Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Echos of the Sea -TIME TRAVEL- by Sarah M Eden

 ☆ABSOLUTELY, WONDERFUL STORY☆



I could hardly put it down and read it over 2 days. This time-travel romance was so authentic and believable, I could not be more pleased. Kipling and Amelia's connection is gentle and lovely. He is the perfect, gullible hero. She is the quietly strong underdog you cannot help but root for. The villagers are the great supporting cast we need. The villains, living and dead, align appropriately in their roles to set the stage for needed tensions. Overall, a wonderful fairytale, I am pleased to give an enthusiastic five stars to!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this eBook. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

Until next time, Hugs and a Cup of Tea, 
Heather Elizabeth

SYNOPIS: Storm Tide Book #2
A modern-day London actor is hurled back to 1803, where a love that defies the centuries awaits.

For Kipling Summerfield, the glamour of Hollywood is becoming a distant memory. After losing the role of a lifetime, he’s forced to take a lesser job as a historical reenactor on England’s Guilford Island. But a sudden storm changes everything, casting him into the ocean—and into the care of a mysterious lighthouse keeper. Kip assumes everyone he meets and the island’s historical setting are just an elaborate performance—until he meets the captivating Amelia Archibald, whose quiet strength feels too real, making him question everything about Guilford.

Amelia has spent her life as an unimportant poor relation and is now trapped by her late grandfather’s will on an island she loathes because of her great fear of the sea. When Kip stumbles into her world, his strange ideas and warm presence are both a disruption and an unexpected light.

As Kip and Amelia work to save Guilford Island, an undeniable connection blooms between them. But when Kip uncovers the truth about where—or when—he is, he must make an impossible choice: rise to meet the expectations of Amelia’s world and build a life worthy of her station or walk away from the love that has redefined his very existence.

Format
320 pages, Paperback
Expected publication
September 2, 2025 by Shadow Mountain Publishing
ISBN
9781639934249 (ISBN10: 1639934243)
ASIN
1639934243
Language
English

The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz


Impressive New Author!
Canada, 1837
I was drawn to the name and cover of this book, and I was thoroughly engrossed in the story of Sara, James, Evie, and Henry from start to finish. I mention the children because they are integral to moving things forward. I loved how smart Evie was and how devoted Henry was. Kind, hardworking Sara is trying to outrun her past. I quite liked her. James is driven and doing his best as a single father, beating himself up for not being the 'ideal' husband. Meanwhile, class distinctions are like lines drawn in the sand, and tension runs high, adding to the backdrop of this tale. Additionally, faith is gently layered in,  as well as certain characters come to grips with who the Lord is in their lives. I would love to see Evie and Henry 10 or 15 years in the future!! I recommend this 5-star novel and look forward to what is next from this author.

I received an eVersion from the publisher and NetGalley without expectation or compensation. All opinions are mine alone.

Read in 1 sitting/could not put it down!

Until next time, Hugs and a cup of tea,
Heather Elizabeth

Format
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published
June 10, 2025 by Tyndale Fiction
ISBN
9798400507779
ASIN
B0DK3XJKV9
Language
English

Thursday, May 15, 2025

To Kiss a Knight by Grace Hitchcock

 

*click here to purchase

Just as exciting as Book One

England, 1813.
This book is very fast-paced and wonderfully delicious! When a highwayman unexpectedly kidnaps Vivienne, who is already on the run, her life takes yet another turn. Sir Sebastian is a Yeoman for the Prince Regent and is working diligently to thwart enemies of the Crown. His sweet, feeble grandmother is declining quickly, causing him great worry. So many twists and turns in this story that I could not put it down.
My only regret is not knowing what will happen to the dastardly Barrister. That one actually woke me up in the middle of the night. I really want him to get his comeuppance! Hopefully, that will be resolved in Book three.
QUOTEABLE: He was a knight and, as such, a protector... despite the fact he was the reason she needed protecting.
Excellent romance, comedy, adventure story!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

As part of the author's review team, I received an eVersion via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

Best Laid Plans Series
*To Catch a Coronet (published 5/21/24)
*To Kiss a Knight (expected release 5/20/2025)
*TBD




GOODREADS: (mark as currently reading or submit your GR review if you're ready!): https://www.goodreads.com/.../show/16145482.Grace_Hitchcock



Until next time, Hugs and a Cup of Tea,





Saturday, April 19, 2025

GIVEAWAY A Lesson in Propriety by Jen Turano


Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies #1
 A Lesson in Propriety by


Jen Turano

 

I LOVED every bit of this book. Jen Turano definitely stepped up her animal menagerie this time. This tale really leaves plenty of room to build a series upon. There are multiple mysteries in the works, and some wonderful characters. I stopped in the middle of another book the moment I found out I had been approved to read an advanced copy of this one.


QUOTABLE: "even though she was, indeed, one of the most proper ladies he’d ever met, underneath that prim and properness might very well be a lady possessed of a mischievous spirit."

I have read everything Jen has written and delighted in each one.

Thank you to the publishers for sending me an eVersion. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher's Synopsis: 
With her father dead, her fortune stolen, and her fiancé casting her aside, Miss Drusilla Merriweather's privileged life has been upended. She is left with only one option: to provide for her family by opening a finishing school in the allegedly haunted castle she's inherited from her eccentric aunt. However, her plan is immediately threatened by unscrupulous developers keen on claiming the coveted estate for themselves, by any means necessary.

Mr. Rhenick Wittenbecker, a dashing architect with a tendency to charm his way out of trouble, is convinced he can protect Drusilla but is challenged by her fierce independence. Yet when strange occurrences--walking suits of armor and unexpected ghostly visitors--arise within castle grounds, Drusilla must decide whether to risk her family's safety and her school on the gallant architect who seems to have found his way into her heart.

In this entrancing series starter, Turano presents a tale of laugh-out-loud adventure, swoon-worthy romance, and delightful mischief in the Gilded Age.

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 1, 2025

Goodreads has a giveaway posted here:
CLICK HERE THROUGH 5/18/2025







Monday, March 10, 2025

The Tides of Time by Sarah M. Eden


 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I enjoyed this very much. Time travel stories always boggle the brain and cannot help but leave unanswered questions. 

But, still, the possibilities,  twists and turns hold my interest. This story is well done. The French Revolution was far more nefarious than I recalled or perhaps paid attention to. Lili and Armitage share so much and understand so little, but they care deeply. It's hard to describe their story, but I certainly recommend it.

I look forward to the next installment in the Storm Tide series!

I received an eVersion from the publisher.

All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

Until next time,
Hugs and a cup of tea ~ Heather Elizabeth

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House by Joanna Davidson Politano


 COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN

I started this book midday and read it to the end around 11pm. WOW. 

It is such a different kind of book.  It gave some H.G. Wells/Nicholas Tesla/Steampunk vibes. It is always told from 1st person, but the POV does shift around.

There are unexpected mysteries I was not able to guess at. Additionally, I loved the heroine (introverted tinkerer) and hero (compassionate French Pirate).  

The faith build is slow, and the author addresses that after the story.

QUOTEABLE: "I had done more than glimpse God out here. I had experienced him. Been driven to the edge until I tasted and felt him. And it left me starving for more."

This book is an incredibly well-written historical fiction novel. 

I highly recommend it, especially if you are ready for a change of pace!

I received this eBook from the Publisher via NetGalley. 

All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Until next time friends,
Hugs and a cup of tea from me!
Heather Elizabeth

Saturday, January 18, 2025

Love and Order - a Old West Romantic Mystery by Jennifer Uhlarkik

Love and Order: A Three-Part Old West Romantic Mystery


What a Ride! 🐎

Calliope, Andromeda, and Orion Braddock and their respective love interests made for such an interesting novel. Being comprised of novellas, switching points of view were very enjoyable I found. However, Calliope's  & Joe's story was a bit rushed. 

Despite that, the book held my interest.  There is palpable evil and darkness, but a strong faith throughout. This tale is Western in every sense.

QUOTABLE:

“Hear ye! Hear ye! Court’s in session. All you mulligrubs in the back of the courtroom keep your traps shut and give these fellers up front a chance to talk.” 

I've never read Jennifer Uhlarik's work before, but based on this I'm interested in reading more.

I received an eVersion from the publisher and NetGalley.  All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
448 pages
Expected to be published 4/1/2025by Barbour Fiction

Until next time, Hugs and Cup of Tea
Heather Elizabeth

Sunday, January 12, 2025

CLOAKED IN BEAUTY by Karen Witemeyer


5 Amazing Stars!

Texas, late 1800s 

Scarlett Radcliff aka Letty Hood, is such a strong, independent young woman, with a tender heart. Her faithful pet was a great addition to the story. 

Phillip Carmichael is the trusty Pinkerton detective tasked with her safe transportation.

Letty's mother, grandmother and uncle all play key roles in her future. 

Quotable: “We both have to be brave. And smart. Doing what we want isn’t always what is best. Doing what is best, even when it hurts, is what God calls us to do.”

"A chapter must end before a new one could begin, and whether she was ready for it or not, her page was turning."

Sooo so good. I absolutely loved this book. It really is a wonderful fairytale reimagined in a Western setting with the bonus of strong faith throughout. I am sad to see this series end, but happy to highly recommend it!

I received an eVersion from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

352 pages, Paperback First published December 17, 2024 Bethany House Publishers