Hi Readers, I hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

Can you believe that the year 2020 starts this week ? Seriously, it seems like 2019 just started and now it’s over. So I decided to finish up the year with a review for one the best novella collections I’ve ever read. So, my last review for 2019 will be Serving up Love, a novella collection that contains stories by some of my favorite authors, Tracie Peterson, Jen Turano, Regina Jennings, and Karen Witemeyer!

Here’s The Bookish Details

Authors: Tracie Peterson, Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings & Jen Turano

Pages: 368

Series: none

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (November 5, 2019)

From the Back Cover

On the Menu for These Ladies?
Adventure, Independence, and a Big Serving of Romance!

A storied part of American history, Harvey Houses offered women a unique chance to gain independence and see amazing parts of this great country. Celebrated historical romance writers Tracie Peterson, Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Jen Turano offer four fun, romantic tales of Harvey girls whose western adventures lead to love.

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Tracie Peterson – A Flood of Love

Returning home to New Mexico for the first time in years to fill in at the Harvey House, Gretchen Gottsacker is sure the past is behind her. But nothing can be that simple. When the man she loved long ago steps back into her life–with a daughter, no less–will she ever be the same?

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Karen Witemeyer – More Than a Pretty Face

Rosalind Kemp becomes a Harvey Girl, clinging to the promise of one day transferring even farther west, someplace her youthful indiscretion won’t catch up to her. But the past is hard to escape, and when the worst occurs, will anyone stand up for her?

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Regina Jennings – Intrigue a la Mode

When Willow Kentworth is warned that strange things are happening in the railyard after dark, she never intends to get involved. That is, until a handsome new employee at the Harvey House–who has secrets of his own–needs her assistance.

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Jen Turano – A Grand Encounter

After her fiancé abandons her, Miss Myrtle Schermerhorn flees New York’s pity for a position at the El Tovar Hotel on the rim of the Grand Canyon. She’s determined to hold fast to her life of independence–but a rugged, frequent guest of the hotel makes that vow difficult to uphold.

What did I think?

How could I not love a collection of Historical Fiction novellas by my favorite authors?!? So, I didn’t know anything about the Harvey Girls or their history, until I read this book; however, I’m amazed by what I learned about them. I like how disciplined and dedicated they were and one of my favorite things about the book, was how the common denominator in each of the Novella’s was that the main character was a Harvey Girl.

In A Flood Of Love, I loved how Gretchen interacted with Katiann (even though she was a little girl) and how that simple relationship helped her to meet someone from her past – someone she didn’t think she would ever see again. I also really liked how Dirk loved his brother so much, that he put aside his own happiness, to help his brother.

In More Than a Pretty Face, I was ecstatic to see that the main character Rosie, was the same character that was introduced in More Than Words Can Say. I also really liked that one of them main themes of this novella is grace – that Rosie got a second chance that she didn’t deserve, or at least she didn’t think she did.

In Intrigue a la Mode, I loved the character of Willow. She is very focused on her career and supporting her family and she isn’t about to let anyone get in the way – even if he is the handsome new busboy. This story also has a bit of intrigue (hence the name), and I really liked the touch of suspense that was sprinkled throughout the story.

And finally, in A Grand Encounter, I think my favorite character would have to be Jack, especially when he is trying to talk to Myrtle and his brother is around. The interaction between Jack and his brother, Walter, reminds me of how I would interact with my siblings if we were around their girlfriend/boyfriend. LOL 😂

Overall, I can’t pick a favorite novella out of the collection. They each had parts that I loved. Moments of humor, sometimes a little bit of suspense and of course, they each had a nice serving of romance. Overall, I think this is the perfect book to end 2019 with and I definitely recommend it as one of my “Must Reads”. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars! *****

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you each have a very Happy New Year, full of lots of great books and new adventures!

Happy Reading! 🙂

>> Special thanks to Bethany House Publishers and Regina Jennings for letting me read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

Hi Readers, Happy end of 2019!

Sadly, this will be my last FLF until next year, actually next decade! 🤣 Anyway, corny New Years joke aside, I have another fantastic first line for you and this time is from one of Colleen Coble’s books, Mermaid Moon.

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“The Silver Pelican jewelry store in Bangor, Maine, was Mallory Davis’s final stop, and she put on a bright smile.”

Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble

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From the Back Cover

Shame and confusion have kept Mallory Davis from her home for the last fifteen years, but when her dad mysteriously dies on his mail boat route, she doesn’t have any choice but to go back to Mermaid Point.Mallory believes her father was murdered and childhood sweetheart Kevin O’Connor, game warden in Downeast Maine, confirms her suspicions. But Kevin is wary of helping Mallory in her search. She broke his heart and left—without a word—years ago.When Mallory begins receiving threats on her own life—and her beloved teenage daughter, Haylie—their search intensifies. There’s a tangled web within the supposed murder, and it involves much more than what meets the eye.As answers begin to fall into place, Mallory realizes her search is about more than finding her father’s killer—it is also about finding herself again . . . and possibly about healing what was broken so long ago with Kevin. She just has to stay alive long enough to put all the pieces together.

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About the Author

Colleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series. Connect with Colleen online at colleencoble.com

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Is there a book that you’re trying to finish by January 1st? Did you reach your book goal for 2019? (I did, but forgot to log most of them on Goodreads *sigh* I’ll try again next year)

I would love for you to comment below with the first line from the book you’re currently reading, because you never know when you might find a new book (or better yet, a new author!)

Thanks for stopping by and I hope that you have a wonderful New Year!

Happy Reading! 😊

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What are you reading this week?

I would love for you to join in on the First Line Friday fun by commenting below! Also, don’t forget to check out what other first lines Readers and Bloggers are sharing by heading over to our host blog, Hording Books!

Hi Readers, Happy Thursday!

Throwback Thursday Reviews are for books that are on my “Must Read” list; however, they are not new releases. (well, this one is from August, so it’s not that old). This book is by an amazing suspense author named Nancy Mehl and if you like suspense, I would definitely recommend any of her books (especially this series)

Here’s the Bookish Details

Author: Nancy Mehl

Series: Kaely Quinn Profiler, book 2 (can be read as a stand alone)

Pages: 336 pages

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Release Date: August 6, 2019

From the Back Cover

When FBI profiler Kaely Quinn’s mother is diagnosed with cancer, Kaely takes time off work to go to Dark Water, Nebraska, to help her brother care for their mother. Upon her arrival, she learns of a series of fires in the small town, attributed by the fire chief to misuse of space heaters in the frigid winter. But Kaely is skeptical, and a search for a pattern in the locations of the fires bolsters her suspicions.

After yet another blaze devastates a local family, Kaely is certain a serial arsonist is on the loose. Calling upon her partner from St. Louis, Noah Hunter, and her brother’s firefighter neighbor who backs Kaely’s suspicions, Kaely and her team begin an investigation that swiftly leads them down a twisted path. When the truth is finally revealed, Kaely finds herself confronting a madman who is determined his last heinous act will be her death.

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What did I think?

As I mentioned before, this book is the second in a series; however, it can be read as a standalone. Although you can read it by itself, I recommend reading the first book(Mind Games), that way you’ll have a better understanding about Kaely and her unusual profiling methods – it also gives more of her family background, so the story makes more sense. 

Just like in the first book, I found it really interesting how Kaely reads people and how she builds her profiles. I’ve seriously never thought of how a job like hers would affect how people react or respond to her. (they may try to mask their emotions and be more cautious what they say and do around her). It broke my heart to see how fractured Kaely’s family was, but I loved that she was trying to rebuild the relationship with her mom – although it was mostly because of her brother. One other thing I love about the book/series, is the difference in the characters. Kaely is very focus on her job and puts it above everything else (sadly, this includes her life), Jason is focused on rebuilding his family and learning more about God and Noah is selfless and is focused on his job and protecting Kaely (sometimes, he has to protect her from herself).

Although, I felt like the climactic ending was a bit rushed (I actually thought I’d missed a page), I really liked the nail-biting story line and all the characters. That being said, I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars. **** and definitely put it on my “Must Read” list.

Oh, there’s one more thing I don’t like… the fact that I have to wait until March 2020 to read the next book!!

About the Author

Nancy Mehl is the author of more than thirty books. She writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson. To learn more, visit www.nancymehl.com.

Thanks for stopping by, hopefully I just added another book to your TBR list. If you check this book out, I would love for you to leave a comment with your thoughts – hope you like it!

Happy Reading! 🙂

>> Special thanks to Bethany House Publishers, NetGalley and Nancy Mehl for allowing me to read and review this book – all opinions are my own.

Hi Readers!

I hope you’re all having an amazing December so far. I know that it’s the busiest month of the year, but I want to take a quick second to tell you about a fantastic book that just came out by Regina Jennings!

Here’s the Bookish Details

Author: Regina Jennings

Series: The Fort Reno Series (Book 3) – can be read as a standalone

Pages: 336

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

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From the Back Cover

Caroline Adams returns to Indian Territory after tiring of confining society life. She wants adventure, and when she and her friend Amber come across swaggering outlaw Frisco Smith, they find his dreams for the new territory are very persuasive. With the much-anticipated land run pending, they may just join the rush.

Growing up parentless, all Frisco Smith wanted was a place to call his own. It’s no wonder that he fought to open the Unassigned Lands. After years of sneaking across the border, he’s even managed to put in a dugout house on a hidden piece of property he’s poised to claim.

When the gun sounds, everyone’s best plans are thrown out the window in the chaos of the run. Caroline and Frisco soon find themselves battling over a claim–and both dig in their heels. Settling the rightful ownership will bring these two closer than they ever expected and change their ideas of what a true home looks like.

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Here’s what I thought about the book

Wow, there’s so much I could say about this book, but I’m sure you don’t have that much time 🙂 . So as I mentioned earlier, this is the third book in the Fort Reno series; however, it can be read as a standalone as well. I’ve read several books by Mrs. Jennings, but this was by far my favorite!! I seriously didn’t want to put it down. The chemistry between Caroline (who is spunky and independent, yet wanting to feel useful – to prove that she doesn’t have to rely on her dad’s name ) and Frisco (who was independent and stubborn, yet wants to belong – he was an orphan and has always wanted to be part of a family) is perfect! I love it when two characters who are at odds with each other, somehow find themselves drawn to one another (by far my favorite type of romance story)

Another thing that’s really cool about the story is the history that’s threaded throughout the plot. I LOVED reading about the first land run and the people at Fort Reno. I also really liked all the details the author included within the story, because it made it where I could almost feel the excitement of Caroline, and the others who were hoping to fulfill their dreams by racing to get their own plot of land.

Overall, while I am sad that this is the last book in the Fort Reno series, I really think that Regina Jennings did a fantastic job ending the series (really with the entire series – I would recommend all of them!). I give the book five out of five stars (can I give more?!?) *****

About the Author

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She is the author of numerous novels, including For the Record, A Most Inconvenient Marriage, Sixty Acres and a Bride,and Caught in the Middle,and has contributed novellas to several collections. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children and can be found online at www.reginajennings.com.

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>>Special thanks to Regina Jennings, Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read and review this book – all views and opinions are my own.

Happy Reading 🙂

Hi Readers, Happy hump day!

I’m so excited to be a part of this celebration tour for Hannah Currie’s latest book, Heart of a Royal and I’m equally excited to participate in the tour on my sisters birthday (Happy Birthday Kristina!!) So without further ado…

Here’s the bookish details;

Book: Heart Of A Royal

Author: Hannah Currie

Series: Daughters of Peverell (Book 1)

Pages:  308 Pages

Genre:  Young Adult/Royalty

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From the Back Cover;

Brought to the palace as a newborn, the royal life bestowed upon Mackenna Sparrow was never meant to last forever. With Princess Alina engaged to be married, Mackenna’s presence as companion is no longer required and, like it or not, she must return to the birthright which should have been hers – that of a commoner. But not everyone at the palace wants her gone. When the truths she’s based her life on start crumbling as fast as her future, will she find the courage to trust, both herself and the prince she’s fallen in love with?

Click here to get your copy!

What did I think?

I know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but I couldn’t help it! Honestly, the reason I wanted to read this book so bad was because the cover was absolutely beautiful! Anyway, let’s talk about the inside. 🙂 This story is set in the fictional kingdom of Peverell and the author wrote about it in such vivid details that it made it really easy for me to imagine what the kingdom (especially the marketplace) looked like. A character that stood out to me in this story was the main character, Mackenna (Kenna). She’s a commoner, who has grown up in the palace alongside Prince Thoraben (Ben) and Princess Alina (technically, she was Alina’s companion, but was more like her best friend). Mackenna never saw herself as royalty and although she knew she was blessed to live in the palace, she always considered herself a commoner – that is, she did until she was forced out of the palace and realized just how hard it was. I also really liked the friendship between Ben and Mackenna (even if it was a tiny bit predictable). Overall, the entire story has a “modern day fairy tale” feel and it keeps you entertained and engaged until the very last page (I was thrilled when I saw that this book was the beginning of a series, because I didn’t want the story to end!). I really liked the friendship between Ben and Mackenna – even if it was a tiny bit predictable; however, there are several twists in the story that are totally unexpected and help balance the predictable. I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars****

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About the Author

Aussie author, Hannah Currie, loves God, family, people (in small numbers, let’s not go crazy here!) and writing. She and her husband live with their three adorable kids in sunny Queensland, where it really is beautiful one day and perfect the next. Except, maybe, during heatwaves. They’re not so fun. She loves to connect with readers at http://www.hannahcurrie.com

A Word from Hannah

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by royalty. Real ones like Queen Elizabeth II, who is such an incredible woman and a total hero of mine (not to mention, as a proud Australian and member of the Commonwealth, my monarch) but also the not-so-real ones. Those found in fairytales. Romances. Narnia.

I’m one of those people who blocks out an entire day to watch a royal wedding, sighs like a hopeless romantic through cheesy princess movies, reads just about any novel I find with a crown on the front and loves a full-spread photo souvenir magazine. I may have even written a short story starring a princess for an English assignment at school. More than once. [Side note, if you’re going to write a story about a princess who is totally adorable but can’t spell, don’t use a misspelled word as the title. It takes a lot of explaining to make sure the teacher knows you did it on purpose and doesn’t mark you down for it… sorry Ninth Grade English teacher!].

The glamor draws me in, the beautiful clothes, the history and romance of it all, but it’s the expectations they have on them which hold me there. Every title comes with a million expectations, whether or not they’re realistic. We expect royals, both real and fictional, to behave in a certain way. To be honourable (assuming they’re the good guys). To care for their people and put them first. To always be there. Yes, even to be beautiful.

But what happens when they’re not? When they’re shy? Fight anxiety? Hate the spotlight? Are blemished in some way? What happens when what’s best for the people isn’t what’s best for them? Or when they make a mistake? Something which, for anyone else, would be easily fixed or glossed over but for a royal, gets written into the history books forever. Purely because of their title.

Kenna, the main character in Heart of a Royal, never meant to be a princess. She wasn’t born into royalty, neither did she choose it. And yet, due to circumstances far beyond her control, there she is. Living in a palace. Part of that life.

Very few of us are royalty but I think we all know how heavy expectations can be and the pain of being thrust into situations beyond our control. And yet, even in those moments and seasons, just like Kenna, we have choices. They might seem small, maybe even insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but they’re there. Who we put our trust in. What we do with the circumstances we’ve been given. Where we go from there.

Heart of a Royal is as much my story as it is Kenna’s. No, I’m not a princess (thankfully!) but I have struggled through finding hope and purpose when life flies out of control and the expectations prove too much. And here’s what I’ve found – God is good. There is hope and God is good. I hope, through Kenna’s story, you are reminded of that too.

Blog Stops

Want to know what others think? Here’s the other stops on this Celebration Tour!

Reflections From My Bookshelves, November 28

CarpeDiem, November 28

Hebrews 12 Endurance, November 28

Hallie Reads, November 28

Emily Yager, November 29

For the Love of Literature, November 29

Through the Fire Blogs, November 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 30

Back Porch Reads, November 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 30

To Everything There Is A Season, November 30

Books, Life, and Christ, December 1

Mia Reads Blog, December 1

Bigreadersite , December 1

Kathleen Denly, December 2

Genesis 5020, December 2

She Lives To Read, December 2

Texas Book-aholic, December 2

A Baker’s Perspective, December 3

Livin’ Lit, December 3

Kat’s Corner Books, December 3

The Becca Files, December 4

Becka Jiménez , December 4

HookMeInABook, December 4

janicesbookreviews, December 4

Blossoms and Blessings, December 5

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, December 5

Just the Write Escape, December 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 5

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 6

Avid Reader Nurse, December 6

For Him and My Family, December 6

A Reader’s Brain, December 6

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, December 7

Moments, December 7

Simple Harvest Reads, December 7

Remembrancy, December 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 8

Pause for Tales , December 8

Inklings and notions, December 8

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 9

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 9

For The Love of Books, December 9

All-of-a-kind Mom, December 10

Just Your Average reviews, December 10

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 10

Living Life Free in Christ, December 11

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 11

Batya’s Bits, December 11

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Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour Hannah is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book Click the link below to enter. !!

>>Be sure to comment on some of the other blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!

https://promosimple.com/ps/f1a8/heart-of-a-royal-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Thanks for stopping by guys! Hope you enjoyed checking out this new book by Hannah Currie.

>>I would like to thank Hannah Currie and Celebrate Lit for letting me read and review this book – all thoughts and opinions are my own

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Happy Reading 🙂

Hi Readers, Happy Friday!

I wanted to take a second to share with you the first line of the book I just started. So, without further ado, today’s first line will be from (drumroll please) Love’s Reckoning by Laura Frantz!

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’Twas time for his daughters to wed, Papa said.

First line of Love’s Reckoning by Laura Frantz

From the back cover

On a bitter December day in 1784, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of blacksmith Liege Lee in York County, Pennsylvania. Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship quickly and move west. But because he is a fast worker and a s9uperb craftsman, Liege endeavors to keep him in York by appealing to an old tradition: the apprentice shall marry one of his master’s beautiful daughters.Eden is as gentle and fresh as Elspeth is high-spirited and cunning. But are they truly who they appear to be? In a house laced with secrets, each sister seeks to secure her future. Which one will claim Silas’s heart–and will he agree to Liege’s arrangement?In this sweeping family saga, one man’s choices in love and work, in friends and enemies, set the stage for generations to come. This is the Ballantyne Legacy.

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About the Author

Christy Award finalist and author, Laura Frantz, is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Her family resides in Kentucky and Virginia.

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I would love for you to join me in the First Line Friday fun by sharing the first line from the book you’re currently reading !

Happy Reading 😊

What are you reading this week?

I would love for you to join in on the First Line Friday fun by commenting below! Also, don’t forget to check out what other first lines Readers and Bloggers are sharing by heading over to our host blog, Hording Books!

Hi Readers, Happy Thursday!

I’m so excited to take a quick moment today to show you another fantastic “Must Read”, written by one of my favorite authors, Kristi Ann Hunter!

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Here’s the bookish details

Author: Kristi Ann Hunter

Pages: 383

Series: Haven Manor – book 3; however, it could be read as a standalone (I recommend to read the entire series)

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

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From the Back Cover

In early 1800s England, Jess Beauchene has spent most of her life in hiding and always on the move in an effort to leave her past far behind her. But when she learns the family she thought had died just might be alive and in danger, she knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long.

Derek Thornbury loves the past, which has led him to become an expert in history and artifacts. He knows Jess has never liked him, but when she requests his help deciphering the clues laid out in an old family diary, he can’t resist the urge to solve the puzzle.

As Jess and Derek race to find the hidden artifact before her family’s enemies, they learn as much about each other as they do about the past. But can their search to uncover the truth and set history right lead to a future together?

Here’s what I thought

So, this may be a bit hard for me because this was such a good book and there’s so much I could say about it, but I will try not to give any spoilers. 😉 First, the main character, Jess, has always been an intriguing character to me (she has been in all the books in the Haven Manor series and one book in the Hawthorne House series). She’s a cook, and a housemaid; however, she is also a spy with several disguises and can throw a knife with scary accuracy. That being said, I loved that each chapter gave us a look at who she really was underneath all her fake personas and I was thoroughly shocked when I found out about her heritage. Another character that I loved, was Derek, the geeky art expert who liked to sprout random facts about art and history. I loved how although Derek and Jess had a mutual dislike for each other, they were forced to spend time with each other and as you can imagine, it had a huge impact on their relationship. 

The overall plot was very well written and it was incredibly hard to put down. From the heartbreaking story of Jess’s family, to the unexpected treasure hunt that would have a huge impact on a country, this story grabs you from the very first page of the prologue, and doesn’t let go until the very last page of the surprising, yet perfect ending. Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars ***** and while this may not be my favorite book that Kristi Ann Hunter has ever written (A Noble Masquerade is still my favorite) it’s definitely one of my favorites.

Oh, wait, I almost forgot to tell you! There was one more thing that I LOVED about this book. I loved that Kristi included characters from one of her previous series.*insert a very excited shriek here*. It was really cool to read about Ryland and Miranda from A Noble Masquerade (aka, my favorite book that she’s written) again and to be able to continue their story

About the Author

Kristi is the RITA® award winning author of Regency romance novels from a Christian worldview. Her books include the award winning Hawthorne House series as well as the newly published first stories of the Haven Manor series. Beyond writing, she is also speaker, teaching classes in writing as well as Biblical and spiritual topics. She has spoken to writers’ groups, schools, and young women’s groups at churches. 

Happy Reading! 🙂

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*Special thanks to Kristi and Bethany House Publishers for letting me read and review this book – all opinions are my own

Hi Readers, Happy Friday! As always, I don’t have much time to write, but I wanted to take a second to share the first line from one of the books on my “Must Read” list that unfortunately I haven’t read in a long time (however, now that I remember how much I enjoyed reading this book, it just went to the top of my TBR pile;) )

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The gray clouds of dawn shivered against the paned glass of the castle, shrouding the three figures at the side of the four-poster bed in an eerie light.

First line of the prologue of Pirate of my Heart by Jamie Carie

First, I want to say that this book has a GORGEOUS cover – I absolutely love it! Second, I know that this is probably the most depressing first line I’ve ever posted, but this really is a great story – the prologue is a bit sad because her father was passing away.

From the Back Cover

When her doting father dies, Lady Kendra Townsend is given a choice: marry the horrid man of her cold, money-grubbing uncle’s choosing or leave England to risk a new life in America with unknown relatives. Armed with the faith that God has a plan for her, Kendra boards a cargo ship and meets American sea captain Dorian Colburn. But the captain has been wounded by a woman before and guards his independent life. A swashbuckling man doesn’t need an English heiress to make him slow down, feel again, or be challenged with questions about his faith-or so he thinks. It is not until Dorian must save Kendra from the dark forces surrounding her that he decides she may be worth the risk.

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About the Author

Jamie Carie is the author of Snow Angel, a ForeWord magazine Romance Book of the Year winner, USA Book News National “Best Books 2007” Awards winner, and 2008 RITA Awards® Best First Book finalist. Her third novel, Wind Dancer, was a 2010 Indiana State Library Best Books of Indiana finalist. She lives with her husband and three children in Indianapolis.

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So, what are you reading this week? YA, Historical Romance or maybe a Romantic Comedy? I would love if you would join the FLF fun and comment below with the first line of the book you’re currently reading!

What are you reading this week?

I would love for you to join in on the First Line Friday fun by commenting below! Also, don’t forget to check out what other first lines Readers and Bloggers are sharing by heading over to our host blog, Hording Books!

Hi Readers, hope you’ll are doing well. I’m very excited to have the opportunity to show you an amazing new book written by Misty M. Beller!

Here’s the bookish details

Author: Misty M. Beller

Pages: 308

Series: Hearts of Montana, book one

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

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From the Back Cover

When Ingrid Chastain agreed to accompany her father to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory, she never could have anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. Rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man who tends her injuries, but she’s hesitant to put her trust in this man who seems to have wounds of his own.

After tragedy struck his family, Micah Bradley left his work as a doctor and escaped to the wilds of Montana. But his self-imposed solitude is broken when he finds Ingrid in desperate need of medical attention, and he’s forced to call on his doctoring skills once again.

Micah can’t help but admire Ingrid’s tenacity despite the severity of her injuries, until he learns the crate she brought contains smallpox vaccines to help quell a nearby outbreak. With Ingrid dead set on delivering the medicine–with or without his help–he has no choice but to accompany her. As they set off through the treacherous, snow-covered Rocky Mountains against all odds, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.

Here’s what I thought

So I met Misty at this years Christian Fiction Readers Retreat and she was so sweet and easy to talk to, that it made me want to check out one of her books. When I was given the chance to read and review this one, I jumped at the chance to check out one of her books. Once you start the book, you are immediately taken to a snowy wilderness and the way it’s written, makes you feel like you’re actually there (warning, make sure that you have a blanket or a jacket around 😉 ). This book was really hard for me to put down because it had a bit of drama sprinkled with suspense, romance and a life or death mission (I couldn’t put it down until I knew what was going to happen to Micah and Ingrid!) It was heartbreaking to read about Micah and what happened to his family; however, it was awesome to see how much he grew throughout the story – in fact, all the characters were incredibly well thought out. One other thing that I loved about the story was how strong Ingrid’s faith was, especially when she had lost so much (yes, I know that all the characters are fiction, but still, it was quite the adventure!) This book was one of the best historical fiction books I’ve read in a long time and I give this book 5 out of 5 stars***** (Definitely on my “Must Read” list). I cannot wait until book two in the Hearts of Montana series comes out!

About the Author

Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. Her Southern roots run deep, and she lives in South Carolina with her husband and children. Learn more and see Misty’s other books at http://www.MistyMBeller.com

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For a special treat, here’s an interview with Misty!

>What was your inspiration for the story?

Hmm…that’s actually a tough question for me! I’m not sure if there was one particular thing that inspired this story, but it was more like a weaving together of lots of ideas and inspirations. I usually start with the seed for a character, then flesh that person out and identify who’s going to play the other leading role. I think with Hope’s Highest Mountain, Micah was the first one to come to me. I could feel the depth of the pain he still carried from his past, although I didn’t know what it was that had driven him to the mountain wilderness, separating himself almost completely from other people. Once I figured out about the wife and daughter he’d lost, I understood! The trick was how to show that grief in a way readers would understand, too.

> Ingrid has such an amazing faith and we see how the Lord gave her strength to get through every trial. Was Ingrid’s character based on anyone specific?

Ingrid is the person I want to be…in so many ways! I’m always amazed at how the things God teaches me seem to be exactly what my stories need, too. 🙂 Many of the truths Ingrid clung to were things God was making very real to me at that same time.

>I know that each story takes a lot of research to get it historically accurate, so what was the hardest part of your research?

I’m a bit of a history nerd, so research is fun for me! One part that I struggled with in this story, though, was all the research about smallpox. Digging into history wasn’t hard, but seeing all the photos of people—especially young children—who were ravaged by the disease was difficult to see. ☹ It made the purpose for Ingrid’s journey come alive in very real ways!

>Reading Micah’s letters were sweet and heart breaking at the same time. What gave you the idea of including these throughout the story?

I was trying to find a way to really show how much Micah struggled with letting go of his past. Of the grief over his part in losing his wife and daughter. I’ve used journal entries in the past for that kind of thing, but they didn’t feel right for Micah’s character. When the idea for letters to his daughter popped into my mind, I knew that was exactly what he needed. 🙂

>What was your favorite part of Ingrid’s journey?

My first instinct was to say my favorite part was Samuel (the adorable 5-year-old boy they picked up along the way), but I think Micah is truly my favorite part of what Ingrid experienced on the journey. I loved the relationship that grew between them as they faced the elements and hardships together. And really, who doesn’t love a mountain man? 😉

>I absolutely fell in love with each of the characters, will we get to revisit them in the future?

Yes! Joanna and her son, Samuel, were secondary characters in this book, but they’ll play a starring role in book 2 (Love’s Mountain Quest), which will release June 2020. I’m writing book 3 now (Faith’s Mountain Home), and Micah and Ingrid get a lot of screen time in that book, so we get to see how their life develops in the year after Hope’s Highest Mountain takes place. I’m loving it!

Thanks for stopping by! If you have read (or are going to read) this book, leave me a comment below – I’d love to know what you thought of it.

Happy Reading! 🙂

*Special thanks to Misty and Bethany House Publishers for the interview , as well as letting me read and review this book – all opinions are my own.

Hi Readers, Happy Friday!

I can’t believe it’s already November and boy, does it feel like it! Tonight it’s supposed to get in the 30’s here in VA! So I know that I missed last weeks FLF, (I’ve been working the late shift and didn’t notice until Saturday morning. *head smack) but I’m so excited to share the first line from my current “Must Read” by Christy Barritt, Blooper Freak!

“So then I got all confused”.

First line of Blooper Freak by Christy Barritt

I know this first line is a very vague, but seriously this series is AWESOME! I started it last Saturday and am on book 5 already AND this book series is going to be a TV series on Hallmark!! (excited shriek)

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From the back cover

Real life is nothing like TV.

Joey Darling, actress and detective by default, is reminded of this point daily. If only problems could be solved in sixty minutes, complete with commercial breaks, closing credits, and a catchy theme song. Joey accompanies Detective Jackson Sullivan to a crime scene, only to discover she knows the victim. After a friend is accused of murder, Joey can’t refuse her help—however bumbling it might be. Unfortunately, she only seems to dig up more questions instead of desperately needed answers. When a misguided fan offers clues, Joey discovers something much deeper than a single crime. But can she sort through all the various story lines to get to the truth? Or will one blooper after another put not only the investigation in jeopardy but her life as well?

About the Author

Christy’s married to her prince charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious–but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. Christy currently splits her time between the Virginia suburbs and Hatteras Island, North Carolina. She loves spending time with her husband, her two sons, and her four dogs. For more information, visit her website: http://www.christybarritt.com

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What kind of book are you reading today? Are you reading a suspense or mystery novel? Maybe a mix of the two? I would love to read the first line from your current must read, so just the FLF fun and leave a comment below!

What are you reading this week?

I would love for you to join in on the First Line Friday fun by commenting below! Also, don’t forget to check out what other first lines Readers and Bloggers are sharing by heading over to our host blog, Hording Books!