Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Meet Me at the Starlight by Rachel Hauck


Have you or do you roller skate? OR What are you reading? I remember rolling skating back in the day. The music, the friends, and finally getting better when it was time to leave. My best memory is watching my dad skate when I was young. He was an incredible Skater.

Review: Meet Me at the Starlight by Rachel Hauk published by Bethany House Fictions follows the family of Tuesday Knight in dual timelines between the 1930’s and the 1980’s. We watch Tuesday Knight’s family as they grow-up, figure out life and become who they were created to be.

I enjoyed how this story flowed seamlessly between different points in time. The characters were very engaging and I was so invested in seeing what happened to the Starlight skating rink. The author excels at mixing humor with deeper themes and pointing you back to Immanuel. It was pleasure to spend time in the coastal town of Sea Blue Beach, make many new friends, and I was surprised at the ending.

Watching the characters transform, wondering what would happen next, and spending time roller skating to 70’s and 80's tunes made this an incredible story for me. I highly recommend Meet Me at the Starlight by Rachel Hauk.

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



New York Times, USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Rachel Hauck writes from sunny central Florida. A RITA finalist and winner of Romantic Times Inspirational Novel of the Year, and Career Achievement Award, she writes vivid characters dealing with real life issues. Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was made into an original Hallmark movie. Her novel, The Wedding Dress, has been optioned for film by Brain Power Studio She loves to hear from readers. She also loves to encourage new writers and sits on the Executive Board of American Christian Fiction Writers.. A graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Journalism, Rachel is an avid OSU football fan. She hopes to one day stand on the sidelines in the Shoe with Ryan Day. Visit her web site to find out more and click on the icons to follow her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Join her NEWSLETTER for exclusive monthly content.

Saturday, August 3, 2024

Love Overboard by Shannon Sue Dunlap



Love Overboard by Shannon Sue Dunlap is a wonderful romantic comedy. Lacey Anderson is the cruise ship’s hostess and has been targeted by the “Shippers” as their next love project. The Shippers are four retired women who like to play matchmaker on the cruise ship. They have chosen Jonathan King, cruise director, to ship Lacey to. The only problem is that Lacey and Jonathan used to date. Will the shippers succeed?

This was a sweet, funny, and delightful story with a touch of mystery. I laughed out loud several times and loved rooting for Lacey and Jonathan. I enjoyed getting to know Lacey and Jonathan’s back story and watching their relationship evolve. I loved the sweet romance and “the shippers” kept the story light and funny. Getting a behind the scene tour of a cruise ship added to my enjoyment of the book.

Love Overboard was the perfect story for me this July. It had me laughing, kept me engage, and I loved the sweet romance! I highly recommend Love Overboard by Shannon Sue Dunlap.

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


Shannon Sue Dunlap writes books with a dose of laughter and a spoonful of love. One of the greatest compliments you can give her is saying her stories made you laugh-out-loud. She loves traveling around the world, singing tunes from classic musicals, and drinking Dr. Pepper. Shannon is a die-hard fan of happy endings and believes God has designed one for each of us. 

My ideas come from everywhere. You know the disclaimer at the beginning of books and movies about any resemblance to real persons being a coincidence? Yeah, right! Writers are always soaking in the people around them. (Not to sound creepy, but I once followed a stranger through the airport because I thought she talked like one of my characters, and I wanted to hear what she would say next.) One of my greatest hopes is that readers recognize themselves in my books. We’re all such a fabulous mix of flaws and greatness, and everyone is the hero or heroine in their own life story.   https://shannonsuedunlap.com/


Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Born of Gilded Mountain by Amanda Dykes

 


Born of Gilded Mountain by Amanda Dykes is an incredible story. Mercy Windsor comes by “Galloping Goose” to Mercy Peaks to hide after her life is turned upside down in Hollywood. She buys an old estate, attempts to solve a mystery, and is wants to find out what happened to her childhood pen pal, Rusty Bright. In the beautiful setting of the mountains, she takes a deep breath and becomes who is she meant to be.

I was enchanted by this book written in the most unique way. The story is shared through letters, news articles, plays, and storytelling as it moves back and forth through time. The beautiful setting of the Colorado mountains and the wonderful map of the town of Mercy Peak included in the book helped me to imagine myself there. The characters were so engaging and I was very invested in seeing what would unfold. I found myself slipping away to read the story.

Born of Gilded Mountain by Amanda Dykes was one of the most beautifully written books I have read in some time. The author weaves in themes of redemption, friendship, and healing to create a memorable story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Born of Gilded Mountain will be one of my top books of 2024 and I very highly recommend!

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.   


Amanda Dykes is a spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. She’s the winner of the 2020 Christy Award Book of the Year, a Booklist 2019 Top Ten title, and the winner of an INSPY award for her debut novel, Whose Waves These Are. She’s also the author of Set the Stars Alight (a Christy Award finalist), Yours is the Night (recipient of the Kipp Award, Christy Award finalist), All the Lost Places (Christy Award finalist, starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Foreword), and three novellas. Find her online at amandadykes.com.

Friday, July 26, 2024

The Keeper of Stars by Buck Turner


The Keeper of Stars by Buck Turner
is a novel that pulls you in and makes you want to know what happens next. The story starts with the end and goes back in time to tell the story of Elizabeth and Jack who met when they were in their teens.

It is told from both of their view points and is interesting to read. The story is well written and delves deeply into the characters’ hearts, minds and souls. I found myself very absorbed and turning the pages to find out what would happen. I appreciated how the author shared social issues in a way that makes you think.

In The Keeper of Stars by Buck Turner
the characters are well developed in this engaging love story that draws you in. I recommend The Keeper of the Stars by Buck Turner.

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

CW I would consider the story door ajar

BUCK TURNER is a beloved storyteller. Best known for his diverse writing style and ability to blur genre lines, Buck is something of a literary chameleon. Author of seven novels, including the smash hits The Keeper of Stars, The Long Road Back To You, and The Hearts We Leave Behind, Buck delivers an emotional, unforgettable experience to his readers.

As diverse as his writing is his taste in authors, including Nicholas Sparks, Lisa Jewell, Ernest Hemingway, George Orwell, and Robert Louis Stevenson.

As a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, Buck holds an undergraduate degree in Fine Arts and a Master's in Business. Having spent his childhood in East Tennessee, Buck draws on his experiences in the South, including the rich traditions, diverse characters, religion, and charming small towns (many of which serve as backdrops for his stories). When he's not busy writing, Buck enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, fishing, drawing, and painting.

Buck is represented by SBR Media. For inquires into literary, foreign rights, audio, film, and other media outlets, contact Katie Monson at SBR Media.





A Lady of Conscience by Mimi Matthews

 


A Lady of Conscience by Mimi Matthews  is a delight and is the fifth in her Somerset Stories and continues the stories of the Heywood and Beesford families. Hannah Heywood is having her debut season in Bath as she is looking of a quiet like-minded gentleman who loves animals. James Beesford, Viscount St. Clare is a very serious man who is looking to find someone who will uphold the family name and mingle in high society. Would they be a good match?

There is nothing like stepping into a Mimi Mathews book and slipping away into the world she has created. I adored my time in Bath during the Victorian age catching up with everyone from the Somerset Series. I enjoyed watching James and Hannah’s interactions with each other, their wonderful chemistry, and meeting many wonderful animals. They were both such interesting characters. I read this delightful story in 24 hours and wished it would not have ended.

This was a beautiful clean romance with engaging characters, a wonderful setting, and a story to get lost in. I highly recommend A Lady of Conscience by Mimi Matthews.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review. This publishes 7/30

Mimi Matthews is a USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of historical romances. Her critically acclaimed works include The Siren of Sussex, a 2023 RUSA Reading List shortlist pick for Best Romance; Fair as a Star, a Library Journal Best Romance of 2020; Gentleman Jim, a Kirkus Best Book of 2020; and The Work of Art, winner of the 2020 HOLT Medallion and a 2021 Daphne du Maurier Award nominee.

Mimi’s novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, and Shelf Awareness, and have been mentioned in The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, NPR, Oprah Daily, PopSugar, Goop, Paste Magazine, BookPage, Book Riot, and BuzzFeed. They have been translated into eight languages.

When not writing historical romance, Mimi authors nonfiction books and articles on all aspects of nineteenth century history—from animals, art, and etiquette to fashion, beauty, feminism, and law. Her work has been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, the Costume Society UK, and in syndication at BUST Magazine.



Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Finding Mr. Write by Kelley Armstrong

Finding Mr. Write by Kelly Armstrong is a fun romantic comedy! Daphne McFadden decides that she is going to submit her newest book under a male pen name. She is completely surprised when her book gets into a bidding war, they want to meet the author, and she ends up needing a man to be the face of her pen name. Her friend Nora helps her find Chris Stanton an accountant who did some acting in high school to fill the role. What could possibly go wrong?

This is a slow-burn romance filled with great banter, humor, and engaging characters. I enjoyed this quick read, and was rooting for Chris and Daphne to find their happily ever after. You have to love an account who looks better as he ages, and a woman who can live in the Yukon. I enjoyed learning more about the publishing industry and visiting the Yukon. It was a great read that made my July better.

I thoroughly enjoyed Finding Mr. Write by Kelly Armstrong and recommend this very fun read!

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own

Open Door but skippable 

Kelley Armstrong believes experience is the best teacher, though she’s been told this shouldn’t apply to writing her murder scenes. To craft her books, she has studied aikido, archery and fencing. She sucks at all of them. She has also crawled through very shallow cave systems and climbed half a mountain before chickening out. She is however an expert coffee drinker and a true connoisseur of chocolate-chip cookies.


Sunday, July 21, 2024

Meeting Her Match by Jen Turano


 Meeting Her Match by Jen Turano
is third in The Matchmakers series.  Miss Camilla Pierpont is a renowned matchmaker and very influential member if the New York Four Hundred.  She has vowed to never marry, but enjoys helping others find their happily ever after.  Mr. Owen Chesterfield has heard of Miss Pierpont’s success and hopes to engage her to help his sister make her way in s West Virginia society. Owen is not known for his finesse, but wen Camilla is in trouble and has to leave New York she decides she would enjoy some time in West Virginia.   

This is probably one of my favorite Jen Turano books, and my daughters agree!  I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to West Virginia in the Gilded Age.  As one who has traveled through the area I enjoyed the engaging local characters, the beautiful setting, and the local colloquialisms.  Camilla was a delightful heroine who surprised me with her flexibility, sweet nature, and ability to see the best in everyone. Owen was a gentleman with the biggest heart who I adored.  The cast of side characters including family, friends, animals, and those who worked with the family were delightful and added so much to the story. 

I appreciated the mystery, dialogue, banter and sweet romance which made this such a fun story!  The author has a way of making me laugh and her books are so appealing to all ages.  I highly recommend Meeting Her Match and hope you enjoy your time in this wonderful story. 

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.  All opinions are my own.  

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 – www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor, www.instagram.com/jenturanoauthor

Jen is represented by Sarah Younger, senior literary agent, Nancy Yost Literary Agency, New York