Morning Star (Maidels of Morning Star #1) by Charlotte Hubbard

About the book

When five maidels join forces to turn an abandoned barn into an Amish marketplace, the unmarried women have community in mind. But their fledgling enterprise promises to reap surprising rewards for each in turn, including the gift of unexpected love . . .

For Regina Miller, the new Morning Star Marketplace is a chance to share her secret work with the world--without revealing herself. Old Order Amish forbid the creation of art without purpose, but without a husband, Regina has been free to explore the joy of painting in her attic. Yet when Gabe Flaud's curiosity leads him to speculate that Regina herself is the painter, the full weight of their community's judgement

falls on her shoulders.

When Gabe stands up to defend Regina, questioning the Order's restrictions, he reveals his own guilty secret and is shunned along with her. Forced to turn to each other for companionship, the young couple must learn to balance their own needs with their deep faith . . . and a love that will show them all things 

are possible.

My thoughts:

Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is the first book in her new Maidels of Morning Star series.  The series is off to a great start in the first book as the reader is introduced to the five unmarried Amish women who share a love for family, each other and their community. I loved seeing how enterprising they are as the ideas flow when they are given permission to open new businesses that will benefit not only the business owners but will also fund a new school for the children in Morningstar.

Each of us are given gifts but in the Old Order Amish not all gifts are considered useful or practical as is the case with Regina Miller who is a talented artist.  Regina has been painting in secret for many years but she desperately wanted to sell her artwork which causes some unexpected challenges but also an unexpected show of support of Gabe Flaud, a friend and coworker.  I was surprised to find out that Regina’s story would be the first one the author chose to tell but what a wonderful story it is.  This character stole my heart and I found myself rooting for her throughout the entire book.  I also am fond of Bishop Jeremiah because he has a heart for the people of his church and will go to great lengths to do what he feels is right for them even if it means upsetting a few of the elders. It took awhile for me to warm up to Gabe but once I did, it was clear he is a good and honest man.

Overall, I thought Morning Star was an absolute delight to read. I loved the maturity of the characters who are interested in their community and past the age of the typical singings that I normally see in Amish fiction. Ms. Hubbard has been of my favorite authors for several years because she has a knack of crafting stories that are different than most other authors in this genre, her novels are unique, exciting and always leave me waiting for her next release.  It’s going to be hard to wait for the next book in the series find out what she has in store for her readers.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.  All opinions are completely my own.

How Sweet It Is (Legacy of Faith #3) by Robin Lee Hatcher review +Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

How Sweet It Is

(Lagacy of Faith, #3)

By Robin Lee Hatcher

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 304 Pages

July 14th 2020 by Thomas Nelson

He lost his brother. She lost her dream. Together, they might find what they’re really looking for.

Holly Stanford is doing the best she can with the restaurant she inherited from her late uncle. But after her fiancé abandons her and the business, Holly regrets having given up her dream of becoming a pastry chef. Now a few bad financial decisions might cost her everything, including her hope for the future.

Jed Henning has done well with his new company despite his prodigal brother’s behavior. When Jed‘s father, the controlling member of the board of directors, temporarily suspends operations until his sons work out their differences, Jed resentfully chases his brother, Chris, to Boise. There Jed rents a basement apartment from Holly and hopes to convince Chris to get his act together before their company collapses.

Unaware that Holly is the one person who can help him get through to Chris, Jed starts the tough work of reconciliation armed with little more than a few family photographs, a stack of old letters, and a Bible that belonged to his great-grandfather, Andrew Henning. And as romance blossoms between Holly and Jed, the story of Jed’s great-grandfather highlights the power of God across the generations and the legacy of a family’s courageous faith.

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My thoughts:

How Sweet It Is the third book in the Legacy of Faith Series by Ms. Hatcher and I will say that it truly is a sweet, endearing novel.  I absolutely adore a dual timeline and the author certainly had me engaged in the family saga from  start to finish.

I was most interested in the lives of Andrew and Helen but soon found myself equally interested in the life of their great grandson, Jed especially after he rented an apartment  from Holly Stanford.

The family drama is front and center in the lives of Jeb and his brother Chris, but a good family drama is interesting, at times sad but adds such depth and layers to a storyline and this story has that and more.  Mixed with family history and faith, add a sweet romance and you have the perfect 

blend of a wonderful, touching novel that will leave you with a warm, happy feeling.

Overall, I thought this book was beautifully crafted with charming characters and one that will make you cry at times and one that will stay with you after you have finished reading it.  I received a copy from the publisher.  All opinions are completely my own.

Other Books in the Series

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About the Author

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 80 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA Award, the Carol Award, the Christy Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award. Robin is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.

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Ready To Trust (Hearts of Oklahoma #2) by Tina Radcliffe

About the book

Proving he’s a changed man could be his biggest challenge yet.

Rancher Reece Rainbolt’s shocked to learn he’s inherited half of Claire Ballard’s family farm—and that he’s a father. Now Claire’s determined to break ties with the man who once left her behind. But Reece will buy her half buy only on one condition: she must stay in town to help with the harvest…and let him get to  his little girl

My thoughts:

Ready to Trust is the second book in the Hearts of Oklahoma series and   Finding the Road Home, the first book in the series so I was more than happy to reconnect with them.  This is the story of Reece Rainbolt and Claire Ballard who have known each other for quite some time.   I love a storyline where the two main characters have a past history and oh boy, do these two have quite a past. People change over time but it’s not always easy to let go of the past and learning to trust isn’t always easy either.

I absolutely loved how the author tackles the challenges her characters face and how they grow and start to move forward with their lives.  The strong family ties are an added bonus to this novel that flows at a great pace with delightful characters you would like to be friends with.  This can be read as a standalone but I suggest reading the books in order so you can get to know the community and family.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and have given my honest opinion.

Her Surprise Engagement by Cari Lynn Webb Review and Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Her Surprise Engagement
(City by the Bay Stories #6)
By Cari Lynn Webb
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
July 1, 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

A football star and a single mom…

Teach each other to trust again

To impress the executives buying her app, Nichole Moore enlists the help of old friend and pro quarterback Chase Jacobs. A pretend marriage is the perfect ruse: Chase’s celebrity status will impress the executives, while likable, hardworking Nichole could fix his fading career. But as their fake relationship plays out under the glare of the public eye, Nichole realizes her feelings might be the real deal…

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My thoughts:

Her Surprise Engagement is a fun and super cute read that kept me entertained throughout the entire novel.  Nichole Moore and Chase Jacobs are quite a pair, she is a single mother trying to sell her app , he is a fading football star, they are old friends and aren't friends supposed to help peach other out?  Why, yes they are but a fake marriage is something I would expect from a friend.  Nicole just kind of blurted thins out which is how their "marriage" came to be.  Their story is at times amusing, at times sweet and at other times it was heartwarming as they continue the charade.  

Nichole has an incredibly sweet son named Wesley who I absolutely adored, he was one of my favorites in the book.  Wesley is an all around great kid, kind loving and completely unspoiled and when he helped rescue kittens he held a place in my heart. All of the characters are likeable and fun to get to know which is another reason why I really enjoyed spending time with them.

Overall, I thought this charming and sweet read that moved at a great pace.  I got to know the characters and felt like I was part of everything that was going on in their lives.  This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. If any reader is looking for a truly heartwarming novel than I recommend this one. I received a complementary copy of this book for this blog tour.  All opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers. Visit her at her website.

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One winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and the Return of the Blackwell Brothers Continuity Series with a book tote bag. (5 Print Books & tote bag to US Residents only, E-copies to anyone outside the US).

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Christmas in Bayberry: A Small-Town Christmas Romance by Jennifer Faye Review +Giveaway

                                                       On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Christmas in Bayberry:
A Small-Town Christmas Romance from Hallmark Publishing
By Jennifer Faye
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 238 Pages
July 7th 2020 by Hallmark Publishing

She’s trying to save the family candle company.
He’s trying not to fall for Bayberry—and her—again.

Kate Taylor knows what she wants in life: to one day run her family’s candle business, which is at the heart of the close-knit community of Bayberry, Vermont. But the company isn’t doing well.

Wesley Adams is on the fast track to be an assistant vice president at his financial firm in Manhattan. Before the promotion is announced, he’s sent to this small town from his past to do an analysis of the candle company.

He doesn’t expect to bump into his childhood crush, Kate, and when he does, sparks fly. As he spends time in Bayberry, he falls for the town’s Christmas traditions—and for her. But he has a responsibility to submit an honest report. Will it extinguish Kate’s dreams…along with any chance they have for a future together?

This heart-warming romance contains a free Hallmark original recipe for Cast Iron Beef Stew.

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My thoughts:

I have read several books penned by Jennifer Faye and this was my favorite so far,  The idyllic setting of Bayberry, Vermont, the close knit community and their Christmas festivities brought the story to life before my eyes.  

Kate Taylor and Wesley Adams are both likeable characters, they are sweet, kind and honorable.  There are several secondary characters rounding out this charming and delightful novel.  They were all likeable and added so much to the overall storyline.  Speaking of the storyline, this is one of those heartwarming ones where you genuinely care about the community and want nothing but the best for them for years to come.  

Overall, I thought this was a fantastic book that is suitable for all ages and would make a perfect Christmas gift for the reader in your life.  It flows at a great pace, it held my interest throughout and I will probably revisit Bayberry over the Christmas from the comfort of home with a cup of hot chocolate while sitting in my favorite reading spot.

I received a complimentary copy of the book.  All opinions are my own.

Go to Jennifer's Contact Page HERE and order your bookmark(s)!

Please state the quantity you desire and which bookmarks/titles you are interested in.
Feel free to order extra to share with your favorite bookstore, library and family/friends.

NOTE: A big apology but due to postal fees, only available to continental U.S. residents.

                                     About the Author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

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Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card plus…
an autographed copy of CHRISTMAS IN BAYBERRY, Yankee Candle Bayberry, Wilton cookie cutter, Hallmark ornament, Hallmark Light-up earrings, Hallmark glass and more…

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Ends July 22, 2020

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An Appalachian Summer by Ann H. Gabhart

About the book

In 1933, most people are focused on the Great Depression but all Piper Danson can think about is how to get out of being a debutante and marrying Braxton Crandall. In an act of defiance, Piper volunteers as a frontier nursing courier in the Appalachian Mountains where adventure awaits.

My thoughts:

This is one of my favorite books penned by one of my favorite authors and in my opinion one of her best.  I first learned of the Frontier Nursing Service and Mary Breckinridge in These Healing Hills which is another must read  by Ms. Gabhart  So, as soon as I saw this novel I knew I had to get my hands on a copy of it and boy am I glad I did!

Set in 1933 during the Great Depression, Piper Danson wants nothing to do with being a debutante or marrying Braxton Crandall. Fortunately, her Aunt Truda is on her side and after a while they convince Pipers parents to allow her to volunteer as a courier in the Frontier Nursing Service. What an adventure this young woman had as she encountered the people of the Appalachian Mountains and what a completely different way of life than the one, she was used to.  Piper took to her duties and her beautiful surroundings much better than I could ever dream of doing.  I loved the storyline and getting to know all of the wonderful and unforgettable characters within in the pages of this book that will stay with me for quite a long time.

Overall, I thought this was a heartwarming and inspirational must-read novel.  It is perfectly paced, beautifully written and one that I highly recommend to readers of Historical fiction.  I received a copy from the publisher.  All opinions are completely my own 

Silver Moon (By the Light of the Moon #3) by Jenny Knipfer

Book Description

Silver Moon, the third book in the series: By the Light of the Moon, paints a stunning and poignant picture of life on the home front in Webaashi Bay, Ontario, and of three men who are a part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during WWI.

Shamed into joining the war, the tide turns for Luis Wilson when he is steered into the depths of espionage. Injured and presumed missing, will he lose his heart to the very woman who presented him with a white feather?

Oshki and Jimmy offer a grim perspective on life in the trenches. They despair of ever returning home to the women who hold their hearts.

Meanwhile, Lily fights for the cause in her own way and rallies the female troops at home as prejudices run high and the local cafe owner is accused of being a spy.

Will the women of Webaashi Bay receive their men back unscathed? Can the power of love win out over insurmountable odds? All this drama and more plays out under the light of a silver moon. 

My thoughts:

Silver Moon is the third book in the Light of the Silver Moon series by Ms. Knipfer.  I hadn’t read the first two in the series but It didn’t bother me as I quickly got caught up in the story of WW1 and the compelling characters she crafted. I am a huge fan of historical fiction so I loved absolutely everything about this artfully written novel.

This is an emotional story as we read about the men who go off to war separating them from their loved ones, which is a sad reality.  I enjoyed getting to know the characters but in hindsight it would have been better if I had read the books in order which is why I suggest doing that to other readers because you’ll get more of the backstory.  However, I still loved this novel and will get the first two books in the series.

Overall, I thought this novel was fascinating and it held my attention throughout.  I received an e-copy and was under no obligation to write a positive review.  All opinions are my own.

A Reckless Love (The Daughtry House Series) by Beth White

Book Description

On the trail of an elusive enemy, cynical, war-damaged lawman Zane Sager crosses paths once more with Aurora Daughtry, the vivacious Mississippi belle he once admired from a distance. As his defenses start to crumble, the criminal he's been pursuing reminds him that that no one he loves is safe. Ever.

My thoughts:

A Reckless Love is the last book in The Daughtry House series by Beth White.  This is Aurora’s story and what a story it is, she is spunky, funny and a ball of energy.  She’s unafraid to go after what she wants which I found rather amusing given the time period.  Aurora is an incredible character who made me laugh at she goes about her daily life where she tackles problems head on. 

Zane Spanger, a federal deputy marshal definitely has his hands full while tracking a killer and collecting key witnesses and of course Aurora adds to his dilemma which is quite a comical situation. I loved the humor, the history, the characters and the wonderful storytelling in this must-read novel.

I received a copy from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs

Book Description

In this thought-provoking, wise and emotionally rich novel, New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs explores the meaning of happiness, trust, and faith in oneself as she asks the question, "If you had to start over, what would you do and who would you be?"

There is a book for everything . . .

Somewhere in the vast Library of the Universe, as Natalie thought of it, there was a book that embodied exactly the things she was worrying about.

In the wake of a shocking tragedy, Natalie Harper inherits her mother’s charming but financially strapped bookshop in San Francisco. She also becomes caretaker for her ailing grandfather Andrew, her only living relative—not counting her scoundrel father.

But the gruff, deeply kind Andrew has begun displaying signs of decline. Natalie thinks it’s best to move him to an assisted living facility to ensure the care he needs. To pay for it, she plans to close the bookstore and sell the derelict but valuable building on historic Perdita Street, which is in need of constant fixing. There’s only one problem–Grandpa Andrew owns the building and refuses to sell. Natalie adores her grandfather; she’ll do whatever it takes to make his final years happy. Besides, she loves the store and its books provide welcome solace for her overwhelming grief.

After she moves into the small studio apartment above the shop, Natalie carries out her grandfather’s request and hires contractor Peach Gallagher to do the necessary and ongoing repairs. His young daughter, Dorothy, also becomes a regular at the store, and she and Natalie begin reading together while Peach works.

To Natalie’s surprise, her sorrow begins to dissipate as her life becomes an unexpected journey of new connections, discoveries and revelations, from unearthing artifacts hidden in the bookshop’s walls, to discovering the truth about her family, her future, and her own heart.

My thoughts:

I haven’t read many books by Ms. Wiggs and I honestly don’t know why because I do like her writing quite a lot.  As soon as I saw the cover of this book and read the publishers description, I knew it would be an enjoyable novel, which it certainly was.  

Natalie Harper experiences a tragedy that seems unimaginable by losing two important people in her life. As the story progresses, she is grief stricken as is to be expected but in addition to that she has some serious and life changing decisions to make.  That to me is where the storyline got interesting and I quickly got caught up in the lives of the characters, especially Natalie’s grandfather, Andrew.  I loved the interaction between Natalie and Grandy as she called her grandfather, it seemed natural given the circumstances and decisions she had to make by deciding what she wanted to do with her mother’s bookstore and the care of her ailing Grandy. 

Overall, I thought this was a lovely and thoroughly enjoyable novel with charming characters.  It’s a story of love, family and of course a bookstore. This artfully written novel is definitely is one that I will read again at some point.

Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary copy.  All opinions are my own. 

Meet the author

Susan Wiggs's life is all about family, friends...and fiction. She lives at the water's edge on an island in Puget Sound, and she commutes to her writers' group in a 17-foot motorboat. She serves as author liaison for Field's End, a literary community on Bainbridge Island, Washington, bringing inspiration and instruction from the world's top authors to her seaside community. (See www.fieldsend.org) She's been featured in the national media, including NPR's "Talk of the Nation," and is a popular speaker locally and nationally.

According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.

The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.