Sheila's Books Read

Sheila's bookshelf: read

The Best Intentions
Scotland's Melody
The Secret Society of Salzburg
Secret of the Sonnets
20-40-60-Minute Dinners: Meals to Match the Time You Have
Through the Wilderness: My Journey of Redemption and Healing in the American Wild
Secret Santa Claus Club: A Tool to Help Parents Unwrap the Secret of Santa
Mr. Pudgins
Revenge Never Rests
The Best Mistake
Meriden Park
More Inspirational Stories for Young Women
The Great Tree: A Christmas Fable
To Capture His Heart
The Call of the Sea
Esperance
Livvy and the Enchanted Woodland
Come, Gentle Night
The Bad Boy Theory
Guide To Smart Wedding Planning: What You want to know and everything you haven't thought of yet.


Sheila's favorite books »

2024 Goodreads Reading Challenge

2024 Reading Challenge

2024 Reading Challenge
Sheila has read 4 books toward her goal of 100 books.
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Monday, November 18, 2024

From Stardust by Meagan Kaye-Book 1 in the Aarilyan Seas Series : Romantic Fantasy Book Review

 





Book Synopsis

Lillian is a dedicated lady’s maid and is quite content in her position, but when the family she works for sets sail across the sea and the ship they are on sinks, she is suddenly thrown into an adventure worthy of one of her novels. Found unconscious and drifting alone, Lillian is mistaken as a noblewoman and kidnapped by a misfit band of pirates where she must keep up the ruse to ensure her safety.

Kale is the captain of the pirate ship 
Stardust, and desperately needs a noblewoman to go after the largest treasure he and his crew have ever attempted. But Lillian isn’t anything like what he expected of a noble, and he struggles with the need for a noblewoman and his growing attraction for her. As the blood moon approaches, Kale and the crew scramble to gather everything needed to access the legendary treasure.

With the clock ticking on their adventure Lillian and Kale must work together as they battle rival pirates, the navy, and a 300-year-old curse. Kale must decide the best path to take for the crew and everyone who depends on him, while Lillian must find a strength within herself she never thought
 possible.



Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bound In Ink, LLC (June 21, 2024)
  • Genre: Romantic Fantasy
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 305 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8989995400
  • ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****





My Review

I was thrilled to get a copy of From Stardust from the author. Romantasies have quickly become one of my favorite genres, especially when they include pirates! Lillian is a lady's maid and doesn't realize her true status is that of a lady from a noble house. Kale is the handsome pirate captain searching for treasure.

This book is an easy read and full of fun and unique characters. The crew of the pirate ship quickly became my favorite characters in the book. They were kind and supportive of Lillian just as a family, a feeling she'd never experienced before, except when she was a little girl before her parents were lost at sea. Lillian's amazing journey from girl to woman is beautifully told. The interactions between Kale and Lillian are filled with tension as they try to avoid falling for each other. Even though their romance unfolded slowly, I enjoyed every moment they spent together and their clever conversations.

There are plenty of adventures, sword fights, moonlit dances, and a treasure map that could change everything for them. Who will uncover the treasure first and break the 300-year-old curse? This exciting journey awaits you in From Stardust.



****Meet Author Meagan Kaye****



Author, Tea Lover, All Around Awkward Human.

Learn more about her and her books

HERE: https://www.meagankaye.com/





~*~*~*~*Purchase From Stardust ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Hardcover-https://a.co/d/2fXzd37

Paperback-https://a.co/d/cH5kPlM

Kindle-https://a.co/d/0pDi7nb

Friday, November 15, 2024

I Know She Was There By Jennifer Sadera-Psychological Suspense Book Review

I Know She Was There by Jennifer Sadera Banner

I KNOW SHE WAS THERE

by Jennifer Sadera

October 28 - November 22, 2024 Virtual Book Tour

Book Synopsis:

I Know She Was There by Jennifer Sadera

Be careful what you see when you shouldn’t be looking.

Residents of the posh Upstate New York neighborhood of Deer Crossing enjoy all the amenities wealth provides. From drive-up dog-grooming to monthly botox parties, these lucky suburbanites have everything they could ever want. And one thing they don’t. Stalker Caroline Case, who wheels her infant along their streets each night with just one goal...to spy on anyone too careless or too foolish to close their window blinds.

Convinced the owners of the impressive homes are living a dream existence, the troubled new mom hopes to escape her working-class life by prying secrets from the unsuspecting. But the fairy tale twists into a nightmare when she sees something she shouldn’t. Something that shatters her illusions about the people in the privileged community she’s obsessed with, even as she begins to doubt what she saw.

As Caroline investigates the event, shocking secrets are laid bare, and nothing is as it seems. She knows she must prove something sinister occurred in Deer Crossing or risk letting someone get away with murder.


My Review

I Know She Was There has more surprises than any other book I’ve read. It keeps readers guessing about what’s really going on, leaving them a bit confused. The story follows Caroline Case, who takes late-night walks in her neighborhood with her fussy baby. During these walks, she observes her wealthy neighbors, almost to the point of obsession, trying to understand their lives and who they spend time with. She discovers that life may not be as perfect as it seems. One night, she witnesses a woman being attacked through an upstairs window, but no one believes her. Caroline keeps insisting she saw it and struggles to convince herself that she’s not going crazy.

As the chapters unfold, it becomes clear that something isn’t quite right with Caroline, and we start to question her mental state. Readers often wonder if what’s happening is real or just in her head. The plot has many characters, each with their own stories that connect in surprising ways. You won’t easily figure out who is causing the mysterious events. The twists and turns are like a thrilling roller coaster ride. Honestly, when I finished the book, I was shocked and exclaimed, "What?"

If you want a book that’s full of unexpected twists and keeps you on the edge of your seat, grab a copy of I Know She Was There.

Praise for I Know She Was There:

"‘Twisty’ doesn’t begin to describe this compelling and complicated story. Don’t even try to guess how this turns out—just put yourself in Sadera’s capable hands and enjoy the ride!"
~ Karen Dionne, author of the #1 international bestseller The Marsh King’s Daughter and The Wicked Sister

"In the world of thrillers, few conceits are more alluring than a ‘mostly harmless’ habit gone terribly awry. Such is the premise in Jennifer Sadera’s addictive I Know She Was There, where protagonist Caroline Case’s proclivity for sidewalk-spying on her wealthy neighbors turns into her own living nightmare. Sadera’s deeply psychological novel, echoing nicely to Rear Window, has Caroline guessing not only what she saw, but whether she saw it at all, and her struggle becomes ours through effective first-person narration. An impressive and thrilling debut . . . Sadera is an author to watch."
~ Carter Wilson, USA Today bestselling author of The Father She Went to Find

"Jennifer Sadera’s intense debut about a troubled young mother on a passionate mission to discover the truth kept me awake all night! It’s a gut-wrenching and addictively readable thriller."
~ Bonnar Spring, author of Toward the Light (2020), Independent Publishers’ bronze medal winner for Best First Novel, New Hampshire Literary Awards—People's Choice winner for fiction, and Disappeared (2022) ‘Best of 2022’ from Bookreporter and Crime Fiction Lover short fiction: 2023 Al Blanchard Award, 2024 Derringer

"Twisty and compelling, I Know She Was There deftly explores how well we can truly know each other—or ourselves."
~ Tracy Sierra, author of Nightwatching

"A knockout debut—sharp domestic suspense that combines taut prose with a complex, artfully crafted unreliable narrator, and plenty of twists and turns that readers won't see coming. I Know She Was There proves Jennifer Sadera is a voice to watch."
~ Elena Hartwell Taylor, bestselling author of the Eddie Shoes and Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery series, including the upcoming A Cold, Cold World

Book Details:

Genre: Psychological Suspense, Domestic Suspense
Published by: CamCat Books
Publication Date: November 12, 2024
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 9780744310955 (ISBN10: 0744310954)
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | CamCat Books

****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.**** 

Read an excerpt:

Jane Brockton was going to get caught.

My heart raced when Jane emerged from the side door of her home; what she and I were both doing was risky, but it was too late for regrets. I wondered if she thought so too. Probably. Her behavior was becoming alarmingly brazen. I pulled Emmy’s stroller closer and pushed aside boxwood branches, widening the portal I peered through. Although Jane’s across-the-street neighbors’ hedge was directly in front of her farmhouse-style McMansion, it was too dark this late at night for me to be seen.

Go back inside if you know what’s good for you. I pressed my fingers to my lips as the man emerged from the house next to hers. Even if I’d yelled a warning, Jane Brockton wouldn’t heed it. Who the hell was I? Certainly not someone her neighbors on Woodmint Lane knew. If Jane observed my late-night excursions through the streets of her stylish suburban New York neighborhood, her first instinct wouldn’t be to worry about her behavior.

I was prepared. If confronted by any resident of the exclusive enclave, I’d explain I walked the streets late at night to lull my colicky baby to sleep. I couldn’t admit my ulterior motive—worming my way back onto Primrose Way and into my former best friend’s good graces. And there was no need to share how, lately, the lives of this neighborhood’s inhabitants had been luring me like a potent drug—or how Jane Brockton was fast becoming the kingpin of my needy addiction. Jane stood out, even in this community of excess: gourmet dinner deliveries, drive-up dog grooming, same-day laundry service, and monthly Botox parties.

Her meetings with the mystery man were far from innocent. The first tryst I’d witnessed was late the previous Friday night—exactly a week earlier. I’d strolled around the corner of Woodmint Lane just as the pair had emerged from their side-by-side houses and taken to the dark street like prowlers casing the block. I followed their skulking forms up Woodmint, being careful to stay a few dozen yards behind, until all I could discern was their silhouettes, too close to each other for friendly companionship. They’d eventually crossed Primrose Way and veered into the woods where the bike trails and picnic areas offered secluded spaces. When they didn’t emerge from the wooded area, I backed Emmy’s stroller up silently and reversed my route, heading away, my pulse still throbbing in my temples.

It was impossible to deny what was going on, as I watched similar scenes unfold three nights that week: Jane slipping soundlessly from her mudroom door like a specter, the flash of the screen door in the faint moonlight an apparent signal.

This night, as they hooked hands in the driveway between the houses, I slicked my tongue over my dry lips. She risked losing everything. I knew how that felt. Tim had left me before I’d even changed out his worn bachelor-pad sofa for the sectional I’d been eying at Ethan Allen. I watched them cross through the shadows, barely able to see them step inside the shed at the far end of Jane’s yard. And all under the nose of her poor devoted husband, Rod. He couldn’t be as gullible as he appeared, could he?

A voice called out, shattering the stillness of the night. I flinched, convinced I’d been discovered. I scanned the immediate shadows, placing a hand over my chest to still my galloping heart.

“Jane?” It was Rod’s voice. I recognized the timbre by now. Settle down, Caroline.

My eyes darted to the custom home’s open front door. Rod had noticed his wife’s abandonment earlier than usual. Warm interior light spilled across the porch floorboards and outlined Rod’s robed form in the door frame.

“Are you out here? Jane?”

The worry in his voice made me hate Jane Brockton. I flirted with the idea of stepping away from the hedge and announcing I’d witnessed her heading to the shed with the neighbor. Of course, that would be ridiculous. I was a stranger. My name, Caroline Case, would mean nothing to him.

Rod closed the door and my gaze traveled to the glowing upstairs window on the far left of his house. The light had blinked off half an hour earlier, like a giant eyelid closing over the dormered master bedroom casement. I knew exactly where their bedroom was because I’d studied the Deer Crossing home models on the builder’s website. I knew the layout of all three house styles so well I could escort potential buyers through them. I’d briefly considered it. Becoming a real-estate agent would give me access inside, where I could discover what life behind the movie-set facades was really like. Pristine marble floors, granite countertops, and crystal vases on every conceivable surface? Or gravy-laden dishes in sinks and mud-caked shoes arrayed haphazardly just inside the eye-catching front doors?

I suspected the latter was true for almost every house except for my former best friend Muzzy Owen’s place on Primrose Way. Muzzy could put Martha Stewart to shame.

I wedged myself and Emmy’s stroller further into the hedge. Becoming a real-estate agent wouldn’t connect me as intimately to Jane and Rod Brockton (information gleaned by rifling through the contents of their mailbox) as I was at this moment. Trepidation—and yes, anticipation—laced my bloodstream and turned my breathing shallow as I waited for Rod to come outside and start his nightly search for his wife. Some may consider my interest, my excitement, twisted, but I didn’t plan to use my stealthily gathered information against anyone. It was enough to reassure myself that nobody’s life was perfect, no matter how it appeared to an outsider.

A faint click echoed through the still night. I squinted through the hedge leaves, my eyes laser pointers on the side door Jane had emerged from only moments before. Rod appeared.

As he stepped into the dusky side yard, I thought about the people unknown to me until a week earlier: the latest neighborhood couple to pique my interest. Even though they were technically still strangers, I’d had an entire week to learn about the Brocktons. A few passes in my car last Saturday morning revealed a tracksuit-clad Gen Xer, her wavy hair the reddish-brown color of autumn oak leaves, and a gray-haired, bespectacled boomer in crisp dark jeans and golf shirt standing on the sage-and-cream farmhouse’s front porch. Steaming mugs in hand, their calls drifted through my open car window, cautioning their little golden designer dog when it strayed too close to the street, their voices overly indulgent, as if correcting a beloved but errant child. The very picture of domestic bliss.

I studied the Colonial to the Brocktons’ right. On the front porch steps, two tremendous Boston ferns in oversized urns stretched outward like dozens of welcoming arms. The only testament to human activity. Someone obviously cared for the vigorous plants, but a midnight peek inside that house’s mailbox revealed only empty space. It made me uncomfortable not knowing who Jane’s mystery man was.

And did Rod usually wake when his wife slipped between the silk sheets (they had to be silk) after her extracurriculars? He obviously questioned her increasingly regular late-night abandonment. He wouldn’t be roaming the dark in his nightwear if he hadn’t noticed.

Perhaps Jane said she couldn’t sleep. She needed to move—walk the neighborhood—to tire herself. Hearing that, he’d frown, warning her not to wander around in the middle of the night. Rod was the type—I was sure just by the way he coddled his dog—to worry about his lovely wife walking the dark streets, even the magical byways of Deer Crossing. Hence, the need for new places to rendezvous each night. But the shed on their very own property! Even though this night’s tryst was later than usual, it was dangerously daring to stay on-site. Maybe Jane wanted to get caught.

A scratching sound echoed through the quiet night. I looked at the side door Rod had just emerged from, saw his silhouette turn back and open it. The little dog circled him, barking sharply. The urgent yipping cut clearly through the still air, skittering my pulse. I quickly glanced at Emmy soundly sleeping in her stroller. If the dog didn’t stop barking, I’d have to get away—fast. Emmy could wake and start her colicky wailing, which would rouse the Brocktons’ neighbors whose hedge I’d appropriated. One flick of their front porch light would reveal me in all my lurking glory.

As if to answer my concerns, the dog ceased barking and scampered toward the shed. I rubbed at the sudden chill sliding across my upper arms. That little canine nose was sniffing out Jane’s trail.

Rod stepped tentatively forward. It was too dark to see what he was wearing beneath the robe, but I pictured him in L. L. Bean slippers with those heavy rubberized soles and cotton print pajamas, like Daddy used to wear. Daddy’s had line drawings of old-fashioned cars dotted across the white cotton background. Model Ts and roadsters. I felt angry with Jane all over again. How dare she . . .

“Sorry, darling,” Jane called, striding from the shadows, stopping a few feet in front of him. “I was potting those plants earlier and thought I left my cell phone in the shed.” Her voice was soft, relaxed. She was a pro.

“I saw it on the bookshelf in the study earlier this evening,” Rod said, bending to calm the little dog, who was bouncing between them like a child with ADHD.

“Oh geez, I’m losing it,” she said, laughing.

Not yet, you’re not, I thought. Not yet.

***

Excerpt from I Know She Was There by Jennifer Sadera. Copyright 2024 by Jennifer Sadera. Reproduced with permission from Jennifer Sadera. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Jennifer Sadera

Jennifer Sadera began her writing career just out of college as a junior copywriter at book publisher NAL before transitioning to the editorial departments of national women’s magazines Woman’s World, Redbook, and Beauty Digest. She’d already established herself as a freelance writer and blogger when she decided to follow her true passion: creating novels. She is an active member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime; her writing has earned her multiple awards at Atlanta Writers Conferences and a fellowship at the Martha’s Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing. I Know She Was There is Jennifer’s debut psychological suspense novel. When not writing, Jennifer can be found gardening, traveling, or reading anything she can get her hands on. She is blessed with CJ, her husband of many years, two adult children, Amanda and Ryan, and two adorable rescue grand dogs named Sunny and Moonie.

Catch Up With Jennifer Sadera:
JenniferSadera.com
Goodreads
LinkedIn
Instagram - @jensadera
Twitter/X - @jennifersadera
Facebook - @jennifersadera

 

 

Tour Participants:

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Thursday, November 14, 2024

The Paris Portrait Series: A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #3 By Heidi Eljarbo-Historical Mystery Book Review

The Paris Portrait JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Paris Portrait by Heidi Eljarbo, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

The Paris Portrait

Title: The Paris Portrait
Series:
A Fabiola Bennett Mystery #3
Author:
Heidi Eljarbo
Publisher:
Independently published
Release Date:
November 12, 2024
Genre: Historical Mystery, Dual Timeline, Fiction

****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****


Fabiola stumbles upon a clue that indicates a royal portrait went missing almost two hundred years ago. Is this true, or is there substance to the rumor?  

Paris, France, 1973. 
After an enjoyable but dusty road trip, Fabiola and her friends, Pippa and Cary, arrive in a small village on the outskirts of Paris to spend a few days with Fabiola’s brother Eivind and his family. 

On their first evening there, Eivind shows Fabiola an ancient recipe book he bought at an auction. The book is filled with old writing, and he asks Fabiola to decipher the pages. After the others have gone to bed, she spends hours reading and is gripped by the last pages that have nothing to do with recipes for baked goods and stews. Certain the author was a famous portrait artist at the time of the French Revolution, Fabiola and her friends set out on a treacherous investigation, dodging murderers and thieves to learn the truth.  

Versailles, France, 1789.
Élisabeth Louise VigĂ©e Le Brun— portraitist and close friend of the extravagant queen of France, Marie Antoinette—has already painted thirty portraits of the queen. Her contemporaries compare her to the old Dutch masters, calling her one of the greatest portrait painters of her time. 

But outside on the streets, Paris is becoming more perilous with every day that passes. Madame Le Brun would be a fool to think the rumors of a revolution will pass, and aristocratic life will continue as before. 

Amid the turmoil, she paints one final portrait of Marie Antoinette, knowing well her association with the queen could cause her to be arrested or executed. As chaos and riots in Paris turn to violence, Madame Le Brun flees with her young daughter, hoping her royal friend and the portrait will be safe.  



My Review

The Paris Portrait has a duel timeline that tells a mystery that shifts between 1973 in France and 1789 in Versailles. Fabiola Bennett, an art historian, is enjoying a vacation in France with her friends, Pippa and Cary, while visiting her brother Eivind and his family. During her trip, Fabiola stumbles upon a clue that might point to a famous painting of Marie Antoinette created by the artist Madame Le Brun in 1789. This clue is hidden in an old recipe book Eivind bought for his wife, but the last pages reveal a journal from Madame Le Brun instead of recipes. The writing for both time periods is engaging, making the story captivating.

It was exciting to learn about art history and the real life of Madame Le Brun. I looked up her paintings, and they are truly stunning. I also enjoyed discovering more about the notorious Queen Marie Antoinette. Having read other books about her, getting insights from her friend Madame Le Brun was fascinating.

Even though I hadn’t read the earlier books in the series, I found this one enjoyable on its own. The Paris Portrait combines mystery, quick pacing, and a love for art and history beautifully. I appreciated the strong friendships Fabiola shares with her friends, but my favorite part was the surprising twist at the end. It was thrilling to piece together the mystery, and now I’m eager to read more books in this series.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

More Books in This Series

  Trouble in Assissi


About the Author

Heidi Eljarbo

Heidi Eljarbo grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history. 

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter. 

 Heidi’s favorites are her family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

Connect with Heidi by visiting heidieljarbo.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon giftcard + a paperback of one Fabiola Bennett Mystery of your choice!

The Paris Portrait JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 12, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 19, 2024. Winners 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


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

When the Mountains Wept by Kendy Pearson -Christian Historical Fiction Review



 

When the Mountains Wept JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for When the Mountains Wept by Kendy Pearson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

When the Mountains Wept

Title: When the Mountains Wept
Series: West Virginia: Born of Rebellion's Storm #1
Author:
Kendy Pearson
Publisher:
Pear Blossom Books
Release Date:
April 8, 2024
Genre:
Christian Historical Fiction

****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****


CAPTIVATING CIVIL WAR FICTION INSPIRED BY HISTORICAL EVENTS 

Amid talk of war, Augusta Dabney tends her younger siblings and dying father. But when hatred sparks tragedy, peace is but a shattered memory. Heartbroken and desperate, Augusta searches for a way to protect all she holds dear. 

Defying family and friends, Dr. James Hill declines a prestigious commission in the Confederate Army to join the Union cause as a Regimental Surgeon. When the Dabney farm becomes a crossroads of colliding forces, Major Hill commandeers their barn for a hospital. 

He is running from his legacy, seeking penance for his past. 

She is desperate to preserve hers, at any cost. 

As a wise, former slave nurtures James’s battered faith, cynicism crumbles, and James discovers grace and belonging with Augusta and her family unlike any he’s ever known, even as he must face the horrors of war and the evil it breeds. 

But when James comes face to face with his past, secrets unravel until deception ends in disaster, leaving Augusta with only one option. 

And it is unthinkable.  


My Review

When the Mountains Wept is a historical fiction novel that captures the struggles and tough choices faced by brave individuals during the American Civil War.

The story centers on Augusta Dabney, who takes care of her younger siblings and her ailing father. She is a determined young woman willing to do whatever it takes to protect her family. We also meet Dr. James Hill, who seeks a better life away from his family's troubled past.

The story takes a while to build but grows more intense with each chapter. It reveals the terrible realities of war, highlighting the suffering of slaves and those who helped them fight for freedom.Although this part of American history is difficult to read about, the author accurately depicts the events of the Civil War.

The slow-developing romance between James and Augusta felt very real, filled with challenges and misunderstandings, but it ultimately pays off. Throughout the story, the characters learn about forgiveness, acceptance, and following their faith while letting go of the past. When the Mountains Wept is a touching yet tough tale about people enduring the hardships of war and emerging stronger. It's definitely worth reading, especially for fans of history and romance.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Books2Read | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in This Series

****Meet Author Kendy Pearson****

Kendy Pearson

Kendy Pearson is a veteran high school teacher and an accomplished musician. She is also a worship leader, Bluegrass fiddler, and Civil War reenactment enthusiast. When she discovers a pocket of American history omitted from the schoolbooks, she enjoys digging in and turning that pocket inside out. Her novels lead fictitious characters through real historical events and settings; engaging with period personalities—and she always includes a romantic thread to warm the heart. Every story is a journey through tragedy, secrets, regrets, and God's undeniable grace. Kendy is an eight-time award-winning author and enjoys public speaking and teaching writing workshops. She also relishes ice cream, snowy days, fireplaces, and maple trees. Kendy is the mother of four grown children and lives with her sweet hubby and two amusing miniature dachshunds.

Connect with Kendy by visiting kendypearson.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive signed copies of When the Mountains Wept and When Heaven Thunders, a character named after you in book 3, In Tempest Winds, and a signed copy of that book once it releases!

When the Mountains Wept JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 11, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 18, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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Monday, November 11, 2024

Her Cowboy For Christmas: A Clean Mistletoe Kisses Romance by Carolyn Twede Frank-Romance Book Review

 



Book Synopsis

A city girl with a secret, a shy cowboy, and some mis-placed mistletoe; a recipe for disaster? Or a confection perfect for Christmas—and a life-time of happy New Years?

When Cara Fernley literally runs away from a bad relationship and ends up in a small Montana town at the onset of the holidays, she only expects to fill up her tank, grab a bite to eat, and perhaps spend the night in her old pickup. But when an assistant manager job at the burger joint practically falls in her lap, and the climatized storage units across the street spawns an idea for a more-than-cheap place to live, she decides to stay awhile. At least until she can get back on her feet and her heart has a chance to heal.
That is until a handsome cowboy surprises her with a kiss under the mistletoe, and everything changes. She can’t let her heart take a chance on another guy. But more than that; she can’t get involved because where would she tell the guy to come and hang out or pick her up? To make matters worse she discovers her actions are not only prohibited by law, but the cowboy with whom she is falling in love has a connection with in the storage units.
Does she run away from a good relationship to avoid exposure; continue to lie to a man she loves; or share her secrets and risk losing everything?

Book Details

  • Genre: Cozy Romance
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DCN9H1V5
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sweet Bee Publishing (November 15, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 15, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3509 KB
  • ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

Her Cowboy For Christmas is a charming novella by Carolyn Twede Frank that quickly draws readers in. Cara moves from Seattle to escape a troublesome relationship and finds herself in a small Montana town, hoping for a chance to heal. She is unaware that her life is about to take a positive turn.

In this new town, she meets Dustin, a handsome cowboy who runs a ranch. He fits the mold of a perfect book boyfriend—kind, supportive, attractive, and an excellent kisser.

There’s a significant twist in the story that I won’t reveal; this twist could keep Cara and Dustin apart.

The book is packed with humor, drama, betrayal, heartbreak, and the promise of a bright future. This delightful novella is perfect for a cozy night by the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate, allowing readers to immerse themselves completely in Her Cowboy For Christmas.

 

****Meet Author Carolyn Twede Frank****


Carolyn lives out west in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains with her husband and her plants, her five children having fled the nest. When she’s not writing, she loves to read, garden, sew, renovate houses, and play with her grandkids.

In 1994, she incorporated her basement sewing business, eventually moving it into a warehouse, hiring more people, and developing her unique line of puppets and educational curriculum into a full-fledged, international business. She sold the main arm of her business in 2009, retaining a small portion to bring in income while she pursued her writing career. In 2018 she sold the remainder of her business and now writes full-time. She has been writing seriously since 2006.

Learn more about Carolyn and her books on her website, www.carolyntwedefrank.com

~*~*~*~*Purchase Her Cowboy For Christmas~*~*~*~*

HERE

Kindle-https://a.co/d/6bMKk3f


Sunday, November 10, 2024

Mistletoe Rescue: A Mistletoe Kisses Romance by Donna Weaver-Romance Book Review


 Book Synopsis

Love could be the most daring rescue of all.

Nurse Holly Richardson thinks she’s left trauma behind in the big city. Then, on her first night in the new ER, she must treat a gunshot victim. What's more shocking? The injured man is her first love, Zack Jarvie.

Zack has never forgotten Holly. Seeing her reignites feelings he thought were in the past, and he’s determined not to lose her again. He hopes her involvement in the town’s Winter Festival with give them time to rebuild their connection. And show her that Canyondale—and Zack—can be her new home.

Then a life-or-death situation tests Holly and Zack’s limits. Will she let the pain of her ex-fiancĂ©’s betrayal with her sister keep Holly from embracing a future she’s always wanted? Or will a kiss under the mistletoe give her the courage to take a second chance at love?

This book is a part of the "Mistletoe Kisses" series, a collection of 38 heartwarming clean romance stories that will make your spirits bright. Featuring popular tropes such as Fake Dating, friends to lovers, grumpy sunshine, accidental marriages, cowboys, Christmas magic, and so much more! These tales of holiday romance will warm your heart and kindle your belief in Christmas magic. "Mistletoe Kisses" - Where one kiss can change everything.

Book Details

  • Genre: Romance
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DCLBJLLC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Emerald Arch Publishing (November 10, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 10, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3833 KB
  • ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

Mistletoe Rescue tells a charming story about finding love again. This short read is part of the Mistletoe Kisses series and is perfect for a quick escape during the busy holiday season.

The main characters, Holly and Zack, were once young sweethearts but lost touch over the years. Now, Holly is a nurse in a small town trying to leave behind her past filled with heartbreak and family troubles. She never thought she would be open to love again until she cares for Zack, a police officer injured on the job.

I really enjoyed the cozy small-town vibe, the friendly neighbors, and especially the spark between Holly and Zack. The story shares both of their perspectives, which I loved because it showed how nervous they were about revealing their feelings. Zack’s kindness towards Holly really stood out to me.

I wish this novella was longer because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the characters. I wanted to learn more about Holly and Zack’s future and how she would find closure with her family. Overall, this story is engaging and well-written, making it a perfect read to get you in the holiday spirit.


****Meet Author Donna Weaver****


USA Today best-selling and award-winning author-wife-mother-grandmother-Navy brat-Army veteran-karate black belt-Harry Potter nerd-online gamer.

To get a complimentary copy of Waves of Deceit and news about upcoming releases, copy and paste this link into your browser: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/v7r5z4

Visit Donna's website at donnakweaver.com

~*~*~*~*Purchase A Mistletoe Rescue~*~*~*~*

HERE

Kindle-https://a.co/d/a0PGpUq