About the Book Budding artist May Parker is captivated by the Japanese exhibits at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition and longs to know more about her mother's heritage--which her mother refuses to speak of because of the heartache she left behind in Japan. Wanting to experience more of the exhibits, May works as a Camera Girl--but her curiosity leads her into danger when a suit of samurai armor becomes the target of an elusive art forger. After ten years apart, May is reunited with her childhood friend Lee Munro, a police detective assigned to keep a watchful eye on the exposition. Their friendship immediately begins to blossom with hints of something more, but when they become entangled in a dangerous heist involving the samurai armor and their love is threatened, can they overcome the odds against them? With impeccable research and award-winning writing, bestselling author Tracie Peterson presents the dramatic conclusion to her Pictures of the Heart series. About the Author Tracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana. pen name: Janelle Jamison ReviewAuthor Tracie Peterson has written a beautiful story about the horrific prejudices of those of Japanese descent in the United States. It’s a story of true friendship through the years, even with being separated for many of those years, between a camera girl painter and a Pinkerton Policeman. Readers will adore this story depicting the charm of Japanese culture. This is a story of a childhood friendship turned romance, as well as discrimination and prejudice, and most of all, through God’s love forgiveness. Readers will thoroughly enjoy this stirring story that also has a touch of mystery with art theft. A fantastic read from a fantastic author.
Series: Pictures of the Heart Genre: historical, romance, mystery Publisher: Bethany House Publication date: November 1, 2023 Number of pages: 320 Other books in the series: 1-Remember Me 2-Finding Us 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
Miss Mary Perkins is governess to the strong-willed Stringham sisters while waiting for her beloved Mr. Trevor Wallace, a curate, to receive a living so that they can afford to marry. When he loses the promised position, her young charges decide to give their governess a husband for Christmas. The Stringham sisters write a fake letter from the duke inviting Trevor to stay at the castle, lock the pair in the dungeon, accidentally poison a chaplain, and cause a great deal of mayhem with mistletoe. Despite the girls’ well-meaning mistakes, will Mary and Trevor finally have the wedding of their dreams?
“Only the Stringham girls would try to matchmake in a dungeon,” Mary said with a little snicker that was positively adorable. “And if you ignore the torture artifacts, it is a rather romantic location with firelight.” 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
December 1814
“You promised not to open Miss Perkins’s letters anymore,” Frederica said, peering over
her little sister’s shoulder. “You gave your word as a Stringham.” Helen stuck out her chin obstinately. She was blonde, pale, and willowy. Everything Frederica was not. Frederica was tall, voluptuous, and quite tan since returning from Italy. “And I did not break my word to our dear governess. Becca opened it; I am merely reading it. Besides, there is nothing the least bit romantic in it. The curate’s cousin was given the two livings he was promised, and he fears that they will not be able to marry any time soon.” Frederica glanced at her youngest sister, Becca, who at least had the grace to appear chagrined. Becca, at sixteen, had her same buxom figure and coloring, but her eyes were bright blue. “I steamed it open this time. She will never know.” Shaking her head, Frederica folded her arms across her chest. “Miss Perkins always knows. That is what makes her a good governess.” Helen snorted, raising her eyebrows. “She does not know that you have kissed every groom from Hampford to London and at least one Italian count.” Frederica pinched her sister’s arm. “Vicious lies! Only the handsome ones.” “Oh, Poor Trevor.” Goosebumps formed on Frederica’s arms, and it was not from the December chill. “Who in heaven’s name is Trevor?” Becca heaved a sigh. “Miss Perkins’s betrothed. His name is Mr. Trevor Wallace, and she has not seen him since she went home to Cookham last Christmas. He laments the distance between them in every letter.” A year was a long time. Frederica had not seen Samuel, the lord her parents wished her to marry, in five years. And she did not think her feelings had altered greatly. Nor his, for the silly boy had joined the army so that he did not have to propose to her. “But Poor Trevor does nothing about it,” Helen said, frowning. “What can the man do?” Becca countered, tugging her shawl that had slipped off one of her shoulders. “Church livings are hard to come by and so many clergymen hold more than one. Who knows when there will be an opening again for him. Everyone, it seems, wishes to be a rector.” Frederica snorted. “No one in our family does.” Becca stood up and took the letter back from Helen, before resuming her seat. “Well, we are practically heathens. At least, I think that is what Reverend Turpin said Sunday last. It was impossible to hear his sermon over Papa’s snoring.” Helen clapped her hands, her eyes wide. “That is it! We can ask Papa to find Poor Trevor a living. I am sure that there are many in his gift. He is a duke, after all.” Considering this, Frederica racked her brain to think if there were any openings coming up soon. “The problem is, for a living to become vacant, the incumbent must either die or retire. And by the time Mr. Robertson retires, I daresay his son Jason will take over the rectory. It is most likely the same as all the other livings in Papa’s gift. Rectors and vicars seem to bear many sons.” As if on cue, both Becca and Helen leaned forward and rested their chins on their hands. Their foreheads wrinkled in unison and their lips downturned into frowns. She sat down beside them on the sofa. “All of them except Reverend Turpin, who is at least seventy, but I do not think that he will ever retire. He has been the chaplain to the Duke of Hampford since our grandfather’s time.” Becca huffed. “I wonder if his sermons have always been so dull.” Helen nudged her with her elbow. “I am certain of it, and that is why we are going to get rid of the reverend once and for all. Poor Trevor’s sermons must be better.” “Or at least shorter,” Becca quipped. Laughing, Frederica touched her face. “Are you suggesting that we murder an old man?” Becca’s face turned red and she sputtered, “Of-of course not.” Shrugging a bony shoulder, Helen said, “I am not sure that it would be considered murder. In fact, everyone in the castle might believe it was a public service.” Another chuckle escaped Frederica’s lips. Her little sister was incorrigible. “We are not murdering anybody.” “Fine, we will convince the old turnip to retire,” Helen said, putting her boots onto the table in front of them. “Just think of it. This Christmas is the perfect time to make Miss Perkins’s dreams come true. You have already been presented. I am eighteen and never wish to participate in society. And Miss Perkins has made all the progress with Becca that she ever will.” Poor Becca’s cheeks flushed pink again. Frederica’s youngest sister struggled with reading, although she had a marvelous memory. Their governess had certainly done her best, but Becca had not made much progress underneath her tutelage. If anything, Miss Perkins had learned a great deal about mice and marsupials—her youngest sister’s particular area of scientific studies. “Who do you think you are, her fairy godmother?” she asked caustically. Frederica’s scorn was entirely missed by her two sisters, for they squealed in delight and got to their feet. Becca jumped up and down. “Yes, let’s. I would love to be a fairy godmother!” Helen acted scarcely less enthusiastic, clapping her hands and grinning. “I shall write Poor Trevor a letter at once, asking him to stay a fortnight for the Christmas holidays.” “Curates don’t take long holidays,” Frederica pointed out. “He would be missing two Sundays. Who would give his sermons?” Her closest sister in age glared back at her. “Curates do when they are invited by dukes and sent the mail coach fare to pay their way. Everyone wants to spend Christmas in a castle.” “Or we could always write that Miss Perkins has a wasting disease,” Becca suggested. “I am certain that he could come then.” Frederica’s lips curled as she tried to hold in her laugh. Poor Trevor and Miss Perkins had no idea what was in store for them by these two adolescent matchmakers. “I read once in a novel that a young woman died because her hands were cold.” “We don’t want to alarm him,” Helen said, fisting one hand and hitting it against the opposite palm. “But we must press upon him firmly that declining is not an option.” Becca nodded her head eagerly. “That is a good idea, and Papa will sign anything we write.” Helen grinned in triumph. “Especially if you ask him. Now all we must do is come up with a plan to get rid of Reverend Turpin.” “We will give Miss Perkins a curate for Christmas,” Becca said, beaming. Frederica shivered again. Review
In the mood for a short and sweet Christmas story, this book is just right. Mistletoe and mayhem, as well as three strong-willed sisters scheming to get their governess and together. This is a humorous and sweet story that readers will thoroughly enjoy!
Genre: Victorian, holiday, romance, novelette Publisher: Scribbling Pens Publication date: November 27, 2023 Number of pages: 73: 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. GiveawayTour Schedule
About the Book After five unsuccessful Seasons on the marriage mart, Miss Adelaide Duveen has resigned herself to the notion that she's destined to remain a spinster forever--a rather dismal prospect, but one that will allow her to concentrate on her darling cats and books. However, when she inadvertently stumbles upon Mr. Gideon Abbott engaged in a clandestine activity during a dinner party, Adelaide finds herself thrust into a world of intrigue that resembles the plots in the spy novels she devours. Former intelligence agent Gideon Abbott feels responsible for Adelaide after society threatens to banish her because of the distraction she caused to save his case. Hoping to return the favor, he turns to a good friend--and one of high society's leaders--to take Adelaide in hand and turn her fashionable. When danger surrounds them and Adelaide finds herself a target of the criminals in Gideon's case, the spark of love between them threatens to be quenched for good--along with their lives. About the Author Jen Turano is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Clothing and Textiles. She pursued a career in management for nine years before switching to full-time motherhood after the birth of her son. When she's not writing, Jen can be found watching her teenage son participate in various activities, taking long walks with her husband and dog, socializing with friends, or delving into a good book. She lives in suburban Denver, Colorado. Learn more at www.jenturano.com. ReviewAuthor Jen Turano has written yet another witty and quirky female main character, Miss Adelaide Duveen, that readers will immediately fall in love with. Especially with her various unintentional and ridiculous scrapes that she constantly is getting into, including getting banished from high society and becoming involved with a criminal case of her love interest, Gideon Abbott. This story has plenty of excitement, silliness, and sweet romance that readers will delight in. Another fabulous story from an amazing author!
Series: The Matchmakers Genre: historical, romance, romcom, Gilded Age Publisher: Bethany House Publication date: November 14, 2023 Number of pages: 368 Other books in the series: 1-A Match in the Making Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.  Welcome to the Blog Tour for From an Unknown Sender by Traci Hunter Abramson & Sian Ann Bessey, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! About the Author Title: From an Unknown Sender Series: Falcon Point Suspense #2 Author: Traci Hunter Abramson & Sian Ann Bessey Publisher: Covenant Communications Release Date: November 21, 2023 Genre: Clean Suspense After spending a busy holiday season putting drug smugglers behind bars, CIA operative Cole Bridger is looking forward to spending a quiet Christmas in Vienna with his girlfriend and fellow operative, Isabelle Roberts. But when Isabelle is tasked with investigating a string of suspect financial transactions and redirects a suspicious package to a museum in Amsterdam, she inadvertently places Cole’s cousins in the crosshairs of a drug smuggling ring. Lars and Marit have no desire to be drawn into the deadly dealings of the criminal underworld, but when Lars’s sister, Tess’s, life is placed in danger, they willingly join Cole and Isabelle in their efforts to uncover the mastermind behind the drug smuggling ring. Unfortunately, the two couples’ involvement does not go unnoticed. And though each step brings them closer to the truth, they also reveal a startling picture of greed and corruption at the center of a dangerous organization that will stop at nothing to retrieve what it has lost. Other Books in the Series About the Authors
Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children’s teenage years. She loves to travel and recently retired after twenty-six years coaching her local high school swim team. She has written forty-five best-selling novels and is an eight-time Whitney Award winner, including 2017 and 2019 Best Novel of the Year. Connect with Traci by visiting traciabramson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates. Sian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, and grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend university in the US, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications, with a minor in English. She began her writing career as a student, publishing several articles in magazines while still in college. Since then, she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children’s books. She is a USA Today best-selling author, a Foreword Reviews Book of the Year finalist, and a Whitney Award finalist. Sian and her husband, Kent, are the parents of five children and the grandparents of three beautiful girls and two handsome boys. They currently live in southeast Idaho, and although Sian doesn’t have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch still rolls off her tongue. Traveling, reading, cooking, and being with her grandchildren are some of Sian’s favorite activities. She also loves hearing from her readers. Connect with Sian by visiting sianannbessey.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates. ReviewAuthors Traci Hunter Abramson and Sian Ann Besse have come together and crafted yet another action packed romantic suspense, that is a fantastic addition to the Falcon Point Series. This thrilling story will have readers on the edge of their seat from the turn of every page. A fast paced story with fun, engaging, and sensational characters that readers will fall in love with--Cole and Isabelle and Lars and Merit, especially with the witty banter. This story has two sweet romances that readers get to delight in. Although part of a series, this story can be read as a stand alone. A fantastic story that readers will not want to miss out on. Series: Heirs of Falcon Point - Suspense Genre: contemporary, romantic, suspense Publisher: Covenant Communications Publication date: November 21, 2023 Number of pages: 301 Content warning: violence, death, peril; kissing Other books in the series: Falcon Point Suspense 1-Heirs of Falcon Point by Traci Hunter Abramson & Sian ann Bessey 2-The Danger with Diamonds by Traci Hunter Abramson & Sian Ann Bessey Falcon Point-Historical 1-Codes of Courage by A.L. Sowards 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(2) winners will each win a $20 Amazon gift card!  Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 20, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 27, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies. Enter Giveaway Tour ScheduleFollow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!  About the Book Julia Monroe has just turned forty and hopes this next decade goes much better than the last, in which she became a young widow raising two children on her own. With both her boys off to college, it's time for new beginnings, and she can finally focus on expanding her New Orleans-based cleaning business--but God has other plans. Samuel Reed, the ruggedly handsome Green Beret who broke her heart over twenty years ago, has returned to town and is the kind of distraction she never saw coming. After their first interaction in years leaves her mind spinning and her emotions out of control, Julia knows she needs to keep her distance from him if she wants any chance of keeping history from repeating itself, but her meddling best friend has other plans to throw them together. It seems inevitable that Julia will have to face her past with Samuel, but only if she can work up the courage to embrace the kind of new beginning she never thought she'd see again. Rebekah Millet will make you laugh, swoon, and cry in this delightful debut novel of first loves and second chances wrapped in the magic of New Orleans. About the Author Rebekah Millet is a Cascade Award and ACFW First Impressions Award–winning author of contemporary Christian romance novels. A New Orleans native, she grew up on beignets and café au lait, and loves infusing her colorful culture into her stories. Her husband is an answer to prayer, who puts up with her rearranging furniture and being a serial plant killer. Her two sons keep her laughing and share in her love of strawberry Pop-Tarts. You can find Rebekah on all social media platforms and at rebekahmillet.com. ReviewAuthor Rebekah Millet has written a later in life second chance romance for widow Julia Monroe, that readers will thoroughly enjoy. This is a heartwarming southern story that takes place in New Orleans and that focuses on complete forgiveness from a 20+ year old wound. This forgiveness will bring peace and joy to a previous heart ache. With a spin on a second chance romance, this sweet romcom will capture the heart of its readers. Faith, forgiveness, and sizzling romance, readers will wholeheartedly delight in this sweet romance.
Series: Beignets for Two Genre: contemporary romance, romcom Publisher: Bethany House Publishers Publication date: October 24, 2023 Number of pages: 384 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. |
