Tag Archives: Historical romance

#BookReview: Tomorrow’s First Light by Naomi Rawlings

25 Feb

I loved Sam and Ellie’s story! Rawlings handily captured my attention and swept me away to Twin Rivers, Texas, as trail dust rose from the pages. The details and descriptions were vivid, and the storyline delighted me with elements of drama, intrigue, and romance. A distinctive marriage of convenience tale, Tomorrow’s First Light is one for my keeper shelf!

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

 

About the book:

Nervous about meeting her fiancé for the first time, Ellie Spritzer’s lifelong hope of finding love is about to end—or rather, begin. She never imagined her quest for love would take her to the other side of the country with all eight of her siblings in tow, but after her mother dies unexpectedly, what choice does she have? At least the man she’s been writing for the past year is still willing to marry her and take in her siblings… or so she thinks until she arrives in the dusty town of Twin Rivers, Texas.

Growing up an orphan, Sam Owens never had a place to call home or a family to love. So if his wife-to-be needs to bring three of her siblings with her, he has no complaints about having a ready-made family. But his mail-order-bride doesn’t arrive with three. She arrives with eight.

Sam can’t make himself turn away children in need. But as a beginning rancher, he doesn’t have the resources to care for so many people. When sinister forces threaten the things Sam and Ellie both hold dear, can they figure out how to keep their fledgling family together, or will they lose the very things they cherish most?

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#BookReview: The Sky Above Us by Sarah Sundin

22 Feb

The Sky Above Us is a wonderful wartime tale! Sundin once again weaves fact and fiction together beautifully to create a compelling narrative. Brimming with emotion, Adler’s and Violet’s journeys are poignant and stirring, and I enjoyed reading about their experiences.
Having read The Sea Before Us prior to this novel, I was eager to continue the Sunrise at Normandy series. For those who have not read Book 1, plenty of background information is included, allowing The Sky Above Us to also be enjoyed as a stand-alone story.

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

 

About the book:

Numbed by grief and harboring shameful secrets, Lt. Adler Paxton ships to England with the US 357th Fighter Group in 1943. Determined to become an ace pilot, Adler battles the German Luftwaffe in treacherous dogfights in the skies over France as the Allies struggle for control of the air before the D-day invasion.

Violet Lindstrom wanted to be a missionary, but for now she serves in the American Red Cross, where she arranges entertainment for the men of the 357th in the Aeroclub on base and sets up programs for local children. Drawn to the mysterious Adler, she enlists his help with her work and urges him to reconnect with his family after a long estrangement.

Despite himself, Adler finds his defenses crumbling when it comes to Violet. But D-day draws near. And secrets can’t stay buried forever.

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#BookReview: A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz

7 Jan

A Bound Heart captivated me from beginning to end! The imagery is vivid and the setting, which spans the globe, is easily imagined. I loved Magnus and Lark, and their characters brought to mind those of Ross and Demelza Poldark. This sweeping story is one that slowly unfolds allowing the reader to savor its beauty and lyricism. Inspired by her own heritage, Laura Frantz has crafted a heartfelt historical romance.

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

 

About the book:

Though Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall grew up on the same castle grounds, Magnus is now laird of the great house and the Isle of Kerrera. Lark is but the keeper of his bees and the woman he is hoping will provide a tincture that might help his ailing wife conceive and bear him an heir. But when his wife dies suddenly, Magnus and Lark find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of accusations, expelled from their beloved island, and sold as indentured servants across the Atlantic. Yet even when all hope seems dashed against the rocky coastline of the Virginia colony, it may be that in this New World the two of them could make a new beginning–together.

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#BookReview: Romancing the Bride by Melissa Jagears

17 Dec

Romancing the Bride is a heartwarming romance that captivated me from beginning to end! I am a fan of marriage of convenience stories, and this one is among my favorites. A departure from customary tales of this trope, I loved the complexities of Jacob and Annie’s story and reveled in the myriad of emotions they experienced. Melissa Jagears never fails to delight with her excellent characterization and engaging plots, and I am eager to continue the Frontier Vows Series!

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

 

About the book:

Desperate to keep the ranch where three of her children and a husband lie buried, Annie Gephart must marry or sell. Which of the few bachelors in town would consider a surprise proposal to wed a plain widow with a rebellious daughter, a spirited boy, and unpaid taxes—without laughing in her face?

Jacob Hendrix has never fully let go of his ranching dreams despite ending up as a small Wyoming town’s marshal. The job wouldn’t be so bad, except he’s more errand boy than lawman. When Annie proposes marriage without a single coquettish bat of an eyelash, can he commit himself to a woman he hardly knows for a choice piece of property he’d be an idiot to pass up?

But taxes aren’t all that threaten Annie and Jacob’s plans. Cattle rustlers, crumbling friendships, and wayward children make this marriage of convenience anything but. When they lose what they’ve sacrificed everything to save, will the love of a stranger be enough?

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#BookReview: A Worthy Rebel by Jody Hedlund

26 Sep

A Worthy Rebel is an enchanting tale! Rebellion and desperation collide as Cole Warwick discovers an injured runaway and offers her aide. However, the rebellious peasant feels deceived by Izzy when her true identity is revealed. The story that unfolds is dramatic and romantic, captivating me from beginning to end. Izzy and Cole are endearing characters, and I delighted in their story!

The fifth book in the An Uncertain Choice series, A Worthy Rebel can be enjoyed independently of its predecessors. However, I have read and loved each of the books in this series 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:

While fleeing an arranged betrothal to a heartless lord, Lady Isabelle becomes injured and lost. Rescued by a young peasant man, she hides her identity as a noblewoman for fear of reprisal from the peasants who are bitter and angry toward the nobility.

Cole Warwick cannot turn his back on a person in need and soon finds himself falling for Izzy, the gentle and beautiful runaway who is mending in his cottage. As the leader of an imminent uprising against the nobility, he tries to resist his growing feelings for Izzy to protect her from the dangerous life he’s chosen. But the longer she stays, the more he hopes she’ll never leave.

When Izzy’s true identity is revealed, Cole feels betrayed. With the rebellion underway, can Cole forgive Izzy and find a way to save her from an unhappy marriage? Or will he and his peasant army be destroyed before he has the chance to fight for the people and the woman he loves?

Learn more about the book and the author.

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#BookReview + eBook #Sale: Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof

4 Aug

Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a masterfully crafted novel! Exploring the bonds of brotherhood and the resilience of the human spirit, Bischof swept me away on an extraordinary journey. Each of the characters leapt from the page and captured my heart, although none more so than Thor and Aven. Their heartfelt story is richly layered and tempered with tenderness. Beautifully written, Sons of Blackbird Mountain is not to be missed!

 

EBOOK SALE!

This weekend, the publisher is running a $2.99 eBook sale on Sons of Blackbird Mountain. Now is the perfect time to grab a copy!

https://www.tnzfiction.com/sons-of-blackbird-mountain/

 

About the book:

When Aven Norgaard leaves Norway to serve as housekeeper to her late husband’s cousins in Appalachia, she expects lads in need of care, not three grown men—each in need of a wife and bound by a powerful brotherhood. As the men carve out a living by brewing artisan liquor, young Haakon’s pursuit tempts Aven’s lonely spirit . . . but it is his deaf brother, Thor, whose silent strength shows her the depths of real love.

Unable to speak to any woman, Thor Norgaard never anticipates Aven will befriend him, let alone treat him as her safe harbor. Though hard cider is their livelihood and his greatest talent, he fights his way to sobriety with Haakon’s help, defying the bottle for Aven’s hand—only to face a battle of the heart that tests even the strongest bonds of brotherhood.

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#BookReview: Minding the Light by Suzanne Woods Fisher

30 Jul

Minding the Light is a compelling continuation of the Nantucket Legacy series! I was delighted by the Nantucket Island setting and pleased to learn more about the history of its Quaker community. Engaging characters and historical details, both real and imagined, add richness and depth to this dual timeframe tale. I especially enjoyed Great Mary’s journal entries intertwined throughout the novel. Suzanne Woods Fisher is a gifted storyteller, and I look forward to continuing this fascinating series.

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

 

About the book: 

Six long years ago, Captain Reynolds Macy sailed away from his bride, looking forward to the day when he would return to Nantucket Island with a ship’s hold full of whale oil. But when that momentous day finally arrives, Ren soon discovers that everything has changed in his absence. Everything. “Is nothing on this island as it appears to be?” he whispers in despair.

Unlike most islanders, bold and spirited Daphne Coffin doesn’t defer to Ren as an authoritative whalemaster, but sees through his aloofness to the aching heart beneath. She encourages him to return to his Quaker roots and “mind the Light,” finding solace in God and community. As Ren becomes the man she believes him to be–honorable, wise, faithful–she finds herself falling in love with him.

But how can she, when her heart is spoken for? Tristram Macy is Ren’s business partner, cousin, and best friend–and Daphne’s fiance. Love always comes at a cost, but when is the price too high?

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#BookReview: Together Forever by Jody Hedlund

16 May

I adore historical fiction, and Jody Hedlund’s orphan train series is one of my favorites! The details and descriptions are vivid and bring to life a compelling tale. Marianne Neumann, her fellow Children’s Aid Society agent Andrew Brady, and their young charges are well-crafted and endearing characters, and I loved experiencing their emotional journey. Together Forever is a beautiful blend of history and romance, and I can’t wait to continue this wonderful series!

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

 

About the  book:

Marianne Neumann became a placing agent with the Children’s Aid Society with one goal: to find her lost sister. Her fellow agent, Andrew Brady, is a former schoolteacher with a way with children and a hidden past. As they team up placing orphans in homes in Illinois, they grow ever closer . . . until a shocking tragedy changes one of their lives forever.

Learn more about Together Forever.

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#BookReview: A Chance at Forever by Melissa Jagears

28 Mar

A Chance at Forever is a beautiful and meaningful story! Mercy McClain is a unique heroine made vulnerable by her physicality as well as her past experiences. Aaron Firebrook is an admirable hero determined to right the wrongs of his past. From the reformation of Mercy and Aaron’s relationship to the children and work of the orphanage, I delighted in this tender tale of faith and forgiveness! While A Chance at Forever is the third book in the Teaville Moral Society series, it can easily be enjoyed independently of its predecessors.

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

 

About the book:

In early 1900s Kansas, Mercy McClain, determined to protect Teaville’s children from the bullying she experienced as a child, finds fulfillment working at the local orphanage and serving on the school board. When Aaron Firebrook, the classmate who bothered her more than any other, petitions the board for a teaching position, she’s dead set against him getting the job.

Aaron knows he deserves every bit of Mercy’s mistrust, but he’s returned to his hometown a changed man and is seeking to earn forgiveness of those he wronged. He doesn’t expect Mercy to like him, but surely he can prove he now has the best interests of the children at heart.

Will resentment and old wounds hold them back, or can Mercy and Aaron put the past behind them in time to face the unexpected threats to everything they’re working for?

Learn more about the book and the author.

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#BookReview: A Loyal Heart by Jody Hedlund

12 Mar

Adventure and romance collide in this enchanting story! Sir Aldric is a knight and a man of honor and valor. Lady Olivia is a woman of wealth who embodies courage and conviction. Their pairing is an unlikely one, and the emotional journey they embark on is teeming with drama and danger. A Loyal Heart is a most captivating tale and one that leaves me begging for more!

The fourth book in the An Uncertain Choice series, A Loyal Heart can be enjoyed independently of its predecessors. However, I have read and loved each of the books in this series 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:

When Lady Olivia’s castle is besieged, she and her sister are taken captive and held for ransom by her father’s enemy, Lord Pitt. Loyalty to family means everything to Olivia. She’ll save her sister at any cost and do whatever her father asks—even if that means obeying his order to steal a sacred relic from her captor.

As Lord Pitt’s commander, Sir Aldric is in charge of the beautiful but feisty new prisoner. He has his hands full attempting to keep Lady Olivia out of trouble. When Lord Pitt throws her in the dungeon and threatens to hang her for stealing, Aldric conceives a plot to save Olivia’s life—betrothal to him.

Can Olivia give up the prestigious match her father has arranged with a wealthy marquess in order to marry a lowly knight like Aldric? And can Aldric move beyond his past mistakes to embrace love again? When loyalties are tested, they’re thrust into danger that could cost them their love and their lives.

Learn more about the book and the author.

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