A Wyoming Summer by Carla Kelly, Christine Sterling, and Heather B. Moore {Book Review}

A Wyoming Summer by Carla Kelly, Christine Sterling, and Heather B. Moore  

Can true love survive the changing seasons?

ELLEN FOUND by Carla Kelly
Set in location of Old Faithful Inn, 1903-4. Working in a discouraging cafe, Ellen escapes an awful situation in rough and tumble Butte, Montana, and goes to work as second in command to a wary cook in the shell that will become Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone Park. She meets Charles Penrose, head carpenter on the massive project of Old Faithful Inn, which is being finished in a harsh Wyoming winter. Will it really open June 1, 1904? Can Ellen start to trust the other workers? What will she learn about the other employees? And Charles. He's a widower with a young daughter there, too. Like Ellen, he wants more.

THE WIDOW OF DAYBREAK by Christine Sterling
Doris Whistler is learning how to survive in a town taken over by outlaws. When the leader of an infamous gang murders her husband, her choices are to tuck tail and run, or stand her ground and make Daybreak as promising as its name. It proves to be a difficult task with the good citizens in fear of the corrupt mayor and godlessness that abounds. What she doesn't expect is the support of a traveling lawman who believes in her and the tiny town she loves so much.

MAY I KISS THE BRIDE? by Heather B. Moore
Viola Delany is not happy about being sent to the middle-of-nowhere, small town Wyoming. Yes, it will be good to let the gossips find something else to talk about other than her failed engagement. And yes, it will be nice to spend the summer with her Aunt Beth. But as Viola sits on the train heading for Wyoming, wondering how she'll ever occupy her time in such a small town, none other than a real life cowboy sits across the way. She can't help but take peeks at him, noting that the condition of his unpolished black boots and scuffed rawhide jacket seem to be authentic . . . All right, so he might be tall, dark-haired, and handsome if a woman doesn't mind green eyes and a dangerous-looking scar, but this man certainly has nothing to do with her. Besides she'll never see him again. What are the chances he's traveling to the same middle-of-nowhere small town?

My Review: 5 Stars

Fun fact: I lived on a ranch in Wyoming for a few months when I was really little. I don't remember it at all, but I've always felt a sweet connection to summers in this vast, rugged state, and it was a joy to read these stories.

I believe they all take place in the very early 1900s and the times then were much simpler, yet MUCH more dangerous in a variety of ways. In ELLEN FOUND, the danger is with wildlife, while the other two have gangs of villainous devils.

ELLEN FOUND was such a lyrically charming story of a girl finding a place to start over and a place where she fits in. It was so satisfying to read of her ideas and ways to make life more efficient and easier for those she worked with. I loved the little journal snippets at the beginning of each chapter and was thrilled with the friendship Ellen formed with a young friend, which eventually lead to love.

THE WIDOW OF DAYBREAK started out with heartbreak. In the slightly fast-paced way of the Wild West, Doris was forced to move on and find help to bring much needed peace and safety to her residence. I loved the connections that were woven together in complicated knots, which brought a lot of enjoyment and discovery to this story.

MAY I KISS THE BRIDE? was the perfect conclusion to this set. Viola is a no-nonsense and brave women being sent to help her aunt and a chance meeting with Rey on the train sparked an immediate interest--in both her and in the reader. I loved the small town, the bakery, and the sweet romance.

This is a set not to be missed and is the perfect summer read.

Content: mild moments of danger/peril/shootings; mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews {Tour Review & Giveaway}

The Belle of Belgrave Square (Bells of London #2) by Mimi Matthews

Expected Publication: October 11, 2022
432 pages

A London heiress rides out to the wilds of the English countryside to honor a marriage of convenience with a mysterious and reclusive stranger.

Tall, dark, and dour, the notorious Captain Jasper Blunt was once hailed a military hero, but tales abound of his bastard children and his haunted estate in Yorkshire. What he requires now is a rich wife to ornament his isolated ruin, and he has his sights set on the enchanting Julia Wychwood.

For Julia, an incurable romantic cursed with a crippling social anxiety, navigating a London ballroom is absolute torture. The only time Julia feels any degree of confidence is when she’s on her horse. Unfortunately, a young lady can’t spend the whole of her life in the saddle, so Julia makes an impetuous decision to take her future by the reins—she proposes to Captain Blunt.

In exchange for her dowry and her hand, Jasper must promise to grant her freedom to do as she pleases. To ride—and to read—as much as she likes without masculine interference. He readily agrees to her conditions, with one provision of his own: Julia is forbidden from going into the tower rooms of his estate and snooping around his affairs. But the more she learns of the beastly former hero, the more intrigued she becomes…

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS

My Review: 5 Stars

This book is simply amazing! I was prepared to enjoy this delicious treat over the course of a few days and just like with any of my guilty pleasures, I completely binged on it--I couldn't help it and I couldn't put it down! 

 Mimi Matthews created a delightful masterpiece of a story that captivated every morsel of my heart and soul. Loosely based on a classic fairy tale (one of my favorites), I was eager to settle into London society once again, and I was intrigued--a beautiful girl with her nose always stuck in a book; a dashing, brooding war hero in need of money to rebuild his crumbling estate; a rag-tag group of illegitimate children in desperate need of a mother; and a marriage of convenience.

Matthews vividly brought these characters to life with her beautiful prose and unique twists and turns. Julia was easy for me to relate to, with her slight social anxieties and desire to read and escape than to do almost anything else. Jasper's brooding and intimidating countenance made for some very interesting encounters, especially with his romantic sparkles. 

I adored every interaction between Jasper and Julia, but especially the unconventional marriage arrangement and its results. This nearly gothic romance, featuring some wonderfully written characters, is the perfect addition to the Belles of London series.

Content: mild+ romance (kissing, chemistry, some innuendo, fade-to-black between married couple, mistress); mild language; mild descriptions of peril and war-type violence

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

GIVEAWAY

Mimi has generously offered a fabulous giveaway that book tour participants can add to
their post and on social media. Here are the details:

• Giveaway period: October 3 – October 30
   
• Terms & Conditions:
   
• Giveaway hosted by Mimi Matthews. No Purchase Necessary. Entrants must be 18
  years or older. Open to US residents only. All information will remain confidential and
  will not be sold or otherwise used, except to notify the winner and to facilitate postage of
  the book to the winner. Void where prohibited.

Giveaway Details:

1 winner (selected at random by Rafflecopter) receives a paperback copy of The Belle
of Belgrave Square, signed and annotated by the author with personal comments,
underlining of her favorite lines, and other highlights by Mimi Matthews.
Giveaway is open from 12:01 am Pacific time 10/03/22 until 11:59pm Pacific time on
10/30/22.

The winner will be announced on Mimi's blog on 10/31/22.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Tenuous Betrothal by Jen Geigle Johnson {Book Review + Giveaway}

 A Tenuous Betrothal by Jen Geigle Johnson

Rhianna Davies is well-acquainted with heartache after the painful loss of her parents. At the arrival of her ghastly uncle, she is brought even lower: Rhi has been banished from her family’s estate home and must rely on the kindness of her tightly knit Welsh miners for help. Without the protective love of her parents, Rhi has no illusions that hers will be a happy ending—until an addendum to her father’s will arrives in the hands of a prince.

Marc Wilhelm, Prince of Oldenburg, is in Wales with one purpose: to claim his betrothed. A long-ago promise between their fathers forges an indelible link between Rhi and Marc, but there remains just one problem: neither wants to marry a stranger. With no remaining ties to Wales, Rhi agrees to accompany Marc to Oldenburg, where he will forfeit their betrothal so she may have her pick of husbands. But their journey takes them down unexpected paths, from the depths of a Welsh mine to the marriage mart of London to a warm reception in Oldenburg. Rhi and Marc discover that their connection and their challenges run deeper than either anticipated, but whether from their own hesitations or from danger that threatens without, the couple might be thwarted before they can even begin the happily ever after they so richly deserve.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  AMAZON

My Review: 5 Stars

Oh, how I love a good arranged marriage and when a royal is thrown in, I'm all over it. Prince Marc and Rhianna seem to hit it off immediately, despite their trepidations, but he just can't commit. I devoured every single interaction between these two and wanted to shake some sense into the prince.

Rhianna is a very likable character and I could feel her eagerness and anticipation of her new situation, as well as her dedication and loyalty to what she's leaving behind. The slight Cinderella vibe with some twists and turns pierced my heart and kept me turning the pages.

Then we have the handsome, sweet, and utterly adorable prince. Marc is an overly devoted man, almost thinking of others too much and overthinking possible scenarios that may or may not happen, but his humor and connection to Rhi is what dreams are made of. This was everything I hoped it would be and more.

I loved the setting and the slew of princes had my heart melting. There are some amazing stories in store for each of them and I'm here for them. Johnson does a phenomenal job of creating a story worth reading and dreaming of.

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*

Her Country Gentleman by Sian Ann Bessey, Sarah M. Eden and Rebecca Connolly {Book Review}

 

Her Country Gentleman by Sian Ann Bessey, Sarah M. Eden, and Rebecca Connolly

Kindle Edition, 300 pages
Published March 8th 2022 by Mirror Press
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

BUY HERE

London is not the only place to find love . . .

SPRING AT TRIBBLEY HALL by Sian Ann Bessey
When Charlotte's grandmother invites her to accompany her to Norfolk, Charlotte jumps at the chance to visit the sea and escape the fuss surrounding her sister's wedding preparations in London. Lord William Cheston, on the other hand, is most unhappy when his mother informs him that her old friend and a granddaughter are coming to stay. Not only is it lambing season, but he's also dealing with the mysterious loss of several sheep. The last thing he needs is a child underfoot. When Charlotte and William first meet, he does not realize that the lovely young lady is the granddaughter in question, and she assumes that the man dressed in work clothes in the barn is a servant. Soon afterward, however, Charlotte stumbles upon a clue to William's sheep's disappearance, and when her life is placed in jeopardy, William is forced to choose between saving his unwanted houseguest and catching the thief.

LOVE OF MY HEART by Sarah M. Eden
Cordelia Wakefield has never lived anywhere but London and is not overly happy when her family is forced to retrench to a small estate near Teviotbrae, Scotland. An ill-fated game of battledore and shuttlecock brings her face-to-racquet with Sebastian, who runs the home farm at nearby Teviot Castle. What begins as a clash of personalities, expectations, and preferences, soon leads to a friendship neither had expected. As the magic of Teviotbrae weaves its spell, the possibility of something more than friendship begins to blossom. But what future is there for a lowly farmer and a London lady?


MISS SMITH GOES TO WILTSHIRE by Rebecca Connolly
Martha Smith wants to marry for love, and will not be persuaded otherwise. She is highly sought after in Society for her beauty and status, but refuses to consider any suitor whose only claim is that his prospects meet with her mother's approval. Her widowed mother has had enough of Martha's romantic sensibilities, and is sending her to stay with unfortunate cousins in Wiltshire to show her that marrying for love is a risk that is too great.
Benjamin Steele, Lord Hillier, is working on his new and dilapidated estate when he first catches sight of the striking Martha Smith. Becoming Lord Hillier has only brought him a house that needs significant repairs, tenant farms that had been abandoned, and only the money he'd already possessed. He wants meaning in his life, and he's more than willing to work for it.
Though worlds apart in all else, on this point they can agree: a life of meaning would change everything.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

Maybe it's the fact that I grew up in the country in a small town or maybe it's that life it so crazy right now, but I loved this collection and it spoke straight to my soul. 

 

There are many ways to find love and it was refreshing to find it in the quiet corner of a sheep farm by the sea, with a dash of mystery, as well as in the countryside of Scotland, and in a dilapidated piece of quiet land. Each of these stories was so entertaining and soothing. I could visualize the settings and almost smell the earth. The gentle romances were equally pacifying.

 

My favorite thing was the overall feeling of an almost spring-like tenderness of hope, love, and renewal. This was an easy and delightful book to settle into and I loved every minute of it.

 

Content: mild romance; mild moments of peril in the first story

 

Beyond the Lavender Fields by Arlem Hawks {Review}

 

 

Beyond the Lavender Fields by Arlem Hawks

BUY HERE

5 Stars

I don't know what the difference is for me--probably the romance--but I love learning about historical in a historical romance format. Arlem Hawks dives deep into 1792 France and the issues dividing the country, and the story comes alive with brilliantly written characters and descriptive settings and situations. 

I love how boldly Marie-Caroline rejects Gilles right from the start and each time she sees him. She's a strong young woman who desperately wants to fight for her cause, yet she's slightly vulnerable enough to need more than she realizes. Gilles wants the same, but his loyalties are for the opposing view, and coming to learn and understand, rather than assume, causes him to reevaluate his opinions and allegiance. 

This story flowed like a river--smooth and constant at times and turbulent at others--and I thought it feel the mood of the book perfectly. It's obvious this author is passionate about her research and content and it sucked me right in. 

Content: mild war-type violence; mild romance 

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/934914941?source=link_share

Dancing to Freedom (Dreams Edge #0.5) by Traci Hunter Abramson {Review}

Dancing to Freedom (Dreams Edge #0.5) by Traci Hunter Abramson

Kindle Edition, 83 pages
First published April 30, 2021 

Canada, 1960

Ballet is Katerina Petrova’s world. But when the stage lights go dim and the curtain closes, she is simply a young woman who is trapped. On tour with the Soviet Kirov Ballet in Canada, Katerina is watched day and night by her chaperones and ballet security. But no one realizes that her hotel balcony adjoins that of handsome Canadian hockey player Robert Marcell.

Robert is enchanted by Katerina, though he knows little about who she really is. In an attempt to find out more about this mysterious young woman, Robert extends his stay in the hotel. One night, when a teammate’s wife persuades him to join them at the ballet, Robert reluctantly attends. He has no interest in cultural experiences—until Katerina dances onto the stage. Soon, the two are inseparable, but despite their growing love, Katerina knows they can have no future together. They come from different worlds, and to escape her gilded cage would be nearly impossible.

  

My Review: 5 Stars

There's something so intriguing and heartbreaking about a forbidden love and Abramson snapped me to attention with this sweet novella.

Russian ballerina Katerina and Canadian hockey star Robert share an adjacent balcony at a hotel and forge an attracting friendship that I just devoured. Abramson portrays these characters in a lifelike and authentic way that gripped my heart. Details about how captive Katerina was stirred feelings of fear and hope deep in my soul and I desperately wanted Robert to find success. 

Written in a very engaging way, this story nestled itself deep in my heart and left me anticipating more from this series.

Content: mild moments of peril/threat/fear; mild romance 

Forget Me Not (The Gents #1) by Sarah M. Eden {Review}

Forget Me Not (The Gents #1) by Sarah M. Eden

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2020

Source: Borrowed from the library

 

 

Nottinghamshire, 1785.

Julia Cummings has long been acquainted with loss—her mother, her brother, her sister, her friend, all gone too soon. But the loss that pushed her grief to the limit as a young girl was that of her best friend, Lucas Jonquil, who abandoned her without looking back. Now, eight years later, Lucas has returned to Lampton Park, and Julia has steeled herself—she will never forgive the man who broke her heart.

After losing too many of his friends and family to early deaths, Lucas vowed to live life to the fullest. And after traversing the world, he has returned from his adventures to find his family and home as he left them—except for Julia. The little girl he left behind has blossomed into a captivating lady, a lady who makes it clear she despises him. With little hope of reconciliation, the former friends are blindsided when their parents make a shocking announcement. Lucas and Julia have been betrothed without their knowledge and are to marry immediately. Now Lucas must rely on the help of his closest friends to win the heart of a lady who loathes him—a lady he’s coming to love more deeply every day.

   

My Review: 5 Stars

This. This is exactly the type of story I've come to expect from Sarah Eden and I loved every single page. There's nothing I adore more than discovering a beautiful love story. Eden's Jonquil series is one of my favorites and I completely enjoyed reading about how their parents came to fall in love. True to her style, this author delivers a story that pierced my heart in all the ways.

Lucas is the type of man who is swoon worthy one minute and a jerk the next, thanks to his oblivion. While I couldn't help but to fall for his kindness, streaked with mischievousness, he was frustratingly clueless at times. Watching him determine what was important to him and wholeheartedly go after it was satisfying. Julia broke my heart. After so much loss, she's the shell of the fun-loving girl she once was and a surprise marriage was almost her undoing. This girl is so resilient and I loved watching her bloom, but that wedding day had me laughing so hard.

Not only are Lucas and Julia likable characters, but "the gents" completely won me over. Anyone would do well in life to have the camaraderie these friends share. I loved the way they rallied around Julia and razzed Lucas. The whole package of elements and emotions this book delivered was enchanting. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!

Content: mild romance; talk of death

Emma by Jane Austen {Review}

Emma by Jane Austen

Audiobook, Downloadable audio file

Published 2006 by Blackstone Audio Books (first published December 23rd 1815)  

Source: Borrowed from the library's Libby App 

“Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with little to distress or vex her.” That is, until she tries her hand at matchmaking. The results are both disappointingly unsuccessful and hilarious as Emma misreads the cues, makes some false assumptions, and unintentionally offers less than helpful advice. Fortunately, it all turns out all right in the end in this romantic comedy of manners.

 

   

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

Delightful. Purely, utterly, charmingly delightful! I saw this movie years ago and know of the story, but I've never actually read (or listened to) the book, which is actually shocking, considering how much I love Jane Austen. I adored Emma and her precocious, busybody personality. I enjoyed Emma's friendships and relationships, and I loved Mr. Knightly.

 

Emma is so clueless--vain, wealthy, and completely self-absorbed. When she decides she's good at matchmaking, the trouble begins and although there wasn't a lot to this plot, it was fascinating, humorous, and highly entertaining. I loved all the characters, even those who annoyed me. This was such a treat to listen to and kept me smiling.

Content: mild romance

Until Vienna (Romance on the Orient Express #3) by Heather B. Moore {Review}

Until Vienna (Romance on the Orient Express #3) by Heather B. Moore

Kindle Edition, 168 pages

Publication: April 1st 2021 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

 

 

Georgina Ballard has been disappointed in love more than a few times, a fact that she is uncomfortably aware of amid her sister’s wedding preparations. When her elderly aunt Rowena bids Gigi to accompany her on an art tour across Europe, Gigi hesitates but eventually resigns herself to the train journey alongside a group of aged art connoisseurs, if only to mollify her aunt.

Once aboard the Orient Express, Gigi is pleased to discover that not everyone on the tour is in their twilight years: Clyde Haskins, an energetic young art professor from the University of London, will serve as the group’s tour guide. Clyde is equally intrigued that a young lady has joined the tour, and Aunt Rowena and her friends immediately set out to play matchmaker. Clyde and Gigi both find humor in Aunt Rowena’s antics despite knowing that each is determined to keep their heart carefully guarded. Yet, the enchantment of their European exploration weaves an undeniable spell between them. When their journey ends, can their holiday love story endure the obstacles of real life?

 

   

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

I adore this series! The Orient Express is so fascinating and mysterious. I mean, it's just a train, but it's so much more, especially with the common thread of the peculiar foreign character--Nicholas.  

 

Although the events and stops along the way were intriguing, it was the characters that completely won me over. Gigi is accompanying her aunt and friends on the journey and the professor leading the excursions is very likable. The older ladies had me laughing with their busybody antics and matchmaking. Oh, the matchmaking was such a fun element! Gigi and Clyde had a wonderful friendship that hinted at something more and had me cheering them on and swooning. I even loved the women close to Gigi who were left back home. Gigi had a very strong support system and adapted well to them all nosing into her business, as they all had her best interests at heart.

 

Moore does a brilliant job of bringing this time period and these delightful characters to life. I nestled right into this story and felt like I lived it along with them. Charming and sweet, this is a story that has stayed in my thoughts for days.

 

Content: mild romance 

A Captain for Caroline Gray by Julie Wright {Review}

A Captain for Caroline Gray by Julie Wright

Paperback, 336 pages

Publication: March 2nd 2021 by Shadow Mountain 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given 

Caroline Gray would rather be daring and intelligent than demure and insipid, which is why she is still unmatched after her third season in London. Her family’s threadbare finances leave Caroline with only one choice to secure her future: sail with the Fishing Fleet to India, where the son of a family friend is willing to consider an engagement to her.

Captain Thomas Scott loves the open sea as much as he despises the three-month, twice-yearly trip his ship makes as he ferries young English girls across the ocean. He can’t imagine what family would allow an innocent young woman to be matched up with the Englishmen of questionable reputation who work and live in India.

But when Miss Gray boards the HMS Persistence, all of Captain Scott’s plans are upended. Miss Gray’s fiery spirit can’t be contained, and he is shocked and secretly delighted at her boldness—and her beauty. But the rest of his passengers aren’t so kind.

Caroline finds herself an outcast among her peers, but Captain Scott becomes an unlikely ally. They share the same passions and interests, creating an undeniable attraction. But they both know any relationship between them is impossible. After all, Caroline has obligations to fulfill in India.

Caroline has until the end of the voyage to decide if she is going to marry a man she has never met or be brave enough to love a sea captain who just might break her heart.

 

   

 

My Review: 4.5 Stars

 

I adore Regency stories and this one had a few unique twists that made it stand out. Caroline is at the end of her options in England and a plan is hatched to send her to India to see if a match can be made there. I've always found these times in this country to be slightly mysterious and fascinating, and this story was no different, especially as most of the story took place on a ship in the middle of the sea.

 

Caroline is a very outspoken, opinionated young lady who has cultivated her interests in topics more than her interest in a match and that fire is exactly what captures Captain Scott's attention. I absolutely loved him and the way he would react to and engage with Caroline. The supporting cast of characters was equally charming.

 

The whole plot was fresh and fun. You'd think because it takes place in such close confines it would get a little stale, but that was definitely not the case. I was hooked from start to finish, but...the story felt like it just suddenly ended and I wanted a little bit more. An epilogue or just one more chapter would have made it perfection.

 

Content: mild romance; mild moments of peril/violence 

The Captain's Duty (Keepers of the Light #9) by Krystal M. Anderson {Review}

The Captain's Duty (Keepers of the Light #9) by Krystal M. Anderson

Published November 10th 2020

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given 

He'd never let a woman ruin his beloved bachelorhood... not until he met the feisty ship captain, that is.

As lighthouse tender to two magnificent lighthouses off the Oregon coast, Arthur Hugh treasures his time spent fishing in the bay and the isolation of living in a small lumber town. He can do what he wants, whenever he wants, answering to no one. But when a little boy shows up in Spruce Hill and turns Arthur's life upside down, he begins to rethink everything that is important to him.

Bent on saving her family's floundering freight business, Captain Sarah Ballinder has problems enough of her own without having to put up with an irritating ox of a man like Mr. Hugh. Forced to work together on a lighthouse project, Sarah wonders if anything worse could happen. She never imagined she could fall for the very man she despised...

The Captain's Duty is part of the multi-author series Keepers of the Light but can be read as a standalone.

   

My Review: 5 Stars 

I love a story with such dynamic and opposite characters. Captain Sarah is feisty and lighthouse keeper Arthur leads a quiet life, but the thing they have in common is their individual stubbornness. When a small boy enters Arthur's life and he's forces to work with Sarah, sparks fly in numerous ways. Love tends to have a way of blooming where it may and an enemies-to-love story is just what I was in the mood for.

There are twists and turns that kept me on my toes, as well as elements of mystery, and I was captivated. I love the way these characters clash, as well as soften and mellow towards one another, but I especially love the slightly awkward, yet sweet, romantic interactions. This one is another great installment in this wonderful series.

Content: mild romance; mild religion

A Heart of Gold by Stacy Henrie {Review}

 

A Heart of Gold by Stacy Henrie

ebook, 250 pages

Published September 15th 2020 by Mirror Press 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway 

  

They'll have to conquer more than the Klondike Trail to reach her father in time—they’ll have to overcome their past too.

After months of silence from her father in the Klondike, Tava Rutherford finally receives word from him. Only the outdated letter reveals that her father is ill and may be dying. Desperate to discover his fate, Tava resolves to make the journey to the wilds of northwestern Canada. But Jess Lawmen, her ranch foreman and the man who broke her heart, insists she doesn't go alone. Jess intends to keep his promise to look out for her—even if that means traveling thousands of miles with Tava, the woman he claims to feel just friendship for but has never stopped loving.

With their own ragtag group of travelers in tow, Tava and Jess confront one challenge after another as they join the hundreds of stampeders scrambling to reach the goldfields. But as the two of them come face to face with their past hurts and mistakes in their race to reach Tava’s father, they will have to decide whether to cling to safety or risk their hearts for something even greater.  

My Review: 4 Stars

 

This story reminded me a bit of that old animal adventure movie, The Incredible Journey. Tava and Jess embark on a journey to the Klondike to find out if her father (and his employer) is still alive and the ragtag crew they find themselves traveling with rounded out the story.

Everyone has issues to work through, but Jess's seem heavier than usual and this rough and tough trek seemed more mental and emotional for him than it was physical. In fact, it seemed that way for most of the group and I was really hoping for a grand (and difficult) expedition. Even though their trip wasn't as perilous as I was hoping for, Jess and Tava were both likable characters and their growth was satisfying.

Sweet and gentle, for the most part, along with redemption, are recurring threads running throughout this book and it was an enjoyable trip through the pages to take. 

Content: mild romance; mild religion; talk of drinking; mild danger

Stacy's link: BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/stacy-henrie

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stacy-Henrie/e/B008ESZ46U

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5778153.Stacy_Henrie

A Heart of Gold Tour schedule

9/21 - Heidi Reads / Mom With a Reading Problem

9/22 - Wishful Endings / LDS and Lovin It

9/23 - Literary Time Out / Julie Coulter Bellon / My Book a Day / Singing Librarian Books

9/24 - Katie’s Clean Book Collection / Bookworm Lisa / Empower Moms

9/25 - The Bibliophile Files / Kellie Dickes / Books are Sanity 

Amethyst (Heart of a Miner #4) by Krystal M. Anderson {Review}

 

Amethyst (Heart of a Miner Book 4) by Krystal M. Anderson

Kindle Edition, 116 pages

Published July 24th 2020 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

Maybe she hadn’t failed at love. Maybe he just hadn’t been the right man…
Life had never been melancholier for Eliza Loring since the man she loved had up and married someone else. But when she meets a handsome stranger whose genuine compliments and soul-searing gazes seem to reach way deep inside her, she wonders if maybe there’s another man out there for her after all.

Miner Gill Mabry has seen and done many things in his nearly 40 years, much of which he’s not proud of. He’d put his days at war far behind him, though the memories seem determined to haunt him while he sleeps. It was love at first sight when he met Eliza, but when battle with the Bannock Indians seems imminent, he must decide if he can summon the strength to take up his rifle once more – this time for the woman he loves.

A sweet western historical romance that will transport you to another time and place where outlaws, Indians, and other unknown threats roamed the wild, rowdy west. 

Amethyst is book four in the Heart of a Miner series and can be read as a standalone though would be best appreciated if read in order.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

This mining community in the wild west of Idaho is very interesting to me and I loved learning more about its residents. I especially enjoy watching as all of the different characters lives connect and thread together throughout the series.

 

Gill has a slightly colorful past and falls head-over-heels with Eliza, who also has some skeletons in her closet and feels like a failure because of them. These imperfect characters have a lot to navigate, with their past issues and a blossoming romance, but their journey is adventuresome and tender. I adored getting to know them each better and appreciated their personalities and qualities.

 

This historical western delivers the dangerous elements of the west during the 1870s, as well as the charming details. It would be challenging to live during this time and it was fascinating to discover the pros and cons of this time in history. Anderson does a good job of transporting a reader to a time gone past era and supplying a gripping, yet sweet, tale.

 Content: mild romance; mild elements of violence/danger