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Book Description

Please see Goodreads page for a full description.

From five compelling authors, five original novellas which will make you laugh and cry, and believe in a love that once found will last forever. Meet a duke, a psychic, a bodyguard and a professor…and one "guardian fairy" in absorbing stories ranging from regency and contemporary romance to paranormal and women's fiction.

Review

I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

This is a compilation of 5 novellas which in the end, seemed more like short stories. 
Playing for Keeps: I actually DNF'd this story. Most romances are cliche and formulaic. I like knowing there is going to be a HEA at the end. But when the characters and scenes are also cheesy and cliche and not terribly well-written, it is not enjoyable.

The Princess & the Pinot: I actually enjoyed this story the most. It was predictable and a little cheesy but it was also sweet and actually gave me a happily ever after tied up in a pretty bow. 

Duets: I don't even know what to say. This story almost made me throw my Kindle. A typical love triangle with smarmy guy at one point and quiet sensitive guy at the other. I knew what was supposed to happen. I thought it was headed that way....and then it just ended. And had notes at the end that made it clear this was just an introduction to another book. So frustrating.

Never and Forever: This one had the makings of a classic romance: dashing duke with no desire to marry paired with an independent lady who cares nothing for marriage or family brought together by meddling older family members. I liked all of the characters, the dialogue was fine, there was just the right amount of passion without crossing into erotica.....and then, it too....ended abruptly. 

The Psychic Detective: This book had a very interesting plot. Female cop needs to solve a mystery and clear her name. Gritty private detective who communicates with the dead. This story was going somewhere interesting too before it just ended. 

With the exception of the first story, I felt the writing was decent with engaging characters. One pretty unique plot line and the others were variations on a theme but they were shaping up into nice little romances. But three of the four I read were not complete stories and that really frustrates me.

(I'd give it 1 star but the stories did interest me enough to bump it to 2). 

I was provided an eARC by the publisher for review purposes. Here is my honest review.

I gave this book: ★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck

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Books-A-Million          Lifeway          Christian Book          Book Depository

Book Description

Tenley Roth’s first book was a literary and commercial success. Now that her second book is due, she’s locked in fear. Can she repeat her earlier success or is she a fraud who merely found a bit of luck?

With pressure mounting from her publisher, Tenley is weighted with writer’s block. But when her estranged mother calls asking Tenley to help her through chemotherapy, she packs up for Florida where she meets handsome furniture designer Jonas Sullivan and discovers the story her heart’s been missing.

Born during the Gilded Age, Birdie Shehorn is the daughter of the old money Knickerbockers. Yet her life is not her own. Under the strict control of her mother, her every move is decided ahead of time, even whom she’ll marry. But Birdie has dreams of her own. She wants to tell stories, write novels, make an impact on the world. When she discovers her mother has literally destroyed her dreams, she must choose between submission and security or forging a brand new way all on her own.

Tenley and Birdie are from two very different worlds. Yet when Tenley discovers Birdie’s manuscript, their lives intersect. Birdie’s words help Tenley find a way home. Tenley brings Birdie’s writing to the world.

Can two women separated by time help fulfill each other’s destiny?

Review

I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

Rachel Hauck is one of my favorite authors and her newest book did not disappoint. The Writing Desk follows modern day Tenley Roth as well as Gilded Age heiress Birdie Shehorn. While the book jumps between their points-of-view, it wasn't difficult to keep track of the time period or their perspective. There was a third character's  (Eli, Birdie's love interest) point of view thrown in but not as consistently; while this didn't make it hard to follow along, it did seem slightly random. 

Tenley comes from a line of authors who have achieved great critical and commercial success. She has one best seller and is facing a looming deadline for her second book with a severe case of writer's block, which is fueled by her lack of confidence in her abilities and ultimately, her purpose in life. Birdie is a privileged young lady of means whose father sent her to Wellesley but upon her graduation is expected to make a good marriage match based on money and social power. She has submitted a novel to a publisher who declined her manuscript which has gone missing. As the story progresses, we learn that Birdie continues to write yet never receives recognition for her work. In addition to this, both women have strained relationships with their mothers; and both must determine the importance of love in a marriage. Hauck did an incredible job exploring these issues. As always, her books have an element of faith and Birdie and Tenley both come to know Jesus in a more personal and real way. Sometimes this can feel very forced in a book. Hauck weaves the women's relationship with God and their growing faith into the storyline in a natural way.  

I loved The Writing Desk! The parallels between Tenley and Birdie are so strong despite the fact that their story is not exactly the same.  While I was given the opportunity to review this book by the publisher, I intend to add this to my permanent collection. 

I gave this book: ★★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Want to Know More?

Visit Rachel's website for more information on her books or follow her on Instagram where she posts many inspirational quotes.


I first discovered Rachel Hauck with Once Upon a Prince which is the first book in The Royal Wedding Series. Read this book too - and then the rest of the series. The heroines are spunky and strong and the heroes are true throwback gentlemen. 

House Divided Blog Tour

Tour Schedule

House Divided

There is a law irrevocably decreed in the state of Alabama that you must choose a team. You're either an Auburn fan or an Alabama Fan. There is no fence sitting or waffling. It’s one or the other. However, it doesn't mean that you can’t fall in love with someone from the opposing side. They even have a name for it ... House Divided. Ellie Eaton and Brady Jackson were just such a couple, but unfortunately they were separated by more than just their loyalty to a university. Against the odds and against the rules, Ellie and Brady dove right into the forbidden current of friendship and then love. Their sweet, innocent romance was one for the storybooks, but old rules and family prejudices ultimately tore them apart, just as they were each ready to depart to their beloved universities, Ellie to Auburn and Brady to Alabama. But years later, when near tragedy strikes, they're brought together again and given a second chance at love, this time with help from some very unlikely sources. House Divided is a sweet romance filled with southern charm, a dash of humor and, for good measure, a pinch of lies and intrigue.

AMAZON

Praise for the Book 

 "House Divided was one of those books that made me want to ignore my children, my to-do list, my need for food, and pretty much anything else that would keep me from reading. Jennifer Peel has a real gift for depicting first love, heartbreak, and hope." "A tender, soft, story that truly is a gem to read." "Ms. Peel has created a story that stands as a tribute to true southern gentility, it's foibles and strengths. Truly a beautiful read that gives heart and meaning to true devotion. She truly knows how to weave a story that has beauty and true southern charm."

                                                                   My Review

You can see my updated review at Goodreads. 

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour.  House Divided is a great book so far.  I must be honest and say that I am still reading it.  It is told from Ellie's point of view - I tend to read slower in first person. That coupled with an unplanned gathering that has taken my attention this week means I have not been able to read more than just a few clicks at a time.  That being said, it is off to a great start.  So far, I like Ellie's devotion to her aunt and hate the way Brady walked away from her in high school.  Stories that explore a couple's second chance at love are one of my favorites.  Often authors will set up the plot where they were good friends or such.  Peel has a unique twist in Ellie and Brady were forbidden to even talk to each other let alone have a "we're just friends" relationship.  I can't wait to see where the journey goes.  

 

       

Author Jennifer Peel 

 I'm a Colorado native who currently calls Alabama home. I'm the mother of three amazing children who have grown up way too fast. I enjoy the mountains, vacations at the beach, date night with my husband, late night talks with my kiddos, touring model homes, and pink bubblegum ice cream. I grew up on the Western Slope in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. I learned to love the beauty of the outdoors, but not camping--unless staying overnight at the Marriott counts. I met my husband while living in Denver and then several years later we traded the beauty and majesty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains for the art and culture of Chicago, Illinois. My family and I enjoyed living near this world class city, despite the crazy cold winters, but new adventures awaited in Northern Alabama--just six hours away from Orange Beach, Alabama. These three magical places (the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Chicago, and Orange Beach) are the inspired locations used in several of my books.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

 

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 4/12/15 

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Need You for Keeps by Marina Adair, A Review

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Book Description

When it comes to caring for the furry residents of St. Helena, California, groomer and pet rescuer Shay Michaels can handle anything. Humans are another story, though especially Deputy Jonah Baudouin. He's the town s resident superhero: upright, uptight, and jaw-droppingly gorgeous, even when he s investigating complaints about Shay s beloved foster animals. And that spells danger for Shay, a free spirit who can't risk trusting the wrong person again.

Jonah and Shay have been circling each other ever since she came to town, and h' s running out of reasons to "not" kiss her senseless. But this deputy is a straight shooter with his eye on the sheriff s badge. He can't afford to get involved with Shay, a chaos magnet with luscious curves who's liable to turn his career and his life upside down. He enforces laws. She breaks them repeatedly. Keeping her out of trouble is becoming a full-time job and i' s one he hopes is never going to end."

Review

I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

While this book is a contemporary romance and follows the formula you typically find, it is much more.  The characters are beautifully written; not just Shay and Jonah, but even the most minor of characters as well.  Shay was exceptionally well-written as a woman who finds it hard to trust those around her but she does it without what I think of as "weak girl whining".    

I always enjoy romance series that are set in small towns with a cast of characters that you can't help but fall in love with - this book definitely delivers that.  My husband walked in at one point with me shaking my head at one of the characters.  Adair wrote a story telling Shay and Jonah's story that drew me in as a reader.  And since each book is a standalone, it is easy to catch up on the series.

Please note that the cover of this book made me think it would be a "sweet" romance.  It was full of sweetness, but did have a few very racy scenes. 

I gave this book: ★★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Saving Justice by Susan Crawford, A Review

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Book Description

After losing her brother to gang-related violence, elementary schoolteacher Kinley is on a mission to help her at-risk students. When one of them, Justice, is caught in an act of vandalism, she intervenes. 
Entrepreneur Nash McGuire has gone to great lengths to overcome the poverty he grew up in. When working on a renovation project in his old neighborhood he collides with a juvenile delinquent and his

 do-gooder teacher. 
Kinley believes Justice can overcome the influence of his environment; Nash knows the odds and has little patience with Kinley’s naivety. But as the boy’s mandatory community service forces Justice and Kinley into Nash’s life, he can’t help but discover a boy searching for love and purpose–a boy very much like he once was. 
Then Justice is accused of another crime. And Kinley’s stubborn belief in the boy’s innocence is just too much for Nash to accept… 

Review

I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

This book is darling - and it also had something happen in it that I did not see coming and still almost can't believe that Crawford included it. It was handled very well and added so much authenticity to the plot.

Kinley is a wonderful heroine: she's the kind of teacher I educator I strive to be and that I pray my child has. She's also unfailingly optimistic and it is easy to know why Mr. Grumpy (Nash) was drawn to her. 

This is a faith-based book and demonstrates how God is at work and can use things that happen for good. 

I really enjoyed this story: so much I gave it four stars when most of the formulaic romances I read (and enjoy) get 3 stars. This one has something that has just went deeper when I was reading it than your typical fluff romance.

I gave this book: ★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Secondhand Cowboy by Lacy Williams, A Review

   Amazon              Goodreads   

This book releases on March 24, 2015 and is available for pre-order.

Book Description

Iris Tatum hasn’t seen her high school sweetheart Callum Stewart since he left years ago without a single word. Then she witnesses an horrific hit-and-run accident, and comes face to face with her past–and Cal’s triplets. A volunteer paramedic, Iris can’t walk away. No matter how much she wants to. 

Bull rider Callum Stewart was run out of town at age twenty and vowed never to return. Only one thing could bring him back: building a future for his sons. Now, thanks to the accident that left him with a broken leg—he needs help to care for his boys. He has no choice but to accept Iris’s grudging help. 

As they rediscover a friendship–and the sparks that never faded between them–Callum’s secrets are brought back with a vengeance. How can they keep the past from destroying their future?

Review

I would like to thank Redbud Press for sending me a copy to review.  Here is my honest review.

I utterly adored this book.  It is a formulaic romance and I enjoy those types of books, typically giving them a three star rating (I liked them, but they didn't stick with me).  I gave Secondhand Cowboy four stars, I enjoyed it that much!

This book had so many elements that I enjoy in a romance: cute cowboy, rowdy boys (in the form of toddler triplets who stole my heart right along with Iris'), a second chance at love, and a small town.  I really enjoyed the theme of forgiveness that Williams weaves into the story.  Callum was convinced that he wasn't worthy of Iris' forgiveness yet she gave it so easily.  I loved that she took time to reflect on what he meant to her and fought for him.

Since this is a formulaic romance, there  are no big surprises, a guaranteed happy ending and it won't cure a world problem; it did however, put a smile on my face and leave me with a warm fuzzy feelings throughout.

I really, really hope that Williams writes stories for Jilly and the dress shop owner.  Sam. And even Mike, who is already married but I have a feeling there's a story there as well.

I gave this book: ★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

Want to Know More?

Visit Lacy Williams website to learn more about books she has written.  I joined her mailing list; I definitely will be looking at past books she has written and look forward to reading her new works as well.
Kissed By A Cowboy, a novella by Lacy Williams is currently offered for free at Amazon(paired with another Redbud Press book).  As I was looking up other works by Williams, I noticed she had a story (which happens to be Kissed by a Cowboy) in the First Kisses anthology which I reviewed last year; I looked it us and that just happened to be my favorite in the anthology. I love it when I think I've found a new author whose work I enjoyed only to realize that I actually had read their work before.

Devon's Choice by Catherine Bennett, Blog Tour & Giveaway

Devon’s Choice

Life holds no surprises for Devon Murphy. Her life consists of keeping tabs on her aging Irish father, working part time at a coffee shop, and building her online graphics design business. Devon’s only tricky situation is a shallow relationship with the pampered and affluent Michael Turner, who sees her as just another woman to conquer.

Following his father’s death, Brandon’s only goal is to expand the family business and live life on his own terms. That is, until he walks into the coffee shop one snowy evening and meets the enchanting, red-haired barista behind the counter. But can Devon and Brandon’s attraction for each other be strong enough to help erase their deepest disappointments and renew their faith in God?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Smashwords 

My Review

Let me begin by saying that I was in a very funky frame of mind when I read this book.  I did receive a copy for the tour to review and I am thankful to have been included; but I am going to share some honest thoughts about this book.  I encourage you to check out other reviews as it has received many ratings higher than mine.  

I had a very difficult time getting drawn into this book.  It wasn't the writing, which was fine and even though I thought the character development was fairly shallow, it was fine too.  The story premise is cute so I'm attributing it to my physical and emotional exhaustion of the week*.

By the last quarter of the book, I was hoping Devon would make a smart choice but honestly, she drove me so crazy I wasn't sure I would get a happy ever after - kudos to Bennett for keeping up the suspense on that end.  Devon's Choice definitely followed the formula of a feel-good romance

This is promoted as a book where faith factors in and it is in this that I found my biggest disappointment.  I felt like Devon's and Brandon's faith journey was shallow and would have liked to see more depth in this area.  I did think Bennett did a nice job of portraying how one can feel desire (usually is lacking in a Christian romance) and how to fight to maintain purity in a relationship.  This is probably one of my favorite aspects of the book.

I liked the bantering between Devon and Brandon.  I liked not knowing where the story was going; there were a few times when I was worried that the story would take a twist I did not want it to take.  I don't find a lot of formulaic romances to have unexpected twists and turns that keep me guessing - that was a refreshing treat.  I would have loved to see more of Meg and Brandon's mom (adored her so much from the little glimpse)

Overall, I am giving this 3 stars.  This is a fairly good read, I did enjoy it, I don't regret reading it and I think it is definitely a great read for the price.  If Bennett wrote Meg's story, I would definitely pick it up to read!  Again, read other reviews as my experience with the book fell at a really emotional time for me.  You will find the blog tour schedule below which will list all the blogs posting a review or an excerpt.

I gave this book: ★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it

 Praise for Devon’s Choice
5 Star Review on Amazon
“Devon’s Choice is an enjoyable Christian Romance. I was hooked from the first chapter. Devon is a strong, independent young woman who is not afraid to stand by her beliefs. The characters are very believable, and the story contains some surprise twists and turns. I would recommend this book to all readers who like Christian Romance. It is an excellent read.” ~ Review by Sharon B.
4 Star Review on Amazon
“This book is an enjoyable read. Moving along with Devon and her choices opens oneself to feeling with her the good and bad consequences of those choices. I particularly enjoyed the interaction between Devon and her dad. How she handles herself and all life throws at her makes for a good read.”
~ Review by Robin
5 Star Review on Amazon
This is a very emotional story of friendship, relationships and loss. Devon Murphy is a woman with strong morals. She loves and cares for her aging widowed father, works a part time job at a coffee shop with her friend Megan, and is putting her graphics art degree to work building a business. She is dating Michael Turner, who is egotistical, self-centered and treats her like a business deal. Brandon Forrester seems to have the same strong characteristics as Devon, family devotion, business ethics, healthier lifestyle and respecting other people. Devon knows that Michael is wrong for her and when she meets Brandon, they seem to have a connection. This story is about taking a hard look at your life and goals and making plans and changes. About dealing with the loss of a parent and knowing how to move on and putting your faith and trust in God and allowing Him to lead in your life. ~ Review by RedRabbitt

5 Star Review on Amazon
I really enjoyed this romance, the characters and their journey. It was very moving, endearing and engaging.
I appreciate the writing style, the emotional pull, the way the story unfolds.
I love to feel satisfied after reading a book, and this one does just that!
Very enjoyable read.
Highly recommend!
~ Review by Kimberly

Want to Know More?

Author Catherine Bennett

I grew up in Ohio where I currently live with my husband and our two rescue Labradors. Some of my favorite things include reading, shopping, pepperoni pizza, Hershey bars and hanging out with my two grown sons. I also love dogs; so going to the dog park is cheap entertainment for my husband and I!

Growing up an only child, I had many imaginary friends. I believe this – and a love of books – fueled my desire to write. It was many years later that my dream of becoming a published author came true.

I’m grateful to God for always keeping a story in my heart and hope you are blessed and entertained by my book.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest

Blog Tour Schedule

March 2nd
I Am A Reader – Interview
Jessie’s Random Place – Review
Enter Here Canada – Spotlight
Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews – Spotlight
Lori’s Reading Corner – Interview
Cassandra M’s Place – Spotlight

March 4th
Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review
readalot – Review
StoreyBook Reviews – Review
Her Book Thoughts – Spotlight
Aubrey Wynne: Romantasy Through The Ages – Spotlight

March 6th
Christy’s Cozy Corners – Review
Tifferz and Her Sisterz Book Reviewz – Spotlight
Bound 4 Escape – Review
Author Tianna Holley – Spotlight

March 9th
{A Leisure Moment} – Review
Getting Your Read On – Review
Mythical Books – Review
Diana’s Book Reviews – Review
Coffee Books & Art – Spotlight

March 11th
Mel’s Shelves – Review
Kaisy Daisy’s Corner – Review
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – Spotlight
Min Reads and Reviews – Spotlight
More Than a Review – Spotlight

March 12th
My Life. One Story at a Time. – Review
Book Butterfly in Dreamland – Review
Lisa’s Research & Reviews – Spotlight
BookHounds – Spotlight
A Casual Reader’s Blog – Review

March 13th
For the Art of It – Review
Mom With a Reading Problem – Review
My Own Little Corner – Spotlight
deal sharing aunt – Spotlight
Mommabears Book Blog – Spotlight

An October Bride by Katie Ganshert, A Review ★★★★★

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Books-A-Million          Lifeway          Christian Book          Book Depository

Book Description

Happily ever after guaranteed.
She wants to make her father's dream come true. She doesn't realize her own dream has been in front of her the whole time.
Emma Tate isn't a risk taker, so everyone in her small Midwest town is surprised when she suddenly becomes engaged to lifelong friend Jake Sawyer. No one but Jake and Emma know the true reason they're getting married---so Emma's dying father can walk her down the aisle.
While Jake and Emma plan an autumn wedding together, it becomes clear that their agreement has a few complications---the biggest being their true feelings for each other.
In this novella by award-winning author Katie Ganshert, a young woman must reconcile her dying father's dreams with her own dreams for love and for her future.

Review

Source:  Purchased.  Here is my honest review.

I can't name any other books Ganshert has written off the top of my head but I do know that I recognize her name and know that she writes books I really enjoy. An October Bride was beautifully written. I always enjoy books that are wrapped around the idea of a marriage of convenience or best friends falling in love. This book combines both into one sweet story. I'm not sure, but for some reason I feel like this series is actually novellas.....if so, this one is very satisfying. I felt the characters were developed well and the story progressed smoothly and all the details were there. I have not read all of the books in the series (at the time of this writing) but do feel like this is one of the best books that I have read from the series.

I gave this book: ★★★★★

★ = I did not like it     ★★ = It was okay     ★★★ = I liked it    

★★★★ = I really liked it     ★★★★★ = I loved it