Chasing Whispers (The Honeysuckle Island Series #1) by Jennifer Youngblood {Review}

Chasing Whispers (The Honeysuckle Island Series #1) by Jennifer Youngblood

Kindle Edition, 272 pages
Published April 28, 2021
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

Sometimes love comes to us soft as a whisper, at the time when we least expect it …

A heartfelt story of friendship, family, forgiveness, and the determination it takes for two hearts to rebuild their lives in the midst of rumors and deception.

Effie’s new position as interior designer at the historic Oliver Hotel on Honeysuckle Island represents more than a mere job. It’s Effie’s chance to start fresh and prove that she’s worth her salt. Having grown up an only child to a single mother shrouded in sadness, Effie longs to come to terms with the hurt she still feels over her mother’s death, coupled with the jolt of reuniting with her father and six half-siblings that she didn’t even realize she had.

Working for the illustrious and temperamental Madeline Chasing won’t be easy, but it could be advantageous to have a close connection with one of the wealthiest families on the East Coast. There’s only one thing standing in the way of Effie’s success—Talon Chasing, Madeline’s oldest son and the manager of the hotel. The more Effie tries to evade him, the harder he pursues her.

Not only is Effie reluctant to get involved with Talon because of their work relationship but also because of the whispers of suspicion surrounding his ex-wife’s disappearance. The closer Effie gets to Talon, the more she starts to question his innocence.

A series of strange occurrences at the hotel make Effie fear that she might be the next to disappear.

   

My Review: 5 Stars

I was so sad to see the Romeo family come to an end and was absolutely delighted to see this new series infuse that beloved family within its pages. I love a good romantic suspense and Youngblood has perfected the craft with this one. 

Effie is out on her own with a major design client and that first meet cute was hilariously adorable! Talon is charming and lovable, but he's got mysteries enshrouding him and his family. The vibe was creepy, yet sweet; terrifying, yet romantic; chilling, yet fun. I flew through the pages and enjoyed it all. The formula was magnificent and I didn't see some of the twists and turns coming, which reminded me of a frightful roller coaster that shan't be named that always leaves me shaking in my shoes, yet wanting to go again.

This series is off to a great start and I'm eagerly awaiting more of Honeysuckle Island and it's too-close-for-comfort residents.

Content: mild+ moments of peril/fear; mild romance; mild religion

The Lady and the Highwayman (Proper Romance Victorian #1) by Sarah M. Eden {Review}

 

The Lady and the Highwayman by Sarah M. Eden

Paperback, 352 pages

Published September 3rd 2019 by Shadow Mountain 

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

 

   

 

Elizabeth Black is the headmistress of a girls’ school and a well-respected author of “silver-fork” novels, stories written both for and about the upper-class ladies of Victorian society. But by night, she writes very different kinds of stories—the Penny Dreadfuls that are all the rage among the working-class men. Under the pseudonym Mr. King, Elizabeth has written about dashing heroes fighting supernatural threats and dangerous outlaws romancing helpless women. They contain all the adventure and mystery that her real life lacks.
 
Fletcher Walker began life as a street urchin, but is now the most successful author in the Penny Dreadful market, that is until Mr. King started taking all of his readers--and his profits. No one knows who King is, including Fletcher’s fellow members of the Dread Penny Society, a fraternity of authors dedicated to secretly fighting for the rights of the less-fortunate.
 
Determined to find the elusive Mr. King, Fletcher approaches Miss Black. As a fellow-author, she is well-known among the high-class writers; perhaps she could be persuaded to make some inquiries as to Mr. King’s whereabouts? Elizabeth agrees to help Fletcher, if only to insure her secret identity is never discovered. 
 
For the first time, Elizabeth experiences the thrill of a cat-and-mouse adventure reminiscent of one of her own novels as she tries to throw Fletcher off her scent. But the more time they spend together, the more she loses her heart. Its upper-class against working-class, author against author where readers, reputations, and romance are all on the line.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

I love learning a bit of history in a fiction setting. I hadn't ever heard of  "penny dreadfuls" before and this unique book combined many enjoyable elements into a complex story that was very entertaining from the start. Just in case you don't know what penny dreadfuls are either, they were sold for a penny and told tales of adventure, pirates, highwaymen, crime, and detection. In this book, the reader is treated to not only a love and adventure main story, but as Fletcher and Elizabeth are both authors, books they're each writing also make appearances, including penny dreadfuls. I love how Elizabeth uses one of her stories to try and throw Fletcher off the trail.

 

Eden does a great job in portraying a fairly accurate (in my opinion) view of Victorian social life, including issues. While the story goes back and forth, a cat and mouse game emerges and kept me eagerly flipping the pages. I thought this book was very well-written and engaging and look forward to more of this Proper Victorian line.

 

Content: mild romance; mild violence/danger

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie {Review}

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Paperback, 264 pages

Published May 3rd 2004 by St. Martin's Press (first published November 6th 1939)  

 

First, there were ten—a curious assortment of strangers summoned as weekend guests to a little private island off the coast of Devon. Their host, an eccentric millionaire unknown to all of them, is nowhere to be found. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they're unwilling to reveal—and a secret that will seal their fate. For each has been marked for murder. A famous nursery rhyme is framed and hung in every room of the mansion:

"Ten little boys went out to dine; One choked his little self and then there were nine. Nine little boys sat up very late; One overslept himself and then there were eight. Eight little boys traveling in Devon; One said he'd stay there then there were seven. Seven little boys chopping up sticks; One chopped himself in half and then there were six. Six little boys playing with a hive; A bumblebee stung one and then there were five. Five little boys going in for law; One got in Chancery and then there were four. Four little boys going out to sea; A red herring swallowed one and then there were three. Three little boys walking in the zoo; A big bear hugged one and then there were two. Two little boys sitting in the sun; One got frizzled up and then there was one. One little boy left all alone; He went out and hanged himself and then there were none."

When they realize that murders are occurring as described in the rhyme, terror mounts. One by one they fall prey. Before the weekend is out, there will be none. Who has choreographed this dastardly scheme? And who will be left to tell the tale? Only the dead are above suspicion.

 

   

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

A creepy murder mystery was just what I craved around this Halloween season. A group of people were invited to an island where they ended dying, following the pattern of an old children's poem. I enjoyed watching this mystery unfold, especially as the characters tried to deduce who the culprit was behind these deaths. 

 

It was interesting to me that someone would die and the rest of the group would carry on as normal after laying the body in his or her room. I love trying to guess who-done-it, and this one was really fun to question. The characters each have secrets from their pasts, skeletons in their closets, and that makes it even more interesting. 

 

I thought the plot was well done and the story was well written, moving along at a good pace, but delivered pertinent information. 

 

Content: mild+ violence (deaths, non-graphic) 

Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts by Nancy Campbell Allen {Review}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts by Nancy Campbell Allen

Paperback, 368 pages

Publication: October 6th 2020 by Shadow Mountain 

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

 

   

 

A steampunk retelling of Cinderella.

Emmeline O’Shea is determined to save the world—single-handedly, if necessary. A strong voice for societal reform, she is the natural choice to deliver a key speech at the end of the International Shifter Rights Organization’s week-long Summit in Scotland.

But when a death threat arrives at Emme’s home, she is immediately placed into protective custody, watched over by none other than her personal nemesis, Detective-Inspector Oliver Reed. The two have crossed paths many times, with disastrous results, but now they will have to work together in order to reach the Summit before midnight of the last day in order to ensure legislation is passed to protect the Shifter community.

As unseen enemies close in around Emme and Oliver, they struggle to reach Edinburgh by any means necessary, only to find Emme’s vindictive stepsister, Oliver’s vampire brother, and a dangerous political minefield awaiting them in Scotland.

Even more difficult is their own refusal to admit that the fiery animosity that once burned between them might be turning into the heat of romantic passion. Could a straitlaced policeman determined to uphold the law and an outspoken activist willing to break the rules ever find true love? Or will all their dreams shatter like glass when the clock strikes midnight? 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

I'm always up for a fairy tale retelling and I love the way this author brings these beloved stories into a steampunk world, allowing for a fresh twist on a classic. 

 

In this installment, a Cinderella format is followed, although the fantasy elements and steampunk ingredients add a strand of excitement and suspense to the romance. I absolutely adored spunky Emme and her dashing enemy, Oliver, and was drawn into the thrill of their adventure and romance. They're equally strong characters and it was a rush to watch them join forces to battle evil.

 

The twists and turns with this story was exhilarating and the pages flew by. Steampunk is such an interesting genre and I enjoyed the way it added quirky modifications to a historical time, giving it a unique feel. I've read this series from the story and I don't feel that this genre and series are exhausted yet.
 

Content: mild romance; mild+ moments of danger/violence

Her Billionaire's Murder Mystery by Stephanie Fowers {Review}

   

Her Billionaire's Murder Mystery (Billionaire Bachelor Mountain Cove Book 14) by Stephanie Fowers 

Kindle Edition

Publication: August 26th 2020 

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

 

     

 

The mystery holds the clues to their hearts.

Aaron Mills has buried his aching heart for years under a charming façade. Success and money can never replace what he lost so many years ago.

Charlize Dean has her hands full keeping her mother from getting banned from Bingo night in their small town of Eureka Springs. When she gets roped into playing a flapper for a weeklong ‘20s Murder Mystery at the hotel where she works, the last thing on her mind is getting mixed up with the charity event’s gorgeous sponsor—no matter how blue Aaron’s eyes are.

Aaron can hardly believe he’s falling for his leading lady, and worse, he can’t prove to Charlize he’s not a “player.” When the mystery of the game turns a little too real, can they forget their growing attraction to solve a forgotten crime or is love in the script too?  

My Review: 4 Stars

 

I loved going to Murder Mystery parties back in high school and college, and it was fun to revisit those times through this book. Billionaire Aaron hosts a party with his friends and hotel worker, Charlize, is coerced into playing a part. Sparks fly in this game, especially when the heat is turned up and it's hard to tell what's real and what's not.

It was super fun to have the element of mystery threaded throughout this charming romance. Jealousy doesn't look too good on Charly, but it was fun to figure out who the characters were, how they related to Aaron, and how good of actors they each were. Aaron is who is he is with good reason, and I loved watching his backstory unfold through the eyes of Charly.

All in all, this slightly chaotic story was a throwback to the past and was so much fun to be a part of. Billionaire Bachelor Mountain Cove is becoming a very cherished small town book destination.

Content: mild romance; mild violence

Of Darkness and Light (Soli Hansen Mysteries #1) by Heidi Eljarbo {Review}

Of Darkness and Light (Soli Hansen Mysteries #1) by Heidi Eljarbo

Kindle Edition, 191 pages

Published May 12th 2020 

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

    

In this first book of a new historical mystery series, a young art historian faces a tough choice in German-occupied Norway.

Oslo, 1944. Soli Hansen’s passion for art history is and always has been a way of life for her. While she spends her days working in an art shop, WWII is taking its toll on everyone. Apprehensive of the consequences, Soli avoids becoming entangled in the war resistance efforts. She closes her eyes in hopes the enemy will retreat and leave her beautiful country for good.

But when a woman is found dead in the alley alongside the art shop and a painting from the last auction goes missing, Soli is thrown into the thickest of the fray involving both Nazi art theft and the Norwegian resistance.

Once Soli finds her courage, there’s no turning back. Her personal life is turned upside-down with danger, lies, spying, and an incredible discovery.

My Review: 5 Stars

World War II is a favorite time period for me to read because I love to picture my grandparents living during this time. It's always a treat to read about a place during this era that isn't as commonly talked about. At least, not that I've read.

Soli lives in Norway and works in an art shop. A mystery almost falls right into her lap and I enjoyed how it gently unfolds during the thick of the war. There are some solid characters that lend a lot of personality to this story and come to life in a vividly intriguing way. I was attached to Soli and was rooting for her to solve things before it was too late, as I wasn't sure who to trust and what was going on.

Although there is a war going on, this tale is written in a pleasant way, without gory details and horrors, yet the message is still delivered to the reader and it's a story that stayed with me for some time.

Content: very mild romance; mild+ war-type violence/murder

Not a Fine Gentleman by Donna Hatch #NFGPrism {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Not a Fine Gentleman

(Rogue Hearts, #5)

By Donna Hatch

Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 448 Pages

June 18, 2020 by Mirror Lake Press LLC

Lady Margaret secretly yearns for love, but fate has exchanged wedded bliss for a lie. When she is caught hovering over her cheating husband’s dead body, she is instantly doomed to hang for his murder. Without hope for justice, Margaret flees into the night alone.

A cynical Bow Street Constable, Connor Jackson, vows to bring the fugitive Lady Margaret to face the law—but, he doesn’t expect sparks to fly between them. Could the strong yet tender lady truly be a killer? 

As more suspects—and even more condemning evidence—surface, the less certain Connor is of his duty. He must choose between his growing feelings for Lady Margaret and the demands of justice. Will the truth tear them apart or set them free to find love?

(Affiliate link included.)

Goodreads | Amazon

My Review: 4 Stars

I've really enjoyed this series and love how each sibling gets a story of his or her own. It was a treat to see glimpses of the family and to check in with them to see how they're doing. I absolutely loved how they rally together in tough times and the murder of the eldest sister's husband, with her as the prime suspect, is definitely a good reason.

Margaret comes across as cold, but there's definitely more to her than that mask. Watching her spark to life, especially with Connor Jackson, was entertaining and my favorite moments were the forbidden attraction, moments of danger, and loyalty. Things were a lot different in this time and it was harder for different classes to mesh. Both Margaret and Connor had challenges and weaknesses to overcome and they each tackled them in realistic ways.

I felt like I was in the game of Clue at times, although we know where and with what weapon the murder took place. I loved the cat-and-mouse mystery and watching the puzzle pieces slip into place, and I thought this element was well done.

This is a story for lovers of intrigue and romance to settle in with, with its thrilling plot and enchanting characters. 

Content: mild romance; mild violence

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

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

About the Author

Multi-award-winning author of more than twenty best-selling Regency Historical Romances, Donna Hatch is a hopeful romantic and an adventurer at heart. Each book she writes is filled with wit and heart and plenty of swoon-worthy romance. Donna sings, plays the harp, and loves to ballroom dance. Her family, including six children and two cats, recently left their native Arizona for the Pacific coast of the US. No matter where they live, she and her husband of over twenty years are proof that there truly is a happily ever after.

Website | Blog | Goodreads | Amazon | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

- One winner will receive ebooks of the first four books in the Rogue Hearts series, The Stranger She Married, The Guise of a Gentleman, A Perfect Secret and The Suspect's Daughter

- Four winners will each receive an ebook of the first book in the Rogue Hearts series, The Stranger She Married

- Open internationally

- Ends July 1, 2020

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The Redgrave Murders by A.L.Sowards {Review}

The Redgrave Murders by A.L. Sowards

ebook, 272 pages

Published July 2019 by Covenant Communications 

Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

Loss is inevitable, as Evie Hampton knows all too well. But despite losing her mother to cancer and her older brother to a war, she knows she’s one of the lucky ones. After all, she still has her father, a distinguished professor of medieval history. And she has Gary Redhawk, the man she loves despite the emotional scars he carries from the Second World War—and despite her father’s opposition to their relationship.

When a freak accident sends Evie’s car careening off the road, she chalks it up to poor maintenance, or sheer bad luck making another appearance in her life. Little does she know a host of hardships is just beginning—the car was her father’s, and the brake lines were deliberately cut. Someone wants them dead—but why? All fingers point to Gary, a man with a troubled past and no solid alibi, but Evie is unwilling to believe he’s involved. Determined to uncover the truth, she begins to piece together a startling picture of deception and vice. But as she closes in on the truth, it is clear that someone is determined to silence her—and the next attempt on her life may be a deadly success.

My Review: 5 Stars

A.L. Sowards always does a fantastic job of transporting me back in time, creating a world that isn't always common for the era. In this case, post World War II in New York state, Evie and her Native American boyfriend find themselves in the middle of a serious murder mystery. I was captivated from start to finish and loved every minute of trying to figure out this story.

Evie and Gary are great characters, who don't fit the typical mold and relationship that one would picture of the time. They are such a great balance and support for each other, especially as Evie's loved ones start dying. Evie works so hard to prove Gary's innocence when signs show otherwise and I loved how she takes matters into her own hands, showing her incredible strength and determination. Characters like hers are some of my favorites--strong, yet vulnerable, and completely resilient. Honestly, I think I would melt into a puddle of anxiety with what Evie and Gary go through.

The romance is a great supplement to this thriller and I couldn't help but to cheer them on and hope for them to defy society. The climax of the story was chilling and intense and the ending left me completely satisfied. 

Content: mild romance (some implications and light innuendo); mild+ violence (deaths/murders, attacks, kidnapping, etc)   

The Marquess Meets His Match by Julie Coulter Bellon {Review}

The Marquess Meets His Match by Julie Coulter Bellon

Kindle Edition

Published August 15th 2019 by Stone Hall Books 

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

 

    

 

Lord Christian Wolverton―known as Wolf in a covert group operating during the war against Napoleon―has been called home from his military duties. For the moment, his family responsibilities require him to suspend his more clandestine activities. But information falls into his hands that a traitor will soon try to tip the scales back into French favor and Christian must stop it from happening.

Going to the one person who can help him, the powerful Duke of Huntingdon, Christian comes face to face with Lady Alice. She’s a beautiful member of the ton with a very big secret―she’s also a trained agent and already on the case. Forced to partner with her to lure the traitor out of hiding, Christian wants to quickly finish the mission himself, before Lady Alice is more closely involved. But Lady Alice has ideas of her own and she’s going to prove her theories correct―with or without him.

Danger is closer than they think, however, and it’s a race against time to expose the traitor’s identity before British lives are endangered. Both Christian and Alice have strong opinions on who he is, but which one will be proven right and can they catch him in time?

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

Sometimes I hold a story to high standards and expect it to be realistic. However, this book, with a lady of the ton who is also a spy in the Regency times, was the perfect element of fiction to top off a wonderfully delicious tale.   

 

Alice is a delightful character. Under the tutelage of her father, she's the perfect spy to infiltrate the organization to unearth the traitor in their midst. She's sweet; she's tough; she's demure, with near perfect manners, and she's terribly good at what she does. When "The Wolf," otherwise known as Christian, comes into the scene, well...the match has been met and the sparks fly in all the ways imaginable.

 

The adventure, danger, romance, and mystery were wrapped up in an entertaining plot that sucked me right in and I couldn't put it down. The swoon is strong with this one, and there were times when I couldn't help but to smile, laugh, and squirm in some of the uncomfortable situations. I'm looking forward to the next book!

 

Content: mild romance; mild violence/moments of danger  

The Lady in the Coppergate Tower by Nancy Campbell Allen {Review}

The Lady in the Coppergate Tower by Nancy Campbell Allen

Paperback, 368 pages

Expected publication: August 6th 2019 by Shadow Mountain 

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

   

Hazel Hughes has spent her life believing she is a Medium—someone who can talk to ghosts. But as of yet, that skill has remained frustratingly elusive. She is also suffering from a reoccurring childhood dream of someone who looks almost exactly like Hazel, but this dream version of herself is slowly going mad.

Sam MacInnes is a talented surgeon who runs in the highest social circles thanks to his family’s position and history. When Sam hires Hazel to assist him with his medical practice, he is immediately drawn to her intelligence, wit, and beauty.

Their potential relationship is derailed one evening when a mysterious count arrives in London and reveals to Hazel the truth about her past: she was abducted at birth and her twin sister has fallen dangerously ill.

Hazel agrees to travel to Romania with Count Petrescu in order to save her sister, and Sam insists on accompanying her. The count has secrets, though, and the journey grows more sinister with every mile that draws Hazel closer to her homeland. Even as her feelings for Sam become deeper and more complicated, she fears she might not survive the quest to save her sister with her heart intact, not to mention her life. She must learn to draw on gifts she doesn’t know she has if they are going to ever return home again.

Hazel and Sam must fight their way past dark magic, clockwork beasts, and their own insecurities as they try to reach her sister in the impenetrable Coppergate Tower before time runs out.
 

My Review: 5 Stars

I've always loved fairy tales and the twists that Nancy Campbell Allen adds to them are phenomenal! Rapunzel, Steampunk style, had me on the edge of my seat. In fact, I couldn't put it down and read it all in one day.

Hazel is a healer, of sorts, and assists a cutting edge surgeon, Sam, with his work. I loved those medical aspects, as they really showed the teamwork and foundation necessary for a solid relationship. When Hazel leaves with her uncle to go find her sister, Sam and his automaton (bot), Eugene, tag along, despite fears and misgivings. 

The dark overtones complemented the complexity of this mysterious and dangerous tale and I was captivated with the imaginative elements, twists and turns, and fantastic characters (Eugene almost stole the show with his robotic sarcasm and wit). The secrets unraveled to reveal a wonderfully intense climax and I just couldn't get enough. Of course, I adored the budding romance, which only served to add to the deliciously satisfying layers of entertainment. This is definitely a story you won't want to miss!

Content: mild romance; mild+ violence/moments of peril 

An American Duchess by Caroline Fyffe {Review}

An American Duchess by Caroline Fyffe

Paperback, 348 pages

Expected publication: June 25th 2019 by Montlake Romance 

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

 

    

 

A woman's heart dares to defy the rules of Victorian society in USA Today bestselling author Caroline Fyffe's novel of romance, royalty, and a little revenge.

In Kent, England, the arrival of Beranger Northcott, Duke of Brightshire, causes a stir. Because with the duke comes his new American bride, who isn't quite what anyone expects. By accepting the hand of her beloved, Emma Brinkman went from hardworking Colorado rancher to duchess. Now she's expected to comport herself as nobility. Overnight. For Emma—stifled, homesick, and unable to shake the feeling she's being watched—the metamorphosis is a challenge. And if Emma's suspicions are correct, perhaps even a dangerous one.

Fortunately, Emma has found a trusted friend in the orphaned Charlotte, Brightshire's scullery maid. Charlotte longs to experience—if only for a moment—the luxuries and gentry romance that come with a titled life. When one of the duke's handsome cousins takes notice of Charlotte, the castle kitchen is set abuzz with speculation.

In navigating their two different stations, both servant and duchess alike will discover all they have in common—from secret fantasies to daring hearts to upending the rules of society. And that finding their places in the world—and love—is a dream that can come true—no matter the risks.

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

There's a lot of mayhem going on in this delightful Victorian novel! It's fun to read a story of an American coming back "across the pond" to take her place in English society. Emma and Beranger had no expectations of him becoming the new Duke and Emma is quite up to this position, according to some--namely her wicked her step-mother-in-law.

 

I loved watching Emma take on this challenge, mingling her background with her new expectations. She isn't what they expect, and while she tries to conform in some ways, she stays true to herself, bringing a breath of fresh air to the stuffiness of society.

 

There is a mystery, waiting to be discovered, and danger abounds, especially when the Duke falls ill. It was fun trying to guess what was going on and who was behind it, and that's where my slight issues lie. I'm not going to say more, as I don't want to spoil it.

 

Emma and Beranger are already married, but there is still a lot of romance and romantic tension to be found. The relationships steal the cake for this one--not only between this charming couple, but within the friendships, new and old, that are formed. This book definitely found its place within my heart.

 

Content: mild+ romance (all behind closed doors, but implied, kissing); mild+ language; very mild religion 

#SweetOnYouTour - Sweet on You by Becky Wade {Review}

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Sweet on You

(Bradford Sisters #3)

By Becky Wade

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages

April 30th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Britt Bradford and Zander Ford have been the best of friends since they met thirteen years ago. Unbeknown to Britt, Zander has been in love with her for just as long.

Independent and adventurous Britt channels her talent into creating chocolates at her hometown shop. Zander is a bestselling author who's spent the past 18 months traveling the world. He's achieved a great deal but still lacks the only thing that ever truly mattered to him--Britt's heart.

When Zander's uncle dies of mysterious causes, he returns to Merryweather, Washington, to investigate, and Britt is immediately there to help. Although this throws them into close proximity, both understand that an attempt at romance could jeopardize their once-in-a-lifetime friendship. But while Britt is determined to resist any change in their relationship, Zander finds it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings hidden.

As they work together to uncover his uncle's tangled past, will the truth of what lies between them also, finally, come to light?

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Book Depostiory│ChristianBook│BAM│iBooks│Kobo

My Review: 5 Stars

I have absolutely loved this series and have loved each sister's story. I've been (im)patiently waiting for Britt's true love, because she's flirty and flighty, as the baby, but her best friend of over a decade is so perfect for her--and she doesn't seem to see it! She also harbors a bit of guilt and I desperately wanted her to find her happily ever after. But...I wasn't expecting the added bonus that I got.

Not only does this story deliver a sweet, budding, new romance, but the reader is treated to a real live mystery! This element weaves so well into the story, adding a dimension of suspense and drama that really flavors the chemistry wafting off the pages, and forms a truly delicious tale. I couldn't get enough!

I'm a huge fan of the friends-to-lover angle and this one is very well done. I loved how compatible these two friends are and their voices and interactions are charming, engaging, and swoony. This story was definitely worth the wait!

Content: mild romance; mild violence/moments of peril; mild+ religion elements.

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

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Becky’s a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market before putting her career on hold for several years to care for her three children. When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction. She loves writing funny, modern, and inspirational contemporary romance! She’s the Christy Award and Carol Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, and the Bradford Sisters Romance series.

Website│Blog│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

ONE WINNER WILL RECEIVE:

• Tote bag highlighting Britt’s chocolate shop, Sweet Art
• Paperback copy of Sweet on You
• $100 Visa gift card
• 1 pound box of See’s chocolate truffles
• Set of chocolate scented soap
• Box of colored pencils
• “Tattoo” coloring book

Enter on Becky's website HERE

Finding Anne de Bourgh by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Finding Anne de Bourgh by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen

Paperback, 263 pages

Published May 1st 2019 by Covenant Communications 

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

    

As heiress of Rosings Park, Anne de Bourgh’s health is of utmost importance to her mother, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Thus, following the shock of a recent fire at Rosings Park, the young woman is spirited away to Brighton to take the cure. While her domineering mother is bent on healing her daughter’s sickly constitution to secure her a suitable match, Anne herself is far more concerned with sketching the flora and fauna of the lovely sea town. It is in pursuit of artistic inspiration among the flowers that Anne becomes acquainted with Mr. Owen Talbot, a charming man with whom Anne feels an immediate connection, notwithstanding their differing stations.

But despite their growing esteem for one another, the couple faces an insurmountable problem: Lady Catherine has set her sights on a rich, well-connected man for her daughter, and Mr. Talbot is simply too common. With their love in jeopardy, the couple soon faces far graver problems. There has been a murder in Brighton, and Anne is innocently drawn into an amateur investigation that ultimately traces its roots to her own family. With a frightening foreshadowing regarding the de Bourghs, Anne begins to question whom she can truly trust.

My Review: 4 Stars

Anne de Bourgh isn't a character that I've given much thought to at all. I mean, Elizabeth is Mr. Darcy's true match, so why give a second thought to Anne, his original intended? But Anne has a story to tell and in doing so, she truly finds herself. 

I love how Anne and her mother are at odds--Anne dreams of drawing plants, while her mother is bent on finding her a suitor; Anne feels a connection with a Mr. Talbot, while her mother insists on her forming a match with his younger brother--the one with a title; Anne is content to meander through life, while her mother is intent on finding a cure for her health issues. Sometimes I wanted to tell her overbearing mother to leave her be and to back off already! Hah!

With all the romance blossoming, along with the beautiful gardens, there is a mystery in the wings and this fact gives the story an interesting, slightly dangerous, and deeper element. I really enjoyed Anne's character and loved the pathway she took to discover herself, but I especially loved her brushes with romance. 

This is a great story for any Regency romance and/or Pride and Prejudice lover.

Content: mild romance; mild violence

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