My Thoughts - A Heart’s Rescue Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

 

About the Book

Book: A Heart’s Rescue

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: October 4, 2022

He’s been tasked to protect her, but his heart has become far too involved.

Angelina de la Fuente Delgado, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is on her way home from a trip to Spain when her ship is attacked by pirates. The brigands capture her and her aunt and steal all the merchandise on the ship. After forcing most of the crew to walk the plank, they sink the vessel into the Atlantic.

Brian O’Doule was sent by Angelina’s father to protect her, but keeping her safe among the dangers of the sea is as hard as concealing his love that’s been growing for years. When they’re kidnapped by pirates, he does everything in his power to protect the women and to find a way for them all to escape. Will Angelina ever see her home and her beloved father again? Or will she be forced to marry the fierce pirate captain?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Lena Nelson Dooley has been an author for 36 years. Her 51st book released in June 2020. Raised in Arkansas, she married a Texan 56 years ago. They have lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex for decades. She is an active member of ACFW and one of the founding members the DFW local chapter. She’s often been a speaker for other writers’ groups and conferences, both as a keynote speaker and a workshop teacher. Her fans love reading her books filled with characters who grip your heart.

 

More from Lena

I’ve been a lover of history for decades. In college and graduate school, all my elective courses were history. Of course, I chose the countries and eras I wanted to learn about. When I began writing novels, my first one was a contemporary story. After that at least 75% or more of my novels have been historical, all the way from 1805 through the early 21st century.

 

Several decades ago, I read about a tavern in New Orleans that had been there since the late 1700s. I found that fascinating, so I researched it and found the history of the place interesting. It was Pirate’s Prize. I don’t know if it is still there after all the recent hurricanes.

 

When I was writing A Heart’s Forever Home, book 3 in my Love’s Road Home series, I wrote some of the heroine’s family history from the characters in A Heart’s Rescue. If you read book 3, you’ll be glad to learn even more about those characters who were ancestors of some of the characters in book 3.

My Thoughts 

 A Heart’s Rescue is book 4 in the Love's Road Home Series. The series is written by Lena Nelson Dooley. I have not read the whole series, and I had no problems following along. One of the things that I love about this author is the way that she can transport you back in time. She does such great research and you feel like you are standing there watching it unfold. It has been awhile since I have read a book about pirates. I was drawn in within the first few pages. 

Angelina and her aunt are surprised while they are on Angelina's father's ship and pirates come aboard. Brian, who is an apprentice on the ship has been tasked with watching over them. He feels like he failed when they are all taken prisoner. Brian can translate from Spanish to French. He wants to try and rescue the women who have been taken elsewhere - and we are set off on adventure to watch this happen. 

The author did a great job writing in the lesson of forgiveness, having courage and trusting in God. This book is a great read. I felt like I learned a lot about pirates while reading. The characters are well written. 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, February 22

Texas Book-aholic, February 23

deb’s Book Review, February 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 25

Pause for Tales, February 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 26

Connie’s History Classroom, February 27

Cover Lover Book Review, February 28

Betti Mace, March 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 3

Blogging With Carol, March 4

For Him and My Family, March 5

Holly’s Book Corner, March 6

Simple Harvest Reads, March 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lena 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/24702/a-heart-s-rescue-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts - A Trail So Lonesome Author: Lacy Williams

 

A Trail So Lonesome Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: A Trail So Lonesome

Author: Lacy Williams

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: January 12, 2023

Spending five months eating trail dust wasn’t Leo Spencer’s first choice. Or his second. He’s not one to run away, but some situations can’t be fixed and his family—two brothers and a sister—needs to start over. Which is how he finds himself on a westbound wagon train.

Evangeline has a secret, one that has sent her on a journey across the plains on the Oregon Trail. When her father is badly hurt and she needs help, Leo is there. A deal is struck and the two unlikely friends form an alliance… that leads to more.

But Evangeline’s secret looms over her… and Leo’s family troubles are far from over.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see in Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published sixty books in a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at www.lacywilliams.net/vip

 

More from Lacy

Leaving Home

Do you remember what it was like when you left home? Was it a specific event that sticks out in your mind? Or was it gradual?

I moved into the dorms at my university when I was eighteen. After that, I felt sort of… in transition. I went home for winter break and during the summer, but I didn’t feel like my parents’ house was home anymore. I married my sweet hubby when we were both twenty and that’s when I felt like I had a true home again. (Even though it was a tiny one-bedroom apartment!)

My new series, Wagon Train Matches, is all about travelers on a journey across the country in their Conestoga wagons. In the 1850s, people would leave home, leave everything and everyone behind and travel across the plains and mountains mostly on foot. It was difficult and dangerous. And when they arrived, they didn’t have houses ready and waiting for them!

It’s been a lot of fun researching for this series. Understanding why people would risk everything for a new start. I think it would be both exciting and terrifying!

In A TRAIL SO LONESOME, heroine Evangeline wants to leave home for a new start. She’s carrying a secret with her (a bigger secret than the library of books she’s packed in the wagon!) and believes that starting over in Oregon will change everything.

Only it doesn’t take long on the trail for someone to discover her secret. Hero Leo has secrets of his own. He can’t afford Evangeline to look too closely at his family. But he also can’t seem to stay away from her.

Eek! I’m really excited to kick off this new series with A TRAIL SO LONESOME. I hope you love these characters as much as I have while writing them.

-Lacy

My Thoughts

 A Trail So Lonesome is written by Lacy Williams. This is book one in the Wagon Trail Matches. I am super excited for this series. The author has done careful research to bring history to life. I love this author's writing style. She writes relatable characters. 

Evangeline and Leo both are harboring secrets. Evangeline's brought her onto the wagon trail. Leo is running from his past. Seeing the characters getting to know each other was heartwarming. Leo is a good man and the fact that he wants to help Evangeline shows that.  When they strike an alliance for the benefit of their families will it develop into something more?

I liked the author's portrayal of the wagon trail. It was historically accurate and I loved seeing this part of history brought to life. 

The author did a great job with this story. I cannot wait until the next book in the series. The characters are well written and are real feeling. 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, February 16

Pause for Tales, February 16

Vicky Sluiter, February 17

Texas Book-aholic, February 18

deb’s Book Review, February 19

Labor Not in Vain, February 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 20

Lighthouse Academy, February 21 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 22

Connie’s History Classroom, February 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 24

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 25

Britt Reads Fiction, February 26

Simple Harvest Reads, February 27 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Karen Baney, February 27

Cover Lover Book Review, February 28

For Him and My Family, March 1

Holly’s Book Corner, March 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lacy is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/24517/a-trail-so-lonesome-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts - Priscilla’s Piggy Author: Marisa Masterson

 

About the Book

Book: Priscilla’s Piggy

Author: Marisa Masterson

Genre: Sweet Historical Romance

Release date: Febraury 10, 2023

This marriage needs something more than a pig to hold it together—

Jack Dixon knew his mother was right. It was time he married. He’d go along with whatever she writes in the letter to the matchmaker.

Priscilla Pringle fell in love with the man who wrote such a tender letter. Too bad that the man she meets in Missouri is his opposite. She’d leave and go home except for the little piggy she is bottle feeding.

Will she stay after the piggy is weaned? Is Jack the only one who needs to change

to make a marriage work?

Read to find out.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

The smiling teacher. That’s what her students called her. How did this dedicated teacher end up as an author? A spinal cord injury took her out of the high school classroom. After seven years of healing, she asked the Lord what He had for her. Now, thirty-seven books later, Marisa is still enjoying the direction He sent her when God opened the door for her to begin writing.

Marisa’s sweet romances often are set in her home state of Wisconsin. Growing up, she loved hearing stories about her family who pioneered in that state. Those stories, in part, are what inspire ideas for her books.

Though she’s from Wisconsin, Marisa and her husband of thirty-four years live in Saginaw, Michigan. They have two grown children and a precious three-year-old granddaughter, Hunny Junebug. She’s been Marisa’s best physical therapy and keeps her moving.

 

More from Marisa

As a girl of about ten, I remember holding a glass 7-Up bottle for the orphaned piglet. My grandpa attached a black rubber nipple and had me feed it—just like Fern in Charlotte’s Web. Unlike Fern, I knew not to name it or grow attached. It would be sold when it reached 40 pounds.

That memory came in handy with Priscilla’s Piglet. I wondered what I could add to keep my heroine at the farm after she decides the hero is not her perfect match. The memory prodded my brain. Who doesn’t love a baby that is in need—even if it’s a baby pig! It seemed the perfect fit for this story.

My Thoughts

Priscilla’s Piggy is part of the Westward Home and Hearts series and is written by  Marisa Masterson. The series is written by multiple authors. All books can be read as stand alone books. I have been a huge fan of this author for a few years now. Her books are always such fun reads. The cover on this one is my favorite of all of her books. 

Jack and Priscilla are matched.  Jack's mom has been urging him to get married. Priscilla falls hard for the man behind the letters. However, when she arrives the man she thought she was marrying is so different then the one that was writing. Priscilla left behind a not so great life. She really wanted to get away from her father. She knows that she may be safer with Jack then back at home. 

Enter the pig. A little runt that needs a lot of extra attention. This is the reason that Priscilla stays - and it helps Jack and Priscilla to get to know each other despite the horrid first impressions. Jack is really struggling post war. 

The author has crafted a wonderful historical novella that I could not put down. The characters are well written and you will find yourself lost in the story immediately. 

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

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 13

Stories By Gina, February 14 (Author Interview)

Girls in White Dresses, February 15

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 16 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 17

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 18 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, February 18

Pause for Tales, February 19

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 20

For the Love of Literature, February 21 (Author Interview)

Connie’s History Classroom, February 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 23

Artistic Nobody, February 24 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, February 24

For Him and My Family, February 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marisa 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/242ae/priscilla-s-piggy-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts -A Not So Persistent Suitor Author: Sandra Merville Hart

 

About the Book

Book: A Not So Persistent Suitor

Author: Sandra Merville Hart

Genre: Christian historical romance

Release date: Febraury 14, 2023

He’s fighting for his career…She’s bent on achieving her own goals…Will their love survive a second chance at happily ever after?

Cora Welch dreams of a future teaching kindergarten, which is in its infancy, and marriage to Ben Findlay, her beau and her twin brother’s best friend. But she returns to college from summer break to learn of Ben’s unwise choices in pursuit of his career—choices that destroy her trust in the man she thought she knew and loved.

Ben is working hard toward his dream to become the best reporter in the city. He’s no stranger to fighting for a goal against all odds, ever since he was orphaned at age thirteen. Even though Cora has captured his heart, he makes the mistake of escorting the boss’s daughter to a fancy banquet to further his career—with far-reaching repercussions. Now he’s hurt Cora and botched his career goals.

Winning Cora’s trust again proves harder than Ben expects, especially as they both face struggles of their own. When events spiral out of their control, catapulting them into hardship and even danger, only God can restore their dreams—though the outcome may look far different than either of them planned.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Sandra Merville Hart, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of inspirational historical romances, loves to discover little-known yet fascinating facts from American history to include in her stories. Her desire is to transport her readers back in time. She is also a blogger, speaker, and conference teacher. Connect with Sandra on her blog, https://sandramervillehart.wordpress.com/.

 

More from Sandra

I have wanted to write a story set in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the 1880s for several years. It seems to me that it was on my heart to write while I was still working as a Programmer Analyst and writing was but a dream.

 

Twins Cora and John had been living on their family’s farm before moving to Cincinnati to attend college. John went rogue on me (he does that in Book 3 too ) and got a job at a newspaper working with Ben, and decided not to go to college. Meanwhile, Ben begins to court Cora.

 

When our story begins, Cora is in her second and final year at the Cincinnati Kindergarten Training School. Kindergarten is still in its infancy in 1883, when our story begins. In fact, the demand for kindergartens grew in the 1870s. There were about four hundred kindergartens by 1880, and the need to train teachers for them was a natural part of that growth.

 

A training school in Cincinnati was organized in March of 1880. At first, kindergarten students (aged four – six) learned the 3 R’s –reading, writing, and arithmetic. Before long, principals in higher grades complained that kindergartners also needed a basic knowledge of music, drawing, and manual training.

This led to greater training for kindergartener teachers, who learned teaching tools that included games, songs, and handwork.

 

I imagine that incorporating games, songs, and activities engaged the children’s interest in a new and fun way for them.

 

Part of my research included The Songs and Music of Friedrich Froebel’s Mother Play by Fro. Bel. Friedrich. Early training schools used Friedrich Froebel’s writing extensively in their training so I mentioned his Mother Play book within the story.

 

Though demand for kindergartens was growing, most schools didn’t address the needs of these four to six-year-old children by providing a kindergarten class. Cora has to fight for a local school to start a new class to open the fall after she graduates.

 

Another fun thing about this novel is the places I’ve included that the modern reader familiar with Cincinnati will recognize:

Fountain Square, the Suspension Bridge, St. Peter’s Cathedral, and the Zoological Gardens to name a few.

Follow characters you’ve grown to love in A Not So Convenient Marriage, Book 1 in the “Second Chances” series into A Not So Persistent Suitor, Book 2!

My Thoughts 

A Not So Persistent Suitor is book two in the second chances series that is written by : Sandra Merville Hart. One of the things that I love about this author is how she transports you back in time with her stories. She does careful research to ensure that the story is as real feeling as possible. This book is set in Cincinnati, Ohio during the 1880's - which is one of my favorite time periods. 

Cora Welch (she is one of the twins that is adopted in book one, while this can be read as a stand alone you will want to read book one to get the full history of the characters) wants to be a teacher - and she wants to marry her twin brother's best friend, Ben. Cora is away at school and Ben is trying to climb to the top as a news reporter. Because of this there is someone that is trying to sabotage Ben at every possible chance and this causes some issues. 

Cora and Ben grow a lot during this book. When Ben is spotted escorting his bosses daughter, Cora does not trust him anymore. I liked seeing God working in both of their lives. The author also writes in some vivid scenes of floods and murders that cause havoc in the city. I felt the way the author wrote these events that I was standing there watching it unfold. 

I am so glad that I have been introduced to this author. I love her work. She researches and writes this time period flawlessly. The characters are well written, the story line 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, February 15

Blossoms and Blessings, February 15

Texas Book-aholic, February 16

deb’s Book Review, February 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 18

Writing from Walsh Mountain, February 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 19

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 20

Connie’s History Classroom, February 21

Holly’s Book Corner, February 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 23

Simple Harvest Reads, February 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, February 25

lakesidelivingsite, February 26

Christina’s Corner, February 26

Cover Lover Book Review, February 27

Pause for Tales, February 28

Mary Hake, February 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sandra 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/24516/a-not-so-persistent-suitor-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts - A Match in the Making (The Matchmakers #1) written by Jen Turano

 

About the Book

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America's most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the company of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond annoying.

Walter is reluctantly in search of a wife for his unruly motherless children. What he wasn't expecting was Miss Brinley, who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

USA Today bestselling author Jen Turano's trademark wit, sweet romance, and hilarious mischief will keep you turning the pages of this lively Gilded Age tale.

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.

My Thoughts

A Match in the Making is the first book in the Matchmakers series. I was thrilled to see the author, Jen Turano with a new series starting up. The author always writes her characters with spunk. She does careful research to ensure that her stories are as real feeling as possible. This book is set in Newport, Rhode Island  in 1888. 

Gwendolyn Brinley finds herself as a paid companion to a matchmaker for a season, and soon promoted to assistant matchmaker. Gwendolyn tried everything to get out of this because she did not feel she was the best choice. Mrs. Parker will hear none of that and asserts that Gwendolyn is the best fit. 

At an event, Mrs. Parker wants Gwendolyn to talk to Walter Townsend, who is considered to be the catch of the season. Walter finds himself in a pickle when Gwendolyn announces that he really just wants a wife so that his children could have a new mother. This made me laugh so hard, because Gwendolyn went against all of the society codes. Walter then finds himself being sought after by several prominent families. 

I enjoyed watching the characters grow throughout the story. Gwendolyn really was not a fan of Walter in the beginning, but then they spend more time together and she is worried about finding him a wife. The author always writes such comical characters and I know that I will chuckle while reading. 

The book is well written, the storyline is intriguing. I cannot wait to see who else gets their own book. There is a lovely cast of characters to get to know. Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book -- all thoughts are my own. 

Giveaway

A Print copy of "A Match in the Making"

Giveaway ends 03/01/2023 at 12:00 am 

Good Luck! 

Enter: HERE