A lifetime ago, Maggie Alexander’s parents narrowly missed medaling in the Olympics as pairs figure skaters. Now a coach, her father Gordon is living his dreams through the skaters he trains—until Maggie is forced to deliver heartbreaking news: her mother’s battle against cancer will be a losing one. Shattered, her father loses his dreams in an instant—his beloved wife and his will to coach. Left to pick up the pieces, a devastated Maggie finds herself relying on the steadfast support of her childhood best friend, Lance Whitmore.
Despite the fact that Maggie has never seen Lance as more than a friend, his heart has always been hers. Lance does what he can to help Maggie work through her grief, and soon their friendship blossoms into love. But when distance threatens their relationship, Maggie is torn between building a life with the man she loves and helping her broken father rebuild his life.
Book Review:
I read this sweet novella in one day! I recently found Traci Hunter Abramson’s books and I have fallen in love! Her books are always interesting and engaging with great characters and this book was no different. Broken Dreams is a novella in Traci Hunter Abramson’s Dreams Edge series, it is 1.5. Broken Dreams was a fun novella that really added to the series and I am so glad that I read it!
A lifetime ago, Maggie Alexander’s parents nearly medaled in the Olympics as pairs figure skaters. However, now her father Gordon coaches and is following his dreams through the skater he trains. But when Maggie is forced to deliver the heartbreaking news that her mother’s fight against cancer will be a losing one, his dreams are shattered yet again. After losing his wife, her father loses the will to coach, and Maggie is forced to try to make sense of her new life. Feeling out of her element she leans on the steadfast support of her childhood best friend, Lance Whitmore. Although they have never been more than friends, Lance’s heart has always belonged to Maggie. As Lance comes alongside Maggie, their friendship starts to grow to something more. However, when distance and family threaten their relationship, will they be able to last?
Maggie was such a strong character. Her family was her life, but the death of her mother changed everything. I enjoyed reading about Maggie as she learned to come to terms with the death of her mother and how she grew from it. She was struggling because she wanted to help her father too, when her mother died she felt as if she lost them both. I adored Maggie from the start, and I wanted her to find her happy ending. It was sweet to read about her connection with Lance. He was a friend who could help bear the load. They were a cute couple. However, Maggie will have to learn how to balance her relationship with Lance and her father, learning what it means to fly the coop.
Lance was an awesome character. He was so kind, and he really cared for Maggie. He was learning how to love her and help her in a way that worked. I enjoyed reading more about him and seeing his relationship with Maggie. He was such a great guy. However, he had to learn how to not take things too fast and wait patiently on Maggie. He didn’t have that many faults, but I still liked him as a character, he was just leaning towards the perfect side 🙂
I was definitely excited to learn more about Gorman. He loved his wife dealing and he didn’t know what to do after losing her. It was sad to see his desperation and his sadness, but he tried his best for his daughter. I liked reading about him growing up and seeing that he couldn’t give up. He was breaking but he wasn’t broken beyond repair.
Broken Dreams was a sweet and short novella, the characters were amazing and I really felt for them. The ending was awesome and oh so sweet, I want to reread An Unlikely Pair now! I would totally recommend Broken Dreams! Broken Dreams is a clean, historical romance.
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.
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Right Here Waiting by Michelle Sass Aleckson presented by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Series: Deep Haven Collection #6
Author: Michelle Sass Aleckson presented by Susan May Warren
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: November 9, 2021
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
She doesn’t belong in his world—but she’s determined to try.
Sled dog musher and outdoor adventurer Nick Dahlquist doesn’t mean to be a loner—he just feels at home in the woods, with his dogs, and online in his vlogging world, where he’s amassed nearly a million viewers. But he’s just a simple guy, with simple goals—care for his dogs, teach people how to survive the cold, and run the Iditarod. Unfortunately, life turns cold when his lead dog is injured, and he’s low on funds. Good thing he has LadyJHawk to chat with. She’s become an online friend he can turn to, and he’s starting to need her more than he’d like to admit. But the last thing he wants is for some random woman to show up on his doorstep…
Chopper pilot and Texas gal Jae Lynn Washington has been following Nick’s DogQuest videos and Get Lost in the Woods vlogs since she inherited her deceased boyfriend’s military working dog. Three years later, his online friendship has made her wonder if he could be more than a friend. What if she moved to Deep Haven? Would that be considered stalking, even if she got a bonafide job on the Crisis Response Team?
When Jae shows up in Deep Haven—and on Nick’s doorstep—he’s not at all the man she met online. And when Nick is tapped to train the team, he’s pretty sure petite, summer-loving Jae won’t last a moment in the brutal cold—a fear he pours out to LadyJHawk. As their training takes a personal turn, their chilly start begins to thaw. But what will happen if he discovers that Jae and LadyJHawk are one and the same?
When a blizzard strikes, and the CRT is called out into the storm, more than just their relationship is at risk…
Cozy up to this delightful twist on You’ve Got Mail set in the snowy escape of Deep Haven.
*happy sigh* We’ve come to the end of the Deep Haven series. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading these books and meeting all these new characters! These authors have beautifully taken Ms. Warren’s work and added their own spin on it. I am so happy Nick finally got his own book! And I loved that a little bit more diversity was added to this series too 🙂
Nick Dalquist’s life has fallen apart. Not only does he have to watch the love of his life fall in love with another man, he also is in danger of losing his entire business. The only person he can open to is LadyJHawk, an online friend that he’s chatted with for years. Jae owes Nick Dalquist her life. He’s the one who inspired her to start living again, but he only knows her as LadyJHawk. When she gets the opportunity to move to Deep Haven, she jumps at the chance. It’s not just a desire to meet Nick though Jae longs for a real community, one where she would finally fit in. But will Jae and Nick have the courage to step out of an online relationship and into a real one?
I loved how Ms. Aleckson handled Nick’s character! To be honest I totally thought he was going to end up with Vivian, but once I met Jae, I realized they made so much more sense together. Nick had never really opened up to Vivian. He put up a front for her instead of showing her who he really was. On the other hand, he showed Jae everything whether by telling her or LadyJHawk. He did have to learn to take risks though in the real world and believe that love was worth the risk of trying and failing.
I loved Jae’s character! I am a bit biased because I’m so happy that an Asian American character was added, but I also just love her! As you can probably tell by all the exclamation points 🙂 I loved how strong she was even though she was struggling with a lot of different things. Jae was searching for her community, but she had to learn that if she wanted a community, she had to let people in.
This was a super satisfying end to a wonderful series! Everyone is happily paired off, and we are once again saying goodbye to Deep Haven. Fingers crossed that we get another series though! I would personally love to see any of the main character’s kids. This is a clean, Christian romance that I would totally recommend to anyone who wants the small town feel!
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 AUTHORS
Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling novelist of 80 books. With more than 1.5 million books in print, she is beloved by reviewers and readers around the world. Visit Susan at www.susanmaywarren.com.
After growing upon both the east and west coasts, Michelle Sass Aleckson now lives the country life in central Minnesota with her own hero and their four kids. She loves rocking out to 80’s music on a Saturday night, playing Balderdash with the fam, and getting lost in good stories. Especially stories that shine grace. And if you’re wondering, yes, Sass is her maiden name. Visit her at www.michellealeckson.com.
Merging the creative energies of best-selling authors Susan May Warren and Lindsay Harrel, Sunrise Publishing is the matchmaker for established authors who want to build on their current success for future growth and aspiring authors looking to break out, build an audience, and hone their writing skills.
(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card + 3 Right Here Waiting ebooks (one ebook for the winner and two to give to friends)!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 9, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 16, 2021. 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.
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Picture Imperfect by Alyssa Roat & Hope Bolinger, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Picture Imperfect
Series: Roseville Romances #1
Author: Alyssa Roat & Hope Bolinger
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: November 5, 2021
Genre: Christian, 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.
Hope: So I’ve technically always been writing. I used to write six-page stories that I would give to my first-grade teacher to hang up on her wall. But as far as novel writing goes, I had a friend in high school who wrote novels. I thought this friend was crazy. So in good friendly rivalry, I decided to give it a go myself. I haven’t looked back since.
How did you come up with the idea for this story?
Hope: Alyssa and I had talked about how we wished we saw more books that featured people like us—people in our twenties struggling to justify being in a creative field. We’d experienced massive burnout from doing, at one point, seven jobs apiece, to support our passion for publishing. We wanted characters who reflected those same struggles and the same hope we had that one day it would all be worth it.
How did you choose the title Picture Imperfect
Hope: One of our characters struggles with perfectionism. We wanted to show that just because something isn’t picture perfect doesn’t mean it isn’t worth pursuing.
What was the hardest part about writing this book?
Hope: Alyssa and I hadn’t written in the genre before, so it was definitely a steep learning curve. People say “Oh, well, writing romance would be so easy,” but in adult romance, you have to hit certain beats at just the right time. In some ways, it’s a lot harder to write than the usual young adult genres that we’re known to dabble in.
What do you want readers to take away from reading this book?
Hope: We really want them to take away a couple of things. First, we want them to rekindle their passions for their dreams. We had an ARC reader tell us that she’d given up on writing, but that this book gave her the hope and push to start again. Secondly, we hope to show the realities of burnout and perfectionism and how it often plagues creatives, especially those in their 20s. Finally, we want readers to walk away from the story filled with hope.
Which was your favorite character? Is it the one you most related to?
Hope: It’s so hard to say, because this book sets up the trajectory for several more romances between supporting characters. I will say, in this story alone, I really appreciated Andy—and not just because I wrote him. He has a great deal to overcome in terms of perfectionism. I’m actually a lot more like Caroline—meeting deadlines early, taking on as much work as possible. But Andy taught me the importance of slowing down.
Are you a pantser or plotter? How did this tendency show up with this book?
Hope: So funnily enough I’m a plotter, and Alyssa is a pantser. So often when we coauthor, we’ll do some hybrid of the two. Romance, however, strictly requires plotting. So we operated off of an outline in this. That’s not to say that we didn’t deviate off of it. Our characters often have a mind of their own.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Hope Bolinger is the author of 12 books, including the award-winning Blaze trilogy. She has worked in the industry as an agent, done acquisitions and editorial roles for publishers, and has also worked for magazines, newspapers, and online publications such as Crosswalk.com. Her articles and other publications can be seen by millions yearly, and she has 1100 bylines to her name. When she isn’t battling deadlines, she loves to hike in Ohio’s national parks and pet her high-maintenance cat Twix. Find out more about her at https://www.hopebolinger.com.
Alyssa Roat has worked in a wide variety of roles within the publishing industry as an agent, editor, writer, and marketer. She is the publicity manager at Mountain Brook Ink and Mountain Brook Fire, a former associate literary agent at Cyle Young Literary Elite, an editor with Sherpa Editing Services, and a freelance writer with 200+ bylines in local, national, and international publications. She is the author of The Wraithwood Trilogy and the co-author with Hope Bolinger of the YA superhero chat fiction romances Dear Hero and Dear Henchman. Her name is a pun, which means you can learn more about her at http://www.alyssawrote.com or on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook as @alyssawrote.
(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Perfectly ArrangedOR a $20 Amazon gift card (winner’s choice)!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 8, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 15, 2021. 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.
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Hangin’ by a Moment by Andrea Christenson presented by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Hangin’ by a Moment
Series: Deep Haven Collection #5
Author: Andrea Christenson presented by Susan May Warren
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: September 14, 2021
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
He just wants to erase his past. She can’t seem to escape hers. But facing it might put their future in jeopardy.
The day Jack Stewart walked out of jail, he vowed to keep his conviction a secret. The whole thing was just a terrible mistake, and he did his time. Now he wants a new life in a sleepy town where no one knows his name. Deep Haven is the perfect place to start over as a chef. The last thing the former pararescue jumper wants is to get involved. But when Boone Buckam—the guy he owes for getting him out of the slammer—asks for help, how can he refuse?
Colleen Decker has already escaped evil once—as a teenager, she was kidnapped by a murderer. But she’s put all that behind her as a trauma nurse in Minneapolis. Or maybe not, because a freak mistake in the ER sends her past crashing down on her. She needs a timeout in her hometown of Deep Haven. She doesn’t plan to stay—even when she’s roped into the job of flight nurse for the town’s Crisis Response Team chopper. Colleen’s not sure why she’s drawn to danger, but she’ll be safe enough—after all, she’ll need training, and her teacher is a handsome former pararescue jumper. What could go wrong?
When Jack said he didn’t want to get involved, he especially meant his heart—but being with Colleen feels like a fresh start. He’ll even climb aboard a chopper again, despite his vows. They’re headed for a happy ending…
But secrets never stay buried in a small town. And when disaster strikes one snowy night, they’ll both have to decide if the past will destroy them…or if it just might lead them home.
Cozy up to this perfect Deep Haven drama about discovering a season of second chances.
We get another book in the Deep Haven series! Another mysterious stranger is coming to Deep Haven, and another small town girl is going to learn how to put down roots. This book focuses on Jack-formerly Winston Stewart-, a friend of Boone’s, and Colleen Decker, the daughter of Annalise Decker. Annalise got her own story in You Don’t Know Me which is the 6th book in the original Deep Haven series. I actually haven’t read that book, so it was added to my growing TBR! One of the things I really like about this series though is that it actually can be read stand alone. I have not read any of the original Deep Haven series, and I have not read the first 2 books in this series either. But I can still enjoy the characters and the story without being confused 🙂
Jack is just trying to find a safe place. After a terrible mistake that ended with him in prison, he needs to get his life back together. He has no desire to get involved in anything permanent though. But when his friend Boone asks for a favor, he can’t refuse. So he finds himself training Colleen Decker to be the newest flight nurse. No matter what Colleen does she can’t seem to escape from her past. After a freak mistake in her job as a ER nurse, she’s forced to take time out in Deep Haven. She ends up getting roped into the flight nurse job, and there she meets Jack. As Jack and Colleen start to fall for each other, will they be able to put the mistakes of their pasts behind them? Or will it follow them into their future?
This was another wonderful book in the Deep Haven series! Jack is an adorable main character, and I love how Boone pulls another new guy into Deep Haven. Jack had to conquer a lot of demons though. He was filled with guilt over what he had done, and he didn’t want to accept God’s forgiveness. I loved how compassionate he was, and he was incredibly heroic in all of his actions. He and Colleen were so cute together too!
Poor Colleen had gone through a lot in her life, and she was still struggling with all the trauma. She wanted to prove to everyone that she had changed from who she was as a teenager, but she felt stuck. She had to decide whether or not she could trust how God had made her. And whether or not the path He took her was the right one.
This was such a wonderful book! I would recommend it to anyone who likes sweet Christian romance. There were a few moments where the plot dragged a bit, but it was still a lot of fun! It’s a perfect, clean, fall romance!
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.
Author Interview:
What first made you start writing?
I’ve always enjoyed making up stories, creating something out of nothing. After dabbling in the craft for a long time, about ten years ago I decided to take it seriously to see if I could really succeed. I’m so glad I did! I encourage all aspiring authors out there to keep at it. I’d love to see your book on the shelf someday!
What was the hardest part about writing this book?
Writing about all of the good food! Ha! Seriously though, this book had me researching so many things I never expected to become an expert at! The research was fun, but not knowing whether I was doing these situations justice was the hardest part of writing this book.
How did you come up with the story?
I wanted to write a story with the theme of Aladdin in mind. I liked the idea of exploring what it would look like for someone to hide their true selves and how God could break through that barrier. I wouldn’t say there are any overt Aladdin references in Hangin’ by a Moment, but the idea of God knowing you and loving you for who you are certainly remains.
Which was your favorite character? Is it the one you most related to?
This is a tough one. I don’t think any of them stood out as a favorite. I loved Colleen’s tenacity, and Jack’s creativity. I appreciated Colleen’s desire to figure out what she wanted in life, which I think is a common struggle. What a relief to discover that God loves us no matter what we do or say!
How did you meet Ms. Warren?
I’ve known of Susan May Warren for years. She’s long been a superhero of mine. I “met” her online while taking some of her classes and then was thrilled to meet her in person at a writer’s conference a few years ago. I’m not ashamed to admit that I totally did not play it cool. Ha! I fan-girled like crazy. My heart is full of gratitude that I can now call her a friend.
Did you have this story in mind from the first book?
No! This story came as a surprise. I’d actually intended to write a different story, but then Colleen seemed so forlorn there in her apartment in Minneapolis. I needed to redeem that bratty, confused kid from Warren’s You Don’t Know Me. She’d grown up now, and I wanted to give her a chance to prove it.
Do you think that the cover matches the story and what was your favorite part of the cover?
I love the cover. The fall theme makes me think of cozy coffees and crisp evening walks. The unpredictable nature of fall weather on Minnesota’s North Shore is definitely an element to the book, so I think the cover is a great fit.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling novelist of 80 books. With more than 1.5 million books in print, she is beloved by reviewers and readers around the world. Visit Susan at www.susanmaywarren.com.
Andrea Christenson lives in a Minneapolis, MN suburb with her husband and two daughters. When she is not busy homeschooling her girls, she loves to read anything she can get her hands on. She believes that a great loaf of artistic bread can turn a meal into a masterpiece. Andrea’s prayer is to write stories revealing God’s love.
Merging the creative energies of best-selling authors Susan May Warren and Lindsay Harrel, Sunrise Publishing is the matchmaker for established authors who want to build on their current success for future growth and aspiring authors looking to break out, build an audience, and hone their writing skills.
(1) winner will receive 3 Hangin’ by a Moment ebooks (one ebook for the winner and two to give to friends)!
Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 14, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 21, 2021. 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.
Title: To Marry an Earl Author: Karen Thornell Publisher: Covenant Communications Release Date: September 1, 2021 Genre: Historical Romance
Katherine Cartwright knows through bitter experience that true love is fiction and trust should not be bestowed easily. Now, after two unsuccessful London Seasons, her atrocious father has decided to marry her off to the highest bidder to pay for his gambling debts, ridding himself of the daughter he never wanted. A profitable deal is struck, and Kate is packed off to the home of her betrothed, an earl she has never met. Or so she believes.
When James Fenwick, the new Earl of Bowcott, learns that the girl he’s loved since childhood is being sold off like chattel, he’s determined to step in and save her. He makes an offer her father cannot refuse and insists on a proper engagement. But when Kate meets James again, her old friend cannot bring himself to admit it is him whom she is to marry. Soon, an intricate charade and a past that cannot be escaped jeopardize James’s chance at rekindling their friendship, to say nothing of winning Kate’s heart. Can love truly conquer all, or was this a match doomed from the start?
You can read the first chapter here:
Book Review:
I have been eagerly waiting to read Karen Thornell’s newest book! I found her through the bookstagram community and I was so excited to read To Marry an Earl! It took me a little while to get into the book, but once I started truly reading I was hooked. The storyline was really engaging and the characters were lovely.
I felt bad for Kate, Katherine Cartwright, her father seemed like an impossible man who made life horrible for her. She was desperate to find a life that she could call her own, however her plans were once again disregarded when her father married her off to the highest bidder, an earl. Things start to look up when she is reunited with her old friend James Fenwick. But as she spends time with him, she finds herself falling for this man. However when the truth around her engagement comes to light will their relationship last? Will Kate be able to trust James after all he had put her through?
Kate was an interesting character, she was trying to protect herself from more hurt. However, she also found herself falling for James and that made her conflicted because she wasn’t sure how she felt about him. He had hurt her before, so she was wary. I liked reading about her growth as she learned to trust herself and gain confidence. I learned to like her more and more as I read more about her. I also liked how she was a strong character, as she learned to overcome the obstacles that were thrown into her life.
I liked James from the beginning but I also wanted to bash him over the head. He made so many silly mistakes with Kate, but he was trying his best. I liked how James tried his best to care for Kate and put her first. He truly did love her in his own way, but he was struggling to figure out how to show her because of how tentative she was. He was trying to learn how to love Kate and figure out what it meant to be an earl. He was kind and willing to help those around him.
The side characters were also fun, I really liked James’s friends Lucas and Henry. I hope that they get their own books! Julia was also sweet. These characters really helped make the book. I loved reading about their interactions. The servants were sweet, especially James’ cook. James and Kate had to learn how to make a relationship work with each other. They also had to learn to work through the truth.
To Marry an Earl was a lovely book! I would definitely recommend it, especially to those who like regency romances! I can’t wait to see what else Thornell writes. To Marry an Earl 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.
Karen Thornell grew up reading when she should have been sleeping, but it wasn’t until 2019 that she started writing. Tired of ending books and saying ‘goodbye’ to beloved characters, she wondered what it would be like to have her own characters that lived in her head always. It was probably a mark of sleep deprivation that she wanted people living in her head, but the idea was planted regardless.
Karen lives in Utah with her husband and kids. When not writing contemporary or regency romance, she spends her free time doing endless loads of laundry, playing board games, and, yes, talking to those characters in her head.
Title: Brides and Brothers Author: Anneka R. Walker Publisher: Covenant Communications Release Date: September 1, 2021 Genre: Romantic Comedy
A modern retelling of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
Camille Kelly is in real danger of becoming an old maid—at least by Cherish, Montana, standards. She has all but given up on finding Mr. Right—until her broken laptop leads her to Aiden Peterson, a tall, dark, and handsome computer genius. Camille would never have believed her magic moment was right around the corner, but after two whirlwind weeks, she has a ring on her finger and has happily ever after in sight. However, she soon discovers Aiden is part of a daunting package deal . . .
As the eldest of seven brothers, Aiden has never had a problem living under the same roof as his rambunctious siblings. When he falls for Camille, he is confident she’ll fit right into his family’s already bursting home. He thought wrong. Aiden and Camille’s storybook romance comes to a screeching halt when she discovers her new living situation. Not willing to submit to a life mothering a bunch of grown men, Camille has only one option: she embarks on a campaign to improve her new brothers-in-law and marry them off. And what better candidates for wives than her own best friends?
This was a cute fun book, that concept sounded really interesting so I was excited to read it. Brides and Brothers is a retelling of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers written by Anneka R. Walker. I hadn’t heard of the musical before, but the retelling was super good. Brides and Brothers is a fun rom-com story!
Camille Kelly has kind of given up on love, and she is in real danger of becoming an old maid. But then a broken laptop leads her to Aiden Peterson, a tall, dark, and handsome computer genius. Before she knows it, she finds herself married to the love of her life. However, she soon learns that Aiden is part of a package deal. Aiden has been living and leading his seven younger brothers ever since his parents died. When he falls for Camille, he knows that she is the perfect fit for his family. But marriage takes a lot more work and having seven grown men living in the same house makes things difficult. Camille wants her brothers-in-law out, and the only option is to marry them off. Who better to marry her brothers-in-law then her best friends.
I liked Camille, she tried her best to make the most of her situations. She was a hard worker, but she was also tired of doing everything herself. She was such a mother figure and she did care about Aiden’s brothers, but she also wanted to spend time with her husband. However, Camille had to learn how to talk to Aiden and not just let her feelings lead her. She was strong, but she also had to learn how to let others help her.
Okay, so I did like Aiden but he also got on my nerves. He didn’t understand women, but he was trying his best. He was a sweet guy, who had been shouldering the burden of caring for his brothers for a long time. He loved Camille from the beginning, but he didn’t know who to best show her his love. He needed to learn how to put Camille and their marriage before his brothers. I liked reading about Aiden grow, learning to talk to Camille and how to lead her.
Camille and Aiden were super sweet together. They loved each other from the beginning, but making a marriage work is very difficult. There were a lot of obstacles in their path that they needed to learn to overcome together. As Aiden and Camille learned how to be married, life keeps on throwing them loops. However, with the help of their brothers and friends, they may just make it work.
It was fun to read about Aiden’s brothers and Camille’s friends. They were perfect for each other, but they also had their differences. I liked how Aiden’s brothers came to care for Camille and how they looked out for her. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but they tried their best. Camille’s friends were so funny and they were so loyal to Camille. They wanted her to find her happiness. I loved reading about them all together, and read as Camille tries to match up her brother-in-laws with her friends.
Brides and Brothers was a lovely book and I would totally recommend it! It is a clean, contemporary, inspirational romance. I would recommend it to those who like some faith, Christian aspects, but not a lot. The characters were engaging and the story line was fun!
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.
Title: An Engagement of Sorts Author: Alene Wecker Publisher: Covenant Communications Release Date: August 9, 2021 Genre: Regency Romance
Much to her mother’s dismay, spirited Anne Fletcher spent her youth seeking her father’s approval by hunting and riding. More comfortable in breeches than ball gowns, Anne sees the freedoms she once enjoyed slowly taken from her in the name of fashioning her into an eligible young lady. When her parents try to force her into marriage, Anne makes a desperate attempt to salvage her last vestige of independence. If she is to marry, she will do so on her own terms.
Anne strikes a deal: if she cannot secure a man for herself, she will agree to marry the husband her parents approved. She soon finds herself in the last place she would ever choose—that stifling parade of etiquette, the London Season. Anne’s plan is in motion. Now all she needs is a man willing to masquerade as her fiancé.
Book Review:
Wow, I liked this more than I thought I would. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book but I hoped that it would be good and it was! An Engagements of Sorts is Alene Wecker’s debut novel and it was a great book. Although it took me a little while to get into it, once I really started reading I was hooked.
Anne wasn’t one to fit into society, she was free spirited and she would rather be hunting and riding then going to balls. However as she grows older she finds herself losing the freedom to be herself as she is fashioned into an eligible young lady. When she is forced to marry, Anne makes a desperate attempt to marry on her own terms. She strikes a bargain, if she cannot find a man to marry she will marry the man her parents chose. Anne finds herself in the London Season, looking for a way to be herself in a world that calls her to change.
Anne was a lot of fun but it also took me a little while to connect with her. I wasn’t sure how I felt about her at first, but as I read more I started to empathize with her. She was struggling to figure out how to live in a world where she didn’t quite fit in, a world where even her own family didn’t know what to do with her. She didn’t want to change for society, but she was fitting that she was running out of options. I wanted to comfort Anne as she tried to find her place. Anne had to figure out what kind of person she wanted to be and if she would stand up for herself and love.
Thomas was also a complicated character, but I grew to love him. He showed society one side of him, but he was actually kind at heart. He wanted the best for others, but he also wanted to protect his own heart from hearts. He was infuriating at times and yet I wanted him to be happy also. I liked his growth as a character and I adored reading about him with Anne. Thomas will have to make a choice: risk his heart or risk living a life alone unhappy.
I really enjoyed the witty banter between Thomas and Anne. They were such a fun couple to read about and their interactions were awesome. The side characters were irritating at times because of how they tried Thomas and Anne, but they did help move the book along. The plot was really interesting and I didn’t want to go to bed because I wanted to finish the book!
An Engagement of Sorts was a lovely book and I would totally recommend it! I am excited to see what else Wecker writes! An Engagement of Sorts is a clean historical romance . Trigger warnings, attempted rape and mentions of rape/sexual assault.
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:
Alene Wecker writes because her favorite authors—Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer—haven’t published anything new in ages! Alene graduated from Brigham Young University with a Master of Music in Vocal Performance, though she rarely uses her degree. She likes to tell herself her education comes in handy as she describes debutantes who, like herself, are frequently forced to display their mediocre skills at the piano-forte. When she’s not writing or mothering her six children, she is usually reading, or can sometimes be found singing with Utah Symphony/Utah Opera. She also enjoys traveling and learning new languages. Some of her favorite haunts include: Berlin, Brașov, Bucharest, Budapest, London, Maui, New York City, Oahu, Paris, Rome, San Diego, Vancouver, and Venice Website: alenewecker.com
Title: The Wrangler’s Ready-Made Family Series: Wind River Hearts #15 Author: Lacy Williams Publisher: Lacy Williams Books LLC Release Date: August 10, 2021 Genre: Historical Fiction
Susie Crowell née White is a desperate young mother with another baby on the way. Her late husband left her nothing but his bad reputation. She has no money and is too ashamed to return home to her family. When she is trapped alone during a snowstorm with a stranger and the baby coming, her only choice is to rely on him.
Gil Hart came west to find healing for his consumption. He never expected to find himself trapped with a lost young widow. Or how fast he could fall for her and her two little ones. But it doesn’t take long for his secrets to come to light.
After everything she’s suffered in the past, can Susie ever trust another gambler?
This was a sweet short book! I read it in less than an hour and I really enjoyed it. The Ranger’s Ready Made Family is the 15th book in Lacy Williams Wild Rivers Hearts series. Although it is part of a series it is standalone, I haven’t read the other books and I don’t feel as if I missed a lot. There were parts when I wanted to learn more about the other characters’ stories, but otherwise it is a great standalone book.
Susie was just trying to get her life back together and care for her children. She felt as if she was at her wits ends, but she couldn’t go home because she had left on such bad terms. I liked reading about Susie as she learned from her mistakes and tried to make amends. She was trying her best to care for herself and her children. Susie had to learn to forgive her family and to trust that they still love her. She had to take a leap of faith and go home.
Gil was dying, he just wanted to make the last months of his life worth it. When he encounters a widow, he offers her his protection. Never expecting to fall for her and her two children. Gil was hard to understand at first, but as I read more about him I saw that he was a good man. He worked hard and he truly was kind. It was sweet to see him interact with Susie and Susie’s children, Carrie and Albert. He wanted what was best for them. But Gil would have to decide if Susie and her children were worth giving up his lifestyle.
Susie and Gil were both interesting characters. They were annoying at times but I understood them. I liked reading about them falling in love with each other. They saw past physical appearances and saw instead the kindness of the other. It was also sweet to read about Susie’s kids. They really added to the book. The plot was very interesting and there were some things that I didn’t see coming. Overall, this was a really good book. The Wrangler’s Ready-Made Family is a sweet romance. I would recommend it to those who like historical inspirational fiction. The characters were relatable and the storyline was engaging. I want to read more books by this author now!
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
Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see on 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 fifty books in almost 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 http://www.lacywilliams.net/vip .
More from Lacy
The Kindness of a Stranger
I don’t know about you, but I love watching videos where something is going wrong and a stranger steps in to save the day. Dog caught in the Thames and can’t get out? Stranger wades into the water to save him. Someone in line at the grocery store and doesn’t quite have enough money for their needed groceries? Stranger steps in and pays the difference.
I have a story like that of my own. My children like to play at our neighborhood park after school pick-up. Everything seemed normal until it was just about time to go and my eight-year-old daughter walks up with a nosebleed. I haven’t carried a diaper bag in two years and I have no tissues in my purse. I’m trying to keep tabs on my four-year-old because she’s running around, oblivious to anything else going on. My two older kids are off with friends and I can’t see them but I can hear their voices nearby.
And several moms who were also watching their kids play at the park rushed over to help me. One mom had gauze in her daughter’s backpack because her daughter sometimes gets nosebleeds at school. Another mom had baby wipes so I could wipe off my daughter’s hands. Another mom rounded up my four-year-old so I didn’t have to worry about her while I was taking care of the older one. I left the park *not* in a complete panic because these moms that I don’t know took care of me. They didn’t have to. But they stepped in simply because I needed help.
That’s what happens in The Wrangler’s Ready-Made Family. After experiencing a stagecoach crash and being snowed in and stranded together, hero Gil Hart shows his true colors by helping Susie, a young mother with a baby on the way. Susie’s been burned before and this is maybe the *only* situation that would’ve allowed her to open up and see Gil for who he really is. Of course, that’s only the beginning of the story. If you’d like to give it a try, you can use Amazon’s Look Inside feature to sample the book.
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Then Came You by Rachel D. Russell presented by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Then Came You
Series: Deep Haven Collection #4
Author: Rachel D. Russell presented by Susan May Warren
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: July 6, 2021
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
He doesn’t need any trouble. She can’t seem to escape it.
Detective Daniel “Boone” Buckam is more than burned out. After fourteen stellar years on the job, one bad judgment call—and, fine, a whole lot of cynicism—has forced him into a mandatory vacation in Deep Haven. If he can get his head on straight, there’s a job as Police Chief waiting for him back in his Minneapolis suburb. And then, he meets Vivien.
Actress Vivien Calhoun isn’t really a drama queen. Sure, she gets swept up in the emotions of life—but please, she’s an actress. Or, um, was until a stalker made her flee the bright lights of Broadway. Now, she’s passionate about directing her local theater production. But when she accidentally ropes an uptight police detective on vacation into her cast, she can’t help but wonder if he might be the leading man she’s always longed for.
Boone can’t help but like Vivien. He might even have a type—vivacious and bubbly, with a penchant for attracting danger. He can smell trouble even if she can’t, and is pretty sure her stalker has hunted her all the way to Deep Haven. He’ll have to stay by her side—even if it means being in her silly play—to keep her safe. But Vivien is more than he expected as she helps him discover a part of him he’s locked away…the part that said he could never love again.
It’s summertime in Deep Haven, and the fun is heating up in this laugh-out-loud, charming story.
From an early age, I was an avid reader and copious writer. I’d make up verbal stories as well as written ones. In middle school, we even had our own book binding “publishing company.”
I’ve always had stories to tell.
I love the adventures and experiences of reading and writing. Though I set aside much of my writing pursuits while my own children were young, I still spent time with verbal storytelling. It wasn’t uncommon for me to spend thirty minutes a night weaving stories for them at bedtime.
About five years ago, I delved back into writing, with the intent of becoming a published author. At that point, I’d realized that, if I could be doing anything in the world, it would be writing. Add in several government furloughs that jeopardized our financial security, and it became a whole-hearted pursuit. I started taking classes, attending conferences, and meeting with a local writing group.
What was the hardest part about writing this book?
Writing the book. Seriously, though, each step has challenges, but two things stand out in particular. First, I really wanted to make sure I wrote a novel that would satisfy all (or, at least most!) readers who’ve been waiting for Boone’s story. That was a huge undertaking. Getting the details right, his character, really getting inside who he is. I wanted to really honor the amazing character that Susan May Warren had created.
Second, during my first rewrite, I had to add three scenes and rearrange the order of several others. This meant I had to unravel the story and then re-weave it back together. That was a really tough challenge, but one of those scenes, the audition scene in the bookstore, turned out to be one of my favorites.
How did you come up with the story?
I knew how I wanted the story to start and knew my characters—Vivien and Boone. The car show scene and Vivien’s antics were in my head. From there, I worked with my mentor, Susan May Warren, to build out the basic plot outline. We had to ask questions—like would bring Boone to Deep Haven? What story goals will each of the characters have? What things can go wrong that will challenge each character?
From there, the scene writing began. It’s a slow process for me, delving into each scene. Really evaluating who the character is and what things might happen to move the story along.
Because PJ Sugar had some true laugh-out-loud moments, I wanted to bring a little of that flavor to the page, too. Vivien and PJ have some humorous similarities with over-the-top behavior and I loved getting to show the way Vivien suits Boone so well.
Which was your favorite character? Is it the one you most related to?
Both Vivien and Boone have characteristics I relate to, but I’ve been attached to Boone for so long, if I have to pick a favorite, I’d say it’s him. I loved him in the PJ Sugar series and I loved bringing him back onto the page.
Both the characters deal with identity issues and I think this is so common in our human experience. For Boone, he expects so much of himself. He strives to do the right thing, is deeply committed, and raises the bar on himself continually. I can definitely relate to him.
Did you have this story in mind from the first book?
I knew it would be Boone’s story and I knew there’d be a tie-in to the Crisis Response Team, but it wasn’t until we sat down and plotted it out that I really solidified the plot. I had some ideas, but it was all pretty loose and vague. I knew Boone would redeem himself and get closure on some niggling questions—not to mention his happy ending. I also knew Vivien would have to make a choice about where her future would be.
I thoroughly enjoyed bringing our new characters from the first three Deep Haven Collection novels into this one, capturing the spirit of the small town and tying the stories together.
Do you think that the cover matches the story and what was your favorite part of the cover?
Yes, the cover designer did a great job. Boone and Vivien have a couple pivotal kayak scenes. I don’t want to share any spoilers, but the first one is a moment when Boone feels like he’s misread the friendship entirely. It’s funny and sweet and it really brings them to a turning point. In the second, we get to see the two of them in action, working together and rising to a challenge that reveals their individual tenacity, their heroic natures. It’s a situation where Vivien realizes she’s not just a “pretty face” and her impulsiveness isn’t just reckless or careless. For Boone, we see the kind of quick-thinking, jump-into-the-fray hero he is.
I love how the cover captures the feel of summer on the lake.
Book Review:
Another lovely book in the Deep Haven series! Crazy for You was my first dip into the Deep Haven pool, and I loved it. Then Came You did not disappoint either. I was honestly a bit surprised with the couple, but Vivien and Boone were adorable together. I’m sure fans of Susan May Warren’s PJ Sugar series will be thrilled to see Boone again too. I have not read many of the Susan May Warren books, so I’m getting a lot of books added to my TBR 🙂 Luckily, all the books in this series are stand alone, so even though I just met Boone, I fell in love with him pretty quickly!
Unless Boone Buckham figures out a way to relax and quickly, he’ll lose everything he worked so hard to achieve. After a lawsuit was slapped on him, his boss basically ordered him to take a vacation in Deep Haven. He needs to lower his blood pressure and calm his temper down, or he will never become chief of police. The one thing he did not expect was Vivien Calhoun. Vivien is an actress, and a pretty good one because no one seems to notice she’s barely holding it together. After failing in New York and moving back to Deep Haven, all she wants to do is move one. But when her stalker follows her to Deep Haven, it’s clear that’s not an option. Boone doesn’t have time for love, but he will not let anyone hurt this woman who’s become so important to him. So much for relaxing.
I adored this book! Vivien and Boone have a lot to work through, but I loved watching them come together. They were so cute together. Vivien was over the top, bubbly, and friendly while Boone was much more reserved. They balanced each other perfectly! Vivien added some much needed energy and light to Boone’s life, and Boone became Vivien’s safe place. She was used to holding up a mask for everyone in her life, but Boone managed to push through all of her walls.
I loved watching the two of them go through parallel journeys of discovery too. They had to see how their worth came from Christ not from the praise of man. Vivien and Boone both had a lot of tragedy in their lives. Most of which came from the people who they loved the most. But God worked on them to help them see how their worth comes from Him. I would have loved a bit more focus on what God had done in them, but I loved the message of being happy where you are. It doesn’t matter where God puts us because we can find joy in Him.
The plot was super interesting, and there were quite a few plot twists that I was not expecting. I had a harder time staying interested in this book, but I did really enjoy it! As I read more, I would get more and more into it. Boone and Vivien’s story was clean, fun, and romantic! I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christian, contemporary romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Susan May Warren is the USA Today best-selling novelist of 80 books. With more than 1.5 million books in print, she is beloved by reviewers and readers around the world. Visit Susan at www.susanmaywarren.com.
Rachel D. Russell is a member of Oregon Christian Writers and My Book Therapy’s Novel Academy, and is a regular contributor to the Learn How to Write a Novel blog. The mother of two teenagers, she often interrogates her husband on his own military and law enforcement experience to craft believable heroes in uniform. The rest of her time is spent cantering her horse down the Oregon trails. Visit Rachel at www.racheldrussell.com.
Merging the creative energies of best-selling authors Susan May Warren and Lindsay Harrel, Sunrise Publishing is the matchmaker for established authors who want to build on their current success for future growth and aspiring authors looking to break out, build an audience, and hone their writing skills.
(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card + 3 Then Came You ebooks (one ebook for the winner and two to give to friends)!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 3, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 10, 2021. 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.
Amid the violent last days of the glittering Russian court, a Russian princess on the run finds her heart where she least expects it.
1917, Petrograd. Fleeing the murderous flames of the Russian Revolution, princess Svetlana Dalsky hopes to find safety in Paris with her mother and sister. But the city is buckling under the weight of the Great War, and the Bolsheviks will not rest until they have erased every Russian aristocrat from memory.
Born the second son of a duke, the only title Wynn MacCallan cares for is that of surgeon. Putting his talents with a scalpel to good use in the hospitals in Paris, Wynn pushes the boundaries of medical science to give his patients the best care possible. While treating Svetlana for a minor injury, he is pulled into a world of decaying imperial glitter and underground Russian clubs where drink, culture, and questionable dealings collide on bubbles of vodka.
Out of money and options, Svetlana is forced into a marriage of convenience with Wynn, who will protect her and pay off her debts. It’s the right thing for a good man to do, but Wynn can’t help hoping the marriage will turn into one of true affection. As the Bolsheviks chase them to different corners of the earth, Wynn and Svetlana begin to see they will never be able to outrun the love they have for one another.
I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this book, but I knew that I really wanted to try it out. However, it was even better than I had hoped, and now, I want to read all of Ciesielski’s books. The Ice Swan was a daring, breathtaking historical romance.
Svetlana is a princess fleeing from the murderous flames of the Russian Revolution with her mother and sister to Paris. However, living as a refuge is more difficult than she could have imagined and the horrors of Russia are not that far away. Wynn MacCallan loves his work as a surgeon and doesn’t care for his title of second son of a duke. When Wynn treats Svetlana for a minor injury, he finds himself drawn into the world of a world of decaying imperial glitter and underground Russian clubs where drink, culture, and questionable dealings collide on bubbles of vodka.
I really liked Wynn, he was such a nice guy who had a kind heart. He didn’t care about titles, and just wished to be a surgeon. He fell for Svetlana at the beginning, but it took a lot for him to break down her walls. He did have his faults, and he placed such a big burden on himself, but he truly cared for Svetlana. I liked reading about him winning Svetlana’s heart and learning how to live with the repercussions of a war.
Svetlana had to grow on me, she was proud and strong. She had learned not to trust others and not to show her emotions. However hidden behind the ice, was a kind woman who was just trying her best. Svetlana had to learn to trust Wynn and to let him into her heart. She had to learn to let down her walls.
Svetlana and Wynn will have to learn to trust each other and to work through the demons that haunt them. Will their relationship be able to weather the storms of life? They were a good couple, and they helped each other stay grounded and find the joy of life. I was really intrigued by the plot of the story, I couldn’t put it down and ended up staying up late to read it.
I really enjoyed the Ice Swan and I would totally recommend it! The characters were complete and I really liked Svetlana’s sister and Wynn’s friend. The Ice Swan is a clean historical romance, but it does deal with issues seen during a war. So I would probably recommend it to 13 years 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.
About the Author
With a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories, J’nell Ciesielski weaves fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. Winner of the Romance Through the Ages Award and the Maggie Award, she is a Florida native who now lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle. Learn more at www.jnellciesielski.com.
More from J’nell
When we think of the Great War we often only think about events happening right on the battlefield of France, Belgium, and Germany. It was a time of great upheaval for so many people and countries, none more so than Russia. It was during the Great War that the Bolsheviks rose up against the monarchy, assassinated the tsar and his family, and plunged Russia into civil war. The country was in such chaos that they pulled out of the war to deal with their own revolution. The Russian Revolution was the result of centuries of oppression and imperialism that finally boiled over. As the Bolsheviks seized power, nobles and anyone associated or favorable to the monarchy were stripped of their privileges and homes, many killed, and still thousands of others fled in fear of their lives where they became the great wave of White emigres.
The stories of the ill-fated Anastasia and the evil Rasputin are legendary, but it wasn’t until recently when I watched a Russian miniseries called Road to Calvary that I became fascinated with the nobles and their struggle and from all that an idea sparked that would become my upcoming release, The Ice Swan. It’s about a Russian princess fleeing the Revolution to Paris in 1917 where she meets a handsome surgeon who is breaking new grounds in cardiology. We see the plight of the White emigres who have taken refuge in Paris and founded their own little Russia in the heart of the city, the exhausted City of Light after four years of war, the overflowing hospitals, and highly controversial advancements in surgery. Plus, a romance to prove that true love can overcome any difference and who doesn’t need a little more love these days?
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Books and Everyday Life 