Veil Of Winter: A Dericott Tale by Melanie Dickerson

 

Melanie Dickerson is the queen of fairytale retellings. Veil of Winter is her version of The Sleeping Beauty and I like it much better than the traditional tale. I love the way she turns Magical stories into medieval stories that seem as though they may have happened. Her characters are strong and I adore the adaptations she makes. Ms. Dickerson proves that fairytales are not just for little girls.

Grab your favorite blanket and a mug of tea and settle in for a delightful tale of times gone by.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

She’s hounded from every side by treacherous elements and foes, but her greatest enemy lies within.

In the mountains near France, the medieval Princess Elyse is being forced to marry, thus forming an alliance that will enrich her father but enslave her kingdom. Instead, she chooses to feign her death and flee to Prague to beg King Wenceslaus to help save her people.

In England, the young knight Sir Gerard has a vision from God instructing him to help Elyse on her quest. When he arrives to find she has been near death for days, he manages to revive her. However, thinking the stranger was trying to kiss her, the princess immediately distrusts him. But her desperate situation forces her to accept his aid.

Pursued by her enemy’s guards over mountainous terrain, they must also battle the deadly winter elements. Her greatest challenge may be to overcome the voices of disapproval and accusation from her childhood. Will her emotions lead her into her true identity, or will they undermine her ability to work with Gerard and to save her people, who desperately need her help?

In this dazzling and romantic story, New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson takes the classic Sleeping Beauty fairy tale to satisfying new heights.

About the author:

Melanie is the Christy award-winning author of Regency and Medieval fairy tale romances.

Melanie’s newsletter sign-up is on her website, www.MelanieDickerson.com, and you can connect with her on Facebook www.facebook.com/MelanieDickersonBooks/ and on Instagram www.instagram.com/melaniedickerson123/

Growing up about 50 miles from Harper Lee’s hometown in rural Alabama, Melanie wrote stories in notebooks for her friends, who passed them around in class as soon as she finished a scene. (And no, they didn’t get in trouble—much.) These stories always involved adventure, danger, and a hero and heroine falling in love, with a happily-ever-after ending. She’s been a romantic for as long as she can remember!

Melanie lives in North Alabama with her husband and sometimes her two young adult children, who have (mostly) flown the nest. You'll find her sprint-writing with her friends on video chat, sipping hot tea at a local coffee shop, hanging out with her handsome husband, watching movies with her oddly calm Jack Russell terrier, or daydreaming about her book-in-progress.

Whatever Tomorrow Brings by Lori Wick

 

I love all of Lori Wick's books. Whatever Tomorrow brings is no exception. It is the second book in her Californian series and is Bobbie and Jeff's story. I love the gentle romance and the realistic characters. You will never regret reading a Lori Wick novel until you remember that she has retired from writing. So settle back with a cup of tea and a comfy blankie. You are in for a delightful read.

All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

Lori Wick's bestselling series The Californians (more than 500,000 copies sold) has a fresh new cover design to delight avid Lori Wick fans and readers just introduced to Lori's beloved fiction.

In the midst of fresh grief and unfamiliar surroundings, Kaitlin, the Donovans' oldest daughter, must face life in rugged California. Will the men of this restless country take advantage of her innocence? Will she recognize God's unexpected gift of love? Can she keep her family safe until her father returns? Grief turns to triumph and innocence to maturity as Kaitlin lifts her heart to God for the strength to face whatever tomorrow brings.

About the author:

Lori Wick is a multifaceted author of Christian fiction. As comfortable writing period stories as she is penning contemporary works, Lori's books (more than 5 million in print) vary widely in location and time period. Lori's faithful fans consistently put her series and standalone works on the bestseller lists. Lori and her husband live with their family in the Midwest.

Enchanting The Heiress by Kristi Ann Hunter

 

I love Regency fiction and nothing makes me happier than a new book by Kristi Ann Hunter. Every book she writes engages me from the first page to the last and I adore the way she has friends from earlier books appear in the latest book like treasured visits from old friends. 

Through the machinations of others, Harriet and Jonas are thrown together. They seem to be complete opposites and I loved how Kristi brought them together. Both were vulnerable people who needed to learn how to let God reign in their life. I loved the plot and the witty, humorous dialogue. The setting of Newport with all of the horse-loving people was fun.

So grab a pot of tea and settle into your favorite reading nook. I hope you love this book as much as I do.

I was given a copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

"Hunter's delightful Regency romance is sure to entertain."--Publishers Weekly on Vying for the Viscount

Miss Harriet Hancock enjoys playing the role of eccentric heiress, using her wealth and influence to cleverly and anonymously better the lives of those in Newmarket. Though she keeps people at a distance to protect a years-old secret, when her friend pleads for help on a personal project, Harriet can't resist.

Stablehand Jonas Fitzroy would do anything for his twin sister, even if it means seeking out the woman whose meddling ways have made him wary and suspicious. The last thing he expects is for Miss Hancock to request his help in writing a book. Intent on revealing her underlying plan, Jonas agrees.

As they work together, an unexpected friendship forms. But when things for once don't go according to Harriet's plan, she's left wondering if good intentions might not be enough. Is there a way to mend the broken pieces of her life? And will Jonas give her another chance at his heart?

About the author:

Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she wanted to write. In addition to several pre-published contests, Kristi is a Rita award winner and has also been a finalist in the INSPY, Christy, and GRW Maggie Award of Excellence. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com.

Proposing Mischief (The Joplin Chronicles #2) by Regina Jennings

 

Proposing Mischief by Regina Jennings was an absolutely fun book to read. I have to say if I were to pick an actress to play Maisie Kentworth Bragg it would be Maureen O'Hara and I could see Katherine Hepburn as her sophisticated cousin Calista. I know today's generation won't know who I am talking about, but watch some old movies and see if you agree. But I digress. Maisie and Boone are a fun couple gifted by a great find. The plot of Proposing Mischief is lively and exciting, the setting is interesting, and I love the characters. I hope to meet more of the Kentworth clan in the future. I would love for Olive to have her own story, I think she is entitled to one. 

So grab a pot of tea, a snuggly blanket, and settle in for an enjoyable read!

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

Only one person can give her the freedom she seeks--but is it worth the risk?

Maisie Kentworth is being forced to stay on her parent's ranch. After a short-lived relationship with the wrong man, she's worried about inflaming things further between her former beau and her protective family. Left to rue her mistakes, she keeps busy exploring the idle mine at the edge of their property, where she discovers a great treasure.

Boone Bragg is also stuck. With his parents on vacation, the management of Bragg Mining falls on him, and one of his advisors wants him as a son-in-law. One wrong move and Boone will end up either offending an associate or marrying a woman he can't endure.

While closing up a spent mine, Boone gets two surprises. One is a spitfire farm girl who's trespassing with a pickax, and the other is the amazing crystal cavern that she's discovered. Suddenly Boone sees a way to overhaul the family business. With part of the cavern on Kentworth land, Boone makes Maisie a proposal that he hopes will solve all of their problems. Instead, it throws Joplin into chaos, and it will take all of Maisie's gumption to set things right.

About the author:

Regina Jennings is the winner of the National Reader's Choice Award and a finalist for the Christy Award, the Golden Quill, and the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. A graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history, Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children when not traveling the world.

Visit Regina's website at www.reginajennings.com

Sunrise (Sky King Ranch #1) by Susan May Warren

 

It has been a while since I have read anything by Susan May Warren and I had forgotten how much I enjoy her books. Sunrise is the first novel in her new series, Sky King Ranch. I was drawn in by her descriptions of Alaska and the intriguing life of people who choose to live in the bush. Susan paints beautiful word pictures of the landscape but also does a marvelous job showcasing people's lives. Sunrise features Dodge Kingston and Echo Yazzie as the main characters. They have a past filled with adventure and hurt. I really enjoyed their story of coming to terms with the past. Sunrise is a suspenseful adventure set in the shadow of Denali. Living in International Falls MN I can really appreciate the descriptions of cold living! So grab a comfy blanky, a mug of tea, and curl up in front of a roaring fireplace while you enjoy Sunrise!

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

Pilot Dodge Kingston has always been the heir to Sky King Ranch. But after a terrible family fight, he left to become a pararescue jumper. A decade later, he's headed home to the destiny that awaits him. 

That's not all that's waiting for Dodge. His childhood best friend and former flame, Echo Yazzie, is a true Alaskan--a homesteader, dogsledder, and research guide for the DNR. Most of all, she's living a life Dodge knows could get her killed. One of these days she's going to get lost in the woods again, and his worst fear is that he won't be there to find her.
 
When one of Echo's fellow researchers goes missing, Echo sets out to find her, despite a blizzard, a rogue grizzly haunting the woods, and the biting cold. Plus, there's more than just the regular dangers of the Alaskan forests stalking her . . .

Will Dodge be able to find her in time? And if he does, is there still room for him in her heart?

Sunrise is the first explosive volume in a new nail-biting series from USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren.

About the author:

Growing up in Minneapolis and attending the U of MN, I learned to love city life, although I'm a woodsy girl at heart. Or maybe I'm an adventurer -- having lived and traveled all over the world, including Siberia Russia as a missionary for eight years. Probably that's why my characters can't sit still, and seem to get into one scrape after another -- they're too much like me! I love God, my family, my country, my church, and feel privileged every day to be able to write stories.

Here's my "Official" Bio.

With over 1 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA and Carol award-winning author of over seventy-five novels with Revell, Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com and Christmas novellas.

With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award.

Of her books, Publisher’s Weekly has written, “Warren lays bare her characters’ human frailties, including fear, grief, and resentment, as openly as she details their virtues of love, devotion, and resiliency. She has crafted an engaging tale of romance, rivalry, and the power of forgiveness.”

And Library Journal adds, “Warren's characters are well-developed and she knows how to create a first rate contemporary romance…”

Susan is also a nationally acclaimed writing coach, teaching at conferences around the nation and winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year award. She loves to help people launch their writing careers and is the founder of Novel.Academy and www.LearnHowtoWriteaNovel.com, a writing website that helps authors get published and stay published. She’s also the author of the popular writing method, The Story Equation.

In Search Of A Prince by Toni Shiloh

 

This is the first book I have read by Toni Shilo. It was a fantastic read, one of those books that you want to savor, but you also want to know what happens so can't put it down. This book can be described as The Princess Diaries goes to Africa with the added benefit of the characters being practicing Christians. I loved Brielle and Mori. They are a sweet couple and I sincerely hope Ms. Shiloh writes a sequel! I would love to follow their reign and the growth of their family!. The setting is lovely and the suspense was very engaging. 

Brew up a pot of tea and settle in where you can't be disturbed! I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did!

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

It seems like a dream come true . . . until it forces her to question everything.

Brielle Adebayo is fully content teaching at a New York City public school and taking annual summer vacations with her mother to Martha's Vineyard. But everything changes when her mom drops a bombshell--Brielle is really a princess in the island kingdom of Ọlọrọ Ilé, off the coast of Africa, and she must immediately assume her royal position, since the health of her grandfather, the king, is failing.

Distraught by all the secrets her mother kept, Brielle is further left spinning when the Ọlọrọ Ilé Royal Council brings up an old edict that states she must marry before her coronation, or the crown will pass to another. Brielle is uncertain if she even wants the throne, and with her world totally shaken, where will she find the courage to take a chance on love and brave the perils a wrong decision may bring?

About the author:

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novel, Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist and Risking Love is a 2020 Selah Award finalist.

A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and of the Virginia Chapter, Toni seeks to help readers find authors. She loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. You can learn more about her writing at http://tonishiloh.com.

To Treasure An Heiress by Roseanna White

 

To Treasure An Heiress, book 2 in Roseanna White's Secrets of the Isles is a fabulous book! It was fascinating reading about the Scilly Islands. On these cold winter days, I really enjoyed the warmth of the islands. Beth and Sheridan are adorable and I love their witty conversations! The treasure hunt kept me engaged and cheering Beth on. I loved the plot twists. The secondary characters are quite well developed and I feel as though I had a lovely vacation in a time gone by. My suggestion is to curl up under a sun lamp, with a pitcher of ice tea and enjoy a lovely adventure!

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

1906

Beth Tremayne has always been drawn to adventure. During her childhood, she fed that desire by exploring every inch of the Isles of Scilly. Now, after stumbling across an old collection of letters and a map buried on her family's property, she's found more adventure than she ever anticipated in the hunt for pirate treasure. But in order to discover where the clues lead, she must search alongside Lord Sheridan, a man she finds insufferable.

Sheridan has spent years pursuing whatever archaeological interests pique his imagination. And when he discovers that Beth's search connects with one of his far-removed pirate ancestors, he can't help getting involved. Plus, he finds her irresistible, even though she insists he stole a prized possession of hers.

As they work together following different clues and drawing closer to danger, they start to piece together a story of tragic love and piratical adventure. But which treasure will bring the greatest surprise--the one they find in each other or the one just out of their reach?

About the author:

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

The Scilly Islands