VYING FOR THE VISCOUNT by Kristi Ann Hunter

 

The new Hearts on the Heath series

Vying for the Viscount by Kristin Ann Hunter - Book 1- Hearts on the Heath, Available Aug. 4, 2020

***MOST ENJOYABLE, CLEAN, REGENCY ERA STORY***

I started reading mid-day and read until bedtime.  Finished in one sitting!  The idea of the 2 main characters helping each other find a good match is always interesting. I really like the brothers Aaron and Lord Rigsby. Both are supporting characters. They need to work out their issues & have stories of their own.  When old characters show up, particularly from Kristi's books, it's especially amusing. The verbal sparring in conversations is witty and adds to the reading. I appreciate that eventually Hudson asks to court Bianca properly and get to know each other better vs simply rushing into marriage.

"finally - he was going to step into the life he'd been waiting twenty-eight years to live. As the firstborn son of the firstborn son of the sixth Viscount Stildon, Hudson had always known his destiny. Assuming, of course, that he managed to stay alive and fulfill it.  Hiding away in India had been enough to protect Hudson from the schemes of a crazed uncle who wanted the title for himself, but it had meant exposure to other dangers."

Mrs. Snowey pressed her lips together in a
 tight frown.  Bianca merely smiled.

Connect with the author
at KristiAnnHunter dotcom

I recommend this 4-star book. I received a complimentary eBook from the author, publisher & NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation.

Bethany House Publishing

352 Pages

©8/4/2020

I use the Goodreads Star Ratings System: 1= Did not like it, 2= It was ok, 3=Liked It, 4= Really liked it, 5=It was amazing

NOTHING SHORT OF WONDROUS by REGINA SCOTT

 

Nothing Short of Wondrous - American Wonders Collection - Book 2 - Regina Scott - Revell Publishing (c) Oct. 20, 2020

***ENJOYABLE YELLOWSTONE NATL PARK ROMANCE ***
1886 - Widow Kate Tremaine and her son, Danny, run the Geyser Gateway Inn set in the world's first National Park, rugged Yellowstone, surrounded by erupting mud pots, pine trees, bison, bears and beauty, and occasionally poachers.
Kate has such a passion for Yellowstone that I really like.
Lt. Will Prescott has been assigned to patrol the area. For more than 10 years he's been a cavalryman, but he carries a heavy burden: "Sometimes, he feared even God wouldn't forgive what he'd done."
I loved how Will was immediately drawn to Danny, wanting to make sure he could be a kid and enjoy life. He is a good man and I was drawn to him throughout the story.
I received a complimentary eBook from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation.

((4 Stars=I Really Liked It))
((MY STARS)) 1= Did not like it, 2= It was ok, 3=Liked It, 4= Really liked it, 5=It was amazing

 AMERICAN WONDERS COLLECTION
1 - A Distance Too Grand 10/2019, 2 - Nothing Short of Wondrous 10/2020, 3 - Pending (Set in Mt. Rainer)

Link to original photo

PUBLISHERS SYNOPSIS:  It is 1886, and the government has given the US Cavalry control of Yellowstone. For widowed hotelier Kate Tremaine, the change is a welcome one. She knows every inch of her wilderness home like the back of her hand and wants to see it protected from poachers and vandals. 

Refused a guide by Congress, Lieutenant William Prescott must enlist Kate's aid to help him navigate the sprawling park and track down the troublemakers. But a secret from his past makes him wary of the tender feelings the capable and comely widow raises in him. When her 6-year-old son is kidnapped by a poacher who wants the boy to guide him to the place where the last of the Yellowstone bison congregate, Will and Kate must work together to rescue him, save the bison, and protect the park. In doing so, they may just find that two wounded hearts can share one powerful love when God is in control.

SIDE NOTE:  If you have never been to Yellowstone, I highly recommend it.  I still have fond memories of visiting there as a young teenage girl. Yellowstone's beauty found a permanent place in my heart.

A PORTRAIT OF LOYALTY by ROSEANNE M WHITE

A Portrait of Loyalty available Sept 2020

A Portrait of Loyalty - The Codebreakers - Book 3 - Roseanna M. White

***EXCELLENT END TO THE WWI SERIES***

Zivon Marin / Evgeni Marin - Two Russian brothers battle for what they believe is right and just for the future of the world, each shrouded in covert operations during the war. "He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder: he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

 Lilian Blackwell deals in her own clandestine maneuvers; extremely talented behind her Kodak No.1 Autographic Special, model A camera and in the darkroom. "Something about him struck her as photographic, as if he were already a still life captured on film. What would he look like when actually put to paper? Would the camera see the same thing her eyes did, or would it not translate into a photograph, where everything was caught in a moment devoid of motion? No. She'd learned to capture motion - or its story, anyway - with her camera. She would just have to see if she could capture its opposite too. A challenge she'd never taken up before, but one she was determined to meet.

Tea Quote: Perhaps she would see if Ara would like to have tea or something. They rarely had the chance to socialize outside of Charing Cross (hospital).   

CLICK for a great link on this camera

This story is chock full of information & wonderful detail.  I loved how it was woven through the tense war years, the 1918 flu epidemic, and the faith of believers vs the righteousness of non-believers.  I also found it precious that people brought together during those difficult days could still find love, clinging to one another for support.  I was NOT prepared for the part of the story that brought me to sobbing tears.  It was very emotional and definitely required pause and tissues.  Very well written and highly recommended.

"His promises have not changed just because my circumstances have. He is still the giver of all. The lover of our souls. No matter how bad our situation, He is still good. All we have to do is look for Him."

I received a complimentary eBook from the author via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation.

Bethany House Publishing, 384 Pages, (c) 09-08-2020

((4 Stars=I Really Liked It))

((MY STARS)) 1= Did not like it, 2= It was ok, 3=Liked It, 4= Really liked it, 5=It was amazing

CODEBREAKERS SERIES:

1 - The Number of Love, 2 - On Wings of Devotion, 3 - A Portrait of Loyalty

PLACES TO BUY:

AMAZON

BARNES AND NOBLE

CHRISTIANBOOK

AUTOGRAPHED COPY - AUTHOR'S WEBSITE

PUBLISHERS SYNOPSIS:  Zivon Marin was one of Russia's top cryptographers, until the October Revolution tore apart his world. Forced to flee after speaking out against Lenin and separated from his brother along the way, he arrives in England driven by a growing anger and determined to offer his services to the Brits.

Lily Blackwell sees the world best through the lens of a camera--and possesses unsurpassed skill when it comes to retouching and recreating photographs. With her father's connections in propaganda, she's recruited to the intelligence division, even though her mother would disapprove.

After Captain Blackwell invites Zivon to dinner one evening, a friendship blooms between him and Lily. He sees patterns in what she deems chaos; she sees beauty in a world he thought destroyed. But both have secrets they're unwilling to share. When her photographs reveal that someone has been following Zivon, his loyalties are called into question--and his enemies are discovered to be far closer than he'd feared.

@roseannamwhite #TheCodebreakers #OnWingsofDevotion

Author, Roseanna M. White

Author Bio: Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

LINE BY LINE BOOK ONE LOVE ALONG THE WIRES

Line by Line- Love Along The Wires book 1 by Jennifer Delamere

Decent Story.  It seemed like God and faith were late to the party, however, I do enjoy the topic of the telegraph and I will most likely read future publishings in this series.

"The telegraph service was a government entity, overseen by the postmaster general."

It may be noteworthy to some that the hero of the story is a smoker, which it is only referenced a couple of times and would have been common back then. "There was a vague smoky scent coming from him, as though he'd spent his recent train ride in the smoking car."

Andrew Carnegie added a good amount of wisdom later in the story.

"Over the years, I have found that it's one thing to hear a sermon where Scripture is quoted, but it's quite another to read for yourself what is written. It can have quite an impact on people" -Mr. Johnstone

Tea Moment: "Why, that's terrible!" Emma said. She filled a teacup and set it in front of Alice. "This will help." Emma's way of dealing with trauma always involved a hot cup of tea.

I received a complimentary eBook from the NetGalley & the publisher, in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation.

Click --> **AMAZON HAS THE FIRST 4 CHAPTERS OR SO OF THIS BOOK YOU CAN PREVIEW** 

Bethany House Publishing, 384 Pages, (c) June 30, 2020

((MY STARS)) 1= Did not like it, 2= It was ok, 3=Liked It, 4= Really liked it, 5=It was amazing

Until next time, Hugs and a cup of ICED tea!

LOVES PURE LIGHT - 4 XMAS NOVELLAS

Love's Pure Light - 4 Stories follow and Heirloom Nativity Set through 4 Generations

 Raney, McNear, Dietze, Rosche  Available Sept 1, 2020

***RECOMMENDED - CHRISTMAS EASY READING ***

WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCH ARE KEEPING BY SUSAN DIETZE

Massachusetts, 1899

"...when one is facing hardship, it often helps to focus on helping somone else."

"Never had a friend, male or female, challenged or encouraged him in his relationship with God or his work the way she had.  He'd never met a woman who could make him feel this confused yet at the same time this peaceful- "

This was a decent story with plenty of moments of redemption. However, I never care for characters who profess their love after a mere 3 weeks. It takes away from the story.

((3 Stars=I like it.))

THE WISE GUY AND THE STAR BY SHANNON McNEAR

Charleston, SC to Kansas City, Mo, 1919

"Good noon, ladies! Might I start you off with a cup of coffee or tea?" "Tea please," Aunt Lila said.

"God feels very far away. Like I've seen too much, done too much, somehow. Ordinary church is fine for ordinary people but..." [Stella shifted from one to the other. "Lord, help me grasp just what it is he's trying to say - and give me words that might offer comfort and strength."]

I really enjoyed the writing style, rich with detail but not so much as to get in the way. Nat and Stella are very sweet in their interactions. Realizing that Seth and Jesse from the previous story are her parents was unexpected and nice.

((4 Stars=I Really Liked It)

ON ANGEL WINGS BY JANICE ROSCHE

Kansas City, MO, 1945

"since Elodie Wise was a little girl, she'd been told she carried a light inside her soul that even the darkest night could not snuff out. The only problem? When she wanted - or rather needed - to hide, she never could. That didn't stop her from trying of course."

Decent story.  I liked Elodie and Benjamin's lifelong friendship.

((3 Stars=I liked it))

MAKING ROOM AT THE INN BY DEBORAH RANEY

Cape Girardeau, MO, Present Day

"An old hutch leaned agains the brick. Painted her favorite robin's-egg blue, the hutch held an exquisite mismatch of old dishes. No doubt the same cups and saucers she and Mimi had taken tea from that long ago Christmas. Oh how she wished they'd taken a photo..."

Very good story.  Although I generally do not enjoy modern tales, this one held my interest. The easy banter between Benjie and Trevor, yet moments of trepidations as they grew in affection for one another worked really well for me.

I love how the nativity found its way into the story and even grew with more pieces. It sure would be fun to see it!

((4 Stars=I Really Liked It))

I received a complimentary eBook from the NetGalley & the publisher, in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation.

Barbour Publishing, 448 Pages, (c) Sept 1, 2020

((STARS)) 1= Did not like it, 2= It was ok, 3=Liked It, 4= Really liked it, 5=It was amazing

Until next time - hugs and a cup of tea!

CONFUSED BY STAR RATINGS

Have you wondered about star ratings for products like I have? I finally did a little research for my favorite book sites to get a better understanding.

In my opinion, AMAZON gives a completely vague definition of its star ratings. Hovering over the stars does not help as there are no pop-ups.

“Amazon calculates a product’s star ratings based on a machine-learned model instead of a raw data average. The model takes into account factors including the age of a rating, whether the ratings are from verified purchasers, and factors that establish reviewer trustworthiness.”

GOODREADS STAR RATINGS: 1= Did not like it, 2= It was ok, 3=Liked It, 4= Really liked it, 5=It was amazing

B&N: 1= Poor, 2=Fair, 3=Average, 4= Good, 5=Excellent

GOOGLE PLAY BOOKS: 1= Hated it, 2=Didn’t like it, 3=Just Ok, 4= Liked it, 5=Loved it

KOBO: 1= I Hated it, 2=I didn’t like it, 3=It was ok, 4= I liked it, 5=I loved it

NetGalley (Would you recommend?): 1= No, 2=Not Really, 3=Maybe, 4= Yes, 5=Strongly

CBD: 1= Poor, 2=Fair, 3=Average, 4= Good, 5=Excellent (they also ask for a separate 5 bubble review of; Product Quality, Value, Meets Expectation)
Additionally, CBD now requires reviews to be done via Word Pad or Notepad stating in an email to me when I questioned why copy/pasting from MsWord was no longer working for me: “this process was changed recently for security reasons on our site.”

Side note from Christianbook: “Since 1978, Christianbook has been your go-to for Everything Christian for Less.

When we started as Christian Book Distributors, the acronym CBD became common reference for our many devoted customers. In recent years however, it’s become important for us to distinguish ourselves from other CBD-branded businesses.  Since launching on the web in the 1990s we have always been Christianbook.com. We also had the CBD.com site that has always automatically redirected to our official Christianbook.com site. With the potential for brand confusion mentioned above, we’ve decided to stop using the long-standing CBD.com address.

Our online home will now only be at Christianbook.com. We are not moving physical locations or modifying our award-winning services otherwise.  For our customers who reach us by CBD.com, we kindly request that you update your browser bookmarks or favorites to the Christianbook.com address.”

I think it's important to note what a rating on each site means, whether you are shopping or leaving a review.  I have decided if it fits on the site, I will include the site definition for my rating at the bottom trying to stick with each site's system.  So while I may give a 4 on one site, it may only equal a 3 on another site.

Until next time,
Hugs and a cup of tea!  

Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano 5 Star Read

•*• Loved Every Minute •*•

1886, Chicago

“Miss Beatrix Waterbury had been banished from New York, and all because she’d had the great misfortune of landing herself in jail… twice.” Another great opening line.

A train, a robbery, a scientist, a suffragist,  Pinkertons, Chicago’s Marshall Field & Co., a butler named Lurch – but not really (ha ha), a wacky, cat-loving aunt with keen insight and a helpful nature, a stubborn mule named Mort, a houseful of ladies in training, and a host of other characters. 

“You’re very tenacious – which is not a compliment, if you’re wondering-” – Norman Nesbit

“I always find it best to gather pertinent information about one’s nemesis because you never know when such information might be useful.” – Aunt Gladys

TEA MOMENT:  “I’m of the belief that a nice cup of tea, paired with an even nicer meal, does wonders for clearing a person’s head.” –Norman Nesbit

FAITH MOMENT:  Knowing God, who’d always been by her side, would be walking beside her, giving her his blessing… I loved this very sweet moment.

I enjoy everything Jen Turano writes and this is no exception. Another 5 star read.
I received a complimentary eBook through Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review. All opinions are my own without further compensation or expectation.

Publisher’s Synopsis:

When Beatrix Waterbury's train is disrupted by a heist, scientist Norman Nesbit comes to her aid. After another encounter, he is swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract--including the attention of the men trying to steal his research--and they'll soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.

Bethany House Publishing - American Heiresses Series:

Flights of Fancy – book 1 Jan 1, 2019

Diamond in the Rough – book 2 Sept 3, 2019

Storing Up Trouble – book 3 coming May, 2020

Connect with my favorite author at:  JenTurano.com

Until Next time,

Pretending To Wed by Melissa Jagears 5 Stars

Pretending to Wed by Melissa Jagears, Book 2 - Frontier Vows - Available May 28, 2020
REALLY GOOD!
I started this book after work on May 20th, stayed up well past my bedtime, and woke early to finish it before work on May 21st!  That's how well it held my attention.  The storyline is very good, as the two main characters learn to work together to pull off a fake marriage to benefit each other. The author touches on some personal issues I don't recall ever reading about in a Christian novel before (the inability to experience pleasure in the bedroom).  I applaud her for taking on the topic in a tasteful way and carefully weaving it into the story since it was taboo in the 1800s and certainly still today with conservatives.  Additionally she deals with the topic of choosing relations before marriage and how devasting that can be as well, especially when promises are made and not kept.  I enjoyed the two main characters, Nolan Key and Corinne Stillwater.  The supporting characters were fun to get to know and the villains were rude, arrogant, and sneaky as you would expect.  The story is set Wyoming Territory, Summer 1884 in a small town.  I would recommend this if you enjoy a western-style setting, a mature topic, with redemption and faith-filled values.

Connect with the author at MelissaJagears dot com
she is genuine and lovely to chat with.
I received a complimentary eBook from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation.
Utmost Publishing
372 Pages, on sale wherever books are sold May 28, 2020 (including Amazon, B&N, Kobo, GooglePlayBooks)

Special thanks to Natalie Monk, my influencer teammate, for the book quote graphics.

Hugs and a cup of tea,

AT LOVE'S COMMAND by Karen Witemeyer 5 STARS

At Love's Command - Hanger's Horsemen # 1 by Karen Witemeyer

I absolutely loved this story set in 1890s Texas.  It touched my heart and brought me to tears several times as if they were real people. The Christian theme woven throughout, like a rope binding comfort to my soul, was perfect for the days we are living in.

"Got a verse for me, Preach?" was a favorite phrase of mine throughout the story.

Faith Quote: "Romans 8:31. 'If God be for us, who can be against us?"'

Tea Quote: "I'd hoped to sweet talk my way into the room with tea and cookies." -Josephine

I received a complimentary eBook through Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review. All opinions are my own without further compensation or expectation.

Karen Witemeyer is such a sweet and genuine person.  You can connect with her online as I have and be blessed by her tender heart.

5 STARS

SERIES: Hanger's Horsemen

1) At Love's Command - Possibly May or June 2020 (dependent upon COVID-19 delays)

Author's Synopsis:
Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger's Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they're the ones in need of saving.

Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she's not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew Hanger's dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine's respect, and when she hears of her brother's abduction, he becomes her only hope for rescue.

Matt has stared down ruthless outlaws, betrayal, and injury, but when a bossy lady doctor crawls under his skin, his heart is tempted to surrender. And when she is caught in the crossfire, he may have to sacrifice everything--even his team--to save her.

STORING UP TROUBLE by Jen Turano 5 Stars

Storing Up Trouble – American Heiresses Series Book 3 by Jen Turano

•*• Loved Every Minute •*•

1886, Chicago

“Miss Beatrix Waterbury had been banished from New York, and all because she’d had the great misfortune of landing herself in jail… twice.” Another great opening line.

A train, a robbery, a scientist, a suffragist,  Pinkertons, Chicago’s Marshall Field & Co., a butler named Lurch – but not really (ha ha), a wacky, cat-loving aunt with keen insight and a helpful nature, a stubborn mule named Mort, a houseful of ladies in training, and a host of other characters. 

“You’re very tenacious – which is not a compliment, if you’re wondering-” – Norman Nesbit

“I always find it best to gather pertinent information about one’s nemesis because you never know when such information might be useful.” – Aunt Gladys

TEA MOMENT:  “I’m of the belief that a nice cup of tea, paired with an even nicer meal, does wonders for clearing a person’s head.” –Norman Nesbit

FAITH MOMENT:  Knowing God, who’d always been by her side, would be walking beside her, giving her his blessing… I loved this very sweet moment.

I enjoy everything Jen Turano writes and this is no exception. Another 5 star read.

Bethany House Publishing - American Heiresses Series:

Flights of Fancy – book 1 Jan 1, 2019

Diamond in the Rough – book 2 Sept 3, 2019

Storing Up Trouble – book 3 coming May 5, 2020 (dependent upon COVID-19 delays)

I received a complimentary eBook through Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review. All opinions are my own without further compensation or expectation.

Publisher’s Synopsis:

When Beatrix Waterbury's train is disrupted by a heist, scientist Norman Nesbit comes to her aid. After another encounter, he is swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract--including the attention of the men trying to steal his research--and they'll soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.

Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey by Abigail Wilson

As seen on http://www.acwilsonbooks.com/

Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey by Abigail Wilson

•°o•:*:•.Suspicion, Intrigue & Romance.•:*:• o°•

This is my first time reading Abigail Wilson’s writing and I am already a huge fan! Her writing captivates and I suspected EVERYONE as this mystery unfolded. The story moved along at a delightful pace and I could not wait to turn each (electronic) page (smile) set in 1815 Southeastern England.  Lord Torrington is not what he seems to the young, unwed Elizabeth. Elizabeth is not who he set out to rob.

 “Think of our marriage as a rather pleasant masquerade.” “My name is Adrian, by the way. You’d best start calling me that.” He raised his chin. “Since we are madly in love and to be married tomorrow.”

“Mrs. Baxter, some tea if you would.” The door cracked open and Mrs. Baxter shuffled in with a silver platter filled with tea and cakes.

“Some things in life are not chiseled into perfect lines and boxes, Elizabeth. They are far more complex, messier, glorious versions of the original. You have to look hard to see what’s hidden.”

I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy a combined mystery / romance, clean read in a historical setting. 5 stars 

I received an eCopy from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review with no further compensation or expectation.

Thomas Nelson Publishing expected 05/26/2020

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS
In this new Regency romance, Elizabeth knows she must protect her heart from the charm of her new husband, Lord Torrington. She is not, however, prepared to protect her life. When the widowed Lord Torrington agreed to spy for the crown, he never planned to impersonate a highwayman, let alone rob the wrong carriage. Stranded on the road with an unconscious young woman, he is forced to propose marriage to protect his identity and her reputation, as well as his dangerous mission.

Trapped not only by her duty to her country but also by her limited options as an unwed mother, Miss Elizabeth Cantrell and her infant son are whisked away to Middlecrest Abbey by none other than the elder brother of her son's absent father. There she is met by Torrington's beautiful grown daughters, a vicious murderer, and an urgent hunt for the missing intelligence that could turn the war with France. Meanwhile she must convince everyone that her marriage is a genuine love match if her new husband has any hope of uncovering the enemy.

Determined to keep her son's true identity a secret, Elizabeth will need to remain one step ahead of her fragile heart, her uncertain future, and the relentless fiend bent on her new family's ruin.