Tangled Up in Love by Carolyn Miller

 Tangled Up in Love by Carolyn Miller is a sweet romance and is part of the Trinity Lakes Series.  Ellie Reilly has just returned from an amazing trip in Europe.  She has been charged to reopen the Trinity Lakes’ historical museum.  Jasper Cohen has been working at his family’s hardware store and admiring Ellie from afar for many years.  Can they be more than friends? 

I thoroughly enjoyed this great story with its sweet romance and engaging characters.  I was glad to be back in Trinity Lake and getting to catch up with old friends.  I enjoyed watching Ellie and Jasper become more than friends and transform into two people who cared for each other.  The faith thread was beautifully written and challenged me to reflect on my own life.

I enjoyed the beautiful setting of Trinity Lake, the delightful characters, and the romance in Tangled Up in Love.  This a beautifully written story that   I highly recommend. 

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

Carolyn Miller is an inspirational romance author who lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children.

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English literature and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. She enjoys music, films, gardens, art, travel, and food.

Miller’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers.

Learn more about Carolyn at www.carolynmillerauthor.com, or find her on Facebook (Carolyn Miller Author), Instagram (@CarolynMillerAuthor), and Twitter (@CarolynMAuthor).

Amazing Train Journeys 60 unforgettable Rail Trips and How to Experience Them by Lonely Planet

Have you taken a train ride? OR What is your favorite trip activity? OR What are you reading? I was able to take two train rides this last summer in Colorado with my friend Susan Nyberg . We went on a Wildflower train ride and one around a mining town Truly the highlight of me year. I even had my picture taken with the conductor.

 
I was thrilled to receive a copy of Amazing Train Journeys 60 Unforgettable Rail Trips and How to Experience Them by Lonely Planet 

The definitive guide to the world's most remarkable train journeys presenting 60 memorable travel experiences by rail.

Each of the featured itineraries provides an illustrated route map, breathtaking images, and a handy infographic showing key stops and moments. This is the ultimate book of train travel inspiration for anyone wishing to embark on a sustainable expedition and delight in the people and places encountered along the way.

Review: I am so enthralled by this book! I love choosing one of the train rides in the book and exploring. The gorgeous pictures and maps give you a taste of what it is likely to look like. I was intrigued by all of the trips, but especially the one through England and Scotland. The book is great for all ages to imagine what a trip would be like, plan a new one, or just see the world by train I highly recommend.

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

Pride and Preston Lin by Christina Hwang Dudley

Pride and Preston Lin by Christina Hwang Dudley is an adaption of Pride and Prejudice set in San Francisco.  Lissie is the middle of three sisters who were taken in by their aunt and uncle after their parents pass. The two older sisters help their aunt and uncle run their restaurant.  Preston is a wealthy Stanford PhD. Student who is very confident in who he is and his opinions.  Lissie accidently serves a dish containing shellfish to someone who is allergic and Preston Lin happens to be at that table.  Will they ever make it as friends? 

I enjoyed this fabulous Austen adaption of Pride and Prejudice. The characters were interesting, thoughtful and the author did a great job adapting them to modern day. I found myself engrossed in the story and enjoyed seeing the connections to Pride and Prejudice.  The story was from Lissie’s perspective, had interesting twists from the original story and took place in the Asian community of San Francisco.  Truly a delightful read. 

Pride and Preston Lin by Christian Hwang Dudley is a great Pride and Prejudice adaption.  This thoughtfully written story will join my other favorite Austen adaptions on my bookshelves.  I highly recommend this story!

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

Christina Dudley's books have been called "enchanting," "sparkling" and "swoon-worthy" by reviewers like Austenprose and Austenesque Reviews. She's authored two award-winning Regency series: The Hapgoods of Bramleigh and The Ellsworth Assortment, as well as PRIDE AND PRESTON LIN, a contemporary riff on Austen's classic which was chosen as a February 2024 Editor's Pick by Kirkus Reviews Magazine and received starred reviews from both them and Booklist. She and her family live in Bellevue, Washington.

 

Catch A Wave by Savannah Scott

Catch a Wave by Savannah Scott is the third book in the Love Trippin series, but is a standalone novel.  Kalaine is a big wave surfer who just had a wipe out that took her out of surfing.  Bodhi was also a big wave surfer who now teaches surfing on Marabella Island and lives with Kalaine’s brother, Kai.  They used to date, and now connect for the first time in several years on Marbella Island outside the house Bodhi shares with Kai.  Second chance?

This book is fabulous! I loved watching the second chance romance play out and was cheering for Kalaine and Bodhi from the beginning.  The story alternates between the present with Kalaine and Bodhi and when they dated in the past.  The dual POV, slow burn romance, and endearing characters had me very engaged in the story.  I was absolutely fascinated learning about the world of surfing.  I think I may have to learn to surf someday.  

This will be one of my top book picks of this year.  I enjoyed the slow burn romance, the engaging characters and the surfing culture. I highly recommend the sweet romcom Catch a Wave by Savannah Scott.  

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

I’m Savannah Scott – the girl behind the Getting Shipped! series, otherwise known as the founder of the town of Bordeaux, Ohio.

And yes, my hair is strawberry blond in that family photo. It has been dark brown, medium brown, and blond (current color) too–short, long, curled, straight … What can I say? I like changing my hair.

I want to tell you a little about me since you took the time to make it to this “about” page.
Life around the Scott Home

I’ve been married to my surfer husband for over 25 years. He has a heart of gold. In our relationship, I’m like the kite, and he’s the steady hand holding the string.

I’ve spent many years as the “den mom” in my own private Boy Scout troop … mom to two boys, one no longer living at home, and a whole slew of boys in our neighborhood too.

We also have a labradoodle puppy named Bella … she likes to eat shoes, tug the dishtowel off the stove, and chase squeaky balls. Sometimes she chills out and then we call her Bella-Snugarella because she flops against you like a living teddy bear. That’s my favorite.

Encouraging other moms is my jam. I’ve written several non-fiction books for women (under Patty H Scott), and I have a website dedicated to pouring out into mama hearts at slowdownmama.com.

When I’m not writing, I’m either reading, dancing zumba, or going on a walk or out to coffee with friends. I love road trips, especially when there’s adventure in the mix.

In the Orbit of You by Ashley Schumacher

 

Do you ever watch the clouds? OR What are you reading? I love to watch the clouds. The shapes, formations and beauty of them intrigue me. 

I was happy to be a part of In the Orbit of You with the #TalkingToMyBooksTravelingARC group. It is fun to read with friends, and see the amazing pictures they drew and notes they wrote in the book.


In The Orbit of You by Ashley Schumacher is a delightful Young Adult novel. Nova Evans moves around so much. One of her favorite memories is of her friend Sam when they were very young. Sam Jordan has a laid-out plan for his life. He has a football, friends, a girlfriend, and college football scholarships. But he still remembers a little girl named Nova from his “before life.”


I enjoyed the story so much. The story takes place in the fall around homecoming and you experience the friendships and milestones of the time. The author’s characters were interesting and had such depth. I felt like I was peeling back the layers on Sam, Nova and their families as I read through the story, and I enjoyed getting to know them better. The flashbacks to when they were younger as they were building kingdoms outdoors made me smile and might have been my favorite part of the story.


This is a wonderful story with characters who I connected so well with. The author deals with heavy issues in gentle ways and makes the story unforgettable. I highly recommend In the Orbit of You.


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

 

Ashley Schumacher is the author of Amelia Unabridged and Full Flight and has a degree in creative writing from the University of North Texas. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s either singing Disney songs, finding new and exciting ways to pester her family, or trying to find her inside voice, which has been sadly missing since birth. She lives in a small town north of Dallas with her husband, son, and more books than is strictly necessary
 

Recipe for a Charmed Life by Rachel Linden read by Traci Odom

 Thank you Penguin Random House Audio for the complimentary copy. 

Recipe for a Charmed Life by Rachel Linden read by Traci Odom is a delight to listen to.  American Chef Georgia May Jackson has dreamed of having her own restaurant in Paris.  After catching her boyfriend and fellow chef cheating on her and losing her sense of taste, she heads to see her estranged mother on a small island off Seattle. 

Listening to the story read by Traci Odom made this story come to life for me. I was absolutely enchanted and drawn into the life of Georgia May, her family, and the oyster farmer next door.  I enjoyed walking with these delightful characters as they discovered their true self, became better people, and transformed into who they were intended to be.  The setting was charming and I longed to visit the island.  I appreciated how the author talked about the gifts of women in Georgia May’s family. 

I really enjoyed the wonderful characters, charming setting, and the sprinkling of magic in Recipe for a Charmed Life. This is a delightful story to listen to and I highly recommend Recipe for a Charmed by Rachel Linden read by Traci Odom.  

 

 Rachel Linden is a novelist and international aid worker whose adventures in over fifty countries around the world provide excellent grist for her writing. She is the author of Ascension of Larks, Becoming the Talbot Sisters, and The Enlightenment of Bees. Currently Rachel lives with her family on a sweet little island in the Pacific Northwest where she enjoys creating stories about hope, courage and connection with a hint of romance and a touch of whimsy.

Finding Jane Fairfax by Robbin J. Peterson

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Jane Fairfax knows she is truly fortunate. Most orphans face lives of hardship, whereas she was adopted by doting surrogate parents who elevated her place in Society and love her as their own. Yet even they cannot shield her from the grim realities of life without a suitable marriage. In moments of despair, Jane comforts herself with a well-worn memory: that of a young man whose kind words when they were children once soothed her heartbreak. But now that boy has grown into a dashing gentleman―and their lives could not be more distant.

Frank Churchill is a prisoner of his station. His inheritance is held in the balance by his demanding aunt, and the weight of her expectations is suffocating him. But when a chance encounter brings the lovely Miss Fairfax back into his life, he discovers what it is to truly live. As the pair secretly become acquainted amid the confines of Society’s strict rules, their friendship blossoms into love. But in a world ruled by unyielding traditions, endeavoring to build a life together would mean inviting a scandal that would shake the very foundation of the ton.

Finding Jane Fairfax by Robbin J. Peterson is a prequel of Emma by Jane Austen of the lives of Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill.  The story delves into what happened in Weymouth before Jane and Frank came to Highbury where we first meet them in Emma. 

I have loved Emma by Jane Austen for many years, and consider it one of my favorite books of all time.  I have always wondered about Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill and how their story came to be.  I enjoyed the duel POV with Frank and Jane sharing their hearts.  Hearing the back story, the author created for Jane and Frank gave me such compassion for them. The story is beautifully researched and marries so well with Emma. The author masterfully contrasted the Campbell family and the Churchill family. I was very invested in the beautiful writing, endearing characters and wonderful scenery of Weymouth.

This story exceeded my expectations and was an amazing prequel.  I absolutely adore and highly recommend FindingJane Fairfax by Robbin J. Peterson. 

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

Robbin J. Peterson is the author of Going Home, Conviction, and 13 Days of Girls Camp. She earned her degree in English literature from Utah State University and her associate of arts degree from Snow College. She has six kids, plays the viola, and works as an elementary school librarian.

Best Beaches by Lonely Planet

 

Thank you Lonely Planet for my copy of Best Beaches 100 of the World's Most Incredible Beaches!

Do you have a favorite beach that you like to visit? OR What are you reading today?

We are huge fans of Grayton State Park's beach in the panhandle of Florida. I was pretty excited to see it in the pages of Best Beaches!

Review: This is truly a stunning book. The pages take you around the world by continent with engaging text, incredible pictures, and great adventure. I find myself picking up the book and being transported to beaches all over the world. I was thrilled to see my favorite Grayton Beach State Park featured. It was fun to see an old favorite and learn about so many new beaches. I highly recommend Best Beaches 100 of the World's Most Incredible Beaches by Lonely Planet.  


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

If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer

If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer is a western reverse retelling of the Cinderella story. Samantha Dearing is daughter of the cattle king, but really does not want anything to do with marriage and settling down. Asher Ellis sneaks into Samantha’s home during a ball. On his dramatic exit loses his boot.

This story exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed the fabulous charters, the western setting, and the mystery of who is bothering Samantha. The story kept me guessing to the end. The cast of secondary characters were interesting, transformative, and gave the story depth. So many beautiful life lessons in the story. I enjoyed my journey along with the characters.

I enjoyed this story and the twist on a classic fairy tale. I highly recommend If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer.

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

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers' Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and gospel hymn singer who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she's on deadline.  

Happily Never After by Lynn Painter

 

Happily, Never After by Lynn Painter is a fantastic romantic comedy. Sophie Steinbeck finds out before she gets married that her fiancé has cheated on her again, and wants to break it off. Unfortunately, her future father-in-law is her dad’s boss. Her friend finds her a professional objector to show up and object to the marriage. Max is that objector and they become friends.

The premise of this story was so interesting. I was a big fan of #teamsophiemax with their chemistry, banter, and cynical attitudes. I enjoyed watching them transform, become less cynical, and enjoy each other’s company. There were so many laugh out loud scenes for me including wedding scenes, outings, and their interactions with friends and family. I had a wonderful time reading this story.

Happily, Never After by Lynn Painter is a great romantic comedy with great banter, chemistry and laugh out loud moments. It was a quick entertaining read that I recommend!

CW: Open Door, language

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

Lynn Painter is the international bestselling author of Better Than The Movies. She writes romantic comedies for both teens and adults, and when she isn't reading or writing, odds are good she’s guzzling energy drinks and watching rom-coms. 

The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deibel

The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deibel is a delightful historical set in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare Ireland. Catriona Daly is the daughter of matchmaker, but longs for a match of her own. Donal Bunratty is in need of wife to help on his farm and raise his daughter. He is shy, but willing to attend the matchmaking festival.

This was a tender and beautiful read. The author develops characters who you feel so close to and want to connect with. Catriona and Donal were so beautifully written and I enjoyed watching them grow in their faith, grow in who they are, and see each other in a new light. I was so intrigued with the matchmaking festival and learning about Ireland in 1905.

What a pleasure to read this delightful historical with interesting characters, sweet romance, and an interesting setting. I recommend The Irish Matchmaker by Jennifer Deibel.

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

 

I’m Jennifer, but most people call me Jen. Just please don’t call me Jenny. As a wife, mom, full-time public-school teacher, and author, I’m right in the trenches alongside you as I work, serve the Lord, and love my family. I’ve just been blessed to get to do some of it in the west of Ireland and Vienna, Austria. However, after a decade of life overseas, we have settled back in America–in sunny Arizona!

I currently teach middle school English, and when I’m not working on school things, I’m spending time with my incredible family–my husband Seth and our 3 awesome kids–and writing.

There’s just something so intimate and uplifting about a good story, isn’t there? I write stories that explore home through the lens of faith, family, and culture–with the beauty and depth of Ireland coloring much of it. And all of my books aim to bring you all the charm of an Irish village, the beauty of the Emerald Isle, and the hope and encouragement of faith.

Not only do I write books, but I’m also honored to have been a monthly contributor at The Better Mom and have posts shared at (in)courage, Djibouti Jones, Tricia Goyer, Unveiled Wife, Intentional by Grace, and more.

A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell

 
A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell is a wonderful Victorian historical romance! Clara Marie Stanton’s ex-fiancé has spread rumors about her family making Clara suspicious of everyone! Theodore Kingsley loves repairing clocks and keeps his identify a secret. Clara’s grandfather, Drosselmeyer, hires him and Clara does not trust him. Only a great adventure can change their minds.

This story is a sheer delight! I was intrigued from the beginning and enjoyed my travels all over Europe on a scavenger hunt chasing a flying owl. (That alone should intrigue you to read this story.) The characters were so interesting that I found myself invested and wanting to become their friends. The humor that Clara’s relatives bring to the story kept me laughing and wondering what would happen next. I loved walking with Clara and Theodore as they transformed into their true selves and were set free from their pasts. The threads of faith were beautifully and naturally a part of the story.

A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventures was a fabulous story that will stay with me. I adored the adventure, romance and transformative characters. This will be a highlight book of 2024 for me. I highly recommend.

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

Bio: Angela Bell is a twenty-first-century lady with nineteenth-century sensibilities. She resides in Texas with her charming pup, Mr. Bingley Crosby. One might categorize her books as historical romance, but Angela likes to describe them as “a cuppa Victorian whimsy” because it sounds so much more poetical. Whenever you need a respite from the modern-day hustle, you’re welcome to visit her parlor AuthorAngelaBell.com, where she can be found waiting with a pot of tea and a great book.

You can also subscribe to her newsletter and connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Bookbub, and Goodreads.You can also read Angela’s many reviews here.