The Fur Trader's Lady

Description:

To escape her guardian’s plans to marry her, Lady Charlotte Fairfax steals away to Montreal to locate Reid McCoy, a fur trader who owes her fiancé a debt for saving his life. Even though European women are forbidden from entering the interior, she is desperate to get to her fiancé deep within the northwestern wilderness.

Reid McCoy has worked hard for fifteen years to become a shareholder in the North West Company and is on the brink of realizing that goal. Taking Charlotte into the interior will not only put her life at risk, but it could also jeopardize his dreams. Honor bound to repay his debt, his only option is to have Charlotte dress as a man and enter as his assistant clerk.

With Charlotte’s guardian close on their trail and a personal rival willing to do anything to keep Reid from becoming a shareholder, they will embark on an epic journey that will test not only their strength and endurance, but their hearts, as well.

My Review: 

When Lady Gabrielle has to travel to Canada to escape a horrible marriage, she never imagines the lengths she will have to go to in order to find safety. Reid McCoy promises to help her make the journey to meet her intended, but under the guise of being a young man posing as a clerk for a powerful fur trading company. Reid was a wonderful protector, making sure that Charlotte was exposed as little as possible to the men and their crass and immoral behavior. There is an underlying resentment of Reid towards his father due to his choices and the consequences to them. I loved that Charlotte helped Reid through these difficulties.

I didn’t know much about the fur industry and really enjoyed learning about the trade routed, hardships, and alliances that were made between the Europeans and the Native tribes. Reid and Charlotte’s experiences made this seem very real and easy to see what things were like in this time period. I was happy with the conclusion of the story.

I would like to have seen more action in the middle of the book. It really was more about the journey that Charlotte and Reid experienced. This is the first book that I have read that covers the trade industry and time period. If you enjoy historical romances consider reading this one.

I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

Perfectly Faked

 

About the Book: 

I’ve spent my entire life working for a shot at Nationals, but when my figure skating partner gets an injury right before the biggest season of my career, my chances of making a comeback vanish overnight.

Until my dad—a professional hockey coach—forces me to pair up with the last person I’d ever choose as my partner: Leo "the Ego" Anderson. Sure, he’s got the whole brooding, bad-boy thing down, but he’s also got anger issues that landed him in trouble with his team.

He’s benched, forced into community service with me, and my dad thinks I’m the perfect way to kill two birds with one hockey stick.

The only hitch? Leo also happens to be my ridiculously hot ex-boyfriend. You know, the guy I never quite got over.

Leo needs to fulfill his hours to get back on the ice. I need a sponsorship to revive my career. A fake relationship could give us both what we need, as long as we put together some ironclad rules.

A win-win, right?

Turns out, pretending to be in love with your ex is the fastest way to fall for him all over again.

Perfectly Faked is a closed door hockey romcom about a figure skater and hockey player that has all the chemistry without the spice. Fans of enemies to lovers, coach’s daughter, forced proximity, fake dating and The Cutting Edge will love this one!

My Review:

Victoria and Leo have a past that neither can truly forget. Victoria broke up with Leo and he has never really forgiven her for it. When Leo must partner with Victoria as part of his community service, the  two of them will need to talk and resolve their issues or someone is bound to end up hurting their career or each other on the ice. I really enjoyed this cute story and the humorous things that happened throughout the story.

Things to love:

Dual POV

community service

2nd chances

smile tally

humor

chewing gum 

house rules

Big Bertha

matchmaking

“The Nationals”

I recommend this book for those who like clean romances and sports themed stories. There are quite a few side characters that are very lovable that helped Victoria and Leo through the bumps in their relationship. I can’t wait to read more stories of the hockey players. 

I received a copy of the book. All opinions are my own with no obligation to write a review. 

Hidden Danger

 

About the Book

Book: Hidden Danger (Discipleship Series Book 1)

Author: Gail Pallotta

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: August 21, 2024

After Emily Hanover’s left standing at the altar in Blue Mountain, North Carolina, she goes to Sky High Campground to put her life back together. Because it’s February and few people come here this time of year, she’s alone on the premises. When noises in the middle of the night frighten her, she gathers her courage and peeks outside. A man carrying a body over his shoulder emerges from the dark shadows onto her front yard. Horrified, she collapses onto the floor.

The next morning, she visits ex-military officer turned security guard, Nick Lancaster. He listens intently to Emily, but dismisses her claim of foul play as a hunter carrying a deer. Finally, after he sees a freshly dug hole in Emily’s yard and finds two more in the woods, he agrees—there’s suspicious activity. Then he and Emily embark on a mission exposing murder and a far-reaching sinister plot, neither suspecting danger can bring romance.

 My Review:

Sky High Campground, set in the mountains of North Carolina, seems like the perfect place to rest and heal from a broken heart. But, Emily Hanover’s experience is anything but that when she is awakened by a man digging a large hole. Did she really see the man put a body in it? When Emily goes to the office the next day to report what she saw, will security guard, Nick Lancaster, believe her, will they find anything? This scary scene sets the story for the elusive murderer and the strange appearance of holes in the forest. What Emily and Nick find out will surprise you. With romance and a faith thread, readers of cozy mysteries and Christian fiction will enjoy reading this book. 

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Celebrate Lit for a copy of the book.  All opinions are my own.

Click here to get your copy

 

About the Author

Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, Mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. A 2013 Grace Awards finalist, she’s a Reader’s Favorite 2017 Book Award winner, a TopShelf 2020 Book Awards Finalist and a Top Author pick. She’s published seven books, poems, short stories and several hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are in museums. She enjoys connecting with readers.

More from Gail

The story behind Hidden Danger started with my love of mysteries and suspense, which began many years ago when I discovered Nancy Drew. Then I wanted to become a detective. That didn’t happen, but I turned my heroine, Emily Hanover, and the hero, Nick Lancaster, into amateur sleuths.

The granddaughter of a minister who planted churches in the far reaches of the Western North Carolina Mountains, I grew up at the foothills of them. As I pondered the setting for a good mystery, the area with lots of underbrush and caves offered opportunities for suspenseful scenes.

Emily works as a newspaper reporter, a job similar to one I had in a public relations department under a retired Associated Press guy. My husband was in the military. After all these years of marriage, I’m familiar with that type of personality, so Nick is an ex-military guy turned security guard.

Emily goes to the campground to find peace and comfort after she was left standing at the altar  on her wedding day. To say she has a chip on her shoulder over men is an understatement. The only true love Nick ever had died while he was overseas. Guilt because he couldn’t be by her side plagues him. He believes he’ll never love another.

Emily meets Nick because her first night at the campground, she sees a man carrying a dead body. Or, does she? Thus, a mystery in the Western North Carolina Mountains begins.

Blog Stops

Leslie’s Library Escape, February 8

Texas Book-aholic, February 9

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 10

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14

Blogging With Carol, February 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 16

For him and My Family, February 17

Stories By Gina, February 18 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 18

Simple Harvest Reads, February 19 (Author Interview)

Betti Mace, February 20

Book Looks by Lisa, February 20

Lily’s Corner, February 21

Giveaway

To celebrate he tour, Gail is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a print copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54150

Sunrise

About the Book: 

Pilot Dodge Kingston has always been the heir to Sky King Ranch. But after a terrible family fight, he left to become a pararescue jumper. A decade later, he's headed home to the destiny that awaits him. 

That's not all that's waiting for Dodge. His childhood best friend and former flame, Echo Yazzie, is a true Alaskan--a homesteader, dogsledder, and research guide for the DNR. Most of all, she's living a life Dodge knows could get her killed. One of these days she's going to get lost in the woods again, and his worst fear is that he won't be there to find her.
 
When one of Echo's fellow researchers goes missing, Echo sets out to find her, despite a blizzard, a rogue grizzly haunting the woods, and the biting cold. Plus, there's more than just the regular dangers of the Alaskan forests stalking her . . .

Will Dodge be able to find her in time? And if he does, is there still room for him in her heart?

My Review:

Echo and Dodge grew up together and were sweethearts until things were said and Dodge left Alaska determined to never come back to live. But, life’s circumstances changed and he must make some decisions. I loved the theme of letting go of fear, hurt, and anger, and being open to life offering new beginnings and freedom. Echo and Dodge had a lot to work through in not only their past relationship but also those of their family. I loved seeing the healing that took place in several of the characters’ lives. 

Things to enjoy:

2nd chances

multiple love stories

danger

faith thread

forgiveness

unlikely rescuer

Favorite Quotes:

“The ones who love you always come back.”

“This was love. Love showed up. Love stayed. Love sacrificed.”

I highly recommend this first book in the Sky King Ranch series. Readers of all ages will enjoy the story as well as the rugged beauty of Alaska. I am looking forward to reading the next book since there are a couple of loose ends that will addressed in the future. 

Storm Warning

About the Book: 

Haunted by a half-forgotten past, former army photographer Remi Grant works at an isolated storm-watching lodge on the rugged Washington coast when she receives a mysterious puzzle piece. This piece might hold the key to unlocking a disturbing incident she struggles to remember—an event that drove her into hiding. As heavy storms approach, Remi must focus on the present rather than dwell on the past.

When a mysterious man at the lodge saves her life twice, Remi becomes suspicious and confronts him. Former military pilot Hawk Beckett, seeking perspective after a personal catastrophe at his commanding officer's suggestion, finds himself caught in the fiercest storm to hit the coast in a decade. As they face the storm together, they discover they're not alone at the lodge.

My Review
If you are looking for a high octane suspense that is action packed, Storm Warning is the book for you. Things don’t add up as  Hawk Beckett is assigned to take down an assassin and is drawn into a dangerous situation with Remi Grant’. Remi's memory begins after a horrific accident on a military mission, but will what she remember put her in danger? I loved the twists that took place throughout the story. I thought I had things figured out, only to realize that things weren’t what they seemed. I was happy to see the romance occur between Remi and Hawk, who was always there to protect her. 

Things to love: 

helicopters

danger

intrigue

rugged scenery

military secrets

I highly recommend reading this book for its suspense and clean romance. This is the first in the Hidden Bay series, and I am looking forward to reading more! 

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

Love and Chocolate

 

About the Book

Book: Love and Chocolate

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: September 13, 2024

She just needs a job. He wants a career. Is there room in their hearts for love?

Ilsa Krause and her siblings are stunned to discover their father left massive debt behind upon his death. To help pay off their creditors and save the farm, she takes a job at Beck’s Chocolates, the company her father despised and refused to supply with milk. Then she discovers her boss is Ernst Webber, her high school love who unceremoniously dumped her via letter from college. Could life get any more difficult?

A freshly-minted university diploma in his hand, Ernst Webber lands his dream job at Beck’s Chocolates. His plans to work his way up the ladder don’t include romantic entanglements, then Ilsa Krause walks back into his life resurrecting feelings he thought long dead. However, her animosity makes it clear she has no interest in giving him a second chance. Can he get her to change her mind? Does he want to?

My Review: 

This is a historical romance and the story of Ilsa Krause and Ernst Webber. Once sweethearts, Ernst broke things off when he was away at college. Now that he is back in town and is working for the same chocolate factory as Ilsa, they have to learn to let bygones be bygones. 

I enjoyed the historical aspect of the story and how Hershey influenced the plot. As a chocolate lover, it was fun to have the factory where it is made  as part of the setting. I thought Ilsa had a very generous heart in allowing Ernst to resume their relationship. I was happy to see that he matured when he faced obstacles and also listened to Ilsa’s concerns.

Things to look for:

second chance

loss of parent

unique orphanage

courting advice 

danger

faith thread

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review. 

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a former trustee for her local public library. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state and immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

 

More from Linda

A couple of years ago while I was planning my upcoming writing projects, I knew I wanted to write a series of books about siblings but couldn’t decide where or went to set the stories. Lots of research later, I discovered the 1898 Columbian Exposition here in the United States and the various inventions associated with that event. Further study led me to Milton Hershey who attended that World’s Fair and was so enamored with the concept of chocolate production for the masses that he sold his caramel company to enter the chocolate business – a risky proposition at that time. As I read more about Milton and his wife Catherine “Kitty” Sweeney-Hershey, I knew I had the beginnings of a story.

The owner of Beck’s Chocolates in my latest release Love and Chocolate is inspired by Milton Hershey, and I enjoyed creating my own “company town,” Cocoaville in which to set the story. Taking place in 1914 prior to the beginning of World War I, the story explores the mixed feelings about German Americans that were prevalent at the time as well as themes of second chances and forgiveness.

In the early days of my career, I worked in a printed circuit board factory, but I knew nothing about chocolate or how to manufacture it. Research for Love and Chocolate included interviewing a close friend who is a chocolatier and trying various brands of chocolate to understand the difference in flavor and texture. Here are a few fun facts I learned about chocolate along the way:

• The Aztecs and the Mayans were the first to realize the benefits of cacao beans, ground and soaked in water approximately 5,000 years ago.
• Switzerland has the highest per capita chocolate consumption.
• The smell of chocolate can help relax and reduce stress.
• It takes two to four days to produce a single serving chocolate bar.
• Cote d’Ivoire is the single largest producer of cocoa, providing roughly 40 percent of the world’s supply.
• The world’s largest chocolate bar weighed over 12,000 pounds.
• It takes about 400 cacao beans to make a pound of chocolate.
• Cacao trees can live up to 100 years.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, February 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 15

lakesidelivingsite, February 16

Book Looks by Lisa, February 16

Texas Book-aholic, February 17

She Lives To Read, February 18

Pause for Tales, February 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 19

Devoted To Hope, February 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 21

Leslie’s Library Escape, February 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 22

Sylvan Musings, February 23

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 24

Connie’s History Classroom, February 25

For Him and My Family, February 26

Holly’s Book Corner, February 27

Mary Hake, February 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Visa Gift Card and a signed copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54156

Grandma Ruth Doesn't Go to Funerals

 

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go To Funerals by Sharon Mondragon hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go To Funerals
Author: Sharon Mondragon
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Something is brewing in Raeburne's Ferry, Georgia--and it's not sweet tea.

In a small town where gossip flows, bedridden Mary Ruth McCready reigns supreme, doling out wisdom and meddling in everyone's business with a fervor that would make a matchmaker blush. When her best friend has her world rocked by a scandalous revelation from her dying husband, Mary Ruth kicks into high gear, commandeering the help of her favorite granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth, in tracking down the truth. Finding clues in funeral condolence cards and decades-old gossip dredged up at the Blue Moon Beauty Emporium, the two stir up trouble faster than you can say "pecan pie."

But just when things are starting to look up, a blast from the past waltzes in with an outrageous claim. But as Grandma Ruth always says when things get tough, "God is too big." With him, nothing is impossible--even bringing long-held secrets to light. Grandma Ruth and Sarah just might have to ruffle a whole mess of feathers to do it.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook

My Review: 

Raeburne’s Ferry is a small town with big secrets and Grandma Ruth has her pulse on the community even though she is bedridden. Her granddaughter, Sarah is her representative as well as eyes and ears to all the gossip that takes place. When Charlotte (Grandma Ruth’s best friend) losing her husband and leaves her with a mysterious message, it is up to Sarah and Grandma to suss out the clues to see what he meant. 

Things aren’t always as they seem, which is something that Grandma Ruth must remind Sarah on multiple occasions as she must determine what is fact and what is plain ol’ gossip. I appreciated being reminded to keep an open mind and not to draw my own conclusions until everything is known. 

This book has: 

small town 

lovable characters

mystery

finding love

love is faithful

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and JustRead Publicity Tours. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

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About the Author

Sharon J. Mondragón is a Southern girl at heart, having spent most of her adult life where tea is sweet and mac and cheese is a vegetable. Settled in Midlothian, Texas, she writes, facilitates the prayer shawl ministry at her church, and teaches at the local yarn shop. She's the author of the Purls and Prayers series, and her work has earned recognition from The Saturday Evening Post, ACFW, Foreword INDIES, and the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.

Connect with Sharon by visiting sharonjmondragon.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go To Funerals and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 12, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 19, 2025. 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

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