The Test of Gold

 

Evangeline "Lindy" Lindenmayer's mother has her life all planned out. Mrs. Lindenmayer has spent countless dollars on providing the finest education, introducing her daughter to the "right people", buying her fashionable gowns, and organizing social events to give her the best of life. Or, is it actually to have Lindy be the crowning jewel of social success to further her own place in society?

There is only one flaw in Mrs. Lindenmayer's plan, her daughter. Lindy questions her opulent and extravagant lifestyle, wondering if there is more to life than power and parties.  She sees that all of the wealth and privilege her mother so desperately wants is not for her. The charming and handsome seminarian, Jack Winthrop continues to open her eyes to others' needs by example and see that life offers so much more. 

Lindy is drawn more and more to Jack and living a life of simple contentment. Things look bleak for their bourgeoning relationship as Mrs. Lindenmayer does all she can to achieve her goal of having wealth and power through Lindy.  Mrs. Lindenmayer was such a conniving and scheming parent! I was frustrated and worried for Lindy as her mother never really took into account what Lindy wanted to do with her life.  Because of Mrs. Lindenmayer's insatiable need to be a part of society, her beautiful and sweet daughter is just a means to that end. I had to keep reading to see what she was going to do next.

Standing up to her controlling and manipulative mother takes great courage and I liked and admired Lindy all the more for following her heart and convictions.  I recommend reading this beautiful love story. This is the first book in The Hearts of Gold series and look forward to reading more of these historical romances. 

Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy of the book. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author: 

Renee Yancy has been living vicariously through historical fiction since she was a young girl. Some of her favorite books are Shogun by James Clavell, Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry, and Cold Sassytree by Olive Ann Burns. She discovered Anya Seton and Pearl Buck in her teens, and spent her freshman year in high school reading every book about Cornwall, England that she could find. She is an archaeology buff as well and plans to go on a dig someday. Her goal is to make her stories as historically and archaeologically accurate as possible. Every object she describes, from jewelry, dishes, furniture and glassware, are actually in museums all over the world. The food and recipes in her books are authentic recipes gleaned from intensive research. She has visited Ireland, Scotland, and England to stand in the places where her characters lived.

Ready to Trust

 

The attorney sat and adjusted his suit coat before he opened a think file on his desk. "I've asked you here today because Davis Ballard has made provisions for both of you in his will." 

"My father's will? Both of us?" Claire's voice trembled and Reece blinked, his mind scrambling to be certain he heard the attorney's voice correctly.

Ballard Farms was a fruit farm, locally known for their peaches and pecans. Now, the farm would be divided between the two of them.

Claire Ballard and Reece Rainbolt had grown up in the town of Rebel, Oklahoma and had a rocky romantic relationship that didn't end so well. Reece walked out on Claire before things got too involved. He thought he'd let her down if he stayed, no kids, no long term commitment. Too bad he didn't know what he had left Claire to deal with.

Claire and Reece both have to work through betrayal, loss, grief, and anger. Watching both of them change and put aside their differences to build a new and beautiful, stronger relationship made this couple one that I will look forward to seeing in more stories of the Hearts of Oklahoma series. As I learn more about the Rainbolt family, the more stories I hope there will be about them and the townspeople of this quaint town and surrounding area. While this can be a stand alone read, I believe you will enjoy reading Finding the Road home to have a richer experience with Reece's family and friends. 

Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

About Tina:

Tina Radcliffe has been dreaming and scribbling for years. Originally from Western NY, she left home for a tour of duty with the Army Security Agency stationed in Augsburg, Germany, and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her past careers include Certified Oncology R.N. and library cataloger. Tina is a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist and a four-time Carol Award finalist and three-time ACFW Mentor of the Year finalist. A 2014 ACFW Carol Award winner and a 2018 ACFW Mentor of the Year winner, Tina is also on the RWA and ACFW Honor Roll of Best-Selling Authors. In 2019 she won the Holt Medallion for Christmas with the Cowboy. A short story writer, she has sold over three dozen short stories to Woman’s World Magazine She currently resides in Arizona where she writes fun, heartwarming romance. Sign up for her newsletter to be notified of new releases, sales & giveaways! http://bit.ly/2angfWP

Texas Witness Threat

The bad guys should never have decided to mess with US Attorney, Christine Davis and Texas Ranger, Blake Larsen. A missing dead body and a cover-up bring Christine and Blake together to make them a powerful crime fighting duo. 

Ranger Larsen is plagued by a past witness protection assignment that went horribly awry and is determined not to let the same thing happen to Christine. But, she makes it hard on Blake when her determination to find out who was the victim and her sense of justice keep putting her in harm’s way. 

Mystery, suspense, and romance makes this an engaging story. With a satisfying ending in finding justice for the victim and a hopeful future for Christine and Blake, I recommend reading this book.

Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

About the Book: 

Assistant US Attorney Christine Davis is positive she witnessed a murder, but with no body, the police aren’t convinced. Now someone wants her dead, and Texas Ranger Blake Larsen is the only one who believes her. For Blake, protecting Christine must stay more important than their growing feelings for each other. But can he keep her safe from an unknown enemy who wants her silenced?

About Cate Nolan: 

Cate Nolan lives in New York City, but she escapes to the ocean any chance she gets. A devoted mom, wife and teacher, Cate loves to leave her real life behind and play with the characters in her imagination. She's got that suspense writer gene that sees danger and a story in everyday occurrences. Cate particularly loves to write stories of faith enabling ordinary people to overcome extraordinary danger.

Georgana's Secret

What do you imagine when you hear about the naval vessels during the Napoleonic Wars? This book has it all: drama, sea battles, sword fights, insubordinate officers, peril, standing up for what is right, and love.

The setting of the ship for a historical romantic adventure was unique and well done. Ms. Hawks' pacing of the book was excellent and makes you feel like you are right there. This book had the feel of Horatio Hornblower with the added dimension of the courageous Georgana Woodall.  Watching Georgana believe in herself and help save the day was so exciting! I loved the book and highly recommend reading it.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ebook arc. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the book: 

1811, HMS Deborah 

As a young girl, Georgana Woodall dreamed of beautiful dresses, fancy balls, and falling in love. However, when her mother dies, she cannot face a future under the guardianship of her abusive grandmother and instead chooses to join her father on his ship disguised as his cabin boy, “George.”

Lieutenant Dominic Peyton has no time in his life for love, not with his dedication to His Majesty’s Royal Navy claiming his full attention. Determined to prove himself to his new captain, he strives to be an exemplary officer and leader. When he sees the captain’s cabin boy being harassed by the crew, he immediately puts a stop to it and takes the “boy” under his wing. After discovering a number of clues, Dominic deduces that George is really a woman. Knowing that revealing the cabin boy’s secret would put her in serious danger from the rowdy crew, Dominic keeps silent and hides his growing affection for her.

Georgana is quickly losing her heart to Dominic’s compassion and care but is convinced nothing can come of her affection. She cannot continue to live her life on the sea, and having already missed too many seasons in London, her chances of being welcomed back into polite society and finding a suitable husband have slipped away.

Georgana’s Secret is about two hearts yearning to find a safe harbor, and possibly, a lasting love.
 

The Piano Teacher

 

Melody Creston’s desperate escape from the abhorrent and villainous suitor, Fenwick Peele leads her to become a pianoforte instructor to the young and rambunctious Lady Victoria Roderick in the small village of Roderick Glen. Here we are introduced to wonderful characters in both the family estate and the village, some whom you would love to have as friends, and others who you’d rather avoid, but all you would like to learn more about their lives.

The suspense that was created as Mr. Peele’s endless desperate search for Melody and the inevitable encounter that occurs made this a highly engaging and exciting story. This is the first book in The Ladies of Roderick Glen and I can’t wait to read more!

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

About the Book:

She longs to escape a dreadful secret from her past, but can she ever run far enough to truly forget?

Melody Creston is left penniless following the death of her father. Desperate to escape the threat of an unwanted and dangerous marriage, she flees to the small village of Roderick Glen in the English countryside to begin life anew as a pianoforte teacher. She is hired to teach the daughter of the Earl of Rockingham and soon falls in love with the quaint village and its quirky residents. Despite her newfound freedom, she is haunted by the secrets of her past, as well as the constant fear that she will be discovered and forced to return to London.

Lord Henry Roderick is the younger son of the Earl of Rockingham and has no desire to obey his father’s wishes and help his brother attend to their family’s estate, Cheswick Park. Carefree and fun-loving, his reputation as a scoundrel often hides the true nature of his heart. Upon meeting Melody, he is instantly captivated by the beautiful piano teacher, and is determined to do whatever it takes to win her heart and become the man she needs.

Melody is intrigued by Henry and encourages him to follow his own path as he searches for his purpose in life. Shy and reserved, she is reluctant to admit her feelings for him, but as they grow closer, he begins to break through the barriers of fear and mistrust that surround her heart. As their love deepens, she becomes increasingly afraid of what will happen when he learns the truth of her turbulent past. Can love forgive a secret hidden in the shadows when it is exposed to the light of day?

A Gilded Lady

 

Caroline Delacroix is much more more than a personal secretary to the First Lady of the United States. Yes, she can plan events; yes, she can calm Ida McKinley when she is having emotional episodes, but she is much more than those things. She is a loving sister, a confidant, and is looking for a way to free her brother from a political prison in Cuba with President McKinley's possible assistance.

I admired Caroline's willingness to put aside her pride and own personal plans, to suffer ill treatment from the First Lady, and to be at her beck and call. She changes from a privileged socialite to a more compassionate and forgiving young lady. 

This is the second book in the Hope and Glory series with the third book soon to be released. Elizabeth Camden continues to write historical fiction in a compelling fashion, adding romance and suspense as masterfully as ever. I highly recommend this book! 

About this book:

Caroline Delacroix is at the pinnacle of Washington high society in her role as secretary to the First Lady of the United States. But beneath the facade of her beauty, glamorous wardrobe, and dazzling personality, she's hiding a terrible secret. If she cannot untangle a web of foreign espionage, her brother will face execution for treason.

Nathaniel Trask is the newly appointed head of the president's Secret Service team. He is immediately attracted to Caroline's quick wit and undeniable charm, but his job leaves no room for distractions. Anarchist plots have led to mounting threats against the president, forcing him to put duty before his growing love for Caroline.

Amid the glamorous pageantry of Gilded Age Washington, DC, Caroline and Nathaniel face danger and heartbreak that shakes them to their core and tests all they know about love and sacrifice. 

A Castaway in Cornwall

 

More is happening in North Cornwall than you think. Suspense, superstition, suspicion, and a survivor are all wrapped up in this story of the dangerous coast of England. Being a fan of historical fiction I was appreciative of the language and customs of the area that Julie Klassen incorporated throughout the story. The apple peel tradition of finding your true love's name reminded me of some of the things we did when I was a child. 

About the Book: 

Set adrift on the tides of fate by the deaths of her parents and left wanting answers, Laura Callaway now lives with her uncle and his disapproving wife in North Cornwall. There she feels like a castaway, always viewed as an outsider even as she yearns to belong.

While wreckers search for valuables along the windswept Cornwall coast--known for its many shipwrecks but few survivors--Laura searches for clues to the lives lost so she can write letters to next of kin and return keepsakes to rightful owners. When a man is washed ashore after a wreck, Laura acts quickly to protect him from a local smuggler determined to destroy him.

As Laura and a neighbor care for the survivor, they discover he has curious wounds and, although he speaks in careful, educated English, his accent seems odd. Other clues wash ashore, and Laura soon realizes he is not who he seems to be. Despite the evidence against him, the mysterious man might provide her only chance to discover the truth about her parents' fate. With danger pursuing them from every side, and an unexpected attraction growing between them, will Laura ever find the answers she seeks?

All is Mary and Bright

 

With the opening of the book of the Frost Fair where Mary literally falls for Andrew it sets the perfect backdrop for the rest of the story. Mary's selflessness, loyalty and duty to her family made me her such an endearing character. Her fiancé was horrible and self-serving and I was so glad to see that Mary got her happy ending and her future looks Bright. :)

Five Christmas romances and the Frost Fair that started them all.

This is the second book in the clean and sweet Regency romance Belles of Christmas: Frost Fair series. Although this forbidden love romance is a stand-alone novel, the books are best enjoyed when read in order.

Book 1: Her Silent Knight by Ashtyn Newbold

Book 2: All is Mary and Bright by Kasey Stockton

Book 3: Thawing the Viscount's Heart by Mindy Burbidge Strunk

Book 4: On the Second Day of Christmas by Deborah M. Hathaway

Book 5: The Christmas Foundling by Martha Keyes