Friday, December 30, 2016

My Favorite Books of 2016

Does anyone else have a really hard time narrowing down their favorite books of the year? At first, I thought I’d just list all my five star reads, but quickly realized I had a lot of those (It was a great reading year!), so I had tried to narrow a bit more and came up with these fifteen, but seriously check out my 2016 shelf on Goodreads, I’m not kidding when I say I found a lot of fun books this year. A lot of my favorite authors had multiple books out this year (which was awesome), and it was hard narrowing theirs down to just one for this list, and I may have cheated on a couple...
(in alphabetical order)

Change of Heart by Jennifer Moore
Contemporary Romance
 
Courting the Countess by Donna Hatch
Historical Regency
 
The Fall of Lord Drayson by Rachael Anderson
Historical Regency
From Fake to Forever by Jennifer Shirk
Contemporary Romance
 
Highway Revenge by Nadine Millard
Historical Regency
 
How I Met Your Brother by Janette Rallison
Contemporary Romance
 
How to Get over Your Ex in Ninety Days
by Jennifer Peel
Contemporary Romance

Just a Kiss in the Moonlight by Cindy Roland Anderson
Contemporary Romance
 
My Fair Gentleman by Nancy Campbell Allen
Historical Regency
 
Pimpernel by Sheralyn Pratt
Contemporary Mystery Romance
 
P.S. I Like You by Kasie West
YA Contemporary Romance
 
Royals of Monterra by Sariah Wilson
Contemporary Romance
 
The Sheriff of Savage Wells by Sarah M Eden
Historical Western
 
Summer Harbor by Denise Hunter
Contemporary Romance
 
 
Well, that's my list! I had so much fun reading each of these books. They really kept me glued to the pages and in most cases, up way past my bedtime. So, what were your favorite books of 2016? 

Friday, December 2, 2016

Blog Tour: Love For All Seasons by Stacy Henrie

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Love for All Seasons: Four Inspirational Historical Romance NovellasLove for All Seasons
(Four Inspirational Historical Romance Novellas)
Inspirational Historical Romance
ebook, 164 pages
November 9th 2016

If you like the inspirational historical romances of Deanne Gist and Lauraine Snelling, you’ll love USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie! With four novellas—one for each season of the year—you’ll find a heartwarming collection of couples from a simpler time in America who discover the redeeming powers of faith and love.

A Long Winter Kiss

As Samantha and Rex’s childhood friendship matured into young love, they promised their hearts to one another, even as Rex headed off to war. But their hope for a bright future was shattered when Rex succumbed to his belief that the horrors of war had made him a man no woman could love. Now he has returned, and Samantha must help Rex see that he still has much to give—and much more to gain—by replacing fear with faith and opening himself to love.

An Unlikely Spring Courtship

Tempest worked hard to secure her independence as a woman running her own mercantile, so when Bram has the audacity to open a competing shop in a town with only enough room for one, Tempest is driven to despair. And then to retaliation. But when tragedy strikes their community and threatens everything they both hold dear, will they be able to recognize that what they share is far more important than what separates them?

A Summer for Love

Loralee’s life has changed dramatically in the eight years since she’s last seen the resort town of Bayocean, but one thing that has never changed is her feelings for Wyatt, a man she promised to meet at the resort on a specific day if they were both still unattached. When Wyatt appears on that date, as hopeful and uncertain as Loralee, the two must see if an old and abiding love has outlasted the changes wrought by time—and begin to build a new life together.

Romance in Autumn

Phoebe and James grew up together but apart in the same beautiful mansion, he as the son of the owners, she as the daughter of a servant. In the years since, Phoebe’s fortunes have changed dramatically, and she carries the dream of one day owning the mansion that is still close to her heart. Until James—now a deeply compelling man—delivers the bad news that securing the purchase will be all but impossible. As Phoebe reluctantly relinquishes her dream, she will also look deep into her soul to learn that a true home might exist in her budding love for James.

Excerpt from A Summer for Love:

After gathering up the bundle of towels and clean linens to deliver to the next room, Loralee slipped out the door—only to crash into a firm chest clad in a damp bathing shirt. A hand clasped her elbow to keep her from joining the towels and sheets that had spilled onto the carpet. “Sorry about that. Didn’t know anyone was in the room. Are you all right?” Loralee didn’t look at his face as she nodded and dropped to her knees to pick up the mess. If she moved quickly, perhaps she wouldn’t have to take everything back down to the hotel laundry to be cleaned again and risk getting in trouble. “Here you go.” He knelt beside her and passed her a folded sheet. “Thankfully it doesn’t look spoiled from my mishap.” As she accepted the sheet, she couldn’t resist glancing at him. He’d clearly come from the beach or the pool inside the natatorium, his towel draped casually around his neck. He was handsome and at least a few years older than her. And not only was he helping, he’d taken responsibility for the collision. “Th-thank you,” she managed to stammer out. His light brown hair stuck up in tufts here and there, though not unattractively so, and appeared to still be wet at the ends from swimming. His skin was tanned a golden brown and his eyes were the color of coffee. But it was his smile, when he trained it on her, that robbed her of breath, more than colliding with him had. “You’re welcome.”



USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie is the author of western romances and the Of Love and War series, which includes Hope at Dawn, a 2015 RITA Award finalist for excellence in romance. She was born and raised in the West, where she currently resides with her family. She enjoys reading, road trips, interior decorating, chocolate, and most of all, laughing with her husband and kids. You can learn more about Stacy and her books by visiting her website at stacyhenrie.com.


Tour Schedule

November 27th: Launch
November 28th:
November 29th:
November 30th:
December 1st:
December 2nd:
December 4th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

$40 Amazon eGift Card and Winner's Choice of an ebook of Any of Stacy Henrie's Books (you can see her books listed on Amazon here)
Open internationally
Ends December 8th

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Sunday, November 27, 2016

Chemistry Lessons by Rebecca Jamison

Chemistry LessonsChemistry Lessons by Rebecca H. Jamison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m a fan of Ms. Jamisons Austen retellings, and was excited when I saw she had a new book coming out. I love the setting, of both main characters being high school teachers – both science teachers.

This was a sweet story with likable characters and a nice romance. Rosie and Destry were both likable characters and you cant help buy root for them to figure things out. I’m not a big fan of love triangles, but I can see why authors use them and lets face it, that happens in real life all the time, so it’s realistic to use them in novels. While this is a sweet romance, it does deal with some serious issues. I appreciate when an author can keep things from getting too dark, since I like to read as a nice escape. I’m a sucker for small towns, especially ones that have that “western” feel to them. Overall, I thought this was a good read. Pretty Cover

Content: Clean, mild talk of past abuse


View all my reviews

Walk of Infamy by Sharalyn Pratt

Walk of Infamy (Rhea Jensen, #6)Walk of Infamy by Sheralyn Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was really excited to hear about this one. I enjoyed Ms. Pratt’s Rhea Jensen series and was looking forward to this conclusion (If you haven’t read that series, no worries this stands well on its own), I’m also a big fan of her new Pimpernel series and was a little giddy to see how these two tie into each other (this is a prequel to that series). Again, this stands well on its own if you haven’t read either series, but after reading this I’m sure you’ll want to check them out.

This is a great book if you’re looking for some excitement and adventure. This will definitely keep you on your toes and keep you on the edge of your seat. I love Rhea, she is a tough character, very smart and kind. She is loyal and really tries to do the right thing. This book really adds a lot to her character and background. Overall, just a fun read.

Content: Clean romance, mild innuendo. Mild violence - mention of rape, no language


View all my reviews

From Cairo, With Love by Nancy Campbell Allen

From Cairo, With Love (Timeless Romance Single)From Cairo, With Love by Nancy Campbell Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m a big fan of the Timeless Romance Anthologies, and love that they’re publishing these Single novellas now. I was excited to see one of my favorite authors Nancy Campbell Allen had written one. I obviously jumped at the chance to read it.

This was a fun read, a well developed novella that is able to capture your attention and hold you tight until the end. I’m a sucker for a good romance, but also love when there is a little suspense thrown in to keep our characters (and us) on our toes. I thought this had a fun setting, likable characters and sweet romance. A great read when you’re looking for a quick escape.

Content: Clean

Source: Review copy


View all my reviews

Friday, November 18, 2016

First Line Friday


Welcome to First Line Friday! This fun meme is easy to do, simply pick up the book you're currently reading and share the very first line! There are some really good first lines out there, they grab you and suck you right into the story. Make you want to keep reading. So, my selection for this week is:

Courting the Countess by Donna Hatch

When charming rake Tristan Barrett sweeps Lady Elizabeth off her feet, stealing both her heart and a kiss in a secluded garden, her brother challenges Tristan to a duel. The only way to save her brother and Tristan from harm—not to mention preserve her reputation—is to get married. But her father, the Duke of Pemberton, refuses to allow his daughter to marry anyone but a titled lord. The duke demands that Elizabeth marry Tristan’s older brother, Richard, the Earl of Averston. Now Elizabeth must give up Tristan to marry a man who despises her, a man who loves another, a man she’ll never love. Richard fears Elizabeth is as untrustworthy as his mother, who ran off with another man. However, to protect his brother from a duel and their family name from further scandal, he agrees to the wedding, certain his new bride will betray him. Yet when Elizabeth turns his house upside down and worms her way into his reluctant heart, Richard suspects he can’t live without his new countess. Will she stay with him or is it too little, too late?
 

 First Line:

"Lady Elizabeth had never dared hope she would find the kind of joy that inspired poets and musicians...until she met the incomparable Tristan Barrett."
 

So, what's your pick for this week? If you want to participate grab the logo and post your own First Line Friday entry on your blog and then leave your link in the comments. If you don't have a blog, just leave the title, author and first line in the comment section below.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Blog Tour: For Sale by Owner by Marlene Bateman

Filled with plans, McKenzie Forsberg returns to her hometown to spend Christmas with her family. Stressed by a year of intense, ongoing problems, she quit her high-powered job to move back and rebuild her life. Kenzie desperately needs the peace and security she is sure will come from buying the home she grew up in. But when she arrives, Kenzie discovers that a handsome widower, Jared Rawlins, has already put an offer on the house. However, he can only close the deal if he sells his own house by Christmas Eve. When Kenzie unexpectedly runs into a couple who are considering buying Jared’s house, she unthinkingly gives them information that changes their mind. Jared is more than a little interested in Kenzie, but has second thoughts when it appears Kenzie may have attempted to sabotage the sale of his home. Feeling bad, Kenzie apologizes but the damage may be too much for their relationship to overcome. Despite themselves, sparks of attraction grow into something more. Then, a few days before Christmas, Kenzie makes a stunning discovery about her past. In that moment, everything changes. Will the power of love be enough to bring Jared and Kenzie together and allow them to find their happily ever after?


For Sale by Owner is available at Deseret Book and Seagull Book. It can also be purchased online at: Amazon Seagull Book GoodReads Marlene Bateman Website

REVIEWS
“For Sale by Owner is a sweet, clean, romantic, holiday story that will warm you as surely as a cup of rich hot chocolate held between mittened hands and warm cookies straight from the oven (7 recipes included in book!) A tale of small sacrifices and lost love found and prayers answered. With a little bit of family drama thrown in for Christmas spice.” Reviewer blogger, Diane Tolley.

“Wow, I really loved everything about this book! I loved the tenacious way that Kenzie goes about her life. I loved that there is a cute love story and also a cute story from the early years of Kenzie's life that ends up coming full circle before the book ends. This is a cute, clean, fun book that you won't want to put down, I know I didn't!” Reviewer blogger, Cathy Jeppsen.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Marlene Bateman Sullivan was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and grew up in Sandy, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor's degree in English. She is married to Kelly R. Sullivan and they live in North Salt Lake, Utah with their two dogs and four cats. Marlene has been published extensively in magazines and newspapers and wrote the best-selling romance/suspense novel, Light on Fire Island.

She has written three other mysteries; Motive for Murder, A Death in the Family, and Crooked House. Marlene has also written a number of LDS, non-fiction books: Latter-day Saint Heroes and Heroines, And There Were Angels Among Them, Visit’s from Beyond the Veil, By the Ministering of Angels, Brigham’s Boys, Heroes of Faith, Gaze into Heaven; Near-death Experiences in Early Church History, and The Magnificent World of Spirits; Eyewitness Accounts of Where We Go When We Die.

EXCERPT
“What made you decide to move to Lake Forest?” Kenzie asked. “I’ve always loved it here,” Jared said. “It’s a beautiful area, and there’s a special atmosphere here. People are so friendly. I guess part of the reason I came is because I needed to go someplace new and kind of start over, you know?” Kenzie did know. That was exactly what she was doing now. She’d gotten over Larry, but she needed to go someplace new and reinvent herself and her life. “Now let me ask you,” Jared said. “What made you decide to come back?” “A lot of reasons. I need a fresh start too. I’m tired of the hectic pace in Chicago.” Impulsively she added, “Also, I had to get away from my job at Midwest. A guy was causing some real problems for me—” She stopped. Their eyes met and lingered. Jared’s compassion was evident and the expression on his face kind. She felt so comfortable talking with him—as if they were kindred spirits. Something in her heart softened into a spreading pool, and she smiled at him. Tearing open his packet of Oreo cookies., Jared took one and dunked it in his hot chocolate. Kenzie frowned. “Figures. You’re a dunker.” “And I bet you’re a twister.” Snatching up a cookie, Kenzie twisted it open and took a bite of the creamy middle. “Ummm.” Jared shuddered. “That’s wrong in so many ways.” Picking up her mug and warming her fingers, Kenzie sipped her hot chocolate. “This is wonderful!” “It’s a secret recipe—been in my family for generations.” “Really?” “No, but it sounds good, doesn’t it?”

Friday, November 11, 2016

First Line Friday: How I Met Your Brother by Janette Rallison


Welcome to First Line Friday! This fun meme is easy to do, simply pick up the book you're currently reading and share the very first line! There are some really good first lines out there, they grab you and suck you right into the story. Make you want to keep reading. So, my selection for this week is:
How I Met Your Brother by Janette Rallison
Back in college, Marco Winslow never thought of Belle as anything more than a friend. If she crossed his mind on his wedding day, it was probably only to wonder why she hadn’t shown up to be a bridesmaid. After all, his new wife had been her roommate. Six years have passed since then, and Belle just found out that Marco is divorced and vacationing with his parents in a Cancun resort. She’s not about to let the right man get away twice. She heads to the resort where she plans to casually bump into Marco and ignite some flames. But Belle hadn’t planned on one thing: Flynn Winslow, Marco’s handsome, charming, and determined older brother. Flynn thinks Marco and his ex-wife can make amends and he’s not about to let Belle stand in the way. Part Sabrina, part While You Were Sleeping, romantic comedy readers will eat this book up!

 First Line:

"Belle had never been the type who dreamed of being a runway model."
 

So, what's your pick for this week? If you want to participate grab the logo and post your own First Line Friday entry on your blog and then leave your link in the comments. If you don't have a blog, just leave the title, author and first line in the comment section below.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

BLOG TOUR: A Convenient Christmas by Regina Scott

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

 
A Convenient Christmas Wedding (Frontier Bachelors)
A Convenient Christmas Wedding
(Frontier Bachelors #5)
by Regina Scott
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 pages
November 8th 2016 by Love Inspired

The Marriage Agreement

Proposing a marriage of convenience to a rugged logger is the boldest move of Nora Underhill's sheltered life. In return for Simon Wallin's protection from her overbearing family, the unassuming seamstress offers prime frontier farmland. But their paper marriage changes when Nora's greedy brother tries to draw her back into a life of drudgery. Her only option: move to Simon's farm, and into the center of his loving, unruly family.

Years of shouldering responsibility have left Simon cynical and reserved. But little by little, Nora's warmth opens his shuttered heart to joy. With their marriage claim under threat, can this practical arrangement blossom over the holidays…and become a love for all seasons?

Fifth book in the Frontier Bachelors series, following The Bride Ship, Would-Be Wilderness Wife, Frontier Engagement, and Instant Frontier Family. Frontier Bachelors: Bold, rugged, and bound to be grooms.



"FIVE STARS! . . . I cannot recommend this novel highly enough." — Huntress Book Reviews "This is a sweet marriage-of-convenience tale and Scott’s love of history is apparent. Along with the fully fleshed out storyline and characters, the vivid descriptions and balance between the hero and heroine make this an engaging and truly enjoyable read. The drama will keep the reader turning the pages until the end, which comes all too soon." — Leslie L. McKee from RT Book Reviews


Five Reasons to Agree to a Marriage of Convenience by Regina Scott
I wrote more than a dozen Regency romances before I ever wrote my first marriage of convenience story. Since joining the Love Inspired Historical family, however, I find myself embracing the idea. A marriage of convenience is when two people agree to marry with no commitment of love. What makes a good marriage of convenience story is when love starts to grow, despite circumstances and protests from the bride and groom’s hearts.

I’m not sure I’d be willing to agree to marry for convenience sake, but here are five reasons a lady might consider it.

1.     Everyone else is doing it. No, it’s not a particularly good reason, but there were enough spinsters left without sweethearts, particularly after the Napoleonic Wars in Europe and the Civil War in America, that marrying someone, ANYONE, was preferable to living on your family or the community’s charity.

 2.     Pressure from your family. Remember those spinsters? Not every family was amendable to seeing to their upkeep. If a gentleman evinced interest, the lady might have considerable encouragement to accept, even if it was only a marriage of convenience.

3.     To protect your reputation. Sometimes, a lady makes a mistake. She walks in the wrong neighborhood. She trusts the wrong person. Suddenly, the world sees her as less than a lady, and other options slam shut. My heroine, Amelia Jacoby, in The Husband Campaign, faced this future when a storm forced her to spend the night in an outbuilding with a gentleman.

 4.     For security. It’s a sad fact that legal ways to make money were limited for women in the 1800s. When a father or husband dies, leaving a woman without a protector, a husband of any kind looks like a good deal. Such was the case for my heroine, Nancy Bennett, in September’s A Rancher of Convenience. A pregnant widow facing the loss of the ranch she had called home, she was willing to marry her husband’s foreman to provide a future for her child.

 5.     To escape someone you fear. Likewise, a lady might choose to enter into a marriage of convenience to avoid the clutches of someone ought to hurt her, physically, mentally, or socially. Nora Underhill, the heroine of this month’s A Convenient Christmas Wedding, has spent most of her life in drudgery—first caring for her elderly parents, then slaving away for her brother and sister-in-law. She ran away to pioneer Seattle to make a new life for herself, but now her family is coming to town, and she knows it’s only a matter of time before she’s pulled back into her old role. So she offers a marriage of convenience to a cynical logger strong enough to fend off her brother. What she doesn’t count on is falling in love with him. And that’s perhaps the best reason to enter into a marriage of convenience—the chance that it will grow into something good, something fine, a marriage built on love.

 So, what would induce you to accept a marriage of convenience?
Regina



Other Books in the Series

The Bride Ship (Frontier Bachelors, #1)
The Bride Ship
(Frontier Bachelors #1)
by Regina Scott
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 pages
November 1st 2014 by Love Inspired
SWEETHEART REUNION

What was his brother's widow–his first love–doing on a ship full of prospective brides headed out West? Clay Howard had been tasked with escorting the Boston belle home, but he didn't anticipate Allegra being so strong-willed–or that he'd wind up traveling with her just to keep her from leaving without him!

Allegra Banks Howard isn't going to let Clay interfere with her plans for a new life with her daughter on the frontier. True, Allegra needs his wilderness savvy, but if Clay thinks he can rekindle what they once shared, he had better think again. Because risking her heart for a second chance at being his bride isn't something she'll undertake lightly...

Frontier Bachelors: Bold, rugged–and bound to be grooms


Would-Be Wilderness Wife (Frontier Bachelors, #2)
Would-Be Wilderness Wife
(Frontier Bachelors #2)
by Regina Scott
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 pages
March 1st 2015 by Love Inspired

The Kidnapped Bride

Drew Wallin's youngest brother is determined to see him married—so he kidnaps Drew a prospective bride. Not only is Catherine Stanway beautiful, but she's a nurse who can help their ailing mother. Drew doesn't have time for distractions—he's too busy watching over his fatherless siblings. Yet he's drawn to this woman who carries loss and pain equal to his own.

Catherine has traveled West to use her nursing skills to save lives, not to find a husband. She knows if she gives in to Drew's matchmaking family, she'll be risking her already bruised heart. But maybe it's time she takes the ultimate risk to win the groom she didn't know she wanted!

Frontier Bachelors: Bold, rugged—and bound to be grooms

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleHarlequin

Frontier Engagement (Frontier Bachelors, #3)
Frontier Engagement
(Frontier Bachelors #3)
by Regina Scott
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 pages
August 1st 2015 by Love Inspired

School Bells and Wedding Bells 

James Wallin's family is depending on him to find a schoolteacher for their frontier town. Alexandrina Fosgrave seems to be exactly what he needs to help fulfill his father's dream of building a new community. If only James could convince her to accept the position. 

Alexandrina has traveled west to seek a fresh start, not to find a groom. But after she's stranded in the wilderness with James, he offers her his hand in marriage to protect her reputation. Both are afraid to fall in love, but maybe an engagement of convenience could make them reconsider… 

Frontier Bachelors: Bold, rugged—and bound to be grooms.

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleHarlequin

Instant Frontier Family (Frontier Bachelors #4)
Instant Frontier Family
(Frontier Bachelors #4)
by Regina Scott
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 pages
January 5th 2016 by Love Inspired

LITTLE MATCHMAKERS 

Maddie O'Rourke's orphaned half brother and half sister have arrived safely in Seattle—with a man they hope she'll wed! Though Michael Haggerty's not the escort she planned for, Maddie allows him to work off his passage by assisting in her bakery…and helping care for her siblings. But she'll never risk her newfound independence by marrying the strapping Irishman—or anyone else. 

In New York, Michael ran afoul of a notorious gang. Traveling west was a necessity, not a choice. The longshoreman grew fond of his young charges, and now he's quickly becoming partial to their beautiful sister, too. So when danger follows him, threatening Maddie and the children, he'll do anything to protect them—and the future he hopes to build.

Frontier Bachelors: Bold, rugged–and bound to be grooms


Regina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn't actually sell her first novel until she had learned a bit more about writing such as vocabulary, sentence structure, and plot. After numerous short stories and articles in magazines and trade journals, she got serious about her novel writing. The Unflappable Miss Fairchild was her first novel to be published (March 1998).

Besides her novels, Regina Scott has had published three Regency novellas ("The June Bride Conspiracy" in His Blushing Bride, "Sweeter Than Candy" in A Match for Mother, and "A Place by the Fire" in Mistletoe Kittens). Two of her novels, A Dangerous Dalliance and The Twelve Days of Christmas, have been translated into German. A Dangerous Dalliance and The Incomparable Miss Compton have been translated into Italian. Starstruck and Perfection have been translated into Dutch.

Regina Scott and her husband are the parents of two sons. They reside in the Tri-Cities of southeast Washington State and are members of the Church of the Nazarene. Born in 1959 and raised in the Seattle area, Regina Scott is a graduate of the University of Washington. She comes by her writing talent naturally--both her parents are excellent writers in their vocations as teacher and electrical technician. Her mother envisioned the plot for "Sweeter Than Candy," the novella which was written as a tribute to her. 

Regina Scott is a devout Christian and a decent fencer; owns a historical, fantasy, and science fiction costume collection that currently takes up over a third of her large closet; and has been known to impersonate an independent consultant specializing in risk communication.


- 1 winner will receive: Signed copies of Would-Be Wilderness Wife (which introduced Simon Wallin, the hero of A Convenient Christmas Wedding) and Instant Frontier Family (which introduced Nora Underhill, the heroine of A Convenient Christmas Wedding), and a set of pioneer Christmas ornaments that say "Joy, Peace, Love."
- US only
- Ends November 18th
Grab Our Button!

BLOG TOUR: A Convenient Christmas by Regina Scott

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

 
A Convenient Christmas Wedding (Frontier Bachelors)
A Convenient Christmas Wedding
(Frontier Bachelors #5)
by Regina Scott
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 pages
November 8th 2016 by Love Inspired

The Marriage Agreement

Proposing a marriage of convenience to a rugged logger is the boldest move of Nora Underhill's sheltered life. In return for Simon Wallin's protection from her overbearing family, the unassuming seamstress offers prime frontier farmland. But their paper marriage changes when Nora's greedy brother tries to draw her back into a life of drudgery. Her only option: move to Simon's farm, and into the center of his loving, unruly family.

Years of shouldering responsibility have left Simon cynical and reserved. But little by little, Nora's warmth opens his shuttered heart to joy. With their marriage claim under threat, can this practical arrangement blossom over the holidays…and become a love for all seasons?

Fifth book in the Frontier Bachelors series, following The Bride Ship, Would-Be Wilderness Wife, Frontier Engagement, and Instant Frontier Family. Frontier Bachelors: Bold, rugged, and bound to be grooms.



"FIVE STARS! . . . I cannot recommend this novel highly enough." — Huntress Book Reviews "This is a sweet marriage-of-convenience tale and Scott’s love of history is apparent. Along with the fully fleshed out storyline and characters, the vivid descriptions and balance between the hero and heroine make this an engaging and truly enjoyable read. The drama will keep the reader turning the pages until the end, which comes all too soon." — Leslie L. McKee from RT Book Reviews


Five Reasons to Agree to a Marriage of Convenience by Regina Scott
I wrote more than a dozen Regency romances before I ever wrote my first marriage of convenience story. Since joining the Love Inspired Historical family, however, I find myself embracing the idea. A marriage of convenience is when two people agree to marry with no commitment of love. What makes a good marriage of convenience story is when love starts to grow, despite circumstances and protests from the bride and groom’s hearts.

I’m not sure I’d be willing to agree to marry for convenience sake, but here are five reasons a lady might consider it.

1.     Everyone else is doing it. No, it’s not a particularly good reason, but there were enough spinsters left without sweethearts, particularly after the Napoleonic Wars in Europe and the Civil War in America, that marrying someone, ANYONE, was preferable to living on your family or the community’s charity.

 2.     Pressure from your family. Remember those spinsters? Not every family was amendable to seeing to their upkeep. If a gentleman evinced interest, the lady might have considerable encouragement to accept, even if it was only a marriage of convenience.

3.     To protect your reputation. Sometimes, a lady makes a mistake. She walks in the wrong neighborhood. She trusts the wrong person. Suddenly, the world sees her as less than a lady, and other options slam shut. My heroine, Amelia Jacoby, in The Husband Campaign, faced this future when a storm forced her to spend the night in an outbuilding with a gentleman.

 4.     For security. It’s a sad fact that legal ways to make money were limited for women in the 1800s. When a father or husband dies, leaving a woman without a protector, a husband of any kind looks like a good deal. Such was the case for my heroine, Nancy Bennett, in September’s A Rancher of Convenience. A pregnant widow facing the loss of the ranch she had called home, she was willing to marry her husband’s foreman to provide a future for her child.

 5.     To escape someone you fear. Likewise, a lady might choose to enter into a marriage of convenience to avoid the clutches of someone ought to hurt her, physically, mentally, or socially. Nora Underhill, the heroine of this month’s A Convenient Christmas Wedding, has spent most of her life in drudgery—first caring for her elderly parents, then slaving away for her brother and sister-in-law. She ran away to pioneer Seattle to make a new life for herself, but now her family is coming to town, and she knows it’s only a matter of time before she’s pulled back into her old role. So she offers a marriage of convenience to a cynical logger strong enough to fend off her brother. What she doesn’t count on is falling in love with him. And that’s perhaps the best reason to enter into a marriage of convenience—the chance that it will grow into something good, something fine, a marriage built on love.

 So, what would induce you to accept a marriage of convenience?
Regina



Other Books in the Series

The Bride Ship (Frontier Bachelors, #1)
The Bride Ship
(Frontier Bachelors #1)
by Regina Scott
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 pages
November 1st 2014 by Love Inspired
SWEETHEART REUNION

What was his brother's widow–his first love–doing on a ship full of prospective brides headed out West? Clay Howard had been tasked with escorting the Boston belle home, but he didn't anticipate Allegra being so strong-willed–or that he'd wind up traveling with her just to keep her from leaving without him!

Allegra Banks Howard isn't going to let Clay interfere with her plans for a new life with her daughter on the frontier. True, Allegra needs his wilderness savvy, but if Clay thinks he can rekindle what they once shared, he had better think again. Because risking her heart for a second chance at being his bride isn't something she'll undertake lightly...

Frontier Bachelors: Bold, rugged–and bound to be grooms


Would-Be Wilderness Wife (Frontier Bachelors, #2)
Would-Be Wilderness Wife
(Frontier Bachelors #2)
by Regina Scott
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 pages
March 1st 2015 by Love Inspired

The Kidnapped Bride

Drew Wallin's youngest brother is determined to see him married—so he kidnaps Drew a prospective bride. Not only is Catherine Stanway beautiful, but she's a nurse who can help their ailing mother. Drew doesn't have time for distractions—he's too busy watching over his fatherless siblings. Yet he's drawn to this woman who carries loss and pain equal to his own.

Catherine has traveled West to use her nursing skills to save lives, not to find a husband. She knows if she gives in to Drew's matchmaking family, she'll be risking her already bruised heart. But maybe it's time she takes the ultimate risk to win the groom she didn't know she wanted!

Frontier Bachelors: Bold, rugged—and bound to be grooms

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleHarlequin

Frontier Engagement (Frontier Bachelors, #3)
Frontier Engagement
(Frontier Bachelors #3)
by Regina Scott
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 pages
August 1st 2015 by Love Inspired

School Bells and Wedding Bells 

James Wallin's family is depending on him to find a schoolteacher for their frontier town. Alexandrina Fosgrave seems to be exactly what he needs to help fulfill his father's dream of building a new community. If only James could convince her to accept the position. 

Alexandrina has traveled west to seek a fresh start, not to find a groom. But after she's stranded in the wilderness with James, he offers her his hand in marriage to protect her reputation. Both are afraid to fall in love, but maybe an engagement of convenience could make them reconsider… 

Frontier Bachelors: Bold, rugged—and bound to be grooms.

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleHarlequin

Instant Frontier Family (Frontier Bachelors #4)
Instant Frontier Family
(Frontier Bachelors #4)
by Regina Scott
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 pages
January 5th 2016 by Love Inspired

LITTLE MATCHMAKERS 

Maddie O'Rourke's orphaned half brother and half sister have arrived safely in Seattle—with a man they hope she'll wed! Though Michael Haggerty's not the escort she planned for, Maddie allows him to work off his passage by assisting in her bakery…and helping care for her siblings. But she'll never risk her newfound independence by marrying the strapping Irishman—or anyone else. 

In New York, Michael ran afoul of a notorious gang. Traveling west was a necessity, not a choice. The longshoreman grew fond of his young charges, and now he's quickly becoming partial to their beautiful sister, too. So when danger follows him, threatening Maddie and the children, he'll do anything to protect them—and the future he hopes to build.

Frontier Bachelors: Bold, rugged–and bound to be grooms


Regina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn't actually sell her first novel until she had learned a bit more about writing such as vocabulary, sentence structure, and plot. After numerous short stories and articles in magazines and trade journals, she got serious about her novel writing. The Unflappable Miss Fairchild was her first novel to be published (March 1998).

Besides her novels, Regina Scott has had published three Regency novellas ("The June Bride Conspiracy" in His Blushing Bride, "Sweeter Than Candy" in A Match for Mother, and "A Place by the Fire" in Mistletoe Kittens). Two of her novels, A Dangerous Dalliance and The Twelve Days of Christmas, have been translated into German. A Dangerous Dalliance and The Incomparable Miss Compton have been translated into Italian. Starstruck and Perfection have been translated into Dutch.

Regina Scott and her husband are the parents of two sons. They reside in the Tri-Cities of southeast Washington State and are members of the Church of the Nazarene. Born in 1959 and raised in the Seattle area, Regina Scott is a graduate of the University of Washington. She comes by her writing talent naturally--both her parents are excellent writers in their vocations as teacher and electrical technician. Her mother envisioned the plot for "Sweeter Than Candy," the novella which was written as a tribute to her. 

Regina Scott is a devout Christian and a decent fencer; owns a historical, fantasy, and science fiction costume collection that currently takes up over a third of her large closet; and has been known to impersonate an independent consultant specializing in risk communication.


- 1 winner will receive: Signed copies of Would-Be Wilderness Wife (which introduced Simon Wallin, the hero of A Convenient Christmas Wedding) and Instant Frontier Family (which introduced Nora Underhill, the heroine of A Convenient Christmas Wedding), and a set of pioneer Christmas ornaments that say "Joy, Peace, Love."
- US only
- Ends November 18th
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