitions. They respected each other in their past roles, but now they are each branching out into new territory, literally! They begin to drive each other nuts before they engage in a conflict over a piece on land, but as they try to convince one another to just give up, they interact more and get involved in something bigger than they anticipated. I felt like the character development got lost a bit in the telling of the event's history, and I was filled with anxiety as I waited to see what the outcome of the dispute would be. Other issues arose for the characters which increased the sense of anxiety and suspense as I read. The new issues overshadowed Caroline and Frisco's dilemma and I felt that their resolution was a bit anticlimactic in comparison. I enjoyed the characters from the previous books, and it was great to see all the stories come full circle.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

Saturday, April 17, 2021

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Storm Breaks Forth by Terri Wangard

The Storm Breaks Forth JustRead Blog + Review Tour 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Storm Breaks Forth by Terri Wangard, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Storm Breaks Forth

Title: The Storm Breaks Forth
Author: Terri Wangard
Release Date: April 6, 2021
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

World War I rages in Europe, and now the United States joins in. 

Peter Bloch heads to France with the Wisconsin National Guard, but his wife Maren is the one under attack. She’s German-born, and anti-German hysteria is running high. Simple suggestions for coping with wartime measures lead Maren into an active role in the community, but her service doesn’t help deflect suspicion from her. Zealous patriots target her with a vengeance. Peter caught the eye of a major who seems intent on using him as a spy. He’s been fortunate to avoid injury so far, but these activities are likely to get him killed. 

Peter and Maren dream of the day they will be reunited, but more and more, that day appears to be a mirage.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | AmazonBookBub

 

EXCERPT

 Mr. Ledbetter patted her leg again, his hand lingering. Maren jerked her legs over and bumped Rosaleen. Her friend glanced over, and Maren nodded to Mr. Ledbetter’s hand, still on her leg. Rosaleen’s eyes rounded. She shifted Katie to Maren and raised her chin. Maren got the message. Let Katie crowd him.

The toddler surveyed her new reach, and grabbed at Mr. Ledbetter’s hair. Maren watched in disbelief as Katie’s little fist came away with the man’s hair. Saints’ alive! He wore a wig?

Katie decided she didn’t like the stringy stuff she held and, with a loud “Ack,” she threw it. The toupee flew past the floor lamp and landed on Mrs. Cain’s bare forearm. Unaware of the little drama taking place, the plump neighbor started at the sudden plop. Then she flung out her arm with a squeal. The hairpiece flew across the room and landed between Timmy Britton and Dickey Cortright.

“A mouse!” one shrieked.

“A bat!” screamed the other.

The young boys pounded the toupee with their feet.

Maren stared with her mouth open, trying not to notice Mr. Ledbetter’s shiny bald pate. Beside her, Rosaleen snatched back her daughter and pressed her face to Katie’s shoulder, trying to muffle her laughter. Geoff looked around for the source of the commotion and, spotting their neighbor’s gleaming dome, burst into a fit of coughing.

 

ALSO AVAILABLE


 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Terri Wangard

Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. These days she is writing historical fiction, and won the 2013 Writers on the Storm contest and 2013 First Impressions, as well as being a 2012 Genesis finalist. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her research included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.

CONNECT WITH TERRI: Website | Facebook | Instagram

 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive an ebook copy of The Storm Breaks Forth and a $15 Amazon gift card!

The Storm Breaks Forth JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 13, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 20, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.






Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: A Marriage of Inconvenience by Amy Vastine

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

A Marriage of Inconvenience
(Stop the Wedding! #3)
By Amy Vastine
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 213 Pages
April 1, 2021 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She’s met the perfect man…
But he’s engaged!

Wedding planner Sophia Reed never imagined she’d meet her perfect man during a bank robbery. Evan Anderson is handsome and funny and makes Sophia believe in love at first sight. There’s only one small hitch—he’s engaged to someone else, and Sophia is planning his wedding! But Evan’s wedding is purely a business arrangement…and true love might just turn this almost-perfect wedding into a beautiful catastrophe!

USA TODAY Bestselling Author

Stop the Wedding!

Book 1: A Bridesmaid to Remember
Book 2: His Brother’s Bride
Book 3: A Marriage of Inconvenience

(Affiliate links included.)

Excerpt
 

Everyone down on the ground! Down on the ground right now!” someone shouted.

Four men had entered the lobby dressed head to toe in black and each wearing an animal mask. The one in the tiger mask had a gun pointed at the security guard.

Hands where I can see them,” the man in the monkey mask said to the teller behind the counter. Everyone else down on the ground like my friend the giraffe said!”

Sophias heart stopped before jumping back to life and beating at a pace that it hit only during her toughest spin classes. The shock had her frozen in place. The man in front of her took her by the hand.

Lets do as they say and they wont hurt us,” he said, guiding her down to the ground.

There was kindness in his eyes. Kindness was something shed never take for granted again.

This was a bank robbery. A real-life bank robbery. Sophia knew they happened, but she never thought shed actually witness one.


Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

About the Author


Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read. Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart husband, three teenagers who keep her on her toes, and their two sweet but mischievous pups.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive (US only):
- $25 Amazon gift card
- “I love you to the bookstore and back” book bag filled with several of my favorite Heartwarming books
- Blackwell Sisters cleaning cloth
- Bookmark

Three additional winners will receive an ebook of the first book in the Stop the Wedding Series, A Bridesmaid to Remember (open internationally)

Ends April 28, 2021

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