The Nature of a Lady is the first book in Roseanna M. White's newest series, titled "Secrets of the Isles." I really loved this book! Here is the blurb for the book: 1906 Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn't favored in society. She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles into the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage's former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished. Oliver Tremayne--gentleman and clergyman--is determined to discover what happened to his sister, and he's happy to accept the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth's summer cottage . . . especially when he realizes it's the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can't quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him. As Libby and Oliver work together, they find ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: love. Here is my review: The Nature of a Lady by Roseanna M. White is an excellent start to a new series! Set it in 1906, the story takes place on the Isles of Scilly, which are located due West of Cornwall, England. These islands have a temperate Oceanic climate, which is a good bit warmer than the rest of Britain. I had never heard of this location before reading this book, and now I have a new place on my travel bucket list. One aspect that I love about Roseanna’s books, is that most of them have some sort of mystery that the main characters become involved in. This book is no different - there’s a missing person, a mistaken identity, and a search for pirate treasure! Another thing I enjoyed about this book was the multiple points of view. Readers get into the heads of several characters, and though that can sometimes be confusing, Roseanna pulled it off well. One of the main characters is Oliver Tremayne, who is a vicar. He is kind and caring toward his congregation. Though he struggled to get along with one of the other islanders, whom he’d grown up with. I appreciated this because it made him seem more human and relatable. Libby is another main character; she struggled to understand how the God she learned about on Sundays and what she knew of the natural world went together. I enjoyed reading her journey to trusting God, and how it wasn’t something that happened quickly - it seemed natural. Of course, I loved the romance as well! This is another fantastic adventure by Mrs. White, and I cannot wait for book 2! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. You can purchase this book at the following links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christian Book | Roseanna’s Shop (signed)
Have you read this one yet? If so, let me know what you thought!
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I am SUPER excited to be a part of the blog tour for Let It Be Me, by Becky Wade. I loved this book, and I am thrilled to share my review and a giveaway with you all today! First, at little bit about the book: The one woman he wants is the one he cannot have. Former foster kid Sebastian Grant has leveraged his intelligence and hard work to become a pediatric heart surgeon. But not even his career success can erase the void he’s tried so hard to fill. Then he meets high school teacher Leah Montgomery and his fast-spinning world comes to a sudden stop. He falls hard only to make a devastating discovery — Leah is the woman his best friend set his heart on months before. Leah’s a math prodigy who’s only ever had one big dream—to earn her PhD. Raising her little brother put that dream on hold. Now that her brother will soon be college bound, she’s not going to let anything stand in her way. Especially romance… which is far less dependable than algebra. When Leah receives surprising results from the DNA test she submitted to a genealogy site, she solicits Sebastian’s help. Together, they comb through hospital records to uncover the secrets of her history. The more powerfully they’re drawn to one other, the more strongly Sebastian must resist, and the more Leah must admit that some things in life—like love—can’t be explained with numbers. Here is my review: Let It Be Me is the second book in Becky Wade’s Misty River Romance series. It is set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia. It features Sebastian, a pediatric heart surgeon who grew up in foster care, and Leah, a math genius who teaches high school math while maintaining guardianship of her younger brother. I enjoyed getting to know these characters. It was interesting to learn about Sebastian’s profession and life. Since I am a teacher, there were some things I could relate to that Leah dealt with. I enjoyed reading Sebastian’s journey as he spent time with Leah and got to know her, and as he overcame his inner struggles. I felt I could understand some of Leah’s struggle in allowing her brother more freedom, as I am a parent, although my child is still quite young compared to her brother. Sebastian and Leah go together well, and I enjoyed all of their interactions. And, as usual, Becky included an intriguing mystery in this novel, involving Leah’s birth. I really enjoyed investigating with her, and my jaw dropped when the mystery was solved! This book was not easy to put down, and I read it in about 3 days, which is pretty quick for me, a mom with a full-time job! I highly recommend this story! I should also note that you don’t need to have read book 1 (though it is also really good!) in order to read Let It Be Me. Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. Get to know Becky: During her childhood in California, Becky frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins. These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending. She’s been a fan of all things romantic ever since. Becky and her husband lived overseas in the Caribbean and Australia before settling in Dallas, Texas. It was during her years abroad that Becky’s passion for reading turned into a passion for writing. She published three historical romances for the general market, put her career on hold for many years to care for her kids, and eventually returned to writing sheerly for the love of it. She’s delighted to be penning warm, wry, and heartwarming contemporary romances for the Christian market. She’s the Christy and Carol award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, the Bradford Sisters series, and the Misty River Romance series. These days Becky can be found failing but trying to keep up with her housework, power-walking her neighborhood, carting her kids around town, hunched over her computer, eating chocolate, or collapsed on the sofa watching TV with her husband. Becky would love to connect with you on any of the following social sites: Her website: www.beckywade.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorbeckywade Twitter: http://twitter.com/beckywadewriter Instagram: http://instagram.com/beckywadewriter Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/beckywadewriter/ Blog: http://inspiredbylifeandfiction.com/blog/ Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5298259.Becky_Wade BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/becky-wade Becky Wade is offering a Let It Be Me themed giveaway. You can click here to view the entry page: https://beckywade.com/home/let-it-be-me-giveaway/. The last day to enter is May 25th, so get your entries in! Lastly, check out the rest of the blog tour!
May 4th Becky's Bookshelves May 5th Kayem Reads May 6th Inkwell Inspirations May 7th Books and Everyday Life May 8th Melmo2610 A Bookish Blog May 9th Inside The Wong Mind May 10th Debb Hackett May 11th Kristi Woods May 12th All The Bookish Adventures May 13th Fueled By Faith And Caffeine May 14th Batya's Bits May 15th Radiant Light May 17th Mrs. Deaton Reads May 18th Blessed & Bookish May 20th Remembrancy May 22nd Britt Reads Fiction May 23rd Books Life and Christ May 24th Woven By Words Today really is an exciting day - another amazing book releases today! That book is Let It Be Me by Becky Wade. Here is the blurb: The one woman he wants is the one he cannot have.Former foster kid Sebastian Grant has leveraged his intelligence and hard work to become a pediatric heart surgeon. But not even his career success can erase the void he’s tried so hard to fill. Then he meets high school teacher Leah Montgomery and his fast-spinning world comes to a sudden stop. He falls hard only to make a devastating discovery — Leah is the woman his best friend set his heart on months before. Leah’s a math prodigy who’s only ever had one big dream—to earn her PhD. Raising her little brother put that dream on hold. Now that her brother will soon be college bound, she’s not going to let anything stand in her way. Especially romance… which is far less dependable than algebra. When Leah receives surprising results from the DNA test she submitted to a genealogy site, she solicits Sebastian’s help. Together, they comb through hospital records to uncover the secrets of her history. The more powerfully they’re drawn to one other, the more strongly Sebastian must resist, and the more Leah must admit that some things in life—like love—can’t be explained with numbers. About the author: Becky’s a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas with their three children and two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. She loves writing funny, modern, and inspirational contemporary romance! She’s the Christy and Carol award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, the Bradford Sisters series, and the Misty River Romance series. You can connect with Becky here: Her website: www.beckywade.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorbeckywade Twitter: http://twitter.com/beckywadewriter Instagram: http://instagram.com/beckywadewriter Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/beckywadewriter/ Blog: http://inspiredbylifeandfiction.com/blog/ Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5298259.Becky_Wade BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/becky-wade Today also begins the blog tour!
Check out the schedule below: May 4th Becky's Bookshelves May 5th Kayem Reads May 6th Inkwell Inspirations May 7th Books and Everyday Life May 8th Melmo2610 A Bookish Blog May 9th Inside The Wong Mind May 10th Debb Hackett May 11th Kristi Woods May 12th All The Bookish Adventures May 13th Fueled By Faith And Caffeine May 14th Batya's Bits May 15th Radiant Light May 17th Mrs. Deaton Reads May 18th Blessed & Bookish May 20th Remembrancy May 22nd Britt Reads Fiction May 23rd Books Life and Christ May 24th Woven By Words Today is a great day, because I am featuring The Nature of a Lady by Roseanna M. White in a book spotlight post, since it releases today! Scroll down for a link to Roseanna's blog, she's got some fun stuff going on over there today, including a giveaway! Here's the blurb: The Nature of a Lady, The Secrets of the Isles, 1 1906 Lady Elizabeth “Libby” Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn’t favored in society. She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles into the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage’s former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished. Oliver Tremayne–gentleman and clergyman–is determined to discover what happened to his sister, and he’s happy to accept the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth’s summer cottage . . . especially when he realizes it’s the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can’t quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him. As Libby and Oliver work together, they find ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: love. I have been waiting for this book for a long time - I can't wait to dive in! My copy is currently on the way... Check out Roseanna's blog post today, for some bookish fun! https://bit.ly/2PJ8bVc Here's a little bit more about the author, Roseanna M. White: Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com. You can connect with Roseanna on other platforms, as well: Blog: https://www.roseannamwhite.com/blog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoseannaMWhite/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/roseannamwhite/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roseannamwhite/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoseannaMWhite Website: https://www.roseannamwhite.com Here are some places to purchase your copy of The Nature of a Lady: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christian Book | Roseanna’s Shop (signed) The Earth-Treader by Alissa J. Zavalianos “She wasn’t the same girl she was when she left home, and that gave her courage.” Rylla, the young heroine, she discovers one day that she is an Earth-Treader, “one who can bend the will of nature and speak to animals.” She’s one of a dwindling number, and she’s given the monumental task of finding five missing magical stones, which can save her world from an encroaching darkness. Along the way she acquires companions, most with their own struggles; will their efforts be enough to complete the mission? I really enjoyed reading Rylla’s journey - the literal one and her personal growth. She’s a relatable character. And I was pleased to read the ending - but I’m not going to give spoilers! 🙈 As the story moved on there were many moments in which I had to continue reading to figure out what would happen next...almost nail biting moments, haha. Alissa did an excellent job with world-building in this novel; the descriptions were well-written, and I could easily picture the setting in my mind. This is an enthralling fantasy of a teenage girl’s quest to prove herself and also save her kingdom, and I highly recommend it! Here are 2 more quotes that stood out to me: “You fear temptation, and rightly so, but why give power to something that o key seeks to take away yours? When the time comes, you’ll be able to rise above it.” Moo said. “Perhaps jealousy was just another branch of what it meant to hate..” You can find Alissa on her Instagram account, @authoralissajzavalianos “Smack in the middle of what God is askin’ is the best place for any of us to be. I know you want what’s best for the lass, but I think yer confusin’ the idea of best with the idea of safe.” A Dance in Donegal, by Jennifer Deibel, is a stunning debut novel. In it, Moira Doherty moves to the small Irish village her mother grew up in, to fulfill her mother’s dream. Moira goes to become the teacher; upon her arrival, she learns of a dreadful rumor surrounding her mother. This complicates her attempt to settle in; most of the townspeople go so far as shunning her. She does have a few allies though, including the handsome Sean McFadden. By the end of the novel, the truth about her mother has been revealed, and Moira has changed. She has become more confident in her faith in God, she truly trusts Him to lead her into the future, and she has become more like Him, forgiving those who wished ill against her. I really loved the setting of this novel. Reading this really made me want to go visit Ireland! The descriptions are lovely. I also enjoyed learning about varying Irish customs. The themes of faith and a relationship with God are strong in this novel, but I didn’t think they were pushy. Since I am a teacher like Moira, I connected with her on some levels (though I’ve never moved to a new town knowing no one). She truly cared for the well-being of her students, despite her own discomfort. I thought her character, as well as Sean’s and others, were well-developed. I also really enjoyed the map in the front of the book. Most historical fiction books don’t contain maps, so I was thrilled to find that. The Irish glossary in the back was also quite helpful. I truly enjoyed this novel, and I can’t wait to read the next book from Jennifer Deibel! I received a complimentary copy of the book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own. Today, I am featuring The Red Canary, by Rachel Scott McDaniel.
This is Rachel's second book, and I absolutely loved it, just like I did the first one. Here's the synopsis: Music sparks her world, but can love ignite her heart? I n 1928, soot from the local mills and music from speakeasies linger in the Pittsburgh air. When the manager of The Kelly Club is found dead, nightclub singer Vera Pembroke is thrust into peril. As the only witness to the crime, she’s sentenced to hide away in the Allegheny Forest with a stuffy police sergeant as her guardian. Sergeant Mick Dinelo harbors a burning hatred for Pittsburgh’s underworld after the devastation it left on his life—and heart. He should be out exposing the culpable gangsters rather than tending to the impetuous woman who defies his every effort to keep her safe. Mick and Vera must set aside their differences to solve the murder that someone wants to keep buried beneath the soot of Steel City. Here is my review: Rachel Scott McDaniel has done it again! She has written another stunning historical romance! I loved being drawn into Prohibition-era Pittsburgh. Though life was harsh for many at the time, including our main character, Vera, to me it is such an interesting time period. McDaniel describes the setting and “feel” of the time well. Part of the story also takes place in the Allegheny National Forest; I truly felt immersed in the region. I also enjoyed seeing Mitch and Vera learn to trust one another, and God. Though at times Vera annoyed me with her reluctance, I realized her character was written realistically, based on what she had been through in her past. The mystery in this novel was also engrossing, and the ending was perfect! I was on the edge of my seat up until the very end, when justice was served. It is evident the author put her heart and passion into this novel. I highly recommend this one, and I am looking forward to what she will create next! Here are a few quotes that stood out to me: “He winced at his own revelation. If her flaws were covered by grace, weren’t his?” “ ‘You better thank your lucky stars you’re alive.’ Not her lucky stars, her wonderful God.” “You said you needed a song…” Friends you should definitely pick this one up! Today, I am featuring a book that was JUST released last week! It is titled His Disinclined Bride, by Jennie Goutet. Here is the synopsis: Theirs is not a love match. She’ll make sure of it. Kitty Stokes never imagined she’d be so weak as to sacrifice herself on the altar of family obligations, but when the only alternative to marriage with Lord Hayworth is to play nursemaid to her brother’s children, Kitty reluctantly agrees. On her wedding day, she’s certain she has made a grave error, but it’s too late to back out. Phineas Hayworth refrained from setting eyes on his new bride before their wedding day—the price he forced himself to pay for being so mercenary as to wed the sister of a wealthy merchant in a bid to save his estate from ruins. Her beauty, therefore, comes as a shock, as does her icy treatment, which he feels he deserves. He swears an oath he will not approach her for an heir unless the invitation comes from her. As Phineas sets out to put his estate in order and present his new wife to Society, he finds her more enchanting than he could have hoped for, even in a love match. Kitty continues to hold him at arm’s length, although he suspects her feelings for him run just as deep. As Phineas’s love and desire for his wife grows, the oath he swore her begins to suffocate. It soon becomes clear that while he’d once been prepared to settle for a loveless marriage, he will not abide an unrequited love. His Disinclined Bride is a sweet/clean regency romance stand-alone novel, book seven in the Seasons of Change series. ♥ Here is my review: I think this is the first historical fiction book I have read in which the two main characters are set up in an arranged marriage. I never really thought I would enjoy it that much, however I really did enjoy reading Kitty and Phineas’ journey. From the beginning of the book when they were strangers, to the end when they had gotten to know, respect, and love one another. I think the problems and struggles they faced were realistic, some even in current times, such as getting along with one’s in-laws and communicating effectively. I found Kitty’s struggle to settle in as mistress of an estate realistic and interesting, as well. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the setting, and most of the day-to-day activities. There were a few spots that seemed a little slow to me, but they did not by any means ruin the book. This is one I enjoyed and will recommend to friends! *I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.* This book can be purchased on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3kwEUHN Here is some more information about the author: Jennie Goutet is an American-born Anglophile, who lives with her French husband and their three children in a small town outside Paris. Her imagination resides in Regency England, where her historical romances are set. Jennie is also author of the award-winning memoir, Stars Upside Down, and the modern romances, A Sweetheart in Paris and A Noble Affair. A Christian, a cook, and an inveterate klutz, Jennie writes about faith, food, and life--even the clumsy moments--on her blog, aladyinfrance.com. You can learn more about Jennie and her books on her author website, jenniegoutet.com You can find her on Instagram at @aladyinfrance. Let me know if you read this one, and what you think! I'm going to share with you this evening another book that I quite enjoyed. I read this one right after/as it was released, in early 2019. It's an excellent book, with somewhat of a different story than what I have found (though I could be wrong) to be typical in Regency Romance books. Here is my review: Kristi Ann Hunter has written another un-put-downable story! In A Return of Devotion, book two in the Haven Manor series, we learn about Daphne Blakemoor - her motivations, what makes her tick. We see how life changes for her once she meets the new owner of Haven Manor, and they are both forced to come to terms with their past. Daphne and William’s story is one of hope and forgiveness. It’s a story of a woman who learns to live life to the fullest after a life-changing setback, and a man who learns to open his heart. As always, Kristi’s writing made me think, and laugh out loud! Kristi’s depiction of the social climate of the Regency era is eye-opening and thought-provoking. She balances serious situations with humor seamlessly. Her characters are deep, and her descriptions are full of detail. This one also made me tear up a bit - it is so good, y’all! I highly recommend this novel, and I can’t wait to read Jess’s story in book three! I received a review copy of this book from the author/publisher; all opinions in my review are my own. Have you read this one? Let me know what you thought with a comment! Happy reading! This is it -- the first official post of my book review blog!
I have been considering this idea for several months now (okay, let's "be real," really since I was spending more time at home and reading more during the COVID19 lock-downs). I should have gone ahead with it then.. for whatever reason, I put it off until now. So I'm starting off with the first review I ever wrote as part of a launch team. I wrote this in August-September 2017, to help launch Kristi Ann Hunter's book, An Inconvenient Beauty. I had a great experience on that launch team, and have participated on several others since then. My goal is to post those past reviews in the next few weeks, and then jump into what I'm currently reading. Without further ado, here is my first book review! An Inconvenient Beauty is a delightful ending to the Hawthorne House Series. Although I am rather sad it's come to an end and I won't be reading any new books about this family, I have thoroughly enjoyed their stories, and plan to reread them in order soon! It is finally Griffith's turn to find a wife and true love; his siblings are happily married and settled, and he has come up with just the plan for a smooth courtship and marriage for himself. Except nothing goes according to his plan, and he learns that matters of the heart are completely out of his control (but not God's). Isabella Breckenridge has made what she thought was the best choice for the well-being of her family. But she made this choice without God's guidance and now must suffer the consequences. Isabella struggles to believe God would forgive her and still take care of her family, but she finally trusts Him and comes out with a happily-ever-after. It is hard to believe this series is complete! In this final book, I laughed out loud multiple times while reading, teared up once, and there were several late nights involved too, although part of me wanted to take my time to postpone the ending. I really enjoyed the family dynamics, and reading about both the town and country aspects of life in the Regency era. I have recommended books 1 - 3 to all of my friends, and will be recommending book 4 as well! Here's a link to purchase the book, if you are interested: link. |
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