Hidden in the Night

About the Book: 

At the behest of her ailing mother, former FBI special agent turned rare-book collector Ivy Elliott arrives in Alaska to secure an unpublished Jack London manuscript kept secreted away for decades. But when she arrives, she learns the manuscript is gone--taken by the granddaughter of the woman who possessed it. Ivy sets off in pursuit, not just to save the manuscript but to save the vulnerable girl, who was previously trafficked and has no idea what she’s getting herself into.
 
Joining forces with Alaska State Trooper Nolan Long, Ivy must battle a blizzard, sabotage, and the worst of an Alaskan winter as the search goes on. But every answer they find only raises more questions--and the danger to their lives and to the missing girl may only be the tip of the iceberg.

My Review:

What would possibly take Ivy Elliott all the way from tropical Florida to frigid Alaska? How about a priceless, unpublished manuscript from a famous author? I really enjoyed the action-filled story with its plot twists, subplots, romance, and message of trusting God.

I highly recommend this romantic suspense book that is the third book in the Missing in Alaska series. You can read this as a standalone as well, but you'll want to read the others because this is a great series. Things to Enjoy: Big Foot “Sunshine Girl” Cursed gold Danger Alaskan wilderness I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and author. I voluntarily reviewed this book, and all opinions are my own.

Lady Ivy and the Irishman

 

About the Book: 

Bound by her family’s expectations, Lady Ivy never though freedom would come in the form of a charming Irish baron with a penchant for flirtation.

Lady Ivy Amberton, weighed down by her family’s expectations, has often struggled to navigate the complexities of high society—until the arrival of Lord Dunmore, a dashing Irish baron whose open charm and spirited view of life turn her world upside down. As Ivy grapples with the unfamiliar thrill of attraction, she is compelled to reconsider her understanding of what it means to truly be herself.

Teague Frost, whose tenure in Parliament has cemented his views on the rigidity of the English, finds himself unexpectedly captivated by Ivy’s intelligence and grace. Her sincerity challenges his prejudices and sparks an affection he had not anticipated. Together, they explore the surprising depths of their connection, each learning to appreciate new truths about themselves and the world.

As their relationship deepens, Ivy and Teague are confronted with the profound implications of their attraction. Can Ivy embrace her true desires and the possibility of a love that defies her family’s plans? Will Teague allow his unexpected love to transform him, fighting for a future that honors both his heritage and his heart?

Set against the elegant backdrop of Regency England, “Lady Ivy and the Irishman” is a tale of self-discovery and unexpected love.

My Review: 

Sally Britton is one of my favorite Regency authors. She combines winsome and complex characters with delightful romance to create stories that make me smile every time. Lady Ivy is my kind of young lady because she feels the most at home in the library. “It didn’t matter where she was in the world, being surrounded by volumes of knowledge and stories soothed her heart and mind.” Ms. Britton writes a great antagonist! Fanny, Ivy’s sister-in-law, is the worst. I couldn’t stand her because she is forever trying to mold Ivy into what she thinks a lady should be instead of seeing all of the good qualities and bright mind that Ivy possesses. Teague Frost is comfortable in his own skin. He fights for what he believes in, even when he is looked down upon the British peerage due to being Irish. Teague sees the beauty of the very unconventional Ivy Amberton. He helps her to discover and embrace the knowledge that she is unique and lovely. Ivy has the right to be loved for who she is and not what others think she should be or do what Society expects. Things to love about this story: Opera glass meet cute Garden exploration Younger siblings He falls first “Magnetic spasm of attraction” Castle library Comparing flowers to personalities Musical party Learning Irish sayings I highly recommend this fifth book in the Clairvoir Castle series. It can be read as a standalone, but would be better enjoyed if you have read the previous books. You can be confident in recommending this book to readers from teen through adult. I vote that this series be made into a television mini series! I received a complimentary copy of the book. I voluntarily reviewed this book, and all opinions are my own.

Shoot at the Sunset

About the Book

Book: Shoot at the Sunset

Author: Kathleen Denly

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: April 9, 2024

Will love survive when truth takes aim at their secrets?

Sharpshooter Preston Baker has spent a lifetime confronting danger head-on. So when a heartfelt letter arrives from his big sister asking for help, he doesn’t hesitate to put his traveling show career on hold and journey to her remote desert ranch, determined to make amends for past failures. What he doesn’t expect is to discover his long-lost little sister and her best friend, Lucy, are both hard at work on the ranch.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Lucy Arlidge’s decision to travel to a remote desert ranch was born as much from desperation as friendship. Fleeing San Francisco may have saved Lucy’s life, but the decision left others in danger. To thwart the evil plans of those who pursue her and her family, Lucy must keep her new gem-mining operation concealed and her secrets safe.

Preston is drawn to the mysterious woman, despite her plans to marry the neighboring rancher. Lucy’s quiet strength and undeniable beauty beckon him like a campfire in the wilderness, offering light amidst the dark memories and deepest fears resurrected by the presence of his sisters. But as danger closes in, Preston and Lucy must confront their pasts to save not only their own futures, but the lives of everyone they love.

 My Review:

In this Christian fiction story of the Wild West, Lucy Arlidge is on the run from some very dangerous, murderous, and ambitious men. Desperate to escape them, she finds herself with her best friend on a ranch. I enjoyed the characters who make up the cattle ranch and how they work out their differences to become a place for people to be healed from their past mistakes.

This story emphasizes that each of us are unique and just because your parents acted a certain way does not mean you are sure to do the same. We each have a will and can use it for good or evil. The power of forgiveness, both by God and others, can change us. 

This is the fifth book in the Chaparral Hearts series. It can be read as a standalone, but I wish I had read the other books because some events from previous books were mentioned and I didn’t have a  full understanding of what had occurred. I liked the generous nature of the Davidson family and Fletcher and his wife. They were truly saints and examples to others. If you like danger, mystery, redemption, and romance in the stories you read, consider reading this. 

I appreciated that the author has a foreword about some delicate issues and trigger warnings. You can decide whether you want to read the book, or pass on it. 

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Kathleen Denly lives in sunny California with her loving husband, four young children, two dogs, and ten cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

 

 More from Kathleen

One of the primary themes of Shoot at the Sunset is secrets and the fears that sometimes drive us to keep them. Did I mention there’s even a secret signal used in the book? So today I thought it would be fun to play with a secret code. Using the key provided below, see if you can reveal the hidden message.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 11

For Him and My Family, May 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 12

Texas Book-aholic, May 13

The Lofty Pages, May 13

Lakesidelivingsite, May 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 15

Blossoms and Blessings, May 15

Alena Mentink, May 16

Devoted To Hope, May 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 17

Karen Baney Reviews, May 18

Melissa’s Bookshelf, May 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 19

Connie’s History Classroom, May 19

Bizwings Book Blog, May 20

Book Looks by Lisa, May 21

Holly’s Book Corner, May 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 22

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 23 (Author Interview)

Books You Can Feel Good About, May 23

Pause for Tales, May 24

Cover Lover Book Review, May 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package 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/2b594/shoot-at-the-sunset-celebration-tour-giveaway

Highcliffe House

About the Book: 

Brighton, England, 1813

When a romantic entanglement leaves her humiliated and reeling, Anna Lane wants nothing more than for her father to whisk her away from the gossip of the ton. Unfortunately, he has obligations elsewhere, leaving her stuck in London.

Graham Everett’s financial security depends on an investment with Mr. Lane, his long-time friend and business partner. He’ll do just about anything to secure it for his family, even if it means fighting spoiled, embittered Anna for her father’s attention.

Luckily, Mr. Lane concocts a plan that will give everyone what they want, with one stipulation: Anna must accompany Graham to Brighton in her father’s stead and make a decision to invest—or not—based on a thorough report.

But it will take more than a day at the beach for these two headstrong hearts to admit that they’ve been wrong about each other. If they are willing to invest a little time working out their differences, they might have a chance at real love.

My Review:

Graham Everett has found a fabulous opportunity to purchase land in Brighton for development, but he needs extra capital. Turning to his mentor, he asks for him to invest in this project. Little does he realize that Mr. Lane would only consider it if his daughter, Anna, go with Graham in order to give him an assessment as to the wisdom of the investment. That would be fine, but Anna and Graham detest each other. This humorous and poignant story of realizing that impressions are just that until you get to really know someone. Watching Anna’s walls of self-preservation come down was the sweetness of the story. Both Graham and Anna had to let go of their judgements of each other to see the true nature of each other.

Eight year old Tabitha was such a fun character and a delight to have in the story. She is a wild child who loves the outdoors and is fascinated with animals. I loved how she met Anna and couldn’t help but laugh!

Things to love about this book:
Forced proximity
Dual POV
Brighton
Twist on Pride and Prejudice
Graham’s family
Beach adventures
Fishing surprise
Humor
Enemies to more
Clean romance

One of my favorite quotes:
“True to form, she turned her nose up at me, took her father’s arm, and smiled the most innocent and gracious, helpless, and hopeful smile that could turn any man’s heart to utter mush. A smile that would one day trick some poor hapless man into marrying her.”

I highly recommend this Regency romance. Readers from teens through older readers will enjoy this story. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

Scandals and Mercies

 

About the Book

Book: Scandals and Mercies

Author: Kathleen Rouser

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: April 23, 2024

He’s a reporter determined to uncover the truth, but the secrets he finds could crush her family—and their second chance at love.

Taken from her family’s farm to be raised by her wealthy aunt and uncle, Nora Armstrong has accepted that not only will she never realize her dream of becoming a teacher, she’d also rather be a spinster than submit to her cruel aunt’s society selection of a suitable husband. The one man who caught her eye betrayed her best friend. And she’s got enough on her hands, hiding her sister’s shameful secret from her aunt.

When the local home for unwed mothers burns down, the arson investigation brings big-city reporter James Cooper back to Stone Creek—and back into Nora’s life. James also has a meddling aunt who raises more questions than she answers about his past. Not to mention, he can’t figure out why Nora constantly rebuffs him. When his reporting casts aspersions on the local church and lays the blame for the fire and a series of robberies at the wrong feet, he risks losing his new position at the paper.

As they seek to unravel the town’s mystery, rescue endangered mothers and children, and navigate their own family secrets forced to light, James and Nora increasingly turn to each other for help. But can they overcome James’s lack of faith and the disapproval of Nora’s guardians to find a second chance at love?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review: 

Nora Armstrong is a young woman who exemplifies what it means to turn the other cheek. She is really a saint!  Nora's Aunt Gertrude with whom she lives is a domineering, harsh, bitter woman, continually berating and finding fault with Nora at every turn. I admired her for loving her aunt when it wasn't easy and choosing to put her faith in action. She shows that, "love is patient, love is kind."

Secrets  and their impact on people's lives are at the heart of this story. You never really know what is behind someone's actions until you hear what they have been through. Choosing to forgive and love is powerful and life-giving and shown in the lives of James and Nora. I can see that the relationships in their families will grow stronger and better from here forward.

I was glad to see James's faith grow throughout the book. However, I did feel that his attitude changed very quickly from being skeptical and antagonistic to following God. I'd like to have seen just one more instance of his heart softening and changing. 

This is the first book I have read in the Stone Creek Brides series, and I feel that I would have benefited from reading the other two books to know more about some of the characters. I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the Author

Kathleen Rouser is a multi-published, award-winning author of historical and contemporary Christian romance. She is a longtime member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writers. She resides in southeast Michigan, a location which she often uses in her novels, with her hero and husband of forty-some years and two sweet cats who found a home in their empty nest.

 

 

 

More from Kathleen

Writing Scandals and Mercies: A Personal Spiritual Journey

By Kathleen Rouser

Scandals and Mercies has been my hardest story to write thus far. It seems that as I work through issues in my life it may come out in my characters. And I can relate to Nora Armstrong, my heroine. I can understand some of her struggles, her tender heart toward the Coping children, and figuring out who she is in Jesus. The challenges I had in writing this book are reflected in the theme which came through as I wrote it—identity in Christ. Then I became more purposeful in exploring the theme. Nora felt alone and had doubts at the beginning, but then she learned what it meant for her to trust in God despite her difficulties.

Though I’d been a believer for nearly forty years when I began writing Scandals and Mercies, I was—and still am—going through some difficult trials that forced me to really think about what my identity in Christ is. Who am I in Him? Will I depend on Jesus through one of the worst trials of my life? Or will I become bitter? I think of when Jesus said some hard things and many of His disciples deserted Him. He said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” And Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

Jesus is truly the only One who has the answers, the words of eternal life. Where else would I turn? And when He doesn’t directly answer, especially the way I want, it’s for me to trust in Him.

And it’s also about sharing in the fellowship of His sufferings, not that we can add anything to our salvation, but that trials and suffering are a part of the Christian life, meant to mold us and grow us in our faith. And if we allow it, to be changed more closely into the someone who projects the image of Christ to others. My husband likes to say we are “Jesus with skin on” for each other.

Working through all of that while writing how Nora grew in her faith took a lot of emotional energy, but God strengthened me and I finished her story, while He is still writing mine!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 7

Texas Book-aholic, May 8

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 9

Lighthouse Academy Blog, May 9 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Betti Mace, May 10

Devoted To Hope, May 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 13

lakesidelivingsite, May 14

For Him and My Family, May 15

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 16 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, May 16

Book Looks by Lisa, May 17

Connie’s History Classroom, May 18

Holly’s Book Corner, May 19

Pause for Tales, May 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package 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/2b58d/scandals-and-mercies-celebration-tour-giveaway

Winning Winnie's Hand

 

About the Book: 

She’s no damsel, but dang…this knight in shining armor kinda makes her want to be.

Born into a driven and successful family, Winnie Knox tries—and fails—to impress her parents and siblings as she bounces from career to career, year to year. In a last-ditch effort, Winnie takes on consulting work at a stately home in England, hoping to gain a nice bit of prestige as she improves the massive British estate.

In true Knox Fashion, Winnie dives headfirst into her new position. In true Winnie Fashion, she ends up with her car headfirst...in the mud. But what does she see coming to her rescue? Nothing short of a knight in shining armor.

Literally. A knight in shining armor. On a horse. What century is this again? Well, whatever it is, Winnie doesn’t mind lingering in it if she gets to stare at a man like him all day. This job is going to be a walk in the park.

Of course, nothing is ever as easy as it should be with Winnie as she puts her foot in her mouth and straightaway offends the knight—who just so happens to be someone far more important than the simple thespian he appears to be.

But Winnie Knox is a professional. She can charm anyone.

Can't she?

My Review: 

From the opening scene of a knight in shining armor emerging from the trees, I was caught up in the story of Winnie and Matthew. Wanting so desperately to please her father with her consulting business, she runs over everyone to help make the Medieval festival more successful. Winnie’s take charge attitude and ignorance of the history of the period causes her to not see the importance of what Matthew is trying to accomplish. It takes a lot of patience and a ride into the countryside for Winnie to see what is all around her.

I loved that Matthew and Winnie help each other see that failures are opportunities to grow. Winnie’s fear of that caused her to nearly give up her heart’s desire. Matthew’s fear of no one longer caring about the festival makes him almost forsake his passion of teaching history and seeing the next generation get excited about the past. The solution for both of them was perfect and what I liked the most about the story.

Things to love:
Knight to the rescue
Medieval festival
Riding through the countryside
Hide and seek
“Minnie” Cooper
Enemies to more

I highly recommend this first book in the Men of the Isles series. You will love this if you like clean romantic comedies.

I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

For a Lifetime

 

About the Book:

Grace and Hope are identical twin sisters born with the ability to time-cross together between 1692 Salem, Massachusetts, and 1912 New York City. As their twenty-fifth birthday approaches, they will have to choose one life to keep and one to leave behind forever--no matter the cost.

In 1692, they live and work in their father's tavern, where they must watch helplessly as the witch trials unfold in their village, threatening everyone. With the help of a handsome childhood friend, they search for the truth behind their mother's mysterious death, risking everything to expose a secret that could save their lives--or be their undoing.

In 1912, Hope dreams of becoming one of the first female pilots in America, and Grace works as an investigative journalist, uncovering corruption and injustice. After their parents' orphanage is threatened by an adversary, they enter a contest to complete a perilous cross-country flight under the guidance of a daring French aviator.

My Review: 

Twins Hope and Grace are living in two very signifiant periods in our country’s history. One time being the Salem Witch Trials and the other the start of the age of aviation. The research that Ms. Meyer did for this story was amazing as she was able to bring events to life. I learned quite a few new things, some of it was sad and shocking, while other events were encouraging and exciting. I stopped reading a couple of times to look further into some of the things that happened in the story. 

I loved how different the girls were and the perspectives they each brought to the story. Grace is cautious and careful while Hope is daring and takes risks. The twists and turns that the story took were a pleasant surprise and made this hard to put down.  I highly recommend this and the other books in the Timeless series. You do not need to read the other books to enjoy this one, but it was nice to see some of the women from past books. 

Hope finds that there are more time crossers in their extended family, so this will be fun to see which characters Ms. Meyer will choose to write about. I am also curious and excited about the time periods we will get to explore. 

I received a complimentary copy of the book through Austen Prose. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

Flat Deception

 About the Book: 

Lady Sophie Henderson has worked tirelessly to establish a breeding stable for racehorses on her family’s Scottish estate. But when her father cuts her funding, she’s desperate to find a way to achieve her life’s ambition. Selling precious heirloom jewels enables Sophie to care for her thoroughbreds, though it’s a temporary solution—and one that does not go unnoticed.

Zander Matthews is painfully aware of the role he played in Sophie’s loss of sponsorship. Now, he’s determined to use his hard-earned wealth to help her achieve her dreams. When Zander shocks Sophie with the offer of a business investment, it seems her aspirations are finally within reach. But the new partners discover that finding success will not be simple. There is a dark side to the posh British racing community, and Sophie and Zander have captured the attention of an enemy whose greed knows no bounds. Even as their partnership develops into something more, their happy ending is just beyond reach. Because in a world where people are willing to do anything to win, it’s impossible to know who to trust.

My Review: 

Paige Edwards has become a favorite author of mine. She does an excellent job with interweaving subplots to create a suspenseful and hard to put down story. I never did figure out who was the mastermind behind the illegal horse racing activities. Maybe you’ll have better success than me! With a romantic suspense you of course need a couple, and Zander Matthews and Sophie Henderson are the perfect pair. Sophie is a horse expert in a male dominated sport, having to be careful in every decision she makes. One misstep and her tireless efforts of creating a stud farm will just be a dream. I love how Zander steps in to provide her with the financial backing to follow her heart. He is patient, kind, and generous in showing Sophie he believes in her. Ms. Edwards provides a glossary of Scottish words at the beginning of the book in case you need them. I appreciate that this was given, but I really only needed it for a couple of words because the context of the words helped me to figure out the word with no extra effort. Things I enjoyed: Crafty villains Lovable hero Horse racing Scottish dialect The staff I highly recommend this second book in the Roxbury Heirs series. You can read this as a standalone, but you’ll want to read the other book too because it is just that good. I received an advanced complimentary copy. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.