Return to the Wilderness

About the Book

Book: Return to the Wilderness

Author: Andrea Byrd

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: October 22, 2024

Two outcasts. One marriage of convenience. A love story forged in the fires of adversity.

Muireall Blair has finally found a comfortable life at Fort Harrod—until she experiences a recurring nightmare that warns of impending doom for her sister. Unable to shake the weight of foreboding, Muireall cannot sit idle anymore and risk the dream becoming a reality. With her near-sightedness a closely guarded secret, she seeks the help of Jude, a man with his own hidden past, to reach her sister.

Jude Browne has been gifted with a life of fighting for survival, not one of finding acceptance. Half-blinded as a youth, the scars across his face and the knowledge of his illegitimate birth serve as a reminder of his worthlessness. However, when his mother falls ill, she finally lays bare all the secrets she has kept all his life. Secrets that point to his one chance of finding who he truly is.

Jude and Muireall soon realize that a marriage of convenience is the key to reaching Pitman Station safely. But when their secrets unravel and danger closes in, will they succumb to the shadows of their pasts, or will they find the strength to forge a new future together?

 My Review: 

I enjoyed reading this story set in the Kentucky wilderness since I am familiar with this area and have often wondered what it would have been like living in that time period. I felt a part of the story as you learn that secrets abound between Muireall Blair and Jude Browne, but they have to put aside their pride in order to be able to trust each other. They will need to lean on each to survive the dangerous journey to seek the answers to the questions they each have. Muireall and Jude were believable characters that found strength in their weaknesses through their faith in God.

This is the fourth book in the Frontier Hearts series. However, it can be read as a standalone if you choose. Readers from teens through adults can travel with Muireall and Jude as they face the danger that awaits them.

I received a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was not required, and all opinions are my own.

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Andrea Byrd is a Christian wife and mom located in rural Kentucky, who loves to spend time with her family in the great outdoors, one with nature. Often described as having been born outside her time, she has a deep affinity for an old-fashioned, natural lifestyle.

With a degree in Equine Health & Rehabilitation gathering dust and a full-time job tethering her to a desk eight hours a day, Andrea decided it was time to show both herself and her children that it is truly possible to make your dreams come true. Now with over 1,000 contemporary Christian romance novellas sold, Andrea is pursuing her passion of writing faith-filled romance woven with a thread of true history.

 More from Andrea

I love to read books that have historical facts, especially little-known ones, woven into their pages. Within my books, I strive to do the same and Return to the Wilderness is no exception.

This book comes in after the unrest of what some call the “Indian Wars,” in Kentucky. During that time, attacks by the native were frequent and brutal. Many of the Station Masters and long hunters in the area lost family members. If you read, Rescue in the Wilderness, you have seen a glimpse of this time and how devastating it could be.

Due to these attacks, stations and settlements were often abandoned. Sometimes the families returned after this time period came to an end and sometimes the buildings were simply left to deteriorate and become shells of a past time. I do not want to give any spoilers, but if you decide to read Return to the Wilderness, you will find out just how this little piece of history impacts the main character, Muireall (the sister from Redemption in the Wilderness).

Blog Stops

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 22

lakesidelivingsite, October 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 23

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 24 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Texas Book-aholic, October 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 26

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 27

Book Looks by Lisa, October 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 29

For Him and My Family, October 30

An Author’s Take, October 31

Cover Lover Book Review, November 1

Holly’s Book Corner, November 2

Pause for Tales, November 3

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 4 (Author Interview)

Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card!!

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/00adcf5474/

Fiancé Finale

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Fiancé Finale by Angela Ruth Strong hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

 

Title: Fiancé Finale 

Series: Love Off Script #3 

Author: Angela Ruth Strong 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: October 22, 2024 

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance 

 Charlie Newberg is sure about one thing: Nicole Lemaire is the woman God wants him to marry. There's a slight problem, though—he's already left her once. The day before their wedding. To make a documentary. But he's got a plan. The marketing firm she works for is the ideal choice for promoting his new film. Collaborating will give him the perfect chance to propose again, so he conspires with her boss to make sure she runs the campaign for the same kind of documentary Charlie left her—basically at the altar—for. Despite Nicole's resistance, the two work well together. But Charlie's going to need more than teamwork to convince the jilted bride to give him a second chance. In fact, he might need to fall in love in a way he's never really understood.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

My Review: 

Charlie Newberg and Nicole Lemaire were at one time engaged, but Charlie had a chance to create a documentary that took him overseas and Nicole felt rejected by his choice. I love this second chance at love and the transformation that both Nicole and Charlie went through in their understanding of what it means to love and sacrifice for the other person. I am so happy that Ms. Strong included Alice the jeweler in her story. I loved that Nicole shared her painful past with her. It reminded me that you never know when and where God will use you. It could be a time when you are given the opportunity to help a friend or it could be to encourage a stranger. Things to love: friends and family “Weirdo” pearl necklace documentary films humor pirate costume forgiveness redemption grand gesture I highly recommend this story to readers who enjoy flawed, real life characters that also have a sense of humor and the willingness to let go of the past. This is the third book in the Love Off Script series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I’d recommend you read the other two books. The characters from the past books are a part of the story and I loved seeing them here with Charlie and Nicole. I received a complimentary copy of the book through Just Reads Tours. A positive review was not required, and all opinions are my own.

More Books from this Series:

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About the Author

Angela Ruth Strong is the founder of IdaHope Christian Writers. Her books have earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been a finalist for the Christy, won the Cascade Award, and become Amazon best sellers. Her book Finding Love in Big Sky, Montana released as a movie in 2022. Strong lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband.

Connect with Angela by visiting angelaruthstrong.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 Fiancé Finale 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 October 23, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 30, 2024. 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!

 

Murder in Highbury

Description:

Less than one year into her marriage to respected magistrate George Knightley, Emma has grown unusually content in her newfound partnership and refreshed sense of independence. The height of summer sees the former Miss Woodhouse gracefully balancing the meticulous management of her elegant family estate and a flurry of social engagements, with few worries apart from her beloved father’s health . . .   

But cheery circumstances change in an instant when Emma and Harriet Martin, now the wife of one of Mr. Knightley’s tenant farmers, discover a hideous shock at the local church. The corpse of Mrs. Augusta Elton, the vicar’s wife, has been discarded on the altar steps—the ornate necklace she often wore stripped from her neck . . .   

As a chilling murder mystery blooms and chaos descends upon the tranquil village of Highbury, the question isn’t simply who committed the crime, but who wasn’t secretly wishing for the unpleasant woman’s demise. When suspicions suddenly fall on a harmless local, Emma—armed with wit, unwavering determination, and extensive social connections—realizes she must discreetly navigate a

My Review: 

Getting the characters right for the beloved Jane Austen book, Emma, would be a difficult task. But, author Vanessa Kelly was spot on with every one of them from Miss Bates to Emma, to Mr. Elton, and the rest of the village. The list of suspects for Mrs. Elton’s murder is lengthy, because let’s face it, she wasn’t a very nice person. 

Emma doesn’t plan on getting involved in the investigation and trusts her husband and the constabulary to discover the murderer, but when her sweeter than honey friend is accused of the crime, Emma just has to see justice prevail. I enjoyed this mystery and only figured out who the murderer was at the very end. 

I recommend this for older teens/young adults through mature readers if you like historical cozy mysteries and are a Jane Austen fan. I look forward to seeing what Emma will become embroiled in next. 

I received a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

The Gentleman's Confession

 

Description:

Jemma Fielding has always considered herself an independent woman, but to honor her beloved grandmother’s dying wish, she makes a promise that she will marry and fall in love. To fulfill her promise, she turns to the Matchmaking Mamas Society for assistance and is paired with the charming Mr. Bentley. Though he is everything Jemma could hope for in a match, she is clueless about how to win his heart. Desperate to make a good impression, she seeks guidance from her dearest friend, Miles Jackson, a humble rector with a talent for understanding matters of the heart.

However, Miles’s secret affection for Jemma has spanned years, and teaching her to love someone else threatens to betray his own heart. Despite his selfless nature, Miles fears he will never be more than a humble rector in her eyes.

Even as he gives Jemma lessons in love, Miles grapples with the challenge of convincing her that Mr. Bentley may be a perfect gentleman but he is not the perfect match for her. Will Miles’s advice in romance jeopardize their years of friendship, or will it reveal the attraction that has quietly blossomed between them, proving that this time, the Matchmaking Mamas may have made a mistake? Miles must decide if he’s brave enough to confess his feelings to Jemma before she is whisked away forever.

My Review:

Jemma’s dream since she was young was to live an independent life and be involved in charitable work. However, all of that changes when Jemma makes a deathbed promise to find a man to love and marry. Jemma has seen the success of the Matchmaking Mamas with her friends, so she asks them for help. When Mr. Bentley is introduced to Jemma she realizes she has no idea about romantic relationships and asks her best friend, Miles, to help. 

Miles is the best kind of friend. He absolutely does not want to help Jemma with her courtship dilemma, but because he wants the best for her, he agrees. I love the lessons he gives her because they were true to the character of him as a vicar and were things shared from his own heart. The situations he finds himself with the single women at church were hilarious, and I loved how Jemma came to his rescue. 

Things to love: 

Courtship lessons

The Rebels

Mrs. Fortesque and church ladies

Mr. Romantic

Bench meetings

The auction

Cricket match kiss

Notes

Miles’s book

I received a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

The Innkeeper's Christmas Miracle

 

Two intriguing mysteries.

Two lonely hearts.

One Christmas miracle.

Anderson Trimble enjoys his life as an innkeeper. With his affable personality and engaging nature, he does an excellent job of taking care of his guests. Unfortunately, he’s also quite adept at keeping others at arm’s length. Orphaned at an early age, he’s convinced it is better to be alone than to risk abandonment. He doesn’t intend to change his stance, not even for love.

Dinah Smith is known for her cheerful disposition, but the few months since her mother’s death have been the most difficult of her life. Even her position as a teacher at the Clarke Institute for Young Women isn’t enough to distract her from the disturbing secret her mother bequeathed on her deathbed. Struggling to come to terms with the secret’s ramifications for her life, she finds an unexpected ally in Anderson Trimble.

Trimble cannot deny his attraction to the beautiful teacher, and when he is suddenly engulfed in a mystery of his own, he vows to do whatever he can to keep her safe, even if that means risking his heart in the process. But will his determination to uncover the truth lead them into even more danger?

My Review: 

Returning to Roderick Glen was such a treat! In this novella we get to see Anderson Trimble, the proprietor of the Hook and Eye Inn, and learn about his story. I loved that the seemingly gruff and bristly Whistler is not all that he seems to be. If you enjoy stories with mystery, of forgiveness, and redemption you will love reading this. While this is part of the The Ladies of Roderick Glen, it can be read as a standalone. I also recommend you read all of the books that are set in a small village filled with interesting people. I received a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

The Cowboy's Forgotten Love

 

About the Book: 

He finally found the love of his life

Now if only he could remember…

After an accident, rodeo rider Lucas Morgan is shocked to discover his memories of the last six months are gone. He remembers his best friend, Harper Reilly, but recent events are a blur—like the fact he’s opening a rodeo school with her…and who he bought an engagement ring for. With Luc under strict orders to rest and not stress, Harper can’t tell him about the kiss they shared or the feelings that blossomed—and with big career decisions to make, she fears they’ve missed their chance. Is it too late to fall in love all over again?

My Review: 

I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to have your dreams shattered in a moment of time. But, that is exactly what happened to Harper Reilly as her longtime crush, Lucas Morgan, is involved in an accident and cannot remember the last six months of his life. Those six months where everything had changed with Lucas and Harper and a budding romance had occurred and a training center was being proposed. I think Harper was incredibly patient and had more wisdom in staying quiet to let Lucas figure out what he wanted to do. Plus, also give the chance for their love to be revived and strengthened. Harper didn’t let fear take over but trusted God to help both of them on this journey. I loved the second chance at love story.

Readers of all ages will enjoy the Lazy M Ranch series, and each of them can be read as a standalone, including this book. If you enjoy strong families, faith, and clean romance, you will love this book.

I received a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was not required.

Flashes of Memory

About the Book:

When Mira Blayse agreed to be a personal secretary to an amnesiac detective, she never expected to be invited to Buckingham Palace. Yet here she is meeting with the Prime Minister. Assigned to protect the British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire the two don’t realize this assignment will lead to murder, espionage, and not one, but three mysteries.

Meanwhile, an unexpected encounter with a woman from his past leaves Byron reeling with flashbacks and new memories. But despite this miraculous recovery, he always forgets Mira.

This new development, family expectations and the ever looming Order of Circe all threaten their unique partnership, the truth, and their lives. With Mira’s heart pulled every which way, can she accept that the man she loves will never remember her?
 

My Review: 

The future looks promising for private investigator Byron Constantine as his memory begins to return after years of amnesia. His secretary, Mira Blayse, is wondering if she is needed any longer since Byron isn’t having to use her as much as he had in remembering details of cases and other things. I felt sorry for Mira as she is in quite a dilemma. On one hand, she is happy that he is continuing to gain his memory, but on the other hand, Byron still can’t seem to remember her.

With a murder to solve, an ambassador to protect, and investigating who is involved with the secret anarchy group,Circe, Byron, Mira and their friends have quite an adventure in this book. I am loving the Constantine Capers and highly recommend this book and the series. I am excited to read the next book.

Things to enjoy:
Peril
Plot twists
Friend & Family
Deception
Disguises
Language of flowers
Love

I received a complimentary copy of the book through Book Sirens. I am leaving this review voluntarily.