A HEART ADRIFT - 5 STARS by Laura Frantz

 

A Heart Adrift, a novel by Laura Frantz, available Jan. 4, 2022 Revell Publ.

Emphatic 5 Star Read!

Set in 1755 along the cold Virginia Coast, Captain Henri Lennox, an old love returns from the sea hoping to avoid chocolatier Esmee Shaw.  Circumstances throw them back together and we are swept up in chocolate making, merchant ships, a private coastal island, officials in white periwigs seeking their own gain, social engagements of the upper crust, and ill-treatment of those in the almshouse.

“Chocolate’s becoming the beverage of choice for colonists,” Esmee said, “if for no other reason than the Crown’s infernal tax on tea.”

“Dear Lord, let it be our earnest prayer to serve Thee better day by day as we grow in grace and trust Thee for our wants in soul and body. For these and all Thy blessings, God’s holy name be praised for Christ’s sake. Amen.”

This story is so rich in detail, prayer, love, action, and more.  The cover is stunning and I highly recommend it. Laura Frantz is a master craftswoman with the written word.

I appreciate the gifted book I received from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own without compensation or expectation.

5 Stars (I LOVED IT)

Special thanks to Laura Frantz for this
kind influencer gift.

Playlist:  The author has created a musical score playlist as a backdrop to this story.  Check it out on her website. https://laurafrantz.net/aheartadrift-playlist/

 

Until next time, hugs and a cup of Christmas tea, 

Heather Elizabeth

A Warm and Fuzzy Christmas

 I'm going to share a few things in today's post, jumping around a bit. Bear with me please. 

First, I'm taking a moment to acknowledge my Daddy's 79th birthday today, December 10th, with a couple of pics from his last birthday on earth and how awesome it was!! He sure was tickled. We had watched some TV show together while he was visiting me featuring these flight simulators right near Disneyland. I asked if he'd ever want to do that? He emphatically said, yes! I got online immediately, checked costs, got on the phone w/the sibs and everything came together for us to meet there the next day! Brother Joe joined the ride while we watched and listened as dad tried to fly into space with warnings from the tower to knock it off, repeated crash and burns and multiple "Top Gun" quotes. He absolutely loved it and we loved it for him. We didn't know then it would be his last birthday, but the Lord knew and I believe He helped orchestrate this very last-minute amazing adventure that we can look back on with full hearts. Happy heavenly birthday Daddy.

Here is a 3.5 minute video of Daddy reading the children's book Santa Mouse: Click here if you can't see video

Wonderful reflection of the season
filled with rich, gorgeous illustrations on every page by Robert (Bob) Giordano, ribbon bookmark with 24k gold plated metal snowflake charm attached, quotes and reminders captured in a miniature hardbound book that give you all the Christmas feels. 🎄

"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace." Agnes Mae Pahro (1904-1985)

🎶 Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat, Please do put a penny in the old man's hat; If you haven't got a penny, a ha'penny will do, If you haven't got a ha'penny, God bless you! -

Traditional English Carol

🎄"One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly. -Andy Rooney (1919-2011 American radio and television writer who was best known for his weekly broadcast "A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney", a part of the CBS News program 60 Minutes from 1978 to 2011.)

📸When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things- not the great occasions - give off the greatest glow of happiness. -Bob Hope (1903-2003 comedian, vaudevillian, actor, singer, dancer, and author)

🎁Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. to a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. -Oren Arnold (1900-1980 American journalist and novelist)

📚 For those of us who regularly use Goodreads, this one certainly fits the bill: "Do give books- religious or otherswise- for Christmas. They're never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal. -Lenore Hershey (1919 - 1997 former editor of McCall's magazine and Ladies Home Journal)

💗"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." -Charles Dickens (1812-1870 Victorian-era English writer and social critic)

Other quotes from authors like Shakespeare, Clement Clark Moore, Charles M. Shulz

Published by: PeterPauper.com

I was lucky enough to find this book in the Friends of the Library bookstore in my local library for .50¢. What a steal! All opinions are mine alone.
 

I hope you are already making wonderful seasonal memories, reading touching Christmas stories and hugging up on your loved ones, and as always drinking copious cups of tea!
God bless and until next time, hugs and a cup of Christmas tisane (wink!) 

This snarky teacup pic cracked up my Daddy, 
because he used to call us this whenever
we were talkin smack with him!

Heather Elizabeth

RUBIES AND REVENGE a Junkin Jewelry Mystery by Angela McRae

 

•°o•:*:•. Another Clean Small-town Murder Mystery .•:*:• o°•

Emma Madison and her Siamese kitty, Miriam Haskell, join us during the holiday season (perfect since that is when I am reading the book -smile). 

There is a lot happening with the small-town Christmas bazaar, tons of holiday goodies and get-togethers, plus shopping sprees and right in the mix a murder that has everyone concerned. Former characters return from book one and some new ones are introduced keeping us guessing.

Detective Alan Shelton makes it obvious that none of Emma’s help is welcomed. I found him a bit bothersome this time. I enjoyed the turkey toss which helps out the less fortunate and appreciated the occasional prayer and one scripture reference. All of Emma’s designs always sound interesting, particularly the broken bits of Spode Christmas china turned into jewelry and her Ruby and Doris line named for both the character's and the author’s grandmothers. I appreciated two recipes related to the story (see below), at least 3 different hot teas (earl grey, chamomile, green) and of course sweet tea referenced, a link to the author’s Pinterest for inspirational pictures related to the story:
https://www.pinterest.com/angelawmcrae/rubies-and-revenge-by-angela-mcrae/

Once again the killer was difficult to determine. I recommend book two in the series.

4 stars – very good

I won a copy of this book in a raffle graciously held by the author on her website TeaWithFriends.blogspot.com. My opinion is entirely my own.   Special thanks to Angela for the book and the lovely autograph to both me and my Aunt Dixie who I will forward it to.

© Sep 28, 2021 Red Adept Publ., 246 pages

some of my Christmas jewlry

SERIES: Junkin’ Jewelry Mysteries

Emeralds and Envy book one,
Rubies and Revenge book two

“Angela McRae began her writing career as a newspaper reporter, initially covering the police beat and then moving on to features. In a small local bookstore, Angela came across, a tea shop mystery set in Charleston, SC. As a longtime tea lover, she had to try it, and she’s been hooked on cozy mysteries ever since. She currently lives with her husband in Georgia. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, cooking, going to afternoon tea with family and friends, and “junkin’” at flea markets and antique malls, where she often finds inspiring artifacts that wind up in her stories. She also writes a monthly cooking column for a local publication, the Coweta Shopper, and enjoys connecting with readers who love to cook.”

A note about my photos: I thought this book was set during Thanksgiving based on the backside description but after reading, there was so much related to Christmas I decided to stage it again. However, I like the stagings both ways, so tah-da! 

Until next time, hugs and a cozy cup of Christmas tea, 

Darling Mr. Day by Grace Hitchcock

 

Her Darling Mr. Day, by Grace Hitchcock American Royalty #2, January 4, 2022

*** RIVETING ***

New Orleans 1883.  This book had a bit of everything; multiple available bachelors, several debutantes and American heiresses, subterfuge, contests over fortunes and titles, romance, pirates, plenty of faith moments, laugh-out-loud moments, and more.  Our darling Teddy has returned from book one, along with Flora.  Several opportunities present themselves for their reacquaintance which brings all of the above and some danger to boot.  I really enjoy Grace Hitchcock's writing style and her beautiful dedications at the back of the book are not to be missed.

My only complaint (but not really) is that Teddy loathes Darjeeling tea. "He swallowed the tea, nearly choking on the bitter, black brew. He had always despised Darjeeling, a fact Flora well knew," Darjeeling is my absolute favorite tea and not bitter when perfectly brewed, (particularly Taylors of Harrogate) and not bitter when perfectly brewed, but one minute over and it is ruined and bitter.  Clearly, Teddy has never had a proper cup! LOL. ;)

Excellent - 5 Stars

I was gifted this book for my honest opinion without expectation or compensation.

Series: American Royalty

PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION: New Orleans' most eligible bachelor insists he's not on the market . . . but he couldn't be more wrong.

Jilted in front of all New York, Theodore Day decides to lose himself in his family's luxury riverboat business in New Orleans and compete against his brother to become the next company head. The brother with the most sales by summer's end will win the position. Thanks to Theodore's fame as a suitor in a socialite's outlandish competition to find a husband, he has become very desirable royalty in Southern society and thus has an advantage.

It took Flora Wingfield's best work to convince her family to summer in New Orleans, but with Teddy Day a bachelor once again, she's leaving nothing to chance. Desperate to stand out from all the clamoring belles, Flora attempts a bold move that goes completely awry, only to find it's her interior design skills that finally catch his notice.

But when Flora's father's matchmaking schemes come in the way of her plans, Teddy will have to decide where his happiness truly lies and what he is willing to sacrifice for it.

Grace Hitchcock
 is the author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a master's degree in creative writing and a bachelor of arts in English with a minor in history. Grace lives in the New Orleans area with her husband, Dakota, and their son and daughter. Join her at gracehitchcock.com.

Until next time, hugs and cup of warm Christmas tea!

To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano TEAWARES and Advent

 

Welcome back friends!  I'm ready to kick off the Christmas season. We had a wonderful time in church today, lighting the first Advent candle of the season and singing Christmas worship songs.  I hope you enjoyed a blessed Lord's day as well.

Yesterday was a bit of a difficult day for me as I decided to dramatically downsize my teawares.  I'm at a different stage of life, and most likely need to move soon, so the decision seemed like a wise one.  I'm happy to say my church women's ministry group agreed to accept the donation and my wares will all get new love bestowed on them in the future.

If you're reading this, please say a little prayer for me for strength and direction in this new season.  Thank you!!

To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano – January 18, 2022

HISTORICAL ROMANTIC COMEDY/MYSTERY-DRAMA

1887, New York. "Considering she'd once shot the man sitting across from her, Eunice Holbrook was beginning to get the sneaking suspicion her past had finally caught up with her." Great opening line and gorgeous cover! Arthur Livingston is a no-nonsense, black and white sort of aristocrat; or at least he thinks so, until he reunites with the one woman who tends to unhinge him.  Eunice co-runs the Bleaker Street Inquiry Agency and is rather headstrong and direct.  These two have several wonderful arguments and join forces to solve a long past murder.  The part of the book where she goes undercover had my gut clenching.  I was rather glad it was not the major focus of the book because the conditions were abysmal.  I enjoyed the twists and turns with her family members and their reuniting.  The amount of money these people had was catastrophic even by today's standards!  I was drawn to Chase Livingston, Arthur's younger brother {"I've always been old for my years, and I spend countless hours counseling men and women when I volunteer at a mission in Five Points."},  as well as their whimsical,  eighty-two-year-old grandfather {"I don't believe I've ever seen a lady flee from you before. I suppose it's not very grandfatherly of me to admit that I found that amusing, but that was very amusing indeed," Lloyd said, his eyes twinkling}.  I hope we hear more of them in a future series. I also enjoyed the star Pinkerton, Agent Cooper who has returned.  I love that he trains the girls in self-defense and that female agents are proficient in firearms. "The pistol was mine. It's a very distinctive pistol, silver with an inlaid handle of mother of pearl and my initials carved into it..." There's also a bit of society and a bit of the old west in the book which was a fun change of scenery.

Very few faith or tea moments this time.  I could always do with more of those! 😉

Very good read, 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was gifted a copy of this book for my honest opinion which is mine alone and without compensation or further expectation.

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS: When Arthur Livingston arrives out of the blue at the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, anxious to hire the agency to seek out a missing heiress, Eunice Holbrooke realizes her past has finally caught up with her.
Having fled from the scene of her grandfather's murder seven years before, Eunice is a lady with secrets--the most important that she is the missing heiress Arthur is seeking. She has no intention of allowing him to learn she's been disguising herself, especially when she has reason to believe Arthur could hold her responsible for her grandfather's death.
In order to avoid Arthur and conceal her real identity, Eunice takes on another case that requires her to go deep undercover. With secrets from the past--and Arthur--appearing wherever she looks, she wonders how she will ever uncover the truth behind her grandfather's murder.

Paperback, 352 pages / Expected publication: January 18th, 2022 by Bethany House Publishers

Series: To Steal a Heart, To Write a Wrong, To Disguise the Truth

https://jenturano.com/

Until next time, hugs and a warm cup of Christmas tea,

NEVER PURSUE A PRINCE by Regina Scott A Wonderful Regency Romance

 Happy Thanksgiving friends!  I managed to complete a book this morning and thought I would get the reviews posted so I can move on to another one while I have the house to myself! 😁  I hope you have a wonderful day!!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

WONDERFUL

Fortune the cat has returned in this new tale involving twenty-eight-year-old royal twin brothers Leo and Fritz and a host of other royals.  I genuinely enjoyed this story and it's always fun when twins switch places.  Leo is dashing and thoughtful, whereas his brother is rather course, but direct. Twenty-three-year-old Larissa is constantly remembering the rules of society but gradually gives in to her heart. "Lady Larissa Dryden found being the daughter of a duke highly inconvenient."  As Leo and Larissa join forces against an unknown foe, a diverting tale unfolds.  There are plenty of supporting characters, romance, and regency regalia.  It was fun to have old friends from the previous series return, though it is not necessary to have read those books to start this series.  It was also interesting to see how the brothers came to understand each other better after walking in the other's shoes.

Tea Quote I Enjoyed: "What do you want Callie?" "A nice library," she said, raising her brows as if in hope. "A cup of chamomile. A pup at my side and a cat on my lap. Good friends like you and Belle and Tuny."

I recommend this book and look forward to the next installment. 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

For my honest review I was gifted an eBook from the author without further compensation or expectation. All opinions are my own.

SERIES: The Wedding Vow, a spinoff series that follows characters from the Fortune's Brides series

1 Never Pursue a Prince - 257 pages.

2 Never Court a Count (sneak peek at end of book 1). 

Publisher's Synopsis: Lady Larissa, oldest daughter of the Duke of Wey, has one goal: find suitable husbands for her two younger sisters and best friend so they may live happily ever after. Despite their attempts at matchmaking for her, she’s all but given up on finding her own groom, a gentleman good enough to meet her late mother’s and grandmother’s expectations. She has a hard enough time meeting those expectations for poise, propriety, and perfection. But a chance encounter brings the most marvelous gentleman to her attention. A shame he is merely a captain of the Imperial Guard of Batavaria and in no way the suitable husband for the daughter of a duke.

Prince Otto Leopold Augustus of Batavaria has one goal: to win back his country from those who ousted his family. But someone seems intent on stopping him, for danger stalks the corridors of their palace in England. So why not trade places with his identical twin brother, the leader of the Imperial Guard? Leo might just uncover their enemies before someone is hurt. And having an ally in the thoroughly proper and pretty duke’s daughter can only help.

The more Larissa and Leo are thrown together, the more secrets come to light and the more their attraction grows. Would the daughter of a duke dare to throw off propriety, if it means winning the heart of the most princely of men?

If you like warm, witty historical romances, with a touch of intrigue, then you’ll love this series starter by an award-winning author.

CLICK HERE FOR WEBSITE

“Regina Scott is a first-rate storyteller who knows what her readers want in their romances.” Huntress Reviews
She offers several FREEBIES via her newsletter! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

Until next time, Hugs and a cup of tea, 

PROPOSING MISCHIEF Regina Jennings

 

PROPOSING MISCHIEF - The Joplin Chronicles Book 2 by Regina Jennings (c) Dec. 7, 2021

A HUMDINGER OF GOOD, CLEAN FUN!

Set in Joplin, Missouri late 1800s ***

19-year-old Maisie Kentworth and her brother Amos were a hoot in the last book so I was excited to have them in the forefront here. “Maisie wasn’t a troublemaker, but she needed adventure like a cornfield needed sunlight.” “Just outside her family’s ranch was enough excitement to flip a corpse. Joplin had it all – society, music, and wealth.” ***

24-year-old Boone Bragg was an interesting character.  He gets stuck in his head problem solving, often when he should be paying attention to people or the time. He comes up with a crazy solution involving Maisie after she makes an amazing discovery in his mine.

“Unless God saw fit to drop a man from the sky and land him on the Kentworth ranch, Maisie wasn’t going to have any luck at all.” ***

TEA QUOTE: The chair was uncomfortable, the tea weak, and he had work to do. “It’s a nice – Boone looked above him – building." ***

FAITH QUOTE: “There were times you prayed for God’s guidance, prayed for His wisdom, and then you had to act without knowing for sure that you were doing the right thing.”

LAUGH-OUT-LOUD:

I loved the Secret Tree and how it played into parts of the story! I laughed out loud several times EXCELLENT READ. 

This story was gifted to me via NetGalley and the publisher.  All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation. ***

5 stars

SERIES: {Click for my reviews}

0.5 INTRIGUE A LA MODE (eBook or within Serving Up Love novella collection) *** 

1 COURTING MISFORTUNE ***

2 PROPOSING MISCHIEF ***

 

CLICK FOR REGINA'S SITE