The Yellow Lantern by Angie Dicken

Book Description

Josephine Is Forced to Spy for Grave Robbers
Step into True Colors -- a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

In Massachusetts in 1824, Josephine Clayton awakes on the table of the doctor she's assisted all these months. She was presumed dead by all and has become the doctor's next corpse for his medical research. Frightened, the doctor tries to kill her, but Josephine begs to be spared. A deal is struck--Josie will leave her village and work at a distant cotton mill. 

All the while, she'll await her true mission--posing as a mourner to help his body snatcher procure her replacement. At the mill though, Josie is praised for her medical remedies among the mill girls, gaining attention from the handsome factory manager Braham Terrance.

 Yet, when Braham's own loved one becomes the prey for the next grave robbing, Josie must make a choice that could put her dark past behind her or steal away the promise of any future at all.

What price will Josie pay for love when her secrets begin to unravel?

My thoughts:

I am loving this series by Barbour Books!  The Yellow Lantern is the third book in the series and WOW each of the three authors have written fantastic books.  If you haven't read the first two (which I think you should) it's okay to start with this one because each is a stand-alone novel.

This story takes place in 1824, Massachusetts and from the first page I was a little freaked out to be perfectly honest but not in a creepy way but in an interested I must keep reading way!  Body snatching was an all too real thing that I didn't know that much about but thanks to the authors subject matter I discovered it was in fact quite real.  Luckily for our main character, Josie she was spared a horrible fate when she awakens and a deal is struck where she is sent to work in a bobbin factory.

I really became caught up in the story once Josie is working and helping the mill workers with her herbs and catching the attention of the factory manager, Braham.  She seemed to flourish and that was one of the most heartwarming parts of the book.  I also loved, Liesel the young bobbin girl who was one of my favorite characters in this book.  This is a book that you have to take your time with because there are so many things happening throughout and you'll want to savor each and every moment.

So, if you're looking for a book that has parts that will have you on the edge of your seat, while learning things you may not have been fully aware of or just a well written, fascinating book then this is one you will definitely want to read.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley and was under no obligation to write a review.  All opinions are my own.

Love and Other Mistakes by Jessica Kate Blog Tour

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Love and Other Mistakes

By Jessica Kate

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 352 Pages

July 30th 2019 by Thomas Nelson

Jessica Kate’s hilarious, romantic debut novel proves that some mistakes—including love—are begging to be made again and again.

Natalie Groves once had big dreams. But soon after her fiancé, Jeremy Walters, inexplicably broke off their engagement and left town, her father was diagnosed with cancer. Now tasked with keeping her family afloat, Natalie’s grand plans have evaporated . . . and God feels very far away.

Fast-forward seven years, and Jeremy is back in Charlottesville with an infant son and years of regrets. When his niece, Lili, lands on his doorstep in need of a place to stay, Jeremy needs help—and fast.

An internship opening finally presents Natalie a chance at her dream job, but she needs a second income to work around it—and the only offer available is Jeremy’s. They could be the solutions to one another’s problems, provided they don’t kill each other in the process. When they join forces, sparks fly. But they both know there’s a thin line between love and hate . . . and that love will turn out to be the best decision—or the biggest mistake—of all.

Praise for the Book

“A stunning debut . . . This tale of love and redemption will stay with you long after you've closed the book. A must-read.” —Rachel Hauck, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress

“Witty. Charming. Heartfelt. I could go on and on about Jessica Kate’s debut novel. From its highly relatable characters to its pitch-perfect dialogue, Love and Other Mistakes is a delightful, romantic read filled with just the right amount of sass. I lost count of the number of times I laughed out loud as I watched Natalie and Jem navigate their relationships, careers, and faith. Definitely one of the most enjoyable books I've read lately, and I can't wait to see what’s next from Jessica Kate!” —Melissa Tagg, Carol Award–winning author of Now and Then and Always and the Walker Family series

“Love and Other Mistakes wraps a poignant and warm look at relationships within a smart, sly, and knowing comedic voice. Readers of Sally Thorne and Bethany Turner will be immediately at home with Natalie: an all-too-real heroine who balances whip-smart agency with an endearing vulnerability and whose intersection with long-lost Jeremy helps her forge a path to confidence and discover the woman she was always meant to be. Kate’s unputdownable debut recognizes that all human relationships—familial, friendship, romantic—are worth the keen eye and clever insight of her talented pen.” —Rachel McMillan, author of the Van Buren and DeLuca Mysteries

“If you’re looking for a story with sass on top of style, or a fresh voice pumped full of fun, you need to read Love and Other Mistakes. Then after you’ve enjoyed this—and I’m confident you will—make a date with whatever this exciting new author writes next!” —David Rawlings, author of The Baggage Handler

Goodreads   Amazon   B&N   IBooks   Kobo   Google Play

About the Author

Australian author Jessica Kate is obsessed with sassy romances. 

She packs her novels with love, hate, and everything in between—and then nerds out over her favorite books, movies and TV in the StoryNerds podcast. When she’s not writing or discussing fiction, she’s hunting the world for the greatest pasta in existence.

Her debut novel Love and Other Mistakes releases July 2019, while A Girl’s Guide to the Outback hits shelves in January 2020.

Receive her sassy short The Kiss Dare FREE when you sign up for her newsletter at jessicakatewriting.com. StoryNerds podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and at www.storynerds.podbean.com.

Website   Goodreads   BookBub   Facebook   Twitter   Instagram   Newsletter

My thoughts:

This book has a lot going on not that I didn't appreciate a multi layered story but this one has a different feel to it.  The pastor who is has no intention of admitting to his mistakes, his young daughter who finds herself in the middle of all of his dishonesty.  I have to say, these characters  made the storyline interesting..

For a debut novel I thought that one was pretty impressive and I liked that author had characters from various age groups and blended them perfectly within the pages of this book. A story of family and friends  and how at times we have to make sacrifices to help not only your loved ones but those who are need of help. too.

I was expecting a bit more humor but I loved the dialogue between Jeremy and Natalie and how they pulled together to do what is best other people in their lives.
Overall this storyline is much more tender than I thought it would be and that's just fine with me. I like the writing of Jessica Kate and I will read more of her work. I received an electronic copy rot this blog tour.  Al opinions are my own.

Tour Schedule July 29th: Launch Meagan Davenport Candrel's Crafts, Cooks, and Characters July 30th: Library Lady's Kid Lit Rockin' Book Reviews July 31st: Beauty in the Binding Bookworm Lisa Singing Librarian Books August 1st: Peaceful Pastime The Barefoot Reader August 2nd: Radiant Light Life Is What It's Called A Modern Day Fairy Tale August 5th: I'm Into Books Backing Books August 6th: Uplifting Reads Among the Reads Wishful Endings August 7th: Two Points of Interest Just Your Average Reviews August 8th: Angela Walker's Reviews Splashes of Joy August 9th: Locks, Hooks and Books Austin Ryan August 10th: Grand Finale Follow a Q&A with the Author Each stop on this tour has a full interview, or a question and answer with the author. Stop by each blog to follow this exclusive Q&A with the author and found out more about her and her debut!

Convenient Amish Proposal by Jan Drexler

Book Description

Suddenly a Mother

When Bethany Zook's childhood friend returns to Indiana Amish country a widower, with an adorable little girl in tow, she's willing to aid him in any way. But there's just one thing Andrew Yoder needs--a mother for little Mari. And he seems convinced Bethany is the answer, just as she's sure any union between them would be one strictly of convenience...

Andrew thought Bethany had married another. Now, determined to keep Mari despite his mother-in-law's interference, he offers Bethany marriage in name only. But she's quickly becoming more than a housekeeper and a mamm. Can he leave the past behind to claim a family of the heart? 

Paperback, 288 pages
Published February 5th 2019 by Love Inspired Historical 

Buy the book on   Amazon        

My thoughts:

Amish fiction and Historical fiction are just two of my favorite genres.  A storyline with both?  Well yes and thank you very much!  I loved this book by Jan Drexler, she is the author of one of my all time favorite series which happened to combine Amish and historical fiction so when I started reading this book it was love at first page.

Set in 1934 this is the story of Andrew a widower who returns to his family farm with his adorable little girl, Mari.  Bethany who is his childhood friend is still living on her families neighboring farm. I loved Bethany, her father and brothers immediately. Andrew has a meddling mother in law like none other I have ever seen.  Rose thinks she can swoop in and determine the best course of action in the lives of Andrew and Mari and I have to say, Bethany is much more patient than I am for putting up with so much.  

As a fan of a marriage of convenience stories this is one is so well written and has charming and less than charming (at times) characters and I have already recommended it to my sister and am now taking this opportunity to recommend it to other readers. I could not put this book down until I finished it so I ended up reading it in one day.

Overall, Convenient Amish Proposal is a book that I absolutely loved and when I read the authors note at the end of the book that this story was inspired by her grandmother's life, I found myself loving it even more.  Ms. Drexler's writing is amazing, her knowledge of the Amish, the time period she chose and her character development are the reasons why this book will be on my keeper shelf.

  

Light from Distant Stars by Shawn Smucker

Book Description

When Cohen Marah steps over the body of his dead father on a cold spring morning, he steps into a labyrinth of memory.

 In the week that follows, he must confront his traumatic past, a violent present, and the most frightening question of all-did he kill his father?

My thoughts:

Never having read a book by Shawn Smucker before this one, I really didn't know what to expect but that's what makes reading a new to me author exciting.  I started reading this one evening and at first I wasn't sure how I felt about the storyline but by the third or fourth chapter I became interested in what would happen in the life of Cohen Marah.

This is a pretty intense story with Cohen finding his injured father and then staying by his fathers hospital bed as he is flooded with memories of his youth.  Lights from Distant Stars is unlike the majority of the books that I have read this year and that was a good thing because it brought me out of my comfort zone  Cohen is a complex character dealing with family, his past and his faith.  

The author takes his readers from present to past throughout the novel, doing it seamlessly so I never felt a jarring or interrupted pace in his writing.   I greatly appreciated his writing style in this book and will read his other work now, too.

I received a  complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to write a favorable review.  All opinions are my own. 

Storm Rising (Book of the Wars, #1) by Ronie Kendig

Book Description

Once lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages hold ancient secrets and dangers. Former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe has been tasked with capturing the ancient text, but a Bulgarian operative snatches it, determined to secure her freedom. 

When a series of strange storms erupt, they must form an alliance to thwart impending disaster.

My thoughts:

This is the first book that I have read by Roni Kendig but after hearing/reading such good things about her writing, I decided it was time for me to find out firsthand if I would have the same reaction as others have had.  I really do have to agree with so many other readers, this is storytelling at it's best.

I am not a nail biter by nature because I just can't and I hate to ruin a perfectly good manicure but I'm  not gonna lie, occasionally  I would notice one of my nails dangerously close to my mouth.   This story had me on the edge of my seat, feeling a little fidgety from the excitement and was the cause of far too many midnight snacks!  In other words, I could not put this book down  This is an action packed novel with characters that I have absolutely nothing in common with but that didn't stop me from getting caught up in their lives.

There is a lot going on in this book so I won't go into details but if anyone is looking for a  thrilling page turner with more suspense that you can imagine, I have no hesitation in recommending Storm Rising to you.  Just prepared to  carve out some serious reading time.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to write a review.  All opinions are my own.

A Reluctant Belle (Daughttry House #2) by Beth white

Book Description

Impoverished Southern belle Joelle Daughtry has a secret. By day she has been helping her sisters in their quest to turn the run-down family plantation into a resort hotel after the close of the Civil War. But by night and under a male pseudonym, she has been penning articles for the local paper in support of the construction of a Negro school. With the Mississippi arm of the Ku Klux Klan gaining power and prestige, Joelle knows she is playing a dangerous game.

When childhood enemy and current investor in the Daughtry house renovation Schuyler Beaumont takes over his assassinated father's candidacy for state office, Joelle finds that in order to protect her family and her home, she and Schuyler will have to put aside their longstanding personal conflict and develop a united public front. The trouble is, what do you do when animosity becomes respect--and even love--if you're already engaged to someone else?Impoverished Southern belle Joelle Daughtry has a secret. By day she has been helping her sisters in their quest to turn the run-down family plantation into a resort hotel after the close of the Civil War. But by night and under a male pseudonym, she has been penning articles for the local paper in support of the construction of a Negro school. With the Mississippi arm of the Ku Klux Klan gaining power and prestige, Joelle knows she is playing a dangerous game.

When childhood enemy and current investor in the Daughtry house renovation Schuyler Beaumont takes over his assassinated father's candidacy for state office, Joelle finds that in order to protect her family and her home, she and Schuyler will have to put aside their longstanding personal conflict and develop a united public front. The trouble is, what do you do when animosity becomes respect--and even love--if you're already engaged to someone else?

My thoughts:

I'm always unsure if a second book in a series will live up to the first one but this one absolutely did! It you haven't read the first book,A Rebel Heart there is enough of the back story that you'll have no problem with what's been happening. 

Joelle is determined to do what she thinks it right and fair even though others may not agree with her and  it is dangerous.  You have to love a lady who is no shrinking violet and one who will go the extra mile to treat all human beings with respect and dignity.  As a fan of historical fiction, I think Ms. White has captured the aftermath of the Civil War in this realistic and well written story. She blends adventure and danger with a touch of faith and a bit of romance.

I am eager to read the third book in the series to find out what adventure the author has in store for her readers.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley but was under no obligation to write a review.  All opinions are my own.

Criminally Cocoa (Amish Candy Shop Mystery #3.5) by Amanda Flower

Book Description

A taste for trouble . . .   

 
As if being in New York City for Easter isn’t exciting enough, Charlotte Weaver has another reason to be thrilled. She’s helping her cousin, Bailey, on the set of her first cable TV show, Bailey’s Amish Sweets. Bailey will even be re-creating the delectable hand-woven chocolate Easter baskets she once crafted for the city’s world-famous JP Chocolates. But once things start rolling, Charlotte starts to notice odd things
happening—things that seem intended to make Bailey look bad . . .
 
With Bailey feeling extra nervous about being on camera, Charlotte decides to keep her suspicion of sabotage to herself. But she knows that among Bailey’s fans at the Gourmet Television network lurks a dangerously jealous rival. Now Charlotte will have to find out who that person is—before sour grapes turns one of the sweetest times of the year fatally bitter . . .

My thoughts:

Ms. Flower takes her readers to New York City in this novella.  If you have read any of the novels in the Amish Candy shop Mystery series you will know that Bailey King is a chocolatier who has moved to Ohio with her Amish grandmother after her beloved grandfather passes away.  So, it wasn't a big surprise when she's offered a cable cooking show.  What is surprising is the community allowed her Amish cousin to accompany her.  There was one thing that didn't surprise me and that is how much I loved this book.

Wherever Bailey goes trouble seems to follow her, it's like she's a magnet  or something and maybe that's why I am so drawn to her, I just can't stay away from this adorable character. I also liked getting to know Charlotte better and seeing the sights of the city through her eyes is funny and sweet. Although things on the set of the show are far from sweet, with mishaps galore but thankfully no serious injuries.  

Speaking of mishaps two of my favorite characters from this series  are in New York, too.  Yep, Juliet and her comfort pig, Jethro.  I love Jethro and I honestly got more of a chaotic vibe than comfort but  that's what I adore about this little guy.

Ms. Flower kept me guessing as always as to who and what is going on in this great addition to the series.  A quick and fun week-end read that will keep you laughing as you venture into the city without leaving your home.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley and was under no obligation to write a review.