Tuesday, August 29, 2017

The Duke's Dilemma:The Wolf Deceivers Book 2 By Elaine Manders

I received a copy of this book from the author and have chosen to review it. My opinions are my own.


Book Description: 

 Edward Dalton, the new Duke of Langsdale, must soon take a wife to ensure the hereditary line. A young war widow seems the perfect choice. She is charming, well respected with impeccable character, and her connections to the Ton’s most important people is an asset he can’t ignore. But Edward is intrigued by another widow. The mysterious, hauntingly beautiful Lady Wayte.

Cassandra Wayte could not be a more unsuitable match. She isn’t received by polite society, and her notorious dealings with London’s underclass is the talk of nobility from White’s patrons to the most fashionable hostesses. It’s even whispered she murdered her elderly husband. But Edward sees a different side of the tragic lady, and he determines to discover the secrets tormenting her. As he peels away the layers of her resistance, he discovers a malevolent adversary stalking Lady Wayte and exposes a level of depravity that shocks even his war-hardened sensibilities. Can he win her trust and her heart? And at what cost to the dukedom?

As Cassandra’s relentless search for her husband’s murderer exposes both her and Edward to unseen dangers, all they can rely on is their love for each other and their faith in God. 

 My Thoughts:  

 The Duke's Dilemma is the second book in Elaine Manders series, The Wolf Deceivers, and it is really good. This is the first time I have read anything from Elaine Manders and I am so glad I did. This book is a mix of Christian Historical and Suspense Fiction.......2 genres I love. This historical fiction takes place in Regency Era, an Era I am learning more and more about, totally love it! Elaine Manders writes with authority about The 1880's in England, The hierarchy, society mores, language, and the issues of the time and our time PTSD and sex trafficking. The characters are definitely interesting and good or bad they made the story. My favorite character is Sarah. She is a great character. She is comic relief in the midst of this book. Her viewpoints and her antics really made me laugh and see this world through her eyes. Sarah is a part of Edward and Cassandra\s romance, helped them to see who each of them really were. I enjoyed Edward and Cassandra's story, one of hope, forgiveness, righting wrongs, and their romance. As I stated above I have not read any books from this author so I came in at Book Two but never fear this book stood on it's own two feet and I felt like I missed anything. So it CAN be read that way so don't hesitate to buy it because it says Book 2. I enjoyed this book and I really like Elaine Manders writing style. She writes beautifully and with all of the characters and things going on, she did an excellent job "juggling" it, keeping it all straight, and by the end ensured we as readers, were able to know the full story. This author writes some of the most horrible things the underclass went through, she handles it beautifully in a non violent way Elaine Manders is a new to me author so I am going to have to get more books of hers.   So I highly recommend this book to anyone who like Christian Regency Romance with some pretty intense Who Did It? I look forward to her next book in this series. I give this book 4.5

PLEASE CHECK OUT ABOUT THIS AUTHOR AND THE GREAT GIVEAWAY

The Dukes Delimma FB Banner copy

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book 


Book title: The Duke’s Dilemma  
Author: Elaine Manders  
Release date: May 27, 2017  
Genre: Historical Romance, subgenre: Regency  

Should he wed the perfect match—or the one he loves? Edward Dalton, the new Duke of Langsdale, must soon take a wife to ensure the hereditary line. A young war widow seems the perfect choice. She is charming, well respected with impeccable character, and her connections to the Ton’s most important people is an asset he can’t ignore. But Edward is intrigued by another widow. The mysterious, hauntingly beautiful Lady Wayte. Cassandra Wayte could not be a more unsuitable match. She isn’t received by polite society, and her notorious dealings with London’s underclass is the talk of nobility from White’s patrons to the most fashionable hostesses. It’s even whispered she murdered her elderly husband. But Edward sees a different side of the tragic lady, and he determines to discover the secrets tormenting her. As he peels away the layers of her resistance, he discovers a malevolent adversary stalking Lady Wayte and exposes a level of depravity that shocks even his war-hardened sensibilities. Can he win her trust and her heart? And at what cost to the dukedom? As Cassandra’s relentless search for her husband’s murderer exposes both her and Edward to unseen dangers, all they can rely on is their love for each other and their faith in God.

About the Author


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Elaine Manders writes wholesome Christian romance and suspense about the bold, capable women of history and the strong, dependable men who love them. She prefers stories that twist and turn and surprise, told by characters of faith. She lives in Central Georgia with a happy bichon-poodle mix. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, crafts, and spending time with her friends, daughter, and grandchildren.

Guest post from Elaine Manders

Historical romance became my favorite genre back in the seventies and eighties, and one of my favorite settings was Regency England. A Regency can be a romance in the Jane Austin mode or historical romance set during the Regency period. There is a difference, and The Duke’s Dilemma falls into this latter category. Yes, there is some of usual drawing room intrigue in an Austen novel, but The Duke’s Dilemma contains a serious spiritual theme. The plot fitted perfectly into my new series, The Wolf Deceivers. I wrote the original manuscript nearly twenty years ago as a light, secular romance, but when I revised it to Christian romance, I was delighted to find the inspirational thread deepened the characters. Instead of merely fighting for her reputation while trying to wrest the duke from another woman, Cassandra, the heroine, must fight for her survival. Instead of being another handsome, sardonic nobleman, Edward, the hero, uses his intelligence and grace to protect Cassandra and win her love. Even the secondary characters captivated me. Little Sarah’s match-making antics suited the Regency theme and provided some levity during the darker moments of the plot. Lady Ashford, Cassandra’s foil, developed a tenacity I had to admire in spite of all her shortcomings. And Sir Harcrumb became a villain I loved to hate. Though the characters changed a great deal in the retelling, the plot remained basically the same. The only thing I added was a surprise twist at the end—something that has inadvertently become a part of my brand. Every story is a learning experience for me, and I’m always grateful for how much I learn from my research and from the Holy Spirit. I’ve become more aware of those who deceive, and how vulnerable people, especially young people, are to Satan’s tactics. Also, I’ve unexpectedly come away with a better understanding of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). Although this is a new label, we all know it has affected people throughout history. Yes, The Duke’s Dilemma has taught me much, and I hated to say good-bye to these characters. I love stories that move me during the writing and only ask two things of my books. That they bring enjoyment to my readers and glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus. I hope this one does both.

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Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Elaine is giving away:
Grand prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card 1st place: paperback copies of Books 1 and 2 of the Wolf Deceivers series, The Chieftain’s Choice and The Duke’s Dilemma!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/bbab
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Thursday, August 10, 2017

The Return: Amish Beginnings Series Book 3 By Suzanne Woods Fisher

 I received this book for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

 Book Description: 
Beautiful and winsome, Betsy Zook never questioned her family's rigid expectations, nor those of devoted Hans, but then she never had to. Not until the night when she's taken captive in a surprise Indian raid. During her captivity, Betsy faces brutality and hardship, but also unexpected kindness. She draws strength from native Caleb, who encourages her to find God in all circumstances. She finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the intense new feelings this compelling man awakens within her.

Handsome and complex, Hans is greatly anguished by Betsy's captivity and turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort. Eagerly, Tessa responds, overlooking troubling signs of Hans's hunger for revenge. When Betsy is finally restored to the Amish, have things gone too far between Hans and Tessa?

Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of prerevolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.

My Thoughts:  

The Return is the third book in Suzanne Woods Fisher's Amish Beginnings  and it is fantastic. As a HUGE fan of both Amish and historical fiction, this was the best of both worlds.Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of my must read authors especially in Amish Fiction, I love her style of writing, she intertwines fact and fiction perfectly and transitions between characters POV seamlessly.  Suzanne Woods Fisher writes with authority about Prerevolutionary Pennsylvania, Indians in this part of the US and the raids that went on,  and Amish faith and people during this time.  The historical component in this book is very interesting, it's not one I was very knowledgeable with so I learned so much from this book and author. I had read the first book in this series but hadn't read the second book. The Return is the third book in this series but definitely can be read as a stand alone. I didn't feel lost or overwhelmed. Suzanne Woods Fisher does a great job of recapping previous books without it being too much information. The cast of characters in the front really helped keeping up with the relationships of the characters. These characters are well written, dealing with real things at this time in our history.  I really enjoyed this book and HIGHLY recommend this author and this book to anyone who enjoys Amish and /or Historical Fiction, you will not be disappointed. 
I give this book 5 STARS. 

 I apologize to Celebrate Lit and Suzanne Woods Fisher for not getting my review posted on time.







the return FB banner copy 

About the Book

The Return-Book Cover

Book title: The Return  
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher  
Release date: Sept 1, 2017  
Genre: Amish  

In a wild country, the true cost of love may be more than they can bear Beautiful and winsome, Betsy Zook never questioned her family’s rigid expectations, nor those of devoted Hans—but then she never had to. Not until the night she’s taken captive in a surprise Indian raid. Facing brutality and hardship, Betsy finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the feelings she’s developing for a native man who encourages her to see God in all circumstances. Greatly anguished by Betsy’s captivity, Hans turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort. She responds eagerly, overlooking troubling signs of Hans’s hunger for revenge. But if Betsy is ever restored to the Amish, will things between Hans and Tessa have gone too far? Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of prerevolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.  

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About the Author


Fisher_SuzanneWoods (1)

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Anna’s Crossing and The Newcomer in the Amish Beginnings series, The Bishop’s Family series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

Guest Post from Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Three Sisters’ Garden: Corn, Squash & Beans! Corn was a new food to the immigrants to the New World, introduced to them by Native Americans. Soon, it became an essential part of their daily diet, in one form or another. Growing it brought yet another new discovery: companion planting in the form of the Three Sisters’ Garden.

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According to Iroquois legend, corn, squash and beans were three inseparable sisters who only grew and thrived together. 18th century Native Americans wouldn’t have understood the science behind why companion planting worked, but they knew it did. Beans, like all legumes, have bacteria living on their roots that help them absorb nitrogen from the air and convert it to a form that plants can use. Corn, which requires a lot of nitrogen to grow, benefits from the legumes and provides a pole support for the beans to climb. Low growing squash leaves shade the soil and prevent weed growth. Their sharp and prickly leaves deter pests. This tradition, of planting corn, beans and squash in the same mounds, became a sustainable system to provide long-term soil fertility among Native American tribes that farmed. The wisdom of planting Three Sisters’ Garden was adopted by the immigrants, including our own Betsy Zook from The Return. Betsy learned of the technique while a captive among a tribe of Indians and later, after she had been returned to the Amish, shared her knowledge with Anna and Bairn.  

ThreeSistersGarden

Have you ever considered growing a Three Sisters’ garden? All you need is the right kind of seeds, a mound of dirt in a sunny spot, and to not forget to water. Mother Nature will do the rest. Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling, award-winning author of novels about the Old Order Amish. Her interest in the Plain People began with her grandfather, who was raised as a Dunkard (German Baptist) on a farm in Pennsylvania. Suzanne loves to connect with readers! You can find her on-line at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

*Images courtesy of Dream Home Improvement and Technology Exchange Lab

Blog Stops


Blog Stops

August 1: Quiet Quilter
August 1: Remembrancy
August 2: Bigreadersite
August 3: Genesis 5020
August 3: Book by Book
August 4: Carpe Diem
August 6: Artistic Nobody
August 7: Pause for Tales
August 7: Splashes of Joy
August 8: Live.Love.Read.
August 9: Mary Hake
August 9: Simple Harvest Reads (Spotlight)
August 11: The Power of Words
August 11: Karen Sue Hadley
August 12: Cafinated Reads
August 12: TinaTruelove
August 14: Vicky Sluiter
August 14: By The Book

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is doing an amazing giveaway from August 1 through 14! Check it out:
Four winners will receive one of the prizes below:
  • An Amish Gift Basket and a copy of The Return
  • Amish popcorn sampler and a copy of The Return
  • The Amish Beginning 3 book set series
One grand prize winner will receive:
  • An iPad Mini
You can enter at Suzanne’s website  (http://suzannewoodsfisher.com/contests/) or on her Facebook page (http://gvwy.io/q1kb9u4)
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Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Crazy About Alaska: Alaska Dream Romance Book 3 By Shannon L. Brown

I received this book from the author for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own. 


Book Description: 

Two men are interested. She picked the wrong man once. Will she choose the right one now?
As a single mother and a real estate agent, Holly works hard. Climb a roof? Check. Work with her former, difficult professor? Maybe. She wants a husband who can love her and her twin girls. When other men run because she has kids, they become her secret.
College professor Adam enjoys his work, his dog . . . and his secret life. After his home burns, he needs to find a house in a hurry. Oh-so-appealing former student Holly is perfect for the job—and his heart. Adam has to win her before the other man does. When secrets are revealed, will love grow or die?


My Thoughts: 

Crazy About Alaska is the third book in Shannon L. Brown's series, Alaska Dream Romance and it is a good read. I haven't read any of Shannon L. Brown's other books but am definitely going backward to read this whole series. I read this book as a stand alone and Shannon L. Brown did a great job of catching new readers up and ensuring they don't feel lost. Shannon L. Brown writes with authority on Alaska, single parenthood, what it is to be a professor, real estate, and finding love. This book is a Christian Contemporary Romance Fiction, which I was not a fan of previously, but have found myself enjoying again. The characters in this book are interesting, definitely real people dealing with real life stuff. I really enjoyed Holly. Right from the start this character had me laughing at her predicaments. I wasn't so excited about her keeping her children a secret, but I understood it. I loved watching Holly's journey to love and faith.  I really enjoyed Shannon L. Brown's writing, I love Alaska and through her writing I felt like I was there. I really enjoyed this book and definitely have to pick up the other two books in this series. I have found a new to me author and I am excited to read more from Shannon L. Brown. I recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys Contemporary Christian Romance, you will NOT be disappointed. I give this book 4 STARS 



Crazy about Alaska FB banner copy

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book


CrazyAboutAlaska_eBook-Amazon

Book title: Crazy about Alaska  
Author: Shannon L. Brown  
Release date: June 30, 2017  
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance  

Can she trust love? Holly has her eye on a handsome state trooper. Not on her boring, oh-so-serious, former professor, Adam. Having her toes curl when she’s near Adam must be ignored. Holly just wants a great dad for her twin girls. She’s going to find one, write a novel to fulfill her dreams, and create a happy life. Falling in love isn’t part of her plan.

About the Author


ShannonLBrown

Writing books that are fun and touch your heart Even though Shannon L. Brown always loved to read, she didn’t plan to be a writer. She earned two degrees from the University of Alaska, one in journalism/public communications, but didn’t become a journalist. Years passed. Shannon felt pulled into a writing life, testing her wings with a novel and moving on to articles. Shannon is now an award-winning journalist who has sold hundreds of articles to local, national, and regional publications. Shannon was born and raised in Alaska so she enjoyed writing the books in the Alaska Dream Romance series. “The Feather Chase” was her first published book and began the Crime-Solving Cousins Mystery series. The eight-to-twelve-year-olds in your life will enjoy this contemporary twist on a Nancy Drew-type mystery. Shannon lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her professor husband and adorable calico cat.

Guest Post from Shannon Brown

Open Doors When a character opens the door and steps from her world into mine, writing about her is easier. Holly Harris in Crazy About Alaska is a real estate agent, and I was once one. I’ve driven clients around and shown them houses only to have them go a different direction. My husband and I bought a new house a few years ago, so I have tales to tell from that experience too. (Readers may think the purple shower is made up. Think again.) I chose to bring a college professor into her life as a love interest. I’m married to one. Some of myself always finds its way into a story. Sometimes, it’s just something I might like to do. Holly’s sister Jemma rehabs furniture in Falling for Alaska, book one in the series. The idea for her business came while I was watching HGTV’s Flea Market Flip. Taking trash and making it beautiful sounds like something I’d like to try. Jemma also dislikes coffee and drinks tea. (Here I am again.) But she is not exactly me. She’s cooking challenged, and I’m a good cook. Does the story become about the author when she inserts herself into it? Reality is only a fun fraction of the book. Holly has two men vying for her affections. That never happened. (It might have been fun if it had!) She also has five-year-old twins. I never experienced that. By far the most challenging of the sisters in the series was Bree in book two, Loving Alaska. She’s a doctor, and my knowledge of the medical profession comes from sitting on the exam table, not from doing the exam. I spoke with doctors I knew and brought her to life. But Bree isn’t all made up either. She despises being in nature, especially camping. I’ve camped on a frozen river, beside a lake after canoeing or boating in, and many more places, but I’m with Bree and hotels are greatly preferred. There I am in the story again. Reading the books I’ve written helps you know who I am. I’m a woman with a big imagination who enjoys bringing stories to life. Oh, and that slightly sarcastic sense of humor you may notice with Jemma and Holly? That might be from me as well.

Blog Stops

Giveaway


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To celebrate this tour, Shannon Brown is giving away a grand prize of a book lovers gift basket – a basket filled with book-related things!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/bb35
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Grounded Hearts By Jeanne M. Dickson

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity and the author for no charge, in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description: 

In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O’Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she’s taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she’ll face imprisonment.

Still, something compels Nan to take in “flyboy” Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection—and an unbreakable bond.

But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband’s death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith? 


My Thoughts:  

Grounded Hearts is the latest book from Jeanne M. Dickson and it is fantastic. I absolutely love to read debit books and authors and Jeanne M. Dickson is definitely a new author that is one my to read list. Besides this book being a debut it is also Christian Historical Fiction and Romance, so this book really drew my interest. Jeanne M. Dickson writes with authority on: World War II, our world during this time, Ireland,Canada, midwifery, and RAF pilots (Flyboys). As a fan of Historical Fiction I have read many books about WWII but haven't ever read about Ireland during this time. I love learning new things and this book definitely taught me a lot. I am part Irish and I am Catholic so I found a real connection with this book. I could not put this book down, start to finish it kept my interest and left me wanting more, signs of a great book. I truly enjoyed the cast of characters, the character that I really connected with is Nan O'Neil. She is Irish Catholic and she lives the Catholic life. Her Catholicism guides everything Nan does including the Catholic church’s views on suicide, confession, doing penance, Saints, and worship. Her heart to want to help Dutch, despite Ireland's neutrality law, which if Nan is caught, she faces imprisonment. As Nan takes care of Dutch, they find a connection that is so strong. I loved learning about my roots in this book. I found myself feeling a spectrum of emotions, I found myself laughing, holding my breath, and crying. This book really touched me. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction Historical Romance, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read more from Jeanne M. Dickson, she is a must read author. I give this book 5 STARS. 
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A Letter From Lancaster County By Kate Lloyd

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity and the author for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are  my own.


Book Description:  

Two Sisters Get a Second Chance at Life and Love

Angela
Her mother's untimely death, a struggling marriage, a strained relationship with her sister, Rose, and regrets over what might have been haunt her. Despite being a wife and mother, she feels she has little to show for her life.

Rose
Still single, she longs for a husband and children. But Angela has all that and still isn't happy. Rose wants to be closer to her older sister, but she and Angela couldn't be more different. Both strong women, will their sibling rivalry ever end?

* * *When a letter arrives from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Angela and Rose decide to visit Aunt Silvia, their mother's Mennonite sister, in the heart of Amish country. This vacation could provide the opportunity both sisters need to sort out their issues. And yet instead of finding a new way of connecting with each other, Angela and Rose discover surprising family secrets that add to their strife and threaten Rose's romance with a new beau.

Through it all, the two sisters must find the faith necessary to face their personal problems and allow God to restore hope and healing to their hearts and relationship as only He can.


My Thoughts:  

A Letter From Lancaster County is the latest book in Kate Lloyd's new series, Lancaster Discoveries Series, and I loved it. As a huge fan of Amish Fiction this book was a have to read for me. This is the first book from Kate Lloyd  I have had the pleasure of reading and I am hooked. I found myself drawn to this book from the beautiful cover to the back cover book description. Kate Lloyd writes with authority on: The Amish and The Mennonite life, Seattle, Lancaster County, sibling rivalry, and finding faith. I could not put this book down, this book grabbed a hold of me from the first page until the very last one.  The characters are well written and very relatable. I found myself drawn to Angela and Rose. These sisters seem so different on the surface but that is just a facade. The rivalry has kept them from knowing each other truly. As they navigate the secrets that have been uncovered, they find they have to lean on each other and God to get through it all. I could relate with their struggles, as I have 2 other siblings and we struggle just as Rose and Angela. I also could relate to family secrets, since my Dad has passed many things have come to light that we never knew. I found their journey to finding their faith admirable. This book brought out many different emotions for me. In parts I found myself laughing in some parts, holding my breath in anticipation in others, and crying is some parts. I truly find Kate Lloyd's style of writing fantastic, as I read this book I felt like I was right there in Lancaster County being a part of the story. I have found a new to me author that I can't wait to read more from Kate Lloyd. I highly recommend this book and author to anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I give this book 5 STARS.


 
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The Egyptian Princess: A Story of Hagar By KD Homberg

I received this audiobook for no charge from the author and Celebrate Lit Blogger Program in exchange for my honest review of this audiobook...