The Secrets of Emberwild

Book Description:

A gifted trainer in a time women are not allowed to race, Nora Fenton prefers horses to men. They're easier to handle, they're more reliable, and they never tell her what to do. After her father's passing, Nora is determined to save her struggling horse farm, starting with entering her prize colt into the harness races at the 1905 Mississippi Fair. If she wins, she may have a chance at independence. But when a stranger arrives and starts asking disconcerting questions, she suspects he may have other motives than unseating her in the training job that is rightfully hers.

Silas Cavallero will do whatever it takes to solve the mystery of his father's death--even if it means training an unwieldy colt for Nora, who wants nothing more than to see him gone. But when mysterious accidents threaten their safety and circumstances shrouded in secrets begin unlocking clues to his past, Silas will have to decide if the truth is worth risking ruining everything for the feisty woman he's come to admire.

My Review: 

I was swept into the world of horses, family secrets, greed, and murder in this excellent story set in the deep south. After I finished it I wanted to read it again right away. 

Nora Fenton is a woman ahead of her time. She is an excellent horsewoman who wants nothing more than to spend time training her horse, Arrow. The only problem is women are to be ladies, attend parties, and defer to men. I loved Nora’s strong convictions, even if it will cost her and her family everything for her to follow her heart and the truth to be discovered about the horse farm she dearly loves. 

Silas Cavallero’s training techniques blend so well with Nora’s that I couldn’t wait to see how the two of them would work things out. The interaction between Nora and Silas was what made this book the ideal romance.

I adored this book! It left me with hope that all things will work together for good and the satisfaction that the villain’s plans were thwarted. I highly recommend it for readers of all ages that like rich, well developed stories, enjoy figuring out mysteries, like to see justice served, and people grow in their faith.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not expected to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. 

Rating: 5/5 stars

The Bride of Black Friars Lane Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Bride of Blackfriars Lane

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian/Romance/Historical

Release date: September, 2022

Detective Jackson Forge can hardly wait to marry the street-sly swindler who’s turned his life upside down. Kit Turner is equally excited to wed the handsome detective, and what better way to show her love than providing him with a gift any man of the law would love? She determines to bring to justice the men who years ago maimed his brother—despite Jackson’s warning to leave the past in the past. As she digs into the mystery of what happened, she unwittingly tumbles into her own history and endangers her future happiness with Jackson.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review: 

Kit and Jackson are together again, solving mysteries. But, this time it is more of a roller coaster as their broken relationship needs time to heal and each one them has to let go of their fears and insecurities to trust God that all things are going to work out. 

There were plenty of suspicious characters, red herrings, dangerous situations, and villains to keep me turning the pages. I was happy to see the return of several characters from The Thief of Blackfriars Lane and getting to know James, Jackson’s sweet and trusting brother. I really enjoyed the story and recommend the story of this dynamic crime-fighting duo. I hope there are more books to come!

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

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

And guess what? She loves to hear from readers! Feel free to drop her a note at michellegriep@gmail.com.

 More from Michelle

A Visit to Borough Market

Whenever I skip across the pond, I make it a point to stop at the Borough Market for some great meals. This area was—and is—a popular place to shop and an absolute must-see for food lovers. From grocers, fishmongers, cheese sellers, and butchers to all kinds of ethnic eats, it’s hard not to want to sample everything. My personal favorite are the buddha bowls.

Believe it or not, Borough market has been in operation for the past thousand years. Yes, you read that correctly. It actually began as a bridge, constructed in 990. But let’s fast forward to the Victorian era, shall we?

 In the nineteenth century, a railway viaduct was constructed through the middle of the market, which brought in more people—but also brought in more noise, soot, disruption, and crime. In such a hotbed of activity, it’s easy to imagine cutpurses and pickpockets of all sorts.

And that’s the perfect scene for a certain con-artist turned investigator to meet with an informant. In The Bride of Blackfriars Lane, Kit Turner is up to her old shenanigans, much to Jackson’s chagrin. You can visit Borough Market along with her in this wild ride through Victorian London. It’s just one of the many stops in a city that never gets old.

 

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 27

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 27

Life of Literature, September 27

All-of-a-kind Mom, September 27

Texas Book-aholic, September 28

Book Looks by Lisa, September 28

Bigreadersite, September 28

Betti Mace, September 29

Genesis 5020, September 29

Remembrancy, September 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 30

Christina’s Corner, September 30

A Baker’s Perspective, September 30

She Lives to Read, October 1

Inklings and notions, October 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 1

For Him and My Family, October 2

Blogging With Carol, October 2

Daysong Reflections, October 2

Hallie Reads, October 2

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 3 (Author Interview)

Where Faith and Books Meet, October 3

deb’s Book Review, October 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 4

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 4

Holly’s Book Corner, October 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 5

Bizwings Blog, October 5

Back Porch Reads, October 5

Connie’s History Classroom, October 6

Books I’ve Read, October 6

Blossoms and Blessings, October 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 7

Splashes of Joy, October 7

Simple Harvest Reads, October 7 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

The Write Escape, October 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 8

Vicky Sluiter, October 8

Through the Fire Blogs, October 8

Pause for Tales, October 9

Cover Lover Book Review, October 9

Labor Not in Vain, October 9

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 10

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 10

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 10

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a copy of The Bride of Blackfriars Lane!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/21aab/the-bride-of-blackfriars-lane-celebration-tour-giveaway

Body of Evidence

 

Description: 

Forensic pathologist Grace Reilly has seen her share of unusual deaths in rural Missouri. But when she begins to notice a curious pattern in autopsies of elderly residents whose demise appears to be natural, she takes her concerns to Sheriff Nate Cox.

Nate is skeptical about the link Grace is seeing between the deaths--and her suspicions of foul play. But her persistence is compelling. Once she finally convinces him her theory is credible and they join forces to investigate, danger follows. Because exposing the truth could destroy several lives--including Grace's.

Queen of inspirational romantic suspense Irene Hannon closes out her bestselling Triple Threat series with this gripping tale of secrets revealed and romance sparked.

My Review: 

Irene Hannon has become one of my favorite authors of Christian romantic suspense. Her books have an engaging plot with just the right combination of suspenseful tension and clean romance. I really enjoyed this book because this story has several subplots that were serious, yet tastefully done. I felt that I had read a great story and had nuggets of truth that I took away from it too. 

I liked seeing that the victims in this story received the justice they deserved in making the those who had wronged them answer for the crimes that were committed against them. Grace Reilly ended up being my favorite sister of the three Reilly ladies. A forensic pathologist with a love of truth and pursuing a case, even when threatened and doubted, had me admiring Grace more and more as the story progressed. Sheriff Nate Cox was very similar to Grace because he pursued leads and went after even the smallest lead to investigate this case. He was just the man that Grace needed in her life because he understood her need to find answers and teamed up with her to see it happen.

This is the third book in the Triple Threat series, but can be read as a standalone. I recommend this book if you like similar authors such as Dani Pettrey, Dee Henderson, or Cara Putman.  

Thank you to Revell and NetGalley for a copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. 

Healing Hazel Blog Tour Giveaway

 

About the Book: 

Hazel Thornton has one great ambition: to help the sick and wounded as a nurse. But that dream can never become a reality. After a devastating childhood trauma, she has spent her life battling fits of panic that make it impossible to finish her studies. Everything changes, however, when a trip to Spain takes a perilous turn that derails her plans to visit her father for Christmas and immediately plunges her into the dangers of a brutal war.

With single-minded focus, she springs into action to help her fellow travelers. To ensure their continued care, she begins work at a Spanish hospital alongside Dr. Jim Jackson, a man whose only emotion seems to be wariness of his new assistant. Armed with gifts of support from each of her dearest friends, a group that dubs themselves the Blue Orchid Society, Hazel embarks on a journey of hope and healing to battle the demons of her past with the help of the doctor who has captured her heart.

Mr Review: 

Hazel Thornton wanted to be a nurse more than anything, but her concern of having panic attacks leaves her with such doubt that she isn’t sure she is capable. While on her way to see her father, she and her companions are involved in a terrible train wreck and must recuperate at a Red Cross Hospital in war-torn Spain.

Hazel was my favorite character because not only was she compassionate, competent and caring for the patients in more than just their physical needs at the hospital, but she was courageous as she faced her fears instead of quitting. I enjoyed seeing her gain confidence in her nursing abilities and helping patients.

At first Dr. Jim Jackson was not a man I particularly cared for since he seemed abrupt and suspicious of Hazel. He wasn’t sure what to think of her at first. Was she qualified to help or was she going to be a hindrance? But as time went on, I grew to like and respect him. He was such a great match for Hazel as he gave her “a chance to become what she’d dreamed of. He’d encouraged her, taught her.”

I recommend this third book in the Blue Orchid Society series. It can be read as a standalone, but the other two stories are excellent and ones you don’t want to miss.

I received a copy of the book through NetGalley as well as the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

Enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win your own copy. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0ae98b8a317/...

Defending Honor

Book Description:

She trusts no one…

Bodyguard Laila Rabbinowitz is all business. Tough and stoic, she was the perfect Mossad agent…until a terrible betrayal led to her worst nightmare. Being a bodyguard with the Elite Guardians allows her to keep her heart safe—she’ll never get involved with a client, never let anyone close enough to betray her again. And she’s certainly not going to trust anyone who doesn’t earn it.

He needs protection…

Billionaire Preston Whittaker walked away from his famous family after a terrible event, but he’s put that behind him—or so he thinks. When his father and brother are killed in a suspicious boating accident, he must take the helm of the family business and carry on the family legacy. But someone doesn’t want him at the helm. They want him dead.

She’ll have to pretend to be his wife to save his life…

Enter the Elite Guardians. Preston is going to need someone by his side 24/7, and the only solution is…a fake marriage. Laila needs to pull off acting as the trophy wife to the country’s most eligible bachelor. With the eyes of the paparazzi on them, she’ll have to convince everyone that she and Preston are in love.

But what will it cost her heart?

Preston’s reputation as a party playboy precedes him, and Laila doesn’t belong in his world filled with parties and money. But is there more to Preston Whittaker that the world doesn’t see? Maybe, in time, he’s someone Laila could learn to trust. Only problem is, the danger is closer than they both know…and time is running out.

My Review: 

I love the Elite Guardians! Each woman in the agency brings their own skill set to make a fabulous team and Laila Rabbinowitz is no exception. She is one hard-kicking, laser focused lady who gives everything she has to protect those who have been assigned to her. She has been deeply hurt by all of the important men in her life and Laila assumes that Preston Whittaker is just the same. But, oh man! Is she (and the reader) in for a wonderful surprise as she begins to trust Preston and realize she may have misjudged him. 

The fast-paced action and the long list of suspects made this a book that was hard to put down. I loved being reminded that we can, and do, need to trust God in all things. I recommend reading this if you enjoy romantic suspense stories with a mystery and a strong faith message. While this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

I received an eARC of the book through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. 

Sinister Secrets

Book Description: 

Prepare for heart-pounding danger in Sinister Secrets, featuring novellas of suspense from three of your favorite writers. With all the thrills and chills you’ve come to expect from these best-selling authors, this must-have compilation will keep you at the edge of your seat until the very last page.

Traci Hunter Abramson: Secrets of St. Augustine

FBI Special Agent Doug Valdez is in France looking for money launderers. The last thing he expects is to find a young girl fleeing for her life or the deadly game of cat and mouse that ensues.

Paige Edwards: In Plain Sight

Jaclyn Girard was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and now she’s caught in the middle of a deadly investigation. With danger mounting, she must work alongside FBI operative Cody Ackert if she hopes to survive.

Clair M. Poulson: Hounded

Recently retired Army Ranger Renn Huitt has found the perfect job. Working for Bob, a private investigator nearing retirement, should be easy. But Bob has put a lot of people behind bars—people who hold a grudge. And now they are coming for him.

My Review: 

A collection of three suspenseful non-stop action stories will certainly keep you staying up waaay longer than you expected! You will be absorbed in the stories that have high speed chases, crooked officials, stowaways, kidnappings, romance, and of course, high speed chases and edge of your seat plot twists.

Secrets of St. Augustine by Traci Hunter Abramson (5/5)

You would think if you come from a family with a vast fortune, that your life would be free of worries. But, that is not Layla’s case. She is consigned to spend her spring break at her boarding school and uncovers the diabolical plot of school officials. Now, with the help of FBI agent, Doug Valdez, Layla is running for her life. I enjoyed the daring escape Layla must make in order to avoid capture. It was also fun to read about a courageous and intelligent high school girl as the main character. The ending was perfect! 

Hounded by Clair M. Paulson (3/5)

Renn Huitt is quickly thrust into action after being hired by Detective Bob Lyman as he tries to follow leads of two separate cases. I liked that Renn never backed down from danger and pursued the truth, putting aside his own safety to see justice done. The scary scene in the mine was my favorite part of the story. 

In Plain Sight Paige Edwards (5/5)

How Ms. Edwards was able to pack so much into a novella (exciting plot, great characters, and a budding romance) shows what a masterful story teller she is. Hold onto your seat as Jaclyn Gerard becomes an accidental part of an undercover drug sting. The high speed chase and the boat rescue were my favorite scenes. My heart was beating quickly and I was holding my breath as Cody was racing against time to help Jaclyn. This was my favorite of the three.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

The Governess

 

About the Book: 

She’s spent years running from the pain of her past. Is facing it the only way to save her future?

Fiona Campbell has done everything possible to mold herself into the perfect English governess. Determined to forget the tragedy she endured as a young girl in Ireland, she devoted all her energy into building a new life for herself. And she succeeded brilliantly--until the day she fell in love with Lord George Roderick, Baron of Cheswick, thereby risking not only her heart and reputation, but her livelihood, as well.

Fiona’s world is shattered when she learns that George has abandoned her to enter an engagement with the Honorable Sienna Clarke, a woman that receives his family’s full seal of approval. Despite George’s insistence that his love for her has not wavered and he will eventually make a way for them to be together, Fiona harbors doubts that his words will ever come to pass. Desperate to escape the situation, she applies for a new position elsewhere, only to be ignored at every turn.

George has always been the son his father could count on. He’s done everything his family has expected of him, but the idea of marrying anyone other than Fiona is unthinkable. Determined to set things right, he takes matters into his own hands, little dreaming that his actions will have the opposite effect of what he intended.

When a chance encounter with a childhood acquaintance provides Fiona with an opportunity to return to Ireland, she struggles with the decision. Should she remain in Roderick Glen and hope for love to prevail, or return to her native country and face the painful memories that have haunted her for years?

This third book in The Ladies of Roderick Glen series gives us another glimpse into the lives of the villagers as they reconcile faith with love, heartache, and the wistful longing for home.

My Review: 

Author Kristie Self has written a story that I can see being made into a movie and a series for bookclubs to enjoy discussing too. The many characters and the details of the lives of those living in Roderick Glen, England, County Clare, Ireland, as well as the main couple, Fiona Campbell and George Roderick make this an intriguing story. Ms. Self did an excellent job in weaving details of Fiona’s hidden past into the story with themes of loss, bitterness and hatred, love, faith, forgiveness, and redemption. This is the third book in The Ladies of Roderick Glen and you will want to read the other two books to fully enjoy the characters and the ongoing stories of some of the other characters who are part of the community and Cheswick Park. I was happy to return to see how everyone was doing. As in life, not everything goes according to plan and there are some very sad moments. But, there are also happy times, new arrivals, and possible romances on the horizon. After reading The Governess, more questions are left to be answered so I am looking forward to seeing what will happen next. Thank you to the author for a copy of the book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Millstone of Doubt

About the Book: 

Regency London’s detective duo is back on a new case--and this one is going to be a killerCaught in the explosion of the Hammersmith Mill in London, Bow Street Runner Daniel Swann rushes to help any survivors only to find the mill’s owner dead of an apparent gunshot.Even though the owner’s daughter, Agatha Montgomery, mourns his death, it seems there are more than a few people with motive for murder. But Daniel can’t take this investigation slow and steady. Instead, he must dig through all the suspects as quickly as he can, because the clock is ticking until his mysterious patronage--and his job as a runner--comes to an abrupt and painful end.

 It seems to Daniel that, like his earthly father, his heavenly Father has abandoned him to the fates.Lady Juliette Thorndike is Agatha’s bosom friend and has the inside knowledge of the wealthy London ton to be invaluable to Daniel. She should be in a perfect position to help with the case. Still, her instructor in the art of spy craft orders her to stay out of the investigation. But circumstances intervene, dropping her into the middle of the deadly pursuit.When a dreadful accident ends in another death on the mill floor, Daniel discovers a connection to his murder case--and to his own secret past. Now he and Juliette are in a race to find the killer before his time runs out. Erica Vetsch once again weaves a classic tale of how the old affects the new. 

My Review: 

With the explosion of a mill that was owned by the family of Juliette’s best friend, Juliette is drawn into a world of political unrest with anarchists and angry factory workers. She and Bow Street Runner, Daniel Swann, are looking for possible plots against the government and also trying to discover who killed the mill owner. There are several subplots that keep you guessing as to the motive for the murder. Being able to put the clues together and solve the crime before the villain is caught was so much fun. 

The turn of events that Daniel Swann finds himself a part of in his own life were a pleasant surprise! This gives him more possibilities for his personal relationship with Juliette. I am looking forward to seeing what developments will occur between the two of them. :) I recommend reading this series if you like mysteries with a hint of romance.

Thank you to Kregel Publications and also NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.

A Lady's Heart of Gold

 

Description: 

When a determined English newspaper woman arrives in the Arizona desert, she expects to find the lawless and the illiterate. Instead, she meets a well-spoken and handsome cowboy who's ready to prove to her there's more to the Territory than cattle and cacti.
Molly McKinney, a determined English newspaper reporter, is determined to make a name for herself by writing about the wilds of the American West. After convincing her editor to take a chance on her idea, Molly travels to the United States looking for tales that will transport and inspire her readers. When she meets a quiet cowboy in the middle of Arizona Territory, she can sense that his story might be the most important of all. If only he’ll open up enough to tell it.

Eduardo “Ed” Byrd has worked at the KB Ranch for five years. He’s made friends and enemies, he’s making an honest living, and he’s tried to ignore his past. He’s one-quarter Cherokee, and three-quarters Mexican-American, and entirely his own person. Light-hearted and hard-working, Ed keeps to himself and reserves his dreams for the privacy of his notebooks. When one meeting with a determined English woman rattles his mind and heart, Ed can’t help but wonder if he’s been playing things safe for too long.

A reporter’s natural curiosity spurs Molly to make her way to the ranch where Ed works, and she’s determined to find out what the cowboy is hiding beneath his gentle smiles. There’s more to Ed than he lets on, and when Molly starts to unravel his past, he realizes their story might only have a happy ending if he’s willing to risk a lot more than his heart.

My Review: 

Tenacious and adventurous English newspaper reporter, Molly McKenna, has decided to experience firsthand the American West in order to write a series for readers back home. She was expecting to learn all about the people of the Arizona Territory, but what she wasn’t expecting was to find an amazing man who would change her thinking and life forever. 

I was delighted to return to the KB Ranch to see how everyone was doing. I loved the characters from the previous books in the series and it was fun to get a glimpse into their lives. Having Molly spend time on the ranch with the extended family was like a home coming for me. This book can be read as a standalone, but but I think it would be a richer reading experience if you read the other two books in the series. 

There are a couple of pen and ink drawings in the book that were delightful. I didn’t know how much I missed having illustrations until I saw them. It was a wonderful addition to the book and reminiscent of past well-loved books.  

Ms. Britton tackled a difficult subject with the indigenous people of America being forced to comply with the White culture and the prejudices that was shown toward them in this time period. I could tell that Ms. Britton did quite a bit of research for the story. It was handled well with some detail to add to the story and was told with respect and thoughtfulness.  There are notes at the end of the book if you wish to learn a bit more about the topic. 

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

Dream of Kings

 

About the Book: 

The Future Never Sleeps

In the glacial nation of Norgard, Jolan the dream teller serves every seeker, whether peasant or high lord. Though she loves using her gift, she struggles to navigate the corrupt and dangerous court and the jealousies of the Guildagard.

When an old man’s nightmare imparts a dire warning, Jolan realizes her entire nation is in danger. But before she can sound the alarm, she is betrayed by the guilds and sold into slavery in a rival kingdom far to the south. As a slave in a foreign land, at first Jolan can’t see beyond her singular focus: return home to warn Norgard of the coming calamity. After facing new dangers, making new friends, and forgiving old wrongs, she must fulfill the purposes the Provider has set before her.

Only then can she face a decision that could cost her the man she loves, her calling, and her freedom—all to save a people who abandoned her.

My Review: 

Jolan the Dream Teller is a victim of a game of power and deception as she is sold into slavery and taken far from her home to a rival country. While this story reminds me of the biblical story of Joseph with the dream interpreting and life events, Ms. Hinck’s world building ability made it seem completely different. I enjoyed the descriptions of the places and people of Jolan’s new home.  

There were quite a few themes that resonated with me: find contentment in your circumstances, trust God’s plan for your life, and forgive those who wrong you. I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it if you like the following genres: Biblical fiction, clean romance, or fantasy. 

I received an arc of the book. I was not expected to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.