Sung in the Shadows (The Art of Love and Danger, #2) by Crystal Caudill

ABOUT THE BOOK

No one can know Nora Davis's true identity as the daughter of the famed opera singer Constanza Brisbane. After Nora escaped a kidnapping as a child, the Brisbanes slipped into the shadows and changed their identities to avoid the still-prowling captors. But after Constanza's paranoia caught up to her, she landed in Longview Asylum. It's here that Nora engages in secret singing lessons with her mother and avoids Ezekiel Beaumont.

Employed by Pike's Opera House, Ezekiel visits his suicidal ma in the asylum every week. As Nora's and Ezekiel's weekly visits align, he begins to wonder whether Nora's ma is really the famed Constanza Brisbane who went missing mid-performance. And he’s determined to find out.

When Nora is forced to make Ezekiel's acquaintance, the singing world becomes a little too close for comfort, but she's drawn to Ezekiel all the same. While Nora and Ezekiel grow closer, Nora begins to fear that she, too, is losing her mind when she suspects she’s being watched. Will Ezekiel be able to protect his mother from suspected danger, along with the woman he’s falling for?

MY THOUGHTS.....

Crystal Caudill's wonderful writing talents are on full display in this new book! Sung in the Shadows is a mesmerizing tale of intrigue, mystery, and suspense within the fascinating world of opera singers in the last decades of the 1800s. Nora Davis loves this world, but she can't reveal her true identity because her mother is incarcerated in an asylum for the mentally ill.

Remarkable characters, superb plotting, and intricate historical details make this such an outstanding story. I especially loved the author's Historical Notes. Longview Asylum for the Insane and Pike's Opera House are two Cincinnati, Ohio, landmarks that played prominent roles, and the addition of romance, humor, and an inspiring faith message added to my enjoyment!

"We can do everything right and it still not be enough. Only God is enough, even though sometimes it doesn't feel like He is."

Caudill kept me fully engaged in this touching story that targets the stigma that a diagnosis of mental illness can produce. I highly recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction!

A complimentary copy was provided by the author and Kregel Publications via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. These opinions are mine alone.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Crystal Caudill is the author of "dangerously good historical romance," with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW.

She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Caudill can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio.

Learn more at crystalcaudill.com. You can also find her on Facebook     Twitter     Instagram.

  

THE ART OF LOVE AND DANGER

Written in Secret

Sung in the Shadows

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The Beginner's Quilt by Wanda E. Brunstetter

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Lifelong Love for Quilting Starts in 1967, Arthur, Illinois

Despite the best efforts of Emma Bontrager’s mother, Emma hasn’t learned much of anything that will prepare her to be an Amish wife. Therefore, she’s sent to Arthur, Illinois, to be taught by her paternal grandmother. Though she would rather be fishing, hiking, or playing baseball, Emma finally listens to her grandmother and even finds she enjoys working on a Tree of Life quilt. Having met a nice young man, she now feels more prepared for marriage. But rumors swirl around his character, and it looks like she’ll be returning to Indiana with a broken heart. Even so, her time in Illinois has ignited a new passion for quilting that will last for years.

- A stand-alone prequel to The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club and Half-Stitched, the musical.

AMAZON     BARBOUR BOOKS

MY THOUGHTS.....

Many fans of Wanda E. Brunstetter are familiar with Emma Yoder Miller and her impressive quilting skills, but we now get to learn how young Emma was introduced to this wonderful tradition. Emma Bontrager's lack of interest in cooking and quilting prompted her mother to send Emma to spend the summer with her grandparents. Hopefully, Emma would learn the skills she would need as a young Amish wife. What followed was Emma's introduction to cooking, quilting, and a special young man in Arthur, Illinois. What a summer 1967 turned out to be!

I loved this prequel to Brunstetter's Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club, and two other books featuring Emma Bontrager Yoder Miller. Emma and Ivan Yoder exemplify all of the special qualities we expect of people raised in the Amish faith, and I was especially impressed by Ivan's commitment to doing what was right at the risk of losing something he dreamed of and longed for. The Beginner's Quilt has wonderful characters, an intriguing complication that I didn't see coming, and a reminder that we must take responsibility for our actions. This lovely page-turner left me wanting to read the other books featuring Emma!

I received a copy of this book from the author and Barbour Books. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and receive numerous awards.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and family ties. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her  Website  Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club Series

The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club

The Tattered Quilt

The Healing Quilt

The Beginner's Quilt (Prequel)

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Claire Holloway Is Winging It (High-Flying Romance, bk. 1) by Angela Ruth Strong

ABOUT THE BOOK

A romance in the skies from an award-winning author and flight attendant

After Claire Holloway's dream of becoming a ballerina plummets, she's left with her boyfriend as her only support . . . until she decides to become a flight attendant for the free travel. Based out of state, she moves into a crash pad with a gaggle of other flight attendants, and her fear of losing Wyatt seems to become a reality.

First Officer Nathan Stuart—a bit cynical since he and his fiancée broke up—meets a somewhat frazzled Claire on her very first day in the Seattle airport. When they end up on the same crew, he takes her under his wing, and they quickly bond.

When Claire's once-supportive boyfriend's attitude sours into resentment, she's left wondering whether her newfound joy is the right way to go. Pulled between two men and her new career, Claire must learn to listen for God's direction the same way her flight crew follows air traffic control.

In this hilarious rom-com, readers will lift off into the turbulent skies of romantic adventures as Claire navigates God's plan for her life.

AMAZON

MY THOUGHTS.....

I knew I'd found an author to follow when I alternated between wiping my tears and laughing out loud while reading this story! This isn't my first book by Angela Ruth Strong, but it reminded me again that no one is any better at creating romantic Christian fiction. She shares her personal experience as a flight attendant to relate Claire's thrilling adventures in her new career. Adventures that are sometimes hilarious, often emotional, and always inspiring. There's also a sweet romance when Claire finds herself torn between her boyfriend Wyatt and a co-pilot on some of her flights. Is Nathan merely a temporary distraction, or is God revealing another part of His Plan?

"Claire Holloway Is Winging It" is a delightful story with engaging characters and realistic life situations. I especially loved the friendship and encouragement from two supporting characters and the powerful faith journeys of both Nathan and Claire. Five stars for this awesome Christian rom-com!

I received a complimentary copy from the author, Kregel, and NetGalley. There was no obligation for a positive review.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Angela Ruth Strong works as a flight attendant and uses her own crazy life experiences as inspiration for the stories she writes. Her books have earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been nominated for a Christy, won the Cascade Award, and become Amazon bestsellers. She and her husband also got to play extras when her novel Finding Love in Big Sky was adapted for film. To help aspiring authors, Angela started IDAhope Writers.  She lives in Idaho and blogs regularly on inspyromance and learnhowtowriteanovel.com.

Learn more at her Website. 

Follow her on     Facebook     Twitter     Instagram 

High-Flying Romance

Claire Holloway Is Winging It

Love Off Script Novels

Husband Auditions

Hero Debut

Fiancé Finale

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All Booked Up by Melody Carlson

ABOUT THE BOOK

Empty nester and widow Riva Owen lives in the Victorian house that's been in her family for three generations, but finances have become a challenge she can no longer ignore. Her daughter is pushing her to move, and after considering all her options, Riva knows selling would be the smartest course. But she just can't bring herself to leave years of memories--and her cherished library filled with hundreds of books.

When she pursues an alternative--opening her home to women like her who have been forced to make lifestyle changes and need a room to rent--Riva is unprepared for the mix of personalities and peculiarities of her new housemates. She is even more unprepared for Marcus, the handsome and handy older brother of one of her new tenants. The possibility of finding love again feels overwhelming, even as her tenants seem to have romantic schemes of their own.

Warm your heart with a contemporary romance story of found family, booklovers, new beginnings, and an unexpected second chance at love in Melody Carlson's delightful signature style.

AMAZON      BAKER BOOK HOUSE

MY THOUGHTS.....

One of my go-to authors shares a heartwarming story of five unlikely roommates who end up becoming a family. Riva Owen's continued grief over losing her husband eighteen months earlier is escalated by the possibility that she may lose the home she's known all of her life. How will she find the courage to leave her home, and worse still, what will happen to her huge collection of books?

Loss, grief, acceptance, and hope are just a few of the emotions in Melody Carlson's touching story. Riva is offered a solution for her dilemma, but will she be brave enough to follow through? Can she accept the four unique women asking to share her home?

I enjoyed the five women who embraced different lifestyles and perspectives but still became a family. It wasn't easy, and the issues were often divisive, but somehow, they made it work! A possible romance for Riva was a pleasant possibility, but the primary focus was the friendship and support among these women!

I recommend All Booked Up to all who enjoy Christian women's fiction!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark movie, and the movie based on her novel The Happy Camper premiered on UPtv in 2023. She and her husband live in central Oregon. 

Connect with Melody

Amazon Author Page       Facebook     Instagram     

Bookbub 

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Garden Cottage (Mackinac Cottages Series Book 4) by Carrie Fancett Pagels

ABOUT THE BOOK

Faith, family, hope, and love—on Mackinac Island!

Facing a summer alone, Paula, a widowed librarian, heads to her family’s cottage on Mackinac Island where she's surprised to see her nurse practitioner daughter. The author of a book on grief, Paula reconnects with an intriguing reader, Gennaro, whom she’d once previously encountered. World-famous chef, Gennaro, works at an island resort, and has kept a low profile since his wife’s tragic death. Gennaro, whose family owns massive farms in Tuscany, works with Paula on her cottage’s vegetable garden, and a deep friendship grows. Both Paula and Gennaro have college-age sons working on the island, too. When personal and family secrets erupt, can these two help their extended families and find healing for themselves?

MY THOUGHTS.....

I'm always thrilled to return to Mackinac Island through the thoughts and words of Carrie Fancett Pagels. To visit the lighthouses and beaches, see the horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and beautiful flowers, while experiencing the everyday life of its residents. Garden Cottage is an intriguing story with romance and second chances, but the romance isn't limited to the very young. Paula and Genaro have both loved and lost, and their chance meeting offers them both a new beginning. Will they allow it to happen?

Pagels always makes her characters so believable! I loved that Paula was a 50-something retired librarian recovering from knee replacement surgery and expecting a lonely summer on Mackinac Island. Gennaro was a respected chef at one of the resorts, and their friendship blossomed as they worked together on Paula's garden. Books, gardening, and a middle-aged heroine and hero added to the realism, and their budding romance was sweet and delightful.

The author's personal experiences as a psychologist are evident in the emotional layers of Garden Cottage. It is an engaging, thought-provoking novel filled with grief, loss, joy, and trials, along with secrets and surprises that kept me turning the pages!

I received a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was never required.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carrie Fancett Pagels is a multi-published award-winning author of Christian historical romance.  Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn't "cure" her overactive imagination! She resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia, which is perfect for her love of history. Carrie loves to listen to audiobooks, bake, walk with her family, and travel to beautiful places by the water– but not all at the same time!

Learn more by visiting Carrie's      Website     

Facebook     Twitter   Instagram     Pinterest     Bookbub 

You can also sign up for her Newsletter. 

Mackinac Cottages Series 

Butterfly Cottage 

Lilac Cottage

Tandem Cottage

Garden Cottage

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The Long Way Back to You (Welcome to Redemption, Alaska, #2) by Heidi McCahan

ABOUT THE BOOK

Where broken hearts come to heal.

Sometimes the life you're meant to live is the one you left behind.

Emma Carlisle built the perfect life in Boston—successful career, surgeon fiancé, everything mapped out. But when unpaid property taxes force her back to Redemption, Alaska, she has one sell the family house, settle the debt, and escape before the past can destroy her again.

She didn't count on Luke McGuire.

Luke never stopped loving the woman who vanished without explanation fifteen years ago. Now he's desperately fighting to save his family's failing resort while watching Emma prepare to disappear again. The stakes couldn't be higher—his family's legacy hangs in the balance, and losing Emma a second time will destroy him.

But Redemption holds devastating secrets about Emma's criminal father and the family shame that drove her away. When shocking revelations about her past surface and her perfect Boston life begins to crumble, Emma faces an impossible return to the safe life that's slowly killing her spirit, or risk everything for the messy truth of where her heart belongs.
With Luke's unwavering love and her own buried dreams calling her home, Emma must decide if she has the courage to embrace the life she was always meant to live.

A story about second chances, buried secrets, and the courage to come home.

AMAZON     SUNRISE PUBLISHING

MY THOUGHTS.....

Emma Carlisle's wedding to a successful surgeon was four months away, but there was something she must do first. She needed to take care of unfinished business left by her sudden departure from Redemption, Alaska, fifteen years earlier. She believed her return was necessary and it wouldn't take long but...she didn't count on running into Luke McGuire, her first love!

This was my second enjoyable visit to Redemption, and I was once again charmed by the characters and small-town setting. I admired Emma's efforts to correct past mistakes in the place that had hurt her so deeply, and I was immediately engaged in her emotional reunion with Luke. Why did this temporary homecoming feel so right?

The Long Way Back to You is a story of redemption, forgiveness, and second chances. The romance is sweet, and the faith is strong! I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary Christian romance.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Sunrise Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heidi McCahan began dreaming up stories as a little girl. Now she’s a bestselling author who writes uplifting romance novels set in small towns. A perfect day for Heidi includes a cup of good coffee, dark chocolate, and reading stories with happy endings. She’s originally from Alaska, but currently lives in North Carolina with her handsome husband, three amazing boys, and the world’s greatest Goldendoodle.

Learn more by visiting her Website

Follow Heidi on Facebook     X      Instagram     Goodreads

 

WELCOME TO REDEMPTION, ALASKA

The Other Side of Goodbye

The Long Way Back to You

The Last Mile Between Us

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The Pastor's Easter Prayer (Tumbleweed, Texas, 2) by Tina Radcliffe

ABOUT THE BOOK

In escaping his past, he’s found his future…

A short-term post in small-town Tumbleweed, Texas, is just what Pastor Rob Sterling needs to find redemption from his tragic past. But when church secretary Hannah Bryant’s troubled son breaks a church window, Rob’s offer to mentor the boy leads to a surprising glimpse at a future he never thought possible. The more he gets to know the single mom and her sons, the more his heart begins to heal. With his contract coming to an end, he’ll need to find the courage to stay…for a second chance at the life he always dreamed of.

AMAZON     WALMART

MY THOUGHTS.....

This is another exceptional story by Tina Radcliffe! A painful divorce has deeply damaged Hannah Bryant's trust, her young sons feel abandoned by their father, and Pastor Rob Sterling continues to blame himself for the death of his wife and unborn child. Is it possible that his temporary placement in Tumbleweed may be an answer to all of their needs?

This is truly a story of the heart! Radcliffe poignantly shares a heartwarming relationship between Hannah's sons and Pastor Rob, the sweet connection between Rob and Hannah, and a powerful faith message that's woven into almost every page. NO, she doesn't preach! She subtly shows how guilt and lack of trust can erode the foundation of a person's faith. We say we trust, but do we trust completely? We say we believe, but doubts and life experiences slowly erode those beliefs. We're willing to forgive others, so why can't we forgive ourselves?

The Pastor's Easter Prayer is one of four books that are set in Tumbleweed, Texas. I loved the small-town vibes and the strong support from the locals as they welcomed Pastor Rob. I look forward to more visits to Tumbleweed!

Tina Radcliffe delivers a five-star read! I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary Christian romance.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Publishers Weekly bestselling author Tina Radcliffe hails from Western New York. She left home for a tour of duty with the Army Security Agency stationed in Augsburg, Germany, and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. While living in Tulsa, she spent ten years as a Certified Oncology R.N. before heading to Colorado as a library cataloger.

​A freelance writer for over twenty years, Tina is a Romance Writer of America and American Christian Fiction Writers Honor Roll member.

Tina is also a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist. She is a four-time ACFW Carol Award finalist and a three-time ACFW Mentor of the year finalist. ​Her Harlequin books have won the ACFW Carol Award and the Holt Medallion. She has placed or won over thirty RWA chapter-affiliated contests in her career. As a short story writer, she has sold over forty short romances to Woman’s World Magazine.

​Tina is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, and Women's Fiction Writers Association. A popular workshop speaker, she currently lives in Arizona, where she writes fun, heartwarming romance.

You can connect with Tina at her   Website     Facebook     Pinterest      Instagram     BookBub 

Tina also has a great newsletter filled with fun facts and great giveaways for her newsletter subscribers. Sign up for her newsletter HERE.

Tumbleweed, Texas

 Book 1: The Coach's Secret Child by Lee Tobin McClain

Book 2: The Pastor's Easter Prayer by Tina Radcliffe

Book 3: The Police Chief's Instant Family by Mindy Obenhaus

Book 4: The Rancher's Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer

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Aflame (Awakened #2) by Roseanna M. White

ABOUT THE BOOK

In a land of fire and ice, love is considered a weakness.

Princess Valkyrja has always been deemed "pretty and useless" by her family, who rule the kingdom of Fjordlandi. Though she has the same magical Blessing over ice and snow as her brother, sister, and father, she can never seem to use it for the brute-force ruling they require, choosing instead to make art that makes her people smile. But when a horrific attack shakes their whole world, she has to step up...and find a strength she didn't know she had.

Nikanor has lived his life under the greenhouse domes, a commoner with no opportunities to do things he most desires—to study the Words or the law, to be something other than a farmer. When he and his best friend follow his father to the capital, he hopes only for a nice holiday. Instead, the attack throws him into the path of a princess, and his world is never the same.

But the Blessed aren't the only ones with magic in Fjordlandi. There are others already Awakened in the volcano, those called the Cursed, with lava in their veins and rebellion in their hearts. And once the fires of revolution ignite, they won't stop until all of Fjordlandi is Aflame.

MY THOUGHTS.....

I'm a long-time reader of her historical fiction, but Roseanna M. White's venture into fantasy has introduced me to a new genre. I don't normally read fantasy, but I've been converted!

I loved meeting the characters who possess unique powers in the mythical kingdom of Fjordlandi, but two were especially endearing. Sweet and gentle Princess Kyrja chose to use her power for good. When Fjordlandi was attacked, it was the commoner Nikanor who proved that class has no bearing on being honorable!

I admit that the twists, turns, and fantastical action were at first confusing, but the emotions weren't. Princess Valkyrja's low self-esteem and her longing for her father's approval were normal reactions of a rejected daughter. And then, there's the romance! The strong feelings between Kyrja and Nikanor once again proved White's ability to write romance that is clean but oh, so breathtaking! Aflame has the tagline romantasy and this is exactly what it is!

This is the second book in a series, but I wasn't distracted because I hadn't read the first. Aflame has introduced me to a world of fantasy while remaining true to White's inspirational fiction. I look forward to reading the next books in this Awakened series!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of WhiteCrown Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. 

Being educated at St. John’s College (the Great Books School) taught Roseanna to ask questions, to value conversation, and to never accept the simple answer without exploring it for herself. She and her family make their home in the mountains of West Virginia where she and her husband both grew up. Roseanna is a member of ACFW, a frequent speaker at writers events and small groups of readers, and an unabashed email addict.

You can learn more about her and her stories at her Website  Facebook  Twitter   Instagram

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Taming Lady Temperance (The Secret Society of Spinsters, #1) by Karen Witemeyer

ABOUT THE BOOK

When passion for justice conflicts with the heart, which will prevail?

Noreen O'Sullivan is an enthusiastic member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and believes herself called to defend the cause of prohibition. When she's invited to join the Secret Society of Spinsters, Noreen jumps at the chance to rally others to her movement and shut down the local saloon for good. However, her passionate campaigning often puts her at odds with the men around her--including the local deputy.

Deputy James Paxton believes in preserving the peace, but Miss O'Sullivan has been disturbing his peace for months. If James wants to be elected sheriff, he can't afford to be seen as her ally. But when Noreen ropes him into helping her plan a temperance march, their growing closeness sparks unexpected feelings. Then tensions escalate at the saloon and accusations fly. James must choose between upholding his badge and protecting the woman who's captured his heart--knowing either choice could cost him everything.

Karen Witemeyer presents a swoony Western romance with a determined heroine, cowboys, prohibition, and the rivals-to-lovers and duty vs. desire tropes. Fans of Mary Connealy and frontier romances set in the Old West will savor this clean, historical read.

AMAZON

MY THOUGHTS.....

Noreen O'Sullivan knows firsthand how alcohol can change a person and affect a family, so it isn't surprising that she's determined to promote temperance in her hometown. It's also no surprise that closing down the local saloon won't sit well with many of the people in Albany. There's sure to be opposition! What steps will Deputy James Paxton take to preserve the peace?

Taming Lady Temperance is a page-turning story that's both lighthearted and thought-provoking. Noreen believes that her methods are the only way to achieve prohibition in Albany, and James is determined to honor the badge that he wears. Does that mean that preserving the law limits mercy, compassion, and understanding? Will Noreen's stubbornness prevent her from accepting that changing hearts and altering actions may be someone else's job? Will they both give God full control?

I loved the faith element, the historical details, and the friendship and support system enjoyed by Noreen and the other members of the Spinsters' society. It was, however, the sweet but swoon-worthy romance and the laugh-out-loud antics that made this such an engaging read for me!

Taming Lady Temperance is another winning story for author Karen Witemeyer, and it's also the first book of her new series. I look forward to more books featuring the suffragettes who belong to The Secret Society of Spinsters!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A lifelong bookworm, Karen Witemeyer is living her dream by writing novels. Her books have consistently hit bestseller lists and have garnered awards such as the ACFW Carol Award, the Holt Medallion, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award. In addition, she is a multiple RITA and National Reader's Choice finalist. Karen is also a sought-after speaker for national writing conferences and regional workshops.

Karen's favorite aspect of her writing life is hearing from readers. Nothing encourages her heart more. She'd love to hear from you. You can contact her here.

Website   Facebook   Goodreads   Bookbub

  THE SECRET SOCIETY OF SPINSTERS

Taming Lady Temperance

Wooing the Wallflower

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Petticoat Ranch (Petticoats and Cowboys Book 1) by Mary Connealy

ABOUT THE BOOK

From beloved author Mary Connealy comes a delightful Western adventure brimming with danger, laughter, and unexpected romance—a tale of a resourceful widow, a rugged cowboy, and the ready-made family that will steal his heart. Perfect for fans of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer.

Sophie Edwards has survived two years in the Texas wilderness with four daughters and her wits. When a stranger falls injured near her hidden cabin during a thunderstorm, she discovers he's the spitting image of her late husband—because Clay McClellen is her husband's twin brother, a man who never knew his brother existed.

Clay came to Texas seeking justice for his brother's murder. What he finds instead is a ready-made family, a rundown ranch, and a fiercely independent woman who doesn't need rescuing—even when danger comes calling. Sophie may have pulled him from a flooded creek, but Clay is determined to be the protector she deserves, whether she wants one or not.

As vigilantes close in and old enemies resurface, Clay and Sophie must learn to trust each other and God's plan. But can a mountain man used to solitude embrace life with four talkative daughters? And can Sophie open her guarded heart to love again—especially when the man looks exactly like the husband who broke it?

A heartwarming tale of second chances, faith, and finding love in the untamed West.

MY THOUGHTS.....

This book is such a treat! Author Mary Connealy seasons Petticoat Ranch with likable but fallible characters, realistic frontier life, and the trademark humor that I've come to expect. I was immediately drawn to this exciting story of a widowed woman who had been the sole provider for her four young daughters until her late husband's twin brother showed up unexpectedly. Sophie and her daughters need the physical help and protection that Clay McClellen can offer, but it won't be easy! Clay has little experience with females, let alone five, and Sophie and her girls have zero trust in men. Can they adapt to a life together?

I'm always ready for a Western adventure, but this is also a heartwarming story of struggling to find a new normal. The danger is real, the emotions are raw, and the need for faith and prayer is ever-present. I recommend Petticoat Ranch to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.

This is a re-issue of a book first published as Lassoed in Texas in 2006. I received a digital ARC from the author and Wild Heart Books. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys that also have a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy, and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. 

Her most recent book series is Wyoming Sunrise.  Other series by Mary Connealy are: The Lumber Baron's' Daughters, Brothers in Arms, The Brides of Hope Mountain, Garrison’s Law, High Sierra Sweethearts, Cimarron Legacy, Wild at Heart, Trouble in Texas, and Kincaid Bride for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing. along with many novellas. 

Mary is the bestselling author of 70 books and novellas and she has nearly a million books in print! 

Learn more at her Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Petticoats and Cowboys Series

Petticoat Ranch

Calico Canyon

Gingham Mountain

Montana Rose

The Husband Tree

Wildflower Bride

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