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368 pages G.P. Putnam’s Sons publisher September 26,2023 publish date
ABOUT THE BOOK
In its heyday, Piney Peaks and its beloved Christmas house were made famous by Sleighbells under Starlight, a romantic holiday movie. Fifty years later, the small town is ready for a new love story.
As a successful film liaison, Elisha Rowe has her heart set on one thing and one thing only: putting her hometown back on the map. So, when she gets the chance to secure the long-hoped-for sequel to Sleighbells under Starlight, a beloved holiday movie, she’s willing to do whatever it takes to make sure everything goes smoothly. Unfortunately, that includes claiming to have already gotten permission to film at the historic Christmas house—permission she was very much denied by the gorgeous new owner.
City boy Ves Hollins is only back in Piney Peaks long enough to sell the house he inherited from his great-aunt. The holidays have always been tough for Ves, and it’s not any easier when he’s distracted by memories of a Christmas long, long ago, and the irresistible charm of neighbor Elisha. He has no plans to put down roots or fall in love…even if Elisha unravels his hesitations like a bad Christmas sweater.
There’s no question the two are opposites in every way. Ves is undeniably frosty. Elisha is brimming with warmth. He doesn’t do commitment. She never runs from a challenge. But as the two grow closer, they quickly realize that the growing spark between them may be just what the season calls for.
MY THOUGHTS
Wrapped with a Beau was a festive Christmas book. While the storyline was predictable, I thought it was a light read great for this busy time of year.
Piney Peaks, home of the Sleighbells under Starlight, a beloved holiday movie and the festive holiday house it was filmed at. The home’s owner has passed away and neighbor Elisha has been the self-appointed home carer.
Early one morning when she sees what she thinks is a break in at the house she knows she needs to investigate. Dressed in her pajamas and wielding a huge plastic candy cane she is ready to take care of that burglar.
A meet cute, it turns out that the owner’s great nephew is in town to quickly fix up the holiday house and sell it after the festive season. In this grumpy to sunshine story, Ves Hollins, city boy from New York may find Elisha Rowe attractive but he’s here to sell his great aunt’s home and can’t wait to leave. He has no plans on helping Elisha with the Christmas movie sequel and certainly no interest in staying any longer than possible.
It was heartwarming seeing how Elisha’s family took to Ves, welcoming him and even joking around like he was one of the family.
With personalities so different can she sway him to her way of thinking, that life can be shiny and bright in this small town?
Wonderful, light holiday read.
Pub Date 26 Sep 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lillie Vale is the author of books for both teens and adults, including Wrapped with a Beau, The Decoy Girlfriend, Beauty and the Besharam, The Shaadi Set-Up and Small Town Hearts, an American Library Association’s 2020 Rainbow Books List selection. She writes about secrets and yearning, complicated and ambitious girls who know what they want, the places we call home and people we find our way back to, and the magic we make. Born in Mumbai, she grew up in Mississippi, Texas, and North Dakota, and now lives in an Indiana college town. Find her on Twitter @LillieLabyrinth and Instagram @labyrinthspine, or visit her website lillielabyrinth.com.
I hope you are enjoying your day and staying warm. Thanks for stopping in today.
TOP TEN TUESDAY
The theme today on TTT or Top Ten Tuesday is top ten books on my winter 2023-2024 to-read list. I’m going to do my own thing with a theme of Wintery books I really want to get to. Hopefully next month I’ll be able to. Check out That Artsy Reader Girl for some other great posts this week.
SOME GREAT LOOKING WINTERY COVERS OF BOOKS I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS WINTER
I’m sharing 11 covers but who’s counting, right? Are any of these on your reading list ?
Have a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping in.
297 pages Bethany House publishers December 12,2023 publication date grab a copy here.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Haunted by the death of her sister, Finola Shanahan has resolved that she’s not worthy of a family of her own and commits to spending her days caring for immigrants in the slums. When Finola sabotages yet another unwanted relationship her parents arranged for her, her father calls upon the local Irish matchmaker, who pairs her with successful wagonmaker Riley Rafferty. Finola quickly realizes her usual tricks won’t work on him, however, as she cannot outsmart or outwit the dashing, determined, and daring man.
A candidate in the St. Louis mayoral election, Riley is confident a union with the wealthy Shanahan family will help solidify his chances of winning–and even more assured he and Finola can make a difference together. When a cholera outbreak begins to take St. Louis by storm, they must navigate a burgeoning attraction and growing danger testing all they know about love and sacrifice.
MY THOUGHTS
It’s great to see a historical fiction book based on immigrants from Ireland. Seeing the characters settling in St. Louis as opposed to New York is new and exciting to me.
The way the author describes the slum area is so realistic but tragic. To give everything to move to a new country, leaving behind family and friends, never to be seen again. They had such hope to see their family prosper but in many cases that never came about. The Irish were discriminated against and had such a hard time finding work. My ancestors came over from Galway and settled in Pennsylvania in the 1800’s.
There is a lot going on in this book which makes it interesting. A young woman, Finola Shanahan who blames herself for the death of her baby sister feels unworthy of marrying and having children. When she is almost trampled by horses, she is saved by wagonmaker Riley Rafferty.
When her parents realize that she is not interested in any of the matches they’ve made for her they enlist the help of a local Irish matchmaker. Now this is where the fun comes in as she’s paired with none other than Riley Rafferty, a man she already feels attracted to with her senses on high alert when he’s around.
Convinced she’s doing the right thing; she knows she must become a nun and not marry.
If only the sparks didn’t fly when the two are together.
Touching on a lot of important historical topics I found the book to be relevant and interesting. I love the sense of humor the author injects into her books making the characters fun and realistic.
I greatly look forward to reading more books in this series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
THE AUTHOR
Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over forty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle. Find out more at jodyhedlund.com.
Have any of you read this book or plan on it? What is your opinion on the spice level in the book? She has been increasing the spice level in her books in the past few years. Thoughts?
Have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping by.
334 pages Joffe books October 19,2023 publish date
ABOUT THE BOOK
A NAIL-BITING PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER WITH ONE OF THE BIGGEST TWISTS YOU’LL READ THIS YEAR.
After choir practice for midnight mass, college sophomore Rose Grandon takes a short-cut through Harbor Park. Grabbed from behind, she is violently assaulted, beaten and left for dead.
The last thing she hears is someone singing Silent Night.
Several hours later, the police find Rose lying in a ditch. Badly beaten — but alive.
As she recovers in hospital, Rose is told she’s pregnant. She has a terrible choice to make. She decides to keep the baby.
Nine months later, she gives birth to a beautiful baby girl. She names her Mary.
Rose lives quietly in her small Connecticut hometown raising her daughter — the one good thing to come out of her horrible ordeal. She begins to get her old self back.
But her evil attacker has never been caught. He strikes twice a year. Once on Christmas Eve, once on Christmas Day.
And until he’s behind bars, Rose and her baby can never be safe.
But now he’s found out he has a daughter. And that changes everything . . .
AN EXHILARATING BLEND OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE, NAIL-BITING TENSION AND A SHATTERING FINAL TWIST.
MY THOUGHTS
I don’t read psychological thrillers all that often, some can be really hokey and not much of a plot. Not so with this one, it took my breath away.
A young boy, innocent, still barely holding onto his belief in Santa, is hoping Santa will bring him a few gifts this year because he knows his mother won’t. There’s never a tree or any trimmings to make the holidays special. Neglected and unwanted, he knows his mother would rather be sleeping off her drunken fits than even putting food on the table. He is filled with rage and knows what he must do, and he will when he gets older.
Rose is a shy, church going girl, excelling at college, she doesn’t have many friends. A Christmas eve service has her excited to be with a few friends from church as the youth groups plans that evening’s events. Living close to church in a small Connecticut town, she slips out early to wrap a few presents and plans to return for the Midnight Mass as she walks home in the dark that evening. Her route takes her past a dark and deserted park. Frantic, her parents call the police when she is hours late getting home.
An evening search finds her badly beaten and sexually assaulted; the hospital staff not sure if she’ll survive. After months of physical therapy, she’s physically able to recover in body but she will never be the same. Finding herself pregnant from the attack she decides at the last minute to keep the baby and lives with her parents who give their full support to her choices and help with her child.
Deciding to move to her own place when her child is a school age, she enrolls her child in a local school and meets the new teacher, her child’s new teacher, a male. Her daughter and this teacher form a special bond, she is a challenging student but likes her teacher and they just click. When the teacher needs to talk to Rose about her daughter Mary’s behavior, he also makes an impression on the mother.
This is the start of a special friendship that turns into a romance between Rose and David, the teacher. He was the nicest man, always so understanding of Mary, the daughter and they both fall for his charm and kindness. After the wedding they settle into his house.
Rose is kept updated on the Christmas Eve killer every year by the police. He only strikes on Christmas and twice on Christmas Eve. Very few of his victims survive as he strikes along the East Coast of the United States. Rose doesn’t feel safe because whoever did this to her is still out there. Tucked away in her house with her daughter and new husband she feels as safe as she can possibly be with the decorations up and the spirit of Christmas, she should have no worries, right?
A shocking, twist of a story that lulls you into feeling safe and then strikes when you least expect it. Excellent!
Pub Date 12 Oct 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
An Amazon Charts/Best Selling Author, many of McGarvey Black’s novels are also available in audiobooks and have been translated into other languages. A new psych suspense novel is in the works for next year. Stay tuned.
TWICE ON CHRISTMAS
MY SISTER’S KILLER UK
WITHOUT HER CONSENT #6 on Amazon Kindle in the UK and landed on the Amazon Charts..
THE FIRST HUSBAND, also an international bestseller was re-released in 2023
TRUST ONLY ME
THE WOMAN UPSTAIRS
“I love writing twisty thrillers that keep readers guessing and hanging at the end of each chapter. Nothing makes me happier than when one of my readers tells me I kept them up all night.” —McGarvey Black
Other novels include:
A FAMILIAR STRANGER — a tale of redemption about what happens when you fly too close to the sun.
LOVE ON THE LINE (formerly titled The Fussy Virgin) is a romantic comedy about soulmates finding each other.
Born in New York City and raised on Long Island, McGarvey Black is married with two children and lives and writes in Florida. She loves dogs of any kind and eating ice cream with demitasse spoons to make it last longer.
If you enjoy her books, please leave a review, every single one helps so much. You can connect with her on Twitter: @mcgarveyblack, Instagram: mcgarveyblack1, Facebook: McGarvey Black
Enjoy your day. Thanks for stopping in.
Categories
THE SUNDAY POST
THE SUNDAY POST
20 Amazing this you can do with a lemon.
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up.
MY BOOK HAUL THIS WEEK
These are my physical books I got in the mail this week.
20 CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS TO MAKE WITH GRANDCHILDREN
MY NETGALLEY HAUL THIS WEEK
I didn’t go overboard this week, or anything did I?
6 Most Common Holiday Plants Toxic to Cats
This week has been incredibly busy with going out Christmas shopping, a doctor visit for my hubby, taking our son back and forth to work, library trips, taking stuff to GoodWill after a cleanup, multiple trips to Walmart and visiting my husband’s parent’s graves. I’m glad to be taking a day off from running around today. I’ll be reading and taking a walk today. I hope your health is well and you’re finding some time to relax.
Here’s a blizzard of brrrilliant snow-driven facts…
11 MOST POPULAR COFFEE FLAVORS & SEASONAL COFFEE FLAVORS
We have a lot of rain today. Stay safe wherever you are and thank you for stopping in.
Categories
Blog Blitz for A Winter Wonderland
ABOUT THE BOOK
A Winter Wonderland
The festive season is fast approaching and the Little Duck Pond Café menu has been given a mouth-watering sprinkling of December magic. Jaz is hoping for the perfect festive season with little daughter Emma. But her feelings for next-door neighbour, Milo, are getting in the way. With his old love back on the scene, is she really prepared to risk her heart and make it the best Christmas ever?
MY THOUGHTS
A Winter Wonderland is part of the Little Duck Pond Cafe series. I am loving this series. This book is warm and welcoming, and I know I’d love to meet the characters and have tea with them.
One of the things I enjoy about this series is its inclusivity. The book doesn’t focus on one person or one couple but the community as a whole. There are multiple side stories to focus on. The author doesn’t make the secondary characters any less, they play just as important a role in the story as the main characters.
I also enjoy how realistic the books are, we see a homeless teen in the book who has run away because he believes his father disapproves of him. He’s new in town and moody. He has a lot of growth, and it was encouraging seeing how much he improved with all pulling for him.
There’s our main character Jaz who lives next door to Milo. Both are single parents, and their daughters are best friends. Jaz is open to a new relationship but there are ups and downs and a few things seem to be getting in the way on both of their sides.
The children really have the Christmas spirit which in turn spills over onto the adults.
The plot is so much fun, I really enjoyed the catch up with all the characters and I am looking forward to more in this delightful and heartwarming series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Purchase Links
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rosie’s series of novellas is centred around life in a country village cafe. Look out for THE SUNSHINE SISTERS – a heart-warming and thoroughly enchanting trilogy of books in the Little Duck Pond Café series, out early in 2024!
Follow Rosie on Twitter – https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green88
Have a wonderful and check out the author’s other books when you get a chance.
Thank you for stopping in.
The Christmas Quilt (The Shadow Lake Series Book 3)
290 pages Zebra Books publisher August 22,2023 publish date
ABOUT THE BOOK
As the holidays approach, Colette King is eager for Matthew Mueller’s return to Shadow Lake. Especially now that she has finally surrendered to the truth—that the friend she has known forever, the first man she ever kissed, is the one she longs to spend her life with. So when Mattie shows up at her sister’s wedding with another woman on his arm, Colette’s hopes are shattered. To heal her broken heart, she begins a quilt honoring her memories of Mattie. But every square she adds only makes her yearn for him more . . .
Matthew’s new inheritance comes with a lot of responsibilities—including his late-uncle’s deathbed request that he marry the woman who was his ward. But from the moment Mattie sees Colette again, he wishes he could escape his familial duty, even though doing so could bring scandal upon his mamm and daed. Will his desire to protect his parents cost him the life—and the love—he dreams of? Or can faith work a Christmas miracle that blesses all . . .
MY THOUGHTS
Amish woman, Collette King is looking forward to welcoming Matthew Mueller back to Shadow Lake, a historic inn located near Lake Erie, Pennsylvania. It is being run by Collette and her sisters. She hasn’t seen him in some time, and she knows in her heart when he returns it is time to let him know exactly how she feels about him.
She eagerly anticipates the moment when he returns, and then he does. Her expectations fall to her feet when he shows up with another woman, a beautiful one, on his arm. Not wanting to speak to him, he convinces her to anyways. This woman is going around telling anyone who will listen and even some who won’t, Matthew is her intended and the wedding is upcoming.
Matthew made a promise to his late uncle when he was on his deathbed that he would marry this woman and he feel obligated to keep this promise though Collette is his true love. Collette has always enjoyed sewing, it clears her mind and relaxes her. As she makes a Christmas quilt honoring Matthew, she just thinks of him more.
I did not like the “other woman.” Her attitude is terrible. How could she treat Matthew this way? Will Collette’s heart stay broken, or will the holiday season ring in with a new true love?
I enjoy reading books by this author and this was a fun read.
Pub Date 22 Aug 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise (The Heart of the Amish)
258 pages Barbour Books publisher December 1,2023 publish date
ABOUT THE BOOK
Ruth Defies Authority to Hold on to her Family Farm
Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.
Ruth Helmuth has never been rude in her life; trust her to choose the bishop of her Amish community for her first time!
Ruth has worked hard to keep body and soul together since her husband, Levi’s, death. She tends her herd of goats, making her living from the milk and fiber she gets from them, all while running a farm and household by herself—and very competently, thank you! How could she imagine the bishop suggesting she should give it all up to another family, who will “make better use of the space”?
Enter widower Jonas Hershberger, owner of a pair of adorable dimples and father of a charming 4-year-old daughter. Jonas is in need of a larger place to house his growing business. Ruth’s big red barn may be just the ticket. Little Abigail is in need of a new mother. Ruth might be just the ticket there, too!
Can two independent souls learn to work together for their mutual good? And will they be willing to explore what grows between them? Or will Ruth’s fear over her “big secret” and Jonas’s caution about allowing someone new to get close to his young daughter, kill their love before it has a chance to grow?
Luckily for both of them, God’s plan involves the stubborn pair getting a little help in the form of a wise, elderly friend; a quirky orange kitten; and a smart little girl who takes one look at Ruth and decides she would make her the perfect new mother!
The Heart of the Amish Series Also Includes:
The Flower Quilter by Mindy Steele
The Quilt Room Secret by Lisa Jones Baker
Courting the Amish Bishop by Mindy Steele
Mary’s Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne
MY THOUGHTS
This is a new to me author and quite often I am willing to give these authors a try. This is how I find some great reads. I am glad I tried this new author.
Though not at the writing level of some of the more established authors who write Amish fiction I still enjoyed the story. The presentation was easy to follow along with, the plot, nothing out of the ordinary that I haven’t seen in other Amish books, but it was a fun story. When you add in kittens, big friendly guard dogs, and mischievous goats I don’t think you can go wrong.
Ruth Helmuth, a childless widow has a nice farm, outbuildings and a dawdi house attached to her house. She uses all of these though to raise her goats and make her goat milk products, including soaps and lotions. When the bishop comes for a visit, he believes she should sell her farm to a man from the community who needs the prime property to expand his business. The bishop also believes she should remarry and quickly. She is pretty shocked when he makes her an offer, he thinks she won’t be able to pass up.
A widowed neighbor man with a young daughter starts helping her with chores around her farm and they become close. When he sees how takes she is with his daughter he knows she’d be the perfect mother for her but is that all he is interested in her for? It was fun seeing the interaction with her neighbor’s daughter and Ruth’s kitten. She is a fun and spunky little girl. I will be reading more by this author.
Pub Date 01 Dec 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Enjoy your weekend. Thank you for stopping in.
432 pages Doubleday publisher December 5,2023 publish date
ABOUT THE BOOK
Maine, 1789: When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community. Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town’s most respected gentlemen—one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.
Over the course of one winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon lands at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves, and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie.
Clever, layered, and subversive, Ariel Lawhon’s newest offering introduces an unsung heroine who refused to accept anything less than justice at a time when women were considered best seen and not heard. The Frozen River is a thrilling, tense, and tender story about a remarkable woman who left an unparalleled legacy yet remains nearly forgotten to this day.
MY THOUGHTS
It’s a beautiful thing, to go back in time with authors as they bring back to life important people from the past so we can hear their story.
Taking place in Maine in the late 1700’s when the Kennebec River is frozen.
Martha Ballard is a married, lifelong midwife. She has ushered in hundreds of lives, not many of the women in this rural area have access to a doctor. Many of the women fall pregnant before a marriage takes place. Martha is privy to this information, and quite a lot of other personal information like who the father is but she keeps this information to herself. Margaret keeps a daily diary with personal information about her clients.
The judicial system, if you could even call it that is so different than today. Quite a bit of the book involves a rape trial of a woman accusing the town’s judge and another man. Where is the justice? It reminds me of Reba’s song, The Night the Lights Went out in Georgia. There’s a similarity there. There is also a spectacular murder trial.
As the author says this work of fiction is what could have happened in Martha Ballard’s life and not a biography. The book is inspired by real events. I like realistic books, and this is written like a biography. If I can learn something from the historical fiction, I read I am all for it, may it be a person, place or event I am here for it. This book has inspired me to start reading biographies again in the new year.
I do need to add some non-fiction back into my reading selections and this would be a great way to start. The book is compelling, and it leaves me to wonder how many other fascinating people from the past I have yet to meet through books to hear their story.
Pub Date 05 Dec 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ariel Lawhon is a critically acclaimed, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction. She is the author of THE WIFE THE MAID AND THE MISTRESS, FLIGHT OF DREAMS, I WAS ANASTASIA and CODE NAME HELENE. Her books have been translated into numerous languages and have been Library Reads, Indie Next, One Book One County, Amazon Spotlight, Costco, and Book of the Month Club selections. She lives in the rolling hills outside Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and four sons. She splits her time between the grocery store and the baseball field.
Have you read this book? Let me know your thoughts if you do. Enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping in.
440 pages December 5,2023 publication date Bethany House publishers
ABOUT THE BOOK
Royalty comes to Sidmouth, bringing unexpected danger and the sweet possibility of romance. . . .
When the Duke and Duchess of Kent and their daughter–the future Queen Victoria–rent neighboring Woolbrook Cottage for the winter, the Summers sisters are called upon to host three of the royal family’s male staff in their seaside house. But they soon realize they’ve invited secrets and intrigue into their home.
Meanwhile, Emily Summers longs to become an author. A local publisher offers to consider her novel if she will first write a Sidmouth guidebook for him. Emily agrees and begins researching the area with help from the Duke of Kent’s handsome private secretary. But a surprise visitor from her past shows up at Sea View, leaving Emily torn between the desires she’s long held dear and her budding dreams for the future.
Return to the Devonshire coast with the Summers sisters, where loyalties are tested, secrets come to light, and new love emerges.
MY THOUGHTS
A Winter by the Sea is the second book in the On Devonshire Shores series. Having read the first I eagerly looked forward to reading this one and was not disappointed.
I feel as though once again I’ve gone back in time with the Summers sisters. They have new neighbors for the winter season, the Duke and Duchess of Kent and their daughter–the future Queen Victoria–who rent neighboring Woolbrook Cottage. I enjoyed getting to know the royalty and seeing how they interacted.
When the staff they bring with them doesn’t all fit in Woolbrook Cottage the male staff will be staying at the seaside house. The characters are so well presented and researched; I enjoyed getting to know them all.
So many different personalities, a few are quite the characters. There are not many authors that can write regency romance the way this author can. Each storyline is unique with characters and plots that hold my attention and makes me want to read more.
Romance and an intriguing storyline with realistic scenes will have you remembering this story long after you’re done.
I highly recommend this series and book.
Pub Date: 05 Dec 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. She worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. Three of her novels have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also won the Minnesota Book Award, the Midwest Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. Visit http://www.julieklassen.com and talesfromivyhill.com for more information.
Thank you for reading my post today. Have a wonderful day and stay warm.
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