Tag: slow burn romance

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The Heart’s Choice (The Jewels of Kalispell Book #1) A Carneige library book by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

337 pages publish date May 16,2023 Bethany House publisher

About The Book

They must uncover the truth before it’s buried forever.

After witnessing a wrongful conviction as a young girl, Rebecca Whitman–the first female court reporter in Montana–is now determined to defend the innocent. During a murder trial, something doesn’t sit well with her about the case, but no one except the handsome new Carnegie librarian will listen to her.

Librarian Mark Andrews’s father sent him to college hoping he would take over the business side of the family ranch, but Mark would rather wrangle books than cows. When a patron seeks help with research in hopes of proving a man’s innocence, Mark is immediately drawn to her and her cause.

In a race against time, will Rebecca and Mark find the evidence they need–and open their hearts to love–before it’s too late?

My Thoughts

The Heart’s Choice is the first book in the Jewels of Kalispell.
I was drawn to this book for many reasons, first off it had a very eye-catching cover. The shades are just lovely. Secondly the author is one of my absolute favorites of historical fiction and my absolute favorite go to authors. I’ve been reading Tracie Peterson books for 30 years. And thirdly, Carneige libraries. I was so excited when I saw this book has the setting of a Carneige library. I grew up going to the Carneige library in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Oakland Branch. Imagine towering ceilings and the old-time architecture of a building built in the 1800’s. This library is magnificent. I never knew there was a Carneige library in Montana, so I was most excited to read about it and the author has researched it so well and it’s written with such accuracy.
When she was a young girl Rebecca Whitman witnesses a brutal murder, mustering up the courage she goes to the police and tells what she had seen. Since she is a child, she was not believed, and the wrong man was convicted of murder. As an adult she becomes the first female court reporter as a way to defend the innocent. An upcoming murder trail will have no one listening except the librarian of the newly opened Carnegie library in Montana. Librarian Mark Andrews grew up in a farming household and his father has the highest hopes of his son taking over for him upon his retirement. This fascination with books and research and opening an exciting new library is surely a passing fancy for Mark his father believes. When it doesn’t turn out this way it leaves Mark feeling as though his father is disappointed in him and not accepting of him. Surely Mark can help Rebecca out with some important research in proving a man is innocent and if he succeeds will his father finally be proud of him? A wonderful slow burn romance that started out as friendship while trying to prove a man’s innocence. A fascinating book I’ll be looking forward to more books in the series.

Publication date May 16,2023
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

Grab A Copy Here

Have a beautiful day. Thanks for stopping in.

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Blog Tour for Summer at Croftwood Cinema by Victoria Walker

Summer at Croftwood Cinema

Patsy Clements lives in Croftwood. It’s been her sanctuary for three years while she rebuilt a life for herself that is safe and happy. Out of necessity, she has learnt to live without ambitions or dreams, but she does have her best friend Oliver who means everything to her.

Oliver Jones owns the trendy local coffee shop and establishes himself as the town entrepreneur when he buys the derelict old cinema in the park. Bringing it back to life is going to be a challenge and he wants his best friend Patsy to be his business partner.

After lying low for three years is it a mistake for her to change the life that has kept her safe or is it time to start living again? Will stepping into the limelight tempt fate and mean her past catches up with her and can she survive if it does?

Join Patsy and Oliver in the small town of Croftwood for a summer where friendships are made, challenges are everywhere and romance blossoms at the cinema in the park.

My Thoughts

This is my first read by Victoria Walker. I just love trying out new to me authors. Most of the time the books are great but sometimes not so much. This time it was a definite hit!
Taking place in Croftwood (I’m not sure if this is a real place or not) but it sounds so charming there. I want Croftwood to be my next travel vacation trip.

With a trendy coffee shop owned by Oliver who is Patsy’s best friend Oliver finds himself wanting to reopen an old derelict cinema in the park. He has such grand ideas for it. He’s on his way to creating his dream with friends, local architect Matt, and Ed, an amateur projectionist.


Patsy is finally able to have a better life for herself now that she’s lived in Croftwood for 3 years. She left a controlling marriage, and it’s boosted her confidence. I really loved seeing how so many of the shop owners and townsfolks are such great friends. I also enjoyed seeing how many used the train as their main way of transportation. It sounds like such a fabulous way to see the sights and travel to work.


The renovation of the cinema sounded like so much fun. There are some surprising reveals but through highs and lows the pals support each other. Full of small-town charm, emotional, sharp, romance and an all over feel good happy book this is one to add to your reading list straight away.

First published May 2, 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Visit other blogs on the tour

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Summer-Croftwood-Cinema-Finding-chances-ebook/dp/B0C2JGYYCZ/

US – https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Croftwood-Cinema-Finding-chances-ebook/dp/B0C2JGYYCZ/

Author Bio

Author Bio – Victoria Walker has been writing romantic fiction since a visit to Iceland in 2014 inspired her first novel. As well as writing, she spends her free time dressmaking, knitting and reading an inordinate amount of contemporary romance, occasionally punctuated by the odd psychological thriller and saga.

In the past she has worked as a cinema projectionist, a knitting and sewing tutor and has owned a yarn store, all things which will no doubt appear in her books if they haven’t already.

Victoria lives in the Malvern Hills with her husband.

Social Media Links –

Website www.victoriaauthor.co.uk

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

Twitter -@4victoriawalker

Instagram – victoriamakes

Have a marvelous day and thanks for stopping in today.

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Second Time Around by Melody Carlson-Who doesn’t love a second chance?

304 pages March 7, 2023 publish date Revell publisher

About The Book

Who doesn’t love a second chance?

When empty nester Mallory Farrell inherits her grandmother’s run-down tourist shop in Seaport, Oregon, it seems the only sensible thing to do is to sell it. But when her former secret crush, Grayson Matthews, wants to buy the property in order to complete his plans to redevelop the funky town’s business district into a soulless, cookie-cutter outdoor mall, Mallory digs in her heels and decides to renovate the property herself.

With a lot of hard work and a little bit of help, Mallory makes incredible progress turning the store into an eclectic home décor shop called Romancing the Home–all while trying to ignore the depressing and decrepit apartment she’s living in on the second floor. When the shop catches the eye of a popular renovation TV show producer, Mallory is thrilled–until it becomes clear that her apartment is to be part of the segment as well.

She’s tempted to abandon her dreams and the town under a cloud of shame. But perhaps there’s more to Grayson than meets the eye. Can he swallow his pride, change his plans, and help Mallory romance her own home–and possibly her life?

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts

I have reading Melody Carlson’s books for many years. She is one of my favorite feel-good inspirational writers. The last book I read of hers was her Christmas book last year. Every year I look forward to reading her Christmas books. Her books are ones that I know that I’ll be a better person for having read them. Second Time Around takes place in Seaport, Oregon, a quaint, touristy, small-town area.  Mallory Farrell inherits her grandmother’s run down and let go tourist shop right on the main street. It also has a living area apartment upstairs, but no one has lived there in years and it’s an absolute mess. Garishly painted and in need of many expensive repairs including needing new wiring and waterlines. With the grand idea of touring the tourist shop into her own eclectic interior design shop she catches the eye of a popular renovation TV show producer she’s thrilled, just think of the business it’ll bring in. When she realizes the filming will include the whole building including her upstairs apartment, she’s devastated as she knows how much work and money it’ll cost in a very limited amount of time. With her former crush Grayson Matthews offering to buy the property for his real-estate purposes she wonders should she abandon her dreams. A fun and entertaining home improvement project book with a slow burn romance. I will always pick up this author’s books.

Pub Date 07 Mar 2023

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.

All opinions expressed are my own.

The Author

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including Romantic Time’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/

Enjoy your weekend. Thanks for stopping in.

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A fantastic seafaring voyage in Waiting on Love by Tracie Peterson

315 pages Bethany House Publishers October 5, 2021 publication date

About The Book

She’s made big promises. It’ll take everything she’s got to keep them.

Crisscrossing the Great Lakes onboard her father’s freighter ship, the Mary Elise, Elise Wright has grown up cooking and caring for the crew. It is a life she loves. Unlike her estranged sister, Elise has turned down numerous opportunities for a “respectable life” with their wealthy relatives. And now, because of promises she made to her dying mother, she’s bound to the ship and her deeply grieving father more than ever.

Nick Clark is grateful to be hired on as the Mary Elise‘s first mate as he works to overcome his own guilt and others’ censure for a fatal decision he made captaining another ship. He feels protective of the Wrights and their generous natures, especially when a rough new sailor seems intent on causing serious trouble.

As the sailor’s misdeeds grow, tragedy swells up from another corner. Left to pick up the pieces of the commitments they’ve made to themselves and to each other, Nick and Elise will have to rely on their faith to see them through.

My Thoughts

I have not read a seafaring voyage book in quite a while and WAITING ON LOVE is the perfect addition to add to my collection. There is just something about reading a book with a setting on the Great Lakes with a young woman and the captain, her father.
Nick Clark has to leave home after not bowing to his father’s wishes though he does keep abreast of the family’s going ons through letters back and forth to the family’s housekeeper.
After helping Elise Wright when she has an accident on the street Nick is pleased to be hired on as first mate on Elise’s father’s freighter ship, the Mary Elise. This is Elise’s second home; she cooks and cleans for the crew and has been doing so for many years passing up opportunities to become entangled in a romance. The crew respects Elise and her father and wouldn’t dream of trying any funny business with her. When a crew member who is newly hired on tries to put the moves on her and is disrespectful and bad news all around the crew quickly put him in his place.
I loved the descriptions of the work the crew did preparing to sail and being on the open water. The descriptions of the strong storms had me holding my breath hoping the ship would survive the peril.
A slow burn romance, this is Elise and Nick’s story. He treated her so respectfully. We also spend some time on land and see a heartwarming reunion with Nick and a family member.
Nick is fighting his own demons, not able to forgive himself for something that he believes he is responsible for. Will Elise and her strong faith be able to help him with this?
I loved the deep faith the main characters have. There is adventure, romance and mystery.
I am always happy to read a book by this author, her books are so well researched. She always makes her books so fascinating.

Pub Date 05 Oct 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

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

Do you have a favorite book by this author? As for myself, it’s so hard to choose. She has so many book out on a variety of topics, all fascinating.

Thank you for stopping in today.

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The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel, Captivating, I could not put it down

About The Book

Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School as an infant. She has worked there since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.

Fan favorite Jennifer Deibel invites you back to the Emerald Isle in the 1930s for this fresh take on the Cinderella story, complete with a tantalizing mystery, a budding romance, and a chance at redemption.

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts

When I first received THE MAID OF BALLYMACOOL I was unable to read it due to prior reading obligations. Now I wish I had chucked those books out the window and gotten right to this one. I absolutely do believe this is the author’s strongest writing yet. You cannot help getting lost in the world she creates. I loved the time I spent at Ballymacool House and Wood and was fascinated to read in the author’s notes that they are still there though Ballmacool is abandoned, roofless and covered in vines. I can’t wait to do more online research on this. Though the story is fictional it is based upon many true events. Just my type of book, very well researched.
Brianna Kelly has known no other life than Ballymacool House and Boarding School. Abandoned there as a baby she grew up there and is a maid there. In charge of her is Mistress Maureen Magee, the headmistress of Ballymacool House and Boarding School for Girls. Very mean, she never sees reason from anyone around her. People aren’t born mean so then you say to yourself what happened personally to make her like this? Mistress Magee absolutely hates Brianna with every fiber of her being, but Brianna can remember a time long ago when she was extremely young that she wasn’t like this towards her. As we are reading, we have to try to piece together why she hates this young lady so much. Michael Wray, the son of a local gentry is sent by his parents to the school the corral his young cousin who is a bit pranksterish and outspoken for the school. He is there to keep an eye on her and keep her inline. Upon meeting Brianna, he is drawn to her quiet, shy and reserved way. Something about her feels familiar, have they met before? Brianna spends her free time in the woods surrounding Ballymacool and has a special tree she has been going to for years for relaxation and where she has found treasure. There is in my opinion a gothic feel to the book, a slow burn romance, a headmistress who is hiding something and a mystery just begging to be solved. I could not turn these pages fast enough. There is also a glossary of terms at the back of the book which is very helpful plus the author’s notes that I’d advise because it gives helpful information pertaining to the story. Excellent book!

Pub Date 21 Feb 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About The Author

Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher and freelance writer. Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic Magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona.

Have a marvelous weekend and thanks for stopping in.

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The Rose and the Thistle, Scottish Jacobite rising, book by Laura Frantz

414 pages Revell publisher Jan 03,2023 publish date

About The Book

In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley’s father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Lady Blythe awaits who will ultimately be crowned king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known.

No sooner has Everard Hume lost his father, Lord Wedderburn, than Lady Hedley arrives with the clothes on her back and her mistress in tow. He has his own problems–a volatile brother with dangerous political leanings, an estate to manage, and a very young brother in need of comfort and direction in the wake of losing his father. It would be best for everyone if he could send this misfit heiress on her way as soon as possible.

Drawn into a whirlwind of intrigue, shifting alliances, and ambitions, Lady Blythe must be careful whom she trusts. Her fortune, her future, and her very life are at stake. Those who appear to be adversaries may turn out to be allies–and those who pretend friendship may be enemies.

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts

I’ll have to admit I have read every book by this author, except one. And I need to remedy that.
I call this author the Queen of historical fiction and it shows in how well researched her books are.
As soon as I see she has a book coming out I have to read it.
The beautiful description of Scotland makes me want to visit it from its moors to its historical depth. The plot is set during the 1700’s and the Jacobite rebellion. It was wonderful being transported back in time to the eighteenth century and discovering Lady Blythe and Everard’s characters and seeing their interactions. I did not expect some of the turn of events that happened in the story. Starting off slow the book does pick up. This is a slow burn clean romance with intrigue, great historical descriptions, wonderful characters and a fascinating plot.
I also found it interesting that the author is related to a character in the book and as she delves into her family history, she brings us with her and shares this history with us.
Do not miss this wonderful historical romance.

Pub Date: 03 Jan 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Have you read or plan on reading this book? Thank you for stopping in today. Stay safe and warm.

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Snowfall Over Halesmere House by Suzanne Snow-Review

292 pages Canelo Escape Publisher August 18, 2022 Publication date

About The Book

After years of living in the past, Ella is ready to start building a future. The perfect opportunity presents itself when she is offered a short-term role at Halesmere House in the Lake District, and tasked with kick-starting its artists’ residence. She can’t wait to start and explore a new career in an inspiring location.

But when Ella arrives at Halesmere, she wonders if she’s made a huge mistake after she clashes with Max, the new owner. Max has his own reasons to be unsettled by her presence, but despite his misgivings it seems everyone else loves having Ella around. As a single dad, it’s his children’s attachment to her that bothers him most. Who will pick up the pieces when Ella leaves?

What Max doesn’t know is that Ella is falling for more than just the Lake District and the community around her. Can her temporary job lead to a permanent happy ending?

A tender and uplifting Christmas romance for fans of Heidi Swain, Karen Swan and Sue Moorcroft.

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts

This is the first book in the Love in the Lakes series.
Halesmere sounds like such a beautiful place to visit, with its scenic gardens, lovely walking trails and the best climbing areas.
I know I’d love to walk there and relax in its floral gardens.
The author’s books are so heartwarming, they really draw you in.
Main character Ella Grant arrives to Halesmere House in Cumbria to take charge of re-opening the house.
Ella and Max are both suffering from losses which adds some emotional parts to the story.
Max’s children fall hard and fast for Ella. The children are both very young and impressionable and the author gets it right in her portrayal of the children. They are fun to be around and really enjoy their time with Ella; I think they miss a mother figure.
Having lost his wife Max is hesitant to allow his children to get too attached to Ella as she’s only going to be there for her job for a limited amount of time and then where would that leave the children after she leaves?
Max is borderline rude to Ella when we first meet them, but I think he’s scared to let himself relax and love again. It’s such a gradual change we see in Max’s behavior its almost not even noticeable, slow and steady we see a warming. He trusts Ella with his children and Max and Ella’s relationship takes a warming turn.
Warm welcoming story with the characters moving on from grief and once again finding happiness.

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

Books In The Series

2

Wedding Days at Halesmere House: A heartwarming feel-good romance (Love in the Lakes Book 2)

by Suzanne Snow (Author)

The last thing on Lizzie’s mind is catching the bouquet

When her best friend’s wedding venue catches fire, Lizzie Martin is on the case to find somewhere new. By some miracle, a space opens up at Halesmere House, and it makes perfect sense to move the event to the Lake District artists’ residence. But Lizzie has painful memories of Halesmere…

And when she bumps into Cal, her first love, she is forced to confront the past. Now a sought-after blacksmith, Cal has his own studio at Halesmere and the two must find a way to get along if this wedding isn’t going to be a complete disaster.

It soon becomes apparent that their attraction hasn’t waned, but can Lizzie put their shared past behind her and learn to trust the man who left her once before?

An emotional and heartwarming romance for fans of Phillipa Ashley, Heidi Swain and Sue Moorcroft.

About The Author

Suzanne writes contemporary and uplifting fiction with a vibrant sense of setting and community connecting the lives of her characters. A horticulturist who lives with her family in Lancashire, her books are inspired by a love of landscape, romance and rural life.

Her first novel in the Thorndale series, The Cottage of New Beginnings, was a contender for the 2021 RNA Joan Hessayon Award and she is currently writing the Love in the Lakes series for Canelo. Suzanne is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and the Society of Authors.

Thank you for stopping in. Have a wonderful day.

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Too Wrong to Be Right, Rom Com by Melonie Johnson-Review

368 pages St. Martin’s Griffin Publisher Februrary 28, 2023 Publish Date

About The Book

A swoony, slow-burn rom-com, Melonie Johnson’s Too Wrong to Be Right features a true romantic on a mission to find her happily ever after.

After her latest jerk of a boyfriend dumps her (and ditches her with his pet hedgehog), florist Kat Kowalski is done chasing after Mr. Wrong. With her two best friends moving on to more serious relationships, she’s ready to stop repeating the same mistakes that are leaving her stuck in the single lane. Armed with a list of qualities for her perfect Mr. Right, Kat swears off dating until she finds him.

Then in a meet-disaster involving a corpse and a salty cockatoo, she stumbles across Mick O’Sullivan at his family’s funeral home. Their immediate chemistry warns Kat to keep things platonic; after all, following her heart never worked out in the past, and this time she’s determined to listen to her head. But can Kat and Mick be just friends? As she gets to know him better, the lines blur, and Kat starts to wonder if she’s gotten it wrong and Mick is exactly who she’s been looking for…

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts

3.5 rounded up to 4.
Let’s start off by saying I didn’t really connect with the main female character, she’s flighty, insecure and always has a sob story about not being able to keep a boyfriend.
Rom Coms are supposed to be light reads for when you want to read something light and not really have to think about it.
Not so in this one, there is a lot going on. Our mfc gets dumped right at the beginning of the book but he dumps his hedgehog on her too. The hedgehog is a positive in the book, he’s a cute addition.
She meets a new guy but has sworn off men for now she wants him to be her wingman and nothing more. With more than casual glances and witty and flirty banter it doesn’t stay casual for long.
I didn’t really connect with the mmc either he’s sort of a pushover and goes along with whatever she says. When the mfc checks her list of male qualifications for a boyfriend and thinks she may have hit it off with his brother and spends time with him he doesn’t step in to stop it or say she is his.
A cussing bird that has no problem insulting everyone adds flavor to the story.
I think the book has filler and could have done with about 100 pages less as parts of it do drag. I also thought we would spend a lot of time in the floral shop out mfc works in but barely anything.

Pub Date 28 Feb 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About The Author

USA Today bestselling author Melonie Johnson―aka #thewritinglush―enjoys sipping cocktails that start with the letter m. Declared a “writer to watch” by Kirkus and a “fizzy, engrossing new voice” by Entertainment Weekly, her smart funny contemporary romances include Too Good to Be Real and her award-winning debut series, Sometimes in Love. Her work has appeared on the Amazon Best Books of the month and been featured in Cosmopolitan, Woman’s World, BuzzFeed, and more. A former high school English and Theatre teacher, she spends her days in her Star Wars office, dreaming up meet cutes. She lives in Chicagoland with her husband, their two redhead daughters. Watch for her next rom-com, TOO WRONG TO BE RIGHT, in early 2023. Visit her at meloniejohnson.com and find her on Instagram and TikTok at @thewritinglush.

Thank you for visiting today. Have a great day.

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Her Heart’s Desire (A Season in Pinecraft Book #1) Amish fiction by Shelley Shepard Gray-Review

Print length 291 pages Revell Publisher Jan 3,2023 Publication Date

Grab A Copy Here

About The Book

Mary Margaret Miller needs an escape from her small Amish community. She boards a bus, all alone, for a vacation in Pinecraft, Florida. Meeting Betsy and Lilly on the way, she’s amazed to find two kindred spirits. They become fast friends and determine to have the best two weeks of their lives. For Mary, it starts when she meets Jayson Raber. The handsome and charming carpenter is taken by Mary from the get-go, but he has responsibilities back home in Kentucky–including a girl he’s supposed to marry.

When someone from Mary’s past shows up in Pinecraft, it seems like her perfect vacation is ruined. But that’s nothing compared to what’s coming when she realizes what Jayson has been hiding.

Take a vacation with New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray as she explores what happens when we allow our pasts to define our futures in this story of friendship, romance, and new beginnings.

My Thoughts

I always look forward to the author’s newest releases coming out. This one is the start to a new series, and we are once again back in Pinecraft, which I would love to visit someday. It sounds so peaceful.
This is A Season in Pinecraft, #1.


The author is such a master storyteller. no matter the genre she writes, I especially enjoy her Amish stories. Her stories are so compelling with such a nice faith message in them. I always feel so much better after reading her books, such a positive boost they give me.


I was moved by the characters, how they examined who they were and worked on improving their character.
I am looking forward to the next delightful book in this series.

Pub Date 03 Jan 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About The Author

Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She’s published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.

Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter.

You have blessed me by visiting my blog today. Thank you, friend!

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Release Day Review-A Mark of Grace by Kimberley Woodhouse, Book 3 of 3 Secrets of the Canyon

Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 3, 2023 Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers

About The Book

Ruth Anniston survived an injury that left her physically scarred, broken, and angry at God. Now, she finds herself working behind the scenes as a kitchen and dining room supervisor at the El Tovar Hotel, hidden away from curious eyes and with little hope of finding love. When money begins to disappear from the hotel, Ruth’s entire livelihood is put at risk when she lands on the list of suspects.

Frank Henderson has at last succeeded in obtaining his dream job as head chef at the El Tovar. But competition in the kitchen is fierce, and one mistake could cost him his future. As the thefts at the hotel continue, and his affection for Ruth grows, Frank’s career–and his heart–are in jeopardy.

As tensions run high, Ruth and Frank must work together to save the El Tovar. They find themselves growing closer . . . but can their combined ingenuity overcome the odds against them?

Grab A Copy Here

My Thoughts

I loved the setting of the El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon. Ruth Anniston survives a mauling by a mountain lion it leaves her scarred and she feels unworthy and think people pity her.


Working as a Harvey girl she has risen in the ranks from serving girl to head of the waitresses and kitchen staff. She is now able to work behind the scenes where others don’t see her and pity her as she believes they do.

She is angry, bitter and scared.
I enjoyed how each books takes place at the Grand Canyon and involves the Harvey girls but revolves around a different story. I can just imagine the El Tovar Hotel in its heyday. It sounds like it was amazing and the Harvey girls so friendly and charming. It would have been such a joy to dine there. The author does an amazing job of combining fact and fiction with all of her well researched books.


The trials and tribulations the characters go through, some quite a bit more than others kept me reading trying to guess who was responsible and why it was happening.
A slow burn romance, suspense, love, hope, realization, seeing self-worth, faith realized and more kept me flipping through the pages.

Though I am sorry to see this series end, I really enjoyed my time with the Harvey Girls, I am eagerly looking forward to the next book by this author.

Pub Date: 03 Jan 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About The Author

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

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