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
Grab Our Button!

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Wrong Brother, Right Match by Jennifer Shirk

Wrong Brother, Right Match (Anyone But You #3)Wrong Brother, Right Match by Jennifer Shirk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Super cute holiday read. Another fun addition to the series.

Kennedy owns a successful up-and-coming dating service. She even met her perfect fiancé using her new, unique matching program. Kennedy and Justin seem to be perfect for each other, both are very career driven and her program cant be wrong, can it? Kennedy starts questioning the accuracy of her program when she goes to visit Justin's family for Christmas and everything she thought she wanted isn't quite what she had in mind. Especially when she finds out a mysterious stranger she met months ago turns out to be Justin's brother. The sparks fly.

I thought this was a fun story, it reminded me of the movie While You Were Sleeping (in this case it should be called While You Were Working). Kennedy never knew stability growing up, her mom jumped from relationship to relationship and Kennedy is determined to not make the same mistakes her mother mad. So when her own matching program matches her to Justin, she is determined to see it through. Even though she is more drawn to Matt. This is a tricky plot to pull off, I'm not a big fan of love-triangles, but I am a big fan of people being with those who actually love and appreciate them. So, I did think the LT was handled well here, glad no lines were crossed or anything.

Overall, I thought this was a fun read and I loved the fun small town charm during my favorite holiday, Christmas. Ms. Shirk's book are always a pleasure to read and I would recommend to any fan of contemporary romance. She's an auto-buy for me.

Content
Romance: Clean
Language: Mild
Violence: None
Other: Matt owns a winery, some casual drinking
Series: Book three, but can stand on its own.
Similar Reads: How I Met Your Brother

Source: Netgalley review copy

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Saturday, November 5, 2016

Love's Broken Road by Julie Coulter Bellon

Love's Broken RoadLove's Broken Road by Julie Coulter Bellon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've really enjoyed Ms. Bellon's books! She normally writes Romantic Suspense, which is a genre I enjoy, but not one I read from all that often (I have to be in the right mood). So, I was excited when I heard her newest novel was a good old contemporary romance. :)

This was a sweet story about new beginnings and new love. Victoria has survived a very abusive marriage and after the passing of her husband she is ready to gain control of her life again. Wanting a fresh start she moves states and starts completely over in the small town of Lincoln, Utah. Victoria was a likable character, we don't know too much of what she went through, but she is still dealing with the lasting effects of her marriage. She is strong though and wants to do all she can to help her young son. She accepts a job as a high school math teacher and her first day is introduced to the charming English teacher, Mr. Drew Dalton. Drew is also a widow, only his was a happy marriage and one he may not be able to move on from.

It's interesting to see these two characters come together. One from a bad marriage and one from a really good one. They have a lot of issues they have to overcome and lingering feelings they have to deal with before either is really ready to jump into anything new.

I enjoyed this story, I thought it was well written and kept me wanting to see what would happen next and how everything will work out. Even though it does have some serious themes, the book is kept pretty light, never dwelling too much on the negative. Which I love, I read to escape and I liked the balance of reality and keeping things light. The romance was sweet and you can't help rooting for these two to figure things out. I loved the setting, I'm a sucker for the small-town charm. I hope Ms. Bellon sets more books here, maybe Drew's sister could get a book?!?!

Anyway, this was a nice read and one I'd recommend for a cozy afternoon reading session.

Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: Mention of past abuse, no details
Religious: None

Source:


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Friday, November 4, 2016

How I Met Your Brother by Janette Rallison

How I Met Your BrotherHow I Met Your Brother by Janette Rallison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loads of fun and romance!

I really love this series! I’ve been looking forward to Janette’s book for a long time now and I loved it! I love all her books, but especially enjoy her adult novels. I was excited when I saw this was loosely based on Sabrina,I love that movie!

Belle had a major crush on her friend Marco in college and was devastated when things didn’t work out. Seven years later she is working as a fashion designer in New York, but not completely happy with where she is at. When she learns Marco is going to be in Cancun, she decides she needs a vacation. Instead of being the shy, invisible girl, she’s going to show Marco her new confident self. Maybe this time things will play out better? She doesn’t count on meeting Marco’s brother Flynn and having him mess up all her plans.

This is a fun contemporary romance, fun plot and likable characters. It’s well written with a smooth flow that just carries you into the story and makes it hard to put down. I admit, I stayed up way too late to finish it, but I just had to see how everything would work out. The romance was great, lots of fun moments, tension and misunderstandings, but ultimately a great HEA.

My only very minor niggle, I love this series and love the character of Pearl. While she is in this story, I would have liked to see her a little bit more. Other than that, I loved the whole thing.

Would definitely recommend to any romance lover!

Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Religious: None
Series: Standalone, but part of the Matchmaker Series

Source: Kindle Unlimited

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