Summer at the Niagara of the South

 

About the Book

Book: A Summer at The Niagara of the South

Author: Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 28, 2024

She came to the resort to heal her voice, only to discover her heart needed healing more.

Breaking under the stress of being a rising star, opera singer Grace Galveston travels to Tallulah Falls in search of reprieve. With its multiple waterfalls, spectacular gorge and mountain scenery, and lavish resorts, “The Niagara of the South,” seems the perfect place to do just that. Even amid the crowds and excitement of an aerialist’s attempt to cross the gorge, Grace hopes to find peace.

Daniel Monroe basks in that peace as minister of a local church. He’s the perfect tour guide for Grace during her visit—until his heart gets entangled with the red-haired beauty with an angel’s voice. The trip sheds light on the secret pain in Grace’s heart. And does she even share the faith that’s so vital to his ministry? Can the blessing of friendship and the possibility of love guide her toward healing, or will the call of her life back in New York mean even greater heartbreak?

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review: 

Join Grace Galveston as she and her aunt retreat to a magical place called Tallulah Falls. I have enjoyed this resort series, and Georgia sounds like a fantastical and beautiful place to relax. The author described things so well that I would love to visit here some day. 

This story of a wealthy young woman and a pastor and their blossoming relationship was enjoyable to read. Readers of all ages will enjoy this story as well as the faith message that is presented. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided to me by the publisher through Celebrate Lit. All views are only my opinion. I was not required to write a review.

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Weimer has authored over a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

 

 

 

 More from Denise

A Vanished Gilded Age Resort on the Edge of a Gorge

I first discovered Tallulah Gorge in Northeast Georgia when I was a student at Toccoa Falls College, only a couple years before the area was designated a state park. It was considered a perfect place for a day out hiking, tracing whatever faint trail one could find to an overlook into the thousand-foot-deep canyon or down to the series of waterfalls below. The more daring (or crazy) would jump off the rock cliffs into the pools—without a clue that the dangerous currents feeding the rapids had whisked many an adventurer to their death.

 

As a young mom, I moved to Habersham County and learned that over twenty lavish resorts had clung to the rim of the gorge during Gilded Age and Edwardian times. In fact, Tallulah Gorge with its series of six spectacular falls had drawn people from all over the nation and been dubbed “The Niagara of the South.” To power the city of Atlanta, Georgia Power Company dammed the river and constructed a large hydroelectric facility at the site in 1912, greatly reducing the amount of water flowing through the gorge. In 1921, a fire destroyed most of the hotels and brought an end to the glamorous tourist era.

The idea of recreating on the page something lost to history has inspired many a story idea for me. I had set aside my quest for publication with the birth of my daughters, but Tallulah Falls called to me. I soon penned my first published novella, Redeeming Grace, set during the summer of 1886 when tightrope walker Professor Leon crossed the gorge before a crowd of around six thousand. (The stunt was repeated in 1970 by Karl Wallenda.) That little book was a tiny initial stepping stone on my journey to becoming a multi-published author and editor.

 

Another more recent novella of mine, A Winter at the White Queen, set at Hotel Belleview in Florida, kicked off Wild Heart Books’ Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts Series in January 2023. It took quite a while for it to dawn on me that after being released from its original contract, Redeeming Grace was pretty much gathering digital dust—and with a light edit and new cover and title, it could perfectly bookend the series. So we give you A Summer at the Niagara of the South, the story of a New York opera singer breaking under the stress of newfound stardom, and the Tallulah Falls minister who doesn’t dare to dream she could fit into his humble world.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 30

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 30

Book Looks by Lisa, July 31

Texas Book-aholic, August 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 5

Simple Harvest Reads, August 6 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Pause for Tales, August 7

Devote To Hope, August 7

Blossoms and Blessings, August 8

Connie’s History Classroom, August 9

Holly’s Book Corner, August 10

For Him and My Family, August 11

Bizwings Book Blog, August 12

Cover Lover Book Review, August 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/2d08d/a-summer-at-the-niagara-of-the-south-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Kitchen Contract

 

About the Book: 

What do I have to lose by letting Nora use my kitchen? Apparently, my heart.

It’s been three years since my last relationship blew up like an atomic bomb. I haven’t dated since and would be totally happy to stay single forever – if the extrovert in me wasn’t so darn lonely.

When my sister-in-law introduces me to Nora and not-so-subtly suggests that I should let her use my kitchen for her online cooking show, I quickly decide it’s a win-win. Nora will have a nice place to film and I’ll get home-cooked meals and some company out of the deal.

What I’m not counting on is that the more time we spend together while she teaches me to cook on camera, the more drawn I am to this beautiful, funny, overthinking woman. She’s kind and supportive, can cook the heck out of anything, and brings out the best in me. It seems like she’s into me too, but can I trust her? Is she actually keeping secrets from me or is the trauma of my past messing with my perception?

As the show and our relationship continue to grow, I know I need to decide if exploring a future with Nora is worth the risk.

My Review: 

Nora’s culinary career has not gone the way that she had hoped or planned. She is working in a restaurant that doesn’t provide a creative outlet for her, but her friends have an idea. She can teach someone to cook and use all of the recipes she loves to make. Enter Alex, a fun-loving, fire- then- aim kind of guy. He’ll be the willing tutoree and provide the kitchen too.

Fun quote: “He seems of sound mind and good humor.”

Things to love:
Opposites attract
dual POV
an “intruder”
code words
YouTube cooking show
kitchen fairy
ketchup fiasco
fresh start
nicknames
grand gesture
recipes at the end of the book

This is part of the Boyfriend in the Bargain series but can be read as a standalone. It has kisses only, so readers from teens through adults will enjoy this fun story.

I voluntarily reviewed this complimentary copy of the book. All views are my opinion and given voluntarily.

Meeting Her Match

  

ABOUT THE BOOK 

Miss Camilla Pierpont, a renowned matchmaker and influential member of the New York Four Hundred, has vowed never to marry after suffering a devastating heartbreak during her debut years ago. However, when she is nearly abducted along the Hudson River, she finds herself rescued by an annoyingly outspoken, albeit fascinating, gentleman who challenges her in a manner she wasn't expecting.

After learning that Camilla Pierpont has enjoyed success with taking wayward young ladies in hand, Mr. Owen Chesterfield travels to the Hudson River Valley determined to convince Camilla to sponsor his sister, who is in desperate need of social rehabilitation.

Knowing her life is in danger, Camilla agrees to Owen's proposition and travels with him to West Virginia, finding herself charmed by the less-than-formal attitude of his small hometown, as well as by Owen himself. But danger waits in the shadows, disrupting what she knows would be the most spectacular match she's ever made--her own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from RT Book Reviews, and praise from Library Journal. She's been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado. Readers can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and X, and at JenTurano.com. 

MY REVIEW

From the lap of luxury in New York to the countryside of West Virginia,  Camilla Pierpont, matchmaker extraordinaire is comfortable wherever she goes. The crazy way in which Camilla and Owen Chesterfield meet, along with its misunderstanding, will have you laughing from the very beginning of the story. But the smiles and giggles doesn’t stop there! 

Jen Turano is an author whose books I can easily recommend to readers from teens through adults. It has love, adventure, mystery, surprises, and lots of fun. This is the third book in The Matchmaker series. While it can be read as a standalone, you’ll enjoy the stories of the other love matches that Camilla has helped make happen.

 

Things to look forward to reading:

Owen’s family

Esmeralda the pig

Fashion

Humor

West Virginia sayings

Chickens and whitewashing fences

Apple pie recipe

Annoyance to love

Multiple love matches

I voluntarily reviewed this complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, NetGalley, and AustenProse. All views are my opinion in which I was not required to write a review.

Cold Vengeance

 

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Cold Vengeance by Nancy Mehl hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Cold Vengeance 

Series: Ryland & St. Clair #3 

Author: Nancy Mehl 

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 

Release Date: July 16, 2024 

Genre: Romantic Suspense 

When a renowned crime podcaster vanishes without a trace, former FBI behavioral analysts turned private investigators River Ryland and Tony St. Clair are called upon to track her down. As they wade through the evidence she left behind, they unearth a startling connection--she may have discovered the existence of an unknown serial killer, and he will stop at nothing to carry out a deadly plan. 

As the pair delves deeper, they soon find themselves the target of a relentless enemy determined to silence them. With their lives--and hearts--on the line, can they confront the evil that threatens them before it consumes them both? 

USA Today bestselling author Nancy Mehl brings her Ryland & St. Clair series to an explosive close with a pulse-pounding story where the stakes are high and silence is deadly.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

More Books from this Series:

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About the Author

Nancy Mehl is the author of more than fifty books, a Parable and ECPA bestseller, and the winner of an ACFW Book of the Year Award, a Carol Award, and the Daphne du Maurier Award. She has also been a finalist for the Christy Award. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson.

Connect with Nancy by visiting NancyMehl.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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My Review 

I have enjoyed River and Tony, the two main characters of this series and seeing their relationship grow throughout. They not only make a great investigative team, but a terrific couple.They have each other’s back and want the best for each other. 

The disappearance of April, a cold case podcaster, leads River and Tony to not only to try and locate her but also to review all of the cases she was investigating. This was interesting and unique to the story since they helped solve the majority of them based upon the work that April had previously completed. What happened to April and who was behind her vanishing provided an unexpected twist. 

The killer who has been after River and Tony is lurking in the background.  It was interesting to see River facing her fear of confronting the killer again. Her faith was strong and really helped her to be able to overcome that which has haunted her. There were some tense moments that I wasn’t sure what was going to be the outcome.

If you are a fan of Christian romantic suspense, I highly recommend reading this series. You will want to read the other two books in the series before reading this one since it is a continuation. 

 

I voluntarily reviewed this complimentary copy of the book provided by the publisher, NetGalley, and Just Read Tours. All views are my opinion in which I was not required to write a review.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive the complete paperback set of the Ryland & St. Clair series and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 24, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 31, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

To Have and to Scold

 About the Book: 

Dallas Olivia Cardon is moments away from being crowned senior wedding planner at the big-city firm of her dreams when a misunderstanding leads to her getting fired.

Rushing off to lick her wounds at her new job in Willow Cove, Dallas figures a few months on the beach couldn’t hurt as she tries to rebuild her portfolio and her reputation. She even meets a hot, flirty guy on her very first day in town. Maybe this temporary position might actually be a little enjoyable?

Maybe not.

Beck Billingsly is Willow Cove’s most eligible bachelor, but he’s not interested in settling down. His past has taught him that commitment equals heartbreak. He only wants to run his hometown construction company, serve the people he grew up idolizing, and play too much beach volleyball.

So when a case of mistaken identity ends up putting him at odds with the new event planner, he finds her no-nonsense, git ‘er done personality frustrating.

Unfortunately, they have to figure out how to build a seaside event center for the wedding of the year without killing each other. Even more unfortunately, their verbal spars leave him wanting more, and he cannot get her out of his head.

It just may be impossible for him to let her go.

My Review: 

You are sure to love and laugh with the opening of this book. Prince Harry, the llama, once again escapes his enclosure and greets newcomer, Dallas Cardon, to Willow Cove. Dallas is here to redeem her reputation as a wedding planner after her huge wedding cake mixup in Atlanta. This small coastal town with all of its amazing people is just what Dallas needs gain back her confidence.

Beck Billingsley has been hurt in his last relationship and is not looking to start again. But, when Dallas has to work with him and his construction company on the new wedding venue, it’s going to be hard to hold to his resolve. As the deadline approaches for the mansion to be completed and the first wedding scheduled, Beck and Dallas find their relationship growing and developing in ways neither one of them expected.

Things to enjoy:
pets
dual POV
professional hugger
beachfront mansion
the Death List
volleyball lesson
wedding beach fiasco

This is the third book in the Sweet Coastal Kisses series. It can be read as a standalone, but you'll enjoy reading the other books. There are characters from the other two books that are in this story, and it's nice, but not necessary, to know their backstory.

I voluntarily reviewed this complimentary copy of the book. All views are my opinion in which I was not required to write a review.

The Lady Glass

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Theresia Dvorak has nothing left of her parents—nothing save her dowry, a priceless crystal vase stolen and sold by her own stepmother. Theresia will do anything to secure what is rightfully hers—even assume a false identity and steal her future back. When she gains entrance to a house party and has a memorable run-in with the handsome naval captain Rolland Reese, her mission is compromised. She swore never to trust an Englishman again, but when he makes a daring proposal she cannot refuse, she must work side by side with him if either of them is to achieve their aim.

Rolland is stunned when his homecoming from the war takes a decidedly deadly turn. The quickest solution is to throw a house party and invite all the suspects. With the stakes incredibly high, Rolland must root out the killer before they turn their sights to the next potential victim: his own father. The mysterious Theresia is undoubtedly the most suspicious of his guests, but against all odds, he finds himself risking everything to protect her. As Rolland unravels a tangle of clues, he faces the greatest threats of all: a heart of fire and a future as fragile as glass.

AUTHOR BIO

Anneka R. Walker is a best-selling author of historical and contemporary romance. With humor and an abundance of heart, she crafts uplifting stories you won't soon forget. She is the winner of the Swoony Award, the LDSPMA Praiseworthy Award, and various chapter contests. Her books have received praise from Publishers Weekly, Historical Novel Society, Midwest Book Review, and Readers Favorite. She graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in English and history and hopes to never stop learning. She is a blessed wife, proud mother of five, lover of Jesus, connoisseur of chocolate, and believer in happy endings.

MY REVIEW 

This Cinderella retelling is like no other that I have read. I loved it! Theresia Dvorak was sent away from her home and has now returned to claim her dowry, the prized glass vase her father made for her. But, her evil stepmother has made underhanded dealings and the vase is no longer at the house. Theresia’s only hope in getting it back is to attend a house party that she hasn’t even been chosen as a guest. 

I loved the fun and original twists on the fairy tale. One of my favorites was how Theresia loses her slipper. You will have your heart racing as Theresia meets Rolland on her quest to find her family heirloom. You are sure to laugh throughout the story as they spar with words. Having spies in the story was something I enjoyed that added mystery and intrigue.

I highly recommend readers of all ages to choose this book. It is a standalone, but there are also two other books that are in the series. Here are some additional things to love:

 

Spunky FMC

Thwarting a thief

Benevolent godfather

Gypsies

Climbing trellises

Banter

Humor

Secrets

Crumbling ruins

Thank you to AustenProse for the opportunity to participate in the book tour. I received an advanced reader copy of this book and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Prodigy and the Diamond

About the Book: 

When love is won by virtue of a wager, who knew it could be lost within ten days?

Oliver Fernley is a musical prodigy. After a few years of tutoring pupils on various instruments, Oliver has decided his current course has amounted to very little. He needs a change. A night out with friends at Whites seems to be the ticket to break him out of his mundane life. A wager or two seems harmless until he is deep in his cups and freely spending beyond his means.

According to the gossip columns, Hannah Anderson is the season’s diamond. The debutante to watch, emulate, and befriend. Her identical twin sister is overlooked due to scarring after a misfortunate accident and her awkward exuberance for finding a match. To bolster her sister’s confidence, Hannah enters a wager to prove that any man would take his leave for the countryside if faced with the same faux pas, even if it was Society’s proclaimed diamond.

The rules are simple. First, the other party cannot know about the wager. Second, there are only ten days to triumph. Oliver must win Hannah’s heart. Hannah must embarrass Oliver so he will leave town. But in the game of love, nothing is as it seems, and these two wagering enthusiasts find themselves fooled.

My Review: 

I have loved every one of the stories in the Fernley Family series, and this was a perfect way to end it. The secrets, the wagers, and the unexpected romance between Oliver and Hannah. I loved the ways that Hannah tries to get Oliver to stop pursuing her. I laughed quite a few times at her clumsiness and the unforgivable faux pas at the croquet match.

Things to love:  

The Fernley family

Sisters’ love

Humor

Horse rides

Defending Hannah’s honor

Sword fight

A scandalous ball

Hannah’s Ballad

Tribute to Father Fernley

Favorite quote: “Mistakes will always be made. It is admitting fault and then setting things right that will be remembered.” I highly recommend this and all of the other books in this series. Oliver and Hannah’s story can be read as a standalone too. They are clean and wholesome romances that readers of all ages will enjoy. I received a complimentary copy of this advanced reader copy through Book Sirens. I am leaving this review voluntarily.