A Daring Proposal by Jennie Goutet

 

A Daring Proposal by Jennie Goutet is a delightful Regency novel. This is the third in the Memorable Proposal series, but definitely a stand alone novel.  Our main characters, Phoebe and Fredrick, are long time friends and really see little chance of finding love with the other.    

The story takes place in Brussels, Belgium in the time before and during the battle of Waterloo in 1815.  This made the story very interesting to read, and was a fascinating glimpse into the society of that time in Brussels.    The secondary characters added to the story and included the Duke of Wellington, Belgians, and the English people living in Belgium.  

I was so drawn into this absorbing story.  The wonderful themes of taking chances, sacrificing, and friendship make it a delight to read. I  highly recommend A Daring Proposal.   

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

Love on Ice by Carolyn Miller

Love on Ice by Carolyn Miller is the second book in the Original Six Hockey series, and it is a fantastic page turner!  Love on Ice features the love story of Holly Travers from Australia who is a short track skater, and Brent Karlsson, a professional hockey player.  

I appreciated reading the author’s description of short track skating and hockey.  As someone who knows very little about either sport, I felt like she did a great job and my lack of knowledge did not hinder my reading of the story. I felt like a true hockey and short track fan after reading the story!    

“You are not what you do.  You are so much more than just your skating.”  

Getting to know both characters as they navigated falling in love while both having careers in elite sports made for a wonderful read.  I was very drawn into the story and found myself routing for both characters as, walked through challenging issues, they fell in love and kept pursuing their faith. This is a wonderful romance that will not disappoint! I highly recommend it.  

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

I'm an Inspirational romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia with my husband and four children. Together with my husband I pastored a church for ten years, and I've worked as a high school English and Learning and Support teacher. I love reading (especially Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer), music, films, gardens, art, travel and food. I really enjoy creating worlds where flawed people can grow in faith, hope and love. I am represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube agency.

Red Thread of Fate by Lyn Liao Butler

I greatly enjoyed reading the Red Thread of Fate by Lyn Liao Butler.  The story beings with the main character, Tam,  on the phone with her husband a few days before they get their referral to adopt a son from China. A horrible accident happens and her life is never the same. 

I enjoyed this beautifully written story that had themes of forgiveness, our connection to others, and understanding others points of view.  As the adoptive mom of a daughter from China I found the author's writings' on Chinese orphanages and their adoption very well done and insightful.   The nuances of Chinese culture were so interesting to read.

One of my favorite Chinese provervs is one that talks of a red thread that connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time, place, or circumstances. The thread may tangle or stretch, but never break.  As a reader I enjoyed walking  with the characters as we untangled the complex threads of this story.  I immensely enjoyed reading The Red Thread of Fate!  I highly  recommend it.  

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a review. Thank you to @berkleypub and @shelf.awareness for the gifted copy. 

Lyn Liao Butler was born in Taiwan and moved to the States when she was seven. Before becoming an author, she was a professional ballet and modern dancer, and is still a personal trainer, fitness instructor, and yoga instructor. She is an avid animal lover and fosters dogs as well as volunteers with rescues.

When she is not torturing clients or talking to imaginary characters, Lyn enjoys spending time with her FDNY husband, their son (the happiest little boy in the world), their three stubborn dachshunds (Lokie, Mochi, Cash, and Pinot in heaven), sewing for her Etsy shop, and trying crazy yoga poses on a stand-up paddleboard. So far, she has not fallen into the water yet.  

To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano

You have to love a story where you learn on the first page that the heroine has shot the hero in the arm! Jen Turano’s To Disguise The Truth is book three in the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series, but a stand alone novel. Arthur and Eunice’s story is an absolute delight!

I have wanted to know Eunice’s backstory since book one in the series. She is so intriguing, and makes you wonder. Why does she wear Widow’s weeds with dark veils? Why is she so secretive? How does she have such unusual skills? Inquiring minds want to know.

Arthur is a character I fell in love with as the story progressed. Truly a great hero with a wonderful heart. His dialogue with Eunice was fantastic.

The story had many twists and turns that led to me laughing out loud as I was never sure what was going to happen next. The secondary characters were endearing and I felt like I was often in the middle of a very entertaining family gathering. I was immersed in the story.  To Disguise the Truth is in an exciting, funny, plot twisting tale that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is an ideal read that kept me smiling. I highly recommend this story.

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

Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. When she’s not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, CO. Readers may find her at www.jenturano.com or https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor/or on Twitter at JenTurano @JenTurano or Instagram  @jenturanoauthor

Hometown by Wendy Rich Stetson

 

Do you like my Amish Buggy?   I live near a grocery store called Jungle Jim's Market and inside is an Amish buggy.  The buggy is on top of the shelves so my very kind and tall husband held the book in the air while I took a picture.  Luckily the aisles were not too crowded and I ignored the stares. 

You have to love a cover that sports a picture with a black SUV and an Amish buggy!   Hometown by Wendy Rich Stetson is a well written contemporary romance that was a joy to read. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

Our heroine, Tessa, returns to her hometown of Green Ridge when she loses her University job due to cuts.  Driving around in her parents' 1979 camper van she is figuring out her next step in life.  Tessa is a feisty and thoughtful heroine, and I wanted to step through the pages and be her friend.   While back in town she meets Dr. Richard Bruce, who works at the local hospital, and Jonas Rishel, an Amish farmer. 

I found this an entertaining, insightful and witty book that I stayed up late reading.  The story kept me laughing, had some twists, and I enjoyed the surprise ending.  I am looking forward to reading more from the author in the future.   I highly recommend Hometown!  

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

I think some people move to New York City and within a week call themselves New Yorkers. I’ve been here 25 years, and yet when someone asks me where I’m from I still answer “I live in New York City, but I’m from Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.” I grew up in Amish Country and spent my childhood viewing the USA from the back of a 1979 Volkswagen Camper Van. I’m pretty sure I left my heart somewhere on the interstate.

I have played saucy maids, longsuffering spinsters, and quirky leading ladies on and off-Broadway and at regional theaters around the country. I’ve worn no makeup onscreen with some of Hollywood’s most gorgeous stars, and Rick Sordelet (Broadway’s premier fight director) once told me I drove a cop car as well as any stunt woman.

After reading to my daughter every night for seven years, I began narrating audiobooks in my home studio, and then I started writing stories of my own. “Hometown,” the first book in my new series of sweet and funny small town, Amish romances is coming soon from The Wild Rose Press.

I live in Upper Manhattan with my husband Pete, daughter Cate and Maine Coon Mix kitty, Tessa.

Her Darling Mr. Day by Grace Hitchcock

What a pleasure to read Her Darling Mr. Day by Grace Hitchcock. The story is the second in the American Royalty series, and we were reconnected with Theodore Day and Flora Wingfield from the first novel. It was delightful to get to know them both better, and watch them figure out their story.

The wonderful setting of New Orleans made this an interesting Gilded age novel.  I  was fascinated with the world of steamboats on the Mississippi river, and wanted to jump aboard.   Enjoyable secondary characters, especially Auntie Violet had me laughing, wondering, and sighing towards the end.  Reading about the options women had in the 1800’s was a reminder of how many things I take for granted today.    

Her Darling Mr. Day includes mystery, intrigue, and a happily ever after.  The story’s humor made it fun to read and it was wonderful to get lost in the time period.  I highly recommend Her Darling Mr. Day.  

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 

Grace Hitchcock is the author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in Baton Rouge with her husband, Dakota, son and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.

#AFightStack Details

 #afightstack 

Our son Jonathan was diagnosed with stage 4 Ewings Sarcoma, a rare childhood cancer, in August of 2017 at 13. After battling cancer for 32 months, Jonathan passed April 3, 2020. We miss him every day.

Through this we have learned that less than 4% of federal cancer research funding goes towards childhood cancer research. We find that heartbreaking. In honoring Jonathan we are supporting CancerFree Kids Night for the Fight! We are raising money to support grants to fund childhood cancer research. Our hope is to find a cure!

Jonathan was kind and he loved to read. He loved CancerFree Kids and supporting childhood cancer research. #afightstack is our way of remembering him and others for whom the cure did not come soon enough!

So. . . I am hoping you will join us to make #afightstack! All details below.

What is #afightstack? A stack of books

• You can include books that are blue and white, the colors of Night for the Fight.
• A stack of books that includes warriors or heroes.
• A stack that includes brave friends like doctors, nurses, and the support staff that help families through cancer.
• Inspirational books where characters fight through something.
• Children’s books where kids overcome. 
• Or whatever you feel represents the cause!

When do I post this?   During the month of January! 

How do I post?  We hope you post a picture or a reel with your book stack. Please use the hashtag #afightstack. If you want to tag me @beckys_bookshelves I would love to repost your post to my stories.

Why do this?  My hope is that it raises the awareness of the lack of funding in childhood cancer. I will be donating $1 to CancerFree Kids for each stack. Our dream is always that no child has to suffer, have lifelong side effects, or die of childhood cancer. 

Where do I post?  Instagram is a great!   Facebook or a blog post! Tag me so I can repost! 

May I donate  directly to CancerFree Kids Night for the Fight?    Yes! Here is the link to my daughter’s page.

Other hashtags you can use:
#night4thefight #cancerfreekids #stackforacause #doctorwhom  #alwaystheoptimist  #

An Unlikely Duchess by Jessica Nelson

 

 There is nothing quite like a good Regency romance. I adore the cover of An Unlikely Duchess by Jessica Nelson published by Love Inspired Historical. I especially like Sophia's long beautiful gloves.

A marriage of convenience
is the only way to save her family…

Widow Sophia Seymour never planned to marry again—let alone become a duchess. But with her father missing and her family impoverished, an old betrothal contract promising her hand to a notorious duke is her only hope. And Edmund DeVane intends to honor the agreement—in name only. After all, Edmund needs a wife with an impeccable reputation to protect his debuting niece. But as their arrangement starts to feel much more real, can their budding love survive Edmund’s deepest secret?

Review:  I thoroughly enjoyed An Unlikely Duchess. It had all the feels. It included a marriage of convenience, a debut season, balls, and Regency events. I enjoyed the characters and was very invested in the story. It was the first book I read of 2022 and started my year off right. I highly recommend.

Welcome to one of the many cyber homes of Jessica Nelson who believes romance happens every day, and thinks the greatest, most intense romance comes from a God who woos people to himself with passionate tenderness.

When Jessica is not chasing her three beautiful, wild little boys around the living room, she can be found staring into space as she plots her next story. Or she might be daydreaming about a raspberry mocha from Starbucks. Or thinking about what kind of chocolate she should have for dinner that night. She could be thinking of any number of things, really. One thing is for certain, she is blessed with a wonderful family and a lovely life.

Jessica loves to talk books and writing and can be found on Facebook, Twitter, GoodReads and her blog, BookingIt.