HIGHCLIFFE HOUSE by Megan Walker, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas #ReleaseDay

(Proper Romance - Regency Series)

Set in Brighton, England in 1813, Highcliffe House is a delightful, charming tale with an enemies to friends and more trope. Talented author Megan Walker has spun an enticing story with engaging, realistic characters that tickled my fancy. Anna Lane, who has been humiliated by a man who’d been courting her wants to flee London. Her father’s friend and business partner, Graham Everett, wants to invest in property in Brighton, so Mr. Lane sends Anna with Graham to Brighton to check on it. Anna has detested Graham since he takes her father’s attention away from time spent with her.

I felt Anna was quite spoiled and petulant at first, and Graham was a bit judgmental. I enjoyed seeing Anna and Graham’s relationship change as they got to really know each other.

Walker has penned some delicious stories and I would recommend her books to those who enjoy clean and wholesome historical fiction.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Shadow Mountain through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.4.5 stars 

BackCover Blurb:

The daughter of a wealthy investor and a handsome young businessman clash in this enemies-to-lovers romance from the author who brought you Lakeshire Park.

1813, Brighton, England

When Anna Lane offered her heart to Alexander Lennox, she did not expect to learn he had secretly promised his suit to another. Hurt and embarrassed, Anna begs her father to take her to the seaside where she can escape the gossip of the ton and recover, but her father insists they remain in London so he can attend to some business. Feeling the sting of rejection again, Anna longs for the day when she can dictate her own future and find a companion who will love her for who she is.

Born into modest circumstances, Graham's hard work and ability to spot a good investment has allowed him to provide for his mother and younger sisters. Now, with a new opportunity in his sights, Graham approaches Mr. Lane, his business partner and mentor, hoping to persuade him to travel to Brighton to close the deal. Graham must act fast or else he might lose his chance to turn his meager earnings into permanent financial stability.

To Graham's relief, Mr. Lane is interested in his proposal, but he counters with one of his own. He has business elsewhere, so Anna--whom he trusts with his business affairs--will accompany Graham to Brighton, and if she gives a good report, he will invest. Both Anna and Graham hesitate. Though they have a passing acquaintance through Anna's father, the two have never truly got along. Anna feels that Graham is only interested in money, while Graham feels that Anna is stubborn and self-absorbed.

The two reluctantly travel to Brighton together, and Anna is determined to find fault with every inch of the seaside town--including Graham. She is tired of feeling like a pawn being moved about by other people's desires. But while staying at Highcliffe House and seeing the kind and gentle way Graham treats his family, Anna wonders if there is more to her rival than she thought.

But it will take more than a day at the beach for these two headstrong hearts to admit that if they set aside their misconceptions about each other and be vulnerable enough to share their true selves, they might have a chance at real love. 

Shadow Mountain Publishing, May 7, 2024

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

 

THE SONG OF SOURWOOD MOUNTAIN by Ann H. Gabhart, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula #ReleaseDay

 

(Southern Historical Romance Set in the 1910 Appalachian Mountains)
REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Anita claims she heard the young visiting preacher proposing marriage. To you."

Anita had heard right. Mira Dean's childhood acquaintance, Gordon Covington, had grown up into a fine man; he was pastoring a mission church deep within Kentucky's Appalachian Mountains, and apparently doing a satisfactory job of growing his small Sourwood congregation. (Sourwood? It wasn't even on the map  . . . yes, she had been curious enough to look) Approaching Mira following the service that morning, Gordon had spouted off some nonsensical idea about being persuaded that God had directed her into his path, to not only fill the need for a school teacher, but to also become his wife. Mira was no blushing bride candidate; tragically her one and only dream for marital bliss was dead and buried, literally. Mira was completely satisfied with her life exactly the way it was, she was not going anywhere with Gordon Covington.

As so often happens, God opens and closes doors rather quickly at times; leaving Mira no other choice but to take a huge leap of faith, infused with a hefty dose of courage, and to board a train heading towards Gordon's beloved Sourwood Mountain folk . . . in order to marry a man she barely knows while living in a place that she has never seen, or up until this point even heard of. Longing for happiness in spite of her circumstances, Mira holds onto a tiny sliver of hope that she would discover love.

A charming story!! This author pens the sights and sounds of mountain life in such a way that her characters cannot help but spring to life along the trails they call home. It's a beautiful place, but not always pretty . . . it's a bountiful place, but not everyone has food to eat . . . it's a tight-knit community, but there are those who desperately crave family . . . and it's a place where secrets have deep roots and tight lips.

"The Lord moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform. . . " - words from an old hymn
*I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own.

PAULA'S REVIEW:
In this unusual marriage of convenience story, Mira is also encountering a lifestyle that she knows nothing about. But when God blocks her way of life in the city, she follows the lead He provides. “You don’t have a problem, my dear. You have an opportunity.” She marries Preacher Gordon and travels to a backwoods community to become a teacher to children in Sourwood, Kentucky.

Ms. Gabhart is an extraordinary storyteller. She is an artist with words and paints a realistic picture of existence in the hollers of Appalachia in 1910. The little expressions and mountain traditions bring the story to life, the characters are likable, authentic and drew me into the story.

The portrayal of Mira as she dealt with the unknown and as she connected with the mountain folk was well written. You can tell the author has dogs by the way she depicts their behavior. A favorite character was Ada June, a lonely orphan girl who is passed from family to family because she can help with children and chores. After her mother dies, she chooses to speak to a select few. But the tender heart of Mira shows Ada June love and pulls her out of her shell.

This was a memorable story that touched on many emotions and was a very satisfying read.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was nit required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
While the century began with such promise, it is 1910 when Mira Dean's hopes of being a wife and mother are dashed to pieces. Her fiancé dead from tuberculosis, Mira resigns herself to being a spinster schoolteacher--until Gordon Covington shows up.

No longer the boy she knew from school, Gordon is now a preacher who is full of surprises. First, he asks Mira to come to Sourwood in eastern Kentucky to teach at his mission school. Second, he asks her to marry him. Just like that. And all at once the doors that had seemed firmly shut begin to open, just a crack.

With much trepidation, Mira steps out in faith into a life she never imagined, in a place filled with its own special challenges, to serve a people who will end up becoming the family she always dreamed of.

From the pen of bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart comes a heartwarming story of the unexpected blessings that can come when we dare to follow the Lord's leading.

Revell Publishing, May, 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and hardcover:

Buy THE SONG OF SOURWOOD MOUNTAIN at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House 

 

FOR A LIFETIME by Gabrielle Meyer, Reviewed by Paula and Rebecca #ReleaseDay

(Timeless Book #3): (An Inspirational Historical Time-Travel Romance Novel)

PAULA'S REVIEW:
*That God would love me, that He would call me His child and choose me for this time-crossing gift was amazing to contemplate. It was a burden, to be sure, but it was also a blessing.*

Grace and Hope Eaton are twins with different personalities. But their bond is so strong that they vow to stay together no matter what. Living in two different times is extremely difficult because in one timeframe they live in Salem Village in 1692 during the witch trials. They get a respite in the other timeline in 1912 where Hope is adventurous and learns to fly an airplane, while Grace makes strides as a journalist for a New York newspaper.

Their love lives are problematic as each one pines for a man who does not return their affections. But how can they marry before their 25th birthday, when they are to choose which time period to remain in for the rest of their days?
Lots of twists, turns and danger await them as well as unexpected meetings with people who are connected to them. And underlying it all is an abiding faith that knows God is in control of their lives.

This was another fascinating offering in a unique time-crossing setting that will astonish you and at the same time take you captive with its imaginative storylines.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5 stars and a strong faith thread 

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"It had begun."

Time-crossing twins, Grace and Hope Eaton (in 1692 Salem Village, Massachusetts) Cooper (in 1912 New York City) have just a few months to decide which timeline will become their forever life. Neither are particularly drawn to Salem where the burgeoning witch trials have thrown Puritan loyalties into a whirlwind of fear and confusion, masking hidden agendas and personal vendettas swirling around even the most prominent of families. Their Salem father is an esteemed member of the local community, but has misrepresented details about the girls' deceased mother, sparking dangerous curiosity amongst his daughters.

During the days when the girls reside in New York, Hope has an exciting new career looming on the horizon, as she takes to the skies as one of America's first female pilots, while Grace works tirelessly as an investigative journalist fighting for justice with merely a pen and paper. When both young women are threatened by tragedy in each setting, will they be able to discern God's will for their future when their hearts have become entwined with another?

"God knew what I needed more than I did. So I simply asked if He would sit with me, to be my Comforter, my Peace, my Rock amidst the storm."

Fascinating! How the author managed to tie up all the loose details into one amazing story is beyond my comprehension, making this my favorite story in what has become a genre all its own.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. 4.5 stars

BackCover Blurb:
Grace and Hope are identical twin sisters born with the ability to time-cross together between 1692 Salem, Massachusetts, and 1912 New York City. As their twenty-fifth birthday approaches, they will have to choose one life to keep and one to leave behind forever--no matter the cost.

In 1692, they live and work in their father's tavern, where they must watch helplessly as the witch trials unfold in their village, threatening everyone. With the help of a handsome childhood friend, they search for the truth behind their mother's mysterious death, risking everything to expose a secret that could save their lives--or be their undoing.

In 1912, Hope dreams of becoming one of the first female pilots in America, and Grace works as an investigative journalist, uncovering corruption and injustice. After their parents' orphanage is threatened by an adversary, they enter a contest to complete a perilous cross-country flight under the guidance of a daring French aviator.

The sisters have already decided which timeline they will choose, but an unthinkable tragedy complicates the future they planned for themselves. As their birthday looms, how will they determine the lives--and loves--that are best for both of them?

Bethany House Publishers, May 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy FOR A LIFETIME at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House 

 

SECONDARY TARGET (The Secrets of Kincaid #1), by Angela Carlisle. Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula #ReleaseDay

(The Secrets of Kincaid): (A Small-Town Thrilling Cold Case Romantic Suspense Debut Novel)

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Goosebumps prickled her arms. . . she'd periodically felt unsettled, like someone was watching her. Nothing tangible was ever out of place . . . so she'd begun to chalk it up to her imagination."

Corina Roberts certainly wasn't imagining the large vehicle rushing up behind her, increasing its speed until "she heard a sickening crunch, and her head smacked the radio as she was thrown forward . . . " What in the world? . . . especially after overhearing an odd conversation the next morning between her father and one of the responding officers.

Bryce Jessup's recent return to Kincaid, Kentucky had not prepared him to see Corina up close and personal again so soon . . . as in living right across the street. His sister Allye, Corina's best friend, had omitted that little detail. She was still as beautiful as ever, even considering the aura of sadness that permeated her expressions . . . Corina had lost so much . . . they had all lost so much. That was then, this was now, and despite their painful past, and even if she wouldn't admit it, Corina needed him. Things were about to get pretty dicey, and even that was an understatement; Corina was a living, breathing target.

"But I do know, positively, that God has not left us - no matter how it looks or how we feel."

What an impressive debut! With a diabolical villain who slinks in and out of every corner of Corina's well-ordered life, trying to figure out the next move is nearly impossible with continually evasive clues, violent attacks ratcheting up in intensity, and no place to hide. Fans of fast-paced (light) romantic suspense will love this story!

*I received a copy of this novel from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. 3.5 stars

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Wow! This is a fantastic debut suspense novel.

Corina has been living with her dad while repairs are being done to her house. Then strange things bein to happen. Her dad, Will, is secretive about their past and why her mom and brother were murdered years ago. Old boyfriend, Bryce, and his sister Allye who is her best friend are there to help her. Corina is a determined and independent lady who tries her hardest to figure out who wants to kill her and wonders why God is silent.  

 So many surprises and twists to the story. And the author has penned a crafty, ruthless, and obstinate bad guy. But justice prevails and Corina learns to trust in God again, thanks to supportive Bryce who prays for her.

I am sure more exciting things are in store in the next book where we learn more about Allye.
Do not miss this well crafted start to a new series by Angela Carlisle.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author and an ecopy from NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

BackCover Blurb:

A ruthless murderer. A deadly secret. An unbreakable love.

After the brutal murder of her mother and brother twelve years ago, Corina Roberts built a new life in Kentucky. But when strange things begin to happen, she is thrust into a perilous game of life and death. With nowhere else to turn, her best hope of survival depends on her ex-boyfriend, army veteran Bryce Jessup.

Recently returned from service, Bryce has every intention of staying away from Corina, but when threats close in around her, he isn't willing to leave her safety to chance. As their search for answers uncovers lethal secrets her detective father kept hidden, Bryce and Corina must untangle the mystery of the merciless killer intent on terrorizing and eliminating Corina's family before it's too late.

Bethany House Publishing, May, 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy SECONDARY TARGET at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House