Sunday, June 8, 2025

Arranged with the Earl

About the Book

Book: Arranged with the Earl

Author: Jackie Killelea

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: May 13, 2025

A spinster with a tarnished reputation. An earl scarred from war. Can their convenient marriage withstand those aiming to steal everything they have?

Catherine Blynn resigned herself to a life without romantic love after a disastrous broken engagement. Although she’s always hoped to marry for affection, her father arranges for her to wed Loftus Cromwell, the broken Earl of Hardwicke. If she defies her parents, she risks her family’s ruin.

Loftus Cromwell had no intention to marry for love, only for the sake of his estate. But If he fails to win the love of his spirited and unconventional betrothed, he risks his conniving brother claiming everything he holds dear.

As treachery unfolds within the manor’s walls and a foe from Catherine’s past resurfaces, can Loftus and Catherine trust one another enough to unravel the truth before tragedy steals any chance of happiness?

My Review:

This marriage of convenience between Catherine Blynn and Loftus Cromwell was done well. Both of them having to overcome their fears and fight some personal battles from their past.. Catherine had lived through the awful treatment of her social ladder-climbing parents. The way they acted towards her made you hope she never had to see them again. Loftus also endured an unloving parent who made him go to war in order to toughen him up. I was glad that his gentle nature and love for plants wasn’t changed after all he had endured. Together, Cate and Loftus made a beautiful pair who, though brought together by an arrangement, were just who the other needed.

Diabolical plans are put into action against Catherine and Loftus after they marry. I found the story to be interesting, engaging, and it had me rooting for them. I read the first book in the Saving the Spinsters series too, and I enjoyed this even more than the first one. I am looking forward to the next book as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

physical assault (no graphic details), psychological bullying

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jackie Killelea is a born and raised small-town girl from Connecticut with a degree in English and Creative Writing. She started off her writing journey with poetry, soon shifting into novels and becoming hooked. On days when she’s not busy with her nose in a book, she can be found typing away with a cup of tea at her side.

More from Jackie

In Arranged with the Earl, Loftus’ study of plants and flora is his foremost pastime, aside from his duties managing his estate and those that come along with being an earl. In his conservatory, there are a variety of different species of plants that he cares for but, would he actually have had these plants in his conservatory and would they have been able to feasibly grow there if he did?

Well, according to my research and a bit of wishful thinking…yes.

The thing is, Loftus has a few native plants in his conservatory and those certainly would have been able to grow there, given that they’ve pretty much just been brought inside from other counties in England. Loftus knows his home country and the landscape as well as how to care for those plants, already. The trickier plants to think upon are the exotics.

For instance, when showing Catherine the conservatory for the first time, he mentions Black Hellebore(Helleborus niger). How would he have come to own this? This plant is native to the mountains and woodlands of southern and central Europe, so we must assume that Loftus would’ve had it imported, or grown from seed. Still, would a woodland plant grow well enough to produce flowers in a conservatory setting?

Well, fortunately for Loftus, Black Hellebore actually grows fairly well in containers and does well in partial shade, so where he placed it in the conservatory was a prime location and it isn’t a stretch of the imagination to think that it produces blooms there.

With each plant I chose to be in the conservatory, I had to research if Loftus would reasonably have access to it and if it would grow under conservatory conditions–as well as during the season in which the book takes place. Of course you, as readers, will still need to use your imagination at some points. I’m sure Loftus would agree that ideas, like plants, need lots of water and space to grow.

I do so hope you enjoy Catherine and Loftus’ story in Arranged with the Earl!

Sincerely,

Jackie

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, May 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 28

She Lives To Read, May 29

Holly’s Book Corner, May 29

Betti Mace, May 30

Devoted Steps, May 30

Texas Book-aholic, May 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 1

Romances of the Cross, June 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 2

Pens Pages & Pulses, June 3

The Important Things in Life: God, books, & chocolate, June 3

Devoted To Hope, June 4

Stories By Gina, June 5 (Author Interview)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 6

Cover Lover Book Review, June 7

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, June 7

Book Looks by Lisa, June 8

Pause for Tales, June 8

Blossoms and Blessings, June 9

Blogging With Carol, June 9

Simple Harvest Reads, June 10 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jackie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift 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/00adcf54230

Monday, June 2, 2025

The Storyteller

He’s holding to his convictions.
She’s clinging to her secrets.
Can love bridge the divide between their hearts?

Merry Wesley is living the life of her dreams. Nothing could make her happier than being a successfully published author—except perhaps stepping out from behind the shadow of her pen name and taking ownership of her books. Deciding instead to follow the wishes of her publisher, she has resigned herself to keeping the literary part of her life a secret from all but those who are closest to her.

Newly installed as the vicar of Roderick Glen, Micah Chapman is anxious to make his mark on the community. Determined to be a beacon of faith for others, he sets high standards for himself and those around him. This includes discouraging others from reading fictional novels, as he believes such books only encourage readers to pursue a life of immorality.

Micah is intrigued by Merry from their first meeting, but it quickly becomes apparent that their beliefs regarding fictional novels are anything but compatible. And when rumors abound that the mysterious author Wesley Aberdeen resides in Roderick Glen, Micah is determined to find the man, little dreaming that his search will lead him straight to Merry’s door.

Merry is torn between her growing feelings for the vicar and the desire to reveal the truth about herself. Can true love break through the barrier which separates her heart from his? Or has the time for compromise passed?

Return to Roderick Glen for another heartfelt, sweet romance and a visit with your favorite characters.

My Review:

This is the sixth book in the series of The Ladies of Roderick Glen. Upon returning to Roderick Glen there have been several changes as the main characters, CeCe, Merry, and Victoria grow into adulthood. I enjoyed seeing CeCe and Merry realize their dreams. Victoria is still trying to find her way, navigating her family’s wishes along with her own.

While I did enjoy reading and seeing Merry and Vicar Micah’s relationship grow, I actually enjoyed the spinster, Winnifred Peabody and the curmudgeonly Archibald Mac Gregor, both teachers at the Clark Institute. I loved how some very conniving young ladies helped them along in their relationship.

Things to enjoy:

enemies to HEA

love triangle

facing adversity

couples of various ages

faith element

New characters are introduced and developments have occurred throughout the story, and I am very interested in seeing what happens. This is a continuation of previous stories the series , so I’d advise you read the other books before reading this particular story to be able to enjoy fully what is happening with the characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Saving the Mountain Man's Legacy

About the Book

Book: Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 18, 2025

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune.

Sampson Coulter is determined to undo his disastrous mistake that is jeopardizing his family’s future. Now he’s deeply embedded in the corrupt mining empire of the ruthless Mick McPharland, and has earned the trust of Jedidiah, the brutal right-hand man. The threat reaches much farther than his own family, and he knows he must dismantle the operation from within…or die trying.

Grieving the loss of her mother, Jewel Hampton is shocked to discover a newborn baby on her doorstep. When she seeks help from her father, Jedidiah, she never imagines he’ll force her to marry Sampson Coulter, the kind man who only gave her a ride to town. Though her father has always been willing to pass her off, at least she has Sampson’s promise to protect her and the baby. It doesn’t hurt that he’s the most handsome man she’s ever seen.

Marrying Jedidiah’s daughter adds an impossible complication to Sampson’s mission. It seems he can’t have it all—redemption for himself, justice for the victims of the corruption, protection for the innocent…and a life with the woman and babe he’s coming to love.From a USA Today bestselling author comes the gripping series finale filled with high-stakes danger, a marriage of convenience, an instant family, and love that heals wounded hearts.

My Review:

Grace Hampton feels the need to locate her father (Jedediah) so she can receive a bit of money to strike out on her own. She has been entrusted with a precious baby named Ruby, and she is determined to love and care for her. Little does Grace realize the grave danger she is walking into when she goes to find her father. He is not who she thinks he is and Sampson Coulter is quickly entangled in Grace’s life when Grace locates Jedediah. I love that Sampson has such a big heart and moved to help and protect Grace and Ruby.

Many things are wrapped up in this book, so I felt that the romance between Grace and Sampson was not as developed as I would like to have seen it. I did love the showdown at the end between Mick and Jedediah. In this part of the book we see the true nature of these two men.

Things to love:
baby
forced marriage
caring family
danger
Coulter ranch
Two Stones

This has been a fantastic series and one that I am sad to see end. Author Misty Beller created a wonderful family with terrific people being added throughout the series. Each person seems like a friend and I am sorry to see it conclude. I highly recommend reading this book and the entire series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Celebrate Lit and the author. All opinions are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author with over 1 million books sold. She writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

More from Misty

Hello Friends!

I’m BEYOND excited to share the finale of the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series with you! This is Sampson’s story, the black sheep of the family. I thought it might be fun to give you a taste of one of my favorite scenes in the book:

***

Sampson eyed the woman he’d been told to marry. “I’d feel better if you and Ruby weren’t at the mercy of your father. I’d rather give you my name and make sure you have a nice place to live—a safe place. I’ll make sure you want for nothing.” She studied him with furrowed brow. He let his eyes plead with her as he said this last part. “Please consider it. For Ruby’s sake, if nothing else.”

Her expression didn’t change, she simply…stared at him. What thoughts churned in that mind of hers? Did she believe him?

Or did she think he was on her father’s side, trying to manipulate her into giving him control?

Show her the truth, Lord.

At last, her mouth parted as she prepared to speak. Her voice came out hesitant. “Would you expect to…live with us? Like a real husband?”

He shook his head, fighting off the burn in his cheeks at what she really asked. “You can live wherever you like. My family has a ranch a day’s ride from here. You’re welcome to move in there. Or if you want to be on your own, near a town, we’ll find a place you like.” He forced himself to meet her gaze again. They had to be honest with each, and he couldn’t let embarrassment get in the way of anything she needed to ask. “I won’t expect anything from you. Nothing like in a usual marriage.”

Her shoulders sagged a little, as if in relief. But a small furrow remained between her brows. “Why are you doing this? Why would you willingly burden yourself with us?”

He let himself consider her question. Why did he want her to say yes so much? He didn’t owe her anything. She was the daughter of his enemy—kin to the man who stole a year’s worth of sapphires from his family.

But this woman was different. Nothing like Jedidiah. And for some reason, he craved to keep her safe. To protect her from the evil who’d sired her. She didn’t deserve to be at that man’s mercy. Nor did the sweet child.

Sampson could help her so easily. Not only did he have money from his share of the sapphires, which he’d saved for years, he also had his pay from McPharland.

He swallowed as he tried to put all this into words. “I can help you.” His voice graveled with how much he wanted to do that. And then he let himself say the real truth. “And maybe in helping you, I can make up for my own mistakes.”

***

I pray you love Sampson and Grace’s story in Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy!

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 31

lakesidelivingsite, May 31

Book Looks by Lisa, June 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 2

Simple Harvest Reads, June 3 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 3

Texas Book-aholic, June 4

Betti Mace, June 5

The Important Things in Life: God, books, & chocolate , June 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 7

Holly’s Book Corner , June 7

Cover Lover Book Review, June 8

Devoted To Hope, June 9

Blossoms and Blessings, June 9

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 11

Pause for Tales, June 11

Books You Can Feel Good About, June 12

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 13

Mary Hake, June 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift 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/00adcf54233

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

To Kiss a Knight

When everything is going right, something must go wrong

Vivienne Poppy's plans are working out quite well. She's run away from her family and the prospect of a horrid marriage of convenience and plans to spend her time writing under her pseudonym, Lady Larkby. Until she discovers the old Larkby title is not as dead as she thought.

Yeoman of the Guard and recently knighted Sir Sebastian Larkby is stunned to discover a Lady Larkby that he does not remember marrying. Suddenly Vivienne is left with a choice: relinquish her pen name, expose her true identity, and break Sebastian's dying grandmother’s heart—or feign marriage to Sebastian to keep the title and fulfill the old woman's wishes.

My Review:

Vivienne Poppy and her maid are on the run from her arranged marriage to a creepy, yet determined suitor. She doesn’t know what the future will hold, but she surely didn’t expect to be abducted from her stagecoach. What transpires is quite funny and had me looking forward to seeing how things were going to work out.

Sebastian Larkby had a dangerous undercover job as Yeoman of the Guard for the Prince Regent. He had to use whatever means necessary to protect him both physically and politically. He proves himself several times why he was given that position and why he is a knight in the British realm.

At first, he proposed a marriage in name only with Vivienne. It was fun to see his friends support him in ways to woo her when he realized he loved her. I have to say that some of the ideas were terrific.

Things to love about the story:
Regency period
fake identities
highwayman
spies
humor
matchmaking grandmother
friends
danger
daring rescue

This is the second book in the Best Laid Plans series. I have enjoyed both books immensely and can’t wait to read the next one! If you are looking for a book that you can easily recommend to a teenager or your mother, this is the book/ series for you.

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

Saturday, May 24, 2025

Capture the Moment

About the Book

Book: Capture the Moment

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: May 6, 2025

Kate Cunningham is facing the opportunity of a lifetime. As a zoo photographer, she’s spent years photographing animals in carefully controlled environments, but now National Geographic has dangled an irresistible prize: If Kate can snag a unique photo of a legendary bear in Grand Teton National Park, they just might publish it. It’s the kind of challenge Kate has been waiting for, and she’s eager to prove herself in the wild.

With more enthusiasm than experience, Kate soon realizes that capturing an image of this bear isn’t as simple as she hoped. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Grant Cooper, a seasonal park ranger who knows the terrain–and the bears–better than anyone. His tracking skills could be exactly what Kate needs to succeed, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes. But they’re not the only ones with an interest in the park’s most famous bear. And his motives are far from innocent.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a Christy finalist, a Carol and Selah winner, a two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, and Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of more than forty books. Her genres include contemporary and historical romances, Amish romance, and women’s fiction. She and her husband live in a small town in California. Most friends act a little nervous around Suzanne because they usually wind up in one of her novels. She has four grown children and enough grandchildren to keep her young.

More from Suzanne

A Spark that Lit a Story

By Suzanne Woods Fisher

Capture the Moment (Revell—May 6, 2025)

Inspiration can strike in the most unexpected places—like a gift shop in Grand Teton National Park. While browsing, I struck up a conversation with a college student who had never set foot outside Alabama until her mom dropped her off for a summer job in the park. One minute, she was home in the Deep South; the next, she was surrounded by towering peaks and moose crossings. Talk about a culture shock.

That conversation lit a spark that eventually became my National Parks Summers series. I couldn’t stop thinking about the fascinating mix of people who work seasonally in national parks. You’ve got fresh-faced college kids on their first big adventure, retirees finally living their bucket-list dreams, and everyone in between. These parks aren’t just natural wonders—they’re crossroads for people from all walks of life, all chasing something unique.

In Capture the Moment, I wanted to explore what happens when people and landscapes collide. Kate Cunningham, a determined zoo photographer, swaps enclosures for the wilds of Grand Teton, chasing an elusive bear and her own sense of purpose. Along the way, Kate meets Grant Cooper, a rugged park ranger with a knack for tracking and a talent for keeping her on her toes.

National parks are more than just beautiful backdrops—they’re places where people find themselves, lose themselves, and sometimes stumble into something extraordinary.

Maybe even love.

My Review:

Kate is visiting and searching in the Grand Teton Mountains for that once in a lifetime opportunity to shoot the perfect picture of a famous female grizzly. If she can get it she has a chance of National Geographic using it in their magazine. Kate has a lot to learn when it comes to nature photography, and finds herself in humorous and sometimes dangerous situations when she has some mishaps. I was proud of her when she decides to use her mistakes to improve her photography and ignore the taunting of competitive, back-biting fellow photographers.

Coop has a no nonsense attitude when it comes to people. I think he prefers animals instead and does everything he can to keep the bears (and people) safe at the park. I love that he is able to bring out the passion Frankie has for nature and to see beyond his surly attitude to the potential he has within himself.

Maisie and Frankie are an unlikely pair of teenagers to become involved in Kate and Coop’s lives. But, circumstances being what they are, they become sidekicks in helping to track the elusive bear. They are a great side to seeing things from a different perspective, and I am glad they were part of the story.

Things to Enjoy:

biology teacher

mystery

scenery

romance

danger

reconciliation

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. All opinions are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.