Book Review - More than Words by Mia Sheridan

 

More than Words by Mia Sheridan is about two young kids who fall in love and then meet years later. Eleven year old Jessica Creswell likes to believe in fairy tales and loves pretending that her life is a fairytale instead of the mess that it is currently. Her home life is fraught with her parents constantly fighting and bickering.  Her philandering father makes no effort to hide his affairs and her mother is in constant heartache. Jessica’s mother is so desperate for her husband to love her that she even tries to bring the kids into the mix. She would bring the kids to the hotels that her husband is staying in so the kids can see their father cheat on their mom.

Jessica wanders around her city to avoid spending time at home. She crosses paths with Callen Hayes when exploring the railroad tracks. She feels that he is her broken prince as he is also running away from something. Together, the pair find refuge with each other. Their hideout becomes their safe space from their troubled lives. They could be with each other and be themselves without any judgment. Things were going great until one day, Callen kissed her. It was Jessica’s first kiss and then he just disappeared from her world.

Years later, Callen Hayes went from the troubled boy from the wrong side of the tracks to a “somebody”. He is a famous composer and an infamous ladies man. The press loves to follow him and to witness his drunken antics.  Callen is troubled by his inner demons and he is usually able to quiet them with his music. However, lately he has been having issues with writing music which causes him to spiral out of control.

Callen’s agent decides that he needs some time off to recuperate and get his groove back. So, Callen and his friend decide to go to France to revel in the city. He wants to drink and sleep his way through the city. As Callen falls deeper into the darkness within himself, he crosses paths with Jessica. Jessica was the one who introduced Callen to music and inspired him. Callen feels drawn to her and hopes that she can inspire him to write again. However, the pair couldn’t be more different from each other. Will they be able to put their past hurt behind them?

I thought the book was an okay read but I didn’t care for it. It didn’t really have any unexpected twists or turns or plot points that weren't easy to guess. I did find it annoying in the book when Jessica was portrayed as innocent and Callen was the bad boy. That she had to save herself for him — couldn’t she also have been in a previous relationship and still be innocent? I also didn’t like that she kept calling him “my prince”, and then saying she would save him. To me, it made her character seem weak and more often than not. They both needed professional help, not “saving” by each other. I can’t say that I liked any of the characters in the book. The book also had a side plot of an ancient love story that Jessica was translating for work. I found myself more interested in that story than Jessica’s and Callen’s story line. 

The book also has things that don't seem plausible or made little sense to me. One of the main characters isn’t able to read. I find that hard to believe as someone who went to school and was born in the States couldn’t recognize any letters or words. How do they continue passing grades in school? Then during the end of one love scene, they just flushed a condom down the toilet. Almost everyone knows especially, a sex addict like Callen, that it doesn't make sense to do. Then Callen is a famous musical composer who is on the front page of every tabloid and international sensation. I have watched award shows and read the tabloids  but I can’t tell you a single time I have seen any musical composer who isn’t a singer featured. Personally, the book just seems like a fluff nonsensical read.

Book Review - At Home on Marigold Lane by Debbie Mason

 

At Home on Marigold Lane by Debbie Mason is about a young woman returning home to recuperate after a serious injury and a failed marriage. To add insult to injury, she then runs into the man that broke her heart years ago. Brianna MacLeod is a Family and Marriage Therapist and she feels embarrassed that she has to return home to Highland Falls after her marriage had imploded.

Bri is ashamed that she missed the red flags in her abusive relationship and feels that she isn’t qualified to be a therapist anymore. However, she loves helping others and it is second nature to her. When Bri gives up being a therapist she feels that she lost her purpose in life and she is giving up something she loves. Bri decides to move out of the inn she shares with her sister and grandfather to live by herself. Unfortunately, her plan is dashed when she finds out that she has a roommate and it’s someone she would never expect to see again.

 

Bri and her roommate concoct a plan to keep Bri’s sister from worrying about her. In the process of creating the plan, Bri ends up counseling her roommate and her neighbors. She didn’t expect that it would lead to her reconnecting with her first love.

 

Caleb Scott feels that his failed marriage to Raine is tough on his stepdaughter, Izzy. He feels that Izzy needs someone to talk to and work through her emotions with. However, he wasn’t expecting that person to be Bri. Caleb thought his feelings for her were gone when she broke his heart years ago but he finds himself falling for her. Unlike his marriage to Raine, being with Bri feels like home and comfortable. The only problem Caleb has is trying to convince Bri that their relationship deserves a second chance.

 

The novel is the fifth book in the series and it can be read as a standalone. However, I felt that there were some character nuances and storylines that were referenced that went over my head because I didn’t read the previous books. I felt that the novel started out strong and then slowly fizzled out because they were parts of the story that were connected to the previous books. The book also had a lot of characters that were mentioned once or twice in the beginning and then they would make another appearance later in the book. It was hard keeping track of these minor characters and how they related to the story.

 

The book was filled with characters who were trying to find their own paths to happiness but they could be annoying. I enjoyed reading about most of the characters but I found Raine to be very annoying. There were points in the story when she garnered some unwarranted sympathy and seemed selfless such as with her drive to build a new trauma center. However, there were many points in the story that Raine would stop at nothing to get what she wants even if it means throwing other people into the fire. 

 

Then we have two characters who seem to have something going on between them but nothing is disclosed or goes further with their chemistry. I felt that this side story did not add to the main plot and detracted from the story. I didn’t care for Caleb’s best friend, Josh. Josh seems to support Caleb but Josh never seems to be able to keep his mouth shut or read the room. Josh knows Caleb is trying to keep a secret from the town but yet Josh manages to tell everyone the secret within a few minutes of meeting the person. He then always wants to know the story but then can never keep it to himself. I am not even sure why they keep telling Josh anything since he can’t keep a secret to save himself.

 

My other annoyance is with Caleb and Bri. They know they should be keeping their relationship a secret but yet they can never seem to keep their hands off each other in public. Instead of limiting their physical embraces in public, they go at each other like teenagers as if they want to be caught. And they kept getting caught on multiple occasions but they continued acting like lovers in public. I felt like this type of behavior was unrealistic and the continuous references to previous storylines prevented me from completely enjoying and immersing myself in the book.

Book Review - Always Be My Duchess (Taming of the Dukes, #1) by Amalie Howard

 

 

  

Always Be My Duchess by Amalie Howard is a tale of two opposite people who are brought together by a mutual interest in accomplishing their goals. Lord Lysander Blackstone is the Duke of Montcroix, and he only has one goal and interest on his mind. He singularly cares to increase his already considerable fortune in order to surpass his late father’s legacy, and has no interest in finding a “duchess”. After a series of betrayals and broken promises, he finds it easier to keep his emotions in check if he focuses on growing his empire. However, a piece of real estate that he needs for his budding railroad empire is blocked by the eccentric owner of the property. The owner is only willing to sell the property to someone who believes in love and who wants to build and raise a family on the land. Lysander is devastated and annoyed that his cold personality and lack of a love life could jeopardize his business plans. He starts to lose hope for being a candidate the owner will sell to until he crosses paths with the alluring Miss Geneviève Valery.

Geneviève “Nève” Valery once had a promising ballet dancer career and her entire life ahead of her. However, her dreams and career were destroyed when Nève refused to become the mistress of a wealthy patron. Nève is out of work and desperate to find a new job but her scorned lover makes it impossible for her to land any roles. 

Nève crosses paths with the Duke when she saves him from a group of unsavory men when he was in a vulnerable state. He makes her an offer that is hard to resist. Nève is skeptical if the Duke will act honorably given her last encounter with the ton, in which the Duke is a prominent member. After hitting a dead end in job prospects, Nève decides to take up the Duke on his offer to be his fake fiancée. The plan is to help convince the eccentric seller to sell Lysander the property he desires, and Nève would be well compensated if the deal goes through. Nève and Lysander are both only focused on getting their side of the deal, until they realize that they might get more than they bargained for!

Nève and Lysander are both strong characters who are determined to keep their feelings in check but find themselves instantly drawn to each other. It was interesting and fun seeing how the duo tried to ignore their budding feelings for each other but kept finding themselves in compromising situations. The novel was set in the Victorian era but it could have taken place in any era with minor edits to the story. The elements of the Victorian era (other than the class issues) did not really come into play. There were no facts of the era or the time period to build the world in the mind of the reader. It just seemed to be chosen by the author for the romantic aspect of this time period.

I enjoyed the first half of the novel as it showed the pair maneuvering their relationship from two parties with a business arrangement while being romantically attracted to each other. However, towards the middle it got repetitive. Lysander kept making the same mistake of doing something nice but not taking into consideration Nève’s feelings, even though she told him how she felt. This could have been due to ignorance because of his social standing and privilege.  Nève also ran hot and cold. She was not consistent – she was either a fiery firecracker or a damsel in distress. 

The book was mildly reminiscent of “Pretty Woman” but it's not a remake of the story. The novel is a predictable read with no unexpected twists. The ending does leave an opening for another character to get their “happy ending” in the next book in the series. The book had adult content and language, and isn’t for readers who prefer clean romances.

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Dreamland by Nicholas Sparks

 

Beverly and her six year old son, Tommie, flee their home during the middle of the night. Beverly is determined to start a new life after leaving her abusive husband behind. She has to be on guard in case, her husband finds her and takes them back home. Beverly becomes on edge when Tommie insists that he is hearing someone call his name and when a mysterious truck keeps parking in her driveway, Beverly will need to act quick if she is planning to escape again.

Colby Mills gave up his career as a musician to run his family's small farm in North Carolina. He decides to take a working vacation and head to St. Pete Beach, Florida to play at a local bar. While playing at the bar, he crosses paths with Morgan Lee and he finds himself falling for her.

Morgan is from an affluent family of doctors from Chicago. She graduated from a prestigious music program and wants to head to Nashville and break into the industry. When she meets Colby, she finds herself falling for him. However, is she willing to give up her dream to be with him?

This was my first time reading a book by the author. I can see why people enjoy his writing but, this book wasn't for me. The book moved so slowly and the surprise ending was predictable. The book dragged on forever until the ending where everything is tied up nicely. I did enjoy reading Beverly's story line but, felt that Colby's and Morgan's was boring. I don't think I will be in a rush to read any of his other books after reading this dud.

Book Review - Midnight's Budding Morrow by Carolyn Miller

 

Sarah Drayton is excited to spend time at her best friend's Northumberland castle estate. The last thing Sarah wants to think about is marriage during her holiday. Instead, she finds herself forced into a marriage of convenience with her friend's rakish brother.

When James Langley returns to his family's estate, he doesn't have time or the energy to focus on his responsibilities as the heir. The war is raging on and James doesn't want to deal with anything serious but, focus on his fledgling fancies. However, his father makes pushes James into a corner when he declares that James must get married or else he will lose his inheritance. James suddenly finds himself married to a woman he does not love.

Sarah wants a place where she can be belong. James is unable to offer Sarah anything she needs or wants before heading off to war. Everyone at the estate believe that Sarah married above her station and they are not too pleased when she becomes mistress of the house. However, when James returns from the war, Sarah feels that something might be different about him. Will they be able to find their happy ever after?

The book started off interesting but, then moving at a snail pace with nothing happening. I understand that Sarah was grieving but, she seemed to think that she was the only one who was in pain. She bonded with another person over grief but, then spend the entire time thinking "woe is me". I found the book to be boring and I lost interest half way. There was nothing keeping me tethered to this book and I didn't really care for any of the characters.

Book Review - A Ranger for the Twins: A Clean Romance by Tanya Agler + Giveaway

Lucie Decker and her family were well known and popular in their town of Hollydale. However, when her husband defrauded the town and its citizens, Lucie is left to deal with the fallout. She divorced her husband when his crimes were revealed. However, people believe she played a role in her helping her husband commit fraud. Lucie has decided to launch a new business to provide her family but, she will need help from an old friend.

Ranger Caleb Spindler is happy to help his friend, Lucie. However, he might have a secret motive behind his need to help Lucie.  While Caleb is trying to figure out the true extent of Lucie's involvement in her husband's crime, will be able to trust her? Lucie has been betrayed before and is hesitant to fall in love again but, will Caleb be the one she can trust her heart to?

The novel is a sweet and clean romance about two people learning to let go of the past and trusting each other. The story was a cozy read about two people falling in love when they been hurt in the past. I found that the novel moved a bit slowly for me and that the pair switches topics back and forth. I feel like this happens when people have known each for a while but, it was confusing to keep track of. I couldn't make a connection to the characters. They felt wooden to me. However, if you are a fan of cozy romance novels then this will be your type of book.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

A Ranger for the Twins

By Tanya Agler

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages

October 6, 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She fell from grace…

Before falling for him

When her husband defrauded the town of Hollydale, now-divorced mom Lucie Decker went from being the town darling to total pariah. Now she’s launching a new business and needs ranger Caleb Spindler’s help. And her twins adore Caleb. After all, he’s a genuine hero—even if he is hiding a secret. But while Lucie’s heart has forgotten how to trust, it still remembers how to fall in love…

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | IndieBound

BAM | Harlequin Print | Walmart | Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo

Other Books in the Series

The Sheriff's Second Chance

By Tanya Agler

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages

January 1, 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Broken things can’t be fixed…

Or can they?

Officer and single dad Mike Harrison doesn’t believe in second chances. Ever. That is, until he learns that his former best friend—gorgeous green-eyed car mechanic Georgie Bennett—is back in town. Unfortunately, she’s also a suspect in a recent break-in! But it’ll take an old classic car to show Mike and Georgie that almost anything can be restored with a little patience…and a whole lot of love.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BAM | Walmart

Harlequin Print | Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo

About the Author

An award-winning author, Tanya Agler moved often during her childhood and settled in Georgia where she writes sweet contemporary romance novels, which feature small towns, family and pets, and themes of second chances and hope. Her debut, The Sheriff’s Second Chance, is a January of 2020 Harlequin Heartwarming release. The sequel, A Ranger for the Twins, will be released in Oct. 2020. A graduate of the University of Georgia with degrees in journalism and law, she lives with her wonderful husband, their four children, and a lovable Basset, who really rules the roost. Represented by Dawn Dowdle and the Blue Ridge Literary Agency, she’s currently at work on the sequels to her debut. When she’s not writing, Tanya loves classic movies, walking, and a good cup of tea.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a tote bag, $10 Amazon gift card, signed print copy of The Sheriff's Second Chance and a pen (US only)
Ends October 7, 2020

ENTER HERE

Book Review - Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith

Photo Credit - Amazon

Alice never really believe in luck as she had her fair share of bad luck. However, she still believes in love. Alice has been in love with her best friend, Teddy for years. When Teddy's eighteen birthday arrives, she buys him a lottery ticket attaching a note professing her love for him. The unimaginable happens and Teddy wins the lottery.

Teddy and his mother are overjoyed by the news because they have been struggling financially At first, they are stunned by their good luck but, then  Teddy gets swept up in the fame and fortune of being the youngest winner of $140 million.  With Teddy's sudden influx of cash, things between him and Alice begin to change.

I found the novel to be a fun and entertaining read. It was interesting to see how different people would spend their lottery winnings. I enjoyed most of the characters but, did find them to be a bit annoying. Alice was so blinded by her grief and then her love for Teddy that she didn't take the time to considered other people around her. While I understand and appreciate her need to give money to the less fortunate (I loved Teddy's idea in the end on what to do with his wealth), I didn't like that she was trying to force her way on Teddy. Especially when she mentioned her main motivation behind volunteering. I wish there was more development on some of the characters but, overall it was a nice cozy young adult romance novel.

 **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Keeping Her Close: A Clean Romance by Carol Ross

Photo Credit - Amazon

Former Navy Seal Kyle Frasier is hired to keep a businessman's daughter safe by teaching her self defense skills to protect herself. Harper Jansen is also his late best friend's fiancée. His loyalty towards his best friend is guiding him to ensure Harper is safe.  As the two become closer but, Kyle knows Harper is off-limits. However, will he follow his heart and be with Harper?

The book was an enjoyable read for fans who like clean cozy romances. I like how each character viewed loyalty differently. It was a nice story of finding someone who knows your true worth without taking you for granted.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

BOOK SUMMARY:

Hired to protect her

…unable to resist her

The job sounds simple: teach a businessman’s daughter how to stay safe. But former navy SEAL turned bodyguard Kyle Frasier has a personal motive, too. Harper Jansen is his late best friend’s fiancée. Loyalty demands he protect her, not that Harper looks in need of rescuing. In fact, it’s Kyle who needs help—balancing duty with his desire to build a life with the one woman he shouldn’t want…

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│BookBub

Book Review - Falling for Her Bodyguard by Amy Vastine + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Kelly Bonner keeps receiving gifts from a mysterious sender. Even when things escalate, Kelly isn't sure she needs a bodyguard, especially one like Detective Donovan Walsh. Detective Donovan Walsh is intense and has a tough-guy exterior. However, as Kelly spends more time with Donovan, she realizes there is more to him beneath his tough-guy appearance.  Donovan is struggling with raising his sister's children by himself. Kelly can see herself falling in love with him but, that would mean breaking her rule of not dating cops. Will Kelly and Donovan be able to let go of their rules to find happiness?

The novel was a fun and interesting read. The "stalker portion" of the story wasn't the main pull of the novel but, it was a surprise at the end.  Surprisingly, I didn't mind that the romance took center stage because both characters were lovable and realistic.  I thought the novel was a cute and romantic read.

  **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Falling for Her Bodyguard
(Grace Note Records #4)
By Amy Vastine
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
August 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She needs his protection…

But can he protect his heart?

Radio personality Kelly Bonner isn’t convinced she needs a bodyguard, especially one as intensely good-looking as Detective Donovan Walsh. Yet beneath Donovan’s tough-guy facade is a man struggling to raise his sister’s children. A man Kelly could care about…if he’d let her. Now she’ll have to find a way to convince her big, bad bodyguard that his family—and his heart—are safe in her hands.

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│iBooks│Kobo│Harlequin

Other Books in the Series


About the Author

Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read. Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart husband, three teenagers who keep her on her toes, and their two sweet but mischievous pups.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card, a Reading is my Superpower custom-made sign, an autographed copy of The Girl He Used to Love and a bookmark (if winner is outside US then they would receive an ebook and egift card only)

Ends August 21, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review - A Sparkle of Silver (Georgia Coast Romance #1) by Liz Johnson

Photo Credit - Amazon

Over ninety years ago, Millie's great-grandmother was a guest at the famous estate of oil tycoon Howard Dawkins. Now, Millie and her grandmother struggle to support themselves. When her grandmother becomes ill, Millie is desperate to find a way to save her. Her grandmother hints that her great-grandmother left behind a lost diary containing clues to a hidden treasure. Millie takes a job at the estate and when she starts snooping around the estate, she catches Ben Thornton's attention. Ben works as a security guard at the estate. He has a few skeletons in his closet and so when Millie offers to split the treasure, he has a hard time saying no. Will Ben and Millie be able to find the treasure?

The book is a sweet romantic story with a bit mystery of mystery mixed in. Both Millie and Ben were flawed but, relatable characters trying to help people they love and care about.  I enjoyed the story but, I would have loved a bit more historical context especially, the parts with Millie's great-grandmother. Overall, a good romantic novel for fans of the genre.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Delayed Justice by Cara Putman + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Jaime Nichols went to law school to become a criminal defense attorney. She is motivated to help protect women and girls. She is driven by the desire to put away the man who destroyed her childhood. As she prepares to press charges against him, she finds that he is a powerful force to be reckoned with.
 
Chandler Bolton, a retired veteran, is tasked to help a young victim. When he first meets Jaime, he is taken by her beauty and personality. As Jaime and Chandler work together, they realized they need each more than they thought. Will Jaime be able to get justice?

The novel was an interesting read. The book is a part of a series but, can be read as a standalone. I like the book had bits of mystery, thrillers, and romance. I found the characters to be enjoyable and relatable. Overall, a great novel and must read for fans!

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

About the Book

Book Title: Delayed Justice

Author: Cara Putman

Genre: Legal Romantic Suspense

Release date: October 15, 2018

She had long given up the desire to be loved. Now she only needed to be heard.

Jaime Nichols went to law school to find the voice she never had as a child, and her determination to protect girls and women in the path of harm drives her in ways both spoken and unspoken. As Jamie, now a criminal defense attorney, prepares to press charges against someone who wronged her long ago, she must face not only her demons but also the unimaginable forces that protect the powerful man who tore her childhood apart.

Chandler Bolton, a retired veteran, is tasked with helping a young victim who must testify in court—and along with his therapy dog, Aslan, he’s up for the task. When he first meets Jaime, all brains, beauty, and brashness, he can’t help but be intrigued. As Chandler works to break through the wall Jaime has built around herself, the two of them discover that they may have more to offer one another than they ever could have guessed—and that together, they may be able to help this endangered child.

This thrilling installment of the Hidden Justice series explores the healing power of resolution and the weight of words given voice. And as Jaime pursues delayed justice of her own, she unearths eternal truths that will change the course of her life.

About the Author

Since the time she could read Nancy Drew, Cara has wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 she attended a book signing at her local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, was history. There she met a fellow Indiana writer Colleen Coble. With prompting from her husband, Cara shared her dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, Cara’s been writing award-winning books. She is currently working on book 30 and 31.

Cara Putman is an active member of ACFW, and currently serves on its Executive Board. She has also been the Indiana ACFW chapter president and served as the Area Coordinator for Indiana.

Cara is also an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women’s ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, her husband and her kids that is. She graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!) and George Mason Law School, and Krannert School of Management. You can learn more about Cara at www.caraputman.com

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away a grand prize package that includes a Courage Dear Heart bracelet, a The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe print, a copy of Delayed Justice, and a box of Turkish Delight!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d5c4/delayed-justice-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review - Dangerous to Know by Megan Whitson Lee

Photo Credit - Amazon

Isabella Bankmill is looking for a husband. However, he has to meet certain criteria in order for Isabella to be interested. He must be a man of faith and be of a solid background. The moody Lord Bromby captures Isabella's heart but, he fails to meet her criteria.

Lord Bromby is a man haunted by his past. He recently achieves literary success but, is continuously engages in reckless behaviors. When a recent entanglement with an obsessive aristocrat goes awry, his friends urge him to marry a suitable lady. Bromby proposes to Isabella due to her angelic appearance and piety.

David Beringer is a kind religious man who is enamored with Isabella. However, Isabella is only interested in Lord Bromby. When Isabella and Lord Bromby's world collide, will Isabella be able to handle Bromby's dangerous world?

I found the novel to be an interesting and suspenseful read. I enjoyed reading about Isabella's engagement and the challenges she faced. I have read Henry James "A Portrait of a Lady", and this book reminds me of it.  Overall, a great book for any fan of historical romances.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

About the book:

“Don’t look at him, dear. He’s dangerous.”

Isabella Bankmill seeks a husband whose character matches her list of requirements. The man must share her faith, but he must also possess a certain je ne sais quoi. The enigmatical Lord Gregory Gordon Bromby—London’s newest literary sensation—certainly possesses the latter. Despite a deformed foot and alarming views on politics and religion, he attracts the ladies in droves.

Haunted by his past and overwhelmed by his newfound celebrity status, Lord Bromby’s obsession with his own doom leads to reckless behavior. When he is stalked by an obsessive aristocrat seeking an elopement, Bromby’s friends urge him to marry a suitable lady as soon as possible. Intrigued by Isabella’s convictions and hoping to avoid further scandal, Bromby proposes to Isabella.

Isabella also receives an offer of marriage from kind-hearted philanthropist, David Beringer—a man equally devoted to his faith—but she only has eyes for Lord Bromby. Blinded by his talent and good looks, Isabella convinces herself that he’s not as dangerous as everyone claims. But when Bromby’s world violently collides with hers, Isabella must decide once and for all who is lord of her life. God or Bromby?
 

About the author:

Megan Whitson Lee is an anglophile and a recovering runaway. Over the years, she escaped to England and Australia before finally settling down in the US. These days, she lives a relatively quiet life as a wife, a mom of two greyhounds, an editor for Pelican Book Group, and a high school English teacher. She now escapes by writing novels instead of jumping on planes to foreign countries. Her novel, Captives, won the 2016 Director's Choice Award and was a finalist for a Selah Award in the women's contemporary fiction category at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.

Megan writes women's contemporary thrillers and historical fiction featuring characters standing at the crossroads of major life decisions.

Website:              www.meganwhitsonlee.com
Facebook:           https://www.facebook.com/meganwhitsonlee/
Twitter:                https://twitter.com/MeganWhitsonLee
Instagram:           https://www.instagram.com/meganwlee1/
Pinterest:            https://www.pinterest.com/megan_whitson/

Book Review - Across the Blue by Carrie Turansky + Giveaway!

Photo Source - Amazon

Isabella Grayson is the oldest daughter of a wealthy, English newspaper mogul who wishes to be like her father. Her parents believe that Isabella shows focus on marriage prospects than following her dreams of becoming a journalist. Ever persistent, she pens an anonymous letter to her father's newspaper that impresses her father and fuels her dreams of writing. Her father reluctantly agrees that she can write a series of article on aviation, but on the condition she must accept a marriage proposal within the year.

When the aspiring aviator, James Drake crashes his plane near the family's home, Isabella is smitten. She wants James to fulfill his dream of being the first to fly across the Channel and win prize. However, the closer the pair works together they discover they both have a dark secret. Will the duo be able to forgive each other and find happiness together? Will James succeed in being the first to fly over the Channel?

The Edwardian novel was an interesting and fun read. I love how the author wove in the mystery of Drake's father along with his desire to fly. My favorite parts were the family dynamics of the Professor and James. I think the author did a great job showing how family can both be people who are blood related or people who become family through a common desire. I thought the romance dynamic between Isabella and James was endearing and not annoying and back and forth like it sometimes happens in other romance novels. They both know they let each other down, but they worked together to put the past behind them and work towards a future together. A great read and I can't wait to read other works by the author.

About the Author

Carrie Turansky has loved reading since she first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. Her love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of nineteen inspirational romance novels and novellas. Carrie and her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, author, and speaker, have been married for more than thirty years and make their home in New Jersey. They often travel together on ministry trips and to visit their five adult children and five grandchildren. Carrie leads women’s ministry at her church, and when she is not writing she enjoys spending time working in her flower gardens and cooking healthy meals for friends and family. She loves to connect with reading friends through her website, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. 

Purchase a copy of the novel at Amazon!

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away a grand prize of an autographed copy of Shine Like the Dawn and $30 gift card to Christianbooks.com!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c987

**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - A Reason to Stay (Texas Gold #3) by Kellie Coates Gilbert

Photo Credit - Amazon

A tender book with a message for love, healing, faith, and  being lost. Faith Marin was like many other people, she had goals and ambition. She made plans for herself and set out to accomplish them one way or another. She had her dream job and a handsome/loving husband, as well. What more could Faith possible ask for? Well, it turns out not everything is that straightforward. While, considering divorcing her husband, something tragic happens and leaves Faith helpless. Faith was never one to depend on others wasn't sure what to do. 

The story first starts off at the present time and then while Faith is coping in the hospital, the past and present weave through the narration to show hints of her marriage. At her marriage's breaking point, Faith learns to put others before herself and how to accept love and help from others. The riveting ending will not leave a dry eye as it teaches, how to fight and protect the things that matter the most to us. To change a evil life changing act into a way to show us what really matters in life. An engaging story which feels "real", although the story sometimes has a bit of fluff. It's a good read to make anyone's heart melt (especially the ending).

** Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion**

Book Review - Not by Sight by Kate Breslin

Photo Credit - Amazon

The historical romance novel is set in Britain around WWI. The story's two main characters, the beautiful and enchanting Grace Mabry and heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke, Jack Benningham, meet when the war efforts are spreading across the country. Grace, the inspiring suffragette is willing all able body men to join the cause while Jack publicly has shown no interesting in fighting and rather spend his time doing questionable things.

The pair meet at a ball when Grace hands Jack a white feather to shame him into joining the the battle. Shortly, after her stunt Grace has two options -- she is either sent to work or sent to her aunt where she will be married off to her father's protege. Not one to marry without love, Grace enters the women workforce where she meets a mysterious man with a metal mask. Intrigue and curiosity with her innate desire to be a writer fuels Grace to learn more.  Little does she know if their two paths cross, it could mean life or death.

The story at first was very slow but gradually picks up. Towards the midpoint of the book, I found it hard to put the book down. The way Jack and Grace's faith and life are intertwined was truly mesmerizing especially the part for forgiveness. Can you forgive an enemy if means being with the one you love?


*Disclosure - I received a free copy of the book for my honest opinion*