The Swindler's Daughter

 The Cover Reveal for Stephania H. McGee's latest book...

About the Book: 

Lillian Doyle has lived her entire high-society life with her widowed mother, believing her father died long ago. But when news arrives that her estranged father only recently passed away—in jail—Lillian is startled to find that the man has left a business and all of his possessions to her, making her a rather unusual heiress.

When she goes to take possession of her father's house in a backwoods Georgia town, the dilapidated structure is already occupied by another woman who claims it was promised to her son, Jonah. In her attempts to untangle the mess, Lillian will discover not only a family she never knew she had but a family business that is more than meets the eye—and has put a target on her back.

To discover the truth and take hold of the independence she's always dreamed of, she'll have to make friends with adversaries and strangers—especially Jonah, the dusty and unrefined cowboy who has secret aspirations of his own.

Isn't this a beautiful cover? I am looking forward to reading this story of a messy mix-up.

Preorder today at Baker Bookhouse today! 

Read May 2, 2023!

A Game of Hearts

About the Book: 

Marigold Cartwell has only one goal: to defeat her long-time rival on the archery field. She knows she can outshoot irritating, cynical Tristan Gates, but the local bowmen’s society—the one he belongs to—refuses to allow women to compete. Spurred on by their rejection, Marigold decides to start a new society. Naturally, it has only one rule: no men.

Tristan Gates is used to Marigold Cartwell always getting her way, so he is far from surprised when she forms her own society. He knows how relentless she can be, something he learned firsthand facing her at the targets. But Tristan has enough worries of his own, what with his bachelor uncle falling in love with a fortune hunter. He has no time to entertain Marigold’s ambitions.

However, after a visit to the seashore ends in disaster—and scandal—Marigold and Tristan soon realize how little they know about each other. The strained tension between them quickly turns to simmering attraction, but an important archery competition looms ahead. Lines are drawn all around them, with Marigold and Tristan on opposite sides, and neither can afford to lose. Yet winning might be the very thing to tear them apart.

 My Review: 

A highly competitive female archer during the Regency period? Yes, please! Enemies that call a truce and have a happily ever after? Absolutely! I wanted to read this as soon as I saw the cover and read the description. 

I normally don’t like the banter that is written in enemies to lovers tropes because I find it annoying. But… the crazy things that Marigold Cartwell and Tristan Gates say about and to each other had me laughing so much that my husband asked me what was so funny. Do I stop and tell him and interrupt the scene? Nope, I just keep laughing and point to the book. 

The rivalry between Mari and Tristan had been going on for years and neither of them could really look past their stubbornness and prejudice to see the other person. That is, until something happens to force Tristan to propose. The growth and transformation that both of them experience as they begin to learn about each other was sooo good. 

Ugh! Lord Beauford was so arrogant, obnoxious, and egotistical that I could’t wait to see how Mari was going to beat him. It all came down to the archery tournament and everything that she was trying to prove to not only Lord Beauford, but to their society. I loved the ending, it couldn’t have been any better! Three cheers, a round of applause and thunderous clapping for Mari and her ladies archery team.

Tristan was the perfect match for Mari. At first, he was just as prideful as Lord Beauford, but as I learned more about him I realized he was covering up for the extreme loss that had occurred in his life. I loved that he set out to find ways to court Mari. 

I highly recommend this book to readers of historical romance. It’s wonderfully written and one that I will read again and again. 

I was given a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own. 

Targeted

 

Book Description: 

In this novella collection, an FBI computer hacker, the vice president's son, and a CIA officer each find themselves in the clutches of merciless criminals. These thrilling stories offer excitement, intrigue, and romance--and hit the bullseye every time. 

My Review: 

These novellas each have a short story packed with action, suspense, and romance. The great news is that all three of them have an interesting plot and what you expect to read in Christian romantic suspense. The main characters face a very dangerous, life threatening circumstance and rely on their faith to help them in their time of trouble.

Don't have time for a full length novel? No problem! Read one of these stories, but I bet you won't be able to stop once you begin! I recommend reading this anthology to all. These stories contain characters from other series, but can be read as a standalone. I was not familiar with all of the authors and did not feel like I needed to know details from their previous books in order to enjoy each of these stories.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Revell through NetGalley. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.

To Capture His heart

Book Description:

Seaside, England, 1886

Eva Caldwell is an accomplished and well-known photographer who often works with the local constabulary to assist in documenting crime scenes, which means she also often works alongside the handsome and charming detective, Nathan Winston. She appreciates his intellect and how he treats her like an equal, but Eva’s heart is still healing from a past relationship, so, for now, she decides to keep her feelings for Nathan a secret.

One evening, Nathan arrives on her doorstep asking for a personal favor. Would Eva be available to photograph his mother’s legendary, week-long dinner party and matchmaking event? The catch is that Eva would also have to pretend they are courting in order for Nathan to avoid the many single women seeking his attention.

Though wary of the charade, Eva agrees. Spending a week with the two things she loves most—her detective and her camera—sounds simple enough. And if she wants to imagine that Nathan’s pretend courtship of her is real, well, what’s the harm in that?

But when a criminal from Nathan’s past threatens revenge on the detective, Nathan must be extra vigilant to keep his mother and the rest of the partygoers safe. He confides in Eva, and as the two work together to solve the mystery and apprehend the criminal, they find that they might capture more than they expected—each other’s heart.

My Review:

I loved the first book in this series, The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart, and was happy to see that Eva Caldwell and Detective Nathan Winston had their own story. There were many things I enjoyed about this story: 

Eva’s compassion to have an orphan as an apprentice

The house party and all of the fun activities

The mystery and suspense

The fake romance that was actually there all along

The Winston sisters

Eva’s entrepreneurship and confidence

This can be read as a standalone, but I recommend you read the first book because it was an outstanding story and several characters from the first book are in this story too. 

I was given a copy of this book from Shadow Mountain Publishing  through NetGalley. I was not expected to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Falling for the Cowgirl

 

Book Description:

Years ago, he shattered her heart. Now she must trust him with her life.

As the only girl in her family, and with four older brothers, Ivy McQuaid can rope and ride with the roughest of ranchers. She's ready to have what she's always longed for--a home of her own. She's set her heart on a parcel of land south of Fairplay and is saving for it with her winnings from the cowhand competitions she sneaks into--but her dream is put in jeopardy when the man she once loved reappears in her life.

After two years away, Jericho Bliss is back in South Park as an undercover Pinkerton agent searching for a war criminal. He has no intention of involving a woman in the dangerous life he leads, but one look at Ivy is all it takes for him to question the path he's set out for himself.

Even though Jericho tries to resist his longtime attraction to the beautiful and vivacious Ivy, he finds himself falling hard and fast for her. In the process, his worst fear comes true--he puts her smack-dab in the middle of danger. With Ivy's life in the balance, will Jericho give her up once again, or will he find a way back to her, this time forever?

Book Review: 

Ivy McQuaid is one amazing cowboy, I mean cowgirl. She is caught between the world of men who don’t accept women ranch hands, and she doesn’t fit in with the women either. Disguised as a man to win prize money to buy some property for a ranch, she enters competitions and wins handily every time. Her grit and determination are admirable as she competes with the men and I was a bit on edge hoping she wouldn’t get caught. 

Ivy is always trying to prove that she is a capable ranch woman to her brothers and to Jericho, her secret childhood crush. She finds herself in all sorts of scapes, sometimes awkward, and a couple of particularly dangerous situations.  It’s a good thing Jericho steps into save her every time. 

Ms. Hedlund wrote a great story of love, forgiveness, and second chances. The ending was so good, with a wayward sibling getting a chance to start all over again. I am sure it will be a great book. This can be read as a standalone if you like. I hadn’t read the other books in the series, but I can tell by the interaction that Ivy has with her brothers that I would enjoy reading those too. 

I received a complementary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. My opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review. 

The Danger with Diamonds

About the Book:

Some secrets are worth keeping. Others are not.

When Lars Hendriks arranges to meet Marit Jansen in Vienna, he is hoping their friendship will blossom into romance. What he doesn’t expect is a surprise visit from his cousin Cole or the loose diamonds he brings with him.

As a CIA operative, Cole Bridger is used to uncertainty, but when his work takes him back to Vienna, he looks forward to reconnecting with Isabelle Roberts, the fellow agent he dated briefly before duty took him away from Austria. Unfortunately, his silence over the last few months has created a chasm he can’t cross without help. He barely takes a step toward repairing the damaged relationship when a brazen jewel heist seemingly links Cole, Lars, Marit, and Isabelle to the crime. The group is drawn into a deadly mystery, and once again, the treasures of Falcon Point are threatened. It doesn’t take long for them to realize they have stumbled upon something far bigger and more dangerous than a simple robbery. And someone on the inside knows it.

My Review: 

CIA agent, Cole Bridger, finds himself embroiled in a case that becomes much larger than he originally thought. I am glad he has help from fellow agent, Isabelle Roberts, his cousin, Lars Hendricks, and friend Marit Jansen, because he is going to need it!

There are so many things that made this story a page-turner where I felt like I was part of the story that I thought it would just be easier to list them.

Things I loved:

Vienna: the buildings, the history, the food

High octane adventure

Mystery and intrigue

Newly connected cousins

Romance- not just one couple, but two!

A ball with gorgeous gowns and cool stopping bad guys moves

Carriage rides

Roses

Toilet plunger weapon

While this is the second book in the Falcon Point Suspense series, it can be read as a standalone. But, I would recommend you read the first book, Heirs of Falcon Point, for the history of this story. Plus, it is an award-winning suspense that you don't want to miss either.

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

 

 

Within These Gilded Halls

 

Book Description: 

After studying art for two years under Miss Drake, a renowned painter, Phoebe Radcliff is certain she can finally move beyond the childish mistake that’s kept her away from home. She is determined to carve a new, happier future and is thrilled when Miss Drake employs her to complete a complicated ballroom renovation—the first real test of her talent.

Everything changes, however, the moment Miss Drake is murdered. With her last breath she imparts the location of a clue to Phoebe. Can the biggest secret of Avonthorpe Hall be true—the rumored treasure real? Phoebe is tasked to finish the detailed trim work in the ballroom by Miss Drake’s infuriatingly regimented yet all-too-handsome nephew, Lt. Graham Burke. She finds herself in the perfect position to uncover the answers she craves about her beloved teacher’s death as well as fulfill the promise she made regarding the treasure. If only she can do so before Lt. Burke leases the house.

But dark shadows line the gilded halls of Avonthorpe. Soon enough, Phoebe realizes she’s not the only person with knowledge of the clues—and worse, she’ll need Lt. Burke’s help to stay ahead of whoever is hard on her heels. If only she wasn’t so attracted to the gentleman. And why is she exactly? She’s always had far greater plans for her life than an uncomfortable romance with a former military lieutenant.

Caught up in a deadly race for answers, Phoebe must find a way to breach the shroud of lies that surrounds every last resident in the house and, more importantly, face a past she’s been running away from for far too long.

My Review:

I was intrigued by the book’s description and it was even better than that! Ms. Wilson’s books are some of my favorites because she always has intricate plots, a mystery, an uplifting message, and clean, wholesome romance.  I highly recommend reading Within These Gilded Halls for the following reasons: 

 

* Phoebe who was “daring, impulsive, intelligent”.

* Lt. Graham Burke- a “kind, deep thinker… a man filled with compassion and the propensity to love.”

* Scouring the seashore for shells

* Hidden coves

* Searching for clues to a rumored fortune

* Egyptian antiquities

* Mysterious happenings

* Political intrigue

* Plot twists 

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an eARC of  the book. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.

Word of Honor

Book Description: 

FBI Special Agent Lynda Culter is investigating an ecoterrorist organization in the Alaskan wilderness when her partner is taken captive and murdered before her very eyes. The only person who can identify the key players, Lynda gets assigned to take part in a joint operation in Istanbul to take the organization down.

As a woman in a Muslim country, she'll find it much easier to move around undetected with a fake husband. Unfortunately for her, the man assigned to play the role is none other than US Army weapons specialist Bill Sanders--the man who crushed her heart into a million pieces back in college.

With a cargo bay's worth of hurt and baggage between them, these two consummate professionals must play their parts perfectly if they hope to stop those responsible for bombing oil pipelines, killing innocent civilians, and threatening to destabilize the oil markets. But love long buried has a way of resurfacing at the most inopportune times--and protecting Lynda has become Bill's primary focus.

My Review: 

FBI agent, Lynda Culter is just the woman needed to help uncover the plots  of an ecoterrorist group and the Russian Mob. She has grit, perseverance, and a brilliant mind that help her to see connections where others cannot. It was interesting to see her map out the events the old fashioned way with paper instead of using a computer. 

The team of special agents that Bill and Lynda are a part of were really fun to get to know. Their camaraderie and expertise made them the perfect team to destroy the plans of the criminals. Lynda is all business and is good at analytics while Bill is a man of action and has a great sense of humor too.  He has funny sayings such as, “that’s as normal as bumps on a pickle.” 

There was an extra bonus at the end of the books. Discussion questions for a book club as well as some Turkish recipes to try. The entrees look tasty and I am looking forward to making the falafel. 

Danger, mixed with faith, create a terrific story that was enjoyable to read. I recommend this book if  you enjoy books by similar authors such as Lynette Eason or Elizabeth Goddard. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. I was not expected to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The Lost Melody

 About the Book: 

When concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant's father dies, he leaves to her the care of an adult ward she knew nothing about. The woman is supposedly a patient at Hurstwell Asylum. The woman's portrait is shockingly familiar to Vivienne, so when the asylum claims she was never a patient there, Vivienne is compelled to discover what happened to the figure she remembers from childhood dreams.

The longer she lingers in the deep shadows and forgotten towers at Hurstwell, the fuzzier the line between sanity and madness becomes. She hears music no one else does, receives strange missives with rose petals between the pages, and untangles far more than is safe for her to know. But can she uncover the truth about the mysterious woman she seeks? And is there anyone at Hurstwell she can trust with her suspicions?

Fan-favorite Joanna Davidson Politano casts a delightful spell with this lyrical look into the nature of women's independence and artistic expression during the Victorian era--and now.

My Review: 

I look forward to reading Ms. Politano’s books because of her weaving of faith with excellent plots and fascinating characters. The research she has done for this particular story is evident in the details of the inmates of an asylum and their treatment. What a twist of fate that Vivienne finds herself a part of when she is trapped alongside the women who she once scorned. I also found an intriguing part of the story was using music therapy to help the patients. 

As usual, Ms. Politano gives the reader things to think about not only while reading, but long afterward as well. Here are a couple of my favorite quotes: 

 “We’re all of us told to walk in the light, but we don’t. We simply wish to drag the light over to where we’re already standing, so we may better see the path we’ve set out for ourselves.”

“What God has set ablaze, no man can extinguish.”

I highly recommend this book to readers. I received a copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.