10.31.2020

So This is Love by Laura Hile ~ Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: So This Is Love

Author: Laura Hile

Genre: Historical Christian Romance; Regency Romance

Release Date: May 29, 2020

“I am not romantic, you know. I never was.”

Newly escaped from a loathsome engagement of convenience, Charlotte Lucas has no interest in romance. More than ever, she is convinced that no man would—or could—love her. As companion to an aging aunt, Charlotte’s new life is as predictable as it is circumspect.

But then she is rescued from a robbery by her uncle’s heir, a masterful man who is disastrously handsome. Why has he remained as a guest in the house? Why is he so determined to draw Charlotte out and make her talk? And what of his invitation to visit his home by the sea?

Romance is not on the chart for Captain Jack Blunt. Never again will he be played for that kind of fool! He is ashore only to heal from an injury and see to business, nothing more. And yet the pointed disinterest of his cousin’s pert niece is intriguing. She is forthright, refreshingly honest—and altogether lovely. She will make a fine wife for one of his officers. But not, of course, for him.

So This Is Love is a joyride of a Regency, bringing whirlwind romance and happily-ever-after to Jane Austen’s staid and practical Charlotte Lucas.

Click here to get your copy!

Review:

I liked how this book re-imagines the life of Charlotte Lucas (of Pride and Prejudice fame), rescuing her from the dreadful clutches of Mr. Collins, and turning her story in a new direction.

An enjoyable read for fans of Austen, as the author brings in elements from other Austen tales as well into this re-imagining. Charlotte is a sensible and intelligent young woman, I liked that her aunt took an interest in her and kindly helped her to find more flattering ways to present herself.

Captain Jack is a honorable man, a kind and quite dashing hero. I liked how faith was important to both Charlotte and Jack.

Overall, it was a fun read, but there were parts that I personally found to be unrealistic and that I felt were very modern in sensibilities for a regency era novel, even more so as an Austen spin-off. There were times when I felt that things could have just been left more to mystery, to let the reader wonder more I guess. A pleasant read, and I liked the way that it gives Charlotte a new story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Encourager. Believer. Author. Teacher. Friend.

By day, Laura Hile teaches at a Christian school. By night—or rather, in the early morning when she can think! —she writes Jane Austen and Regency romance with laughs and happy endings.

The comedy Laura comes by as a teacher. There’s never a dull moment with middle school students!

She enjoys gardening (she is a weed warrior!), choral singing, and having coffee with friends.

Laura lives in Beaverton, Oregon, with her husband and a collection of antique clocks. One day she hopes to add a cat or three.

More from Laura

In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Charlotte Lucas is stuck marrying the awful Mr. Collins. It is a prudent choice, given her age and circumstances, but still.

Generations of women readers have felt badly for her, including me. “No, no!” we want to shout. “The man’s a spineless braggart! Don’t marry him!”

Charlotte claims that she is not romantic. We don’t believe that for a minute. She simply hasn’t met the right man.

With an eye on the rugged seaside setting of the classic movie The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947), I decided to change all that. With two little words, I sent Charlotte’s story spinning from its Pride and Prejudice rails: What If?

What if, when Collins returns to Meryton to negotiate the settlement, his lustful thoughts overpower good sense? What if, before they are married, Collins gets handsy—and something within Charlotte snaps? What if she abruptly ends the engagement?

That’s what we would do in real life, right? We’d kick Collins to the curb!

What if, to escape gossip, Charlotte is sent to live with her father’s sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Allen (borrowed from Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey). Mr. Allen’s heir is also a house guest, and thus we have a perfect opportunity for romance.

Although I intended to use The Ghost and Mrs. Muir’s Captain Gregg as a model, Captain Jack Blunt wasn’t having any. He strode onto the story’s quarterdeck as very much his own man. For one thing, he is Royal Navy (1812), not merchant marine. And for another, he is surprisingly devout. Although he has a gentleman’s beard like Gregg, he is blond.

If you’re thinking Chris Hemsworth in Thor, you’re getting the right idea.

Look, if our girl Charlotte is brave enough to give Collins the heave-ho, she deserves to meet a swoony hero, right?

Captain Blunt’s house by the sea in Dorset plays the role of Captain Gregg’s Gull Cottage. Cliff House, and the cove it’s built above, almost become characters themselves as Charlotte and Jack share daily walks beside the sea. This book is filled with delicious banter between the two. Isn’t that our favorite thing about a romance?

So This Is Love is a swashbuckling, sweep-away Regency that is just plain fun to read. I think you’ll enjoy it.

Blog Stops

Through the Lens of Scripture, October 30

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, October 30

Labor Not in Vain, October 31

deb's Book Review, October 31

Texas Book-aholic, November 1

Mary Hake, November 1

Inklings and notions, November 2

For Him and My Family, November 3

Stephanie's Life of Determination, November 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 4

Beauty in the Binding, November 4

Connie's History Classroom, November 5

Artistic Nobody, November 6 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Connect in Fiction, November 6

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 7

Pause for Tales, November 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 8

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 9

Emily Yager, November 9

She Lives To Read, November 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 11

Blossoms and Blessings, November 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 12

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Laura is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/102f0/so-this-is-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

10.29.2020

Miss Fanshawe's Fortune by Linore Rose Burkard ~ Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Miss Fanshawe’s Fortune

Author: Linore Rose Burkard

Genre: Sweet and Clean Historical Romance (regency)

Release Date: September 8, 2020

Miss Frances Fanshawe’s past is shrouded in mystery. Raised genteelly by her mother in the knowledge she is heir to a fortune, she is forced to question everything after her mother dies and leaves her with only a single clue to the money. Unless she can locate her father or otherwise prove her heritage, not only the fortune but her very respectability is at stake.

In line for a baronetcy, Sebastian Arundell has no time for sorting out questionable tangles for young women with dubious histories. No matter if they are young, appealing, and have ridiculously large chocolate eyes to melt a man’s heart. But when it becomes apparent that other people are after Frannie’s supposed fortune, he is drawn to investigate. As the search deepens, Frannie falls in love with handsome, proper Sebastian. But if it only proves what he suspects—that she’s an illegitimate pauper—will all hope to win his heart be lost?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

An utterly delightful read, engaging, with a fantastic plot and larger than life characters.

After reading Miss Tavistock's Mistake I knew that I was in for a good time with this book, but to my delight it surpassed my already high expectations. Frannie is an amiable heroine, guileless and sweet, she quickly endears herself to those around her by her humble and unassuming nature. Sebastian though, was probably my very favorite character, he is a problem solver, and a man of action, he reminded me of my favorite Austen hero, Mr. Knightley. I admired his devotion to his family, and also his drive to put things in order, he never gives in to the temptation to be carried away, and always holds to the reality of the situation, while still looking on the bright side.

I loved how this book incorporates faith into the story, as well as how this book does a great job bringing the dialect of the time to life realistically. This book was just so fun to read, with a fantastic plot that kept me guessing. I loved Sebastian's family, and his relationship with his mother and brother. Highly enjoyable and thoroughly satisfying, I loved every moment of it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Linore Rose Burkard is a serious watcher of period films, a Janeite, and hopeless romantic. An award winning author best known for Inspirational Regency Romance, her first book opened the genre for the CBA. Besides historical romance, Linore writes YA contemporary suspense and contemporary romance. Linore has a magna cum laude English Lit. degree from CUNY which she earned while taking herself far too seriously. She now resides in Ohio with her husband and family, where she turns her youthful angst into character or humor-driven plots.

More from Linore Rose Burkard

Introduction:

Today we have a multi-published author with us, Linore Rose Burkard. She writes “Romance to warm the Heart, Fiction to Stir the Soul.” Linore’s first novel, an Inspirational Regency Romance, was actually the first of its kind and opened the genre for the CBA. Linore, welcome. Please tell us more about yourself as a writer. I understand you feel very purpose-driven in you vocation.

Linore: I do. Newer writers usually say their purpose is to write whatever specific book they’re working on. But I believe our purpose goes deeper than that, deeper than any single book. My purpose—which some may consider a humble calling—is to write smart, well-researched romance infused with humor that literally warms the heart. My readers close my romance novels with a smile and the feeling—at least for a few minutes—that all is right with the world.

When did you realize that was your purpose?

A writer needs to be humble enough to accept what their giftings are. I had to accept that I wasn’t going to write the next ‘great American novel.’ I wasn’t going to be a Hemingway. Having been schooled in the classics, both British and American, writing inspirational romance seems lightweight. Georgette Heyer, a writer I greatly admire, once said she ought to be shot for what she writes! Because there’s this perception among the literati that romance literature is less than respectable. But I’ve learned that heartwarming romance is worthy in itself, whether it is overtly evangelistic or not, and whether English professors would agree or not. Readers have written to me with such gratitude that it showed me that what I write is no less valuable –to those who will be blessed by it—than the classics.

How did you get started?

I’ve been an avid reader all my life and was always was drawn to write, even as a child. But I saw a need for something specific that wasn’t out there—Regency Romance that included a Christian worldview. I wanted to read that book, but it didn’t exist. So that’s what I started out writing. My first three novels with Harvest House were Inspirational Regencies. The genre since then has grown by leaps and bounds, which I think is great.

Would you like to give a tip for writers?

It’s important to write the book on your heart, not the one you think you should write because it will make money, or because it’s what people want. A lot of gurus are out there saying you should research the audience before putting pen to paper to make sure your book will be marketable. Well, there is some truth in that—if you write a book about some obscure dog breed that only 200 people own, you’re not gonna have a bestseller. But there’s a big danger in that method, too. The book on your heart, the story that won’t go away, is most likely the one that will help point you to your purpose in writing; and it will be the one that resonates with readers.

Blog Stops

Debbie's Dusty Deliberations, October 26

Genesis 5020, October 26

Texas Book-aholic, October 27

Blogging With Carol, October 27

Worthy2Read, October 28

deb's Book Review, October 28

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 29

Labor Not in Vain, October 29

Inklings and notions, October 30

Heidi and Books, October 30

For Him and My Family, October 31

Mary Hake, October 31

She Lives To Read, November 1

KarenSueHadley, November 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 2

Remembrancy, November 2

Connie's History Classroom, November 3

Artistic Nobody, November 3 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 4

Betti Mace, November 4

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 6

Blossoms and Blessings, November 6

Simple Harvest Reads, November 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Romances of the Cross, November 7

Splashes of Joy, November 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linore is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/102ab/miss-fanshawe-s-fortune-celebration-tour-giveaway

10.27.2020

The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

Brighton 1865.

An old love letter lost and then found, goes missing and changes the lives of those whom it touches.

Willa desperately wants to pursue her dream of medical college, while her father would rather that she married. She has one month to complete her assignment or marry the man of her father's choosing. But the lover letter has her rethinking her choices, and her future.

A beautiful heartfelt tale of love, forgiveness and second chances. I loved how this story quietly wove a spell over me, blending the present with touches from the past, with tastes of regret and lost love, in this beautiful tale of hope and enduring love.

This story is unique in that it isn't exactly a full on romance or mystery, but falls somewhere along those lines nonetheless. It shows various relationships at varying stages of longevity, as they are each touched by the letter, sometimes for the better and others for the worse.

I loved how well developed the characters and their relationships were, Gabe was one of my favorites in his gentle way that he trains horses, as well as how he loves enough to trust. There is also a strong foundation of faith that holds everything together. This book does an excellent job of showing so many different turning points in the lives of the characters that I came to know and love over the course of the book. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

10.26.2020

Beguiled by Jody Hedlund ~ Review

My Review:

A fresh new Snow White re-telling from the pen of Jody Hedlund.

Mikkel has been sent to the Isle of Outcasts to serve out his Testing in order to prove his worthiness for the throne of Scania. There he is greeted by two warring gangs of outcasts, men and women different or disfigured in a way that they were rejected from common society.

Princess has been hiding among the Outcasts for years from her murderous mother Queen Margery, her flawless features hidden beneath a veil. When Irontooth captures a young nobleman who has been living among their foes, Pearl is tasked with learning his secret. Can Pearl and Mikkel be better together against the forces of an evil Queen?

Engaging from the start, I was drawn into the plights of Mikkel and Pearl. Mikkel is an honorable young man bent on proving himself to his kingdom and father as a worthy king, I liked how he is determined, and can sometimes overthink things. He has a great character arc over the course of the book, and it is well done in its subtlety.

I loved this engaging and action filled twist on Snow White, Pearl and Mikkel are amazing protagonists, who are willing to have their ideas challenged. Pearl loves her sister, and will do whatever she can to get her sister out of their mother's clutches. I admired her commitment to her mission and her respect for those around her.

Overall, this is a fantastic addition to the series, my favorite so far, engaging adventure, romantic and grounded with faith. This fantasy fairy tale re-telling does a great job of keeping elements that make the inspiration apparent, while also completely shaking it up in a fresh new way. I have no idea how Scania will pick its king, because I'm positive that Kreston will be just as amazing as Vilmar and Mikkel...I need the next book ASAP!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

10.25.2020

The Kissing Tree by Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, Amanda Dykes, and Nicole Deese ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

A stellar collection of tales that culminate around a magnificent live oak tree.

Picking up this book was a no brainer for me as it features four of my favorite authors, so I had high hopes, and it did not disappoint! I loved how this book followed various couples throughout the span of 150 years, with historical novellas, and then into the present day. This collection features fantastic characters, strong family, and faith. I loved how many of the stories had strong father figures.

A delightful, highly entertaining and enjoyable read, opposites attract and conflict turns to compromise. There was great chemistry between the characters, and though each of these stories was written by a different author with their own signature style, I think it worked so well in this format to tell each of the unique love stories in varying time periods. Highly recommend this novella collection!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

10.24.2020

Christmas Witness Conspiracy by Maggie K. Black ~ Review

Lucie's Review:

A fast paced family affair, I loved how this book brought in multiple generations as well as featured a couple who were a little older than your average spring chickens featured in most romances these days.

This was a highly engaging and enjoyable read, with great characters who had strong faith and great interaction. I loved how Liam bonds quickly with little Pip, and how this case gives him a second chance at love.

This book has a lot going on with surprised and twists all along the way. I loved how this book takes a unique approach, and does an excellent job of delivering great twists. Highly entertaining!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Deadly Connection by Jennifer Pierce ~ JustRead Tour, Review and Giveaway

Deadly Connection Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for Deadly Connection by Jennifer Pierce, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours

ABOUT THE BOOK

Author: Jennifer Pierce Title: Deadly Connection

Publisher: Anaiah Press

Release Date: October 20, 2020

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Private Investigator, Reid Lucas, and his mentor, Joe Lockhart, haven’t spoken in years, but when Joe wants to meet in a small-town diner, Reid’s interest is piqued. Without explanation, Joe calls and tells Reid he has five minutes to get waitress, Quinn Matthews, and her son out of the diner before they’re kidnapped by the group of thugs about to walk through the diner’s front door.

Quinn Matthews’ life is simple and safe, exactly how she likes it—until Reid Lucas walks into the diner. Now, she and her son are running for their lives, and she has no idea why. But when the father of her son shows up and dies saving them, she realizes they all have one deadly connection: Joe Lockhart. Now, she’ll have to trust the mysterious private investigator to not only save their lives but connect her past to her present so they can figure out who is after them. And why.

As the danger escalates, unexpected feelings arise. Reid doesn’t believe he’s worthy of Quinn’s love–or God’s. And Quinn is too worried about having her heart broken again and the effect of having a new man in her son’s life. Can they let go of their preconceived notions of love and relationships, or are they doomed to just let go of each other?

Review:

Brought together by danger and running for their lives, Quinn Matthews has no choice but to trust Reid Lucas with her and her son's lives, as they try to get to the bottom of why someone is after them in the first place.

I really admired Quinn for the woman that she became, she really stepped up and took responsibility when her life didn't go as planned. She is a hard worker and wants the best for her son.

There is a lot going on this book, but a lot of it does involve a lot of backstory. I liked that the characters weren't perfect, and that they had their struggles and flaws that made them feel realistic and relatable.

Overall, this was an engaging and entertaining read with great characters and plenty to unpack. There were places where I felt the pace slowed a bit, but it didn't bother me much. Great faith elements, and I liked how this book does a great job of showing that each of us is far from perfect, and we have our struggles, but God doesn't leave us there.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Pierce currently lives in Arkansas with her husband and two children. Her debut novel, Hidden Danger, is a 2019 Selah Award winner, and her second novel, Expecting Danger is a 2019 Selah Award finalist. Deadly Connection is her third novel. She also has a contemporary romance Christmas novella, Giving Grace, releasing November 13, 2020. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and River Valley Writers.

CONNECT WITH JENNIFER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive autographed copies of Hidden Danger & Expecting Danger plus a custom Jennifer Pierce Author tumbler designed by Fine Designs by Megan!

Deadly Connection JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 20, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on October 27, 2020. 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!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

10.20.2020

Brought to the Book by Barbara Cornthwaite ~ Celebrate Lit Tour, Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Brought to Book

Author: Barbara Cornthwaite

Genre: Christian cozy mystery

Release Date: June 24, 2020

There’s nothing in Emily Post about dealing with murder.

Katrina just wanted to spend time among the books at Frank’s Bookstore. Yes, that’s an unimaginative name for a store, but Frank’s an unimaginative guy–or he was.

Now he and his murder are the reason Katrina is spending her spare time with Wilkester detective, Todd Mason. Or, that’s what she tells herself.

Why would anyone want to kill Frank Delaney? Who would do it? And is Katrina herself even safe?

Mixing faith, literary humor, sweet romance, and a cozy mystery that will keep you guessing, Barbara Cornthwaite’s first Wilkester Mystery has everything you want for a cozy read.

Begin your investigation of Brought to Book today.

Click here to get your copy!

Review:

Thoroughly enjoyable, I loved everything about this book!

Told through the first person POV, this book is engaging, and I couldn't help but love Katrina who is strong, intelligent, and more than capable. I loved that she wasn't the classic sweet romance heroine, she's in her forties, knows what she wants, lives her faith, and I admired her emotional intelligence; how she is very logical and realistic, while not being willing to have her beliefs bulldozed.

This was a charming cozy mystery, with a wonderful small town community. Todd is a dedicated detective and a good man who sells himself short at times. I really liked how faith is very important to both Todd and Katrina.

Overall, this is so much to love about this brand new series and this dynamic crime solving duo. Well paced and engaging, it was easy to just sit back and disappear into the pages of this book, I mean it has it all, faith, mystery, friendship, sweet new beginnings, humor, and one of my favorite heroines that I have read in a long time. I really liked how relatable and realistic Todd and Katrina were as people with their struggles and as they work together. All around this book was fantastic, and I hope there are many more in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Barbara Cornthwaite lives in the middle of Ireland with her husband and children. She taught college English before “retiring” to do something she loves far more; her days are now filled with homeschooling her six children, trying to keep the house tidy (a losing battle), and trying to stay warm in the damp Irish climate (also a losing battle). She is surrounded by medieval castles, picturesque flocks of sheep, and ancient stone monuments. These things are unappreciated by her children, who are more impressed by traffic jams, skyscrapers, and hot weather.

More from Barbara

Meeting of the Minds

A Wilkester Mysteries Introduction

Detective Todd Mason knew Katrina was the one the first time he met her. The woman had witnessed a murder—if not with her eyes, at least with her ears. She’d seen the man dying and called for help, afraid all the while that the killer would return for her. So much he’d been told before he went into the interrogation room.

“How’s she handling it?” he asked the officer who had arrived first at the scene and escorted her to the police station.

“Not too badly,” said Gary. “She’s in shock, of course, but she’s trying to hold it together. Katrina Peters. She’s in Room 2.”

He’d gone in then and gotten his first look at her. Late thirties or early forties. Brown hair that fell to her shoulders in loose waves. Brown eyes that were red-rimmed from crying. Hands clutching a tissue. She managed a faint smile when he walked in.

“Hello, Ms. Peters. I’m Detective Todd Mason. I need to ask you some questions, if that’s all right.”

“Miss,” she said, almost as a reflex.

“I beg your pardon?” Todd wasn’t sure he’d heard her correctly.

“It’s Miss Peters.” She said it firmly, repudiating the term Ms. even at such a stressful moment. Something made her blush then, and he saw her glance at his left hand. “Never mind,” she murmured.

She’s afraid I’ll think she’s trying to advertize her availability. It amused Todd to see the blush—if only she knew how refreshing it was to see a woman who would even be conscious of such a thing. Old fashioned, he thought. In a good way.

She answered his questions as calmly as she could, and even apologized for the tears that insisted on coming out now and then. When she alluded to Daniel in the lion’s den, he knew she really was out of the ordinary, and it took all his self-control not to offer to drive her home himself.

To join the investigation, read your copy of Brought to Book today.