Robin E. Mason's Blog: Robin's Book Shelf, page 78
July 1, 2021
BLOGWORDS – Thursday 1 July 2021 – WREADING WEDNESDAY-on-THURSDAY – FEATURED BOOK– KINGS & CAPTIVES by DANA PRATOLA
From the author of the Superhuman Romance series, DESCENDED
This series has it all: Kings, Captives, Faeries, Warriors, Princes, and Traitors. Even Sasquatch!
Ryor’s father wishes him to marry an Earth. He agrees, though for different reasons. Not only does he need her to bear him a child, but wishes to use her as a negotiating tool. When he finds a woman wandering in the woods of Washington State, she’s disagreeable and resistant to being taken from her home world. How could she not want to be a princess?
Evangeline wants to live life on the edge, but she’s found more excitement than she knows what to do with when she and her best friend Daniel are kidnapped and dropped onto an alien planet in another dimension. Her captor is literally prince of this world. And doesn’t he know it? She doesn’t want to marry him, but becoming princess of this strange world may be her only hope of saving Daniel. Though, it might not be so easy if Ryor learns she found his mother’s secret journal.
(*Not a stand-alone book)
I’m passionate about Romance. I write about real people with real struggles, temptations, and desires. My characters often have difficult choices to make – and don’t always make the right ones. My stories are not what you expect, and everything you want.
God has blessed me with a wonderful husband and three dynamic children, all of whom are destined to make wide, colorful splashes in this world. We share our New Jersey home with two dogs. I have no hobbies to speak of unless you include writing. I don’t.
*Important: Please keep in mind that Reviews are so important to authors 
Connect With Me at: http://www.DanaPratolaRomance.com to join my mailing list and receive news of new releases, giveaways, etc.
June 28, 2021
BLOGWORDS – Friday 25 June 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-FRIDAY – BOOK REVIEW – FRESH SCARS by DONNA MUMMA
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Fresh Scars by Donna Mumma, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Fresh Scars
Author: Donna Mumma
Publisher: Firefly Southern Fiction (Iron Stream Media)
Release Date: June 15, 2021
Genre: Southern Fiction
THE BLURBTime heals all wounds . . . or does it?
Asia Butler and her sister, Ivy Butler Morelli, have not spoken in fifteen years. As children, they endured brutal emotional abuse from their mother, Veronica, and want only to forget the past . . . and each other.
But the past comes calling when they each receive a letter from Veronica s attorney promising much-needed cash if they will fulfill her dying wish and consent to cleaning out their childhood home. Asia and Ivy reluctantly return to their hometown of Emerson, Florida, only to discover the house is a hoarder’s nightmare filled with strange mementos and clues hinting that they were not the only victims of Veronica’s sadistic nature.
Can this new pain be the path to their healing? Will they be able to choose forgiveness over resentment?
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub
THE AUTHOR
Donna Mumma perfected storytelling in her first grade classroom, spinning tales exciting enough to settle a roomful of antsy six-year-olds. She is an award winning author, and loves to write about flawed people who find a way to overcome and thrive. A Florida native, she loves spending time with her husband, adult children, and their energetic collie, Duke
CONNECT WITH DONNA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
MY REVIEWThis book grabbed me and it wouldn’t let go! If it weren’t for needing to eat and sleep I wouldn’t have put it down until I was done!
The 1976 movie, Sybil, comes to mind. Not the dissociative identity disorder but the level of abuse that created it. The fear of going back. The coping mechanisms.
Ms. Mumma doesn’t just tell the reader about Asia’s obsessive compulsive behaviors, she shows us. Each nuanced action, every. single. time. she pulls out a packet of wipes to clean her hands or face. Or doorknob. Or telephone. Or car keys. The bulk quantity she owns. Her need to control her environment. And her past that haunts her.
In contrast, Ivy has taken her world by storm. She owns her environment, and enjoys her life far away from her haunting past. But rather than allow that past to torment her, she has locked it securely away, choosing not to remember anything about it. She’s living the life she wished for as a child, and when the monster scratches at the door, she quickly thrusts it back to the pit where it belongs.
Facing each other after fifteen years was not something either sister wanted. Reconciliation wasn’t even on their radar. Or Veronica’s. Ms. Mumma gently guides her characters through those first days of resentment and bitterness, crumbling the walls, one brick at a time.
The level of abuse was horrific. Not something most people think about let alone live. This reader can only imagine what horrors Veronica suffered to become the monster she was. [And there was a clue, at least to my mind.]
What a journey Ms. Mumma takes her reader on. Page after page of peering into the dark recesses of Veronica’s twisted mind, yet at the same time, clue by sordid clue, Asia and Ivy discover more about themselves and each other, opening the way to build a future. One without monsters or memories tucked away, hidden, forbidden. Memories that will no longer hold them captive because they now can be free from the past.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Fresh Scars plus a $10 Amazon gift card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 21, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on
June 28, 2021.Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Friday, #TRD, Book Review, Fresh Scars, Donna Mumma, JustRead PublicityJune 21, 2021
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 22 June 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE SONGSTRESS by LORI BATES WRIGHT
ABOUT THE BOOK
Book: The Songstress
Author: Lori Bates Wright
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: April 16, 2021
THE BLURBRising opera star, Juliana Chamberlain, still has nightmares of the night she witnessed the assassination of the President of the United States from her spot on stage at Ford Theater. Recruited by The Pinkerton Detective Agency, Juliana was instrumental in bringing those responsible to justice.
Now, two years later, the Pinkertons ask her once again to join forces in exposing a corrupt political organization terrorizing her home in Texas.
Texas Ranger, Cade Matlock, has a job to do. He needs no help from a meddlesome diva with big ideas. However, he is a man of his word. He’s committed to partner with the lovely songstress to smoke out the mastermind of a dangerous clan who has proven he will stop at nothing to satisfy his thirst for vengeance.
Cade and Juliana soon discover their greatest strength is in working together until shadows of the past threaten to destroy their future.
Click here to get your copy!
THE AUTHOR
Lori Bates Wright is an award winning author with a love for history.
Raised in New Mexico, Lori now lives in Texas with her husband of 38 years. She has two grown kids and four adorable grand boys (who leap tall buildings in a single bound!) When she’s not writing, she’s heading up small group ministries with her husband. She enjoys speaking and interacting with women of all ages.
MORE FROM LORIGrowing up, my family loved to laugh.
Some of my favorite childhood memories are centered around my grandmother’s dining room table listening in while my parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles told amazing stories. Sometimes I laughed until I’d lose my breath. Sometimes I sat quietly, taking in the bravery and perseverance shown by those who’d gone before me.
History has been a passion ever since. Couple that with an insatiable love for story and there you have the heart of what inspires me to write.
So, when it came time to brain-storm for this brand new series, I decided to take a known historical event and think about it from every angle. Beyond the recognized players, to the “what if” characters that might have played a role. And, ultimately, how such an event would have changed the course of their lives.
Thus, a star was born.
In THE SONGSTRESS, Juliana Chamberlain witnessed the assassination from her place on the stage. Because I love a little mystery and intrigue, I decided that the leading detective agency of the day would have enlisted her help in identifying the accomplices. Allen Pinkerton had been known to hire a lady detective or two, so she would be trained by the best. Her investigative skills proved helpful in bringing a quick resolution to the case.
Fast forward four years and she’s still haunted by what she saw that night. When Pinkerton again approaches her about a case involving her family in Texas, she accepts.
Being from Texas, I was so happy she did. I’ve wanted to write a story based in the Lone Star State for quite awhile. I loved visiting Georgia and the shores of England in my last series, but I have to say it was good to bring this one home. With all the rugged charm of the post-Civil War era, this book has a little more local flavor than my last three. Al-in-all, I believe my readers are in for a treat. A new cast of fun, quirky characters as we revisit a significant time in our nation.
So, here’s to new beginnings! Or as we say in Texas, “Hang on, y’all are in for a wild ride!”
Happy reading!
Lori
This reader has a particular affinity for all things Abraham Lincoln—I share his birthday! This reader also knows something of pre-curtain-backstage nerves—and I totally felt Julianna’s frustration and ramped up anxiety at her performance being put off. Twice!
The opening of this story was gripping, horrifying! And rather accurate to the actual events; I hadn’t realized that John Wilkes Booth was an actor, nor that the cast and crew of the play were all detained for questioning—what a brilliant stroke of creativity that Ms. Wright gives us with Julianna’s point of view! And what a unique perspective an actress has, too!
None too happy to be paired with a woman agent, Cowboy Cade learned quickly that Julianna didn’t need to be treated with kid gloves, and that she has a stubborn streak the size of Texas.
Once they came to agreement that they were working toward the same goal—after no small bit of contention—Cade and “Jules” were able to accomplish what they set out to do. And what they both had determined NOT to do—[SPOILER.]
All the characters in this story were well-rounded, three-dimensional, personable and likeable. Well, except the villains who were most UN-likeable. A generous dose of humor and camaraderie was well pitted against the backdrop of suspense and danger.
With the balance of history and fiction, romance and business, the precarious balance between the Union and the Confederacy—and between Cade and Julianna—Ms. Wright’s story is a page-turner to the end.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
To celebrate her tour, Lori is giving away the grand prize package of a Texas Gift basket including a signed copy of THE SONGSTRESS and a $25 Amazon Gift Card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/10d53/the-songstress-celebration-tour-giveawayBLOG STOPSMusings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 11
Reflections From My Bookshelves, June 11
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 12
Connect in Fiction, June 12
Inklings and notions, June 13
Rebecca Tews, June 13
Texas Book-aholic, June 14
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 14
lakesidelivingsite, June 15
To Everything There Is A Season, June 15
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 15
For Him and My Family, June 16
Labor Not in Vain, June 16
deb’s Book Review, June 17
Genesis 5020, June 17
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 18
HookMeInABook, June 18
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 19
Inside the Wong Mind, June 19
The Christian Fiction Girl, June 20
Connie’s History Classroom, June 20
A Baker’s Perspective, June 21
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 21
Blossoms and Blessings, June 22
Lis Loves Reading, June 22
Pause for Tales, June 23
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, June 23
Mary Hake, June 23
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 24
KarenSueHadley, June 24
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, The Songstress, Lori Bates Wright, Celebrate Lit PublicityJune 15, 2021
BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 16 June 2021 – WREADING WEDNESDAY – FEATURED BOOK– WHERE HE LEADS by LYNNE LANNING
WREADING WEDNESDAY – FEATURED BOOK – WHERE HE LEADS by LYNNE LANNING
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Where He Leads
Series: Desires of the Heart #1
Author: Lynne Lanning
Release Date: January 24, 2021
Genre: Christian, Historical/Western Romance
THE BLURB
By the age of 11, Lilly had suffered more horrific circumstances, than any adult should have to bear. She lost both of her parents and the only home she ever knew, then was forced to move away from her brothers and sisters.
Why had God allowed all of this tragedy?
Pa had found the perfect home for her before his death. Through her new family’s loving care and instruction, Lilly grew into a beautiful young lady, filled with compassion, intelligence, and having a strong faith in God.
When she met Tommy, her heart flipped! How could she make all of the life lessons she had learned, her faith in God, and Tommy fit into God’s plan for her life? Was Tommy truly part of God’s plan for her?
Tommy and his mother’s past brought possible danger to anyone close to them. Could Lilly put her family through that? Should she abandon Tommy and the feelings she had for him? Could prayer be the answer?
With more circumstances beyond their control fighting against them, it seemed their troubles would never end. Would God allow her the Desires of her Heart?
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | IndieBound
MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES
THE AUTHOR
Lynne and her husband, Roger, live in the beautiful foothills of North Carolina. Enjoying the life of an artist/crafter, she nurtures three generations of creativity, encouraging the natural talents of her children and grandchildren. Her stories are full of romance and action mixed with humor and sass, encouraging her readers to identify with the characters while evoking emotion. Lynne enjoys canning and preserving fresh veggies that Roger grows in his amazing garden. She also has a passion for cooking, singing, reading and volunteer work at her church.
CONNECT WITH LYNNE: Website | Facebook
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a print copy of the Desires of the Heart series!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 14, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 21, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
#Blogwords, Wreading Wednesday, Featured Book, Where He Leads, Lynne Lanning, JustRead Publicity
June 12, 2021
BLOGWORDS – Saturday 12 June 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE QUEEN WHO SOLD HER CROWN by JANE ANN McLACHLAN
TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE QUEEN WHO SOLD HER CROWN by JANE ANN McLACHLAN
It is 1348.
Queen Joanna of Naples is facing trial for the murder of her husband, Andrew of Hungary. His brother, King Louis of Hungary is poised at her borders with a massive army ready to invade. Her royal cousins, ignoring the threat at their border, are at war with one another, throwing her kingdom into disarray. And in a few months a pandemic of massive proportions is about to sweep over all of Europe–the first wave of the bubonic plague, which will annihilate over one-third of the population.
In an era when it was believed that no woman possessed the strength and wisdom to rule a kingdom even in peaceful times, will the beautiful, passionate twenty-two-year-old Queen Joanna, sole monarch of the Kingdom of Naples, be able to survive the cataclysm about to break over her?
Jane Ann McLachlan was born in Toronto, Canada. She started writing stories when she was five years old, and has been reading literary fiction, science fiction and historical fiction in equal measure all her life. She received her B.A. in English Literature from York University and her M.A. in Canadian Literature from Carleton University. Before becoming a full-time writer she taught at Conestoga College.
She has three published science fiction novels under the pen name, J. A. McLachlan: Walls of Wind, and two young adult science fiction novels, The Occasional Diamond Thief (winner of the Alberta Publishers Award (APA) for Science Fiction and featured in the National US magazine, VOYA) and The Salarian Desert Game (runner up for the APA and listed in Canadian Top Books For Teens). She has four published historical fiction novels under Jane Ann McLachlan: The Sorrow Stone (winner of the Royal Palm Literary Award for Historical Fiction), The Lode Stone, The Girl Who Would Be Queen, and The Girl Who Tempted Fortune. She is also the author of a writers’ workbook titled Downriver Writing: The Five-Step Process for Outlining Your Novel; two College textbooks on Professional Ethics published by Pearson-Prentice Hall; and a memoir, IMPACT: A Memoir of PTSD.
She lives in Waterloo, Ontario, with her husband who is also a writer, and their bilingual dog, Frenchy, a papillion breed. They have three grown children and six grandchildren.
You can learn more about J. A. McLachlan and her books on her website at: http://www.janeannmclachlan.com
Connect with Jane Ann on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janeann.mclachlan
The more I read about Queen Joanna of Naples the more I want to know. I was introduced to Joanna in Ms. McLachlan’s first book in the series, The Girl Who Would Be Queen, and I have come to love her as much as she loves her subjects! Such a kind and benevolent and godly queen. I liked Louis at first, later, not so much. [SPOILER]
Ms. McLachlan’s writing is encompassing, and this story, told in first person, makes it even more vibrant and real. Her research is extensive and thorough, and it shows on every page.
The scourge of the Black Plague wrought havoc not only on Joanna’s kingdom. Yet she faced this like everything else—with faith and determination. Marriages arranged for political gain. Women not just as the weaker sex, but inferior. The vast gap between royalty and nobility and the working class.
Oh, how my heart ached for Joanna. The burdens she carried, the relationships we take for granted questioned. Having to choose her crown and duty over personal feelings. The deep grief she experienced.
I never studied or knew of Queen Joanna, or the history of Naples. Ms. McLachlan’s series, however, has forever etched her in my heart as a favorite monarch.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
BLOGWORDS – Saturday 12 June 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – REBUILDING JOY by REGINA RUDD MERRICK
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Rebuilding Joy by Regina Rudd Merrick, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Rebuilding Joy
Series: RenoVations #2
Author: Regina Rudd Merrick
Publisher: Bellville Street Books
Release Date: June 2, 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance
THE BLURBA waitress, a contractor, and an FBI agent walk into a café …
Single mom Darcy Emerson Sloan has enough to do raising twins and running a restaurant. She’s doing fine on her own and doesn’t need the complications of a man in her life. But when her café turns into a crime scene, putting her and her children are in danger, she begins to take interest in the handsome young FBI agent that comes on the scene.
Contractor Del Reno is as even-keeled as they come, but even he has his limits. And Darcy Sloan has pushed him too far. Every time he tries to help, it backfires. But now that Darcy and her kids are in trouble, he has no choice but to come to her aid and to protect her. She’s just going to have to deal with it.
Secret tunnels, organized crime, adorable children, and a wedding.
Just another day in Clementville.
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | IndieBound
ALSO AVAILABLE
Regina Rudd Merrick is a multi-published writer, church musician, wife, mother, former librarian, lover of all things beachy and chocolate, and grateful follower of Jesus Christ. Married to her husband of 35-plus years, she is the mother of two grown daughters, and the keeper of a 100-year-old house where she lives in the small town of Marion, KY. Connect with Regina on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or on her website at https://www.reginaruddmerrick.com
CONNECT WITH REGINA: Website | Facebook | Twitter |
MY REVIEWI do love a good renovation. Taking something old and making it shiny and new.
No renovation (or art project) goes to plan. And the upgrade to Darcy’s apartment just fell right through the floor—especially with the discovery of [SPOILER.]
Struggling just to maintain, Darcy has her heart tucked neatly on a shelf in a back closet. If she could just keep Del out of her face. But as the contractor doing the renovation, that’s hard to do.
Ms. Merrick wraps the reader into the story—I could almost feel the damp of the tunnels as I read. I certainly felt the apprehension and unease when they discovered the new tunnels, and the anxiety when Darcy’s apartment [SPOILER.]
Man, it’s hard to know who to trust! Just when you think you have it figured out, Ms. Merrick tosses another bone of confusion your way.
I love the depth of Ms. Merrick’s characters. Darcy’s resistance, not to Del only, but to God. And Del’s protectiveness, his instinct and integrity. His patience and persistence.
This story held as many twists and turns as the tunnels. Dead ends and secret alcoves and hidden passages. Ms. Merrick keeps her reader turning pages to the surprising end.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(3) winner will receive their choice of ebook or signed print copy of Rebuilding Joy!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 7, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 14, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
ENTER GIVEAWAY HEREFollow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, Rebuilding Joy, Regina Rudd Merrick, RenoVations Series, Heart Restoration, JustRead PublicityBLOGWORDS – Saturday 12 June 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – ANCHOR MY HEART by SARA BETH WILLIAMS
In the aftermath of tragic loss, worship leader Matt Lawson is grappling debilitating anxiety. The blessings he’d taken for granted—a dream job, a woman he couldn’t wait to spend the rest of his life with, and his God-given musical talent have crumbled at his feet, leaving him reeling in despair, unable to face the wreckage of the life he’d envisioned for himself.
Tara Pierce is ready to put past hurts behind her as she prepares to graduate college and take a leap of faith in her career. When Matt’s grief causes him to isolate himself from everyone he knows, she refuses to stand idly by and do nothing. She has traversed similar terrain before. No one deserves to travel that road alone.
Unexpected attraction flares as Tara reaches into the sea of Matt’s grief and helps ground him in reality. But Matt’s not ready to give himself away again. Can Tara risk her heart and their friendship and let God step in to heal where she can’t?
Sara Beth Williams is a wife, mother of two daughters, and temporary caretaker of a lovable old lady pit and a spunky Pomeranian-Shih Tzu mix. She lives in Northern California. When she’s not held hostage by the keyboard, she enjoys music, teaching, reading and spending time with her family. She is all about connecting with readers! Find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Bookbub and AllAuthor. She is all about connecting with readers!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SaraBethWilliamsAuthor
Twitter: @WilliamsSaraB
Instagram: @sarabethauthor2018/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18403465.Sara_Beth_Williams
Website: http://www.authorswilliams.wordpress.com/
BookBub: @swilliamsauth
Don’t we all strive to be in control, at least to some degree? Do we not all resist “letting go and letting God” when we need to the most? Turn away from those who love us most, those whom we need the most.
I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book; the main character, Matt, was so off-putting. I just really couldn’t like him.
But I persevered (I’m glad I did) and I came to understand why he annoyed me so—not only was he wallowing in his grief, he was trying to control his emotions on his own—and [SPOILER] from the past.
Of all Matt’s friends, Tara was able to crack through the armor Matt had built up. She’s been there; she knows the pain he’s suffering. And man! is she tenacious! That’s a good thing when God places someone on your heart.
The story—Matt’s grieving—seemed to D-R-A-G on and on… Then again, we all know people (or have been that person) who cling to their pain. Ms. Williams certainly did justice to his fight. I appreciated how she portrayed the ebb and flow of his friends rallying around him and giving him space. The gentle nudges to move forward, and straight up advice to [SPOILER.]
Of course the element of romance was a tightwire act; both of them wanting to move into a relationship, both of them with questions.
Ms. Williams threw them a curve ball that gave them both the space they needed. Literally and figuratively. And I loved how she resolved it for them.
This story sure got my attention, and now I’d like to go back and read the first two in the series.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS FOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
June 1, 2021
BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 25 May 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – LOVE ORDAINED by TARA TAFFERA
TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – LOVE ORDAINED by TARA TAFFERA
THE BLURB
Where Great Loss Turns to Ordained Love
When Gina Andros loses her husband Alex and almost two-year old daughter Teresa in a car accident, her world falls apart. Her mother-in-law Helena, a woman she views as a second mother, blames her for the accident and cuts her out of her life. Doing so, she turns her family, including Gina’s best friends, Anna and Christian, away from her. Gina falls deep into the pit of grief, but slowly the family starts to heal—due in part to a major event in her life. But not before Helena goes to great lengths to derail Gina’s recovery. Will Helena’s heart melt, bringing the family back together?
As the months go by, the possibility of new love arrives in Gina’s life, but is it the love God has planned for her? Will Gina realize the one she is meant to be with, and if she does, will he be ready to love her unconditionally?
THE AUTHOR
Tara Taffera is a journalist living in Stafford, Va., with her husband of 23 years, and her three daughters. In 2020, she realized her dream of writing her first novel, Love Ordained. She has always loved to read, and anyone who knows her knows how fast she can plow through a good book. Her mother always says, how as a youngster, she was always asking to go back to the library for more books. She started writing Love Ordained more than 20 years ago, and she finally made it a priority in early 2020, and finished the book–a Christian romance. It was published on February 15, 2021, and she is currently working on book 2 in the series.
MY REVIEW
This promised to be a wonderful story of healing and new beginnings. Sadly, I was offput from the first page when the author wrote two totally different and conflicting actions within the first two paragraphs.
My heart ached for Gina, the utter loss, the depth of her grieving. (And I know people who have been there.) I totally get her inability to cope and move forward. What I didn’t get was her father’s reaction at a time when she needed his support.
He wasn’t the only unbelievable character. While I know grief can turn the loveliest people into a bitter shell, Helena’s reaction seemed extreme to this reader.
Between characters I just couldn’t accept as realistic and several other inconsistencies, I was not impressed with this book.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
TWO FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Love Ordained, Tara Taffera, JustRead Publicity
May 26, 2021
BLOGWORDS – Monday 24 May 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – TO SAVE A KING by RACHEL HAUCK
TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – TO SAVE A KING by RACHEL HAUCK
THE BLURB
After growing up in small-town Hearts Bend, Tennessee, Gemma Stone set off to Hollywood to make her mark in the world.
But her ambition turned into a journey of a “thousand” bad decisions and after twelve years of seeking fame and fortune, Gemma returns home with a limp and a dark secret.
Now she runs a rescue ranch and is raising her friends’ orphaned daughter. She’s keenly aware these defenseless ones are also rescuing her. She just wants to stay hidden in the safe world she’s created.
HRH Crown Prince John has learned a royal title cannot shield him from heartbreak. As heir to the revered House of Blue and married to the love of his life, he believed his future reign would strengthen the royal dynasty of Lauchtenland. Then tragedy changed everything. Can anything save him from his grief?
When he travels to Hearts Bend on a mission for his mother, Queen Catherine, he’s drawn into the local life and cajoled into a three-legged race with the beautiful Gemma Stone during the 4th of July festivities.
While the event has a disastrous result, Prince John and Gemma form a quick friendship—one of two wounded souls finding comfort in one other. However, love is absolutely not an option. John desperately wants to hold onto the memories of his wife, and Gemma refuses to trust her heart to any man. Even a prince.
Then Prince John is called home for an emergency. How can he leave the woman who lifted him from his sorrows? But can Gemma join him on a royal stage and risk her secret coming to light?
With a touch of divine help, Prince John and Gemma just might find the kind of love that saves and ultimately write their very own fairy tale.
To Save a King is book two in the True Blue Royal series.
Rachel Hauck is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author.
She is a Christy Award Winner and a double RITA finalist. Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Club. She is the recipient of RT’s Career Achievement Award.
Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was filmed for an original Hallmark movie. The Wedding Dress, The Wedding Shop and A March Bride have all been optioned for film.
She’s been acclaimed for her split time novels and royal romances.
A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, and a former sorority girl, Rachel and her husband live in central Florida. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.
Hauck recently learned how to hard boil an egg. She’s quite proud.
Visit her at http://www.rachelhauck.com or http://www.facebook.com/rachelhauck
MY REVIEW
I love a tale story with the Divine woven so neatly, naturally, into the fabric of the story. And nobody does it so beautifully as Rachel Hauck.
I may have related to Gemma a bit too much—1000 bad life decisions….. And oh! how I longed for her to discover Father God’s grace and mercy and love—and to let herself be loved.
If ever there was a charming prince, John is it! He so readily adapted to Gemma’s world; it might have been easy to forget he was royalty.
Ms. Hauck’s characters have, well, character and personality. Depth, dimension, and a past. (Don’t we all.) Hiding behind hurts, running from happiness—and love. But God. He won’t leave us hanging, wallowing in the depths we’ve fallen into or the mess we’ve made of our lives.
The ebb and flow of this story rings so true to life. I loved Gemma’s rescue animals—and especially loved the names they gave the puppies! Learning her past, and what drove her home and set her nurturing her animals [SPOILER]. Watching as she dared to trust again.
I loved Emmanuel, adored Ernst’s “shortcut” lingo, but my favorite character is Adelaide!
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Monday, #TRD, Book Review, To Save a King, Rachel Hauck, True Blue Royals, To Love a Prince
May 25, 2021
BLOGWORDS – Saturday 22 May 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE PROMISE TREE by JANALYN VOIGT
TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE PROMISE TREE by JANALYN VOIGT
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Promise Tree by Janalyn Voigt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: The Promise Tree
Series: Montana Treasure #1
Author: Janalyn Voigt
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: May 5, 2021
Genre: Christian, Historical/Western Romance
THE BLURB
A preacher’s daughter shouldn’t encourage a troublemaker—no matter what her wayward heart desires.
Liberty has always believed she should marry a man of God, but Jake doesn’t qualify. The promises they’d made at age twelve can’t change that. If only Jake would stop pursuing her, she might keep from falling in love with him.
Jake fears he’ll lose Liberty to Beau, the new man in town. He doesn’t trust the smooth-talker—and certainly not with Liberty. Expressing his opinion sounds jealous and pushes Liberty further away. Jake’s efforts to forget the woman he loves lands him in jail for a crime he didn’t commit.
A bounty hunter on the trail of a notorious outlaw gallops into town, and Liberty finds herself in unexpected peril. When Jake rides after her, he faces a test of faith. Jake and Liberty must each overcome their own false beliefs. Only then can they experience the truth of God’s redeeming love.
Set during a troubled time in America, the Montana Treasure series explores faith, courage, and love in the Wild West. Read this heartwarming story to affirm your faith in love.
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound
ALSO AVAILABLE
THE AUTHOR
Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales “written” in her head.
Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. The same elements–romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy–appear in all her novels, no matter what the genre.
Learn more about Janalyn Voigt and the books she writes at http://janalynvoigt.com
CONNECT WITH JANALYN: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
MY REVIEW
Ms. Voigt certainly puts her characters in tough situations! How many of us hold ourselves or others to a standard that God has not called us to? Liberty sure did—but not from her parents, and especially not from her preacher father!
I wanted to like this story, and I tried, I really did. Dialogue will make or break a story for this reader, and sadly, in this story it fell flat for me. Mundane bits, and things I had a hard time believing people would say to one another.
Still, Ms. Voigt writes of family and friends who are close-knit—something that is dear to my heart. I especially appreciated (envied!) the bond between Liberty and Phoebe.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
THREE FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 18, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 25, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, The Promise Tree, Janalyn Voigt, JustRead Publicity
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