A Midnight Dance by Joanna Politano

A Midnight Dance by Joanna Politano is an absolutely marvelous story!  I was drawn in from the first page, truly loved each moment of reading this book.   Ella Blythe is a dancer in Victorian England at the Craven Theater.  Her story is exquisitely written and I honestly danced along with her in this beautifully written story.  The author paints pictures with words that are incredible to read.  The characters were amazing, and I was guessing until the end what would happen as the mystery unfolded.  

A Midnight Dance is a story of mystery, romance ,learning to accept yourself, and has a surprise ending that will make you want to start reading the book all over again.  Such a delightful read that I highly recommend!  

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a review.  

I’m a work-from-home mom of two fun and adventurous littles and we’ll soon be homeschooling. I married my hero Vince, who is my love and my polar opposite. I write, he tears it up with the red pen. I break cars and other mechanical things, he puts them back together. He’s nailed the “speak the truth” thing, and I bring the “in love” part. But the real spark to our marriage is that he does not like chocolate and I…  like it a normal amount. We love and live from our little house in the woods near Lake Michigan.

Journey to Bongary Springs by Kasey Stockton

Journey to Bongary Springs by Kasey Stockten is a delightful Scottish romance that is the first in Myths of Moraigh Trilogy! There is nothing quite like a Scottish romance set in the mid 1700’s. Journey to Bongary Springs has adventure, unrequited love, revenge, clans, great characters, and some mystery. I wanted to travel through time and visit Castle Moraigh.

Isobel McEwan’s family died when she was young and she has since lived with the chief of the McEwan clan’s family. The chief has arranged a marriage with a rival clan for her to broker peace. Kieran Buchanan is the one she loves, but he can not see her through his need for revenge. There are many wonderful secondary characters that I imagine will be back later in the series.

I enjoyed running through the castle, the rugged hills of Scotland, and learning a little Gaelic. I can not wait to read the next two books in the series. Historical romance fans will love Journey to Bongary Springs. I recommend this delightful Scottish tale.

Kasey Stockton was drawn to the Regency period at a young age when gifted a copy of Sense and Sensibility by her grandmother. A staunch lover of all things romantic, Kasey doesn’t discriminate between genres and enjoys a wide variety of happily ever afters. A native of northern California, she now resides in Texas with her own Prince Charming and their three children. When not reading, writing, or binge-watching chick flicks, she enjoys running, cutting hair, and anything chocolate.

You and Me by Becky Wade

 

It was a pleasure reading Becky Wade’s stand alone novella You and Me.   The story takes place around Christmas between book two, Let it Be Me, and the third book coming out in the spring of 2022, Turn to Me.  Connor, the art teacher at Misty River high school, has been in love with Shay since they were in middle school.  Connor rallies in this book to win her heart during the Christmas season in the town of Misty Rivers, Georgia. (insert long sigh)   

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and it is my new favorite novella by the author.  It was humorous, engaging, and oh so delightful!  I loved visiting with characters from the author’s other books in this series, and having more insight into their lives. You and Me added to the series and also gave you a sneak peek into the character of Luke who is in an upcoming story.  It was just the story I needed to hold me over until spring when the next book in the series  releases.   If you have not read any of the author’s other books you will enjoy her wonderful writing style in this story.  It is a great introduction to the Misty Rivers series. 

I highly recommend this fun Christmas novella, You and Me by Becky Wade. Your Christmas season needs this book!  Trust me!  You will LOVE it!  

I was given  a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review. 

During her childhood in California, Becky frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins.  These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending.  She’s been a fan of all things romantic ever since.
Becky and her husband lived overseas in the Caribbean and Australia before settling in Dallas, Texas.  It was during her years abroad that Becky’s passion for reading turned into a passion for writing.  She published three historical romances for the general market, put her career on hold for many years to care for her kids, and eventually returned to writing sheerly for the love of it.  She’s delighted to be penning warm, wry, and heartwarming contemporary romances for the Christian market.  She’s the Christy and Carol award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, the Bradford Sisters series, and the Misty River Romance series.
These days Becky can be found failing but trying to keep up with her housework, power-walking her neighborhood, carting her kids around town, hunched over her computer, eating chocolate, or collapsed on the sofa watching TV with her husband.

Web site:  www.beckywade.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorbeckywade
Twitter: http://twitter.com/beckywadewriter
Instagram: http://instagram.com/beckywadewriter
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/beckywadewriter/
Blog: http://inspiredbylifeandfiction.com/blog/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5298259.Becky_Wade
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/becky-wade

Just Haven't Met You Yet by Sophie Cousin

Thank you to @putnambooks for the #gifted copy.

 
QOTD  Have you ever had a suitcase mix-up? I was picking up my son from a college visit at the airport when he texted me that he was still at the gate, because someone  had taken his suitcase. The look alike carry-on left at the gate had a torn luggage tag making it impossible to ID the owner. 
 
So, I stood at the top of two escalators in arrivals intently looking at each carry-on that passed for my son’s bag.  I was a mom on a mission. At last, I spotted his bag and kindly spoke to the family asking if they had mistakenly taken the wrong suitcase. The husband denied it.  I then watched as the wife made him check the tag, and the look of horror on their faces when they realized they had my son’s suitcase.  They kept apologizing as I texted back and forth with my son and airport officials.
 
I eventually left with my son, his suitcase and hearing the loudspeaker call the family to security. We now have bright orange luggage tags.  You can see them in the picture.
 
Book Review:  I have been waiting for Sophie Cousens’ new book, Just Haven’t Met You Yet, since I finished her last book.  My wait was not in vain. This is a fabulous novel! The author does an incredible job sharing with you the setting of the Island of Jersey, writing interesting characters, and looking at deeper issues while still being light-hearted and funny. 

Laura, the main character, is chasing a story from London to the Island of Jersey that involves how her parents met with a lost coin when her suitcase got switched with someone else's.  She finds the contents of the suitcase intriguing and is looking for who owns this suitcase as clearly he is the man of her dreams. Along the way, she explores the beautiful Island of Jersey, meets her extended family, and makes friends with the many interesting people on the island.  
Each chapter begins with an excerpt from the  book Tiger Woman or an excerpt from her parents in the summer of 1991.  I found myself laughing out loud, sighing, and enjoying myself as I read the book.  

 
Just Haven't Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens is a great book that touched my heart with it's beautiful writing and endearing themes.  The story is about family, knowing what matters, and living life in the present.  I absolutely loved the story! Truly you do not want to miss this!  I highly recommend it!  
 
Thank you to @putnambook for the advanced copy, all thoughts are my own.

Sophie Cousens writes romantic comedies. Before becoming a full time writer, she worked as a TV producer in London for more than twelve years, working on shows such as The Graham Norton Show, Russell Howard's Good News and Big Brother.  

She now lives on the island of Jersey in the UK, and balances her writing career with taking care of two small children. Sophie yearns for a time when she can add a miniature dachshund to her brood, and wishes for the ability to read books faster than she keeps buying them. 

A Yorkshire Carol by Jennie Goutet

A Yorkshire Carol by Jennie Goutet is a sweet Regency story that takes place at a house party in Yorkshire at Christmas time.  

A Yorkshire Carol by Jennie Goutet is a delight!  Juliana and Wilhelm have grown up together in Yorkshire, but currently Juliana is living in London and has moved beyond her hometown. She visits Yorkshire for a Christmas house party.  There is nothing quite like a Regency Christmas house party that is filled with games, a yule log, Christmas carols, wonderful food, and a friends to lovers trope. 

This was a sweet story that put me in the Christmas spirit!  It was fun to learn some Yorkshire slang, celebrate Christmas with friends, and read a Regency novel.  I recommend this adorable Christmas story.  

I was given a copy by the publisher  and not required to write a positive review.  

Jennie Goutet is an American-born Anglophile, who lives with her French husband and their three children in a small town outside Paris. Her imagination resides in Regency England, where her historical romances are set. Jennie is also author of the award-winning memoir, Stars Upside Down, and the modern romances, A Sweetheart in Paris and A Noble Affair. A Christian, a cook, and an inveterate klutz, Jennie writes about faith, food, and life—even the clumsy moments—on her blog, aladyinfrance.com. You can learn more about Jennie and her books on her author website, jenniegoutet.com.  

Author Links:  

  Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Jennie’s Blog | Reader Group | Sweet Regency Romance Fans 

The Dressmaker by Kristie Self

The Dressmaker by Kristie Self is second in The Ladies of Rodrick Glenn and takes place in Devonshire, England in 1857. The story tells of Marigold Pendleton and Hadley Stevenson who have been friends since childhood. Both have their own issues and backstories, but have remained friends throughout the years. The story also includes the stories of the villagers of Rodrick Glen.

While reading The Dressmaker I was struck by how this story reminded me of North and South by Elizabeth Gaskill. It was an epic story with a great deal of depth in the characters. The author did a nice job of integrating into the story several other people from the village of Rodrick Glenn and their stories. The couple from the first book in the series was revisited with updates, and I found that enjoyable even though I have not read their story. Honestly, I kind of felt like I was a village resident by the end.

The Dressmaker is a story about forgiving yourself, the gift of friendship, and how we all woven into each others’ stories. I found this a unique story that was an interesting historical read. I recommend it for those who enjoy historical fiction and authors like Elizabeth Gaskill.

Kristie Self combines her love of history and romance to write faith-filled love stories with memorable characters and intriguing plots. A banker by day, she spends most of her nights and weekends focused on writing. She enjoys traveling, watching movies, and curling up with a good book. An avid lover of music, she also teaches piano, as well. She is a graduate of Howard Payne University and lives in Lott, Texas with her cat, Arlo.

The Donut Trap By Julie Tieu

The Donut Trap by Julie Tieu is a romantic comedy that I would consider a slice of life kind of book. Jasmine is currently working at her parent’s Donut Shop after graduating from college in Los Angeles, California. She is trying to figure out her life and find her place in the world. The book tells this story around Asian culture with romance and humor.

I thought this was a great story. I laughed out loud many times and found it simply charming. Jasmine had a few love interests and it was fun to wonder who she would end up with. Jasmine’s parents were funny and it was great to watch their relationship with Jasmine grow and change over time. The secondary characters added so much to the story and I felt like I had made many new friends by the end. I found the cultural aspect well written and I enjoyed learning more of the nuances of Asian culture.

The Donut Trap is a story about the importance of family, believing in your-self, and finding your way in the world. It is sprinkled with romance, friendships, and great humor! I recommend this delicious read!

Thank you to Avon Books for a copy. All opinions are my own.

Julie Tieu is a Chinese-American writer, born and raised in Southern California. When she is not writing or working as a college counselor, she is reading, on the hunt for delicious eats, or dreaming about her next travel adventure. She lives in the Los Angeles area with her high school crush husband and two energetic daughters.

Beryl's Blessing by Edwina Kiernan

Beryl’s Blessing by Edwina Kiernan is a sweet regency romance. It is the third in the Gem’s of Grace series, but definitely a  stand alone novel.  I completely enjoyed the book which had all the lovely delights of a regency novel including balls, society visits, and tea time. 

I loved this character driven story, and was very invested in both main characters.  Beryl and Fredrick  are lonely and both carry much baggage into their arranged marriage. They both have demons from the past that they are fighting as they try to patch together a future relationship. 

The author does a great job of showing both character’s perspectives on their life, faith, and love for the other.  It was a pleasure to see the story unfold with a few twists and turns. Beryl’s Blessing is a story about redemption, learning to forgive, and leaving the past behind.  A delightful read that I highly recommend.  

I was given a copy by the author and not required to write a positive review. 

Edwina Kiernan is a Christian writer, and author of the award-winning novel, Ruby’s Redemption. 

An enthusiast of classic novels and history, Edwina combines her faith, imagination and research in hope-infused tales set in times past. Her latest novel is the second in the Inspirational Regency romance series, Gems of Grace. 

A lifelong word admirer, with Welsh and Irish heritage, she started writing stories early in childhood. She still loves to learn, taking courses from places like Oxford University and the Beau Monde, for both fun and further education. 

When she’s not writing, Edwina loves spending time with her dashing husband and lively little son, reading and studying the Bible, getting lost in a captivating novel and drinking more types of tea than most people realize even exist. https://edwinakiernan.com/about/