The Forever Farmhouse

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Forever Farmhouse by Lee Tobin McClain, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book:

Title: The Forever Farmhouse
Series: Hometown Brothers #1
Author: Lee Tobin McClain
Publisher: HQN Books
Release Date: September 6th, 2022
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

A Chesapeake island homecoming—and a life-changing discovery

When Ryan Hastings first came to Teaberry Island, he was a troubled teen on his last chance. He’s returning as a renowned scientist, checking in on his widowed foster mother. But one thing hasn’t changed—Ryan’s feelings for the girl next door whom he loved…and left. Mellie Anderson has a son now, and a good life that Ryan believes he’s still too damaged to share. But he knows he can help young Alfie, who’s getting picked on at his new school.

Mellie is grateful her gifted son is getting extra support, and torn about where it’s coming from. Ryan has no idea he’s Alfie’s father. No matter how valid her reasons were, could Ryan ever understand why she didn’t tell him? But in this close-knit community, friendship and forgiveness are always near at hand, and forever love might be waiting just next door.

ALSO AVAILABLE

Book Review:

I’m a huge fan of small town stories. I think they’re adorable, and I love the community aspect of them. And this is a sweet small town second chance story. It was more intense than I was expecting, but it was still really cute!

I loved Ryan! He was such a sweetheart, and I felt so bad for him as you learned more about his past. He was a foster kid who had an abusive stepfather. McClain doesn’t give a lot of details, but he was beaten often and shoved into dark spaces for hours upon end. Even though he has a huge heart, he thinks he’s emotionally damaged. He believes he can’t do relationships, yet Mellie and Alfie make him want to try.

Mellie was struggling, and she didn’t know what to do. She wanted to protect her son, but she also wanted to protect herself. She didn’t want to get hurt again. Mellie was definitely a caretaker and a sweet character. I felt like she was understandable, so I didn’t end up resenting her for not telling Ryan about Alfie.

Alfie was so much fun! I love books with kids in them, but I feel like generally they’re a lot younger. Alfie is ten and incredibly smart, so he added a different flavor to the book. It was sweet to watch him bond with Ryan. He also adored Betty, Ryan’s foster mom. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Betty honestly. I understood her grief, but there were many times when it felt like she was acting like a 20 year old.

I think this is a cute romance about the importance of second chances. It was a bit more drama filled than I was expecting, but it was still really good! There is one moment where Alfie flips off his mom, but otherwise this is a clean read. I would recommend it for fans of romantic dramas 🙂

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lee Tobin McClain is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty novels. A professor-turned-writer, she finds inspiration in her beautiful and brilliant daughter, her goofy goldendoodle, and her aptly named cat, Trouble.

Connect with Lee by visiting leetobinmcclain.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of The Forever Farmhouse, a cute tabletop farmhouse decor piece, and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 6, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 13, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

The Dreaming Beauty

About the Book:

The Dreaming Beauty by [Anneka R. Walker]

Title: Breaming Beauty
Author: Anneka R Walker
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: July 11th, 2022
Genre: Regency Romance

Once upon a dream, two cursed people fell in love . . .

Tansy White doesn’t want to end up alone like her three aunts who raised her, but when she is betrayed by her would-be betrothed, she fears she might never change her fate. At her aunts’ suggestion, she seizes the chance to visit Rose Cottage, the country home of her late mother. For years, dreams of the cottage have haunted Tansy, and she is convinced it holds the answer to her hidden past. But after getting caught in a terrible storm, she meets a man who is just as determined as she is to learn all her secrets.

Marcus Taylor, brother to the Duke of Westmorland, is also troubled by vivid dreams. On a sleepless night, as a tempest rages outside his brother’s estate, he makes a discovery far more mysterious than any dream: a young woman, cold as ice, lies unconscious in the library, and he is sure she is the key to solving his problems. When she wakes, what begins as a shared quest for information turns into an unexpected friendship. As they piece together the fragments of their pasts, they discover a tangled web of lies, and their feelings for each other become just as entwined. But is their love as strong as their dreams . . . or their fate?

Book Review:

Wow! This book was just stunning and full of twists and turns! I am in awe. I have to admit that it took me a bit to get into the book but once I really got into it, I was hooked. The Dreaming Beauty is a sequel to Anneka R Walker’s book, The Masked Baron. The Dreaming Beauty is a regency book inspired by Sleeping Beauty

Tansy was an interesting character. I am honestly not quite sure how I feel about her. She was stubborn, but she was also looking for love. She was searching for the answers to her dreams and trying to find herself. Tansy grew a lot in this book. She learned to stand up for herself and also that happy endings could happen.

Marcus was lovely. I really liked him in this book and I enjoyed reading about him. He worked hard to be a good man and help his brother. I loved how Marcus cared for the people under him and around him. But Marcus was also still learning how to let people in and how to fight for what he believed in. There were also secrets of his pasts that would come back to haunt him.

Marcus and Tansy were cute together. They were able to help each other be the best. They each had their own issues to deal with, but it was sweet to read about them connecting. However, they had to fight for each other because there were a lot of obstacles and secrets standing in their way.

The plot was really interesting and engaging. It started off slower but as I kept on reading, I was soon drawn in. I was amazed by everything that was going on and on the edge of myseat to find out what was going to happen. I also really enjoyed Marcus’ brother, Simon. He was a fun addition to the story, I hope that he gets his own book.

The Dreaming Beauty was a really fun book! I would definitely recommend it! The Dreaming Beauty is a clean regency romance

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0ae98b8a313/?widget_template=5cf8617cb5df9c301e802fff

An Unfamiliar Duke

About the Book:

An Unfamiliar Duke (Georgian Gentleman, #4) (Georgian Gentlemen) by [Sian Ann Bessey]

Title: An Unfamiliar Duke
Series: Georgian Gentlemen #4
Author: Sian Ann Bessey
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: May 16th, 2022
Genre: Historical Romance

At eleven years of age, Rosalind Ainsworth was convinced that Sebastian Lumley, the future Duke of Kelbrook, was the most odious young man she’d ever met. And ten years later, after having had no contact with the nobleman in the intervening time, her opinion of him has not changed. Unfortunately, neither has the marriage contract their fathers signed soon after her birth.

As Rosalind’s twenty-first birthday and the appointed wedding day approaches, Sebastian makes a rare appearance in London. His first meeting with Rosalind since childhood goes less than perfectly, but Sebastian has a compelling reason for honoring their marriage contract—a reason outlined in a document kept behind his workshop’s locked door.

After a quick wedding, the new couple relocates to Finley Park, where their acquaintanceship slowly blossoms into affection. But when Sebastian’s secretive work threatens their fledgling relationship and Rosalind’s life is placed in jeopardy, Sebastian finds himself forced to choose between the man he has pledged to help and the woman he has come to love.

Book Review:

One of my most anticipated reads of 2022 and it did not disappoint! An Unfamiliar Duke is the fourth book in Sian Ann Bessey’s Georgian Gentlemen series. This book was simply amazing! It is actually set before the first three books but it was so fun to read!

Rosalind Ainsworth was such a fun character. I loved her little quirks but also her kindness. Rosalind was an easy character to read about. I felt for her as she tried to navigate her new life. She tried her best to be positive and look for the good. It was definitely interesting to read about Rosalind and fun to get to know her. She was in A Noble Smuggler for a bit but not a whole lot. I adored Rosalind and loved reading her story

Sebastian Lumley, was the future Duke of Kelbrook, and he didn’t know what to do with a wife. Sebastian was also a wonderful character. He was trying his best to be a good husband, but he honestly didn’t know what he was doing. I really liked Sebatian. It was sweet to read about him caring for Rosalind. He didn’t quite like being in large groups of people, but he cared for his staff and for Rosalind.

I really enjoyed the romance between Sebastian and Rosalind. I liked how they both worked through their marriage. The story was easy to read and engaging. The plot was interesting and I wanted to see what would happen next.

I loved An Unfamiliar Duke, it was a lovely addition to the series. I would totally recommend it! An Unfamiliar Duke is a clean historical romance, it can be read standalone but it is part of a series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0ae98b8a306/

Once Upon a K-Prom

About the Book:

Title: Once Upon a K-Prom
Author: Kat Cho
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: May 17th, 2022
Genre: YA Rom-Com

What would you do if the world’s biggest K-pop star asked you to prom? Perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Sandhya Menon, this hilarious and heartfelt novel brings the glamour and drama of the K-pop world straight to high school.

Elena Soo has always felt overshadowed. Whether by her more successful older sisters, her more popular twin brother, or her more outgoing best friend, everyone except Elena seems to know exactly who they are and what they want. But she is certain about one thing – she has no interest in going to prom. While the rest of the school is giddy over corsages and dresses, Elena would rather spend her time working to save the local community center, the one place that’s always made her feel like she belonged.

So when international K-pop superstar Robbie Choi shows up at her house to ask her to prom, Elena is more confused than ever. Because the one person who always accepted Elena as she is? Her childhood best friend, Robbie Choi. And the one thing she maybe, possibly, secretly wants more than anything? For the two of them to keep the promise they made each other as kids: to go to prom together. But that was seven years ago, and with this new K-pop persona, pink hair, and stylish clothes, Robbie is nothing like the sweet, goofy boy she remembers. The boy she shared all her secrets with. The boy she used to love.

Besides, prom with a guy who comes with hordes of screaming fans, online haters, and relentless paparazzi is the last thing Elena wants – even if she can’t stop thinking about Robbie’s smile…right?

Book Review:

Ohhh! This was just as amazing as I had hoped! I am Asian American and I am always so excited to read books written by Asian Americans about Asian Americans. Once Upon a K-Prom was such a fun, cute teen read! This was such a great book!

Elena was such a relatable character. She was the youngest and there were times when she felt invisible. She was also a very focused character, she was trying her best to plan for everything. I really felt for Elena as she tried to find her place in this world. She was trying to do so much to prove her worth, she wanted to make her family see her. I loved reading about Elena as she learned about herself. Elena had to learn to let go of control and enjoy life. She had to learn that maybe things weren’t the way that she thought them to be.

Robbie was also fun, I liked how he felt real. He was an idol, a star and yet he was also just trying to find his way through life. He was kind but he was also young, and he just wanted to be himself. Robbie was trying to balance being an idol, listening to the rules and branching out. Elena was a bright spot in his life, but he had to understand that she had grown up. Robbie had to learn that people are worth more than the accomplishments of life.

Robbie and Elena were sweet together. I liked how although they were cute, this book was also about them finding themselves. Robbie and Elena had to work through their own issues and learn to find out how to truly live life. They were young and still growing. The side characters were fun, Robbie’s band members and Elena’s friends plus the kids she worked with. I read this in one day, it was such a great book!

I liked how the book didn’t feel rushed. I was a little worried that it would be really awkward because some teen books are, but this one was just perfect. It felt real without being really crazy. I also loved the protatial of Elena’s family, that was just lovely to me. I liked how it showed how Asian families could be, Elena’s family just wanted to give their children a better life.

Once Upon a K-Prom was such a wonderful book! I would totally recommend it! The characters were awesome and I loved the story. Once Upon a K-Prom is a clean, ya rom-com book! I would recommend it to those who enjoy fun, feel good, high school romances. It was clean with a couple of curse words so probably at least 13 and up.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Finding Harmony Cover Reveal

We are excited to be part of the cover reveal for Finding Harmony by Alyssa Roat and Hope Bolinger! It looks so cute and fun!

Okay are you ready for the cover reveal?!!

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About the Book:

Title: Finding Harmony
Series: Roseville Romance
Author: Alyssa Roat and Hope Bolinger
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: June 22nd, 2022
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Can two people-pleasing musicians win the grand prize, or will they be forced to give up music for good?

Newly hired worship leader Elijah Peterson can’t seem to catch a break with his church’s congregation. With conflicting demands from congregants, he struggles to find a way to make everyone happy, especially Don, a man who’s rumored to have driven out the last worship leader.

Music teacher Olivia “Liv” Wilson says yes to everything-piano lessons, church volunteering, extra shifts-all while struggling to help pay her dad’s medical bills. As jobs fall through, she’s hit with even worse news-with bills piling up, they could lose her childhood home.

When their meddling roommates force Elijah and Liv into a cooking class together, the two come up with a plan. They’ll enter an indie songwriting competition-with a cash prize that could be enough to save Liv’s house. And maybe if Elijah can win, his musical family and congregation will finally take him seriously.

But winning the competition might mean losing themselves in the process. Can they find a way to strike harmony between writing songs they love and songs the audience wants to hear?

Other Book in the Series:

Title: Picture Perfect
Series: Roseville Romance
Author: Alyssa Roat and Hope Bolinger
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: November 5th, 2022
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Can a struggling career woman and a procrastinating artist save a beloved nonprofit?

Aspiring novelist Caroline Penn expected a promotion, not a picture book assignment. But when her employer, the non-profit Helping Hope, runs into financial trouble, this book might be the solution. With the company struggling to stay afloat, she and the illustrator will need to collaborate on a strict deadline—no problem for a workaholic like Caroline, right?

Andy Jackson, a “starving” artist, pays the bills by taking on graphic design gigs, but his perfectionism gets in the way. If only he could focus on a project for once, perhaps he could achieve his dream to make art for children for a living.

When the two are thrust together to create a book, Caroline can’t seem to write for children, and Andy can’t meet a deadline to save his life. As time ticks down to release day, the two must face their pasts and insecurities. If they can avoid strangling one another for long enough, they may just bring to the table what the other is missing.

If not, the fate of their careers—and a beloved nonprofit—hangs in the balance.

Author Links

Hope Bolinger Website

Alyssa Roat Website

Facing the Enemy

About the Book:

Facing the Enemy (Roxbury Heirs, #1) by [Paige Edwards]

Title: Facing the Enemy
Series: Roxbury Heirs #1
Author: Paige Edwards
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: April 4th, 2022
Genre: Suspense

Lady Elise Henderson lives two separate lives. At home in Scotland, she’s the titled daughter of the Marquess of Roxbury, an heiress in her own right. In London, however, she’s Elise Taylor, a top MI6 operative for the “home office.” But when a devastating accident threatens to end her career, Elise is left with far too much time for self-reflection and the regret of a decision made long ago that features one man: fellow MI6 agent Harry Benson.

Harry Benson, the son of servants, has loved Elise for the better part of a decade. But life took them on separate journeys until their worlds converged once more. An immediate assignment to the Scottish Borders leaves Harry little time to make provisions for his small, rambunctious son, Sammy. Harry knows only one person he can rely on for the boy’s care—Elise. When Elise brings Sammy to her ancestral estate, she never imagines that a nemesis from her past looms in the shadows, hungry for revenge. Stalked at every turn, Elise and Harry discover that fighting their feelings for one another is futile, but can they survive long enough to get another shot at true love?

Book Review:

Wow! This book was really good. I have been so looking forward to this book and it didn’t not disappoint! Facing the Enemy is the first book in Paige Edwards’ new series, Roxbury Heirs. Edwards weaves such a fascinating tale with engaging characters. This was just a wonderful book.

I really liked the characters in this book. I didn’t always agree with them, but I felt as if I got to know them. Both Elise and Harry were struggling with different things and learning how to move on with life; they felt real.

I have to admit that there were times where Elise got on my nerves, but as I read more about her I grew to like her. She was going through a lot and she was trying to work through the waves of life. Elise was a strong woman and I liked how she pushed herself. She was stubborn and opinionated but she cared for her family and for Harry. I liked how Harry was able to see past Elise’s walls and truly get to know her. Elise will have to learn that being an agent isn’t everything and how to let herself enjoy life.

Harry was also interesting. I liked that although he was dedicated to his job, he was still a good father. He cared about Sammy and he was truly trying his best. But he was struggling to balance his job and care for his son. I really liked Harry. He was kind and full of life, but he could also be serious. It was sweet to read about him interacting with Elise and trying to encourage her. Harry will have to figure out how to find that fine line between work and family.

Harry and Elise were a sweet couple. They had known each other before and it was cute to read about them connecting and falling in love. I liked their chemistry and easy banter, they truly did understand each other.

The plot was so engaging and I was on the edge of my seat. I needed to know what was going to happen and how it was going to end. I really enjoy the suspense, I felt as if it was perfect. It wasn’t too scary but I still wanted to read more. Sammy, Harry’s son, was also a lot of fun. I loved his mischievous nature, but also how sweet he was. He really added to the story.

Facing the Enemy is definitely a book you should read especially if you enjoyed Edwards’ other books. This was a sweet second chance romance with lovable characters and thrilling plot! I did not want to put it down.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0ae98b8a304/

Before the Fortress Falls

About the Book:

Before the Fortress Falls by [A. L. Sowards]

Title: Before the Fortress Falls

Author: A. L. Sowards

Release Day: April 1, 2022

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Formats: Print, ebook, audio

Genres: Christian Historical Fiction, Historical Fiction, War Fiction

When rumors reach Vienna that an attack by the Ottoman army is imminent, Wilhelm von Schor, one of the emperor’s courtiers, prepares to evacuate his family—including his sister, Katja. But Katja’s reluctance to leave the city and the people she loves so well grows the farther the family carriage gets from her childhood home. When she learns that another brother, Xavier, is returning to Vienna with his musketeers, she decides to remain behind and face the shadow of war.

Katja soon reunites with Xavier and also with Toby, a dear friend from childhood. As Katja and Toby renew their friendship, an element of attraction builds on the comradery of their youth, and they quickly realize they have found something worth fighting for: love. But all too soon, the Ottomans encircle the city, blanketing its inhabitants in fear. Katja, Toby, and Xavier must each fulfill their new roles if they are to survive. In the overcrowded hospitals, below ground in the countermines, and on the ramparts defending the city walls, the three must fight for love, family, faith, and the survival of their city and everyone inside.

Book Trailer:

Book Review:

Wow! This was a stunning book. This book started off a bit slower for me but I knew that it could happen. My brain takes a while to process things so it took me a little while to read, but it was a great book! Before the Fortress Falls is by A.L. Sowards. The characters were so engaging and the story was beautiful. It was fun to read from different perspectives and I think it really made the story interesting.

Katja was a strong character who was trying to do what she thought was best. Although the Ottoman army was coming, she chose to stay in Vienna. I thought that Katja was an interesting character, she felt so real. Life was hard, they were in the midst of a siege and yet she did not give up. However I liked how there were still times when she was afraid or when she felt overwhelmed, but how she still pressed on and looked to God.

Toby was also a wonderful character, his life had not been easy but he worked hard. I liked his strength and his willingness to help serve his home city. Although he was afraid, he still wanted to protect his home. He was human though and there were times when he got discouraged. However though it all he still worked hard and he even encouraged Katja when she got down.

Toby and Katja had a sweet romance. They had been old friends, and it was sweet to read about them. I liked how their romance was a slow burn, it was definitely cute to read about them interacting and helping each other. They had their troubles and an invasion to fight off, but they worked together.

Xavier and Wilhelm were some of the other perspectives that you got to see. I really liked reading from both of their perspectives. They had a few different views on life, but they both wanted to save their home city. Although they fought and disagreed, they were still family. I really liked the family feel of this book. Katja, Wilhelm, and Xavier all had different views on life and ideas, but they still cared for each other even when things got hard.

The action was very exciting in this book and it was definitely fascinating to read about. I felt as if I learned a lot from the battle scenes and from what the soldiers did to try and prepare for battle. It was really engaging. There are some more gruesome wounds and deaths mentioned but it fits the book and the scene.

Before the Fortress Falls is a wonderful book and I would definitely recommend it! Before the Fortress Falls is a historical romance book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

About the Author:

A. L. Sowards is the author of multiple historical fiction novels, with settings spanning the globe from the fourteenth to twentieth centuries. Her stories have earned a Whitney Award, several Whitney Finalists positions, and a Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal. She enjoys hiking and swimming, usually manages to keep up with the laundry, and loves it when someone else cooks dinner. She currently lives in the beautiful state of Alaska with her husband, three children, and an ever-growing library.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Newsletter | Goodreads

Dreams of Gold

About the Book:

Dreams of Gold (Dream’s Edge, #2) by [Traci Hunter Abramson]

Title: Dreams of Gold
Series: Dreams Edge #2
Author: Traci Hunter Abramson
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: February 7th, 2022
Genre: Clean Romance

Nine months ago, Amaliya Marcell’s world was rocked when she nearly lost her parents in a devastating accident. In that moment, everything changed, and it was with no small amount of determination that the former ballerina rebuilt her life into something wonderful alongside the man she loves, her pairs ice-skating partner, Tyler.

Since he was a child, Tyler Linden has dreamed of Olympic gold. And with Amaliya by his side, he’s confident that his goal is finally within reach. The pair is on track to compete in the Winter Games in Leningrad, but the path to gold turns out to be rougher than they expected. A painful injury on the ice shakes Amaliya’s confidence, and it will take every ounce of willpower to keep working toward the competition of her life. But when the discovery of a family secret connects her to the Soviet Union, the truth of her history forges within Amaliya a renewed determination to make her Olympic dreams a reality.

Book Review:

This was so good! I didn’t want to put it down. Dreams of Gold is the second book in Traci Hunter Abramson’s series, Dream’s Edge. This book was a continuation of the first book and it was really good! At first I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it because I generally read series that contain standalone books but I loved Dreams of Gold!

Amaliya and Tyler were working towards competing in the Olympics and winning gold, but there were a lot of obstacles that stood in their way. The path to gold had a lot of twists and turns. A painful injury and situations in life shake their confidence and it will take all of their willpower to keep on going. However when Amaliya learns of her connection to the Soviet Union, she is given a drive to make their Olympic dreams come true.

I really enjoyed reading more about Amaliya and Tyler. It was fun because I had liked them from the first book and it was cool to read about them connecting and growing. They had a lot to overcome and it was sweet to read about them coming together. It was interesting to read the obstacles they faced and learn to overcome them. They faced injuries but they also had to learn to work through hard relationships. I liked how real Amlaiya and Tyler felt, they were just two people working towards their dreams. It was definitely cute to read about them interacting with each other, reading about them falling more and more in love.

The storyline was so interesting, Abramson keeps you on the edge of your seat. I didn’t know how the story would turn out, but I was definitely interested. Although this book is more of a slice of life book, there were still some twists and turns. I don’t want to say anything else, but this is definitely a must read book. I also loved seeing characters from the first book, and getting to see their Coach more. I enjoyed the family aspects of these characters and how they came together to help each other throughout the trials they were facing.

Dreams of Gold was an amazing book! I could not recommend it more. I loved Dreams of Gold but you do need to read these books in order because it really adds to the story. I can’t wait to read the next book, there are still some questions to be answered. Dreams of Gold is a clean romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0ae98b8a296/

The Thief and the Noble

About the Book:

The Thief and the Noble by [Dana LeCheminant]

Title: The Thief and the Noble
Author: Dana LeCheminant
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: February 1st, 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction

As the daughter of a marquess, Lady Marian Russell is poised to impress in her first London Season. She is young, beautiful, and wealthy—but catching an eligible husband is the last thing on her mind. Marian is disillusioned with how the upper class lives while the poor of London suffer, and she is determined to right this imbalance. When she comes face-to-face with a mysterious man who steals from arrogant aristocrats and redistributes the spoils to the poor, Marian recognizes a motivation that mirrors her own. She is determined to discover the true identity of the unscrupulous hero and offer her assistance.

When she unmasks the bandit, however, Marian is stunned: he is none other than the elusive Lord Robin Loxley. In exchange for her silence, Robin begrudgingly agrees to train the lovely Marian in the art of thievery, quickly realizing that his heart may be stolen next. But when Robin and Marian discover a copycat thief operating in London, they are faced with a foe whose purpose is far from noble. Amid distracting suitors, becoming champions of the poor, and a growing attraction they can’t ignore, can they expose the renegade pilferer without risking themselves—and each other?

Book Review:

Happy sigh, this was just as good as I had hoped. I have been in a bit of a reading slump so this book took me longer to read, but it was still super sweet and fun. The Thief and the Noble is Dana LeCheminat’s first historical fiction and it was just a lovely book! The Noble and the Thief is a historical fiction retelling of Robin Hood, I mean how cool is that?

Marian was so fun! I loved her spunk and her kindness, she wanted to help those around her. I loved reading about Marian as she tried to figure out how to help those around her, she was a lady and she knew that she had much. However Marian was struggling to figure out how to help the less fortunate when she bumps into a thief, Robin. It was so cool to read about Marian learning more about herself and learning to stand up for those around her. Marian was an awesome character and I just loved her growth throughout the book.

Robin was a sweetheart, he was the perfect hero. He was kind, but he was also kind of standoffish. I loved his relationship with his family and with Marian. He put up this facade to those around him but he let Marian inside of his walls. Robin was a thief, and yet there was more to him than met the eye. I loved learning more about Robin and his values, he had to learn to let people into his heart and to not close himself off.

Marian and Robin were lovely together, I really enjoyed their interactions. It was a lot of fun to read about them together. I also adored Robin’s sister and Marian’s cousin Will. The side characters were lovely additions to the story. The plot was very interesting and I didn’t know what was going to happen. There were a few twists and turns and I couldn’t put the book down.

The Thief and the Noble is definitely a must read! It was just as good as LeCheminant contemporary books! I would totally recommend The Thief and the Noble! The Thief and the Noble is a clean historical fiction retelling of Robin Hood.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Of Daggers and Deception

About the Book:

Of Daggers and Deception by [A. L. Sowards]

Title: Of Daggers of Deception
Series: Duchy of Athens Series #2
Author: A. L. Sowards
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: December 6, 2021
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction, Medieval Adventure

After years as a soldier and mercenary, Rasheed has retired from battle to run the bathhouse in Thebes with his friends Gillen and Eudocia. The simple life suits them, so when Venetian strangers come to town looking to hire the renowned crew, their answer is no. But when one of his friends is abducted, Rasheed is left with no choice but to take up his weapon and join forces with the Venetians, including the beautiful and clever Cecilia, whose betrothed has also been seized by the unknown foe.

As the reluctant allies face ambushes and the looming threat of capture, Rasheed and Cecilia forge a surprising connection. But as the party races to rescue their friends, Rasheed discovers that nothing is as it seems. As his trust in Cecilia begins to waver, he realizes that in the end, they will both be forced to make a choice between love and duty.

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Book Review:

This was a fascinating book with engaging characters and a thrilling plot! Of Daggers and Deception is the sequel to A.L. Sowards book, Of Swords and Shadows. I have heard so many great things about this book and the first book that I had to try it out. Of Daggers and Deception is set 11 years after Of Swords and Shadows and it follows Rasheed as he takes up his sword to save his friend.

Rasheed was such a complex character, it was so interesting to read from his perspective. He was such a deep character, he had been through a lot and he was still learning how to create a new life for himself. I loved his loyalty and kindness, he was loyal to his friends and would do anything for them, they had become his family. Although his family had been horrible to him, he was still kind and he still tried to be considerate of others. Rasheed was learning how to see past his mistakes and how to care for himself. He had been looking out for others so much that sometimes he got lost in the crossfire.

Cecilia was also interesting, she was smart and she wasn’t afraid to speak up for herself. However her uncle had trained her that she must be loyal to her family and that a woman’s place was to be quiet and assist her husband. But Cecilia still tried to be herself. It was sweet to read about her connection with Rasheed. But there were times I was frustrated with her because she seemed to be resigning herself to whatever fate her uncle chose for her. Cecilia will have to make a choice, will she allow her uncle to control her life or will she stand up for what is right?

The plot was so interesting, I didn’t know what was going to happen. I enjoyed this book, however I did have to get myself to read it. Every time that I started Of Daggers and Deception, I loved it and didn’t want to put it down. However once I put it down, it was harder to pick it back up again. But it definitely was a great book! The characters felt real and I loved reading about them connecting and interacting. The side characters were a great addition to the book

Of Daggers and Deception is a great book if you love historical fiction, action, and lovable characters. It is a bit more violent because they are in 14th Century Greece, but nothing felt too gory or like it was written in too much detail. I did enjoy Of Daggers and Deception and I would recommend it to at least 13 and up.

Content Warning: fighting, blood, wounds, mentions of slavery, mentions of whipping, etc.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0ae98b8a293/

About the Author

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