A Winter at the White Queen by Denise Weimer with a giveaway

I really enjoyed this historical romance. I loved Lewis and Ellie. I loved that Ellie finally believes in herself. I loved the romance and how witty the story is. I received a copy of the book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

About the Book

Book: A Winter at the White Queen

Author: Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: January 3, 2023

In the world of the wealthy, things are never quite as they appear.

Ellie Hastings is tired of playing social gatekeeper—and poor-relation companion—to her Gibson Girl of a cousin. But her aunt insists Ellie lift her nose out of her detective novel long enough to help gauge the eligibility of bachelors during the winter social season at Florida’s Hotel Belleview. She finds plenty that’s mysterious about the suave, aloof Philadelphia inventor, Lewis Thornton. Why does he keep sneaking around the hotel? Does he have a secret sweetheart? And what is his connection to the evasive Mr. Gaspachi, slated to perform at Washington’s Birthday Ball?

Ellie’s comical sleuthing ought to put Lewis out, but the diffident way her family treats her smashes a hole in his normal reserve. When Florence Hastings’s diamond necklace goes missing, Ellie’s keen mind threatens to uncover not only Lewis’s secrets, but give him back hope for love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Weimer has authored a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. Having served three years as managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas’ two historical imprints, as well as a freelance editor, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

More from Denise

Enter the Age of Wonder …    

I like to think of the time period between the Gilded Age and WWI as the Age of Wonder. New ideas and inventions swept society in waves while those who wanted to preserve the old ways tried in vain to hold back the tide. Opportunity and advancement flowed as railroads and communications linked America’s coasts, motorcars allowed individual freedom of travel, and companies flourished following Reconstruction.

My goal was to capture this excitement and promise in A Winter at the White Queen. You follow my heroine, Ellie, and her uncle and his family for their fashionable winter 1910 season at the Hotel Belleview in Clearwater, Florida. Ellie is more than “the poor relation companion” to her younger cousin Ava. She’s also a trusted friend, and like the heroines in her female detective novels, a budding sleuth—sniffing out promising matrimonial candidates for Ava at the bequest of Aunt Florence. Little does she expect to stumble into her own romance—and a mystery surrounding a certain intriguing entrepreneur.

Ellie Hastings is tired of playing social gatekeeper—and poor-relation companion—to her Gibson Girl of a cousin. But her aunt insists Ellie lift her nose out of her detective novel long enough to help gauge the eligibility of bachelors during the winter social season at Florida’s Hotel Belleview. She finds plenty that’s mysterious about the suave, aloof Philadelphia inventor, Lewis Thornton. Why does he keep sneaking around the hotel? Does he have a secret sweetheart? And what is his connection to the evasive Mr. Gaspachi, slated to perform at Washington’s Birthday Ball?

Ellie’s comical sleuthing ought to put Lewis out, but the diffident way her family treats her smashes a hole in his normal reserve. But when Florence Hastings’ diamond necklace goes missing, Ellie’s keen mind threatens to uncover not only Lewis’s secrets, but give him back hope for love. 

Lewis’s work allowed me to sprinkle White Queen with clever inventions that spark Ellie’s curious nature. Among them are:

Temperature-compensated balance wheels, which Lewis invented as a teen. The backstory of how he sold his invention to the railroad, allowing them to synchronize all their watches, provides an unexpected link to uncover between Lewis and Ellie.

The cinématographe, patterned after Thomas Edison’s kinetoscope but intended by the Lumière brothers to show films to a wider audience. Used in the show at Washington’s Birthday Ball to end the season, the cinématographe aids in the culmination of the mystery of Florence’s missing diamond necklace.

The magical orange tree, which not only blossomed but appeared to grow actual oranges, was a real mechanical invention featured at Ava’s birthday party by The Great Gaspachi.

The Hydro-Vacu. I couldn’t resist including this titter-worthy, real-life machine, used, of course, by the appearance-conscious Aunt Florence. After applying a bleaching cold cream or “tissue food” to ensure plump cheeks, the massaging “Depurator” was rotated slowly over the face. How long until that idea makes a comeback?

As fun and whimsical as A Winter at the White Queen may be, our characters have some real growth to do … if they can get past the social expectations and masks, the suspicions and past hurts. I hope you’ll brighten your winter days by joining them at the White Queen.

Blog Stops

Book Looks by Lisa, January 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 20

An Author’s Take, January 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 21

deb’s Book Review, January 22

Christina’s Corner, January 22

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 23

Connie’s History Classroom, January 24

Betti Mace, January 25

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 25

Texas Book-aholic, January 26

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, January 26

Bigreadersite, January 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 28 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 28

Cover Lover Book Review, January 29

Holly’s Book Corner, January 29

Rebecca Tews, January 30

Blogging With Carol, January 30

Back Porch Reads, January 31

Simple Harvest Reads, January 31 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, February 1

Blossoms and Blessings, February 1

Pause for Tales, February 2

To Everything There Is A Season, February 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/23bc4/a-winter-at-the-white-queen-celebration-tour-giveaway

Kidnapped in Texas by Virginia Vaughan

I loved this story of second chances. I loved Abby and Luke. I love the suspense and the romance. I enjoyed learning about how some of the human trafficking rings work. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

A kidnapping case

reveals a secret that changes everything…

After witnessing an abduction, FBI agent Luke Harmon vows to return the teenage victim safely to her aunt, his ex, Abby Mitchell. But Abby has a secret–the girl is their daughter. To rescue his child from a human trafficking ring, he’ll partner with the woman who deceived him. But can he forgive the past before Abby becomes the next target…and his family is lost forever?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Cowboy Protectors

Book 1: Kidnapped in Texas
Book 2: Texas Ranch Target

Vinyl Resting Place by Olivia Blacke

I really enjoyed this first book of a new series. I loved the three sisters, Juni, Tansi and Maggie. I love the story of the sisters opening a store and having to solve a murder before they lose their new store. I love the twists and turns and the romance. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

First in a new series by Olivia Blacke, Vinyl Resting Place follows three sisters who discover that opening a family business can be murder.

“A charming cozy for a new generation of mystery readers . . . Vinyl Resting Place is a delight!” -Elle Cosimano, USA Today bestselling author of Finlay Donovan Is Killing It

“Vinyl Resting Place is bolstered by the sisters’ genuine bond, colorful personalities, and not-so-gentle conflicts. It’s a winning combination.” –New York Times Book Review

When Juni Jessup and her sisters Tansy and Maggie put all their beans in one basket to open Sip & Spin Records, a record-slash-coffee shop in Cedar River, Texas, they knew there could be some scratches on the track, but no one was expecting to find a body deader than disco in the supply closet.

Family is everything to the Jessups, so when their uncle is arrested by Juni’s heartbreaking ex on suspicion of murder, the sisters don’t skip a beat putting Sip & Spin up for bail collateral. But their tune changes abruptly when Uncle Calvin disappears, leaving them in a grind. With their uncle’s freedom and the future of their small business on the line, it’s up to Juni and her sisters to get in the groove and figure out whodunit before the killer’s trail–and the coffee–goes cold.

Music and mocha seem like a blend that should be “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door,” but caught up in a murder investigation with her family and their life savings on the line, Juni wonders if she might be on the “Highway to Hell” instead.

New Year Nuisance by Tonya Kappes

I really loved having Mae come to Holiday Junction to visit Violet. I loved that Mae and Violet get to solve a murder together. I loved all the twists and turns that Violet and Mae encounter while solving the murder. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES!

New Year’s Eve has always been a special time for the small town, Holiday Junction, with its annual tradition, the Sparkle Ball, along with the town Merry Maker spreading joy and cheer to all its residents. But this year, the joy is short-lived when local nuisance and troublemaker, Hillary Stevens, is found murdered in holiday town’s mini-village.

As the town’s resident nosy journalist, Violet Rhinehammer is determined to uncover the truth behind Hillary’s murder and bring the killer to justice. But her investigation is complicated by her own secret – she is the town Merry Maker, and must keep her identity hidden from Mae West, her best friend who is visiting for the festive town’s Sparkle Ball.

With suspects at every turn and a town full of secrets, Violet must use her keen investigative skills and determination to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again. Will she be able to solve the mystery and bring the killer to justice, or will her own secret be her downfall?

New Year’s Nuisance is a gripping tale of mystery and intrigue, perfect for fans of small town crime novels. With well-developed characters and a twisting plot, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.

Her Hearts Desire by Shelley Shepard Gray

I loved this first book in this new Amish romance series. I love Mary Margaret and Jayson. I love learning some of the different ways that Amish in Florida are different than those in other areas. I am looking forward to reading the stories for Betsy and Lilly. This has wonderful romance. I love how quickly these three girls are able to become friends. I love that Mary Margaret has to learn how to handle a problem from home while she is on vacation. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

Mary Margaret Miller needs an escape from her small Amish community. She boards a bus, all alone, for a vacation in Pinecraft, Florida. Meeting Betsy and Lilly on the way, she’s amazed to find two kindred spirits. They become fast friends and determine to have the best two weeks of their lives. For Mary, it starts when she meets Jayson Raber. The handsome and charming carpenter is taken by Mary from the get-go, but he has responsibilities back home in Kentucky–including a girl he’s supposed to marry.When someone from Mary’s past shows up in Pinecraft, it seems like her perfect vacation is ruined. But that’s nothing compared to what’s coming when she realizes what Jayson has been hiding.Take a vacation with New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray as she explores what happens when we allow our pasts to define our futures in this story of friendship, romance, and new beginnings.

Hearts of Steel by Elizabeth Camden

I know that this has been my favorite book this year. I loved the characters and the romance and the suspense. I loved that there was laughter and some tears. I loved Maggie and Liam and all that they learned from each other to help them become better in their lives. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

His steel empire has catapulted him to the top of the world, but loving her could cost him everything.

Maggie Molinaro survived a hardscrabble childhood in the downtrodden streets of Manhattan to become a successful businesswoman. After a decade of sacrifice, she now owns a celebrated ice cream company. But when she offends a corrupt banker, she unwittingly sets off a series of calamities that threaten to destroy her life’s work.

Liam Blackstone is a charismatic steel magnate committed to overhauling factory conditions for the steelworkers of America. Standing in his way is the same villain determined to ruin Maggie. What begins as a practical alliance to defeat a common enemy soon evolves into a romance between two wounded people determined to beat the odds.

A spiraling circle of treachery grows increasingly dangerous as Liam and Maggie risk their lives and fortunes for the good of the city. It will require all their wit and ingenuity to protect everything–and everyone–they hold dear.

Never Beguile a Bodyguard by Regina Scott

I enjoyed the romance and the intrigue. I love Fortune and Meredith. I really liked Abigail and Finn and how they work together. I loved that this had many laughs. I enjoyed this first book in this new series and recommend reading the series before this one. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I give this book a four out of five stars.

6

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

Ordered to guard, forbidden to loveWhen elite soldier Finn Huber was released from his duties to his king and crown prince to start a new life in Regency England, he never dreamed his first position would be bodyguard to a governess whose sweet nature calls to him. He fell for a lady he was guarding years ago, with devastating consequences. He learned the hard way that bodyguards must be vigilant, valiant, and in control, always. Loving who they guard is strictly forbidden.

Governess Abigail Winchester beguiles her charges with warm smiles and gentle words, but her composure is hard won. Someone knows about her connection to a family scandal and is bent on destroying her. How kind of her benefactress, Lady Belfort, to hire Finn to keep her safe as she hides at the lady’s country estate. He is everything a lady might admire, but she cannot give in to her growing feelings for him. Finn’s honor and her past can never be reconciled.

But Lady Belfort and her cat, Fortune, are renowned for making matches—in employment and in romance. With their help, Finn and Abigail must uncover who is threatening her and stop the villain before it’s too late. In the end, will honor or love prevail?

If you like warm, witty historical romances, with a touch of mystery, then you’ll love this historical romance by an award-winning, bestselling author.

“Readers who love Regency and historical romances need to pick up stories by Regina Scott. The author has never disappointed me. I am very happy to recommend any of her novels.” The Huntress Reviews

Fall in love with this new series, today.

Just the Nicest Couple by Mary Kubica

I enjoyed this suspense story and was surprised at the ending. I did think it got a little long winded in the middle to keep the story going but I loved the ending. I really liked all the characters and felt bad for them all. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I give this book a four out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

“Mary Kubica’s Just the Nicest Couple is a masterfully written thriller about deception where we least expect it and the danger of a lie tumbling out of control. Taut and incredibly suspenseful, every moment is perfectly crafted to keep us wanting more. An engrossing, spine-tingling read! —Ashley Audrain, New York Times bestselling author of The Push

A husband’s disappearance inextricably links two couples in this twisty thriller from New York Times bestselling author Mary Kubica

Two couples, two close friends, one missing husband…

Jake Hayes is missing. This much is certain. At first, his wife, Nina, thinks he is blowing off steam at a friend’s house after their heated fight the night before. But then a day goes by. Two days. Five. And Jake is still nowhere to be found.

Lily Scott, Nina’s friend and coworker, thinks she may have been the last to see Jake before he went missing. After Lily confesses everything to her husband, Christian, the two decide that nobody can find out what happened leading up to Jake’s disappearance, especially not Nina. But Nina is out there looking for her husband, and she won’t stop until the truth is discovered.

Queen of suspense Mary Kubica delivers a high-octane, edge-of-your-seat thriller filled with delicious lies and shocking betrayals, and shows how even the deepest secrets will always find a way to the surface.

Her Secret Amish Past by Dana R. Lynn

I loved this story. I loved all the action and the romance. I loved Joss and Steve. I love how the Amish are woven into the storyline. I love that Joss and Steve have to learn about themselves before they can get over their pasts. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

Stolen from the Amish…

with no memory of her past.

When her mother is shot as they flee an unknown threat, Josslyn Graham discovers her entire life is a lie. Not only is she adopted but she’s the target of armed assailants–and she doesn’t know why. With an old doll the only clue to her true identity, Joss needs Sergeant Steve Beck’s help to find the truth…before a deadly criminal ring buries the remaining evidence: her.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Amish Country Justice

Book 1: Plain Target
Book 2: Plain Retribution
Book 3: Amish Christmas Abduction
Book 4: Amish Country Ambush
Book 5: Amish Christmas Emergency
Book 6: Guarding the Amish Midwife
Book 7: Hidden in Amish Country
Book 8: Plain Refuge
Book 9: Deadly Amish Reunion
Book 10: Amish Country Threats
Book 11: Covert Amish Investigation
Book 12: Amish Christmas Escape
Book 13: Amish Cradle Conspiracy
Book 14: Her Secret Amish Past
Book 15: Crime Scene Witness
Book 16: Hidden Amish Target

Doomed Legacy by Matt Coyle

I really like Rick Cahill. I enjoyed the action. This made me cringe and cry. I am hoping there will be more books in this series. I love the title of this book since it really says what this story is about. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I give this book a four out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

A sinister private detective agency, a shady shell corporation, and a dead friend—Rick Cahill is on his most dangerous mission yet

Private investigator Rick Cahill has been running from his past and chasing the truth his whole life. But his past is relentless—and so is his CTE, a disease caused by repeated head traumas that has attacked his body and his mind. As his CTE progresses, he realizes that the disease not only threatens his life but also endangers his family’s wellbeing.

As Rick struggles to keep his family together, he does a favor for Sara Bhandari, a business contact. Then, Sara is murdered, and the police believe her to be yet another victim of a serial rapist who has been terrorizing greater San Diego. But Rick has reason to question their theory. Determined to find the truth at any cost, and against his wife’s warnings, he investigates on his own.

Along the way, he bumps up against a sinister private investigative agency and a shady shell corporation that may be hiding more than company secrets. As Rick digs for the truth about Sara’s death, he risks his own life and the lives of countless innocents caught in his relentless crusade. Ultimately, Rick must decide if his quest is worth the risk of losing his family forever.

Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly and John Sandford

While all of the novels in the Rick Cahill PI Crime Series stand on their own and can be read in any order, the publication sequence is:

Yesterday’s Echo
Night Tremors
Dark Fissures
Blood Truth
Wrong Light
Lost Tomorrows
Blind Vigil
Last Redemption
Doomed Legacy