Monday, October 2, 2023

The Garden of the Midnighhts

About the Book:

She begged him once more to meet in the garden at midnight.

“If you love me,” said the letter.
But if he loved her, he would not come at all.
Enjoy another Gothic Style Regency from Hannah Linder.

The accidents are not a matter of chance. They are deliberate. As English gentleman William Kensley becomes aware of the danger at Rosenleigh Manor, he pleads for the truth of his past from the only man he can trust—until that man is murdered.

As the secrets unfold into scandal, William’s world is tipped into destitution, leaving him penniless and alone. His only comfort is in the constant friendship and love of Isabella Gresham. If he does not have their nonsense at the seashore, their laughter, their reckless adventures, has he anything at all?

He should have known that would be ripped from him too. When a hidden foe arises from their acquaintances and imperils Isabella’s life, William may be the only one willing to risk his life to rescue her. But even if he frees Isabella from her captors, will he still have to forsake her heart?

Some sacrifice everything for love. Others sacrifice love for everything else. In this haunting tale of rigid social prejudices and heart-aching regrets, the greatest decision of their life will be determined in the garden of the midnights.

My Review:

Secrets from the past, forbidden love, greed and murder, this book had me skipping sleep and reading way into the night. I just could not put the book down! The twists and turns of events kept me guessing as to what might happen next.

Isabella and William were both well written, flawed characters who we see their reactions to life’s circumstances. Through their difficulties they grow and become better people. The theme of forgiveness that runs throughout the story added depth to the plot and to the characters. Some chose to let the go of the past and its hurts, while others let it destroy them.

Things to love about this book:

walks on the beach

star gazing

enjoying the small things

“doing sunshine”

faith

vile villains

love wins

I have read all of Hannah Linder’s fictional works and each one is fabulous. It is difficult to wait for the next book to be published, and I almost wish that I had learned about her books a few years into the future so I could binge read them. :) I highly recommend this book for mature readers who like historical tales, Charles Dickens-like characters, and seeing characters wrestle with their faith and have it tested and proven.

I received a complimentary copy of the book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Friday, September 29, 2023

The River Queen

Book Description:

River pirates, a stolen steamboat, and a deadly chase down the Mississippi—but falling in love might be the real adventure.

When river pirates attack and steal his steamboat, Emmett Carter barely escapes. Rescued and transported to a magnificent world of glitz and showbiz aboard a flashy showboat, Emmett is immediately captivated by something more than recovering his lost inheritance—The River Queen’s beautiful, but quirky, songbird.

Anola Flynn, the star singer on The River Queen, is struggling to keep the business running as attendance dwindles during the 1923 season. With her dreams of saving the family legacy—and the only life she’s ever known—slipping away, she forges an alliance with Emmett to keep her family afloat.

Now, to outsmart the gangsters chasing them, Anola and Emmett must wade through a dark current of deception and betrayal to save not only their dreams, but everyone they care about, from sinking deeper into the Mississippi River.

My Review:

It just wasn’t Emmett Carter’s day. How did an accountant find himself being thrown overboard and his riverboat stolen? How would he ever tell his brother who is part owner what happened? As Emmett escapes the dangerous water, he finds himself aboard another vessel, The River Queen. Here he meets the unusual and captivating, Anola Flynn living on it and performing along with her family.

Mystery, deceit, murder, nefarious gang activity, and love are all a part of the story that Stephen McGee has written to make an interesting story. Anola’s family are a great addition and are quite resourceful and wise in routing the bad guys and trusting Emmett even when it seems he’s guilty. Readers of all ages will enjoy the escapades on the Mississippi.

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

Author Bio:

Stephenia H. McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook. For more on books and upcoming events and to connect with Stephenia, visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com.

Buy Links:

Please note that ebooks preordered directly through the author can be read on Sept. 26 and paperbaccks can be ordered from the author’s bookshop on Sept 19. Audiobooks will also be available!

Direct from Author (plus read early Sept 26 when you buy direct): https://shop.stepheniamcgee.com/products/ebook-the-river-queen

Amazon (Available Oct. 10): https://www.amazon.com/River-Queen-Christian-Historical-Romances-ebook/dp/B0C8L8DXPN

Barnes and Noble (Available Oct 10): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-river-queen-stephenia-h-mcgee/1143824046

Kobo(Available Oct. 10): https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-river-queen-1

There is a Giveaway! Here is your chance to win an amazing bundle of these goodies.

https://kingsumo.com/g/bynmp1/the-river-queen-release-giveaway

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

The Secrets Beneath

About the Book:

Anna Lakeman has spent her life working alongside her paleontologist father, drawing intricate sketches at every dig. When they find dinosaur bones near their home in Wyoming Territory, they're swiftly caught up in the era known as the Bone Wars. But when her father becomes sick and an old beau, Joshua Ziegler, returns for the summer, Anna's world is upended and the practical, orderly life she has made for herself shatters.

Medical student Joshua Ziegler left his hometown to forget the one woman he truly loved and deeply hurt--Anna Lakeman. But when he returns, time hasn't erased the feelings they've always had for each other. When Joshua's nephew goes missing--just like his sister did years ago--and Anna's job is threatened, tensions mount and dangerous secrets are unburied. How can they keep the perils of the past from threatening their renewed affection?

What I Thought of the Book:

Wow, I wasn’t expecting this story to be suspenseful, but it was! Anna Lakeman has worked with her father for years on his dinosaur digs, always hoping to be a paleontologist. Her determination, grit, and love for the profession keeps her going despite everyone prejudice.

Joshua Ziegler and Anna were at one time going to get married, but when an unresolved argument occurs and years go by, Anna has given up hope that they will ever reconcile. Their rocky relationship at times wanted me to say, “Stop and listen to what they are saying instead of making assumptions.” I was very happy when they began to do that, which helped them work through their difficulties.

Julian Walker who was a classmate and neighbor on whose property the dinosaur site was located, was a complex man. He was mysterious, lonely, and I felt sorry for him at times. I love the twist that he provides to the story!

If you enjoy books from the romantic suspense genre and authors such as Jaime Jo Wright, you will want to read this book. This is the first in the Treasures of the Earth Book and I am looking forward to reading the other two that are to come.

I received a complimentary copy of the book through

Book Tours and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

We Three Kings

About the Book:

In this Christmas collection, Weise men still seek Jesus--and love

Best-selling romance authors Caudill, and Strong follow three generations of the Weise family in this third collection of Christmas novellas from Kregel that will prove just as popular as the previous award-winning volumes.

"Star of Wonder" by Crystal Caudill

The Christmas-themed maiden voyage of his family's grand steamer ship was supposed to be Aldrich Weise's chance both to instill investor confidence and to romance Celestia Isaacs. Instead, he must foil a criminal and leave his lady love behind forever.

"Beauty Bright" by Cara Putman

Lieutenant Charles Weise served as a Monuments Man after World War II and now works to restore stolen art to rightful owners. Captain Lillian Thorsen pairs up with him not only to return treasures but also to fix the war-torn lives around them.

"Perfect Light" by Angela Ruth Strong

Essential oils mogul Brendon Wise is drawn to Lacey Foster, the event planner for his huge Christmas lights festival. But when he inadvertently makes a spectacle of her on television, Lacey wants nothing to do with him. Will a chance to give gifts to those in need at Christmas be the key to discovering common ground--and maybe love?

About the Book:

I always enjoy reading a collection of novellas. They are short and you get to read new to you or beloved authors' stories.

Star of Wonder- Danger, romance, and life-changing decisions on the high seas. and Aldrich search their hearts to see how they can make their love endure the familial obligations of the Weise family. 4 stars

Beauty Bright- An interesting story based upon the actual events of the Monuments Men (and women) who were tasked with returning stolen artwork from people during WWII. This includes looking for the lost treasures. The tie into the lost heirloom, the family name, and the biblical account of Jesus was perfect. 5 stars

Perfect Light- This story is loosely based upon of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as Lacey is a single mom who is pregnant. She has to decide on whether she can accept help and the love of Brendon Wise. 4 stars

The weaving of faith and the multi-generational stories of the Weise family was unique. I thought it was clever to not only use these things, but also the allusion to the Magi (the three wise men) throughout each of the stories.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Under the Java Moon

About the Book:

Based on a true story, this gripping WWII novel captures the resilience, hope, and courage of a Dutch family who is separated during the war when the Japanese occupy the Dutch East Indies.

Java Island, 1941

Six-year-old Rita Vischer cowers in her family’s dug-out bomb shelter, listening to the sirens and waiting for a bomb to fall. Her charmed life on Java—living with other Dutch families—had always been peaceful, but when Holland declares war on Japan and the Japanese army invades Indonesia, Rita’s family is forced to relocate to a POW camp, and Rita must help care for her little brother, Georgie.

Mary Vischer is three months pregnant when she enters the Tjident women’s camp with thousands of other women and children. Her husband, George, is somewhere on the Java Sea with the Dutch Navy, so she must care alone for her young children, Rita and Georgie, and her frail mother. The brutal conditions of the overcrowded camp make starvation, malaria, and dysentery a grim reality. Mary must do everything she can to keep her family alive.

George Vischer survives the bombing of his minesweeper but feels little hope floating on a small dinghy in the Java Sea. Reaching the northern tip of the Thousand Island would be a miracle. Focusing on the love of his life, Mary, and his two children, he battles against the sea and merciless sun. He’ll do whatever it takes to close the divide between him and his family, even if it means risking being captured by the Japanese.

Under the Java Moon highlights a little-known part of WWII history and the impact of war on Indonesia, its people, and the more than 100,000 Dutch men, women, and children who were funneled into prison camps and faced with the ultimate fight for survival.

My Review:

World War II involved all corners of the world, including the Dutch ruled island of Java. Under the Java Moon is the story of Rita Vischer and her family who were put in a concentration camp along with thousands of others when Japan invaded. The atrocities Rita witnessed as well as the self sacrifice of family, friends, and strangers made this story one that I am glad was shared. Hope is given when, against all odds, Rita and her family find joy in the midst of difficulty and pain.

My favorite quote: “Each night as the moon rises, look up at it, and I’ll do the same.Thinking of you and the children. Under the Java Moon.” George Vischer

I highly recommend this book and was glad to have been given a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was not expected. All opinions are my own.

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Expired Vows

About the Book:

Fire. Family. Faith.

She sees the promise of freedom. He vowed to always be the hero.

EMT Trace Bently came back to Last Chance County to escape his past. After the loss of his wife, he gave up a promising career as a police officer for the chance to save lives every day as part of the Fire Department. When a hostage situation demands the help of a local counselor, Trace realizes the past he left behind has found him. He’s being given a second chance to save the life of someone he cares about.

If he can face the grief he buried.

Family Counselor Kelsey Scott has to secure this grant or admit failure. She can’t afford to lose any more pieces of the life she wants because of her own choices. When Kelsey becomes the target of a series of dangerous attacks, Trace steps in determined to protect his wife’s best friend. This hero breaks down all her resistance, but Kelsey can’t risk her own heart.

Even if it’s what will set them both free.

My Review:

The action begins right away as Trace Bently and Kelsey Scott meet again under a stressful family situation in which the departments of police and medical personnel are called to assist. As things escalate between the husband and his family, Kelsey must try to defuse the situation since this is one of her patients that she has been counseling. Both Kelsey and Trace are great in putting aside emotions and doing their jobs in order to protect people. There is plenty of excitement as Kesley and Trace try to figure out why she is the target of attacks.

The interesting part of the story is that Kelsey and Trace have a years long friendship that ended abruptly when Trace’s wife and Kelsey’s best friend, Renee, is killed in a car accident. Now they are forced to confront the past and move forward. I was pleased to see their trust and relationship grow throughout the story. There is plenty of excitement as Kelsey and Trace as they race to figure out why she is the target of attacks.

I throughly enjoyed the series of the Last Chance Fire and Rescue with its courageous men and women. I am looking forward to what Lisa Phillips and her talented co-authors have in store for readers. If you enjoy authors Dee Henderson, Elizabeth Goddard, or Lynette Eason, this is a romantic suspense series to read.

I received a complimentary copy of the book through the publisher. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Monday, September 11, 2023

Reclaiming the Spy

About the Book

Book: Reclaiming the Spy
Author: Lorri Dudley
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: August 29, 2023
How can he protect her from himself when she keeps winding up in his arms?
She never gave up hope. After ten years of prayers for her husband, presumed dead in the Peninsula Wars, Abigail Emerson is shocked to discover him alive. Yet what should be the happily ever after of fairy tales becomes a nightmare when he coldly instructs her to forget she’d ever seen him. Abigail refuses to let her beloved slip through her fingers again, and she’s willing to battle for his love, despite the walls he’s created to barricade his heart.
Nicholas Emerson’s time as a spy for the War Office has left physical and mental battle wounds. He can never be the charming, carefree man he once was—the man his wife deserves—but when a threat to Abby’s life returns him to their small Midland village, keeping her safe proves more challenging than expected. If only Abby would forget him and remarry, then he wouldn’t have to face the torment of all the tender, buried feelings she evokes. The consequence of his life as a spy means he can never have her again…
Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

Abigail Emerson never gave up hope that her husband, Nicholas, would return after the war. But, after ten year she begins to lose hope that he will. When she falls violently ill on her way home from visiting the orphanage, imagine her surprise when she realizes that her rescuer is none other then Nick! Questions abound and life is not easy for either of them as they negotiate their feelings and their relationship after NIck’s absence.

Lorri Dudley handled the issue of what we call PTSD with great care, showing the effects upon not only Nick, but upon Abigail and others. Abigail demonstrates loving someone and honoring the covenant of marriage in good times as well as bad. The faith and trust that Abigail had in God was what really brought her, and ultimately Nick, through dark days. I loved seeing the faithfulness and commitment that Abigail had for Nick’s well being.

Besides Abigail, Lady Etheridge was my favorite character. Her brusque nature and forwardness made many people intimidated. But, she truly had a heart of gold and helped Abigail when others did not.

This is part of the Agents of Espionage series, but it can be read as a standalone. I am looking forward to reading more books in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household. Find her online at www.lorridudley.com.

More from Lorri

When writing stories, I delve into research to provide the best experience for my readers, hoping to transport them to another time and setting, in this case, the lush green rolling hills of England’s Cotswolds at the end of the Napoleonic Wars. However, God had an alternative plan for me during my research and writing of Reclaiming the Spy. To prepare for the beginning scene with Mama Em, I read Glimpses of Heaven by Trudy Harris, RN. Trudy Harris was a hospice nurse and wrote about her clients in their final days. I’ve never sobbed through every book chapter quite like I had this one. At the same time, I was encouraged to hear how many of her patients heard glorious music, observed beautiful scenes, had visions of past friends or family members, witnessed angels, or even saw their Savior, Jesus Christ.

I didn’t realize that God was preparing me through my research for my dad to go into hospice care. In his final stages, my dad spoke of seeing his parents in vivid dreams, and thanks to reading about similar situations in Glimpses of Heaven, I know they were waiting to welcome him into heaven. I’m so grateful for how God readied my heart, and I was able to draw comfort in seeing how He blurs the lines of this realm and the next to make for an easier transition. God is good all the time, and I felt his presence beside me the entire way.

I’d initially titled my manuscript Love Never Fails because Abby and Nicholas struggle to learn the qualities of love from 1 Corinthians 13, “Love is patient, love is kind… love believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Nicholas’s debilitating spells and nightmares after serving as a spy in the Napoleonic Wars cause him to fear Bedlam and that he may hurt Abby. Post-traumatic stress disorder wasn’t a mental health diagnosis of the early 1800s, but it did exist. Mental hospitals (or madhouses) were frightening places where inmates were often treated like zoo animals. Spectators would come for enjoyment to stare and laugh at the men and women housed there.

While my parents didn’t have a wartime story like Abby and Nicholas, they shared a love that endured through good and bad times and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past year. The last few days my dad was alive, he sang Amazing Grace and to my mom a Doris Day song, I Love You a Bushel and a Peck. They shared a love that never failed, and that is the love I hoped to convey through Abby and Nicholas’s story.