I really enjoyed this third book in this series. I loved getting to know more about Loveday and Celeste. I enjoyed the steampunk parts of the story. I loved the romance and the action in the balloons. I really liked how Loveday and Celeste were able to get things done. 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
Only one thing could be worse than Napoleon’s invasion of England…
After their daring adventures behind enemy lines in France, Loveday Penhale and Celeste Blanchard cannot settle into everyday life at home. Has the Tinkering Prince forgotten them entirely? What of the prize he promised? Then, with the flourish of a royal messenger’s hand, their lives are changed. Not only have they won the prize, they are to join the Prince’s Own Engineers in London!
They must overcome many a stone in the path, however—leave all they love, find a suitable house, and worst of all, cope with a chaperone—before they can take their rightful places among the most intelligent and forward-thinking minds in the kingdom. Their goal? To develop an airborne fleet that will end Napoleon’s dreams of conquering England forever.
But the saboteur who has been plaguing their efforts for months has not yet been caught. And along with battling for acceptance among the engineers, tiptoeing closer to falling in love, and receiving invitations to Almack’s, they must discover the traitor’s identity … before the Prince Regent steps forward to command the fleet and finds himself playing right into Napoleon’s hands.
This is a fantastic Christmas time romance. If you like cats then you will love Snowball. I love Snowball as a matchmaker. Lara, Peter, Ben and Snowball are fantastic characters. I love that the story made me laugh and cry. I did not want to put this book down. 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
Cats and Christmas are a heartwarming combination in Kristen McKanagh’s series starring Snowball, the matchmaking kitty who brings unlikely couples together in stories “saturated with heart and humor” (Booklist starred review). Perfect for readers of Melinda Metz, Sandi Ward, it’s a sweet treat for fans of holiday-themed novels and cat fiction.
Snowball, the fluffy furball who found her forever home at a cozy Victorian inn, has her paws full this Christmas bringing two stubborn hearts together. Good thing no mission is too big for this kitty cupid . . .
Most cats have nine lives, but Snowball is one of the very few with two jobs. Officially, she’s the Weber Haus inn’s greeter. Unofficially, she’s the town matchmaker. Her track record is the cat’s pajamas—until she meets her owner’s grinchy brother, Peter Diemer. Peter hopes to move the family bookstore to a busy location downtown—but someone else has outbid him for the last storefront.
Christmas is the ideal season for Lara Wolfe to fulfill her dream of expanding her home business into a real shop. Too bad someone is posting negative comments on the town forum. What kind of Grinch objects to a toy store?
Snowball is sure these two are a perfect match. They already have so much in common—books are a kind of toy, right? Now all they need to add to the mix is love, and Snowball has just the shenanigans up her furry sleeve to deliver a sweet romance in time to make the season merry and bright . . .
I loved the suspense, action and romance in this new series. I loved Cynthia and Rick. I am looking forward to getting to know the other team members that work with Rick in the next books of the series. I enjoyed the descriptions that were used for the areas of Africa that Cynthia was based in. I loved how fast paced the book was. 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 loved this second book in this series. I loved Kit and Jackson. There were a lot of twists and turns in this story. I loved finding out how Kit and Jackson were going to get through this newest twist in their relationship. I could not put this book down. I received a copy of this 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: The Bride of Blackfriars Lane
Author: Michelle Griep
Genre: Christian/Romance/Historical
Release date: September, 2022
Detective Jackson Forge can hardly wait to marry the street-sly swindler who’s turned his life upside down. Kit Turner is equally excited to wed the handsome detective, and what better way to show her love than providing him with a gift any man of the law would love? She determines to bring to justice the men who years ago maimed his brother—despite Jackson’s warning to leave the past in the past. As she digs into the mystery of what happened, she unwittingly tumbles into her own history and endangers her future happiness with Jackson.
Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at http://www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
And guess what? She loves to hear from readers! Feel free to drop her a note at michellegriep@gmail.com.
More from Michelle
A Visit to Borough Market
Whenever I skip across the pond, I make it a point to stop at the Borough Market for some great meals. This area was—and is—a popular place to shop and an absolute must-see for food lovers. From grocers, fishmongers, cheese sellers, and butchers to all kinds of ethnic eats, it’s hard not to want to sample everything. My personal favorite are the buddha bowls.
Believe it or not, Borough market has been in operation for the past thousand years. Yes, you read that correctly. It actually began as a bridge, constructed in 990. But let’s fast forward to the Victorian era, shall we?
In the nineteenth century, a railway viaduct was constructed through the middle of the market, which brought in more people—but also brought in more noise, soot, disruption, and crime. In such a hotbed of activity, it’s easy to imagine cutpurses and pickpockets of all sorts.
And that’s the perfect scene for a certain con-artist turned investigator to meet with an informant. In The Bride of Blackfriars Lane, Kit Turner is up to her old shenanigans, much to Jackson’s chagrin. You can visit Borough Market along with her in this wild ride through Victorian London. It’s just one of the many stops in a city that never gets old.
I loved this Amish romance. I felt that this was a bit different from most Amish romances. I loved Astrid, Imogene, Jesse and Ira. I loved that most of the characters were in their thirties. This book was witty and fun. I did not want to put the book down. 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
In this uplifting new inspirational romance series, award-winning authorAmy Lillard unites a “Widows’ Club” of women who share solace, friendship, faith—and mouthwatering Whoopie Pies—in the Amish community of Paradise Valley, Missouri. Will appeal to fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Molly Jebber, Susan Lantz Simpson, and Kelly Long. While most women her age are searching for husbands, Astrid Kauffman has chosen a different path–writing romance novels and donating her profits to her beloved Amish community. But when Astrid struggles with writer’s block, she agrees to play matchmaker for Imogene Yoder, a widowed mother of rambunctious twin boys. Perhaps the diversion—and the entrée it gives Astrid to the stories among the Widows’ Club—will spark her creativity . . . Fortunately, Astrid has just the match for Imogene: a widower she believes is the finest, most handsome man in town. In fact, Astrid realizes he’s perfect . . . for herself! Soon, the plot thickens as Imogene questions what kind of marriage she really wants, and Astrid wonders what kind of matchmaker falls for someone else’s match. But by letting faith guide the way, all involved may discover true love has written a far better next chapter than any of them expected . . .
I really enjoyed reading this historical romance. I loved that this took place in England and in Ireland. I recommend reading the books in this series in order so you know who all of the characters are in this story. I really liked Fiona . I had a hard time liking George in the beginning but I grew to like him. This made me laugh and cry. 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
She’s spent years running from the pain of her past. Is facing it the only way to save her future?
Fiona Campbell has done everything possible to mold herself into the perfect English governess. Determined to forget the tragedy she endured as a young girl in Ireland, she devoted all her energy into building a new life for herself. And she succeeded brilliantly–until the day she fell in love with Lord George Roderick, Baron of Cheswick, thereby risking not only her heart and reputation, but her livelihood, as well.
Fiona’s world is shattered when she learns that George has abandoned her to enter an engagement with the Honorable Sienna Clarke, a woman that receives his family’s full seal of approval. Despite George’s insistence that his love for her has not wavered and he will eventually make a way for them to be together, Fiona harbors doubts that his words will ever come to pass. Desperate to escape the situation, she applies for a new position elsewhere, only to be ignored at every turn.
George has always been the son his father could count on. He’s done everything his family has expected of him, but the idea of marrying anyone other than Fiona is unthinkable. Determined to set things right, he takes matters into his own hands, little dreaming that his actions will have the opposite effect of what he intended.
When a chance encounter with a childhood acquaintance provides Fiona with an opportunity to return to Ireland, she struggles with the decision. Should she remain in Roderick Glen and hope for love to prevail, or return to her native country and face the painful memories that have haunted her for years?
This third book in The Ladies of Roderick Glen series gives us another glimpse into the lives of the villagers as they reconcile faith with love, heartache, and the wistful longing for home.
I loved this book filled with psychological suspense and a bit of action. I loved that I could not figure out who the killer was until the very end. Mia and Easton were fantastic characters. I am hoping that there will be many more books featuring these characters. 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
In the pulse-racing first installment of the On the Edge series, a criminal psychologist teams up with a former marine on a deadly wildland mission. Not even their hearts can stay out of harm’s way.In the swamps of East Texas, alligators aren’t the only danger lurking in the shadows.After a young woman is brutally attacked on a popular hiking trail, the evidence points to the notorious Black Cat Stalker. The town of Skull Hollow enlists Dr. Mia Frost to provide a psychological profile and assist in the investigation.When another person goes missing, Mia partners with Easton Crew, former marine and current CEO of a tactical tracking company. Both Mia and Easton are stubborn, strong-willed, and independent, but neither can deny the smoldering attraction between them.As professional lines blur, Easton starts to question Mia’s motives and worries she’s getting too close to the investigation. The mystery begins to unravel, but so does Mia’s mental health as the clues dredge up her own haunted past.
This was a very good story that takes place in a time similar to the times of King Arthur. I enjoyed the characters in this story and the bits of fantasy with the magical sword. I loved the action and enjoyed the bits of romance. I received a copy of this book from the author 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
A benevolent king; …his sword of power; …a ruthless traitor bent on revenge; and the faithful son who stands in his way with the woman destined to share his throne.
Who shall emerge as the victor in this epic struggle between good and evil to rule the lives of hapless men?
This is a wonderful story and a fantastic series. Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies again solve another murder. Mae and Hank are fantastic. I love that Hank now wants Mae to help him solve the crimes. This story is well written and it will make you laugh. Dottie is a wonderful character. I love the descriptions of the trails and the campgrounds. 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
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY WITH A SMIDGEN OF HOMICIDE
USA Today Bestselling author Tonya Kappes brings you southern and quirky characters in her mystery series. Her stories are charged with humor, friendship, family and life in small southern towns.
It is fall in Normal, KY, and the town is celebrating the season with a Bourbon Festival.
Mae West is trying to enjoy the festival and a night out with Hank. While trying to dodge the one question every keep asking (When is the wedding?) Mae overhears an argument between the bourbon king’s son and another man and woman. So, when she stumbles over a body with ties to the Bourbon King, her hackles are raised.
Mae, Dottie, and the rest of the Laundry Club Ladies start poking around into the Bourbon King’s complicated life and soon find out there’s more than bourbon underneath the lid of a bourbon barrel.
This is a beautifully written contemporary Amish romance. I loved Leah and Zach. I loved how inspirational this story was. I love clean romance and this was a fantastic example. I loved that Leah and Zach helped each other to grow into better people. I received a copy of this 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: Trusting Her Amish Heart
Author: Cathy Liggett
Genre: Amish Inspirational Romance
Release date: August 1, 2022
Her heart may learn to love again…
But can it trust?
Running from betrayal, Leah Zook finds purpose caring for the older owner of an Amish horse farm. But when he’s injured and his estranged son returns home looking for redemption, Leah’s resolve is tested. The mysterious Zach Graber has all the power to fix the run-down farm— and Leah’s locked-down heart. But together will they be strong enough to withstand his secret…and hers?
ACFW award-winning author Cathy Liggett is an Ohio girl who never dreamed writing would take her across the world and to Amish country, too. But she’s learned God’s plans for our lives are often more creative than the ones we imagine for ourselves. That includes meeting her husband at a high school reunion and marrying three months later–forty years ago. Together, they enjoy visiting kids and grandkids, and spoiling their pup Chaz. Visit her: http://www.cathyliggett.com
More from Cathy
Trust. It’s a small word with huge implications, isn’t it?
When I think of trust, the first thing that comes to mind is our dog Chaz. We – or rather she – rescued us when she was a little over one year old. At the time she first came into our home the poor pup was too scared to even sleep. She’d start to doze off, then jerk and open her eyes, looking all around trying her utmost to stay on guard. Now, at 13 years old, our furry gal has cushy dog beds in every room in the house. Which makes perfect sense since she undoubtedly rules our roost. It’s been our joy to be able to spoil her all these years. But I have to say, Chaz isn’t the only one who has had trust issues.
While penning Leah and Zach’s story, I was so happy because it took me back to Sugarcreek, and not just in spirit or through sweet memories. As it happened, my critique partners (and dear friends) decided Ohio Amish country would be the perfect spot for a writing retreat. How could I disagree?
In the four days we spent in a rustic cabin we got ideas flushed out and chapters written too. But we also laughed, shared, celebrated, and ate more snacks and sweets than we should have.
I’m telling you this because coming home I thought how the chance to know and share with these special women may have never happened. Many years ago, I almost didn’t say ‘yes’ to their invitation to join their critique group. I’d been working in a creative field but writing a book was something new, and they were so far ahead of me. Can I tell you that as I sit typing this, that I’m so thankful I shared my writing and myself with them?
As just noted, like Leah and Zach, I know it’s not always easy to open up and to trust. But, also like the two of them, I’ve learned when I do trust God and the special people (and pups) He sends into my life, those relationships can be beyond rewarding.
Oh! And lastly – if you’re in the mood for something sweet like the characters in this book, here’s the recipe for the “Chocolate Chip Cake” they all raved about. It’s quick, easy and delicious. Trust me!
Chocolate Chip Cake
Ingredients:
1 box Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
4 eggs
½ cup oil
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 package vanilla instant pudding
6 oz. package of chocolate chips
4 oz. bar of Baker’s German Chocolate grated
3 Tablespoons confectioner’s sugar
Floured tube pan
Wax paper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour tube pan and line bottom with wax paper.
Set aside 3 Tablespoons of confectioner’s sugar. Mix everything else together except for chocolate.
After mixed, fold in all chocolate chips and ¾ of the grated German chocolate.
Add to pan and bake for 1 hour (a little prior to 1 hour, check for doneness).
Mix the remaining ¼ of the grated German chocolate with the 3 Tablespoons of confectioner’s sugar. Sprinkle this chocolate sugar mixture on top of cake. Bake 3-4 minutes longer.
Remove from oven and cool thoroughly. Remove from pan.
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