Tag: historical fiction

Categories
Uncategorized

Bookouture Blog Tour for The Wife’s Promise by Kate Hewitt (The Goswell Quartet #1)

About The Book

The Wife’s Promise – Book 1 

Alice looked at the young girl standing alone on the platform, sensing the same vulnerability she’d once felt entering the village she now called home. Then, as the child gripped her hand, the pain and sorrow Alice had held in her heart for so long softened… And in that moment, she vowed she’d always protect her – whatever the cost…

England, 1939: When Alice marries twinkly-eyed, kind-hearted vicar David, it means leaving everything from her old life behind and moving into the draughty vicarage in the beautiful but remote village of Goswell, Cumbria. Though homesick, Alice is determined to make a new life there for herself and her husband.

But soon tragedy strikes, and she is devastated when war breaks out and David chooses to sign up to fight. But everything changes when Alice is asked to take in a child evacuee, and she makes a promise to protect this girl, no matter what it costs her…

Now: When Jane and her family move to the small coastal village of Goswell where her husband grew up, she’s afraid she might have made a huge mistake. Their new home – in what had once been the vicarage – feels a million miles from their previous fast-paced life in New York City, and Jane struggles with her empty days that seem lonely and purposeless.

But then she finds a small note, forgotten behind a shelf in the pantry. A note written in the Second World War. By a woman named Alice, whose incredible story has the power to change everything…

Two wives’ stories – told over 70 years apart – about courage, finding a home, and how the unexpected arrival of someone else’s story in your life can change your own. Perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Lucinda Riley and Barbara O’Neal.

This novel can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Previously published as The Vicar’s Wife by Katharine Swartz.

Buy Link: https://geni.us/B0BG2VBF4Ysocial

My Thoughts

The Wife’s Promise is the first book in a quartet of books that will grab your heart and simply not let go. The series is The Goswell Quartet.
So far, I have only read the first book in this series, but I am planning on reading the entire series.
Such a gripping and emotional book, it is not one that will be forgotten any time soon.
Two wives’ stories told over seventy years apart but yet the connection quickly becomes apparent.
I absolutely love these time slip books, and this is an example of one at its finest.
As you absorb the story you become invested in the characters. their emotions and thoughts become your own. It becomes as though you are experiencing the daily life right there with them in each time period.
Taking place in England in the late 1930’s and in modern times, the characters are quite similar in many ways. There is a vulnerability to these characters. a reaching out of needing more but not quite sure how to get it.

“Two wives’ stories – told over 70 years apart – about courage, finding a home, and how the unexpected arrival of someone else’s story in your life can change your own. Perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Lucinda Riley and Barbara O’Neal.”

Previously published as The Vicar’s Wife by Katharine Swartz.

This has zoomed right to the top of my list of favorite books I’ve read this year!

Pub Date 17 Nov 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The Goswell Quartet

Though I have read the first book only I plan on reading the rest of this series. Here are all of the books in this series.

Grab the quartet here

The Daughter’s Garden – Book 2 

“I had to free it,” Eleanor said, and stretched her hand out to the blue butterfly that seemed almost to hover in the air. “I had to let something find what happiness it could, since we cannot.”

England, 1918: As war ends, across the world, people are trying to heal and recover. But Eleanor still feels broken. The loss of her beloved brother, killed just days before the Armistice was signed, feels impossibly unjust. Spending her time in the neglected garden behind their house, she fears her heart will never recover.

Then her father hires a man to help restore the garden to its former glory. Gruff, handsome Yorkshireman Jack comes from a totally different world to Eleanor, but he understands the nature of her grief more than anyone else seems to. And as they spend time together, even though she knows her family will never accept someone of Jack’s class, Eleanor starts to wonder if – like the butterflies around them – there is any way for her to learn to soar again…

Now: Nearly one hundred years later, Marin is not prepared for finding herself the guardian of her fifteen-year-old half-sister Rebecca, after her father and his second wife are killed in a tragic accident. The sisters are practically strangers, and Rebecca’s grief makes her seem even more distant. Marin too is in need of a fresh start, so when Rebecca begs her to let them move to the picturesque village of Goswell on the Cumbrian coast, Marin impulsively agrees.

But it is only when they find a locked door to a secret garden, and a photograph of a girl with a butterfly landing on her hand, that the sisters start to realise they have a mystery to solve, one about war, about secrets, and about a love that could never be. A mystery that might just bring them together…

The Daughter’s Garden is a totally unputdownable novel about tragic secrets, the chance for forgiveness, and the healing that can come from a new start. Perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Rhys Bowen and Lucinda Riley.

This novel can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Previously published as The Lost Garden by Katharine Swartz.

The Bride’s Sister – Book 3 

She clutched the piece of paper close to her chest, tears welling in her eyes, hardly believing what she had read. Silently thanking Sarah for all she sacrificed, she took the death certificate and slipped it under a loose floorboard – no one must ever find out what she’d done…

England, 1868: Orphaned and penniless, 18-year-old Sarah is left the sole guardian of her beloved little sister Lucy – who she’s vowed to protect at all costs. With nowhere left to turn, she is forced to accept mysterious widower James Mills’ proposal of marriage.

She believes being his bride can’t possibly be as bad as the threat of the workhouse. But nothing prepares her for the darkness of her marriage, the shocking secrets of her new family and the lengths she will have to go to, to keep her sister safe…

Now: Living in the beautiful village of Goswell, Ellen believes her family life to be idyllic… until her estranged seventeen-year-old stepdaughter Annabelle moves in and shatters the peace. Ellen fears they will never bond, until she finds a death certificate – for a woman named Sarah, from over a century earlier – hidden under the floorboards of their house, and Annabelle starts to help her unravel the mystery.

Yet as Ellen and Annabelle dig deeper into Sarah’s life and death, shocking truths, both past and present, come to light which change everything Ellen thought she knew about Sarah’s family – and the new addition to her own…

The Bride’s Sister is a powerful and moving story about what it means to be a family, second chances, and the lengths we go to for those we love. Fans of Lucinda Riley, Barbara O’Neal and Fiona Valpy will absolutely love this gripping and emotional read.

This novel can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Previously published as The Second Bride by Katharine Swartz.

Buy Link: https://geni.us/B0BG2SBLT8social

The Widow’s Secret – Book 4 

She looked down at the sweet little girl and knew she wouldn’t listen to what anyone else said. She had to do what was right. Even if it meant going against everything she was taught to believe and keeping a secret from the person closest to her…

England, 1766: Abigail is happily married to James, a tobacco trader turned sea captain, and is looking forward to starting a family and settling down in Whitehaven, deep in the Lake District. But after a series of devastating losses, she finds herself in turmoil, with her future suddenly seeming unknown…

When James announces that he will captain a ship to Africa and then the Americas for a year, it sparks a series of surprising and heartbreaking events – involving some of the darkest evils in humanity’s history, and a tiny, terrified slave girl who’s brought back to England. This helpless child forces Abigail to reconsider everything she thought she knew – and will change her life forever…

Now: When a shipwreck is discovered off the coast of Cumbria, local expert Rachel is brought in to investigate. Her first thought is that this will be a perfect distraction from her troubled marriage and the memories of her past that she is desperate not to think about. But then it becomes clear the wreck is a slaving ship from the 1700s – one that was recorded as sinking in the Caribbean – and Rachel begins to wonder if there’s more to this terrible mystery than meets the eye.

Faced with uncertainty about both the past and present, can Rachel learn from Abigail’s extraordinary story and take the first step towards a brighter future of her own?

The Widow’s Secret is a completely heart-wrenching and powerful story of courage, redemption, and compassion. Fans of Lucinda Riley, Barbara O’Neal and Fiona Valpy will be absolutely captivated by this unforgettable read.

This novel can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Previously published as The Widow’s Secret by Katharine Swartz.

Buy Link: https://geni.us/B0BG2SVV86social

About The Author

Kate Hewitt is the author of many romance and women’s fiction novels. A former New Yorker and now an American ex-pat, she lives in a small town on the Welsh border with her husband, five children, and their overly affectionate Golden Retriever. Whatever the genre, she enjoys telling stories that tackle real issues and touch people’s lives.

Home

https://www.facebook.com/KateHewittAuthor/

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Kate Hewitt here: https://www.bookouture.com/kate-hewitt

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you’ll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

Visit other blogs on this blog tour

Thank you for stopping in today. I hope you have a lovely day.

Categories
Uncategorized

Five And Dime Christmas by Susanne Dietze; Patty Smith Hall; Cynthia Hickey; Christina Lorenzen-Review

About The Book

Christmas Is a Time for Romance at an 1880s Department Store.
Christmas Romances in One Collection Woolworth’s Five and Dime is a magical place to work at Christmastime, but will it also be a place to fall in love in 1881? Maggie Larson works the lunch counter where she befriends a girl who’s lonely father delivers milk each Friday. Hattie Scott learns her favorite customer is Englishman Timothy Branson and a threat to her brother’s job. Essie Hensley doesn’t need money but welcomes the challenges of working a job where she meets a minister and six little boys who inspire Christmas wishes. A job is the only thing independent orphan Lizzie Miller needs, but she can’t pass up an invite to a bookkeeper’s family Christmas.

448 pages Barbour Publishing Publish Date 01 Sep 22

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts

4 novella length Christmas type historical romance clean fiction stories based in the 1880’s as women employees of Woolworth’s Department store in Scranton, PA find love.
Having grown up in Pennsylvania and still living here I was tickled to see a book revolving around Woolworth’s Department store five and dime that I vividly remember going to as a child. It wasn’t the Scranton location but one of Pittsburgh, PA areas.


Each of the four stories is by a different author and a delight to read. We follow the lives of the co-workers and how they meet their perspective mates. Uplifting Christmas time stories. I enjoyed seeing the bible verses in this clean read. This old fashioned style book has a magical feel to it and a wonderful Christmas vibe.

Pub Date 01 Sep 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own. 

The Authors

Susanne Dietze began writing love stories in high school, casting her friends in the starring roles. Today, she’s the award-winning author of a dozen new and upcoming historical romances who’s seen her work on the ECPA and Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller Lists for Inspirational Fiction. Married to a pastor and the mom of two, Susanne lives in California and enjoys fancy-schmancy tea parties, the beach, and curling up on the couch with a costume drama and a plate of nachos. You can visit her online at http://www.susannedietze.com and subscribe to her newsletters at http: //eepurl.com/bieza5.

Patty Smith Hall is an award-winning, multi-published author with Love Inspired Historical and Heartsong/Harlequin. She currently serves as president of the ACFW-Atlanta chapter and is active on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. She calls North Georgia her home which she shares with her husband of 30+ years, Danny; two gorgeous daughters and a future son-in-love. Visit her website at http://www.pattysmithhall.com.

Cynthia Hickey grew up in a family of storytellers and moved around the country a lot as an army brat. Her desire is to write about real, but flawed characters in a wholesome way that her seven children and nine grandchildren can all be proud of. She and her husband live in Arizona where Cynthia is a full-time writer.

Author of ten books, Christina Lorenzen makes her home in New York with her husband and two children.

Have you read any Christmas books yet this year? Do you have a favorite so far?

Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful day.

Categories
Uncategorized

The Heart of the Mountains ( My Heart Belongs In The Blue Ridge #2) by Pepper Basham-Review

About The Book

Can their hearts overcome the darkness of the mountains?
 
To escape a forced marriage, Cora Taylor travels from England to the Blue Ridge Mountains in search of her brother, who is working as a teacher in a mission school. She hopes to find a place where her nursing skills and independent ideas will be accepted and appreciated, but nothing prepares her for the wild mixture of isolation, community, brokenness, and hope within these mountains…or in the person of Jeb McAdams.
 
Returning from the devastation of World War 1 emotionally damaged, Jeb McAdams struggles against the rampant mountain alcoholism to soothe his nightmares. It’s easy to hide within the mountains, or it was, before Cora Taylor arrived. Now, she seems to show up at every turn, bringing her modern ideas, curiosity, and beautiful eyes with her.
 
Bound by their shared war history, the pair develop an unlikely friendship, which unexpectedly hints to something more. But when Cora’s desire to help the women of the mountains crosses an unspoken line, will Jeb be able to protect this feisty flatlander from the wrath of the mountain men or will he end up losing much more than his heart? 

My Thoughts

This is the second book in the My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge with the first being Laurel’s Dream.
I absolutely love this author’s work! The books are down to earth and you feel so comfortable and at home.


The way the author describes the Blue Ridge Mountain area and it’s people is so authentic , you really feel as if you are there right in the story with these people . It’s obvious how much she loves this area and it’s people.


The challenges of living in the Appalachian area are obvious with it’s poverty,alcoholism, and neglect are so sad. I have visited the area many times and even married in this area. It is truly a wild and beautiful place.


The characters feel so real and very easy to connect with. I loved Cora’s gentle manner and how Jeb helped her acclimate to life in the mountains.
The book is so well written and uplifting. A whole evening went by as I read this but I was so engrossed that I didn’t even notice.


Trust and faith in God is woven into this story making it my favorite I have read by this author.
I recommend this historical novel to all.

Pub Date 01 Jul 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Grab A Copy Here

About The Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the wife of a fantastic pastor, mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her nineteenth novel, Authentically Izzy, debuts in November with Thomas Nelson. She loves connecting with readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook & Instagram.

You can learn more about Pepper and her books on her website at http://www.pepperdbasham.com

What makes you want to read The Heart of the Mountains? Do you have a favorite book by this author?

Have a Super Saturday and thanks for stopping by.

Categories
Uncategorized

Bookouture Blog Tour for The Girl with the Yellow Star by Natalie Meg Evans

About The Book

The Girl with the Yellow Star: An absolutely gripping and heartbreaking WW2 historical novel

“We have to wear the yellow star! It’s the rules!” the little girl sobs. But her mother presses a desperate finger to her mouth. “Darling, today is different. We are going to leave our stars behind and go on a long journey. We must be very, very quiet, and pray nobody finds us until we are safe in England…”


Cornwall, England, 1943. When her husband is killed fighting in the Navy, grief-stricken Gwenna Devoran tries to fill the void in her life by offering shelter to two Jewish refugees in her farmhouse high on the Cornish cliffs. But at the train station, ten-year-old Lotti is waiting all alone in her neat red coat.

Lotti’s mother died protecting her on the journey. Now Gwenna is all this little girl has. Traumatised Lotti won’t speak a word: and when an order comes for German prisoners-of-war to work the farm she’s in more danger than ever. What will happen if the Germans find out Lotti is Jewish?

When Gwenna overhears Lotti chattering happily to German captain Max Reiner, showing him her teddy bear, her heart stops. Shocked to hear Lotti finally speak, Gwenna is terrified for the little girl she’s grown to love. But perhaps she can she trust the kindness in this German officer’s gentle voice and bright blue eyes…

As Lotti heals a little more each day, Gwenna risks everything to spend more time with Max, certain he doesn’t believe in the Nazi cause. But then a rumour starts in the village: Max himself fired the torpedo that killed Gwenna’s husband.

Devastated, Gwenna’s heart is torn between loyalty to her country, the memory of her husband, and love for the little girl she secretly hopes could become her own. With Max desperate to prove his innocence, does she dare to trust him? And should she fight for the three of them to become a family – or will the war tear them all apart?

An absolutely heartbreaking, gripping and beautiful story about how love shines brightly even in the darkest times, and the incredible sacrifices people make in wartime. Fans of The Nightingale, All the Light We Cannot See and The Tattooist of Auschwitz won’t be able to put this down.

Buy link: https://geni.us/B0BGMQDHVTsocial

My Thoughts

The Girl With the Yellow Star by Natalie Meg Evans is one of the most enthralling books I have read in a long time.
The Girl With The Yellow Star grabs your attention and doesn't let go all the way through the book and you are still thinking about it when you're done.
I would have to say Lotti is my favorite character. I fell for this young Jewish girl and her gentle vulnerability. She gets thrust into a whole new environment with people she doesn't even know after a terrible tragedy. Luckily, she has her beloved teddy bear, Rumtopf which I looked up to see is a German word for preserved fruit in rum. Well, Rumtopf is a very useful bear and saves a life.
I could go on about this little girl saying after the tragedy she doesn't speak for quite some time despite being taken in and having excellent care. She goes to school and excels at all of her subjects.
Gwenna, who takes her in has her own sadness and problems to deal with but gives of herself by taking care of this sweet child. When she hears Lotti chatting with German captain Max Reiner, showing him her teddy bear she is so surprised to hear her speaking but scared for the little girl. Will they take her away?
As she gets to know Max more, she finds herself starting to trust him. I enjoyed seeing the trust develop between Gwenna and Max and also a relationship.
While Lotti heals a bit more each day Gwenna hears a terrible rumor in the village, that Max actually fired the torpedo that killed her husband. Max is desperate to have Gwenna trust him and prove his innocence, will he be able to?
"An absolutely heartbreaking, gripping and beautiful story about how love shines brightly even in the darkest times, and the incredible sacrifices people make in wartime."
One of the best books I've read this year. I need to see what other books the author has out right now!

Pub Date 28 Oct 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own

About The Author

Natalie Meg Evans has been an art student, actor, PR copywriter, book-keeper and bar tender but always wanted to write. A USA Today best-seller and RITA nominee, she is author of four published novels which follow the fortunes of strong-minded women during the 1930s and 40s. Fashion, manners and art are the glass through which her characters’ lives are viewed. Each novel is laced with passion, romance and desire. Mystery is never far away.

An avid absorber of history – for her sixth birthday she got a toy Arthurian castle with plastic knights – Natalie views historical fiction as theatre for the imagination. Her novels delve behind the scenes of a prestige industry: high fashion, millinery, theatre, wine making. Rich arenas for love and conflict. Most at home in the English countryside, Natalie lives in rural Suffolk. She has one son.

Author social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/natmegevans

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalie.meg.evans/

Website: www.nataliemegevans.uk

Newsletter sign up: https://www.bookouture.com/natalie-meg-evans

Visit other blog stops on the tour

Thank you for stopping by. Have a fabulous day.

Categories
Uncategorized

Ever Constant (The Treasures of Nome,#3)by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse-Review

About The Book

She’s always determined to be the stable, reliable one. But now her commitment may destroy her.

On the surface, Whitney Powell is happy working with her sled dogs and welcoming the new additions to her family through her sisters’ marriages and an upcoming birth. But her life is full of complications, including an estranged father, that have her on the edge of losing control. Growing up, she was the strong sister, and she can’t give that up now.

When villagers in outlying areas come down with a horrible sickness, Dr. Peter Cameron turns to Whitney and her dogs for help navigating the deep snow, and they become close while ministering to the sick together. Peter has long recognized her finer qualities but is troubled by the emotions and secrets she keeps buried within. He wants to help but wonders if she is more of a risk than his heart can take.

As sickness spreads throughout Nome and another man courts Whitney, she and Peter will discover that sometimes it is only in weakness that you can find strength.

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts on This Book

Ever Constant is the third book in The Treasures of Nome series and what a wild ride this series has been. Though this can be read as a standalone I strongly suggest you read this series in order as to not miss vital information that forms the series.
Some books just sound good and you’ll pick it up and read it and then there are some authors that you just automatically read everything that they have out because you just love ALL of their books, and this is just one of those authors for me. While I enjoyed this series so much and I am sorry to see it end this book wraps up the series so nicely and really answers all the questions I had about it.
I will have to say Whitney was my favorite character of the series and I really admired her. Being the oldest sister, she felt it was her responsibility to shield and protect her two younger sisters especially after the death of their mother.
Whitney had so much stress, responsibility and grief in her life. After feeling deserted by her drunken father who she thought was dead but who reappears in her life with a new family she is bitter and hurt. While her younger sisters forgive their father she will not.
Her sled dogs keep her grounded as she must care for them and finds herself pouring out her worries to them. The death of her grandfather takes the last stability out of her life and despite having the support of her sisters who are now married she finds herself feeling alone and stressed. When she starts doing something that she despised her father for doing she desperately wants to change before her family finds out but is not sure how to stop. I love that the author shows the imperfections in this family as we are all flawed and can only be mended by him.
Her heart has hardened by so much tragedy that has happened to her and in her family. It was such a joy to see the redemption and forgiveness Whitney offers and is offered. She exudes strength never cracking, just holding it all in being the strength for the family. This costs her greatly though but her heart thaws with the strength that only he can give.
This is one of my favorite books by this author. It really touched me. Such beautiful writing. I find such comfort in this writing.

Pub Date 18 Jan 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers (January 18, 2022)

Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 18, 2022

Print length ‏ : ‎ 340 pages

The Authors

Kimberley Woodhouse

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

Tracie Peterson

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

What makes you want to read Ever Constant?

Thank you for stopping by. May you be richly blessed.

Categories
Uncategorized

Beyond The Desert Sands (Love on The Santa Fe,#2) by Tracie Peterson-Review

About The Book

Can she reconcile who she’s become with who she’s meant to be?

Accustomed to an opulent life with her aunt, the last thing twenty-five-year-old Isabella Garcia wants is to celebrate Christmas in her parents’ small silver-mining desert town, leaving her handsome beau, Diego Morales, behind in California. Adding insult to injury, she must bear the company of Aaron Bailey, the disapproving Santa Fe Railroad businessman her father has sent to escort her home, who clearly finds her spoiled.

But she is surprised to see how much the town of Silver Veil has grown and how fragile her father’s health has become. Then a surprise visitor shows up with news that entirely upends the comfortable life she’s been leading.

Faced with all these changes, Isabella struggles to sort through her future and who she wants to be. But trouble is brewing, and there are those who hope she stays just as she is, even if it costs her everything.

My Thoughts

Beyond The Deset Sands is the second book in the Love on the Santa Fe series. Being that I just finished the first in the series yesterday I just read this whole book today, it was just that good. I was ready to read the third and complete the series and was VERY disappointed that the publisher denied my request for it 😦
The author’s books are so well researched it’s obvious she puts a lot of time and effort into it.
I lived in Yuma, Arizona and Chino Valley, Arizona for some time and being that this takes place in NM which has a similar setting to those areas I could vividly visualize the descriptions.
Returning home after spending time with her aunt who lives in opulence in California and which Isabella Garcia has become accustomed to this lifestyle, she returns to spend Christmas time in the silver-mining desert town of Silver Veil. She has to leave behind her beau Diego Morales whom she desperately misses. There are rumors of his wild past life he’s lived illegitimate children, debts he’s run up and more. Isabella dismisses it as sowing his wild oats and believes he’s matured and chalks it all up to just rumors from those who don’t like him. Blindly in love she sees him through a child’s eyes of blind devotion. When she starts to take another look at him after being warned by a upstanding man who has admired her for a long time that she had just blown off, her eyes become opened to the truth. With her father gravely ill how can she hope to have a relationship with this upstanding man who wants only her safety and the best for her. There is a surprise in this one that I just hadn’t seen coming. Change is inevitable but Isabella has important decisions to make concerning her future. Important faith elements. I loved this book. Highly recommended.

Pub Date 05 Jul 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Grab A Copy Here

About The Author

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

What makes you want to read Beyond The Desert Sands ?

Thank you for visiting, enjoy the weekend.

Categories
Uncategorized

Along The Rio Grande (Love on the Sante Fe,#1)by Tracie Peterson-Review

About The Book

Is her compassion doing more harm than good?

Recently widowed Susanna Jenkins has decided to follow her family to the booming town of San Marcial, New Mexico, for a fresh start and to aid in her family’s sudden change in fortune. They are tasked with managing her uncle’s new Grand Hotel, and it takes all her patience to try to help her parents see the good of their circumstances and relinquish their sense of entitlement.

She’s hopeful when her brother becomes determined to get a job and make his own way, and she feels drawn to his kind boss, Owen Turner, who works as a boilermaker for the Santa Fe’s train shops in town. But the hard work only seems to fuel her brother’s anger, and his rough new friends give her pause.

When misguided choices put Susanna’s family in an even more precarious situation, she worries her help has only made things worse. Leaving her family to fend for themselves seems like the best option, but how can she walk away from the true friendships–and love–that she’s found?

My Thoughts

Along The Rio Grande is the first book in the Love on the Santa Fe series.
I haven’t read a book by Tracie Peterson in several years and it was so exciting to read one of her books again.
Susanna Jenkins is a widow due to losing her husband recently due to a respiratory disease.
She believes the best thing she can do now is go with her family to San Marcial, New Mexico to help them run her uncle’s new Grand Hotel. Her father has had financial difficulties due to poor issues he’s made. Her uncle will help the family but first they must show him they are worthy of it by managing the hotel. Growing up with wealth Susanna’s mother is used to having servants at her beck and call she can’t even imagine having to do domestic chores. Actually, you feel sorry for people like this that can’t even do the simplest thing for themself, like doing dishes, making a bed or cooking.
The mother takes to her bed much of the time and is unwilling to help her husband as he starts to want to get things back on track.
Her brother is bitter towards her father, blaming him for losing the family fortune. He starts getting it in gear though by getting a job, but she still has worries about him.
With a near tragedy caused by her family’s poor decisions Susanna is at her wits ends and wonders if her help is actually doing her family any good or making things worse.
I loved the fast pace of the story, and it had some surprises in it for me. The story could have gone several different ways and I was so glad it went the way it did.
I loved seeing the beautiful forgiveness and redemption in this story. All will come around to his satisfaction in his own timing.
Such a satisfying story. I loved it!

Pub Date 01 Mar 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Grab A Copy Here

About The Author

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

What makes you want to read Along the Rio Grande?

Thank you for visiting today. Have a blessed day.

Categories
Uncategorized

BOOKOUTURE BlOG TOUR: UNDER A BRIGHTER SKY BY DIANNE HALEY

Under a Brighter Sky: A completely gripping and heartbreaking WWII historical novel (The Resistance Girl Book 2) by Dianne Haley

1943, Nazi-occupied France. Clinging to her little girl’s hand, a young woman runs through the forest and stumbles in the dark. Behind her there are angry shouts in German and shots ringing through the pine trees. Her heart in her mouth, she prays desperately that her husband and son are safe, and that they will see each other again…

As the mountains come alive with bright alpine flowers, Jewish families flee into Switzerland from Nazi-occupied France. Young Resistance fighter Valérie Hallez has hidden Pierre and his little son in the dusty attic of her mother’s bookshop. At night, by flickering candlelight, Pierre tells Valérie of his fear that his precious wife and daughter have been captured. And as they both look to more hopeful days ahead, Valérie writes letters to her soldier fiancé Philippe, dreaming of the day when they can be safely reunited.

With the police going door to door hunting refugees, Pierre and his son must go further into Switzerland before they are caught. But Pierre will not leave without his wife and daughter, and nobody in the Resistance knows what has happened to them. Desperate to reunite the family, Valérie puts herself in more and more danger. But when Philippe discovers that the Germans have her listed as a key Resistance fighter, he begs her not to go back to the border. If she does, he might never see her again.

Valérie knows the Nazis will kill her if they find her, but she cannot bear to abandon the mother and child. Breaking her promise to Philippe, she crosses over into France to look for them. But one of Valérie’s friends in the Resistance is betraying secrets to the Nazis, and her life is in terrible danger. When Philippe hurries to save her life, will they both survive? And will Valérie’s efforts to reunite the family be in vain?

A completely unputdownable and heart-wrenching novel about a woman who risks everything to reunite a family torn apart by war. Fans of The Alice Network, The Nightingale and We Were the Lucky Ones will be swept away by Under a Brighter Sky.

Buy link: https://geni.us/B09YM8TDJHsocial

My Thoughts

Author Dianne Haley has written a superb book.
There have been many WWII books written and they are good but one that has a different topic covered such as this one really catches your attention.
What keeps your attention is the page after page reading of danger, heart wrenching heartbreak the characters face though not of their own causing. Such injustice done to children just trying to escape to a better life.
I could not put this down; my heart was beating fast, and I was holding my breath while reading this.
You get very invested in the character’s lives, I was hooked as I read about the risks they are taking through espionage and secret communications.
France has fallen to the Nazi’s and Switzerland’s people know they could be next, but a long-time jeweler needs the business with the Germans to survive. As his daughter does bike deliveries for him, she, unknown to her father, smuggles messages for the French Resistance, hidden among his watch deliveries.
It is a huge risk she is taking but she does it while thinking of Philippe, her childhood sweetheart who is a soldier based in secret military fortresses in the mountains.
Someone she knows is betraying secrets to the Resistance, who could be putting them in perilous danger and why?
Heart wrenching story about a woman who risks it all, including her own life to try to reunite a family devastatingly torn apart beyond their own control by war.
When unexpected danger strikes will she stay safe, will her father?
Highly recommended!

Pub Date 25 Apr 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About The Author

Originally from the north of Scotland, Dianne now lives with her husband in Edinburgh and has two grown-up children. After a thirty-year business career in London and Edinburgh when Dianne wrote between projects, she is now writing full-time.

Dianne and her family have been visiting the area round Lake Geneva since 1992 and love the Alps in all seasons. The inspiration for her series set in WW2 Switzerland came from a drive through Geneva’s old town on a rainy October evening, the cobbled lanes a perfect setting for secrets and hiding places.

Author social media

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dhaley30

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dianne-Haley-Author-105318942048374

Website: www.diannehaley.com

Newsletter sign up: https://www.bookouture.com/dianne-haley/

Visit these other blogs to learn more about the book

Thank you for visiting today. Have a wonderful day.

Categories
Uncategorized

Beneath The Bending Skies By Jane Kirkpatrick-Review

About The Book

Mollie Sheehan has spent much of her life striving to be a dutiful daughter and honor her father’s wishes, even when doing so has led to one heartbreak after another. After all, what options does she truly have in 1860s Montana? But providing for her stepfamily during her father’s long absences doesn’t keep her from wishing for more.

When romance blooms between her and Peter Ronan, Mollie finally allows herself to hope for a brighter future–until her father voices his disapproval of the match and moves her to California to ensure the breakup. Still, time and providence are at work, even when circumstances are at their bleakest. Mollie may soon find that someone far greater than her father is in control of the course of her life–and that even the command to “honor thy father” has its limits.

New from New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick, Beneath the Bending Skies is a sweeping story of hospitality, destiny, and the bonds of family.

My Review

I have read quite a few books by Jane Kirkpatrick over the years but not all of them yet.
What I absolutely love about them is the authenticity of them. You won’t get the run around with her books or a bunch of fluff. Many of her books, like this one are based on true events and people.
They are so well researched and written you’ll understand what she is talking about.
The characters just come alive the way she writes about them.
I loved Mollie and Peter’s story. The book had many layers to it, happy and emotional times.
At this time period in this historical novel a woman and a wife as well has really no say and has to listen to her father/husband.
Mollie is a strong woman who has really gone through a lot but yet she still perseveres.
The story is uplifting, Mollie changes with her situations trying to stay ever optimistic and encouraging.
The setting and character development are phenomenal . The author knows how to do historical perfectly and is one of my absolute favorite writers of this genre.
Highly recommended! 

Grab Your Copy Here

Paperback 352 pages Publication Sep 06,2022 Revell Books

About The Author

If you’d like more information about me, please come visit my website at http://www.jkbooks.com and click on my blog. My dog also has a blog and you can find out what it’s like to be Bodacious Bo, too. A monthly newsletter called Story Sparks is my way of sharing books about authors I enjoy as well as commenting on life and love. You’ll find out more about me than you probably ever wanted to know!

One item not listed on my lists of books is my selection included in an anthology called “Crazy Woman Creek: Women Rewrite the American West” published by Houghton Mifflin I also have a piece in Storytellers II, a book published a few years ago by Multnomah Press and a few short selections in Daily Guideposts of a few years back. My first novella, “The Courting Quilt” is part of a collection that made the New York Times bestsellers September 2011 in a collection called Log Cabin Christmas. The rest of my writing, as they say, is history. Or it was until my first contemporary came out this fall. Called Barcelona Calling, it’s the story of a writer who loses her way as she seeks fulfillment thinking she’ll find it with fame. It’s a laugh out loud book according to reviewers. I hope you’ll enjoy it.

Have you read anything by this author? Will you be reading this book?

Thank you for stopping by. Have a fantastic Friday.

Categories
Uncategorized

The Matchmaker’s Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman-Review

About The Book

Named a Best Book of Fall by Parade • Buzzfeed • New York Post • GMA.com • People

“Loigman’s latest is a gem. A scrappy Jewish teenager newly arrived in 1920s New York struggles to follow her calling as a matchmaker––seventy years later, her cynical divorce-attorney granddaughter realizes she has very inconveniently inherited the family gift for matching soulmates. Both funny and moving, The Matchmaker’s Gift made me smile from start to finish.”
––Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code

Is finding true love a calling or a curse?

Even as a child in 1910, Sara Glikman knows her gift: she is a maker of matches and a seeker of soulmates. But among the pushcart-crowded streets of New York’s Lower East Side, Sara’s vocation is dominated by devout older men—men who see a talented female matchmaker as a dangerous threat to their traditions and livelihood. After making matches in secret for more than a decade, Sara must fight to take her rightful place among her peers, and to demand the recognition she deserves.

Two generations later, Sara’s granddaughter, Abby, is a successful Manhattan divorce attorney, representing the city’s wealthiest clients. When her beloved Grandma Sara dies, Abby inherits her collection of handwritten journals recording the details of Sara’s matches. But among the faded volumes, Abby finds more questions than answers. Why did Abby’s grandmother leave this library to her and what did she hope Abby would discover within its pages? Why does the work Abby once found so compelling suddenly feel inconsequential and flawed? Is Abby willing to sacrifice the career she’s worked so hard for in order to keep her grandmother’s mysterious promise to a stranger? And is there really such a thing as love at first sight?

My Review

I'll admit what first drew me to this book is it's gorgeous cover.
This is a multi-generational dual time line Jewish matchmaking story.
The perspective is of two Jewish matchmakers, a grandmother and granddaughter . After the grandmother Sarah's death Abby the granddaughter reads journals her grandmother had written about people she had helped with matchmaking. This gives her quite the insight into her grandmother's life in her younger days and helps her in her matchmaking as well.
When Sarah discovers she has a gift for matchmaking she is just a young girl, she has to hide her talent because men were the Jewish matchmakers and they charged a fee for this service.
In both timelines these women were treated cruelly, Sarah by the men who don't think she should be doing the matchmaking and Abby by her cruel female boss. These women don't let this hold them back though, they are strong and overcome the negativity thrown at them.
There is a magical realism in this book. It's fun,it's charming,it's about strong women who persevere.
I enjoyed reading about the Jewish customs and traditions and the meals sounded delicious.
There is plenty of Yiddish in the text adding to the authenticity of the story. This is my first read by this author but now I'll be on the lookout for more.
Recommended!

First published September 20, 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

credit

About The Author

Lynda Cohen Loigman grew up in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. She received a B.A. in English and American Literature from Harvard College and a law degree from Columbia Law School. Her debut novel, The Two-Family House, was a USA Today bestseller and a nominee for the Goodreads 2016 Choice Awards in Historical Fiction. Her second novel, The Wartime Sisters, was selected as a Woman’s World Book Club pick and a Best Book of 2019 by Real Simple Magazine. The Matchmaker’s Gift, her third novel, will be published by St. Martin’s Press in the fall of 2022.

Would you read this book?

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day.