The Holiday Secret by Kathryn Springer

The Holiday Secret: Family’s all Ellery Marshall wants for Christmas. To connect with her long-lost brothers, she travels to Castle Falls and instantly falls for the innkeeper’s five-year-old granddaughter, Bea. Carter Bristow—Bea’s handsome father—has given up on love. But Bea hasn’t given up on him, and Ellery could be the answer to her holiday wish to make Daddy happy again.

Heidi here. Let me just say that I adore Kathryn Springer's writing. Not only is The Holiday Secret an amazing premise, but Ellery & Carter have deep and painful wounds that they work on throughout the novel. I love how Ellery meets Bea before she realizes that Carter is Bea's father. So, of course, Ellery falls for sweet Bea ~ who wouldn't?

The plot is superb, The Holiday Secret keeps moving with no lags anywhere. All the plot points intersect at just the right times. I specifically liked the horse-drawn carriage ride on the evening of the parade. The atmosphere. The uncertainty of Ellery before they stepped into the carriage. Carter's surprise (and shock?) to see his daughter at the parade he could not attend. Carter's willingness to take part in the remaining carriage ride.

Superlative writing. Satisfying Christmas read. Buy your copy of The Holiday Secret today (as I am writing this, the kindle version is only $1.99).

Wyoming Christmas Quadruplets by Jill Kemerer

Wyoming Christmas Quadruplets: 
A nanny at Christmastime…
Will she find love in this Wyoming Cowboys novel?

Six weeks on a ranch caring for quadruplets—aspiring nurse Ainsley Draper’s prepared for a busy Christmas. When the children’s handsome uncle opens the door, her task gets extra complicated. Marshall Graham is upholding his promise to look after his twin sister, the babies’ mom. But as family loyalty clashes with new love, will the perfect present include a future with Ainsley?

Heidi here. Ohh, this was SUCH a fun read! Jill Kemerer has outdone herself on the Wyoming Christmas Quadruplets.

Ainsley's biggest obstacle is a character trait Marshall shares with her father ~ the one that forced her to distance himself from her only living family. On the other hand, Marshall is so entwined with his twin sister, he won't even allow himself the liberty to consider a future life for himself.

Marshall's sister is disinterested in her four infants for much of the book, allowing for many points of conflict with all parties involved. Loved this read, highly recommend Wyoming Christmas Quadruplets by Jill Kemerer.

Toby's Troubles: A Ghost, A Thief and a Girl

Everyone loves Toby Gibson. A co-owner of Undiscovered Treasures, a unique shop of antiques, collectibles, and junk, Toby is friendly, generous to a fault, the director of the local plays in Appleton and supports his church's youth functions.

But the minute his sister, Caroline and her new husband, take off for their honeymoon, a “ghost” begins to haunt the shop—or maybe it's just an intruder. If so, Toby has no idea for what the thing is looking. 

To add to his troubles, he suspects Amy, not only is bidding for the property he's wanted forever but is in love with him. And he's not interested.

Amy Sanderson who owns the only flower shop in Appleton—Bloomin' Life—is drawn into capturing Toby's “ghost” when her own business is damaged by a destructive intruder. Having loved Toby since a teenager, she's more than willing to join forces with him. But she has no interest in being his best friend or a sister to him. And if she has to resort to schemes of outbidding him at his frequent auction attendances to get his attention, then so be it. She can be just as stubborn as the man who's determined to ignore her love.

In between the break-ins, destruction of property, thefts and personal competitions against each other, Amy and Toby work together to find the thief who seems so determined to find a valuable item, he'll stop at nothing.

Buy link:

https://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1492661357&sr=1-1

What Readers are saying:
Everyone loves Toby Gibson, including his best friend Amy.  The point is, is that Toby can't see the love that Amy has for him.   When a mysterious old man comes to town, break-ins occur at the "Undiscovered Treasures" and at "Bloomin' Life" flower shop.  What could they be looking for?

This is an amusing and fun read.   Situated in a small town where everybody knows everyone and their business; it certainly makes for a great novel.  The reader will enjoy the characters and have a chuckle or two.  

This novel is full of mystery and suspense.  What better place for a mystery than an antique shop?  Full of old things, with lots of history.   Each piece can tell its own story with a past that the buyer sometimes will never know about.  Each is a treasure all of its own.  

The author has done a marvelous job of portraying the characters personalities.   Toby is a fun loving fellow, who loves his theater, youth group and running.   He is afraid of commitment that is loyal and loving.  Amy is steadfast, patient and willing to do almost anything for anyone.

There are many twists and turns in the plot that will keep you on your toes and entertained through to the end.   If you are looking for a novel that any age can read, this is it.   Young and old will enjoy "Toby's Troubles"  --Godly Book Reviews

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant in many writing groups, Carole is an award-winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer

More Than Meets the Eye: Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes--one bright blue, the other dark brown--Eva 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 Eva has two--Seth and Zach, two former 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. When Zach's sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time their paths cross, 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?

Heidi here. Isn't this the cutest cover ever? I just loved the premise to More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer. Three orphaned children build themselves a little family. We meet them as adults, Eva, Seth, and Zach. Except, Logan Fowler is seeking justice. But, guess who he falls for? Right, mismatched eyes Eva. I hated how no one was nice to Eva, and so did Logan! Eva is kind and sweet to Logan. They have immediate chemistry that intrigues Eva, but Logan keeps trying to push it away because she's "the enemy."

More Than Meets the Eye has great character development, a nice plot that arcs at just the right point, and a subplot that keeps the pages turning. I'd have to say one of my favorite parts is that Eva has that pet pig, and dresses her up!

I highly recommend Karen Witemeyer's latest novel, More Than Meets the Eye.

A Cowboy for the Twins by Carolyne Aarsen

Shauntelle Dexter’s twin girls think they’ve found their perfect new dad in cowboy Noah Cosgrove. But how could she ever be interested in the man her family believes responsible for her brother’s death? Besides, while she’s putting down roots in Cedar Ridge, the big-city contractor will soon be hitting the highway straight out of town—until he’s roped into building Shauntelle’s dream restaurant. Working beside her reopens old wounds Noah would rather forget. But he doesn’t know real trouble until his mother and the twins join forces. One wily matchmaker, two precocious little girls and one beautiful woman may be more than a reluctant cowboy can resist.

Heidi here. A Cowboy for the Twins had great conflict as the heroine held the hero at fault for her brother's death. The neat thing was that once the romance started, Shauntelle began having conflict with her parents, whom she lived with. Her parents seemed to be more upset with Noah about her brother's death than she was.

I adored the girls, they were as opposite as can be, and they played a large part in the way of throwing conflict in the way of their mother. Also, this town had a Saturday farmer's market, which felt so cozy and small-townish to me, it was a nice touch. 

This was my first Carolyne Aarsen novel, and won't be my last! She made the characters come alive, the emotions moved the story forward, and the stakes were high (Shauntelle had to work with the man responsible for her brother's death AND her dream restaurant seemed at risk for opening).

Grab your copy of A Cowboy for the Twins when it releases on February 1st!

The Rancher's Christmas Bride by Brenda Minton

The Rancher's Christmas Bride: After being jilted at the altar, all Marissa Walker wants for Christmas is to escape her life. Fleeing to Bluebonnet Springs and the ailing grandfather she’s never known seems like the perfect solution. But when her limo breaks down, neighboring rancher Alex Palermo comes to her rescue. With his ranch in jeopardy, Alex can’t afford any distractions right now—until he sees a bedraggled runaway bride on the side of the road. Alex can’t turn his back on the spunky city girl, and soon his priority becomes convincing her to stay. Because Christmas—and his future—would be much merrier with Marissa as his bride.

Heidi here. Oh. My. This is a good book! I mean, let's be real, Alex is driving along in his truck and sees a bride in a white wedding dress walking along the side of the road, he stops, it starts raining. Come on people, a premise can't get better than that!

I loved that Marissa had never met her grandfather, yet that's the one place she wants to be after she is jilted at the altar. Marissa's grandfather is such a lovable character, gruff yet welcoming at the same time.

Both Marissa and Alex have strong and interesting backstory's. Brenda Minton did a nice job stringing out the romance and never really allowing Alex and Marissa to get together, until the end of the story of course. I also loved that the last thing either character wanted was a relationship 😀 Pick up your copy of The Rancher's Christmas Bride today!

Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano

Miss Gertrude Cadwalader hoped her position as the paid companion to Mrs. Davenport would be easy. But as she becomes acquainted with her employer, she realizes the wealthy Mrs. Davenport has a strange tendency to be a bit light-fingered with other people's trinkets. Gertrude is relieved when Mrs. Davenport decides to have a quiet summer away from the social scene--until the woman changes her mind in order to help a young socialite launch into society. 

When Gertrude is caught in the act of trying to return one of the trinkets by Mrs. Sinclair, the mother of shipping magnate Harrison Sinclair, the woman jumps to an unfortunate conclusion. Harrison is determined to mend fences with Miss Cadwalader, but he's unprepared for the escapades a friendship with her will entail.

Heidi here. Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano is fabulous! I've read all her books and I don't know how she does it, but her characters are so incredibly different from one another. These engaging characters make for a fresh and fun read, Out of the Ordinary is no exception.

The romance of Gertrude and Harrison started in a prior book. Out of the Ordinary begins at a ball where the two are in attendance and the romance continues, simmering under the surface. Everyone can tell the two care deeply for one another, except Gertrude is convinced Harrison only likes her as a friend and Harrison doesn't think he wants a romance with anyone, which makes for great romantic tension.

I highly recommend picking up your copy of Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano today!

The Cowboy's Baby Blessing by Deb Kastner

The Cowboy's Baby Blessing: Rachel Perez needs a handyman to spruce up her in-home day care. So when she "wins" ex-soldier Seth Howell in a bachelor auction, she's glad he can swing a hammer. But when freewheeling Seth suddenly inherits a two-year-old and a sprawling ranch, he's got to grow up fast. Seth admires Rachel's kindness and easy way with kids, so he seeks her help in finding his footing as a father. And single mom Rachel sees how determined Seth is to do right by little Caden. Between his toddler and her teenager, they've got plenty of responsibilities. Finding time for love seems out of the question—but soon they're forging a new family…together.

Heidi here. I truly enjoyed The Cowboy's Baby Blessing by Deb Kastner. A cozy romance, it kept me turning the pages. What stood out to me in this novel was how the author set up the hero and heroine ~ Rachel owns a daycare center and Seth becomes a dad overnight when his godchild's only parent suddenly passes away. I found the characters to be three-dimensional and very likable. Though their problems weren't earth-shattering, to them they were ~ and that's all that truly matters.

Grab your copy today!

Weekly Windup: Comment to Win Undiscovered Treasures by Carole Brown

Weekly Windup

Welcome to the Weekly Windup!

 

We have a winner!

 



Winner of To Gain a Valentine by Tanya Eavenson is...Cathy!

Congratulations!  If you are a winner, please contact us to claim your prize.

Coming up this week:

Monday: Devotion by Norma Gail
Tuesday: Frontier Food at its Finest, Part 2, Linda Shenton Matchett
Wednesday: Teachers Gift bags by Heidi Main
Thursday: Catherine's Review of Angie Brashear's Of the Persecuted
Friday: The Scottish Romance by Elaine Manders
Saturday: Interview with Janalyn Voigt

This Week's Giveaway:

Undiscovered Treasures (ebook)  by Carole Brown

Co-owner of Undiscovered Treasures, Caroline Gibson particularly relates to the ballerina music box: forever spinning and never going anywhere. But when her dream prince appears, she's sure her prayers have been answered. Trouble is, even though family and friends hint that the local artist is the guy for her, Caroline forgets about trusting God and takes matters into her own hands.

Andrew Carrington has loved Caroline since they were kids and knows he'll never measure up to what she wants. But when God—or is it?—suddenly sends contracts begging for his signature, Andy thinks this just might be the way to win the only woman he can ever love.

And then there’s the hitch in both their plans. Someone is stealing Andy’s pictures, and why would they do that when he’s an unknown--so far? Is something deeper going on neither understand? Caroline must put aside her on-going battle to avoid Andy and his art so they can discover the art thief in Appleton before Andy loses the chance of a life time to ‘make it big.’

Check it out on Amazon

 Comment on any post now through February 26th to get your name in the drawing! Winner will be announced in the Weekly Windup on February 27th.

Announcements:

Amber Schamel's Dawn of Liberty is in the running for the CSPA Book of the Year award! We hope you'll drop by and cast your vote! 

http://www.christianpublishers.net/17votes/

Silent Stars of Bethlehem by Laura Poole

Silent Stars of Bethlehem is a Christmas romance included in the "O' Little Town of Christmas" Collection. As the title suggests, the novella is set in Bethlehem...North Carolina. I found this story a touching story of discovering faith and love--all in the spirit of Christmas. I really enjoyed the plot twists that both brought the couple together and pulled them apart.

Here is the back cover blurb to give you an idea of the characters:

From the time she was a child, Carly Shepherd has gazed at the silent stars in the night sky of her home town of Bethlehem, North Carolina. With her childhood overshadowed by her father’s abandonment and mother’s alcoholism, she wonders how anyone can believe in an equally silent God. After all, she’s not felt his presence any more than her earthly father. Though she remembers Christmas pageants and attending church as a child, she no longer has any use for what she considers fairy tales. 

Drew Middleton is seeking shelter from a rain storm when he walks into Carly’s vendor tent at a fall festival, but he’s quickly taken with the talented artist and her creations. Feeling an instant connection, Carly is confused by her feelings, especially when she realizes his spiritual commitment. 

Dealing with a wayward brother and career opportunities that may require relocation, Drew knows now is not the best time to begin a relationship, especially with someone who doesn’t share his faith. 

Carly’s past and their chance of future together collide when she’s snared into refurbishing sets for a Christmas pageant with Drew’s help. 

Will Drew’s love and their shared experience bring about a spiritual awakening in Carly this Christmas? Or will time run out as the stars continue to shine silently over Bethlehem?


I love the memorable characters Laura Poole has brought to life, and the very real struggles she left for them to overcome. So, fix yourself some hot chocolate, wrap yourself in a blanket and snuggle us with this heartwarming tale. And while you're at it, also pick up her novella from last Christmas, A Christmas Chance. But if you do, make sure you have some tissues. ;)