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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Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Fur Trader's Lady: {Ladies of the Wilderness Book One} By Gabrielle Meyer-Christian Historical Romance Review


 Book Synopsis

To escape her guardian’s plans to marry her, Lady Charlotte Fairfax steals away to Montreal to locate Reid McCoy, a fur trader who owes her fiancĂ© a debt for saving his life. Even though European women are forbidden from entering the interior, she is desperate to get to her fiancĂ© deep within the northwestern wilderness.

Reid McCoy has worked hard for fifteen years to become a shareholder in the North West Company and is on the brink of realizing that goal. Taking Charlotte into the interior will not only put her life at risk, but it could also jeopardize his dreams. Honor bound to repay his debt, his only option is to have Charlotte dress as a man and enter as his assistant clerk.

With Charlotte’s guardian close on their trail and a personal rival willing to do anything to keep Reid from becoming a shareholder, they will embark on an epic journey that will test not only their strength and endurance, but their hearts, as well.

Christy Award winner and bestselling author Gabrielle Meyer presents a new and thrilling historical adventure series set in the heart of the North American wilderness.

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Belle May Press (February 10, 2025)
  • Genre: Christian Historical Romance 
  • Series: Ladies of the Wilderness Book One}
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 399 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8987031391
  • ****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

Fur Trader's Lady kept me glued to the pages until 3:00 a.m. With vibrant characters, a gripping historical backdrop, and a thrilling escape from danger, it’s no surprise the story was so hard to put down.

This book kicks off the new Ladies of the Wilderness series. Gabrielle Meyer stands out with her rich storytelling and detailed historical context. You can easily picture yourself in a rickety canoe, feel the rain pouring down, and breathe in the scent of the trees in the vast North American wilderness.

Lady Charlotte Fairfax is fleeing from her guardian, who wants to marry her to seize her family estate. She sneaks away at night to find Fur Trader Reid McCoy, who owes her future husband a life debt. Charlotte plans to locate Stephen, marry him, and reclaim her estate. Soon, she is disguised as a boy, traveling alongside Reid and his crew. The historical treatment of indigenous women might be shocking, but Meyer respectfully depicts the reality, showing how women were sometimes seen as trade items. However, Reid, a man of faith and principles, refuses to partake in such actions.

The development of Reid and Charlotte's relationship is beautifully crafted. They both fought their growing feelings while learning to respect each other's strengths and weaknesses long before love entered the scene.

The book is filled with suspense and twists, alongside moments of humor and heartfelt connections. I thoroughly enjoyed this first installment in the series and eagerly anticipate exploring more stories from this era. Any book by this author promises an exciting adventure woven with romance and inspiration.




****Meet Author Gabrielle Meyer****


Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people, places, and events. You can learn more about Gabrielle and her books at www.gabriellemeyer.com.

Find Gabrielle on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AuthorGabrielleMeyer,

Pinterest at www.Pinterest.com/gabriellemeyer/,

Twitter at www.twitter.com/MeyerGabrielle,

Goodreads, and her Website at www.gabriellemeyer.com.




~*~*~*~*Purchase Fur Trader's Lady ~*~*~*~*

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Paperback-https://a.co/d/9vGoqga

Kindle-https://a.co/d/5TXcJ4a

Sunday, February 16, 2025

To Be a Lady (Herefordshire Book 1) By Carolyn Twede Frank-Clean Regency Review


 Book Synopsis

After her father’s scandal, Mary Wythe must start a new life as a commoner. When her mother’s old spending habits causes them to be late on their rent, Mary approaches the ornery Lord Malvern to beg for more time. Not only does he extend the grace period, but her honesty and sharp mind with numbers prompts him to offer her a position as steward over his estate. Mary is skeptical. She’s never heard of anyone hiring a woman steward. But she desperately needs to find new employment; her brother is too young to provide for their needs, and her mother still pines over losing her position in society. The problem is, Mary loathes Lord Malvern.


Being the third son of an Earl, Thomas Leeds inherits little when his father dies—except for the self-appointed responsibility of his mother, who is disallowed by Thomas’s sister-in-law to live in the manor and refuses to live in the dower house. He moves his mother to an abandoned family estate in Herefordshire. Thomas, unfortunately, fails miserably at managing his newly acquired Malvern Estate. He needs to hire a steward, but he can’t afford one. Then he stumbles on to the perfect candidate: Mary Wythe. She has a mind for business and could live in the estate’s empty steward’s cottage for much of her wage. The only problem is, she doesn’t like him. Neither does he care much for her.


Can Mary and Thomas put their dislike for each other aside to save Malvern Estate from ruin? Can they open their eyes to each other before it’s too late?
To Be a Lady is an enemy-to-lovers story with a Cinderella slant inspired by historical events and filled with mystery, tenderness, and clean romantic tension.

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (September 16, 2024)
  • Genre: Christian Historical Romance
  • Series: Herefordshire Book 1
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 315 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8336017281
  • ***I purchased a copy of this book and I'm giving my honest review.***


My Review

To Be A Lady tells the story of Mary Wythe, who was once a Lady until her family lost their wealth and was cast out of society. Mary is strong and brave, doing everything she can to support her family, including her younger brother, Timothy, who is a favorite character of mine in the book and whose story continues in the sequel.

Lord Malvern, Thomas Leeds, inherits an estate in decline and a mother who constantly complains. He is unaware that his steward has been dishonest with him. His mother is eager to marry him off to a wealthy lady, leaving him feeling overwhelmed about how to improve his life and his estate. Mary and Thomas find themselves in a unique situation where she becomes his steward and he is her employer. As with many Regency romances, their attraction develops as the story unfolds. The dance lessons Mary teaches Thomas highlight their chemistry beautifully. The author skillfully portrays Mary as a strong yet feminine lead.

To Be A Lady is told from two perspectives that focuses on overcoming challenges, showing resilience, falling in love, and taking control of one’s future. This book is well-written, and I am excited to read the next two installments in the series.


****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 To Be a Lady   ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://a.co/d/78Wa17p

Kindle-https://a.co/d/2YivTaZ

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Seer of the Wildwood: {A closed door fantasy romance} by Regan Allen


 





Book Synopsis

She might be his prize, but she can see things he can’t, like a future together.

Marya Santelyn, pampered daughter of the Merchant’s Guild, hides a secret. A power stirs within her, one that could destroy everything she holds dear, or save it. When her ability to see the future becomes too apparent for comfort, the spunky Marya takes matters into her own hands and runs, right into the arms of the enemy.

Tam Randene, warrior of the ancient race that makes the mysterious wildwood their home, never expected one of his tribe’s sworn enemies to request his aid to escape her pursuers, but he swiftly recognizes Marya’s value. The land of Alyna hasn’t had a seer in generations. The man who protects her would have a powerful ally, and the man who wins her heart could well rule all.

Captive among his tribe, Marya begins to learn how to embrace her gift even as she begins to feel far too at home with Tam’s rambunctious family. As her visions become increasingly more dire, she and Tam realize that danger is coming to Alyna, danger that will require her people and his to band together to survive. Can she convince her people to listen, or will they tear her from Tam’s arms? Because her heart tells her something her visions never Nothing is more important than being together.

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Edwards and Williams (September 9, 2024)
  • Genre: Closed Door Fantasy Romance
  • Series: Bondsed Realms Book 1
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 292 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8227995162
  • ****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

Seer of the Wildwood, the first book in the Bonded Realm series by Regan Allen, is a quick and engaging read. The cover captures your attention even before you start reading.

The story is told from two viewpoints. It follows Marya Santelyn, a city girl and the daughter of a rich merchant, who sees her ability to predict the future as a burden. One day, she publicly uses her gift, knowing it could lead to punishment. To escape the guards, she seeks help from Tam Randene, a warrior from the ancient Wildwood tribe. Tam takes her to his village, where she learns that his people honor her as a Seer. As her visions reveal a terrible future threatening everyone in the country, Marya realizes she must act to save them all.

This fantasy tale weaves in elements of old magic, which are fascinating. The vivid descriptions of the new world added to the enjoyment. This novel offers interesting characters and a love story that starts with one-sided feelings and grows deeper over time. The romance is clean, featuring only a few passionate kisses.

 Readers who love brave heroes, strong women, and a rich story full of action and romance will likely enjoy this book. It sets the stage well for the series with its mix of danger and surprises.


****Meet Author Regan Allen****



Regan Allen is the alter ego of a bestselling, award-winning inspirational historical romance author with more than 70 published books and more than 1,500,000 copies in reader hands worldwide. She grew up devouring the works of Anne McCaffery and Robin McKinley and today loves to read Kenley Davidson, J.A. Andrews, KM Shea, and Tara Grayce. So, when she started dreaming of ideas for fantasy romance books, she simply couldn’t refuse the invitation to write them herself! Regan and her husband live south of Seattle, and she is blessed to be able to walk in her own personal wildwood on a regular basis.




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Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Serial Burn: Lake City Heroes By Lynette Eason-Romantic Suspense/Thriller Review



SERIAL BURN

by Lynette Eason

February 10 - March 7, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

Book Synopsis:

cover

LAKE CITY HEROES

 

She's out for justice. But the arsonist she's tracking is out for retribution.

Now the fire marshal of Lake City, Jesslyn McCormick is determined to find the person who started the fire that robbed her of her family when she was just seven years old. As the twentieth anniversary of the tragedy approaches, a string of fires--including at Jesslyn's church--brings up all those old feelings and offers new evidence.

Because church fires are considered a hate crime, FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle is called in to work with local law enforcement. Nathan has his own past--one he'd prefer not to revisit. And focusing on helping Jesslyn track down the arsonist is a great distraction.

As both the case and the chemistry between Jesslyn and Nathan heat up, memories will come flooding in from the past to bump up against hopes for the future. And when Jesslyn comes face-to-face with her worst nightmare, she'll have to confront her fears and rely on Nathan and her community of friends in order to survive.

Praise for Serial Burn:

"Eason resumes her Lake City Heroes series with a propulsive game of cat and mouse between a fire marshal and an arsonist who's eerily familiar with her past. . . .The result is a thrill ride worth taking."
~ Publishers Weekly

Book Details:

Genre: Romantic Suspense/Thriller
Published by: Revell
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Number of Pages: 320
ISBN: 9780800741211 (ISBN10: 0800741218)
Series: Lake City Heroes (Amazon | Goodreads)
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Baker Publishing | Baker Book House

         ****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 

Lynette Eason's "Serial Burn" took me by surprise. I knew it was a romantic suspense, but it included deep themes like tragic pasts, healing, trust, and moving forward despite pain.

Reading this book kept me on edge. The main characters, Fire Marshall Jesslyn McCormick and FBI Agent Nathan Carlisle, faced constant danger. Both share a painful history linked to a devastating fire from their youth. The title, "Serial Burn," hints at the critical role of fires and potential arson in the story. This element added to the tension and unending suspense. The romance between Jesslyn and Nathan unfolded slowly, showing clear chemistry from the beginning that grew stronger throughout the book.

While the novel explores many tragic moments, it also contains uplifting spiritual themes, including prayers, faith, and miracles. These elements make it an inspiring read.

There is much to appreciate in "Serial Burn": romance, gripping suspense, thrilling action, danger, and deep secrets involving fire that will change your perspective. This fast-paced story will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Read an excerpt:

 

 

Author Bio:

Lynette Eason

Lynette Eason is the USA Today bestselling author of Double Take, Target Acquired, and Serial Burn, as well as the Extreme Measures, Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master's degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband. They have two adult children.

Catch Up With Lynette Eason:
LynetteEason.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @LynetteEason
Instagram - @LynetteEason
Threads - @LynetteEason
X - @LynetteEason
Facebook - @lynette.eason

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!

Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN:

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Lynette Eason & Baker Publishing. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

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Saturday, February 8, 2025

Reconnect:The Final Saint Squad Novel #14 By Traci Hunter Abramson-Suspense Book Review



Book Synopsis

Deep in the jungles of Nicaragua, the members of the Saint Squad were faced with an impossible decision: neutralize the threat to national security or ensure that all their team members walked out alive. Choosing his safety over the country’s was a risk Brent wasn’t willing to take. He ran headlong into danger to save the nation and did not come back with his team . . .

Amy Miller watched the video feed as her husband disappeared in a furious explosion. Even so, without hard evidence to the contrary, she refuses to believe Brent is dead. She and the rest of the Saint Squad fight to launch a rescue mission to recover him even as they battle the threat against the United States. The clock is ticking, and the Saint Squad must face their enemy head-on to thwart a plan that spells imminent devastation.

And this time, there can be no mistakes.

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Covenant Communications (February 4, 2025)
  • Series: The Saint Squad Series (Book #14)
  • Genre: Mystery/Suspense
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 152442790X
  • ****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

The final book in The Saint Squad Series has arrived. Reconnect is book #14, and it delivers an incredible conclusion. This last installment highlights the dedication and loyalty of The Saint Squad to one another. While I feel sad to see the series end, the author promises we will still get to see these characters in future stories.

This review won’t dive into specifics to avoid spoilers. Just know that the story is filled with action, suspense, humor, romance, and it's hard to put down.The story follows The Saint Squad as they undertake a dangerous rescue mission for one of their own. Readers also get a look at President Whitmore's early challenges in his new role. The author cleverly weaves in characters from a related series as well.

For those new to the series, make sure to read the books in order. This approach will help you understand the plot better and make it more enjoyable. Overall, all the lingering questions were answered, and everything wrapped up nicely. I felt particularly happy for the characters and their families. A big thank you to the author for this wonderful series. The Saint Squad will always be one of my favorites, and I know I’ll read it again in the future. It’s just that good.


****Meet Author Traci Hunter Abramson****

Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas for suspense novels as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She has gone on to write a number of bestselling suspense novels that have consistently been nominated as Whitney Award finalists. She considers shoes an optional accessory which became evident when she won her first three Whitney Awards in 2013 (Code Word), 2014 (Deep Cover), and 2016 (Failsafe.) Safe House won Whitney Awards for both the mystery/suspense category as well as 2017 Adult Novel of the Year. She added two additional awards in 2019 (Mistaken Reality - best mystery/suspense and Sanctuary - Adult Novel of the Year.) She currently lives in Virginia with her family where she enjoys sports, travel, writing, and recently retired from coaching high school swimming.

Follow Traci on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/traci-hunter-abramson and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tracihabramson/




~*~*~*~*Purchase Reconnect ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://a.co/d/7VVRxYp

Kindle-https://a.co/d/3QF2wBF

 

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz-Christian Historical Romance Review


 



Book Synopsis

Virigina plantation life is all she has ever known.
But could the life she was meant to live be waiting on a distant shore?

In 1774, Juliet Catesby lives with her father and sister at Royal Vale, the James River plantation founded by her Virginia family over a century before. Indigo cultivation is her foremost concern, though its export tethers her family to the powerful Buchanan clan of Glasgow, Scotland.

When the heir of the Buchanan firm arrives on their shores, Juliet discovers that her father has arranged for one of his daughters to marry the Scot as a means of canceling the family's crippling debt. Confident it will be her younger, lovelier sister, Juliet is appalled when Leith Buchanan selects her instead.

Despite her initial refusal, Juliet realizes that fleeing Virginia is her only choice after finding herself in the midst of a scandal. The ship just leaving the harbor for Glasgow is her only hope. But she will soon realize that being part of the complex and calculating Buchanan clan is not the sanctuary she imagined--and the man who saved her from ruin is the very one she must now save in return.

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Revell (January 21, 2025)
  • Genre: Christian Historical Romance
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 416 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0800740696
  • ****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

The Indigo Heiress is a historical romance novel that takes place in 1700s Colonial America and Scotland. This story features one of my favorite romance tropes, a marriage of convenience. From the start, the chemistry between Juliet and Leith is electric, even with their fiery initial encounter. Juliet stands out as a leading character—she is smart, brave, and caring. Throughout the book, my admiration for her never wavered.


This story unfolds as a slow-burn romance. Both Juliet and Leith experience deep emotional journeys that lead to growth and change together. The supporting characters are well-developed too, contributing significantly to the story. This includes Juliet's younger sister, Loveday, and Leith's adorable three-year-old twins.


The story captures such an interesting period, particularly when they leave Virginia just before the American Revolutionary War to journey to Scotland.


Readers will enjoy "The Indigo Heiress" for its heartfelt romance, an intriguing mystery that builds toward the end, and the theme of love as a healing force. This novel is full of vibrant history, faith, and romance.


****Meet Author Laura Frantz****


Bestselling, award-winning author, Laura Frantz, has been writing stories since age seven. She is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century and her novels often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. Though she will always consider Kentucky home, she and her husband live in Washington State.

According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California. Foreign language editions include French, Dutch, Spanish, Slovakian, German & Polish.

Readers can find Laura Frantz at www.laurafrantz.net

*Subscribe to Laura's seasonal newsletter and receive new release information, news about contests, giveaways, and reader events, sneak peaks and teasers, signings and appearances, and more! To subscribe, copy and paste this into your browser's address window:

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~*~*~*~*Purchase The Indigo Heiress ~*~*~*~*

HERE

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

Kindle-https://a.co/d/5GyWvkW