Courting the Country Preacher by Angela K. Couch, Carolyn Miller, Naomi Musch, Kari Trumbo // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Four stories of women throughout the years past, who fell in love with a man of the cloth. 

The Mountie's Rival by Angela K. Couch

 

Jonathan is excited to be starting a new life apart from the shadow of his twin brother, but things don't exactly go to plan. 

He finds a friend in an unexpected source in the daughter of the town drunk. April is a strong Christian, used to being looked down on because of her family, she does her best help the people of the town without them knowing. 

This was a charming romance, with captivating main characters and strong faith. I liked how Jonathan and April found each other, and found someone who saw their true selves. 

Convincing the Circuit Preacher by Carolyn Miller

It's love at first sight for Dorothea Maclean when she sets eyes on the local circuit preacher. She just has convince him--and her family. 

A sweet romance, set in Australia with a class difference relationship. I liked how supportive her sister was of her and Mr. Hammill. And I liked how she matures and grows into the role of a supportive spouse of a man of the cloth. 

The Angel and the Sky Pilot by Naomi Musch

Everett is determined to make the most of his second chance, serving as a clergy man to the rough and tumble men of the logging camp. He catches the eyes of the trader's daughter, but finds that he has some competition as women are few and far between in this male dominated territory. 

A well written read with good relationship building and themes of faith, I liked how Angeline and her father also grow closer too. I liked the setting of the logging camp, and how Angel and Sky Pilot bond through questions about faith. Great interaction, highly enjoyable. 

Mail Order Minister by Kari Trumbo

A small town church is looking for a new pastor, but so is the other church in town. Olive's parents have matchmaking on their mind, but she isn't so sure. 

A cute small town, prairie romance with strong faith. I like dhow Olive and Finch become friends, and how they get to know each other throughout the story. A cute rea with, great characters. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Defending the Child by Sharon Dunn // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Child Psychologist Marielle Coleman and her foster son find themselves caught in a winter storm, while on the run from his mother's killers, where they run into Marielle's ex in a remote camp. 

 An engaging suspense, with great characters and high stakes in this second chance romance. I liked how Marielle reconnected with Graham, as well as how he is willing to jump in and help Marielle and Ian. 

Overall, it was an entertaining read with a lot going on, and it kept me guessing. I liked the great relationship building, and second chances. Ian is a sweet child, who has been through so much! Wonderful read, with a satisfying ending!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Heart Worth Stealing by Joanna Barker // Review

My Review: 

Miss Genevieve Wilde is determined to take matters into her own hands when her late father's pocket watch is stolen. She hires a thief taker, Jack Travers to help her in her investigation, which uncovers far greater foul play at hand. 

Genevieve is independent and intelligent, she also isn't afraid to go after what she wants. I liked how she an Jack worked together to unravel the strange happenings. They have good chemistry, and I liked how they spent a lot of time together. Plus a humorous fake cousin twist!

Overall, this was a sweet, swoony regency romance, with a good amount of mystery and relationship building. I liked the dashes of suspense, as well as the sweet romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Shiloh by Lori Benton // Review

My Review: 

A journey toward a new beginning. 

Picking up in the aftermath of Mountain Laurel Ian Cameron and Seona have made the best of their situation, but a chance encounter gives glimmers of a new start, but is it too late?

The powerful conclusion that not only brings closure to Ian and Seona's story but that also serves as a sequel to other stories in this author's cannon as well, but can be read just with Mountain Laurel. 

Ian and Seona  work to move past the things between them in this intricate and complex historical novel of new beginnings and fighting for love. The author does a wonderful job of showing realistically human characters, and the challenges of holding to faith when its hard. An intense read, with deep emotions, and a rustic frontier spirit!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Falling for a Devoted Cowgirl by Karen Baney // Just Read

Lucie's Review: 

A cute age gap relationship, friends to lovers romance, with great interaction and themes of faith. 

Adan Franco has his life turned upside down when he becomes the guardian of an opinionated preteen boy. Jett bonds with Laney, and I liked how Solana and Adan come to depend on each other throughout. It was great returning to the Vargas Ranch, seeing familiar faces again, and following the secondary storylines as well. 

An engaging read, with great interaction and a wonderful full cast of characters. I loved how the family is supportive of each other, and how the events of this book give Adan and Solana a second chance at love. 

Overall, a enjoyable addition to the series. I liked getting to see Adan and Solana get their own story, and see them bond over their shared values. A well done, Christian romance with great characters that you can read as part of a great series, or by itself as a wonderful stand alone!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Storm Warning by Elizabeth Goddard // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A fast paced survival suspense, with strong likable characters, filled with faith and resilience. 

Remi Grant has been managing a storm watching lodge on the Washington Coast ever since she lost her memory. But when the storms pick up she finds that her past has come back to haunt her, but she doesn't remember what she forgot. Hawk Beckett comes to her aid, and pretty soon he's swept into the mystery too, trying to help Remi remember before it's too late. 

An engaging suspense read, with a compelling plot, and a great mix of survival and intrigue suspense. Remi is making the best of her new life, and I liked how she held to her faith in uncertain times. She and Hawk make a great team, it was nice seeing them work together and problem solve. 

Overall, a fantastic read from beginning to end, and great start to a new series. Loved the outdoors survival suspense, as well as the high stakes intrigue!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sabotage at Cedar Creek by Janice Thompson // Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

 

Book: Sabotage at Cedar Creek (The Little Red Truck Mysteries Book Two)

Author: Janice Thompson

Genre: Mystery/Christian Fiction

Release date: February, 2025

Who Would Sabotage the New B&B?

Breathe in the nostalgia of everything old red truck in book two of a new cozy mystery series.

It’s summertime in Mabank, Texas, and the Hadley family’s new antique business is open and running well with Tilly, the red antique truck, as its mascot. Raelynn Hadley enjoys driving Grandpa’s truck around as she seeks out antiques for her family’s store.

Raelynn is excited that her best friend, Tasha, will soon open a new vacation rental to accommodate the area’s growing tourism, but an unexpected act of sabotage threatens to spoil all that Tasha has worked for.

Raelynn immediately gets to work sleuthing out who could be behind the crime. Could it be the bitter neighbor, intent on spoiling Tasha’s plans? Perhaps it’s a nearby resort owner, worried about the potential loss of revenue. Maybe it’s the former owner’s daughter who was left out of the will and believes the home should be hers. Or maybe it’s the squatter who had taken up residence in the home before renovations. Raelynn is determined to solve the mystery for her friend in time for opening day. 

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Lucie's Review: 

A cozy mystery, with friendly familiar faces, in a small southern town, with a dash of romance. 

Raelynn is back with her signature red truck ready to help family and friends while running her antique store. She is happy to help Tasha untangle the legal mess and sabotage surrounding her rental property, as more and more suspects emerge. My favorite part of the book though, was when Raelynn spent time cooking with her Aunt Bessie May. It was so fun learning about her aunt's past, and uncovering the secrets from years ago. 

A heartwarming read with great characters, and a cozy mystery, that adds moments of light suspense. It was so easy to come back to Mabank, TX and the friendly faces there. 

A highly enjoyable read, with a lot of things going on and a full cast of characters, strong themes of faith, as well as a strong sense of community. I'm excited to read more in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Janice Thompson hails from south Texas. She is a Christian author and mother of four grown daughters. Janice has written over forty books.

 

 

 

 

 

 

More from Janice

Travel with me to East Texas to celebrate the 4^th of July. Let’s meet at Cedar Creek Lake, a vast expanse of water tucked in and around some of the sweetest little Texas towns you’ve ever seen: Gun Barrel City, Mabank, Payne Springs, Eustace, and Seven Points, just to name a few.

Along the edge of the lake you’ll find 320 miles of idyllic shoreline, dotted with homes, campsites, and cabins for rent. And right there, on the prettiest patch of land imaginable, you’ll discover a newly renovated vacation home, recently purchased by a local gal named Tasha. Her quaint fixer-upper is just about ready for its first guests and she’s giddy with excitement.

Also thrilled is Tasha’s BFF, RaeLyn Hadley! RaeLyn has grown up near the lake and loves this place. She can hardly wait to see her bestie’s dream come true.

Of course, not everyone in the Cedar Creek area is happy to see Tasha’s new vacation rental open for business. Behind the scenes, evil lurks. Nefarious plans are already in motion, though RaeLyn and Tasha can’t yet see them.

Days before the house is listed, the beautiful home is vandalized! Clearly, someone wants to stop Tasha in her tracks. But, who would sabotage the inn. . .and why? RaeLyn won’t quit until she’s got answers, but she needs your help.

What role will you play in this tale? Visit the inn. Get to know the gals. Help them figure out the whodunit. Spend time in town with the locals, celebrating the 4^th of July. I promise, you’ll have a blast. There are quilt shows, cupcake walks, and more Texas BBQ than you can eat in one visit.

Your belly will never be empty as you set out to help RaeLyn and Tasha solve this crime. Just don’t let all of those handsome Texas fellas distract you from the task at hand. They have a tendency to do that.

Hang on for the ride, folks, because an East Texas tale is one that’s always filled with twists and turns! So, what are you waiting for? Jump into that little red truck and let’s hit the road, headed to Cedar Creek Lake!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 27

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 28

Texas Book-aholic, March 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 3

Pause for Tales, March 3

She Lives To Read, March 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 5

Blogging With Carol, March 6

Labor Not in Vain, March 6

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 7

Stories By Gina, March 8 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 8

For Him and My Family, March 9

Lily’s Corner, March 10

Holly’s Book Corner, March 11

Lights in a Dark World, March 12

Leslie’s Library Escape, March 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Janice is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a print 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/00adcf54164

Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Ami Dalton lives a dual existence with a shadowed alter ego as a broker of black market artifacts. 

When parliament candidate Edmund Price comes to Oxford, England, with a newly acquired collection he enlists Ami's help to value. But the collection is not unfettered, it comes with a mysterious history that holds more than meets the eye. Together he and Ami must get to the bottom of the collection and the strange happenings that are becoming more frequent. 

An enjoyable read, it does a great job of bringing the time and culture to life. Ami is a forward thinking woman for the time, and I liked her and Edmund as a team. There was a lot going on, with the mystery, romance, and delving into Egyptology. Edmund is a clever and kind man, and I liked how he was supportive of Ami throughout. 

Overall, an enjoyable read with strong characters and an intriguing plot. Great for fans of historical romance in the Victorian era!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Miss Blaire in Blackwell's Island by Grace Hitchcock // Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

 

Book: Miss Blaire in Blackwell’s Island (Heiresses of Adventure Book One)

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance True Crime

Release date: July 31, 2024

Will Edyth prove her sanity before it is too late?

On Blackwell’s Island, New York, a hospital was built to keep its patients from ever leaving.

With her late parents’ fortune under her uncle’s care until her twenty-fifth birthday in the year 1887, Edyth Blaire does not feel pressured to marry or to bow to society’s demands. She freely indulges in eccentric hobbies like fencing and riding her velocipede in her cycling costume about the city for all to see. Finding a loophole in the will, though, her uncle whisks Edyth off to the women’s lunatic asylum just weeks before her birthday. And Edyth fears she will never be found.

At the asylum she meets another inmate, who upon discovering Edyth’s plight, confesses that she is Nellie Bly, an undercover journalist for The World. Will either woman find a way to leave the terrifying island and reclaim her true self?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Lucie's Review: 

Edyth is a free spirited young woman, used to living life on her own terms. Suddenly, her life is turned on its end when her uncle commits her to an asylum in order to take control of her wealth. Is there any hope to be found on Blackwell's Island?

Well done read that does a good job of telling of the untold horrors that many women faced, I loved how the story was based on real events, and it was great seeing how Edyth matured over the course of the story. It was a sobering read in some parts, but I liked how Edyth grew and found things that truly mattered. 

A compelling read that had me invested in the characters, and drawn into Edyth's impossible plight. A gripping read, with a fantastic plot, and threads of hope throughout. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple his­torical novels and novellas, including the American Royalty, Best Laid Plans, and Aprons & Veils series. She holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives on the Northshore of New Orleans, with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter in a cottage that is always filled with the sounds of sweet little footsteps running at full speed. When not writing, or chasing babies, she’s baking something delightful and can usually be found with a book clutched in her fist.­­­­

 

 

More from Grace

I am thrilled to share with you my FIRST novel in the HEIRESSES OF ADVENTURE series, MISS BLAIRE IN BLACKWELL’S ISLAND, which is set in New York City in 1887. I loved writing about Edyth Blaire, our cat-rescuing, spunky heroine who spends her days painting, fencing with her dreamy instructor, and avoiding society at all costs, which as you can imagine, comes back to haunt her before the end. I’ve never written about a character who despised reading, so that was a new one for me. Edyth just doesn’t like to sit still long enough to finish a book, but you’ll find out why later.

While writing this book, I am pretty certain the librarians at my local branch were wondering what in the world my hobbies are, judging from the stacks of fencing books for beginners, histories of New York crime in the 19^th century, and Nellie Bly’s Ten Days in a Mad-House, and more.

The inspiration for this book came from Nellie Bly’s scandalous exposé for Joseph Pulitzer’s newspaper, The World. In reading Nellie’s articles, I was shocked at the grounds by which the asylum would commit women and that’s when I discovered a tiny mention about an heiress with family members who had her tucked away so they could have her fortune. . . and Edyth Blaire was born.

I hope you will enjoy reading about our eccentric leading lady and her fencing master hero, Raoul “Bane” Banebridge in this friends-to-lovers romance. If you are interested in seeing pictures of the asylum and to see what I pictured the characters looking like, check out my Pinterest board here.

Are you part of a book club? I have discussion questions here!

Blog Stops

Pens Pages & Pulses, February 21

Allyson Jamison, February 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 22

Devoted To Hope, February 22

Texas Book-aholic, February 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 23

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 25

Maureen’s Musings, February 25

Melissa’s Bookshelf, February 26

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 27

Vicky Sluiter, February 27

Betti Mace, February 28

Cover Lover Book Review, February 28

Blogging With Carol, March 1

Connie’s History Classroom, March 1

lakesidelivingsite, March 2

For Him and My Family, March 3

Mary Hake, March 3

Labor Not in Vain, March 4

Holly’s Book Corner, March 4

Leslie’s Library Escape, March 5

Inspired by Fiction, March 5

Pause for Tales, March 6

Lights in a Dark World, March 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away the grand prize of a $20 gift card with FREE SHIPPING to Grace’s Autographed Bookshop!!

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/00adcf54161

An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Upbeat opposites attract romance, with a touch of matchmaking, and a swoony heartfelt story. 

Evangeline doesn't see herself as the the protagonist in any great love stories, but little does she know that her great love story is on its way. Evangeline is an unassuming librarian, working to find her place in a new town. Tai is a tattoo artist, used to people's assumptions, but he is drawn to the quirky new librarian. I liked how observant he was, and how he was clear that he was interested in Evangeline specifically. 

This is such a charming read, with great banter, plenty of chemistry, a lot of heart, solid faith, and characters you can cheer for all the way through. I liked how Tai helped Evangeline see herself the way that he does. 

Overall, this was such a wonderfully satisfying read from beginning to end with everything that I could want in a faith-filled rom-com. Great characters and interaction, riveting plot, heartwarming, and great comedic timing. Highly recommend. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.