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

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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

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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

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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.

 

Website | Newsletter | FB Author Page | FB Reader Group

BookBub | Amazon | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

 

 

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

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BLOGWORDS – Monday 8 February 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – DRIVEN by SARA DAVISON

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – FEATURED BOOK – DRIVEN by SARA DAVISON

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Driven by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Driven

Series: Night Guardians #3

Author: Sara Davison

Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink

Release Date: February 1, 2021

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

THE BLURB

Children aren’t the only ones who can disappear.

Driven by ongoing grief and relentless dreams, Holden Kelly is determined to track down the child his brother Gage abducted eight years earlier. The kidnapping that saved Matthew Gibson’s life had cost Gage his. Proving his brother hadn’t sacrificed his life for nothing might be the only way Holden can start fully living his again. And it could be the last chance he has to find his way back to the wife he loves but who is also mired in grief and a crisis of faith.

Mikayla Grant has nightmares of her own. A road trip with private investigator Jax Rodriguez—a man she is drawn to even though his primary goal seems to be to drive her crazy—can’t be the way to heal from a terrible loss. Can it?

As Holden, Mikayla, and Jax follow the missing child’s trail from Toronto to Chicago, their mission is not as secret as they thought. Someone knows they are coming and will stop at nothing to prevent them from finding Matthew.

And to make sure that no one ever hears from the three of them again.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | BookBub

OTHER BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

THE AUTHOR

Sara Davison is the author of three romantic suspense series—The Seven Trilogy, The Night Guardians, and The Rose Tattoo Trilogy. She has been a finalist for ten national writing awards, including Best New Canadian Christian author, a Carol, a Selah, and two Daphne du Maurier Awards for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a Word and Cascade Award winner. She currently resides in Ontario, Canada with her husband Michael and their three children. The words on the mug she uses every morning pretty much sum up her life—I just want to sleep, drink coffee, and make stuff up. Get to know Sara better at www.saradavison.org and @sarajdavison.

CONNECT WITH SARA: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

MY REVIEW

Ms. Davison plunges the reader headlong into a heart wrenching tragedy. Taut storytelling, riveting plotline, the author gives the reader a page-turning, thrilling ride.

If the story wasn’t already compelling enough, Ms. Davison reaches into the human heart, drawing us through the journey of grief. The trauma to the heart, the devastation to relationships. The thin grip on self-preservation, and the journey back to faith and wholeness.

Ms. Davison broaches the subject of child abduction, and neatly twists the threads of his rescue against the seeming logic and defense of his captors, pulling the reader into the action. The juxtaposition of “rescuing” children from abusive situations against the web of red tape involved within the system.

The uneasy rapport between Holden, Mikayla, and Jax gives a dimension of reality. Holden’s grief, Mikayla’s history, and Jax’s mysterious [SPOILER], as their rapport builds into trust.

So many elements in this story that touch this reader’s heart.

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

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of Driven and a $10 Amazon Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 1, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 8, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Driven, Sara Davison, Night Guardians, JustRead Publicity

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BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 2 February 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – BEAUTY AMONG RUINS by J’NELL CIESIELSKI

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – BEAUTY AMONG RUINS by J’NELL CIESIELSKI

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book:  Beauty Among Ruins

Author: J’Nell Ciesielski

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: January 12, 2021

THE BLURB

American socialite Lily Durham is known for enjoying one moment to the next, with little regard for the consequences of her actions. But just as she is banished overseas to England as a “cure” for her frivolous ways, the Great War breaks out and wreaks havoc. She joins her cousin in nursing the wounded at a convalescent home deep in the wilds of Scotland at a crumbling castle where its laird is less than welcoming.

Alec MacGregor has given his entire life to preserving his home of Kinclavoch Castle, but mounting debts force him to sell off his family history bit by bit. Labeled a coward for not joining his countrymen in the trenches due to an old injury, he opens his home to the Tommies to make recompense while he keeps to the shadows. But his preference for the shadows is shattered when a new American nurse comes streaming into the castle on a burst of light.

Lily and Alec are thrown together when a series of mysterious events threatens to ruin the future of Kinclavoch. Can they put aside their differences to find the culprit before it’s too late, or will their greatest distraction be falling in love?

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THE AUTHOR

With a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories, J’nell Ciesielski weaves fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. Winner of the INSPY and the Maggie Award, she is a Florida native who now lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle. Learn more at www.jnellciesielski.com.

MORE FROM J’NELL

Inspiration for Beauty Among Ruins

Once again, blame it on Downton Abbey. This time on Lady Rose. She was impulsive, spoiled, a free spirit, yet with a good heart. I knew I wanted to take on the challenge of writing a heroine like her. A character who starts off one way and by the end of the book has completely charmed you over. So I started writing and everything was going great until … it wasn’t. The plot just stopped on me. No matter how hard I tried the story refused to reveal itself to me which is incredibly frustrating for someone who doesn’t like to give up once they’ve started something. But I had to. In the end, I had to put the story, affectionately titled Love on the Limp, away for several months while I wrote The Socialite. Then one day the story clicked. It was meant to be a WWI telling on the classic Beauty and the Beast story. Everything fell into place and the story and characters burst onto the page in glorious technicolor.

Lily and Alec took me by surprised with how much I fell in love with them. Bubbly Lily and brooding Alec. Never had two more opposites been so perfect for one another (at least in my writing experience). They had so many obstacles to overcome, many of them self-imposed, that I often found myself in tears over their heartaches, but golly gumdrops when they came together, boy o boy were there fireworks!

You may have also noticed that the story is set in Scotland because I happen to believe that every good story is set there. I had the privilege of staring at pictures of this breathtaking landscape for months so I could imagine the characters strolling among the heather  and watching the river twist through the green moors. To me, nothing rivals the awe inspiring beauty of a certain place, and hopefully readers will feel that through these pages.

MY REVIEW

When Lily Durham shows up at Alec MacGregor’s home, she’s the unstoppable force that runs roughshod over an immoveable object—Alec.

Feeling that her fun-loving nature serves no purpose, Lily can’t help but toss confetti of fun and joy into her every circumstance. And at Kinclavoch Castle, she just might realize that laughter truly is the best medicine. And her seeming frivolity truly is her best gift.

Lily’s sunshine spills into Alec’s shadows, both of his heart and of his home, while his solid and staid nature tempers her impetuous tendencies.

As they navigate new territory together and overcome one obstacle after another, they take on the most daunting task of all—their hearts.

Ms. Ciesielski’s writing is a wonderful mix of color and emotion, vivid setting and depth of emotion. Like an artist’s acrylic pour (this reader’s newest artistic outlet) each element shifts together with the other, creating a most illustrious masterpiece. Like veins in a piece of marble.

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, J’Nell is giving away the grand prize of a paperback copy of the book and an audiobook copy of The Socialite!!

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/10688/beauty-among-ruins-celebration-tour-giveaway

BLOG STOPS

Through the Fire Blogs, January 27

Fiction Aficionado, January 27

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 27

Wishful Endings, January 28

Genesis 5020, January 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 29

lakesidelivingsite, January 29

Reflections From my Bookshelves, January 29

Connect in Fiction, January 30

Connie’s History Classroom, January 30

CarpeDiem, January 30

Artistic Nobody, January 31 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 31

Rachael’s Inkwell, January 31

Where Faith and Books Meet, February 1

Rebecca Tews, February 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 1

Texas Book-aholic, February 2

As He Leads is Joy, February 2

Robin’s Nest, February 2

Older & Smarter?, February 3

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 3

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 4

Remembrancy, February 4

Inklings and notions, February 4

Mia Reads, February 5

Joanne Markey, February 5

Splashes of Joy, February 5

Mary Hake, February 5

Betti Mace, February 6

The Christian Fiction Girl, February 6

For Him and My Family, February 6

She Lives to Read, February 7

deb’s Book Review, February 7

The Write Escape, February 7

Simple Harvest Reads, February 8 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Novels Corner, February 8

To Everything There Is A Season, February 8

Blossoms and Blessings, February 9

Pause for Tales, February 9

Lis Loves Reading, February 9

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Beauty Among Ruins, J’nell Ciesielski, Celebrate Lit Publicity

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