When Evangeline is sent to live in a small mill town in Northern England as a schoolteacher in 1871, she finds herself struggling to fit in with an unfamiliar culture. Raised with the high-class Victorian values and ideals of a sophisticated upbringing, she is unprepared for the poverty she finds in the gritty factory town of Smeatley, where the locals speak with a hard-to-understand Yorkshire accent and struggle to thrive with few resources or opportunities.

Though she has no training as a teacher, she must prove herself successful before her grandfather will release her substantial inheritance to her and allow her to be reunited with her younger sister, the last remaining member of her family after a fever claimed the lives of her parents and brothers.

Evangeline's sudden change in circumstances is complicated when her aunt—a woman who values class distinctions more than her family relationships—forbids her from acknowledging any connection to her or to her grandfather, Mr. Farr—the man who owns nearly the entire town. For the first time in her life, Evangeline is truly alone.

Heartbroken, she turns to the one person in town who has shown her kindness—an Irish brick mason, Dermot, and his son, Ronan. Despite the difference in their classes and backgrounds, Evangeline and Dermot become friends, due in part to her ability to connect with Ronan, whose behavior requires special attention. The boy is uncomfortable around strangers and rarely even speaks to the other children in town. He often fixates on details other people ignore, and he adheres to specific, self-made rules that give his life order and structure; for example, Dermot's coat must be hung on a specific peg next to the door.

Evangeline attempts to prove herself a worthy teacher and earn the respect of her hard-to-understand students. Determined to find a way to introduce them to "proper English" while still honoring their unique language and culture, she enlists the help of a local family to write down familiar stories in the Yorkshire vernacular. Because of her efforts, the students and their families warm to Evangeline and she continues to look for ways to give the children a chance to become more than factory workers in the local cotton mill.

When the town learns of her upper-class status, Evangeline must work twice as hard to win back their trust--especially Dermot's. In the end, Evangeline and Dermot discover that, even though they come from different social spheres, together they can overcome social prejudices, make a positive difference in the lives of even the humblest people, and enjoy the strength that comes when two hearts find each other.

Ashes on the Moor is the inspiring love story of one Victorian woman's courage to fight against all odds, and the man whose quiet strength gives her the confidence to keep trying.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today Bestselling author of witty and charming historical romances, including Foreword Review’s 2013 “IndieFab Book of the Year” gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, as well as 2014 Whitney Award winner for "Best Novel of the Year," Longing for Home: Hope Springs. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor's degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski. 

Sarah is represented by Pam Victorio at D4EO Literary Agency.​

​​GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | AMAZON | WEBSITE

Check out the interview with the author HERE.

As always, from page one, Sarah M. Eden’s story comes to life and her characters pop off the pages in her novel Ashes on the Moore.  This beautiful and enchantingly written story is filled with characters and situations that will make the heart of readers ache.  Real and raw emotions capture the attention of readers as they soak up this intriguing English/Irish intertwined novel.  This novel is one that will cause readers to reflect on their own lives and challenges and remind them to stand strong and true for the things they believe in.  Not only will readers enjoy the sweet and gentle romance, but the wonderful relationship between teacher and student in this lovely story.  Eden has a gorgeous and unique way of writing that causes readers to come back to her stories over and over again.  Readers will definitely not want to miss this beautiful and inspiring historical romantic novel from Sarah M. Eden.
 
Genre: historical, romance
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Publication date: March 6, 2018
Number of pages: 384
 
An ARC review copy of this book was provided by Shadow Mountain Publishing, as well as a final print and Audible copy purchased for review.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Free-spirited Elizabeth Foster turned her back on her father's photography business to pursue musical theater, but a career on the stage remains second to a career behind the camera. The possibility of a one-show contract means she's a few weeks from unemployment forcing her home, and her dreams of pursuing professional photography reemerge. With photography and theater opportunities unfolding before her, Elizabeth faces her biggest challenge yet—listening to her heart. 

Meanwhile, sought-after photographer Ryan Callahan has put his career on hold to help his sister's family, but the promise of a bigger assignment could lure him away so he can begin building a family of his own. With professional opportunities and personal obligations pulling at him, Ryan faces his toughest challenge—balancing family, relationships, and work. 

If given the choice, what dreams would develop for Elizabeth and Ryan? And will they learn to trust each other enough to focus on love?

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Author of inspirational romance, non-fiction, and devotionals. Candee is married to a high school football coach and is the mother of three, including a child with special needs (thus providing inspiration for her first two non-fiction titles).

She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a Double Finalist/Winner in the 2014 ACFW Genesis contest in the short novel category. Her debut novel is releasing in November 2015 from Bling! Romance.

​GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTERST | INSTAGRAM | AMAZON | WEBSITE

Candee Fick has written a beautiful and inspiring story in her novel Focus on Love.  This is a magnificent story about relationships.  It’s about coming to know God and oneself and figuring out what a person really want in life and where he/she truly belong.  It’s about strengthening family and friend relationships, as well as finding true love.  From page one readers will fall in love with the story and the characters in this novel.  Fick has a striking way of writing that draws readers in as they connect with the characters and enjoy the touching and stirring story.  This is a story of raw emotions that readers will not want to put down.
 
Genre: contemporary, romance, Christian
Publisher: Bling! Romance
Publication date: February 13, 2018
Number of pages: 192
 
A review copy of this book was provided by the author’s launch team.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Here is the old cover...

And here is the new...

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Which cover do you prefer?

As much as I like both covers, I am partial to the old one because that is the cover on that was on the book the first time I read it!

​Welcome to the Chasing the Wind blog blitz and giveaway, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Chasing the Wind
Author: Paula Scott
Publisher: West Butte Publishing
Release Date: March 20, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction

A beautiful, half-Indian girl raised by the Californios finds her fate intertwined with an American frontiersman haunted by his past in 1850 California.

As California comes to statehood amidst the madness of the gold rush, Isabella Vasquez must wed a buckskin-clad American who wins her in a card game. Though their union is passionate, Isabella soon finds herself abandoned in a brothel, where she rises to fame as a singer known as the Bluebird. Yet because of her Indian blood, the Bluebird will always be bought and sold in the white man’s world. When more is demanded of the Bluebird than just singing, Isabella flees to Fort Ross in search of her Russian father and her own race of people.

Peter Brondi has battled Indians all his life. The last thing he wants is a half-Indian wife. While taming the West with Kit Carson and John C. Fremont, Peter has fought the Mexican War and lost his beloved fiancée, Maggie, to his half-Indian brother, Paul. To satisfy his father’s dying wish, Peter vows to find his brother and put an end to the hate that’s between them. But when history repeats itself and Paul steals Isabella away, Peter must come to terms with his past and the animosity he holds against all Indians, including his half-brother and the wife he has forsaken.
​
*Chasing the Wind is the final story in the sweeping saga of California Rising, a tale of love, betrayal, and the ties that bind brothers together and California to the nation.

PURCHASE A COPY:
​Goodreads | Amazon

Paula began her writing career as a civilian contracted to write for the United States Air Force’s newspaper and magazines. Later, she wrote feature stories for a daily California newspaper. A fifth generation Californian, Paula’s great great grandmother came to California in a covered wagon and married a California farmer. Paula’s family has been farming ever since. Paula works on her family’s farm, writes historical fiction, and blogs about life, love, and farming at psbicknell.com

CONNECT WITH AUTHOR:
​Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Peter released his own breath. He wished a real minister was here. He had no idea how to seal a vow before God with her.

She stared expectantly at him. With her hair pinned back, at least she looked old enough to be his wife. What if, like Maggie, she died giving birth? He closed his eyes, willing his thoughts into order. He’d learned long ago that worrying about the future only marred the present.

“We don’t have to do this,” she said, mistaking his hesitation.

He opened his eyes. Her gaze was intent on him.

Take care of my lamb.
 
He recognized that voice. It didn’t come from his own thoughts. It sounded just like Jedediah when he read the Bible as they sat beside the fire on cold winter nights.

He realized the words of the Bible had stuck. They’d bur­rowed deep into his heart like an Indian arrow and killed the man he’d once been. He didn’t want to chase the wind any longer. He wanted to make a life with Belle.

​Paula Scott is giving away a signed print copy of Chasing the Wind! (US Only) Void where prohibited by law. Enter via the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

​Rafflecopter Giveaway

​March 28, 2018
Launch @ JustRead
ReadingIsMySuperPower
Remembrancy
She Lives to Read
All-of-a-kind Mom
The Christian Fiction Girl
Robin's Nest
The Mary Reader

March 29, 2018
Singing Librarian Books
Edits and Reviews by Leslie
A Baker's Perspective
Faithfully Bookish
Blooming with Books
Reflections From My Bookshelves
Radiant Light
cherylbbookblog

​March 30, 2018
Fiction Aficionado
Among the Reads
Cafinated Reads

Book Title: The Heart’s Appeal
Author: Jennifer Delamere
Release Date: March 6, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance
Strong-minded and independent, Julia Bernay has come to London to study medicine and become a doctor–a profession that has only just opened up to women. When she witnesses a serious accident, her quick action saves the life of an ambitious young barrister named Michael Stephenson. It’s only later that she learns he could be instrumental in destroying her dreams for the future.
Coming from a family that long ago lost its status, Michael Stephenson has achieved what many would have thought impossible. Hard work and an aptitude for the law have enabled him to regain the path to wealth and recognition. His latest case puts him in the middle of a debate over the future of a women’s medical school. He’s supposed to remain objective, but when the beguiling and determined Julia reappears with an unexpected entreaty, he begins to question what he’s made most important in his life. But Julia may be hiding her own motivations. As the two are tangled into spending more time together, will their own goals be too much to overcome?

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Jennifer Delamere’s debut Victorian romance, An Heiress at Heart, was a 2013 RITA Award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, A Lady Most Lovely, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She’s been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.

​GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTERST | AMAZON | WEBSITE

Power couples?

Perhaps that’s not a concept that initially comes to mind when one thinks of Victorian England! And yet, they did exist. I love to include real people from history in my books, and in The Heart’s Appeal, Julia Bernay meets two inspiring real-life couples who will make a positive impact in her life.

In 1865, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson became the first woman to qualify as a physician in Britain. She did this through a legal loophole, but soon the laws were changed to open the medical field to all women. In 1874, Dr. Anderson co-founded the London School of Medicine for Women. She remained involved in the school in various capacities for the rest of her life, even as she continued to run her own busy practice. In The Heart’s Appeal, she becomes a mentor for Julia, opening doors for her education and introducing Julia to people who can help her succeed in medical school.

Dr. Anderson’s husband, James Anderson (Jamie), was the joint-owner of a successful shipping line and also served on the boards of several organizations (including a children’s hospital). He was a handsome man, very much in love with his wife, and fervent in supporting her choice of a career.

In a letter he wrote to her while they were engaged, Jamie explained his vision for their future—how they could keep their professional and private lives separate, yet still give each other plenty of love and support:

“I think we had better lay it down once for all as a rule that I am under no circumstances to bring people ‘favorably under your notice’ or ‘exert any influence’ or anything of the sort. It will give people a wrong idea of you unless I take a decided line in this matter — and as I mean to be if I can a successful man of business, neither interfering with your pursuits nor being interfered with by you (but having our confidences on all feasible subjects at off times of the day and week and mutually advising and fortifying one another), I must let people know unmistakably not to come bothering me about your public affairs. Will you think about this, dearest?”

Who couldn’t love a man like that?

Jamie Anderson’s outlook on life comes into play later on in The Heart’s Appeal, when he provides advice and aid to Michael Stephenson, the book’s hero, at a critical time.

Julia also has an inspiring encounter with Dr. Anderson’s sister, Millicent Fawcett. Millicent was married to a Member of Parliament and actively supported her husband’s career in many ways, including acting as a scribe for him since he was blind. She is most remembered for her role in the women’s suffrage movement. In fact, a statue of her will be placed in Parliament Square in London this summer. She was not a militant suffragette, but rather campaigned for suffrage under the banner “Law-Abiding Suffragists.”

Both couples raised families, too, and their children’s successes in life show they were raised to have the same energetic and “can-do” attitudes that their parents had.
​
Julia initially believes she must remain single to achieve her life’s goals. But soon she finds her heart drawn to successful barrister Michael Stephenson, who admires Julia’s intelligence and ambition. She learns that love and the freedom to pursue her dreams do not have to be mutually exclusive. A meeting of minds to spark a true romance? Yes, please! I hope readers will agree this can be the most satisfying of all.

In book two of her London Beginnings series, The Heart’s Appeal, author Jennifer Delamere brings to life the idea of the contrast of various societies in the Victorian era.  This book shows of new opportunities for women and the strength and determination these women have to work hard and get what they want.  From page one Delamere’s story will not only inspire, but capture the attention and heart of its readers.  With enjoyable and relatable characters and beautiful historic details, this novel is one that readers will not definitely not be able to put down.
 
Series: London Beginnings
Genre: historical, romance, Victorian, Christian
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication date: March 6, 2018
Number of pages: 384
 
A review copy of this book was provided by CelebrateLit.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away a grand prize package of that includes All four March Bethany House historical releases (The Heart’s Appeal, plus A Most Noble Heir by Susan Anne Mason, A Chance at Forever by Melissa Jagears, In Places Hidden by Tracie Peterson) and a $20 Starbucks gift card!!
​
Click HERE to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! 

​Reading Is My SuperPower, March 22
Inspiration Clothesline, March 22
Texas Book-aholic, March 22
A Greater Yes, March 23
Among the Reads, March 23
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, March 23
Splashes of Joy, March 23
Fiction Aficionado, March 24
History, Mystery & Faith, March 24
Red Headed Book Lady, March 24
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 24
The Power of Words, March 25
Mary Hake, March 25
Remembrancy, March 25
Janices book reviews, March 25
Cordially, Barbara, March 26
Genesis 5020, March 26
Moments Dipped in Ink, March 26
Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 26
Kat’s Corner Books, March 27
The Fizzy Pop Collection, March 27
Maureen’s Musings, March 27
Carpe Diem, March 27
Reflections From My Bookshelves, March 28
Seasons of opportunities, March 28
Singing Librarian Books, March 28
A Baker’s Perspective, March 28
Baker Kella, March 29
All-of-a-kind Mom, March 29
Inklings and Notions, March 29
Simple Harvest Reads, March 29 (Guest post from Mindy)
Pause for Tales, March 30
Cafinated Reads, March 30
Have A Wonderful Day, March 30
Pursuing Stacie, March 30
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 31
Connie’s History Classroom, March 31
Book by Book, March 31
Bigreadersite, March 31
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, April 1
Neverending Stories, April 1
Ladybug Chronicles, April 1
Smiling Book Reviews, April 2
Two Points of Interest, April 2
Vicky Sluiter, April 2
Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, April 3
proud to be an autism mom, April 3
Bibliophile Reviews, April 3
Karen Sue Hadley, April 4
Live Love Read, April 4
Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 4
Faery Tales Are Real, April 4

Welcome to 'Perfect for the Preacher' blog blitz and giveaway, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: “Perfect for the Preacher”, The Mail-Order Brides Collection
Author: Megan Besing
Publisher: Barbour Books
Release Date: February 1, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction
​
What kind of woman would answer an advertisement and marry a stranger?
Escape into the history of the American West along with nine couples whose relationships begin with advertisements for mail-order brides. Placing their dreams for new beginnings in the hands of a stranger, will each bride be disappointed, or will some find true love?
Perfect for the Preacher by Megan Besing
1897, Indiana
Fresh from seminary, Amos Lowry believes marriage will prove to his skeptical congregation that he’s mature. If only his mail-order bride wasn’t an ex-saloon girl, or worse, pregnant.
Also includes novellas from Noelle Marchand, Donna Schlachter, Sherri Shackelford, Michelle Shocklee, Ann Shorey, Liz Tolsma, Jennifer Uhlarik and Kathleen Y’Barbo.

​PURCHASE A COPY:
​Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository

Megan Besing adores reading, writing, and reviewing stories with happily-ever-afters. She’s received many awards, including being a multi-category finalist in ACFW’s Genesis and a winner of MCRW’s Melody of Love contest. Her debut Perfect for the Preacher released February 2018 in Barbour’s Mail-Order Brides Novella Collection.
​
She lives in Indiana with her husband and their children, where she dreams of the beach and drinks way too many Vanilla Cokes.

​CONNECT WITH AUTHOR:
​Website | Facebook | Twitter

Amos closed his mouth and shook his head. His Sophie…a…he reached for his tie, but it wasn’t there. He hadn’t worn one since Sophie told him her pastor T hadn’t. Something must be hindering his ability to breathe. He loosened his collar.
It didn’t help.
“If what Hanson says is true, then Pastor Amos can order himself a new bride from the other applicants he received. It’s not his fault this woman was a—a…well, you know.” The pianist’s husband squared his shoulders. “Pastor Amos shouldn’t be tarnished because of that woman. I still vote to keep him on as a candidate.”
“Agreed. His sermons are quicker than Pastor Gable’s ever were.” Someone said from the fourth row. “I’ve not fallen asleep once during Pastor Amos’s.”
The shortest man in Hilltop’s congregation raised his hand. It almost cleared the top of William’s head. “I have a cousin twice removed on the other side of the river. She’s a good church girl. She’s not too old for Pastor Amos.” His voice deep and low, a contradiction to his short statue. “Not if he hurries.”
Amos slid his knuckles down his thighs. Pauline had been a good churchgoing girl, too, and look where that led him. Not that it mattered. He was not going to choose a new bride. He wanted Sophie. God had sent her to him.

​Launch @ JustRead
ReadingIsMySuperPower
Remembrancy
By The Book
Singing Librarian Books
Fiction Aficionado
Book by Book
Faithfully Bookish
Ponderings of a Poet & Procrastinator
The Christian Fiction Girl
Heidi Reads...
Meagan Davenport
A Baker's Perspective
cherylbbookblog
Bookworm Mama
She Lives to Read
 

Emma Holland is almost finished with the renovation of The Brown Bear Lodge nestled just off the Pacific Coast 101 Highway in picturesque Justin Harbor, Oregon. Being a business owner in a small town isn’t easy, but Emma’s got more than enough determination—not to mention an excellent eye for interior design. There’s only one problem. One of her first guests of the season is someone she hoped she’d never see again. 

As a famous landscape photographer, Connor Pearson has traveled far and wide following his dreams at the cost of losing his first love. Now, back in Justin Harbor, Connor is looking for more than just a place to stay. He’s looking for himself. 

As Emma and Connor rediscover their lost friendship and seek to find common ground in the present, Connor feels the tug of his small town roots. Is it possible that a man who’s traveled the world could find his home where his dreams began? Can Emma come to terms with the fact that self-reliance isn’t all it’s cracked up to be? Will their bonds from the past weather the storms of the present? 

As Easy as Riding a Bike will introduce you to the salty air and calming waters of Justin Harbor, the first novella in a series featuring small town women business owners.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Annabell “Bell” Renshaw has always loved books and the power of a good story. She turned those passions toward writing at an early age, finding solace and adventure in made-up worlds when her mother would read to her as a kid. She’s grown up now, but still finds herself lost in those worlds. She believes in the power of a happy ending and the fact that--no matter what--love will always find a home.

​GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | AMAZON | WEBSITE

Bell Renshaw has written a sweet contemporary romance novella that will capture the heart of its readers from the first page.  The characters spring to life from the pages as readers come to know them and their stories.  This is a sweet home town and rekindling an old romance story that readers will thoroughly enjoy!  Readers will not want to miss book one in the Justin Harbor novella series.
 
Series: Justin Harbor
Genre: contemporary, romance, short story, novella
Publisher: Pine Mountain Publishing
Publication date: February 14, 2018
Number of pages: 115
 
Other books in the series:
2-The Perfect Christmas (December 2018)
 
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.

USA Today bestselling author Heather B. Moore welcomes you to Pine Valley:

WORTH THE RISK is Alicia and Jeff's Story

When Alicia moves back to Pine Valley to help her mom through a serious addiction, the last person she wants to see is her teenage crush, Jeff Finch, who destroyed their friendship in one single disastrous night. But Alicia is determined to not let anything about Jeff affect her, especially since she hasn’t seen him in ten years. All she knows is that he’s living a successful and charmed life, and she is more than happy to keep anything between them in the past. But when he shows up with a date at the restaurant where she works, Alicia realizes she’s still not over her feelings, and Jeff is definitely looking at her in a way he never has before. 

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author, with a dozen historical written under the pen name H.B. Moore. Latest is Slave Queen (Thomas & Mercer). Under Heather B. Moore she writes romance and women’s fiction and inspirational non-fiction, latest is Condemn Me Not: Accused of Witchcraft. Her various author names can be confusing so her kids just call her Mom.

Worth the Risk, book one in Heather B. Moore’s Pine Valley series, is a sweet contemporary romance novel that readers will love.  It’s about overcoming mistakes in relationships, including family and romantic.  It has a focus on these family and friend turned romantic relationships and how to forgive and makeup and make them stronger.  Moore brings to life the character of her story in a fun and engaging way, keeping the attention of her readers throughout the story.  Readers will easily fall in love with and relate with the characters and situations in the story.  Readers will not want to miss this enjoyable and sweet romantic story from acclaimed author Heather B. Moore.
 
Series: Pine Valley
Genre: contemporary, romance
Publisher: Mirror Press
Publication date: February 14, 2018
Number of pages: 230
 
Other books in the series:
2-Where I Belong (April 2018)
3-Say You Love Me (May 2018)
 
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.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

​​What are you reading?  What is your first line?
​Open the book nearest you and post the first line in the comments below...

Then head on over to Hoarding Books and link up!
And then hop around the linky.