Out of the Embers by Amanda Cabot

Out of the Embers: Ten years after her parents were killed, Evelyn Radcliffe is once more homeless. The orphanage that was her refuge and later her workplace has burned to the ground, and only she and a young orphan girl have escaped. Convinced this must be related to her parents' murders, Evelyn flees with the girl to Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country and finds refuge in the home of Wyatt Clark, a talented horse rancher whose plans don't include a family of his own.

At first, Evelyn is a distraction. But when it becomes clear that trouble has followed her to Mesquite Springs, she becomes a full-blown disruption. Can Wyatt keep her safe from the man who wants her dead? And will his own plans become collateral damage?

Suspenseful and sweetly romantic, Out of the Embers is the first in a new series that invites you to the Texas Hill Country in the 1850s, when the West was wild, the men were noble, and the women were strong.

Heidi here. Isn't that a great cover? It was a treat to read Out of the Embers by Amanda Cabot! I love that Evelyn Radcliffe is such a strong woman, she can take care of herself and doesn't need a man to care for her. I adore the amount of "show" in this book. The author did a great job showing Evelyn's tenaciousness and independence and how much Wyatt, based on his mother and father's relationship, believes women need to be cared for. He has a gradual shift in his beliefs as the book progresses ~ based on observations he draws and statements people make. Evelyn slowly learns to trust. 

I admit I haven't read a historical in awhile, so this was a nice change of pace. And I adore Amanda's writing anyway. Pick u your copy of Out of the Embers today :-)

The Major's Daughter by Regina Jennings

Ever since I had the opportunity to visit Oklahoma with my mother-in-law and learn some of it's history, I've loved to read books set there. This one was of particular interest since it's set during one of Oklahoma's races for land, which I also wrote about in my book, To Claim Her Heart.

I loved the way Regina delved into the hard work and determination it took to not only compete for the land, but also to build and improve on it. She also highlighted some of the disputes over property that occurred during this time period. I found her new book to be a fun read. I can tell that the author spent a bit of time researching and it showed seamlessly throughout her story.

If you love learning about some of the real events from our Nation's history as well as a fun romance, you'll be sure to enjoy The Major's Daughter.

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), and COMPEL Training. She's been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. She's a contributor and co-founder of Stitches Thru Time blog. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

 

Valentine reads ... and chat with Karen Witemeyer!

So first of all, if you haven't read any of Karen Witemeyer's books, pause now and go buy one or check it out of your local library. Even if you aren't a huge fan of historical romance, her stories might make you one yet. Fun, moving and faith building stories that will keep you turning the pages. 

Today, with Valentines just around the corner, I wanted to share her most recent series with you: Patchwork Family. I could just share one of the books, but that would be silly, because you know you want to read both. :) 

First book in the series is More than Meets the Eye. Now take a close look at the cover and imagine what it would be like to live in the 1800s with mismatched eyes. or you could just read the story about a poor girl who is judged her whole life because of something as simple as eye color. 

I loved this story and the characters who quickly snag a piece of your heart, (Warning: even a main character from the next book will wedge himself in your heart so that you have to read the next book just because you have to know how his life works out!)

Here is the write up:
Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes—one bright blue, the other dark brown—Evangeline has fought to find her way in a world that constantly rejects her. Yet the support of even one person can help overcome the world's judgments, and Evangeline has two—Seth and Zach, fellow orphans she now counts as brothers.

Seeking justice against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in 1880s Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his father's death. Only instead of finding a solitary ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself with an unusual family. And when Hamilton's unique sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time they cross paths, Logan finds his quest completely derailed. Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline?

And along comes book two - aren't you glad you didn't have to wait the months between their releases like I did. ;) 

More Than Words Can Say:

After fulfilling a pledge to a dying friend, Zacharias Hamilton is finally free. No family entanglements. No disappointing those around him. Just the quiet bachelor existence he's always craved. Until fate snatches his freedom away when the baker of his favorite breakfast bun is railroaded by the city council. Despite not wanting to get involved, he can't turn a blind eye to her predicament . . . or her adorable dimples.

Abigail Kemp needs a man's name on her bakery's deed. A marriage of convenience seems the best solution . . . if it involves a man she can control. That person definitely isn't the stoic lumberman who oozes silent confidence whenever he enters her shop. Control Zacharias Hamilton? She can't even control her pulse when she's around him.
When vows are spoken, Abigail's troubles should be over. Yet threats to the bakery worsen, and darker dangers hound her sister. Can she put ever more trust in Zach without losing her dreams of independence?

A story well worth the wait and the read. 

Now, without further ado, as we are all busy (but reading a few more minutes will totally be worth it) let me introduce the author of these wonderful stories:

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted

historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. A transplant from California, Karen came to Texas for college, met a cowboy disguised as a computer nerd, married him, and never left the state that had become home.

Winner of the National Reader's Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, ACFW Carol Award, Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and a finalist for both the RITA and Christy Awards, Karen is a firm believer in the power of happy endings. . . and ice cream. She also loves to reward her readers. Every month she gives away two inspirational historical novels to someone from her newsletter list and offers substantial bonus content on her website. To learn more about Karen and her books, or to join her subscriber list, please visit www.karenwitemeyer.com.

Do you have a favorite book you’ve written, or a character you love a little more than the others?

That's like asking a mother to pick her favorite child. LOL. If pressed, though, I would have to say that Levi from To Win Her Heart is probably my favorite hero. Adelaide Proctor from Head in the Clouds is probably my favorite heroine just because she has so much of me in her. We both lost our fathers at an early age, we both love Jane Eyre, and we both love the sound of a masculine British accent. Ha!

When you are stressed, maybe a deadline’s approaching too fast, what is your favorite snack food? Or do you have another way to cope?

My favorite fuel for long writing sessions is hot tea sweetened with honey in an insulated cop so it will stay warm for long periods of time. And if I need a little energy kick, I'll grab a square of Dove dark chocolate. Yum.

Do you have a favorite book or two you’ve read recently?

I just finished reading Kristi Ann Hunter's A Pursuit of Home. Loved it! In my opinion it was the best in the Haven Manor series, and maybe my favorite of all of her books. Wonderful, twisted plot. Excitement blended with mental puzzles to decipher, and a nerdy hero for which to cheer. I highly recommend. Even if you've not read the other books in the series, you will enjoy this one on its own.

I have read your novel’s and novellas, and they are all wonderful, but which do you find easier to write?

Novellas are definitely easier. Not only are they shorter, but because of the limited word count, the plots are straightforward, which simplifies the storyline. They do come with their own challenges, such as packing a fully formed plot and developed characters into a small space. Pacing can get a little tricky, too. But overall, they are a lot of fun to write. I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes from completing a story, and that completion comes 4 times faster with a novella.

One final thank you to Karen for visiting us (and for writing such good books). Leave a comment with your favorite of her books, or which looks most intriguing to you.   (Here is where you can find them: Goodreads)

You Belong with Me by Tari Faris

You Belong with Me: Realtor Hannah Thornton has many talents. Unfortunately, selling houses in the town where her family name is practically poison isn't one of them. When a business tycoon determines to raze historic homes in the small town of Heritage, Michigan, and replace them with a strip mall, Hannah resolves to stop him. She sets about helping Heritage win a restoration grant that will put the town back on the map--and hopefully finally repay the financial debt Hannah's mother caused the town. But at first no one supports her efforts--not even her best friend, Luke.

Luke Johnson may have grown up in Heritage, but as a foster kid he never truly felt as if he belonged. Now he has a chance to score a job as assistant fire chief and earn his place in the town. But when the interview process and Hannah's restoration project start unearthing things from his past, Luke must decide if belonging is worth the pain of being honest about who he is--and who he was.


Heidi here. In one word: Amazing. Debut author, Tari Faris has hit You Belong with Me out of the park! I loved how real Hannah and Luke are. Their childhoods were not perfect, they are not perfect, and that makes for an unforgettable and heartwarming story. Now I want to visit Heritage, Michigan, in the summer mind you, as much as I’ve longed to spend a weekend in Stars Hollow. Grab your copy today! Go to Tari's website and you can download a FREE copy of the prequel of Hannah and Luke's story :-)

Courageous World Changers, book review

Courageous World Changers By Shirley Raye Redmond: Meet women who have used their God-given talents to live out their faith to the fullest. They come from a variety of backgrounds, eras, and ethnicities, but each one has answered the Lord’s call on their life in bold and innovative ways.

Children of all ages will be inspired by the stories of

·         Corrie ten Boom—activist, author, and Holocaust survivor

·         Laurie Hernandez—gymnast who won both gold and silver medals in her sport

·         Florence Nightingale—health care reformer

·         Madeline L’Engle—author of children’s literature

·         Mother Teresa—missionary and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize

These and the 45 other female spiritual role models featured in this book have made a profound impact on the world around them, and in many cases changed the course of history. Strong, smart, and sometimes outspoken, these women are tremendous examples of God’s love in action.

These inspiring profiles will captivate kids’ imaginations and encourage them to discover their own gifts and how they can use them to glorify God.

Heidi here. In a day where young girls are being told they can be anything, do anything, don't let their gender rule them, Courageous World Changers by Shirley Raye Redmond is a breath of fresh air. These are women who were courageous with God as their focus.

Though there are some women you will recognize in this book, some are obscure women I've only vaguely heard of. And who doesn't like to learn a little now and again?

I specifically liked the quote from Mahalia Jackson, "Faith and prayer are the vitamins of the soul; man cannot live in health without them." Gabby Douglas' story was inspiring, ending with "All the glory goes to God." Condoleezza Rice, influential political adviser, says "faith and reason are not enemies of one another, that indeed we are called to love the Lord our God with our hearts and our minds."

I received this book free from the publisher and the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Grab your copy of Courageous World Changers by Shirley Raye Redmond today!

A Pursuit of Home by Kristi Ann Hunter

A Pursuit of Home by Kristi Ann Hunter is the final book in her Haven Manor Series. The heroine, Jessamine (Jess) Beauchene was originally introduced in A Noble Masquerade.

It's been over ten years since Jess left her home and has been on the run ever since then. It was so fun that the most unlikely of people would be the one to help Jess. Derek Thornbury with his love of all things bookish and artifacts was a great frustration for Jess throughout the story. I so enjoyed the way Kristi Ann Hunter brought two unlikely characters together. Sparks definitely fly. Throw in intrigue and supporting characters trying to push the two together and you have the making of a great story. This is one you won't want to miss.

I had the great pleasure of reading this book and providing a review that is purely my opinion ~ 2019.

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), and COMPEL Training. She's been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. She's a contributor and co-founder of Stitches Thru Time blog. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.