Friday, July 27, 2018

Review: The Hope of Azure Springs

The Hope of Azure Springs

"Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won't be able to do it alone.

For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He's determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn't expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.

Debut author Rachel Fordham invites historical romance readers to the charming town of Azure Springs, Iowa, where the people care deeply for one another and, sometimes, even fall in love."



Author: Rachel Fordham
Length: 336 pages
Format: paperback, hardcover, e-book, audio



Never judge a book by its cover,
Or a person.
They might just surprise you!


I actually have the honor of knowing this author! We've had many a chat and she has become my favorite virtual partner in crime. 
Yes that was a disclaimer! I will try to go into this review with little bias, but c'mon I highly doubt that's gonna happen. It hasn't with any of my other favorite authors. 🤷

The Hope of Azure Springs is what I call the "steak and potatoes" of books. It has its share of sad, depressing moments but OH the hope woven through that spreads like rays of sunshine. 
If ANYTHING had been changed in this book it wouldn’t have been the meaty book it is. This book is a cold glass of water in the CF historical romance genre. One that will quench a soul deep thirst!

Em is not what we normally see in Christian fiction. She isn't drop dead gorgeous (though she does almost drop dead 🙊) nor is she curvy or perfect. She's plain and as thin as a twig. 

Caleb IS what we see in CF. A tall, dark and handsome cowboy sheriff. 

Do you see the conundrum?! Pretty unlikely pair.

The only reason they spent any time together was the threat of bad guys, and all those things...
Though they were shoved together in a very strained circumstance, they became fast friends. They became comfortable in each other's presence and then they started sharing the hurts (and joys) of their pasts. 

I'm ALL for quicker romances, but every once in awhile you need a breather from the unrealistic and you need a book that will take you for the LONG haul. This book will do that for you. It will hit you with some serious truths about outward beauty and how to TRULY LIVE and not just survive. There were some mighty fine inspirational thoughts in this book, definitely a story that is sweet but you'll want to chew on it for a few days.

The character development and the change in, not only Caleb's, but the whole town's...and most importantly Em's perspective about beauty was, well...beautiful. 

There were some great secondary characters that made the book fun! *cough cough, Margaret* 
There were some witty moments, though not a book that is full of humor. 

Em had been sheltered her whole life so she was a bit naive, which wore on me a touch...but nothing AWFUL. 

Overall it was a sweet read, that was inspirational and so hopeful. It's not fluffy and it isn't perfect...but neither is life. I believe every woman, young or old, should read this book. 
I rated it a 4/5 star. 


Quotes: 

 "Looks are a funny thing, very peculiar. Never waste any time disliking the ones you have. The right person will think they are the very definition of beautiful."

"The secret is you have to find a way to enjoy life on the ordinary days. You have to enjoy the little things, like yellow houses with bright red doors."

"How will you ever truly live if you are too afraid to be where you need to be? Sometimes we have to risk the pain."

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to post a positive review**All opinions are my own*

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Review: Never Borrow a Baronet

Never Borrow a Baronet

"After caring for a crotchety countess, Patience Ramsey wants a more purposeful position. So, when Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency offers her the post of assistant to amateur apothecary Augusta Orwell, Patience jumps at the chance. Then her new employer introduces her at an Easter house party as the bride-to-be of her nephew Sir Harold Orwell. Miss Thorn’s cat Fortune may approve of Sir Harry, but Patience has no interest in borrowing the handsome baronet. She’s had her heart trampled on by false promises before.

Sir Harry has enough on his hands trying to restore the family name while spying for the English against the French. But the pretty Patience could cover for him when he must ply his trade during the house party, so he convinces her to agree to the charade. As Harry’s work brings danger closer, he begins to realize Patience embodies everything he could want in a wife. Can he convince her to overlook the scandals surrounding him and exchange their false engagement for a true love?

This sweet, clean Regency romance is the sequel to Never Doubt a Duke. Fortune’s Brides: Only a matchmaking cat can hunt true love."

Author: Regina Jennings
Length: 258 length
Format: paperback, e-book



Banter, and wit and winks!
Oh my!


I am seriously LOVING this series. Regina is hooking me from the first page and I don't want to set the book down until I finish the story! That's high praise coming from me since I have to read them in e-book form...which I am NOT the biggest fan of! 

This book starts out with a FAKE ENGAGEMENT troupe!!! Guys my heart soared when I figured out we were getting this story line. *happy sigh* 
Plus it was kind of an awkward fake engagement -- I mean more than normal. But second hand embarrassment is my favorite. 😆

K, but ON TOP of the already amazing fake engagement, we get...ESPIONAGE. HOW GREAT IS THAT?!

I loved all of the characters! 
Patience was so sweet and meek that her little outburst of outspokenness were SO FUN to read!  
Sir Harold was SUCH a fun character! I love when they "play" the rake...SO MUCH FUN. Even though he was trying to be bad to the bone, he was a gentleman through and through. I really loved seeing him work both worlds.

The secondary characters were wonderful as well and I have a feeling we'll be seeing them in future book.  *insert evil laugh*

There was SO much wit and banter and WINKS! Oh man my heart! I LOVED IT!! *swoons*

I cannot express to you how stinkin' excited I am for the rest of the series, and I cannot wait to get them all in paperback so they can sit pretty on my shelves!!!

I rated this a 4.5/5 stars!


Quotes:

He eyed her a moment. “Who are you, exactly?” 
“Patience Ramsey, your aunt’s new assistant.” 
He reared back. “I will not allow Gussie’s preparations on my person.” 
Patience raised her brows. “Are they so horrid?” 
“You’ll have to ask the previous assistant. I believe she finally regained the use of her fingers, but I expect that rash will last for some time.”


*I received this book in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to post a positive review**All opinions are my own*

Saturday, July 21, 2018

Blitz: Darkwater Secrets

darkwater secrets blitz


Welcome to the Darkwater Secrets by Robin Caroll blitz and giveaway, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!


ABOUT THE BOOK


darkwater secrets Title: Darkwater Secrets

Author: Robin Caroll

Publisher: Gilead Publishing

Release Date: July 17, 2018

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense



A murder investigation uncovers sordid secrets and haunting mistakes


The Darkwater Inn stands tall and proud in the French Quarter, the hub of New Orleans. Bourbon Street is bustling, and General Manager Adelaide Fountaine has her hands full with a hotel at capacity. She, along with everyone else, is shocked when a body is found: a hotel guest stabbed with a kitchen knife.


Detective Beau Savoie, Adelaide’s childhood friend, is on the case. As Beau digs into the victim’s past, he unearths a shocking connection between Adelaide and the murdered guest. Beau is hurt that his friend—the woman he’s quietly loved for years—kept the truth from him. To make matters worse, the stress of the investigation has sent Adelaide right into the comforting arms of her coworker Dimitri. But Beau can’t press Adelaide too hard . . . he’s keeping secrets of his own.


Can Adelaide and Beau afford to hide from the truth with a killer on the loose?


PURCHASE: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository


_____________________________________________________


EXCERPT



“Ms. Fountaine, this is Allison Williams from WDSU. I’m following up on a report of a murder in the Darkwater Inn. Would you care to comment?”
How did she know already?
“We have no comment at this time.” Adelaide pinched the bridge of her nose and rested her elbows on her desk.
“So you can only verify there has been a murder?”
Sneaky woman. “No comment.”
“Come on, Ms. Fountaine, we know that homicide detectives have been dispatched to the hotel, as well as the coroner.”
“I’m sorry, Ms. Williams. The Darkwater Inn has no comment at this time.” Adelaide ended the call and pinched the pressure point harder.




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

robin caroll

“I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I've never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.” ~Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better.

Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others.

When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty-five-plus years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else?

She serves the writing community as Executive Director/Conference Director for ACFW. Her twenty-five books have finaled/placed in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer's Choice Award, Bookseller's Best, and Book of the Year.


CONNECT WITH ROBIN: website| Facebook | Twitter | Instagram





darkwater secrets blitz giveaway

TOUR GIVEAWAY

Robin Caroll is giving away:

  • print copy of Darkwater Secrets
  • your own key to the Darkwater Inn
  • The Darkwater Inn Recipe Book
  • an Uptown Stroll candle

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 21, 2018 and last through 11:59pm July 28, 2018. US only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.





Follow along with the tour at JustRead for the full schedule!
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Friday, July 20, 2018

Review: The Rancher's Surprise Daughter

The Rancher's Surprise Daughter




"Luc Wilder’s surprised when his ex-girlfriend Cate Malory arrives at his Colorado guest ranch. And he’s downright stunned when she introduces him to his three-year-old daughter, Ruby. Bonding with the bubbly little girl is easy—Ruby loves ranch life, just like her daddy. But after all the secrets, can Luc and Cate find a way to trust in each other again?"



Author: Jill Lynn
Length: 224 pages
Format: mass market paperback, large print, e-book



A reunion he never expected...
What could go wrong?


I read and reviewed Jill's last release and absolutely loved it! So I was thrilled to review this book this go round.

I really enjoy Jill's writing style, she paints a beautiful scenery and beautiful characters.

I really really liked the Wilder crew! The family dynamic was so great and well rounded. I really enjoyed the Wilder sister, Emma and McKenzie. Their personalities were complete opposites, but again...it was a well rounded family and they worked well together.

Throughout the book Lucas and Cate's past unfolds. You meet two very immature young aduts who don't really know how to love someone else since they truly don't love themselves yet.

Lucas completely changed in the four years since they had last spoke. His character and maturity level had increased. He was a great guy! Yes he was angry when he found out Cate had kept Ruby a secret for so long, but he NEVER let that affect how much he LOVED that little girl! Or how hard he tried to make things work with Cate. He wanted to work together and be a family from -- pretty much -- day one.

Cate on the other hand...I was NOT her biggest fan!! She never believed or trusted Lucas, even when there was proof he was telling the truth. She was SO quick to lay blame and was VERY slow to forgive. She had a really hard time letting Lucas get anywhere close to Ruby and honestly I just had a really hard time with her!! 

I got stuck about half way into the book because I was getting so annoyed with Cate and decided it was best if I cooled off before continuing. 🙈😅

Overall it was a 3/5 stars. I REALLY loved Lucas, and I really hope Emma & McKenzie have stories, but Cate really put a damper on the story for me. 
I still enjoy Jill's writing and will be keeping my eyeballs peeled for all of her work!

Quotes:

"I'll grab your orange thingy."
Her giggled filled the room. "Dad, it's an Apple. A mini iPad."
"Are you sure it's not a banana?"
Another titter from Ruby.
Emma shook her head. "Oy with the dad jokes."

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to write a positive review**All opinions are my own*

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Series Blitz: Chaos in the Blink of an Eye

Patrick Higgins series blitz


Welcome to the Chaos In The Blink of an Eye series blitz and GIVEAWAY, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!



ABOUT THE BOOK




Title: The Aftermath

Series: Chaos in the Blink of an Eye, book 2

Author: Patrick Higgins

Blurb: On a cold, blustery, snowy Saturday in late November, more than 111,000 people were crammed inside Michigan Stadium, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to watch the Michigan Wolverines play the Ohio State Buckeyes. It was a heated college football rivalry that had spanned more than a century. 

No one inside the stadium was prepared for what would soon unfold. As the football was kicked into the snow-filled sky to start the game, long-foretold Bible prophecy came to pass right before their very eyes, causing many to suddenly vanish into thin air. Players disappeared! Coaches disappeared! Members of the media disappeared! Members of both marching bands disappeared! Cheerleaders disappeared, along with many fans in the stands.


In the blink of an eye, the football game was suddenly insignificant. Fear and panic filled the hearts of everyone still inside the stadium. People screamed hysterically and wept uncontrollably, clinging to their departed loved one’s clothing and other effects. But their bodies were nowhere to be found. Many were too afraid to move, for fear that they, too, would vanish. 



But what happened inside Michigan Stadium was only a drop in the bucket compared to rest of the world. In the blink of an eye, life as humanity had known it was forever changed when the Great Disappearing Act came to pass. Those still remaining were about to experience the greatest cataclysmic events to ever rock Planet Earth...



PURCHASE: Goodreads Amazon






BOOKS IN THIS SERIES


Series Purchase Links: Goodreads | Amazon

CHAOS IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE: PART SIX – THE SEALING releases Autumn 2018!


Each day of the blitz spotlights a different book from the series - follow along with the tour to learn about each of the first five books individually!




ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

patrick higgins


Patrick Higgins is the author of "The Pelican Trees", "Coffee In Manila", the award-winning "The Unannounced Christmas Visitor", and the award-winning prophetic end times series, "Chaos In The Blink Of An Eye."

While the stories he writes all have different themes and take place in different settings, the one thread that links them all together is his heart for Jesus and his yearning for the lost. With that in mind, it is his wish that the message his stories convey will greatly impact each reader, by challenging you not only to contemplate life on this side of the grave, but on the other side as well. After all, each of us will spend eternity at one of two places, based solely upon a single decision which must be made this side of the grave. That decision will be made crystal clear to each reader of his books.





CONNECT WITH PATRICK: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram




chaos blitz giveaway

TOUR GIVEAWAY


Patrick Higgins is giving away to one (1) winner:


  • $50 Amazon gift card &
  • the first five books in the Chaos series
Open Internationally as long as recipient can accept a gift card from US Amazon. Books available in winner's choice of ebook or print, although ebook only for international winner.





Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 16, 2018 and last through 11:59pm July 23, 2018. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.




tour schedule
Check out the full schedule at the tour landing page!
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Friday, July 13, 2018

Review: Falling for You

Falling for You

"Famously beautiful model Willow Bradford is taking a temporary break from her hectic schedule to work as the innkeeper at her family's small-town bed-and-breakfast. She was enjoying the peace of her hometown, Merryweather, Washington, right up until she came face-to-face with Corbin Stewart, the man she loves to hate. A thoughtful rule-follower by nature, Willow threw caution to the wind four years ago when she entrusted her heart to Corbin--and suffered the consequences when it all fell apart.

Former NFL quarterback Corbin is forceful, charming, and accustomed to getting what he wants . . . except where Willow Bradford is concerned. Unable to forget her, he's never stopped regretting what happened between them. When their paths unexpectedly cross again, he's determined to make her give him a second chance.

When a decades-old missing persons case finds Corbin and Willow working together, they're forced to confront their past and who they've become--and whether they can risk falling for one another all over again."


Author: Becky Wade
Length: 368 pages
Format: paperback, hardcover, e-book, audio book


Ex-football star and a gorgeous model
Sparks fly between old flames


I really enjoyed getting to know the Bradford sisters in book 1, and was really looking forward to reading Willow's story. (Especially when old sparks starting flying when we met Corbin)

The "mainstreamyness"  (yes I KNOW this is not what one would call a "real" word, but it works) of this book did start to bother me a bit. There was a bit of content that, until the end of the book, I felt was touch and go. 
IN THE END it ALL made sense though, like puzzle pieces fitting together perfectly. This was a story FULL of redemption, second chances and God's grace. 

There was a lot of anger burning between Corbin & Willow for things that had happened in the past. It took them a while (it felt like an eternity) to forgive each other and let go. Story line wise the time it took to get over the past was realistic, I'm just SUPER impatient. 😅

Both Corbin & Willow were hurting and felt different levels of guilt for their past. 
Willow let her "pedigree" affect how she saw herself and how she felt others saw her.
Corbin let his "growing up years" affect how he saw relationships.
FINALLY God was able to knock some sense into them and they realized they were not defined by their past or their parents. God was the only one who mattered.

I picked up on the little quirks Willow had. (Nora also had cute quirks) I'm excited to see if the vein is kept up. (What quirks will Britt have?!?!) I LOVED the sister bond!! Even though they are all half sisters they love each other with their WHOLE hearts!! 
The banter in the book was great, love when there is good dialogue. (Makes or breaks a book)

The subplot & side characters were really fun to see unfold and blossom. Becky has a great way of adding history in a modern, exiting way! 

Becky kept me flipping pages even when I wanted to set it down, she kept me guessing and she threw some crazy curve balls!
I rated this a 4/5 stars. I seriously CANNOT wait for book 3!! 

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to post a positive review**All opinions are my own*

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Spotlight & Excerpt: The Hope of Azure Springs







Title: The Hope of Azure Springs

Author: Rachel Fordham
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: July 3, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance 

Alone in a strange town, can she find healing for her new home . . . and herself?

Ada, Mich.—Between 1854 and 1929, the orphan train movement relocated over 200,000 orphaned, abandoned, or homeless children from the eastern United States to rural areas throughout the country, focusing primarily in the Midwest. Since that time, this movement has captured the attention and curiosity of readers. In The Hope of Azure Springs, debut author Rachel Fordham masterfully blends history and romance in her well-crafted tale of a former “train rider.”

Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won’t be able to do it alone.

Sheriff Caleb Reynolds is determined to solve the case and secure justice for Em. But what he doesn’t expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.

Historical romance readers will be charmed by the town of Azure Springs as they journey with Em to face her past, embrace her future, and rescue what she’s lost.

Debut Author Deftly Combines Orphan Train Tale with Sweet Prairie Romance

TO PURCHASE A COPY*




_______________________________________________________


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Credit: Kylee Ann Maughan

Rachel Fordham started writing when her children began begging her for stories at night. She'd pull a book from the shelf, but they'd insist she make one up. Finally she put her love of good stories with her love of writing and she hasn't stopped since. She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington.

TO CONNECT WITH RACHEL:  website,  facebook,  goodreads





_______________________________________________________________________


Excerpt


One
Azure Springs, Iowa
Two days later
I’m sorry to come by unannounced, but this business with the girl’s been put off long enough,” Sheriff Caleb Reynolds said while standing in the doorway of the Howells’ home. “I’d have come by sooner, but Doc Jones said she’d need time.”
“I reckon that’s fine.” Abraham scratched his balding head. Then he reached into his pocket and took out his handkerchief. After blowing his nose, he said, “She’s been sleeping pretty hard for two days. I think we could rouse her. I know we’d worry less if we knew the whole story.” He opened the door wider, admitting Caleb inside.
“Thank you,” Caleb said, trying not to sound too eager. In the years Caleb had known Abraham, the man had never spoken quickly. “Most folks wouldn’t have taken her in. It was good of you.”

“It’s no problem.” Abraham smiled as they made their way inside. “Eliza was a bit put out giving up her bed, but the rest of us haven’t minded a bit. The girl hasn’t asked for anything. Mostly she just sleeps. Follow me. I’ll take you to her.”
They proceeded through the well-lit house. Caleb couldn’t help admiring the details as he walked. Dark decorative paneling. A massive stone fireplace. Large, deep chairs that begged to be sat in. He hoped to have a home like this someday. An involuntary sigh escaped him. A place like this would make his father proud.
Abraham’s quiet words came again as they walked toward the room. “Abigail is in there. She rarely leaves the girl’s side. She’s been so worried that we’d lose her. Even after the doctor told us the wound wasn’t serious, she’s still worrying.”
“It’s not a bad wound?”
“Doctor said she’s lucky the bullet didn’t hit anything important. It should heal up fine. But she lost a lot of blood. My Abigail has been by her side since. Nursing seems to be in her blood—and in her heart.” Abraham spoke of Abigail’s current nursing, but Caleb wondered if he was remembering. A few years back the whole town had suffered from fevers. The Howells had lost two sons. Grief sat heavy on the town, but no one had mourned quite like Abigail Howell.
Focusing on the current circumstances, Caleb readied himself for another glimpse of the waif. For just a moment he’d seen the girl when the wagon lurched into town two days before. She was a sorry excuse for a girl—unconscious, seeping blood, dirty, and smelling like something pulled from the bottom of a privy. He had been near the wagon and had heard the doctor shouting his request for someone to take her in.

“Who’ll house her?” the good doctor had shouted into the growing crowd. “She needs a place to stay. Somewhere safe to convalesce.”
No one had volunteered. No one but Abraham, who happened to be returning home from his store, his books tucked under his arm as they were every night when he locked up and walked the short distance back to his home and family. Stopping to see what the commotion was, he had quietly offered his roof to the girl. The crowd had murmured among themselves, but none seemed surprised by Abraham’s offer.
Caleb had been ready to wake the girl and go after whoever did this. No one was going to get away with shooting a pitiful girl in his territory. Before he’d been able to shake her and get the details he needed, Doc Jones had stopped him. “She’s not well enough to be questioned,” he’d said. “Give her a couple days.”
Caleb had questioned the men who had found her, but they’d been no help. When he’d walked back to the jail, he had nothing to show for his efforts but questions. Now here he was. He’d followed the doctor’s orders and waited two days, but it was time to figure out this mess.
“Em, try to wake up. The sheriff’s here. He wants to help you. Can you wake up and talk to him?” Abigail gently nudged the girl’s shoulder. Abraham stood near his wife, silently spectating.
The effect was slow, but the girl did open her eyes. Blue eyes met his own. It was obvious that the Howells had attempted to clean her up, but she was in need of a good dunk in a tub.
“Em, is it?” Caleb asked, trying to sound gentle, not wanting to scare the girl off. Em, he said again in his mind. A mighty plain name for a mighty plain girl.

“That’s my name. What do you want?” Though the girl’s voice quivered, it still carried a hint of defensiveness.
“I want to find out who shot you and what I can do to help.” He leaned in a little closer and tapped his badge. “I’m the sheriff of this town, and it’s my job to catch whoever did this. You tell me what you can and we’ll keep you safe. I need to know everything you remember.” He’d dealt with youngsters before, often enough to know that a gentle voice helped them stay calm. After years of questioning people, he’d also learned other tricks: Never let them know you’re caught off guard. Always keep control. “Go ahead, tell me what you can.”
She raised herself up a little, her eyes meeting his. “Why are you talking to me like I’m a child?”
“How old are you?” He was okay starting with her age—at least it was something.
“Nineteen. Nearly twenty.”
He could find no words. So much for keeping control. Staring hard at the girl, he tried to decide if he believed her. Upon closer inspection, he thought perhaps she was right. She was so thin, terribly thin, her frame looked childlike. Perhaps it was lack of food rather than age that caused her to look so young and small.
Finally, clearing his throat, he spoke, making sure he was using a voice appropriate for an adult. “I apologize. I’m not the best at guessing a woman’s age. Can you tell me who shot you?”
“I’ll tell you, but it won’t do you much good. Three men came to the house, yelling and knocking things around, and then they started shooting.” Pausing, Em took a ragged breath. “I’m sure they thought I was dead. They just stepped
over me, cursing and searching the house for something. I just lay there in my own blood, waiting for them to leave.”
“Did you see their faces?” He opened his notepad. “Did you know any of them? Do you know what they were looking for?”




_____________________________________________________________________



                GIVEAWAY

The publisher has graciously offered (3) winners each a copy of The Hope of Azure Springs and special Revell swag!


Giveaway will begin at midnight July 9, 2018 and last through 11:59 PM EST on July 17, 2018. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize.  Complete prize open to US mailing addresses only.  For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.


Be sure to stop at a stop each day for extra entries!


TOUR SCHEDULE

For the full tour schedule, click on either of the launch pages below.

(All stops expected to post by 11:00 AM EST)


*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Friday, July 6, 2018

Review: The Story Peddler

The Story Peddler

"Selling stories is a deadly business

Tanwen doesn't just tell stories--she weaves them into crystallized sculptures that sell for more than a few bits. But the only way to escape the control of her cruel mentor and claw her way from poverty is to set her sights on something grander: becoming Royal Storyteller to the king.

During her final story peddling tour, a tale of treason spills from her hands, threatening the king himself. Tanwen goes from peddler to prey as the king's guard hunts her down...and they're not known for their mercy. As Tanwen flees for her life, she unearths long-buried secrets and discovers she's not the only outlaw in the empire. There's a rebel group of weavers...and they're after her too."


Author: Lindsay A. Franklin
Length: 336 pages
Format: paperback, e-book


An evil king,
A band of outcast,
Oh the stories to unfold...


Lindsay spun a beautiful creation with intrigue, darkness and the Light. 

There wasn’t as much “world building” as I thought there would be in the first book of a fantasy novel, but since 
🎶 we’re going on a trip on our favorite big ole ship 🎶 in book 2 it makes sense. 

Tanwen’s character did get a bit annoying in some places of the story. Her ignorance of a lot of things just constantly reminded me she grew up as a farm girl. But even then it always seemed like she had bits of her dad and his intelligence woven into her from birth. 

I loved Mr. Pirate “Mor”, and his devotion to his friends shows how good he was. Despite what he thought. His mischievous, sarcastic vein made me so happy and I cannot wait to see his character development even more in the rest of the series. 
(Totally got Ky vibes from him...”Unblemished trilogy” anyone?)

The whole cast of characters is great! And our introduction to our true villain was placed perfectly. You have me. Hook, line and sinker. 🐠 (Yes that was a Mor pun! Would you like Mor? 😅) 

My only issue was the names...whether they were towns or characters. If I ever met them on the street I would for sure butcher their names. (But I know the feeling so I can sympathize with them. 😜) 
Even though they were hard to pronounce I loved the imagination and appreciated the time the author took in creating them. 

I am very excited to see where the rest of this series takes me. (Literally) 
Prepare the sails...I’m ready for an adventure.

I rated this a 4/5 stars. I flew through this story, Lindsay had me enthralled from page one. Now excuse me while I go hunt down my own fluff-hopper!

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.**I was not required to leave a positive rating**All opinions are my own*

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Review: A Defense of Honor

A Defense of Honor

"When Katherine "Kit" FitzGilbert turned her back on London society more than a decade ago, she determined never to set foot in a ballroom again. But when business takes her to London and she's forced to run for her life, she stumbles upon not only a glamorous ballroom but also Graham, Lord Wharton. What should have been a chance encounter becomes much more as Graham embarks on a search for his friend's missing sister and is convinced Kit knows more about the girl than she's telling.

After meeting Graham, Kit finds herself wishing things could have been different for the first time in her life, but what she wants can't matter. Long ago, she dedicated herself to helping women escape the same scorn that drove her from London and raising the innocent children caught in the crossfire. And as much as she desperately wishes to tell Graham everything, revealing the truth isn't worth putting him and everyone she loves in danger."



Author: Kristi Ann Hunter
Length: 384 pages
Format: paperback, hardcover, e-book, audio book


"Grace doesn't work like that, Kit.
Grace doesn't come from anything you can do.
Jesus didn't die and rise again so you could crucify yourself with guilt."


We always talk about all the things we "miss" from the 1800's, but we never talk about the truly terrible things that happened during this time period. Leave it to Kristi to deal with heavy topics with such a flawless execution!

Illegitimate children born to aristocracy were a huge issue, that was also taboo to talk about. The men could sire a child and never see a consequence, while the mother of this child would lose her place in society and quickly become an outcast. AND THE POOR CHILD! 😲😞 It was a sad time indeed! One we still don't talk a whole lot about, much less read about it. Kristi took on this bear of a topic and crafted a story full of hope and redemption while educating me.

You get a foundation for a series that will deal with loads of loaded subjects in this book.

We met Kit briefly in "A Search for Refuge" and you can tell she is carrying a heavy weight on her shoulders. 12 years later and that weight has only gotten heavier. Kit had been carrying around so much guilt for 12 years it had completely changed her outlook on life, and God. Yes she still believed in Him, but one might say she was "going through the motions".
Throughout the book you can see the change take place on the pages. You can see her shell harden and harden until it finally crumbles and God's love turned her into a new creature.

Graham was Kit's opposite in SO many ways. Yes they both grew up in Society, but that's about where the similarities end. Graham had an easygoing life. He had loving parents, good (if unconventional) friends, and he didn't have a "past". He was a gentleman with a good heart! Even when he came across Haven Manor he was patient, relaxed and observant. AND HE HAD A SENSE OF HUMOR!
While you can see Kit's armor fall apart, you see a change in Graham as well. You see his faith in himself and God solidify and a purpose begin to take root.

This book was FULL of touching moments! One of my ABSOLUTE favorites was the deep conversation between Graham and his father. *tears up a bit just thinking about it*

Kristi TRULY knows how to craft a family from ashes of nothingness, and turn it into the PERFECT blend of humor and seriousness!

I rated this a 4.5/5 stars. I cannot wait to come back to Haven Manor for I know I will leaved changed again!

Quotes:

Jess stared out over the lake for a few silent moments. "I've learned a funny thing about the past," she finally said. "The ghosts that haunt you the most are the ones you refuse to acknowledge. The past you try to bury has the most power to hurt you."

"Favorite book?"
"You can't ask a book lover such a question. It's like asking a mother who her favorite child is."
He waggled his eyebrows at her. "Who's your favorite child?"

"The most precious gems are forged from pressure. God brings beauty from adversity, when you let Him."

*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to give a positive review**All opinions are my own*