Monday, March 13, 2017

New Release! Condemn Me Not by Heather B. Moore



It's finally here! Tuesday is the big day!

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Synopsis

“This woman was one of the most impudent, scurrilous, wicked creatures of this world; and she did now throughout her whole trial discover herself to be such a one. Yet when she was asked what she had to say for herself, her chief plea was that she had led a most virtuous and holy life.” —Reverend Cotton Mather, 1692

USA Today Bestselling author Heather B. Moore brings the life of her 10th great-grandmother to center stage. Susannah North Martin, accused of witchcraft in 1692, joins five women in the Salem Jail, all sentenced to death for their crimes. Amidst tragedy, Susannah finds hope and compassion as she remembers a well-loved life, and readers discover that love reaches far beyond the grave as Susannah faces the magistrates in Salem.




Monday, March 6, 2017

Review & Giveaway: A Fine Gentleman by Sarah M. Eden


Heidi Reads... A Fine Gentleman by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttps://deseretbook.com/p/a-fine-gentleman?autocomplete=true&variant_id=149395-paperbackhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Jason Jonquil can't go anywhere, it seems, without hearing at least one of his many brothers praised to the skies. He is hard working and accomplished, but no one seems to notice. Especially Miss Mariposa Thornton. On the surface, she seems quite empty-headed. But Jason is certain she is hiding something. Initially, he wants nothing more than to be rid of the exasperating lady. But as her mask begins to slip, he finds himself wishing she saw him in the same way the world sees his brothers: as a gentleman worthy of admiration, respect and love.

My Review

Bliss! Several years ago when I finished the first four books in the Jonquil Brothers series, I wanted to immediately read the next, A Fine Gentleman, only to discover it was out of print and I could not locate a copy anywhere! So you can imagine how thrilled I was to learn that it was going to be republished, and the day finally arrived that I had it in my eager hands! This is one of my favorite family sagas and the sometimes complicated dynamics between the characters are infused with the trademark light humor of the author.

In the previous books Jason has been pretty straight-laced and even stern. The bond between him and his brothers is obvious, but his harsh criticism of the oldest brother Phillip's facade of an empty-headed dandy created a wedge between them. Mariposa also presents herself to Jason with a mask, and her patronizing treatment of him aggravates him to his wit's end. I think he takes it so personally because she's poking at a particularly sore vulnerability he's struggling with- living up to the examples of his brothers and expectations of his late father. Mariposa's tragic history is unfolded to the reader and then as Jason becomes aware of her fight for survival he is seriously humbled. Learning not to condemn others so quickly is a lesson he then applies to his relationship with his brother, and I appreciated that he came to accept Phillip before learning the truth of why he has been putting on an act for so many years. I loved seeing the continuation of Phillip and Sorrel's story and the way he also helped resolve some of Mariposa's fears. Once Jason and Mariposa let their guard down with each other they have hilarious banter and great romantic chemistry. I love how he becomes her hero and the confidence it gives him of his purpose in life. I also appreciated that Mariposa finds an important purpose as well, one that is close to her heart as a survivor of war. Highly recommend this book and the entire series!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Don't miss the first books in The Jonquil Brothers series! They read well as stand alones but of course I recommend reading them in order for maximum enjoyment :) 
Click on the covers to learn more about each book (affiliate link)



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Thursday, March 2, 2017

Nominate Keeping Kinley on KindleScout!

 



Keeping Kinley by Annette K. Larsen  

He's noble. She's common. It's complicated. Kinley is content with her common life until a chance meeting with an old friend—a noble—brings the possibility of love. Though Rylan pursues her with a charming carelessness, she doesn’t dare hope that their relationship will be accepted. When Kinley’s livelihood is threatened, she is thrust into his world as a servant, but the Rylan she encounters there isn’t the quirky friend she thought she knew. Can she trust him, or will she be forced to accept that her dreams are only that—dreams?  

 Excerpt 

My breath caught as soon as he said the name and my eyes searched his features, looking for the little boy I had known in the man that stood before me. “Rylan?” I breathed and he nodded, still with that familiar grin in place. “Oh…my,” was all my idiot brain could say as I took in his fine horse and his fine clothes and his fine eyes. I probably still had pear juice on my face. “How are you, Miss Kinley?” he asked with the same light in his eyes that he used to have whenever he would tell me about his favorite part of a lesson. “I am…well,” I answered in a breathless sort of stuttering. “Very well, thank you. I hope all is well with you and your family. How are Lord and Lady Baylor?” “My father runs his business affairs with an iron fist and my mother coddles the staff, so everything is as it should be.” He grinned. “Good.” I had to ignore the grin so that I could speak. “And Master Welsley and Tayana?” “Welsley takes life too seriously, but is ready to take over for father at a moment’s notice. Tayana is soon to be married.” “Good, good. That’s very good.” It was so very awkward to be standing in front of this man who had befriended me as a child. How was I supposed to act? “And what of your family?” he asked eagerly. “It was your brother, was it not? That married…” “Princess Ariella, yes.” No one seemed to be able to say it out loud, worried that if they were wrong, I’d somehow be offended. I was used to finishing the thought. He gave a crooked smile. “That must have been an interesting adjustment.” I laughed, surprised at how succinct that description was. “It was a surprise and an adventure, and I really do adore her.” “I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting her, but everyone seems to have an opinion one way or the other.” “I can only imagine.” While most of the common folk had accepted Ella and Gavin, I knew that the nobility had not been so easily convinced when she’d stooped to marry a commoner. He smiled, so casual, so comfortable. I felt the need to fill the silence. His horse bobbed its head, trying to get Rylan’s attention. I pointed to him. “And who is this?” He reached up, stroking the horse behind its ear. “This is Apollo. Say ‘Good day,’ old man.” The horse actually nodded its head up and down. I was reminded of Herman, who I had abandoned. “I should go.” I gestured awkwardly down the lane. “It was a pleasure seeing you.” “Wait, can I see you tomorrow?” My confusion made the corner of my mouth quirk up. “Why would you do that?” “Because I’d like to speak with you again,” he said as if it was the most normal thing in the world. “Oh, um.” He was nobility, and I was decidedly not. “I have to get Herman. My pony, he’s—” I pointed behind me as if that would explain my inability to speak coherently, then turned to walk back the way I had come.


     


Author Annette K. Larsen

 I was born in Utah, but migrated to Arizona, Missouri, and Virginia before settling in Idaho. Though I dabbled in writing throughout school, being an author seemed like an unattainable dream. It took me seven years to write my first book, Just Ella. During that time, I taught myself how to write a novel. Not the most time effective method, but it gave me an education I wouldn’t have received from a class or a how-to book. Something about the struggle of writing without a formula or rules worked for me. I write clean romance because I love it. Jane Eyre is the hero of my youth and taught me that clinging to your convictions will be hard, but will bring you more genuine happiness than giving in ever can. I love chocolate, Into the Woods, ocean waves, my husband, and my five littles. And I love books that leave me with a sigh of contentment.

Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 3/9/17 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.

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Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Return by Suzanne Woods Fisher



I just finished the second book in the Amish Beginnings series and already I can't wait for the third one, The Return! I love the historical setting and of course Suzanne Woods Fisher's lovely writing :) It releases August 2017 and is available for pre-order.

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Beautiful and winsome, Betsy Zook never questioned her family's rigid expectations, nor those of devoted Hans, but then she never had to. Not until the night when she's taken captive in a surprise Indian raid. During her captivity, Betsy faces brutality and hardship, but also unexpected kindness. She draws strength from native Caleb, who encourages her to find God in all circumstances. She finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the intense new feelings this compelling man awakens within her.
 

Handsome and complex, Hans is greatly anguished by Betsy's captivity and turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort. Eagerly, Tessa responds, overlooking troubling signs of Hans's hunger for revenge. When Betsy is finally restored to the Amish, have things gone too far between Hans and Tessa?
 

Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of pre-revolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.