Friday, February 26, 2021

On Sugar Hill By Ane Mulligan

On Sugar Hill

by Ane Mulligan

Publisher: Heritage Beacon

Series: The Georgia Magnolia Series

ISBN: 978-1645262992

It was such a pleasure to hear from Ane asking me to read her second book in The Georgia Magnolia Series! She sent me an electronic version of her story for me to read!

*I want to make my readers aware in this review that there is a very small scene that alludes to sexual abuse.

Summary:

To make ends meet, the Fitzgerald women must open their home as a boardinghouse, but will the secrets they uncover prove their undoing?

The day Cora Fitzgerald turned sixteen, she fled Sugar Hill for the bright lights of New York City, leaving behind her senator father's abuse. But just as her career takes off, she is summoned home.

The stock market has crashed. The senator is dead. Her mother is delusional, and her mute Aunt Clara pens novels that expose the town's secrets. Then there's Boone Robertson, who never knew she was alive back in high school but now manages to be around whenever she needs help.

And the Fitzgerald women need a lot of help, indeed. They are forced to find a way to make ends meet, whether it s mining for gold or doing what Southern women have done for generations in times of need turning their home into a boardinghouse.

But will the people of Cora's past keep her from returning to a brilliant future?

My Review:

What an absolutely delightful story! The first book in the series, In High Cotton, was a really intense story about a group of women trying to survive in a small town where not so great men are trying to control and threaten them. In On Sugar Hill, we once again are introduced to a group of ladies who join forces after Cora's father dies.

I just loved Cora's character! I'm not sure that I've ever read any characters who are ventriloquists! It was so fascinating to learn more about her career. Her dedication to her family, even though her father was a tyrant, is heart warming. She has a lot of grit as she goes about trying to find a way to provide for her mom and aunt so she can get back to NYC.

I'll just say now that my favorite character in the story is Cora's aunt! Clara is mute and she's a mystery author. She's so positive and such a light in the dark time the family is going through. And funny enough, I like Glenice Jo. She's a spit fire who doesn't put up with nonsense and confronts people as needed. lol She's my kind of gal.

We also meet Boone. Seems he seems like the all-American young man. Because of the message Cora heart from her father all of her life, she never expects Boone to take an interest in her. He's more helpful than a guy with no interest would be, so clearly Cora has caught his eye. Unfortunately, he makes some choices that cause the reader to question his intentions. Not just us, but Glenice Jo, too. hahaha

Another aspect I LOVED about this story is the period language used. Can we go back to that time? Since I read this as a .pdf I couldn't highlight any spots so I could share them here, but the phrases when they're frustrated or going through something are delightful.

On Sugar Hill was a sweet read and I'm looking forward to the next story... but March 2022 seems so far off!

About the Author:

Ane Mulligan has been a voracious reader ever since her mom instilled within her a love of reading at age three, escaping into worlds otherwise unknown. But when Ane saw Peter Panonstage, she was struck with a fever from which she never recovered stage fever. She submerged herself in drama throughout high school and college. One day, her two loves collided, and a best-selling, award-winning novelist emerged. She lives in Sugar Hill, Georgia, with her artist husband and a rascally Rottweiler. Find Ane on her website: anemulligan.com.

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Obsession By Patricia Bradley

Obsession

by Patricia Bradley

Publisher: Revell

Series: Natchez Trace Park Rangers

ISBN: 9780800735746

Unusual for me, but I'm actually reading this series IN ORDER! Shocking with my track record, right? lol I was incredibly excited when I saw the author's second book become available for review. Revell sent me her book.

Summary:

This one's personal

Natchez Trace Ranger and historian Emma Winters hoped never to see Sam Ryker again after she broke off her engagement to him. But when shots are fired at her at a historical landmark just off the Natchez Trace, she's forced to work alongside Sam as the Natchez Trace law enforcement district ranger in the ensuing investigation.

To complicate matters, Emma has acquired a delusional secret admirer who is determined to have her as his own. Sam is merely an obstruction, one which must be removed. Sam knows that he has failed Emma in the past, and he doesn't intend to let her down again. Especially now that her life is on the line.

My Review:

I got started on Obsession eagerly anticipating some good suspense. What I completely forgot though was how GOOD Patricia keeps me in suspense for the entire story! When I got to the chapter where we are introduced to the "bad guy's" thoughts, I had that groaning moment where I remembered in Standoff that the author is fantastic at messing with my mind on who the actual bad guy is!

Happily I once again admit that I love these quick-glimpse chapters of the bad guy's thoughts and emotions. Hello, creepy! Let me just say, for the record, that I KNEW who the bad guy was like 4-5 times throughout the story. True, it was always a different person, but one of them was going to be right. Definitely something the author is exceptional at doing. I'm not going to specify which chapter it was but I literally had a "Whuuuuut?!" moment when I read it. I said it out loud! lol

I never thought about the fact that there are sites in National Parks where archeologists might want to learn more about and do a dig. This part of the storyline fascinated me. Also, the fact that someone didn't want it happening added to the mystery.

As for the characters, for everyone involved there was a lot of hurt from the past for each of them. I don't feel like any of them came away unscathed from their childhood. So much so, I'm glad I didn't go to school with any of them. lol Emma is a strong character and I enjoyed how much she loved her job. You could tell she had a passion for it. Sam is perfect for the law enforcement as a district ranger. Him coming back to Natchez Trace is clearly difficult not only for him, but for Emma as well. There's a history there and it's palpable.

There were quite a few characters that were easy to dislike in this story. lol That's always a good thing when you're reading suspense. The characters that might surprise you that I didn't care for are Sam's sister and Emma's mom. They both got on my last nerve.

That being said, I liked the redemptive thread to this story. Reminders of how important forgiveness is... forgiving others and ourselves. Also, accepting the forgiveness of Christ. I appreciated that Emma and Sam both had to work through those pieces, which in turn speak to the readers!

Bring on some more of this series because I'm ready for it! lol

About the Author:

Patricia Bradley is the author of Standoff, as well as the Memphis Cold Case Novels and Logan Point series. Bradley won an Inspirational Reader's Choice Award in Romantic Suspense, a Daphne du Maurier Award, and a Touched by Love Award; she was a Carol Award finalist; and three of her books were included in anthologies that debuted on the USA Today bestseller list. She is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc., and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Sisters in Crime. Bradley makes her home in Mississippi. Learn more at www.ptbradley.com.

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

When Twilight Breaks By Sarah Sundin

WHEN TWILIGHT BREAKS

by Sarah Sundin

Publisher: Revell

ISBN: 9780800736361

I don't know when it happened, but I've become a huge fan of fictional stories set around WWII. When Sarah's book came up for review from Revell, I was excited for the opportunity to read it. And isn't the cover stunning?!

Summary:

Munich, 1938

Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession and to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country--or worse. If she does not report truthfully, she'll betray the oppressed and fail to wake up the folks back home.

Peter Lang is an American graduate student working on his PhD in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party--to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can't get off his mind.

As the world marches relentlessly toward war, Evelyn and Peter are on a collision course with destiny.

My Review:

I've only read one other of the author's stories and she has an incredible gift of writing in this time period. When Twilight Breaks gives the perspective of an American woman working as a correspondent in Nazi Germany. It was such an unusual job for a woman in a country on the verge of war. As we first meet Evelyn Brand, you get the full sense of what she has to fight for to earn a spot writing with the men. Unfortunately, it's an uphill battle.

We also meet Peter Lang, and honestly, he may be one of my new, favorite leading men! He sees what's happening in Germany as a good thing. He's an American with a German heritage and he loves the order in which Hitler's regime is bringing to the country. Hard to believe I find him so likable, right? You understand more about why he sees things the way he does as you get to know him more through the story. I also love how he sees Evelyn.

She's a strong woman who is dedicated to her career. Where other men of that time saw Evelyn as living outside the norm and not being comfortable with it, Peter sees her in a refreshing light. It's fun how they banter back and forth as well as how he pursues her even after she continues to turn him down. Evelyn on the other hand can NOT figure this man out, but while she's amused by his efforts, his belief in what the Nazi party is doing is an obvious barrier.

As things heat up and become more dangerous, we see how both Peter and Evelyn's thoughts and feelings shift on a number of things. The story is intense from the beginning, but seriously, I felt like every other moment my heart rate would go up because of a potentially critical situation either one or both of them were in. The thought of having to share the truth about what was going on and putting your life at risk of doing so is unimaginable!

If you love WWII stories, this one is NOT to be missed. Yes, it's PRE-WWII, which actually sets it apart and shows what it must've been like before it all began.

About the Author:

Sarah Sundin is the bestselling author of several popular WWII series, including Sunrise at Normandy, Waves of Freedom, Wings of the Nightingale, and Wings of Glory. Her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly. The Sky Above Us received the Carol Award, her bestselling The Sea Before Us received the FHL Reader's Choice Award, and both Through Waters Deep and When Tides Turn were named on Booklist's "101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years." Sarah lives in Northern California. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.

Monday, February 22, 2021

Longing For Lily By Tara Grace Ericson

Longing for Lily

by Tara Grace Ericson

Publisher: Silver Fountain Press

Series: The Bloom Sisters

ISBN: 978-1949896183

I've been so thankful to be on the launch team for this series! Have loved every single book since my introduction to Tara's writing last year. She sent me the ebook version for review and I can't wait to add the paperback to my bookshelf!

Summary:

A rift twelve years in the making, and a second chance to do it right.

Lily Bloom is confident, capable, and better off alone. She experienced true love once, and she thinks she’ll never find it again. Instead, she throws her energy into building her event business at Storybook Barn, helping others take the dive into happily ever after.

Josh Elliot is the life of the party, with a successful photography business and wonderful friends. But there is something missing. He never had a doubt about the woman God made for him, but he failed her twelve years ago. Forever isn’t in the cards for them, but since she started hosting weddings at Bloom’s Farm, he is tortured with the unobtainable love of his life nearly every weekend.

Lily’s wedding venue and Josh’s photography business bring their worlds colliding once again, bringing old wounds to the surface and forcing the question: is what happened twelve years ago going to keep them apart forever? Or can God rescue the pieces of the love they once shared?

My Review:

Ah, this book. While the other books in this series have had strong storylines and have put me on a roller coaster ride, the other ones were like hanging out at the kiddie park and this one is the one with the loop di loops! I think I've given them all 4 stars, so don't get me wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed them. But this one... hits you where it counts my friends.

Once again, we start off with my favorite, mama Laura introducing us to the characters of this story. First is her daughter, Lily. The oldest of the Bloom sisters. She and Josh, who we also see in Laura's intro, have a past. And hello, cougar on the loose. HA! She's a few hears older than him. You go girl!

Ok, so it's a shift to think of the woman being older than the man. It's just not as common in the books we read. I mean, I never thought about it unless it was brought up. And hey, it doesn't bother me since I'm older than my hubby... by 10 month. *wink*

Lily initially seems like the cold, standoff-ish sister. And she kind of is and admits it herself. She just isn't the light hearted kind of person. She's not carefree. It also makes her different from the rest of the siblings who are a bit lighter in essence.

And then there's Josh. Hey there you fine fella with your tattoos, motorcycle, and leather jacket. I suppose I could just stop there with my googly eyes for Josh. He has had a thing for Lily since he was a teenager. I guess when your best friend has a cute sister it's bound to happen.

Lily has a lot of weight on her shoulders - some new, some not so new. She uses that weight to keep herself focused on her business, but with Josh spending more time at Storybrook Barn, you can see her resolve melting while she tries to fortify it at the same time.

It's easy to feel bad for Josh. He doesn't really know what they past held fully and without Lily willing to talk to him, he just thinks they ended on a bad note. He's got opportunities coming his way and knowing he has to make some tough choices makes you feel even more for the guy!

Now, I have to say, this story actually woke me up in the wee hours of the morning, and I feel like the Holy Spirit gave me some new insight into my past. It was unexpected, but while hard to reflect on, necessary for me understand my actions in a new way. There's a really important thread that runs through this story and I think it's a very powerful one! So thankful to Tara for being intentional when it comes to the flaws we have as Christians.

Who else is ready for Rose's story? Let's see a show of hands because I know mine is flailing around in the air. lol I also want to get to know Andi better! She's been this "in the shadows" sibling throughout the series so I'm looking forward to getting home so we readers can dive into who she is!

About the Author:

Tara Grace Ericson lives in Missouri with her husband and two sons. She studied engineering and worked as an engineer for many years before embracing her creative side to become a full-time author. Her first book, Falling on Main Street, was written mostly from airport waiting areas and bleak hotel rooms as she traveled in her position as a sales engineer. She loves cooking, crocheting, and reading books by the dozen. Her writing partner is usually her black lab - Ruby - and a good cup of coffee or tea. Tara unashamedly watches Hallmark movies all winter long, even though they are predictable and cheesy. She loves a good “happily ever after” with an engaging love story. That’s why Tara focuses on writing clean contemporary romance, with an emphasis on Christian faith and living. She wants to encourage her readers with stories of men and women who live out their faith in tough situations.

Saturday, February 20, 2021

Winning Miss Winthrop By Carolyn Miller

About the Book

Book: Winning Miss Winthrop

Author: Carolyn Miller

Genre: Regency Historical Romance

Release date: March 2018

Catherine Winthrop is almost at her last prayers, rejected years ago by the man who stole her heart. When tragedy brings him back into her life, she must suffer further grief in silence, amid her family’s pain and hostility, which eventually sends her to seek solace in Bath.

Jonathan Carlew might be wealthy, but the mystery surrounding his birth has shadowed his life, bringing fresh challenges as he takes on the Barony. Caught between appeasing the Winthrop family’s concerns and doing what he could to salvage their failing estate, he must also weigh the echoes of the past with the demands of his new responsibilities.

Two hearts must decide whether present speculation will condemn them to the dust of their memories, or if the whispers of forgiveness can provide freedom for the future.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

This is the first book in her Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series. Now, I will tell you, you should probably familiarize yourself with the characters in the previous series because they'll make appearances in this story as well. I've only read the first book in the other series. I could tell that I was missing something because the start of this story had me a little befuddled. Like I was missing an entire section of a puzzle. lol

It took me a little while, but pieces started to fall together and the story became more enjoyable. I mean, I enjoyed all of it, but not knowing the history of the characters (I mean, they "must" be in the previous series?) made it a little difficult to get engrossed in the story. Once I did, I was loving it!

Catherine is our heroine in the story. This poor, young woman has to endure SO much. The start of the story sets the tone for her current life. And her mother. I'm not ashamed to say I'd like to have slapped that woman silly on numerous occasions. How anyone could suffer her presence was beyond me. And the fact that no one was willing to put her in her place...?! Kudos to the author's writing for helping me not like Lady Winthrop. lol In fact, the author has skill in writing women who are easy to dislike. hahahaha

And then there's Jonathan Carlew. I liked him. I mean, I was already on Catherine's side when the story started, but I was willing to give him a chance... sort of. I actually started feeling sorry for him every time he was in the presence of Lady Winthrop. Heck, I felt bad for anyone who had to be within a mile radius of her. lol

There's a LOT to this story, but when the characters make their way to Bath, I was introduced to one of my favorite characters in the story - the General. He befriends Catherine when everyone else decides gossiping is what should be done. And I love how snarky he is. He and I would've been wonderful friends! I also enjoyed her Aunt Drusilla, Lady Winthrop's younger sister. She was considerate of her sister to a point and then just spoke her mind. FINALLY! hahahaha

Catherine and Jonathan, for the most part don't spend much time together and when they do, it's really uncomfortable. They both have opposing views (which aren't discussed) as to how and why their relationship ended. The ensuing years they haven't seen each other have only reinforced their pain and sadness. Of course they run in the same circles so they end up seeing each other in Bath.

A couple of crises hit at almost the same time which forces both of them to look at themselves and each other in a way neither expect. Whew, these two! I'm ready for book two in the series because... hello Carmichael. He's one of Jonathan's friends and he and Catherine's sister, Serena are already at odds.

About the Author

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband she has pastored a church for ten years, and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her Regency novels include The Elusive Miss Ellison, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, Winning Miss Winthrop, Miss Serena's Secret, The Making of Mrs. Hale, A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, Underestimating Miss Cecilia, and Misleading Miss Verity, all available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Koorong, etc.

More from Carolyn

In 2015 I was fortunate enough to visit England and see my sister who was living there at the time. What followed was three weeks of visiting parts of England, Ireland and Scotland in a whistle-stop tour of some of the places I’d long dreamed about visiting, but never thought I’d get the chance: London, Brighton, the Blarney stone in an Irish castle, Chatsworth in the Peak District, Loch Ness and Culloden in the Scottish Highlands, the gorgeous grounds of Dunrobin Castle, and the beautiful Cotswolds of England, which includes World Heritage-listed Bath.

I’ve used many of the places I’ve visited as inspiration behind my historical stories, but none as much as the places I visited while in Bath. Pretty much every place I visited – Sydney Gardens, Bath Abbey, the Pump Room, The Assembly Rooms and more – were mentioned in my story Winning Miss Winthrop, which I view as my homage to Jane Austen’s Persuasion, which vies with Pride and Prejudice as my favorite Austen novel.

I loved my all-too-brief time in Bath, and I love this story, with its depiction of two people learning to overcome the misunderstandings of the past in order to find a future. Winning Miss Winthrop is the first book in the Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope series, and has the attention to period detail, romance, banter, and faith threads that readers in the Regency Brides series have come to expect. I hope readers enjoy Catherine and Jon’s story.