Blog Tour Review: The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection

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The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection: 9 Historical Women Win 
More than a Blue Ribbon at the Fair by Multiple Authors

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

To purchase your copy, click here.

Meet nine men and women whose competitive goals take them to state and county fairs between 1889 and 1930. From baking pie to polishing pigs, from sculpting butter to stitching quilts, everyone has something to prove to themselves and their communities. But in going for the blue ribbon, will nine women miss the greatest prize of all—the devoted heart of a godly man?

Carrie Fancett Pagels is a multi-published award-winning author of Christian historical romance. Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn’t “cure” her overactive imagination! She resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia, which is perfect for her love of history. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time!

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Angela Breidenbach is a bestselling author, host of Grace Under Pressure Radio, and the Christian Author Network’s president. And yes, she’s half of the fun fe-lion comedy duo, Muse and Writer, on social media.

Note from Angela: “I love hearing from readers and enjoy book club chats. To drop me a note or set up a book club chat, contact me at angie.breidenbach@gmail.com. Let me know if you’d like me to post a quote from your review of this story. If you send me the link and your social media handle, I’ll post it to my social media with a word of gratitude including your name and/or social media handle, too!”

For more about Angela’s books (especially more Montana-inspired romances) and podcast, or to set up a book club chat, please visit her website: http://www.AngelaBreidenbach.com
Twitter/Pinterest/Instagram: @AngBreidenbach
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/AngelaBreidenbachInspirationalSpeakerAuthor

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Review: A Timeless Romance Anthology: Mail Order Bride Collection

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Mail Order Bride Collection 
by Stacy Henrie, Kristin Holt, Annette Lyon, Sarah M. Eden, 
Heather B. Moore & Sian Ann Bessey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

**Amazon #1 Bestselling series in Clean Romance**

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Mail Order Bride Collection. Six historical romance novellas set in the Old West.

WRITTEN IN HER HEART, a charming novella by Stacy Henrie.  Georgeanna is getting desperate. She can’t fund her favorite orphanage unless she marries and secures the rest of her inheritance left by her father. But her father’s financial planner, Clay, can't understand why she's not content with her current situation. Georgie determines to send out a notice as a mail order bride to attract suitors who won’t know her financial situation. Little does she know, Clay takes up the pen and sends her letters of his own under an assumed name. After years of working for Georgie’s father, Clay realizes he isn’t ready to watch her marry another, not when his heart is already claimed by her.

I enjoyed this sweet romance.  Georgeanna has loved Clay since she was a girl but has hidden those feelings deep in her heart when Clay didn't love her back.   Now she's determined to find a husband who can help her fulfill her dreams.  When this mail order bride business shocks Clay into realizing his feelings, he determines to try to win her heart through letters.  I enjoyed Georgeanna and Clay's interactions and the sweet conclusion to their story. 

In Kristin Holt’s delightful novella WANTED: MIDWIFE BRIDE Dr. Naomi Thornton thinks she has it all: a beautiful house, a loving husband, and a fulfilling career. But when everything she holds dear is ripped away, Naomi has no choice but to start over. What will she find in the wild and untamed Wyoming Territory? Dr. Joe Chandler has waited years for a wife with the knowledge, skills, and tender heart he yearns for in a medical colleague and lifetime companion. When a midwife arrives with more expertise and secrets than he counted on, Joe quickly discovers there’s more to love and marriage than a simple mail order contract.

This unconventional story is about a lady doctor who has to flee her husband, her house, and her hard won career when faced with a dangerous accusation.   When she answers Dr. Joe's advertisement, there is an immediate attraction between them.  When Dr. Naomi's past catches up to them, will she leave Dr. Joe?   I enjoyed this short but intense romance novella.  

In THE SOUND OF HOME, a captivating novella by Annette Lyon, Marilyn is given the choice of either marrying the despicable Victor or being charged with a murder she didn’t commit. Refusing to believe that either is her fate, she finds a third option: she answers a mail order bride advertisement and boards a train to Wyoming to wed a man named Harry. Moments after her arrival, she learns that Harry isn’t who he seemed to be, and the advertisement turns out to be a giant mistake. Harry’s brother Thomas agrees to let her stay until she can figure out what to do next—after all, she simply cannot return to New York—but Marilyn quickly finds herself developing feelings for Thomas.

I really enjoyed this sweet novella about a lady who escapes a dangerous situation only to find herself in another pickle when the advertised groom is not who he seemed to be.  I loved Marilyn's interaction with Harry and how sweet and caring she was.  Can she win Thomas' heart or will she have to return New York?  Another sweet romance with a happy ending.


In Sarah M. Eden’s endearing novella FOR BETTER OR WORSE Gerald Smith, on the advice of his well-meaning neighbors, has decided it’s time to change his lonely existence. Mary Hill, on the advice of her empty pocketbook and non-existent roof over her head, has decided it’s time to secure herself a future. A mail-order marriage, they both realize, is no guarantee of happiness, but it is a risk they are willing to take. However, coming face to face on the train platform, the hapless couple discovers an unexpected truth: marriage to a perfect stranger is sometimes far preferable to the prospect of a lifetime with someone you used to know.

I loved this fun story about two people who arrange a mail-order marriage only to realize when they meet that they already know each other.   Mary has her reasons for the way she acted years ago but all Gerald knows and remembers is how annoying she was.   Can they forget the past and learn to love each other?  A sweet endearing novella about finding love unexpectedly.

Heather B. Moore’s sweet novella THE INCONVENIENT BRIDE sees Carmela traveling from Boston to Colorado, eager to meet the man she’s been corresponding with and will soon marry. Her brother’s new marriage leaves little room for Carmela in her old life. Upon arrival in Leadville, she faces a rude awakening, and the only one who can understand her predicament is her fiance’s brother, Samuel. But Samuel can’t possibly help her out of an awkward situation, can he? It would be better for all if she returns immediately to Boston and pretends she never traveled to Colorado in the first place.

Another sweet novella about a mail-order bride who finds herself in a predicament when her fiance is not who she thought he was.  Can and will his brother help her out and will he fall under the charm of this sweet lady from Colorado?  Loved the chemistry between these two and as always, loved the happy ending.

THE PRICE OF SILVER, an engaging novella by Siân Ann Bessey, Katie leaves New York for Idaho to marry Jake, a man she’s written to a couple of times. But when she steps off the train, his brother Caleb is there to greet her. Jake has gone to take a mining job he couldn’t pass up. Caleb takes Katie back to the family ranch to wait for Jake’s return. The more Caleb gets to know Katie, the more he envies his brother, but he can’t let his heart overrule his head unless Jake changes his mind about his intended bride.

I really liked this engaging novella.  When Katie arrives in Idaho, her fiance has left for a mining job.  I liked that in this story there was a mother involved who takes Katie in and makes her a part of the family right away.  And when sparks start to fly between Caleb and Katie, they have to decide if they will follow their hearts.   Another sweet, romantic mail-order bride story!

*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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Review: Timeless Regency Collection: A Midwinter Ball

Timeless Regency Collection: A Midwinter Ball

by Heidi Ashworth, Annette Lyon, & Michele Paige Holmes

ABOUT THE BOOK

From the publisher of the #1 Amazon bestselling A Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean Romance.  Join three bestselling regency romance authors, Heidi Ashworth, Annette Lyon, and Michele Paige Holmes, for three new regency romance novellas in A MIDWINTER BALL.

MUCH ADO ABOUT DANCING by Heidi Ashworth. Two years have passed since Lord Northrup declared his intentions for Miss Analisa Lloyd-Jones and forbade any other man to court her. Angry at the neglect, Analisa stopped reading his letters, never even breaking the seals. Tired of waiting, Analisa joins the house party at Mrs. Smith’s famous country home, determined to find a beau. When Lord Northrup unexpectedly joins the party, Analisa discovers she is no longer repulsed by the man who first laid claim to her hand.

SWEETER THAN ANY DREAM by Annette Lyon. Olivia Wallington is firmly established as a spinster, but that doesn’t stop her from dreaming about the perfect man. Ever since her father’s death, Olivia has been forced into seclusion by her mother. When her brother and his wife come for a visit, they discover the extent to which she lives under their mother’s thumb. With their help, Olivia sneaks out to attend a local ball, where she meets Edward Blakemoore. For a few divine moments, all of her dreams seem possible. But even someone like Mr. Blakemoore would be hard pressed to get past Mrs. Wallington’s fortress of protection—or past Olivia’s pride.

AN INVITATION TO DANCE by Michele Paige Holmes. Lady Ella has been isolated on her father’s estate since her mother’s death as her father travels the world. When Alex Darling arrives with a letter from her long-dead fiancé, and a demand that she travel to London for a series of engagements, Ella thinks her father instigated the strange demands and agrees. In London, she discovers the truth behind her fiancé’s death, and that new love might be possible in the arms of the most unexpected man.

MY REVIEW

I really liked this new book in the Timeless Regency Collection series.   The romances are clean and sweet and fun.  You can't go wrong in reading these books!  :)

In Much Ado About Dancing, Lord Northrup has to find a way to convince Analisa that he's a changed man from the one that left two years ago.  Analisa has to find a way to forget and forgive the man that he was when he left and learn who he is now.  A well written novella with a lovely ending!

In Sweeter Than Any Dream,  Olivia holds onto her sanity by daydreaming about a different life and a perfect man.   Although smart and well read, Olivia has lived with the tyranny of her mother and her aunt for awhile and tries not to make waves.  When her newly married brother and his wife persuade her to sneak out to a ball she meets the man of her dreams.   In order to realize her dream of love she will have to grow a backbone and stand up for herself.   I loved this sweet story of dreams coming true!

In An Invitation To Dance, Lady Ella has been on her own for several years as her grief stricken father travels the world.   She is bold, vibrant, and used to doing things her way.   When she receives a letter from her long-dead fiance at the hands of Alex Darling, she thinks it may be her father surprising her for her birthday.  When she gets to London and learns differently, she finds herself relying on Mr. Darling to help her through the season.   When they start falling in love, Ella has to convince him to let go of his pride and open his heart to her.   I really enjoyed this well written novella about a spunky, unconventional Lady and the gruff proud man who falls in love with her.

*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.*

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Heidi Ashworth, best-selling, award-winning author of traditional regency romance, lives in the San Francisco bay area, but she lost her heart across the pond when she was very young. She read her first regency romance when she was four years old (just a few words, but it was enough). The first one she wrote took place in Paris circa 1974 but such gaffes are mere trifles when you are only ten. Since then she has sharpened her skills and garnered a few accolades; Miss Delacourt Speaks Her Mind hit the number one spot on several of Amazon's regency romance lists in both the U.S. and England, while its sequel earned a finalist position in the Whitney Awards (both are available via Montlake Romance).  Her novella, It Happened Twelfth Night, is one of six short stories in the first volume of the award-winning, best-selling series, A Timeless Romance Anthology, via Mirror Press.  The third book in her Miss Delacourt series, Lord Haversham Takes Command, was re-released in a box set entitled "Every Hope: A Triple Treat Romance", in December 2014, also via Mirror Press. Her latest in the Miss Delacourt series, Miss Armistead Makes Her Choice, garnered a 4.5 star Crowned Heart review from InD'tale Magazine and is currently a 2015 RONE Award finalist. You can find her on her blog, Facebook, & Twitter.

Annette Lyon is a Whitney Award winner, the recipient of Utah’s Best in State medal for fiction and the author of ten novels, a cookbook, and a grammar guide as well as over a hundred magazine articles. She’s part of the Timeless Romance Anthologies line of sweet romance stories, a senior editor at Precision Editing Group, and a cum laude graduate from BYU with a degree in English. When she’s not writing, editing, knitting, or eating chocolate, she can be found mothering and avoiding the spots on the kitchen floor.

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Amazon Link: Annette Lyon Collection

Goodreads: Annette Lyon Collection

Annette's Author Goodreads page: Author Annette Lyon

Michele Paige Holmes spent her childhood and youth in Arizona and northern California, often curled up with a good book instead of out enjoying the sunshine. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Elementary Education, and found it an excellent major in which to indulge her love of children’s literature.
Her first novel, Counting Stars (Covenant Communications 2007), won the 2007 Whitney Award for best romance. Her companion novel, a romantic suspense titled, All the Stars in Heaven (Covenant 2009), was a Whitney finalist, as was her first historical romance, Captive Heart (Covenant 2011). My Lucky Stars (Covenant 2012) completed the Stars series.
After having a novella published in A Timeless Romance Anthology European Collection (Mirror Press, 2013), Michele decided to focus on historical romance and began Hearthfire Historicals, with the debut novel Saving Grace. A companion novella, Loving Helen was released February 2015.
Michele has been a member of the same critique group for over fourteen years and feels privileged to meet with fellow authors Annette Lyon, Heather B. Moore, LuAnn Staheli, Sarah M. Eden, J. Scott Savage, and Robison Wells. She has been a member of RWA and URWA, LDStorymakers, and The League of Utah Writers. Michele enjoys both attending and teaching at conferences.
When not reading or writing romance, Michele is busy with her full time job as a wife and mother. She and her husband live in Utah with their five high maintenance children and a Shitzu that resembles a teddy bear, in a house with a wonderful view of the mountains. You can find Michele on the web at michelepaigeholmes.com and on Facebook and Twitter .

Review: Amish Christmas at North Star: Four Stories of Love and Family

Amish Christmas at North Star: Four Stories of Love and Family 

by Cindy Woodsmall, Mindy Starns Clark & Emily Clark, Amanda Flower, & Katie Ganshert

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK

One night four lives entered the world by the hands of an Amish midwife, just outside North Star, Pennsylvania. 
Rebekah’s babies, as they are called, are now grown adults and in four heartwarming novellas each young person experiences a journey of discovery, love, and the wonder of Christmas.

Guiding Star by Katie Ganshert
Curiosity gets the best of Englisher Chase Wellington when he investigates the twenty-five-year-old disappearance of an Amish baby. When he finds adventurous Elle McAllister in Iowa will his discoveries upend her world? 

Mourning Star by Amanda Flower
Eden Hochstetler slips from her parents’ fudge shop to investigate the death of her friend Isaac Yoder.  Who is guilty? Isaac’s handsome great nephew Jacob, an angry Englisher, or someone else?

In the Stars by Cindy Woodsmall
Kore Detweiler has nursed his broken heart, avoiding North Star after Savilla Beiler suddenly rejected his love.  But when he is called to return home, he and Savilla must join forces to keep a family together.

Star of Grace by Mindy Starns Clark and Emily Clark
Andy Danner left North Star to work in construction in a new Amish settlement in Louisiana. His little brother devises a scheme to bring Andy home for Christmas, and unwittingly unleashes the power of forgiveness in an old widower’s life.

~See more at http://waterbrookmultnomah.com

MY REVIEW

This was a great Christmas read!  I don't normally read a lot of Amish stories but I decided to give this one a try.  I loved the thread running through all four stories about the babies that were all born on the same night and where they are now as adults.

My favorite of the stories was Guiding Star by Katie Ganshert.  I liked the element of adoption in this story and how Elle is drawn into finding her biological parents.  The process of connecting with her family was sweet.  I also liked how Chase and Elle connect and fall in love.

Morning Star by Amanda Flower was also interesting.  The nature of the short story novella didn't allow much time for developing a relationship between Jacob and Eden, but there was a connection.  And the mystery of Isaac's death keeps your attention.

In the Stars by Cindy Woodsmall was my least favorite of the four.  The whole reason for Savilla's rejection of Kore and his broken heart could have been solved a whole lot quicker by a little more communication and trust.

Star of Grace by Mindy Starns Clark and Emily Clark was endearing.  Andy left town after Nellie jilted him and left to pursue higher education.  Although Nellie is now back in town and sorry for what she has done, Andy has also left town and has a hard time trusting her again.  However, the main part of this story (and what make it so endearing) centers around Andy's brother Sam who is desperately trying to get Andy back into town for Christmas.  How he goes about it is sweet and also touches the life an old widower.   Good story!

*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 AUTHORS

Katie Ganshert
Christy Award finalist, Katie Ganshert is the author of Wildflowers from Winter and Wishing on Willows. She lives in Iowa with her handsome husband, their dinosaur-loving son, and their goofy black lab, Bubba. When she’s not busy writing or playing or reading or snuggling, she is obsessing over the paperwork and the waiting that comes with adoption, which she and her husband hope to complete sometime before they are fifty.

Amanda Flower
Amanda Flower is an Agatha Award–nominated author. She also writes the USA Today bestselling Amish Quilt Shop Mysteries, including Murder, Simply Served and Murder, Simply Stitched under the name Isabella Alan.

Cindy Woodsmall
Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author of numerous works of fiction and one of nonfiction. Her connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media. She lives in the Foothills of the North Georgia Mountains with her family.

Mindy Starns Clark & Emily Clark
Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of more than 20 books, both fiction and nonfiction (more than 800,000 sold) including coauthoring the Christy Award–winning The Amish Midwife. Mindy and her husband, John, have two adult children and live in Pennsylvania. She enjoys speaking to churches, civic groups, and libraries across the country. Her unique blend of humor and insight make her an audience favorite.
Emily Clark is Mindy's daughter.

Review: A Timeless Romance Anthology: Under the Mistletoe

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Under the Mistletoe by Cindy Roland Anderson,
Annette Lyon, Julie Coulter Bellon, Sarah M. Eden, Heather B. Moore, & Jennifer Griffith

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

~ABOUT THE BOOK~

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Under the Mistletoe Collection. Six contemporary novellas, all adding sweet romance to the Christmas season.

In the enchanting novella FORGOTTEN KISSES by Cindy Roland Anderson, costume designer Madison Taylor has no love lost when the male lead playing Sir Lancelot in a TV series is fired. She couldn’t stand working with him anyway. But when she discovers who his replacement is, her heart nearly stops. Caleb Matthews is one of the hottest male actors ever… and not to mention Madison’s former boyfriend. When things got too serious between them, everything fell apart. And now, Madison must play nice or lose her job. She just has to forget all of the reasons she’d fallen for him in the first place.

In THE LAST CHRISTMAS, a sweet romance novella by Annette Lyon, Meredith only has to make it through the Christmas holiday pretending that she and her husband Eric aren’t on the verge of divorce. She doesn’t want to ruin the holiday for her two grown daughters and their boyfriends. But when Eric hurries home after weeks of living in a motel to unpack before their daughters arrive, he starts pressing Meredith with questions about why she filed for divorce. The last thing Meredith wants to do it give Eric a second chance, but it seems that Eric is not willing to let her go without trying to win her back.

In Julie Coulter Bellon’s captivating novella TRUTH OR DARE After a year of recovery, wounded war veteran Jonah Harrison comes home for Christmas. No longer the outgoing high school track star, he just wants to be left alone, away from well-meaning friends and neighbors. But when a blizzard strands him with Cami Jackson—the girl who once knew him best—he can’t hide anything from her, no matter how much he wants to. Cami has a wounded heart of her own, though, and it might take a Christmas miracle for them to find the healing they both long for and the courage to reach for a chance at love.

In the charming novella HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST by Sarah M. Eden, Celeste Lagorio has officially given up on Christmas. A single mother, with her children grown and unable to return for the holiday, Celeste determines to take a break from everything. When her single neighbor and almost-best-friend, Mike Durham, discovers her non-plans, they discuss things they’ve always wanted to do, but never had time. Mike and Celeste put together a friendly competition of checking off the things on their bucket list, all the while drawing closer and discovering they have more in common than they thought.

In CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY, a delightful novella by Heather B. Moore, Monica is on the verge of buying her dream store, but when she tells her boyfriend, he turns it into an embarrassing public argument. Heartbroken, but determined to follow her dream, she goes to her employer’s Christmas party to play Mrs. Claus, only to be paired with someone unexpected. A young Mr. Claus who is the complete opposite of her ex-boyfriend in all the most important ways. Yet, Monica is not sure she can risk opening her heart again.

In Jennifer Griffith’s exciting novella FIRST (AND LAST) CHRISTMAS DATE, pilot Juliet Law has been in a holding pattern, dating the wrong guy, until she gets a holiday shake-up: old flame Tag McClintock e-mails her to ask for second date—after ten years. Their first date, back in high school, had been an unmitigated disaster culminating with Pepto Bismol and the police. Still, Juliet would have gone out with Tag again the next day—and the next—had he asked. So now that he’s finally popping up in her in-box again, Juliet must decide whether to say yes to the date, even if it puts her at risk of another decade of carrying a torch for Tag McClintock. Will their second date be their last?

~MY REVIEW~

As is the case with most of the Timeless Romance Anthologies, I enjoyed the clean romantic love stories in these 6 novellas. And as a bonus, they all include kisses under the mistletoe! So romantic! :D I enjoyed the 4 middle novellas the most.

The Last Christmas by Annette Lyon is a touching story about a marriage on the verge of divorce and how finally communicating with each other brings about a change that just might bring about a Christmas miracle!

Truth or Dare by Julie Coulter Bellon is a lovely heartwarming story about a wounded war veteran who comes home for Christmas. When a blizzard strands a girl from his past, he slowly opens up to her and finds she has some hurts also. I loved how the interaction between the two played out in this one!

Holiday Bucket List by Sarah M. Eden is a delightful story about an empty-nester, single mother who decides she's taking a break from Christmas. But her single neighbor and almost-best-friend decides that it's about time he seriously pursues this woman he's loved for years. With a little bit of family drama thrown in, this novella was a great Christmas read.

Christmas Every Day by Heather B. Moore is a romantic story about a young woman who is determined to follow her heart and buy her dream store - a year round Christmas store! After ending an up and down relationship with her boyfriend, who publicly humiliated her, she meets the son of the current store owners. Can their unexpected paring in Mr. & Mrs. Claus roles bring about a healing Christmas romance for both of them? A sweet story!

*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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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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Blog Tour Review: Autumn Masquerade

Autumn Masquerade by Josi S. Kilpack,

 Donna Hatch & Nancy Campbell Allen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Timeless Regency Collection: Three Brand New Novellas from Bestselling Regency Romance Authors...

A MERRY DANCE by Josi S. Kilpack. When Lila overhears her uncle talking about a man coming to look for property in the county, she doesn’t think twice, until her uncle says he hopes Lila will find enough interest to marry the man. How can she marry someone named Mortimer Luthford, not to mention that his advanced age of thirty-three, and especially since she’s already in love with her absent cousin Neville? But when Mortimer arrives, Lila has to try every trick known to women to act not interested in the rather fascinating man, which proves a very difficult façade to maintain.

I enjoyed this story about Lila and Mortimer. There were several times I had to laugh out loud at Lila's antics in trying to appear unsuitable to Mortimer. Her nature is so curious that she's practically bursting to engage in a meaningful conversation with this interesting man. A sweet fun story that will warm your heart.

UNMASKING THE DUKE by Donna Hatch. The last thing Hannah Palmer wants to do is flirt with men in a crowded ballroom, but when her sister throws a Masquerade Ball, Hannah can’t say no to the invitation and takes comfort behind a mask. She dances with a charming masked man, matching him wit for wit. When the glorious evening culminates in a kiss, and the two remove their masks, Hannah is horrified to discover the man she’s been flirting with all night is her most despised neighbor, the Duke of Suttenberg. No matter how charming the duke was at the ball, and how wonderful the kiss, he is the last man she’d ever accept.

I really enjoyed this novella. Hannah is on the shy side and wants nothing to do with crowds and the ton. She especially doesn't want to have anything to do with the Duke of Suttenberg, who has met her more than once but never deigns to remember her. I enjoyed the way Hannah was able to come out of her shell and become a confident person while at the masked ball. And I loved the passion with which the Duke falls in love with her. But I never really understood his reasoning for not noticing her or remembering her after having met her multiple times. Definitely a character flaw on his part. As the story progresses though, you do get to see him in a better light. A passionate story that will keep you turning pages.

WHAT’S IN A NAME by Nancy Campbell Allen. Penelope Timely has a terrible secret. She’s been writing letters to the Duke of Wilmington, pretending to be her ever-proper twin sister, Persephone. Now, the duke has written that he’ll be coming for the Autumn Masquerade Ball and Festival. Penelope will have to continue the charade while the duke is in town in order to protect her sister. The Duke of Wilmington isn’t fooled for a moment, but instead of confessing that he knows about the deception, he finds himself utterly charmed by Penelope and jumps into the game of deception to see how far the twin sisters will take it.

I really enjoyed this novella as well. I love that it's about twins although I felt like the character of Persephone was a conflict. How could she be so unaware of how her sister is being treated and unconcerned with her feelings and yet at the same time not be too good for the town doctor? A little bit of a disconnect there. But I enjoyed the fact that the Duke saw right through the act and was still charmed by Penelope. A delightful story that will make you want more.

This is the start of a new line of clean romances called Timeless Regency Collection and I really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to the next book!

*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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Other Timeless Regency Collections:

A Midwinter Ball (Coming December 2015)

Spring in Hyde Park (Coming March 2016)

Summer House Party (Coming June 2016)

A Country Christmas (Coming October 2016)

Timeless Regency Collection series on Goodreads
Timeless Romance Anthologies on Facebook

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Review: A Timeless Romance Anthology: California Dreamin' Collection

A Timeless Romance Anthology: California Dreamin' Collection by Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Loved it! I always jump at a chance to get a book from these series. They are always clean and sweet.

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE by Heather B. Moore
I enjoyed this sweet novella about a wedding photographer and a business tycoon who meet on the beach and, despite their different backgrounds and some family opposition, start to fall in love. Is he too good to be true and can she get over her broken heart?

GONE FISHING by Kaylee Baldwin
I really liked this charming novella about Claire, a website designer, and Miguel, her father's partner on his deep-sea fishing tourist business. There are definitely some chuckles as this rough around the edges man with a past tangles with the city girl with a barracuda mother. =)

THE PIER CHANGES EVERYTHING by Annette Lyon
I loved this enchanting novella about Alexandria and Michael. They meet on the beach where she is performing one last task for her deceased husband, who died much too young, and he is trying to finally put a past relationship to rest. As they grab lunch and then proceed to spend the rest of the day together, they began to believe they just might be able to find love again.

HERO'S SONG by Jennifer Moore
When AnneMarie, a romance novelist, admits on a late night talk show that she was in love once with a guitar player, she has no clue that that very man, Lance Holden, is booked on the same show to perform his newest song. AnneMarie hasn't seen Lance since he broke her heart ten years ago. As Lance tries to reconcile with AnneMarie, she finds herself taking a second chance. I didn't like this novella as much. I think because this one has more anger and angst in it than the others which are sweeter and fun.

STAY WITH ME by Shannon Guymon
I really liked this endearing novella about Jolie, an art major who moves to L.A. to take on a nanny position just for the summer, and Fitz, the family's chauffeur. With a model-gorgeous chauffeur and two adorable and needy charges, Jolie might just be persuaded to stay in L.A.

A PLACE TO CALL HOME by Sarah M. Eden
It's pretty much a given that I'm going to like a Sarah M. Eden story! I loved this captivating novella about Ada, the best realtor around, and Craig, an accountant. He's looking for the perfect condo to buy for him and his son. What they weren't prepared for was their unforeseen attraction to each other and the immediate attachment between Ada and Craig's adorable son. Will they listen to their hearts telling them it's okay to take another chance on love?

Another winner from the Timeless Romance Anthology series!

*Thanks to eBooksForReview for providing me with a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review. All opinions stated are my own.*



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Review: Chance of Loving You by Terri Blackstock, Susan May Warren, & Candace Calvert

Chance of Loving You by Terri Blackstock

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Chance of Loving You is an anthology by three bestselling romance authors including Terri Blackstock, Susan May Warren, & Candace Calvert.

In the first novella, For Love of Money by Terri Blackstock, Blake Adcock's dreams have collapsed and all he's got to show for his dedicated hard work is a sweepstakes ticket. He has sat at the restaurant table for three hours, ordering things he doesn't want, because there is no place else he wants to go. Julie Sheffield, the struggling clothes designer who is waitressing on the side, is drawn to the man with the kind eyes... until he stiffs her on the tip by leaving her half of a sweepstakes ticket and no money.

In the second novella, The Recipe by Candace Calvert, Aimee Curran is a hospital dietary assistant who is determined to win the Vegan Valentine Bake-off to prove that she's finally found her calling. CSI photographer, Lucas Marchal, religiously visits his elderly grandmother in the hospital trying to encourage her to eat and drink to get her well. While caring for Lucas' grandmother, Aimee and Lucas get to know each other and Aimee begins to question where she belongs.

In the third novella, Hook, Line & Sinker by Susan May Warren, grad student Abigail Cushman is happy with her life as an Assistant Professor of Greek and Hebrew. Ross Springer is trying to prove his worth by raising money for the college group he mentors and leads. When Abigail and Ross end up competing in the annual Deep Haven fishing contest, they might just have a chance to put the past behind them and find the love they once had.

Out of all three of these novellas, I liked The Recipe by Candace Calvert the best. Lucas and Aimee are drawn to one another and as they fall in love they end up helping the other at critical moments in the story. In For Love of Money, Blake's actions leave much to be desired, in my opinion. If he's so broke why is he sitting in an expensive restaurant ordering food he can't pay for? I like Julie's character a whole lot better. She stands by her beliefs and manages to change Blake's life for the better. In Hook, Line & Sinker, Abigail and Ross have known each other practically all their lives. You definitely get more depth to their relationship because of this. I like that they work on their differences and come to peace with the tragedy in their past.

*Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*



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Author Terri Blackstock
Terri Blackstock's books have sold six million copies worldwide. Her suspense novels often debut at number one on the Christian fiction best-seller lists, and True Light, published in 2007, was number one of all Christian books—fiction and non-fiction. Known for her "Up All Night Fiction," Terri has had over twenty-five years of success as a novelist. Visit Terri Blackstock on her website www.terriblackstock.com.

Author Candace Calvert
Candace Calvert is a former ER nurse and author of the Mercy Hospital and Grace Medical series. Her medical dramas offer readers a chance to "scrub in" on the exciting world of emergency medicine. Wife, mother, and very proud grandmother, Candace makes her home in northern California. Please visit her Web site at www.candacecalvert.com.

Author Susan May Warren
Susan May Warren is the bestselling, Christy and RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.

Review: A Timeless Romance Anthology: All Regency Collection

A Timeless Romance Anthology: All Regency Collection by Anna Elliott

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I loved this Regency novella collection in the Timeless Romance Anthology series! I was pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed each one of these 6 short novellas.

In the first book, THE WEDDING GIFT: A PRIDE AND PREJUDICE STORY by Anna Elliott, the story opens two weeks before Elizabeth Bennet’s wedding to Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth is searching for the perfect wedding gift. When she obtains the gift she can't say no to, it leads to unexpected danger and the realization that the gift of love is more important than any one thing. Anna Elliott did a great job with this short follow-up to Pride and Prejudice. I'm going to have to look into her other P&P books!

In DREAM OF A GLORIOUS SEASON, a sweet novella by Sarah M. Eden, we meet Elizabeth Gillerford. Elizabeth is hopelessly in love with the man who has been destined for her older sister from birth by their respective families. But Julian is too good of a man for her mean-spirited sister and he's smart enough not to fall into her trap. When Julian discovers that Elizabeth has been denied a Season because her older sister is yet unwed, he undertakes his own stealthy measures to introduce Elizabeth to society, only to find himself falling in love with her himself. This was an enjoyable sweet short story with a perfectly sweet happy ending! :)

In the third book, THE MENDER by Carla Kelly, Thankful Winnings takes a sea voyage with her cousin in a last adventure before she settles down to marry one of her beaus. Unexpectedly they come upon the aftermath of a fierce ship battle, and Thankful is commissioned to help in the place of an injured surgeon on one of the Royal Navy ships. Adam Farnsworth, surgeon, has been at sea for years. Tired of war, but devoted to his post, it takes a resourceful lady such as Thankful to give him the hope of love and help heal his own wounds, the ones that show and the ones that don’t. I really, really liked this unexpectedly tender love story!

In BEGIN AGAIN, a novella by Josi S. Kilpack, Regina Weathers has given up on marrying for love. When the man she loved walks back into her life after fifteen years, Regina is too steaming mad to give him a chance to explain.
But Ross is determined to woo back the woman he has loved all these years. When Regina discovers a secret long since buried by her father, will the revelation be enough to thaw the coldness of her heart? Whew! This book started with a bang and I wasn't too sure I was going to like it but it redeemed itself and of course has the sweet ending that you want. :D

In Annette Lyon’s endearing story, THE AFFAIR AT WILDEMOORE, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony & Ellen Stanhope are reminded of their courtship and early years of marriage as they watch their oldest daughter flirt with a beau. The tragic death of their infant son had set them on separate courses in life and they have drifted apart. Will the reappearance of an old flame end in disaster or will the memories of their love bring reconciliation? I loved the tender emotions in this story! It's a sweet, endearing story you won't want to miss.

In the sixth and final novella, THE DUKE’S BROTHER by Heather B. Moore, Mr. Gregory Clark is having an awful day, and it only gets worse when he’s ran over by … a woman. Mabel Russell reluctantly visits her sister in London for the Season, even though she’d rather stay in the country cataloging insects and aphids. When she runs into Gregory Clark, quite literally, she’s afraid to show any interest, especially since he’s a member of the dreaded ton. But getting to know Gregory becomes an unexpected delight. This was a quirky, fun story about a heroine that is different and the man who is a perfect fit for her! A delightful way to finish the book. :)

*Thanks to eBooksForReview for providing me with a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.*



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