A New Home at the Wartime Hotel

 

I find myself drawn to WWI or WWII historical books.  My mother and my maternal relatives are from England.  My mother lived in England during WW II. 

All the main characters are very much aware of the danger of having a bad reputation and being the source of gossip. Each woman had to face this gossip and continue on. 

Kitty, Lily and Beatrice became sources of strength for each other. Their friendship was unique and beautiful to read. It is so rare to see in today's world. 

I did enjoy watching Kitty taking charge and doing what she needed to do to keep her home. Survival.  Her daughter and eventually her friends depended on her.

I loved it!

I received this book to review from Boldwood Books.

#rararesources

#BoldwoodBooks

A New Home at the Wartime Hotel

The first in a nostalgic and heart-warming WWII saga series by bestselling author Maisie Thomas, that readers of Ellie Dean and Lesley Eames will love.

Manchester, 1941

Kitty learned early on in her marriage that her husband, Bill Dunbar, isn’t reliable with money. So when they inherit the Dunbar family hotel at the start of the war, she's hopeful that their financial worries are over… until the bailiffs turn up! With Bill away fighting, it’s up to Kitty to turn things around for her family, or risk ruin.

Lily worked as a chambermaid at Dunbar’s before the war. She met Daniel there, but their relationship was complicated by class differences and the disapproval of Daniel’s mother. Now Lily is pregnant – and with Daniel away at sea, she is all alone. When tragedy strikes, will Kitty and Dunbar’s come to her rescue?

Beatrice is in her forties, unmarried, and working in a job that exposes her to the harsh realities of poverty and sacrifice. She wonders whether the war might give her the opportunity to change lives for the better - including her own. But when she's accused of a crime she didn't commit, the future looks bleak... until Kitty makes a surprising suggestion.

Can the community around Dunbar’s hotel pull together and provide a beacon of hope and resilience, in the dark days of war?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/HomeAtTheWartimeHotel

Susanna Bavin and Polly Heron. As Polly, she writes the 1920s saga series, The Surplus Girls. As Susanna she has written four stand-alone sagas and is also a new WW2 saga series, The Home Front Girls, of which the first three books will be published in 2024.

Maisie was born and brought up in Manchester, which provides the location for her Railway Girls novels. She now lives on the beautiful North Wales coast with her husband and their two rescue cats. They have enjoyed many holidays chugging up and down the UK’s heritage steam railways and their favourite is the Severn Valley Railway.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @MaisieThomasAuthor

Twitter: @maisiethomas99

An Unexpected Grace

Johanna St. John was not that young girl anymore that was so infatuated with Parker Bennett. She was a widow raising her young daughter alone. 

But can she trust her heart? Parker is back in town after being away for a few years.

I loved the story. There was plenty of action and romance. James, her brother-in-law was one to watch out for.  I didn't like him. His intentions were evil.

This book was written by two of my favorite writers: Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse. I trust that the story will be Christian based and entertaining. And I was right with this book!!

The Way Home

Just like Dorothy Gale said in Wizard of Oz- "there's no place like home."

Cal was a big time lawyer.  He was not out to impress anyone except his Dad. He did his job. But he yearned for something more.

 Amy was the complete opposite. She was driven to reach the top. But the closer she got to it, the more she doubted if that really was  what she wanted.

Two people. Both looking for that something more. Both looking for happiness. What did they have to give up to be happy?

Redeeming Rupert

She had to save her home.  Her only hope was to marry Henry.  

Her home meant everything to her.  She was responsible to take care of her invalid brother plus her aunt and uncle.

Rupert just inherited Uncle Henry's place. He had no desire to marry. He thought he would remain a bachelor forever. But he didn't meet Hannah Whitfield.

I was a little surprised how quickly Rupert was willing to help Hannah.  I would have thought he would be a little more hesitant.  Hannah must have been a beauty to turn his head that fast.  I loved seeing how their relationship changed. 

Of course, the evil Mr. Prescott was not going to let them have a quiet life.  He wanted that house desperately but why? How far would he go to get it? 

He went pretty far but Rupert proved to all that he was the right choice for Hannah.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit to review.

#blogtour

About the Book

Book: Redeeming Rupert

Author: Susan Pope Sloan

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: February 25, 2025

In the aftermath of the Civil War, a young woman’s fight to save her family’s legacy leads her to an unexpected alliance.

Hannah Whitfield has given up on her own dreams of love and marriage, dedicating herself wholly to her family’s welfare. But when a ruthless carpetbagger threatens to seize Whitfield Hall, Hannah’s last hope lies with the elusive trustee named in her late father’s will. Desperate to secure her brother’s inheritance, she steels herself to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Rupert McNeil, haunted by the loss of his loved ones, has vowed never to marry. Following in his uncle’s footsteps, he becomes the go-to person for those in need. When he inherits his uncle’s farm and the responsibility to help save Whitfield Hall, Rupert finds himself at a crossroads, torn between his own legacy and his duty to others.

As Hannah and Rupert’s paths intertwine, a marriage of convenience seems to be the answer to their problems. But with a scheming relative lurking in the shadows, will their newfound alliance be enough to safeguard both their inheritances? Can love blossom amidst the challenges they face, or will the wounds of the past prove too deep to overcome?

About the Author

Born into a family of storytellers, Susan Pope Sloan published her first articles in high school and continued writing sporadically for decades. Retirement provided the time to focus on writing and indulge her avid interest in history. Her Civil War series begins (and ultimately ends) in her home state of Georgia with references to lesser-known events of that period. She and husband Ricky live near Columbus where she participates in Word Weavers, ACFW, and Toastmasters.

More from Susan

With Redeeming Rupert, I bring the series back close to where it started and closer to my hometown. This final book begins in 1866 with all the McNeil brothers picking up their lives after the Civil War. Rupert is the third son of John and Connie McNeil, introduced in previous books as a dependable helper. He is the opposite of older brother Simon, who was the impetuous, adventurous troublemaker in the family. In contrast, Rupert is a quiet, steady rule-follower who never gives his parents cause for concern.

When he inherits his Uncle Henry’s farm, Rupert is ready to settle into the peaceful life of a bachelor…until Hannah Whitfield shows up at his door and upsets all his plans.

For these Southerners, struggling to restore their homes and resume a sense of normalcy after the war, their family legacy is linked to the land. Both Rupert and Hannah consider it their richest inheritance and stand ready to defend it at all costs. But their marriage of convenience tests them in ways they never expected.

Blog Stops

Life on Chickadee Lane, March 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 20

Betti Mace, March 21

Stories By Gina, March 22 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 23

Pause for Tales, March 24

An Author’s Take, March 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 26

Artistic Nobody, March 27 (Author Interview)

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 27

For Him and My Family, March 28

Cover Lover Book Review, March 29

Holly’s Book Corner, March 30

Guild Master, March 31 (Author Interview)

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54177

The Riverside Maid

Fliss had a hard life. Her Aunt treated her as a maid. Her cousin was abusive and threatened her happiness. Only her Uncle showed any kindness.  

Day to day life at the pub was hard work. Her Uncle loved the pub and tried to protect it at all cost. But Fliss had no idea that she was part of his plan.

This was a very emotional read. Could Fliss ever find complete happiness? 

I can't get enough of historical sagas.  I especially love Annemarie Brear.  She writes wonderful stories.  I finish her books way too fast! Now I have to wait for her next one.

I received this book from Boldwood Books to review.  Thank you, Boldwood for these wonderful stories.

#rararesources

#BoldwoodBooks

#AnnemarieBrear

The Riverside Maid

From rags to riches... but will happiness follow?

Orphaned as a child, Fliss Atkins has spent her life working at her uncle’s pub, The Bay Horse Inn, nestled along the banks of the River Calder. Life has been anything but easy for Fliss. Her aunt is unloving, and her older cousin Gerald is cruel.

Then she meets Oscar Nolan, whose adventurous spirit makes her wonder if there might be more to life beyond the only home she’s known. Could Oscar and his dreams of travel be her chance at a fresh start? The thought is tempting, but leaving her best friends, Lorrie and Meg, and their beloved families behind seems unimaginable.

When tragedy strikes, Fliss is presented with an unexpected opportunity to shape a new life for herself. But will new riches bring her the happiness she longs for, or will it lead to even greater troubles for this riverside maid?

A compelling and emotional read set in Victorian Yorkshire, perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Rosie Godwin.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/RiversideMaid

Author Bio – 

An award winning and Amazon UK best seller, Australian born AnneMarie Brear writes historical novels and modern romances and sometimes the odd short story, too. She has a love of old country houses, travelling, chocolate (except dark chocolate - not a fan), researching historical eras and looking for inspiration for her next book.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @annemariebrear

Twitter: @annemariebrear

Instagram: @annemariebrear

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/AnneMarieBrearNews

Bookbub profile:https://www.bookbub.com/profile/annemarie-brear

The Peacemaker

Mystery. Lies. Mistrust. Heartbreak. All this and more in the next book of the Mifflin County Series. A page turner, for sure. It appears there will be one more book that will answer all the questions that remain.

I absolutely loved Sarah, the grandmother. She is a prime example of not knowing what your future will hold. She grabbed on to happiness when it came her way which made me extremely happy. 

I really enjoyed the book.  I always love anything Wanda writes. She never disappoints.

I have no idea how Wanda keeps going. She continues to write these delightful stories. Her first published book was in 1997 title A Merry Heart. That is 28 years! What an accomplishment.

#WandasClippityClopClub

Official Bio

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written more than 100 books translated in four languages. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nation’s most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

A Constant Love

Micah was Charlotte's deceased brother's friend. Both Micah and Charlotte suffered devasting losses. Micah couldn't deal with the shame he felt about his father.   Charlotte had regrets about her last conversation with her father. 

Charlotte came from a stubborn father and a strong mother. Her mother kept everything going at home and on the ranch. Thank goodness, she was there for Charlotte and Micah.  She was the backbone of the family and for Micah.

 Of course, included in the story was the nasty and evil attorney that threatened the happiness of all. I wanted to punch him.  

It's amazing how fast rumors spread and untruths are believed. It happens even faster today with all the internet platforms.  

I enjoyed the story and I know you will, too.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit to review.

#blogtour

#CelebrateLit

#TraciePeterson

About the Book

Book: A Constant Love

Author: Tracie Peterson

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: March 4, 2025

Heartache has left them emotionally desolate, but traces of love and healing could forge a future.

In the wake of a harsh winter, Micah Hamilton and Charlotte Aldrich are grappling with loss and guilt after the disaster that took the lives of their loved ones. Struggling to cope with his grief, Micah abandons his father’s dreams of a prosperous ranch and cuts himself off from the rest of the world.

Charlotte has loved Micah her entire life and is determined not to lose him as well. With her mother’s help, she begins coaxing Micah to live again. Despite their enduring heartache, the affection between them deepens, but just as Charlotte thinks her dreams may come true, a scorned suitor threatens everything she holds dear. Micah and Charlotte must embark on a journey of healing and renewal to build a life founded on faith, hope, and love.

About the Author

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling author of more than 100 novels, both historical and contemporary, with more than 6 million copies sold. She has won the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award and the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.

More from Tracie

A Constant Love is a book near and dear to my heart. The book deals with tragedy and loss that came about during and after the Great Die-Up—a hideous winter of blizzards and desperately cold temperatures that affected the prairie states and up into the Rockies. Many of the ranchers in the areas were completely wiped out and gave up their ranches when their cattle died off in record numbers.

Ranchers and farmers had dealt with the elements turning against them prior to this, but the winter of 1886–1887 was different. The summer of 1886 had brought about record droughts, and many of the crops had failed. The livestock suffered as the grass died off and feed wasn’t readily available. By November, early and heavy snows started and continued. Temperatures dropped to record lows. In eastern Montana the temperatures were said to drop to  negative 63 degrees Fahrenheit.

In January, a Chinook wind warmed things considerably, melting a lot of the snow. This just made things worse, however, because when the plunging sub-zero temperatures returned, the water froze a thick layer on top of what little grass the animals had been able to dig down to eat. Mass starvation followed, and thousands upon thousands of animals were lost. In reading about the era and all that happened, I came across comments from people that showed the great despair that flooded the states involved. The hopelessness of it all was overwhelming.

During the same time I was researching and mapping out this book, a beloved family member committed suicide. The devastation we felt was overwhelming, and it all seemed to come together with what I had been reading. I felt that deep sadness and despair. I read that some people had taken their lives after that winter. People were at a loss as to what to do, and in that day and age, the church was not always very kind to the families of those who killed themselves. As I prayed about the book I planned to write, I felt compelled to write about suicide and the ripple effect it has on family, friends, and even total strangers. I wanted to share the hope that I found in God’s Word, and A Constant Love was born.

There are times in our lives when we are overwhelmed to the point of despair, when giving up seems far easier than going on. I pray if you ever feel that way, you’ll reach out to someone and talk it through. But I also challenge those who aren’t feeling that way to be observant . . . to care about those around you enough to get in their business when things just don’t seem right. You might very well save a life. As the Bible says, we need to bear one another’s burdens. I hope you’ll keep that in mind as you read A Constant Love.

Blog Stops

Pens Pages & Pulses, March 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 8

Devoted To Hope, March 9

Allyson Jamison, March 9

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 10

Lighthouse Academy Blog, March 11 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Texas Book-aholic, March 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 12

Jodie Wolfe, March 12

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 13

Life on Chickadee Lane, March 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 14

Stories By Gina, March 15 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 16

Maureen’s Musings, March 16

She Lives To Read, March 17

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 18

For Him and My Family, March 18

Leslie’s Library Escape, March 19

Cover Lover Book Review, March 19

Holly’s Book Corner, March 20

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 20

lakesidelivingsite, March 21

Pause for Tales, March 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tracie is giving away the grand prize of a $15 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54169

A Summer of Discovery

Samantha Price did me a favor.  She continued the stories of the Amish Bonnet Sisters' Series.  It was like a welcome home book. 

Wilma and Ada are still the closest friends.  They have been through a lot together.  

The next generation needs to figure out what they really want in life. Matthew still is single but he appears to have grown up.  It's about time. 

Iris decides to spend the summer with her Amish grandmother. Will she stay?

I really enjoyed the story. I knew the characters and it was a pleasure to read more about them.  As always, Samantha Price leaves you wanting more. What is going to happen next? 

I received this book from the author to review.

About the author

Samantha grew up in the Brethren community and has a deep affinity for the Amish way of life, which she has studied in detail during over a decade of dedicated research. Her stories radiate authenticity and heart, transporting readers into the peaceful and inspiring world of the Amish community. Samantha is also an animal lover. She shares her home with two spoiled dogs and a rescued cat who thinks she's also a dog.

Samantha loves hearing from her readers. Connect to:

SamanthaPriceAuthor dot com

The Dressmakers of London

The title and cover caught my attention.  The words on the pages kept it. 

Sylvia and Izzie were sisters. When Sylvia married, the sisters grew apart. Was it even possible that they could make amends?

I really loved this book. I was genuinely sad when I finished it. I am going to keep watching for future releases of Julia Kelly.

About the author

Julia Kelly is the international bestselling author of historical fiction and historical mystery novels about the extraordinary stories of the past. Her books have been translated into 13 languages. In addition to writing, she’s been an Emmy-nominated producer, journalist, marketing professional, and (for one summer) a tea waitress. Julia has called Los Angeles, Iowa, and New York City home. She now lives in London with her husband.

Robin Lee Hatcher- From This Moment On

Two sweet novellas that capture your heart. I can't pick one over the other as my favorite. 

These stories were just what I needed to read. I had a really hard day and decided to start this. I loved that it was entertaining and heartfelt.  

The first novella is about forgiveness.  Jesse returns to repay the town's kindness. He was pretty much a bad boy but returns as a different man.

The second novella is about not giving up hope that love will find you.

Skye loves what she does but dreams of a future that includes children. Can Grant be the one to fulfill her dreams?

I received these novellas from the author to review.

Robin Lee Hatcher is the best-selling author of over 95 books. Her well-drawn characters and heartwarming stories of faith, courage, and love have earned her both critical acclaim and the devotion of readers. Her numerous awards include the Christy Award, the RITA® Award, Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards for Americana Romance and for Inspirational Fiction, the Carol Award, and Lifetime Achievement Awards from both Romance Writers of America® (2001) and American Christian Fiction Writers (2014). When not writing, Robin enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, knitting, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog. Learn more about Robin and her books and subscribe to her newsletter on her website at robinleehatcher.com 

The Pick-Pocket's Return

I just completed a wonderful series by Lindsey Hutchinson.   I accidentally found her first book and loved it.  Fortunately, I have been able to read the previous other two. The first was The Pick-Pocket Orphans where we are introduced to Alice and B.J. 

The second installment was the Pick-Pocket's Plight.

 And then this book.

I loved all three books. I had the pleasure of enjoying these characters as they grew up and became adults.  Both had  rough childhoods but it didn't stop them from becoming good and caring individuals.

Their relationships were wonderful to read. Their friends became family. I was anxious to see how this ended.  I was not disappointed.  

I have become a Lindsey Hutchinson fan for life. 

Great book.

I received this book from Boldwood to review. 

#blogtour

#rararesources

The Pick-Pocket's Return

Abandoned, penniless and orphaned as young children, Bertram and Alice saved each other from a terrible fate.

For seven long years they have been kept apart, Bertram, BJ to his friends, learning how to survive and then thrive in the penal colonies of Australia, and Alice growing her prosperous chain of bakeries in the Black Country town of Wednesbury.

Now BJ’s sentence is nearly up and he has a choice to make. Queen Victoria’s England has changed since he’s been away and so has Alice. Should he leave behind the life he’s built and face the terrifying, months-long voyage back home?

The memory of the boy who saved her from starvation by teaching her how to pick pockets has sustained Alice for all these years and now he may be coming back to her. Can Alice and BJ finally get their happy ending or does fate have other plans for the pickpocket orphans?

The Queen of Black Country sagas is back with an unforgettable story of friendship and bravery, heartbreak and joy. Perfect for all fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/PickPocketsReturn

Author Bio – 

I was born and raised in Wednesbury, West Midlands. I have two children and three grandchildren. I now live in the Shropshire countryside. Typing up the manuscripts for my mother (Meg Hutchinson) rekindled my love of story telling and it seems I am destined to follow in her footsteps. Retired now, I continue to teach an evening dance class. I love to read, I enjoy photography, as well as socialising with friends. I also love to holiday in exotic places. I have been fortunate enough to visit Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Russia, China, India, Israel and Thailand.

I feel truly blessed to have books published. 

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @lindsey-hutchinson--1781901985422852 (https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ak7andSTY/?mibextid=wwXIfr) 

Twitter: @LHutchAuthor

Instagram: N/A

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/LindseyHutchinsonNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lindsey-hutchinson