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Tuesday, November 21, 2023

My Thoughts - A Courageous Betrothal Author: Denise Weimer

 

About the Book

Book: A Courageous Betrothal

Author: Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: November 7, 2023

A wounded lieutenant, a woman fierce enough to protect her family, and an American Revolution with everything at stake. 

Red-haired, freckle-faced and almost six feet tall, Jenny White has resigned herself to fame over love. Possessing the courage and wits to guard her younger siblings against nature, natives, and loyalists in Georgia’s “Hornet’s Nest” gives life meaning until she meets scout, Caylan McIntosh.

From the time Jenny nurses the young lieutenant back to health after the Battle of Kettle Creek, she can’t deny her attraction to the vexing Highlander, who seems determined to dismantle her emotional armor. But when Georgia falls to the British and Caylan returns to guide Jenny’s family on a harrowing exodus into the North Carolina mountains, will his secrets prove stronger than his devotion? Or will their love be courageous enough to carry them through the battles ahead.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Weimerhas authored over a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

 

 

 

 

More from Denise

Welcome to the Hornet’s Nest…the setting for A Courageous Betrothal. In my Scouts of the Georgia Frontier Series, we started with my September release, A Counterfeit Betrothal, in 1813. We’ve moved backward in time to middle Georgia, where the conflict between Patriots, Loyalists, and Native Americans became so intense during the American Revolution the area was dubbed “the Hornet’s Nest.” Little is known about this portion of the war, but it’s not just the setting that makes A Courageous Betrothalunique.

If the story sounds faintly familiar, that’s because it was originally Across Three Autumns of Barbour’s Backcountry Brides (2018). That’s why it’s a short novella instead of a full-length novel. The story became a free agent just in time to join my Scouts of the Georgia Frontier. It was a perfect fit not only because of the subject matter but also because some of the real people and places show up in this story as well as the novels of the series.

Another thing that sets A Courageous Betrothal apart is its heroine. As authors, we occasionally create characters who take on life and burst off the page. That’s Jenny White. Maybe because she was based on a real person, Nancy Hart. Six feet tall, red-haired, pock-marked, and a crack shot, Nancy was called “Wahatche” or “War Woman” by local Indians. She spied for Colonel Elijah Clark and captured Loyalists and British soldiers on more than one occasion. Her exploits are echoed in Jenny’s.

So are her insecurities, which make her relatable. Jenny’s given up on the notion of finding love. Men always prefer women like her dainty younger sister. And then she meets Caylan McIntosh, a scout for Colonel Clark whose Highland heritage makes him an ardent admirer of Jenny’s strength. Her doubts—along with the shorter word count and the time needed for love to grow between wartime encounters—are a reason I chose to write the novella solely from Jenny’s POV.

By no means does Jenny outshine Caylan. He’s still probably the most swoon-worthy hero I’ve written. Here’s a little snippet of him persuading Jenny to dance.

 

The unseen fiddler took his cue. The notes anchored themselves inside Jenny’s chest, with invisible strings tugging her toward the sound. Caylan and presumably several other Scots started a jig. From his fancy footwork and agile leaps, the lieutenant appeared dead sober. She found herself propping the pitchfork against a wall and drifting closer in the shadows, her mother’s previous warning drowned out in the waterfall of lilting notes. 

When the musician warbled into “Soldier’s Joy,” a woman faced off with her husband. As they greeted and turned, two frontiersmen leapt up to join them. Caylan looked around as though searching for a partner and noticed Jenny standing just outside the circle of light. He came toward her, hand outstretched.

“Come, lass, will ye dance with me? Ye know this one.”

Indeed, she did. She had seen settlers perform the steps on the Yadkin River. Before Jenny had time to think, Caylan whirled her into the circle, and a man dancing a female part grabbed her for a ladies’ chain. She caught a brief glimpse of Gabriel’s alarmed face as she whizzed past. 

Delighted with the actual women who joined them, the men paid courtly attention that caused Jenny’s face to flame. But none more than the sensation of Caylan’s eyes, warm amber in the firelight, fixed on her every time they met. The roughened strength of his large hand made hers feel small. 

When the song changed, Jenny gave an awkward curtsy and tried to back away, but her partner caught her arm. “’Tis just a Cumberland Reel.”

“I know no Cumberland Reel. Remember, we do not dance.”

“Oh. I did forget that.” But Caylan’s smirk hinted otherwise. “Seems to me Wahatchee would not grow lily-livered at a wee promenade. See, ’tis only a skip step, toe to heel?”

Jenny turned her lips down. “Wahatchee has a mother.”

Caylan threw his head back and laughed. “What? That slip of a woman has a Highland princess like you all a’cower?”

“I am English, sir.” She clasped her hands behind her petticoats.

“Well, pardon me, my lady,” he retorted with mock offense, “but yer regal bearing and coloring beg otherwise. I wager some hint of Celtic besmears the White family past…far back in the recesses of time, no doubt.”

The “regal coloring” went up in flames. Jenny repeated what she’d heard her mother proudly state many times. “We come from pure English stock.”

“Well, then, I dare ye to prove a proper English lady has no fear of a Cumberland Reel.”

“Those are break teeth words, McIntosh. If I chose, I could dance until daybreak, and still be dancing long after you collapse.” So saying, Jenny stalked to the tail of the reel and waited for the laughing Scotsman to follow her. 

Just like firing a gun, riding a horse, clearing brush, and swimming, dancing provided no challenge. Jenny did all physical things well and with endurance. What she had not expected, however, was the way Caylan’s obvious approval made her feel. It answered a craving deep inside that she had attempted to discredit for years. Not to mention the brush of his fingertips, the pressure of his hand on her waist, spread the bonfire to her bones.

From that moment to Jenny nursing Caylan back to health after the Battle of Kettle Creek, through the climactic, real-life exodus of civilians from Georgia to the mountains of North Carolina, Caylan fights for Jenny’s trust with as much determination as he fights the British. I hope you’ll be swept away by their romance amid the dangers of the Hornet’s Nest. And if you like Scottish characters, stay tuned for book three of the Scouts Series, coming in January and set in 1775 on the border of Georgia and South Carolina.


My Thoughts 


A Courageous Betrothal is written by Denise Weimer. This is book two in the Scouts of the Georgia Frontier. One of the things I live about this author is her ability to transport readers back in time. The author has done careful research to bring her story to life. Set in Revolutionary war times and based on a real life figure you will enjoy getting lost in Jenny and Caylan’s story. 


Jenny is such a strong character. She’s tall, brave, protective and unmarried. She takes protecting her family very seriously. Caylan is injured after the battle of Kettle Creek. Jenny helps him to recuperate. 


Jenny is also concerned about the growing tension from the British and Natives. She’s worried about losing everything. The author has captured the struggles that one may face accurately. I’ve really been enjoying this series. 


My only complaint is that I wish this was longer. I would love to get more of their story. Their characters are written well. 


Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, November 8

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 10

Blossoms and Blessings, November 11

Books You Can Feel Good About, November 11

Simple Harvest Reads, November 12 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 13

Lighthouse Academy Blog, November 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

lakesidelivingsite, November 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 15

Pause for Tales, November 16

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 16

For Him and My Family, November 17

Cover Lover Book Review, November 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 19

To Everything There Is A Season, November 19

Holly’s Book Corner, November 20

Connie’s History Classroom, November 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away the grand prize of 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/28d33/a-courageous-betrothal-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

My Thoughts - To Spark A Match Author: Jen Turano

 



About the Book


Book: To Spark A Match 

Author: Jen Turano

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: November 14, 2023


After five unsuccessful Seasons on the marriage mart, Miss Adelaide Duveen has resigned herself to the notion that she's destined to remain a spinster forever--a rather dismal prospect, but one that will allow her to concentrate on her darling cats and books. However, when she inadvertently stumbles upon Mr. Gideon Abbott engaged in a clandestine activity during a dinner party, Adelaide finds herself thrust into a world of intrigue that resembles the plots in the spy novels she devours.

Former intelligence agent Gideon Abbott feels responsible for Adelaide after society threatens to banish her because of the distraction she caused to save his case. Hoping to return the favor, he turns to a good friend--and one of high society's leaders--to take Adelaide in hand and turn her fashionable.

When danger surrounds them and Adelaide finds herself a target of the criminals in Gideon's case, the spark of love between them threatens to be quenched for good--along with their lives.

About the Author



Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. When she’s not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, CO. 

Readers may find her at www.jenturano.com - https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoaut... , https://www.instagram.com/jenturanoau... or on Twitter at JenTurano@JenTurano

https://jenturano.com/

My Thoughts 


To Spark A Match is book two in the Matchmakers series that is written by Jen Turano. This story can be read as a stand alone. This author is a master at her craft. She transports readers back in history. Her careful research and fun historical details make her stories so fascinating to read.

In this story we’re in 1888. Adelaide has been unsuccessful in finding a mate. She’s not that disappointed in this. She much prefers cats and books. She’s got a habit of leaving her mark in dinner parties. She frequently becomes the topic of conversation in social circles.

Enter Gideon. Adelaide finds him in a secret activity and she helps to bail him out. He finds himself in Adelaide’s debt. To try and repay her he enlists the help of a socialite, Camilla to try and make her more fashionable. Adelaide finds herself thrust into a world that she’s only read about in spy novels.

In true Turano fashion our main character is witty, humorous and doesn’t fit in the society’s norm. I loved that this story had so much packed into it. We’ve got spies, gangsters, books, cats and mystery. The characters have great chemistry. I absolutely love this series.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Giveaway 

  • To Spark a Match Release Day Giveaway - Five (5) winners will each receive a print copy of the book. US addresses only.



ENTER:  HERE




Monday, November 13, 2023

My Thoughts - Estelle’s Endeavor Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

 

About the Book

Book: Estelle’s Endeavor

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 26, 2023

Will a world at war destroy a second chance at love?

Estelle Johnson promises to wait for Aubry DeLuca to return from war, but then she receives word of his debilitating injuries. Does she have the strength to stand by him during his hour of need?

Aubry DeLuca storms the beaches of Normandy, then wakes up in a hospital, his eyes heavily bandaged. Will the only woman he’s ever loved welcome him home or is he destined to go through life blind and alone?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

 

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a former trustee for her local public library. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state and immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

 

 

 

More from Linda

Dear lovely readers,

I was thrilled to be asked to participate in Thanksgiving Books & Blessing Collection Five because Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday. When I was growing up, no matter where we lived (and we lived a lot of places thanks to my dad’s job!), my parents would bundle all of us into the car and we’d make the trip to my maternal grandparent’s house in Maryland; the tiny town of Burtonsville to be exact. Cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents, with the occasional “honorary family member” (anyone who had nowhere to spend the holiday) would gather.

The adults ate at a HUGE table in the dining room, and the kids were relegated to card tables in the living room. My grandmother and great aunt must have prepared for days. After dinner, we kids were responsible for washing the dishes (and with 20-30 people, there were tons!). I have countless happy memories from those days. Our Thanksgiving celebrations are much smaller now, but no less joyous.

In Estelle’s Endeavor, I wanted to explore the holiday and the concept of thankfulness in light of a world at war. Could people find it in their hearts to be thankful in spite of their circumstances not because of them? Additional themes emerged as the story unfolded, and I hope you are encouraged by the characters’ journey.

 

Blessings,

Linda Shenton Matchett


My Thoughts 

Estelle's Endeavor is written by Linda Shenton Matchett. I  adore this author. She is in my opinion, one of the best historical fiction writers out there. She always does such amazing research to bring her story to life. 


In this story, the author has crafted a town with a library at the center of the city. Estelle works at the library and has been waiting for word of her love, Aubry, who is away at war. Estelle enjoys her job but has a prickly co-worker she has to deal with. Aubry who has been injured is haunted by what he has seen at war. 


When he returns home he deals with nightmares and PTSD. This confuses Estelle. She really is not sure how to deal with it. Because of the lengthy absence, the couple has to get to know each other again, and navigate the new waters. War has changed them both. This is also a story of healing and trusting God. 


The book is well written, the storyline is intriguing. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 7

The Lofty Pages, November 7

Maureen’s Musings, November 8

Alena Mentink, November 8

Bizwings Blog, November 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 10

Texas Book-aholic, November 11

Mary Hake, November 11

Mornings at Character Cafe, November 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 13

Connie’s History Classroom, November 14

Betti Mace, November 15

She Lives To Read, November 15

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 16

For Him and My Family, November 17

The Lit Lady, November 18

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, November 18

Holly’s Book Corner, November 19

SusanLovesBooks, November 20

Pens Pages & Pulses, November 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Visa Gift Card and signed 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/28d32/estelle-s-endeavor-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts- The Girls of Bomber Command written by Vicki Beeby

 The Girls of Bomber Command 



With an enemy in their midst, can they still protect their fighters in the skies? 

Pearl has given up on her dreams of being a journalist after being denied a promotion because of her  gender. Joining the WAAF as a radio telephone operator for Bomber Command, Pearl's new job at  RAF Fenthorpe serves two purposes – providing an income for her grandmother, and keeping a close  eye on her younger sister, Thea, an instrument repairer at another Lincolnshire bomber station. 

Pearl befriends Met WAAF Jenny as well as Australian pilot Greg, who she guides home safely during  an emergency. Pearl's journalism background doesn't go to waste, however – a series of thefts from  pilots rekindles her investigative fire and she is soon caught up in the mystery. 

But when all signs point to the perpetrator being her sister, she finds herself up against the clock to  prove her sister’s innocence… 

A captivating and heartwarming WWII saga for fans of Daisy Styles and Johanna Bell. Purchase Links  

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Girls-Bomber-Command-uplifting-charming 

ebook/dp/B0CFGZWRWC/ 

https://www.amazon.com/Girls-Bomber-Command-uplifting-charming-ebook/dp/B0CFGZWRWC/ 

Author Bio –



Vicki Beeby is a saga author who writes about the friendships and loves of service  women brought together by the Second World War. Her first job was as a civil engineer on a sewage  treatment project, so things could only improve from there. Since then, she has worked as a maths  teacher, an education consultant before she turned freelance to give herself more time to write. She  is published by Canelo and represented by Lina Langlee of The North Literary Agency. She was a  finalist for the RNA Romantic Saga award in 2021 and won it in 2023. 

Social Media Links – 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VickiBeebyAuthor 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VickiBeeby 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vickibeebyauthor 

Threads: @vickibeebyauthor 


MY THOUGHTS

The Girls of Bomber Command is written by Vicki Beeby. This is my first book that I have read by this author - and it will not be my last. I loved Pearl. She had such big dreams of becoming a journalist - however when she is passed over for a promotion just because she is female she quits. Worried about bills, she signs up with the WAAF. Her grandmother is worried that she just wants to keep an eye on her younger sister, Thea. However, it's greater than that. Pearl becomes a radio telephone operator in the Bomber Command. She befriends Jenny. The forge a nice friendship. She also gets to know Greg. Greg is an Australian pilot. However, valuables start to go missing so the group starts to investigate. Pearl is not going to let her investigative skills go to waste. What is shocking is her sister seems to be the prime suspect. Can Pearl prove her innocence? While I have read my fair share of WWII stories - I have not read one that focused on the Bomber Command. I was not familiar so I read a little bit about their story. The author has done careful research to bring her story to life. I really hope to read more from this author. Thank you to the author, publisher and Rachel's Random Resources for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Giveaway to Win a Paperback copy of The Girls of Bomber Command (Open to UK Only) 

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box  below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and  will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then  Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all  entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is  used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of  the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for  fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the  data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.