historical fiction

Bargain books October 02, 2021

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A few years ago, back when I was still borrowing library books, I kept an eye out for all things Lori Wick. After a while I’d read most everything of hers and gradually found myself side-tracked by a multitude of emerging new authors. Lately Lori has been coming back into view for me.

This time three books caught my eye.

Cassidy (Big Sky Dreams Book 1) 

Token Creek, Montana Territory, 1880—Cassidy Norton is a fine seamstress who makes her living sewing for others. Amid the bustle of a busy frontier town, her life is rich. What time her business doesn’t take, her friends and church family fill. But Cassidy hasn’t always lived in Token Creek, and few people know her full story. So she struggles with a nagging unsettledness in her heart.

Cassidy’s friend Meg is married to a rancher and has a baby, something Cassidy wants for herself. But that would mean revealing the details of her life. Will Cassidy find the strength to take that risk?

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Sabrina (Big Sky Dreams Book 2) 

Sabrina Matthews, a young prostitute in the rough frontier city of Denver, is befriended by a police officer and his wife. Because of their kindness, she listens to what they have to say about Jesus and believes in Him.

Sabrina stays with Danny and Callie until she’s ready to make a fresh start in a new town. She boards the train for the long trip to Token Creek in Montana Territory, where she meets Jeanette Fulbright and is befriended by the church family and many of the townsfolk there.

All is well until she finds herself falling for Pastor Rylan Jarvik, who has begun to care for her as well. Will she be able to tell him about her past? How will Rylan respond? 

A moving novel about past mistakes and forgiveness—both from God and people.

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Jessie (Big Sky Dreams Book 3)

Jessie is book three in bestselling author Lori Wick’s popular new Big Sky Dreams series (more than 215,000 copies sold). Readers will be transported to the vast landscape of Montana Territory in the late 1800s where they meet Jessie Wheeler, whose husband, Seth, abandoned her before their second child was born. As a single mom and the sole proprietor of Token Creek’s general store, Jessie lives day to day with her hands full and her heart broken.

When Seth suddenly returns to town claiming he’s a man changed by faith, Jessie is reluctant to trust him or God with her family’s future. But Seth sets out to prove his commitment and his love. This is a timeless story of the transforming power of God’s love and forgiveness.

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At the last minute another one of Lori’s books showed up. It’s in different series and I’m going to keep it for the next post. Be watching for it.

In the meantime…

I would love to have written something in my own words about each of these books but since I haven’t read them yet …

It’s a dilemma.

I’m sure you forgive me.

Happy Reading!

Free books October 01, 2021

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BookRunes has a FREE suggestion. Two things: I’ve not noticed this author before, her subject is dark and I can relate. I haven’t read the specifics yet but…

I’m impressed with her writing skills, in the few pages I’ve read, and I’m hoping it’s a sign of good things to come.

A Vessel of Mercy

An impossible marriage. An unforgivable act. A story of redemption testing the bounds of forgiveness and the depths of God’s grace.

1842, New York. Abigail Wyndham, daughter of English nobleman turned investor, Sir Rathburn, has crossed the ocean to be reunited with her father. As she comes of age, however, she discovers she is only a pawn in her father’s schemes, fated to secure a business deal and preserve the family reputation.

Charles Henderson appears to have it all: a thriving shipping company and the hand of the prized Lady Abigail Wyndham. But he is a broken man who commits the unspeakable—an act that threatens to ruin all he has built and puts Abby’s very life—and faith—at risk. In a prison of his own making, Charles grapples between guilt and God’s grace. Can a sinful, self-seeking man ever believe in the hope Abby so desperately wants him to receive? Or will scandal send him to the gallows?

In this, the first of her Vessels Christian fiction series, author B. Taylor Lewis introduces a female heroine who defies the stifling conventions of her status and time.

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1531 Entertainment has a Free suggestion. A Mystery.

Effective Immediately (The Agency Files Book 3) 

As a security agent for The Agency, his career creates situations that redefine danger. As a Christian, he sleeps well, knowing that he serves his “neighbors” with the protection he and The Agency offers.

But when an assignment ends badly before it has a chance to begin, Keith questions everything—his job, his judgment, and even his faith. Feeling like a failure, he resigns and turns to his would-be girlfriend, Erika, for emotional support and advice.

Contrary to everything she’s ever felt or thought, Erika finds herself arguing in favor of a job she once didn’t understand, supporting a faith she doesn’t share, and reconciling the two in ways she never imagined possible.

Keith’s quest to piece together the remnants of his shattered faith and to redeem himself in the eyes of a friend puts him in more danger than he realizes. As a result, both he and Erika must make decisions that could change the courses of their lives.

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Read and enjoyed September 27,2021

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Five awesome reads, held back from instant removal so I could share them with you.

A Wish for Christmas had some cool twists to it. A beautiful old family Inn, in danger of being sold for a defaulted mortgage. A unproven legend of hidden treasure and a deranged crook trying to force the owner to marry him for access to imagined wealth. A mix up, unexpectedly has a wealthy family with handsome single sons spending Christmas with Mila and her grandmother. Will they be an answer to Mila and Nora’s desperate prayers?

Written in Ink is full of angst as Renee ends a very long courtship, leaving Cash reeling with shock. He would give his life for her, he loves her that much. With no idea why she’s walked away from him, it’s impossible to fight for their relationship. When he gathers himself together enough to confront her, she blurts out the reason and his heart is completely broken. Determined to stick to her decision they both know it means the absolute end of them, ever. How can he live with that?

The next three were greatly enjoyed and may have been mentioned earlier. At any rate, they are definitely worth seeing again. I would read any of them a second time, gladly.

Some of these are still available as bargains, I think.

Happy Reading…

…on this warm sunshiny day.

Free and bargain books September 25, 2021 part 2

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Author Chautona Havig mentioned a FREE book on Facebook. By one of her author friends, someone that I enjoy too. So excited to see this book.

Between Stairs and Stardust (Blue Ridge Fairytales Book 1) 

An illustrator in hiding. A millionaire with a gardening fascination. And the possibility of a perfect fit for a happily-ever-after.

Once Upon a time…A young illustrator, forced from her home in Boston, must return to her Blue Ridge Mountains to escape a scandal. Certain that her dreams are on hold, Stella Emory doesn’t expect to find a prince charming in the form of James Craven, a young man who works in the gardens of the famed Biltmore Estate.

Brought together unexpectedly, the two begin a tender friendship inspired by James’s little sister and the story of Cinderella, but James isn’t all he seems. As their friendship grows into a romance, the truth of James’s millionaire status shakes Stella’s confidence. When her past follows her to Asheville, Stella thinks her chance at romance with James is over, but will a Christmas masquerade and the remnants of a charm bracelet somehow provide the magic Stella needs to clear her name and claim her own happily-ever-after?

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Browsing Amazon suggestion strip showed this interesting bargain with an author new to me. From the little bit I’ve read, I’m excited about this one. I love the cover.

The Cryptographer’s Dilemma (Heroines of WWII Book 1)

A Code Developer Uncovers a Japanese Spy Ring
 
Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.
 
FBI cryptographer Eloise Marshall is grieving the death of her brother, who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor, when she is assigned to investigate a seemingly innocent letter about dolls. Agent Phillip Clayton is ready to enlist and head oversees when asked to work one more FBI job. A case of coded defense coordinates related to dolls should be easy, but not so when the Japanese Consulate gets involved, hearts get entangled, and Phillip goes missing. Can Eloise risk loving and losing again?

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I’ve read and enjoyed a number of books by this next author. Her latest book looks just as interesting as the rest. Love this cover too.

Beauty Among Ruins 

In Ciesielski’s latest sweeping romance, an American heiress finds herself in Scotland amid the fallout of the Great War, and a wounded Scottish laird comes face-to-face with his past and a woman he never could have expected.

American socialite Lily Durham is known for enjoying one moment to the next, with little regard for the consequences of her actions. But just as she is banished overseas to England as a “cure” for her frivolous ways, the Great War breaks out and wreaks havoc. She joins her cousin in nursing the wounded at a convalescent home deep in the wilds of Scotland at a crumbling castle where its laird is less than welcoming.

Alec MacGregor has given his entire life to preserving his home of Kinclavoch Castle, but mounting debts force him to sell off his family history bit by bit. Labeled a coward for not joining his countrymen in the trenches due to an old injury, he opens his home to the Tommies to make recompense while he keeps to the shadows. But his preference for the shadows is shattered when a new American nurse comes streaming into the castle on a burst of light.

Lily and Alec are thrown together when a series of mysterious events threatens to ruin the future of Kinclavoch. Can they put aside their differences to find the culprit before it’s too late, or will their greatest distraction be falling in love?

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I am more than pleased with this line-up of new reads. It will be tough to decide which one to tackle next. A very nice problem to have, I must say.

I’m hoping these appeal to you just as much.

Happy Reading!

Read and enjoyed September 24, 2021

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It’s been awhile since I shared my current read, or my last read and enjoyed.

I finished Jack. Chautona Havig always has interesting and quirky characters. This story was about a cowboy. I don’t recall ever reading any such characters in any of her books. She definitely doesn’t have any one type of story that’s for sure. I like that about her. I will admit though, I enjoy some of her styles better than others. That’s why I keep coming back, you just never know what it will be like this time. It may be a nice surprise, like this one was. I should mention too, it’s not free anymore.

Jack: a lot of hullabaloo on the prairie (Ballads from the Hearth Book 1)

Women are trouble—lying, cheating, untrustworthy bundles of trouble.

Jack Clausen doesn’t need anyone but his horse and a boss who won’t interfere in his personal life—or lack of one.

Sure, he’s a lonely cowboy, but better lonely than brokenhearted.

If only he hadn’t met a girl who made him hope that honest and true women do exist. Maybe he wouldn’t be riding off into a snowstorm with a fresh determination to avoid women—indefinitely.

When Hazel Meissner sees a cowboy risk life, limb, and horse to save a child, she knows he’s someone special. When he finally gives her his heart, she considers herself the most blessed woman alive.

However, when he rides off without a word, she wonders if her heart will survive the loss.

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Currently I’m reading a medical mystery. I haven’t decided how I feel about it. I’m having no trouble putting it down, I always take that as a bad sign. lol I should mention this is no longer a bargain either.

Lethal Intent by Cara C. Putman

If they expected silence, they hired the wrong woman. 

Caroline Bragg’s life has never been better. She and Brandon Lancaster are taking their relationship to the next level, and she has a new dream job as legal counsel for Praecursoria—a research lab that is making waves with its cutting-edge genetic therapies. The company’s leukemia treatments even promise to save desperately sick kids—kids like eleven-year-old Bethany, a critically ill foster child at Brandon’s foster home. 

When Caroline’s enthusiastic boss wants to enroll Bethany in experimental trials prematurely, Caroline objects, putting her at odds with her colleagues. They claim the only goal at Praecursoria is to save lives. But does someone have another agenda? 

Brandon faces his own crisis. As laws governing foster homes shift, he’s on the brink of losing the group home he’s worked so hard to build. When Caroline learns he’s a Praecursoria investor, it becomes legally impossible to confide in him. Will the secrets she keeps become a wedge that separates them forever? And can she save Bethany from the very treatments designed to heal her? 

This latest romantic legal thriller by bestseller Cara Putman shines a light on the shadowy world of scientific secrets and corporate vendettas—and the ethical dilemmas that plague the place where science and commerce meet.

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There were no enticing suggestions today but maybe tomorrow. Actually it’s already tomorrow but since I’m very late with lights out it still feels like today.

I’ll let you know if anything good shows up in a few hours.

Happy Reading

Bargain books September 22, 2021

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1531 Entertainment has suggestions for us. This first one was on my read and enjoyed list from last year.

The Silver Suitcase

It’s 1939, and Canada is on the cusp of entering World War II. Seventeen-year-old farm girl Cornelia has been heartbroken since the day her mother died five years ago. As a new tragedy provides Cornelia still more reason to reject her parent’s faith, a mysterious visitor appears in her hour of desperation. Alone and carrying a heavy secret, she makes a desperate choice that will haunt her for years to come. Never telling a soul, Cornelia pours out the painful events of the war in her diary.

Many decades later, Cornelia’s granddaughter, Benita, is in the midst of her own crisis, experiencing several losses in the same week, including the grandmother she adored. The resulting emotional and financial stress takes its toll on her and her husband, Ken, who is unemployed. On the brink of divorce, she discovers Cornelia’s diary. Now the secrets of her grandmother’s past will lead Benita on an unexpected journey of healing, reunion, and faith.

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This next one was also on my read and enjoyed list from several years ago.

A Promise Forged: A WWII Homefront Romance (Buckeye Promises Book 1)

Kat Miller has dreamed of playing baseball her entire life. When she earns a spot on a team in the All-American Girls Professional Softball League, she finds that things aren’t as glamorous as she imagined. She struggles with long road trips, grueling practices, and older teammates who are jealous of her success. And to top it all off, an irritating reporter is constantly getting under Kat’s skin.

Events in Jack Raymond’s career have left him cynical and distanced from God. He never wanted to write at a small paper, and he certainly didn’t want to be assigned to something as inconsequential as a women’s softball team. Then Kat walks into his life. The fiery, young softball player somehow climbs the walls around his heart and makes him want to hope again.

When lies fly and the league appears to fail, will Kat and Jack’s new love survive?

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Maybe there will be more later.

Happy Reading

Free from Chautona Havig Sept 20, 2021

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Chautona Havig has a FREE book and it’s only on until tomorrow. She forgot to let us know.

Jack: a lot of hullabaloo on the prairie (Ballads from the Hearth Book 1)

Women are trouble—lying, cheating, untrustworthy bundles of trouble.

Jack Clausen doesn’t need anyone but his horse and a boss who won’t interfere in his personal life—or lack of one.

Sure, he’s a lonely cowboy, but better lonely than brokenhearted.

If only he hadn’t met a girl who made him hope that honest and true women do exist. Maybe he wouldn’t be riding off into a snowstorm with a fresh determination to avoid women—indefinitely.

When Hazel Meissner sees a cowboy risk life, limb, and horse to save a child, she knows he’s someone special. When he finally gives her his heart, she considers herself the most blessed woman alive.

However, when he rides off without a word, she wonders if her heart will survive the loss.

One broken man. One trusting woman. One orchestrated misunderstanding that tears them apart. What’ll it take to bring Jack home again?

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This looks like it could be fun

Read and enjoyed September 17, 2021

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Today is my baby brother`s birthday. He is also referred to as my little brother. Well, both of my brothers are my little brothers. Which tickles me immensely. Mainly because they are both a foot or more taller than I am. Size much make a difference because some among our family members and friends assume I am the youngest, which I think is quite hilarious.

It is a great pun and I love it. I was going to enlarge on that thought but explaining takes all the fun out of it.

This was not going to be a this-and-that kind of post but it is sort of turning into it, mainly because the keyboard is driving me crazy. I think I must keep catching the control key when I am headed for the shift key. You know how that goes, unwanted symbols that are seemly impossible to get rid of most of the time. Between unwanted symbols and a font size that keeps changing, moving on to a simpler layout seemed like a good plan.

What I intended to do originally, was to share an enjoyable book. I forgot it was supposed to be an adaptation of a fairy tale. Really, it just seemed like a great historical romance with lots of angst. After the fact, though, I can see the likeness, probably to Cinderella. In a loose sort of way.

The story was well written, engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Even if the heroine was running for her life half the time.

The Beautiful Pretender (A Medieval Fairy Tale Book 2)

After inheriting his title from his brother, the margrave has two weeks to find a noble bride. What will happen when he learns he has fallen for a lovely servant girl in disguise?

The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble born ladies who meet the king’s approval to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.

Avelina has only two instructions: keep her true identity a secret and make sure the margrave doesn’t select her as his bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.

Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences

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If I had to pick a favorite read for the week, this would be it.

No new books today but there is always tomorrow.

Happy Reading!

Free and bargain books September 16, 2021

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BookBub has a FREE suggestion. It’s from a popular author and it’s a book I’ve read and enjoyed.

Nearly by Deborah Raney

For Claire Anderson, her position as a teacher in Hanover Falls, Missouri is the realization of a long-held dream. In this loving small-town community where her beloved grandmother resides, she attempts to cast aside the memories of her troubled childhood.

Michael Meredith finds worth as a nursing care home administrator. Until an unwelcome investigation concerning suspicious deaths among the home’s residents threatens his career and his integrity. In the midst of this crisis, friendship blooms and deepens between Michael and Claire—until an agonizing secret is revealed. One that may tear the delicate fabric of their love. Is their faith strong enough to survive their astonishing discovery?

Deborah Raney has woven an intriguing tale… Her characters breathe life as they struggle with deep, heartfelt needs. What I loved most was the message that hidden sins and a painful past cannot be stuffed away and forgotten without the cleansing power of God’s forgiveness. —an amazon.com reviewer

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1531 Entertainment has an interesting suggestion from an author I’ve not seen before.

Loving the Horseman: The Cañon City Chronicles – Book 1

Sweet Historical Western Romance Book
Never in all her seventeen years had she dreamed she’d wake up in a barn.

Loving the Horseman – The Cañon City Chronicles – Book 1
The Hutton family is back—two generations of adventurous men and courageous women carving out a life in the Old West.
Annie Whitaker refuses to wait for some man to come along and make her life better when she can do that herself. And then Caleb Hutton rides into town.

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Happy Reading y’all

Bargain books September 15, 2021

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Another good day for books. BookBub has a bargain suggestion by an author we see often.

Show Me a Second Chance: Small-Town Single-Father Cowboy Romance (Cowboy Crossing Romances Book 2)

Frightened by a possible stalker, a big-city marketing manager flees to her uncle’s B & B in the small town where she once felt safe. A place where neighbors know each other and where she fell in love with a hometown hero over two decades ago. Only now, that handsome cowboy is a large ranch owner with a little daughter and soul-deep scars left by his alcoholic ex-wife. Kimberly Byrd made mistakes that will haunt her for the rest of her life. Can she allow herself to love and be loved again?

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1531 Entertainment has several suggestion for us. Both from familiar authors.

Miriam’s Song

In her eventful lifetime, Miriam was many things to many people: protective older sister, song leader, prophetess, leper. But between the highs and the lows, she was a girl who dreamed of freedom, a woman who longed for love, a leader who made mistakes, and a friend who valued connection.

With her impeccable research and keen eye for detail, bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith offers this epic story to fill in the gaps and imagine how Miriam navigated the challenges of holding on to hope, building a family in the midst of incredible hardship, and serving as a leader of a difficult people, all while living in her brother’s shadow. 

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Lynette Eason is one of my favorite authors.

Acceptable Risk (Danger Never Sleeps Book #2)

Sarah Denning is a military journalist with the Army in the Middle East when her convoy is attacked and she’s taken hostage. When former Army Ranger Gavin Black is asked by his old unit commander–Sarah’s imposing father–to plan an extremely risky rescue, he reluctantly agrees and successfully executes it.

Back in the US, Sarah is livid when she’s discharged on a false psychiatric evaluation and vows to return to the Army. Until she learns of her brother’s suicide. Unable to believe her brother would do such a thing, she puts her plans on hold and enlists Gavin to help her discover the truth. What they uncover may be the biggest story of Sarah’s career–if she can survive long enough to write it.

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I’ve read this last book and it was a favorite.

On a more personal note:

Previously, I’ve mentioned two of our beloved teenagers were attempting overseas flights for a move back to Canada. They first attempt was interrupted by a typhoon. Their second attempt was successful today. They’ve cleared customs and will soon be at their final destination. So happy for them and their anxious parents left behind. We are excited that now we get to enjoy them for a little while. Enjoy them before they establish a life and move on.

I hope you enjoy some of today’s books.

Happy Reading.