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Singing Librarian Books

Adult Blog

The Pursuit of Miss Parish (Aprons & Veils #2) by Grace Hitchcock -- Review

10/13/2023

About the Book

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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?
GOODREADS | AMAZON

About the Author

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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.

Review

Author 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

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​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.
GOODREADS | AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB

About the Author

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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.
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS 

Review

Author 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.​
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Return of the Queen by Samantha Hastings -- Blog Tour Review + Excerpt + Giveaway

10/5/2023

About the Book

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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.
GOODREADS | AMAZON

About the Author

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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. ​
​​​​FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

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."

Review

Author 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

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Win 1  of 3 paperback copies.  Visit each stop to enter (see schedule below).

Enter the giveaway HERE.

Tour Schedule

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Follow along HERE.

The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky -- Blog Tour Review

10/3/2023

About the Book

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​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.
GOODREADS | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB

About the Author

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​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. 
​​​FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

Review

Carrie 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.
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The River Queen (River Romance #1) by Stephenia H. McGee -- Blog Tour Review

10/2/2023

About the Book

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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.
GOOREADS | AMAZON | DIRECTLY FROM THE AUTHOR

About the Author

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

Review

A 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

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Enter the giveaway HERE.

The London Forgery (A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #1) by Heidi Eljarbo -- Blog Tour Review + Giveaway

9/27/2023
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Welcome to the Blog Tour for The London Forgery by Heidi Eljarbo,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

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Title: The London Forgery
Series: A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #1
Author: Heidi Eljarbo
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: August 29, 2023
Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery, Dual Timeline

1973. Art historian Fabiola Bennett sees herself as a prudently observant deer who becomes a daring and even mischievous lioness if the situation calls for it. And that’s exactly what’s required when greedy criminals steal, forge, and tamper with treasured artwork. When the crooks add murder to their list of crimes, the chaos is complete.

A mysterious note is delivered anonymously at the door of the National Gallery in London, and the director immediately calls Fabiola’s office in Oslo and pleads with her to come without delay. The message is confusing, but it seems one of her favorite eighteenth-century portraits is in trouble.
Fabiola hops on the first plane and meets up with her vibrant side-kick Pippa Yates and the ever-loyal Detective Inspector Cary Green from New Scotland Yard. But she is not naïve enough to think untangling the purpose and meaning of the mysterious note will be as simple as a walk in Hyde Park. These things never are.

1750. Newly married Robert and Frances Andrews, members of the landed gentry of Suffolk, England, hire young and talented Thomas Gainsborough to paint their wedding portrait. Their desire is a lovely conversation piece showing their wealth and class, an artwork to remember them by for generations to come.

Little do they know the gifted artist portrays their personalities exactly how he perceives them, and the artistic symbolism is not as flattering as they’d hoped for. Even the looming clouds in the distance promise a troublesome future.

This is the first book in a new dual timeline series by Heidi Eljarbo—an intriguing spin-off from the much-loved Soli Hansen Mysteries.

Fans of Lucinda Riley, Rhys Bowen, Kathleen McGurl, Kate Morton, and Katherine Neville will love this cozy historical art mystery, which takes the readers back to the nostalgia of the groovy seventies and the classical Georgian era of the eighteenth century.​
PURCHASE LINKS:
Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

About the Author

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Heidi Eljarbo is the bestselling author of historical fiction and mysteries filled with courageous and good characters that are easy to love and others you don't want to go near.
Heidi grew up in a home filled with books and artwork and she never truly imagined she would do anything other than write and paint. She studied art, languages, and history, all of which have come in handy when working as an author, magazine journalist, and painter.
After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She and her husband have a total of nine children, fifteen grandchildren—so far—in addition to a bouncy Wheaten Terrier.
Their favorite retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summertime and ski the vast, white terrain during winter.
Heidi’s favorites are family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.
Connect with Heidi by visiting heidieljarbo.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

​

Review

The London Forgery is a fast paced, edge of your seat, female detective adventure that readers will adore. A fabulous  and brilliantly written historical cozy mystery, readers will love this thrilling tale with gripping twists and turns, as well as a but of dual timeline jumping between 1973 and 1849.  With fascinating art history details and descriptive writing, this story comes to life with plenty of danger and schemes.  Readers who also enjoy Sherlock Holms, Enola Holms, or White Collar will thoroughly enjoy this fantastic novel.

Series: A Fabiola Bennett Mystery
Genre: historical, cozy mystery, duel timeline
Publisher: Indie
Publication date: August 29, 2023
Number of pages: 227

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 win a print copy of "The London Forgery",
​an eBook "Of Darkness and Light" and a $10 Amazon gift card!

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Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 26, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 3, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
​
Enter Giveaway​

Tour Schedule

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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A Counterfeit Betrothal (Scouts of the Georgia Frontier #1) by Denise Weimer -- Review

9/26/2023

About the Book

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A frontier scout, a healing widow, and a desperate fight for peace.

At the farthest Georgia outpost this side of hostile Creek Territory in 1813, Jared Lockridge serves his country as a scout to redeem his father’s botched heritage. If he can help secure peace against Indians allied to the British, he can bring his betrothed to the home he’s building and open his cabinetry shop. Then he comes across a burning cabin and a traumatized woman just widowed by a fatal shot.

Freed from a cruel marriage, Esther Andrews agrees to winter at the Lockridge homestead to help Jared’s pregnant sister-in-law. Lame in one foot, Esther has always known she is secondhand goods, but the gentle carpenter-turned-scout draws her heart with as much skill as he creates furniture from wood. His family’s love offers hope even as violence erupts along the frontier—and Jared’s investigation into local incidents brings danger to their doorstep. Yet how could Esther ever hope a loyal man like Jared would choose her over a fine lady?
GOODREADS | AMAZON

About the Author

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North Georgia native Denise Weimer has authored a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. Former managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas’ two historical imprints, she serves as Acquisitions & Editing Liaison for Wild Heart Books and as a freelance editor, helping other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.
​​FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB | WEBSITE | NEWSLETTER

Review

A story of tragedy, hardship, and healing, author Denise Weimer has written a captivating tale along the American frontier.  Weimer’s characters come to life from the turn of the first page as readers come to know their stories and easily relate to them.  Readers will enjoy the backdrop of Georgia and the Creek Territory.  This sweet story is action packed with plenty of danger, as well as spiritual and physical healing, and of course charming romance, that will keep readers wanting to read more.  There aren’t a lot of books that discuss the war of 1812, but this is one of them.  Readers will not want to miss this excellent book!

Other books in the series:
2-A Courageous Betrothal (coming November 2023)
3-A Cherished Betrothal (coming January 2023)

Series: Scouts of the Georgia Frontier
Genre: historical, romance
Publisher: Wild Heart Books
Publication date: September 5, 2023
Number of pages: 290

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 Finding of Miss Fairfield (Aprons & Veils #1) by Grace Hitchcock -- Review

9/19/2023

About the Book

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When an engagement of convenience becomes anything but convenient . . .

Forced into a betrothal with a widower twice her age, Charleston socialite, Sophia Fairfield is desperate for an escape. But, while her fiancé is away on business, he assigns his handsome stepson, Carver, the task of looking after his bride-to-be. Much to her dismay, Sophia finds herself falling in love with the wrong gentleman—a man society would never allow her to marry, given Sophia was supposed to be his new stepmother. The only way to save Carver from scandal and financial ruin is to run away, leaving him and all else behind to become a Harvey Girl waitress at the Castañeda Hotel in New Mexico.

Carver Ashton has had his life planned out for him since birth, but when he encounters Sophia Fairfield, he glimpses a new life—apart from his overbearing stepfather's business. But, when the woman he loves disappears before he can express his devotion, Carver abandons all to find her. However, his stepfather has other intentions for Sophia and will stop at nothing until she is his bride . . . even if it is against her will.
GOODREADS | AMAZON

About the Author

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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.

Review

Readers will adore this Harvey Girl’s rendition of The Ugly Duckling from author Grace Hitchcock. It’s about a young woman, Sophia, coming to know herself better by being determined, strong, and brave.  An arranged marriage with a much older man, running away, falling in love with her supposed “step-son”, getting kidnapped, this story is filled with plenty of action with various situations and scenes.  It’s also fun to get to know and see how The Harvey Girl’s operation was run.  This is a fabulous historical romance that readers will thoroughly enjoy.  Also, readers who enjoy the musical The Harvey Girls with Judy Garland, they will also love this story!



Series: Aprons & Veils
Genre: historical, romance, Harvey Girls
Publisher: Valmont House Publishers
Publication date: August 29, 2023
Number of pages: 286
Content warning:romance - just kissing; mild moments of danger/peril/shooting

Other books in the series:
2-The Pursuit of Miss Parish

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.

A Beautiful Disguise (The Imposters #1) by Roseanna M. White -- Review

9/13/2023

About the Book

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Left with an estate on the brink of bankruptcy after their father's death, Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother open a private investigation firm marketed to the elite . . . to spy on the elite. Dubbed The Imposters, Ltd., their anonymous group soon becomes the go-to for the crème of society when they want answers delivered surreptitiously. But the many secrets Marigold learns about her peers pale in comparison to her shock when she and her brother are hired to investigate her best friend's father as a potential traitor.

Sir Merritt Livingstone has spent a decade serving the monarch in the most elite guard, but when pneumonia lands him behind a desk in the War Office Intelligence Division just as they're creating a new secret intelligence branch, he's intent on showing his worth. He suspects a man of leaking information to Germany as tensions mount between the two countries, but needs someone to help him prove it, so he turns to The Imposters, Ltd. No one knows who they are, but their results are beyond compare.

Lady Marigold is determined to discover the truth for her friend's sake, and she's more determined still to keep her heart from getting involved with this enigmatic new client . . . who can't possibly be as noble as he seems.
GOODREADS | AMAZON

About the Author

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Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com
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Review


A new series from a phenomenal historical writing author, Roseanna M. White.  After a bit of a slow beginning, the story does eventually take off and readers will be drawn into this pre-WWI, Edwardian, historical romance.  White’s story has captivating characters entwined with plenty of mystery and suspenseful twists and turns that will keep readers at bay and wanting to keep reading.  Although the romance takes a while to get to, it is worth the wait in the end to watch friendship and then romance blossom throughout the book.  This story has some lively and entertaining characters as well.  Another well-written and enjoy able story that readers will definitely want to pick up.

Series: The Imposters
Genre: historical, romance, mystery, suspense, pre-WWI, Edwardian
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication date: August 22, 2023
Number of pages: 363
Content warning: a little bit of mysterious and suspenseful content; just kissing

Other books in the series:
2- A Knoble Scheme (coming March 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.

An Unsuitable Heiress by Jane Dunn -- Blog Tour Review

9/12/2023
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About the Book

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​Following the death of her mother, Corinna Ormesby has lived a quiet life in the countryside with her cantankerous Cousin Agnes. Her father's identity has been a tantalizing mystery, but now at nineteen Corinna knows that finding him may be her only way to avoid marriage to the odious Mr. Beech.
Deciding to head to London, Corinna dons a male disguise. Travelling alone as a young woman risks scandal and danger, but when, masquerading as a youth, she is befriended by three dashing blades, handsome and capable Alick Wolfe, dandy Ferdinand Shilton and the incorrigible Lord Purfoy, Corinna now has access to the male-only world of Regency England. And when she meets Alick's turbulent brother Darius, a betrayal of trust leads to deadly combat which only one of the brothers may survive.
From gambling in gentleman’s clubs to meeting the courtesans of Covent Garden, Corinna’s country naivety soon falls away. But when she finds her father at last, learns the truth about her parentage and discovers her fortunes transformed, she must quickly decide how to reveal her true identity, while hoping that one young man in particular can see her for the beauty and Lady she really is.
❤️ A must read for Georgette Heyer, Jane Austen, and historical romance fans.
❤️ A spunky, adventurous heroine on a quest in London to find her estranged father.
❤️ An adorable dog and an endearing horse!
❤️ Three dashing blades who will make you laugh, and swoon.
❤️ A bestselling & highly rated new release. 
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About the Author

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Jane Dunn is an historian and biographer and the author of seven acclaimed biographies, including Daphne du Maurier and her Sisters, and the Sunday Times and NYT bestseller, Elizabeth & Mary: Cousins, Rivals, Queens. She comes to Boldwood with her first fiction outing – a trilogy of novels set in the Regency period, the first of which, The Marriage Season, is to be published in January 2023. She lives in Berkshire with her husband, the linguist Nicholas Ostler.
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Review

Readers will enjoy this story of naive 19-year-old Corinna who runs away from home and pretends to be a boy so that she can go looking for her father.  Although a light fun and Regency romance, some readers who pay attention to more of the historical details may become distracted by some of the inaccuracies and broken rules of the time, including lack of chaperones, and not obtaining a proper marriage license, etc.  But even with the inaccuracies, readers will enjoy the writing style, drama, and twists and turns that Dunn has written into her story.  An enjoyable, quick, and light read.

Genre: historical, Regency, romance
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Publication date: May 22, 2023
Number of pages: 350
Content warning: a few swears

Other books in the series:
1-The Marriage Season (companion novel)

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.​
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