Tag Archives: Historical romance

#BookReview: A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White

30 Aug

With a mystery to solve and characters to champion, A Name Unknown is a delightful read! Rosemary Gresham and Peter Holstein are refreshingly unique in their characterization, and I loved the humor and wit of the banter they share. A cleverly crafted story line that combines elements of suspense and romance, White treats readers to a wonderful Edwardian experience. Engaging and entertaining, A Name Unknown leaves me eager to continue the Shadows Over England series!

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

 

About the book:

Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins that helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they concentrate on stealing high-value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. But when Rosemary must determine whether a certain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany, she is in for the challenge of a lifetime. How does one steal a family’s history, their very name?

Peter Holstein, given his family’s German blood, writes his popular series of adventure novels under a pen name. With European politics boiling and his own neighbors suspicious of him, Peter debates whether it might be best to change his name for good. When Rosemary shows up at his door pretending to be a historian and offering to help him trace his family history, his question might be answered.

But as the two work together and Rosemary sees his gracious reaction to his neighbors’ scornful attacks, she wonders if her assignment is going down the wrong path. Is it too late to help him prove that he’s more than his name?

Learn more about the book and the author.

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#BookReview: Beloved Hope by Tracie Peterson

14 Aug

Dramatic and emotional, Beloved Hope is a beautifully told tale! As I began reading, I was immediately drawn in and captivated by the story that unfolds. Hope Flanagan’s strength is admirable, and my heart ached for her and all she endured. I love Tracie Peterson’s storytelling and look forward to continuing the Heart of the Frontier series!

Although I have not read the first book in this series, I was able to enjoy the continuing story line. I do hope to read Treasured Grace soon, as I am eager to know more about the background of the characters and the beginning of their journeys.

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

 

About the book:

Hope Flanagan survived the massacre at the Whitman Mission, but at terrible personal cost. Safe now in Oregon City, she lives with her sisters, Grace and Mercy, and Grace’s new husband, Alex. As she spends her days tending their flock of sheep, Hope’s mind and soul are slowly healing. Yet, though she was once surrounded by suitors, she has no interest in giving her heart again after the man she loved died in her arms.

Hope’s precarious new peace is shattered when those responsible for the massacre are captured and put on trial. She is asked to testify against them, but she’s not sure she can bear to relive the events of those horrific days.

As Hope struggles to free herself from the pain of her past, Lance Kenner, an Army lieutenant, brings an unexpected ray of light into her life. But what will Lance think of her if he learns the truth behind her anguish? And what secrets lie in his past?

Learn more about the book and the author.

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#BookReview: Inherited: Unexpected Family by Gabrielle Meyer

9 Aug

It is a such a pleasure to visit the historical community of Little Falls and its residents! Elizabeth Bell and Jude Allen are strong, determined characters, and Meyer brings their story to life with vivid imagery and emotion. Their unexpected partnership causes sparks to fly, and I loved the way their relationship developed amid a myriad of complications. Inherited: Unexpected Family is a tender tale and a wonderful addition to the Little Falls Legacy series. I can’t wait to read more!

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

 

About the book:

After arriving in Minnesota Territory with her sisters to claim their late father’s hotel, Elizabeth Bell is shocked to learn her inheritance comes with a handsome co-owner. After too long working for a domineering boss, Elizabeth yearns to be in control–of the hotel and her life. But Jude Allen won’t sell his share, and Elizabeth refuses to leave.

After arriving in Minnesota Territory with her sisters to claim their late father’s hotel, Elizabeth Bell is shocked to learn her inheritance comes with a handsome co-owner. After too long working for a domineering boss, Elizabeth yearns to be in control–of the hotel and her life. But Jude Allen won’t sell his share, and Elizabeth refuses to leave.

Rescuing soiled doves and giving them hotel jobs is Jude’s way of redeeming his past. He’s counting on rough frontier life driving his new business partner away before she learns the scandalous truth and demands he stop his mission. But he may have underestimated Elizabeth…and the power of love to turn a complication into a bright new beginning.

Connect with Gabrielle:
Website | Group blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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#BookReview: To Wager Her Heart by Tamera Alexander

8 Aug

To Wager Her Heart is a heartfelt journey back in time, combining fact and fiction and immersing readers in Nashville’s diverse history. There is much to love about Alexandra Jamison and Sylas Rutledge and their emotional journey. From the wonderful characterization to the compelling story line, Tamera Alexander captivated me with the third and final Belle Meade novel. I love this remarkable series and highly recommend each novel to fans of historical fiction!

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

 

Join Tamera TONIGHT to celebrate the release of To Wager Her Heart!

 

About the book:

With fates bound by a shared tragedy, a reformed gambler from the Colorado Territory and a Southern Belle bent on breaking free from society’s expectations must work together to achieve their dreams—provided that the truth doesn’t tear them apart first.

Sylas Rutledge, the new owner of the Northeast Line Railroad, invests everything he has into this venture, partly for the sake of the challenge. But mostly to clear his father’s name. One man holds the key to Sy’s success—General William Giles Harding of Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation. But Harding is champagne and thoroughbreds, and Sy Rutledge is beer and bullocks. Sy needs someone to help him maneuver his way through Nashville’s society, and when he meets Alexandra Jamison, he quickly decides he’s found his tutor. Only, he soon discovers that the very train accident his father is blamed for causing is what killed Alexandra Jamison’s fiancee—and what has broken her heart.

Spurning an arranged marriage by her father, Alexandra instead pursues her passion for teaching at Fisk University, the first freedmen’s university in the United States. But family—and Nashville society—do not approve, and she soon finds herself cast out from both. Through connections with the Harding family, Alexandra and Sy become unlikely allies. And despite her first impressions, Alexandra gradually finds herself coming to respect, and even care for this man. But how can she, when her heart is still spoken for? And when Sy’s roguish qualities and adventuresome spirit smack more of recklessness than responsibility and honor?

Sylas Rutledge will risk everything to win over the woman he loves. What he doesn’t count on is having to wager her heart to do it.

Learn more about the book and the author.

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$1.99 Sale- The Lady and the Lionheart

28 Jul

The Lady and the Lionheart is on sale for $1.99! 🎪🦁

It’s a 2017 INSPY Award winner, a 2017 Carol Award finalist, and 2017 RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award winner! If you haven’t read this tender and touching tale, now is the time to grab a copy!

Kindle: http://amzn.to/1qhremE
Nook: http://bit.ly/2tK8qzm

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#BookReview: Grounded Hearts by Jeanne M. Dickson | Celtic Knots #Giveaway

20 Jul

Grounded Hearts is an engaging tale! Dickson intrigued me with the historical details of WWII Ireland, and I delighted in the richly drawn time period and setting. Nan and Dutch, as well as the village inhabitants who aid them, are well-developed characters, and the story that unfolds is rife with drama, danger, and romance. While there are aspects of the novel that some may find impertinent, the overall story line is one I enjoyed.

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

 

What do you get when you mix World War II, a brave midwife, a wounded pilot, and a risky secret? Jeanne M. Dickson’s new historical fiction novel, Grounded Hearts. When midwife Nan O’Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she’s taking a huge risk by letting him in. Still, something compels Nan to take in “flyboy” Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection-and an unbreakable bond.

Join Jeanne in celebrating the release of her new book by entering to win the Celtic Knots Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 31. The winner will be announced August 1 on the Litfuse blog.

 

About the book:

In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O’Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she’s taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she’ll face imprisonment.

Still, something compels Nan to take in “flyboy” Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection-and an unbreakable bond.

But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband’s death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?

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#BookReview: Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer

14 Jul

Heart on the Line is a cleverly crafted tale! Witemeyer brings Harper’s Station to life with her signature wit and charm, and it was such fun to revisit this uncommon community. I loved the wealth of historical details that are included in the narrative and especially delighted in the uniqueness of the characters and their story. The relationship that develops between Grace and Amos is tender and heartfelt, and their journey progresses with unexpected twists and turns. Brimming with humor, suspense, and romance, I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful story!

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

 

About the book:

Grace Mallory is tired of running, of hiding. But when an old friend sends an after-hours telegraph transmission warning Grace that the man who has hunted her for nearly a year has discovered her location, she fears she has no choice. She can’t let the villain she believes responsible for her father’s death release his wrath in Harper’s Station, the town that has sheltered her and blessed her with the dearest friends she’s ever known.

Amos Bledsoe prefers bicycles to horses and private conversations over the telegraph wire to social gatherings with young ladies who see him as nothing more than an oddity. His telegraph companion, the mysterious Miss G, listens eagerly to his ramblings every night and delights him with tales all her own. For months, their friendship–dare he believe, courtship?–has fed his hope that he has finally found the woman God intended for him. Yet when he takes the next step to meet her in person, he discovers her life is in peril, and Amos must decide if he can shed the cocoon of his quiet nature to become the hero Grace requires.

Learn more about the book and the author.

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#BookReview: The Road to Paradise by Karen Barnett

12 Jul

I thoroughly enjoyed this journey back in time! The beauty of the setting shines through the narrative, as Barnett treats readers to a realistic rendering of Mount Rainier National Park. I loved the artistic detailing of the flora and fauna and easily imagined them as I read. Margie and Ford are charming characters who share a passion for nature and preservation, and their story is a unique and refreshing read. I look forward to more vintage national park visits as this delightful series continues!

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

 

About the book:

In 1927, Margie Lane, an avid naturalist, convinces her Senator father to procure her a position at the fledgling Mount Rainier National Park. Since Ranger Ford Brannon lost his father in a climbing accident, he doubts his ability to protect the park and its many visitors. He certainly doesn’t relish the job of watching over an idealistic and privileged young woman with no practical survival skills.

When Margie’s former fiance sets his mind on developing the Paradise Inn and its surroundings into a tourist playground, Margie and Ford will have to work together to preserve the beauty and simplicity of this mountain hideaway, but the developer’s plans might put more than just the park in danger.

Learn more about the book and the author.

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#BookReview: My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island by Carrie Fancett Pagels

10 Jul

Carrie Fancett Pagels paints a lovely picture of Mackinac Island, making me long to visit and soak up the sights and sounds of island life! The attention to detail and inclusion of actual people and events add authenticity to the narrative, and I delighted in these glimpses into the past. Intertwining mystery and romance, Maude’s Mooring is an enjoyable story with its own special charm, and I look forward to more stories to come in the My Heart Belongs series.

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

 

About the book:

Although the Winds of Mackinac Inn has been in her mother’s family for generations, Maude Welling’s father refuses to let her run it without the guidance of a husband. So she seeks to prove her worth and independence by working incognito as a maid at the Grand Hotel.

Undercover journalist Ben Steffans, posing as a wealthy industrialist, pursues a story about impoverished men chasing heiresses at the famed hotel. While undercover, he becomes attracted to an intriguing maid. By an act of heroism Ben endears himself to the closed-mouthed islanders—including Maude—and he digs deep for his story.

But when scandal threatens, will the growing love between Maude and Ben be scuttled when truths are revealed?

Learn more about the book and the author.  

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#BookReview: Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands

29 Jun

I thoroughly enjoyed this unique twist on the mail-order marriage trope! Each author’s creativity shines as endearing characters and engaging story lines are carried through seven cleverly crafted novellas. After the war, the ladies of Turtle Springs, Kansas, resolve to revive their community with mail-order husbands, and the stories that unfold are both humorous and heartwarming. Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands is a delightful collection that offers hours of reading pleasure!

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

 

About the book:

Meet seven of Turtle Springs, Kansas’, finest women who are determined to revive their small town after the War Between the States took most of its men. . .and didn’t return them. The ladies decide to advertise for husbands and devise a plan for weeding out the riff raff. But how can they make the best practical choices when their hearts cry out to be loved?

Abigail’s Proposal by Cynthia Hickey
When her father never returned from the war, Abigail Melton stepped into his role as town mayor. The town needs men, and she needs a husband—and she has a big idea how to find both—but her first duty is to hire a sheriff. And drifter Josiah Ingram will do just fine.

The Kidnapped Groom by Susan Page Davis
Riding through the Flint Hills on his way to Dodge City, cowboy Sam Cayford finds himself the kidnapping victim of two children. When he meets their lovely mother, Maggie Piner—whom the kids insist he should marry—Sam starts to question God’s plans versus his own.

A Clean Slate by Susanne Dietze
Schoolmarm Roberta “Birdy” Green won’t marry any of the prospective grooms flocking to town. After losing her fiancé in the war, the only love her broken heart can bear is for her students. But then she takes on a new pupil—Drew Cooper, one of the gentlemen drawn to Kansas by the advertisement for grooms.

Sunshine of My Heart by Darlene Franklin
Debbie Barker longs to bring beauty to her new home on the prairie, where her family moved after the war, and seeks a husband to help her father run the ranch. Zack Gage returned home from the war to a life in ruins—family dead and business bankrupted. He answers the mail-order husband ad to seek a fresh start. But neither Debbie nor Zeke know what they are doing when it comes to ranching. . .or love.

Come What May by Patty Smith Hall
Chardy Stevens is at the end of her rope. Between running her late father’s store and tending to her four younger brothers, she barely has time to breathe, much less look for a husband to help her. The boys scare off most of her prospects and throw Chardy together with her childhood friend Luke, a disabled veteran who seeks her happiness above his own.

Dime Novel Suitor by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Widow Caroline Kane is the proprietor of a restaurant and inn—and responsible for her five teenaged siblings. But she has no plans of finding a mail-order groom. Britisher Barden Granville IV is on a “cowboy holiday” when he finds himself flat broke in Kansas. When he answers an old “help wanted” ad, Caroline misconstrues Barden is there as a potential husband. Will the beautiful and feisty widow cause the new vicar to make Kansas his home?

Louder than Words by Gina Welborn
After years of writing abolitionist pamphlets and chronicling soldier life during the war, J.R. Lockhart is bored and jumps at the opportunity to investigate an advertisement for husbands for an article in Godey’s Lady’s Book. Jane Ransome would like to help the charming-but-oblivious-to-life-out-West man chronicle the courtships developing in town, but she has her own husband to find—one who will fit perfectly in her picket-fenced Kansas home.

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

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