Tag: historical fiction

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The Love Remedy (The Damsels of Discovery)

352 pages Berkley publisher March 19,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

When a Victorian apothecary hires a stoic private investigator to protect her business, they learn there’s only one way to treat true love—with a happily ever after.

When Lucinda Peterson’s recently perfected formula for a salve to treat croup goes missing, she’s certain it’s only the latest in a line of misfortunes at the hands of a rival apothecary. Outraged and fearing financial ruin, Lucy turns to private investigator Jonathan Thorne for help. She just didn’t expect her champion to be so . . . grumpy?

A single father and an agent at Tierney & Co., Thorne accepts missions for a wide variety of employers—from the British government to wronged wives. None have intrigued him so much as the spirited Miss Peterson. As the two work side by side to unmask her scientific saboteur, Lucy slips ever so sweetly under Thorne’s battered armor, tempting him to abandon old promises.

With no shortage of suspects—from a hostile political group to an erstwhile suitor—Thorne’s investigation becomes a threat to all that Lucy holds dear. As the truth unravels around them the cure to their problems is clear: they must face the future together.

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MY THOUGHTS

The Love Remedy i the first book in the Damsels in Distress series.
In Victorian England a woman is left her father’s apothecary business rather than her siblings together or brother who was convinced he’d inherit it.


For the time period we see strong women playing unconventional roles and excelling at it.
Lucinda Peterson has perfected several medicinal cures including a salve to treat croup. When the formula goes missing, she hires a single father private investigator to investigate its disappearance at what she believes are the hands of her former lover, a rival apothecary.


I enjoyed the descriptions of the apothecary and the natural medicines being formulated. This novel just goes to show women in science doesn’t have to be stuffy and boring, but they can be fun and entertaining. A smart woman is not a bad thing. I loved seeing how single dad Jonathan Thorne breaks down Lucinda’s barriers as she promises to never love again or let anyone into her space.


This historical fiction romance has women in STEM meeting history, mystery, intriguing situations and slow burn romance. This is a woman ahead of her time not afraid to show her love of male dominated subjects at the time including science, and mathematics. This is my first read by the author and I greatly look forward to seeing what else the author has out.

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

THE AUTHOR

USA Today bestselling author Elizabeth Everett lives in Upstate New York with her family. Alongside her critically acclaimed historical romance series, Elizabeth pens essays and articles on the subject of feminist romance. Her novels are inspired by her admiration for rule breakers and belief in the power of love to change the world.

May your days be filled with goodness. Thank you for stopping in.

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With Each Tomorrow (The Jewels of Kalispell Book #2): (A Christian Historical Romance Series by Bestselling Authors set in Montana with Mystery and Intrigue)

391 pages Bethany House Publishers May 21,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Even in the midst of adversity, love and faith can flourish.

As the formation of Glacier National Park takes Eleanor Briggs and her conservationist father on a journey west to advocate for public lands, her heart carries the weight of a painful past. Since the death of her mother, she has spent her life traveling the country with her father and helping him with his work, but now he’s considering settling down and writing a book–and she’s not sure what that means for her future.

Carter Brunswick faces trials of his own when the Great Northern Railway’s departure threatens his family’s livelihood and the entire town of Kalispell. In the visiting conservationist’s daughter, Ellie, he finds a spirited woman who challenges his convictions in ways he never anticipated, and his own dreams for the future begin to change.

When tensions over the railroad’s departure boil over, Ellie and Carter are drawn together on a daring journey that tests the depths of their feelings and their faith in God.

MY THOUGHTS

Over ten years ago Eleanor Brigg’s mother died after terrible suffering, this has made her question her relationship with God. Why as such a Godly woman with her strong faith wasn’t she spared from such suffering she wonders. Her faith in God shattered she doesn’t believe a relationship with him is plausible.


Carter Brunswick owns his family’s flour mill in Kalispell, Montana his family does well and is responsible for employing almost all in town. The land needed to grow adequate wheat for as much flour as they provide for not only the state but out of state is monumentous, thousands of acres.


Elanor and her conservatist father travel to Kalispel to advocate for the land not to be owned privately but to be turned into a public land for all to enjoy and be conserved for generations to come. This was before the National Parks came about, specifically Glacier National Park.


Carter has other things to occupy his mind besides his wheat fields though, the Great Northern Railway due to safety concerns and expenses is ready to pull out and go to a more industrial and profitable area. This will affect the whole town and its employees when they can’t get the product shipped out.


Despite their differences in opinions and initial dislike for each other Ellie and Carter know they must work together for the benefit of all.
I think my favorite character is the mayor’s wife. She works so hard to get the couple together and she is so strong and perseveres in helping Ellie find her way back to God.


Such a beautiful faith filled story, with so many encouraging elements, Ellie’s journey back to God was such a heartwarming read. I did enjoy reading about the conservationist rallying around for large amounts of land to become public lands preserved for all to enjoy.


I enjoyed the characters and the plot a lot. I am looking forward to a continuation to this series and a follow up of the situations we encountered in this book.

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

THE AUTHORS

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Visit Tracie’s web site at: http://www.traciepeterson.com

Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling and award-winning author of more than two dozen books. She is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she’s shared at more than 2,000 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family’s story have garnered national media attention for many years including ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, Discovery Health channel’s Mystery ER, The Hour of Power, The Harvest Show, and over 1,000 other TV appearances and radio interviews. She lives and writes in the Poconos with her husband of thirty years. kimberleywoodhouse.com

Find Kim on twitter and facebook:

twitter.com/kimwoodhouse

author fan page Kimberley Woodhouse

Do you have a favorite book(s) by these authors? I’ve been reading both authors for years.

Thanks for stopping in great to see you today.

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For a Lifetime: (An Inspirational Historical Time-Travel Romance Novel) 

400 pages Bethany House publishers May 7,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Grace and Hope are identical twin sisters born with the ability to time-cross together between 1692 Salem, Massachusetts, and 1912 New York City. As their twenty-fifth birthday approaches, they will have to choose one life to keep and one to leave behind forever–no matter the cost.

In 1692, they live and work in their father’s tavern, where they must watch helplessly as the witch trials unfold in their village, threatening everyone. With the help of a handsome childhood friend, they search for the truth behind their mother’s mysterious death, risking everything to expose a secret that could save their lives–or be their undoing.

In 1912, Hope dreams of becoming one of the first female pilots in America, and Grace works as an investigative journalist, uncovering corruption and injustice. After their parents’ orphanage is threatened by an adversary, they enter a contest to complete a perilous cross-country flight under the guidance of a daring French aviator.

The sisters have already decided which timeline they will choose, but an unthinkable tragedy complicates the future they planned for themselves. As their birthday looms, how will they determine the lives–and loves–that are best for both of them?

MY THOUGHTS

Another absolutely incredible time-travel book by this author.
After I finished the previous book in the series and saw her next book would feature twin daughters, I was so excited to see how this would play out. The times featured here are 1692 and 1912. Now the girls are able to go to sleep-in one-time period and wake up in the other time period without any time having passed.


In 1692 they live and work in their father’s tavern. It is the time of the Salem Witch trials, mass hysteria, afflicted citizens. Who can you trust? I found the information about the Salem witch trials informative and fascinating and as coincidence may have it, I was just in Salem this past October and found out a lot of fascinating historical information about this time period.


In 1912 as times are more progressive one of the twins is a journalist and the other aspires to become the first female pilot in America.
I loved seeing the growth the girls go through, each has a love interest in a different time period and has established such an important bond with people and events in this time period.


The girls have promised each other to be together forever but when an unimaginable tragedy happens how will this affect their future? The pacing of the story felt right, the characters kept my attention with excitement. I enjoyed reading the alternating viewpoints of the girls and seeing how they came to the conclusions they have.

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

EXCITING NEXT BOOK IN THE SERIES

384 pages Bethany House publisher November 5,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people, places, and events. You can learn more about Gabrielle and her books at http://www.gabriellemeyer.com.

Find Gabrielle on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/AuthorGabrielleMeyer, Pinterest at http://www.Pinterest.com/gabriellemeyer/, Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/MeyerGabrielle, Goodreads, and her Website at http://www.gabriellemeyer.com.

Do you enjoy reading time travel? What are some of your favorites?

Have a marvelous weekend and thanks for stopping in.

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Blog tour for The Berlin Wife’s Vow (German Wives Book 4) Happy Publication Day

ABOUT THE BOOK

She kneels by her husband, his face contorted with pain. “You must get yourself to safety,” he tells her. She grips his hand tighter as a tear tracks down her drawn, pale face. “I promised to stay beside you. I will keep that vow to the end.”

Berlin, 1944. Edith Falkenstein weeps with joy when the crowds of brave women protesting on Rosenstrasse manage to save their Jewish relatives, including her husband Julius, from deportation to the camps.

Julius once believed abiding by the rules would shield him and his wife. But now he knows better: there is no such thing as mercy from the Nazis, and they must do all they can to save others. Their apartment, long stripped of its luxurious furnishings, might offer little protection from the frigid winter air, but it has become a place of secret shelter—though it puts all their lives at risk.

As bombs rain a thunder of devastation on the city and Soviet soldiers close in from the east, the Nazis have only become more desperate, and more deadly. For the inhabitants, their only option is to flee. But when another raid leaves Julius critically injured, Edith realises he is far too frail to make the perilous journey. She closes her eyes and prays for a miracle.

The final days of the war are here, but there is no cause for celebration in Berlin, where death lingers on every corner. Their love has been the source of their strength and survival all these long years, but will either of them live to see the end?

MY THOUGHTS

This is the final book in the Berlin Wife’s series, and I have diligently read and followed along with it all.

Being fascinated with learning about past history especially WWII history I enjoy reading this author’s books so much for what I learn from them. Exceptionally well researched which I always appreciate she makes the stories come to life on the pages. It’s as though she’s there back in time and writing about her observations in day-to-day life, amidst the fear, danger, courage, blood, sweat, tears and shocking realizations.


I have read most of the books the author has written and was pleased to see a return of characters from other books in the series and even a few characters made it into the book I remember from other series. If I had to choose my favorite characters would be David and Roxie. Roxie has really come a long way from the time we were first introduced to her.


Such resilience in the face of darkness. We meet new characters, see failures but despite these, the human spirit is strong.
I am so impressed with the way the author portrays each character, so realistically, the struggles and hardships are real. Despite all this I felt the strong family love the characters have for each other. I greatly look forward to reading the new series the author is writing.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marion Kummerow writes historical fiction that explores the dark side of human history. A USA Today Bestselling author, she has received rave reviews from readers and critics for her novels about the German resistance during World War II. Her books feature characters who face moral dilemmas, make difficult decisions, and fight for what is right. She also infuses her stories with humor and undying love, because she believes that love is what makes the world go round.

Born and raised in Germany, Marion has lived in various countries before returning to Munich with her family. After writing several non-fiction books, she felt drawn to the past and the subject of resistance to the Nazi regime. It took her years of courage and hard work to turn the true story of her grandparents Ingeborg and Hansheinrich Kummerow into a trilogy: “Love and Resistance in the Second World War”. UNRELENTING is the first book in this series.

Bringing history to life through her books is Marion’s passion. She visits museums, travels to memorials and the locations in her books, reads original source material, and consults experts to meticulously research the historical facts and details in her novels.

Her stories are authentic and immersive, transporting readers to another time and place. She writes with the conviction that we must never forget the past, so it won’t repeat itself.

When she’s not writing or researching, Marion likes to travel, do yoga, and spend time with her family. She also enjoys reading books by other historical fiction authors.

If you want to get a taste of her writing, you can download a free short story about a downed British airman here: https://kummerow.info/

Enjoy your weekend. Thank you for stopping in.

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LBT Blog tour for The Photograph by Diane Clarke

ABOUT THE BOOK

Caryl Hunter believes she lost her brother during the wartime evacuation of 1939. Her adoptive mother denies his existence and Caryl was too young to remember with certainty.

When she finds a black and white photograph of her family standing on a London station, in
the company of a mystery boy, her determination to find him reignites.

In 2020, Caryl’s daughter, Megan, takes up the search for her missing uncle. Confronted by
her own secret, will she ignore it or will she remember Caryl’s lifelong torment and avoid the
mistakes of the past?

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@KellyALacey 

@lovebookstours 

#Ad #LBTCrew #BookTwitter #FreeReview #FreeBookReview

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@dianeclarkesauthor

@wings_epress

@lovebookstours 

#Ad  #LBTCrew #Bookstagram  #FreeReview #FreeBookReview

My THOUGHTS

I knew this one would be an enjoyable read as soon as I started it. I was intrigued as I read. First, we start off 3-year-old Caryl Hunter evacuated with many other children from London during the start of WWII to Wales. Her host, Gwen becomes her adoptive mother who is dealing with her own grief at the loss of her husband to the war. Told she was an only child Caryl always had a sense of loneliness growing up that continued into her adulthood. Searching for answers, she feels as though she remembers a brother but doesn’t remember the details. Wanting answers about her biological mother her adoptive mother is no help and shuts her down when she questions her. I could feel Caryl’s pain as she diligently and fruitlessly searches for answers as her life feels so incomplete.
The book is a dual timeline as it features Caryl’s daughters and the struggles they have as well. We revisit the pandemic and how the world shut down for a while as we quarantined and the struggles, we all went through. A secret buried so deep she thought it would never see the light of day, now she realizes her choices she made so many years ago have been laid bare with possible devastating consequences. Family secrets, lifelong searching, betrayal, a need for answers. A book I simply couldn’t put down! The characters faced a lot of adversities, so well written. I enjoyed the author’s writing voice and will be on the lookout for more by her.

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

US Amazon buy link

287 pages May 1,2024 publication date Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wings ePress, Inc.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Before completing her debut novel, ‘The Photograph’, Diane’s writing journey began with short stories. Her writing credits include Flash Fiction and Short Stories published in several anthologies including success in the Sydney Hammond Memorial Short Story Competition – ‘A life Lesson’, 2nd Place (2019) and ‘Courting Danger’, Longlisted (2020).

Though happily settled in Brisbane, Australia since 1996, much of her inspiration comes from the UK. Using stunning locations as the backdrop, her novels feature restless women craving truth, identity and love. She propels her female protagonists into complex family predicaments where they must deal with the agony of missing siblings, absent fathers or ethical dilemmas. When not writing she takes long walks in the Australian bush, upcycles vintage furniture, spends time with family and friends and spoils her cavoodle puppy.

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping in.

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The Cultist’s Wife by Bj Sikes 

270 pages Belinda Sikes publisher May 01,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

1908, the height of the British Empire. Clara’s autonomy is shattered when her long-absent husband summons her to join him at his eerie sect’s headquarters, insulated on a sparsely inhabited island in the Bahamas.

After a harrowing sea voyage, Clara and her children disembark into an unfamiliar landscape and climate. The children explore the marvels and mysteries of Andros Island and develop friendships with a Bahamian family, while Clara struggles to find her place as a woman within the cult.

But what seems at first to be a spiritual haven for Clara reveals itself to be a monster-worshipping cult intent on draining her family of more than their fortune.

Must Clara give up her quest for independence to protect her children from the cult’s depraved attempts to consume their life essence?

Grab a copy here

MY THOUGHTS

The genre this book is labeled under is a historical gothic horror. I enjoy all of these genres though I haven’t read horror in a while. I really enjoy gothic and historical fiction though and was eager to read a combination of these.


Set in the Bahamas in 1908, we have a woman with two children, living near Bath, England her husband has been away for some time, and she is stunned to receive word he summons her to travel to the Bahamas with the children who don’t even know him. Now their relationship is not what you would term as a “happy” marriage. Given the time period, women are expected to obey their husband so off she went to the Bahamas with the children.

After a rough ocean voyage things haven’t gotten any easier for the mother and children. It’s a totally different environment, climate, way of life, food etc. The husband is involved in a cult and wants his wife and children there not because he misses them but to get them involved in and accustomed to the workings of the cult to serve it as well.

I found the customs of and beliefs of the Bahamians fascinating. I found the book to be so well researched involving the beliefs of the early Bahamas people.

I’m wondering if the “monster” belief is one they had at the time in history the book takes place and is it a belief still today? I believe each culture has their own beliefs and truths and just because I may not know, believe or understand a culture’s beliefs it doesn’t make their beliefs wrong, and we need to appreciate the differences.

I also am appreciative of their healing knowledge with herbs that can be used for so many natural healing properties. I have always appreciated the natural healing but have never explored it but would like to.

The book took my breath away as I read it. I was absolutely intrigued and greatly look forward to reading more by the author.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Originally from London, England, I currently reside in Northern California with my family. I write historical and futuristic fantasy, often with a steampunk twist and an underlying theme of female independence.

I am the Author Head for Clockwork Alchemy, a steampunk convention in the San Francisco Bay Area. For anyone who loves sci-fi with an alternate history spin, Clockwork Alchemy presents three days of immersive entertainment. I happily wrangle the cats called authors who share their amazing knowledge at the event.

In my day job, I write and edit scientific publications for a university. I’m married to a novelist/freelance editor and our children are composing their own fiction in the NaNoWriMo Young Writers’s Program.

I like words.

I also like tea, chocolate, cats, and chickens, not necessarily in that order. When I am not playing with words, you might find me mucking about in the garden or making herbal concoctions in the kitchen.

Contact  bjsikesauthor@gmail.com

Blog Here

Have a wonderful day and thank you for stopping in.

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Night Falls on Predicament Avenue: (A Dual-Time Murder Mystery and Suspense Fiction Book with Clean Romance) 

344 pages Bethany House publisher April 9, 2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

As the walls of the house at Predicament Avenue reveal their hidden truths, two women–generations apart–discover that fear and foreboding are no respecters of time.

In 1910, Effie James is committed to doing anything to save her younger sister, who witnessed a shocking murder, leaving her mute and in danger of the killer’s retribution. Effie must prove what her sister saw, but when a British gentleman arrives, he disrupts Effie’s quest with his attempts to locate his wife, Isabelle Addington, who was last seen at the supposed crime scene in the abandoned house at 322 Predicament Avenue. Just as Effie discovers what she seeks, she finds that the blood staining the walls will forever link her to a scandal she couldn’t imagine, and to a woman whose secrets promise to curse any who would expose them.

A century later, Norah Richman grapples with social anxiety and grief as she runs her late great-aunt’s bed-and-breakfast on Predicament Avenue. But Norah has little affection for the house and is committed only to carrying out her murdered sister’s dreams until crime historian and podcaster Sebastian Blaine arrives to investigate the ghostly legacy of the house’s claim to fame–the murder of Isabelle Addington. When a guest is found dead, the incident is linked to Isabelle’s murder, and Norah and Sebastian must work together to uncover the century-old curse that has wrapped 322 Predicament Avenue in its clutches and threatens far more than death.

MY THOUGHTS

 I think the reason this author’s books are so popular are because they are based on fear. A childhood fear, that we still have a fascination with though we may not admit it to ourselves. In reading these books we can explore this fear in a way but through a safe medium, a book. It’s a book we can completely get lost in as we enter this world of creepiness and whatever the author wants to convey to us but safely at any time, we can leave it.


With a dual timeline we find ourselves volleying between 1910 and modern times. Rumors can destroy or accentuate something. With rumors still running amuck about the house on Predicament Avenue that started over one hundred years ago the curious among us still gather. Rumors are usually started by something being true and adding on to it, an embellishment of sorts until it gets out of hand and can become dangerous.

A purported murder of a woman taking place long ago has the curious gathering. Is Predicament Avenue haunted or is it just the eerie descriptions messing with our mind?

The characters were exactly as the author wanted them set up to be, The unknown is in full force in this book and if you listen closely, you will hear the dead whispering a message to you.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jaime Jo Wright, multi award-winning author–including the Christy and Daphne du Maurier awards–is a coffee-fueled and cat-fancier extraordinaire. She has entwined her life with the legendary Captain Hook, residing serenely in Wisconsin’s rural woodlands. Her literary vocation involves penning chilling Gothic tales, a baffling change from that of Austenites, with a strong preference to the master of dark, Edgar Allan Poe. Two mischievous urchins adorn their family, who keep their mother on her toes – providing an exhilarating amount chaos.

Visit her at: http://www.jaimewrightbooks.com and listen to her podcast MadLit Musings on your favorite podcast player or at http://www.madlitmusings.com

Enjoy your weekend. Thanks for stopping in.

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WWW WEDNESDAY

Welcome to WWW Wednesday! This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived here on Taking on a World of Words. Just answer the three questions below……….

I always enjoy doing these bookish memes but seem to have not had time recently. I hope to start up again with them regularly soon.

The Three Ws are:

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

Note: For users of Blogspot blogs, I’m unable to comment on your posts as a WordPress blogger unless you’ve enabled Name/URL comments. This is a known WordPress/Blogspot issue. Please consider enabling this to participate more fully in the community.

What are you CURRENTLY READING

Description

As the walls of the house at Predicament Avenue reveal their hidden truths, two women–generations apart–discover that fear and foreboding are no respecters of time.

In 1910, Effie James is committed to doing anything to save her younger sister, who witnessed a shocking murder, leaving her mute and in danger of the killer’s retribution. Effie must prove what her sister saw, but when a British gentleman arrives, he disrupts Effie’s quest with his attempts to locate his wife, Isabelle Addington, who was last seen at the supposed crime scene in the abandoned house at 322 Predicament Avenue. Just as Effie discovers what she seeks, she finds that the blood staining the walls will forever link her to a scandal she couldn’t imagine, and to a woman whose secrets promise to curse any who would expose them.

A century later, Norah Richman grapples with social anxiety and grief as she runs her late great-aunt’s bed-and-breakfast on Predicament Avenue. But Norah has little affection for the house and is committed only to carrying out her murdered sister’s dreams until crime historian and podcaster Sebastian Blaine arrives to investigate the ghostly legacy of the house’s claim to fame–the murder of Isabelle Addington. When a guest is found dead, the incident is linked to Isabelle’s murder, and Norah and Sebastian must work together to uncover the century-old curse that has wrapped 322 Predicament Avenue in its clutches and threatens far more than death.

What did you recently finish reading?

DESCRIPTION

Can she finally find the home she’s always wanted?

Emma Wilson is running from a broken marriage after her life has been torn apart, and she’s desperate to start over. Escaping to a small Irish village, Emma begins working for seventy-five-year-old fashion enthusiast Judith McCarthy in her beautiful manor house at the heart of the tight-knit community. The quirky locals give Emma a warm welcome and, inspired by Judith’s passion for life, Emma hopes she can rebuild her life in this village by the sea.

As Emma and Judith’s lives intertwine, Emma meets Judith’s brooding son Miles. At first, the two argue over everything, clashing over decisions about the estate and how to support Judith. But when Emma begins to see a different side to Miles – a hardworking man who will do anything for his family – she can’t deny the attraction between them. But can she open her heart and love again?

Soon Emma realises that Judith’s bold spirit is hiding deeper troubles. The village that means so much to them both is in danger of being destroyed, and protecting their home will be the biggest challenge of Judith’s life. It seems the two women have been thrown together when they need each other most…

What do you think you’ll read next?

In twenty-four hours, marriage, mystery, and mayhem.

After recently arriving in Vancouver Island on a bride ship, aspiring seamstress Daisy Harper is determined not to rush into a hasty and quarrelsome marriage, a mistake her parents made. To avoid choosing the wrong man, she creates a rigorous list of ten requirements for a potential husband.

Mapmaker Seth Ryann moved to the colony to assist his partially blind brother, a local missionary. They’ll soon return to Ireland, but first, Seth is tasked by a friend to find a treasure of gold hidden in the mountains. Seth has the map to the treasure, but he’s missing the key.

When he discovers Daisy somehow has the key, the two agree to search for the treasure together. They’re left with little choice but to quickly enter a marriage of convenience. As they venture into the wilderness and work together to overcome danger, an undeniable attraction grows. But will they find the treasure only to lose what matters most?

Thanks for stopping by today. What’s on your upcoming reading list?

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These Tangled Threads: A Novel of Biltmore 

362 pages Bethany House publishers 02 April 2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Seven years ago, a hidden betrayal scattered three young friends living in the shadow of Biltmore Estate. Now, when Biltmore Industries master weaver Lorna Blankenship is commissioned to create an original design for Cornelia Vanderbilt’s 1924 wedding, she panics knowing she doesn’t have the creativity needed. But there’s an elusive artisan in the Blue Ridge Mountains who could save her–if only she can find her.

To track the mysterious weaver down, Lorna sees no other way but to seek out the relationships she abandoned in shame. As she pulls at each tangled thread from her old life, Lorna is forced to confront the wounds and regrets of long ago. She’ll have to risk the job that shapes her identity as well as the hope of friendship–and love–restored.

In this seamlessly woven historical tale, award-winning Appalachian author Sarah Loudin Thomas delivers a poignant novel of friendship, artistry, restoration, and second chances.

MY THOUGHTS

The book takes place at the Biltmore Estates in North Carolina, this is a place I have wanted to visit for many years. I would have loved if the book had been more descriptive of the interior and the going on’s in the mansion.

The book focuses on the Biltmore Industries, particularly the weavers. Three main characters, master weaver Lorna Blankenship, she has created exquisite woven material in the past and has been commissioned to create a piece unlike any other for Cornelia Vanderbilt’s 1924 wedding. She believes she has lost her touch and will be unable to create that special piece. Gentry is Lorna’s student and also an orphan. Arthur is a talented woodcutter and despite having a deformity is pure of heart and in love with Lorna, but she doesn’t even notice him.


Ther are three different time periods here we are working with.
As the story continues the characters become woven together as they go through surprising situations.

It’s a story of love and loss, discovery, betrayal, letting go, acceptance, faith, family and forgiveness. The story was a journey of self-discovery with surprises along the way. So well researched. I’ve never read a book quite like this one and will remember it for a long time.

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

THE AUTHOR

Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her historical fiction is often set in West Virginia and celebrates the people, the land, and the heritage of Appalachia.

Sarah is the director of Jan Karon’s Mitford Museum in Hudson, NC. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Coastal Carolina University and is the author of the acclaimed novels The Right Kind of Fool–winner of the 2021 Selah Book of the Year–and Miracle in a Dry Season–winner of the 2015 Inspy Award. Sarah has also been a finalist for the Christy Award, ACFW Carol Award and the Christian Book of the Year Award. She and her husband live in western North Carolina.

Learn more at http://www.SarahLoudinThomas.com

Have a good weekend and thanks for stopping in.

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The Wedding Gift 

320 pages Random House UK publisher 02 Sep 2021 publish date originally published 2013

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1852, when prestigious Alabama plantation owner Cornelius Allen gives his daughter Clarissa’s hand in marriage, she takes with her a gift: Sarah—her slave and her half-sister. Raised by an educated mother, Clarissa is not the proper Southern belle she appears to be, with ambitions of loving whom she chooses. Sarah equally hides behind the façade of being a docile house slave as she plots to escape. Both women bring these tumultuous secrets and desires with them to their new home, igniting events that spiral into a tale beyond what you ever imagined possible. Told through the alternating viewpoints of Sarah and Theodora Allen, Cornelius’ wife, Marlen Suyapa Bodden’s The Wedding Gift is an intimate portrait of slavery and the 19th Century South that will leave readers breathless.

MY THOUGHTS

The Wedding Gift is a very emotional book and was a hard read. When you’re reading a book about slavery, the owning of another person you say to yourself how is this even possible? You are with your parents until you are grown, if you are fortunate enough. But to be kidnapped or just taken possession of and belong to another person and have no say in your life and what you do? Not much could be more wrong than this.

When you think of slaves and slavery do you think of Civil War times? I know I do but yet statistics say there are more slaves worldwide now than at any other time in history, over 40.3 million people and this was in 2018.
While I didn’t find much unexpected in this book about slavery as I’ve read a lot on the subject, I thought it was a worthwhile read to once again bring attention to it.


This book is a work of fiction though it could mirror the life many slaves had.
From about 6 years old Sarah knew she was a slave, living in the slave quarters with her Mama and older sister. She worked in the kitchen with her mother. Sarah was the half-sister of the plantation owner’s daughter, Carissa. Carissa had the right to tell her she had to play with her, and the girls grew together as sisters. Carissa was given schooling lessons and Sarah would sit in on them and learned to read and write. Of course, learning to read and write was strictly forbidden for slaves back then and punishable by beating to death.


When it’s time for Carissa to marry Sarah is to be given to Carissa’s soon to be cruel husband as a wedding gift.
Sarah in desperation uses these forbidden skills, reading and writing as a way to escape plantation life. With slave catchers and their dogs hot on the trail of her scent, will she make it to freedom where even free people can be taken back into custody in the free states?


The book has a lot in it you would expect of life on a planation filled with slaves. At the end there was a surprising twist though. A quick read, I had trouble putting this one down.

Pub Date 02 Sep 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marlen Suyapa Bodden is the international bestselling author of THE WEDDING GIFT and ARROWS OF FIRE. Marlen is a lawyer and activist on human rights and climate change issues.

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