About the Book Meeting your birth family is nerve-racking. So, it’s helpful when tall, dark, and lovable shows up to hold your hand. Coco had never planned to find her birth parents. But when Jude finds her—confessing that he knows her birth mother and he wants to set up a meeting, it’s suddenly all she can think about. Okay… maybe not all she’s thinking about. The messenger, Mr. Jude Taylor, himself, is pretty difficult to get off the brain. Still, Coco’s working on becoming a partner at her clinic. She’s got friends and clients and a life—she can’t just pick up and leave. Can she? Jude has enough on his plate—single dad, crazy ex, boring job. Yep—he’s got plenty to take up his time. But when his best friend’s mom asks him to do her a favor, he knows he’ll come to the rescue. Lucy has always been like another mom to him—often more supportive than his own mother. The only problem—Lucy’s favor is a big one. He isn’t running to the store to pick up groceries, but flying one thousand miles to find a stranger and inform her that he happens to know who her birth mother is. That’s a big ask. Like a huge ask. What about his job? What about his daughter? It’s too much. So—of course he’ll do it. Yep, he’s the best… or maybe he’s just a sucker who can’t say no to Lucy Bailey. But Jude is logical and organized. He’s got a plan. He can get this job done in less than a day. Or at least he could if Coco would follow along with the plan. It also isn’t helpful that somehow this girl, Lucy’s daughter is sending sparks throughout his sparkless body and forget tugging, Coco is the commander in control of Jude’s heartstrings. But Jude has a daughter to consider and Coco has an entire family to get to know. This isn’t the right time or the right place to fall in love. Too bad his heart isn’t listening to logic. About the Author Jen Atkinson has been dreaming up love stories and writing them down since she learned her ABCs in elementary school. While Jen has written a variety of genres, from romantic suspense to laugh out loud romcoms, all of her novels contain three things: a love story, a happily ever after, and all are sweet, closed-door reads! If you want to feel all the feels and get a little light head from swooning over cinnamon roll heroes grab one of Jen's books. When she isn't writing... or editing... or creating fun graphics about books to share online, Jen is dating her husband, hanging out with her children, and teaching elementary kids. ReviewAnother adorable story in the Insta series. Author Jen Atkinson has written a charming story that, as the title indicates, focuses on family and the importance of family. Family comes in all types of shapes and sizes and forms. This story covers topics of adoption, rejection, friendship to more, and finding the acceptance of a true family. Atkinson has written a story that will capture the heart of her readers. This is an excellent addition to the Insta Series. Readers will adore learning more about Coco and her life as a veterinarian, as well as her adoption story and meeting her birth mother. The sweetest story that readers will not want to miss out on. Series: The Insta Series Genre: contemporary, romance Publisher: Indie Publication date: September 29 Number of pages: 318 Other books in the series: 1-{Insta} Boyfriend 2-{Insta} Connection 3-{Insta} Kiss 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 In a battle of torpedoes, depth charges, and secret codes, nothing is as vulnerable as the human heart. 1940: Austrian refugee Karl Lang has lost everything―his country, his home, and his family. All that is left to him is a burning ambition to see the Nazis defeated. Desperate for work and a way to help the war effort, he finds the one place that will take a refugee like him: a supply steamer traversing a deadly path past enemy U-boats. Since their first meeting, Millie Stevens has felt an undeniable connection to Karl. As the war rages, she shares his determination to oppose the Nazis and finds work at the British codebreaking center at Bletchley Park. There she uses all her intellect and determination to break German codes and read U-boat transmissions―or risk losing the man she loves. Rolf Denhart will do anything to defend the Fatherland, including long patrols in a cramped U-boat. But rumors from Germany leave him uneasy, forcing a choice between loyalty to his homeland, the safety of his family, and his peace of conscience. In the midst of war, three lives are woven together to create an epic tapestry of love and loss, joy and pain, sacrifice and courage. About the Author A. L. Sowards is the author of multiple historical fiction novels, with settings spanning the globe from the fourteenth to twentieth centuries. Her stories have become Whitney Finalists and won a Whitney Award, reached the number one spot across multiple Amazon categories, received praise from the Historical Novel Society, and been loved by readers from a variety of backgrounds. She has called both Washington State and Utah home, and is now in the process of adding Alaska to the list. She enjoys hiking and swimming, usually manages to keep up with the laundry, and loves it when someone else cooks dinner. She lives with her husband, three children, and an ever-growing library. ReviewWow! Author A.L. Sowards has written an emotional rollercoaster of a story in her book Codes of Courage. It is both captivating and devastating with WWII being at the forefront of the story. Life is hard and then a war is thrown in the mix. It makes for a beautifully tragic life and love story. As always, Sowards will capture the attention of her readers with her beautiful storytelling and easily relate to characters. This incredible story shows characters from both sides of the war, bringing to life truths that are heart wrenching and heartbreaking. This story is about those heroes that helped break codes to help win the war and who helped trying to solve the enigma machine. A captivating and suspenseful story that will capture the heart of readers and they will not want to put it down. Savoring their feelings long after the turn of the last page.
Series: Falcon Point Historical Genre: historical, suspense, romance, WWII Publisher: Covenant Communications Publication date: October 10, 2023 Number of pages: 435 Other books in the series: 0-Heirs of Falcon Point 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 Missy Hanson never dreamed of falling in love and living happily ever after. In fact, she doesn’t know what she wants to do after she graduates from college; nevertheless, she’s content working as a journalist for her local newspaper and assisting at her aunt’s California bakery. When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity emerges for her to visit the southeast Asian country of Andelar, Missy is thrown into the world of royalty as the special guest of the king and queen—and it’s clear she doesn’t belong, despite her family ties to the area. But the royal family isn’t without its mysteries. Rumors abound that a secret prince is hiding amid Andelar’s society, and Missy is determined to find out who he is. Aiden Waverly never wanted a crown or a title. He craves a normal life, but being a secret prince of biracial background is difficult enough and would create chaos amid the tabloids if the press learned about his parentage. After years of traveling the world to help those in the greatest of need, he’s faced with a life-altering decision: take his place as crown prince or walk away as a commoner. With no clear path that will satisfy him and the royal family, the tug between following his heart and doing his duty to Andelar becomes harder every day. When a chance encounter throws Missy and Aiden together, neither of them are prepared to challenge what they thought they knew about themselves. And when an ancient royal law threatens to tear them apart, they must decide how much they are willing to risk for love. About the Author Joy Crain was born in Guangdong Province, China, where she lived with her American adoptive parents. Born with a vivid imagination and a love for books and storytelling, Joy started writing her own stories around the age of 13, and the journey continued from there. Currently, Joy lives in China, where she spends her time teaching English and pursuing her passion for writing. ReviewAuthor Joy Crain has written an absolutely stunning debut novel in The Cost of the Crown. Readers will immediately fall in love with the fictional island of Andelar, along with the diverse characters and their stories of heartache, spiritual and personal growth, and forgiveness. And the combination of Asian heritage wrapped up with a royal romance is absolutely delightful. This is a feel-good romance that is heartwarming and enchanting. This story will greatly appeal to readers who enjoy royal romances such as The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot, Royally (Re)Arranged by Emma St. Clair, or Heart of a Royal by Hannah Currie. A charming story that readers will not want to miss!
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 Love’s gentle promise becomes nothing more than a withered dream. With dreams of love and a hope for belonging, shy Belle Parish leaves her position as a maid in Charleston to travel to New Mexico with her best friend to become mail-order brides. Colt Lawson’s letters hold great promise and while his devilishly handsome face matches his picture, something does not add up. Discovering his lie only moments before they wed, Belle flees the church and straight into the Castañeda Hotel Harvey House. Giving up the prospect on ever marrying, she dons her nun-like uniform and focuses on her role as a Harvey Girl waitress until a strong Texas Ranger rides into her life. Colt Lawson didn’t want to send that letter to Belle Parish in the first place, but her first response had all but captured his heart. When he is left standing at the altar alone, he is left with two choices—either release his dream of a love marriage, or attempt to win her heart. Wooing her would be a lot easier if that Texas Ranger wasn’t back in town. Who wants a dusty rancher with a past when she could have a shining knight in a Stetson? About the Author Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in the New Orleans area with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com. ReviewAuthor Grace Hitchcock has written another charming Harvey Girl Western that readers will absolutely adore. With a slight Cinderella vibe, Hitchcock brings to life the story of a young woman who runs away from home by heading west as a mail order bride. But the man doesn’t work out like she expects and so she becomes a Harvey Girl instead. But things are not quite as they seem. A story filled with outlaws, adventure, friendship, finding oneself, and an unexpected romance, readers, Hitchcock does not disappoint and readers will thoroughly enjoy this exciting story.
Series: Aprons & Veils Genre: historical, romance, Harvey Girls Publisher: Valmont House Publishers Publication date: May 31, 2023 Number of pages: 275 Content warning: just kissing; mild moments of danger/peril/shooting Other books in the series: 1-The Finding of Miss Fairfield 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. The Secrets Beneath (Treasures of the Earth #1) by Kimberley Woodhouse -- Blog Tour Review
10/10/2023
About the Book Some secrets can only stay buried for so long. . . . Anna Lakeman has spent her life working alongside her paleontologist father, drawing intricate sketches at every dig. When they find dinosaur bones near their home in Wyoming Territory, they're given the opportunity of a lifetime and are swiftly caught up in the competitive era of the Bone Wars. But after her father becomes sick and Joshua Ziegler, an old beau, returns for the summer, Anna's world is upended, and the practical, orderly life she has made for herself shatters. Medical student Joshua Ziegler left his hometown to forget Anna, the one woman he truly loved and deeply hurt. But when he returns, time hasn't erased the feelings they've always had for each other. After Joshua's nephew goes missing—just like his sister did years ago—and Anna's job is threatened, tensions mount and dangerous secrets are unearthed. About the Author Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 30 fiction and nonfiction books. Kim and her incredible husband of 30-plus years live in Colorado, where they play golf together, spend time with their kids and grandbaby, and research all the history around them. ReviewAuthor Kimberley Woodhouse has written a captivating new story that is an excellent beginning to a new series. This story is filled with adventure and a touch of chilling mystery, as well as focuses on faith and forgiveness and the possibility of a second chance romance. A fabulous historical novel that delves into the life of a paleontologist and his daughter during the time of the Bone Wars or the Great Dinosaur Rush. Readers will be entranced with the historical details and romance of this delightful story. Another Woodhouse story that readers will not want to put down. Series: Treasures of the Earth Genre: historical, romance, Christian Publisher: Bethany House Publication date: September 23, 2023 Number of pages: 336 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 Four royals. Three countries. Two wars. One prophecy. The Heir. Princess Elea should be the Queen of Urka, but her uncle usurped the throne while she was away in Sania. Is her small goddess gift enough to fullfill an ancient prophecy and save her throne? The Spare. Princess Nora takes her cousin Elea’s place when they are captured by Captain Batard, the illegitimate son of the King of Kaul. She has been blessed with the strength of ten men, but can she survive? The Captain. Gerard has known no home but the sea. His mother abandoned him and his royal relatives refuses to acknowledge him. He is nearly killed by one princess and gives his heart to the other. The King. Matteo is the new King of Sania. He is willing to go to war to save the princess he loves, even if he doesn’t know her true feelings for him. About the Author Samantha Hastings met her husband in a turkey sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her four kids. She has degrees from Brigham Young University, University of North Texas, and University of Reading (UK). She's the author of: The Last Word, The Invention of Sophie Carter, A Royal Christmas Quandary, The Girl with the Golden Eyes, Jane Austen Trivia, The Duchess Contract, Secret of the Sonnets, The Marquess and the Runaway Lady, and A Novel Disguise. She also writes cozy murder mysteries under Samantha Larsen. Excerpt“Taking a peek at your purple-haired princess?” Xavier teased, elbowing Matteo in the ribcage. Wincing, Matteo felt blood rush to his face. He had been caught watching her windows and balcony, hoping for a first glimpse of his wife. “You would be too, if you had been married by proxy to a complete stranger.” “Not a stranger, a princess,” his best friend said, a smile still on his taunting lips. “And not just any princess, an Urkan princess reported to have magical powers.” Matteo shook his head. He didn’t believe in goddesses, prophecies, or any sort of magic. They were made up stories to make naughty children behave. Xavier put a large hand on Matteo’s coarse curls and ruffled them. “If you’re so sure, why don’t you go into her courtyard and see for yourself?” Matteo elbowed his friend again in the ribs to get him off. “Send one of your bloody birds to spy on her.” A crow as black as his hair, flew onto Xavier’s shoulder and he lightly petted its feathers. His friend had an unnatural affinity to winged creatures and used them as couriers in their spy network. No matter where they were sent, the birds always came back to Xavier. “There, there. He didn’t mean it, Precious. Matteo is simply too chicken to do it himself.” The last time he’d taken one of Xavier’s dares, he’d ended up with a broken arm. Still, he wanted to see Princess Eleanora so badly that his hands were shaking and he felt light-headed. Was she beautiful? Sweet? Kind? Pleasant company? “Would you like me to fetch some of your poems to read to her?” Xavier teased. “I’m sure she’ll be unable to resist your hand-written verses.” Matteo hushed Xavier, before removing the sword at his waist. “Fine. I’ll do it. No mention of poetry.” Xavier laughed loudly, echoing like a cricket in the night. “Good idea. After she hears your terrible poetry, she might prefer me.” They were both twenty-four years old. His friend was slightly shorter than him and had a lighter shade of brown skin. Xavier was handsome with sea green eyes, a nose with a bump in the middle, and thick lips. Matteo was taller, darker skinned, stronger, and his features were more classical. But neither had any difficulty finding young ladies to flirt with. He gave his friend one last shove. “She would be the first woman to do so.” “Nonsense,” Xavier said, striking a pose, the crow still perched on his shoulder. Ignoring him, Matteo climbed over the wall to her private courtyard. Which was a stupid idea, he thought, as his feet hit the grass. The lanterns in the pointed arch windows bathed the square in a soft light. But there was no one in sight. Not the princess or her companion; she was a cousin or something. He was about to turn around and scramble back over the wall, when he was tackled from behind. Matteo fell on his face and ate a mouthful of grass. Winded and embarrassed, he rolled over to his back. Once the guard saw his face, there would be an apology. Except the attacker wasn’t a guard. It was a woman and she sat down hard on his chest, knocking the wind out of him for a second time. With one arm, she pinned his two hands to the ground and with the other she held a silver dagger at his throat. He knew he ought to be afraid, the dagger was sharp against his neck, but he wasn’t. He was fascinated. Even in the dim light of the courtyard, he could see that her hair truly was purple. Her face was all sharp lines, from her cheekbones to her chin, and her pale skin was covered in tiny brown freckles. Her eyes shined like blue gems and were circled in black. It should have made her look fierce, but they accentuated her beauty. “Who are you and why were you spying on us?” she demanded, in the high tongue. Her eyes swept his body, making him blush. Matteo was about to answer that he was her husband, but that made him feel like a complete and utter fool. “I meant no harm,” he whispered. It was hard to talk with a sharp object pressing against his Adam’s apple. “I only wanted a glimpse of your beauty.” The fierce princess rolled her jewel-like eyes at him. “The truth, before I gut you like a pig." ReviewAuthor Samantha Hastings has written a fast paced, page turning, fantasy adventure, that readers will be captivated with from the gorgeous cover to the turn of the first page. From the very beginning, Hastings captures the attention of her readers with the unveiling of a bodyguard/decoy princess. Hastings does an excellent job of jumping between the point of view of 4 different characters (Nora, Elea, Matteo, and Gerard), as they help tell the story and move it along. Readers will immerse themselves in this magical story that will keep them wanting more and not wanting it to end. Genre: historical, fantasy Publisher: Scribbling Pens Publication date: October 2, 2023 Number of pages: 314 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. Giveaway Tour Schedule Follow along HERE.
About the Book Two women—a century apart—embark on a journey to healing, faith, forgiveness, and romance. In 2012, art historian Gwen Morris travels to England's Lake District to appraise the paintings and antiques of an old family friend, hoping to prove herself to her prestigious grandfather. While at Longdale Manor, she meets David Bradford--the owner's handsome grandson--who is desperate to save the crumbling estate by turning it into a luxury hotel. When Gwen stumbles upon a one-hundred-year-old journal and an intricately carved shepherd's staff similar to one in a photo of her parents, she's left searching for answers. In 1912, after her father's death, Charlotte Harper uncovers a painful family secret she can only confess to her journal. She and her family travel to the Lake District to stay on a sheep farm, hoping eventually to find a home with Charlotte's grandfather at Longdale Manor, but old wounds and bitter regrets make it a difficult challenge. As Charlotte grows closer to shepherd Ian Storey and rebuilds her shattered faith, she must decide whether she will ever trust in love again. About the Author Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of twenty-one inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She loves traveling to England to research her Edwardian novels, including No Journey Too Far, No Ocean Too Wide, Across the Blue, and the Edwardian Brides series. Her novels have been translated into several languages and have received starred reviews from Christianbook.com and Library Journal. ReviewCarrie Turansky has written a fantastic dual timeline standalone story about two women centuries apart -- Charlotte Harper and shepherd Ian Story in 1912 and art historian Gwen Monroe and estate owner David Bradley in 2012. This story is about having a strong faith, but also forgiveness and reconciliation and the importance of family and true love. Readers will love the backdrop of the English countryside in the Lake District, as well as the come to know and adore the characters from both storylines in this beloved book. This story is one that will speak to readers that also enjoy All Creatures Great and Small. Another spell-binding tale from a talented and beloved author. Genre: historical, contemporary, romance, dual timeline Publisher: Bethany House Publication date: September 26, 2023 Number of pages: 351 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 River pirates, a stolen steamboat, and a deadly chase down the Mississippi—but falling in love might be the real adventure. When river pirates attack and steal his steamboat, Emmett Carter barely escapes. Rescued and transported to a magnificent world of glitz and showbiz aboard a flashy showboat, Emmett is immediately captivated by something more than recovering his lost inheritance--The River Queen’s beautiful, but quirky, songbird. Anola Flynn, the star singer on The River Queen, is struggling to keep the business running as attendance dwindles during the 1923 season. With her dreams of saving the family legacy—and the only life she’s ever known—slipping away, she forges an alliance with Emmett to keep her family afloat. Now, to outsmart the gangsters chasing them, Anola and Emmett must wade through a dark current of deception and betrayal to save not only their dreams, but everyone they care about, from sinking deeper into the Mississippi River. About the Author Stephenia H. McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook. For more on books and upcoming events and to connect with Stephenia, visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com. ReviewA charming show boat, pirates, gangsters, smugglers, intrigue, adventure, old mystery, and romance all in the roaring 20’s, Stephenia H. McGee has written a delightful story along the Mississippi that readers will absolutely adore. Readers who enjoy old musicals such as Show Boat, will especially love this fabulous story. Another excellent story with well developed characters, a well-written and engaging storyline, and plenty of excitement and sweet romance. Readers will not want to miss this loveable story! Series: River Romances Genre: historical, romance Publisher: The Vine Press Publication date: October 10, 2023 Number of pages: 352 Other books in the series: 2-Moonlight on the Mississippi (coming May 2024) 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. Giveaway Enter the giveaway HERE.
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