Tag Archives: Historical Fiction

#BookReview: A Stolen Heart by Amanda Cabot

27 Mar

A Stolen Heart is a delightful blend of mystery and romance! Amanda Cabot takes readers to the Texas Hill Country where Cimarron Creek residents are less than welcoming to Northern newcomer Lydia Crawford. Their resentment is not the only surprise that awaits her, and an engaging tale of mystery and secrets soon unfolds. Well-told with great characterization, I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet story and look forward to returning to Cimarron Creek as the series continue!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

From afar, Cimarron Creek seems like an idyllic town tucked in the Texas Hill Country. But when former schoolteacher Lydia Crawford steps onto its dusty streets in 1880, she finds a town with a deep-seated resentment of Northerners–like her. Lydia won’t let that get her down, though. All will be well when she’s reunited with her fiancé. But when she discovers he has disappeared–and that he left behind a pregnant wife–Lydia is at a loss about what to do next. The handsome sheriff urges her to trust him, but can she trust anyone in this town where secrets are as prevalent as bluebonnets in spring?

Purchase a copy.

Visit the author’s website.

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#BookReview: A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander

21 Mar

A Note Yet Unsung is a beautiful story! This third novel in the Belmont Mansion series highlights a deep love and appreciation of music, and I was fascinated by the historical details Alexander included. Alive with a richness and vibrancy that resonates through the narrative, I loved Tate and Rebekah and their emotional journey. From trials to triumphs, this pitch perfect tale captivated me from beginning to end!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Despite her training as a master violinist, Rebekah Carrington was denied entry into the Nashville Philharmonic by young conductor Nathaniel Whitcomb, who bowed to public opinion. Now, with a reluctant muse and a recurring pain in his head, he needs her help to finish his symphony. But how can he win back her trust when he’s robbed her of her dream?

Purchase a copy.

Visit the author’s website.

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#BookReview: For Love and Honor by Jody Hedlund

16 Mar

For Love and Honor is a beautiful story with a beautiful message! Jody Hedlund never fails to charm me with her medieval tales, and For Love and Honor is no exception. Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet stole my heart, and their story of valor and romance captivated me from beginning to end.

The third book in the An Uncertain Choice series, For Love and Honor can be enjoyed independently of its predecessors. However, I have read and loved each of the books in this collection and highly recommend them to fans of medieval romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Lady Sabine is harboring a skin blemish, one, that if revealed, could cause her to be branded as a witch, put her life in danger, and damage her chances of making a good marriage. After all, what nobleman would want to marry a woman so flawed?

Sir Bennet is returning home to protect his family from an imminent attack by neighboring lords who seek repayment of debts. Without fortune or means to pay those debts, Sir Bennet realizes his only option is to make a marriage match with a wealthy noblewoman. As a man of honor, he loathes the idea of courting a woman for her money, but with time running out for his family’s safety, what other choice does he have?

As Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet are thrust together under dangerous circumstances, will they both be able to learn to trust each other enough to share their deepest secrets? Or will those secrets ultimately lead to their demise?

 

 

Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves history and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

 

Connect with Jody:
Website | Facebook | Twitter |Pinterest | Instagram

 

Learn more and purchase a copy.

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#BookReview: The Message in a Bottle Romance Collection

14 Mar


I adored this extraordinary collection! As you open the pages of the book, you read of a precious message sealed in a bronze bottle. Traveling through time and across many waters, the message of hope contained in the vessel touches the lives of all who hold it dear.

From medieval Ireland to the California coast, I reveled in the richness and vibrancy that resonates through each novella. All five stories are beautifully rendered, and I lost myself within their pages. Often in a collection such as this, I find myself favoring one or two stories above the others. However, each of these tender tales shines as brightly as the one before it. I loved the adventure and romance of The Message in a Bottle Romance Collection and was touched by its powerful message!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About The Message in a Bottle Romance Collection:

Join the journey as one word etched in Latin on an ancient bronze bottle travels through the centuries to reach five young women who are struggling to maintain their faith in God and love. An Irish princess, a Scottish story weaver, a Post-Colonial nurse, a cotton mill worker, and a maid who nearly drowned each receive a message from the bottle just when they need their hope restored. But will the bottle also bring them each to a man whose love will endure?

 

 

The Distant Tide by Heather Day Gilbert
1170: County Kerry, Ireland
When a Viking bent on revenge mistakenly raids the castle of a bookish Irish princess, will she cast her fears aside to befriend the enemy, finally realizing God’s plan for her life?

A Song in the Night by Amanda Dykes
1717: Scotland and England
When a Scottish story-weaver loses her family in a clan war, she finds herself aided by a handsome, secretive bagpiper in a race against time to reunite with someone she never dared hope she’d see again.

The Forgotten Hope by Maureen Lang
1798: New York
As a champion of the sick, a young New Yorker never doubted her worth until a new doctor arrives to work with her father, one who believes her to be nothing more than a social butterfly. Can she gain his respect—and his love?

A River Between Us by Jocelyn Green
1864: Roswell, Georgia
When a Georgian cotton mill worker is arrested and sent North, the Union officer who tries to protect her is the last person she wants to forgive—and the only man who can bring hope and healing to her heart.

The Swelling Sea by Joanne Bischof
1890: Coronado Island, California
After washing ashore on the California coastline, a young woman’s yearning to discover her past leads her to the courageous oarsman who helps her find the key.

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#BookReview: The Elusive Miss Ellison | Kindle and Cuppa #Giveaway

9 Mar

Regency fans are sure to delight in The Elusive Miss Ellison! With a deft hand, Carolyn Miller whisks readers away and immerses them in 19th century England where the St. Hampton Heath village and villagers spring to life. I reveled in the story’s rich imagery and characterization and was entertained by the charms of both the hero and heroine. The frustrations Lavinia and Nicholas have with each other make their journey even more compelling. I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance and look forward to continuing the Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own. 

 

Settle in for a cozy night of reading with a cuppa and a Kindle!

One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below!  The giveaway ends on March 22, and the winner will be announced March 23 on the Litfuse blog.

 

About the book:

Handsome appearance counts for naught unless matched by good character and actions.

That’s the firm opinion of not-so-meek minister’s daughter Lavinia Ellison. So even though all the other villagers of St. Hampton Heath are swooning over the newly returned seventh Earl of Hawkesbury, she is not impressed. If a man won’t take his responsibilities seriously and help those who are supposed to be able to depend on him, he deserves no respect from her. In Lavinia’s pretty, gray eyes, Nicholas Stamford is just as arrogant and reckless as his brother-who stole the most important person in Livvie’s world.

Nicholas is weighed down by his own guilt and responsibility, by the pain his careless brother caused, and by the legacy of war he’s just left. This quick visit home to St. Hampton Heath will be just long enough to ease a small part of that burden. Asking him to bother with the lives of the villagers when there’s already a bailiff on the job is simply too much to expect.

That is, until the hoydenish, intelligent, and very opinionated Miss Ellison challenges him to see past his pain and pride. With her angelic voice in his head, he may even be beginning to care. But his isn’t the only heart that needs to change.

These two lonely hearts may each have something the other needs. But with society’s opposition, ancestral obligations, and a shocking family secret, there may be too many obstacles in their way.

Fans of Georgette Heyer, Lori Wick, and Julie Klassen will enjoy the spirited exchanges between the bluestocking minister’s daughter and the bruised war hero as they move past pride and presumption to a humbled appreciation of God’s grace and the true strength of love.

Learn more about The Elusive Miss Ellison.

 

About the author:

Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers.

Visit the author’s website.

 

Read what other bloggers are saying about The Elusive Miss Ellison.  

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#BookReview: The Newcomer by Suzanne Woods Fisher

20 Feb

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The Newcomer is the second installment in the Amish Beginnings series. Although I have not read Book 1, Anna’s Crossing, I was able to follow the story line and enjoy this book as a stand-alone story. As Anna Konig and the other Amish settlers enter the New World, unexpected happenings abound. I enjoyed the wealth of history woven through their story, as well as the threads of mystery and romance. Anna and Bairn share a dramatic journey, one I look forward to following as this series continues.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

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About the book:

the-newcomer

In 1737, Anna Konig and her fellow church members stagger off a small wooden ship after ten weeks at sea, eager to start a new life in the vibrant but raw Pennsylvania frontier. On the docks of Port Philadelphia waits bishop Jacob Bauer, founder of the settlement and father to ship carpenter Bairn. It’s a time of new beginnings for the reunited Bauer family, and for Anna and Bairn’s shipboard romance to blossom.

But this perfect moment cannot last. As Bairn grasps the reality of what it means to be Amish in the New World–isolated, rigid with expectations, under the thumb of his domineering father–his enthusiasm evaporates. When a sea captain offers the chance to cross the ocean one more time, Bairn grabs it. Just one more crossing, he promises Anna. But will she wait for him?

When Henrik Newman joins the church just as it makes its way to the frontier, Anna is torn. He seems to be everything Bairn is not–bold, devoted, and delighted to vie for her heart. And the most dramatic difference? He is here; Bairn is not.

Far from the frontier, an unexpected turn of events weaves together the lives of Bairn, Anna, and Henrik. When a secret is revealed, which true love will emerge?

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2kQUTRa

Visit the author: http://suzannewoodsfisher.com/

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Lena Goldfinch’s Sweetheart Blog Tour + #Giveaway

16 Feb

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I’m excited to share Lena Goldfinch’s latest release, plus a sweet e-book deal and a fun giveaway!

THE BRIDES SERIES

A former tomboy resolves to be the perfect lady for her new husband. A mute struggles to break through the silence to win her rescuer’s heart. A shy advice columnist develops a secret crush on her most devoted correspondent. The Old West holds challenges galore for these brides…but true love is a worthy reward.

Book 1 | The Unexpected Bride
Book 2 | Sleigh Bells & Mistletoe
Book 3 | The Bartered Bride
Book 4 | Only the Heart Knows

 

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NEW: ONLY THE HEART KNOWS

(Too Tall) Mandy MacKenna is secretly the voice behind Ask Mack, an advice column for men, addressing all matters ranching-related. And she’s secretly in love with “Banks,” one of her most devoted correspondents. But whenever she’s around him, she can barely bring herself to make eye contact with the man.

Adam Booker is a banker-turned-rancher who’s struggling to make his way after he inherits his uncle’s place. If not for Ask Mack, he would have surely floundered by now. But the ranch is only one of his problems, because the woman he has a romantic interest in—a natural beauty by the name of Mandy MacKenna, daughter of the region’s wealthiest rancher—seems less than interested in him.

A sweet but convoluted romance of secrets and revelations ensues…

Kindle | Nook | Kobo | Google Play | Paperback

 

The Unexpected Bride

 

SWEET DEAL: THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE

For a limited time, get book 1 in the series for only $0.99 in e-book format! Sale ends 2/20.

Kindle | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

 

 

 

lena-goldfinch-picLENA GOLDFINCH writes sweet historical western romance / inspirational romance and books for teens. She’s always been a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it’s a novel or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Lena has been a finalist in several national writing contests, including the RWA Golden Heart and ACFW Genesis contests. She enjoys life in a quiet, small town with her husband, two kids, and two very spoiled Black Labs.

Amazon | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Twitter | Website

 

FUN GIVEAWAY:  

Indulge your love of books with a $25 gift card to Amazon.com OR Barnes & Noble (winner’s choice!) and all four ebooks in The Brides Series. (If you already have the series, you can surprise a friend by gifting the ebooks to them!) To enter for a chance to win, just fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

Click here to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway!

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#BookReview: An Uncommon Protector by Shelley Shepard Gray

8 Feb

an-uncommon-protector

This lone star hero’s love story captivated me from beginning to end! Laurel Tracey and Thomas Baker are strong characters and the challenges they faced kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next.

The occasional flashbacks to 1865 Johnson’s Island provide readers with background information about Thomas, and I really enjoyed these glimpses into his past. The friendship between Thomas and his band of brothers is inspiring, as is their fierce loyalty. While Thomas is an uncommon protector for Laurel, he proves to be an exceptional hero.

An engaging blend of mystery and romance, I loved An Uncommon Protector and can’t wait to continue this wonderful series!

 

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About the book:

Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a ranch on her own, Laurel Tracey decides to hire a convict—a man who’s just scary enough to take care of squatters and just desperate enough to agree to a one year post.

The years following the war have been hard on Laurel Tracey. Both her brother and her father died in battle, and her mother passed away shortly after receiving word of their demise. Laurel has been trying to run her two hundred acre ranch as best she can.

When she discovers that squatters have settled in her north pasture and have no intention of leaving, Laurel decides to use the last of her money to free a prisoner from the local jail. If she agrees to offer him room and board for one year, he will have to work for her to pay off his debt.

Former soldier Thomas Baker knows he’s in trouble when he finds himself jailed because he couldn’t pay a few fines. Laurel’s offer might be his only ticket out. Though she’s everything he ever dreamed of in a woman—sweet and tender-hearted, yet strong—he’s determined to remain detached, work hard on her behalf, and count the days until he’s free again.

But when cattle start dying and the squatters damage a barn, Thomas realizes more than just his freedom is on the line. Laurel needs someone to believe in her and protect her property. And it isn’t long before Laurel realizes that Thomas Baker is far more than just a former soldier. He’s a trustworthy hero who’s survived a terrible past. He needs more than just his freedom, he needs her love and care too.

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/2kJN4kp

Visit the author: http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com/

 

an-uncommon-protector

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: The Dog Who Was There by Ron Marasco

7 Feb

the-dog-who-was-there

The Dog Who Was There is a poignant and touching tale! Cleverly crafted, Ron Marasco delivers a message of unconditional love and loyalty in a most creative way. Told from a pup’s point of view, I enjoyed experiencing first century Jerusalem through Barley’s eyes. His heart-wrenching story took me on an unexpected journey that stirred my emotions and warmed my heart!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

He was homeless, hungry, and struggling to survive in first century Jerusalem. Most surprisingly, he was a dog. But through Barley’s eyes, the story of a teacher from Galilee comes alive in a way we’ve never experienced before.

Barley’s story begins in the home of a compassionate woodcarver and his wife who find Barley as an abandoned, nearly-drowned pup. Tales of a special teacher from Galilee are reaching their tiny village, but when life suddenly changes again for Barley, he carries the lessons of forgiveness and love out of the woodcarver’s home and through the dangerous roads of Roman-occupied Judea.

On the outskirts of Jerusalem, Barley meets a homeless man and petty criminal named Samid. Together, Barley and his unlikely new master experience fresh struggles and new revelations. Soon Barley is swept up into the current of history, culminating in an unforgettable encounter with the truest master of all as he bears witness to the greatest story ever told.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

Read what other bloggers are saying about The Dog Who Was There.

 

About the author:

Ron Marasco is a professor in the College of Communication and Fine Arts at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. His first book, “Notes to an Actor,” was named by the American Library Association an Outstanding Book of 2008. His second book, “About Grief,” has been translated into multiple languages, and he is currently completing a book on Shakespeare’s sonnets. He has acted extensively on TV-from “Lost” to “West Wing” to “Entourage” to originating the role of Mr. Casper on “Freaks and Geeks”-and appeared opposite screen legend Kirk Douglas in the movie “Illusion,” for which he also wrote the screenplay. Most recently, he has played the recurring role of Judge Grove on “Major Crimes.” He has a BA from Fordham at Lincoln Center and an MA and Ph. D. from UCLA.

Find out more about Ron.

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#BookReview: In the Shadow of Denali by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

6 Feb

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In the Shadow of Denali is a compelling tale! Intertwining fact and fiction, Peterson and Woodhouse treat readers to a fascinating look at the Alaska Territory. Brimming with historical details and vibrant imagery, this beautiful setting comes to life on the page, and I loved spending time there. 

Cassidy Ivanoff and her father are wonderful characters, and I delighted in the relationships that developed between them and John’s apprentice, Allan Brennan. As Allan searches for answers regarding his father’s death, intrigue continues to build as danger lurks.

Combining history, mystery, and romance, I thoroughly enjoyed In the Shadow of Denali and look forward to continuing the Heart of Alaska series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Cassidy Ivanoff and her father, John, work at the new and prestigious Curry Hotel outside Mt. McKinley. While John will be expedition and wilderness exploration guide for the wealthy tourists, Cassidy has signed on as a cook’s assistant. Both are busy as the hotel prepares to welcome the president of the United States on his way to drive in the golden spike to officially complete the railroad.

Allan Brennan travels to the Curry Hotel to be an apprentice of a seasoned Alaska mountain guide. Ever since his father’s death climbing Mt. McKinley, he’s worked to earn enough money to make the trek to the Alaska territory himself. His father’s partner blames their guide for the death of his father, but Allan wants to find the truth for himself. He finds an unlikely ally in Cassidy, and as the two begin to look into the mystery, they suddenly find that things are much less clear, and much more dangerous, than either could ever imagine.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2kGFoPI

Visit the authors: Peterson | Woodhouse

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