An Ivy Hill Christmas

About the Book:

Title: An Ivy Hill Christmas
Author: Julie Klassen
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: September 1st, 2020
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Richard Brockwell, the younger son of Ivy Hill’s most prominent family, hasn’t been home for Christmas in years. He prefers to live in the London townhouse, far away from Brockwell Court, the old family secret that haunts him, and the shadows of his past mistakes. But then his mother threatens to stop funding his carefree life–unless he comes home for Christmas. Out of options, he sets out for Ivy Hill, planning to be back on a coach bound for London and his unencumbered bachelor life as soon as the festivities are over.

But Christmas in the country presents unforeseen surprises, including encounters with an orphaned apprentice, the first love he disappointed years ago, and Arabella Awdry, a young lady who is far more appealing than he recalled . . . and determined to have nothing to do with him.

Will Christmastime in Ivy Hill, with its village charm, kissing boughs, joyous songs, and divine hope, work its magic in his heart . . . and hers as well?

Book Review:

The cover and description totally caught my eye. The cover is beautiful and I really wanted to read about Richard Brockwell, I had a feeling that he was going to be a great character! Richard Brockwell has finally made it home for Christmas. He has avoided home for many years because of secrets from his past, but this year he has no choice. Whilte being home Richard encounters an orphaned apprentice, his first love, and Arabella Awdry, a young lady who is much different then he had remembered.

I really enjoyed reading about Richard. He was a man who appeared to be a rake, but it was all just a rouse. He was actually a kind man who wanted to help others, but he held himself apart from others. He got me from the beginning, it was so sweet and I especially adored seeing him interact with kids.

Arabella was a strong woman, but she was also fun. She didn’t let others push her aside, but she was still kind. I really enjoyed reading about her and she was the perfect match for Richard. She wanted to do something great for God, but she had to learn that helping others is serving God.

This was a cute book! I loved reading about Richard and seeing him grow. He just needed to learn how to forgive and turn to God. An Ivy Hill Christmas was a wonderful book that pointed you to Christ. Both Richard and Arabella had much to learn, they learned to trust God through it all. I would definitely recommend this 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.

Her Secret Song

About the Book:

Title: Her Secret Song
Author: Mary Connealy
Publisher: Bethany House Publisher
Release Date: October 6th, 2020
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

After a rough winter spent alone, Ursula Nordegren realizes she must overcome her fears of the outside world and begins a trek down Hope Mountain. Along the way she finds a badly wounded stranger and realizes God may have used her decision to leave as a way of saving the man.

Wax Mosby was climbing Hope Mountain in part to atone for his terrible choices. He was hired to drive out the Warden family and now knows he was duped. But when he’s wounded during the climb, the last person he expects to rescue him is a beautiful blond woman with the voice of an angel.

As both Ursula and Wax weigh the costs of living new lives, the two find an unlikely bond. And they’re joined by Ursula’s sisters and the Warden family as the final showdown over the family ranch looms with the coming of spring.

Book Review:

I had read the first two books in this series and I really wanted to read this book. I knew that Ursula deserved her own book. I was super excited to find I liked it as much as I had hoped. Her Secret Song is the third book in Mary Connealy’s Brides of Hope Mountain. This series features three sisters who have lived isolated from people on top of a mountain all of their lives. Her Secret Song is about Ursula, the oldest sister and Wax, Jake, Mosby.

Urusla had lived in fear her whole life. But one day she decides to venture down the mountain and there she finds Wax Mosby, a man who has caused her family much harm. However she does not know who this man is or what he has done. She cares for him and as she tends his wounds, she finds the one thing she had been looking for the past winter. She never realized how much she had isolated herself until she started to care for Jake.

I really wanted to read about Ursula because I felt like there was more to her then just portrayed in the first two books. She was scared of the outside world, but she was also kind and she truly loved her sisters. I loved reading about her relationship with Jake, they were sweet. Ursula found courage while caring for Jake.

I really liked Jake. He had hardened himself to the world but he knew that he needed to do something different with his life, helping people instead of hurting them. He was so cute with Ursula, he wanted her to see the best side of him.

This book was really good and I loved the way everything wrapped up. I couldn’t put it down and it held my interest the whole time. I felt like it had a good pace and I would definitely recommend it. I think that Her Secret Song was my favorite book in the 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.

Palmer Girl

Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for Palmer Girl by Dawn Klinge, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Palmer Girl
Series: The Historic Hotels Collection #2
Author: Dawn Klinge
Release Date: September 29, 2020
Genre: Historical Romance

When insurance tycoon, Cornelius Nordeman, is recruited to work for the Exposition Corporation, the New Yorker brings his family to live at the Palmer House Hotel, far away from any reminders of a recent tragedy. He’s hopeful this move will offer respite from his family’s grief.

Elizabeth Nordeman, his daughter, has something to prove, which leads her to seek work as a florist at Marshall Field’s, Chicago’s finest department store.

John Lewis knows something is different and intriguing about the new florist he hired. When his boss, Marshall Field, informs him that Elizabeth is the Nordeman heiress, his job suddenly becomes more complicated–especially when he finds himself falling for her.

On the eve of the Columbian Exposition of 1893, Chicago prepares to prove that it’s a first-class city, and the brightest minds from around the country will plan the most spectacular fair the world has seen.

The World’s Fair will bring change and innovation into a society bound tightly by class and tradition. Elizabeth’s heart longs to push against those boundaries, so what’s holding her back?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Excerpt:

It was too late to avoid being spotted. The last space on Elizabeth Nordeman’s dance card was about to be filled. Taking one last discreet sip from her glass, she set it on the passing silver tray of a uniformed waiter. Then she turned and smiled politely at the elegant woman and the young man approaching her. They’d made a beeline toward her place at the base of the grand curving staircase where she’d paused to catch her breath after the last quadrille. She’d been hoping to make an early exit and return to her family’s apartment upstairs without anyone noticing.

Drawing near was Bertha Palmer, their hostess, and judging by the determined look on her face, her motives were clear. Every high society woman of Chicago, minus the ones with marriageable daughters of their own, seemed united in her mother’s cause, which was to introduce Elizabeth to every eligible bachelor of high social standing in the city.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dawn Klinge is a Pacific Northwest native who loves a rainy day, a hot cup of coffee, and a good book to get lost in. This wife and mom to two young adults is often inspired by true personal and historical accounts. Dawn is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association. Sorrento Girl is her debut novel, the first in the Historic Hotels Collection.

CONNECT WITH DAWN: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of Palmer Girl and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight September 30, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on October 7, 2020. 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 Blue Castle

About the Book:

Title: The Blue Castle
Author: L M Montgomery
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire; Reprint Edition
Release Date: 1926
Genre: Teen and Young Adult Historical Romance

From L.M. Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables, comes another beloved classic and an unforgettable story of courage and romance.

Valancy Stirling is 29 and has never been in love. She’s spent her entire life on a quiet little street in an ugly little house and never dared to contradict her domineering mother and her unforgiving aunt. But one day she receives a shocking, life-altering letter―and decides then and there that everything needs to change. For the first time in her life, she does exactly what she wants to and says exactly what she feels.

At first her family thinks she’s gone around the bend. But soon Valancy discovers more surprises and adventure than she ever thought possible. She also finds her one true love and the real-life version of the Blue Castle that she was sure only existed in her dreams…

Review:

I have been a fan of L.M. Montgomery for years after reading her classic books Anne of Green Gables. I read all the Anne books and many of her other books. This was one I stumbled upon on Hoopla, one of the many library services our family utilizes. (It is essentially an electronic extension of your local library) This is one of Montgomery’s earlier books and features an older heroine than most of her books. Valency lives with her family in a small town and is miserable. For her whole life, she has been in the same home, on the same street, with her mother and aunt. She does not know what she likes or who she is. After receiving startling news, she decides to change her life. Valency discovers freedom, friendships, true love, and many of her dreams come true.

I was initially not sure what to expect from this book, but went in hopeful. It was amazing! Valency, though initially quieter, is so funny! She grows so much and felt very relatable. As always throughout the book, there are unique characters and beautiful scenes of nature. Valency has so many different experiences and you get to see them with her eyes. This was such a sweet book! I really loved it and would definitely recommend it to almost anyone!

A Bride of Convenience

Jody Hedlund’s books just keep on getting better and better. This is my favorite one of the Brideship series as of yet. A Bride of Convenience was so good and I loved it! A Bride of Convenience is the third book in Jody Hedlund’s Brideship series.

This book features a new female character who arrives in ? at the beginning of the book. But our hero of the story is Pastor Abe. Yay! I have been waiting for his book ever since I met him in Pete and Arabella’s book. In this book, Abe finds himself married to one of the brideship girls, Zoe. They form a marriage of convenience in order to care for a baby left in their care. But will a marriage like this survive, the strain of working with the miners and trying to live up to the bishop’s standards?

Zoe was so sweet, she loved and served with her whole heart. I loved her from the beginning, it was so cool how she took in a baby even though the baby came from mixed parents. It was so fun to read about her falling in love with Abe. It was a slow thing, but I could tell from the beginning that she cared for him.

I loved Abe, he loved those God had put under his care. But he was fighting hard to make himself be the way the bishop wanted him to be. Abe was so kind and he worked hard to help those under his care, he was willing to do anything.

I really adored Zoe, Abe and Violet together. They were such a cute family. I really loved the addition of Will, he was such a sweet boy. They felt like a family to me and I became really invested in them from the beginning. It was charming to read about how much Will cared for Zoe and how he even stood up to Abe to defend Zoe. Secondary characters really do help to make a book better. Mrs. Moresby was in this book too, so happy to see her again.

Two of my favorite quotes from this book are “You might still be running away from God. But He’s never left you, and He’s waiting for you to seek Him again.” which is such a good reminder that God is a kind Father who wants us to turn to Him. And “you don’t have to be perfect or have your situation all figured out to be used by the good Lord. If you have a willing heart, that’s all He needs.” a quote from Mrs. Moresby, who I love reading about. This quote is so encouraging because it helps you to see that God can use you if you are willing to serve Him.

I don’t know what else to say, I loved this book. My favorite of her series so far and of her historical romances. A Bride of Convenience was just that good. I would definitely recommend this book, if you have read any of Jody’s books then you have to read this one. I can’t wait for Almost a Bride!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

At Love’s Command

I couldn’t wait to read At Love’s Command when I first saw it and it was just as good as I thought! First, the cover had a male on it instead of the usual female. I loved this picture of Matthew, he looked so handsome. 🙂 At Love’s Command is written by Karen Witemeyer and it is just as good as the first book that I had read by her. I really enjoyed this book.

Matthew Hanger is the leader of his team, Hanger’s Housemen. They have been together ever since the War Between the States. He has been hardened by life, it is not easy fighting in a war, especially when you have to witness the deaths of so many innocent people. He has made it his life’s goal to avenge the death of those people by helping the innocent.

Josephine Burkett is a female doctor in 1980s Texas. She has worked hard to create and promote her practice as reliable and good. People don’t trust female doctors, but she has finally gotten the people in her town to respect her. She has accepted that she will probably never marry because not many will accept a wife who wishes to be a doctor. But she wishes that she could find a husband, that she could have a family.

Matthew and Josie cross paths when one of the Housemen gets hurt and they find themselves at the mercy of a doctor. Little did they know that this visit would change their lives. Josie saves one of the Housemen and sends them on their way. But she rushes after them, having received news of danger. She begs them to help rescue her brother. But what will Matthew do when the pretty doctor lady gets caught in the crossfire?

Matthew was a sweetheart, he was one of those guys who acted all stubborn and calloused, but was actually a softie on the inside. He just wants to protect the innocent and his men. But along the way he found himself falling for Josie, the female doctor who uses ten dollar words. However, Matthew will have to learn how to let go of his demons before he is able to have a relationship with Josie.

Josie was an amazing heroine, she was strong and brave. But she also knew when it was time to trust others to protect her and lead her. It was so funny to see her interact with Matthew, they were cute together. I really enjoyed seeing her interact with the other Housemen, they saw her as one of their own.

The other Housemen made this book all the better, I loved their conversations. It was also cool how they trusted each other to go about their missions. They had complete trust in Matthew as their leader and they would have followed him anywhere. They had found a family in each other.

This was a great book, another hit by Ms. Witemeyer. It had twists and turns that had me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what will happen. At Love’s Command reminds me yet again why I love Ms. Witemeyer’s books. I am excited to see what comes next. It is always so exciting to find a series to read! I would definitely recommend this book! If you liked Ms. Witemeyer’s books, then you need to read this one.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

The Land Beneath Us

“Oh Lord, I’ve been searching for the family I lost, and I didn’t even see the family you gave me.”

Oh my goddess, this was so good! I loved it and I could not put it down. Be prepared for a sleepless night. The Land Beneath Us is the third book in Sarah Sundin’s series, Sunrise in Normandy. I have been waiting for this book to come ever since I read the first two, The Sea Before Us, The Sky Above Us. The Land Beneath Us follows the journey of the youngest Paxton brother, Clay.

But first things first, the cover is absolutely gorgeous. It is so pretty, the sunset is so beautiful.

Clay Paxton is the younger brother of Alder and Wyatt. In the first two books, we learn that Clay’s brothers have wronged him. But we really don’t know much about him. All we know is that he is their half-brother and when they ran away, they took away his dream.

All Leah Jones wants is a place to belong, but as an orphan it is harder than it seems. She has learned to see the best of life, especially because she knows that she has a hope in God. Unfortunately there are some things that make it harder to trust God than others. What will Leah do when she feels like she is all alone and life feels like it just can’t get better?

I liked that Clay Paxton was such a sweetheart. He cared about others, but he had resigned himself to never being enough. It was really cool to see things from his side, he was the one who was wronged and how he learned to deal with it. Clay had to learn how to forgive his brothers and what it meant to let go of his anger.

Leah was so considerate, I adored her. It was so amazing to me how she was so positive and thoughtful of others. I thought it was really neat that Leah was different, even the fact that she looked different on the cover made me like her immediately. It was very cool to see her grow and learn that family and belonging is something you make. Sometimes your family are not the ones who are your one blood, but the ones who come alongside of you when things get rough.

Leah and Clay were perfect for each other. She helped him learn to forgive and see the good in life. And he showed her what having a family felt like. They completed each other, and helped each other grow closer to God.

I also liked the fact that you got to see what the Rangers went through during World War 2. It was very interesting to read about the part they played in helping in the War. I was very excited to see this part because in the first two books you got to see things from the Navy perspective, and the Air Force.

This was a wonderful conclusion to one of my favorite series. I loved getting to know Clay and Leah! I can’t wait to see what else Sarah Sundin wires! I definitely recommend this book, it is a clean Christian, historical book. It has everything you could want, action, a handsome hero, and a lovely love story.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

The Lost Lieutenant

“One does not say no to the Prince Regent.”

When I first saw this book I knew that I had to read it. The Lost Lieutenant is a novel written by Erica Vetsch and I loved it. The cover immediately drew me in and once I read the blurb, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. It is one of my new favorite Regency Christian novels!

The Lost Lieutenant is about Evan, a soldier turned Earl. He was given the honor of becoming an Earl of Whitelock because he saved the life of someone the Prince Regent cares about. He saved the life of the Prince’s godson, if only he could remember saving the Prince’s godson or even what he was doing. The next thing Evan knows, he finds himself an earl, the master of an estate, and a husband to a woman he knows nothing about.

First of all, the cover features Evan, which I loved. It is not often that you see a male on the cover of a book like this, but it was perfect. Evan drew me in from the beginning, I felt for him as he tried to gain back his memories, learn how to be an earl and be a good husband. But things are always more complicated than they look.

Diana was a perfect match for Evan. She had been so used to evil men that she didn’t know what to think about Evan. But as she got to know him, she saw that he was a kinder man then she could have thought. Once they truly got to know each other, they began to care for each other. Evan trusted Diana, he helped build her up. While Diana helped him stay positive and helped in as he tried to get his home together.

I can’t say enough about how much I liked this book. It was so hard to watch Diana and Evan struggle through their marriage and getting their home together. But I wanted to cheer when everything started to work out. This book had a knight in shining armor, an evil to defeat, and a love story.

I would definitely recommend The Lost Lieutenant. It was a clean regency christian book, that left you wanting more. I am so excited for the next book and I can’t wait to read about Marcus!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

When Valleys Bloom Again

Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for When Valleys Bloom Again by Pat Jeanne Davis, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: When Valleys Bloom Again
Author: Pat Jeanne Davis
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing
Release Date: January 16, 2019
Genre: Historical Romance

As war approaches in 1939 Abby Stapleton’s safety is under threat. Her father, a British diplomat, insists she go back to America until the danger passes. Abby vows to return to her home in London—but where is home? With her family facing mortal danger so far away and feeling herself isolated, she finds it hard to pray or read the Bible. Did she leave God behind in war-torn London too? Then Abby becomes friendly with Jim, a gardener on her uncle’s estate.

Jim can’t get Abby out of his mind. Did she have a sweetheart in England? Was it foolish to think she’d consider him? He curses his poverty and the disgrace of his father’s desertion and drunkenness haunts him. Can he learn to believe in love for a lifetime and to hope for a happy marriage?

Abby couldn’t know the war would last a long time, nor that she would fall in love with Jim—soon to be drafted by the U.S. Army—or that she’d have to confront Henri, a rejected suitor, determined by his lies to ruin her reputation and destroy her faith in God’s providence. Will she discover the true meaning of home?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pat Jeanne Davis has a keen interest in 20^th Century United States and British history, particularly the period of World War II. Her longtime interest in that era goes back to the real-life stories she heard about family members who served during the war. When Valleys Bloom Again is a debut inspirational romance set in WWII. She enjoys flower gardening, genealogy research and traveling with her British-born husband. She writes from her home in Philadelphia, Pa. Pat has published essays, short stories and articles online and in print. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She loves to hear from her readers. Visit her at https://www.patjeannedavis.com

CONNECT WITH PAT: Website | Facebook | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card!

Giveaway will begin at midnight April 13, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on April 20, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US mailing addresses only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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The Governess of Penwythe Hall

The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd is an exciting romantic story set in Regency era England. It follows the journey of Cordelia Greythorne, who after escaping her late husband’s family, becomes a governess.

However, when the children’s father dies, they are sent to live with their uncle, who lives in Cornwall, the very place Delia has fled from. There, at Penwythe Hall, Jac, lord of the land seeking to rebuild its fortunes with an orchard, is shocked to discover that he has become guardian to his nieces and nephews. Together, they try to build a home for the children, and begin to fall in love.

I have a soft spot for love stories with kids. It was one of the things that drew me to the book, along with the intriguing synopsis. I thought that this was a sweet book, though it was quite exciting near the end. I did enjoy seeing the unfolding of the story and overall loved the mystery. I would recommend this story to older teens and anyone who likes clean romances with a bit of mystery.