Tag: heartwarming

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The Song of Sourwood Mountain: (Southern Historical Romance Set in the 1910 Appalachian Mountains)

354 pages Revell publisher May 7, 2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

While the century began with such promise, it is 1910 when Mira Dean’s hopes of being a wife and mother are dashed to pieces. Her fiancé dead from tuberculosis, Mira resigns herself to being a spinster schoolteacher–until Gordon Covington shows up.
 
No longer the boy she knew from school, Gordon is now a preacher who is full of surprises. First, he asks Mira to come to Sourwood in eastern Kentucky to teach at his mission school. Second, he asks her to marry him. Just like that. And all at once the doors that had seemed firmly shut begin to open, just a crack.
 
With much trepidation, Mira steps out in faith into a life she never imagined, in a place filled with its own special challenges, to serve a people who will end up becoming the family she always dreamed of.
 
From the pen of bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart comes a heartwarming story of the unexpected blessings that can come when we dare to follow the Lord’s leading.

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve enjoyed reading many of the author’s books over the years, but I do believe I have a new favorite.
The book is so realistic that I could have been watching a movie as I imagined all in my mind while reading this.


I absolutely love books taking place in Appalachia and the people represented there. The book just captured my heart and soul. A Christian book but not preachy or overbearing. The Appalachian people are special, considered slow and behind the times by some, they’re not. They just have their own way of thinking and doing things passed down from generation to generation. They have their own way of speaking and are very wary of outsiders and you can’t blame them.

If outsiders come in, they can change everything about the landscape of the area and make them just like everyone else. They enjoy living in the hollers, doing things their way and sticking amongst themselves.

When a preacher man comes in with his new wife, they are wary of them both but the longer they are there the more assimilated they become. I really liked the character, Ada June a young half wild girl child living mainly in the forest after her mother’s death.

Preacher’s wife, Mira has had so many trials in her life, from losing her intended fiancée to being made redundant at her teaching job but God made her a strong resilient woman and her new opportunity at life sees her shining as a preacher’s wife while teaching at a mission school in rural Kentucky.


I loved this book so much and can’t wait to see what the author has out next.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ann H. Gabhart caught the writing bug at the age of ten and has been writing ever since. An award winning author, she’s published many books for both adults and young adults. Her books cover several genres from historical to small town family stories to cozy mysteries (mysteries published with author name A.H. Gabhart). Her ideas are sparked by events in Kentucky history and by experiences in her own family. Her first Shaker novel, The Outsider, was a finalist for the ECPA Christian Fiction Book of the Year. Love Comes Home won the Selah Book of the Year award, and These Healing Hills was the Faith, Hope & Love Readers’ Choice Women’s Fiction Book of the Year.

Ann lives on a Kentucky farm not far from where she was born. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. Ann enjoys hiking on her farm with her grandkids and her dogs, Frankie and Marley. See more about her books at http://www.annhgabhart.com or join the conversation on her Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/anngabhart.

Thank you for stopping in. I appreciate all your comments and encouraging words.

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Blog tour for A Wonderland Wish On Ever After Street 

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Wonderland Wish on Ever After Street

A brand new and utterly enchanting series by bestselling author Jaimie Admans.

A picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street…

There’s always time for tea… unless you’ve lost your teapot…

Cleo Jordan has only ever wished for one thing – to open her own teashop in memory of her lovely gran. So when she accidentally fools the interview board into thinking she’s a brilliant baker and is offered a prime spot on Ever After Street, she knows her dream is about to come true!

Stepping into The Wonderland Teapot is like falling down the rabbit hole – magical! But there’s a catch: Cleo has completely lost her love of baking! With her little white lie ticking in her ear, it seems her dream is over before it’s begun.

Until she meets her very own Mad Hatter. Loved by everyone on Ever After Street, magician Bram brings an energy to the teashop that lifts everyone, and slowly, with his encouragement, Cleo is getting back to doing what she loves best.

But with Bram hiding secrets of his own, Cleo isn’t sure she can put all her faith in him. And when things start going wrong at the teashop, Cleo wonders if the culprit sabotaging her dream is someone closer than she thinks?

If Cleo wants her wish to work, she has to learn to trust again before she loses her head and heart completely…although it might already be far too late for that…

Perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Kat French and Caroline Roberts!

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/EverAfterStreetsocial

MY THOUGHTS

A Wonderland Wish on Ever After Street is the third book in the Ever After Street series and my first read in this series but not my first read by the author. This is the most fun I’ve had reading a book in a long time. The book is Alice in Wonderland Themed, now I’ve never actually read Alice in Wonderland completely through but after reading this I’ll need to make that a priority.


Cleo Jordan’s gran had a tea shop serving the most delightful baked goods, the customers loved it and gran. After her death Cleo wants to honor her memory and open her own teashop. Now there’s just a few things standing in her way, Ever After Street is a very highly sought after street and open shop rentals are very hard to find, Cleo counts her lucky stars when she’s offered an interview for an open store front. Running late to the interview she grabs store bought cupcakes to represent her own baking, no one will ever know, right? Problem number two she’s lost her love of baking and doesn’t seem to have any luck in rejuvenating it. The stars align and she’s able to call the shop hers.


The shop is a Alice in Wonderland themed teashop. I loved the descriptions of the shop decorations and Bram who is the Mad Hatter and who has the part down pat from his costume to magical tricks to the voice the customers and children alike love him.
The shop is so whimsical I just loved it, can I visit this tea shop now, please?


Cleo and Bram start to form a friendship and start baking things for the shop together as her love of baking returns. All isn’t well as some of the baked goods get sabotaged that are being served to the customers, nothing poisonous but some are too salty or spicy.


With Bram hiding a few secrets of his own could Cleo’s fairy tale dreams be going up in smoke just as she’s starting to learn to trust again?
Fun, whimsical and magical this is a heartwarming tale we all need on our reading list.

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

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR HERE

AUTHOR BIO

Author Bio –

Jaimie is a 32-year-old English-sounding Welsh girl with an awkward-to-spell name. She lives in South Wales and enjoys writing, gardening, watching horror movies, and drinking tea, although she’s seriously considering marrying her coffee machine. She loves autumn and winter, and singing songs from musicals despite the fact she’s got the voice of a dying hyena. She hates spiders, hot weather, and cheese & onion crisps. She spends far too much time on Twitter and owns too many pairs of boots.

She will never have time to read all the books she wants to read.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/be_the_spark

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaimieadmans1/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/JaimieAdmansNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jaimie-admans

Have a delightful day. Thank you for stopping in.

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The Sound of Sleighbells (The Christmas Tree Ranch Book 6) Janet Dailey

234 pages publication date September 26,2023 Zebra Books

About The Book

In her newest Texas-set Christmas Tree Ranch novel, New York Times bestselling author and America’s First Lady of Romance combines the popular Western ranch setting of Diana Palmer’s romances with the relatable small-town characters of Robyn Carr’s women’s fiction, to create heartwarming holiday magic filled with family, love, second chances and new beginnings.

After her divorce, Ruth McCoy is eager to trade her children’s painful memories for new holiday traditions. But Ruth has a whole new set of distractions when fate brings the man she once loved together with the son he never knew he had . . .
 
Life has thrown Judd Rankin some tough turns, and he’s startled by the feelings he still has for Ruth. Though the successful rancher knows better than to chase old dreams, he doesn’t mind lending the struggling single mom a hand. And when Judd sees Ruth’s teenaged son’s interest in his custom saddle business, he’s happy to let the boy help him build the harness for Branding Iron’s Christmas sleigh. Besides, the kid reminds Judd of the young man he once was. A man who believed anything was possible . . .
 
Powerless to deny the growing bond between her son and Judd, Ruth knows it’s only a matter of time before her secret is discovered. But will the revelation shatter the tender feelings between her and Judd—or turn out to be her family’s greatest gift?

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts

This is what you think of when you think of a Hallmark movie.
Part of the Christmas Tree Ranch series and the second book I’ve read in the series. Last year’s Christmas book was the first book. I can tell you this much, I will be needing to go to my library and find the rest of the books in this incredible series. I haven’t read many books by this author; I know she has quite a few but the ones I’ve read I’ve enjoyed quite a bit.


When you’re thinking of what makes a Christmas book fulfilling this is the type of book you’ll think of. Richly detailed for Christmas but the book doesn’t go overboard with sickeningly sweet like some books do, small town, children, wonderful characters, engaging plot and a realistic romance.


Divorced mother, Ruth McCoy just wants her children to have happy Christmas memories and wants to start new family traditions. A mama bear she will do all she can to protect these children, even her oldest a fifteen-year-old boy who is out to prove he’s a man who doesn’t really need Mama’s guidance, but we all know they do at that age.


A run in with an old flame stirs up memories on both of their parts and we get a flash back to Ruth and Judd’s past. Can he convince her a second chance romance with him is the best thing for her and her children or is it all just water under the bridge best left in the past?


A very warm and welcoming story where the characters seem like friends you’d want to stop and have coffee with. Will a secret from Ruth’s past put the brakes on the budding relationship between Ruth and Judd? A sweet romance that’ll surely get you in the holiday mood.
Recommended!

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

The Author

JANET DAILEY’s first book was published in 1976. Since then, she has written more than 100 novels and become one of the top-selling female authors in the world, with 300 million copies of her books sold in nineteen languages in ninety-eight countries. She is known for her strong, decisive characters, her extraordinary ability to recreate a time and a place, and her unerring courage to confront important, controversial issues in her stories. You can learn more about Janet at http://www.JanetDailey.com.

Enjoy your weekend and share those kind words with someone.

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Blog Tour for Summer at the Forget Me Not Cottage by Helen Rolfe

Welcome back to Little Woodville.
Visit old friends and new in this super, summer escapist read. Morgan Rosewood finds herself at a crossroads in her life after returning home to Forget-Me-Not Cottage to care for her ailing mother. She and boyfriend Ronan, had plans, big plans, but all these hopes and dreams are put on hold when Morgan’s mum suddenly dies.
Morgan’s emotions are in turmoil but she sets about the task of clearing the house and running her late mother’s vintage market stall.
Nate Greene has his own reasons for staying away from Little Woodville. Nate needs to reconcile his past and tackle the long overdue task of decluttering the place he once loved – his abandoned wood workshop, filled to the brim with his creations. He secures a stall at the local market to showcase his wares and it isn’t long before the workshop reignites the passion he once shared with a special person.
Thrown together Morgan and Nate have their own personal battles to overcome.
Can the beautiful little Cotswold village teach two lost souls what matters,
and more importantly, will it give them each something they didn’t come here for? Love…

A wonderful story of coming to terms with loss, learning to love, family and village life from bestselling author Helen Rolfe.

My Thoughts

I really was drawn to the cover of the book, it’s so beautiful. I am thinking I would love to go there for a little r and r. I just love Helen Rolfe’ books. They are the perfect escapist reads and I try not to miss any of them. A little cottage in the beautiful setting of the Cotswolds sounds so ideal. Summer at Forget-Me-Not Cottage is part of the charming, Little Woodville Cottage Series of which it is the second book. Christmas at Snowdrop Cottage is the first book and here is a link to it Link. It came out last year in July. In Summer at Forget-Me-Not Cottage, you will be welcomed back to Little Woodville with open arms. Visit old friends and make new in this new summer escapist read. The heart of the book is family and how important it is. The book is so lovingly written, the characters friends you could easily and comfortably laugh with over a cup of tea. I’ll be on the lookout for more books in this series.

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

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/summercottagesocial

Visit other blogs on the tour here

Author Bio –

Helen Rolfe is the author of many bestselling contemporary women’s fiction titles, set in different locations from the Cotswolds to New York. Most recently published by Orion, she is bringing sixteen titles to Boldwood – a mixture of new series and well-established backlist. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and children.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/HJRolfe

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/helen_j_rolfe/

Newsletter Sign Up:https://bit.ly/HelenRolfeNewsBookbub profile:https://www.bookbub.com/authors/helen-rolfe

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping in.

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Bookouture Blog tour for Summer at the Cornish Beach Cafe by Donna Ashcroft

About The Book

Step into the Cornish Beach Café, where you’ll find stunning views of the sea, plenty of cream cakes and a warm welcome from the quirky locals. But will this special place help to heal Jessie’s broken heart this summer?

Thirty-year-old Jessie is heartbroken after being dumped just before reaching the altar. So she escapes to her favourite place in the world, the little Cornish Beach café in Indigo Cove. There she plans to spend her summer indulging in home-made lemonade and freshly made brownies. Except, on her first night, fate has other ideas and Jessie bumps into tall and brooding Ashton, the first guy she ever kissed…

Determined to protect her fragile emotions, Jessie swears not to get distracted by Ashton’s sea-glass eyes or the way being near him makes her heart hammer against her chest. Instead, she spends time with her beloved grandfather George, helping him to prepare for the café’s puzzle championships.

In the small community, she keeps crossing paths with handsome Ashton, who’s now a wealthy and successful businessman. They end up sharing sunny afternoons together, which turn into long evenings walking along the beach. As the temperature soars between them, Jessie’s heart begins to melt as she discovers the generous personality behind Ashton’s reserved exterior.

But when she discovers a secret from Ashton’s past, Jessie is left shaken. How much does she really know about him, and can she take a leap of faith and trust Ashton when he asks her to?

Will Jessie’s summer at the beach café in Indigo Cove be the biggest mistake of her life or will it turn out to be the fresh start she needs?

Buy Link: https://geni.us/B0BX14V8SRsocial

My Thoughts

Such a heartwarming book. I loved settling into the pages of its setting in Indigo Cove with it’s pristine waters, endless sand and characters you’d love to have tea with.
Nursing a broken heart after a breakup from a man who thought he was God’s gift to women Jessie needs to heal. She just knows that a family trip with Grandpa while he recreates loving memories of past wonderful times with his wife are sure to do it.

Throw in cream cakes and lemonade from the Cornish Beach Cafe and what more could you need. Past memories have never left of the first boy she fell for and kissed; how could it be possible she runs into him here? As she gets to know him again, she falls for him and it seems as though he feels the same way but when a serious secret from his past surfaces, will it drawn them together or make them go their separate ways?


So much has changed with them both in the years that have separated them. He is now a successful businessman; she was engaged to be married but is still shy and reserved. Can they let their inhibitions down around each other in this sunny paradise?


Such a lighthearted feel-good book, the perfect vacation bring along book. Emotional, with the importance of being yourself and accepting others for who they are. The ending was so fabulous!

May 12, 2023 publication date
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

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, has had nine books published with Bookouture and her tenth is due out in September 2022.

Donna loves a happy ending and is never happier than when she’s escaping into a romance novel or movie. When she’s not reading or writing she’ll probably be found hoovering … or negotiating with her two teenagers about who is doing the washing up.

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/

Have a marvelous day. Thanks for stopping by.

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The Wedding Ranch by Nancy Naigle

352 pages December 6, 2022 publication date St. Martin’s Press publisher

A second chance at love awaits two brokenhearted people if they’re just willing to trust each other―and themselves, in USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle’s The Wedding Ranch.

About The Book

When Lorri Walker’s husband gifted her with a mastiff puppy on Valentine’s Day, she believed he was recommitting himself to their marriage after going astray. Six months later, he left both her and their dog for someone else. Since her recent move to Dalton Mill to unbraid herself from the past, Lorri’s graphic design business is now flourishing, her growing mastiff, Mister, has plenty of space to romp, and her ex in Raleigh can fade to a distant memory.

Ryder Bolt is haunted by the tragic loss of his wife and young son seven years ago. Thankfully, ranching keeps Ryder busy, and spending time with his niece and nephew―whose venue, The Wedding Ranch, has become a popular tourist destination―keeps him from getting lonely.

When Lorri and Ryder met, love was the last thing they were looking for. When they’re together, smiles come easier and burdens feel lighter, and both are embracing the possibility of something deeper.

But when a long-buried revelation surfaces, the fate that brought them together threatens to tear them apart.

My Thoughts

This book! The author does not shy away from topics that may make some uncomfortable, like grief, death and addiction.
I have really enjoyed this author’s books and this one is no exception.


Our main characters Ryder and Lorri have both endured tragic losses in their life. Neither is looking for a romance but the more time they spend together they realize how compatible they are as they help each other to heal.


Very well-developed characters and storyline. I enjoyed how realistic this is and it was so nice to see how much support our main character gets from her best friend. She is there for whatever she needs and so understanding. We all need someone like this. Very emotional book that I will be reading again.

Pub Date 06 Dec 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The Author

USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle whips up small-town love stories with a whole lot of heart. She began her popular contemporary romance series, Adams Grove while juggling a successful career in finance and life on a seventy-six-acre farm. Over twenty-five novels later, Nancy is a Romance Writers of America and ACFW Honor Roll author. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and received favorable reviews from major trade journals. Nancy’s latest release, THE SHELL COLLECTOR, is a touching novel of a friendship that crosses generations, and learning how even the smallest gifts can change a life for good.

Crown Media has adapted several of Nancy’s novels for Hallmark Channel, and Nancy novelized three Hallmark Original Movies set in the town of Evergreen. Hallmark fans may have recently enjoyed The Secret Ingredient and new in 2021 Sand Dollar Cove in the Summer Nights programming-both inspired by her novels.

Now happily retired from a career in the financial industry, this Virginia girl devotes her time to writing, antiquing, and horseback riding with friends.

Download a complete list of Nancy’s books at http://www.NancyNaigle.com, then stay up to date with future releases by joining Nancy’s free newsletter -or-visit her on facebook and twitter (@nancynaigle)

Hugs and happy reading~

Have you read any books by this author? Which ones are your favorites?

Enjoy your day. Thanks for stopping in.

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Boldwood Blog Tour for Summer Nights at the Starfish Cafe by Jessica Redland

About The Book

Welcome back to The Starfish Café for a glorious summer, but with a few dark clouds on the horizon…

This is the final book in The Starfish Café series and is best enjoyed after reading the other two books in the series – Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café and Spring Tides at The Starfish Café.

A new beginning…

As her summer wedding to Jake approaches, Hollie is excited for their new beginning as a family. But when some unexpected news threatens the future she and Jake had hoped for, Hollie will need to find the strength to overcome heartache once more.

A fragile heart….

Single mum, Kerry, loves her job at The Starfish Café, but behind the brave smiles and laughter with customers there is a sadness deep within. So when someone from her past re-appears in her life, Kerry can either hide away or face her demons and try to finally move on from her heartbreak.

A summer to remember…

For Hollie and Kerry it promises to be an emotional rollercoaster of a summer, but the community at The Starfish Café will always be there to help them through – after all, with courage nothing is impossible…

Join top 10 bestseller Jessica Redland for a wonderful summer at the seaside, full of love, friendship and community spirit.

Purchase link

My Thoughts

First of all even if I wasn’t a big fan of this author’s books, I would be drawn to this book because of its beautiful cover.
I am always so happy when I see this author is releasing a new book. I have read so many of them including all in this series. I have really loved the Hedgehog series she’s released.
Summer Nights at the Starfish Cafe is the third and final book in this series.
I have loved meeting the characters, they feel like family now.
Throughout the series the characters have their ups and downs.
The book is written from the heart, a perfect women’s fiction book full of emotions and heart.
Full of family, friends and pure emotion. A wonderful heartwarming read.
I loved how uplifted I felt while reading this and greatly look forward to more by this author.

Pub Date 06 Apr 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Visit other blogs on the tour

The Author

Jessica Redland writes emotional but uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community. HerWhitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast where she liveswith her husband, daughter and sprocker spaniel. Her Hedgehog Hollow series, set in a hedgehogrescue centre, takes readers into the beautiful rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds

Social Media Links

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004465368404

Have a sunshiny day and thanks for stopping in.

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Blog Tour for Finding Refuge in Bellbird Bay by Maggie Christensen

About The Book

Thirty-five years ago, tragedy forced Bev Cooper to cut short her university studies and seek refuge in her hometown of Bellbird Bay. Today, as the owner of the thriving Pandanus Garden Centre and Café, Bev has moved beyond the past and is happy in her solitary existence.

Following the tragic death of his son’s wife, Iain Grant takes early retirement and moves with his devastated son and granddaughter to the peaceful coastal town of Bellbird Bay hoping it will provide the change of scene they all desperately need.

When Iain’s son accepts a position at Bev’s garden centre, the pair find themselves drawn into each other’s lives. But as they begin to enjoy an unexpected attraction, issues from the past threaten to derail their growing relationship.

Will the healing atmosphere of Bellbird Bay work its magic and provide a second chance in life, or will Bev find it too difficult to put the past behind her and enjoy her own happy ever after?

A heartwarming tale of family, friends, and how a second chance at love can happen when you least expect it.

My Thoughts

Finding Refuge in Bellbird Bay is the fifth book in the Bellbird Bay series.
I have enjoyed all Bellbird Bay has to offer on my two visits there. Peace and solitude along the beach are here but if you’d like a little conversation there are friendly neighbors and a scenic view from the boardwalk. I think I’d enjoy a longer visit next time.
Getting to know the people of Bellbird Bay, I feel at home here and have enjoyed the characters from both of the books I’ve read.
Finding Refuge in Bellbird Bay starts off with Iain Grant taking an early retirement and moving with his son and granddaughter to Bellbird Bay after the tragic death of his son’s wife.
Bev Cooper is the owner of garden shop and cafe Pandanus Garden Centre and Café. She has come a long way and worked hard to leave her past behind and is now back in her beautiful hometown of Bellbird Bay. Sometimes as much as we want them to those old memories won’t stay in the past. This is what happens when Iain’s son starts working at her garden shop with her.
As Iain and Bev start to become acquainted their friendship looks like it may go into the romantic territory, but will past issues put a damper on things?
First of all, I love how the romance focuses on an older couple, not all romances are young people. Older people enjoy romance very much as well.
A truly heartwarming book focusing on friendships, trust, listening, understanding, giving second chances and family. This is a warm and huggable story.

Pub Feb 7, 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Visit other blogs on the tour here

About The Author

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations, and historical fiction set in her native Scotland. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea – warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.

From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram | Bookbub

Have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping by today.

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The Christmas Spirit-Heartwarming story from the queen of Christmas fiction, Debbie Macomber-Review

240 pages Ballantine Books October 18, 2022 publication date

About the Book

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Two lifelong friends decide to trade places the week before Christmas and end up finding love along the way in this delightful novel from the queen of holiday stories, #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

Peter Armstrong and Hank Colfax are best friends, but their lives couldn’t be more different. Peter, the local pastor who is dedicated to his community, spending time visiting the flock, attending meetings, and, with the holiday season approaching, preparing for the Christmas service and live nativity. As a bartender, Hank serves a much different customer base at his family-owned tavern, including a handful of lonely regulars and the local biker gang. 

When Peter scoffs that Hank has it easy compared to him, the two decide to switch jobs until Christmas Eve. To their surprise, the responsibilities of a bartender and a pastor are similar, but taking on the other’s work is more difficult than either Peter or Hank expected. As the two begin to see each other in a new light—and each discovers a new love to cherish—their lives are forever changed.

In The Christmas Spirit, Debbie Macomber celebrates the true meaning of the holidays and the inclusive community spirit that binds us all.

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts

A woman while watching her grandchildren one evening, they ask her about baking cookies and after volunteering all that day she is wiped out. They agree to have her tell them a story instead and while drinking hot cocoa and cuddling on the couch she starts, it’s a true story about two men, friends since childhood. One is a pastor, one a bartender, two quite different professions. Each thinks the other’s job is easy peasy, nothing to it and they agree to trade jobs for a bit and prove how easy each other’s job is. With funny and disastrous results, it’s quite the eye-opening experience for them both as they meet new people and come to have a new appreciation for each other. A heartwarming and emotional story. I really enjoy this author’s books and always read her new ones when they release.

18 Oct 2022 publish date.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About The Author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2022, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publications include The Best Is Yet to Come (July) and The Christmas Spirit (October). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, two adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Do you have a favorite Debbie Macomber book or series? I’ve loved all of them I’ve read by her.

Thank you for visiting today. I hope your day is wonderful!

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Bookouture Blog Tour for Paris at First Light by Amanda Lees

I am delighted to welcome you to my blog today for my stop on the Paris at First Light, Bookouture Blog tour. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. I recommend this to all historical fiction lovers.

Description

Paris, 1944: secret agent Juliette is on her most dangerous mission of the war so far. But then her children are kidnapped, and to get them back she may have to commit the ultimate betrayal – that of France itself…

Four years ago, when France fell to the Nazis, Juliette made the ultimate sacrifice, leaving behind her two precious children to join the Resistance and defend her country. Now a spy in Paris, she must work with Captain Daniel Diaz – an American agent she’s taken an instant dislike to – on a dangerous mission to uncover a deadly Nazi plot.

As the pair play their parts, Juliette begins to see another side to Daniel, and their feelings for each other start to grow. But just as love blossoms, Juliette receives a ransom note that changes everything. Someone in Paris knows who she is. And they’ve kidnapped her little son and daughter. The message is clear: betray your country, or you’ll never see your children alive again.

Juliette has sworn a sacred oath to save France at all costs, but she could never sacrifice her children. So, against all the odds, she decides to attempt the impossible: rescue her children and continue her dangerous work fighting the Nazi threat.

But as the mission forces Juliette and Daniel to the very brink, will they succeed on all fronts? And if not, will France pay the ultimate price, or will Juliette?

A completely gripping and heart-wrenching historical novel about hope, betrayal and one mother’s limitless courage. Perfect for fans of The Alice Network, The Nightingale and My Name is Eva, this epic story will leave you breathless.

My Thoughts

Paris at First Light is the second book in the WWII Resistance series by Amanda Lees.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it definitely wowed me.
I experienced so many emotions while reading it.
I find it fascinating that the characters are based on actual people. I love reading historical books based on fact as I learn so much from them. I love a lot of detail in books with a lot of descriptions of everything. A well-researched book such as this one always has me appreciating the author’s time.
I was truly lost in the story vividly imaging the goings on while reading.
Such a strong and powerful woman, she does the unthinkable, making the ultimate sacrifice leaving behind her heart, her two precious children to become a resistance fighter becoming a spy in Paris.
Working through an extremely dangerous mission with American agent Captain Daniel Diaz whom she takes an instant dislike to, they are working undercover to uncover a deadly Nazi plot.
I must admit the book is brutal in parts, but I look at it as realistic to the times and circumstances.
She has left her husband because of his brutality, putting her children and mother into hiding. Somehow, disaster strikes when he finds them, kidnapping his own children which he knows will hurt her more than anything.
There are high stakes as she has promised allegiance to France but will do anything to somehow get her children and still work fighting the impossible, the Nazi’s.
Will Juliette and Daniel be able to work against the odds to rescue the children?
Gripping will keep you reading late into the night. Unputdownable! A mother’s love is without limits, beyond compare!
The ultimate betrayal, shocking. Splendid read! Superb, I will be looking up this author for more.

Pub Date: 23 Nov 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own. 

Author:     AMANDA LEES 

Book:      PARIS AT FIRST LIGHT

Publication Day:  NOVEMBER 23RD 2022

Buy link(s)

https://geni.us/B0B8T1GV9Qsocial

Audible:

UK: http://ow.ly/9wxW50Lt0xr

US: http://ow.ly/HiJ450Lt0xs

Listen here: http://ow.ly/jGuA50Lt0xp

About The Author

Amanda was born in Hong Kong and survived both a convent boarding school and a Jesuit boys’ school before being summarily ejected from the latter. She gets her thirst for adventure from her parents who met in the jungle in Borneo where her mother had set up a hospital and her father, a former Gurkha Intelligence officer and Oxford-educated spy, was probably up to no good.

She is the author of the bestselling satirical novels Selling Out and Secret Admirer (published by Pan) which have both received critical acclaim and have been translated into several languages. Her major YA thriller trilogy, Kumari, Goddess of Gotham, was written as a tribute to her mum, who died a couple of months before Amanda got the idea for a series which would reflect her own exotic childhood. Kumari was nominated for the Guardian Children’s Book Prize and the Doncaster Book Award. It featured as Redhouse Book Of The Month and Lovereading4kids Book Of The Month.

A broadcaster as well as an actress and novelist, Amanda appears regularly on BBC radio and LBC and was a contracted writer to the hit series Weekending on Radio 4. She researched and edited the leading directory for banks, The Banker’s Almanac, for Euromoney publications while also covering stories of shady dealings in the City for them. She has written for, or contributed to, The Evening Standard, The Times, New Woman, US Cosmopolitan, Bulgaria’s Vagabond and Company Magazine as well as numerous online publications and has two non-fiction books published under a pen name.

Amanda has conducted a love coaching phone-in from the sofa of Richard & Judy and wooed the viewers on Channel 5 Live. She won an award at the Hungarian Gyor Film Festival for a short film she produced, a psychological thriller called Pros and Cons.

Her book, From Aconite to the Zodiac Killer: The Dictionary of Crime, was published by Robinson/Little Brown in July 2020 to excellent reviews. It was published in the US by Ulysses Press in May 2021. She has just completed the first in a romantic thriller series set at the end of WW2. 
Author Social Media Links
Website: amandalees.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/amandalees

Bookouture Email Sign Up: https://www.bookouture.com/amanda-lees/

Stop at more blogs on the tour

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