MOVIE WORTHY BOOK - THE SISTERS OF SEA VIEW

 I pray you are doing well and enjoying the shift into Autumn. Here in So Cal, the weather cannot make up it's mind between cool, hot, breezy, drizzle, and hot again.  Such is life. Anyhow, here is a delightful read I emphatically give two thumbs up to!

WOULD MAKE A FANTASTIC MOVIE! 

If only I could make that happen!

This book had wonderful characters and plenty of them. 

It was rather like a Jane Austen novel. 

There were poor, village invalids, ladies of reduced circumstance, swoony neighbors in need of God's love as well as neighborly charity, snooty guests, dreadful weather, lawn games, cottages and seascapes. Various ages add to the depth of the story. 

There is a bit of comedy as well; "The birdlike woman's mouth fell open, and Emily longed to drop a worm inside."

Action, mystery, faith, drama, romance, history,  well-written... indeed something for everyone. 

I cannot recommend it enough and look forward to finding out what happens next in the series!

I received an advanced eVersion of this story from the publisher without expectation or compensation.

All opinions are mine alone.

5 Stars

Releasing 12/06/22 by Bethany House Publishing

Publisher's Description: Some guests have come for a holiday, others for hidden reasons of their own . . .

When their father's death leaves them impoverished, Sarah Summers and her genteel sisters fear they will be forced to sell the house and separate to earn livelihoods as governesses or companions. Determined to stay together, Sarah convinces them to open their seaside home to guests to make ends meet and provide for their ailing mother. Instead of the elderly invalids they expect to receive, however, they find themselves hosting eligible gentlemen. Sarah is soon torn between a growing attraction to a mysterious Scottish widower and duty to her family.

Viola Summers wears a veil to cover her scar. When forced to choose between helping in her family's new guest house and earning money to hire a maid to do her share, she chooses the latter. She reluctantly agrees to read to some of Sidmouth's many invalids, preferring the company of a few elders with failing eyesight to the fashionable guests staying in their home. But when her first client turns out to be a wounded officer in his thirties, Viola soon wishes she had chosen differently. Her new situation exposes her scars--both visible and those hidden deep within--and her cloistered heart will never be the same.

Join the Summers sisters on the Devonshire coast, where they discover the power of friendship, loyalty, love, and new beginnings.

Click for Author's Website

Author Bio Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold over a million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing's Best Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit julieklassen.com.

Until next time,

Worthy of Legend - Roseanna M White

 

Amazon Link to Purchase

Wonderful wrap-up to the series!!

"Bram Sinclair, Earl of Telford, despised a bully."
"Lady Emily Scofield needed someone to protect her, to champion her, especially now that her father and brother were on the islands. And Bram seemed to be the only one available for the job. Which was fine— he had plenty of practice, both with fending off bullies and nursing back to health the puppies they tended to kick."

I really enjoyed Bram. In fact, all 3 heroes in the series were exactly what I would hope for, each in their own way.
The villains are appropriately villainous 🤭 and the sub-plots/characters add extra depth to the story. Lady Emily finds strength and courage as the story develops and she IS grace.

I was REALLY moved by the secret that Bram unlocked (no spoilers).

This book had plenty of faith elements that I quite appreciated and the scenery was great.

I also look forward to comedy in a book:
“My lord, if you don’t stand still, I’m going to throttle you with this bow tie instead of tying it—and it’ll be purely accidental, I assure you.”

Highly recommend entire series for those who both enjoy historical fiction as well as an elevated writing style.

I received an eVersion of this book for my honest opinion. All thoughts are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

Available on September 13, 2022

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, & pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents & thousands of years. Spies & war & 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 & her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

GIVEAWAY - The Finding of Miss Fairfield - Grace Hitchcock

/ 

Available 8/29/22 Amazon Link to Preorder

Not one, not two, but THREE villains! 😱

I adore a good Harvey House story.  Reading about the historic restaurant is a topic that fascinates me and The Finding of Miss Fairfield, Apron & Veils book #1 set in New Mexico, 1899, was no different.  I always appreciate the faith elements that elevate a story and Grace Hitchcock does a wonderful job weaving them into her stories.

Favorite Quote: “Even the devil can quote scripture to suit his purposes.”

In her challenging escape, Sophia grows in courage and gumption and  I quite liked her character and that of the kindly Carver Ashton. He is not the perfect hero, but that made him all the more real. Also, Carver disliked Earl Grey tea. RESPECT! I can’t stand that perfumed-tasting stuff! Blegh!

Amazon Link to Preorder

I look forward to the next installment, The Pursuit of Miss Parish coming May, 2023 (more information below).

Other Quotes from The Finding of Miss Fairfield that I enjoyed:

 2. “Lord, give me direction. Send me someone else! Or give me a way out of this marriage.”

3. “To borrow a line from Keats, ‘I love you the more in that I believe you have liked me for my own sake and for nothing else.’”

4. “And you should include a little tea salon where the husbands or wives… can take their refreshments and also have a wall of only the best novels to entice them to linger and order cup after cup of expensive tea!”

5. “…when I come to New Orleans to see your shop, I will want to take tea and order a stack of books.”

6. 

A birdcage with a tiny gold finch caught her eye. She paused at the window display, her fingers splaying against the cool glass. “I know how you feel,” she whispered. 

7.

"Life is short, and let's be honest, tea is better with sugar, especially when it smells rather medicinal in nature."

8. Jenny sighed. “And this is the part where I fear we might lose any new Harvey Girl. The bowls of water deter scorpions from climbing into our beds.” Sophia’s jaw dropped. “Excuse me?” “Scorpions.”

 

I am honored to have been chosen to be
on the Launch Team. Thank you Grace.
I read this eBook without compensation or expectation.
All opinions are mine alone. 4 Stars.

Valmont House Publisher’s Description:

New Mexico, 1899, When an engagement of convenience becomes anything but convenient . . .

Forced into a betrothal with a widower twice her age, Charleston socialite, Sophia Fairfield is desperate for an escape. But, while her fiancé is away on business, he assigns his handsome stepson, Carver, the task of looking after his bride-to-be. Much to her dismay, Sophia finds herself falling in love with the wrong gentleman—a man society would never allow her to marry, given Sophia was supposed to be his new stepmother. The only way to save Carver from scandal and financial ruin is to run away, leaving him and all else behind to become a Harvey Girl waitress at the Castañeda Hotel in New Mexico.

Carver Ashton has had his life planned out for him since birth, but when he encounters Sophia Fairfield, he glimpses a new life—apart from his overbearing stepfather’s business. But, when the woman he loves disappears before he can express his devotion, Carver abandons all to find her. However, his stepfather has other intentions for Sophia and will stop at nothing until she is his bride . . . even if it is against her will.

GoodReads Giveaway:

Link to GoodReads Giveaway ends 08/28/22 - see their site for Rules

Author, Grace Hitcock: Click for her website

 

Link to Preorder on Amazon

Aprons & Veils #2, The Pursuit of Miss Parish, available on May 31, 2023

Publisher's Synopsis: Love's gentle promise becomes nothing more than a withered dream. 
With dreams of love and a hope for belonging, shy Belle Parish leaves her position as a maid in Charleston to travel to New Mexico with her best friend to become mail-order brides. Colt Lawson's letters hold great promise and while his devilishly handsome face matches his picture, something does not add up. Discovering his lie only moments before they wed, Belle flees the church and straight into the Castañeda Hotel Harvey House. Giving up the prospect on ever marrying, she dons her nun-like uniform and focuses on her role as a Harvey Girl waitress until a strong, former Texas Ranger rides into her life.
Colt Lawson didn't want to send that letter to Belle Parish in the first place, but her first response had all but captured his heart. When he is left standing at the altar alone, he is left with two choices—either release his dream of a love marriage, or attempt to win her heart. Wooing her would be a lot easier if that Texas Ranger wasn't back in town. Who wants a dusty rancher with a past when she could have a shining knight in a Stetson?

Until next time, Hugs and cup of tea... or flowers
whatever your heart fancies!
~Heather Elizabeth ~

ON SALE In Honor's Defense by Karen Witemeyer

 

I had fun designing this one early morning when I couldn't sleep ☺

In Honor’s Defense - Hanger's Horsemen # 3 by Karen Witemeyer

*** Great Wrap-up to the Series ***

Preach gets his story and his gal!

St. Louis, MO, 1895

33-year-old Luke Davenport, aka Preach, has seen his best friends get married and start lives of their own, but he’s not ready to settle down.  He’s still feelin reckless and in need of purpose.  When he’s called on to round up some cattle rustlers, he jumps at the chance.

Demaris has recently lost her brother and now finds herself caring for Nathaniel, a teenage nephew filled with anger and grief, in a place she has no one to lean on.

When their lives are unexpectedly thrown together we get to experience all the sweetness and also some of the danger surrounding their circumstances.

No spoilers, but I loved the sweet horse stall scene (-smile).

Faith Quote: But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him. Psalm 37:39-40

Favorite Quote No 1: "As he surrendered to unconsciousness, he released all thoughts save. She’d called him Luke. Not Preach or Corporal or Davenport. But Luke. The man beneath the warrior."

Favorite Quote No 2: The intimacy between him and Demaris just kept growing, like plant shoots undeterred by cobblestones, winding through tiny crevices to sprout greet in the midst of a stone street. (Isn’t that just beautiful imagery?)

Tea Quote: “Let me fix you a cup of tea.” “Just don’t let her fix you anything else,” Mr. Hanger said with a chuckle. His wife slapped at his arm.

I was gifted a book for my honest review.  All opinions are my own without further compensation or expectation. 

Karen Witemeyer is an award-winning, talented, sweet, and approachable author. She wrote the sweetest dedication to us, her Posse, in the front of the book!  Check out her Posse FB page to connect with her.

4 STARS        

SERIES: Hanger's Horsemen

1) At Love's Command - June 2020

2) The Heart’s Charge – June 2021

3) In Honor’s Defense – June 2022

The first two books are 30% off and this latest is 40% off - click the link below!

 Publisher’s Synopsis:

Luke Davenport has been fighting all his life--for respect, for country, and most recently, for those unable to fight for themselves. But now that his Horsemen brothers are domesticated, he's left alone to battle the wildness within. When an opportunity arises to take a job on his own, he jumps at the chance.

Damaris Baxter has mastered the art of invisibility. Plain and quiet, she hides in books and needlework, content to be overlooked. Until her brother dies suddenly, leaving her custody of her nephew. She moves to Texas to care for Nate, determined to create the family for herself that she never thought she'd have.

When Nate stumbles into the path of the rustlers Luke is tracking, Luke acts to protect him and winds up gravely injured. Feeling indebted, Damaris nurses Luke back to health. But suspicions grow regarding the death of her brother. And the more questions they ask, the more danger appears, threatening the family Luke may be unable to live without.

CLICK HERE for link to pre-order sale!

I WROTE AN EASTER POEM

 Haiku poems are a Japanese style of poetry and usually about nature, but I like to have fun with these and teach kids to express themselves about any topic.

They generally follow this pattern.

5 syllables

7 syllables

5 syllables

National Haiku Poetry Day is April 17th so it just happens to fall on Resurrection Sunday this year!  Because of that, I wrote this poem:

God Jesus Easter

He died so that we may live

Resurrected Son

I took the photo a few years back and I don't think I even realized that the cloud formed a heart.  How sweet is that?

WHY NOT COME UP WITH YOUR OWN HAIKU AND SHARE IT? 

Easter Blessings to you and yours!

Enchanting the Heiress - Hearts on the Heath - by Kristi Ann Hunter

 

Wonderfully Different 💕

I found this story to be different, and wonderfully so.
This story throws Harriet and Jonas together in a ruse of a writing collaboration. They work closely, with much of the story centered around the two of them, but with enough outside activity to keep things interesting. Jonas has no idea he can write, and Harriet intends to lead him to that conclusion. My absolute favorite scene was when he described wading in a stream, leading Harriet to want to experience it too. Her subsequent enjoyment of the experience was lovely.
"He kept looking at her. She looked back at him. Around them the breeze blew and the trees swayed. The water trickled on, but time seemed at a standstill. “‘He hath made everything beautiful in His time.’” The words seemed to breathe out of him, becoming part of the encompassing swirl of water and wind and sun."
I liked how they both had views of life that needed to make room for other possible ideas. This period romance was most enjoyable.

I was gifted this book for my honest opinion without expectation or compensation.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 stars = Loved It

Bethany House Publishing 352 Pages
Series:
Hearts on the Heath
1. Vying for the Viscount
2. Winning the Gentleman
3. Enchanting the Heiress 

KristiAnnHunter.com

Publisher’s Synopsis: Miss Harriet Hancock enjoys playing the role of eccentric heiress, using her wealth and influence to cleverly and anonymously better the lives of those in Newmarket. Though she keeps people at a distance to protect a years-old secret, when her friend pleads for help on a personal project, Harriet can't resist.

Stable hand Jonas Fitzroy would do anything for his twin sister, even if it means seeking out the woman whose meddling ways have made him wary and suspicious. The last thing he expects is for Miss Hancock to request his help in writing a book. Intent on revealing her underlying plan, Jonas agrees.

As they work together, an unexpected friendship forms. But when things for once don't go according to Harriet's plan, she's left wondering if good intentions might not be enough. Is there a way to mend the broken pieces of her life? And will Jonas give her another chance at his heart?

The Lady of Galway Manor – by Jennifer Deibel

*** Enjoyable Irish Tale ***

Galway City, Ireland, 1920
Claddagh rings, an Irish village, the War for Independence between the Irish and the British, finding common ground, several cups of Irish tea, some danger and romance are all beautifully woven together.

“She never dreamed Galway would be so endearing and exciting.  A city teeming with music, architecture, and art – the very last thing she’d expected. And it seemed God had created the moment as a gift to her very soul.”

“On the surface, he seemed unbothered by the strange visit. But the fact that he’d downed three cups of tea in less than twenty minutes told otherwise.  Some men turned to the bottle. Seamus Jennings turned to the cuppa.”

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

Very Good - 4 Stars

REVELL PUBLISHING’S DESCRIPTION: In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy's father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without all the trappings of the British Court, Annabeth convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family--descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh Ring.

Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than run his family's jewelry shop. Having had his heart broken, he no longer believes in love and is weary of peddling the ÒliesÓ the Claddagh Ring promises.

Meanwhile, as the war for Irish independence gains strength, many locals resent the De Lacys and decide to take things into their own hands to display their displeasure. As events take a dangerous turn for Annabeth and her family, she and Stephen begin to see that perhaps the "other side" isn't quite as barbaric and uncultured as they'd been led to believe--and that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty are only made stronger when put through the refiner's fire.

Travel to the Emerald Isle for another poignant and romantic story from the enchanted pen of Jennifer Deibel.

Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher and freelance writer. Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic Magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona. https://www.jenniferdeibel.com/

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

The rain fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

MOVED - NEW JOB - BOOK REVIEW of Counterfeit Love

 I am sorely behind on reading books and writing reviews BECAUSE so many life changes have happened! I had the intense drama of looking for a new home after 9 years because the homeowners wanted to sell and for reasons they would not disclose, refused to sell to me. The housing market in So Cal is brutal, but we finally found a home to rent that meets our needs.  But, with so many changes, I retired from my daycare business when the Lord gifted me a brand new job in the world of financial investments.  This was truly a God thing, because I was merely "thinking" of trying something new when we got a call from a friend that she knew of a job opening where the Branch Office Administrator was retiring and would I or my sister be interested.  I quickly looked for old letters of recommendation, and updated my resume on that Wednesday and had a 2-hour interview on Friday.  It went great, but then came the daunting pressure of many steps through corporate with an intense background check WHILE looking for housing and eventually moving. They were super accommodating and allowed me to wait a few weeks to start while I got settled. I have been there a month and am learning so much, getting a little more comfortable each day, while getting settled into a new home.  The commute can be "a lot" at around an hour each way; particularly after doing very little driving these many years other than school drop-off and pickup. Anyway, I am praising the Lord for His many blessings and testifying that He is still the God of miracles!

Please join me in welcoming a debut author to my page, Crystal Caudill.  She is SO kind and sweet and loves praying for her readers upon request. She also was very patient with me as I needed extra time to read her book and post reviews. 

Counterfeit Love – Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age, Book 1 – by Crystal Caudill (3/15/2022)

*** Dangerously Good Historical Romance,

is how she describes her writing and she knocked it out of the park on her debut novel! This book was an exciting diversion to escape into. With secret service agents, battling brothers, rich pasts to explore, counterfeit engraving plates, danger and lost love, plus a hefty dose of faith set in the late 1800s, I found this book to be rich and captivating.  

“He’d learned to rely on God’s prompting Spirit over the years.  More than once, it had saved his life.

“Father’s Bible filled the small space. When was the last time she’d nestled in her favorite chair and cherished quiet time with God?” I loved the special quote written by Theresa’s mother in father’s Bible. It was beautiful, but read that for yourself and be blessed.

Broderick and Theresa’s story is not to be missed.

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

Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age Series: Counterfeit Love, Counterfeit Hope, Counterfeit Faith

Excellent - 5 Stars

Kregel Publications Description: Can this undercover agent save the woman he loves--or is her heart as counterfeit as the money he's been sent to track down?

After all that Grandfather has sacrificed to raise her, Theresa Plane owes it to him to save the family name--and that means clearing their debt with creditors before she marries Edward Greystone. But when one of the creditors' threats leads her to stumble across a midnight meeting, she discovers that the money he owes isn't all Grandfather was hiding. And the secrets he kept have now trapped Theresa in a life-threatening fight for her home--and the truth.

After months of undercover work, Secret Service operative Broderick Cosgrove is finally about to uncover the identity of the leader of a notorious counterfeiting ring. That moment of triumph turns to horror, however, when he finds undeniable proof that his former fiancée is connected. Can he really believe the woman he loved is a willing participant? Protecting Theresa and proving her innocence may destroy his career--but that's better than failing her twice in one lifetime.

They must form a partnership, tentative though it is. But there's no question they're both still keeping secrets--and that lack of trust, along with the dangerous criminals out for their blood, threatens their hearts, their faith, and their very survival.

Combining rich history, danger, suspense, and romance, Crystal Caudill's debut novel launches this new historical series with a bang. Fans of Elizabeth Camden, Michelle Griep, and Joanna Davidson Politano will be thrilled to find another author to follow! 

Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance,” with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Crystal can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.

I pray each of you has a wonderful and blessed Holy week!

TO TREASURE AN HEIRESS by Roseanna M. White

Hello friends,  
I am frantically packing, searching for a house, getting ready to start a new job and losing my mind (smile).  I still want to honor my commitments to post about books that I have agreed to be on the launch teams for so please enjoy this one!

 FANTASTIC HISTORICAL ROM-COM

Sheridan is fantastic!  He reminds me of a Jen Turano character; FULL of laugh-out-loud moments with all the wit and charm I have come to love in her books.  It elevated the story and writing style of Roseanna White for me, so bravo!
Also, I had a new appreciation for the book when I read her thoughts at the back sharing how mid-way through writing it her young son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.  My prayers were immediately lifted up for them.

Tresco, Isles of Scilly, 1906.

Book two focuses on another Elizabeth; Beth Tremayne, adventurer at heart.  The hunt for pirate treasure continues and this book is SO SO GOOD!  Largely, I feel, due to Sheridan.  He is impulsive, speaks his thoughts aloud sometimes in the middle of a train of thoughts so people around him have no clue what he's on about, and has a good heart.  He is a wonderful hero!  Beth has many names for him, including Lord Incorrigible!  But, I don't want to give too much away.  Ainsley, his valet was another great character that rounded out Sheridan nicely.   He was very intriguing, thoughtful, and full of faith.  I loved his lesson about the pearl.

Laugh out Loud: "Dastardly. I prefer dastardly. And I'm fresh out of henchmen.  Unless one counts Ainsley. Which one really can't do, you know. He absolutely refuses to hench."

Faith Moment:  "Beth felt closest to Him out here. Where the wind could tear across the hillocks without anything man-made in its way, where there was nothing but heather and seagrass and sand and water before her. Where she was keenly aware of how big He was. How untamed. How humanity was just a scratch in the earth, their marks so quickly covered over by His nature.  And yet He loved them with a ferocity as wild as that wind. As deep as that sea."

A very strong five stars / I loved it!

I appreciate the gift of this eBook from the author and publisher. All thoughts / opinions are mine alone. 

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS: Beth Tremayne has always been drawn to adventure. During her childhood, she fed that desire by exploring every inch of the Isles of Scilly. As an adolescent, she dreamed of love in London's ballrooms. Now, stumbling across an old map on her family's property, she's found more adventure than she ever craved in the hunt for pirate treasure. Unfortunately, Beth can't escape the attentions of her family's guest, Lord Sheridan.

Sheridan has spent years pursuing whatever archaeological interests caught his imagination. And when he discovers that Beth's search connects with one of his favorite pirates of history, he can't help getting involved. Plus, he finds her irresistible, even though she insists he stole a prized possession of hers.

As they work together following different clues and drawing closer to danger, they start to piece together a story of tragic love and piratical adventure. But the true surprise is the treasure they discover in each other.

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, & pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents & thousands of years. Spies & war & 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 & her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Hugs and a cup of tea,