"on lone star trail" by amanda cabot

Amanda Cabot's gently romantic Texas Crossroads series wraps up with On Lone Star Trail.

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A woman without a future. A man running from the past.
One enchanting place where broken dreams are mended.

If there's one thing Gillian Hodge never wants to see again, it's a man on a motorcycle. Her last encounter with one left her right hand crushed, ending her promising career as a concert pianist. Unsure about the next phase in her life, she heads to Rainbow's End Resort for some R&R when a sudden thunderstorm causes a motorcycle to crash right in front of her.

When TJ Benjamin's wife died, he lost more than his best friend; he lost his faith. He has spent the past year wandering the country on his motorcycle, trying not to think about the future. When he finds himself stranded with a busted bike and a reluctant rescuer, he has to wonder about God's sense of humor.

As these broken people collide, they find that a bright future is still ahead--it just might not be the one they imagined for themselves.

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On Lone Star Trail is a fitting conclusion to Cabot's series. The book functions well as a stand-alone title (as do the others in the series), so you could easily pick it up without having first read At Bluebonnet Lake or In Firefly Valley.

Both Gillian and TJ are facing the loss of their dreams when they arrive at Rainbow's End Resort. Throughout the novel, they finally come to terms with those losses and get to the point of moving on. I really enjoyed watching their journeys, both together and separately. And, as has been a hallmark of this series, the characters—both main and supporting—are so strong, likable, and intriguing.

One thing that I've enjoyed about this series (and it's especially apparent in this novel) is that Cabot doesn't find it necessary to throw in over the top villains or ridiculous situations to keep the hero and heroine apart. Sure, they face difficulties, but everything feels realistic. In the case of On Lone Star Trail, Gillian has to choose between two suitors, and both are good men and would be good husbands. Neither is a dolt or selfish or mean. So while the reader never really doubts which one Gillian will choose, the other choice would be understandable. (The Hallmark Channel could take notes from Cabot in this regard!)

Overall, On Lone Star Trail is an engaging, character-driven romance, perfect for those who want romance without suspense or drama. 4 stars.

Buy the novel.
Read my reviews of Cabot's At Bluebonnet Lake (3-1/2 stars) and In Firefly Valley (4-1/2 stars).

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Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, Christmas Roses, At Bluebonnet Lake, and In Firefly Valley. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers' Best. She lives in Wyoming. Learn more at www.amandacabot.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell through the Revell Reads program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"the brontë plot" by katherine reay

Several years ago, I read Katherine Reay's debut novel, Dear Mr. Knightley, and I was completely charmed—so much so that I named it my favorite book of 2013. While I still haven't read Reay's second book, Lizzy & Jane, solely due to time and an insane review schedule, I must admit that I did a little happy dance when I opened a package from The Fiction Guild and found The Brontë Plot inside!

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Lucy Alling makes a living selling rare books, often taking suspicious measures to reach her goals. When her unorthodox methods are discovered, Lucy's secret ruins her relationship with her boss and her boyfriend James—leaving Lucy in a heap of hurt, and trouble. Something has to change; she has to change.

In a sudden turn of events, James's wealthy grandmother Helen hires Lucy as a consultant for a London literary and antiques excursion. Lucy reluctantly agrees and soon discovers Helen holds secrets of her own. In fact, Helen understands Lucy's predicament better than anyone else.

As the two travel across England, Lucy benefits from Helen's wisdom, as Helen confronts the ghosts of her own past. Everything comes to a head at Haworth, home of the Brontë sisters, where Lucy is reminded of the sisters' beloved heroines, who, with tenacity and resolution, endured—even in the midst of change.

Now Lucy must go back into her past in order to move forward. And while it may hold mistakes and regrets, she will prevail—if only she can step into the life that's been waiting for her all along.

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Written in Katherine Reay's unique style, The Brontë Plot is an intriguing story. Set in Chicago and England, the bulk of the story involves Lucy and Helen's shopping and redemption trip around England. I absolutely loved the concept of the book; however, a few things kept me from wholeheartedly enjoying it.

Lucy isn't exactly a likable main character, though she does go through much growth and change throughout the novel, and she ends up much more sympathetic than she was in the beginning. Still, I had trouble rooting for her or for her romance with James. The romance is definitely not the main thrust of the book, which is fine; I do wish that as I reader I had been able to watch more of Lucy and James' early romance, as that may have helped me to actually care if Lucy and James reunited.

Much of the novel teases Lucy's reunion with her father, and when it happened, I felt a little let down—though it definitely did explain a lot about Lucy. I'm sure the way things played out was more realistic than the "happily ever after" reunion I'd hoped for, but I still was disappointed.

By far, my favorite aspect of the novel was Helen's story. Not only was her back story fascinating, but her quest to right previous wrongs definitely struck a chord with me. I loved the way she interacted with Lucy and her family members, the way she owned her actions, and the way she gently guided those she loved.

I know that I'm making this book sound worse than it is. It is solidly a 4 star novel. It's just that I'd hoped for more, for something that moved me in the way Dear Mr. Knightley did. Perhaps that's not fair to Reay, and I definitely want to read whatever she writes next. I'll just be sure to keep my expectations a bit lower next time.

Buy the novel.
Read my review of Reay's Dear Mr. Knightley (5 stars).

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Katherine Reay has enjoyed a life-long affair with the works of Jane Austen and her contemporaries. After earning degrees in history and marketing from Northwestern University, she worked as a marketer for Proctor & Gamble and Sears before returning to school to earn her MTS. Her works have been published in Focus on the Family and the Upper Room. Katherine currently lives with her husband and three children in Seattle.
Learn more about Katherine at http://katherinereay.com/.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through The Fiction Guild. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

introducing "cold shot" by dani pettrey + sweepstakes

Dani Pettrey is one of my favorite romantic suspense authors (I loved, loved, loved her Alaskan Courage series), so I'm thrilled to be able to share her new novel with you today. I'll be reviewing the book next month, but in the meantime, keep reading to learn more about the book, plus enter a sweepstakes for some awesome prizes!

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In COLD SHOT, the first book of author Dani Pettrey’s brand new Chesapeake Valor series, park ranger Griffin McCray and forensic anthropologist Finley Scott uncover buried remains near the Civil War battleground of Little Round Top. There’s only one problem: the bones aren’t Civil War-era.

Griffin just wants the case to go away, but when Finley discovers evidence pointing to the work of an expert sniper, the case connects them with FBI agent Declan Grey, and crime scene investigator Parker Mitchell, friends from a past Griffin’s tried to leave behind.

Soon the reunited friends realize they’ll need to confront the darkest days in their shared history if they–and those they care about–are going to escape a downward spiral of crime, danger, and murder.

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To celebrate the launch of this exciting new series, Dani and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the COLD SHOT SWEEPSTAKES, and your chance to win one of three marvelous prizes, all closely connected to the story.

Timeframe & Notifications:

This giveaway starts February 16, 2016 and ends March 7, 2016 @ 11:59 pm (PST).
Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over. Winners will be selected Tuesday, March 8, 2016, and announced at DaniPettrey.com.

ROAD TRIP REUNION GETAWAY

In COLD SHOT, Griffin reunites with friends after they’ve drifted apart over the years. Do you have a friend you want to reconnect with? Here’s your chance to hit the road with them for a friend getaway!

Our Grand Prize winner will receive: A $250 gift certificate to BedandBreakfast.com, good for reservations at lodges across the Continental US, plus a $50 Darden restaurants gift card, and a Chesapeake Bay tote bag, to pack your road trip essentials.

FINLEY’S FAVORITES PACK

Finley has a lifelong love of travel and exploration, something captured in her cozy home decor, right down to her steamer trunk coffee table. This prize gives you a chance to have a steamer trunk just like Finley’s, and a coffee table book from the Chesapeake Bay to go with it.

Our Second Prize winner will receive: A $150 value cedar wood steamer trunk and vivid Maryland coffee table photo book.

TASTE OF MARYLAND KIT

COLD SHOT is sure to leave you with a craving for the mouth-watering snacks Griffin, Finley, and the rest of the crew enjoy in the story. If you wish you could sample Chesapeake’s one-of-a-kind local fare too, this prize is for you.

Our Third Prize winner will receive: The beautifully lithographed, $50 value Taste of Maryland Tin, including the Chesapeake Bay Cookbook and famed local treats such as Old Bay Seasoning, Maple Syrup, Maryland crab soup mix, specialty dip, and Goetze’s Caramel Creams.

How to Enter:

Go to: http://www.danipettrey.com/cold-shot-sweepstakes/ and complete the entry box, anytime between February 16 – March 7, 2016.

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Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the brand new romantic suspense Chesapeake Valor series, as well as the well-loved Alaskan Courage series which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and Sabotaged. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their daughters, son-in-law, and super-adorable grandson.

Keep up with Dani: Web Site, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest

"a little in love" by susan e. fletcher

It's no secret that I am totally, completely, 100% in love with Les Miserables. The musical, not the book. Never read the book, just an abridged version with one of my ESL classes, though I plan to remedy that this year as part of the MMD 2016 reading challenge I'm doing with my family. (Truly? I'll be reading it for the "a book that intimidates you" category—'cause that thing is a beast!) Anyway, I'm also in love with adaptations of famous novels, so A Little in Love, a retelling of Eponine's story, sounded like a lot of fun to me. And it is ... basically.

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Inspired by Victor Hugo's classic, Les Miserables, A Little in Love beautifully conveys the heartbreaking story of street girl Eponine.

Paris, 1832

A girl lies alone in the darkness, clutching a letter to her heart.

Eponine remembers being a child: her swing and the peach tree, and the baby brother she loved. But mostly she remembers being miserable. Taught to lie and cheat, and to hate the one girl, Cosette, who might have been her friend.

Now, at sixteen, the two girls meet again, and Eponine has one more chance. But what is the price of friendship--the love of a boy?

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A Little in Love takes Eponine's tale and expands it. (Well, I'm assuming it expands it. At least, it expands it beyond what's in the musical.) Eponine is the oldest daughter of the Thenardiers, who are mean, thieving innkeepers. Though she has a good heart, her parents force her to lie, steal, and be mean to Cosette, a girl who comes to live with them. As time passes, Cosette is rescued by Jean Valjean, and Eponine's life just gets worse and worse.

When the family ends up in Paris, Eponine meets and (nearly instantly) falls in love with Marius ... who happens to fall in love with Cosette, who lives in splendor with Valjean. Eponine's choices lead to the book's heartbreaking end, which is no surprise to anyone familiar with either the novel or the musical.

Overall, A Little in Love is an enjoyable read. While it takes place in a rough setting, it's very easy to read, and the horrible things Eponine witnesses are not described in too much detail. Fans of Les Miserables, at least the ones who also enjoy YA lit, will appreciate this adaptation; YA fans who are unfamiliar with the source material will have no trouble following along.

As an adult, I may disagree that Eponine was actually in love with Marius (and instead call it infatuation or even obsession), but I well remember how those feelings of infatuation can be confused for love, especially when you're a hormonal teenager! This fits well in the YA market (and it is much more appropriate for teens than many of the genre's offerings), and if it interests someone new in Les Miserables, well then all the better! 4 stars.

Buy the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product free for review from Amazon.com through its Vine reviewer program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"undaunted hope" by jody hedlund

I always find it interesting when an author takes an unlikable secondary character from a previous novel and makes him or her the main character in another novel. Sometimes this works; sometimes it doesn't; but I'm always intrigued.

In Undaunted Hope, Jody Hedlund takes the rather despicable Tessa from Hearts Made Whole and turns her into a spunky heroine. And it works magnificently.

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Tessa Taylor arrives in 1870s Upper Peninsula, Michigan, planning to serve as a new teacher to the town. Much to her dismay, however, she immediately learns that there was a mistake, that the town had requested a male teacher. Percival Updegraff, superintendent and chief mine clerk, says she can stay through winter since they won't be able to locate a new teacher before then, and Tessa can't help but say she is in his debt. Little does she know that Percival will indeed keep track of all that she owes him. 

Determined to become indispensable, Tessa throws herself into teaching, and soon the children of the widowed lighthouse keeper have decided she's the right match for their grieving father. Their uncle and assistant light keeper, Alex Bjorklund, has his own feelings for Tessa. As the two brothers begin competing for her hand, Tessa increasingly feels that someone is tracking her every move, and she may not be able to escape the trap that has been laid for her.

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When Undaunted Hope begins, Tessa, who really was the bane of her sister Caroline's existence in Hearts Made Whole, has become a school teacher who longs to put her checkered past behind her. When she meets Alex and Michael Bjorklund, they both fall for her. Complicating matters even more is Tessa's determination to stay away from lighthouses, as Michael is the light keeper, and Alex is his assistant.

Though Undaunted Hope does contain a love triangle, the reader never questions which brother Tessa will ultimately choose (though Hedlund does throw in a few twists to keep things interesting). Tessa did pick the brother that was right for her, but I vastly preferred the other brother, and I would enjoy reading his love story.

You know how sometimes your own feelings can be projected onto what you're reading? Well, I was highly turned off by Alex's insistence that Tessa was "his" after a few kisses. Excuse me, sir, but a woman isn't "yours" unless she has chosen to be! (Mildly feminist rant over.) So I know that tainted my perception of the romance, which overall was highly satisfying ... once I got past Alex's caveman tendencies.

My issue with the romance aside, there were other aspects of the novel that I simply adored. Percival Updegraff was just about the perfect villain—smug, smarmy, and seemingly untouchable. While I couldn't wait for him to get his comeuppance, I was truly surprised and pleased with the way in which he came to his downfall. Percival's brother Samuel was one of my favorite characters (though I didn't anticipate that at all from his first appearance on the page), and I loved the relationship Tessa cultivated with him. Plus, Michael's children were completely adorable, and they added much to the novel.

Overall, Undaunted Hope is a wonderful historical romance—it is exactly what I have come to expect from Jody Hedlund. 4 stars.

Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Hedlund's Hearts Made Whole (book one in the Beacons of Hope series, 5 stars), An Uncertain Choice (5 stars), The Vow (a prequel novella to An Uncertain Choice, 4 stars) A Noble Groom (5 stars), Unending Devotion (5 stars).

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Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling historical fiction author. She won the 2011 Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards. Currently she makes her home in central Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog.

Find Jody online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"make me a match" grand finale + giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Review & Excerpt Tour Grand Finale for

Make Me a Match

By Melinda Curtis, Cari Lynn Webb, & Anna J. Stewart

Did you enjoy meeting Cooper, Ty, and Gideon, three childhood friends all grown up and seeking love? If you missed any of the excerpts or reviews, go back and check them out now...

Launch - Intro to the Compilation

And in Kenkamken Bay, Alaska, childhood friends: Cooper Hamilton, Ty Porter and Gideon Walker are family: they’ve dreamed together, failed together and stalled out in life together. And now they plan to change their futures together as match-makers.

Heidi Reads... - Review

". . . once they put their efforts into helping the single members of the community improve their social lives the stories got more fun as they came up with interesting group activities to do in the dead of winter. The first two stories were okay but I loved the third one!"

I Am A Reader - Excerpt from Baby, Baby

The inner front door opened and a woman stepped in. She was wrapped from neck to snow boots in a reddish-brown parka that made her look like a stuffed sausage. Conversation in the room died away as every pair of male eyes turned toward her. She peeled off her knit cap, revealing shoulder-length, glossy blond hair and artfully applied makeup.

Christian Chick's Thoughts - Review

"Sometimes, novellas that are connected but are written by different authors don't feel cohesive, but in this case, the collection flowed seamlessly from one novella to the next."

Colorimetry - Excerpt from Baby, Baby

And the witty, handsome man she’d met ten months ago with the mischievous smile? He wasn’t witty—he was speechless. He wasn’t handsome—his dark hair brushed his shoulders unevenly and grew from his chin in short, thick stubs. He wasn’t smiling—his lips formed a shell-shocked, silent O.

Zerina Blossom's Books - Excerpt from The Matchmaker Wore Skate

Kelsey Nash, the beautiful, backstabbing columnist, had returned to K-Bay. The pretty looks belied an icy inner strength; the watered-down bourbon doe eyes camouflaged a shrewd nature.

deal sharing aunt - Excerpt from The Matchmaker Wore Skates

Ty leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Let’s be clear, K.J., we’ve seen these ladies before. They’ve taken our survey before. You’ve done nothing for me.”

Wishful Endings - Excerpt from Suddenly Sophie

As gray as Gideon saw his world, Sophie lightened up any space she walked into with her ebullient and gregarious personality—character traits Gideon both appreciated and worried about. Not everyone was as protective as he was prone to be when it came to Sophie Jennings.

Getting Your Read On - Review

"The first book sets things up and the last one ties things together. I liked that each book was by a different author. It helped separate the characters and define them as individuals with their own voice."

Mel's Shelves - Review

"The authors did an amazing job of making the stories seamless. The major characters were in each of the stories and they were consistent. I also love that the stories are all clean! If you're looking for a fun Valentine's Day read, check this one out!!"

Thoughts of a Blonde - Review

"4 STARS! . . . This is a compilation of three short stories that revolve around a group of friends."

Underneath the Covers - Excerpt from Suddenly Sophie

If she’d ever doubted the universe was determined to make her its comic relief, she now had solid proof. Stuffy Gideon probably disapproved of Sophie’s tendency toward taking chances, but what was the point in living if you weren’t going to go after life with a bit of gusto and purpose?

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Review

"I loved that each story has a unique voice, which is really pronounced by having a different author write each one. I enjoyed my time in Kenkamken, Alaska with these great people!"

Make Me a Match

by Melinda Curtis, Cari Lynn Webb, and Anna J. Stewart
Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
February 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Three bachelors turned…matchmakers?

BABY, BABY: One special night with Cooper Hamilton gave Nora Perry a precious gift. But no way is the sweet-talking salesman the right guy for her…or is he?

THE MATCHMAKER WORE SKATES: Former pro athlete Ty Porter could get burned when he falls for the beautiful reporter who ruined his career—and could now expose his most zealously guarded secret!

SUDDENLY SOPHIE: Gideon Walker has a long history with free-spirited flower shop owner Sophie Jennings. But when the banker-matchmaker fixes her up with potential candidates, he realizes he's made a terrible mistake…

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin

Award winning, USA Today bestseller Melinda Curtis writes the Harmony Valley series of sweet and emotional romances for Harlequin Heartwarming, and the sweet romantic comedy Bridesmaid series. A Memory Away is Book 6 in the Harmony Valley series. Brenda Novak says: “Season of Change has found a place on my keeper shelf”. Melinda also writes hotter romances as Mel Curtis. Jayne Ann Krentz says of Blue Rules: “Wonderfully entertaining.”

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Cari Lynn Webb lives in Alabama with her family. If she isn’t at her computer, she can usually be found: picking up her daughters from school, dropping off at swimming or soccer practice or running into the grocery store for that one thing she forgot on her shopping list. She loves escaping into a romance and her e-reader can usually be found in her passenger seat. Visit her at: www.carilynnwebb.com.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest

You’ve met Anna J. Stewart (or someone like her) before. She was the girl who spun in circles on the playground hoping her Wonder Woman costume would magically appear before playing cops and robbers a la Charlie’s Angels–as Sabrina (she was the smart one). Anna was the girl in the back of the class with a paperback romance hidden in her algebra book (and yes, she failed algebra).

Growing up in the 70′s and 80′s meant there weren’t a lot of YA books, so she ventured early into mainstream fiction and read Stephen King’s CARRIE at the age of 8. Discovering Nora Roberts and romance novels early in high school opened her eyes to the wonders of storytelling and the beauty of a happily ever after.

So here she is, many years later with an English degree from CSU Sacramento, an RWA Golden Heart nomination behind her, countless stories in her head, and a serious addiction to STAR TREK, SUPERNATURAL, and SHERLOCK. She recently wrapped up a nearly 8-year stint working as assistant to NYTimes bestselling author Brenda Novak where she helped run Brenda's annual online auction for diabetes research. When she's not writing or reading (which she never has enough time for!), she's working on dollhouse miniatures and tolerating her overly-affectionate cat named Snickers (or perhaps it's Snickers who tolerates her).

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
Copy of Make Me a Match (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)
Copy of A Memory Away by Melinda Curtis (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)
Copy of The Bad Boy from Butterfly Harbor by Anna J. Stewart (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)
Ends February 12th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"keeper of the stars" by robin lee hatcher

Robin Lee Hatcher takes readers on a return trip to Kings Meadow, Idaho, in Keeper of the Stars.

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Because it's not always love at first sight!

When her mother died from pneumonia, Penny Cartwright was heartbroken. But now, after burying her younger brother just 12 years later, she is devastated. Anger, guilt, and sorrow cloud Penny's mind, and the last thing she wants is to be reminded of her pain---but that's exactly what happens when a stranger comes to town.

Trevor Reynolds has been chasing fame for more than a dozen years, but his musical career can't get off the ground. While on the road, an accident kills his young drummer, Brad Cartwright. Trevor wasn't behind the wheel, but he still blames himself . . . and so does Brad's sister, Penny. Now Trevor finds himself in Kings Meadow, determined to follow through on his final promise to his friend.

Still feeling the pain of Brad's death, Penny and Trevor must learn that forgiveness is the only thing that can heal their hearts. And if they do forgive, something beautiful may rise from the ashes of heartbreak.

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In Keeper of the Stars, the last thing Penny wants is to be constantly reminded of her brother Brad's death and the huge fight they had beforehand. But when Trevor, lead singer of the band Brad played with, moves to Kings Meadow, Penny has no choice but to face her pain.

As this is a romance novel, I had no doubt that Penny and Trevor would find their way to one another, and I loved the scenes where the two were getting to know one another (albeit reluctantly on Penny's part). I did think that the shift from dislike to love came a bit quickly (not timewise, but in how the characters were portrayed on the page), and the romance was not my favorite aspect of the novel. The characters are very strong, though, and they carried the novel when the romance wasn't as toe curling as I'd hoped. I absolutely loved Penny's dad and his relationships with both Penny and Trevor, and Trevor's transition to small town life was enjoyable, too.

While Keeper of the Stars is part of Hatcher's Kings Meadow series, you do not need to have read any of the other books to enjoy this one. A few characters from the other novels pop up, but they are minor characters in Keeper of the Stars. Those who have read the other Kings Meadow books will surely want to read Keeper of the Stars, and those who haven't will find it a great introduction to a wonderful series. 4 stars.

See what others are saying.
Read an excerpt.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Hatcher's Kings Meadow books A Promise Kept (5 stars--not "officially" a Kings Meadow novel, but set there), Love Without End (4-1/2 stars) and Whenever You Come Around (4-1/2 stars); Beloved (4-1/2 stars); and The Heart's Pursuit (4 stars).

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Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.

Connect with Robin: website, Twitter, Facebook

http://www.robinleehatcher.com/celebrating-my-76th-release-keeper-of-the-stars/

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"ashes to ashes" by mel starr

Mel Starr continues his delightfully charming Hugh de Singleton series with Ashes to Ashes.

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The morning after the festivities of Midsummer's Eve, the villagers of Bampton make a grisly discovery

Master Hugh, Kate, and their children attend the Midsummer’s Eve fire. The next morning Hugh hears the passing bell ring from the Church of St. Beornwald, and moments later is summoned. Tenants collecting the ashes to spread upon their fields have found burned bones.

Master Hugh learns of several men of Bampton and nearby villages who have gone missing recently. Most are soon found, some alive, some dead. Master Hugh eventually learns that the bones are those of a bailiff from a nearby manor. Someone has slain him and placed his body in the fire to destroy evidence of murder.

Bailiffs are not popular men; they dictate labor service, collect rents, and enforce other obligations. Has this bailiff died at the hand of some angry tenant? Hugh soon discovers this is not the case. There is quite another reason for murder . . .

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In Ashes to Ashes, Hugh de Singleton, bailiff to Lord Gilbert, is called upon to investigate a mysterious death. Though the death at first seems fairly straightforward, Hugh soon learns that there's more to the story, and he seeks to uncover a murderer. Along the way, he faces danger himself—and he finds several opportunities to use his skills as a surgeon.

The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton are unique novels—I don't know of any other inspirational novels set in the Middle Ages that feature a male protagonist. It's such an interesting perspective, one that I love returning to time and again. I find Master Hugh to be such a likeable and compelling character. Ashes to Ashes is written as though it's Hugh's journal, and I love his asides, as well as the foreshadowing. I also love the descriptions of the medical procedures he performs. While Ashes to Ashes isn't a high-stakes novel (one never doubts that Hugh will be fine, and his family is never in any danger), it does feature an intriguing mystery that keeps the pages rapidly turning. 4 stars.

Buy the novel.
Read my reviews of other Mel Starr novels.

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Mel Starr was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After graduating with a MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970, he taught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years, thirty-five of those in Portage, MI, where he retired in 2003 as chairman of the social studies department of Portage Northern High School. Mel and his wife, Susan, have two daughters and seven grandchildren.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"make me a match" by melinda curtis, cari lynn webb, & anna j. stewart + giveaway

Three bachelors see a way out of their small Alaskan town when they make a bet with their high school hockey coach.

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Make Me a Match

by Melinda Curtis, Cari Lynn Webb, and Anna J. Stewart
Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
February 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Three bachelors turned…matchmakers?

One special night with Cooper Hamilton gave Nora Perry a precious gift. But no way is the sweet-talking salesman the right guy for her…or is he?

Former pro athlete Ty Porter could get burned when he falls for the beautiful reporter who ruined his career—and could now expose his most zealously guarded secret!

Gideon Walker has a long history with free-spirited flower shop owner Sophie Jennings. But when the banker-matchmaker fixes her up with potential candidates, he realizes he's made a terrible mistake…

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Make Me a Match is an enjoyable novella collection centering on three best friends who are promised hockey jobs outside of Alaska if they can get six couples together before Valentine's Day. The premise is the stuff of Hallmark films, and it's great for a rainy day. (Or in my case today, a snow day!)

Baby, Baby by Melinda Curtis: When Nora shows up in town with a baby in tow, Coop is hesitant to believe she could be his. But soon Nora—and her baby—begin to soften Coop's heart. I really loved Nora, and I enjoyed her interactions with Coop's dad. It was Coop himself I didn't care much for, and the "happily ever after" ending came a little too quickly to be realistic. 3 stars.

The Matchmaker Wore Skates by Cari Lynn Webb: Journalist Kelsey ruined Ty's life once. When she returns to K-Bay looking for another story, Ty is determined to keep her away from his biggest secret. But the chemistry the two once had is stronger than ever, and Ty begins to wonder if he and Kelsey may really have a future. I definitely enjoyed this story, but I felt like I never truly understood Kelsey and her motivations. While the romance was believable, it also felt a bit rushed. 3-1/2 stars.

Suddenly Sophie by Anna J. Stewart: When Sophie asks Gideon to find her a match, he can't find anyone worthy of her ... because he wants her for himself. Of the three stories, this one was by far my favorite. I felt like it was the most complete of the stories, and I loved Gideon and Sophie's interactions. Also, it was quite funny! 4 stars.

While I enjoyed some of the novellas more than others, they all felt like they went together. Sometimes, novellas that are connected but are written by different authors don't feel cohesive, but in this case, the collection flowed seamlessly from one novella to the next. While I wouldn't call Make Me a Match a must-read, it is an enjoyable way to pass an afternoon. 3-1/2 stars.

Content note: The Harlequin Heartwarming line, of which Make Me a Match is a part, promises clean romances—no explicit sex or language and traditional values. These novellas do focus a little more on drinking than I'd have liked, and there are a few times where "God" is used as a curse word, rather than when someone is praying.

Buy the book: Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin

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Award winning, USA Today bestseller Melinda Curtis writes the Harmony Valley series of sweet and emotional romances for Harlequin Heartwarming, and the sweet romantic comedy Bridesmaid series. A Memory Away is Book 6 in the Harmony Valley series. Brenda Novak says: “Season of Change has found a place on my keeper shelf”. Melinda also writes hotter romances as Mel Curtis. Jayne Ann Krentz says of Blue Rules: “Wonderfully entertaining.”

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Cari Lynn Webb lives in Alabama with her family. If she isn’t at her computer, she can usually be found: picking up her daughters from school, dropping off at swimming or soccer practice or running into the grocery store for that one thing she forgot on her shopping list. She loves escaping into a romance and her e-reader can usually be found in her passenger seat. Visit her at: www.carilynnwebb.com.

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You’ve met Anna J. Stewart (or someone like her) before. She was the girl who spun in circles on the playground hoping her Wonder Woman costume would magically appear before playing cops and robbers a la Charlie’s Angels–as Sabrina (she was the smart one). Anna was the girl in the back of the class with a paperback romance hidden in her algebra book (and yes, she failed algebra).

Growing up in the 70′s and 80′s meant there weren’t a lot of YA books, so she ventured early into mainstream fiction and read Stephen King’s CARRIE at the age of 8. Discovering Nora Roberts and romance novels early in high school opened her eyes to the wonders of storytelling and the beauty of a happily ever after.

So here she is, many years later with an English degree from CSU Sacramento, an RWA Golden Heart nomination behind her, countless stories in her head, and a serious addiction to STAR TREK, SUPERNATURAL, and SHERLOCK. She recently wrapped up a nearly 8-year stint working as assistant to NYTimes bestselling author Brenda Novak where she helped run Brenda's annual online auction for diabetes research. When she's not writing or reading (which she never has enough time for!), she's working on dollhouse miniatures and tolerating her overly-affectionate cat named Snickers (or perhaps it's Snickers who tolerates her).

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Tour Schedule

January 31st: Launch

February 1st: Heidi Reads... & I Am A Reader

February 2nd: Christian Chick's Thoughts & Colorimetry

February 3rd: Zerina Blossom's Books, deal sharing aunt, & Wishful Endings

February 4th: Getting Your Read On, Mel's Shelves, & Thoughts of a Blonde

February 5th: Underneath the Covers & Katie's Clean Book Collection

February 7th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
Copy of Make Me a Match (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)
Copy of A Memory Away by Melinda Curtis (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)
Ends February 12th
Copy of The Bad Boy of Butterfly Harbor by Anna J. Stewart (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review through Prism Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."