tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21078996793635682072024-03-13T15:48:49.947-06:00LDS and Lovin' itGeo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.comBlogger676125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-77958185794273384522024-02-28T17:25:00.000-07:002024-02-28T17:25:54.663-07:00HISTORICAL ROMANCE/MYSTERY: Protecting Her Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hS66lSz31z-7MwQwMMxxgkD02wryTHq1WuBQ5SWMQun1T623rxtsrqFWuHWMNAWtYT7GsOZ-qHOFgPygagBp9oI0qz1NZCTXXt-QNqcVukSKHNVhM3JeJb3yTthOrSn9ppqdnIVg1PnI3_Ii-TNabjos8JDKgEocBhqWZHKV8sDwWBaQM0bRIfelUSNu/s800/protecting%20her%20heart.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hS66lSz31z-7MwQwMMxxgkD02wryTHq1WuBQ5SWMQun1T623rxtsrqFWuHWMNAWtYT7GsOZ-qHOFgPygagBp9oI0qz1NZCTXXt-QNqcVukSKHNVhM3JeJb3yTthOrSn9ppqdnIVg1PnI3_Ii-TNabjos8JDKgEocBhqWZHKV8sDwWBaQM0bRIfelUSNu/s320/protecting%20her%20heart.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6018102.html" target="_blank">PROTECTING HER HEART</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6018102.html" target="_blank">Matchmakers #3</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6018102.html" target="_blank">by Nancy Campbell Allen</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6018102.html" target="_blank">Shadow Mountain, 2024</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6018102.html" target="_blank">ISBN: 978-1-63993-169-9</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6018102.html" target="_blank">Source: ARC from publisher</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6018102.html" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6018102.html" target="_blank">Book cover & summary provided by publisher through Deseretbook.com.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>London, 1887 <div><br /></div><div>When newly graduated medical doctor Charlotte Duvall receives word that her father has died, she immediately leaves America and returns home to see to her family’s estate. Among her father’s possessions is a box of her late mother’s letters, which feels like a balm to Charlotte’s grief-stricken heart. But the letters contain some inconsistencies that suggest there was more to her mother’s death than Charlotte had been told. She turns to the one man she trusts more than anyone—her treasured friend and director of London’s police force, John Ellis. John Ellis has harbored feelings for Charlotte ever since he first met her. Tucked into his heart are thoughts of her sharp mind, quick wit, and remarkable beauty. Though he has not yet found the courage to share his feelings with the young doctor, he is eager to help her in her hour of need. Investigating the details of a death was not how Charlotte imagined she would find love, but as she and John work to unravel a dark web of secrets and lies, she finds herself relying on him more and more—and opening her heart to him in the process. As the danger draws ever closer, John vows to do everything in his power to protect Charlotte from harm. But he fears protecting her heart might come at the cost of breaking his own.<div><br /></div><div><b>REVIEW</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I loved returning to the world of Amelia, Eva, and Charlotte, three cousins who continue the tradition of stepping out of traditional women's roles as members of the Notorious Hamptons. I'm only sad that the series seems to be over. In this final volume, Charlotte returns home for the funeral of her father after he sends her a letter indicating his efforts to find out what really lead to her mother's death many years earlier. As Charlotte follows in her father's steps, she quickly discovers that someone has something to hide and it puts herself and those she loves in danger. She turns to John Ellis, a friend and director of London's police force, for help. While searching for answers, John and Charlotte learn that their feelings for each other are stronger than they realized previously. The twists and turns of the story kept me turning the pages while the romantic moments made me smile. Neither John or Charlotte is willing at first to accept their feelings for each other as something that could lead to marriage, but it all happens so naturally that they are in deep almost before they realize it. It's delightful to read about Charlotte's cousins and their families again as well. Both an intriguing mystery and a sweet romance that satisfied this soul's reading desires.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div></div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-10304234326261123052024-02-07T17:09:00.000-07:002024-02-07T17:09:15.499-07:00COZY MYSTERY: The Cats Came Back by Sofie Kelly<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaddqiaNXvsCATdHq-Okok90aZiOvl88yoMJXiiE19RDaI0-peVPixKbpvR1Z_WtNe47QmHiAWHzm0-XCQee9fltVgV0iMKABIFsfbXlkIKwdFYMrCjHnjJ0bq4BhjVVRJ4AVV8SXGCb0Po6wATlGhAwGluAWL-YhwL5h5rFfqActcxDWgf2dO_o3jLhv/s500/cats%20came%20back.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaddqiaNXvsCATdHq-Okok90aZiOvl88yoMJXiiE19RDaI0-peVPixKbpvR1Z_WtNe47QmHiAWHzm0-XCQee9fltVgV0iMKABIFsfbXlkIKwdFYMrCjHnjJ0bq4BhjVVRJ4AVV8SXGCb0Po6wATlGhAwGluAWL-YhwL5h5rFfqActcxDWgf2dO_o3jLhv/s320/cats%20came%20back.jpeg" width="204" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37538833-the-cats-came-back?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=iqEzzWVUXS&rank=1">THE CATS CAME BACK</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37538833-the-cats-came-back?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=iqEzzWVUXS&rank=1">A Magical Cats Mystery #10</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37538833-the-cats-came-back?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=iqEzzWVUXS&rank=1">by Sofie Kelly</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37538833-the-cats-came-back?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=iqEzzWVUXS&rank=1">Berkeley Prime Crime, 2018</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37538833-the-cats-came-back?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=iqEzzWVUXS&rank=1">ISBN: 978-0-399-58560-9</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37538833-the-cats-came-back?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=iqEzzWVUXS&rank=1">Source: purchased</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37538833-the-cats-came-back?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=iqEzzWVUXS&rank=1">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37538833-the-cats-came-back?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=iqEzzWVUXS&rank=1">Book cover & summary provided by publisher through Goodreads.com.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Small-town librarian Kathleen Paulson often seems to gets mixed up in murder, but luckily, her very special cats always find a way to help her close a case . . .The charming Minnesota town of Mayville Heights is hosting a music festival, and the whole place is bustling with musicians and tourists. Kathleen is looking forward to taking in some fabulous performances--and her two cats, Owen and Hercules, are looking forward to taking in some fabulous sardine crackers. But then the trio stumbles across a dead body by the river. The victim is a close friend--who also happens to be a look-alike of a popular cabaret singer set to perform at the festival. Who could have wanted to harm this innocent girl? Was it a case of mistaken identity? As accusations abound and suspicions swirl, Kathleen, Hercules and Owen will put their abilities--both mundane and magical--to the test, and lay down the paw.<br /><br /><div><b>REVIEW</b></div><div><br /></div><div>As in the previous Magical Cats books, Kathleen and her two rather magical cats must solve a murder. When the cats lead Kathleen and her friend, Ruby to a dead body, Kathleen finds herself drawn into the case. Not only because of her detective boyfriend, but because she knew the victim and the victim's best friend who looked so much like her it raises the possibility of mistaken identity. What do scandalous photographs, a grouchy manager, and dangerous relations mean about the motives behind the murder? Once again Owen and Hercules step in to help point Kathleen in the right direction, but can they find the answer before the murderer strikes again? As with many cozy mysteries, the main character juggles her regular life with her amateur sleuthing and I love it. As much as I love reading about Kathleen pulling the pieces together with the help of her librarian skills and her friends, I also love reading about the relationships between Kathleen and her cats as well as Kathleen and her friends and family. If you enjoy a good cozy mystery with great characters both primary and secondary, with a good dose of cat hijinks and a touch of magical, I can heartily recommend this addition to the series.</div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-62478912354644809002024-01-17T19:42:00.002-07:002024-01-17T19:42:54.528-07:00RELIGIOUS BOOK REVIEW: Jesus is the Christ by Neil L. Andersen<div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexZOwopqeM0kGK8kz_NRFW5MInDtw25XuKxKNaSH9a6VxP2OwyEBfqPRRGTEsLdCh0sC3u0I7ur9zCgFgFeBlzjUhHvTDVfwcJgriprfld4xmsmKWemm1Cp0IqBrrv7o9MPd0ymShCpIoy07FkGsI3cRaQ-7FDD-XY-dK2KKXLMAll9qLAus25DjLro_m/s2484/Jesus%20is%20the%20Christ.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2484" data-original-width="1653" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexZOwopqeM0kGK8kz_NRFW5MInDtw25XuKxKNaSH9a6VxP2OwyEBfqPRRGTEsLdCh0sC3u0I7ur9zCgFgFeBlzjUhHvTDVfwcJgriprfld4xmsmKWemm1Cp0IqBrrv7o9MPd0ymShCpIoy07FkGsI3cRaQ-7FDD-XY-dK2KKXLMAll9qLAus25DjLro_m/s320/Jesus%20is%20the%20Christ.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122802224-jesus-is-the-christ?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=4XqegpbYX9&rank=2">JESUS IS THE CHRIST</a></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122802224-jesus-is-the-christ?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=4XqegpbYX9&rank=2">by Neil L. Andersen</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122802224-jesus-is-the-christ?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=4XqegpbYX9&rank=2">Ensign Peak, 2023</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122802224-jesus-is-the-christ?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=4XqegpbYX9&rank=2">ISBN: 978-1-63993-146-0</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122802224-jesus-is-the-christ?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=4XqegpbYX9&rank=2">Source: purchased</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122802224-jesus-is-the-christ?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=4XqegpbYX9&rank=2">Spiritual/inspirational</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122802224-jesus-is-the-christ?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=4XqegpbYX9&rank=2">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122802224-jesus-is-the-christ?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=4XqegpbYX9&rank=2">Book cover & description from publisher on Goodreads.com.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><i>Jesus Is the Christ</i> is a glimpse into The Life that changed all human history. Never has there been, or ever will there be another like Him. He is the God of all races, of each person ever born on earth. His love is the path to peace for everyone in this world regardless of who we are or where we live. This beautiful synopsis of the life and words of Jesus Christ can add joy, strength and power to your day and your life. Its brevity makes it easy to read again and again, bringing comfort, peace and added faith, helping us to think of Him, remember Him and turn to Him. For those whose faith is strong, for those who have never known Him, for those who once loved Him, Jesus Is the Christ is a quiet reminder that He is the true source of joy, peace, comfort and everlasting love. Open its pages and discover or rediscover the joy of His love.<div><br /></div><div><b>REVIEW</b></div><div><br /></div><div>This beautiful gift book presents readers with an overview of the life of Jesus Christ along with the testimony of Elder Neil L. Andersen, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Using scriptures from the King James Version of the Holy Bible, Elder Andersen presents a touching tribute to the Savior, His life, His death, and His Resurrection. Combining beautiful artwork and quotes pulled from the text, the book presents readers with a powerful reminder of God's love. At 39 pages, the book can be read in one quick sitting, but the feelings left behind can last much longer.<br /><br /></div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-17665005724034799312024-01-11T16:51:00.007-07:002024-01-11T16:51:41.462-07:00A PROPER ROMANCE: The Bachelor and the Bride by Sarah M. Eden<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Bachelor and the Bride" height="320" src="https://d26iejr7yj7kfh.cloudfront.net/product-images/000/745/679/detail/The_Bachelor_and_the_Bride.jpg?1657230233" style="max-height: 100%; max-width: 100%; text-align: start;" width="207" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/the-bachelor-and-the-bride?queryID=4fdf888a61d6d86803390faad8b9b693&variant_id=199369-paperback" target="_blank">THE BACHELOR AND THE BRIDE</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/the-bachelor-and-the-bride?queryID=4fdf888a61d6d86803390faad8b9b693&variant_id=199369-paperback" target="_blank">The Dread Penny Society #4</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/the-bachelor-and-the-bride?queryID=4fdf888a61d6d86803390faad8b9b693&variant_id=199369-paperback" target="_blank">A Proper Romance</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/the-bachelor-and-the-bride?queryID=4fdf888a61d6d86803390faad8b9b693&variant_id=199369-paperback" target="_blank">by Sarah M. Eden</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/the-bachelor-and-the-bride?queryID=4fdf888a61d6d86803390faad8b9b693&variant_id=199369-paperback" target="_blank">Shadow Mountain, 2022</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/the-bachelor-and-the-bride?queryID=4fdf888a61d6d86803390faad8b9b693&variant_id=199369-paperback" target="_blank">ISBN: 978-1-63993-048-7</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/the-bachelor-and-the-bride?queryID=4fdf888a61d6d86803390faad8b9b693&variant_id=199369-paperback" target="_blank">Source: purchased copy & ARC from publisher for review</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/the-bachelor-and-the-bride?queryID=4fdf888a61d6d86803390faad8b9b693&variant_id=199369-paperback" target="_blank">Adult historical romance</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/the-bachelor-and-the-bride?queryID=4fdf888a61d6d86803390faad8b9b693&variant_id=199369-paperback" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/the-bachelor-and-the-bride?queryID=4fdf888a61d6d86803390faad8b9b693&variant_id=199369-paperback" target="_blank">Book cover & summary provided by publisher through Deseretbook.com.</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><div><br />London, 1866<br /><br />Dr. Barnabus Milligan has always felt called to help people, whether that means setting a broken bone or rescuing the impoverished women of London from their desperate lives on the streets as part of his work with the Dread Penny Society.<br /><br />Three years ago, he helped rescue Gemma Kincaid by secretly marrying her to protect her from her family of notorious grave robbers.<br /><br />But six months after Gemma and Barnabus exchanged vows, she realized her love for her new husband was unrequited. To protect her heart, she left, telling Barnabus to contact her if his feelings for her ever grew beyond a sense of duty.<br /><br />When Barnabus sends a letter to Gemma inviting her to return home, she hopes to find a true connection between them. But unfortunately, he only wants her help to foil the Kincaids, who have been terrorizing the boroughs of London, eager to gain both money and power.<br /><br />Heartbroken, Gemma agrees to help, but she warns Barnabus that she will not stay for long, and once she goes, he'll never see her again.<br /><br />Yet as the couple follows the clues that seem to connect the Kincaids to the Mastiff, the leader of London's criminal network, Gemma and Barnabus realize they might make a better match than either of them suspected. Perhaps the marriage that had once saved Gemma's life might now save Barnabus―and his lonely heart.<br /><br />But before the once-confirmed bachelor can properly court his secret bride, they'll need to evade the dangerous forces that are drawing ever closer to the hopeful lovers and the entire Dread Penny Society itself.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>REVIEW</b></div><div><br /></div><div>The fourth book in The Dread Penny Society series find the society sinking deeper and deeper into trouble. As the society seeks to learn more about the Mastiff and his crew and their awful plans for the city, Dr. Barnabus Milligan faces a dilemma of his own. A secret marriage comes to light, bringing the woman he tried to save back into his life. Gemma left after discovering he didn't love her the way she loved him. But now, her life is at grave risk as her family of resurrectionists tries to bring her back into the fold of their criminal activity which seems to be connected to both the Mastiff and the Dread Penny Society. Integrated into the story are two penny dreadfuls 'written' by Dr. Milligan and 'Mr. King' another of the members of the Dread Penny Society. In this series, the fascinating way the penny dreadfuls intertwine with the main storyline, keeps one turning the pages. And this fourth book in a five book series builds the tension to a crescendo. By the time the book ends, the society is facing it's demise and a disaster than anything they could imagine. A couple of interesting twists at the end definitely surprised me and sent the story into a rather unusual direction. I love the way that the author blends her characters, setting, and stories (including the penny dreadful tales) until they are all part of one connected whole. </div><style></style>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-90673787915367037532024-01-09T16:39:00.000-07:002024-01-09T16:39:57.766-07:00HISTORICAL ROMANCE: THE HOLLY AND THE IVY: a Christmas romance collection<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sEd_NlkPvDKUu9Y5gQ2LdXVUt1r2D4GBz6CCRoihhxeSOX0xHXfpadgFI09ZNttSSA-F77HpC3W-UWYWHGa-Jnw95updIkEtjjzxmMWKDK8yfk8oDVE9HdlaJkjT50ww-n8z1702XTR4-FsOlfjJZu7gvjZBv9fr6IVjL2WowSegK9qjRk461ZfljR-Z/s800/holly%20ivy.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sEd_NlkPvDKUu9Y5gQ2LdXVUt1r2D4GBz6CCRoihhxeSOX0xHXfpadgFI09ZNttSSA-F77HpC3W-UWYWHGa-Jnw95updIkEtjjzxmMWKDK8yfk8oDVE9HdlaJkjT50ww-n8z1702XTR4-FsOlfjJZu7gvjZBv9fr6IVjL2WowSegK9qjRk461ZfljR-Z/s320/holly%20ivy.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6007006.html" target="_blank">THE HOLLY AND THE IVY</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6007006.html" target="_blank">a Christmas romance collection</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6007006.html" target="_blank">written by Sarah M. Eden, Esther Hatch, Dana LeCheminant, Anneka R. Walker</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6007006.html" target="_blank">Covenant Communications, 2022</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6007006.html" target="_blank">ISBN: 978-1-52442-222-6</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6007006.html" target="_blank">Source: purchased</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6007006.html" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6007006.html" target="_blank">Book cover & book summary provided by publisher through Deseretbook.com.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><i>The Holly and the Ivy</i> by Sarah M. Eden As nursemaid to the eight-year-old Duke of Kielder, Robbie will spend her holidays with her young charge as a guest of Lord and Lady Jonquil. While the couple makes the child’s holiday magical, the handsome gardener works his own magic on Nurse Robbie’s heart. <i>Hiding Christmas</i> by Esther Hatch Celebrating Christmas in Scotland will only invite persecution. But that never stopped Kirstine’s English grandmother. When they are almost caught, Kirstine is forced to beg for the help of the one man she cannot abide. <i>A Twist of Christmas</i> by Dana LeCheminant A Christmas house party offers two members of the ton an irresistible opportunity: a weekend of anonymity. But their charade comes with unexpected romantic consequences. <i>A Season to Love</i> by Anneka R. Walker Alice Hunt is searching for a Christmas miracle: a husband of her choosing. With the threat of an arranged marriage looming, she looks to an unlikely matchmaker for help.<div><br /></div><div><b>REVIEW</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Christmas stories live in my heart all year long. Through in some romance and I am happy as a clam. This lovely collection contains four stories by some of my many favorite authors. First, I got to visit the childhood of one of my favorite all time characters, the Duke of Kielder, who shows up in a number of Sarah M. Eden's regency novels. But in this story, he's a lonely, grieving child in the care of his nanny. He comes to visit Lord and Lady Jonquil who shower him with all the love and celebration his heart could desire. But when his nanny Robbie falls for the handsome gardener working for the Jonquils, can it truly be a great Christmas. I loved returning to the world of these beloved characters and reading about events mentioned elsewhere. I adored all the characters in this one.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Hiding Christmas</i> by Esther Hatch takes readers on a journey with Kirstine as she takes her grandmother to England to celebrate Christmas, something still frowned on in Scotland. But the only way to get there is to ask for help from a man she would prefer not to know. But along the way, her heart softens as she learns more about the man she's so desperate to despise. I found myself smiling and even laughing out loud at spots in this one. Witty banter is one of my favorite things to read in a romance and this one has plenty.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>A Twist of Christmas </i>sees two members of high society dipping their feet into anonymity as they both pretend to be someone lower in station. What neither expects of course is to fall in love with someone they seemingly cannot marry. The secondary characters play a rather entertaining role in the story as they know more about what's going on then the main characters do. Another enjoyable romance full of holiday spirit.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alice Hunt's search for a husband in <i>A Season to Love </i>provides plenty of Christmas spirit as well as humorous misadventures as Alice recruits a clergyman to help her find a husband. But maybe she's looking beyond the mark and the solution to her deepest desire is right under her nose. Alice and Thomas make a great match and it's a true delight seeing them get there.</div><div><br /></div><div>A wonderful collection of feel-good stories full of amusing details and lots of holiday spirit.</div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-29364781526975451272023-12-13T16:52:00.002-07:002023-12-13T16:52:26.385-07:00COZY MYSTERY: A Tale of Two Kitties by Sofie Kelly<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fZf3T89klLLxrpDizWeqxM63F8M4PFOcEzIo0BazkU0vMrArM-rZhFb88Ese-UiLlc3Jt0qUgrqnUw1xfjz7jBu-qOP7LnXzCLXFDUvylXHyVVEWShiGbiBAbdhVBPi2O5fsscKaFKuUZuVE_tV-m0ZEVTgM60kSIhVpd2t3B54JguorYWNnJqJwSDjG/s500/tale%20of%20two%20kitties.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fZf3T89klLLxrpDizWeqxM63F8M4PFOcEzIo0BazkU0vMrArM-rZhFb88Ese-UiLlc3Jt0qUgrqnUw1xfjz7jBu-qOP7LnXzCLXFDUvylXHyVVEWShiGbiBAbdhVBPi2O5fsscKaFKuUZuVE_tV-m0ZEVTgM60kSIhVpd2t3B54JguorYWNnJqJwSDjG/s320/tale%20of%20two%20kitties.jpeg" width="204" /></a></div><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33359586-a-tale-of-two-kitties?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=icM6nZuc1m&rank=2" target="_blank">A TALE OF TWO KITTIES</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33359586-a-tale-of-two-kitties?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=icM6nZuc1m&rank=2" target="_blank">A Magical Cats Mystery #9</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33359586-a-tale-of-two-kitties?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=icM6nZuc1m&rank=2" target="_blank">by Sofie Kelly</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33359586-a-tale-of-two-kitties?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=icM6nZuc1m&rank=2" target="_blank">Berkley Prime Crime, 2017</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33359586-a-tale-of-two-kitties?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=icM6nZuc1m&rank=2" target="_blank">ISBN: 978-0-399-58559-3</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33359586-a-tale-of-two-kitties?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=icM6nZuc1m&rank=2" target="_blank">Source: purchased</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33359586-a-tale-of-two-kitties?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=icM6nZuc1m&rank=2" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33359586-a-tale-of-two-kitties?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=icM6nZuc1m&rank=2" target="_blank">Book cover provided by publisher through Goodreads.com.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>In this charming mystery from the bestselling author of Paws and Effect, two magical cats have powers of detection that prove indispensable to librarian Kathleen Paulson…</div><div><br /></div><div>With a well-placed paw on a keyboard or a pointed stare, Kathleen’s two cats, Hercules and Owen, have helped her to solve cases in the past—so she has learned to trust their instincts. But she will need to rely on them more than ever when a twenty-year-old scandal leads to murder…</div><div><br /></div><div>The arrival of the Janes brothers has the little town of Mayville Heights buzzing. Everyone of a certain age remembers when Victor had an affair with Leo’s wife, who then died in a car accident.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now it seems the brothers are trying to reconcile, until Kathleen finds Leo dead. The police set their sights on Leo’s son and Kathleen’s good friend Simon, who doesn’t have much of an alibi. To prove her friend innocent, Kathleen will have to dig deep into the town's history—and into her sardine cracker supply, because Owen and Hercules don't work for free...</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>REVIEW</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Kathleen and her cats, Hercules and Owen, continue to solve mysteries that drop into their path. With their 'magical' abilities, Hercules and Owen 'assist' Kathleen in her sleuthing. The arrival of two brothers in town along with the surprise discovery of a bunch of twenty-year-old mail hidden in the post office sends Kathleen digging into the past. With the help of her cats, town residents, and her police detective boyfriend, Kathleen sets out to discover why one brother ends up dead before her friend Simon gets arrested for murder. As in the other books in the series, the interactions between Kathleen and her cats make for delightful reading. As a cat lover myself, I love the hijinks that drive Kathleen crazy but make me laugh. I especially appreciate the fact that the series is relatively clean with only a small amount of cursing/profaning and no graphic sex. I look forward to reading the series as long as Sofie keeps writing them.</div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-87860445090040175872023-07-18T09:00:00.001-06:002023-07-18T09:00:00.142-06:00COZY MYSTERY REVIEW: Paws & Effect by Sofie Kelly<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMCb6afaD_e36qg0FgKrUalrZ2KhGHZGqagfezDw4wAGQzkcq-6aQEZRfULekdY3VDRK9jfTwb5RVIM1BE_LKrC5srAPUT5vr8ZuEZk7hAFCYyR2LKDifv-6ABIg4lWVnHGwKBVQerhNnVnt1m2u6cn_s1UlnJs58cG_zTTU9H6eWQ0Z9Cumv7n_yOFB6/s499/paws%20and%20effect.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMCb6afaD_e36qg0FgKrUalrZ2KhGHZGqagfezDw4wAGQzkcq-6aQEZRfULekdY3VDRK9jfTwb5RVIM1BE_LKrC5srAPUT5vr8ZuEZk7hAFCYyR2LKDifv-6ABIg4lWVnHGwKBVQerhNnVnt1m2u6cn_s1UlnJs58cG_zTTU9H6eWQ0Z9Cumv7n_yOFB6/s320/paws%20and%20effect.jpeg" width="199" /></a></div><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>PAWS AND EFFECT</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>A Magical Cats Mystery #8</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">by Sofie Kelly</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Berkley Prime Crime, 2016</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ISBN: 978-0-451-47216-8</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: purchased</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Book cover provided by publisher through Goodreads.com.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>REVIEW</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As a big fan of cozy mysteries, I was thrilled to come across this delightful series by Sofie Kelly (pen name). The series has several things that I love to read about including libraries, cats, and great relationships. Kathleen works as the head librarian at the public library in Mayville Heights, Minnesota. Her boyfriend, Marcus, works as a police detective. In this eighth book in the series, some old friends of Marcus's from college show up in town to fight a proposed development next to the lake. When one of Marcus's friends, Dani, is found dead, Marcus becomes a suspect. As in previous volumes, Kathleen gets involved to help someone she cares about get out of trouble. Marcus's father shows up in town to help his son, but tensions between the two force Kathleen to walk a careful line. But Kathleen has her two cats, Owen and Hercules, to help her out. Not only do the cats have a knack for leading Kathleen to clues, but they have some superpowers as well (Owen can disappear at will and Hercules can walk through walls). As with the other seven books in the series, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The mystery carries especially big ramifications in this book since Kathleen's boyfriend is the suspect. But I also love reading about the cats and their antics as well as the relationships between Kathleen and her friends, neighbors, and family. There's plenty of humor, excitement, and mystery to satisfy any cozy mystery lover. I also appreciate that the books are pretty clean in terms of content save for a few swearwords here and there. There are references to some unsavory things just because it's a murder mystery. All in all, a favorite new book that I look forward to reading again just for fun!</div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-47045702650282674492023-07-05T09:00:00.001-06:002023-07-05T09:00:00.138-06:00HISTORICAL ROMANCE: The Earl's Hideaway, No Ladies Allowed by Esther Hatch<div style="text-align: center;"><img class="ResponsiveImage" height="320" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1651775943i/61037448.jpg" style="text-align: start;" width="213" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61037448-the-earl-s-hideaway-no-ladies-allowed?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=jSwoElcfbb&rank=1" target="_blank">THE EARL'S HIDEAWAY, NO LADIES ALLOWED</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61037448-the-earl-s-hideaway-no-ladies-allowed?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=jSwoElcfbb&rank=1" target="_blank">by Esther Hatch</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61037448-the-earl-s-hideaway-no-ladies-allowed?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=jSwoElcfbb&rank=1" target="_blank">Kindle Edition, 2022</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61037448-the-earl-s-hideaway-no-ladies-allowed?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=jSwoElcfbb&rank=1" target="_blank">Source: purchased eBook</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61037448-the-earl-s-hideaway-no-ladies-allowed?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=jSwoElcfbb&rank=1" target="_blank">Adult historical romance</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61037448-the-earl-s-hideaway-no-ladies-allowed?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=jSwoElcfbb&rank=1" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61037448-the-earl-s-hideaway-no-ladies-allowed?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=jSwoElcfbb&rank=1" target="_blank">Book cover provided by the publisher through Goodreads.com.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>REVIEW</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">In this second volume of the A Romance of Rank series, readers find Lord Riverton confronted by a conundrum. With a number of sisters, Samson feels overwhelmed by all their demands, especially Dru, who seems to be taking her resentment of men in general out on him. After being embarrassed in front of his love interest, Samson leaves his home in search of a refuge. He ends up at a cottage taking care of a very special flower named Fernadale. When the cottage owner's niece shows up to expecting to take care of Fernadale, Samson finds himself facing the woman he's loved for years, Catherine Wallace. A former friend, now governess because of the scandalous fall of her family, Samson and Catherine decide that as long as nobody knows that they are living in the same house unmarried, it's okay, especially since Samson is using a fake name. As they work to take care of the house and the flower, their feelings for each other grow stronger. The arrival of Catherine's sisters leaves Samson once again surrounded by females that he can't help but accommodate. But believing that Samson rejected the opportunity to marry her, Catherine refuses to give in to her feelings. Additional misunderstandings and an unfortunate series of events at the ball celebrating the engagement of one of Samson's sisters leave the two in misery. But Samson is determined not to lose Catherine again.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I thoroughly enjoyed Samson and Catherine's romance. Catherine's feistiness and Samson's easy going nature made for some amusing encounters, especially because of the fact that they grew up together and saw each other in many kinds of situations. But they've both changed a bit in the four years apart and so they still manage to surprise each other. One of the things I found most enjoyable was Catherine's frustration with Samson's tendency to put himself last. Samson is the very opposite of the puffed up, arrogant Earl, as he loves to make his family happy, and often takes care of his own needs without help from servants. It was impossible not to love Samson. And the interactions between Catherine and Samson were often amusing as well. I had to laugh out loud when the proposal finally occurred and Samson offered to get Catherine a hippo in order to get her to marry him. As Catherine says, "Who mentions a hippopotamus when declaring love?" </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Overall, I found the story well-written and delightful to read. If you enjoy clean, historical romance with a large dose of humor, I highly recommend this one.</div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-17042067569956097052023-04-04T10:00:00.001-06:002023-04-04T10:00:00.192-06:00CONTEMPORARY SUSPENSE: Shifting Sands by Kathi Oram Peterson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvBLWltXHAU1eNzpaQoyFXAT6KSU5sqLkBlxAKxdpjDh0xu7w8dTyWXi54661zviTGeny2NY6Te1BuQ63ww6aHYNHPf-xkK1DfmtgpVh6S0qC8IfvUkqY1aYiPby7PtmOnqiTIKXc-aLhvtgwiNPeMRoHVAyH71UW7T1s_cp-stL5fL9hpM6pZkIpbg/s1000/sands.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="677" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvBLWltXHAU1eNzpaQoyFXAT6KSU5sqLkBlxAKxdpjDh0xu7w8dTyWXi54661zviTGeny2NY6Te1BuQ63ww6aHYNHPf-xkK1DfmtgpVh6S0qC8IfvUkqY1aYiPby7PtmOnqiTIKXc-aLhvtgwiNPeMRoHVAyH71UW7T1s_cp-stL5fL9hpM6pZkIpbg/s320/sands.png" width="217" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/shifting-sands?queryID=359241ca2ef7137d764448be4db3cab9&variant_id=201565-paperback" target="_blank">SHIFTING SANDS</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/shifting-sands?queryID=359241ca2ef7137d764448be4db3cab9&variant_id=201565-paperback" target="_blank">by Kathi Oram Peterson</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/shifting-sands?queryID=359241ca2ef7137d764448be4db3cab9&variant_id=201565-paperback" target="_blank">Covenant Communications, 2023</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/shifting-sands?queryID=359241ca2ef7137d764448be4db3cab9&variant_id=201565-paperback" target="_blank">ISBN: 9781524423025</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/shifting-sands?queryID=359241ca2ef7137d764448be4db3cab9&variant_id=201565-paperback" target="_blank">Source: eARC provided by publisher for review</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/shifting-sands?queryID=359241ca2ef7137d764448be4db3cab9&variant_id=201565-paperback" target="_blank">Contemporary Suspense/Romance</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/shifting-sands?queryID=359241ca2ef7137d764448be4db3cab9&variant_id=201565-paperback" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/shifting-sands?queryID=359241ca2ef7137d764448be4db3cab9&variant_id=201565-paperback" target="_blank">Book cover & summary provided by publisher through Deseretbook.com.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>All Gloryanna Griffin needs is a full-ride scholarship to finish her master’s degree in marine biology in order to pursue her dream of saving the ocean. However, to be a serious contender for the money, she needs to publish in a prestigious magazine. A research dive off the Olympic Peninsula is a dangerous proposition but one that just might give her article the impact it needs. But when she’s swept into an underwater vortex, she realizes her life may be the price she pays instead.<br /><br />When she awakens on the rocky beach—miraculously alive—the first person she sees is the handsome stranger who saved her. Over the years, Jonathan Dawson has saved countless lives from the perils of the ocean. But until now, no one has ever seen him. Nearly eighty years ago, he died on this same beach, and his spirit has been tied to the spot ever since. Now Gloryanna and Jonathan are irrevocably linked as they are plunged into a decades’ old mystery that promises answers to the past and keys to the future. But they soon discover that some secrets may be better left undisturbed.<div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>REVIEW</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Shifting Sands </i>intriguing premise pulled me into the story right away. The shocking events of the prologue left me with questions that kept me eagerly reading. Gloryanna makes a winning heroine with her love of family and love of the ocean. And the connection between Jonathan and Gloryanna is clear from the beginning. The way the two mysteries blended together and twisted around and between each other was fascinating. Jonathan doesn't remember how he died and he certainly doesn't know how he ended up as a ghost with the power to rescue people from the ocean. And Gloryanna has no idea why someone would want to sabotage her diving tanks. Working together they seek answers, but the danger only seems to increase and Gloryanna is left wondering just who she can trust. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Peterson does a great job blending the real and the fantastical. With ghost stories it can be tricky to make it work in a story that revolves around the real world. On the other hand, you have the freedom to create your 'own rules' so to speak. No complete explanation is given for Jonathan's state or for what happens later, but there are hints provided that relate to Gloryanna's work in marine biology and the circumstances that bring Gloryanna and Jonathan together. As I read this I wanted a happy ending but I wasn't sure how the author was going to pull it off. I'm pleased to say that she does it in a way that works well for the story. I enjoyed meeting Gloryanna and Jonathan and reading their story. Recommended for mystery lovers who enjoy a good dose of suspense with a touch of the supernatural.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><style></style><style></style><style></style></div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-52814619333902538832023-01-17T12:00:00.001-07:002023-01-17T12:00:00.176-07:00HISTORICAL ROMANCE REVIEW: To Win Her Hand by Jen Geigle Johnson<div style="text-align: center;"><img class="ResponsiveImage" height="320" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1647427280i/60628405.jpg" style="text-align: start;" width="213" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60628405-to-win-her-hand?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=UM4qXQmuYx&rank=1" target="_blank">TO WIN HER HAND</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60628405-to-win-her-hand?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=UM4qXQmuYx&rank=1" target="_blank">A Gentleman's Match #1</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60628405-to-win-her-hand?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=UM4qXQmuYx&rank=1" target="_blank">by Jen Geigle Johnson</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60628405-to-win-her-hand?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=UM4qXQmuYx&rank=1" target="_blank">Kings Row Press, 2022</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60628405-to-win-her-hand?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=UM4qXQmuYx&rank=1" target="_blank">(Paperback & hardback editions available)</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60628405-to-win-her-hand?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=UM4qXQmuYx&rank=1" target="_blank">Source: purchased Kindle edition</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60628405-to-win-her-hand?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=UM4qXQmuYx&rank=1" target="_blank">Historical (Regency) Romance</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60628405-to-win-her-hand?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=UM4qXQmuYx&rank=1" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60628405-to-win-her-hand?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=UM4qXQmuYx&rank=1" target="_blank">Book cover and summary provided by Goodreads.com.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>A man to teach men how to win a woman's hand. A woman who cannot be won.<br /><br />Lord Featherstone has the world on his shoulders. Or at least his world. With two brothers and a failing estate he must make funds somehow. But what happens when he falls for a woman? Will his tactics work when the situation is so close and personal?<br /><br />Everyone thinks Lady Loveluck is a wealthy widow. What they don't know is that she is on the brink of hiring herself out as a Governess in order to pay for her next meal. The only thing keeping her from employment is a growing reputation as a matchmaker. As long as she never falls for another man, as long as she doesn't allow herself to be fooled into marrying, she will be just fine.<br /><br />But she never counted on being caught up in the beguiling tactics of London's renowned and not so secret matchmaker for men. <div><br /></div><div><b>REVIEW</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Johnson really knows how to pull a reader into a story. This first book in a new series sets up a rather intriguing situation from the very beginning. Both the hero and heroine are matchmakers, working to help members of the Ton find a spouse by providing assistance in dress and behavior as well as help with introductions. Both Lord Featherstone and Lady Loveluck work because they must to keep food on the table, both are striving to save their estates. When Lord Featherstone's client, Mr. Hartsworth, and Lady Loveluck's client, Miss Anna seem to take a shine to each other, Lord Featherstone sees it as a perfect opportunity to show his interest in Lady Loveluck. But Lady Loveluck has no interest in making a match herself. After having been badly treated by her now deceased husband, she's reluctant to trust any man, especially one as charming as Lord Featherstone. </div><div><br /></div><div>What I especially love about the book is how Lord Featherstone treats Lady Loveluck. I love his sincerity. Yes, Lord Featherstone is very charming, but he's sincere in the compliments he gives and his skill with people. Such kindness is hard for Lady Loveluck to trust having been betrayed so badly before, but her heart refuses to listen to her head. When she and Lord Featherstone end up at the same house party with their clients, she meets a group of widows who offer her the support and understanding she's so desperately needs. By this time however, Lord Featherstone realizes that he cannot offer Lady Loveluck the stability and comfort she needs and he resolves to help another interested party succeed with her. But the heart will not be denied, and Lady Loveluck must decide what she's willing to risk to find happiness. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sigh, I do love a sweet romance, especially one with such a great, good hero. I do love Jen Giggle Johnson's stories with their great historical details and fabulous characters. I look forward to reading future books in the series.</div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-89410436622905722402022-12-07T17:00:00.000-07:002022-12-07T17:00:12.160-07:00PROPER ROMANCE REVIEW : Hearts of Briarwall by Krista Jensen<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hearts of Briarwall" height="320" src="https://d2jc79253juilm.cloudfront.net/product-images/000/745/161/detail/Hearts_of_Briarwall_PB.F.jpg?1653597840" style="max-height: 100%; max-width: 100%; text-align: start;" width="207" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/hearts-of-briarwall-ppr?queryID=5cae374170a7f4e69ba6a485bf8669cb&variant_id=195253-paperback" target="_blank">HEARTS OF BRIARWALL</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/hearts-of-briarwall-ppr?queryID=5cae374170a7f4e69ba6a485bf8669cb&variant_id=195253-paperback" target="_blank">by Krista Jensen</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/hearts-of-briarwall-ppr?queryID=5cae374170a7f4e69ba6a485bf8669cb&variant_id=195253-paperback" target="_blank">Shadow Mountain, 2022</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/hearts-of-briarwall-ppr?queryID=5cae374170a7f4e69ba6a485bf8669cb&variant_id=195253-paperback" target="_blank">ISBN: 978-1-62972-996-1</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/hearts-of-briarwall-ppr?queryID=5cae374170a7f4e69ba6a485bf8669cb&variant_id=195253-paperback" target="_blank">Source: ARC from publisher for review</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/hearts-of-briarwall-ppr?queryID=5cae374170a7f4e69ba6a485bf8669cb&variant_id=195253-paperback" target="_blank">Historical romance</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/hearts-of-briarwall-ppr?queryID=5cae374170a7f4e69ba6a485bf8669cb&variant_id=195253-paperback" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/hearts-of-briarwall-ppr?queryID=5cae374170a7f4e69ba6a485bf8669cb&variant_id=195253-paperback" target="_blank">Book cover & summary provided by publisher through deseretbook.com.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Lydia Wooding is fascinated by the latest inventions the new century brings, including motorcars. She longs for the independence they represent and believes that women should have a say in the future of the industry—just as they should have a say in suffrage, adventure, and, of course, love.<br /><br />Spencer Hayes is a man of practicality and innovation, but he lacs the financial backing to make his dream a reality. When he contacts his childhood friend, Andrew Wooding, about a promising business venture, he is invited to Briarwall Manor to discuss the terms. Once there, he is surprised to find that Andrew's once shy, younger sister, Lydia, has grown into a young woman of beauty, wit, and a bit of fire. Even better, the two share a passion for motorcars.<br /><br />Andrew, however, is wary of cars, having lost his parents in a tragic auto accident when he and Lydia were young. And he's not sure a relationship between his sister and Spencer is the best idea—not when Sir Lawrence is available and could match both Lydia's social status and her fortune. Spencer is torn between his dream of owning his own business and risking his heart for a relationship with a free-spirited woman determined to live life to the fullest.<div><br /></div><div><b>REVIEW</b></div><div><br /></div><div>One of my favorite things about <i>Hearts of Briarwall</i>, other than the romance, is the friendship Lydia shares with the other ladies of the Wendy League. They are truly delightful as characters and I hope to read more about the other ladies in future books. As for this one, Lydia is the heroine and she makes a good one. Her feistiness and willingness to speak up for what she wants and believes makes her a great character to root for, especially during the historical period in which she is placed. The hero, Spencer, makes an interesting match for Lydia since he is from a poor area of London, and is seeking investors for his motorcar supply business. The motorcar angle made for an intriguing storyline, especially considering Lydia's family's history with automobiles. The fact that Lydia was the assertive one in the romance and Spencer the reluctant one, for good reason, made for the perfect touch considering the female characters efforts toward women's suffrage. Lydia's efforts to pursue her own interests and feelings contrasted nicely with her brother's efforts to 'keep the bird caged' so to speak. And poor Spencer finds himself caught between his friendship with her brother and his growing feelings for her, especially as he has his own secret. I thoroughly enjoyed this ode to female independence and finding a partner who loves you the way you are. Recommended. </div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-48832471737469403852022-09-23T12:31:00.001-06:002022-09-23T12:31:00.173-06:00COVER REVEAL for A.L. Sowards upcoming A WALTZ WITH TRAITORS!<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> I am delighted to be part of the cover reveal for the upcoming book of one of my favorite authors, A.L. Sowards. I'm always amazed at the stunning stories she writes and the incredible historical detail she includes. She always manages to dig up fascinating events and stick her remarkable characters right into the middle of them. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Her new book, A Waltz with Traitors comes out in March 2023, which is way too far away if you ask me. But in the meantime, we can ponder this book blurb and admire the stunning cover. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61291709-a-waltz-with-traitors?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=ama1FaJs9i&rank=1" target="_blank">A WALTZ WITH TRAITORS</a></i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61291709-a-waltz-with-traitors?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=ama1FaJs9i&rank=1" target="_blank">By A.L. Sowards</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61291709-a-waltz-with-traitors?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=ama1FaJs9i&rank=1" target="_blank">Covenant Communications, March 2023</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div>Sometimes the road to freedom is a six-thousand-mile-long railroad track. Sometimes the road to love is even longer.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Former Russian Empire, 1918</div><div><br /></div><div>Czech soldier Filip Sedlák never wanted to fight for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. So at the first opportunity, he defected to the Russians. Now he and others like him have formed the Czechoslovak Legion. Their goal: leave the chaos of Russia, sail to France, and help the Allies defeat the Central Powers, thereby toppling a hated empire and winning an independent Czechoslovakia.</div><div><br /></div><div>With the fall of the tsar, Nadia Linskaya’s life is in ruins. Her family is dead, her lands are confiscated, and her aristocratic world is gone forever. But Nadia is determined to elude the Bolshevik agent who destroyed her family and find a way to survive in this changed world.</div><div><br /></div><div>When Nadia takes refuge with the Czechoslovak Legion, the last thing she expects is an ally. But when Filip proposes a sham marriage to ensure her safe passage across Siberia, she takes it. Neither Filip nor Nadia expect real love, not when the legion has to take over the longest railroad in the world—and then hold it against Bolshevik counterattacks, partisan sabotage, Allied intrigue, and a set of brutal Siberian winters. At risk is the future of Czechoslovakia, the fate of Russia—and their hearts.</div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6McB_Qmmyoz3u0SnMvaZeL8q4gjiuTjlFMMUae86sasnvAX5qnA53AlkahgfmlTRO4BMEH14spro4OVwZG6VJS78B3qhTzmQ_DH7NaO2ZILF7ye3I3zcoXzrTpTfo5pvd5pL_nLknvm50AD7Cx_XiBdb8yUeqEdBMDASfCBiPN4kZBxSgTPJ5-S5aMA/s2694/Cover%20Reveal%20A%20Waltz%20With%20Traitors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2694" data-original-width="1805" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6McB_Qmmyoz3u0SnMvaZeL8q4gjiuTjlFMMUae86sasnvAX5qnA53AlkahgfmlTRO4BMEH14spro4OVwZG6VJS78B3qhTzmQ_DH7NaO2ZILF7ye3I3zcoXzrTpTfo5pvd5pL_nLknvm50AD7Cx_XiBdb8yUeqEdBMDASfCBiPN4kZBxSgTPJ5-S5aMA/w429-h640/Cover%20Reveal%20A%20Waltz%20With%20Traitors.jpg" width="429" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">WOW! Isn't that cover amazing?! I love it! I can't wait to get my hands on this one! I know that's a lot of exclamation marks but I'm so excited that I just can't help myself. :)</div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-79934523658626644832022-08-24T17:03:00.003-06:002022-08-24T17:03:29.587-06:00INSPIRATIONAL NONFICTION: Until You Find Strength by Jason F. Wright<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-q0MPKNToDPcWJDIfzLjX1UmEXVSdgrmLtDN894EK1ZSOExjzbybJznZyM65ITuiB3fvNqXRHpCa0a6a6H0An8NSwpEa6ptsWW2qaC1c_OlbNQIuFXxVKwvM2SpELLK56uJ5gxTdr4zsX9vZ4uyCu5eSU3TkAkYFctGD97qY61UmVOrOuSpRrqD4Mg/s1000/Until_You_Find_Strength.f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="964" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-q0MPKNToDPcWJDIfzLjX1UmEXVSdgrmLtDN894EK1ZSOExjzbybJznZyM65ITuiB3fvNqXRHpCa0a6a6H0An8NSwpEa6ptsWW2qaC1c_OlbNQIuFXxVKwvM2SpELLK56uJ5gxTdr4zsX9vZ4uyCu5eSU3TkAkYFctGD97qY61UmVOrOuSpRrqD4Mg/s320/Until_You_Find_Strength.f.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/until-you-find-strength-loving-reminder-for-when-your-grief-feels-heavy?queryID=3bbe3b69270512fb5f69c172685f3078&variant_id=195257-hardcover" target="_blank">UNTIL YOU FIND STRENGTH</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/until-you-find-strength-loving-reminder-for-when-your-grief-feels-heavy?queryID=3bbe3b69270512fb5f69c172685f3078&variant_id=195257-hardcover" target="_blank">A Message of Comfort for When Your Grief Feels Too Heavy</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/until-you-find-strength-loving-reminder-for-when-your-grief-feels-heavy?queryID=3bbe3b69270512fb5f69c172685f3078&variant_id=195257-hardcover" target="_blank">by Jason F. Wright</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/until-you-find-strength-loving-reminder-for-when-your-grief-feels-heavy?queryID=3bbe3b69270512fb5f69c172685f3078&variant_id=195257-hardcover" target="_blank">Shadow Mountain, 2022</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/until-you-find-strength-loving-reminder-for-when-your-grief-feels-heavy?queryID=3bbe3b69270512fb5f69c172685f3078&variant_id=195257-hardcover" target="_blank">ISBN: 978-1-62972-995-4</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/until-you-find-strength-loving-reminder-for-when-your-grief-feels-heavy?queryID=3bbe3b69270512fb5f69c172685f3078&variant_id=195257-hardcover" target="_blank">Source: eARC from publisher/purchased copy</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/until-you-find-strength-loving-reminder-for-when-your-grief-feels-heavy?queryID=3bbe3b69270512fb5f69c172685f3078&variant_id=195257-hardcover" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/until-you-find-strength-loving-reminder-for-when-your-grief-feels-heavy?queryID=3bbe3b69270512fb5f69c172685f3078&variant_id=195257-hardcover" target="_blank">Book cover and summary from publisher.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Everyone experiences loss differently and grieves in their own way, but author Jason F. Wright has learned from his own life some key principles to regaining your footing and finding tranquility after a devastating loss.</div><div><br /></div><div>This beautifully illustrated book helps remind those who are grieving that they are never alone in their pain and heartache.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOySaYJNDczevk1UoKwaSuXPDnbBGBNryO9-msXWQzIACPS9nfakC_DvrPLbAJVMR65xBsZzTlG9A_nqh9Up-CjHLe_viF2FmRsf7H3ZGBrdVlmxuVqJOy3-RnlJLpiYVo7CU5sOeyuIOT4aGf4bunYDqgHFJTWCCCzaWM8OGqR7uQ8AviWa-e5VR26Q/s1200/wright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOySaYJNDczevk1UoKwaSuXPDnbBGBNryO9-msXWQzIACPS9nfakC_DvrPLbAJVMR65xBsZzTlG9A_nqh9Up-CjHLe_viF2FmRsf7H3ZGBrdVlmxuVqJOy3-RnlJLpiYVo7CU5sOeyuIOT4aGf4bunYDqgHFJTWCCCzaWM8OGqR7uQ8AviWa-e5VR26Q/s320/wright.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Jason F. Wright is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of seventeen books. He lives with his wife, Kodi, and their children in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.</div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>REVIEW</b></div><div><br /></div><div>This tender gift book touched my heart as I read it. Maybe it's because not too long ago I lost a loved one myself. I cried as I read Jason Wright's sweet words of comfort and hope. I found it a great reminder that there is help and comfort available during these times of sorrow. It also reminded me that I can be that someone to offer love and support for others as they struggle with loss. I also appreciated the gentle reminder to ask for help when needed, there are those willing and able to help. The author also points out the grieving is different for everyone, that there will be ups and downs, and that we are likely to never stop missing those we love, but that good times can still be enjoyed and it's okay to laugh or cry as needed. This sweet book would make a great gift for yourself or others whose hearts are mourning the loss of a loved one.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>TO PURCHASE</b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781629729954" target="_blank">IndieBound</a></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Until-You-Find-Strength-Message/dp/1629729957" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div><div><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/noresults/until-you-find-strength-jason-f-wright/1139857949" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></div><div><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/until-you-find-strength-loving-reminder-for-when-your-grief-feels-heavy?queryID=d80000bc26dc6547d0104c5f52b90c72&variant_id=195257-hardcover" target="_blank">Deseret Book</a></div><div><a href="https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Until-Find-Strength/Jason-F-Wright/9781629729954" target="_blank">Books-a-Million</a></div><div><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/until-you-find-strength-a-message-of-comfort-for-when-your-grief-feels-too-heavy/9781629729954" target="_blank">Book Shop</a></div><div><a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Until-You-Find-Strength-A-Message-of-Comfort-for-When-Your-Grief-Feels-Too-Heavy-Hardcover-9781629729954/545918334" target="_blank">Walmart</a></div></div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-57785452498838946912022-08-17T11:28:00.002-06:002022-08-17T11:28:28.778-06:00HISTORICAL FICTION : Praying with the Enemy by Steven T. Collis<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Praying with the Enemy" height="320" src="https://d1hdlz9ljonw49.cloudfront.net/product-images/000/744/467/detail/cover.jpg?1647288484" style="max-height: 100%; max-width: 100%; text-align: start;" width="212" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/praying-with-the-enemy?queryID=1011eafafadd721d82faa63154e07bd1&variant_id=195254-hardcover" target="_blank">PRAYING WITH THE ENEMY</a></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/praying-with-the-enemy?queryID=1011eafafadd721d82faa63154e07bd1&variant_id=195254-hardcover" target="_blank">Based on a True Story</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/praying-with-the-enemy?queryID=1011eafafadd721d82faa63154e07bd1&variant_id=195254-hardcover" target="_blank">by Steven T. Collis</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/praying-with-the-enemy?queryID=1011eafafadd721d82faa63154e07bd1&variant_id=195254-hardcover" target="_blank">Shadow Mountain, 2022</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/praying-with-the-enemy?queryID=1011eafafadd721d82faa63154e07bd1&variant_id=195254-hardcover" target="_blank">ISBN: 978-1-62972-994-7</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/praying-with-the-enemy?queryID=1011eafafadd721d82faa63154e07bd1&variant_id=195254-hardcover" target="_blank">Source: Print ARC from publisher for review. (THANKS!)</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/praying-with-the-enemy?queryID=1011eafafadd721d82faa63154e07bd1&variant_id=195254-hardcover" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/praying-with-the-enemy?queryID=1011eafafadd721d82faa63154e07bd1&variant_id=195254-hardcover" target="_blank">Book cover and summary provided by publisher.</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><br />When pilot Captain Ward Millar is forced to eject over enemy territory in North Korea, the ejection explosion snaps both of his ankles. Unable to walk, he is easily captured by North Korean and Chinese soldiers who interrogate, threaten, and starve him for strategic wartime information. He feeds the enemy false information while plotting his escape. But it’s only a matter of time before they discover his lies. He knows it will take a miracle to gain his freedom, but his previous self-reliance on his own capabilities has never included appealing to a higher power. If only he had faith like his wife, Barbara, whose firm belief in God can move mountains. <br /><br />North Korean soldier Kim Jae Pil was raised to believe in the power of prayer, but, knowing the Communist Party’s views on religious groups, Kim and his family must keep their Christian faith secret. He is desperate to escape the army, return to his family, and then flee to South Korea.<br /><br />With Millar imprisoned and unable to walk, and the North Korean army increasingly suspicious of Kim’s actions, it seems impossible that either man will find the freedom they so desperately desire. But when these wartime foes cross paths, they find in each other an unlikely ally. Despite speaking different languages, Millar and Kim find common ground in their fragile faith and must rely on each other to undertake a daring escape.<br /><br /><i>Praying with the Enemy</i> is a story of courage, determination, unlikely friendship, and enduring faith.<div><br /></div><div><b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSiki_Zzaw4XC_MqmBykHdMXvpnX07UVrv9J-bJ6GCkVTrt25bGJTFQOg27-GTbz-RMX0tfPxVyIBvwUle3KgXO9lY2xr1V-kvpe5ieWPfu4mvoNye2WK6aPpVn0ieBVpYC5YS8UC6Hv7Vh7RVXyY5AqcbU5G2NsAsUS_5vFZoZyqtaWhSV9qPD7geg/s1000/Steven%20T.%20Collis.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSiki_Zzaw4XC_MqmBykHdMXvpnX07UVrv9J-bJ6GCkVTrt25bGJTFQOg27-GTbz-RMX0tfPxVyIBvwUle3KgXO9lY2xr1V-kvpe5ieWPfu4mvoNye2WK6aPpVn0ieBVpYC5YS8UC6Hv7Vh7RVXyY5AqcbU5G2NsAsUS_5vFZoZyqtaWhSV9qPD7geg/s320/Steven%20T.%20Collis.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>STEVEN T. COLLIS is a storyteller at heart. He is also a law professor at the University of Texas School of Law and the faculty director of Texas's Bech-Loughlin First Amendment Center and Law and Religion Clinic. Previously, he was the Olin-Darling Research Fellow at the Constitutional Law Center at Stanford Law School and chair of the Religious Institutions and First Amendment Practice Group at Holland & Hart LLP. </div><div><p>He is an engaging and sought-after speaker nationwide on religion and law. Steven received his MFA in creative writing from Virginia Commonwealth University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. </p><p>He is the author of Deep Conviction: True Stories of Ordinary Americans Fighting for the Freedom to Live Their Beliefs. He and his wife have five children and reside in Texas.</p></div><div><b>REVIEW</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Ward Millar's escape from North Korea during the Korea War was a most remarkable one. In novel, based on Millar's real life experiences, Collis takes readers into the middle of two men's experiences during war time. After Millar's plane goes down, Millar is at the mercy of his captors. With two broken ankles, escape seems to be an impossibility. To get medical care he is forced to share information with his North Korean & Chinese captors. He mixes a little truth with mostly lies knowing that it's only a matter of time before his lies are discovered. Unlike his wife, Millar wasn't a man of faith, he'd never seen a need for a belief in God, until now when his helpless situation stares him in the face. To escape will require a miracle.</div><div><br /></div><div>Drafted into the North Korean army after a stint in prison for his Christian beliefs, Kim Jae Pil also wants to escape to the south. But he wants to take his family with him. When a chance to slip away from the army arises he returns home to find only his mother waiting for him. As he and his mother make plans to go so south, Jae Pil find himself unwillingly returning to the army with little chance of finding the rest of his family. Despite careful watching, it seems his prayers are going unanswered as weeks go by without any chance to escape.</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite his difficult circumstances, Ward uses his intelligence to make plans for escape, hoping that his ankles are healing enough to do so. He gathers supplies with the help of some friendly villagers and prepares to slip away before he ends up in a northern POW camp. But the poor medical care he has received and his immobility prove to be a bigger problem than he expected and his first attempt fails miserably.</div><div><br /></div><div>After escaping, it quickly becomes apparent that he seriously miscalculated his situation. When he encounters Jae Pil and some other soldiers, it seems any hope of a miracle is lost. But the hope in God that both have exercised through nearly constant prayer brings them together and hope may not be entirely lost. But time is running out and options are few. It will take all the ingenuity and faith the two men can muster to find a way to freedom.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ward and Jae Pil's story fascinated me from the beginning. I don't know what the odds are of the two men meeting the way they did, somehow managing to communicate with each other, and then trusting each other enough to attempt an escape together. Failure means likely death for both of them. So often people claim that such encounters are just coincidences, but here it is clearly a miracle. While the book has been fictionalized to make it easier to tell (the author's note makes it clear where the story was tweaked a bit to help the book move a bit smoother), the main experiences of both men did happen. </div><div><br /></div><div>In addition, the chapters dedicated to Ward's wife's experiences after finding out her husband was missing highlight her great faith and belief that he was still alive and would be coming back to her. Despite other's efforts to prepare her for the worst, she refused to give up and kept writing letters, even insisting to her husband's commanding officer that he keep the letters for her husband's return.</div><div><br /></div><div>The faith demonstrated by these individuals is truly inspiring and reinforces my own belief in God and His power to work miracles. As Ward himself realizes, not all receive the miracles they desire, but by exercising faith he, his wife, and Jae Pil receive their miracle. An incredible story of faith, courage, and determination in the face of challenging obstacles. Highly recommended.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>TO PURCHASE</b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/praying-with-the-enemy?variant_id=195254-hardcover" target="_blank">Deseret Book</a></div><div><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781629729947" target="_blank">Indie Bound</a></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Praying-Enemy-Steven-T-Collis/dp/1629729949" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div><div><a href="https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Praying-Enemy/Steven-T-Collis/9781629729947" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></div><div><a href="https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Praying-Enemy/Steven-T-Collis/9781629729947" target="_blank">Books-A-Million</a></div><div><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/praying-with-the-enemy/9781629729947" target="_blank">Book Shop</a></div><div><a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Praying-with-the-Enemy-Hardcover-9781629729947/520002836" target="_blank">Walmart</a></div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-22165292398155766782022-06-22T17:51:00.002-06:002022-06-22T17:51:24.987-06:00HISTORICAL FICTION : A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice by Rebecca Connolly<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice" height="320" src="https://d1hdlz9ljonw49.cloudfront.net/product-images/000/743/903/detail/A_Brilliant_Night_of_Stars_and_Ice.jpeg?1641934468" style="max-height: 100%; max-width: 100%;" width="212" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/brilliant-night-of-stars-and-ice?queryID=ca211cfdc42e2c39aa45488409210eaf&variant_id=195249-hardcover" target="_blank">A BRILLIANT NIGHT OF STARS AND ICE</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/brilliant-night-of-stars-and-ice?queryID=ca211cfdc42e2c39aa45488409210eaf&variant_id=195249-hardcover" target="_blank">by Rebecca Connolly</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/brilliant-night-of-stars-and-ice?queryID=ca211cfdc42e2c39aa45488409210eaf&variant_id=195249-hardcover" target="_blank">Shadow Mountain, 2022</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/brilliant-night-of-stars-and-ice?queryID=ca211cfdc42e2c39aa45488409210eaf&variant_id=195249-hardcover" target="_blank">ISBN: 978-1-62972-992-3</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/brilliant-night-of-stars-and-ice?queryID=ca211cfdc42e2c39aa45488409210eaf&variant_id=195249-hardcover" target="_blank">Source: ARC from publisher for review/purchased final copy</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/brilliant-night-of-stars-and-ice?queryID=ca211cfdc42e2c39aa45488409210eaf&variant_id=195249-hardcover" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/brilliant-night-of-stars-and-ice?queryID=ca211cfdc42e2c39aa45488409210eaf&variant_id=195249-hardcover" target="_blank">Book cover & summary provided by Deseretbook.com & publisher.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Shortly after midnight on April 15, 1912, the captain of the Carpathia, Arthur Rostron, is awakened by a distress signal from the RMS Titanic, which has struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage. Though information is scarce, Rostron leaps into action, determined to answer the call for help. But the Carpathia is more than four hours away, and there are more questions than answers: Will his ship hold together if pushed to never-before-tested speeds? What if he also strikes an iceberg? And with the freezing temperatures, will there be any survivors by the time the Carpathia arrives?<br /><br />Kate Connolly is excited to join her sister in America and proud to be traveling on the grand Titanic. As a third-class passenger, she is among the last to receive instruction and help after Titanic hits an iceberg. Despite the chaos of abandoning ship, Kate is able to reach the upper decks and manages to board a lifeboat, though after seeing the Titanic sink into the abyss and hearing the cries from the hundreds of people still in the water, she wonders if any rescue is even possible.<br /><br />Told in alternating chapters from both Captain Rostron on the Carpathia and Kate Connolly on the Titanic, this historical novel is a compelling, heart-pounding account of two eyewitnesses to an epic disaster. Rostron's heroic and compassionate leadership, his methodical preparations for rescue, and his grit and determination to act honorably and selflessly to save lives and care for the survivors, sets the course for this awe-inspiring story.<div><br /></div><div><b>REVIEW</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The story of the Titanic is a well-known one. Many books, both fiction and nonfiction, have been written about the disastrous sinking. Most of those books, at least the ones I've read, focus on the experience of the survivors on the Titanic itself. This book also looks at the horrific experiences of the survivors. What this one does that's different, is the focus on the captain and crew of the Carpathia, the ship that rescued the survivors. In alternating chapters, Connolly shares with readers two different perspectives. One perspective is that of Arthur Rostron, the captain of the Carpathia as he and his crew receive word of the Titanic's sinking and rush to help. The other perspective is that of Kate Connolly, an Irish immigrant, who is traveling to the United States in the company of several friends. The reader travels along with Kate and Captain Rostron as they face the tragedy and heartbreak of the disaster. The author does an excellent job of helping the reader feel the terror, shock, and grief that afflicted those on the Titanic. What makes the book especially powerful is the urgency that drove Captain Rostron and his crew as they worked feverishly to come to the aide of the Titanic. I think what struck me most about this book, and it's the reason I liked it so much, is that is personifies what I love so much about survival or disaster stories: the courage and determination and selflessness that people so often exhibit in the face of difficult circumstances. Connolly has done a fantastic job of sharing a fictionalized version of a true story focusing on real people and what they experienced over those few days. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a story that inspires both tears and admiration.</div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-53472487278778080522022-06-01T16:21:00.002-06:002022-06-01T16:21:27.622-06:00CHRISTIAN FICTION REVIEW: The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeb46mlgk4JAziZq_JjLuyP08swU-4zq1PS-oIQnSjKf_VeziOW1QCuS3HX1zwOJmMjQUR7sVQNO5pEPfiFHmxN5sW1KTBCN7buHhf5rEkvCkAlK6LjmI-xFYcv5uAUMM0aZzEZ02N0PM4AEQR18KAHOc2VSTBJ8c1yi3ynrmTbW3DtqNGzcepYyDqMQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2437" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeb46mlgk4JAziZq_JjLuyP08swU-4zq1PS-oIQnSjKf_VeziOW1QCuS3HX1zwOJmMjQUR7sVQNO5pEPfiFHmxN5sW1KTBCN7buHhf5rEkvCkAlK6LjmI-xFYcv5uAUMM0aZzEZ02N0PM4AEQR18KAHOc2VSTBJ8c1yi3ynrmTbW3DtqNGzcepYyDqMQ" width="158" /></a></div><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55889422-the-mistletoe-countess?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=8UAuo27WKL&rank=1" target="_blank">THE MISTLETOE COUNTESS</a></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55889422-the-mistletoe-countess?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=8UAuo27WKL&rank=1" target="_blank">by Pepper Basham</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55889422-the-mistletoe-countess?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=8UAuo27WKL&rank=1" target="_blank">Barbour Publishing, 2021</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55889422-the-mistletoe-countess?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=8UAuo27WKL&rank=1" target="_blank">ISBN: 978-1-64352-986-8</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55889422-the-mistletoe-countess?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=8UAuo27WKL&rank=1" target="_blank">Source: purchased</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55889422-the-mistletoe-countess?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=8UAuo27WKL&rank=1" target="_blank">Historical romance/Christian fiction</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55889422-the-mistletoe-countess?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=8UAuo27WKL&rank=1" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55889422-the-mistletoe-countess?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=8UAuo27WKL&rank=1" target="_blank">Book summary & book cover provided by Goodreads.com & publisher.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Will the magic of Christmas bring these two newlyweds closer together, or will the ghosts of the past lead them into a destructive discovery from which not even a Dickens’s Christmas can save them?</div><div><br /></div><div>Mistletoe is beautiful and dangerous, much like the woman from Lord Frederick’s Percy’s past, so when he turns over a new leaf and arranges to marry for his estate, instead of his heart, he never expects the wrong bride to be the right choice. Gracelynn Ferguson never expected to take her elder sister’s place as a Christmas bride, but when she’s thrust into the choice, she will trust in her faithful novels and overactive imagination to help her not only win Frederick’s heart but also to solve the murder mystery of Havensbrook Hall before the ghosts from Frederick’s past ruin her fairytale future.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>REVIEW</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I know it isn't Christmas right now, but I loved this book so much I couldn't wait to review it! <i>The Mistletoe Countess</i> provided a delightful and thoroughly engaging reading experience. Not only was the plot compelling, but I absolutely fell in love with these characters. They honestly felt like friends that I'd want to sit down and enjoy again and again.</div><div><br /></div><div>When Gracelynn Ferguson steps in and marries an earl in her sister's place, she never expects to face a new home full of questions and the unhappiness of her new husband's past. As Frederick and Grace's relationship develops and they become friends as well as spouses, Grace uses her unique collection of skills to help her husband find the healing and redemption he so desperately seeks. With her sunny disposition and deep knowledge of fictional characters and plot lines, she works to help her husband discover what happened to the his brother, the former Earl of Astley. Frederick's tender heart has been wounded by choices from the past, but Grace's openness and generousness of spirit helps him find the courage to face the past and work toward building the future.</div><div><br /></div><div>Many of the interactions between the characters are wonderfully laugh inducing. Grace is such a fun character, and quite amusing in the way she's always referring to fictional characters and what she has learned from her reading, especially the sleuthing information. The growing relationship between Grace and Frederick is sweet and tender. The other characters provide greatly to the story as well, especially the servants reactions to Grace's often quite improper behavior. Frederick's mother is a rather heartbreaking part of Frederick's past, but by the end, like Grace, I felt some empathy for her situation even though it's partly self-induced. As a romance, there is plenty of kissing involved; intimate relations are shared between Grace and Frederick as husband and wife, but are kept off the page, although there are a couple of bedroom scenes where they are talking. </div><div><br /></div><div>As Christian fiction there is frequent mention of God and prayer and religious belief throughout the story, but it doesn't get preachy or bog down the story in any way. The contrast between Frederick's past mistakes and Grace's innocence highlights Frederick's efforts at redemption and restitution. The murder mystery becomes a prominent part of the story as Grace and Frederick begin to settle in at Havensbrook Hall and prepare to celebrate Christmas. The danger that stalks Grace and Frederick builds in tension until the denouement at the end where Grace and Frederick have a chance to show just how much they have come to care for each other.</div><div><br /></div><div>The length of this review should make it clear that I truly loved this book and plan to enjoy reading it many times in the future.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div></div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-48644334131411231412022-04-28T16:36:00.002-06:002022-04-28T16:36:42.594-06:00Grief and forgiveness come together in this tender tale of family reunion. EVEN THE DOG KNOWS by Jason F. Wright<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvooyp6y0jV3XtofkYQ3TnrL5ssKiS_GJGNk4xVtT70npm3Yaut4yGbR37vZ_RfiXQzJE-ah-rbucCXpFJZpLVuFBeU-FJ7gfVuRqJUmvHl6v49-hbkeVegC4sG-oqQqSvuxhR1Ktk3mge-OEqhyvRaEIWo2nPkQ8TrICR0nL0Xd8ytlTNbgk6lQy6mQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="662" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvooyp6y0jV3XtofkYQ3TnrL5ssKiS_GJGNk4xVtT70npm3Yaut4yGbR37vZ_RfiXQzJE-ah-rbucCXpFJZpLVuFBeU-FJ7gfVuRqJUmvHl6v49-hbkeVegC4sG-oqQqSvuxhR1Ktk3mge-OEqhyvRaEIWo2nPkQ8TrICR0nL0Xd8ytlTNbgk6lQy6mQ=w265-h400" width="265" /></a></div><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/even-the-dog-knows?queryID=ddc9f368be0a371704f90ca09cc7dd36&variant_id=195250-hardcover" target="_blank">EVEN THE DOG KNOWS</a></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/even-the-dog-knows?queryID=ddc9f368be0a371704f90ca09cc7dd36&variant_id=195250-hardcover" target="_blank">A Novel</a></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/even-the-dog-knows?queryID=ddc9f368be0a371704f90ca09cc7dd36&variant_id=195250-hardcover" target="_blank">by Jason F. Wright</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/even-the-dog-knows?queryID=ddc9f368be0a371704f90ca09cc7dd36&variant_id=195250-hardcover" target="_blank">Shadow Mountain, 2022</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/even-the-dog-knows?queryID=ddc9f368be0a371704f90ca09cc7dd36&variant_id=195250-hardcover" target="_blank">ISBN: 978-1-62972-990-9</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/even-the-dog-knows?queryID=ddc9f368be0a371704f90ca09cc7dd36&variant_id=195250-hardcover" target="_blank">Source: ARC from publisher for review</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/even-the-dog-knows?queryID=ddc9f368be0a371704f90ca09cc7dd36&variant_id=195250-hardcover" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/even-the-dog-knows?queryID=ddc9f368be0a371704f90ca09cc7dd36&variant_id=195250-hardcover" target="_blank">Book cover & summary received from publisher.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A family’s old, beloved dog takes a final road trip to help his humans find forgiveness and healing. Meg Gorton finds herself alone and lonely in Florida. Three years earlier, she had packed what she could fit into her sister’s car and asked her estranged husband, Gary, to take care of Moses, their beloved black Labrador. Things between Meg and Gary hadn’t been the same after the loss of their only daughter many years ago. Even after raising their grandson, Troy, it was clear that if Meg wanted a new beginning, she would have to do it alone.</div><div><br /></div><div>Haunted by the tragedy of his daughter’s death, Gary is stuck in his life in Woodstock, Virginia. He still owns and drives the bus for their hometown minor league baseball team, and he still thinks about the day his wife drove away.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everything changes when Meg contacts Gary with a request to bring Moses to visit her one last time before the old dog passes on. Gary is reluctant, but Troy thinks it’s an excellent idea. They could even travel together in Gary’s bus. Along the way, Gary takes a detour to visit Troy’s ex-girlfriend, Grace. Gary might not know how to fix things with his wife, but he knows he doesn’t want Troy to make the same mistakes he did.</div><div><br /></div><div>Although Moses is just a dog, he’s very observant. It doesn’t take long for him to figure out they are going on to see Meg. He knows he’s an old dog and that his time is near, but he also knows his family needs his help.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even the Dog Knows is a novel that will take readers on a thousand-mile journey to find forgiveness, understanding, healing, and the meaning of true and lasting love.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjL47pPdL2luJRpZkKHdSUfmU6AvSEp8kHiWxaLNHZ3ibtFv6lTekJBKWsjKqU-Zm9g5LEn6nTJeo4JvkWp2IXkTrrasK0qAUucP2h7X-mt84e-7lZkrUSY0cokGZx1tZ-_3VY34r9JRZvykGBU05qPPLJ3aFmap3XlLypdDRdfgsZsHyrdt_SAeW-z5A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjL47pPdL2luJRpZkKHdSUfmU6AvSEp8kHiWxaLNHZ3ibtFv6lTekJBKWsjKqU-Zm9g5LEn6nTJeo4JvkWp2IXkTrrasK0qAUucP2h7X-mt84e-7lZkrUSY0cokGZx1tZ-_3VY34r9JRZvykGBU05qPPLJ3aFmap3XlLypdDRdfgsZsHyrdt_SAeW-z5A" width="320" /></a></div><br /></b></div><div><b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div>JASON F. WRIGHT is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author. He is also the host of the popular podcast Wright Where You Are. He writes an occasional column, which as appeared in over one hundred newspapers, magazines and websites across the United States including the Washington Times, the Northern Virginia Daily, the Chicago Tribune, the Deseret News, Forbes, CNN.com, FoxNews.com and others.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jason grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia, but has also lived in Germany, Illinois, Brazil, Oregon and Utah. In 2007, while researching Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley for a novel, Jason fell so in love with the area that he moved his family to Woodstock. He is married to Kodi Erekson Wright. They have two girls and two boys they love, and two grandchildren they love even more.</div><div><br /></div><div>To invite Jason to your book club, school, church, conference or other event, connect online: <a href="http://jasonfwright.com">jasonfwright.com</a>, <a href="http://facebook.com/jfwbook">facebook.com/jfwbook</a>s, <a href="http://Instagram.com/jasonfwrigh">Instagram.com/jasonfwrigh</a>t.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can also reach Jason through a handwritten letter: PO Box 669, Woodstock, VA 22664. He answers—eventually!—every single one.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>REVIEW</b></div><div><br /></div><div>My heart was drawn into this touching story of love and loss right from the beginning. I felt drawn into Gary and Meg's relationship from the moment they meant. And then my heart broke when I read about the grief they experienced at the loss of their daughter and how it ultimately drove them apart. The story is told from three points of view, Gary, Meg, and their dog, Moses. This gives the reader more information and insight than any of the characters have by themselves. The addition of Troy, Gary and Meg's grandson who they raised as their own son, and his ex-girlfriend makes for an interesting additional plot line. The dog's point-of-view provides a different perspective on everything that is happening. Moses just wants to be with his family and for everything to work out.</div><div><br /></div><div>When Meg, living in Florida, asks to see Moses one more time, Gary (very reluctantly), Troy, and Moses head out in the old bus that Gary uses to transport the local baseball team to games. The trip proves to be much more eventful than any of them would have expected. While the 'boys' are witnessing accidents, taking detours, and helping a homeless wanderer, Meg and her health care aide, Macy, prepare for their arrival.</div><div><br /></div><div>The lessons learned and the hearts touched stayed with me as I completed the journey with the characters. Not only did I find this an interesting story, but the themes of family, grief, guilt, and forgiveness resonated with me as well. Wright knows how to tell a story, with enough detail to help the reader feel like they are right there with the characters. Ultimately, this is a story of hope, of love, and of overcoming obstacles and heartbreaking circumstances, not by accident or luck, but by choice.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>TO PURCHASE</b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781629729909" target="_blank">Indiebound</a></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Even-Dog-Knows-Jason-Wright/dp/1629729906/" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div><div><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/even-the-dog-knows-jason-f-wright/1139857944?ean=9781629729909" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></div><div><a href="https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Even-Dog-Knows/Jason-F-Wright/9781629729909" target="_blank">Books-A-Million</a></div><div><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/even-the-dog-knows?queryID=ddc9f368be0a371704f90ca09cc7dd36&variant_id=195250-hardcover" target="_blank">Deseret Book</a></div><div><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/even-the-dog-knows/9781629729909" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhItFNQqy1L-NPAqvOhGj9ViEbR6aSuVa4nJivoSdaZh7B_F8ZnhqaBgOHInJ78oNVTZEdUGHU5BypbOlUkR9KeFY5ejw_TFBVrdn6Hyyzz_eNTJVlNmbCOAHKBDnkYmcTT7poj-j8MVBvjMLkcMNgg0rPzkjO6QCNG2hGX1NzEPi3_C_XBT9ErMItpvw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhItFNQqy1L-NPAqvOhGj9ViEbR6aSuVa4nJivoSdaZh7B_F8ZnhqaBgOHInJ78oNVTZEdUGHU5BypbOlUkR9KeFY5ejw_TFBVrdn6Hyyzz_eNTJVlNmbCOAHKBDnkYmcTT7poj-j8MVBvjMLkcMNgg0rPzkjO6QCNG2hGX1NzEPi3_C_XBT9ErMItpvw=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-15051339741084388042022-04-08T17:46:00.001-06:002022-04-08T17:46:08.049-06:00BLOG TOUR and GIVEAWAY: BEFORE THE FORTRESS FALLS by A.L. Sowards<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Before the Fortress Falls" height="400" src="https://d1hdlz9ljonw49.cloudfront.net/product-images/000/743/878/detail/Before_the_Fortress_Falls.jpeg?1640212154" style="max-height: 100%; max-width: 100%;" width="267" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/before-the-fortress-falls?queryID=5529d0a8afb045e592cc6c14108eed86&variant_id=198499-paperback" target="_blank">BEFORE THE FORTRESS FALLS</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/before-the-fortress-falls?queryID=5529d0a8afb045e592cc6c14108eed86&variant_id=198499-paperback" target="_blank">A Historical Novel</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/before-the-fortress-falls?queryID=5529d0a8afb045e592cc6c14108eed86&variant_id=198499-paperback" target="_blank">by A.L. Sowards</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/before-the-fortress-falls?queryID=5529d0a8afb045e592cc6c14108eed86&variant_id=198499-paperback" target="_blank">Covenant Communications, 2022</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/before-the-fortress-falls?queryID=5529d0a8afb045e592cc6c14108eed86&variant_id=198499-paperback" target="_blank">ISBN: 978-1-52442-080-2</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/before-the-fortress-falls?queryID=5529d0a8afb045e592cc6c14108eed86&variant_id=198499-paperback" target="_blank">Source: eARC from publisher/purchased copy</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/before-the-fortress-falls?queryID=5529d0a8afb045e592cc6c14108eed86&variant_id=198499-paperback" target="_blank">Historical fiction/romance</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/before-the-fortress-falls?queryID=5529d0a8afb045e592cc6c14108eed86&variant_id=198499-paperback" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/before-the-fortress-falls?queryID=5529d0a8afb045e592cc6c14108eed86&variant_id=198499-paperback" target="_blank">Book information and cover provided by the author for blog tour.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">When rumors reach Vienna that an attack by the Ottoman army is imminent, Wilhelm von Schor, one of the emperor’s courtiers, prepares to evacuate his family—including his sister, Katja. But Katja’s reluctance to leave the city and the people she loves so well grows the farther the family carriage gets from her childhood home. When she learns that another brother, Xavier, is returning to Vienna with his musketeers, she decides to remain behind and face the shadow of war.</span></div><div><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">Katja soon reunites with Xavier and also with Toby, a dear friend from childhood. As Katja and Toby renew their friendship, an element of attraction builds on the comradery of their youth, and they quickly realize they have found something worth fighting for: love. But all too soon, the Ottomans encircle the city, blanketing its inhabitants in fear. Katja, Toby, and Xavier must each fulfill their new roles if they are to survive. In the overcrowded hospitals, below ground in the countermines, and on the ramparts defending the city walls, the three must fight for love, family, faith, and the survival of their city and everyone inside.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</b></p>A. L. Sowards is the author of multiple historical fiction novels, with settings spanning the globe from the fourteenth to twentieth centuries. Her stories have earned a Whitney Award, several Whitney Finalists positions, and a Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal. She enjoys hiking and swimming, usually manages to keep up with the laundry, and loves it when someone else cooks dinner. She currently lives in the beautiful state of Alaska with her husband, three children, and an ever-growing library.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://alsowards.com/">Website</a><br /><a href="https://www.instagram.com/a.l.sowards/">Instagram</a><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ALSowards/">Facebook</a><br /><a href="https://alsowards.com/newsletter/">Newsletter</a><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5625040.A_L_Sowards">Goodreads</a><br /><a href="https://linktr.ee/a.l.sowards">A. L. Sowards on Linktree</a><br /><br /><div><b>REVIEW</b></div><div><br /></div><div>A.L. Sowards has written another stunning historical fiction story with amazing characters, incredible historical detail, and a compelling, heart-breaking plot. Katja and her brothers, Xavier, and Wilhelm get caught up in the siege of Vienna by the Ottoman empire in 1683. While Wilhelm uses his diplomatic skills to get help for the besieged city, Xavier serves in the army desperately trying to hold off the highly skilled janissaries. After deciding to stay in the city, Katja finds herself helping care for the wounded while falling in love with an old friend, Toby. Toby works as a counterminer, helping defuse miners and fill in threatening mines. While the city's fate hangs in the balance so does the fate of Katja and her friends and family.</div><div><br /></div><div>As in her previous works, Sowards provides an amazingly detailed glimpse into a time and place and what it may have been like to be there. The suffering presented is heart-wrenching while the resilience and determination of various characters is inspiring. The Christian faith of the characters shines through in the most difficult of times. Katja's and Toby's class-defying romance is both sweet and sad as it occurs during an incredibly difficult time for both of them. Sowards' great storytelling presents readers with a story that touches the heart while sharing surprising connects to current events. For those who enjoy reading historical fiction that leaves its mark on you when you are finished, I highly recommend <i>Before the Fortress Falls</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>BOOK TRAILER</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E2s6iTO_7kU" width="320" youtube-src-id="E2s6iTO_7kU"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>FIND THE BOOK</b></div><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58653736-before-the-fortress-falls" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GLG2CX6/" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br /><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/before-the-fortress-falls?variant_id=198499-paperback" target="_blank">Deseret Book<br /></a><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/before-the-fortress-falls-a-l-sowards/1140216107" target="_blank">B&N<br /></a><a href="https://www.seagullbook.com/before-the-fortress-falls.html" target="_blank">Seagull Book</a><div><br /></div><div><b>GIVEAWAY</b></div><div><br /></div><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="0ae98b8a302" data-template="5cf8617cb5df9c301e802fff" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0ae98b8a302/" id="rcwidget_xoukzkgy" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBPYJyqF-c4h1WVtFrMYfwTlUTLMBaajzaXVqBv6SFNJUtN-tGgAiICBj8lsYH5qPB4qdMRSef-fttsug7NbvO5xhAwqtaY3LjZZLi4PF8vEE3ASKPjoScypAVqYemPPxyDUFnhBONvAHoix5AZ6pouKQFwiZJAE_oXlTn5W_7cw-r5C_rRSGaNVeMg/s2500/Before%20the%20Fortress%20Falls_BLOG%20TOUR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1308" data-original-width="2500" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBPYJyqF-c4h1WVtFrMYfwTlUTLMBaajzaXVqBv6SFNJUtN-tGgAiICBj8lsYH5qPB4qdMRSef-fttsug7NbvO5xhAwqtaY3LjZZLi4PF8vEE3ASKPjoScypAVqYemPPxyDUFnhBONvAHoix5AZ6pouKQFwiZJAE_oXlTn5W_7cw-r5C_rRSGaNVeMg/w400-h209/Before%20the%20Fortress%20Falls_BLOG%20TOUR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-82982503091129838582022-03-28T11:42:00.003-06:002022-03-28T11:42:15.876-06:00THE VALET'S SECRET by Josi Kilpack: a delightfully unexpected tale of romance between the classes with a Cinderella vibe. <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjepcVhyBXUrIG2dTfrbT9istr2rYvgRJpdGmMb7EDieh8PjofmTyAgp7nbMa3-eAHnD2h5svQlIXxk4h2cgLw-MOyU0Ny68VpRz7-j5nh0PodS_xzJ7BZLIQ7JfH81EN6LjH5KfblVY97ysauwWeX4elUXcg6Dwf_PNYYDVDDJ20bTM6Z9YzKwr0CFMQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="645" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjepcVhyBXUrIG2dTfrbT9istr2rYvgRJpdGmMb7EDieh8PjofmTyAgp7nbMa3-eAHnD2h5svQlIXxk4h2cgLw-MOyU0Ny68VpRz7-j5nh0PodS_xzJ7BZLIQ7JfH81EN6LjH5KfblVY97ysauwWeX4elUXcg6Dwf_PNYYDVDDJ20bTM6Z9YzKwr0CFMQ" width="155" /></a></div><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/valets-secret-ppr?queryID=2531806cb820f0433d7622de0ac8b5d1&variant_id=195251-paperback" target="_blank">THE VALET'S SECRET</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/valets-secret-ppr?queryID=2531806cb820f0433d7622de0ac8b5d1&variant_id=195251-paperback" target="_blank">Proper Romance</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/valets-secret-ppr?queryID=2531806cb820f0433d7622de0ac8b5d1&variant_id=195251-paperback" target="_blank">by Josi S. Kilpack</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/valets-secret-ppr?queryID=2531806cb820f0433d7622de0ac8b5d1&variant_id=195251-paperback" target="_blank">Shadow Mountain, 2022</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/valets-secret-ppr?queryID=2531806cb820f0433d7622de0ac8b5d1&variant_id=195251-paperback" target="_blank">ISBN: 978-1-62972-989-3</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/valets-secret-ppr?queryID=2531806cb820f0433d7622de0ac8b5d1&variant_id=195251-paperback" target="_blank">Source: ARC from publisher for review. Thanks!</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/valets-secret-ppr?queryID=2531806cb820f0433d7622de0ac8b5d1&variant_id=195251-paperback" target="_blank">Historical romance</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/valets-secret-ppr?queryID=2531806cb820f0433d7622de0ac8b5d1&variant_id=195251-paperback" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/valets-secret-ppr?queryID=2531806cb820f0433d7622de0ac8b5d1&variant_id=195251-paperback" target="_blank">Book summary and book cover obtained from Deseretbook.com & publisher.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>As a once happily married woman, Rebecca Parker had a good life, but now widowed, working for a living, and her only child grown, she feels invisible, tired, and lonely. That is until the day a valet speeding by on a horse nearly runs her off the road. Mr. Malcolm Henry is apologetic, gentle, and handsome. She’s instantly drawn to him, which is why, rather than stopping him from kissing her, she kisses him back, reigniting a nearly forgotten passion. But love at first sight only happens in fairy tales—never to an ordinary woman like her.</div><div><br /></div><div>She sees Mr. Henry again and feels the possibilities growing until, while working in the kitchens during a dinner party, she sees the valet she kissed sitting at the right hand of the baroness. Mr. Henry is not the earl’s valet; he is the heir to the earldom—Kenneth Winterton.</div><div><br /></div><div>Heartbroken, angry, and betrayed, Rebecca does not trust Lord Winterton and refuses to accept his apology. But when Lord Winterton proves he is as kind and gentle as “Mr. Henry” was, she finds herself willing to give him a second chance. But will he take a chance on her? He needs a wife to help him in his place in society, and nothing about Rebecca’s life does that...except how he feels when she is with him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Trust, love, loneliness, and passion collide in this story about a man who will risk it all to fight for the woman he loves and a woman who does not believe in fairy tales—until she finds herself living in one.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>REVIEW</b></div><div><br /></div><div>As with all her books, Josi Kilpack manages to make this historical romance based on a fairy tale feel fresh and new. Kilpack creates such interesting characters who are fully fleshed out. They have strengths and weaknesses, interesting personalities, and diverse backgrounds. This story creates an interesting contrast between the two main characters while still finding common ground between them. Rebecca Parker's background as her father's artistic assistant and former maid stands in stark contrast to Kenneth Winterton's background as a gentleman who has become heir to an earl. According to their classes the two would have never conversed except as servant and gentleman. But an inadvertent encounter changes both their lives. In an attempt to ease the awkwardness of their meeting Kenneth lies about who he is, believing they aren't likely to meet again. When they do meet again and discover the connection between them remains, things get more complicated, especially when Rebecca does eventually find out his correct name and position. It seems their is no hope for a relationship between them despite their growing feelings for each other. But perhaps an extra ounce of courage and help from a surprising source may pave the way for more than either could have ever dreamed. </div><div><br /></div><div>This Cinderella-based tale made for thoroughly enjoyable reading. Both Kenneth and Rebecca are sympathetic characters who find themselves in difficult circumstances yet find joy in each other's company. I also appreciated the fact that both characters are middle-aged and not expecting to find romance when they meet. I found it refreshing to read about characters who come from more humble circumstances who struggle with their changes in circumstances but have the maturity to face them with courage and compassion. Kenneth and Rebecca's love story is full of delightful details and smile-inducing moments. A thoroughly engaging read for those who love clean historical romance as I do.</div></div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-50604520322433749562022-03-01T15:59:00.002-07:002022-03-01T15:59:18.470-07:00Can love conquer all in the face of differing beliefs and a world turned upside down? Find out in Arlem Hawks stunning BEYOND THE LAVENDER FIELDS.<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Beyond the Lavender Fields" height="320" src="https://d2ncbdssutn1hp.cloudfront.net/product-images/000/743/691/detail/Beyond_the_Lavender_Fields.jpeg?1637176407" style="max-height: 100%; max-width: 100%;" width="212" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/beyond-the-lavender-fields?queryID=07f1a9afe7f7d842827d78bd244646f5&variant_id=195045-hardcover" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">BEYOND THE LAVENDER FIELDS</span></a></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/beyond-the-lavender-fields?queryID=07f1a9afe7f7d842827d78bd244646f5&variant_id=195045-hardcover" target="_blank">by Arlem Hawks</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/beyond-the-lavender-fields?queryID=07f1a9afe7f7d842827d78bd244646f5&variant_id=195045-hardcover" target="_blank">Shadow Mountain, 2022</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/beyond-the-lavender-fields?queryID=07f1a9afe7f7d842827d78bd244646f5&variant_id=195045-hardcover" target="_blank">ISBN: 978-1-62972-935-0</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/beyond-the-lavender-fields?queryID=07f1a9afe7f7d842827d78bd244646f5&variant_id=195045-hardcover" target="_blank">Source: ARC from publisher for review</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/beyond-the-lavender-fields?queryID=07f1a9afe7f7d842827d78bd244646f5&variant_id=195045-hardcover" target="_blank">Historical romance</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/beyond-the-lavender-fields?queryID=07f1a9afe7f7d842827d78bd244646f5&variant_id=195045-hardcover" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/beyond-the-lavender-fields?queryID=07f1a9afe7f7d842827d78bd244646f5&variant_id=195045-hardcover" target="_blank">Book cover and information provided by publisher.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><br />1792, France<br /><br />Rumors of revolution in Paris swirl in Marseille, a bustling port city in southern France. Gilles Étienne, a clerk at the local soap factory, thrives on the news. Committed to the cause of equality, liberty, and brotherhood, he and his friends plan to march to Paris to dethrone the monarchy. His plans are halted when he meets Marie-Caroline Daubin, the beautiful daughter of the owner of the factory.<br /><br />A bourgeoise and a royalist, Marie-Caroline has been called home to Marseille to escape the unrest in Paris. She rebuffs Gilles’s efforts to charm her and boldly expresses her view that violently imposed freedom is not really freedom for all. As Marie-Caroline takes risks to follow her beliefs, Gilles catches her in a dangerous secret that could cost her and her family their lives. As Gilles and Marie-Caroline spend more time together, she questions her initial assumptions about Gilles and realizes that per-haps they have more in common than she thought.<br /><br />As the spirit of revolution descends on Marseille, people are killed and buildings are ransacked and burned to the ground. Gilles must choose between supporting the political change he believes in and protecting those he loves. And Marie-Caroline must battle between standing up for what she feels is right and risking her family’s safety. With their lives and their nation in turmoil, both Gilles and Marie-Caroline wonder if a révolutionnaire and a royaliste can really be together in a world that forces people to choose sides.<style></style><style></style><div><br /></div><div><b>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</b></div><div><br /></div>ARLEM HAWKS began making up stories before she could write. Living all over the western United States and traveling around the world gave her a love of cultures and people and the stories they have to tell. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications, with an emphasis in print journalism, and she lives in Arizona with her husband three children.<style></style><div><br /></div><div><b>REVIEW</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Arlem Hawks hits it out of the park with her new historical fiction novel <i>Beyond the Lavender Fields</i>. Her characters are fascinating and intriguing, her setting is superbly presented, and her plotting is magnificent. I found this novel of the French Revolution to be utterly compelling. I didn't read it quickly, the story has to many ins and outs and ups and downs to be read quickly. But I found myself relishing each encounter between Gilles and Caroline as they got to know each other. Not only was their relationship complicated from the beginning because of their political beliefs but the circumstances and people around them complicated things as well. This made their love story all the sweeter and more intricate as they both come to terms with their feelings for each other as well as face the ongoing challenges of the revolution. Caroline seems firmly placed on the royaliste side of things, but as I got to know her better I realized that it wasn't that simple. Some of her actions were distinctly non-royaliste. Gilles grows and develops as he realizes that his beliefs and actions don't always match up to the revolutionary zeal that he has long professed. This stunning novel full of intricate details and sometimes shocking events took me on quite the journey. By the time I was finished reading, I considered Gilles and Caroline to be dear friends. The mixing in of the French phrases and places made it feel all the more real. I did appreciate the inclusion of a glossary of the French terms and a pronunciation guide for the names. The only thing missing was a good map or two. This is a book that I will read again and again just to enjoy meeting old friends again.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>BOOK TRAILER</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fjr6vMhBn0Y" width="320" youtube-src-id="fjr6vMhBn0Y"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><style></style>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-18479142523605078962022-02-22T16:19:00.002-07:002022-02-22T16:19:45.067-07:00SUMMERHAVEN: A Regency Romance by Tiffany Odekirk<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Summerhaven" height="320" src="https://d1hdlz9ljonw49.cloudfront.net/product-images/000/743/955/detail/cover.jpg?1643041365" style="max-height: 100%; max-width: 100%;" width="215" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/summerhaven?query=summer%2520haven" target="_blank">SUMMERHAVEN</a></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/summerhaven?query=summer%2520haven" target="_blank">A Regency Romance</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/summerhaven?query=summer%2520haven" target="_blank">by Tiffany Odekirk</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/summerhaven?query=summer%2520haven" target="_blank">Covenant Communications, 2022</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/summerhaven?query=summer%2520haven" target="_blank">ISBN: 9781524421465</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/summerhaven?query=summer%2520haven" target="_blank">Source: eARC from author/publisher</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/summerhaven?query=summer%2520haven" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/summerhaven?query=summer%2520haven" target="_blank">Book cover and summary from Deseretbook.com.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/summerhaven?query=summer%2520haven" target="_blank">Book excerpt and banner from author for blog tour.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><br />Hannah Kent and Oliver Jennings pledged their hearts to each other as children. Now, years later, Hannah is thrilled to receive an invitation to spend the summer at Oliver’s family’s country estate. The path to wedded bliss is clear—so long as Oliver’s highbrow older brother, Damon, has ceased his juvenile antics, Hannah’s future looks bright indeed.<br /><br />But from the moment Hannah arrives at Summerhaven, nothing is as she expected. Oliver seems disinterested in renewing their acquaintance, and Damon is not the brutish boy she remembers but a man intent on avoiding marriage. Although she has loathed Damon her whole life, when he contrives a ruse designed to win them both what they desire, Hannah warily agrees. All she has to do to reclaim Oliver’s attention is pretend to be madly in love with Damon. But when Damon is surprisingly convincing in his role as a suitor, it proves difficult to discern the line between pretense and true love.<div><br /></div><div><b>REVIEW</b></div><div><br /></div><div>This lovely tale of love misguided and love forsworn made for a sweeping adventure. Hannah's dream of the promised love between her and Oliver Jennings sends her to Summerhaven in hopes of seeing the promise from her youth fulfilled. To her surprise, however, Ollie doesn't seem at all interested in her anymore. After making a deal with Ollie's older brother, she discovers to her surprise that maybe dreams can change. Damon and Hannah make for some great characters that I thoroughly enjoyed reading about, especially as they got to know each other better. Odekirk does a fabulous job bringing not only her characters to life but the time and place as well. I very much look forward to returning to the sweet environs of Summerhaven again and again.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>BOOK EXCERPT</b></div><div><br /></div><div><p style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px;">Damon stepped forward, and his watch key and seal—visible reminders of his status and self-importance—clanked together. He bowed. “Miss Kent.”</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px;">“My lord,” I returned with a shallow curtsy. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px;">The corners of his mouth curled into a smile. “I see someone has managed to make a lady out of the wild girl I once knew,” Damon said, and before stepping back in line with his mother, he met my eye and added, “A pity.”</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px;">My eyebrows pulled together in surprise. </p><p style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px;">“Do try not to scowl, Miss Kent. It will crease your lovely brow.”</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px;">“Damon Jennings,” Lady Winfield scolded. “You have been taught better manners.”</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px;">“My apologies, Mother. Teasing a beautiful woman is one of few things that has yet to be lectured<span style="color: #0094de;"> </span>out of me.” </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px;">I gaped. Never in all my life had a man spoken so casually to me. Damon may have grown into a man, but he was <i>not</i> a gentleman.</p><p style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px;"><br /></p></div><div><b>GIVEAWAY</b></div><div><br /></div><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="0ae98b8a298" data-template="5cf8617cb5df9c301e802fff" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0ae98b8a298/" id="rcwidget_ab0yt0f9" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvWFq51gCBQAU3mtY3GVOD8Z_INGVhQk3yQ3yU9CZjh1aVAn8BkiB5OznT-Gbx3mvf8RIqvlqYfcS0wQWhm97FUpopo131U7SMLMv_BukAuavzUD1-q0KnlGfHtDPslVY5NTIofEUAQRv5_OfDZd-zEkPDM0DG3WO9qzTyA7aqlwywXITMKt2aQdVnTg=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1600" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvWFq51gCBQAU3mtY3GVOD8Z_INGVhQk3yQ3yU9CZjh1aVAn8BkiB5OznT-Gbx3mvf8RIqvlqYfcS0wQWhm97FUpopo131U7SMLMv_BukAuavzUD1-q0KnlGfHtDPslVY5NTIofEUAQRv5_OfDZd-zEkPDM0DG3WO9qzTyA7aqlwywXITMKt2aQdVnTg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-44904209491050237732022-02-11T16:22:00.001-07:002022-02-11T16:22:08.049-07:00A Child of God by Chantel and Mauli Bonner<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUX-_zRyMoCTHEz_x_Ph77Y7n8bXn1T1Ucc_c4XlnI7MS6AAGWupSD_myTqN64hW2xPcavwgzJtHW7BiIcY0fzrhHCm0_MhXCRz1MUMtsTKIhqz5RbzH09Qo805QiJOU4pXeU8VfmpCYuRGvVo2eD_lZ7RqzQ-xB-cL7suuqV6PE5XJza6sfVz472EiA=s1000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="892" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUX-_zRyMoCTHEz_x_Ph77Y7n8bXn1T1Ucc_c4XlnI7MS6AAGWupSD_myTqN64hW2xPcavwgzJtHW7BiIcY0fzrhHCm0_MhXCRz1MUMtsTKIhqz5RbzH09Qo805QiJOU4pXeU8VfmpCYuRGvVo2eD_lZ7RqzQ-xB-cL7suuqV6PE5XJza6sfVz472EiA=s320" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/child-of-god?queryID=036b1270d97fb4c5a75b67c97f7b8ccb&variant_id=191597-hardcover" target="_blank"> A CHILD OF GOD</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/child-of-god?queryID=036b1270d97fb4c5a75b67c97f7b8ccb&variant_id=191597-hardcover" target="_blank">written by Chantel and Mauli Bonner, illustrated by Morgan Bissant</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/child-of-god?queryID=036b1270d97fb4c5a75b67c97f7b8ccb&variant_id=191597-hardcover" target="_blank">Ensign Peak, 2021</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/child-of-god?queryID=036b1270d97fb4c5a75b67c97f7b8ccb&variant_id=191597-hardcover" target="_blank">ISBN: 978-1-62972-917-6</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/child-of-god?queryID=036b1270d97fb4c5a75b67c97f7b8ccb&variant_id=191597-hardcover" target="_blank">Source: publisher for review</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/child-of-god?queryID=036b1270d97fb4c5a75b67c97f7b8ccb&variant_id=191597-hardcover" target="_blank">Ages 3 and up</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/child-of-god?queryID=036b1270d97fb4c5a75b67c97f7b8ccb&variant_id=191597-hardcover" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/child-of-god?queryID=036b1270d97fb4c5a75b67c97f7b8ccb&variant_id=191597-hardcover" target="_blank">Book cover and book summary obtained through Deseretbook.com and publisher.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Even with a different name and skin a different shade, everyone’s a child of God. He loves us all the same.</div><div><br /></div><div>This rhyming, read-aloud book with warm illustrations shares a comforting, faith-filled message from a Black father and mother to their children. Along with the children in the story, your own little ones will think about the ways our skin color, gender, and physical features are all different, as well as the things that bind us all together.</div><div><br /></div><div>In soothing verse, the father assures his children that everyone can look like Jesus and the angels by the things they do. As the family walks through their neighborhood, the father points out the beauty in God’s creations, from flowers, all unique and different, to all the children in their community. This book will start conversations in your family about appreciating the beautiful differences among all of God’s children, helping your children become better disciples of Christ.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>REVIEW</b></div><div><br /></div><div>This beautiful book reminds readers that all human beings are children of God. A young black boy and girl are taught by their parents that they were created in God's image and that all of us can become like Jesus through the things we do. As the father walks his son and daughter to school they stop and look at a picture of two blond angels (without wings) and he explains that it is one person's depiction of what angels look like. The two children then draw pictures of angels (with wings) who look like them. He goes on to explain that all of God's children are loved and unique and that we, as human beings, are all loved regardless of country of origin or skin color. Bissant's lovely illustrations are buoyant and full of color and life and carry forward the uplifting message this book teaches. Additional suggestions for discussing this topic with children are included at the back, including Bible references. </div></div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-85693983645792405572022-02-08T15:52:00.003-07:002022-02-08T15:52:39.887-07:00A MEDIEVAL ROMANCE: To Win a Lady's Heart by Sian Ann Bessey<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX9YU4TxmMzmfRZbtUU2tBNRNTQWywBjvIcy9KdOgVVp7buF1EVVgtS6dPQnBhE29dt4wmIJEN1gJep2kIo4rUovO5syVwsJu2-eTzlAJ5t1A-YrMBC6-YoMmBSrFmhskj5SG_Ui9bpYvImwK_Hyz9lwUGcRI4tpOf3ZzasXTpt1aTFjCSfTX79_f_pQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="664" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX9YU4TxmMzmfRZbtUU2tBNRNTQWywBjvIcy9KdOgVVp7buF1EVVgtS6dPQnBhE29dt4wmIJEN1gJep2kIo4rUovO5syVwsJu2-eTzlAJ5t1A-YrMBC6-YoMmBSrFmhskj5SG_Ui9bpYvImwK_Hyz9lwUGcRI4tpOf3ZzasXTpt1aTFjCSfTX79_f_pQ" width="159" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/to-win-a-lady-s-heart?queryID=da63bc95c6293df68be0782cc8cae529&variant_id=147124-paperback" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">TO WIN A LADY'S HEART</span></i></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/to-win-a-lady-s-heart?queryID=da63bc95c6293df68be0782cc8cae529&variant_id=147124-paperback" target="_blank">by Sian Ann Bessey</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/to-win-a-lady-s-heart?queryID=da63bc95c6293df68be0782cc8cae529&variant_id=147124-paperback" target="_blank">Covenant Communications, 2016</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/to-win-a-lady-s-heart?queryID=da63bc95c6293df68be0782cc8cae529&variant_id=147124-paperback" target="_blank">ISBN: 978-1-52440-152-8</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/to-win-a-lady-s-heart?queryID=da63bc95c6293df68be0782cc8cae529&variant_id=147124-paperback" target="_blank">Source: purchased</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/to-win-a-lady-s-heart?queryID=da63bc95c6293df68be0782cc8cae529&variant_id=147124-paperback" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/to-win-a-lady-s-heart?queryID=da63bc95c6293df68be0782cc8cae529&variant_id=147124-paperback" target="_blank">Information about the book comes from the Deseret Book website.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>For eighteen years, Lord Gilbert has been tortured over a grievous lapse in judgment. Bitterness has tainted his interactions with the people of Moreland and his relationship with his only daughter, Lady Joanna. With a wolfhound guarding her around the clock and no freedom to leave the castle grounds unattended, the only time Lady Joanna can be alone is when she sneaks out through an old castle tunnel to visit the healer Agnes in her cottage by the sea. One morning as Lady Joanna approaches the cliffs, she discovers an injured man. She immediately goes to Agnes for help. The wounded stranger is Sir Lukas, and while he recovers, he makes plans to identify his attackers and their motive. Upon learning that Moreland’s wool has been stolen, Sir Lukas comes to believe that the crimes are related and point to a much more sinister plot. When Lord Gilbert announces an archery tournament, the prize being Lady Joanna’s hand in marriage, it attracts noblemen from across the land, and suddenly Sir Lukas’s pursuit of the villains takes a different turn. As Lady Joanna’s and Sir Lukas’s feelings for each other grow, the stakes soar, and only Sir Lukas’s skill with a longbow can save them.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>REVIEW</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>I found <i>To Win a Lady's Heart</i> to be a enjoyable read. Lady Joanna and Sir Lukas make a great pair. Lady Joanna, despite her isolation due to her father's obsessing over her safety, cares about the people around her. She even sneaks out of the castle to visit her friend Agnes, a healer, who lives by the ocean. On one such excursion she comes across an injured knight. After getting him help the two begin to develop a bond. Complications ensue when Lady Joanna's father, Lord Gilbert, decides to offer her hand in marriage to the winner of an archery tournament. In addition to that hurtful situation, wool in being stolen from Moreland's farmers leaving them unable to pay their taxes. Sir Lucas suspects that those who attacked him may be involved in the thefts. Only by working together and learning to trust each other can Lady Joanna's and Moreland's future be secured. I enjoyed the setting and the time period. I haven't read many stories that take place during the medieval time period so I found it a refreshing change. Bessey does a great job of making the setting easy to imagine along with her characters. The archery contest was fascinating to read about and the action and adventure were plentiful. All in all, the book is an enjoyable, entertaining read for those who enjoy clean, historical romances.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-41708498575453782002022-01-20T16:16:00.000-07:002022-01-20T16:16:05.347-07:00CAN GIL AND EUDOCIA OVERTHROW A GOVERNMENT AND FIND LOVE? FIND OUT IN Of Sword and Shadow by A.L. Sowards<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Of Sword and Shadow" height="320" src="https://d1hdlz9ljonw49.cloudfront.net/product-images/000/742/230/detail/sword-shadow?1625809719" style="max-height: 100%; max-width: 100%; text-align: start;" width="212" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/of-sword-and-shadow?queryID=31471fd21830b38607fcc387585a81e1&variant_id=189748-paperback" target="_blank">OF SWORD AND SHADOW</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/of-sword-and-shadow?queryID=31471fd21830b38607fcc387585a81e1&variant_id=189748-paperback" target="_blank">by A.L. Sowards</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/of-sword-and-shadow?queryID=31471fd21830b38607fcc387585a81e1&variant_id=189748-paperback" target="_blank">Covenant Communications, 2021</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/of-sword-and-shadow?queryID=31471fd21830b38607fcc387585a81e1&variant_id=189748-paperback" target="_blank">ISBN: 978-1-52441-358-3</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/of-sword-and-shadow?queryID=31471fd21830b38607fcc387585a81e1&variant_id=189748-paperback" target="_blank">Source: ARC from publisher for review</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/of-sword-and-shadow?queryID=31471fd21830b38607fcc387585a81e1&variant_id=189748-paperback" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><br />Greece, 1379<br /><br />She is known by many names, none of them her own. In truth, she is an unnamed slave, nothing more than a weapon in the hands of her owner in his attempts to provoke political mayhem. When she encounters a handsome young man while on an assignment, she thinks little of him—until he attempts to take what she has stolen. But in her line of work, failure is not an option.<br /><br />Gillen is intrigued by the mysterious woman who thwarts his mission. But when his path crosses hers again, his intrigue turns to gratitude as the thief he comes to call Eudocia saves his life. The two form a bond of friendship and join forces to wrest control from a group of ruthless rulers. But as their camaraderie blossoms into something more, Gillen and Eudocia must fight for love even as they wage war for a better future.<div><br /></div><div><b>REVIEW</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>A.L. Sowards' <i>Of Sword and Shadow </i>presents readers with a powerful tale of love and revolution in Medieval Greece. A young with no name shares her story with readers through her compelling first-person narration. As the story opens she's in the middle of stealing some important documents from an influential man. That's when she first meets Gil, a young Basque looking for the documents she just stole. Using her wits and training, she escapes him and returns to her owner, Thomas. Using various names and disguises, our narrator has been working as a thief for her master for most of her life. But after meeting Gil and his associates her life starts to change. Gil treats her with kindness and caring even before she saves his life. </div><div><br /></div><div>Getting involved with Gil and the others proves to be a rather dangerous undertaking for "Eudocia" and her master, one with grave and unexpected consequences. As Eudocia and Gil grow closer, the danger becomes ever greater until each of them are required to make difficult and life-altering choices. Will their feelings survive the plot to overthrow the cities rulers or is there relationship doomed from the start?</div><div><br /></div><div>The characters pulled me right into the story from the first moment they met the chemistry between them is clear. While Gil and Eudocia are the main characters, the secondary characters provide a great deal of interesting development as well. Even Eudocia's master isn't as clear cut of a villain as one might assume. The historical detail and plot provide a fascinating background for Gil and Eudocia's story including the attempt to overthrow the Catalan rulers. Not having read much about this time period I was intrigued by all the happenings and details included by the author. I also appreciated the author's note at the end where she explains where she fictionalized things, sometimes for the story's sake and sometimes because of historical holes. Ultimately though it was the characters that I fell in love with, which admittedly made reading a couple of parts challenging. Sowards isn't afraid to put her characters through the wringer. Her action sequences kept me turning the pages as fast as I could get them read. A thoroughly-compelling, intriguing tale with incredible characters, great historical detail, and amazing plotting. Highly recommended for those who enjoy historical romance.</div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107899679363568207.post-27053826483871192932021-12-23T20:49:00.002-07:002021-12-23T20:49:21.363-07:00KEEPSAKE CHRISTMAS STORIES: Holiday Favorites as Performed with The Tabernacle Choir<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Keepsake Christmas Stories - Tabernacle Choir" height="400" src="https://d1hdlz9ljonw49.cloudfront.net/product-images/000/742/398/detail/Keepsake_Christmas_Stories_approved_cover.jpg?1627667108" style="max-height: 100%; max-width: 100%;" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/keepsake-christmas-stories-holiday-favorites-as-performed-with-the-tabernacle-choir?queryID=181050826068df538504441089154f4b&variant_id=194881-hardcover" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">KEEPSAKE CHRISTMAS STORIES</span></a></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/keepsake-christmas-stories-holiday-favorites-as-performed-with-the-tabernacle-choir?queryID=181050826068df538504441089154f4b&variant_id=194881-hardcover" target="_blank">Holiday Favorites as Performed with the Tabernacle Choir</a></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/keepsake-christmas-stories-holiday-favorites-as-performed-with-the-tabernacle-choir?queryID=181050826068df538504441089154f4b&variant_id=194881-hardcover" target="_blank">Shadow Mountain, 2021</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/keepsake-christmas-stories-holiday-favorites-as-performed-with-the-tabernacle-choir?queryID=181050826068df538504441089154f4b&variant_id=194881-hardcover" target="_blank">ISBN: 978-1-62972-939-8</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/keepsake-christmas-stories-holiday-favorites-as-performed-with-the-tabernacle-choir?queryID=181050826068df538504441089154f4b&variant_id=194881-hardcover" target="_blank">Source: publisher for review (Thanks Shadow Mountain!)</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/keepsake-christmas-stories-holiday-favorites-as-performed-with-the-tabernacle-choir?queryID=181050826068df538504441089154f4b&variant_id=194881-hardcover" target="_blank">Short story collectible</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/keepsake-christmas-stories-holiday-favorites-as-performed-with-the-tabernacle-choir?queryID=181050826068df538504441089154f4b&variant_id=194881-hardcover" target="_blank">All opinions expressed are solely my own.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></div><br />This commemorative collector's edition celebrates twenty years of the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square's beloved Christmas show—an annual tradition enjoyed by millions, both live on stage and through its holiday season broadcast on PBS stations, where it has earned Grammy and Emmy awards and nominations. Each year the show is hosted by a distinguished special guest, including Jane Seymour, Tom Brokaw, Kristin Chenoweth, and Hugh Bonneville. These holiday story adaptions have ranged from The Gift of the Magi to the story behind the writing of the hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul" to the inspiring tale of "The Candy Bomber"—an unlikely American WWII hero who dropped candy from his airplane to the children of Germany.<br /><br />This coffee table edition is the perfect holiday keepsake for all ages and features photographs of the stage productions alongside the stories, which also includes a weblink to hear the stories from every performance.<div><br /></div><div><b>REVIEW</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i>Keepsake Christmas Stories</i> contains a written version of each of the stories shared on the Christmas Program produced by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square for each of the last twenty years. For those, like me, who have loved each of those programs, it's wonderful to have a written collection of the wonderful stories shared at Christmas. The lyrics of the musical part of each story are included within the stories. While the stories have been adapted for print, the spirit and meaning of the stories remain just as powerful. Because each story was beautifully combined with music, dancing, and a stunning setting, a link is included so that each performance can be watched and enjoyed as it was originally presented. I love each of these stories both the fictional ones and the nonfiction ones. Some left me in tears such as "A Christmas Bell for Anya" or "The Little Match Girl" while others left me with a warm glow in my heart like "The Candy Bomber". For those like me who love inspiring stories to share during Christmas, this book is a must have.</div>Geo Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15618854343507111793noreply@blogger.com0