LDS and Lovin' it: Covenant Communications

Book information and cover provided by the author for blog tour.

ABOUT THE BOOK

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

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

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REVIEW

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.

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 Before the Fortress Falls.

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Covenant Communications, 2022

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

SUMMERHAVEN: A Regency Romance by Tiffany Odekirk

SUMMERHAVEN

A Regency Romance

by Tiffany Odekirk

ISBN: 9781524421465

Source: eARC from author/publisher

Book cover and summary from Deseretbook.com.

Book excerpt and banner from author for blog tour.

ABOUT THE BOOK

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.

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.

REVIEW

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.

BOOK EXCERPT

Damon stepped forward, and his watch key and seal—visible reminders of his status and self-importance—clanked together. He bowed. “Miss Kent.”

“My lord,” I returned with a shallow curtsy.

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.”

My eyebrows pulled together in surprise.

“Do try not to scowl, Miss Kent. It will crease your lovely brow.”

“Damon Jennings,” Lady Winfield scolded. “You have been taught better manners.”

“My apologies, Mother. Teasing a beautiful woman is one of few things that has yet to be lectured out of me.”

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 not a gentleman.

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Thursday, January 20, 2022

CAN GIL AND EUDOCIA OVERTHROW A GOVERNMENT AND FIND LOVE? FIND OUT IN Of Sword and Shadow by A.L. Sowards

OF SWORD AND SHADOW

by A.L. Sowards

ISBN: 978-1-52441-358-3

ABOUT THE BOOK

Greece, 1379

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.

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.

REVIEW

A.L. Sowards' Of Sword and Shadow 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.

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?

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.

Monday, December 6, 2021

BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY: An Accidental Romance by Karen Tuft

AN ACCIDENTAL ROMANCE

The Jennings Family Series

A Regency Romance

by Karen Tuft

Source: eARC from publisher for review

ISBN: 9781524420406

ABOUT THE BOOK

Rebecca Jennings's first London Season has been absolutely ruined, and one personal alone is responsible: Mr. Ben Fortescue. If her new neighbor hadn't startled her, she would never have broken her ankle, leaving her bored and frustrated at home in the country while her sister enters the London Season alone. Although, it was rather gallant of him to carry her home... For his part, Ben feels terrible about the role he played in Miss Rebecca Jennings's accident. In the days that follow their first disastrous meeting, he finds himself inexorably drawn to the surprising young woman—first out of guilt and then out of a stirring affection. But Ben hides a secret: he has not been completely forthright about his identity or about the dark secrets of his past that would make it impossible for romance to blossom with Miss Jennings. Despite his love for her, he knows he must let her go. With her ankle finally healed but her heart now broken, Rebecca is left with little choice but to throw herself into the Season. With eligible men circling this late addition to the Marriage Mat, it seems that Rebecca will have no shortage of suitors. If only her heart were free to give.

REVIEW

An Accidental Romance returns readers to the delightful Jennings family with eight children. Rebecca Jennings is the youngest child and is eagerly anticipating her first London Season. After injuring her ankle when her new neighbor Mr. Benjamin Fortescue startles her, Rebecca's well-laid plans are ruined. In an effort to make up for his error, Mr. Fortescue starts visiting Rebecca almost daily. As they get to know each other, their feelings for each other grow into something beyond friendship. But Ben carries some heartache that leaves him reluctant to trust Rebecca's feelings, not to mention the guilt he feels for causing her injury in the first place. When the opportunity to go to London reappears, Ben encourages Rebecca to go even though she's reluctant to leave him. Can their relationship survive Ben's past and Rebecca's new present circumstances? Or will a handsome new suitor change things for both of them?

Karen Tuft's delightful romance kept me engrossed from beginning to end. Rebecca and Ben both make for sympathetic characters that I quickly grew to love. And my heart felt for them as they faced struggles related to Ben's past experiences. The scenes with the children were especially enjoyable. And it was fun to read about other members of the Jennings clan whose stories have been previously shared. The character development is superb and I enjoyed following the developing relationships between all the various characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this latest volume in the Jennings Family series and look forward to the possibility of more to come.

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Tuesday, August 10, 2021

AN ENGAGEMENT OF SORTS: A Regency Romance by Alene Wecker

AN ENGAGEMENT OF SORTS

A Regency Romance

by Alene Wecker

Published: August 9, 2021

Historical Fiction

ABOUT THE BOOK

Much to her mother's dismay, spirited Anne Fletcher spent her youth seeking her father's approval by hunting and riding. More comfortable in breeches than ball gowns, Anne sees the freedoms she once enjoyed slowly taken from her in the name of fashioning her into an eligible young lady. When her parents try to force her into marriage, Anne makes a desperate attempt to salvage her last vestige of independence. If she is to marry, she will do so on her own terms.

Anne strikes a deal: if she cannot secure a man for herself, she will agree to marry the husband her parents approved. She soon finds herself in the last place she would every choose—that stifling parade of etiquette, the London Season. Anne's plan is in motion. Now all she needs is a man willing to masquerade as her fiancé.

REVIEW

An Engagement of Sorts presents readers with an enjoyable story that manages to blend serious issues with plenty of humor. The two main characters carried the story with their unique characters and interactions. The plot proved to be compelling and thoughtful at the same time.

Anne, the heroine, is a spirited young woman who has been told her whole life that she isn't good enough. Her mother considers her a trial and constantly tells her reign in her emotions. After a lifetime of criticism, Anne has determined never to marry. Her friend, Will, the local vicar, however, has other plans. He wants to marry her and goes to her father and gets permission to marry her without talking to her first. Anne, in desperation, makes a deal with Will. If she can't find a man in London within a month's time, she will return and marry him. Meanwhile, she also has to deal with the offensive attentions of Mr. Smith, an acquaintance of her father's.

Several encounters with a colorful Mr. Thomas Paling add to Anne's stress. His constant flirtations mask his fondness for her and her antics. Desperation leads Anne to confide in the man and his suggestion of a false engagement is her only hope of preventing Mr. Smith from causing further harm to her and her friends and family.

One of my favorite aspects of the story is the humorous interactions between Anne and Thomas. Her spiritedness combined with his delightful sense of humor and flirtatiousness make for a very entertaining combination. And yet the two also come to understand each other through some serious conversations as well. I especially like the fact that Thomas sees Anne as a person worth paying attention to, which Anne herself appreciates as well.

Issues related to verbal, physical, and sexual abuse run throughout the story which unfortunately would have been very common at the time. Anne's helplessness in the face of horrible threats induced a great deal of sympathy in me. The fact that women of the time had little recourse is rather sickening.

Overall, the story is well-told with lighter, entertaining scenes mixed in with the more serious, intense scenes. An emotional story that takes the reader from laughter to anger and back again.

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

HISTORICAL (time-traveling) ROMANCE BOOK REVIEW : Time's Dagger by Margot Hovley

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TIME DAGGER

by Margot Hovley

Source: eARC from publisher for review

ISBN:9781524417154

ABOUT THE BOOK

After a rough stint at work in the ER, Dillon Kelly is more than a little ready for a vacation when he packs his bags and sets off on a camping trip in the wilds of Ireland. But when a mysterious dagger covered in druidic markings appears in his backpack, Dillon finds himself hurtled into the fourteenth century. Thrust into the legends and politics of ancient Ireland, he is rescued from suspicious locals by a beautiful young woman named Ailish.

Ailish has always dreamed of being a bard, but there’s just one problem: women aren’t allowed. Determined to follow her heart, Ailish has fooled everyone into thinking she’s a boy—everyone, that is, except for Dillon. He’s agreed to keep her secret in exchange for her help in finding his way home to his own time. Despite the impossible barriers between them, feelings beyond friendship soon blossom. But more than just their budding romance is in danger. Ailish isn’t the only one who recognizes the dagger’s druidic significance, and there are those who would stop at nothing to harness its time-bending powers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Margot Hovley grew up a country kid in Washington State, where she filled the tedious hours of farm chores with an overactive imagination. She loves her work with her church’s international magazines, but fiction writing is her favorite creative outlet. Time’s Dagger is her third published full-length novel. She lives in northern Utah at the foot of her beloved mountains, where she chases chickens and grandchildren and teaches piano to the somewhat willing. Helping run the family business is hectic, but she loves working with her husband, Art, and several of the Hovley children. How she finds time for writing is both a miracle and a mystery.

REVIEW

Time travel can be a tricky plot device to get right. It combines fictional science or magic (depending on the approach) with history and is difficult to make believable. That's why I don't read a lot of stories involving time travel. When I started reading this one though I was immediately intrigued. Dillon makes a great sympathetic character who is tired and frustrated with his life and travels with his brother to Ireland for a holiday of backpacking and enjoying the peace and quiet of the countryside. What he doesn't expect is to be called to a hospital where a total stranger calls him by name and insists he take a dagger. Leaving the dagger behind, Dillion is later surprised to find it in his backpack. He shrugs off the strange encounter until a nap under a tree next to the dagger sends him back in time to the fourteenth century. There he runs into Ailish, an Irish lass, who is disguised as a boy so she can pursue her dream of being a druidic bard. When she sees the Druidic markings on his dagger she immediately wants her Druid teacher to see it. She also hopes to convince her teacher to keep teaching her once he finds out she is a woman.

Things get complicated though when Ailish must take Dillon back to the castle where she works as a bard, and Dillon meets and befriends the son of a baron, whose life he saved. Dillon isn't comfortable in this time period and he hopes Ailish's teacher can help him figure out how to get home. But with the man away from home, he and Ailish must wait for his return. In the meantime, things take a turn as Dillon and Ailish's feelings take a turn for the romantic. And it turns out that Dillion has shared a little too much information with the wrong person putting both him and Ailish at risk.

In addition to the sweet romance and fun time confusion that Dillon experiences, the historical details are fascinating. The natural scenery that Hovley describes made me want to visit the time and place (not the castle or society so much). The author includes enough details to give the reader a feel for the difference in time and place that Dillon experiences as well as the life that Ailish has lived. But there aren't so many details that the story gets bogged down.

Dillon and Ailish are great characters who find themselves connecting strongly despite the rather large differences between them. When it comes to time travel stories, romances can always be a bit tricky. I mean does the person from the future stay in the past, the person from the past travel to the future? Or are the pair doomed to be separated forever? So I was curious to see how the romance played out. I'll admit I was a bit surprised by the way the story turns out, but it works for this particular story.

The supernatural elements introduced throughout the story made the time travel elements acceptable and suitable for the story. I enjoyed this quick read, especially the humor of future technology and knowledge in the past as well as the romance and historical details. The author does a fine job creating an entertaining, enjoyable story for those looking to escape our own time for a short read.

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Tuesday, May 11, 2021

HISTORICAL ROMANCE BOOK REVIEW : A PROPER SCOUNDREL by Esther Hatch

A PROPER SCOUNDREL

by Esther Hatch

Source: eARC from publisher for review

ISBN: 9781524416980

ABOUT THE BOOK

His scandals were right on track until she derailed everything.

As the successful owner of multiple railroad lines, Diana Barton is all too accustomed to fending off suitors seeking to stake their claim on her wealth. In order to keep the wolves at bay, Diana has contrived the perfect plan: appeal to the most notorious rake in London, the Baron Lord Bryant, to ruin her reputation and scare off the worst of the time wasters. The ruse will be no hardship she's secretly been fascinated by the man for years.

Lord Bryant is well aware of his questionable reputation. Indeed, he has cultivated the image carefully, and the last thing he wants is a wife. But when he's approached by the younger sister of a business associate, he tells her in no uncertain terms that he cannot help. However, when he sees for himself what she is up against, Bryant grudgingly offers his assistance. Faced with his most complicated entanglement yet, Bryant is firm in his conditions and Diana knows that to get romantically involved with Bryant would spell certain heartbreak. But as the counterfeit couple grow ever closer, the line between truth and lies becomes blurred, threatening both Lord Bryant's well-laid plans and the future of Diana's railroad business.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Esther Hatch grew up on a cherry orchard in rural Utah. After high school, she alternated living in Russia to teach children English and attending Brigham Young University in order to get a degree in archaeology. She began writing when one of her favorite authors invited her to join a critique group. The only catch was she had to be a writer. Not one to be left out of an opportunity to socialize and try something new; she started on her first novel that week.

REVIEW

Diana Barton's efforts to run two railroad lines are being thwarted by a stream of gentleman callers who want to court and marry her to gain control of the railroad lines. In frustrations, Diana decides that a ruined reputation is the way to get these men to leave her alone. After Lord Bryant, a well-known local scoundrel and rake, refuses to assist her, Diana goes ahead and starts using Lord Bryant's name. To her delight her efforts seem to be working, except against one particularly determined gentleman. Things become complicated however when Lord Bryant shows up at her office wanting to know what is going on. After some persuasion Lord Bryant agrees to help but only behind the scenes. He doesn't want their antics to get in the way of his efforts with Lady Emily. But things seem to go awry from the beginning as Diana and Lord Bryant seem to enjoy each other's company more than they should. But is it wise to get attached to a man who has ruined so many other women?

Diana and Everton's (Lord Bryant) love story is a thoroughly engaging and entertaining one. I couldn't help but smile as I read of Diana and Everton's many rather unusual, and amusing, encounters. Neither character fits particularly well into the society of the time (Regency period). After his horrible first marriage, Everton has gone out of his way to shock and horrify society and hide behind the mask of a rake. Diana, as a woman, is running two railroad companies very competently. Everton is used to charming all the women he meets. But Diana knows what she wants and Everton discovers it's not so easy to turn her down. I especially enjoyed this book because it feels fresh and different, especially as Diana is not really looking for a husband and Everton has decided to never marry again. All in all I really enjoyed the witty banter and back and forth between the two main characters. The other plot lines involving the railroad, Diana's brother, and Lady Emily made for some interesting reading as well. Highly recommended.

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Tuesday, May 4, 2021

FOREVER, PHOEBE : a regency romance by Chalon Linton

FOREVER, PHOEBE

by Chalon Linton

Source : ARC from publisher for review

ISBN: 978-1-52441-688-1

Starring Brandon Ray Olive & Moyindo Mpongo

ABOUT THE BOOK

At the dignified age of eighteen, Phoebe Jamison knows she should behave in a manner befitting her station, as her three loving elder brothers often tease. Unfortunately, the lively young woman has a personality every bit as fiery as her red hair, a fact brought to her attention in the criticism made by the gentle man she has long pined for. But not every man is of the opinion that a woman should be decorous above all else. The newest resident of Somerset, Mr. Franklin Everly, is considered a most eligible bachelor, and he is immediately drawn to Phoebe's spirited nature as he becomes acquainted with the delightful Jamison siblings of Primly Park.

Franklin embarks on a friendship with Phoebe that quickly deepens into a warm and thrilling connection. But even as he fights for Phoebe's attentions, a very real danger is revealed: girls in neighboring villages have gone missing, and the kidnapper is moving ever closer to Primly Park. Despite the guard of her fiercely protective brothers and Franklin, Phoebe must rely on her own strength when she finds herself in the sights of the Bride Snatcher.

REVIEW

Phoebe Jamison's personality reflects as brightly as her red hair. And Mr. Franklin Everly takes immediate notice of that after he arrives in Somerset to take over the property he has inherited. Phoebe enjoys Mr. Everly's company but she has other things on her mind. There's a kidnapper in the area stealing young ladies. In addition, the oldest of Phoebe's three brothers is showing more interest than he should in Phoebe's best friend, Hannah. Phoebe's crush on her brothers' friend, Mr. Mason prevents Phoebe from recognizing Mr. Everly's interest until he expresses a desire to court her. Phoebe finds herself caught between her old feelings for Mr. Mason and her growing affection for Mr. Everly. Just as she's figuring out her feelings, she comes face to face with the Bride Snatcher.

Linton's characters shine through the story in a delightful way. I especially enjoyed Phoebe's and Franklin's interactions. Her spirit and boldness balance nicely with his good humor and kindness. Phoebe's brothers also made for enjoyable reading with affection and sibling rivalry a plenty. And the loyalty between Phoebe and her best friend ends up saving them both. With plenty of action and enjoyable interactions between the characters, the book makes for a page-turning read. In addition to the romantic tension, the background suspense related to the kidnapper carries through the story until all the plot lines come to the climax, leading to a bit of a surprise ending. Linton has created a winner of a book with fun characters, an interesting plot, and a great setting.

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

HEART OF AFRICA DVD SPOTLIGHT & REVIEW

A Tshoper Kalambi Film

HEART OF AFRICA

ABOUT THE MOVIE

A Congolese man runs from a terrible accident and finds himself at a revolutionary camp, where he is told that he has a great destiny. He tries to escape and start a new life by going to another town, joining a new religion, and becoming a missionary. Ultimately, though, he finds himself back in the very place he had tried to leave. He must face his fears and his shame—but also his magnificent possibilities.

Heart of Africa is the first full-length, faith-based film to come out of the nascent Democratic Republic of Congo film movement. After decades of colonial oppression and civil war, the country's scars run deep. Cinema is emerging as a cathartic new medium, and director Tshoper Kabambi is a leader of a new kind of revolution: one driven by stories that he hopes will heal the hearts of his people and the DR Congo.

REVIEW

This powerful film about a young Congolese man coming to terms with his past in order to find his future makes for a compelling viewing experience. Gabriel finds himself on the run after an accident leaves the woman he loves dead. At first he returns to the revolutionary camp that took him and his brother in after their parents' deaths. But he doesn't want to stay there. After leaving the camp he runs into missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who give him a place to stay and food to eat. In gratitude he joins the church. His interest in a young woman he meets, Yvette, leads him to develop his faith.

When the mission president asks him to return to the town from which he fled, Gabriel must face his past. His American companion adds to the conflict he feels as he returns to face the man who helped raise him who wants him to help lead his revolutionary, revenge-filled cause. As he helps to build an orphanage, Gabriel wrestles with his loyalties. Ultimately, Gabriel must choose faith and love or anger and vengeance.

I really appreciated the use of the native languages in the film, it made it seem that much more real. The setting was genuine and beautiful and gives a glimpse into what life is like for some of those who live in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The acting is superb and powerful and carries the film from beginning to end. Overall, a well-done film that tells a powerful, important story, a film that I can highly recommend.

Note: because of the nature of the story and the experiences of Gabriel, there is some violence. This should be considered before the film is watched by children.

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PURCHASE

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Thursday, April 23, 2020

BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY : The Noble Smuggler by Sian Ann Bessey

THE NOBLE SMUGGLER

A Historical Romance

by Sian Ann Bessey

ISBN: 9781524412272

ABOUT THE BOOK

Despite living at her father's inn her entire life, Elizabeth Doyle has always managed to avoid involvement with the smugglers who frequently gather there. Until now. When a handsome smuggler is brought to her with dire injuries, Elizabeth risks everything to hide him—completely unaware that the wounded man is not who he appears to be.

When an opportunity arises to infiltrate the notorious smuggling gang he believes caused his father's death, Jonas Ainsworth, the Viscount Langton, pretends to be one of them. But when he is wounded mid-charade, Jonas's life is placed in the hands of an unlikely savior: a smuggler's daughter. Forced to flee before his wounds have fully healed, he does not think he will ever see her again—until she appears on his doorstep, seeking safe haven. Divided by their social standings yet united in their mutual desire to expose the leader of the smuggling ring, Jonas and Elizabeth are undeniably drawn to each other. Neither realizes, however, that they are dangerously close to uncovering explosive secrets from the past—secrets that will alter the course of their lives forever.

AUTHOR'S WEBSITE

https://www.sianannbessey.com/

REVIEW

Elizabeth Doyle would rather not be involved in smuggling, but as an innkeeper's daughter, she has little choice in the matter. Jonas Ainsworth, the Viscount Langton, on the other hand, enters into smuggling of his own freewill. As Jonas seeks a way to overthrow the local smuggling gang and find answers to his father's death from year's ago, he's surprised to discover he has feelings for Lizzie. But Elizabeth thinks Jonas is a smuggler named Reynard and faces serious difficulties when her father pushes her toward marrying a corrupt local official. Forced to flee, Elizabeth seeks Reynard for help only to discover he isn't who she thought he was. But together they work to take down the smugglers only to realize there's a secret to be uncovered that's greater than any they have yet come across. Bessey tells a fabulous tale that I found to be a compelling read. As usual, her historical details are suburb without slowing the story. I appreciated the use of an interesting time period involving those other than just the aristocracy. An enjoyable story mixed with an intriguing romance made for a thoroughly engaging read.

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Friday, April 10, 2020

BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY : His Lady in Hiding by Jen Geigle Johnson

HIS LADY IN HIDING

a historical romance novel

by Jen Geigle Johnson

Source: ARC from publisher for review (Thanks!)

ISBN: 978-52441-045-2

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lady Elizabeth Davenport is desperate. Her hand in marriage has been offered to the highest bidder, a distressing proposition in and of itself but made all the more repulsive when she meets her father's first choice for her hand: Lord Pinweather. When her parents refuse to hear her pleas Liz is forced to take drastic measures—she will impersonate her maid and begin anew in America on her own terms.

Once Liz is on board the ship to America, another passenger, Lord Barton, almost immediately discovers her true status as a noble. After listening to Liz's highly modified version of her life and her plans to begin again, Barton has compassion on her and teaches her how to abandon her noble mannerisms. Upon Disembarking, however, Barton's generous spirit quickly dampens when he discovers Liz has indeed found work—as his own head housekeeper. Suddenly, the tender feelings they hid from each other on the ship are inescapable, but their difference in station makes romance impossible. As misunderstandings abound and a shocking character from Liz's past looms, she knows she can't hide her true identity forever. But as her deception begins to unravel, will her charade cost her the man she loves?

REVIEW

Jen Geigle Johnson writes historical fiction that goes beyond the individual stories of the main characters, but also looks at the lives of those around them. This adds depth to the story and gives the reader a glimpse into what life at that time was like for those other than the upper classes. Lady Elizabeth runs away from home in order to avoid a forced marriage. But her efforts to hide as a servant don't turn out the way she planned and eventually she must face her past in order to have any hope of things working out with her employer and the man she loves, Lord Barton. When Lord Barton meets Liz on the ship to America, he immediately recognizes that she isn't a servant, but after hearing the version of events that she chooses to tell him, he helps her. Although employing her in his house wasn't in his mind at the time, especially after he develops feelings for her.

Once the two realize their feelings for each other, they try to find a way to be together. But life and Liz's past intervenes and the two are faced with a future far different than they desire. But in the face of great difficulty their feelings don't seem to matter. Or do they? Is there a way to face their challenges and still be together? The details of life in this time period are beautifully brought to life by the author. The portrayal of English aristocracy making a life in Philadelpha is certainly an interesting one. Once again, Johnson has brought to life not only her characters but the time period. The interactions Lord Barton and Lady Elizabeth have with each other as well as those around them make for a thought-provoking, as well as entertaining story. A thoughtful, enjoyable romance with some nice historical context.

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Tuesday, March 24, 2020

BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY : Where the Stars Meet the Sea by Heidi Kimball

WHERE THE STARS MEET THE SEA

a regency romance

by Heidi Kimball

Source: ARC from publisher for review (Thank you!)All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ISBN: 978-1-52441-041-4

ABOUT THE BOOK

Juliet Graham fervently counts the days until her twenty-first birthday, when she can claim the inheritance that will grant her the freedom she has always craved and the guardianship of her younger brother. Until then, she is trapped under her aunt Agnes's domineering will. When forced to accompany the family to a house party at Shaldorn Castle, Juliet's only objective is to keep to herself. That is, until a chance encounter with a boorish stranger stirs up an unexpected whirlwind of emotions in her. Thrown off-balance, Juliet does the unthinkable: loses her temple and insults the man—who turns out to be her unwilling host, the Duke of Halstead. Fully expecting to be sent away, Juliet is surprised when the brusque and callous duke instead takes an interest in her.

Drawn to the duke in unguarded moments, Juliet finds herself more and more intrigued by the man who shuns Society's rules as completely as she does, and over the next few weeks, their unlikely friendship deepens into a connection neither expected.

But even as Juliet comes to recognize her true feelings, he scheming aunt issues an ultimatum that threatens the future she was just beginning to hope for. Juliet must choose: either break the promise she made to herself years ago, or lose the man who has captured her heart and soul.

http://www.authorheidikimball.com/

REVIEW

Juliet's first encounter with the Duke of Halstead makes for quite an intriguing beginning to the story. As the daughter of a lady of quality and a former sea captain she doesn't quite fit in at the house party she is attending. Her awkward, harsh encounters with the duke make things even worse, at least at first. Juliet must determine whether to marry her cousin, Robert, who has expressed his affection for her. But as Juliet's encounters with the duke turn more pleasant and she starts to develop feelings for him, she struggles to contain her emotions. As if that weren't enough, the duke's mother and grandmother have other plans for him, despite his resistance, and they make it clear that Juliet is not to be a part of those plans. And on top of that, Juliet must deal with her mean, manipulative aunt whose control she must endure until she receives her inheritance. Her concern for her brother, who is away at school is a driving force in the decisions she must make.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It's become one of my all time favorites. Juliet is a wonderful character that I cheered for from the very first page. Her encounters with the duke made for the best parts of the book. As strong-willed, passionate people, their encounters varied from tumultuous to tender. I loved reading about how the duke's directness brought out Juliet's true nature, while Juliet's openness lead the duke to start lowering the walls he put up after his horrible accident. But there are major obstacles to any long term relationship between a sailor's daughter and a duke. I appreciated the fact that Juliet is a very human character, sometimes she makes good choices and sometimes not. Both Juliet's and the duke's flaws are obvious, and yet as they let down their defenses and get to know each other, it's not hard to understand the feelings that develop between them.

Truly a delightful book with wonderful characters, enjoyable dialogue, and a gorgeous setting.

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Tuesday, March 3, 2020

BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: The Masked Baron by Anneka R. Walker

THE MASKED BARON

a regency romance

by Anneka R. Walker

ISBN: 978-1-52441-223-4

ABOUT THE BOOK

Andalin is accustomed to her father's frequent travels—and to being left behind. So when he returns home and instructs her to pack her belongings, she is bewildered—but there is no time for questions as she is whisked away on a mysterious journey under the cover of night. When their tense flight leads them into the forbidding Black Forest, the pair quickly finds themselves in great peril. With little hope of escape, father and daughter are spared when rescue appears in the form of the mysterious Dark Rider, a notorious deadly highwayman feared by all he meets. But his assistance does not come without a price: he is taking Andalin with him. Now her fate rests in the hands of the enigmatic masked man whose secrets are inescapably tied to the beautiful young woman now in his charge.

REVIEW

What a delightful book! As a lover of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, it wasn't hard to see the similarities between this book and that old fairy tale. But Walker has thrown in enough personal touches that the story feels fresh and new. I loved meeting Andalin and Ellis and especially enjoyed reading about their encounters. Andalin reluctantly settles into her new circumstances but is understandably wary of her host, Lord Cadogen, whose reputation as the Dark Rider is well-known to her. Ellis, at the beginning, sees Andalin as a means to an end. As the two get to know each other though, a friendship develops with stronger feelings growing in the background. Andalin's curiosity leads her to attempt to figure out why Ellis behaves the way he does while she is trained in ladylike behavior. But Ellis's quest, and his enemies put Andalin at risk and threaten to negate their developing relationship. With twists and turns aplenty, The Masked Baron was a quick and compelling read. A great book for readers who enjoy a fairy-tale based, historical romance with plenty of wit to carry the day.

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Thursday, February 27, 2020

CONTEMPORARY SUSPENSE/ROMANCE : A Stranger Watches by Kathi Oram Peterson

A STRANGER WATCHES

A Suspense Novel

by Kathi Oram Peterson

Source: ebook for review from publisher

ISBN: 9781524412203

ABOUT THE BOOK

Something is wrong. Despite the fact that Kyra Fletcher hasn't seen her estranged father in five years, the peculiar birthday card he sends in the mail is our of character—and alarming.

Determined to put her mind at ease and men their relationship in person, Kyra travels to her father's Wyoming lodge. She finds it well kept but vacant, and according to the people in town, her father has been gone for months. Kyra is certain something has happened to him and turns to local Sheriff Shane McQuire for help. As the pair works together to investigate her father's whereabouts, Kyra finds herself becoming more and more comfortable with the town—and its sheriff. But she is unaware of one deadly detail: someone is watching her, and as she draws ever closer to the answers she seeks, that person will do anything to ensure her silence.

REVIEW

Kyra Fletcher arrives in Wyoming to discover her father missing. She'd come to find out why he had never shown up to see her, after telling her he was coming. With the help of the local sheriff, Shane McQuire, she sets out to find her father. But clues are few and far between, and no one seems to have any idea where her father is. And her father's wife complicates everything. Kyra's difficulties with her lawyer neighbor, and Shane's struggles with his teenage daughter make it even more challenging to find answers. But Kyra is determined to find her father despite the growing number of incidents that make it clear that someone doesn't want her to find anything. The growing feelings between Kyra and Shane also leave her wondering what the future might hold.

Kathi Oram Peterson has written plenty of romantic suspense novels, but this is my favorite so far. I enjoyed the characters and following along as they searched for clues. Peterson does a fine job of revealing information piece by piece, allowing the reader to try to figure things out along with Kyra and Shane. The relationship issues made the book more interesting and left me with lots of suspects. An enjoyable read for those who enjoy contemporary romance and mystery.

Thursday, February 6, 2020

BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY : Adoring Abigail by Chalon Linton

ADORING ABIGAIL

a regency romance

by Chalon Linton

Source: publisher for review (Thanks!)

ISBN: 978-1-52441-151-0