A Refuge at Highland Hall

I love it when you follow an incredible series through to the very end and you find yourself sighing with happiness but also a bit bittersweet at the same time because you realize it's over. For fans of historical romance or of Downton Abbey, you might want to begin Carrie Turansky's Edwardian Bride Series! In Refuge at Highland Hall, the third and perhaps final book in this series, we follow the life of Penny Ramsey as she finds herself an unfortunate victim of the Great War coming to England. She was staying with her sister Kate and her husband Jon, trying to help care for eight orphaned children while Kate is pregnant. It is there during a time of serving wounded soldiers, that she meets Alex Goodwin, who is recovering from a recent crash, but hopes to be back in the air again soon.

She isn't about to give up her heart so willingly as the last time she did so, the man chose someone else to marry even though he hadn't given her any impression he wanted anything more. She admires Alex's calm and brave presence and when he asks her to write him when he goes to war, she hopes in the back of her mind that this might just be the one God has in mind for her. However, she also has to be practical as most men who are pilots rarely last but a few weeks. The survival rates for pilots are a bit depressing. Yet she prays for him as she receives each letter and now that the family has relocated temporarily back to her home at Highland Hall, due to safety issues now that Zepplins are releasing bombs over the cities. Alex's goal now that he has witnessed first hand what there destruction does, vows to do all he can to at least find a way to take them out.

The more the letters pass between the two, romance soon blossoms and as much as Penny tries to keep her heart in tact, she finds she is slowly giving it away to Alex a piece at a time through their correspondence. Alex knows he can't face any distractions while flying, so as much as he tries to keep his relationship with Penny as merely a friendship, he can't help but wonder if he were to survive the war, what it might feel like to have someone waiting for him back in England. Will their prayers be enough to sustain them through the war or will the enemy take away the only thing they have and leave them merely victims of the war instead?

I received A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers for my honest. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside for a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review. I can't even choose a favorite in this series, because it would be like asking me which child is my favorite. By the time you get to A Refuge at Highland Hall, you have had the pleasure of getting to know Kate and Julia's stories and it concludes with Penny's. However, I am still hopeful that Carrie might add another one before she closes this one out, and with that I can believe it might not be quite over. Yet you never know. There is a Reading Discussion Guide included at the conclusion of this novel and for me this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion based on the fact I love war romances, and the Edwardian time period as well.

For more information about A Refuge at Highland Hall, Carrie Turansky or where you can pick up a copy of this book, please click on the links below:

A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

The Edwardian Brides Series by Carrie Turansky

1 -The Governess of Highland Hall

2 - The Daughter of Highland Hall

3 - A Refuge of Highland Hall

You can find Carrie Turansky on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on A Refuge at Highland Hall, please visit WaterBrook Multnomah's website. 

Rainy Day Dreams

The hardest thing to comprehend when we go about our daily lives is how hard it was for those first settlers to travel thousands of miles and begin the cities we find ourselves living in today. We often forget the hardships, the struggles and adversities they faced in trying to make their dreams of a new life come true. From disease, to Indian attacks and just the journey itself is one to be commended and remembered. Perhaps that is why I have such a love for historical fiction. In the Seattle Bride series from Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith, both well known Christian Historical authors, they have once again teamed up to bring you Rainy Day Dreams, the second novel in the series.

We find ourselves watching the struggle that Kathryn Bergert faces upon arriving by ship to the town of Seattle in 1856. She was sent here to find a suitable husband by her parents, mostly her father, since the ratio of men to women is 100 to 1. Armed with a small savings and all her painting supplies, she has acquired lodging with a cousin she has never met, Mary Ann Garritson, who is the proprietor of the Faulkner House. She is also hoping the job she has been promised will allow her to make a living for herself until she figures out just what she is going to do.

When she discovers that the job she had hoped for was that of a maid instead of a manager of the establishment, she immediately begins to make plans to head back on the first available ship out and back to San Francisco. Only she isn't quite sure if she will have enough money to pay for the fare and what her father will say when she returns without a husband. She may have to buy her time, and settle with dealing with her harsh and blunt cousin as a maid until she is able to save enough money. Mary Ann tells her that she isn't going to be paid, but that she can work for her accommodations instead, and that consists of a room that has been converted from an old closet. She definitely won't have room for painting in there. What will she do now?

I received Rainy Day Dreams by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith compliments of Harvest House Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This was such a delightful novel and I didn't even realize it was part of a series until the end. Now I will definitely need to pick up a copy of the first novel, A Bride for Noah, and see how they came to be a couple! You truly meet such a wonderful cast of characters in this novel along with dealing with the threat of an Indian attack in a town that is unprepared to deal with violence. I love that most of this was built on a foundation of historical facts which the authors disclose details about at the conclusion of the novel for further research. A discussion guide is also included for book groups. I absolutely loved this one from start to finish and easily give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Rainy Day Dreams, Lori Copeland, Virginia Smith or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Rainy Day Dreams by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith

You can find Lori Copeland on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

You can find Virginia Smith on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Rainy Day Dreams, please visit Harvest House Publisher's website. 

The Queen's Handmaid

You can tell when you're reading a historical fiction novel or in this case a biblical historical fiction novel that the author has done their due diligence and written something so exceptional, you honest wonder how long the research must have taken. In the case of The Queen's Handmaid from best-selling author Tracy L. Higley, she writes the little known fictional story of Herod, the Galilean governor with his eye on conquering as many kingdoms as possible. Using all his influence he begins to form alliances with Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt and Mark Anthony, second in command of Rome. Herod hoped that each of these alliances would lead him to gain more control of the surrounding lands he had already acquired and had hoped that with his marriage to Mariamme he would have an heir to his throne. But Herod the Great would soon face his challenges beginning with Cleopatra who would not give up any control to anyone including members of her own family if she felt threatened. She would have them executed without a second thought.

Lydia is Cleopatra's handmaid who cares for her children at first until she is introduced to Herod. He sees the intelligence and value she possesses and hires her as a handmaid for his soon-to-be wife. Only Lydia is living with a task she must accomplish in her lifetime and one that requires her to locate a man in the temple courts of Jerusalem and provide him with a set of sealed scrolls from the prophet Daniel. She must not divulge this information to anyone and her mentor Samuel was murdered before he could complete the task. Since he left no sons behind to carry on, he has tasked Lydia with helping to usher in future for the nation of Israel. Only if Samuel was murdered for having the scrolls in his possession, so can Lydia.

As things begin to unravel with being in Cleopatra's household, Lydia knows it will only be a matter of time before Cleopatra has her killed as well. Lydia has always proved a threat to Cleopatra not by her words or actions, but by her calm demeanor and how people are immediately drawn to her. Even Cleopatra's own children find solace and comfort in Lydia than with their own mother. So when the opportunity presents itself to flee from Cleopatra and leave secretly with Herod, Lydia realizes that it will not only be for her benefit but also move her closer geographically for finding the one person she can give the scrolls to before they find her. But even Herod has his secret spies working in his own family to ensure their own personal interests and survival, is Lydia any safer with Herod than she is with Cleopatra?

I received The Queen's Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for my honest review and the opinions contained in this review are strictly my own. I am a huge fan of Tracy Higley's literature because of her ability to write the reader into the story. You are just reading it, you're there as part of the story in the background as a silent observer. You can see and feels things so vividly, pictures aren't required. Her ability to utilize the character of Lydia to bring the characters of Cleopatra and Herod to life in a unique way. Based on factual information, she shows you just how manipulative they each were to obtaining their goals and how they played upon others to achieve their selfish aspirations even at the cost of those they loved. It was sad to see how far greed got carried away in their own life and even though they each thought they were in control, they were really being played by others around them without knowing it. Hands down this one gains a 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and can't wait for more from Tracy in the near future.

For more information about The Queen's Handmaid, Tracy L. Higley or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Queen's Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley

You can also find Tracy L. Higley on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Queen's Handmaid, please visit Litfuse Publicity Book Tour Page. 


Tracy L. Higley is celebrating the release of The Queen's Handmaid with a fun giveaway.

Retailers + Resources gave it this glowing review: "Rich in historic detail, Higley’s vivid writing brings to life the plots and intrigues that swirled through the ancient world as alliances were built and broken on the calculated schemes of power-mad monarchs." 

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• The Queen's Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 19th. Winner will be announced April 21st on Tracy's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Tracy's blog on April 21st to see if you won.

The Soul of the Rose

Debating the merits of fine literature at great lengths is the common ground that has brought Celia Thatcher and Edward Lyons together.

Celia works for Mr. Chestley as his assistant in a bookstore in Massachusetts in 1876. It's a place she used to frequent with her family as a young girl and its that love of books that has made her a valuable edition for Mr. Chestley. She loves to read, and one of its delights was to provide an escape from the real world. She just wishes she can find someone who will long for her like a rose whose soul has gotten into a man's blood.

Edward Lyons has been a social recluse after the death of his wife, Marguerite, venturing out only at night to pick up his latest book purchase to add to his growing personal library where he lives alone with only his fellow literary characters from his books as companions to pass the time. He is a man who's been searching for the truth but has been searching in all the wrong places avoiding God is doing so. This brings Celia and Edward to some great philosophical debates on the truth when it comes to science versus religion or faith in God.

He needed to know the depth, the sensitivity of her mind. Did she have a true interest in what he valued? He felt she did, but had to know fore certain. He couldn't bear another Marguerite. Edward believed he was the only man to appreciate her, if all he surmised about her was true. Granted, she was a woman of set beliefs, of strong religious conviction, yet he also saw her mind wonder and leap at new thoughts and ideas.

Rumors have been circulating in a small town such as theirs were about whether or not Edward had anything to do with his former wife's death. Some wonder if Edward killed her or is she simply died an early death due to some unknown illness.

Mrs. Harrod, has found another acceptable suitor and escort for Celia, her son Charles, an up and coming Harvard Law Student, who finds a way to charm himself into Celia's life through books and profound theological conversations instead of merely beauty and good looks, but Charles was young, nearer to her own age than Edward. Who would claim her heart and soul?

I received The Soul of the Rose by Ruth Trippy compliments of Abingdon Press for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable one. I have to say that the writing style for me was difficult based on the words used to convey the types of people that Edward and Celia are, both educated and wise beyond their years, but it's that wording that caused me to slow down my progression from the story to take time to investigate the meaning behind the words use to convey this story. It distracted me from the flow of the story and made it difficult to remember what I had read previously, however overall the premise behind the story is exceptional. Being a huge book lover myself, I could easily relate to Celia's character who isn't afraid to speak her mind to men, especially when her upbringing included having those same discussions with her father. She is definitely more than just a beautiful woman! For those reasons, I rate this novel a 4 out of 5 stars and for those that love a great historical romance with a bit of mystery attached to it, then you will undoubtedly LOVE this one!

For more information about The Soul of the Rose, Ruth Trippy or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Soul of the Rose by Ruth Trippy

You can also find Ruth Trippy on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Soul of the Rose, please check out Abingdon Press' website. 

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (October 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426767498
• ISBN-13: 978-1426767494
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches

Millie's Treasure

"Clipped to the second page was an envelope with his name written in Henry's scrawling handwriting. Inside Kyle found a letter, a match and a key. 

December 24, 1888

While I cannot be absolved from keeping you away from family on Christmas Eve, I can at least make up for the fact by providing a brief respite before work on this case begins in earnest on January 2. Arrangements have been made for rooms at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis form tomorrow night through the aforementioned second day of the New Year. Should you find that your work on the missing gold case requires it, of course the agency will pay for as many nights past that as you deem necessary.

Our friend Taft suggested that the rooftop of the as-yet-unopened Cottn Exchange building on Second Street might prove the venue for your test flight. To that end, he has secured access for you and assures me the three of us are the only ones who have knowledge of this. Thus, I hasten to warn that you must not be caught lest you alone will be forced to explain. And, per Mr. Taft, please remember to leave the key in the Weather Service office on the third floor before the service employee arrives at work after the holiday and realizes it is missing.

Consider this a small measure of thanks for your dedication to the agency. And no, I have not cleared this with Mr. Pinkerton, thus the need for the match. I am sure you will make good use of it, as always.

Best regards,

Henry

December 24, 1888
Memphis, Tennessee

Cook was right. The best thing about marrying Sir William Trueck and beginning a new life in London was that Millie Cope would leave Memphis and everything she knew and once loved   behind. And this was no small thing.

For she knew she could not stay, not when her life in this house was merely the wisp of a shadow slipping into darkness. As Sir William Trueck's American bride, she could step out of that shadow. She tried to recall that when fear rose to make its attempt at choking out good sense. And Millie Cope was nothing if not sensible.

After the death of her mother and two elder sisters, Julia and Sarah, to a yellow fever epidemic a decade ago, the distance that yawned between her and her father had become unbearable. So when Father brought his new business partner, Sir William Trueck, home for dinner, it was Cook's idea for Millie to smile sweetly in his direction. To allow him to court her when he asked. And, finally, to accept his proposal of marriage, but only if it came with the assurance that she would be allowed to live in England and have complete freedom to do as she pleased.

In the latest novel in The Secret Lives of Will Tucker, Millie's Treasure by best-selling author Kathleen Y'Barbo, takes us back into the life of Pinkerton agent, Kyle Russel who has been tasked at searching for confederate treasure believed to be hidden in New Orleans. What he doesn't plan on discovering is that his heart has been lost to a society scientist, Millie Cope who may just be at the heart of his investigation along with her father. Dabbling in inventions along with his partner Lucas McMinn, who readers got an indepth look at in the first book in the series, Flora's Wish, Kyle is hoping to test his latest invention, a flying machine during the down time in his investigations. What he doesn't expect to find is someone who can match his intelligence, skill and passion for science in Millie. Millie's just hoping for a chance to immerse herself in books and research in cryptology and begin her own search for her family's lost treasure. A treasure that may in fact lead her to more than a way to escape the plan her father has in store for her.

I received Millie's Treasure by Kathleen Y'Barbo compliments of Harvest House Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I am completely charmed and enchanted by this series, because the women characters that Kathleen's creates are much like how I would envision my own life if I lived at that time. Struggling between what is expected of women from upper society and the desires of their heart, ones that don't conform to what society or their family believes an proper woman should do. They are strong, smart and at times fail to see their own self worth, believing what their family thinks of them instead, but along comes a true hero that shows them they are a unique and beautiful creation, designed specifically by God and captivates their hearts. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to read Sadie's Secret, which reader's get a sneak peek at in the end of this one. There is also a discussion guide at the end that is perfect for book groups.

For more information about Millie's Treasure, Kathleen Y'Barbo, or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Millie's Treasure by Kathleen Y'Barbo

You can also follow Kathleen Y'Barbo on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Millie's Treasure from the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, please click here. 



 

Josiah's Treasure

"Miss Whittier was intelligent and determined, strong willed and pretty enough...commendable attributes, but one he couldn't afford to admire. He had to remember that she was not be trusted until his lawyer had finished reviewing the particulars of Josiah's estate. Not if he wanted to keep a cool head around her.

Not if he wanted to keep himself from caring.

"I came her to fetch what Josiah owed me and my sisters," he said plainly, truthfully, "not to ruin a young woman's future."

"You might succeed in doing both."

He slapped his hat against his thigh, fanning an eddy of dust across the floor. "Listen, I'm not out to hurt you. But I can't go back on the promises I've made, any more than you can go back on yours. You believe your girls need you. My sisters need me."

"Do you honestly think we can fulfill both our promises, Mr. Cady?"

"You have your backers," he pointed out.

"Anxious men whose charitable impulses read well in the newspaper but don't always hold up under pressure." She wasn't naive in the least.

Daniel stilled the nervous motion of his hands. Pretty young women like Sarah shouldn't be so cynical or worldly-wise. They should be sheltered and supported, what he'd spent half a lifetime doing for his sisters, trying to keep them from suffering the worst of the damage Josiah had caused. He didn't have to learn much about Sarah Whittier to realize that, even though she'd worked for Josiah in that comfortable house, she'd had to scrape and claw to be where she was today. Just like he had, making them two of a kind. An uncomfortable recognition.

"What do you want from me?" he asked.

"I didn't bring you here to impress you with my empty shop and its filthy floors." She pulled in a long breath. "I brought you here because, if you succeed in gaining Josiah's estate, I want you to invest in the studio. I would pay you back, with interest."

"I can't do that." Even if he wanted to help Sarah Whittier, for the sake of Lily's and Marguerite's futures, he couldn't.

Sarah gave him a withering look and retrieved her reticule from the countertop where she left it. Apparently she had let herself hope for more from him.

"You were right." Her eyes were deep brown, the color of cocoa or polished walnut. Lovely even when dull with disillusionment. "I did waste my time."

In the novel Josiah's Treasure by author Nancy Herriman, the reader is transported back to San Francisco in 1882. Here we find ourselves at a crossroads with Sarah Whittier and Daniel Cady. Two strong and yet opposing forces that each have a dream that they are trying to build and fulfill. With Sarah, she had been Josiah's nurse and caretaker until his death, leaving her all his wealthy and estate. She now plans on using some of that money to help build an art business to employ several immigrant women and help them get ahead in life by teaching them valuable life skills instead of selling themselves down on the Barbary alley.

Daniel arrives literally at Sarah's doorstep, claiming to be Josiah's long long son and perceived heir to his estate. He refuses to let himself care for Sarah or her desire to help other women less fortunate than herself find better lives. Until he can provide proof of his identity, both of them remain at odds. Daniel will do whatever it takes to provide for his sisters what he feels his father had promised them long ago when he left them behind. He can't believe that Josiah never revealed to Sarah that he had children, and now believes that there may in fact be a treasure buried in the house that his father hid when he stuck gold in coming to California. Now if he can only convince his heart to follow his head.

I received Josiah's Treasure by author Nancy Herriman compliments of Worthy Publishing and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. This is such a charming book taking into account the rise to wealthy by those that struck it rich during California's famed gold rush. I love the strength that Nancy breathed into the character of Sarah, a perseverance to keep pushing through despite the odds against her by the men of that time period. I love how she is willing to try anything to give her dream wings and hopes in some way she can convince Daniel to help. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and loved the historical look back at the early growth of San Francisco during the setting of this novel with the cable cars and Nob Hill as the backdrop. I will be looking for more books from Nancy Herriman in the future to enjoy and add to my library of favorites. This one has found a permanent home.

For more information about Josiah's Treasure, Nancy Herriman or where to pick up this novel today, please click on the links below:

Josiah's Treasure by Nancy Herriman

You can follow Nancy Herriman on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

You can read more reviews on Josiah's Treasure from the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Book Tour by simply clicking here. 

• Paperback: 310 pages
• Publisher: Worthy Book Publishers (April 16, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1936034794
• ISBN-13: 978-1936034796
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.4 inches

Also available for your favorite eBook Reader!!!

Flora's Wish

She was the legendary Fatal Flora, the bride who had lost four fiancès to their untimely graves. All of Natchez knew that, so why not total strangers as well? He also knew that she had an ability to navigate heights, decent skill on the ballroom floor, and an interest in finding Will Tucker. It did not escape her notice, though, that somewhere out there was a strange man who knew her as Fatal Flora. A man who could ruin everything with Mr. Tucker.

That is, if Mr. Tucker ever saw fit to arrive for his wedding.

When a chance encounter at a masquerade ball behind a set of palms introduces Flora Brimm to Lucas McMinn, a Pinkerton agent on a reconnaissance mission at the Crescent Hotel in Arkansas where neither one of them was hoping to let on who they really were. However for Lucas, he seems to have the upper hand. Of course he has to be able to get past Millicent Brimm, her wealthy grandmother who seems to have plans for keeping Brimmfield from leaving the family. If Flora doesn't have an heir by the time her Cousin Winthrop Brimm turns 30, he will inherit the estate instead of Flora.

But the problem with Flora is none of her grooms-to-be make it to the altar before dying and with just 2 years left to secure a husband, a marriage and give birth to an heir, Flora has a plan. She has managed to convince Will Tucker, a railroad detective to marry her for just the legalities and give her a child that she will raise on her own. It's a marriage in name only. However when Will Tucker fails to show up for their wedding two weeks late, she feels there is something more going on with Will then what he's telling her. Especially when her grandmother claims to have seen him a week earlier but didn't know who he was. Will Will Tucker have an explanation that Flora will believe or will Lucas McMinn have other plans for the newlyweds?

In the novel, Flora's Wish by Kathleen Y'Barbo, we get a look at the unlucky circumstances of Flora Brimm. How one manages to get engaged four times and never married has many in town questioning whether Flora had anything to do with their untimely demises. Perhaps a Black Widow in disguise looking for a way to increase her holdings and keep her family's estate? Or is Flora's luck about to change? I can completely understand the motivation behind Flora's planning especially during the late 1800's where a woman's goal in life was to be married with a husband and family. Yet poor Flora can't seem to make a go of it no matter what she tries to do and feels desperate enough to marry in this case for money, but the money will be paid to Will Tucker to care for the needs of his family. At least that is the story he has told Flora, but perhaps the wisdom of Grandmama Millicent be just what she needs to finally hear and pay attention to before it's too late.

I received Flora's Wish by Kathleen Y'Barbo compliments of Harvest House Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. Being a huge fan of traditional regencies and historical western's you get a brilliant combination of both when you pick this one up. Flora's situation is similar to that of wealthy aristocrats but set in Arkansas in 1887. So this will appeals to fans of both book genres. Having never read a novel with this type of premise, I knew that this would be an interesting read and was not disappointed. I love how the author used the historical Crescent Hotel found in Eureka Springs as the inspiration for the setting as well as the Southern Belle lifestyle of her characters! I personally rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to more from Kathleen Y'Barbo in the future. This is the first book in The Secret Lives of Will Tucker series.

For more information about Flora's Wish, Kathleen Y'Barbo or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Flora's Wish by Kathleen Y'Barbo

You can also find Kathleen Y'Barbo on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

To read more reviews from the Flora's Wish book tour hosted by Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, please click here.

Queens of the Waves

"A wave of fear washed over Jacquie afresh as she tried to absorb the news.

Father dangled the cigar between his fingers. "I'm delighted about Roland's offer, as you can imagine. I do hope you will be as well. This has been a thoughtful undertaking."

"B-but..." She couldn't seem to manage anything else. The lump in her throat wouldn't allow it.

"He's a good man, and a kind one. I can't deny that the arrangement is advantageous for us all, but I do believe you will settle happily.  He will treat you well and give you a good life. And you will never want for anything. Of this, we can be quite sure." Another puff of the cigar followed on her father's end and then a nod. "Roland has a large home in New York and has just purchased the Willingham estate here in Richmond near the Thames."

"Well, that sounds lovely." Jacquie's mother folded her hands in her lap and sat up a bit straighter.

"Yes." Father grinned. "And what a stroke of luck, marrying a man in the automobile industry. Not only will you have an enviable home, but you will also own the best vehicles in the country."

Jacquie swallowed hard as she thought about how to respond. Of course her father found this news to be delightful. He would. But she could not - would not - marry a man she had no feelings for, especially when her heart remained affixed to another. She forced a smile and fought to quiet her racing heart, fearing it might somehow give her away.

As Jacquie's mother quickly whisked her away to her room to begin making wedding plans as her mother's voice lowered to a whisper as she opened the hatbox and pressed several newspaper clippings into Jacquie's hands. " A new ocean liner is leaving Southhampton in five weeks, headed for New York. Arrangements can be made for you to be onboard when she sails, but we must hurry." She pressed the now empty hatbox onto the shelf.

"W-what? You're sending me to America?" Jacquie shook her head as she started down at the newspaper clippings. A photograph of the RMS Titanic stared back at her. "What are you saying, Mother? Have you and Father planned this as some sort of honeymoon gift?"

Mama shook her head. "I've known for weeks that your father was, well...working on a plan with Mr. Palmer, but I'm not talking about sending you two off on a honeymoon. Not at all. Listen to me. I know the pain of a forced union firsthand. My own father, God rest his soul, made sure I was advantageously matched as well." Her expression hardened. "My daughter will not be painted into that same corner. I would soon die that allow it, trust me." (pg 21).

Her mother learned that Jacquie had fallen in love with their gardener, Peter Bowen, but felt she must leave England on the Titanic and stay in New York with her grandmother. Perhaps there she could find the love she was truly searching for. But how could she leave behind the only man she had ever loved? One thing for sure, she knew she could not go through with her father's plans to marry Roland Palmer.

In the latest novel from Janice Thompson in the American Tapestries series, Queen of the Waves, takes the readers back into a historical fictional romance of 1912 as Jacquie Abingdon attempts to runaway aboard the Titanic to escape the arranged marriage to Roland Palmer without her father's knowledge. When she tells Peter of her plan to include taking him on the trip, he turns down the offer telling her that his family depends on his income to support them. He can't leave them. He does offer Jacquie another option, to send his sister Tessa, who is the same age as Jacquie in her place to escape the abuse from their drunken father. Jacquie agrees and they spend the next two weeks preparing Tessa to take her place onboard the Titanic and provide a way for her to escape as well. How can Tessa Bowen attempt to act like a lady of society when all she has ever known is the life of being a pig farmer's daughter?

The two women make arrangements to meet on the dock to make the switch in boarding passes and tickets and Tessa will go by the name of Jacquie Abingdon and head to New York. Jacquie will send a letter to her grandmother in New York explaining that she could not leave because she wanted to marry Peter, someone her parents would never allow her to marry due to his social status. She knew her grandmother would take Tessa in and would send along her lady's maid, Iris to help Tessa as needed. Little did Jacquie know what would later happen and how all their lives would change forever in ways none of them could ever prepare for.

I received Queen of the Waves compliments of Summerside Press and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I've been a huge fan of the Titanic when it first came to the big screen and it really interested me to know more about the lives of so many who boarded the fateful ship that day in hopes of a new life in America only to have so many never make it. When the opportunity came up to review this novel, I knew I would instantly want to read it and in the process LOVE the characters that Janice Thompson breathed to life in the pages of her novel. You feel the emotional anguish between Tessa and Jacquie's choices to make their lives their own through choices neither of them felt they could make. In a twist of fate, one would find love and the other pain beyond belief but in the end, healing would come to them all. I rate this novel a 5 out of 5 stars. For those of you that love romantic novels about the Titanic, then this one is a MUST READ for you!

For more information about Queen of the Waves, Janice Thompson, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson

You can find Janice Thompson on Facebook, by clicking here. 

To read more reviews on Queen of the Waves from the Litfuse Book Tour, please click here. 


Celebrate with Janice by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

 

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
• Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Queen of the Waves and Where the Trail Ends and join Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

+ Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson + The Trouble with Cowboys, Denise Hunter + Women Redeemed Live Webcast 2.0 Event (Kregel Publications)

Love in Disguise

Just who has Ellie Moore become? Even now, looking back she can't remember, but God can. Now that she has given up the life of an actress in Chicago and trying to find a way to make a living, she overhears a conversation between two men looking for a woman for hire. They are Pinkerton's and were hoping to locate a woman to send along with a younger one to find out who's been stealing silver from the mines in Arizona.

When Ellie applies for the job with little more than being aware of other's conversations as her only experience for the job, they look at her plain, young looks and politely decline to hire her. What they were looking for, was an older woman to accompany the young Norma Moore as an elderly escort to Arizona. Thinking back to her theater experience in Chicago, she quickly changes into a disguise as an elderly woman called Lavina Stewart, wearing a grey wig and elderly clothing. When she returns to the agency, neither man can recognize her and are ready to hire her, when she reveals who she is, begging them to give her a chance. Seeing no other options, they offer to send her along with Norma, an experienced field agent to Arizona.

However, when she meets up with Norma and learns she has no intention on going to Arizona now that she has fallen in love and gotten married, Ellie, heads off on her own, hoping to come up with a plan before she arrives in Arizona. Her only hope lies in the costume trunk she was left with from her previous work with the Chicago theater.

Steven Pierce is finding it hard to keep his silver mine going with the recent thefts. He agrees with the other silver mine owners to hire the Pinkerton's to help since they aren't sure their local Marshall isn't part of the recent string of silver thefts. He sure doesn't seem to want to do anything to bring anyone to justice. Now if only he can keep his head above water before his mining operations going under with this bank account become thinner and thinner. When Mrs. Lavina Stewart arrives to meet with him, he feels God has answered his prayer in finding a way to keep his mining operations afloat as an investment. If only he knew behind that wig and costume lies the help he was asking for in a different way.

In the novel, Love in Disguise by Carol Cox, Ellie Moore will have to use everything in her bag of tricks to deceive not only all the residents on the town of Pickford, Arizona to keep not only the disguise of Lavina Stewart up, but to answer for the missing niece the Pinkerton's have hired with Ms. Moore, whom she hasn't explained isn't there. Lucky for her, she has another wig in her costume trunk to play the parts of two women while questioning the town for clues to the silver mine thefts.

I received Love in Disguise compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and have to say this one was interesting in a variety of ways. First introducing not only the Pinkerton's into a historical fiction, but making her a woman character as well. Add to that mix, a woman who must master the art of deception and disguise while solving a crime. If she can do it, she knows it will secure her a job with the detective agency once this case is over. The character Ellie portrays is definitely believable and I can see how hard it would be to keep track of what towns person has told which character what information, as she switches between the two woman. Will anyone catch on why the two are never seen together? You'll have to read this one and find out. I personally rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait for more from Carol Cox in the future.

For more information on this book, the author and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Love in Disguise by Carol Cox

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Hearts That Survive

Lydia Beaumont is about to set out on an adventure of a lifetime that will change her future forever. Being one of the first class passengers embarking on the maiden voyage of the Titanic along with her friend Caroline Chadwick she is faced with a dilemma of the heart. Also along for the voyage are Craven Dowd, president of Beaumont Railroad Company and John Ancell, a toy train maker, whose latest designs are the main interest to the Beaumont Railroad Company. The problem, both men have confessed their undying love and proposed marriage to Lydia.

Craven is 35 to her 21 years of age, is wise, wealthy, and very handsome; while John has a creative flair for not only designing trains but for poetry as well. It's this innocent heart that appears to have captured Lydia's heart. When Craven learns of her desire to marry John, he vows that her decision is childish and impulsive. In time, she will learn that and see in the long run a better fit would be to marry him instead. Her father will never accept the fact that Lydia would chose to marry John, as he would believe she deserves much better and she is lowering her standards.

Nevertheless, Lydia and John pursue their new found love and begin planning a wedding aboard the grandest ship in the world. Lydia wishes to marry on the grand staircase if only the captain would be willing. Not that she's in too much of a hurry, but when she learns that an unexpected night of passion between her and John earlier in their relationship, has resulted in her being with a child. Now if she can only find a way to tell John and hope that he will still want to marry her or will that fateful night rob them of the only love that they will ever know before it's too late?

In the latest novel by Yvonne Lehman, Heart That Survive, brings the readers on board the Titanic once more for a new romance story. This one of a railroad heiress and a toy train maker whose love seems to go behind the barriers of what is acceptable in the rich and famous. Bring back those favorite characters alongside this love story are the John Jacob Astor and Molly Brown, along with the new villian Craven Dowd. Much like the Titanic movie, this one involves a love story between two ill-fated people whose future rests in the hands of God on the night she will sink. Will true love prevail or will this be another love story lost at sea?

I received this novel compliments of Pump Up Your Books for my honest review and LOVED it! Being a huge Titanic fan, this one won me over initially with the setting taking place aboard the Titanic. Always curious to see where writers will go with a new fictional take on the fated ship, I was so caught up between the love stories of Lydia and John but also that of Caroline and her husband William. This one goes beyond the night of the sinking and shows how the lives of those that survived that night were forever changed. The reader is taken on a journey to see how each of them dealt with the losses incurred that night and how they manage to try to put their lives back on track. I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and a MUST READ for any Titanic fan or those that love a hopeful romance!

For more information about Hearts That Survive, Yvonne Lehman, or where to pick up your copy today at a local book retailer, please click on the links below:

Hearts That Survive by Yvonne Lehman

You can also find Yvonne Lehman on Facebook by clicking here.

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (March 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426744889
• ISBN-13: 978-1426744884
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches