A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz -- Review
1/25/2022
About the Book It is 1755, and the threat of war with France looms over colonial York, Virginia. Chocolatier Esmee Shaw is fighting her own battle of the heart. Having reached her twenty-eighth birthday, she is reconciled to life alone after a decade-old failed love affair from which she's never quite recovered. But she longs to find something worthwhile to do with her life. Captain Henri Lennox has returned to port after a lengthy absence, intent on completing the lighthouse in the dangerous Chesapeake Bay, a dream he once shared with Esmee. But when the colonial government asks him to lead a secret naval expedition against the French, his future is plunged into uncertainty. Will a war and a cache of regrets keep them apart, or can their shared vision and dedication to the colonial cause heal the wounds of the past? Bestselling and award-winning author Laura Frantz whisks you away to a time fraught with peril--on the sea and in the heart--in this redemptive, romantic story. About the Author Christy Award-winning author, Laura Frantz, is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. When not at home in Kentucky, she and her husband live in Washington State. According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California. Foreign language editions include French, Dutch, Spanish, Slovakian, & Polish. Readers can find Laura Frantz at www.laurafrantz.net *Subscribe to Laura's seasonal newsletter and receive new release information, news about contests, giveaways, and reader events, sneak peaks and teasers, signings and appearances, and more! Reviewm the turn of the first page, author Laura Franz, brings to life the rich details and history of the colonial time period. The story is written in such a way that the characters come alive off the pages and readers will be sucked into and feel as if they themselves are inside the story. Readers will bathe in the beauty and romance of this story, not wanting to put it down. Chocolate shops, lighthouses, kidnapping, this book is a breathtaking treasure that readers will absolutely adore, becoming a top read for sure. Readers will not be disappointed by this delightful colonial romance.
Genre: historical, romance, Colonial, Christian Publisher: Revell Publication date: January 4, 2022 Number of pages: 416 Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
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About the Book Her calling to change the world may be his downfall. On the heels of the Great Rebellion, Margaret Foster, an abolitionist northerner, takes a teaching position in 1865 San Diego—a town dominated by Southern sympathizers. At thirty-seven years of age, Margaret has accepted spinsterhood and embraced her role as teacher. So, when Everett Thompson, the handsomest member of the School Board, reveals his interest in her, it’s a dream come true. Until her passionate ideals drive a wedge between them. After two decades of hard work, Everett Thompson is on the verge of having everything he’s dreamed of. Even the beautiful new teacher has agreed to his courtship. Then two investments go south and a blackmailer threatens everything Everett has and dreams of. As Everett scrambles to shore up the crumbling pieces of his life, Margaret unwittingly sets off a scandal that divides the small community and threatens her position as teacher. With the blackmailer still whispering threats, Everett must decide if he’s willing to risk everything for the woman still keeping him at arm’s length. About the Author Kathleen Denly lives in sunny Southern California with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting. Waltz in the Wilderness is Kathleen’s debut novel and the first in a series of three stand-alone historical Christian romance novels connected by secondary characters and their beautiful Southern California setting. Kathleen would love it if you visited her website at KathleenDenly.com. You can also connect with her on social media: ReviewA story including some intriguing history of California, Kathleen Denly’s third book in her Chaparral Hearts series will interest readers. Denly’s novel has two storylines told from 4 different points of view making the story a bit confusing to follow. After readers get into the flow of the separate storylines and points of view, it’s a bit easier to understand. This is an interesting story with intriguing characters that must face and overcome their hardships. Immigration, corruption, poverty, are all parts of the story that will draw readers in. Although the story does drag on a little bit, readers of historical fiction will enjoy it.
Series: Chaparral Hearts Genre: historical Publisher: Wild Heart Books Publication date: January 4, 2022 Number of pages: 409 Other books in the series: 0.5- Ribbons and Beaus 1-Waltz in the Wilderness 2-Singing in the Sunlight Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the Book Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes in this new Regency mystery series Newly returned from finishing school, Lady Juliette Thorndike is ready to debut in London society. Due to her years away, she hasn't spent much time with her parents, and sees them only as the flighty, dilettante couple the other nobles love. But when they disappear, she discovers she never really knew them at all. They've been living double lives as government spies--and they're only the latest in a long history of espionage that is the family's legacy. Now Lady Juliette is determined to continue their work. Mentored by her uncle, she plunges into the dangerous world of spy craft. From the glittering ballrooms of London to the fox hunts, regattas, and soirees of country high society, she must chase down hidden clues, solve the mysterious code her parents left behind, and stay out of danger. All the while, she has to keep her endeavors a secret from her best friend and her suitors--not to mention nosy, irritatingly handsome Bow Street runner Daniel Swann, who suspects her of a daring theft. Can Lady Juliette outwit her enemies and complete her parents' last mission? Or will it lead her to a terrible end? Best-selling author Erica Vetsch is back with a rollicking, exciting new series destined to be a hit with Regency readers who enjoy a touch of mystery in their love stories. Fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, and Anne Perry will love the wit, action, and romance. About the Author Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. She’s a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota, and she married her total opposite and soul mate! When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks. ReviewIntrigue, espionage, theft, mystery, romance. The Debutant’s Code by Erica Vetsch has it all. Thrilling and engaging from cover to cover, Vetsch captures the attention of her readers from the turn of the first page. The story is full of alluring characters, as well as twists and turns that will keep readers on their toes. This is a story readers will easily be enthralled with and will absolutely not want to set down. It is delightfully fast paced and will keep readers wanting more. Bow Street runners and stolen art play a big role in this story. Although the story does have romance, there is more focus on the theft and mystery. Readers who enjoy Regency and mystery will adore this story!
Series: Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Genre: historical, regency, romance, myster Publisher: Kregel Publication Publication date: December 7, 2021 Number of pages: 312 Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.  About the Book Rhett Bradley’s home for the holidays, but it’s not by choice. Faced with a potential backward step at his company in Seattle, he’s forced to take time off, but somehow being back in Winter, Montana isn’t the dead end he was expecting. Olive Fitzsimons has a secret email friend who’s made her new job at the mayor’s office bearable. Still, putting her true passions aside for the political hubbub in Winter hasn’t been a step in the right direction for her. Sure, she can make her rent payments, but is she happy? As Rhett and Olive continue to run into each other in the small town amid holiday festivals and sparkling Christmas lights, their once fiery opposition starts to settle into something more. But Olive’s interest in her email friend has grown into a crush and Rhett will be leaving Winter in in the New Year, won’t he? Join the familiar cast of characters in Winter, Montana as the community joins together in the spirit of Christmas where hearts soften and a kiss between opposites is the perfect holiday miracle. About the Author Bell Renshaw is a pen name for Emilie Haney who grew up in the Pacific Northwest and has a love for the outdoors that matches her love for the written word. She turned her passion for stories toward writing at an early age, finding entertainment and adventure in made-up worlds fed by the books her parents read to her as a child. Now, she's still getting lost in those worlds but they are of her own making. You'll find sweet romance under the Bell pen name and romantic suspense under Emilie Haney. ReviewAuthor Bell Renshaw has written a charming small town holiday romance with a You’ve Got Mail and Hallmark movie type feel in the fourth book in her Winter, Montana series. This haters to lovers love story will leave readers wishing for romance and the delight and sparkle of the holiday season. This story uniquely uses emails as part of the dialogue for the story. It’s not necessary to read the other books in the series before this one, but it may make it a bit more enjoyable. A sweet holiday tale that readers will want to curl up with this winter.
Series: Winter, Montana Genre: contemporary, romance, holiday Publisher: Pine Mountain Publishing Publication date: No emer 2, 2021 Number of pages: 336 Other books in the series: 1-One Christmas in Winter 2-The Perfect Christmas 3-Second Chance Christmas Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the Book Lucy Moore never lost faith in her fairy godmother, and when she lands an unbelievable dream job working for Drake Enterprises, she knows exactly who to thank for the opportunity. That dream job, however, comes with a twist that has her heading to northern Montana for the monthlong annual family retreat at The Lucky Wolf ranch. She packs a suitcase of warm clothes and a fake it 'til you make it attitude, prepared to do all she can to win the family over. Once there she comes face to face with the Drake brothers. Alexander, Lucy's new boss, is literally a magazine cover model. He's also a numbers geek like her, which makes him dreamy beyond belief, and Lucy can't stop staring. He's too perfect to be real. Daniel is the first person Lucy meets when she arrives at the ranch in the most humiliating way possible. His warmth and humor quickly put her at ease, and she's grateful to have a friend in this unknown, way off the beaten path, frozen part of the country. In one short month Lucy contends with animal attacks, a temporary roommate who's more robot than human, some ranch-hand flirting sessions, and a little eavesdropping, all while attempting to show her new boss that she can do the job. When the month ends, and it's time to return home, her story is far from over. Now her heart belongs to the one man who seems perfect for her. Can they overcome all the obstacles in their way? About the Author Aspen Hadley loves nothing more than a great story. She has devoted herself to story-telling for the majority of her life, writing her first novel at her kitchen table in the 8th grade. Aspen writes what she wants to read: clean, sassy, romantic comedy novels that give you a break from real life and leave you feeling happy. Outside of writing, Aspen's number one hobby is reading. Number two is sneaking chocolate into and out of her private stash without being caught. Other favorite things include: playing the piano, listening to classic rock, telling jokes around the dinner table, eating ice cream, traveling, a good case of the giggles, and riding on ATVs over the trails around her home in Utah. Aspen shares her life with a patient husband, 4 hilarious children, and 1 grumpy dog in a quiet suburb next to her beloved mountains. Given the choice she would road trip her life away, singing along to the radio and sleeping in every morning. ReviewFrom the turn of the first page, author Aspen Hadley will have readers laughing, loving, and adoring her novel, Just Enough Luck. This story is about a girl, Lucy, who gets her dream job. But it doesn’t go exactly as she expects it to. She ends up on her boss’s family farm and has several mishaps in the process. And even though her boss is a dream, it’s his sheep loving cowboy brother that captures her attention and her heart. The banter in this story is hilarious and readers will thoroughly enjoy the best friends to lover’s aspect of the story. Dream jobs, “robot” roommates, friendship, and romance. This story has a little bit of everything for all those that are romantic at heart and who love to laugh.
Genre: contemporary, romcom Publisher: Cedar Fort Publishing Publication date: November 9, 2021 Number of pages: 320 Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the Book When he agreed to guard her, he never bargained on having to guard his heart. Brilliant scientist Linnea Newberry is on the adventure of a lifetime, traveling the Santa Fe Trail with her grandfather, Dr. Powell, on a botanical expedition to Colorado Territory. She longs to be valued for her contributions and not seen as a helpless liability. But at every calamity she faces, her grandfather threatens to send her home. After watching his ma suffer and die in childbirth, Flynn McQuaid has sworn off women and marriage forever. Headed west to start a new life, he has his hands full not only taking care of his younger siblings but also delivering cattle to his older brother. He doesn't need more complications. When Flynn rescues Linnea from drowning during a river crossing, Dr. Powell promptly hires Flynn—unbeknownst to Linnea—to act as her bodyguard for the rest of the trip. As Flynn fights against the many dangers of the trail, he soon finds himself in the greatest danger of all—falling for a woman he's determined not to love. About the Author Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling author of inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults. As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she's not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories. She loves reading almost as much as she loves writing, especially when it also involves chocolate and coffee. ReviewIn book two of the Colorado Cowboys series, author Jody Hedlund has written a splendid story about a female scientist, Linnea, who goes on an expedition to the west to help her grandfather. On the journey she loses her husband of just a few months. Along the journey, Linnea keeps getting into mischief, falling in rivers, getting lost from the group, etc. But lucky for her a handsome cowboy, Flynn, comes to her rescue and ends up traveling with them. This story is overcoming our fears and finding love. Readers will adore The Heart of a Cowboy.
Series: Colorado Cowboys Genre: historical, romance, western Publisher: Bethany House Publication date: October 5, 2021 Number of pages:368 Other books in the series: 1-A Cowboy for Keeps 3-To Tame a Cowboy (coming March 2022) Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the Book When Adeline Dawson arrives at Fairstone Hall, she comes with a secret. William Wakefield, the young, brooding earl who resides there, knows of Adeline only as his recent sister-in-law. But the stubborn, beautiful woman soon catches his intrigue. He’s determined to overcome his reserved manner to know her better, and Adeline is equally determined to protect her secret at all costs. A secret that could cost her everything…. About the Author My name is Kate. I love my husband, my dog, and my life in sunny Florida. I'm a huge Disney Parks fan and I have way too many backpacks. I write books, primarily regency era fiction, and I love what I do because writing has always been an escapism for me, as reading is for many people. I think reading brings people together. Maybe not physically (because many of us are introverts, and social gatherings are terrifying) but books connect us in a way that lots of people don't get. Fiction binds us to a reality we'll never know. And I think there's a lot of beauty in that. Reviewbut author Kate Renae has written a gothic Regency mystery romance story that readers will be thrilled and charmed by. There is plenty of twist and turns throughout the story that will leave readers guessing what will happen next. Although an intriguing and interesting story, there are several questions that do not get answered by the end of the story, which may confuse readers. But the pacing of the story and the sweet romance help make up for it. This is a story that readers of mystery and Regency romance will enjoy.
Series: The Reluctant Heirs Genre: Regency, romance, gothic mystery Publisher: Indie Publication date: October 9, 2021 Number of pages: 218 Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.  Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Gifted Trilogy by Lisa T. Bergren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! About the Books
Title: The Gifted Trilogy Author: Lisa T. Bergren Publisher: Stonewater Books Release Date: 2021 Genre: Supernatural Suspense / Christian An ancient, secret letter has long prophesied that the Gifted would gather. One with the ability to heal, another with the gift of wisdom. Others with the ability to see the future, discern truth, uncover evil intent, or exhibit miraculous powers. Together they are a force, born to change the world. But their gathering has drawn the attention of those who wield power…people determined to either control or destroy them. “[A] classic battle between good and evil. Disregard Da Vinci Code comparisons, and think Lord of the Rings.” --Publishers Weekly About the Author Lisa T. Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books in a variety of genres, from children’s picture books to contemporary romance to supernatural suspense novels. She lives in Colorado Springs in a brand-new home she and her husband just finished building and intend to never leave because she’s discovered she loathes moving. You can find out more about her at LisaTBergren.com. Giveaway(3) winners will receive a copy of The Gifted Trilogy and a Gifted candle.  Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 1, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 8, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. (Winners outside the US will receive trilogy ebooks and $20 Amazon gift card) Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Tour ScheduleFollow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
About the Book Lauren Richmond isn’t a fan of Christmas. Which is why she rarely makes the trip home to the Midwest for the holidays. After all, she has plenty to keep her busy—namely, her duties as a set decorator on a TV sitcom. But this December, Lauren‘s brother and his wife are expecting a baby, so her brother arranges a ride home for her with his good friend, Will. Unfortunately for Lauren, she’s been trying to forget college baseball coach and childhood crush Will Sinclair for more than ten years. Now, thanks to her fear of flying, she’s stuck in a car with him from California to Illinois. She’s circumspect and organized. He’s flirty and spontaneous. She’s convinced that people don’t change. He’s trying to prove to her (and himself) that he has. On this cross-country road trip, they’ll both discover that history doesn’t exactly repeat itself. . . but like any good Christmas carol, it does have a second verse. About the Author Courtney Walsh is a novelist, artist, theatre director, and playwright. Just Let Go will be her eighth inspirational romance novel. Her debut, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children. Reviewourtney Walsh has written an absolutely delightful and charming story of an unlikely couple road tripping cross country on their way home for the holidays. This story is about overcoming past mistakes and striving to become a better person; it's about accepting the situations we are in and working to make the best of them and to still be happy and enjoy life along the way. The characters are fun and easy to relate to, creating a story that comes to life. A road trip holiday romance makes for an interesting and funny story that readers will adore!
Genre: contemporary, holiday, chick-lit, Christian, romcom Publisher: Sweethaven Press Publication date: October 26, 2021 Number of pages: 256 Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the Book Gabe Lewis loves Christmas, just not as much as his eccentric mother who gave him and his siblings Christmas names. When he discovers that his new co-worker Shanée Mitchell wants nothing to do with the season, he makes it his mission to show her the true meaning. But he never expected feelings to develop for the Air Force veteran. Can he take a chance that she feels the same way or miss the best gift of all? Most Wonderful Time is releasing as part of the Home for Christmas novella collection.  About the Author Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novel, Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist and Risking Love is a 2020 Selah Award finalist. A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and of the Virginia Chapter, Toni seeks to help readers find authors. She loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. You can learn more about her writing at http://tonishiloh.com. GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM BOOKBUB | AMAZON | WEBSITE | NEWSLETTER Blog Contributor: Putting on the New | Heartwings Blog | Diversity Between the Pages | ACFW Virginia ReviewAuthor Toni Shiloh has written a sweet holiday romance and a wonderful addition to the Lewis Family series. Readers have already fallen in love with this family and will be thrilled with this third book in the series. The story brings to life some of the struggles of life, and how relying on God makes us stronger and that God really does care about us. With the feeling of Christmas in the air and some romance mixed in, readers will adore this sweet story. Series: Lewis Family & part of the Home for Christmas novella collection Genre: contemporary, holiday, romance Publisher: Havilah Press Publications Publication date: October 26, 2021 Number of pages: 309pgs in the entire collection Other books in the collection: The Stars of New Cheltenham by Chautona Havig The Road Home by Cathe Swanson Now and Forever Christmas by Jaycee Weaver Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Watch for reviews of more stories from the Home for Christmas Collection coming soon.
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