The Light at Wyndcliff

 

This absolutely brilliant tale is one of my top five book picks this year. It has it all with masterful storytelling of love, amazing characters, decades-old secrets, and the dangerous, forbidding coastline of England. Clandestine meetings and shipwrecks further enriched the feeling of suspense, making this a story that I will be reading again and again. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would!

The Light at Wyndcliff is the third book in the Cornwall series. While it can be read as a stand alone, you will not want to miss reading the other two fabulous books, The Governess at Penwythe Hall and The Thief of Lanwyn Manor.

Description of the Book: 

In the small Cornish village of Pevlyn, secrets are as treacherous as the rocky English shores.

Cornwall, England, 1820

Raised on the sprawling and rugged Wyndcliff Estate near the dangerous coast of South Cornwall, Evelyn Bray lives with her grandfather, a once-wealthy man now reduced to the post of steward. Evelyn is still grieving her father’s death and her mother’s abandonment when a passing ship is dashed against the rocks.

Liam Twethewey is a mere two and twenty when he inherits Wyndcliff Estate from his great uncle. His optimistic plans of opening a china clay pit to employ the estate’s tenants meets unexpected resistance, and rumors of smuggling and illegal activity challenge his newfound authority.

Brought together by troubling questions surrounding the shipwreck, Evelyn and Liam uncover even darker mysteries shrouding the estate. But as they untangle truth from deception, their loyalties separate them—and their budding love might not be strong enough to overcome the distance.

This latest Regency romance from Sarah E. Ladd evokes the captivating worlds and delicious dramas of Jane Austen, Daphne du Maurier, and Winston Graham.

About Sarah:

Sarah E. Ladd has always loved the Regency period — the clothes, the music, the literature and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period and gave her idea of what life would’ve looked like in era. It wasn’t until 2010 that Ladd began writing seriously. Shortly after, Ladd released the first book in the Whispers on the Moors series. Book one of the series, The Heiress of Winterwood, was the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Genesis Award for historical romance.

My Sister's Intended

The endearing and hopeless romantic, Prudence Gifford reads and secretly writes romance stories. Too bad she doesn’t have the slightest idea about men. Pru turns to Hildebrand Cannon (Lord Knave), her sister’s potential suitor for a male perspective. The correspondence between Pru and Brand needs for her romance novel is funny and insightful. This gave me the opportunity  to get to know and admire Brand. I thought this was a clever way of seeing Brand’s true character and showing how he cares for Pru. 

If you like Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables, then Prudence Gifford will be a young lady whose naivety, love for life, and forward questions will be someone you will thoroughly enjoy. 

Description of the Book: 

For as long as Prudence can remember, it has been understood that her sister will one day wed the eldest son of their nearest neighbor. Such an alliance will benefit both families and bring a great deal of joy to all parents involved.

Unfortunately, Prudence has never been able to feel as joyful. She believes her sister is mad to consider marrying a man she hardly knows, even if he will one day make her a countess. Titles and wealth shouldn't factor into matters of the heart, and as an aspiring romance novelist, Prudence cannot fathom how anyone could even think of settling for less than love. She certainly wouldn’t, and she doesn't want her sister to either.

Unable to stand by and do nothing, Prudence sets out to help the awkward couple discover the best in each other with the hope that they will eventually find love. What she neglected to foresee, however, was the possibility that she might fall in love with Lord Knave herself.

The Inn at the Ocean's Edge

 

I love Colleen Coble's stories! Each one that I have read is well-written story and this continued to meet my expectations of justice prevailing. The story of Claire Dellamare was masterfully written with complex characters, romance, suspense, and plot twists. I found this book hard to put down as I just had to find out what was going to happen next. 

Here is a description of the book: 

The minute she steps inside the grand Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Claire Dellamare knows something terrible happened there. She feels it in her bones. Her ensuing panic attack causes a scene, upsetting her parents. Claire attempts to quiet her nerves with a walk on the beach, to no avail. She’s at too great a distance to make out details, but she believes she witnesses a murder on a nearby cliff. When local police find no evidence of foul play, they quickly write off the “nervous” woman’s testimony as less than credible.

But Luke Elwell, home on leave from the Coast Guard, has reason to believe Claire. Years ago when his mother went missing, Luke’s father suspected she’d been murdered. He died never having convinced the police to investigate. So when an employee of the grand hotel doesn’t show up for work, Luke steps in to help Claire track down the missing woman.

As Claire and Luke put together the pieces of a decades-old mystery, they discover that some family secrets refuse to stay buried. And some passions are worth killing for.

Murder at the Village Fete

This was my introduction to the Tommy and Evelyn Christie mysteries and I was immediately drawn in by the funny opening of Evelyn's puppy running off with their guest's fur stole. Having a humorous scene for a cozy mystery was an interesting and unique idea. I loved it!

I appreciated the the cast of characters and a brief description of each of them at the beginning of the book. I found it helpful in establishing their relationships to each other and their role in the story. I referred to this a couple of times while I was reading.

Catherine Coles keep you guessing the murderer with several possible suspects. I was able to figure it out and that gave me a great deal of satisfaction. :) While it is the second book in the series, you could read it as a stand alone. But, I found myself wanting to read the first novel to see what mystery Tommy and Evelyn solved and anticipating the next mystery. I hope there will be many more books to follow.

I received an advance review copy from Book Sirens, and I am reviewing this voluntarily.

Description:

Downton Abbey crossed with Murder, She Wrote...set in a Yorkshire village!

Evelyn Christie, the new Lady Northmoor, is looking forward to hosting the local village fete in the grounds of Hessleham Hall.

However, the last thing she expects to see on the morning of the fete is the local Member of Parliament face down in the stream at the edge of the lawn! Evelyn and her husband, Tommy, are again called into action to find the dastardly murderer before he strikes again!

If you enjoy the glamour of bygone eras like 1920s Downton Abbey and gentle, cozy mysteries set in the English countryside then you will love this new series. 

More about Catherine Coles

Catherine Coles has written stories since the day she could form sentences, she can barely believe that making things up in her head classes as work!!

Catherine lives in the north east of England where she shares her home with her children and two spoiled dogs who have no idea they are not human!

Snowbound in Winterberry Falls Blog Blitz: Book Excerpt & Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for Snowbound in Winterberry Falls by Ann Brodeur, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Snowbound in Winterberry Falls 
Author: Ann Brodeur
Publisher: Anaiah Press
Release Date: November 6, 2020
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

A buried story. A powerful senator. A Christmas they won’t forget. 

Owning her own PR firm is all reporter Stephanie Clark wants for Christmas, but the idea of running a prestigious election campaign in the country’s capital throws her stomach into knots. A last minute vacation road trip to focus and seek God’s direction for her life ends up in disaster when she gets caught in the worst snowstorm to hit Vermont in over a decade, crashing her into a small town and the one person she’d rather forget. 

Former photojournalist Jason Miller hadn’t planned on being solely responsible for saving his family business from financial ruin. He’s barely keeping the newspaper in print, his News Editor has gone AWOL during the town’s most celebrated holiday festival, and reports of missing Christmas decorations have everyone on edge. 

When a desperate knock at the newsroom door brings a ghost from Christmas past back into his life, can Jason make up for his prior behavior without breaking his promise to Stephanie’s father? Will Stephanie’s quest to solve the town’s Christmas caper—and uncover the truth about Jason’s disappearance—cost her everything she’s ever wanted?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Excerpt 

“At first, I thought it was a prank, but like you wrote in your article this morning, a lot of that is happening and wonder why.” Sally placed a hand on her hip as Stephanie opened the folded paper.

“What do you make of the note?”

Sally shrugged. “Beats me. Says, 'I.O.U. four reindeer' so I'm waiting to either get paid or find my little guys back in their spot sometime soon.” Sally waved to onlookers outside in the cold who returned the gesture.

“Thing is, I'm happy to spread Christmas cheer, but it's a puzzle as to why someone would have a reason to do this. After all, this is the center of New England Christmas, good will and peace toward men. No other town does Christmas better than Winterberry Falls. I don't know of many who would begrudge helping another find a little bit of Christmas.” Sally's eyes dimmed.

Stephanie frowned. The woman’s statement made a lot of sense, but it brought up

more questions than answers.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

ANN BRODEUR is an avid reader and inspirational romance novelist. She’s the proud Maman of four, and is happily married to her own French Canadian Hero. After years of writing non-fiction for a variety of non-profits, and receiving an Honorable Mention in the Magazine Feature Article category in Writer’s Digest Magazine’s 86th Annual Writing Competition, Ann is pursuing her dream of publishing stories that encourage and inspire hope. 

CONNECT WITH ANN: Website | Facebook | Pinterest

---

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Handcrafted Pewter Christmas Ornament, Handmade Ribbon Bookmark, and The Christmas Angel Project by Melody Carlson!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight November 20, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on November 27, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

---

 

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

An Accidental Spy

I listened to the audiobook that is the first in the trilogy of The Accidental Spy. Annabelle Ross is just the kind of young lady who finds the backbone to stand up to her wretched, abusive step-grandfather and his schemes to have Rosswood Plantation for his own. I am glad Annabelle took matters into her own hands, even if they led her down an unexpected path. This path is the cliffhanger for the second book, A Dangerous Performance. 

Peggy Annabelle's maid, was a sassy, insightful lady who made me laugh. Her mannerisms and speech were just what was needed to provide humor in the story and guidance for Annabelle. While she is limited in her role as a maid in the 1860's, she doesn't take much from anyone and doesn't back down. I look forward to seeing what she is going to do to help Annabelle.

I found the time just flew by as I was caught up listening to the events and misfortunes of Annabelle Ross. I am sure book two and three will be just as exciting!

Thank you to the author for an audiobook version. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions of this review are my own. 

Restoring Fairhaven

 

Sam Green has a generous and loving heart that it nearly works to her detriment. As she comes home to help with the family landscape business she finds herself in a difficult situation. She has to confront a resentful and disgruntled employee and earn the respect of the crew. Her first job to undertake the reinstatement of the beauty of a seaside estate that is stressful and most people would just want to walk away. 

Marce's perseverance and patience to first work with and then befriend a surly, lonely, and brokenhearted man made me appreciate her positive and selfless qualities. I really wanted to see her find a good and loving man who would see those amazing characteristics. I so wanted Max to be able to overcome his grief and see that life can be beautiful with the right person. This opposites attract romance was great from start to finish. 

Restoring Fairhaven is the sixth book in the Independence Islands series. You can read a description of the book by going here -> Restoring Fairhaven The book's release date is December 8, 2020. 

Thank you to the publisher and author for an ebook copy. I was not expected to write a review and all opinions and thoughts are my own.  

Here is bit about the author, Carolyn Miller.  

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, and is the author of the nine books in the Regency Brides historical romance series, as well as writing contemporary novels.

Her favourite authors are classics like Jane Austen (of course!), Georgette Heyer, and Agatha Christie, but she also enjoys contemporary authors like Susan May Warren and Becky Wade.

Her stories combine humor and wit, yet also deal with real issues, such as dealing with forgiveness, the nature of really loving versus 'true love', and other challenges we all face at different times.

To find out more behind-the-scenes details of her books, and to sign up for her newsletter, please visit www.carolynmillerauthor.com.

A Light in the Window

 

I love finding a book series with rich characters and storylines, don't you? A Light in the Window is the prequel to the Daughter of Boston and then another series that follows years later called the Winds of Change. 

This is the prequel that starts the whole series, and a good beginning it is. There are rich characters, life-changing decisions, and events that try the characters' faith and convictions. Marce was a strong woman of faith who did not compromise her convictions, which is the main reason that I liked her. She was able to put aside her childish fantasies and realize that what she had seen through rose-colored glasses was not the same as when she grew to be a young woman. Marce was blessed to have friends who loved her enough to tell her the truth and to make decisions based upon what was currently happening instead of how she thought they would be.  I am looking forward to seeing how the O'Connor family grows and changes within these stories. 

A description follows should you wish to learn more about the book. 

One Woman.
Two Men.
One stirs her pulse and the other her faith.
But who will win her heart?

Marceline Murphy is a gentle beauty with a well-founded aversion to rogues. But when two of Boston's most notorious pursue her, she encounters a tug-of-war of the heart she isn’t expecting. Sam O’Rourke is the childhood hero she’s pined for, the brother of her best friend and a member of the large, boisterous family to which she longs to be a part. So when his best friend Patrick O’Connor joins in pursuit of her affections, the choice seems all too clear. Sam is from a family of faith and Patrick is not, two rogues whose wild ways clash head-on with Marcy’s—both in her faith and in her heart.

While overseeing the Christmas play fundraiser for the St. Mary’s parish soup kitchen—A Light in the Window—Marcy not only wrestles with her attraction to both men, but with her concern for their spiritual welfare. The play is based on the Irish custom of placing a candle in the window on Christmas Eve to welcome the Holy Family, and for Marcy, its message becomes deeply personal. Her grandmother Mima cautions her to guard her heart for the type of man who will respond to the "light in the window," meaning the message of Christ in her heart. But when disaster strikes during the play, Marcy is destined to discover the truth of the play’s message first-hand when it becomes clear that although two men have professed their undying love, only one has truly responded to “the light in the window.”

Thank you to the author for a copy of this ebook.  I was not required to write a review and all opinions and thoughts are my own.

The three engaging stories in this collection were wonderful with each one being unique and entertaining. You will want to add Joy to the World to your annual favorites reads list.

“Heaven and Nature Sing” is the perfect title for the first novella. Scheming godmother, Lady Grantley, was just the type of lady that was needed for Edith and George to put aside their past heartaches. The title was perfect for this story of misunderstandings and reconciliation, making it a delightful story.

In “Far as the Curse is Found”, Dwight Inglewood is a tormented soul, seeking to make reparations. Coming to the aid of Jenny Grey and her fatherless baby, Dwight finds hope and healing. The air of mystery, sorrow, and suspicion that threatens to envelope Dwight sets the mood of the story and makes for a beautiful contrast to the hope that can be his. This carol was skillfully woven throughout this tale.

“Wonders of His Love” relates the story of a stifled young widow, Cilla Haverly, who wants to be free of her deceased husband's domineering mother and her expectations. I loved the events that help Cilia find her voice, gain new-found confidence, and find her soul mate. Wonders of Love was an excellent, heart warming love story.

If you would like to purchase this book, click here. 

I received this ebook from Net Galley and the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I was not required to write a review. 

This Wandering Heart

 

Misunderstandings and selfishness drove Keira and Robbie apart when they were young, having them to deal with pain and regret in their lives. The story of The Wandering Heart exemplifies this passage from the Bible that says, "Love is patient,.. love endures all things, believes all things."  Neither Keira or Robbie had stopped loving each other, but they each had to see that past hurts and poor choices would have to be put aside. 

Robbie's abiding love and forbearance with Keira showed what it means to put aside dreams in order to help the person, whom you love, achieve theirs. This endearing story made me really want to see this sweet couple's relationship succeed. Through Robbie's love and encouragement Keira was able to see how precious she was to him and see her worth that was not in what she did, but who she was. 

I enjoyed this book and hope everyone has a Robbie in their life. 

Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. I was not required to write a review and all thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Here is the description of the book should you wish to learn more about it. 

_____________

This Wandering Heart by Janine Rosche

No one in the quaint town of West Yellowstone, Montana knows that unassuming geography teacher Keira Knudsen moonlights as sensational travel blogger Kat Wanderfull. No one, that is, except for her first love, Robbie Matthews, who has just discovered the woman he is falling for online is the same one that broke his heart five years ago.

But Robbie has another problem: the mother of his daughter, Anabelle, has resurfaced after a three-year absence determined to rip Anabelle away from him. Robbie needs a steady paycheck for a chance at custody, and now, on the eve of a grand adventure that could give Keira a chance to flee her old, troubled life once and for all, she is in need of assistance.

With so much broken trust between them, Keira and Robbie must keep an arms-length away to make this partnership work. But the more time they spend together, exploring majestic places and sharing new experiences, the closer they get--until their secrets and dreams threaten to cost them everything.

Moonshine Murder

Leonora Giovanni is a young lady who has grit. She doesn't back down, she doesn't give up. The tenacity and willingness she exhibits in order to face danger head on has you rooting for Leonora to take down the bad guys.  I enjoyed this Rocky Mountain adventure; it was fast-paced and a quick read. If you would like to read it you can find it here at: Moonshine Murder

E.S. Jameson also has a sequel to Moonshine Murder that was released this fall: The Knock Over

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

About the author: 

E.S. Jameson writes historical fiction for adults and young adults. She backpacks through the very mountains about which she writes and was inspired to begin her novel, Moonshine Murder, after stumbling across an abandoned cabin during a trek deep in the San Juan Mountains.

Erin was the 2013 president of Women Writing the West, and is an active member of the organization. A graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in English, she lives in Southwest Colorado with her husband and two sons.