About the BookFor these two wounded hearts, it will take a great leap of faith to overcome past hurts and give love a chance to grow. False accusations from the past haunt Rachel Clark, the new director of the Northcoast Christian Youth Theater. Seeking to make a fresh start in Fairhaven, Washington, she rents space for her group from an artists’ cooperative led by handsome frame shop owner, Cameron McKenna. To keep his financially strapped co-op afloat, Cam reluctantly agrees to include Rachel’s drama program, but he’s not sure he can trust the attractive director or tolerate all those kids in his building. Cam is a widower with painful secrets of his own, and when he must temporarily care for his fourteen-year-old niece, he needs Rachel’s practical help and advice. Their friendship deepens into romance, but then past secrets come to light, Cam must decide if he will risk his heart and his future to help Rachel rebuild her reputation. Will wounds from the past destroy their fragile relationship, or can their renewed faith—in the Lord and each other—help them build a bright new future together? About the AuthorBestselling Inspirational Romance Author Carrie Turansky writes historical and contemporary novels and novellas set in England and the US. She has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Holt Medallion, and the International Digital Award. Readers say her stories are: "Heartwarming and inspiring! I couldn't put it down!" . . . "Touching love story. It captured me from the first page! Rich characters, beautifully written" . . . "My new favorite author!" ReviewSeeking His Love by Carrie Turansky is a lovely heartwarming romance focused on new beginnings, friendship, and family. This story has a wonderful focus on the arts and theater as well. This story is about overcoming the past and starting over. It is about learning to trust and lean on new friends and the power of family and love. Turansky’s characters are all easily relatable as readers compare what is going on in the story to their own lives. Readers will fall in love with Turansky’s characters and story as they dive into this splendid and encouraging story.
Series: Bayside Treasures Genre: contemporary, romance, love inspired Publisher: Flowing Stream Books Publication date: February 12, 2019 Number of pages: 167 Other books in the series: 2-A Man to Trust (coming September 2019) 3-Snowflake Sweethearts (coming November 2019) A review copy of this book was provided by the author. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
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Abigail by Jess Heileman -- Review
2/27/2019
About the BookFor Abigail Blakeslee, becoming a debutante and entering Society is happening far too quickly. But now, foregoing her first Season has brought an unwanted invitation to join her aunt and cousins for a summer at Timpton House, the large estate of the Stanton family. Reluctantly accepting, Abigail is thrust into the vexing world of social propriety and match making. More vexing still is her cousin’s suitor, the young Timpton heir—Edwin Stanton. Moody and distant at times, remarkably endearing at others, Edwin seems a puzzle she can never solve, but can never quite put away. But then, Abigail has her own secret to hide–her own mystery to conceal. Perhaps such puzzles are better left unsolved, or perhaps love can find a solution. Praise for Abigail I eagerly look forward to more books by this debut author. If you enjoyed Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson, then this is just the book for you. ~Deanna I love a delicious story full of conflicting personalities, hidden secrets, and a budding romance, and this one is just that. I'm quite surprised that Heileman is a debut author, as I found this to be a very entertaining and engaging story. My emotions and attention were held hostage for several hours and I'm looking forward to more stories by this author! ~Katie I love how this story unfolded. Insight came little by little as I came to know the characters more and more. It was perfect. By the end, I really felt like a movie had just played out in my mind and in my heart. The build-up to the romantic, sigh-worthy ending was fantastic. I'm sighing just thinking about it! ~Aimee This is Jess Heileman's first novel, and I am excited for her to write more! Edwin and Abigail were easy to love and cheer for, and there was a host of secondary characters who were also fun to get to know! ~Alisa Abigail sucked me in from the first page and I had a hard time putting it down. A sweet Regency romance with all the back and forth love vs duty inherent in this type of book- which helps make them one of my favorite! The characters are well developed and believable. ~Cheryl-Lynn About the AuthorAuthor Jess Heileman In kindergarten, Jess won a first prize ribbon for her original creation Pigs in Wigs. It was a solid storyline: there was this pig that wore a wig–and it rhymed. Not impressed? Neither were her children when shown the very masterpiece that influenced her to become an author. “You won a ribbon for that?” Yes. Yes, she did. Thankfully, life has since exposed her to a thorough education with its share of awards and accolades–and, more importantly, to the trials and human experiences that form the heart of a storyteller and the substance of great stories. Besides her love of writing, Jess is an avid reader, shameless people observer, international café loiterer, and partially retired photographer. She loves being a mother to five amazing humans and a wife to the greatest man she knows. ExcerptAfter walking through the billiard room, we exited to a sizable corridor with wood archways. “This is where my father’s study is,” Diana said, pausing to knock on a large door. “Should we disturb him in his work?” I whispered. “My father is out today,” she said with a smile. “But Edwin should be here.” The door opened, and Edwin stood glancing tentatively between us. “She hasn’t received a tour yet,” Diana said, answering his unspoken question. “You will show us the study?” Somehow, her request sounded more like a demand. He opened the door wider. “You may come in, though I’m obliged to mention I have an appointment shortly.” Diana sent him a pout. “What dreadful timing. Had I remembered we would have ventured here sooner. Oh well, Edwin, do take over for me until your appointment arrives. I am dreadfully tired from all this walking.” “It’s a study, Diana,” Edwin said with a raise of his brow. “There is little here of interest.” “Perhaps give her a tour of the library then, we hadn’t made it that far yet.” They stared at each other in a silent battle of wills. I shifted awkwardly, deliberating how long it would last, when Edwin finally conceded. “Would you care to see the library, Miss Blakeslee?” I glanced at Diana who nodded her head in encouragement. I’d said I’d have no part in her scheming, but I was now confident whatever her goal was in bringing Edwin and me together, it wouldn’t work. He saw me as a child, a little sister much like herself—though less demanding, I was sure. “Of course,” I said, and he opened the adjoining door that led into the next room, gesturing me inside. The library was filled with books, and it reminded me of the one at Easton Manor with overstuffed shelves, large windows, and numerous seats for reading. I grabbed a thin book off a nearby shelf and held it in my hand. I traced my finger over the title, The Tempest. It had been sometime since I’d picked up a book. Mother taught me to read and had given me the joy of new worlds and unforgettable stories. I’d spent countless afternoons tucked in a chair in our library, unable to stop reading; but when Mother died, I found little delight in anything, including the things she’d taught me to love. “Have you read it?” Edwin asked, peering over my shoulder. “Of course,” I answered, placing it back on the shelf. “And I presume you enjoyed it?” “Very much. I admit I am easily satisfied by a happy ending.” I kept my eyes searching the books, having little desire to receive the look of censure awaiting me. “The Shakespeare writings I enjoy most are those that end well—Twelfth Night, Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Taming of the Shrew—the ones where love is victorious.” “A common idealamong ladies, I believe, and the reason his comedies are so popular.” I turned toward him. “Life has enough of tragedy and grief, is there something wrong with finding satisfaction in love and happy endings?” “There is,” he said. “The harm is believing in something that isn’t real, Miss Blakeslee.” He stepped closer, and my feet faltered. “Love only brings misery. To think otherwise is foolish. You just declared life is full of tragedy—” “And that is why love is needed!” “And that is what love causes.” Neither of us moved and I could feel his warm breath on me. It was only then I realized how close we stood, my neck craning to look up at him, but I had no desire to move away. “You do not understand love then,” I whispered. The resentment in his gaze caught me by surprise. “And you do?” “Love has saved me.” His eyes searched mine. “The love I know has the power to lift and to heal, to see past weakness and turn it to strength.” “Love is fickle and will fail you.” “Never.” I said, shaking my head as tears stung my vision. “I do not know what counterfeit you describe but the love I have found is faithful and unconditional.” He said nothing, and his eyes drifted from mine in contemplation. After taking a deep breath he looked down at me again. He wore the stern expression I knew so well and took a step back. “I hope you are correct in your judgment,” he said with a brisk nod. As he turned from me, I wanted to call out to him, but I was too confused to contrive a response. I followed him to the study in a daze. Edwin positioned himself near the desk with his eyes cast to the floor as Diana glanced between us bewildered. “How is it you’ve found something to quarrel about already? You were in there less than five minutes. Perhaps I should take on the role of mediator instead of chaperon for the two of you.” Neither Edwin nor I smiled. “This will not do. What was the disagreement this time?” “There was not a disagreement,” Edwin said. “Well, at least that is not what caused the discontent.” Curious what the cause had been I glanced in his direction, anxious for him to finish. A knock interrupted his revelation. Diana shot to her feet and reached out her arm toward me. “We will go out the library.” Edwin blocked our retreat. “You are fine to leave out the study door.” He shifted his gaze at the repeated knock. “Come in.” The butler opened the door, his eyes gliding over Diana and me. “The Slytons are here to see you, Mr. Stanton.” “Show them in.” The Slytons? I was familiar with the name, but surely they were not the same as I had known. My heart picked up pace regardless of what I told myself. The door opened again, and a tall, wiry lady accompanied by a shorter, burly man stepped through the door. They were older and somehow uglier, but it was them. My knees nearly gave out, and I tightened my hold on Diana’s arm for support. “Mr. and Mrs. Slyton, I am pleased you finally agreed to make the trip to Timpton. This is my sister, Mrs. Ellis, and our friend, Miss Abigail Blakeslee.” Mrs. Slyton nodded in our direction but abruptly turned her attention back to Edwin. “With such a gracious offer, how could we resist?” Her scratchy voice brought a slew of memories that made my body tremble. I cautiously turned to find Mr. Slyton inspecting me through squinted eyes. Did he recognize me? I hadn’t seen him since I was a little girl, and I hoped the years had done their job adequately enough to disguise me. I lifted my chin, attempting to appear unaffected by his presence and was relieved when Mr. Slyton turned toward Diana, appraising her with the same disgusting grimace he’d given me. I looked to Edwin and found him returning my gaze, a peculiar expression on his features. Edwin moved to my side and placed a firm hand around my waist, guiding me to the door. My ears were ringing, and I was confident he said something to me, but I couldn’t be sure. As we walked from the study, his touch retracted, and Diana took his place, directing me back down the corridor. I was uncertain where I was being led and soon found myself seated in a distantly familiar room. “Bring refreshment at once!” Diana’s voice echoed through my mind. My head was spinning, and I rested it against the chair as my vision faded into blackness. ReviewAbigail by Jess Heileman is a beautiful and captivating regency romance debut that readers will be enthralled with. Heileman has written an engaging and sweet story that will draw readers in from cover to cover. From page one, the story is beautifully layered with splendid characterization, as the main character is filled with plenty of charm and spunk. Readers will fall in love with everything about this book as the story and delectable and swoon worthy romance unfold. Genre: historical, regency, romance Publisher: Vagabond Publishing Publication date: January 18, 2019 Number of pages: 255 A review copy of this book was provided by Clean Wholesome Romance Team, as well as an e-copy purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Tour hosted by Clean Wholesome Romance.
About the BookFrom the Timeless Romance Singles line comes the new novella UPON MY HEART FOREVER by Amber Lynn Perry: Can three days be enough to mend two broken hearts? When Clara Moore learns of her brother's unthinkable scheme--to take her to England and force her into a hasty marriage--she knows she must escape New York. But when she finds out who it is who has accepted the job to take her to Boston, she almost rethinks her own hurried plan. For the handsome man who comes to her aid is none other than Ethan Barrik--her former fiance. He left her heart in shambles six years before. Can she trust him a second time? Ethan Barrik is no stranger to struggle. But tracking the enemy, and war-time spying is nothing to the pain of regret he has endured. Ready at least to leave everything behind, he accepts one last job for a friend, only the discover the person he's really helping is Clara Moore--the woman he still loves. Despite her ire, he knows he must make every attempt to make it right--and hope she will find a way to forgive him and give their love another chance. MORE TIMELESS ROMANCE SINGLES: From Cairo, With Love by Nancy Campbell Allen Sophia's Leap-Year Courtship by Kristin Holt The Matchmaking Game by Donna Hatch Starting Over at Steeple Ridge by Liz Isaacson The Heart Only Grows by Michele Paige Holmes More Trouble in Loveland by Jennifer Peel A Highlander's Hidden Heart by Julie Coulter Bellon A Monumental Love by Susan Aylworth About the AuthorA Pacific Northwest native, Amber Lynn Perry lives in Washington state with her husband and two daughters. She studied humanities at Portland State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree focused on art history. As a homeschooling mom, Amber spends much of her time teaching everything from Shakespeare to science. And now for the cover reveal... |
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