About the Book
Penelope Beatty made up her mind long ago she would live and die a Scottish warrior not a wife. But when nearly all her clan is killed and she is betrayed, she loathes doing the unthinkable, but must seek the help of an Englishman who owed her father’s his life.
Thomas Godfrey never married, but when a Scottish warrior lass shows up needing his aid, he finds her both annoying and irresistible. But the last thing he wants is to marry a woman who fights alongside him. If he was going to marry—which he isn’t—it would be to a soft, submissive woman. But when the Lady Brithwin meets the Scottish lass, she’s sure she’s found the perfect match for Thomas and nothing is going to stop her from seeing a summer wedding. About the Author
​Debbie Lynne Costello has enjoyed writing stories since she was eight years old. She raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories that had been begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and live in upstate South Carolina. She has worked in many capacities in her church and is currently the Children's Director. Debbie Lynne has shown and raised Shetland Sheepdogs for eighteen years and still enjoys litters now and then. In their spare time, she and her husband take pleasure in camping and riding their Arabian and Tennessee Walking horses.
Author Interview
​Check out the interview with the author HERE.
Character Spotlight
Meet the characters in the story, Thomas and Penelope, HERE.
Review
From page one readers will be sucked into the story of Debbie Lynne Costello’s Sword of the Matchmaker novella. This story is about an unlikely love story between a head strong female Scottish warrior, Penelope, and an Englishman, Thomas. It discusses the personal battle within that each has with falling in love and how in the end love concurs all. A enjoyable, quick historical read, this is one that historical fiction readers will thoroughly enjoy.
Genre: novella, historical, romance Publisher: Forget Me Not Romance, a division of Winged Publications Publication date: April 28, 2017 Number of pages: 83 A review copy of this novella was gifted by the author via Amazon. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Giveaway
Debbie Lynne Costello is giving away a copy of Sword of the Matchmaker (if you have purchased the book you can choose one of her other books). Leave a comment or answer one of the questions asked or ask Debbie a question to be entered.
PLUS Don’t forget to enter in the rafflecopter, too! There will be lots of ways to earn points. I’ll be giving away a kindle fire with Sword of the Matchmaker, $15 Amazon gift card and much more!  Today's book hangover is... True to You by Becky Wade This is book one in the Bradford Sisters Series. This is a fantastic contemporary romance novel. It is about a red headed, bookworm, geneology librarian. So I can totally relate and I totally LOVED Nora the main character. And of course there is plenty of swoon worthy romance going on! Check out the other books in the series HERE. Check out my review HERE (and enter the the LitFuse giveaway). About the Book After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now. Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he’s diagnosed with an inherited condition, he’s forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother. The more time they spend together, the more this pair of opposites suspects they just might be a perfect match. However, John’s already dating someone and Nora’s not sure she’s ready to trade her crushes on fictional heroes for the risks of a real relationship. Finding the answers they’re seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another. About the Author Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market, took time off to raise her children, then felt God nudging her to pursue contemporary Christian fiction. Becky is the Carol Award-, INSPY Award-, and International Reader’s Choice Award-winning author of the Porter Family Novels. A Snippet from the Book...Finding oneself at the mercy of a crazed gunman isn't all fun and games. Nope, thought Nora Bradford. Not at all. Not even when said gunman was an actor toting a fake gun and you'd volunteered your time to play the role of hostage for noble reasons. What are you currently reading? What is your most recent book hangover? About the Author Brandy Bruce is a mother, a wife, a book editor, an author, and someone who really loves dessert! After working as an editor for a traditional publishing house for more than a decade, Brandy transitioned to freelance editing. She's the author of Looks Like Love, The Romano Family Collection, and soon-to-be-released The Last Summer. Originally from Texas, Brandy and her husband now make their home in Colorado with their three children. She's active online and you can contact her through her blog. Or find her on Twitter or Instagram. Author InterviewCheck out the interview with the author HERE. And now for the cover reveal...  Looks like a fantastic summer read to me!!!Character Spotlight--Meet Thomas and Penelope from Sword of the Matchmakerby Debbie Lynne Costello
5/30/2017
About the Book
Penelope Beatty made up her mind long ago she would live and die a Scottish warrior not a wife. But when nearly all her clan is killed and she is betrayed, she loathes doing the unthinkable, but must seek the help of an Englishman who owed her father’s his life.
Thomas Godfrey never married, but when a Scottish warrior lass shows up needing his aid, he finds her both annoying and irresistible. But the last thing he wants is to marry a woman who fights alongside him. If he was going to marry—which he isn’t—it would be to a soft, submissive woman. But when the Lady Brithwin meets the Scottish lass, she’s sure she’s found the perfect match for Thomas and nothing is going to stop her from seeing a summer wedding. About the Author
Debbie Lynne Costello has enjoyed writing stories since she was eight years old. She raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories that had been begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and live in upstate South Carolina. She has worked in many capacities in her church and is currently the Children's Director. Debbie Lynne has shown and raised Shetland Sheepdogs for eighteen years and still enjoys litters now and then. In their spare time, she
Author Interview
Check out the interview with the author HERE.
Character Sketch
6’1” Englishman, Thomas Godfrey is taller than most of the men he commands. And when he is angry his eyes seem more black than their true dark-brown. His black wavy hair and short mustache and beard only add to his stormy look. But anyone who knows Thomas well knows that he will do anything he can to help a friend or someone in trouble. He gladly spent more years than not protecting his lord’s daughter, Brithwin, from the cruel lord himself. But now, with the old lord gone and Brithwin a married woman, Thomas has settled into life at Hawkwood as Master-of-Arms. The position keeps him busy, training knights and protecting Hawkwood and its people. Marriage sounded grand when he was younger, but the right lady never came around. Now as a thirty-five year old knight, Thomas has no desire to marry. He’s too old to change his ways, and too old to train a wife. What are the chances of finding a lady who is kind, gentle, and submissive?
Hailing from Scotland, Penelope Beatty was young when she decided to be the son her father never had. Her 5’10” height and looking the men in the eye has helped her feel equal to the warriors she’s fought with. She worked hard and learned how to shoot a bow and throw a knife. Her father even had a smaller sword made for her. Determined to make her father proud, Penelope practiced every chance she could and honed her skills until she was a better archer than any of her clan and could throw a knife better than most. She was her father’s delight, and they fought alongside one another. He often told her that with her fire-red curly hair and cinnamon-brown eyes, she was a spitting image of her mother. In her heart that was something she loved to hear, but as a warrior she wanted to forget she was a woman—because when she made the decision to be warrior and put on her breeches and tunic, she also made the decision never to marry. What man would want a twenty-five year old woman like her?
Giveaway Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line! Today I am going to post a line from So Fair a Lady by Amber Lynn Perry. This is book one in the Daughters of His Kingdom Series. So Fair a Lady and the books in this series are Christian, historical romance stories and take place in Colonial America. Book four in the series will be releasing June 20th so check it and the outer books in the series out HERE.  Boston, MA 1773: Shards of Eliza Campbell's life crash to the ground when she discovers a devastating secret: her father was a spy for the Sons of Liberty. Determined to uncover the truth--at any cost--not even a marriage proposal from the dashing British Officer Samuel Martin can dissuade her. When rescued from British capture by handsome patriot Thomas Watson, Eliza discovers what her father risked his life for and yearns to know more. But will her budding attraction to this courageous patriot damage her already wounded heart? After years of being blackmailed by Officer Martin, Thomas plans to start a new life in the small town of Sandwich. However, when his actions place Eliza and her sister in danger, he must act quickly to protect them from falling into enemy hands. If the three of them are discovered, their lives will never be the same. Now, not only must he protect Eliza, he must protect his heart from a love that is sure to wound him far greater than any British soldier ever could. My first line: Boston, 1773 Don't leave us, Father, we need you! What are you reading? What is your first line?
Open the book nearest you and post the first line in the comments below... Now head on over and join these lovely ladies in First Line Fridays on their blogs too: Reading is My SuperPower | Bookworm Mama | Faithfully Bookish Radiant Light | Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | All the Book Blog Names are Taken Robin's Nest | Fiction Aficionado | Bibliophile Reviews | Kathleen Denly Lauraine's Notes | With a Joyful Noise | A Baker's Perspective Joy of Reading | C Jane Read | Moments Dipped in Ink (If you’d like to join us on your blog for First Line Fridays, shoot me a message and let me know!) Two Ways Home (Love that Counts #2) by Sondra Kraak -- Book & Character Spotlight + Giveaway
5/25/2017
About the Book
She’s about to lose her home. He never wanted to see his again. And a stalker is staking a claim . . .
Washington, 1892 Mary Smith was never one to back down from a challenge. Her father’s health may be failing, but their dairy farm was her mother’s dream, and Mary will do whatever it takes to keep her father from selling it—even if it means sneaking off to the next town to earn money by playing the piano in a questionable establishment. No one seems to understand why home is so important to her, least of all her childhood nemesis who’s just wandered back into town. When injured Texas Ranger Luke Thomas is forced to return to Pine Creek, Washington, he’s hailed as a hero and thrust into the town’s first race for sheriff. But no one knows the secret he carried to Texas, nor the secret he’s brought home. Setting his perfect aim on returning south, he refuses to get tied down by the town’s admiration, his brother’s disapproval, or the spirited, hardworking dairy girl who’s less annoying than he remembers. But strange things are happening at the Smith dairy and in Pine Creek, and Luke’s instincts tell him Mary is in far more trouble than she realizes. One thing is certain: “home” is about to get more complicated for them both. About the Author
A native of Washington State, Sondra Kraak grew up playing in the rain, hammering out Chopin at the piano, and running up and down the basketball court. Now settled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, blogging about spiritual truths, and writing historical romance set in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She delights in sharing stories that not only entertain but nourish the soul. Her debut novel, One Plus One Equals Trouble, was a Genesis semi-finalist (2015) and the winner of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Unpublished Women’s Fiction Award (2015). Sondra has since published three novels.
Author Interview
Check out the author interview HERE.
Character Spotlight: Luke Thomas
I hope you enjoy getting to know Luke. He’s got a bit of an edge to him, like his counterpart Mary, but that edginess is borne from wounds. Beneath, he’s a protector, a pursuer of peace and justice, and a softy for his sister Grace’s best friend Mary.
Luke can match Mary’s banter comment for comment, as is evident the moment he returns to Pine Creek and they fall back into their usual way of relating to each other (from Mary’s point of view):
Not sure how to respond to Luke’s lingering, she returned to milking. “Did they get tired of your shenanigans and kick you out of the Rangers?” She bit her tongue against the banter that came too easily. Luke shoveled the burnt mess to the side. “A man doesn’t need a reason to come home.” “Calling Pine Creek home.” She smirked. Luke had never been shy about wanting to leave. “There’s something I didn’t expect to come out of your mouth.” “Witty comments. Something I did expect to come out of yours.” Fresh into town, and he was already drawing the snappy from her. Luke settled on the stool in the stall across from her and tossed his hat five feet. It landed on a post, and he winked at her. “I—” “—don’t miss.” She finished the statement with him, words she’d heard him say numerous times, primarily referring to his shot. Here’s a look at Luke’s quirk about handholding and the moment he overcomes it (from his point of view): He laughed, stood, and without much of a second thought, held out his hand. Her gaze traveled from his hand to his eyes and back, questioning. He encouraged her with a nod, and she placed her hand in his. She tried to retrieve her hand after he’d pulled her up, but he kept it tucked in his as he led her toward the gate. He could make it to the gate. A hand was a hand. Five fingers. A palm. Heat washed his face. A man wasn’t supposed to have such a visceral response to something that was nothing more than five fingers and a palm. But it was so much more. He held a part of Mary, and for whatever reason, the joining of their hands felt more intimate than placing his lips on hers. He’d kissed his mother on the cheek, Helen, too. But his hand he’d kept back from others. He passed the gate and kept going down the sloping path with her five fingers wrapped in his five fingers, palm against palm. Something like this should shoot panic through him. It didn’t. She kept pace beside him, letting the distant chopping of wood, the birdsong, and a scampering squirrel provide the noise. When they reached the fork in the road that split to their homes, Luke stopped, stared at the hand in his, told himself the time had come to let go. Mary pulled hers away. Round eyes on his, she stepped back one step, then two. He nodded once, turned, and left, refusing to let his eyes linger on Mary. As for his heart . . . He’d given up telling it where it could or couldn’t linger.
Want to read more? Don’t delay! The $0.99 e-book sale ends tomorrow!
And meet Mary HERE.
Giveaway
Check out some other stops that discuss Two Ways Home...
Katie at Fiction Aficionado (interview, excerpt), Saturday, May 20
Kathleen Denly (game), Monday, May 22 Trisha at Joy of Reading (interview), Monday, May 22 Beth Erin at Faithfully Bookish (setting spotlight), Tuesday, May 23 Jessica at A Baker’s Perspective (spotlight on heroine), Wednesday, May 24 Sydney at Singing Librarian (interview, spotlight on hero), Thursday, May 25
Question: Have you read any of Sondra's books before? If so, what book did you read and what did you like about it? If not, what book of Sondra's interests you the most?
About the Book
Lane Bishop is a hardworking, intelligent, young woman. With her recent move to Chapel Hill, she is determined to leave behind the drama and effort of keeping up with the dating scene. Even so, Lane somehow manages to get dragged out by a gaggle of girls to go watch boys play soccer. Just watching is not Lane’s forte, so she joins in the fun and leads her team to victory.
Rather than feeling intimidated by the vivacious beauty on the opposing team, Jamie Hamilton is intrigued. Risking his “untouchable” dating status, he decides to pursue Lane—with a little help from his older brother Simon. With Simon’s behind-the- scenes assistance, Jamie proves irresistible, even to a disillusioned dater like Lane. But as she gets to know both brothers, Lane can’t help but wonder—beneath the grand gestures and romantic words, is she falling for the wrong guy? About the Author
Jenny Proctor was born in the mountains of Western North Carolina, a place she still resides and considers the loveliest on earth. She hikes to spend time with her family, runs because her love for food requires it, and writes because it keeps her calm in an otherwise crazy world. She believes that life in the south has a certain flair to it--and works to capture that flair in her novels.
Review
Review coming soon...
A print review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
GiveawayTour Schedule
May15th:
http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/ http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/ http://rockinbookreviews.com/ http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/ http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/ May 16th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/ https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/ http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/ http://www.kindleandme.com/ http://empowermoms.net/ May 17th: http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/ http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/ http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/ May 18th: http://www.wishfulendings.com/ http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/ http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/ http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/ http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/ May 19th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/ http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/ http://thethingsilovemost.com/ http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/ http://www.iamareader.com/ http://fireandicereads.com/ 
About the Book After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now. Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he’s diagnosed with an inherited condition, he’s forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother. The more time they spend together, the more this pair of opposites suspects they just might be a perfect match. However, John’s already dating someone and Nora’s not sure she’s ready to trade her crushes on fictional heroes for the risks of a real relationship. Finding the answers they’re seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another. About the Author Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market, took time off to raise her children, then felt God nudging her to pursue contemporary Christian fiction. Becky is the Carol Award-, INSPY Award-, and International Reader’s Choice Award-winning author of the Porter Family Novels. ReviewIn book one of her Bradford Sisters Romance Series, Becky Wade has done it again. Wade has written a charming and delightful story that readers will absolutely love from page one. With a spunky red-headed genealogy librarian and a former Navey SEAL that form an unlikely romance, readers are guaranteed to fall in love with these excellent characters. Not only is this story one that will touch the heart of readers and inspire them, it will cause them to laugh as well. Readers of Wade’s previous stories will not be disappointed with this new novel. In fact, this may be Wade’s best story yet. Series: Bradford Sisters Romance Genre: contemporary, romance, Christian Publisher: Bethany House Publication date: May 2, 2017 Number of pages: 368 Other books in the series: 0.5-Then Came You A review copy of this book was provided by LitFuse. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. GiveawayCelebrate the launch of Becky Wade’s new series by entering to win a fabulous prize pack and $100 cash card!  One grand prize winner will receive:
 Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on May 30. The winner will be announced May 31 on the Litfuse blog.    Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line! Today I am going to post a line from True to You by Becky Wade This is book one in Becky Wade's new series, Bradford Sisters Romance. I am thrilled because the series title mentions "sisters," likely meaning each of the books in this series will be about a different sister. I cannot wait to see what Wade does with this series!!  Exciting Start of a Brand-New Series by a Contemporary Romance Fan Favorite After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now. Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he's diagnosed with an inherited condition, he's forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother. The more time they spend together, the more this pair of opposites suspects they just might be a perfect match. However, John's already dating someone and Nora's not sure she's ready to trade her crushes on fictional heroes for the risks of a real relationship. Finding the answers they're seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another. My first line: Finding oneself at the mercy of a crazed gunman isn't all fun and games. What are you reading? What is your first line?
Open the book nearest you and post the first line in the comments below... Now head on over and join these lovely ladies in First Line Fridays on their blogs too: Reading is My SuperPower | Bookworm Mama | Faithfully Bookish Radiant Light | Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | All the Book Blog Names are Taken Robin's Nest | Fiction Aficionado | Bibliophile Reviews | Kathleen Denly Lauraine's Notes | With a Joyful Noise | A Baker's Perspective Joy of Reading | C Jane Read | Moments Dipped in Ink (If you’d like to join us on your blog for First Line Fridays, shoot me a message and let me know!) 
About the Book
Emily Carter is on the fast track to success when the unthinkable happens: a tragic accident claims the lives of her parents. Now Emily must set aside her dreams and raise her two younger siblings, Annie and Bryce. Emily and Annie are sisters, but that doesn’t mean they are anything alike. Whereas Emily reacts to the tragedy with her characteristic stoic calm, passionate Annie spirals into depression. Just when things seem like they can’t get any more difficult, Emily’s older half-brother and his fiancée arrive not to help, but to claim the family home he’s inherited from their parents. Without a place to call their own, Emily must take action—and fast. When an exciting employment opportunity arises in Utah, the displaced Carters decide to build a new life in a new home. But it soon becomes clear that their future prospects will go far beyond professional, as each sister is faced with an unexpected romance. Yet love is never simple, and in matters of the heart, one sister must proceed with caution while the other needs to take a leap of faith . . .
About the Author
Brittany Larsen may have been raised in the most Republican state in the nation, but she’s too politically fickle to commit to one party, much to the dismay of her firmly Democratic husband, Shawn. Generally, she avoids talking politics with him because she hates to lose. When not writing or avoiding politics, Brittany loves yoga—especially the hot kind—chocolate, tacos, and her three daughters. Not necessarily in that order. She tolerates her dog and running, though at time she loves them both. She lives in Orange County, California.
Review
Review coming soon...
A print review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
GiveawayTour Schedule
May 8th:
http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/ http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/ May 9th: http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/ May 10th: http://www.wishfulendings.com/ http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/ http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/ http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/ http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/ May 11th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/ http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/ http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/ http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/ http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/ May 12th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/ http://www.kindleandme.com/ 
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