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 Blog Tour for Christmas Secrets in the Scottish Highlands by Donna Ashcroft

I apologize for posting late for my stop on this blog tour. Illness held me back from reading and posting on time. Deanne

About the Book: 

Welcome to Christmas Resort, the festive retreat where the scent of cinnamon is in the air and chocolate yule log is eaten all year round! But with the resort in trouble, can Holliday Harrison save Christmas and find true love along the way?

Thirty-year-old Holliday Harrison is throwing herself into the festive season to give her life some purpose after losing her fiancé three years ago. Working at Christmas Resort, an all-year-round holiday village, with its sparkling lights and community of quirky characters, is the warm environment she needs right now. But everything is about to change…

When handsome, blue-eyed businessman Damon MacAndrew arrives to stay in one of the cute log cabins, at first Holly is intrigued. Why has this serious stranger come to such a jolly place? But then he makes his plan clear: Damon wants to buy the resort and change everything about it.

Determined to put Damon off Christmas Resort, Holly is soon engineering cold showers and setting him up to get lost in the maze. But with freshly baked cookies and delicious hot chocolate available on tap in such a magical setting, it’s hard to find ways to make the resort seem unappealing… Holliday tries her hardest to fight for the resort but the romance of Christmas seems to have other ideas.

As they take sleigh rides together and spend long evenings in front of the log fire she can’t deny the sizzling attraction between them. But has Damon really fallen in love with the magic of Christmas, or is he still a cold-hearted businessman? And will this this turn out to be the best Christmas ever… or will it end in heartbreak?

This sparkling, festive read featuring an enemies-to-lovers romance is completely addictive and moreish! A gorgeous winter romance that will have you glued to the pages. Fans of Cathy Bramley, Trisha Ashley and Debbie Macomber will love this delicious Christmas romance.

My Thoughts

Oh this series!

I just love it. The setting of the Scottish Highlands sounds like just the place for me. I would really love to visit there. This series is so warm and welcoming, one I’ve been really enjoying. I’ve read several books by the author, and they are all wonderful. They keep getting better and better. I am hoping this series will continue. A Christmas themed resort in the Scottish Highlands evokes different feelings about Christmas in two people. One loves it and is surrounded by it year-round at this resort, one tries to avoid it at all costs because of past memories. We all know a little Christmas magic has a way of thawing the chilliest of hearts though with the spirit of Christmas. From hot cocoa to sleigh rides to tender talks and long walks this magical feeling Christmas book is just what you need for a wonderful holiday read. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Buy Link:  https://geni.us/B0CCJW96GFsocial

Visit other Blogs on the tour

The Author

Copyright VanessaChampion.co.uk

Donna Ashcroft was born in London, England and grew up in Buckinghamshire. She went to university in Lancashire and, among other things, worked as a copywriter, buyer, waitress, secretary and marketing manager.

Donna was shortlisted for the RNA Debut Romantic Novel of the Year in 2019. She lives in Hertfordshire, with her own romantic hero, two grown up kids (who aren’t always home) and two very grumpy cats. She loves a happy ending and is never happier than when she’s escaping into a romance novel or movie.

Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonnaAshcroftAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Donnashc

Website: http://donna-writes.co.uk/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/donnaashcroftauthor/

Thank you for stopping in and have a wonderful day!

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FIRST LINE FRIDAY

Happy Friday & welcome to First Line Friday hosted at Reading is my Super Power! It’s time to grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line. Today I’m featuring the first line of The Wings of Poppy Pendleton by Melanie Dobson.

“Are you cold, madame?”

Her hands shook like the tremors from the ships bell, clattering against the shreds of wet fabric that hung at her sides, but she didn’t answer his question.

In this compelling new time-slip mystery, a little girl goes missing from her family’s castle in the Thousand Islands of New York. Eighty-five years later, a journalist teams up with a woman living on Koster Isle to find out what happened to Poppy, once and for all.

1907. On the eve of her fifth birthday, Poppy Pendleton is tucked safely in her bed, listening to her parents entertain New York’s gilded society in their Thousand Islands castle; the next morning, she is gone, and her father is found dead in his smoking room.

1992. Though Chloe Ridell lives in the shadows of Poppy’s castle, now in ruins, she has little interest in the mystery that still captivates tourists and locals alike. She is focused on preserving the island she inherited from her grandparents and reviving their vintage candy shop. Until the day a girl named Emma shows up on Chloe’s doorstep, with few possessions, save a tattered scrapbook that connects her to the Pendleton family. When a reporter arrives at Chloe’s store, asking questions about her grandfather, Chloe decides to help him dig into a past she’d thought best left buried. The haunting truth about Poppy, they soon discover, could save Emma’s life, so Chloe and Logan must work together to investigate exactly what happened long ago on Koster Isle.

Grab a Copy Here

Have a teriffic day and thanks for stopping in.

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The River Queen: A Christian Historical Romance (River Romances Book 1)

Did you know the author has her own bookshop? Preorder from her shop and you can get it earlier and a better buy. Here

ABOUT THE BOOK

River pirates, a stolen steamboat, and a deadly chase down the Mississippi—but falling in love might be the real adventure.

When river pirates attack and steal his steamboat, Emmett Carter barely escapes. Rescued and transported to a magnificent world of glitz and showbiz aboard a flashy showboat, Emmett is immediately captivated by something more than recovering his lost inheritance—The River Queen’s beautiful, but quirky, songbird.

 Anola Flynn, the star singer on The River Queen, is struggling to keep the business running as attendance dwindles during the 1923 season. With her dreams of saving the family legacy—and the only life she’s ever known—slipping away, she forges an alliance with Emmett to keep her family afloat.

 Now, to outsmart the gangsters chasing them, Anola and Emmett must wade through a dark current of deception and betrayal to save not only their dreams, but everyone they care about, from sinking deeper into the Mississippi River.

Read a free first chapter sample HERE

Listen to a free audiobook sample HERE

MY THOUGHTS

The River Queen is the first book in the River Romances series.


The author has written books on several subjects and does it so well. This is such an exciting one!


You won’t find a slow or mundane read here! This is a fun and energetic read filled with river pirates, gangsters and smugglers.

A rather unique story of life on a riverboat, I found myself fascinated with the glitz and glamour of life on the flashy showboat.


If you’re looking for action, how about a chase down the Mighty Mississippi? Filled with intriguing situations, mystery, excitement and of course romance.

Looking forward to the next exciting book in this series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi! I’m Stephenia H. McGee, bestselling author and winner of the Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award.

I write clean historical, time-travel, and contemporary fiction. My heart-stirring romances are filled with faith, hope, and healing–with a dash of humor mixed in!

All of my books are clean and wholesome, meaning you won’t find any type of explicit content here. Each story contains a Christian theme.

I’m a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Visit me at http://www.StepheniaMcGee.com for books and updates.

You can also email me any time at Stephenia@StepheniaMcGee.com

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping in today.

٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و ♡

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COVER REVEAL – Still Unwritten by Caroline Khoury

I am so excited to invite you onto my blog today for the gorgeous cover reveal of Still Unwritten by Caroline Khoury.

27th of September

Genre: K-Pop Romance 

Publisher: Canelo

PRE-ORDER NOW

Publishing 15 Feb 2024

Amazon | Waterstones | Bookshop.Org | Hive 

https://amzn.to/3tbbDeU

Blurb 

Forty-eight hours to find her passion. Seven days to find his way back on stage. One chance to take a risk on love.

If Fran doesn’t nail this audition for a major TV role, she’s officially done as an actress. She just needs to tap into her inner seductress… who doesn’t seem to exist.

Enter stage right: Jae-seung.

To Fran, he’s just her landlord’s ridiculously hot nephew, helping her rehearse. To the rest of the world, Jae-seung is lead singer of global sensation, JYNKS – and he’s missing in action.

Together, they embark on an international journey of discovery: Fran, to track down her estranged mother and unlock her tightly guarded heart; Jae-seung, to continue (reluctantly) with his tour rehearsals. The chemistry between them is off the charts. But Jae-seung’s life is in South Korea, under strict contracts and constant scrutiny. Would a fling unleash Fran’s passion, or break the heart she’s learning to open?

A fast-paced, forbidden romance for fans of Helen Hoang, Lindsey Kelk and Ali Hazelwood.

Thank you for stopping by today.

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WWW Wednesday

WWW Wednesday is hosted on Taking on a World of Words. Just answer the three questions below and leave a link to your post in the comments for others to look at. No blog? No problem! Just leave a comment with your responses. 

The Three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

CURRENTLY READING

Some secrets can only stay buried for so long. . . .

Anna Lakeman has spent her life working alongside her paleontologist father, drawing intricate sketches at every dig. When they find dinosaur bones near their home in Wyoming Territory, they’re given the opportunity of a lifetime and are swiftly caught up in the competitive era of the Bone Wars. But after her father becomes sick and Joshua Ziegler, an old beau, returns for the summer, Anna’s world is upended, and the practical, orderly life she has made for herself shatters.

Medical student Joshua Ziegler left his hometown to forget Anna, the one woman he truly loved and deeply hurt. But when he returns, time hasn’t erased the feelings they’ve always had for each other. After Joshua’s nephew goes missing–just like his sister did years ago–and Anna’s job is threatened, tensions mount and dangerous secrets are unearthed.

RECENTLY FINISHED

River pirates, a stolen steamboat, and a deadly chase down the Mississippi—but falling in love might be the real adventure.

When river pirates attack and steal his steamboat, Emmett Carter barely escapes. Rescued and transported to a magnificent world of glitz and showbiz aboard a flashy showboat, Emmett is immediately captivated by something more than recovering his lost inheritance—The River Queen’s beautiful, but quirky, songbird.

Anola Flynn, the star singer on The River Queen, is struggling to keep the business running as attendance dwindles during the 1923 season. With her dreams of saving the family legacy—and the only life she’s ever known—slipping away, she forges an alliance with Emmett to keep her family afloat.

Now, to outsmart the gangsters chasing them, Anola and Emmett must wade through a dark current of deception and betrayal to save not only their dreams, but everyone they care about, from sinking deeper into the Mississippi River.

READING NEXT

Ava Kelly loves returning to Emerald Bay for Christmas. Snowflakes fall on the green rolling hills and mulled wine fills The Shamrock Inn with the smell of winter spice. But this year, the Kelly family is hoping for a miracle…

When twenty-four-year-old Ava Kelly and her adventurous twin Grace return home to The Shamrock Inn, their Ma’s favourite baubles bring back so many memories of Christmases past. They have always done everything together, even leaving their little Irish village for the excitement of London. But with the locket her handsome ex Shane gave her hanging just above her heart, Ava has just one wish this festive season…

After a year stuck in a job she can’t stand and going on dreadful dates, Ava longs to be back with Shane. Curling up in front of the fire with him, the brooding fisherman everyone else sees melts away as his blue eyes meet hers. But planning a future with Shane would mean telling Grace she’ll be moving back to the village for good. Ava knows it will break her sister’s heart for them to be parted.

But, before Ava can build up the courage to talk to her twin, terrible tidings about Shane hit The Shamrock Inn like a winter storm. With everyone but Grace rushing to the harbour, will Ava’s hopes for a future with both Shane and her sister in it be dashed? Or could a Christmas miracle bring them all together?

Will you be adding any of these to your to be read list?

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It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! Hosted by The Book Date.

I’m happy to say I was able to get an antibiotic for my ear pain today. It’s been going on for several weeks and I’ve also developed a sinus infection too. It should be gone by the time we start traveling again in a week. The rain has finally stopped. We are off to Lowe’s later today to replace our washer which wouldn’t start the first cycle after having it only 21 months. Is anything made to last anymore? Thank goodness it’s still under warranty and they gave us a gift card. Hopefully it’ll cover the cost of most of the new machine minus the new warranty.

LAST WEEK’S READS

READING NOW

READING NEXT

Of course, my reading list is always subject to change. What about you, what will I find you reading this week?

Enjoy your day and thank you for stopping in.

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Happy Publication Day and Bookouture Books on Tour for The Locket by Natalie Meg Evans

I am so pleased to welcome you onto my blog today for the blog tour of The Locket by Natalie Meg Evans.

ABOUT THE BOOK

England, 1942‘It has to stay secret,’ he whispers, placing the locket around her neck. ‘If they find it, they’ll send me away.’ As she holds the locket, glinting in the moonlight, she can’t hold back the tears. ‘I just wish we didn’t have to hide…’
When farmer’s daughter Irene meets Theodore at a village dance, sparks fly instantly. The war has brought him all the way from Louisiana to build a US airbase just across her father’s fields, but as they sway together, there is nothing else in the world. Only his gentle touch and his deep brown eyes.
But being together comes at a price. As Theodore is Black, the might of the US Air Force is against them, and all the members of the little village community disapprove of their relationship. And they will all go to terrible lengths to tear the two young lovers apart…
Decades later, heartbroken Ruby is back at her family’s crumbling farmhouse for the first time in years, after the loss of her beloved grandmother Irene. The roof has fallen in, family photographs are damaged – and her grandmother’s jewellery is nowhere to be found.
When Ruby uncovers her grandmother’s waterlogged diaries, she discovers that Irene treasured one piece of lost jewellery above all. A locket from a man called Theodore. And the missing locket holds the key to unravelling a heartbreaking secret that changed her grandmother’s life…
Is someone in the village hiding the locket to keep the truth about Irene and Theodore buried? And can Ruby find a way to honour her grandmother’s memory – or in digging up the pain of the war, will she tear her family apart?
An absolutely breathtaking World War Two story about the power of love in the face of adversity, and how the tragic consequences of war can echo through generations. Fans of Fiona Valpy, The Nightingale and All the Light We Cannot See will be addicted to this incredible read.

MY THOUGHTS

My heart about broke reading such an emotional story.

A time slip taking place in England 1942 and modern times. Each features a romantic couple, the one in 1942 is Irene, a 17-year-old farmer’s daughter, Irene, and Theo a service man stationed far from Louisiana, now proudly serving in the US Air Force and there to build a US airbase just across her father’s fields.

The modern times story features Irene’s granddaughter Ruby and her romantic partner. I will admit my favorite part of the story was the historical time period.

Irene falls fast when she meets Theo at a town dance, but Theo warns her they must keep their romance a secret, see Theo is black and a romance such as this is just not accepted in this time period.

The descriptions of the prejudice people and the treatment of Theo including beatings just for a romance with a white woman disgusted me. What business is it of anyone who someone dates or socializes with, nobody’s affair but the two it involves. And this includes the church minister involved in bigotry.

There was just no combatting prejudice and bigotry at this time and Theo was beaten, sent away and jailed. Before this though, when their romance was fresh and new, they were engaged, and he gave her a beautiful engagement ring hidden in a locket. My heart breaks for the injustice and ruined lives here.

Many years later Irene’s granddaughter, Ruby comes to the farm where Irene lived and finds her grandmother’s diary.

She is determined to find out her grandmother’s secrets, she had no idea about her grandmother’s past or where the locket is located. Will digging up the past cause pain to her family, especially and older generation member or will they hold the key to unlocking the past?

Brilliantly written, I had such a hard time putting this down. The perseverance the past generation showed in the face of adversity is amazing and must be commended! Five stars but I wish I could give it more!

Buy Link: https://geni.us/B0C9RW62RPsocial

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR

AUTHOR BIO

Natalie is a RITA nominated, USA Today Bestselling author of six novels: The Dress Thief, The Milliner’s Secret (re-titled “The Girl who Dreamed of Paris”), The Wardrobe Mistress, Summer in the Vineyards, The Secret Vow and The Paris Girl that feature sisters, Katya and Tatiana. Since then, Natalie has released Into the Burning Dawn and The Italian Girl’s Secret, books set in the lucious Bay of Naples during the second world war. Now, the latest novel is available and it is called The Girl with the Yellow Star. The story takes place in Cornwall on the glorious north coast, and is a heart-wrenching story of loss, love and challenging choices.

Visit her website at https://www.nataliemegevans.uk

Have a beautiful day and spread LOVE!

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Pocket Peaches by Dora Wang a children’s beautifully illustrated graphic novel releasing 26 September.

80 pages reading age 6-10 years grades 1-4 Andrews McMeet publishing 26 September 2023 publish date Pre-order here

ABOUT THE BOOK

There’s a mysterious new cat, Taro, in Peaches’s neighborhood, and Peaches wants to be her friend!​Pocket Peaches is an adorable, colorful graphic novel that is a perfect cozy tale with heartwarming laugh-out-loud moments.

Peaches and her pals Mango and Pogi all live in a cozy town called Pocketon. When a new cat, Taro, moves in, Peaches is on a mission to befriend her. The only thing is, Taro loves all things spooky and Peaches does not. Can Peaches find a way to become friends despite their differences?

Join Peaches and pals as they navigate friendships, debate over the perfect amount of frosting, and learn the value of being yourself. This full-color graphic novel is great for young readers beginning their graphic novel journey and graphic novel enthusiasts alike. It also features a Dyslexia-friendly font.

MY THOUGHTS

I don’t really read many graphic novels but when I saw this one, I simply couldn’t resist.

Peaches is a sweet little rabbit who has plenty of friends but feels bad for the new kid (cat) in town.

This is a compassionate lesson for children. Though someone may be different than you, it’s okay to be different after all that’s what makes us interesting and teaches others to find a common interest with you.

Peaches sees the cat as different but yet tries so hard to be friends with her through a shared interest but almost messes things up royally. The cat though seeming at first to be indifferent to Peach’s friendship attempts is impressed because no one has ever made such an effort to be her friend.


The book shows you don’t have to pretend to be a certain way just to impress someone, just be yourself and friendships will come naturally.

Of course, like in the story it doesn’t hurt to have frosted cupcakes and popcorn on hand while making these friendships.


Very sweet drawings in soothing colors are perfect for helping little ones relax before bedtime.

Pub Date 26 Sep 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dora Wang is a life-long doodler and writer. She is the creator of the graphic novel series, Pocket Peaches, based on her comics which can be found on Instagram @pocket.peaches.

Her favorite stories to tell are the ones that are a bit silly and sweet.

When not drawing or writing, she’s probably searching for a café to sketch in with a nice cup of matcha.

To see her art, visit http://www.dora-wang.com.

Thank you for stopping by and always remember compassion counts!

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Blog Tour for ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS CALL 

A dramatic and inspiring novel based on the true story of the Jane Collective and the brave women who fought for our right to choose, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Paris Bookseller.

Chicago, early 1970s: Who does a woman call when she needs help? Jane.

The best-known secret in the city, Jane is an underground women’s health organization composed entirely of women helping women, empowering them to live lives free from the expectations of society by offering reproductive counseling and safe, illegal abortions. Veronica, Jane’s founder, prides herself on the services she has provided to thousands of women, yet the price of others’ freedom is that she leads a double life. When she’s not at Jane, Veronica plays the role of a conventional housewife—which becomes even more difficult during her own high-risk pregnancy.

Two more women in Veronica’s neighborhood are grappling with similar disconnects. Margaret, a young professor at the University of Chicago, secretly volunteers at Jane as she falls in love with a man whose attitude toward his ex-wife increasingly disturbs her. Patty, who’s long been content as a devoted wife and mother, has begun to sense that something essential is missing from her life. When her runaway younger sister Eliza shows up unexpectedly, Patty is forced to come to terms with what it really means to love and support a sister.

In this historic moment when the personal was nothing if not political, when television, movies, and commercials told women they’d “come a long way, baby,” Veronica, Margaret, and Patty must make choices that will change the course of their lives forever.

Publish date Sep 19,2023 Berkley publisher

Grab a copy here

Historical fiction has never been as timely or relevant as Kerri Maher’s All You Have to do Is Call.


Based on actual events, the story is modeled after Chicago in the 1970’s when women had two choices, have the child they carried or get an illegal abortion.


I will tell you this, the book was not easy to read, me being a woman and reading about the lack of choices woman had toward their own reproductive health and being made to feel shamed for the choices they made.


The best kept “secret” Chicago had was the Jan Collective and the women who fought to do what was right.


The book features not only the working life but the day-to-day life of 3 women.
Jane is a women based and founded organization helping women get the reproductive services they need. These women are compassionate and help other women make choices they couldn’t make on their own, letting them know they don’t have to be held prisoner by choices society expects us to make, like becoming a mother and wife.


The author shares the facts of how it was for women back then, but she does it in a compassionate and respectful way.

I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the women’s personal lives. Though these women were supportive of the women coming into the clinic they had their own struggles as well.

I enjoy the author’s writing style. She writes about a very important subject. The book is very well researched and factual.

A very powerful book and the strong bond women have when it comes to matter of the heart.

Recommended for all women because we deserve choices regarding ourselves.

First published September 19, 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

KERRI MAHER is the USA Today bestselling author of The Paris BooksellerThe Girl in White GlovesThe Kennedy Debutante, and, under the name Kerri Majors, This Is Not a Writing Manual: Notes for the Young Writer in the Real World. She holds an MFA from Columbia University and lives with her daughter and dog in a leafy suburb west of Boston, Massachusetts. Learn more online at www.kerrimaher.com.

Thanks for stopping in today. Have a lovely day!

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The Teacher’s Christmas Secret: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (Seven Amish Sisters Book 3) by Emma Miller

The Amish school brings them together.

Will his secret break them apart?

When widowed schoolteacher Tobit Lapp is injured, he reluctantly agrees he needs Cora Koffman’s help. Cora’s still upset Tobit got the job at the Amish schoolhouse, but she agrees to teach his class till he’s able. As they work together on lessons, a surprising friendship blossoms between them, but Tobit’s heart is torn. He’s falling for Cora—yet his secret could ruin everything…

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Seven Amish Sisters

Book 1: Her Surprise Christmas Courtship
Book 2: Falling for the Amish Bad Boy
Book 3: The Teacher’s Christmas Secret

Human nature being what it is Cora Koffman tries not to be upset and jealous when newcomer to their Honeycomb, Delaware Amish school Tobit Lapp gets the teaching job she has yearned for. Getting off on the wrong foot, anger clouds her judgement of widowed Tobit who has a young teenaged son.

When an accident proves disastrous to Tobit and leaves him unable to teach, he reluctantly lets her take his place while he recovers.

I’ve seen this in stories a lot recently, the grumpy and sunshine pair and it actually works in most books including this one.

Having never taught before Cora is nervous but excited about teaching and she excels at it. As she spends more time with him, he sees how smart she is and realizes some of her teaching ideas really are great and they implement them into the teaching program. I enjoyed reading about the Christmas program the teacher and children are putting together.

Cora and Tobit seem to be falling for each other and Cora looks forward to being courted by Tobit until an unbelievable secret comes to light. Will the romance be able to possibly be saved?

I’ve really enjoyed many books by this author in the past. The books feel realistic, and I love her writing style, it is realistic and encouraging. Though a short book the story feels complete and not rushed. I suggest you read the other books in the series though each story is a stand alone.

Pub Date: 26 Sep 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Pre-order here

credit here

Emma Miller is a wife, mother and a grandmother who lives a quiet life in Delaware. She’s the author of the Hannah’s Daughter’s series and is at work on her next Amish romance novel.

Have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for stopping in. Does this sound like a book you’d read?