Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: The Mariposa Hotel

The Mariposa Hotel by Julie Wright, Melanie Jacobson, & Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Welcome to Tangerine Street

Tangerine Street is a must-see tourist stop with a colorful mix of one-of-a-kind boutiques, unique restaurants, eclectic museums, quaint bookstores, and exclusive bed-and-breakfasts. The Mariposa Hotel, a new resort, has revitalized Seashell Beach, bringing new life to the sleepy beach town. In the charming gardens of the hotel sits a three-hundred-year-old wishing well transported from Mexico. One toss of the coin, a sincere wish, and lives are changed forever…

I loved this novella collection! All three stories had great romances! They are all a little on the quick side but that is to be expected with the nature of a novella. I felt like even though the romances were the instant attraction/falling in love type of story, the characters also got to know each other in depth to some extent. And even though there were some miscommunications to bring a little drama to the story they were resolved without some of the major angst that a longer story would probably have. Which makes me happy because there's nothing I dislike more than for miscommunication to ruin a good love story. :D

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

View all my Goodreads reviews

Find it here on AMAZON.

Three bestselling contemporary romance authors: Julie Wright, Melanie Jacobson, and Heather B. Moore come together to write A Tangerine Street Romance series.

Julie Wright started her first book when she was fifteen. She’s written over a dozen books since then, is a Whitney Award winner, and feels she’s finally getting the hang of the writing gig. She enjoys speaking to writing groups, youth groups, and schools. She loves reading, eating, writing, hiking, playing on the beach with her kids, and snuggling with her husband to watch movies. Julie’s favorite thing to do is watch her husband make dinner. She hates mayonnaise but has a healthy respect for ice cream.

Connect with Julie:
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE

Melanie Bennett Jacobson is an avid reader, amateur cook, and champion shopper. She consumes astonishing amounts of chocolate, chick flicks, and romance novels. After meeting her husband online, she is now living happily married in Southern California with her growing family and a series of doomed houseplants. Melanie is a former English teacher and a sometime blogger who loves to laugh and make others laugh. In her downtime (ha!), she writes romantic comedies and pines after beautiful shoes.

Connect with Melanie:
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen historical novels and thrillers, written under the pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women’s fiction, romance and inspirational nonfiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah.

Connect with Heather:
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | BLOG

Interview with Heather B. Moore via Singing Librarian Books

1. How did you get started as an author? What or whom inspired you?

When I was thirty I had an idea for a story. It became a strange process since I never considered writing a novel before. I was an avid reader and held authors in high esteem. When I started writing that first story, it was like the floodgates had opened. One of the most inspirational books I’ve read is Kitchen Privileges by Mary Higgins Clark. I’ve long been a mystery fan and when I read this memoir, I realized that it was possible to be a writer and a mother at the same time. Ms. Clark inspired me when she said she’d write from 5:00-7:00 a.m. every morning so as not to interfere with her job and her kids (she was a widow at the time). I thought, “I can do that.” And I did—it took three novels before I finally got one published, but Clark’s story inspired me not to give up.

2. What writing project are you currently working on? What can you tell us about these projects?

I’m currently editing the next Omar Zagouri thriller that I’m calling SLAVE QUEEN. This book is a mixture of modern-day and historical setting based on the story of the sultan Suleyman and his favorite wife, Roxelane. She was living in the Kingdom of Poland in the early 1500s when she was abducted by the Turks and brought to the sultan’s harem in Constantinople. There she worked her way up through the harem to become a wife of the sultan. I’m also drafting the 3rd book in The Moses Chronicles series.

3. How important are the names in your novels? How do you choose names for your characters? Do you have any name resources you would suggest?

I write a lot of historical fiction, so I try to use as many real names as possible. The other names I choose, I try to use names that aren’t super common, but names that aren’t too strange sounding. I want them unique, but pronounceable. I also try to make sure I don’t have more than one name starting with the same letter or sounding too similar, if at all possible. I just google names such as “female Turkish names” then scan through the list.

4. What authors inspire your writing?

Some of my favorite authors include Mary Higgins Clark, Maeve Binchy, Barbara Kingsolver, and Michelle Moran. They have interesting life stories and write in different genres.

5. What period of history interests you the most? Does this influence your writing?

I’m drawn to historical events that change the course of history. For instance, my book LOST KING that comes out in December is about Hatshepsut, a woman who became Pharaoh of Egypt. And the current book I’m working on follows a woman who rises from slavery to become a sultan’s wife.

6. What inspired the idea for your story in the Mariposa Hotel novel?

When Julie, Melanie, and I brainstormed our plots, I wanted my heroine to be employed at the hotel in a management type position so that she was facing a lot of conflict each day. And then of course the hero had to be someone who would help her deal with the conflict. He needed a reason to be at the posh resort, so I made him a talented and wealthy man, but his work had dominated his life so he hadn’t allowed himself to carry on a serious relationship. But as I started writing, it all flip-flopped and the heroine became the woman to the rescue.

7. If you could choose someone famous to star in one of your books made to a movie, who would you choose and for which character?

I have nothing. I’m so behind on movies and TV that I’d probably name someone who is dead. LOL.

8. What other hobbies do you enjoy when you are not writing?

I love to read and traveling is fun when possible. I love nature walks and doing puzzles.

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Tour Landing Page

November 16--Singing Librarian Books

November 17--Smiling Book Reviews

November 18--Reading Is My SuperPower

November 19--Katie's Clean Book Collection

November 20--Bookworm Lisa

November 21--Wishful Endings

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Review: Among the Fair Magnolias: Four Southern Love Stories

Among the Fair Magnolias: Four Southern Love Stories by Tamera Alexander

Dorothy Love, Elizabeth Musser, & Shelley Gray

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK
Four Southern women are at a turning point in history . . . and in their own hearts.

A Heart So True by Dorothy Love

Abigail knows all too well what is expected of her: to marry her distant cousin Charles and take her place in society. But her heart belongs to another. A terrible incident forces Abby to choose between love and duty.

To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander

The Civil War cost Savannah Darby everything—her family and her home. When Aidan Bedford, an attorney from Boston, buys the Darby estate, he hires Savannah to redecorate. Can she find a mysterious treasure before her job is finished?

Love Beyond Limits by Elizabeth Musser

Emily has a secret: She's in love with one of the freedmen on her family's plantation. Meanwhile, another man declares his love for her. Emily realizes some things are not as they seem and secrets must be kept in order to keep those she loves safe.

An Outlaw's Heart by Shelley Gray

When Russell Stark returns to Fort Worth, he’s determined to begin a new life. But when he arrives at his mother’s homestead, he discovers that she is very ill and the woman he loved is still as beautiful and sweet as he remembered. With time running out, Russell must come to terms with both his future and his past.

MY REVIEW
The only one that I really enjoyed in this book was To Mend A Dream by Tamera Alexander. I enjoyed the interaction between Savannah and Aidan and I loved the story of how Aidan came to buy the property and why. It was a sweet romantic story.

The other three novellas were well written but just didn't grab my attention and had too much angst in them for a short story. I like my novellas to be really sweet...lol. If the story is going to be really short I want to read something sweet and romantic, not a bunch of drama. Just my opinion. :D

*Thanks to Thomas Nelson & Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*

View all my reviews

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Swagbucks SWAG FEAST Team Challenge

Yup, it's that time of year again. Time to start getting ready for family, turkey, and deals!

To get the feasting started, lets start with the Swag Feast Team Challenge. We love Swagbucks Team Challenges because they get our competitive streak going and they are such an easy way to get cash back for stuff we were already doing. This Swag Feast Team Challenge is no different - starting next week, you can earn 200 points called SB for your team and get up to 520 bonus SB added on top!

So pull up a chair to the table, there’s plenty to go round at Swagbucks. Search the spread for your favorite fowl, white or dark, just save us a leg.  Discover delicious dressings, try our gravy or cranberry sauce (canned or fresh) or even both if you’re feeling adventurous. Watch the mashed potatoes and corn bread stuffing though, they’re always a favorite so grab some quick. Don’t forget to Survey our dessert table for your favorite apple, pumpkin or pecan pie unless you’re overquota!  

The feast will begin November 16th at 9am PT/12pm ET so get ready to gobble up those points, but you can sign up for your team as early as November 12th. The Swag Feast Team Challenge isn’t over until you hit the next hole in your belt (or November 20th at 12pm PT/3pm ET, whichever comes first)!

All members who participate and contribute at least 200 points to their team’s total will receive an exclusive Swag Up Shop Bonus. With the Swag Up Shop Bonus you’ll receive a 100 SB Bonus on up to 5 transactions at unique stores. That means, if you qualify for the Swag Up Bonus, you’ll receive a 100 SB Bonus every time you shop at a unique store up to 5 times (no minimum purchase value, must be a qualifying purchase). But that’s not all. Each member of each team, depending on where the team places will receive a SB bonus! 

1st place: 20 SB 
2nd place: 15 SB 
3rd place: 10 SB 
4th place: 5 SB.

So get out there and Swag your team to victory!

Not on Swagbucks yet? You can get gift cards for the upcoming holidays by signing up here for free and joining the Team Challenge!

Not familiar with Swagbucks?  See my previous posts here.

Swagbucks really works!  

I earned a $25 Amazon card last month!  It's perfect for my e-book habit. :D 

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Review & Blog Tour Giveaway: Claws For Alarm

**Content warning: NOT A CLEAN COZY**

Claws for Alarm by T.C. Lotempio
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

View all my reviews

I signed up to read this book for a book tour and I guess I didn't do enough research into the previous book. It sounds like a fun cozy mystery and I had no problem getting into the story.  And I really, really wanted to be able to keep reading and find out what happens.  However, there is so much language in the first half of the book that I just can't finish it. The writing is good so if you don't mind all the language and you like cozies, you'll enjoy this one also.

Content (in first 50%) includes 8 d*n, as well as 4 variations of d*n, 7 h*l, 3 a*s, and 7 G*d, and 1 s*t as well as 14 words some would consider softer swear words. Content also includes a physic who reads cards and naked male and female models as well as drinking and smoking.

*Thanks to eBooksForReview for a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*




Claws for Alarm by T.C. LoTempio

Since inheriting her mother’s sandwich shop, Nora Charles is more about hot grilled paninis than cold-blooded murder—until her sister Lacey is arrested. The victim, an esteemed art collector and Lacey’s bullying professor, was stabbed in the heart. Apparently, all over a lousy grade.

Off campus, things were just as dicey. The prof had an ex with secrets, a trophy wife set to inherit a fortune in masterworks, and a scorned student mistress. Going undercover, Nora realizes that investigating this crime is the biggest test of her sleuthing career. Because if she fails, even Nick’s animal instinct won’t be enough to rescue Lacey from a perfectly executed framing.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

EXCERPT

I put down the phone and nibbled at my lower lip. Almost as if he knew I’d been thinking about him, Nick appeared, jumping into my lap with surprising ease for a cat of his girth. I rubbed the sensitive area behind his ears and whispered into his ruff, “You’d like to know what happened to your former master too, wouldn’t you?”
Nick raised his sleek black head. “Er-ewl,” he mewled as his little (debatable point) kitty claws moved up and down, kneading my lap.
“That’s what I thought.” I picked up the piece of paper on which I’d written the address Ollie’d given me. “Saint Leo isn’t far away – as a matter of fact it’s only about two miles from Aunt Prudence’s house. We could conceivably kill two birds with one stone, say, tomorrow afternoon?”
His steady rumble made me smile. I gave his head a quick pat. “I thought you’d agree.” I reached for my cell phone. “Maybe I’d better warn Aunt Prudence we’re going to be stopping by, though. So she can prepare my sister.”
Nick’s eyes popped wide and he leaned back on his haunches, pawed at the air.
I laughed. “Yes, she might find you charming, and then again…with Lacey, you can never tell. We – we’ve never gotten along all that well. I’m sure she’ll like you, though.” I leaned over to stroke his head, and I didn’t imagine the cat smile he gave me. As I reached for my cell with my other hand, it started to ring. I snatched it up, glanced at the number, and then hit the button. “Aunt Prudence. You must be psychic. I was just going to call you.”
“Oh, Nora, I’m so glad I got you.” My aunt’s voice was a high-pitched wail of distress. “The most awful thing has happened.
“Your sister’s been arrested – for murder.”

Praise for the Nick and Nora

“Nick and Nora are a winning team.”—Rebecca Hale, New York Times bestselling author of How to Paint a Cat

“Nick and Nora are the purrfect sleuthy duo!”—*Victoria Laurie, New York Times bestselling author of the Psychic Eye Mystery series




Author T.C. LoTempio

Born in New York City, T. C. LoTempio is the national bestselling author of Meow If It’s Murder, the first in the Nick and Nora Mystery series. She has been a staff reporter at the young adult magazine Susabella Passengers and Friends for more than a decade. When she isn’t reporting or writing novels, she and her cat Rocco fundraise for Nathan Fillion’s charity, Kids Need to Read.

Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 12/4/15

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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$200 Giveaway - Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology

Are you on the hunt for that special Christmas book, the one that will get you into the holiday spirit, bring back memories of your own family traditions, and inspire you to revel in this Christmas season like no other? (What about $200 in Christmas cash to go along with it?) Every year, I search for stories that will fill my Christmas reading list--romance is always a fun read, but I want them to be clean and wholesome too. That's why I'm sharing this spectacular book. Christmas Kisses is not just one story, but five romances, all clean, wholesome, and beautifully written in one anthology now on sale for .99 cents!

Let's show the world that there is a demand for clean and wholesome romances by purchasing this book today. For less than a dollar, you get a delightful read and help send a message that we want more of these kinds of books. Purchase your copy here, or your preferred vendor and then, will you please help spread the word about this book? Feel free to share any part of this post or share or like the Facebook or Twitter post. Oh, and don't forget to enter the giveaway for $200 in Christmas cash!

Christmas Kissesis a collection from five bestselling and award-winning authors.

Set in the snowy town of Echo Ridge in upstate New York, these inspirational romances are sure to delight while you sip cocoa by the fire and listen to Christmas carols.

***$.99 November 3 - 7***

Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Kobo * iTunes * Smashwords

The Candy Counter Heiress by Lucy McConnell - Amazon bestselling & award-winning author

Someday Reese Gates will own The Candy Counter at Kenworth's; but someday can't come fast enough when the manager threatens to bring in a national candy provider. Reese secretly takes matters into her own hands hoping to save her parents from additional worry and prove herself capable of running the company. Her deception deepens as she ropes computer guru Andy Edwards into helping her expand the business.  Reese wanted to shake things up, but she wasn't planning on her heart getting caught in the mix by Andy's stolen kisses. If she can hold it together until after Christmas, then she can reveal her successful online company and her feelings for Andy.   Unfortunately for Reese, even the best laid plans can melt like chocolate.

https://lucymcconnell.wordpress.com/ ~ https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaDymock?fref=ts

Christmas Makeover by Cami Checketts - Amazon bestselling author 
Chelsea Jamison has been infatuated with Drew Stirling longer than she's loved playing basketball, high-top sneakers, and the Knicks. Unfortunately, all Drew sees is the kid who kicked his trash in the high school free throw contest and not the girl whose heart breaks into a fast dribble when he's near.

Drew makes an unexpected visit home to Echo Ridge and their friendship picks up where they left off as they scheme to make a teenaged boy's Christmas dreams come true. When Chelsea realizes she's fallen for her best friend, she wonders if there is any hope of a relationship with Drew or if she's stuck in buddy-status for life.

www.camichecketts.com ~ https://www.facebook.com/CamiCheckettsAuthor

Hope for Christmas by Rachelle J. Christensen - Amazon bestselling & award-winning author

Anika Fletcher hates Christmas--its promises of good tidings and hope for the future are as tinseled as the ornaments on Kenworth's Hope Tree.  Despite her feelings, Anika wants to maintain her daughter's faith in the magic of the season and gladly accepts a second job working with the handsome Carlos Rodriguez to restore Kenworth's old fashioned soda fountain. Carlos is no stranger to hard times and slowly shares his life of light and joy with Anika as they work together. Just as her fragile soul begins to feel hope again, an ill-timed act of charity changes everything. Anika isn't sure who she can trust or if hope is worth nurturing--especially at Christmas when it's easy to enjoy a kiss and believe love can last longer than the season.

www.facebook.com/rachellechristensenauthor * http://rachellechristensen.com/

Soda Fountain Christmas by Connie E. Sokol - Amazon bestselling author

Keira Kenworth has one focus this holiday season: save her father's old-time department store from bankruptcy. She is not focused on Tayton Wells, the tall, dark, and genius marketing guru from downtown New York, hired to make it happen. He is as doubtful that her nostalgic connect-the-town
ideas will succeed as she is about his numbers-first plan. However, it's not just their different approaches that cause sparks to fly. Working together on a fast deadline to save the store before Christmas, the unspoken connection between them grows. But will the tough decisions they face drive them back to their separate worlds, or will they lead to the beginning of love?

www.conniesokol.com * https://www.facebook.com/8basics?_rdr=p

 One Winter Night by Heather Tullis - Amazon bestselling author

Jonah Owens thought moving to Echo Ridge to open his art gallery would solve all of his problems. The need to sell his grandma's house adds an unexpected complication. It would be easier if his neighbor didn't have all those farm animals. Kaya Feidler's family has owned their land for nearly a hundred years--long before the neighbors were there. There's no way she's giving up the animal therapy business she's been struggling to make profitable. She gets a temp job helping Jonah in the gallery. Spending time together is a recipe for romance, but can they overcome their own hangups to be more than friends?

http://heathertullis.com/ * https://www.facebook.com/HeatherTullisBooks

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Book Blast & Giveaway: Claws for Alarm by T.C. Lotempio

**Content warning: NOT A CLEAN COZY**
See my full review here.

Claws for Alarm by T.C. LoTempio

Since inheriting her mother’s sandwich shop, Nora Charles is more about hot grilled paninis than cold-blooded murder—until her sister Lacey is arrested. The victim, an esteemed art collector and Lacey’s bullying professor, was stabbed in the heart. Apparently, all over a lousy grade.

Off campus, things were just as dicey. The prof had an ex with secrets, a trophy wife set to inherit a fortune in masterworks, and a scorned student mistress. Going undercover, Nora realizes that investigating this crime is the biggest test of her sleuthing career. Because if she fails, even Nick’s animal instinct won’t be enough to rescue Lacey from a perfectly executed framing.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Author T.C. LoTempio

Born in New York City, T. C. LoTempio is the national bestselling author of Meow If It’s Murder, the first in the Nick and Nora Mystery series. She has been a staff reporter at the young adult magazine Susabella Passengers and Friends for more than a decade. When she isn’t reporting or writing novels, she and her cat Rocco fundraise for Nathan Fillion’s charity, Kids Need to Read.

Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 11/30/15

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.



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Review and Giveaway Blog Tour: Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman

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She stole his heart.
He stole her peace.
Can hope steal their pain?

At the age of eighteen, Lacey Carmichael was a wild girl bent on fun, promised to Jack Carmichael, a straight-and-narrow pastor’s kid bent on the seminary. When her father kicks her out of the house, she runs away from Isle of Hope, turning her back on everything she loves. Now, eight years later, she’s back as a woman of faith, hoping to make amends to the father she defied, the boyfriend she deserted, and the best friend she denied. Only the bridges she’s burned are still smoldering, kindled by an adulterous affair by Jack’s pastor father that damaged his son’s faith. But can a turning of tables—and hearts—lead the way back to “hope” for them all?

Available to purchase on:

~AMAZON~

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“Come on, Jack, I dare you.”
She’d shot up out of the river like a tow-headed sea nymph, water sluicing down gentle curves of her T-shirt that tempted way more than they should. Her chuckle had been husky and low as she paddled in place off his dock, the sultry sound floating toward him like the mist on the water—hazing his mind, clouding his will. “This is our last night before you leave for that stuffy seminary,” she’d said with a toss of her head, “so let’s make a memory to keep us warm while you’re gone.” With a scrunch of her nose, she’d wiggled in the water and shot him a pixie grin that came off devil may care.

Devil may care. Jack grunted. That certainly nailed it to the wall. The edge of his mouth jagged up. With a freakin’ nail gun. He cocked a hip and sighed, tunneling fingers through his hair as the memory lapped against his mind like the warm, salty waters of the Skidaway River. Against his will, he shook his head, fighting the seed of a smile. Lacey Anne Carmichael had to be the biggest little brat on the Isle of Hope and absolutely everything Jack had ever wanted. Intelligent, warm, and brimming with life and fun and adventure, the perfect complement to his serious and sensible self. Half tomboy, half vamp, she was an adorable little girl in a woman’s body whose heart had always beat in time with his own. A best friend as deep as the rolling river who sparkled and shined on the surface with a sense of humor that made him laugh.

Until the summer that everything changed. The summer of her senior year after her cousin Nicki moved from California to Isle of Hope, tainting the girl to whom he was promised. He’d arrived home from college, and suddenly Lacey was different—wilder, crazier, as if hungry for a lifestyle forbidden by a strict father with whom she’d never seen eye-to-eye. From honor-roll choirgirl to temptress in the blink of a semester. Sure, Jack knew she’d always had a streak of the rebel—she’d been his next-door neighbor and sisters’ best friend forever, after all. But he just assumed graduation and turning eighteen would soften the edges. Help her settle down and become what he always hoped she would be—a pastor’s wife.

His.

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This book was very well written and deals with some serious subjects with a real depth.  It's gritter than most of the books I read with several characters dealing with adultery, betrayal, divorce, lies, and bitterness.  But there was also the awesome threads of healing, mercy, forgiveness, redemption, second chance love and friendships regained.

The relationship between Jack and Lacey's families has been torn apart by adultery, betrayal, and divorce leaving more than one member of their families still angry, bitter, and lost.  When Lacey returns to help with her cousin's wedding, she hopes to bring reconciliation between the two families. 

I liked how Lacey has changed and in spite of her fears is seeking reconciliation with her past.  I also liked that Jack's mom is so accepting of her and how she aids in her quest.  I especially liked how Jack's mom breaks through to Lacey's dad - there were some funny moments along the way! 

Although Jack and Lacey reconcile, they still have A LOT of issues to work through, one of which is the fact that Jack has allowed the hurt and betrayal of his dad's infidelity and Lacey's abandonment to turn him away from God.  It takes him awhile to soften up and find his way back to a relationship with God and his dad.

This story is more than just a romance.   It's a powerful real life tale of two families forever changed by the consequences of the sin of adultery.  It's a story of forgiveness, healing, and hope for a better tomorrow.  You'll laugh and cry with each family member as they find their way back to God and each other.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

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Julie Lessman, award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, and Heart of San Francisco series, was named American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and voted #1 Romance Author of the year in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards. Julie has garnered 17 RWA and other awards and made Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction. Her latest novel, Surprised by Love, appeared on Family Fiction magazine’s list of Top Ten Novels of 2014. Her indie book A Light in the Window is an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers' Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner.  You can contact Julie and read excerpts from her books at www.julielessman.com, or through:

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Google Plus ~ Pinterest

Also check out Julie’s group blog, The Seekers, Writers Digest 2013, 2014, and 2015 “Best 101 Websites for Writers,” and Julie’s own personal blog, Journal Jots, which was voted blog of the month in the Readers’ Choice poll of Book Fun Magazine.

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Tour Landing Page

November 1--Singing Librarian Books

November 2--Just Commonly

November 3--Between the Pages | Anna Weaver Hurtt, Author

November 4--Faith, Fiction, and Fun

November 5--Buzzing About Books

November 6--Reading is My Super Power | Smiling Book Reviews

​November 7--Wishful Endings

If you are interested in becoming a Singing Librarian Books tour participant, apply HERE.

Review: The Curiosity Keeper

The Curiosity Keeper by Sarah E. Ladd

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK

“It is not just a ruby, as you say. It is large as a quail’s egg, still untouched and unpolished. And it is rumored to either bless or curse whomever possesses it.”

Camille Iverness can take care of herself. She’s done so since the day her mother abandoned the family and left Camille to run their shabby curiosity shop on Blinkett Street. But when a violent betrayal leaves her injured with no place to hide, Camille has no choice but to accept help from the mysterious stranger who came to her aid.

Jonathan Gilchrist never wanted to inherit Kettering Hall. As a second son, he was content working as a village apothecary. But when his brother’s death made him heir just as his father’s foolish decisions put the estate at risk, only the sale of a priceless possession—a ruby called the Bevoy—can save the family from ruin. But the gem has disappeared. And all trails lead to Iverness Curiosity Shop—and the beautiful shop girl who may or may not be the answer to his questions.

Curious circumstance throws them together, and an intricate dance of need and suspicion leads the couple from the seedy backwaters of London to the elite neighborhoods of the wealthy to the lush, green Surrey countryside—all in the pursuit of a blood-red gem that collectors will sacrifice anything to possess.

Caught at the intersection of blessings and curses, greed and deceit, two determined souls must unite to protect what they hold dear. But when a passion that shines far brighter than any gem is ignited, each will have to decide how much they are willing to risk for their future, love, and happiness.

MY REVIEW

I liked Camille's strength of character. Her life has not been easy but she stays strong and determined through it all. She's courageous, a hard worker, and determined to live a different life than the one she discovers her father has fallen into. Jonathan's character was okay. I liked the fact that he's a gentleman who wouldn't stand by and let Camille get hurt and that he's stood up to his father and created his own life. Other than that, I thought his character was rather tame. He does come through in the end with heroic action though so that was good. I didn't care for his sister - very wishy-washy - sometimes nice, other times scheming & selfish. And there was no satisfactory conclusion to her story so I hope there is more about her in the next book. And that she has a stronger character.

I think fans of Sarah E. Ladd and fans of historical fiction will enjoy this book. For myself, although there was a twist that I saw coming and a twist I didn't see coming, I felt like this book was a little on the bland side. I'm not sure why because I really enjoyed her other series. I did enjoy it enough that I will read the second one coming out next year. :D

*Thanks to Thomas Nelson & Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*


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Review: Luther and Katharina

Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

About This Book

She was a nun of noble birth. He, a heretic, a reformer…an outlaw of the Holy Roman Empire.

In the 16th century, nun Katharina von Bora’s fate fell no further than the Abbey. Until she read the writings of Martin Luther. His sweeping Catholic church reformation—condemning a cloistered life and promoting the goodness of marriage—awakened her desire for everything she’d been forbidden. Including Martin Luther himself.

Despite the fact that the attraction and tension between them is undeniable, Luther holds fast to his convictions and remains isolated, refusing to risk anyone’s life but his own. And Katharina longs for love, but is strong-willed. She clings proudly to her class distinction, pining for nobility over the heart of a reformer. They couldn’t be more different.

But as the world comes tumbling down around them, and with Luther’s threatened life a constant strain, these unlikely allies forge an unexpected bond of understanding, support and love. Together, they will alter the religious landscape forever.
- See more at: www.waterbrookmultnomah.com

My Review

What a gripping story!  The courage, the persecution, the loneliness, the faith!  The depth of this book is amazing.   With plenty of rich drama, action, history, and romance, you'll be glad you picked up this book to read.  It is very well written!

If you've ever wanted to know more about Martin Luther, this book will satisfy.  The reformation of the Catholic church came about with much blood, sweat, and tears.  The life of persecution that Martin Luther lived was more than any of us could ever imagine.  I like the thought that the last 20 or so years of his life was brightened by his marriage to Katharina.

Although this book is heavy with history and the persecution that was prevalent in that time period, the author does not neglect the romance.  The attraction that Luther and Katharina feel towards one another is denied by both to the point that I wanted to slap both of them...lol.  Katharina has a warm heart despite being strong-willed and yearns to have the family that she was denied when her father took her to the Abbey at the age of 5.  However, she struggles with the pride of being of noble birth and through many trials has to learn to let go of her lineage in order to move on to a future of love and family.  Luther struggles with the fear of being rejected by this woman that has created passionate feelings in a man that believed he would be alone all his persecuted life.  He also fears for her safety and well being if she were to marry him.  They go through a lot before they find the path that God has laid out for their future.

Content warning:  The reality of the persecution of the time is not glossed over in this book.  Although not graphic, there are mentions of physical persecution and violence (some sexual).  Like I said, not graphic but still there.  (Probably less graphic than some crime shows on TV.)


See the Author's website page for information, reviews, discussion questions, trailers, and more!
Luther and Katharina: A Novel of Love and Rebellion & Additional Information About Luther and Katharina

*Thanks to Blogging For Books for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*

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About the Author

Jody Hedlund is a CBA best-selling author of ten books. Her first novel, The Preacher’s Bride, won the Reader’s Choice Award as part of the RWA Faith, Hope, and Love contest. Her book, A Noble Groom, was the winner of the 2014 Carol Award and INSPYs Award. She received a bachelor's from Taylor university and a master's from University of Wisconsin, both in social work. Hedlund revels in bringing forgotten historic women to life and can usually be found with a book, a cup of coffee and a piece of chocolate. She lives in Midland, Michigan with her husband and five children.   You can find her on her website jodyhedlund.com as well as:

 Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Instagram / Amazon / Pinterest




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Review: Autumn Brides: A Year of Weddings Novella Collection

Autumn Brides: A Year of Weddings Novella Collection by Kathryn Springer

Katie Ganshert, & Beth K. Vogt

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Happily ever after begins today. The honor of your presence is requested at three autumn weddings.…

A September Bride by Kathryn Springer
When Annie moves to Red Leaf, she’s ready to call the little town home. Deputy Jesse Kent can’t believe his mother has handed the keys to her bookshop over to a woman she met on the internet. Jesse has seen his mother taken advantage of before, and he decides to keep a close eye on this Annie Price. But when a close eye turns into a historical wedding reenactment with Jesse and Annie as the couple, make-believe nuptials quickly give way to real-life emotions.

When Deputy Jesse Kent comes home after a three week training course, he's appalled to learn that his mother has handed over the keys and management of her bookshop to Annie, a woman she met on an online book club. Determined to keep a close eye on Annie, he finds himself pulled into a historical wedding reenactment with Jessie and Annie as the couple. As they spend time together, Jesse is quickly won over by this friendly, loving, somewhat absent minded lady. I loved this sweet story about a girl who had a difficult life who gets the chance at a happily ever after.



An October Bride by Katie Ganshert
No one but Jake and Emma know the true reason they’re getting married — so Emma’s dying father can walk her down the aisle. While Jake and Emma plan an autumn wedding together, it becomes clear that their agreement has a few complications—the biggest being their true feelings for each other.

Emma Tate has a problem - she's seen her Dad's bucket list and it includes walking her down the aisle. The problem is her dad has cancer and doesn't have much time to make that happen AND Emma isn't engaged or even seeing someone! When she runs into her lifelong friend Jake Sawyer they hatch a plan to become engaged and get married in order to make her Dad's wish come true. The problem is the more time they spend together planning this wedding the more they struggle with their deception and with their true feelings for each other. I enjoyed this short novella in the Year of Weddings series. It's a fun, sweet, small hometown story with fun and quirky family and friends as supporting characters.



A November Bride by Beth K. Vogt
Having celebrated the big 3-0 by ending a relationship, Sadie is tired of romantic relationships-by-text. The only man she knows willing to put down his iPhone and have face-to-face conversations with her is Erik. It’s time to put a 21st-century twist on the Sadie Hawkins’ tradition of a woman going after her man. But when he realizes he’s fallen for her, can Erik convince Sadie his just-for-fun dates were the prelude to “‘til death do us part”?

Erik and Sadie have been best friends since high school. When Sadie gets dumped by text on her 30th birthday, she turns to the only man who has been constant in her life, her best friend Erik. Erik has commitment issues and only dates for 3-4 months before breaking up with, but remaining friends with, his girlfriends. When Sadie faces a choice in her career that could be life-changing, Erik decides that he is going to risk their friendship in order to show Sadie that he's the man for her. I loved this sweet romantic novella. It was fun to see these two connect romantically after being friends for so long. I also liked how both characters had friends who helped them get over their fears.


*Thanks to BookLook Bloggers for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

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