BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 30 March 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – HOPE BETWEEN THE PAGES by PEPPER BASHAM

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – HOPE BETWEEN THE PAGES by PEPPER BASHAM

THE BLURB

Uncover the Story Behind a One-Hundred-Year-Old Love Letter

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Clara Blackwell helps her mother manage a struggling one-hundred-year old family bookshop in Asheville, North Carolina, but the discovery of a forgotten letter opens a mystery of a long-lost romance and undiscovered inheritance which could save its future. Forced to step outside of her predictable world, Clara embarks on an adventure with only the name Oliver as a hint of the man’s identity in her great-great-grandmother’s letter. From the nearby grand estate of the Vanderbilts, to a hamlet in Derbyshire, England, Clara seeks to uncover truth about family and love that may lead to her own unexpected romance.

THE AUTHOR

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with a southern Appalachian flair. Her books have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inpsys, and the ACFW Carol Awards, with The Thorn Healer selected as a 2018 finalist in the RT awards. Both her contemporary and historical romance novels consistently receive high ratings from Romantic Times, with Just the Way You Are as a Top Pick. Most recently she’s introduced readers to Bath, UK through her novellas, Second Impressions and Jane by the Book, and taken readers into the exciting world of WW2 espionage in her novella, Façade. The second novel in The Pleasant Gap series, When You Look at Me, arrives in October and her contribution to Barbour’s wonderful My Heart Belongs series hits the shelves in January 2019 with My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge. Her books are seasoned with her Appalachian heritage and love for family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

You can get to know Pepper on her website, http://www.pepperdbasham.com, on Facebook, Instagram, or over at her group blog, The Writer’s Alley.

MY REVIEW

I don’t think I’ve read a single Pepper Basham book (and I’ve read almost all of them) that hasn’t just got me in the “feelz.” Not only is Hope Between the Pages no exception, but it takes the “feelz” to a whole ‘nother level! I mean a story about stories? Come on! AND a dual timeline!!! Don’t get much better than that!

Ms. Basham’s Appalachian story-telling heritage and her passion for all things British shines on every page, mingling in a heart-warming and heart-wrenching tale.

I adored both Clara and Sadie—and of course, share their passion for books and reading. I appreciated their dedication to their duties. Their

The author’s understanding of human nature gives her characters a sense of depth and authenticity, stirring empathy in the reader. The twists between generations, the threat over Clara’s head—the utterly swoonable romance! Page after page this story holds the reader, lingering, even, after the final adieu.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Hope Between the Pages, Pepper Basham

BLOGWORDS – Monday 29 March 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – SAILING IN STYLE by DANA MENTINK

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – SAILING IN STYLE by DANA MENTINK

 

 

THE BLURB

Piper Brindle has spent her entire adult life trying to live down the stigma of her family’s checkered history. The one bright spot was Cy Franco, the talented California designer with the surfer-boy looks. She ended up only breaking his heart. Now an acting gig on the historic River King reunites her with the guy she pushed away. She knows she doesn’t deserve him, but how can she pretend she’s immune to Cy’s charms? As her past explodes into her present, Piper knows they can never have a future together. But with their irresistible chemistry drawing them even closer than before, how will she be able to walk away a second time?

THE AUTHOR

Dana Mentink is a national and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author. She’s written more than forty mystery and suspense novels for Love Inspired Suspense, Harvest House, and Poisoned Pen Press. She is honored to have received two ACFW Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion Award, and a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. Please visit her on the web at http://www.danamentink.com or find her on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest. Dana hosts monthly contests and giveaways via her Dana Mentink’s Reader Group at www.facebook.com/groups/danamentink/

 

 

MY REVIEW

What a comedy of calamities! How can so many things go wrong in the span of a few days?

But sometimes God throws things our way (or allows things to happen) to nudge us back on the path He has set for us. Ms. Mentink has sure done that with Piper and Cy!!

As both an Interior Designer (by degree) and an actor (by passion) this story was doubly fun for me.

Piper’s enthusiasm for her craft was contagious. Her fear of relationship, though, was beyond aggravating! (Even though I get her reasons.)

Cy—love the names in this story—trying with all his might to untangle his heart from Piper’s.

And the Belles!! What a hoot they were! I knew early on, though, that Flo wasn’t who she seemed. But I didn’t expect the answer to be what it was! Touché, Ms. Mentink. Touché!

I fell deeper and deeper into this story with every page, waiting to see who [SPOILER] and hoping it wasn’t [SPOILER.]

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

FOUR FEATHERS

 

This book was given to me as a gift. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reactions to this book.

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Monday, #TRD, Book Review, Sailing in Style, Dana Mentink, A Love by Design Book, Return to Pelican Inn

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 16 March 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – SALKEHATCHIE SECRET by C. HOPE CLARK

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – SALKEHATCHIE SECRET by C.  HOPE CLARK

 

 

THE BLURB

A dead federal agent and Lowcountry secrets stir up a hornet’s nest. . .
A Carolina Slade and Callie Morgan crossover!
(A stand-alone mystery)

Carolina Slade’s long awaited engagement is put on hold as Senior Special Agent Wayne Largo leads the manhunt for his missing partner—a naïve fresh recruit, who may have jumped the gun on an investigation from Slade’s case load. When the agent is found dead next door to the jurisdiction of friend and Edisto Beach Police Chief Callie Morgan, Slade calls in a favor to add support for Wayne’s investigation. Soon the two women are hip-deep in the secrets, black water swampland, and farms of the Salkehatchie region.

And anyone attempting to uncover those secrets gambles with their life.

THE AUTHOR

Hope Clark thrives on mystery and writes from Lake Murray and Edisto Beach in her beloved South Carolina, alongside her federal agent husband she met on a bribery investigation. Bourbon in hand, water on the horizon, she spins tales of serious, hard-nosed female sleuths.

Hope also motivates writers to step up to their careers and is founder of FundsforWriters.com , awarded 101 Best Websites for Writers by Writer’s Digest Magazine each year for over a decade. Her weekly publications reach 35,000+ readers.

Visit her at:
www.chopeclark.com

www.facebook.com/chopeclark

www.bookbub.com/authors/c-hope-clark

www.goodreads.com/hopeclark

 

 

MY REVIEW

I’ve already come to know and love Police Chief Callie Morgan. In Salkehatchie Secret I’m getting to know Carolina Slade. I love the friendship the two have developed—and I love the two series crossover.

This story, though! Seriously, y’all!!

Newbie Jasmine rubbed me wrong—too sure of herself and cocky. Honestly, I began to wonder if she was investigating or involved…

St. Clair Simmons was a piece of work, and like Jasmine, I couldn’t decide how much he was guilty of…

There’s a regular line-up of suspects and red herrings, and besides the one [SPOILER] that I figured out (and I wasn’t sure so sure of that) identifying the killer—indeed, determining if it was actually murder—was a nearly impossible task.

This reader may have developed a small reader-crush on Special Agent Wayne Largo. His attention to and patience with Slade is hard to come by. And his proposal was heart melting. That the two of them worked the case together threw some serious hurdles in their investigative path, and put their relationship in the hot seat.

And Slade. I admire her determination and dedication, to her job and to the people in her life. I met her briefly in Dying on Edisto, when she first met Callie. I like the way she works and look forward to catching up on all the books in the Carolina Slade series.

Ms. Clark tugs and pulls at her characters, bringing out (beating) both the worst and best in them. She has twisted this story with every page all the way to the totally unexpected ending!

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

FOUR FEATHERS

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Salkehatchie Secret, C. Hope Clark, The Carolina Slade Mysteries

BLOGWORDS – Monday 15 March 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – FATE by NATASHA D. FRAZIER

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – FATE by NATASHA D. FRAZIER

THE BLURB

Melanie Bennett and Detective Brian Morris met over a year ago when he solved her best friend’s murder case, and now Nashville’s annual Christmas festivities have them crossing paths again, could it be fate?
Melanie Bennett has spent the last six months in therapy to erase the self-assigned blame and eradicate the night terrors that plagued her at every attempt to close her eyes after witnessing her best friend’s murder. The Christmas season always had a way of lifting her spirits, and this year is no different. The spark within her to live again couldn’t have come at a better time when she and Detective Brian Morris are reacquainted, but first, she must believe that she deserves happiness.
Will the circumstances of how they met prevent Melanie from taking a chance on love?
Brian was drawn to Melanie when he first laid eyes on her over a year ago; he wanted to ask her out, but the timing was all wrong. Expressing interest in her when she’d just lost her best friend was tacky, but fate dealt him another opportunity when he walked into her hair salon delivering flyers for the annual stuff the cruiser toy drive a year later. Though Brian desires love, will his unresolved issues with his mother get in the way?
Every moment spent with one another can only be described as fate – a power beyond human control. Will this Christmas season bring about the healing and love both Melanie and Brian crave?
Fate is book 2 in the Perfect Time for Love Series (Sweet Christian Romance).

THE AUTHOR

Natasha has penned an award-winning devotional, The Life Your Spirit Craves and a Henri award nominated devotional, Not Without You: 365 Days in the Lord’s Presence. Natasha desires to encourage readers to live the life they have been created to live in God. Natasha’s first fiction book, Love, Lies & Consequences, was released on April 21, 2015, and earned The Readers’ Choice Award.
The Love, Lies & Consequences seems to be taking on a life of it’s own as books two and three delve deeper into the lives of the characters and how they deal with life’s issues. Natasha enjoys crafting stories that we can relate to and learn from. Visit Natasha’s website http://www.natashafrazier.com to sign up for her newsletter or to connect.

Natasha is also a motivational speaker, in much like her literary works, who speaks to encourage women to take their lives to the next level, release fear and become the women they have been predestined to be.
Natasha is a member of Higher Dimension Church where she has served as part of the women’s ministry, Virtue, leadership team. Natasha is married to Eddie Frazier and resides in Missouri City with him and their three children, Eden, Ethan and Emilyn.

MY REVIEW

This story opens with a sentence—nightmares and death and best friend—that grabs the reader! Then falls flat. I kept waiting for an explanation of what happened to Natalie, but it never came.

Whatever happened, it was a) apparently crime related—thus the investigation and the presence of Detective Brian Morris—and b) it traumatized Melanie.

Who hasn’t experienced trauma of some kind in their life? I appreciated the author’s sensitivity to Melanie’s caution. The twist with her therapist [SPOILER] was a highlight…

Honestly, I felt like this story read like a diary. A running tab of what was happening from day to day, some scenes even moment to moment. I kept waiting for some action or conflict, but there really wasn’t any.

That said, I enjoyed Brian and Melanie’s romance. With her reticence many guys would have backed off, but Brian didn’t and I applaud him for that.

This story has good “bones” but was bare. Adding some “meat” would have made it so much more engaging.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

THREE FEATHERS

I purchased this book, and offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Monday, #TRD, Book Review, Fate, AUTHOR, Natasha D. Frazier, Perfect Time for Love Series, Kairos, JustRead Publicity

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 9 March 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – STARSTRUCK IN WILLOW FALLS by PAT NICHOLS

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – STARSTRUCK IN WILLOW FALLS by PAT NICHOLS

THE BLURB

Two women whose dreams are about to come true find themselves in a town turned upside down.

As a Hollywood film crew and famous movie stars swoop into Willow Falls to film a full-length motion picture, the small town’s new normal as a popular North Georgia tourist destination is thrown into chaos.

Rachel Streetman fears her life-long dream to act is drifting into oblivion and leaving behind bitter regret. Weeks away from marrying Charlie Bricker, the manager of the town’s new winery, Rachel wonders if auditioning for a role in the movie will boost her lackluster career or open the door to a lifestyle incompatible with the small-town life she has come to accept.

Rachel’s twin sister, Emily Hayes, also has a dream—to be a famous author. But the release of her debut novel is upstaged by the Hollywood invasion. When she and Rachel accept the job as the director’s liaisons, their patience is stretched to the limit by starstruck residents.

Can these two sisters survive the chaos in Willow Falls and still achieve their dreams?

THE AUTHOR

Retired from a twenty-seven-year corporate career, Pat Nichols draws on her experience in seven different management positions working with hundreds of amazing women from all walks of life to create stories about women facing tension-laced challenges and heart-warming triumphs in the pursuit of their dreams. Her debut novel, The Secret of Willow Inn, Willow Falls series book one, released January, 2019. Book two, The Trouble in Willow Falls, releases November 4, 2019 and book three in 2020. Pat received a 2018 NGCWC Georgia Peach Awards for her short story, The Vet and Valentine’s Day, and a 2019 NGCWC Georgia Peach Award for Willow Falls series book three. She received the 2017 CRW Woman of the Year Award and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Word Weavers International. She has been featured on WATC Television Atlanta Alive and in Voyager Magazine http://voyageatl.com/interview/meet-pat-nichols-author-duluth/

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

MY REVIEW

How much drama can one story have?! Let me count the ways…

By now I feel I know my way around Willow Falls—I’ve read all three books in the series and have fallen in love with the town and its residents. Ms. Nichols dangled the carrot of movie star fame under the residents’ noses and waved the magic wand of rubbing elbows with Hollywood elite in circles above their collective heads. And the reaction of certain individuals was spot on. From wannabe stars to schmoozing with the director to displease townspeople.

The drama and turmoil Ms. Nichols threw her characters! Oh my goodness!

From Rachel’s upcoming wedding to her growing bond with Emily (the good drama) to the chaos the movie crew creates to the untimely appearance of [HUGE SPOILER] this story doesn’t just weave threads together but kinks them like jewelry in a box, snarled and tangled and hopeless.

Ms. Nichols twists and coils the threads, page after page, leaving the reader wondering if the poor people of Willow Falls will ever see the light of day again. Then, with great finesse, the author unravels one debacle after another. And tosses a grand surprise in at the very end!

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Starstruck in Willow Falls, Pat Nichols,  

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 2 March 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – SING IN THE SUNLIGHT by KATHLEEN DENLY

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – SING IN THE SUNLIGHT by KATHLEEN DENLY

 

THE BLURB

Richard Stevens isn’t who he thinks he is. Neither is the woman who now claims his last name.

Disfiguring scars stole Clarinda Humphrey’s singing career, her home, and her family, but she refuses to let her appearance steal her future. While attending The Young Ladies Seminary in 1858 Benicia, California, she finds a man who promises to love and cherish her. Instead he betrays her, leaving her with child, and Clarinda must take drastic measures to ensure her child doesn’t suffer for her foolishness.

Richard Stevens’s life hasn’t turned out as he expected, and when a shocking letter turns even his past into a mystery, he travels to San Francisco in search of guidance. On the way, he encounters a mysterious young woman hiding beneath a veil. That night he experiences a dream that sends him on a quest to find the bride God has chosen for him. He never imagines she’s already told everyone they’re married.

Unwilling to lie, nor accept a marriage of mere convenience, Richard wants the real thing. Yet Clarinda’s not interested in love, only a chance to save her child. Can he help her rise above the pain that runs deeper than her scars to accept a love worth every risk?

THE AUTHOR

Kathleen Denly writes historical romance stories to entertain, encourage, and inspire readers toward a better understanding of our amazing God and how He sees us. Award winning author of the Chaparral Hearts series, she also shares history tidbits, thoughts on writing, books reviews and more at KathleenDenly.com.

Website | Newsletter | FB Author Page | FB Reader Group

BookBub | Amazon | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

MY REVIEW

I didn’t connect with Eliza Brooks in Ms. Denly’s last book, Waltz in the Wilderness—but I sure related to Clarinda in this story! I never felt the need to hide my disfigurement, but I sure felt like I should be hidden away.

Oh, how I longed for Clarinda to let herself be loved! Page after page I urged her to accept not only Richard’s love and affection for her, but our Savior’s as well.

Richard! Oh, what an image of Christ he gave. Living his conviction to the fullest—almost too good to believe. But doesn’t Father God use each of that way? To display His love?

Two disparate people in the most intimate of relationships. Oh, Ms. Denly, what a conundrum! What a story! What are the odds?

The depth of understanding the author has to her characters, to the nature of a wounded soul, to the painstaking process of healing.  And the patience of our Savior as we resist and buck His tender ministrations.

I read greedily, turning page after page, waiting to see if Clarinda ever received all that our Heavenly Father has to offer.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Sing in the Sunlight, Kathleen Denly, Chaparral Hearts, Waltz in the Wilderness

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 23 February 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – HIS TO KEEP by SHERRINDA KETCHERSID

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – HIS TO KEEP by SHERRINDA KETCHERSID

THE BLURB

He’s fighting for his inheritance—she’s marrying her sworn enemy.
When Ian McGowan attempts to claim Whitfield Castle as his rightful inheritance, he finds himself barred by a tempestuous lass who is entailed to be the bride of the castle’s new owner.
Claire Beaumont, the orphaned ward of Whitfield, has good reason to hate Scots, and she is not about to let a Scot enter her beloved home. But when the handsome knight steals into the castle and proves his claim on the land, she must face her ultimate nightmare—marriage to her sworn enemy—in order to save those she cares about most.
Restoring the failing Whitfield Castle while wooing his defiant intended proves more challenging than Ian anticipated. His struggles reach a crisis when his nemesis arrives at the castle, and he must overcome his past demons to prove his worth. He must fight for what is his to keep—and it could well cost him his heart.

THE AUTHOR

Sherrinda Ketchersid is a lover of stories with happily-ever-after endings. Whether set in the past or present, romance is what she writes and where her dreams reside.
Sherrinda lives in north-central Texas with her preacher husband. With four grown children, three guys and a gal, she has more time and energy to spin tales of faith, fun, and forever love.
You can find with Sherrinda via her website at http://www.sherrinda.com. Connect with her on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook @sherrinda.

MY REVIEW

Dialogue can make or break it for this reader, and Ms. Ketchersid has totally “made it” with the characters in her story! Sufficient that I could ‘hear’ the heavy Scottish brogue, but not so overbearing that I felt like I was reading another language!

From the beginning—that scene with the garderobe chute!! OY!—and through to the last pages, something was always pressing against the main characters. I appreciated Claire’s guarded and defensive, nay offensive, and icy reception to “the Scots.”

Ian was none too happy with the condition required to claim the castle as his own. Yet to become a landowner would prove [SPOILER.] He fights valiantly, not only to restore Whitfield, but for the heart of his bride.

Ms. Ketchersid woos the reader into the story, then unfolds one twist after another, building the tension—and the romance—to the last page!

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, His to Keep, Sherrinda Ketchersid, JustRead Publicity

BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 17 February 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-ON-WEDNESDAY – BOOK REVIEW– THE HESITANT HEIRESS by DAWN CRANDALL

BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 17 February 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-ON-WEDNESDAY – BOOK REVIEW– T

HE HESITANT HEIRESS by DAWN CRANDALL

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-ON-WEDNESDAY – BOOK REVIEW– THE HESITANT HEIRESS by DAWN CRANDALL

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book:  The Hesitant Heiress

Author: Dawn Crandall

Genre: Christian Historical  Romance

THE BLURB

After being unjustly expelled from the Boston Conservatory of Music, Amaryllis Brigham sees her dreams of founding a music academy in her hometown of Seattle, Washington, disappearing before her very eyes. Now, the only way to achieve her goal comes with high stakes for someone set on avoiding men as much as possible: Marry within the year to inherit the immense fortune of her estranged grandmother. Amaryllis reluctantly moves in to her aunt’s Boston home and rubs shoulders with fashionable society. Despite her own misgivings, she soon finds herself quickly falling in love with the most unlikely of men–Nathan Everstone, the envy of every eligible female, whose father has haunted her dreams for the decade following her mother’s tragic death. However, Nathan turns out to be much more than he seems…and everything she never knew she wanted. But just as everything Amaryllis has recently hoped for comes to fruition, it all falls apart when she finds that the real culprit who has been managing her life isn’t who she thought at all.

Click here to get your copy!

THE AUTHOR

Dawn Crandall’s debut Gilded Age Victorian romance, The Hesitant Heiress, was a 2015 ACFW Carol award finalist in the debut category and received the 2015 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the 2015 Write Touch Reader’s Choice Award and the 2015 Romancing the Novel Reader’s Choice Award. Her follow-up novel, The Bound Heart, received the 2016 Laurel Award from Clash of the Titles. Dawn earned a BA in Christian Education from Taylor University. She’s been balancing books and babies lately as her two sons were both born as the four books of her Everstone Chronicles series were being released from Whitaker House from 2014 to 2016. Dawn lives with her husband and two young sons on a hobby farm in her hometown in northeast Indiana.

MORE FROM DAWN

Some things just float your boat, you know? What are some of yours? I’m thinking, for many of you, having piles of awesome newly released novels to read is one of those things. Do you remember what it was that you loved to do more than anything else… when you were a kid? Well, for me, at least, it hasn’t changed much. I remember being in third grade and KNOWING that I was meant to write books. But having ADD in the 80’s and feeling like I was a pretty lousy student through most of my school years sort of put my dreams of being a published author in the category of “pipe dream”. Then during my senior year of college, I had one glorious spring break week of creative thinking, and I came up with the name of the heroine I would (hopefully) write someday—Amaryllis Brigham. And I also came up with the last name of the hero, and the family I would write a series about—the Everstones.

Five years after I graduated from college, I got married. And because I had lots of extra time at that point, I decided to check out some books about character development from the library. Which was the first clue to my husband that I wanted to write a novel. Yes, I hadn’t even told him! Then another five years went by while I worked full time at a daycare. I had definitely thought more about writing it by then, but I didn’t really know how to start.

But then I did. At the age of 32, during January 2010, I finally started writing The Hesitant Heiress. I just dove in, half planned and half one-chapter-at-a-time. I love history so much, when I’m doing research the world as it was just comes to life in my imagination and the story possibilities are endless! And really, I wrote Nathan and Amaryllis’s story for myself—for the joy of writing! Creating story, I found, was my favorite hobby beyond reading them! I did have a dream once during the two year process of writing THH, and I very vaguely saw a cover face out on a shelf. But again, to me it seemed like an impossibility, and I just kept focused on the joy I attained from writing it. If you would have told me back then that that first novel I loved writing would be traditionally published and on the market two and a half years after I finished writing it, I would have laughed in your face! And then, when I first saw Amaryllis on the cover of that first book in my series of five… I thought back to the dream I had that one time, and she was it. The way Amaryllis Brigham is situated on the cover of my published novel was very similar to the vague book cover of my dream. God had done it; He had taken the biggest desire of my life, given me a dream even when I was too cautious to hope, and He had made it a possibility.

MY REVIEW

* previously reviewed on my blog, Robin’s Nest, on 4 October 2016

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/2016/10/04/book-review-hesitant-heiress/

Writing in the first person, Ms. Crandall pulled me into this very personal telling of the story. As each of the events unfolded, I felt Amaryllis’ resolve to please her aunt, her resistance to marry in order to gain her inheritance. I felt her heart dream wither away.

Even as her objections to Nathan’s affections began to crumble, I felt the betrayal of her heart—and I as the reader was frustrated with her. But heart-logic is not so easily explained away, and lies that feed misconceptions fuel her resistance.

I was somewhat confused at first with locations and place names until it became more clear (to me) which place was where. But each location is important, and plays a specific role in the story.

Ms. Crandall is gifted at weaving her story, presenting authentic settings and conversations and character interactions. This is my first of Ms. Crandall’s stories, and I look forward to reading many more by her.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

FOUR FEATHERS

I received a copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

To celebrate her tour, Dawn is giving away the grand prize package of the complete Everstone Chronicles series in paperback and a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10744/the-hesitant-heiress-celebration-tour-giveaway

 BLOG STOPS

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 11

Worthy2Read, February 11

Inklings and notions, February 12

Mia Reads, February 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 13

Labor Not in Vain, February 13

A Baker’s Perspective, February 14

deb’s Book Review, February 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 15

Rachael’s Inkwell, February 15

Rebecca Tews, February 16

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 16

Texas Book-aholic, February 17

Connie’s History Classroom, February 18

Blogging With Carol, February 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 19

Bliss, Books and Jewels, February 19

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 20

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 20

For Him and My Family, February 21

Simple Harvest Reads, February 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 23

Beauty in the Binding, February 23

Hallie Reads, February 24

Guild Master, February 24

#Blogwords, Tuesday-Reviews-Day-on-Wednesday, Book Review, The Hesitant Heiress, Dawn Crandall, The Everstone Chronicles, Celebrate Lit Publicity

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 16 February 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – BOOKERS ON THE ROCKS by CHAUTONA HAVIG

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – BOOKERS ON THE ROCKS by CHAUTONA HAVIG

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book:  Bookers on the Rocks

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

 

THE BLURB

If it ain’t broke, why’s she so intent on fixing it?

Tessa Booker hates romance.

For twenty-five years, Tessa Booker has insisted that romance is something Hollywood cooked up to sell books and movies. Yes, she knows the word existed before movies.  She doesn’t care. That’s her story, and she’s sticking to it.

So when Ross gets a gentle nudge from Mallory Barrows to look into what Tessa’s doing every day while he’s at work, he discovers a romance in the works–one that sounds a little too “ripped from the pages” of his life!

Who is this woman, and what has she done with his wife? 

Armed with advice from 101 Ways to Romance Your Wife and a copy of the manuscript he printed while she was napping, he’s determined to figure out what’s up with his wife… and if maybe a little romance wouldn’t be a good thing after all.

In a twist of the “on the rocks trope,” this book introduces the next island in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

 

THE AUTHOR

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

MORE FROM CHAUTONA

Who Needs Romance? My Marriage Is Great as It Is!

Writing a book about a couple who are in love, devoted to each other, and don’t have marriage problems is… challenging. Let’s face it. Most books about married couples, especially ones “on the rocks,” are going to have fights, an affair (at least of the emotional variety), or some big thing threatening to send them straight to divorce court.

Mine doesn’t.

In fact, Bookers on the Rocks shows what happens when couples become too comfortable in their routines—so comfortable, in fact, that they become blind to each other’s needs. If you asked Tessa Booker if anything is wrong in her marriage, she’d say no. If you asked her if she wanted anything different, she’d say no. The age old, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality.

Still, if you look at stories in Scripture, you see deep love and even romance in some places. Elkanah, who loved his wife enough to say, “Am I not more to you than ten sons?” Jacob who worked fourteen years to marry the woman he loved. Solomon and his love for the Shulamite woman. While the first two do not make me squirm, Solomon does. That book… oh, that book.

What I think Song of Solomon does is remind us of the Lord’s wooing of His people and how invested the Shulamite woman was in being delighted in her beloved—in all of him. If that isn’t a picture of how we should devote ourselves to our Lord, I don’t know what is.

In Bookers on the Rocks, I explore the possibility that those of us who aren’t naturally romantic might just be missing a vital ingredient in our marriages. A body can look and feel perfectly healthy for years—even decades. But if some essential nutrient is missing in a person’s diet, eventually that body will show it in some way. A lack of calcium can create brittle bones. No one sees the problem until a slight stumble turns into a nasty break.

Did it change how I view my marriage? No… not yet. Then again, yes it did, too. I’m more… aware of what is going on in my marriage these days. I doubt candlelight and roses will ever become a thing in our relationship, but translating what romance might mean and look like to my husband has become something I do think about from time to time. That probably means more Wienerschnitzel and less broccoli, but hey. He did a lot of dishes, dinner, and diapers (my perfect three Ds of romance) when our kids were small. I can endure a hot dog or three thousand, right?

 

MY REVIEW

This story had so many elements to love I don’t know where to begin!!! The honesty, the authenticity of Ross and Tessa’s relationship. Talk about complacency, taking someone for granted!

The secret desires of the heart, the hidden fears. The passive-dismissive “it’s okay” attitude.

And to unearth the truth—and realize her fear—through writing of all things! An author writing a story about an author writing a story…

Oh! How I related to Tessa! Not so much in marriage (mine didn’t survive) but in the closeted longings. The sense that I wasn’t worth “upsetting the apple cart.” The mentality of being the one to (micro) manage EVERYthing!

And Ross. Poor clueless guy. He was doing his best, doing what he thought he should do. What he thought his wife wanted…

And underneath, all those roiling needs and emotions…

If Ms. Havig was a favorite author before (she was!) she’s a top favorite now! Her writing, nay, storytelling is beyond descriptive—it is living and breathing, whispering the story into the mind and heart of the reader. Her characters are dimensional, her dialogue crisp and true. She wove the gospel into this story like a finely stitched tapestry, the golden threads sparkling in the lives of her characters. And, as He is wont to do, Ms. Havig credits Him with the nudge of wisdom and discernment, even when we—Ross and Tessa—don’t realize it’s Him.

Ms. Havig took the “on the rocks” trope and twisted it into something entirely different!

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10740/bookers-on-the-rocks-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

 

BLOG STOPS

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 10

Livin’ Lit, February 10

lakesidelivingsite, February 11

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 11

She Lives to Read, February 12

Texas Book-aholic, February 12

Book of Ruth Ann, February 12

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 13

Rebekah Reads, February 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14

Batya’s Bits , February 14

Inklings and notions, February 15

Simple Harvest Reads, February 15 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 16

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 16

Robin’s Nest, February 16

Lots of Helpers, February 17

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 17

Splashes of Joy, February 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 18

Artistic Nobody, February 19 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 19

For Him and My Family, February 20

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 20

CarpeDiem, February 20

deb’s Book Review, February 21

Connect in Fiction, February 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 22

Blogging With Carol, February 22

Blossoms and Blessings, February 23

Godly Book Reviews, February 23

Pause for Tales, February 23

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Bookers on the Rocks, Chautona Having, Independence Island Series, Celebrate Lit Publicity

BLOGWORDS – Monday 15 February 2021 – NEW WEEK NEW FACE – GUEST POST – KATHLEEN DENLY

NEW WEEK NEW FACE – GUEST POST – KATHLEEN DENLY

 

5 FAST FACTS ABOUT ENGAGEMENT RINGS THROUGH THE AGES +GIVEAWAY!

Hello! I am so happy to be visiting Robin’s Nest today so that I can share with you five fast facts about engagement rings that I learned or was reminded of while doing research for book two in my Chaparral Hearts series, Sing in the Sunlight. But first, here’s a little bit about the book:

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Sing in the Sunlight
Series: Chaparral Hearts
Genre: Historical Christian Romance
Length: 402 pages
Publisher: Wild Heart Books
Release Date: March 2, 2021

 

BOOK BLURB

Richard Stevens isn’t who he thinks he is. Neither is the woman who now claims his last name.

Disfiguring scars stole Clarinda Humphrey’s singing career, her home, and her family, but she refuses to let her appearance steal her future. While attending The Young Ladies Seminary in 1858 Benicia, California, she finds a man who promises to love and cherish her. Instead he betrays her, leaving her with child, and Clarinda must take drastic measures to ensure her child doesn’t suffer for her foolishness.

Richard Stevens’s life hasn’t turned out as he expected, and when a shocking letter turns even his past into a mystery, he travels to San Francisco in search of guidance. On the way, he encounters a mysterious young woman hiding beneath a veil. That night he experiences a dream that sends him on a quest to find the bride God has chosen for him. He never imagines she’s already told everyone they’re married.

Unwilling to lie, nor accept a marriage of mere convenience, Richard wants the real thing. Yet Clarinda’s not interested in love, only a chance to save her child. Can he help her rise above the pain that runs deeper than her scars to accept a love worth every risk?

https://youtu.be/t8ZqDYJIjDA ]

Preorder your copy today!

Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes & Noble  | Books-A-Million | Kobo

 

FIVE FAST FACTS

Now, without further ado here are five fast facts about the history of engagement rings:

1. Did you know that rings made of braided reeds were first exchanged by wedded couples in Ancient Egypt as symbols of eternity? They were worn on the third finger of the left hand because of the belief that a vein that runs from that finger directly to the heart (known today as the vena amoris). While there is a vein like this (sort of), it is mirrored by a similar vein in the right hand and isn’t exactly a one lane highway. It branches off like any other vein in our body as part of our intricate and complex network of veins.

2. It wasn’t until the second century that Romans introduced the use of betrothal However, their use at the time was less a symbol of promise or love and more a symbol of the groom’s ownership of his intended bride. Or at least, that is what some historians believe. There seems to be some debate over this. Interestingly, Roman women were often given two engagement rings—a gold ring and an iron ring. The gold ring was to be worn in public while the iron ring was to be worn at home.

 

3. Some scholars believe engagement rings were used during the Middle Ages to ensure that impending marriages were made public in advance. If you read regency romance novels or watch regency romance movies you’ve probably heard about “the reading of the banns” being required to take place days or weeks prior to a wedding ceremony. It’s thought that this practice developed in parallel with the tradition of engagement rings.

 

4. Prior to the twentieth century, engagement rings were not universally expected. It was not at all uncommon for the engagement ring to be skipped and a wedding ring to be the first ring a woman received from her betrothed. This was particularly true the farther down the social ladder a couple found themselves.

5. While the first documented use of a diamond engagement ring occurred among royalty in 1477, diamonds were considered the status symbol of the well-to-do and didn’t become a popular engagement gem among the masses until the 1940s when Cecil Rhodes (who with investors founded the DeBeers Mining Company in 1880 which soon controlled 90% of the world’s diamonds) created one of the most successful marketing campaigns in history. If you recognize “A diamond is forever,” you can thank Cecil Rhodes.

In Sing in the Sunlight, my heroine, Clarinda, is presented with not one, not two, but five rings (one engagement ring and two different sets of engagement and wedding rings) given to her by three different gentlemen. Each ring came with its own history and thus a different design. One ring was an heirloom and its oval-cut ruby surrounded by tiny gold beads reflects the era in which it would originally have been made. Another has prongs that encage its diamond with claws, known as a belcher setting. The design both symbolizes Clarinda’s situation and reflects the changing jewelry fashions. The last engagement ring…well, you’ll just have to read the book to learn more about that particular ring.

 

GIVEAWAY

Now I want to learn about you! If you’re married, how did your husband propose? If you’re single, have you given any thought to the type of ring you might want someday? Leave your answer in the comments below to be entered for the giveaway.

For extra entries: I’d love to see pictures of your rings (whether engagement or another kind), so please share a picture on social media and tag me @KathleenDenly on Twitter or Instagram and @KathleenDenly.author on Facebook.

Be sure to record your efforts in the rafflecopter for official entries in my giveaway for one digital copy of book one in the Chaparral Hearts series, Waltz in the Wilderness! (If you already own a copy and you win, you’re welcome to choose a friend or family member to receive your prize.)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a61ba5d914/? 

 

PREORDER BONUS

In celebration of this second book in Kathleen’s Chaparral Hearts series, she’s offering preorder bonuses. These include a set of exclusive coloring pages (hand drawn by Kathleen for this novel), and an MP3 recording of the hymn referenced in the book (God Moves in a Mysterious Way), performed by Kathleen’s wonderful mother.

Anyone who preorders Sing in the Sunlight no later than February 28, 2021 can register to receive their preorder bonuses. To register, email your proof of preorder purchase to kdpreorderbonuses@gmail.com no later than February 28, 2021. A proof of purchase is typically a screenshot of your receipt. Please do not include any personal information such as physical mailing address or account numbers when submitting your proof of purchase. Preorder bonuses will be emailed on the day of the book’s release to all who register.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen Denly writes historical romance stories to entertain, encourage, and inspire readers toward a better understanding of our amazing God and how He sees us. Award winning author of the Chaparral Hearts series, she also shares history tidbits, thoughts on writing, books reviews and more at KathleenDenly.com.

 

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#Blogwords, New Week New Face, #NWNF, Guest Post, Kathleen Denly, Sing in the Sunlight, Chaparral Hearts