In the Non-Fiction Corner AND a Giveaway!

In the Non-Fiction Corner With Lauren

Scot Proctor’s new book Eleven Things You Probably Didn’t Know About The Book of Mormon is the first book of a new series Proctor is working on about different topics that church members wish they knew more about. Scot’s book was a pleasure to read, and it made me love him even more. I had the privilege to go with Scot on a trip and already knew he had a vast knowledge, and this book gives him a chance to share all the knowledge he has with more people. He uses research he has done on biblical times, the life of Joseph Smith, and even quotes and information from modern prophets and apostles. You can tell that Scot has done a lot of research and really knows his stuff. I appreciated that Scot put in some insights that we don’t necessarily get directly from The Book of Mormon, but he knows about life and culture during that time that he is able to teach and help the reader dig a little deeper in his or her knowledge.

I learned far more than 11 things while reading this book, but I particularly enjoyed the chapters on what names in The Book of Mormon mean and the chapter on seer stones. I think that seer stones are interesting to a lot of people, and Scot enlightened me to things like what “urim and thummim” means and what they probably looked like based on a description by Lucy Mack Smith. The chapters are very short and easy to read, and they are full of information that I hadn’t come across before. I cannot wait to see what Proctor gives us with the rest of this series; I look forward to reading them all!

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Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

This is the beginning of a little series that I’ve been working on for a long time that I’m calling: “The Eleven Things” series. This is the first one called: Eleven Things You Probably Didn’t Know about the Book of Mormon. I’ve found over nearly 20 years of teaching adult and young adult institute that many miss the hidden gems in the scriptures. They miss the details and many of the “ah-ha moments” that are densely packed into Holy Writ.

You will love this book. It is a fun read. You'll have lots of ah-ha moments. It will excite you to learn even more about the incomparable Book of Mormon. You will learn things you've just never known before.

Generally, if you are purchasing this eBook, you’re a self-selected student of the scriptures and likely seasoned in the scriptures, or you’re a curious student of the gospel who just thirsts for learning and wants to know more, or you unabashedly have a high degree of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) so you want to be sure you are up to date on things you didn’t know.

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Book Review: Coming Home to Bellingham

Coming Home to Bellingham was a cute debut book by Katie Stewart Stone. It was sort of like a YA regency! Anabelle Milton is struck by tragedy when her parents die suddenly and she must find her way to family that lives in Bellingham Cottage. She meets the Bellingham brothers and becomes best friends with one, is fending off the unwanted advances of another, and falling in love with the third. It's a difficult situation to be in for sure!

This story has a lot of fun moments. Anabelle has a hard time filtering her words and she often says the wrong things. We are shown a sweet friendship between Anabelle and Robert and see Anabelle as she settles into a family and gets to know her young cousin (who steals all his scenes!) The author does great with writing the blossoming relationships between those three. I did have a hard time relating to Anabelle overall, because she comes across as quite young and immature. This also made it difficult to be drawn into the romance because her interactions with Peter didn't quite feel balanced. He had so many more life experiences and she was just so young and not in the same place he was at all. I thought Peter was a well-drawn hero, but I wish we'd had more from his perspective and that he'd been able to really express how his losses had colored his perspective. There was so much great emotional backstory that is only hinted at! I would have loved for the author to dig deeper and show us that side of our hero and heroine.

I did love the setting of the Bellingham estate and could easily picture it, but I wished the author had stayed true to society's rules for the regency times. It was fairly modern in places for both language and the actions of a young lady from the time period and detracted a bit from the story. With that said, however, it's obvious that the author has a talent for storytelling and I will be watching for more from her!

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Here's the back copy:

What begins as a pleasant holiday with a new friend in Brighton quickly turns to devastation for Anabelle Milton when she receives the tragic news: her parents are dead. Turned out of the only home she’s ever known, Anabelle is sent to live with an aunt and uncle who are strangers to her. Heartbroken, she arrives at Bellingham Cottage, a cozy home on the sprawling grounds of the Bellingham estate, to find an unexpectedly warm welcome—not only from her own family but also from the family of their aristocratic neighbors, Lord and Lady Bellingham.

Anabelle soon attracts the attention of the heirs of Bellingham—brothers who, though connected by blood, could not be more different. As she slowly begins to distance herself from the polite and obedient young woman her mother trained her to be, Anabelle is free for the first time to choose her own path. She knows she must be true to herself, even if it means risking unrequited love—but can she trust that the gentleman who has stolen her heart will not break it?

In the Non-Fiction Corner: Live Life Deliciously

In the Non-Fiction Corner With Lauren

I was so excited to receive the cookbook Live Life Deliciously by Tara Teaspoon. It is beautifully designed and the perfect size, and the recipes look absolutely delicious!

 On the front, it is advertised for “busy weekdays,” so I was hoping it would be easy recipes for a beginner such as me. Most of the recipes seemed too far above my skill level and had a longer prep time than I would have liked, but I found one I thought I could manage. I tried it out, and it was the most delectable garlic bread I have ever had in my life. It didn’t take long, was very easy to do, and I was so impressed with the results. I will absolutely be using that recipe again and again. I found many recipes that I would like to try because they look so good and I was so happy with my garlic bread experience.

The only thing I would change is I wish that the pictures of the food were in color so I could get the full effect of how delicious the food looks before I make it. Another thing is that each section starts with a list of the recipes, but there are no page numbers listed which makes finding the recipe you want a tad difficult. Overall, I am very impressed with the recipes I saw and I was ecstatic with my experience in the recipe that I made.

 

Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

IN TARA’S FIRST COOKBOOK, she shares more than 120 delicious showstopping recipes that are designed to impress and gather people together around food. From leisurely weekend brunches spent over burrata with grilled peaches and orange zest chimichurri to easy weeknight rice bowls with carrot-ginger dressing to a mouthwatering cherry crostata, Tara explains how to put together and master several special go-to dishes with global flavors to add to your repertoire.

Tara’s takes on classic recipes plus her innovative entertaining ideas and helpful tips are designed to encourage cooks to enjoy their time in the kitchen and incorporate new flavors, ingredients, and comforting-but-elevated meal ideas into their everyday cooking.

Live Life Deliciously with Tara Teaspoon shows foodies, both serious and casual, how to present food as an interesting and beautiful culinary experience with dishes that taste as delicious as they look.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tara has spent more than twenty years in the food publishing industry creating recipes and articles, and food styling for various magazines, books, television, and advertising.

Most recently she has been the food and entertaining director of Ladies’ Home Journal magazine. Prior to working at the Journal, Tara was a food editor at Martha Stewart Living, Kids, and Weddings magazines. She has appeared on the Martha Stewart television show, The Today Show, and on The Food Network as a show judge and contestant.


ADVANCE PRAISE FOR LIVE LIFE DELICIOUSLY

“Tara’s passion for cooking and entertaining paired with her exceptional professional experience make for a cookbook adventure that no kitchen should be without.”

—KELSEY NIXON, author of Kitchen Confidence


“Tara has been teaching people how to create joy in the kitchen for as long as I’ve known her, and Live Life Deliciously brings her style of modern yet comfortingly familiar recipes right to your hands. Both serious and casual cooks will find success and cooking joy by following her simple but impressive takes on classics and flavorful creations.”

—SUSAN SPUNGEN, author of Open Kitchen: Inspired Food for Casual Gatherings and founding food editor of Martha Stewart Living

Free Streaming Offer and a Giveaway!

Living Scriptures is a family friendly streaming service that has movies and documentaries for all ages. There are some great comedy acts like Studio C, informative series like the National Park series, and some of our favorite movies to watch with our kids, like The Other Side of Heaven. This streaming service also includes animated scriptures and Come Follow Me resources which is nice, too. You will definitely never run out of quality entertainment for the whole family with this service.

We've really enjoyed it and I never have to worry about questionable content when my kids are watching! It has been a go-to in our house since we're all home together more than ever before.

Living Scriptures is offering a 30 day free trial---which our family did---and we liked it so much we bought a year long subscription! If you'd like to try it out click here to get your free 30 day trial.

(Another great perk is that you can stream through your computer, Roku, Chromecast, fireTV, and on Android, Apple, and Kindle Fire devices.)

And don't forget to enter the giveaway!

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Summer Treats and a New Podcast Episode!

I am so glad it is nearly the weekend! What a crazy week this has been for me. (Though I really do enjoy summertime and being with my kids.)

I think I'm going to make my favorite summer treat today---strawberry rhubarb crisp! It's so easy and yummy. What's your favorite summer treat? And if you have the recipe handy, I've love to try it!

And if you'd like to know what Jennifer Peel and Becky Monson's favorite summertime treats are, you can listen to our new podcast episode! We talk dads and summer and all kinds of fun things. You can listen right here

My New Audiobook is Out!

I am SO EXCITED to announce that my best-selling military romance, The Capture, is now available in audiobook! You can get a copy on Audible or iTunes.

My narrator, Tristan Wright, truly outdid himself on this one and I can't wait for you to hear it.

You can get your audiobook here and listen to a sample.

Here's the back copy:

A daring rescue. A need for vengeance. Everything is on the line.

Julian Bennet, head of Griffin Force, finally finds love with Zaya Altes, but the day he buys her an engagement ring, international terrorist Nazer al-Raimi abducts her. Getting her back consumes him, yet it takes nearly six months to find her. The daring mission to extract her from a hidden prison in Afghanistan is successful, but Zaya has suffered during captivity. Though she's grateful to Julian for breaking her out, she wants nothing to do with him. Before he can show her how much he still loves her, Nazer finds them and vows revenge. Can Julian keep Zaya safe and still stop Nazer once and for all?

Zaya Altes nearly gave up hope of ever being rescued, but when Griffin Force finally finds her, returning to life is harder than she imagined. While her feelings for Julian are as strong as ever, she feels too broken to recapture what they once had. Instead, Zaya jumps at a chance to trap Nazer, wanting vengeance for what she's endured. As the final showdown draws near, however, Zaya will have to make an unimaginable choice to let Nazer close to her again. But when a shocking web of betrayal is uncovered in their own ranks, their one chance to capture him is compromised. Julian and Zaya will put everything on the line, but can they survive this ultimate test and finally reach for their chance at happiness?

Book Review: Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts

I have been waiting for Nancy Campbell Allen's new steampunk romance, Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts and was not disappointed. I love this world she's built and the characters in it kept me glued to the pages!

This is Emmeline O'Shea's story and Emme is a woman to be reckoned with. She is an activist for Shifter rights and societal reform and is really good at what she does. She has a pull on listeners when she addresses a crowd and is firm in her convictions. Sometimes things get out of hand, however, and Detective-Inspector Oliver Reed is always there to pull her out of the fray---much to Emme's chagrin. They are adversaries in the truest sense of the word---until Emme's receives a threatening letter. Oliver is assigned as her bodyguard and is tasked to make sure she makes it safely to Edinburgh so she can present at the International Shifter Rights Organization before a very important vote. It seems like an easy assignment---but the danger is closer than they think.

I loved the relationship between Oliver and Emme. They are both so passionate about their causes and opinions, it is fun to see them really start to see the other person as they truly are. Their love story was so swoon-worthy! I loved Oliver and how stalwart he was, yet tender and truly a good man. Emme is definitely his match in every way. She is so relatable in how she deals with her world and wants to be a force for change. It's not easy to do that, however, as well as balance family issues and life in general. This story is so compelling and actually speaks to activism in our world today. It's a loose retelling of Cinderella, but stands on its own with some twists the reader won't see coming! 

Allen has built a world that is easy to get lost in and definitely on my auto-buy list! Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts will definitely go on my favorites shelf!

Pre-order your copy here

Here's the back copy:

A steampunk retelling of Cinderella.

Emmeline O'Shea is determined to save the world—single-handedly, if necessary. A strong voice for societal reform, she is the natural choice to deliver a key speech at the end of the International Shifter Rights Organization's week-long Summit in Scotland.

But when a death threat arrives at Emme's home, she is immediately placed into protective custody, watched over by none other than her personal nemesis, Detective-Inspector Oliver Reed. The two have crossed paths many times, with disastrous results, but now they will have to work together in order to reach the Summit before midnight of the last day in order to ensure legislation is passed to protect the Shifter community.

As unseen enemies close in around Emme and Oliver, they struggle to reach Edinburgh by any means necessary, only to find Emme's vindictive stepsister, Oliver's vampire brother, and a dangerous political minefield awaiting them in Scotland.

Even more difficult is their own refusal to admit that the fiery animosity that once burned between them might be turning into the heat of romantic passion. Could a straitlaced policeman determined to uphold the law and an outspoken activist willing to break the rules ever find true love? Or will all their dreams shatter like glass when the clock strikes midnight?

Book Review and Giveaway!

The Whispered Dance of Bees by Carol Warburton is is such a beautiful historical tale told from the perspective of two women---Arabelle and her daughter Alyce. It's unique in the way it's told with superstitions of the time period and a little bit of mystical aspects. But it's definitely a book you will think about long after you've turned the last page.

This story is so hard to describe. It's really the journey of Alyce's birth and life and how certain people and events connect to her future and ground her in the past. The first part of the book draws in the reader with danger and intrigue as we get to know what happened when Alyce was born. Then as Alyce grows into a young woman, we see things from her point of view. The author does a wonderful job in bringing the time period to life and has obviously done her research. I do want to mention that though the book is billed as a romance, it really isn't one. There is romance, but it doesn't happen until the last third of the book, but it's still sweet and our hero is worthy of Alyce. This is definitely more of a women's fiction than a romance. What stood out most to me, however, was Alyce's heart and compassion and how her journey through life, though a bit sad, had some powerful themes and strong women to recommend it.

Don't forget to scroll down for the giveaway!

Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

Had fate and nature not conspired, Alyce Redgrave would have been a child of wealth and privilege. But the night of her birth was shadowed by an eerie Devils Moon and her christening day marred by a fierce hailstorm—ill omens that led the superstitious peasants to seek Alyce's life. Desperate to save her infant daughter, Alyce's mother flees with her baby, finding shelter and goodwill at the isolated farm of strangers . . .

There, Alyce's life is filled with secrets, unanswered questions, and a sense of foreboding. Her worst fears are realized when she narrowly escapes the clutches of a murderer by fleeing into the forest. Fate steps in once more to change the course of her life when Alyce is found and taken in by Elspeth, a wise woman with the uncanny ability to commune with nature. Trained by Elspeth in the art of healing, Alyce remains haunted by the puzzle of her past until she discovers her mother's lost pendant. With the help of this object and the aid of the enchanting William Pascoe, Alyce finally holds the key to who she once was and who she will become.

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Pillar of Light Graphic Novel Review & Giveaway!

To honor the 200th anniversary of the First Vision, Andrew Knaupp and Sal Velluto created a graphic novel adaptation of Joseph Smith's First Vision. The creators blend the known accounts of what happened in the Sacred Grove that day and truly bring a different experience to the reader. The illustrations are detailed and well-done and flow beautifully with the text. My children really enjoyed reading it and it sparked some conversations on Joseph's experience and how it affected not only him, but us. A great addition to our family library.

Don't forget to scroll down and enter the giveaway

Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

Pillar of Light is a graphic novel about on Joseph Smith’s First Vision. Created by veteran comic book artist Sal Velluto and Andrew Knaupp, this unique telling of the story that will reach people young and old in a new and profound way.Joseph Smith Jr. authored four accounts of his “First Vision” during his lifetime. Critics have claimed that the differences between the accounts amount to contradictions and are evidence he fabricated the story. The narration found in this book incorporates elements from all the accounts given by the Prophet, as well as accounts recorded by those who heard him firsthand. The result is a rich, consistent and synergistic narrative.PILLAR OF LIGHT has been carefully researched and includes details not previously shown in films and art, as well as accurate historical depictions, beautiful symbolism, and creative representations. It is inspiring to people of all ages and helps to build testimonies of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his divine mission.

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Freebie Friday for Sports Romance Fans!

If you like sports romance and need a new weekend read, Hitching the Pitcher is free today! I've really enjoyed this cute series.

Get your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

Running into his former college girlfriend wasn’t supposed to happen. Falling for her again wasn’t supposed to happen either.

Sawyer Bennett has a secret. A risky thing, being one of the popular Belltown Six Pack, a group of six guys from the same college baseball team, all of whom got drafted and now play in the Major Leagues. Between the media frenzy over them and his bond with the guys, his secret has to stay carefully hidden if he wants it to stay that way. He needs to focus on his pitching and let everything else fall away.

Confessing his secret to Erica Moore was definitely not supposed to happen. But the harder he falls for Erica, the more important his secret—and she—becomes.

Book Review: The Doctor and the Midwife

With all the quarantine stuff and summer starting, I have been reading like crazy! I hadn't read anything by Sarah Alva before, but I love a good medical romance so I was excited to pick up The Doctor and the Midwife!

Audrey Novak has dealt with plenty of doctors who don't believe that midwives have a place in childbirth. So, when she meets the new doctor in her apartment complex, she's not surprised he seems against her profession. She tries to steer clear of the arrogant man, but he keeps popping up in places she doesn't expect. They don't get along, yet sparks fly when they're together. When Audrey meets a guy online that she connects with, they give each other a kindness challenge, so Audrey tries it out on the doctor. She starts to see another side of him, but is that enough to build a friendship on? Or more?

I really enjoyed the way the author set up this romance. She uses a lot of the same ideas as the movie "You've Got Mail" only they are rock-climbers that are messaging each other. I thought the characters were believable and relatable. Audrey is trying to help her patients have a safe birth at home and have a voice in the choices that are made. Ammon, as a doctor, is also working for a safe birth for his patients. It was nice to see them work together and see that maybe their first impressions were wrong. The secondary cast was also well-done and added depth to the story, along with the rock-climbing aspect. Some readers might have trouble with all the medical jargon used, but the emotions of the situations are easy to feel. Both main characters have some baggage to work through and the author does a great job of letting the reader experience the growth with the characters and not rushing through anything. The romance is sweet and I'll definitely be looking for another book by this author!

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Here's the back copy:

As a midwife running her own home birth practice, Audrey Novak deals with pressure like a superhuman. Until, that is, she meets her handsome and arrogant neighbor, Dr. Ammon Parker. Ammon, who believes only in modern medicine, is just as unprepared for the infuriating—and inconveniently beautiful—midwife. When the two are repeatedly called to the same labor and delivery unit, their clashing ideals and fiercely independent personalities threaten to derail both their professional goals and their pride.

Outside of work, Audrey is a passionate rock climber, tantalized by a secret route she’s heard about in an online forum. Her hunt for the climb’s location leads her to the intriguing BelayingonofHands, a man who claims to have set the route. Soon their anonymous virtual flirtation and witty exchanges deepen into a true connection. But when Audrey discovers the man from online is actually Ammon, she’s blindsided. It seems they have more in common than she could have imagined, but will their differences keep them from making the climb to true love together?

Book Review: A Proper Charade

I am a big historical romance fan, so I was excited to pick up Esther Hatch's new book, A Proper Charade.

In it, we meet Lady Patience Kendrick, who is young and about to enter society. Her older brother has accused her of being flighty and making more work for the servants, just sort of floating along. She wants to prove him wrong, so she goes to her brother's former commanding officer, a General Woodsworth, and secures a position as a maid in the house without any experience or letter of recommendation. She also proves quickly that she has no idea how to be a maid, but the staff keep her on anyway, and make excuses for her. (They were all so nice!)

Beyond that, the general's handsome son---who resides at the house---notices how pretty she is and asks her to help with a scheme to pose as a society lady he could be interested in. He's hoping to worry the parents of the woman he wants to marry into thinking he's lost interest. This little charade within a charade is a nice twist to the story and provides a lot of cute moments. The chemistry between the main couple is well-written and there are some very sweet moments. I loved the little quirks that our hero and heroine had and they added a nice depth to the story. I was turning pages long after midnight to see how Patience would be found out! My only complaint is how far-fetched the situation is and that something like that would never really happen. Once the reader gets past that and just reads for enjoyment, however, this romance is a fun way to spend the afternoon.

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Here's the back copy:

Does love have a chance if she doesn’t play by the rules?

Lady Patience Kendrick was born to a life of privilege, and with the London Season looming, she finds herself facing unprecedented pressure to adhere to the rules of society. Unfortunately, the free-spirited young woman is anything but proper. Patience’s elder brother, a former military man, bemoans his sister’s antics—but when he accuses her of incurable frivolity, it is simply more than she can bear. Determined to prove her brother wrong, Patience undertakes a drastic experiment: she will disguise herself as a maid and demonstrate her ability to work as hard as anyone.

Taken on as household staff by her brother’s former general, Patience soon learns that willingness and ability are two very different things. While her plan sounded promising in theory, the reality is that she is out of her depth—and the irresistibly charming son of the house isn’t helping matters. Patience soon finds herself embroiled in a charade far more complicated than she imagined. With both her pride and her heart at stake, she is determined to prove her brother wrong—even as her plans spiral delightfully out of control.

Book Review: His Lady in Hiding

Isn't that such a great cover? I loved it!

In His Lady in Hiding, Lady Elizabeth Davenport's father promises her in marriage to one of his old cronies, to pay off his debts. Feeling like she has no other recourse, Elizabeth runs away to America to be a housekeeper, even though she has no experience with the duties of a servant. Elizabeth meets Lord Anthony Barton while sailing to America and their friendship blossoms as he tries to help her prepare to be a servant. There are some really cute moments between them on the ship and some laugh out loud situations. When they get to America, things start to unravel quickly when Lord Barton realizes that Elizabeth is his new housekeeper. And when secrets are revealed, Anthony and Elizabeth's feelings for each other will be tested to the limits.

I really enjoyed the heroine, Lady Elizabeth. She got herself into a lot of scrapes throughout the book, but was really trying to do her best in the situation which was endearing. She does come across as quite young, with all her giggling and sometimes awkward moments. Since Lord Barton seems so much older, the romance between them was harder for me to root for at times, but I wanted Elizabeth to get her happy ending. Our hero, Lord Barton, was a man of his times, but the way he treated the heroine made him difficult to like. He could be tender and loving one moment, then unkind and rude to her the next. He also has a moment near the end of the book when he could have redeemed himself and how he's treated Lady Elizabeth, but instead takes the cowardly way out and is truly awful to her in her most vulnerable moment. It was hard to like him as a romantic interest after that, but there is a happy ending. The author does a wonderful job with a memorable secondary cast and her descriptions of the sailing conditions were very well done. There was also a bit of intrigue included when old villains resurface that will keep readers up to see how it all turns out!

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Here's the back copy:

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 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?

Great Deal for Regency Romance Fans

If you love an emotional and thought-provoking regency romance, Sarah Eden's The Heart of a Vicar is on sale for only $1.99 today. I really enjoyed this heartfelt story. 

Get your sale copy here

Here's the back copy:

Young love is all too fleeting, as Harold Jonquil painfully discovered years ago when Sarah Sarvol, the niece of a neighboring landowner, captured his heart. After an idyllic few weeks in the throes of blossoming love, reality intervened. They could have no future. Following their disastrous parting, Harold attempted to push aside thoughts of love and regret, but Sarah has never left his heart. Now, years later, he has achieved his lifelong aspiration of becoming the local vicar. However, the role proves more difficult than he imagined. He feels hollow and uninspired—until the most important person in his past returns, challenging him as no one ever has.

When Sarah’s ailing uncle summons her back to the family estate in England, there is only one person from her past she is reluctant to see again: Harold Jonquil, the only man who has ever claimed her heart. But when she comes face-to-face with her former beau, she hardly recognizes the aloof and dull man before her. She is determined to help Harold rediscover the passion he once felt toward his chosen profession. Soon, despite their exasperation with each other, they cannot deny the stirring of feelings long buried—but is it too late for second chances?

Freebie Friday for Scottish Romance Fans!

Michele Paige Holmes has her Scottish romance, Yesterday's Promise, for free today! Looks like a fun weekend read.

Get your free copy here 

Here's the back copy:

When Katharine is sold into marriage to a Scottish laird, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with the man who destroyed her life.

In the year 1761--Scottish Highlands:

Nineteen-year-old artist Katherine Mercer dreams of selling her paintings to help support her struggling family. Before she has the opportunity, Katherine learns she is to be sold—or practically so—given in marriage to a lord she has never met or even heard of. In return, a much-needed settlement will be made upon her mother.

Katherine’s situation goes from frightening to surreal when her husband-to-be Laird Collin MacDonald arrives with an entourage of men, each heavily armed and speaking with a thick brogue. As if leaving all she knows behind and traveling to another country with strangers isn’t bad enough, Katherine soon discovers a Scottish heritage she knew nothing of, a brother-in-law who wants her dead, and far more at stake with her paintings than she had ever imagined. Forced to turn to her reclusive husband for answers, comfort, and even her very survival, Katherine begins to unravel the mysteries of her past and what it is to love and be loved.

Summertime and Old Movies

We took our kids to a hotel near our home just for fun this week. We all needed a little break and the hotel had a pool and a hot tub. We were nearly the only people there! We laughed and splashed and just had a good time together.

After the pool, we all snuggled up to watch a movie. We were scrolling through our choices and saw some "classic" movies on the list that my husband and I had remembered watching as children and decided to show them to our kids.

So, we watched The Million Dollar Duck and The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes with a young Kurt Russell. It was so fun to see those old shows and remember good times from our childhood. And our kids liked them, too! Some of the cinematography wasn't up to today's standards, of course, but I thought the movies held up well overall.

Do you have movies you saw as a kid that you wouldn't mind seeing again?

The Captain is a Finalist!

I was super excited to find out that my romantic suspense novel, The Captain, is a RONE award finalist for Best Audio Book! (My narrator, Tristan Wright, is fantastic!) 

Thank you so much to everyone who voted. The winner will be announced in October!

Book Review: Solving Sophronia

I am going to gush about this new book, Solving Sophronia, by Jennifer Moore. It is SO GOOD! I stayed up way too late reading it, then woke up to finish it first thing in the morning. That's how compelling it is. I love that this is a Victorian mystery romance and the author seamlessly blends so many aspects of a complicated crime with a complicated romantic relationship. It was very well-done.

The beginning was obviously a set up for the rest of the series when we are witness to the formation of the Blue Orchid Society---women who have goals and dreams and are determined to achieve them. Sophie wants to be a real reporter, more than just a society columist. She inserts herself into a murder investigation to the chagrin of Detective Jonathan Graham. He can't figure out this nobleman's daughter. Sophie moves about high society, but cries over the death of a servant. She is intelligent and kind, yet nosy and exasperating. I loved watching him unravel his feelings for her. And Jonathan is a bit of an enigma himself, with a scarred past, and yet he still has a tender heart. Such a sweet hero! The author has obviously done her research on crime investigation in the Victorian era and it makes all her characters shine in this book. They mystery is so twisty and turny, I really didn't guess the villain until the very last moment! I also enjoyed the secondary cast. They are just as memorable as the main cast---especially the constabulary family.

I can't wait for more in this series. This one is definitely going on my rainy day shelf to be read again and again!

You can get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

Lady Sophronia Bremerton is a far cry from the typical debutante, but she’s the toast of London’s upper class for one simple reason: she’s a society columnist for the London Illustrated News, and the gentry loves seeing their exploits printed in the gossip pages. But Sophie has bigger plans—she aspires to be an investigative reporter. When a stuffy ballroom during yet another Season proves to be nothing more than the usual rumor mill, Sophie seeks respite in the library, alongside four other young women who, for their own reasons, are also looking for escape. As the conversation turns to their secret ambitions, the women form a sisterhood and a bold plan: they will make their dreams a reality, no matter the obstacles. Thus begins the Blue Orchid Society.

Hearing of a murder in a London rookery, Sophie seizes the opportunity to prove her skills. Detective Jonathan Graham doesn’t believe a civilian, a noblewoman at that, should be anywhere near a murder investigation, but Sophie insists on helping bring the killer to justice. Her investigative prowess doesn’t go unnoticed by the police, especially Jonathan, who can’t decide whether this intrepid reporter is a thorn in his side or the woman of his dreams. But as the case grows more complicated and dangerous, their very lives—and their hearts—may be at risk.

A Fun Game for a Rainy Monday!

It's a dreary, rainy Monday where I am. Anyone up for a What Would You Choose game? 

This one is a hard one because you can only choose one!

The Viscount is HERE! And a Giveaway!

I am so excited that The Viscount's Vow is finally here! Woohoo!

Edward and Charlotte were betrothed before he left for war. Now that he's back a lot of things have changed---and he doesn't feel like he can marry Charlotte any longer. But Charlotte isn't ready to give up on him.

I love writing second chance romance and you know I love the regency era. And there's always a little twist to hopefully keep readers up late turning pages. This story also features Christian and Alice from The Marquess Meets His Match, as well!

But here's my question to you: If you could go live in a book for a month and interact with all your favorite characters, which book would you choose?

Don't forget to scroll down and enter the giveaway!

Get your copy of The Viscount's Vow here

Here's the back copy:

A man changed by war. The woman who loves him. And a secret that could tear them apart.

Edward Rutledge, the newly minted Viscount Carlisle, has come back from war a changed man. The echo of the battlefield and the death of his best friend Marcus haunt him to the point that he decides to break his betrothal to Charlotte---the only woman he’s ever loved.

When he’s summoned home to Hartwell Manor, he comes face-to-face with her. Slowly, her strength and love make him see that he might be able to reclaim what he thought was lost. But when word reaches him that Marcus might not have died in Spain and yet lives, Edward will do anything to bring his friend home. As the mystery deepens, however, Edward is drawn into an intrigue that forces him to confront the demons that have plagued him since he returned to England. Will he have to sacrifice everything he’s built with Charlotte in order to keep her safe?

**Don't forget to enter my giveaway! Lots of fun prizes to win including an autographed copy of The Viscount's Vow, a $25 gift card, and the grand prize of a VIP Reader box!

Easy to enter and win.

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Don't Miss This Book Deal Historical Romance Fans!

Can you believe it's June already? I can't! But I'm ready for my pool reads and lazy day lounging books. Do you need something new?

Sarah Eden is one of my favorite authors and her book, Long Journey Home, is only .99 cents today! This story is part of her Hope Springs series and can be read stand-alone, but you should definitely pick up the whole series when you can. So good!
Get your sale copy here

Here's the back copy:

Widowed by war, Maura O’Connor has raised her son alone under the weight of poverty in the unforgiving slums of New York City. That harsh and difficult life has taken a toll on them both. Desperate to save her son from the misery around them, she moves them both to the tiny western town of Hope Springs, where her late husband’s family lives, hoping that the decade of silence between them does not mean she and Aidan will be rejected outright. Her son needs family, and she would endure anything to see him happy.

Ryan Callaghan has worked the land belonging to the late Granny Claire for years, dreaming of one day claiming it as his own. Living in his brother’s home affords him no freedom, no stability, no joy. The arrangement is even harder on his mother, whose health is quickly deteriorating. A risky investment in the land has finally begun to pay off, and he is at last in a position to secure a better future for them both. When use of the home is, without warning, offered to a newly arrived widow and her son, that future is entirely uncertain.

Both Maura and Ryan desperately need the Claire farm, for their own futures as well as those of the loved ones who depend on them. Neither can remain in Hope Springs without the house and land, but only one can claim it in the end.