The Earl's Hideaway, No Ladies Allowed

 

About the Book: 

If there is one woman Samson Rutherford, Earl of Riverton, can’t abide, it is his meddling sister. He has spent his whole life being a pawn in her plans and tricks, but when one of her schemes leaves him dressed in women’s clothing, he has finally had enough. He cannot beat her at her games, or even say no to her, his only option to save his sanity and pride is to run away--and fortunately, his solicitor knows just the place…

Catherine Wallace wasn’t born to be a governess, but with her family’s fall from grace, she has become one. A good one. However, when the chance arises to stay at her uncle’s home so she can care for his horticulture project while he is absent, she jumps at the chance. Leaving her position, she plans to gather her sisters together so they can be a family again--even if it is only for a little while.

But the last thing Catherine expected to find upon her arrival was her childhood friend. Samson has sequestered himself at the cottage and claims to have been invited to watch over her uncle’s business while he is away. But Catherine insists that’s what she’s been asked to do. The quiet retreat is what they both need, but who will get to stay?

Not Samson, because he has never gotten the better of a woman, not since… well, not since Catherine let him kiss her years ago…

Come to think of it, perhaps it is time for Samson to win after all.

My Review: 

A man sometimes just needs to get away from it all, especially if he has a house full of sisters. Samson Rutherford has been harassed and humiliated one too many times and so looks for a place of refuge. Imagine his astonishment when he is joined at this unknown place by childhood friend and secret crush, Catherine Wallace. Was it an accident that they both are charged with the care of rare plants or was it fate that brings them together?

I have loved both of Ms. Hatch’s books in the A Romance of Rank series and was eagerly anticipating reading this. It has everything in a Regency romance that gives it a five star rating:
humorous scenes
childhood friends
second chance at love
a selfless hero
meddlesome siblings
caring friends
nasty members of the Ton
hilarious stories (the zookeeper and Gertrude)
forgiveness and reconciliation

I highly recommend this book for readers of all ages. While you can read this as a stand alone, I think you will love the other two books. These are not only fantastic, but you’ll have a richer experience since the characters from the previous books are also in this story. They are so fun and well written that I’d love to see them made into a TV series. I cannot wait to read the next book Ms. Hatch writes.

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

To Win Her Hand

About the Book: 

"When you don't know what to say or how to approach her, Lord Featherstone to save the day."

The flyers placed discretely in the more private locations at White's, Brooks, and Boodles earned Lord Featherstone his first clients.

The dozens that flood his mail every week are from the success stories of those first few. His fame grows by the day, and he is fast becoming London's largest, most successful, secret matchmaker.

My Review:

Lord Charles Featherstone is helping men to woo women while Lady Emmiline Loveluck is helping her clients attract a suitor. While both have had success, can the matchmakers who give advice and offer tips to finding love, also follow those very things for themselves?

I love the cover! It goes so well with the story of Lord Charles Featherstone helping his male clientele dress for success in having ladies form a favorable opinion of them. Lord Featherstone thinks of everything to make his men stand out from the rest of the Ton who are also looking for women to court. Clothing, conversation, manners, helping them to work on annoying habits, and even the cologne that is worn are all considered when presenting the man to the ladies. I thought it funny how Lady Loveluck noticed that Charles smelled like spice and citrus while another suitor smelled of the outdoors and stale food. 

The rescuing of Lady Loveluck from an embarrassing moment with the unexpected duet with Lord Featherstone was very romantic. I think it was one of the things that tipped the scales in his favor with winning over his lady.

This is the first book in the Gentleman’s Match series and I am looking forward to reading more about the widows society. It sounds intriguing and will be fun to see how they might be involved in future stories. 

I was given an e-arc of the book. All opinions are my own and a positive review was not required. 

The Sisters of Sea View

About the Book:

Some guests have come for a holiday, others for hidden reasons of their own . . .

When their father's death leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers and her genteel sisters fear they will be forced to sell the house and separate to earn livelihoods as governesses or companions. Determined to stay together, Sarah convinces them to open their seaside home to guests to make ends meet and provide for their ailing mother. Instead of the elderly invalids they expect to receive, however, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah is soon torn between a growing attraction to a mysterious Scottish widower and duty to her family.

Viola Summers wears a veil to cover her scar. When forced to choose between helping in her family's new guest house and earning money to hire a maid to do her share, she chooses the latter. She reluctantly agrees to read to some of Sidmouth's many invalids, preferring the company of a few elders with failing eyesight to the fashionable guests staying in their home. But when her first client turns out to be a wounded officer in his thirties, Viola soon wishes she had chosen differently. Her new situation exposes her scars--both visible and those hidden deep within--and her cloistered heart will never be the same.

Join the Summers sisters on the Devonshire coast, where they discover the power of friendship, loyalty, love, and new beginnings.

My Review:

There are so many things to love about this book starting with the four Summer sisters and their mother who live on the Devonshire coast. Opening their home to short term boarders, we have a glimpse into the lives of such interesting people. You are sure to love some of the boarders as well as the villagers and the neighbors. 

With the Devonshire coast as the setting that was described in such vivid detail I would happily register for a seaside vacation stay at Sea View. Who wouldn’t want to walk along the cliffs, enjoying the sea breeze and strolling through the town of Old Sidmouth?

I loved the beautiful love story of Viola and Major Jack Hutton. While each had visible scars that made people fearful of them, they could see beyond that to who the person really was. Viola + Jack = perfect couple

There are discussion questions for book club readers at the end of the book and a map of the village for your reference, both of which I appreciate. Lovable characters, faith, a time of crisis, and a well written plot, I highly recommend this book. If you are a fan of historical fiction or books by authors such as Elizabeth Gaskell or Jane Austen, you will want to read this first book in the On Devonshire Shores series. There were many questions that were unanswered and I am eagerly looking forward to seeing what else will take place at Sea View. 

I received an advanced e-copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not expected to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

A Daughter's Courage

 

About the Book

Book: A Daughter’s Courage

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 1, 2022

Her quest to repair what’s been broken leads to imminent danger–and soon it’s more than her own life on the line.

After accidentally destroying the intricate chalice her people have treasured for over a hundred years, Charlotte Durand sets out on an expedition in search of a skilled artisan who can repair the damage. What she expected to be a two-day hike becomes much more daunting when a treacherous snowstorm sets in.

The last thing Damien Levette needs in the middle of a mountain blizzard is to tend to another person, but he can’t leave behind the mysterious woman he found half-frozen at the edge of a mountain lake.

As they battle both the elements and each other, Charlotte and Damien must work together to survive the peril of the mountains—or it could be the downfall of them both.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review: 

Charlotte Durand accidentally damages the village’s beloved chalice and wants to fix it before people find out and are upset. Charlotte sets out on her own, not thinking of anything more than going to the nearest fort that would have people who might be able to help. What ensues is Charlotte’s arduous journey with the help of Damien Leyette, a stranger who rescues her from a deadly situation.

Charlotte was such a strong and determined young lady. I admired her for the love that she had for her father and her village that she would go to such lengths to try and have the chalice fixed. 

I found the village of Laurent that was Charlotte’s home to be intriguing since it was hidden inside a mountain. What would that have been like to be secluded and living there? Damien would be the perfect fit for Charlotte and the people of this unique town. I would like to have had the author’s notes on how she came up with the idea. Was it based upon a real place? 

I enjoyed the surprising revelation of the chalice. This was a terrific way of bringing things together at the end of the book. I recommend reading this book if you like westerns, books with characters of faith, and/or stories of adventure. While this is book three in the Brides of Laurent series, it can be read as a stand alone. I have not read any of the other books and had no difficulty following the storyline.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and Celebrate Lit. All opinions expressed are my own. 

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of 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

Behind the Scenes of A Daughter’s Courage

I always love stories where the characters are on a journey, and I knew that’s exactly what the characters in this book would be doing. Our heroine, Charlotte, is the younger sister of the heroine in book 1 of this series, and we’ve gotten to know her a little better with each book. Her mother died when she was young, and she’s been the homemaker for their little family for over a decade now, never straying farther from the village than the berry patches in the next valley over. So I knew it would take something big to get her away from Laurent for the journey I had in mind for this story. Something lifechanging.

 Our hero is a trapper who left the larger group he’d been traveling with to strike out on his own. I knew it would take a considerable amount of tragedy to make a man seek such complete aloneness. Damien has his trusty mule Gulliver with him, so I guess he’s not completely alone, but he’s definitely hoping to stay far away from people. As I uncovered the pain that brought him to this point, my heart broke for him and all the loss he experienced.

 I love the way Charlotte’s need and the fierce mountain snowstorm drew Damien from his grief and gave him new purpose. Watching him come back to life and grasp onto God’s love for him was so inspiring!

 Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, December 2

Texas Book-aholic, December 3

For Him and My Family, December 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 5

Holly’s Book Corner, December 5

Book Looks by Lisa, December 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 6

deb’s Book Review, December 7

Mary Hake, December 7

Betti Mace, December 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 8

Connie’s History Classroom, December 9

Remembrancy, December 10

Cover Lover Book Review, December 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 11

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 12

Bizwings Blog, December 13

Lily’s Book Reviews, December 13

Splashes of Joy, December 14

Blossoms and Blessings, December 14

Through the Fire Blogs, December 15

Cover Lover Book Review, December 15

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 nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/22ec7/a-daughter-s-courage-celebration-tour-giveaway

Into the Fog

 

About the Book

Book: Into the Fog

Author: Karen Randau

Genre: Romantic suspense

Release date: September 6, 2022

Love and danger spar in this thrilling romantic suspense novel.

Hands push Marie Jessica (“MJ”) Goodrich from a rural roadway into an icy creek. The clock is ticking for her pleading friend on the other side of the ravine.

Running from flashbacks of a life-altering attack in Afghanistan, MJ takes refuge with her mother, managing Peach Blossom Orchard. But peace is elusive in a rural Oklahoma town full of secrets.

After losing his wife and children in a fatal car crash, Josh Rivers doubts he deserves a second chance at love. He can’t believe his bad luck when MJ, the woman who plagues the nightmares of his military service in Afghanistan, shows up in his hometown. She claims a driver ran down and abducted her friend Kelsey. Frustrated with the county sheriff’s investigation, MJ and Josh partner to follow clues that lead to a kidnapper who demands a bizarre ransom.

With danger increasing for everyone MJ loves, will the clock run out before they solve the mystery? Find out how MJ and Josh—swirling in a whirlwind of mystery and suspense—lean on their mutual faith to find answers, courage, forgiveness, healing … and wholesome romance.

If you like to read Christy Barritt and Colleen Coble, you’ll love Into the Fog, a keep-you-up-at-night clean romantic suspense novel that launches the Peach Blossom Romantic Suspense series.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Karen Randau a best-seller author of fast-paced mystery, thriller, and suspense books from her home in the picturesque mountains of Arizona. She enjoys cooking, hiking, and hanging out with her family. In addition to the Peach Blossom Romantic Suspense series, her books include the Frankie Shep Mystery-Suspense Series, the Kayla Walsh Suspense Series, and Rim Country Mysteries.

 

My Review

Into the Fog was a quick read with suspense and mystery. There are several events occurring that keep you guessing if they are somehow related, or are they separate events. I liked that the faith of MJ and Josh is displayed throughout the story and that there is forgiveness and a second chance at love for Josh. 

This the first book in Peach Blossom Orchard series. It looks promising to see what the future will hold for Josh's and MJ's friends. Readers, both young and old who like Christian fiction will enjoy this book by author, Karen Randau. 

I was given a copy of the book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to write a positive review. A opinions are my own.

More from Karen

Into the Fog is set in a farming community outside Tahlequah, Oklahoma, home of the Cherokee Nation, the largest of the 39 Native American tribes in Oklahoma.

 If you’ve ever watched old Western movies, you may have heard a lot about the dangers of traveling through Indian Territory. Did you know that much of what is now Oklahoma was called the Indian Territory until Oklahoma became a state in 1907? Some of the tribes fought with the Confederacy during the Civil War, and some fought with the Union.

 If those weren’t enough reasons for an identity crisis for the people of Oklahoma (who sometimes refer to themselves of Okies), the federal government lists Oklahoma in both the South and the Southwest regions of the United States. Many Okies claim their state is in Midwest region of the United States, but it is not listed that way in the federal census.

 One thing is for sure: Oklahoma has a culture all its own, rightly earned by its confusing history. Many of these cultural oddities are explored in Into the Fog.

 You’ll also enjoy the two main characters, MJ and Josh.

 Marie Jessica “MJ” Goodrich served with the Army Rangers in Afghanistan until a bomb gave her a life-altering injury and a case of PTSD. She believes her injuries were so bad that no man will ever want to marry her. Besides, her mother’s failing memory and the peach orchard keep her too busy to embark on a romantic relationship.

 Josh Rivers always wanted to be an artist, but he’s stuck running the auto shop he inherited. He’s dreamed of MJ ever since he pulled her from a bombed marketplace in Afghanistan, and it cost him his wife and children. He doesn’t believe he deserves another chance at love, but he prays for companionship anyway—and finds MJ unconscious in a ravine moments later. Could a guy’s luck get any worse?

 The question answered in Into the Fog is: Will Josh die saving MJ again, or will they get out of the whirlwind of mystery and danger swirling around them in time to find their happily ever after?

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 21

Texas Book-aholic, November 22

Betti Mace, November 23

deb’s Book Review, November 23

Mary Hake, November 24

Inklings and notions, November 25

Cover Lover Book Review, November 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 26

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 27 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 27

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 29

For Him and My Family, November 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 30

Lily’s Book Reviews, December 1

Book Looks by Lisa, December 1

Bizwings Blog, December 2

Blogging With Carol, December 3

Lights in a Dark World, December 3

Pause for Tales, December 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and an eBook copy of the book!!

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/22ad1/into-the-fog-celebration-tour-giveaway

Beneath His Silence

 

About the Book

Book: Beneath His Silence

Author: Hannah Linder

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance

Release date: November, 2022

Will Seeking Justice Lead to Her Own Demise?

A Gothic-Style Regency Romance from a Promising Young Author

Second daughter of a baron—and a little on the mischievous side—Ella Pemberton is no governess. But the pretense is a necessity if she ever wishes to get inside of Wyckhorn Manor and attain the truth. Exposing the man who killed her sister is all that matters.

Lord Sedgewick knows there’s blood on his hands. Lies have been conceived, then more lies, but the price of truth would be too great. All he has left now is his son—and his hatred. Yet as the charming governess invades his home, his safe cocoon of bitterness begins to tear away.

Could Ella, despite the lingering questions of his guilt, fall in love with such a man? Or is she falling prey to him—just as her dead sister?

My Review: 

For this being her debut novel, Ms. Linder wrote a masterfully crafted Christian Regency Gothic Romance. The remote setting, the brooding mood, the ever present suspicion and silence, and the palatable danger were all present in this story, making it a difficult book to put down.

Secrets lie within Wyckhorn Manor and Ella Pemberton is bound to discover what happened there to cause the death of her sister, Lucy. She discovers the truth when she finds Lucy’s hidden diary. I have to say I was shocked when Ella discovered what was really going on at the manor. 

I loved so many things about the book, but in particular the complex characters who included a guilt-ridden man, a creepy townsman, a tortured soul, a sweet, caring boy, and a feisty Scottish housekeeper. Each had a part to play in creating an engaging story.

I loved the faith that Henry shared with Ella when she was doubtful that there was even a God who cared for her. The story was deeply satisfying when Lord Sedgewick accepts forgiveness and has a second chance at finding peace and love.

I highly recommend this book if you enjoy Gothic stories. I look forward to reading more books by the author. 

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

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award finalist, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and International bestsellers. She is also a local photographer and a self-portrait photographer. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, and ukulele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. To follow her journey, visit hannahlinderbooks.com.

 More from Hannah

People always ask me what inspired a story. Where did I get the idea? Who was my inspiration? What true-life event motivated these characters into existence?

 And the truth is, I don’t know. I’ve never known. When I was younger, I’d look clueless and shrug my shoulders. A few years ago, I would have probably answered “people”—and maybe there’s truth in that. People do inspire me. The way they walk, the places they go, the things they do, the way they dress.

 But lately…well, I think it’s more than that. I don’t think it’s people so much as feelings. The nitty-gritty. The raw emotions, caught deep in someone’s chest, at the most pivotal points in their life.

 Like the old man seated at a booth, alone in a restaurant, with his veiny hands cupping a mug of coffee. It’s not his shabby fedora that inspires me. Or the knotty cane leaned against his seat. Or the envelope stuffed into the pocket of his woolen overcoat.

It’s the look on his face. The slow blinking, the red nose, the flash of moisture as he takes another sip of coffee. Why does he sit alone? Who left him? Who caused the tears? What emotions render that lost, helpless, longing expression—and how will he cope?

 If you would ask me what inspired Beneath His Silence, I probably wouldn’t have much of an answer. No concrete idea or moment would rush to remembrance. If anything, inspiration for Beneath His Silence was nothing more than a small thought. A feeling.

 I wanted to write about a girl who learned to love someone she hated. I wanted to explore every aspect. The poison of her hate. The weight it pressed into her heart. The process—slow, startling, and healing—that sucked out that poison and replaced it with something unexpected. Love.

 I guess that’s what I love about writing. Not the people. The characters. Not even the storylines and the plot twists and the fun settings. I love the emotion. That’s what inspires me. And if you find yourself in the pages of Beneath His Silence, I hope it will inspire you too.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 28

Genesis 5020, November 28

Texas Book-aholic, November 29

To Everything There Is A Season, November 29

Where Faith And Books Meet, November 30

Inklings and notions, November 30

Lily’s Book Reviews, November 30

Book Looks by Lisa, December 1

deb’s Book Review, December 1

Betti Mace, December 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 2

Remembrancy, December 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 4

Connie’s History Classroom, December 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 5

Rebecca Tews, December 6

Simple Harvest Reads, December 6 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Blogging With Carol, December 7

For Him and My Family, December 7

Through the Fire Blogs, December 8

Holly’s Book Corner, December 8

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 9 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Blog, December 9

Melissa’s Bookshelf, December 9

Pause for Tales, December 10

Cover Lover Book Review, December 10

Mary Hake, December 10

Labor Not in Vain, December 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Hannah is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print copy of the book!!

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/22ccf/beneath-his-silence-celebration-tour-giveaway