To Disguise The Truth By Jen Turano

To Disguise the Truth

by Jen Turano

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency

ISBN: 9780764235337

I'll never be able to resist a Jen Turano book. Ever! As much as I'm sad that this is the last book in the series, I was excited to read Eunice's story because she's intrigued me since book one.

Summary:

When a man arrives at the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, anxious to hire them to find a missing heiress, Eunice Holbrooke realizes her past has finally caught up with her . . . and that she may no longer be able to hide under the disguise that has kept her safe for so long. 

Arthur Livingston's goal in life is to make his mark on the world as a mining industrialist, but after the man who could help him achieve his goal is murdered, Arthur feels compelled to seek justice for the family--but he's left with more questions than answers after the eccentric Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency refuses to take on his case. 

Desperate to conceal her real identity and avoid the irritatingly handsome Arthur, Eunice takes on a different case that requires her to go deep undercover and entangles her in one troublesome situation after another. When other secrets come to light, Eunice has no choice but to confront her past, hopeful that it will set her free but knowing it could very well place her life--and the lives of those she loves--in jeopardy.

My Review:

Once again Jen Turano has given us a fun story and fun characters in To Disguise the Truth. I've been excited to get to know Eunice since we met her in book one. She was such a mystery and I was glad to find out all of the complex reasons why she was such an enigma.

The first line of the story had me chuckling and pretty much the first part of the book. Arthur has one job when he gets to the Inquiry Agency and he does a miserable job of it! The ladies were all a hoot with him, and I loved every moment of it.

Eunice's story didn't let me down. Her purposes for wearing widows weeds makes sense and sets up the rest of the story for us. In her attempt to NOT help Arthur out, she ends up in quite the sticky situation. It's in this situation where I realized I wanted to grow up to have the skills she has!

As we get to know Arthur better we see that he has redeeming qualities and that we may have judged him too harshly in the beginning. Maybe. The way his story unfolds and we get to know his family better, I start to like them all a lot! I have to say, I could handle a story with Grandfather Lloyd and Eunice's Aunt Hazel. HA!

There are lots of twists and turns in the story, which is to be expected when there's a mystery at hand. There's a lot I can't say because so many things come to light in the end. It's wrapped up nicely and I definitely loved the entire series!

About the Author:

Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She's been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado. Readers can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and at jenturano.com.

Her Darling Mr. Day By Grace Hitchcock

Her Darling Mr. Day

by Grace Hitchcock

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: American Royalty

ISBN: 9780764237980

My introduction to Grace Hitchcock's writing last year with the first book in this series made me a huge fan of her writing! Of course, I HAD to join her launch team for book two. She sent me her book for review.

Summary:

New Orleans' most eligible bachelor insists he's not on the market . . . but he couldn't be more wrong.

Jilted in front of all New York, Theodore Day decides to lose himself in his family's luxury riverboat business in New Orleans and compete against his brother to become the next company head. The brother with the most sales by summer's end will win the position. Thanks to Theodore's fame as a suitor in a socialite's outlandish competition to find a husband, he has become very desirable royalty in Southern society and thus has an advantage.

It took Flora Wingfield's best work to convince her family to summer in New Orleans, but with Teddy Day a bachelor once again, she's leaving nothing to chance. Desperate to stand out from all the clamoring belles, Flora attempts a bold move that goes completely awry, only to find it's her interior design skills that finally catch his notice.

But when Flora's father's matchmaking schemes come in the way of her plans, Teddy will have to decide where his happiness truly lies and what he is willing to sacrifice for it.

My Review:

What a great second installment to this series. I had high expectations for Her Darling Mr. Day after thoroughly enjoying My Dear Miss Dupré. I remember feeling so bad for Teddy Day after Willow chose Cullen over him and that he deserved his own story!

Flora, while I understand her heart and desire, is a bit immature and selfish with her choices. I know, it's hard to say that because unlike her sister, Tacy (don't get me started on that pain in the behind), she truly cares about Teddy. Her methods leave quite a bit to be desired, while proving amusing and effective. Flora may not agree with me, but she has a bit of Penelope in her! Yes, I just said that. lol You'll have to read the story and let me know if you agree.

And then poor Teddy. With two rejections his pride is hurt and is a bit jaded when it comes to love. This guy who just wants to experience love has been jilted twice and it's clear he can't trust his heart. That being said, it doesn't keep the eligible ladies from chasing him down with great gusto in hopes of gaining his attention.

As with book one, there are many men after the heart and inheritance of the Wingfield daughters, of which 4 are of age for marriage. I have to admit, their father's push to marry them off was frustrating, but reminiscent of the time. He was the head of the home and the family fortune, and he was determined to make good matches for his daughters.

There were a good handful of ladies I glared at every time they came up on the page and certainly a couple of gentlemen I felt the same way about. Like with Willow's story though, there was another character who I ended up liking and was in the running for Flora's hand.

I loved Auntie Violet. I would've loved having someone like her in my life like Flora was blessed with. Her example to Flora in regards to God's leading was so sweet and loving. Having an older woman turning a heart & mind toward God's Word is always such a plus for me in a story.

Another delightful story and I can't wait for book three and who might be the main characters!

About the Author:

Grace Hitchcock (www.gracehitchcock.com) is the author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a master's degree in creative writing and a bachelor of arts in English with a minor in history. Grace lives in the New Orleans area with her husband, Dakota, and their son and daughter.

To Treasure An Heiress By Roseanna M. White

To Treasure an Heiress

by Roseanna M. White

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: The Secrets of the Isles

ISBN: 9780764237195

I am incredibly thankful to be on Roseanna's launch team! Being able to read these books in her series has been a huge blessing! She sent me her book for review.

Summary:

1906 

Beth Tremayne has always been drawn to adventure. During her childhood, she fed that desire by exploring every inch of the Isles of Scilly. Now, after stumbling across an old collection of letters and a map buried on her family's property, she's found more adventure than she ever anticipated in the hunt for pirate treasure. But in order to discover where the clues lead, she must search alongside Lord Sheridan, a man she finds insufferable.

Sheridan has spent years pursuing whatever archaeological interests pique his imagination. And when he discovers that Beth's search connects with one of his far-removed pirate ancestors, he can't help getting involved. Plus, he finds her irresistible, even though she insists he stole a prized possession of hers.

As they work together following different clues and drawing closer to danger, they start to piece together a story of tragic love and piratical adventure. But which treasure will bring the greatest surprise--the one they find in each other or the one just out of their reach?

My Review:

I haven't met a Roseanna M. White story I haven't loved. So far, though, Phillip Camden has been my favorite leading man of hers. That is until now. Now, Sheridan, aka Nefarious Marquess of SheriDoom, aka Lord Arrogance Personified Sheridan, and the list goes on. Oh my gosh, I'm not sure I've ever laughed in one of her stories so much! The way the author wrote what was going on inside his head was hysterical and seriously MADE the story. Sheridan is hands down, one of my favorite male leads!

Ok, that being said, I thoroughly enjoyed To Treasure an Heiress. Beth and Sheridan are a perfect complement for one another. Of course, Beth doesn't see it that way which makes their back and forth even better! The number of "highlights" I have because of their banter is very high.

While all of the characters were also in book one, I love them even more as a group in book two. They all work well together in all of the various aspects of the story. Beth is her usual adventurous self - getting into situations that she didn't mean to. I love how much Sheridan enjoys her spirit! And of course, I have to mention Sheridan's faith! While he realizes he has it, he also begins to understand that no one else realizes it. Such an important factor in our walk with Christ. Do others see Christ in us?

We also get to see Senara's struggle with sin's consequences. I always appreciate this about authors when they put in real life learning situations into their characters. None of us is too far gone to have our sins forgiven, but also that we need to ask for forgiveness as well. Ainsley, well, he's just a fine man! I adored his character fully! There's just something about this close-knit group of people that warms my heart.

Mamm-wynn is once again my favorite in this story (next to Sheridan, of course). She is the grandma I still want to be. I feel in love with her in the first story and was so tickled that she is full force in this one as well. She's such an alive character in the story. I feel like if I could just reach out and grasp her she'd tell me what I needed to hear!

So, what do I need? I need Telford and Emily to have stories so that they can live happily ever after with their friends. That's what I need. :) I can't wait for book three!

About the Author:

(www.roseannamwhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. She pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of numerous novels, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to Edwardian British series. Roseanna lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.roseannamwhite.com.

A Heart Adrift By Laura Frantz

A Heart Adrift

by Laura Frantz

Publisher: Revell

ISBN: 9780800734978

Doesn't the cover alone make you want to read this book? Probably will be one of my favorite covers of the year! I was thrilled to join the launch team for this book and was sent a copy for review.

Summary:

It is 1755, and the threat of war with France looms over colonial York, Virginia. Chocolatier Esmée Shaw is fighting her own battle of the heart. Having reached her twenty-eighth birthday, she is reconciled to life alone after a decade-old failed love affair from which she's never quite recovered. But she longs to find something worthwhile to do with her life.

Captain Henri Lennox has returned to port after a lengthy absence, intent on completing the lighthouse in the dangerous Chesapeake Bay, a dream he once shared with Esmée. But when the colonial government asks him to lead a secret naval expedition against the French, his future is plunged into uncertainty.

Can Esmée and Henri'sshared vision and dedication to the colonial cause heal the wounds of the past and reunite them? 

My Review:

What an utterly satisfying story! Laura Frantz drew me into the mid-1700s with every word written in A Heart Adrift. It's incredible to me how well an author's use of the dialect makes such a vast difference in how a story comes across. I can't express how huge this was for me and I need more.

Esmée has taken over her mother's work as a chocolatier and taking care of those in need at the almshouse. You could tell that while it wasn't her dream, she was satisfied with what she was doing with her life. There was this inerrant goodness and kindness about her that didn't seem to be forced, and I appreciated it. Oftentimes authors will write these types of women to an extreme where the/y're unbelievable, but not Esmée. She was very "real". I also just loved her fortitude!

Then there's Henri (which will henceforth always sound French). He's a man's man in all of the right ways. He's not perfect, but he doesn't do anything by half. He's all in and that's what his life has been since his parting with Esmée. He's captained his ship. His return stirs her world and the excitement of it all rises from there.

I loved the setting of Williamsburg and York. Having been to Williamsburg numerous times, it was certainly brought to life in this 1755 time and now I want to go back hoping to "feel" the history of this story. I loved the idea of Esmée keeping the lighthouse! I loved how that came about!

Of course, I can't neglect the faith of the characters. It was such an important part of this story, especially in the hard times. The parallel of the characters living through the pox and what we're living through, trying to find things to be joyful about an hopefully about can be daunting, but God sees us through. The Scripture that's brought up resonated with me in each moment!

Another fantastic read by this author!

About the Author:

Laura Frantz is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of a dozen novels, including An Uncommon Woman, Tidewater Bride, The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel's Lady, The Lacemaker, and A Bound Heart. She is a proud mom to an American soldier and a career firefighter. When not at home in Kentucky, she and her husband live in Washington State. Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.

A Path To Forgiveness By Lisa M. James + Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Path to Forgiveness by Lisa M. James, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I received the book as part of this tour.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Path to Forgiveness 

Series: The Prodigal Woman #1 

Author: Lisa M. James 

Publisher: Independently Published 

Release Date: January 21, 2022 

Genre: Christian Fantasy 

Reckless. Extravagant. Wasteful. These were all words that could describe Esther. Thirteen years of careless living had left Esther and her young son destitute. When her husband disappears at night, leaving Esther with the full burden of their debt, Esther has no choice but to claim her husband is dead and enslave herself and her child to stay alive. So severely had she broken the relationships in her life, she never expected a man from her childhood to speak on her behalf and carry the weight of her debt. Yet Esther soon realizes that escaping the demons of her past would not be so easy. 

Levi had little interest in seeing Esther again. When a promise to her father leaves him honor-bound to take her as his wife, he struggles with the bitterness he holds toward her for allowing her addictions and selfishness to derail her life. Yet, he could not hide the deep desire within him to be a husband and a father, even to a woman he did not love and a child that was not his by blood. 

Discover the story of a reckless woman in A Path to Forgiveness. 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

My Review:

What an incredible story! I was so blown away by how good it was. This was a great introduction to the author!

Esther was such a raw character. She is so sure of her unworthiness and how she doesn't deserve kindness from anyone because of how she's lived her life. She's lived to excess and has been brought very low by her choices. Not just her, but her son as well.

Levi, someone she knew from childhood, fulfills a promise made to Esther's father and takes on her debt. Levi is a pretty raw character as well. He's a man who has spent much of his life closed off to others. He's know pain and heartache.

Both Esther and Levi have so much growth in this story. It's just beautiful. And the way God (the Redeemer) is shown in this story... He is the Only way. This story straight up directs the reader to God. It shows God's love and mercy for His children. That no one is too far gone to be redeemed. Truth is spoken through the characters - main and secondary - throughout the entire story. It is SO powerful!

I enjoyed the fantasy world of The Gourd. There are so many ways The Gourd parallels our world. They have healers (doctors), prophets, church leaders, etc. There's evil that tries to draw people away from the Redeemer in the same ways the enemy does in our world. It's all a rather fascinating part of the story!

I can't wait for the next books in the series! I'll be the first in line for both!

Here's an excerpt for you to enjoy:

We were certainly not the first couple in The Gourd who married for reasons other than

love, but oh how we had settled for what we did not want. Did not a part of me wish to recreate

a glimpse of what I felt I had with Catherine if I were to marry again? A wife who truly cherished

and respected me? A wife who I truly cherished and respected? Did a part of Esther not long for

a grand romance as she once had with Victor? Did she not want a husband who she could take

pride in? One who could offer her the best in life?  But Esther and I married out of desperation

and duty, not out of love and hope.

Yet, a sudden longing filled me as I drifted to sleep. Was what we had enough to sustain

our marriage? Would a time come where we would want more from each other? Would being

my wife in name alone truly be enough for her for the rest of our lives?

Was it enough for me? The unbidden thought drifted into my mind as I succumbed to

sleep.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa M. James is an independent author, marketer, and former Sunday School teacher. She loves writing romantic fantasy novels featuring women of color for both young adult and adult audiences to enjoy. Her fictional writing is inspired by historical fiction, fairy tales, and Christian romances. When not writing, Lisa loves chatting about her faith, Disney movies, and football while drinking chai lattes. To keep up with her latest releases, subscribe to www.lisamjames.com.

CONNECT WITH LISA: Website | Instagram | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Peacock embroidered shoulder bag, a $25 Amazon gift card, and a paperback copy of A Path to Forgiveness!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 17, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on January 24, 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

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.