Brenda B. Taylor's Blog, page 7
October 24, 2020
A Highland Bride ~ Spotlight
Historical Heartbeats welcomes Author Brenda B. Taylor introducing the first book in the Highland Treasures novella trilogy, A Highland Bride.
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Alistair Munro returns to Scotland after six years of exile in France to find is wife, son, and estate in the hands of another man. Alistair determines to regain his property and child. The beautiful sister of Clan Munro’s chief, a distant cousin to Alistair, attracts his attention and captures his heart; however, Davina must solve conflicting issues before her affections can belong to Alistair. Can the two overcome adverse circumstances to love again?
A Highland Bride, an inspirational Scottish historical romance,is the fourth book in the Highland Treasures series. The series continues in the 16thcentury Scottish Highlands.
Excerpt:
Suddenly, a large hand grabbed her shoulder, spinning her around. Alistair’s face loomed close to hers. His eyes pooled with mirth. “Lady Davina. What brings you to the battlements on such a blistery day? You should be inside beside a warm fire, working on your embroidery.”
Words would not come from her restricted throat. She could only gaze into his handsome face with the corner of his mouth turning up in a smile. He moved closer, wrapping his powerful arms around her in a crushing embrace, then covering her lips with his. The gentle touch became more demanding until Davina’s knees buckled with the intensity. She could not help but wrap her arms around his neck and return the caress with the same passion.
His embrace, the first with a man since her husband’s death the previous year, felt so very comforting. She could only clutch his broad neck even tighter.
Ali pulled her arms away and held them in his firm grasp. “Forgive me. I should no’ have taken the liberty.” He stepped back.
Davina stood, searching his stoic face. “I dinna understand. Why did you kiss me then?”
She watched his lips turn up and wanted to cry. He used her, played her for an infatuated fool. Before she could form a rational thought, her hand rose to his cheek with a loud slap. He promptly caught the wayward limb. She tried to wrestle it free, but he held firmly, all the while staring into her eyes, then at her lips.
Davina turned her head. “Let me go or I’ll scream.”
Upon hearing her cry, a guard rounded the corner of the tower wall. Ali released her hand. She hastily climbed down the ladder, almost slipping on the wet rungs.
“Is all well, sir?” She heard the guard ask Ali.
“Aye. All’s well. Return to your post,” the knight replied.
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About Brenda B. Taylor:
[image error]Author Brenda B. Taylor
Brenda B. Taylor and her husband, Horace, make their home in beautiful Rayburn Country where they enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and working in Bethabara Faith Ministry, Inc. Brenda attended Buna schools before earning three degrees: a BSE from Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas; a MEd from Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas; and an EdD from Texas A&M, College Station, Texas.
Brenda crafts stories about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people in her favorite place overlooking bird feeders, bird houses, and a variety of blooming trees and flowers. After retirement, her interest in genealogical research inspired Brenda to pursue a hobby researching and writing about her ancestors. The research led to two series. The Wades of Crawford Countyseries was set in post-Civil War Missouri, and the Highland Treasuresseries was set in 16thcentury Scotland. Her inspirational historical romance novels are found on most online book vendors and her website, Historical Heartbeats (http://www.brendabtaylor.com).
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A Highland Bride ~ Spotlight
October 1, 2020
ACFW New Releases ~ October 2020
October 2020 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website
Children’s:
The Firefly Warriors by Susan Count — They chase a light and then it chases them. (Children’s from Hastings Creations Group)
Harvey, the Traveling Harmonica by Becky Van Vleet — Meet Harvey, a little harmonica that likes to travel. From Grandpa to Dad to Walter, Harvey sings tunes sweeter than candy. But Harvey has competition with Buddy, the family dog, whose howling is so annoying that even the birds fly away. When Harvey accidentally falls into the rushing creek waters, losing sight of Walter, can Buddy save him? Young children will delight in this fun tale filled with colorful illustrations about a little harmonica’s adventures. (Children’s from Elk Lake Publishing)
Contemporary Romance:
Saving Grace by Amy R Anguish — Michelle Wilson’s one goal in life was to become a top journalist at the local paper back in her hometown of Cedar Springs, AR. But on the way to bringing that dream to reality, a life-changing wreck interrupts Michelle’s plans and adds an orphaned baby into the mix. Now, she has tough decisions ahead—did God put her in that accident to save baby Grace? And if so, why is it so hard to convince everyone else she should be the baby’s new mommy? Greg Marshall has been Michelle’s best friend his whole life. He’s thrilled she’s moving back home, but not so sure about her sudden desire to be a single mom. His feelings for her have grown through the years, but she’s never seemed to notice. Can he help Michelle with the adoption and grow their relationship at the same time? (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)
Melodies of Christmas Love by Lynnette Bonner, JoAnn Durgin, Chautona Havig, Annette M. Irby, Dawn Kinzer, Lesley Ann McDaniel, and Sylvia Stewart — Seven Contemporary Christmas Romance Novellas, each centered around a Christmas carol. The Heart of Christmas by Lynette Bonner, Love on a Mission in Millcreek by JoAnn Durgin, The Bells of New Cheltenham by Chautona Havig, A Christmas Duet by Annette M. Irby, A Night Divine by Dawn Kinzer, To Hear the Angels Sing by Lesley Ann McDaniel, and Prairie Rose by Sylvia Stewart. (Contemporary Romance from Pacific Lights Publishing)
The Christmas Bargain by Lisa Carter — All she needs is a date for the holidays… She needs a date for a wedding. But a fiancé wasn’t part of the plan… Unwilling to attend a wedding alone, artist Lila Penry makes a deal with Sam Gibson—art lessons for his adorable niece in exchange for being her date. But their Christmas agreement becomes a nightmare when everyone thinks they’re engaged. All Lila wants is to leave town for her dream job…so what happens when Sam steals his way into her heart? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Christmas Lights and Romance by Joi Copeland, Judy Goodman Howard, Elizabeth Ludwig, Patti Jo Moore, J. Carol Nemeth, Martha Rogers, Diane Yates — Christmas contemporary romances sure to warm your heart during the Christmas season. Romance, mystery, suspense. This collection has it all. (Contemporary Romance from Winged Publications)
His Love Revealed by Cynthia Herron — Since childhood, Ida Mae Hoscutt, the beloved proprietress of the Come and Get It Diner, has loved Charles “Chuck” Farrow from afar. Now on the eve of her thirty-ninth birthday with no marriage proposal in sight, Ida Mae mourns past mistakes and contemplates a makeover. When a radio commercial wrenches Ida Mae’s heart, will a sudden turn of events sabotage her chance for happiness or will a long-held secret be the answer to love ever-after? As Ida Mae’s right-hand man at the Come and Get It, Chuck yearns to shift gears and start over. He’s ready to shelve bachelorhood and blunders in favor of possibilities and new beginnings. When he prepares to move forward, two things challenge his objective. One is the father who walked away and never looked back. The other? A decades-old question that only Ida Mae can answer. And Ida Mae isn’t talking. (Contemporary Romance from Mountain Brook Ink)
Falling For the Foe by Milla Holt — She can’t stand him, and he blames her for his company’s woes. But now HIV treatment activist Nia and pharma boss Magnus have to work together to get what they want. He’s out to rescue his business, and she’s trying to save lives. Neither ever dreamed it would be their hearts on the line. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Christmas in Galway by Elizabeth Ludwig — It’s been two years since a drunk driving accident claimed the life of Elinor Walsh’s fiancé. Though she’s forged on to create a thriving design business for herself, the past still haunts her. Prompted by her friends, she finally capitulates and schedules a flight to Ireland—a trip that should have been her honeymoon. Armed with just a list her fiancé wrote and the keys to a rental car, Elinor heads to Galway, never dreaming that the people she meets there will change her life forever. Confronted with a choice—her past with an old friend or her future with a new one—will she finally be able to move beyond her grief? Or will she cut her losses, and her trip short, and miss out on the one thing she never expected? (Contemporary Romance from Winged Publications)
[image error] The Key To Love by Betsy St. Amant — The only thing Bri Duval loves more than baking petit fours is romance. So much so, she’s created her own version of the famous Parisian lovelock wall at her bakery in Story, Kansas. She never expects it to go viral–or for Trek Magazine to send travel writer Gerard Fortier to feature the bakery. He’s definitely handsome, but Bri has been holding out for a love story like the one her parents had, and that certainly will not include the love-scorned-and-therefore-love-scorning Gerard.
Just when it seems Bri’s bakery is poised for unprecedented success, a series of events threaten not just her business but the pedestal she’s kept her parents on all these years. Maybe Gerard is right about romance. Or maybe Bri’s recipe just needs to be tweaked.
Novelist Betsy St. Amant invites you to experience this sweet story of how love doesn’t always look the way we expect–and maybe that’s a good thing. (Contemporary Romance from Revell – A division of Baker Publishing Group)
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The Soft Whisper of Roses by Myra Johnson — Rebecca Townsend has only been married six months and already doubts Gary’s promise of “till death do us part.” Betrayed by her first husband, she’s trying her hardest to get it right this time. But when her new husband’s unresolved family issues resurface, she’s afraid she and her son will be abandoned once again. Just when Gary thought he’d found happiness with a woman who truly understood him, the death of his first wife blindsides him with unanticipated grief and guilt. After years of letting his career get in the way of being the husband and father he should’ve been, he must now live up to his new wife’s expectations while attempting to fit his resentful teenage daughter into the mix. But high-pressure careers don’t leave much time for stopping to smell the roses, and this family is almost out of time. A radical plan conceived by Gary’s ex-wife before her death risks tearing them all apart…or will it finally bring them together as the family God meant them to be? (Contemporary, Independently Published)
The Cedar Key by Stephenia H. McGee — Stuck in a quirky little Mississippi town, Casey’s hope for a fresh start died as soon she had to lay the grandmother she’d just met to rest. (Contemporary, Independently Published)
The Sowing Season
by Katie Powner — An old farmer who regrets his past, a young girl who fears her future, and an unexpected friendship that will change the course of their lives forever. (Contemporary from Bethany House)Historical Romance:
Joy to the World: A Regency Novella Collection
by Amanda Barratt, Carolyn Miller, and Erica Vetsch — In Joy to the World, three popular romance authors come together to offer a heartwarming collection of holiday Regency romance. Based on lines from a beloved Christmas carol, these three novellas have depth, faith, and satisfying stories all packed into the perfect length for readers to curl up and take a brief break from their holiday busyness. “Far as the Curse Is Found” by Amanda Barrat “Heaven and Nature Sing by Carolyn Miller, and “The Wonders of His Love” by Erica Vetsch. (Historical Romance from Kregel Publications)
The Lost Heir
by Candee Fick — A foundling raised by the local vicar and his wife finds herself the ward of an earl and on a direct path to a London Season. If only her heart wasn’t still drawn to her childhood friend and their small Yorkshire village. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Setting Two Hearts Free by Janet Grunst — Donald Duncan joined the Patriot cause for noble reasons, battling the British while enduring deprivation and hardship on every side. The war has changed him, and now the battle is internal. Returning home to Virginia is in sight where a new life and his Mary wait for him. Mary Stewart spends the war years with her family at Stewarts’ Green, helping them operate their ordinary. Daily, she prays for Donald’s safe return, eagerly waiting for him … until that day the evil side of war touches her. Two hearts changed by a war that dragged on for six years. Two hearts left hurting and struggling to find the love and trust they once knew. Is there a path for them to rekindle what was lost; Setting Two Hearts Free? (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)
A Haven For Her Heart by Susan Anne Mason — A young woman struggles to find redemption by helping troubled women and in doing so finds love but deems herself unworthy of happiness. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])
A Doctor in the House by Linda Shenton Matchett — Emma O’Sullivan is one of the first female doctors to enlist after President Franklin Roosevelt signs the order allowing women in the Army and Navy medical corps. Within weeks, Emma is assigned to England to set up a convalescent hospital, and she leaves behind everything that is familiar. When the handsome widower of the requisitioned property claims she’s incompetent and tries to get her transferred, she must prove to her superiors she’s more than capable. But she’s soon drawn to the good-looking, grieving owner. Will she have to choose between her job and her heart? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)
[image error] The Love Note by Joanna Davidson Politano — A career-minded woman in Victorian England sets out to deliver a lost love letter to its rightful owner–unless it’s already too late. (Historical Romance from Revell – A division of Baker Publishing Group)Mystery: [image error]Solid Ground by Danny & Wanda Pelfrey — Seven years between them, Kirby and Riley, nurtured by their pastor father and loving mother, experience almost ideal childhoods growing up in the Boston area. Then a season of misfortune culminated in the worse of all possible tragedies – the death of their beloved parents. Four years have passed. Kirby, having failed at marriage and pro-baseball, is now a Florida police detective. He finds himself in little Adairsville, Georgia along with Riley, his law school bound sister. They are there to settle their uncle’s massive estate. It is soon apparent that Uncle James’s death was no accident. But the worst of it is their names at the top of the suspect list. The siblings are embraced by spunky caretakers, Amos and Carol, whose love, wit, faith, and plain ole horse-sense bolster efforts to solve the murder and put Kirby’s life back on track. (Mystery from CrossLink Publishing)
Romantic Suspense: [image error]Dangerous Deceptions by Lynnette Bonner, Luana Ehrlich, Lynne Gentry, Elizabeth Goddard, Lisa Harris, Lisa Phillips, Jan Thompson, and D.L. Wood — Lives…and hearts…are on the line in eight brand-new Christian Romantic Suspense novels from the genre’s most explosive authors. “Lethal Outbreak” by Lisa Harris & Lynne Gentry, “Collision Course” by Elizabeth Goddard, “Glimmer in the Darkness” by Robin Patchen, “Expired Plot” by Lisa Phillips, “Ice” by Lynette Bonner, “Never a Traitor” by Jan Thompson, “Ben in Love” by Luana Ehrlich, and “Liar Like Her” by D. L. Wood. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
The Sound of Falling Leaves by Lisa Carter — After aspiring opera singer Tessa loses her voice in a fire, she needs both a place to heal and a way to keep music in her life. Amid the autumn splendor of this isolated Appalachian community where she retreats, Tessa uncovers an unnerving connection between a murder case and a long-ago disappearance. This leads Tessa and orchard caretaker, Zeke, on an intricate tale of danger, family intrigue, and romance. (Romantic Suspense from Kregel Publications)
Certain Threat by Kimberly Rose Johnson — Katrina White’s garage explodes and she fears someone is out to get her. When things escalate further, Frank Davis is certain of two things—he cares a lot for Katrina and he can’t let anything happen to her. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Deadly Connection by Jennifer Pierce — Private Investigator, Reid Lucas, and his mentor, Joe Lockhart, haven’t spoken in years, but when Joe wants to meet in a small-town diner, Reid’s interest is piqued. Without explanation, Joe calls and tells Reid he has five minutes to get waitress, Quinn Matthews, and her son out of the diner before they’re kidnapped by the group of thugs about to walk through the diner’s front door. Quinn Matthews’ life is simple and safe, exactly how she likes it—until Reid Lucas walks into the diner. Now, she and her son are running for their lives, and she has no idea why. But when the father of her son shows up and dies saving them, she realizes they all have one deadly connection: Joe Lockhart. Now, she’ll have to trust the mysterious private investigator to not only save their lives but connect her past to her present so they can figure out who is after them. And why. As the danger escalates, unexpected feelings arise. Reid doesn’t believe he’s worthy of Quinn’s love–or God’s. And Quinn is too worried about having her heart broken again and the effect of having a new man in her son’s life. Can they let go of their preconceived notions of love and relationships, or are they doomed to just let go of each other? (Romantic Suspense from Anaiah Press)
Signs in the Dark by Susan Miura — Deaf, beautiful and brilliant Haylie Summers struggles to escape her kidnappers as Nathan Boliva does whatever it takes to find her, despite his role as key suspect in her abduction. (Romantic Suspense from Vinspire Publishing)
Murder, Mysteries, & Romance in Tarryton, Missouri by Alice K. Arenz, The Case of the Bouncing Grandma, The Case of the Mystified M.D., The Wedding Barter, and Hiding from Christmas. (Romantic Mystery)
Brides of the Wild West by Anne Greene, Abby Hollister must find a husband in one month. (Historical Romance)
The Promise of Hope by Julie Lessman, A woman of deep faith, a husband with deep joy, until one careless comment steals it away. (Historical Romance)
Guardian Prince by Lauricia Matuska, A healer running for her life is aided by fey as she joins a prince in a race to secure humanity’s freedom. (Speculative Fantasy)
For the Love of Llamas by Patti Jo Moore, When a realtor tries to buy out a Georgia farm girl, more than the land draws them together, but can she trust him with her heart? (Contemporary Romance)
Dogwood Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels, An injured veteran and a plantation belle team together to care for younger family members, but can their wounded hearts heal when the War of 1812 is just getting started? (Historical Romance)
Charlotte Masterson Gets a Life by Carol Raj, When Charlotte Masterson gets a life, life gets interesting. (Young Adult)
The Pulse of His Soul: The Story of John Lothropp, a Forgotten Forefather by Ora Smith, When his wife refuses to break from her Anglican roots, John must decide whether to obey his conviction to renounce the Church of England and become an outlawed Separatist or conform and save his marriage, his family, and his life. (Historical)
A Home for Her Daughter by Jill Weatherholt, Love-shy single mom Janie finds a fresh start with the inheritance of a house and a camp, but she must work with her childhood friend and crush to get the camp running. (Contemporary Romance)
ACFW New Releases ~ October 2020
September 28, 2020
A Highland Love ~ Spotlight
Author Brenda B. Taylor presents the fifth book in the Highland Treasures series, A Highland Love. The novella is a sequel to A Highland Bride and continues the love story of Davina and Alistair. You will be excited about the couple’s wedding and adventures during the first days of their marriage. Crucial decisions must be made including whether or not they will remain together.
Plot Summary:
Alistair must choose between giving up his son for Davina, or trying to rescue his wife and keep his son. Does he love Blane enough to fight for him? He loves Davina too much to let her go.
Roy Patillo, Castle Fàrdach’s accountant, and his wife, Ina, participate in Alistair’s and Davina’s wedding. Roy invites the couple to his home for a feast and to spend their wedding night in his guest chamber. The meal is interrupted by a messenger from Fàrdach Castle with the news Lady Maidie Munro is in labor with her bairn and requests the couple’s return to the castle. Maidie is the widow of recently deceased Clan Munro chief, Andrew Dubh Munro.
After the child’s birth, Alistair is called away to pursue reivers of the clan’s cattle. He is gone for several days. Davina stays in prayer for her husband’s safe return. She keeps busy with Maidie’s children and assists in tending the new bairn. On Alistair’s return, the couple spend their wedding night together in the chief’s chamber at Fàrdach Castle.
Bridget, Alistair’s first wife, will not let him call on their son, or allow Blane to visit Alistair at Fàrdach Castle. The chief decides to kidnap his son. Struan Sutherland, Bridget’s husband, has Davina taken in return and held hostage. Struan plans to exchange Davina for Blane. While the child, Alistair’s heir, is under the Sutherland’s control, he has guardianship over the chief’s vast land holdings and Castle of Contullich.
Kidnappers take Davina to a steading first, then a cave high on the braeside of Ben Wyvis. They attempt to go over the mountain into Sutherland territory, but the winter snows slow them down. Davina almost loses her life during the journey.
Alistair pursues the outlaws, but will he rescue his beloved Davina in time?
Excerpt:
Davina felt safe with her husband riding close by. He stayed at her side until the road conditions demanded they ride single file, then he moved in front. Roy placed Ina in back of Davina, then he and a his guard, Jock, brought up the rear. The men kept a lookout for any unusual sound or movement. The sure-footed garrons picked their way through the mud. Alistair’s steud attempted to dance around the puddles, but had no trouble wading through them with his powerful flanks rippling in the effort. Brody’s training and strength would be needed if a fight ensued on the road.
As Davina watched Alistair’s broad back and powerful legs guiding his great steud, a surge of love coursed from her heart to the tip of her toes. Goose bumps rose on her arms. She pondered the change of her heart in the last few miossince returning from London. She still missed her friends and social life in the great city, but with this handsome knight at her side, she would become accustomed to the quiet solitude of the Scottish Highlands. Looking around, she took in the snow covered bens and braes, the great wooded glens now glistening white in feasgarsunlight, and realized her homeland was indeed beautiful. Peace invaded her soul. She laid to rest the great raging battle of her heart between returning to London and staying in the Highlands. The lovely Highlands with Alistair won.
Buy Links:
September 12, 2020
The Duke and the Wallflower ~ Spotlight
September 1, 2020
ACFW New Releases ~ September 2020
August 5, 2020
ACFW New Releases ~ August 2020
July 21, 2020
New Release, Book Sale, Contest
A Highland Home
is now for sale at Amazon.
Will love survive to fashion a home in the Scottish Highlands despite intrigue, theft, and murder?
Plot Summary: Despite intrigue, theft, and murder, Davina and Chief Alistair Munro fashion a home in the Highlands of Scotland with the bond of their faithful love for each other. Cattle reiving plagues the Munro lands of Fàrdach Castle leaving many clan families destitute during the fierce winter. When a faithful servant is slain in the castle stables, Alistair suspects Struan Sutherland, the husband of his former wife, Bridget. The couple controls the chief’s vast inheritance of Contullich Castle and lands through his young son, Blane.
Davina takes Blane under her wing when Alistair brings him to Fàrdach. She and the castle residents grow to love him, but the lad misses his mother. After the slaying of a faithful servant, Blane is kidnapped from Fàrdach and returned to Contullich Castle. With help from within the castle, Alistair takes his son from the Sutherlands. He kills Struan when the angry man demands a duel. Attacks on the Munros stop after Struan’s death, but the cattle must be found and returned to their owners.
While out trying to find the outlaws, a friendly MacKenzie tenant tells the Munros stolen cattle and thieves are located near his steading. Alistair and his warriors hurry to find them. The chief is wounded in a fight and taken to the MacKenzie’s cottage.
Davina learns she is pregnant while her husband is away. With the help of the Lord, she gathers enough courage to carry on and wait for Alistair. Will the chief return to his wife and clan?
Also, if you are interested in obtaining one of the twenty ARC copies then leave an honest review on Amazon and Goodreads, please contact me at info@brendabtaylor.com
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