Showing posts with label Historical Romance. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

A Chance for Kallie Mae

She believes her dreams have been buried until one is rekindled—but the other threatens to cost her everything she loves.

Kallie Mae Bertram has harbored two dreams since childhood: to learn to read and to one day marry Quinn Spencer. But her first dream slipped away after her little sister died of a fever and her mother passed in childbirth. Kallie promised to care for the baby and her younger brother, which meant putting aside her own desires in order to keep her family together. But then a Moonlight School for adults offers Kallie hope of finally fulfilling that goal.

After Kallie's father forbids her from seeing Quinn, her second dream seems impossible. That is, until her frantic search for her missing sister leads to an unexpected encounter with Quinn in the woods—their first meeting in six years. The love they shared as children burns stronger than ever, awakening hopes Kallie thought were forever buried. But with their families locked in a bitter feud, following her heart could cost Kallie everything she's worked to protect.

Review:

I haven’t read any books by this author before, but I really enjoyed the depiction of the families who live in Southeastern Kentucky. Kallie Mae has been thrust into a situation that is not of her own making. Her hopes and dreams were dashed when she must step up to take care of her family. Ms. Gabhart captures your attention with the families that make this area their home. There is superstition, family feuds, and strong faith that builds the story and the characters.

Besides Kallie and her younger sister, Emmie, Aunt Sudie was my favorite character. Her comments at times made me laugh. She wields wisdom, prodding, matchmaking and backbone to be truly a woman that people respect.

I loved the Moonlight School that gave hard working adults the opportunity to learn how to read. Seeing Kallie and Quinn benefit from this program and the dedication of the teachers was very rewarding.

I recommend this book if you enjoy authors such as Jan Karon and Pepper Basham, or books like Christy.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Fiction, NetGalley, and Great Reads Book Promo. A positive review was not required.

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Calico Canyon

About the Book

Book: Calico Canyon (Petticoats and Cowboys Book 2)

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: April 28, 2026

From beloved author Mary Connealy comes a delightful Western adventure brimming with danger, laughter, and unexpected romance—a tale of a runaway teacher, a bewildered widower, and five rambunctious boys who need a mother whether they want one or not. Perfect for fans of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer.

Grace Calhoun never imagined teaching school in Texas would lead to marriage—especially not to the infuriating Daniel Reeves.

When Grace flees her adoptive father’s cruelty by hiding in a stranger’s wagon, the town parson insists on an immediate wedding, leaving Grace trapped in marriage to a stubborn widower with five unruly sons—the very boys who made her teaching job impossible.

Daniel Reeves has no intention of risking his heart—or another wife—to childbirth.

Still grieving the loss of his first wife, Daniel wants nothing to do with the prim schoolmarm forced into his family. He’ll build her a house and provide for her needs, but he’ll keep his distance. His sons need a mother, but he refuses to fall in love again.

Snowed in together for a long Texas winter, walls begin to crumble.

As Grace discovers the courage she thought she’d lost, she transforms from a frightened woman on the run to a fierce protector of her new family. The boys who once tormented her become the children of her heart. And the husband who swore to keep his distance? He’s finding it harder each day to resist his spirited wife.

But when Grace’s dangerous past catches up to her, she must choose between running again or standing firm in the faith that brought her to Calico Canyon—even if it costs her everything.

A tender tale of found family, healing love, and the faithfulness of God in the midst of life’s unexpected turns.

Review:

This early westward expansion story has a surly father and a prissy schoolmarm who find themselves making the best of a forced marriage. I admired Grace’s fortitude to raise five rambunctious boys who weren’t hers and live in conditions that anyone would find trying conditions. She was also brave to stand up and take action against a man who had terrorized her throughout her life.

I enjoyed this story, but there were some unfinished stories for some of the characters. I am curious as to if they will appear in a future story.

*physical abuse, verbal abuse, assault

I received a copy of the book through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies with cowboys and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 75 books and novellas. She has over a million and a half books in print.

Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Visit her website or find her at Petticoats & Pistols!

More from Mary

I think of Calico Canyon as my husband’s life growing up.

He is sixth of seven sons. A family of all boys.

His mom, my mother-in-law, was the coolest lady I’ve ever known. That woman could handle everything and never be other than sweet and generous and so funny. She’s gone now but for all the years she was in my life, I’d say she was my best friend.

All those boys! She was the living embodiment of rolling with the punches and not sweating the small stuff.

Those brothers…they are the inspiration for this book but my mother-in-law read it and said, her boys were so much better behaved than those boys in Calico Canyon, and she’s right about that…no boys could be worse than the Reeves boys.

This book is the embodiment of the forced marriage. Two people caught in a completely innocent compromising situation. Nothing will do but immediate marriage after Grace spends the night with Daniel.

But there were five boys in that cave with us!

Not gonna save you, Grace.

Grace is a school marm and those boys have been a torment to her ever since they’d shown up at school. Now, due to Grace needing to hide from her abusive, adoptive father, who has tracked her down to this tiny town in Texas, she’d ended up under a tarp over Daniel’s wagon. He takes her home and she has no choice but to stay quiet under that tarp until it’s too

late to take her back.

The wedding scene from Calico Canyon was, for many years, what I considered the funniest thing I’d ever written. Very hard work to get that scene right. Grace is confused when she’s found with Daniel by the parson. Oh, good. Someone who will give me a ride back to town.

The parson is saying the vows. Grace is happy to take a ride. The parson’s wife is urging the parson to hurry. Daniel is trying to put a stop to it. The boys are all horrified to see their hated teacher.

Mayhem ensues.

It was a lot of fun to get right. Lots of moving parts in that scene.

And then a blizzard snows the gap that leads into their canyon shut and they have to spend the winter trying not to kill each other. And of course, falling in love.

I hope you enjoy Calico Canyon. The fumbling, clueless cowboy. The innocent, befuddled school marm. The unruly boys who don’t see why she can’t cook and why she won’t go home.

The danger, circling the outside of their canyon, waiting for the gap to open so he can avenge himself on the daughter that send him to prison.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, May 5

For Him and My Family, May 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 7

Simple Harvest Reads, May 8 (Guest Review from Donna)

Jeanette’s Thoughts , May 9

Fruitfully Planted, May 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 10

Books You Can Feel Good About, May 11

Vicky Sluiter, May 12

Sydney Schmied, May 13

Book Looks by Lisa, May 14

Wishful Endings, May 15

Labor Not in Vain , May 16

Mary Hake, May 16

Cover Lover Book Review, May 17

Holly’s Book Corner, May 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/5MQgR/calico-canyon-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, April 20, 2026

Windvale

Sir Henry Ainsley is drowning. Years of debt have piled up, and the only thing keeping him afloat is the need to see his sister secure in marriage. When an unexpected lifeline appears to absolve his debts in return for information on a missing merchant ship, he jumps at the chance—though he thought he’d left such dangerous work behind him. The catch is it comes with attending a house party on the Channel Islands, hosted by Mrs. Alice Seymour. But what’s one more gamble, if it could see his sister safely married before his crumbling facade is revealed?

Alice Seymour has no interest in love. Widowed and painfully reserved, she hosts her yearly matchmaking parties more out of duty than delight; it is far easier to help others find their happily ever after. Yet when the inscrutable Sir Henry arrives, his charm and quiet kindness begin to stir feelings she had long believed were too fanciful to be real. But as secrets from his past surface—and pieces of her own begin to fall into place—she is not certain she wishes to open her heart.

But the truth behind the missing ship might be more dangerous than Henry believed, and the possibility of failure threatens to destroy his future and the fragile trust growing between him and his hostess. As the island’s shadowy dealings come to light, Henry’s options grow limited, and Alice must choose between the comfort of the life she knows... or risk everything for the one man who truly sees her.

Review:

Spies, matchmaking, smuggling, and a love that develops over time between Alice and Sir Henry makes this a terrific story to be invested in their romance.Henry has the best kinds of friends. They never give up on him or trying to help him. Everyone needs people like that in their lives! I love that there are several suspects throughout the story as to who is the arch villain, and there are some surprises that kept me engaged until the very end.

Things to love:

beach scene

danger

mystery

Channel Islands

house party

redemption

I highly recommend reading this book that is the fifth book in the Regency Love Stories series. It can be read as a standalone, but I am sure you will want to read the other books too.

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

Monday, March 9, 2026

Stars in Her Eyes

About the Book

Book: Stars in Her Eyes

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 10, 2026

A determined minister and a talented actress—bound by love, tested by prejudice, and challenged to choose between heart and conventions.

Pastor Silas Hamilton defied his father’s plans for his life in order to follow God’s call to a small Colorado church. But when he falls for Willow Starr, a gifted actress new to town, his congregation threatens to fracture. Though he’s certain she’s the one God intends for him, mounting pressure forces him to question everything.

Willow has never known a life beyond the theater, following in her parents’ footsteps alongside her domineering sister. When she meets Silas, she discovers a love worth more than any stage role. But with a career-making opportunity in New York beckoning and a church suspicious of actresses, Willow must decide if she’s brave enough to step into an entirely new life.

As rumors and lies threaten to tear them apart, Silas and Willow discover that sometimes the hardest choices lead to the greatest blessings.

Review:

Silas Hamilton, the single pastor of a small church in Martin City, has quite the time avoiding ambitious mothers trying to match him with their daughters, and Mrs. Dabble is the worst. So, when Silas meets actress, Willow Starr, and falls for her, Mrs. Dabble becomes enraged. What happens will test not only the love of Silas and Willow, but get quite a few people involved. Ms. Vetsch touches on the topic of prejudice and self-righteousness throughout the story. This gives the reader something to think about and examine preconceived ideas that can be found in our own lives. It was great to see Silas’s friends rally around him and Willow when they really needed it.

This is part of the Brides of the West series and can be read as a standalone. However, some the characters from previous books are a part of the story, and it’s fun to see them as part of Silas’s life.

I received a complimentary copy of the book through Celebrate Lit. I was not expected to write a positive review.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum.

More from Erica

One of the questions I often get as an author is, “Where do your ideas come from?”

The answer is “All over!”

I often get ideas while watching movies or reading books, delving into history books, visiting historical sites, or daydreaming.

For the story Stars in Her Eyes, the idea came from a photograph. A portrait of a pretty girl. Her name was Maude Adams, and her photograph stayed in my mind for a long time.

Those gray eyes, the regal tilt to her chin, the ‘touch-me-not’ expression.

Willow Starr was born.

Stars in her Eyes is the third book in a trilogy set in a mining town in Colorado. Such boomtowns had acting troupes moving through to entertain the minors and bring a bit of ‘class’ to those who were making their fortunes.

So of course, I had to imagine the least likely person to fall in love with an actress. A pastor.

Silas has a rare ability to see the talents of others, not as a threat or oddity, but as a potential asset to the church. He believes that God gifts individuals for the purpose of edifying the church, and that God’s people are found everywhere, even on a lamplit stage.

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, March 5 (Author Interview)

Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 5

She Lives to Read, March 6

Sydney Schmied Books, March 6

Devoted Steps, March 7

Holly’s Book Corner, March 7

Life on Chickadee Lane, March 8

book looks by lisa, March 9

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 9

lakesidelivingsite, March 10

Devoted To Hope, March 11

Book Holds and Jello Molds, March 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 12

Texas Book-aholic, March 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 13

Lyssa Loves Books, March 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 15

Connie’s History Classroom, March 15

Cover Lover Book Review, March 16

Pause for Tales, March 16

For Him and My Family, March 17

Blossoms and Blessings, March 17

Simple Harvest Reads, March 18 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Giveaway

To celebrat her tour, Erica is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/r3uyx/stars-in-her-eyes-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, March 6, 2026

Bridge of Betrayal

Sometimes it takes a small deception to uncover the truth.

England, 1954

Anna Lang lost everyone she loved during the Second World War—except her cherished music teacher, Esther Haymann. When Miss Haymann dies under suspicious circumstances and rumors of suicide swirl, Anna doesn’t want to believe them. Her doubts intensify when she catches a stranger rifling through Miss Haymann’s papers, claiming a link between her death and that of renowned scientist Alan Turing.

Arthur Cavendish, a former prisoner of war in Korea, can’t completely escape the nightmares of combat and captivity. Nor can he forget that Dr. Turing’s advice once saved his life, so Arthur is determined to get to the bottom of his associate’s alleged suicide, even if it involves trespassing and danger.

When a suspicious fire nearly kills Arthur and Anna, they form a reluctant alliance to clear their mentors’ names. From shadowy corners of seaside resorts to the guarded gates of a secret government agency at Hanslope Park, Anna and Arthur chase elusive clues—and wrestle with their growing attraction for each other. With divergent goals and hidden secrets, a future together seems unlikely. Yet as more and more pieces of the puzzle fall into place, a sinister pattern unfolds, and they find that their hearts are not the only things at risk. Uncovering the truth might cost them their lives.

Review:

I loved this action-packed finale to the Falcon Pointe series that has been one of my all-time favorites. Anna Lang and Arthur Cavendish team up to uncover what actually occurred in the deaths of their mentors. Right away they are swept up into a dangerous situation when a fire breaks out at the school where Anna had been a student. It’s a race against time and potential killers as they try to unravel clues to a bigger mystery that neither Anna nor Arthur realized.

Things I loved:

maps

dual POV

military vet/ POW

concert pianist

danger

spy gadgets

secret messages

political intrigue

clean romance

historical details

Anna has had a hole in her heart since she was separated from her family during WWII. As she and Arthur grow to know one another, she is lovingly challenged to move forward and enjoy the life she has been given. Arthur was just the man who could help her since he knew from experience what the war had done to him. I loved the combination of suspense, the race against time, and the tender romance that made me not want to put this book down.

While this amazing story can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading this in order of the series to enjoy the story to its fullest. You’ll want to learn about the other members of this remarkable family.

I received a complimentary copy of the book with no obligation to write a positive review.

Monday, March 2, 2026

Light to My Path

About the Book

Book: Light To My Path

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 10, 2026

A determined orphan caretaker and a wealthy mine owner—brought together by circumstance, tested by tragedy, and transformed by love.

Sam Mackenzie learned the hard way not to trust a beautiful face. After breaking his engagement to a fortune-hunting socialite, he’s focused solely on his family’s mining business. But when his aunt asks him to help escort three orphans and their caretaker across the country, he finds himself drawn to the selfless young woman tasked with the children’s care.

Eldora Carter has spent her life depending on no one but herself. As a former orphan now caring for three unwanted children, she knows better than to dream of a different future. When a journey by rail turns perilous, she must rely on Sam’s help to keep the children safe. Yet accepting his assistance means risking her heart to a man who could never want someone like her. As danger forces them to work together, Eldora discovers that sometimes the greatest risk is refusing to love at all.

Review:

When Ellie is tasked with taking three orphaned children across the country, little did she know she’d need so much help. Sam Mackenzie has been asked to see that Ellie and the children are situated before he retires to his own private train car, but he gets involved right away when things get out of hand with the children. While Sam didn’t plan on getting involved as much as he did, he was just what Ellie and the children needed. I throughly enjoyed watching Sam help Ellie to see that she was special and precious.

Things I loved:

rambunctious boys

sweet little girl

kisses only romance

found family

faith thread

I highly recommend this novella to readers of all ages who enjoy historical romance with humor sprinkled throughout and a happy ending. It is part of the Brides of the West series but can be read as a standalone. I have loved the other books I have read and look forward to reading more.

I received a gifted copy through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a positive review.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

More from Erica

Trains. I love trains. I got this love from my father, who is fascinated by all types of trains. When writing Light to My Path, I asked my dad lots of questions, and I relied heavily upon the things I learned at the train museums he took me to see.

One of our favorite train museums is in Duluth, MN. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum, in what was the former depot of the Gilded Age boomtown, is home to one of the most beautiful trains I have ever seen.

It’s name is the William B. Crooks, and it is a steam locomotive.

The William Crooks, the first train engine of any kind in Minnesota belonging to the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad by railroad tycoon James J. Hill of St. Paul. The William Crooks pulled its first train cars full of passengers on June 28, 1862. The William Crooks retired from passenger service in 1897.

Isn’t it beautiful? When the train retired from passenger service, it became the personal train of James J. Hill, The Empire Builder and owner of The Great Northern Railroad.

James J. Hill dreamed of pushing a railroad from Minnesota to the West Coast, through the Rocky and Cascade Mountains. It was along the Great Northern Railroad in March of 1910 that one of the worst train disasters in US history occurred. An avalanche took out two trains, killing 96 people.

This historic event inspired part of the story in Light to My Path. A train, trapped by snow, unable to go forward or back, and with an avalanche imminent. It’s the kind of book that calls for a warm blanket and a hot cup of tea!

You can read more about both the William Crooks and the Cascade Avalanche Disaster at these websites:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Crooks_(locomotive)

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/march-1/trains-buried-by-avalanche