A Summer at Sagamore

 

About the Book

Book: A Summer at Sagamore

Author: Lisa M. Prysock

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Release date: March 14, 2023

Can summer love survive amid mystery and mayhem?

When Abigail Greenwood and her cousins settle in for their annual summer retreat at the stunning and impressive Sagamore Resort in the Adirondacks,  all she wants is to spend as much time as possible plunking out stories on her typewriter. But when her cousins insist she join them in the tradition of choosing a beau to adore from a distance during their stay, she reluctantly plays along, setting her sights on a mysteriously quiet and aloof guest. What started as harmless fun soon changes as Abby finds herself captivated by debonair—and handsome—Jackson Gable. Who is he, and why does his arrogant amused smile exasperate her so much?

When a series of events causing mayhem and mischief begin to occur at Sagamore, journalist Jackson Gable is determined to get to the bottom of it, since his father is an investor of the resort. Jack has a nose for mysteries, but he may have to use his recently earned law degree and some of his posh family connections to sleuth out the culprit. Are the events connected? Why are they happening? And why can’t he get the beautiful Abby off his mind?

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review: 

Abigail Greenwood has a unique opportunity to accompany her grandmother, sister and cousin to the prestigious and luxurious Sagamore where they will spend the summer. I thought it unique that each of the girls chose a young man as someone who they’d like to be their summer boyfriend. Abigail chooses a young man named Jack Gable who she is attracted to, despite her first impression him. 

Strange things begin to happen at Sagamore. Accidents begin to occur, rooms are ransacked, and food is made inedible. Abigail is an extremely curious person, and with the help of Jack, sets off to see who is creating havoc and why would they do such a thing. Seeing Abigail and Jack’s relationship grow as they uncover clues was really fun. 

Abigail’s grandmother was one of my favorite characters. She was witty and wise and encouraged the girls in their faith. She was extremely supportive of each of them and was an example to them. 

I received this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. 

About the Author

Lisa M. Prysock is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes both Christian Historical Romance and Contemporary Christian Romance books—”Romance with a Dash of Food, Fashion, Faith, & Fun.” She writes both traditionally and indie published novels.

Kentucky inspires her writing and is home. Happily married to her husband of more than 24 years, she homeschooled two of their five children, now grown. When she isn’t writing, she likes to cross stitch, crochet, sew, scrapbook, read, swim, dance, take walks, travel, explore historical homes, garden, cook for her family, learn to play the piano and violin, and read great books.

 More from Lisa

Behind the scenes at A Summer at Sagamore

When a dear writing friend approached me about writing a contribution for Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts, my heart leapt. The Gilded Age is my favorite time to write. Ask me to write anything from 1870 to 1910, and I’m hooked. I love the way traditions are colliding with progress and changing the world in this era.

An exciting time for women, I knew the heroine, Abigail, would be a writer, enthralled with her new, clunky, heavy manual typewriter. Independent, set to inherit her grandmother’s wealth, she would not be looking for romance. I wanted Abby’s grandmother, cousin, and sister to give us plenty of humor and fun along the way. Meanwhile, Abby, would portray a young woman on the brink of writing about her faith, inspired by a few pioneer writers and a previous experience to join the endeavor to pave the way for others to do the same.

Along comes our hero, Jackson. Jack has this Clark Gable kind of vibe, only younger, more handsome. He has strong faith, but it’s quiet, stifled by his position in society. Abby brings out the best in him. I loved watching their romance blossom and their trust in God grow amid the mystery of all the happenings at the Sagamore. More themes came out of the book than I expected. I can’t wait to share it with you.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 16

Texas Book-aholic, April 17

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 18

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 19 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 21

Mary Hake, April 21

Connie’s History Classroom, April 22

Cover Lover Book Review, April 23

Holly’s Book Corner, April 23

Book Looks by Lisa, April 24

Sylvan Musings, April 25

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 26

Blogging With Carol, April 27

For Him and My Family, April 27

Splashes of Joy, April 28

Blossoms and Blessings, April 29

Pause for Tales, April 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lisa 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/2566e/a-summer-at-sagamore-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Neighbor Renovation

 

About the Book

Book: The Neighbor Renovation

Author: Grace Worthington

Genre: Sweet Romantic Comedy

Release date: March 30, 2023

My perfect summer just got ruined by a brunette in a tool belt.

This was my summer to get away from it all. Live like a hermit. Fix up my family’s vacation home.

Until Ella arrived.

My infuriating neighbor has returned for beach season.

Ever since our families bought summer homes next to each other, that was the beginning of our neighbor war.

Now I have to see her every. single. day.

When I let it slip that I’m making a few home improvements, she jumps at the chance to help. She’s an interior designer who needs work. I’m a man who loathes shopping. Any mention of the words color palette makes me want to break out in hives.

We’re the dynamic duo for this fixer upper.

There’s only one problem: the more time we spend together, the more attracted I am to her. Now our on-the-job flirting is veering into dangerous territory.

Because if there’s one thing I know, Ella and I are not meant to be together.

I’m emotionally unavailable. She’s sworn off relationships. And our families hate each other.

I know my future is at stake. But I can’t seem to tear myself away from this project…or her.

So I tell myself:

I most definitely will not fall for my neighbor. 

But you know what they say about promises you can’t keep? Don’t make them.

Like most home projects, I’m learning that nothing ever goes according to plan.

Especially when it comes to love

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review: 

Two feuding neighborhood families with long-held grudges make it tricky for Ella and Grant to navigate their relationship and the possibility for more. Ella needs a house to renovate and convinces Grant her neighbor and childhood rival/crush that his grandmother’s house would be perfect for her to makeover so she can use it for a nationwide contest. 

Ella and Grant are truly opposites being attracted to one another. she is sunshine, he is grumpy. She loves bright colors, he prefers earth tones. It was sweet to see Ella helping Grant become the Fun Grant that she knew when she was growing up. She was patient and at the same time, nudging him to not stay stuck in his pain.

My favorite scenes were the television episode, the garage repurposing and decorating, and the gazebo. Each one of them was perfect for the story. 

If you like second chances at  love, romantic comedies, and books about burying the hatchet, you will enjoy reading this lighthearted story. 

I received this book through Celebrate Lit an was not expected to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Grace Worthington is the author of sweet romance and sweet romcom novels. She loves quaint small towns and the beach is her happy place, which is why you’ll find both in her books. She’s obsessed with chocolate, romcom movies from the 80’s & 90’s, and goldendoodles. Get a free book sweet romcom at graceworthington.com

 

More from Grace

I love home renovation shows, because they make it look so easy to magically turn your home into something amazing in only a half-hour. (If only that worked in real life.)

But what if two people who were enemies worked on renovating a home together? Would they survive the renovation? Could it even bring them together?

I love all the tropes, but enemies to lovers is one of the most satisfying for me, especially in romantic comedy. The huge payoff is seeing two very opposite people come together quite magically. In the end, I’m always rooting for the couple who overcomes the odds.

 It’s also been my experience that no matter how much you prepare for a home project, it never goes according to plan. This sets the stage for lots of hilarious scenarios as things go wrong and the couple learns to navigate these unexpected detours together.

 But in The Neighbor Renovation, it’s not just about the physical home. There is a deeper metaphor of what happens in their lives as they learn to overcome past wounds and take a chance on love. Just like the home renovation shows, the renovation that happens in their hearts is almost miraculous.

 So if you like HGTV, sweet romantic comedies,  grumpy sunshine couples, and second chance love stories, then you’re going to enjoy The Neighbor Renovation: A sweet romantic comedy.

 –Grace Worthington

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 5

Texas Book-aholic, April 6

She Lives To Read, April 7

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 8

A Reader’s Brain, April 9 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, April 9

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 13

Cover Lover Book Review, April 14

For Him and My Family, April 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 16

Pause for Tales, April 17

Book Looks by Lisa, April 17

Holly’s Book Corner, April 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and 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/25495/the-neighbor-renovation-celebration-tour-giveaway

Under an Indigo Moon

 

About the Book

Book: Under an Indigo Moon

Author: JL Crosswhite

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: December 28, 2022

It was supposed to be a fresh start for her…

…He’d never expected to find love again.

Will they find a second chance or will small-town secrets spell disaster?

Former big-city architect and single mom, Carissa Carver, found just enough to hope to begin a new life with her boys in Holcomb Springs. She dropped all her savings into a vacant Victorian in an online auction, hoping to flip it and build a better life.

However, it didn’t take long to learn nothing was as promised, including a chocolate Lab that came with the house, who adopted her son with Asperger’s. Could her boys handle being uprooted one more time?

But when things go missing, her house is vandalized, and she finds human bones in the basement, she wonders what she’s really gotten them into. Is this one more bad decision or something truly dangerous?

Deputy Jonas McCann came to Holcomb Springs to heal after the death of his wife and daughter. The last thing he needs is matchmaking by the meddling librarian, even if Carissa and her boys stir something long dormant in his heart.

As more strange things happen, he is drawn further into his desire to protect her and the boys he’s come to have a heart for. Can he solve the mystery before they get hurt? Does it have anything to do with the missing teenager? Or are those just ghost stories and small-town rumors? Especially the ones about the indigo blue moon.

Author JL Crosswhite will have you on the edge of your seat, unable to turn pages fast enough. 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:  

Welcome to the small scenic town of Holcomb Springs, California where neighbors truly take care of each other and welcome new families with open arms. Carissa Carver has put everything she has into starting over with her two boys when she purchases an old Victorian House to flip as an investment. Little does she know that the house comes with secrets and rumors of a ghost of a missing teen that is rumored to appear each time there is a Blue Moon. 

I enjoyed the cast of characters of not only Carissa and Deputy Sergeant Jonas McCann, but also Carissa’s sons and the townsfolk. From helping her unload the moving truck, to needing a place to stay, to watching the children, all the way to pitching in to help with the renovation, loving your neighbor as yourself is in evidence here. I liked the reason why the moon is no longer called blue, but indigo. This is the second book in the Holcomb Springs Small Town Romantic Suspense series, but can be read as a standalone. 

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. 

About the Author

JL Crosswhite‘s favorite thing is discovering how much there is to love about America the Beautiful and the great outdoors. She’s an Amazon bestselling author, a mom to two navigating the young adult years while battling her daughter’s juvenile arthritis, exploring the delights of her son’s autism, and keeping gluten free. Learn more about her adventures and how she gets inspired for her books at JLCrosswhite.com

 

More from JL Crosswhite

It may surprise you, but I actually started writing Under an Indigo Moon about fourteen years ago (my books can germinate for a long time!). It started out as a women’s fiction book called Under the Blueberry Sky. It even finaled in the Frasier contest for first chapters in 2011.

But as I began planning the Holcomb Springs series, I knew I wanted to tell Carissa and Jonas’s story. While there are parts of me in all of my characters, Carissa has a unique place in my heart as the mom of a special needs kid. Her six-year-old son, Jayden, is based a lot on my experiences with my son who’s on the autism spectrum.

Because I had written much of the early part of the book a long time ago when I was closer to those long and difficult days, re-reading and writing those scenes took me back. My son is a young adult now, and I was amazed at how much I had forgotten about the day-to-day challenges of living with someone who sees the world so differently. And now I can look back and see how far he has come.

Jonas McCann was a bit of a mystery to me. Because my original envisioning of this book was as women’s fiction, there wasn’t a romance thread. So I had to create one. I’m fortunate to have law enforcement officers in my family to draw from. But as I got to know Jonas, he became as beloved to me as all of my characters (They feel like my children; I can’t pick a favorite!).

One of the highest compliments I received was from a book-coaching client (my day job) who read Beneath a Star-Lit Sky, the first book in the Holcomb Springs series. Her husband is a small-town sheriff, and she felt I really captured the role. That meant a lot to me. Even though I write fiction, I want my characters to feel like real people with real problems and challenges.

Under an Indigo Moon takes place in a fictional world—Holcomb Springs—that already has a lot of threads and tie ins. It’s book 2 in the Holcomb Springs Small Town Romantic Suspense series, but it ties in with the two previous series I’ve written—Hometown Heroes and In the Shadow. I don’t know about you, but I love seeing characters from previous books pop up again in later books.

You can certainly enjoy the book without knowing about all the “Easter eggs” hidden inside, but isn’t it more fun to be in on the jokes? So make sure you grab Claire and Alex’s story in Inn at Cherry Blossom Lane (grab it here for free) and the short story that introduces us to the Holcomb Springs group in “An Evening to Remember” (grab it here). There are clues in the story that play out in the book.

I hope you enjoy Jonas and Carissa’s journey as much as I enjoyed writing it—a story of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 6

By the Book, April 7

Vicky Sluiter, April 7

Texas Book-aholic, April 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 10

Daysong Reflections, April 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 12

Book Looks by Lisa, April 13

Lily’s Book Reviews, April 14

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 15

For Him and My Family, April 15

Blogging With Carol, April 16

The Sacred Line, April 17

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 18 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 18

Betti Mace, April 19

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, April 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, J.L. is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed 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/25496/under-an-indigo-moon-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Return to Satterthwaite Court

 

About the Book: 

A reckless Victorian heiress sets her sights on a dashing ex-naval lieutenant, determined to win his heart as the two of them embark on a quest to solve a decades-old mystery in USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews's sequel to her critically acclaimed novels The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim.

Lieutenant Charles Heywood has had his fill of adventure. Battle-weary and disillusioned, he returns to England, resolved to settle down to a quiet, uneventful life on an estate of his own. But arranging to purchase the property he desires is more difficult than Charles ever imagined. The place is mired in secrets, some of which may prove deadly. If he’s going to unravel them, he’ll need the assistance of someone as daring as he is.

At only twenty, Lady Katherine Beresford has already earned a scandalous reputation. As skilled with pistols as she is on horseback, she’s never met an obstacle she can’t surmount—or a man she can’t win. That is, until she encounters the infuriatingly somber Lieutenant Heywood. But Kate refuses to be deterred by the raven-haired soldier’s strong, silent facade. After all, faint heart never won handsome gentleman.

From the wilds of rural Somersetshire to the glittering ballrooms of early-Victorian London, Charles and Kate embark on a cross-country quest to solve a decades’ old mystery. Will the greatest danger be to their hearts—or to their lives?

My Review: 

I loved this book beginning with the stunning cover, all the way to the last word on the page. I have actually read it twice in the span of a week, which is something I rarely do. 

The characters of the story were amazing! There are wonderful main characters, a slime ball suitor, and many siblings that make this a story one that I couldn’t put down. Lady Kate was so much fun and will be one of my favorite characters in the series. She is stubborn, fiesty, bold, determined, and defies social conventions. Charles Heywood is the unsung hero who is” a man of noble character and firm convictions.” He is completely caught off guard by Kate, which makes this such a fun dynamic in the book. 

Other things I loved about the book that you will enjoy are: 

* the “accidental encounter” 

* a crocheted dog muzzle

* family secrets

* mystery and danger

* lots of dogs and cat

* the shooting competition

* Kate + Charles

My favorite quotes: 

“Honesty and integrity always make a difference.” 

“It’s never too late to do the right thing."

It is the third book in the series, so in order to fully enjoy the story you will want to read the other two books beforehand. As you can tell, I highly recommend this book. 

I received a copy of this book. I was not expected to write a positive review. All onions expressed are my own.