A Season Of Harvest (Leah's Garden book 4) by Lauraine Snelling

 

I always enjoy visiting with Lauraine Snelling's characters. Her books are enjoyable and are an excellent way to escape everyday life for a while. Larkspur and her sisters have carved out a good life in the old west and are now settling down to raise families. I highly recommend the Leah's Garden series of books. 

My advice is to make a pitcher of tea and settle into your favorite reading nook for a great book.

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

From Amazon:

Can her dreams for the future--and a budding romance--survive the trouble that comes calling?

Larkspur Nielsen is determined to keep her family homestead running and to fulfill their dream of starting a seed catalog, with or without her siblings' help. With Isaac McTavish back in town, Lark finds herself at odds with her own heart and her determination to shoulder the burden of carrying her responsibilities alone. But Isaac is set on convincing her that he's here to stay and she doesn't have to carry everything by herself.

As a new romance blossoms between Lilac and an old schoolmate and the other Nielsen sisters are busy caring for their families, Lark bears more and more responsibility on the farm. When a long-feared threat returns and Lark approaches the breaking point, the life she has always dreamed of is in danger of disappearing forever.

About the author:

Award-winning and best selling author Lauraine Snelling began living her dream to be a writer with her first published book for young adult readers, Tragedy on the Toutle, in 1982. She has since continued writing more horse books for young girls, adding historical and contemporary fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers to her repertoire. All told, she has over eighty books published with more than 4 million copies in print.

Shown in her contemporary romances and women’s fiction, a hallmark of Lauraine’s style is writing about real issues of forgiveness, loss, domestic violence, and cancer within a compelling story. Her work has been translated into Norwegian, Danish, and German, and she has won the Romantic Times Career Achievement award for Inspirational Fiction, the Silver Angel Award for An Untamed Land and a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart for Song of Laughter.

As a sought after speaker, Lauraine encourages others to find their gifts and live their lives with humor and joy. Her readers clamor for more books more often, and Lauraine would like to comply ... if only her paintbrushes and easel didn’t call quite so loudly.

Lauraine and her husband, Wayne, have two grown sons, and live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a watchdog Basset named Winston. They love to travel, most especially in their forty-foot motor coach, which they affectionately deem “a work in progress”.

Blazing China by R. F. Whong

 

Blazing China by R. F. Whong. This book takes place during the cultural revolution in China. I did enjoy this book, but some parts made me uncomfortable. I would suggest this for an adult audience. 

Disclaimer by author: Note: Although the author follows the “less is more” principle, readers sensitive to sexual situations may find this book unsuitable, as it contains scenes intended to portray characters' attitudes towards sexual morality.

All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon: For Fans of Amy Tan and Francine Rivers, Blazing China takes you on an extraordinary journey of a family, facing adversity and persecution with unyielding courage.

Live or believe? God or survival?

Ordinary Christians. Extraordinary circumstances. Beliefs under siege outside and conflicts within. Where do these women stand?

Leesan wants to produce heirs to carry on the Lee family name and manage their enormous estates. When she delivers identical twin girls, Ann-Ann and May-May, just before the Cultural Revolution in China, she cannot imagine how much their world is about to change. Now, with her husband dead, their land forfeited to the government, and their lives in jeopardy, Leesan, her mother-in-law, Su-Ann, and her daughters must surrender all that’s left of the past, even as they struggle to hold on to their Christian faith.

As the persecution intensifies, Red Guards murder those caught attending their home church, and the survivors are scattered in different directions. From Beijing to Inner Mongolia, from Hong Kong to California, hardship and the clash between ideologies challenge their faith, love, and loyalty.

Should they choose survival over God?

Note: Although the author follows the “less is more” principle, readers sensitive to sexual situations may find this book unsuitable, as it contains scenes intended to portray characters' attitudes towards sexual morality.

About the author:

From a young age, I cultivated a profound love for reading and writing. I would spend hours at the library, devouring every book on a single shelf before moving on to the next. It seems I have a longing that can’t be satisfied by reality. Immersing myself in literature allows me to escape into worlds where I could become someone graceful, witty, and popular.

Currently, I work for a small biotech company and have published 120+ scientific books and papers. As a latecomer to the world of creative writing, I’ve released several books under different pen names. R. F. Whong is the pen name used for publishing fiction titles, whereas Ruth Wuwong is the chosen name for non-fiction books.

I’m married to my wonderful husband, a retired pastor who encourages me to pursue my dreams. We served together at three different churches from 1987 to 2020. Our adult son works in a nearby city.

For A Lifetime , Timeless book 3 by Gabrielle Meyer

I think I loved For A Lifetime even more than the first two books and that's saying something as they are both on my all time favorite list! I honestly tried to read it slowly, but I had to know what happened. I liked both Grace and Hope and was intrigued by both of their lives. There were some plot twists along the way making me change how I thought it would end several times. Luc and Isaac are both strong men and quite worthy of the girls. It was nice to see Gray and Maggie again! 

I especially loved this quote by Isaac: "'Tis fine to tell Him your frustrations. Prayer is about a relationship with God." He tapped the reins against the backs of his horses to get them to move a little faster.  "Like we're talking now. 'Tis not about what you can do for me, or what I can do for you. We're talking to help each other better understand difficult situations. We talk to get to know one another and to enjoy each other's company. Sometimes we ask for help, but a loving relationship isn't always about what the other person can do for us. 'Tis the same with God. We pray and read the Bible to know Him better, to understand His nature. To take comfort. To be known."

So plan on spending a bit of time to savor this book. And mourn the fact that we have to wait until November for the next one. 

All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

Grace and Hope are identical twin sisters born with the ability to time-cross together between 1692 Salem, Massachusetts, and 1912 New York City. As their twenty-fifth birthday approaches, they will have to choose one life to keep and one to leave behind forever--no matter the cost.

In 1692, they live and work in their father's tavern, where they must watch helplessly as the witch trials unfold in their village, threatening everyone. With the help of a handsome childhood friend, they search for the truth behind their mother's mysterious death, risking everything to expose a secret that could save their lives--or be their undoing.

In 1912, Hope dreams of becoming one of the first female pilots in America, and Grace works as an investigative journalist, uncovering corruption and injustice. After their parents' orphanage is threatened by an adversary, they enter a contest to complete a perilous cross-country flight under the guidance of a daring French aviator.

The sisters have already decided which timeline they will choose, but an unthinkable tragedy complicates the future they planned for themselves. As their birthday looms, how will they determine the lives--and loves--that are best for both of them?

"If you enjoy historical Christian romance with a twist of the unusual, I encourage you to try For a Lifetime."--Tracie Peterson, bestselling author

"Unpredictable, clever, and heartfelt, For a Lifetime is a fantastic addition to the Timeless series."--Elizabeth Camden, RITA Award-winning author

About the author:

Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people, places, and events. You can learn more about Gabrielle and her books at www.gabriellemeyer.com.

Find Gabrielle on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AuthorGabrielleMeyer, Pinterest at www.Pinterest.com/gabriellemeyer/, Twitter at www.twitter.com/MeyerGabrielle, Goodreads, and her Website at www.gabriellemeyer.com.

 

Scotland's Melody by Katie Stewart Stone

 

I love a good Regency tale and I would say Scotland's Melody by Katie Stewart Stone has all the elements of a good story. A rebellious young lady, an evil villain and a heroic young man all add up to a grand adventure. The characters were likeable and the settings were great. I gave it 4 stars because as much as I enjoyed it I saw the ending much too soon. I do look forward to reading the next book as I want to read Elsie's story. 

So brew up some tea and curl up for a very enjoyable read!

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

From Amazon:

"A sweet Regency romance, complete with lots of tension and breathtaking adventure."- Readers' Favorite five-star review

Melody Foster has been granted every luxury available, save one: the ability to love whom she chooses. When her father reveals that she is to marry a wild Scot she’s never met, Melody defies him and declares she will never marry without affection. Her choice to marry Richard, a footman in her father’s household, prompts her family to disown her, and she goes to London to risk everything for love. But she is blindsided. Without a penny to her name, her love is worthless to Richard, and he decides to change tactics. Perhaps she could still serve a purpose―after all, her family can’t sit idly by while she is held for ransom . . .

Desperate to escape the man she thought she loved, Melody finds allies to aid her: first, her old governess and then Cameron Findlay, a handsome stranger who is startled by the distraught young woman who catapulted into his life. Cam finds himself sympathetic to the young woman’s plight, so he and his sister agree to take her on as a servant in their household. Cam and Melody are powerfully drawn to each other, but can Melody ever trust her heart when it was so terribly wrong before?

About the author:

Katie Stewart Stone is an Austen enthusiast, a blogger, a journal-writer, and a wife and mother. With her debut work, Coming Home to Bellingham, Katie achieved a life-long goal of finishing and publishing a novel. She writes what she wants to read and rarely reads anything without a good romance. Katie graduated from Brigham Young University in 2012 with a bachelors in Therapeutic Recreation and spent six years working in the non-profit world, while writing on the side. When her beautiful boy was born, she quit her day-job and committed to finishing her first Regency novel. Now she is a stay-at-home-mother with two remarkable children-- both named after Austen characters-- and is continuously working to become a better writer.

How to be saved

 

The Crown Conspiracy (A Speranza Team Novel) by Connie Mann

 Wow! This book has everything! I loved the intrigue and the treasure hunt! Add in a modern day Robin Hood and a fabulous group of eccentric women who support other women. On top of that there is the mystery of a dead princess and her children, a coronation and missing women. Not much romance, but it wasn't needed for the story to be complete. I do look forward to more stories in the Speranza Team novels to come. This was the first book I have read by Connie Mann and she will be on my list of authors to buy in the future!

When you get a copy of this book set aside some time to really savor it. Then brew a pot of tea and curl up for an edge of your seat adventure.

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

From Amazon:

She’s a master at spotting a forgery . . . and knowing how to create one. But can she solve a decades-old mystery?

The media spotlight is the last thing art thief and forger Sophie Williams needs. But when one of three long-missing royal portraits turns up in Germany at her best friend’s art gallery, the spotlight is exactly what she gets. Since the tragic deaths of Princess Johanna of Neuhansberg and her two children forty years ago, the whereabouts of these portraits have been unknown . . . and the timing of their reappearance―just days before a new prince’s coronation―reignites questions surrounding the infamous accident.

Then Sophie’s best friend vanishes, and a rumor about hidden treasure connected to the paintings surfaces, seemingly confirmed by a cryptic message on the back of the first canvas. Convinced that finding the other two portraits will lead to her friend, Sophie begins a twisty investigation that pits her against other ruthless treasure hunters, a handsome investigator who seems to dog her trail at every turn, and a mysterious group that offers help, wearing an emblem identical to one on the painting.

From Germany’s grand castles and soaring cathedrals through the Alps to the canals of Venice, Sophie must choose her allies carefully if she hopes to find the portraits, rescue her best friend―and perhaps save a throne―before time runs out.

• A clean, contemporary adventure with a dash of romance
• A thrilling cold case mystery
• Includes discussion questions for book group

About the author:

Connie Mann is a licensed boat captain and loves writing romantic suspense stories set in Florida’s small towns and unspoiled wilderness. She is the author of the Florida Wildlife Warriors series (Beyond Risk, Beyond Power and Beyond Fear), the Safe Harbor series (Tangled Lies, Hidden Threat, Deadly Melody), as well as Angel Falls and Trapped! She has lived in seven different states but this self-proclaimed weather wimp has happily called Florida home for more than twenty years.

When she’s not dreaming up plotlines, you’ll find “Captain Connie” exploring the beaches along the Florida coast and captaining eco tours on the Indian River Lagoon in New Smyrna Beach.  She is also passionate about helping women and children in developing countries break the poverty cycle and build a better future for themselves and their families.

 

She and her husband love hanging out with family and friends and heading off to explore new places. If those days include boating, so much the better.

Visit Connie online at: www.conniemann.com.

You can also sign up for her newsletter at www.conniemann.com/subscribe so you never miss her latest updates.

a Run At Love by Toni Shiloh

 

A Run At Love was a fun book to read. I loved the plot and learned a bit about horse racing. I think it was fabulous that Piper and Tuck turned to God in every difficult moment. it was interesting reading about how a black person felt being raised in a white culture. Toni Shiloh is an excellent author who always entertains.

So grab a sweet tea and your derby hat, then settle in for a great read.

I was given a copy of A Run At Love with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

A CONTENDER RUNNING FOR THE ROSES

As a Black woman in a field with little diversity, Piper McKinney is determined to make her mark on the horse-racing world. Raised on a Thoroughbred farm in Kentucky, Piper's dream is for her horse to win the prestigious Kentucky Derby. With the help of her best friend and trainer, Tucker Hale, she gains national attention but must grapple with the complications that arise when a journalist delves into her past as a transracial adoptee.

A BEST FRIEND RACING FOR LOVE

In an effort to win Piper's heart, Tucker formulates a plan to train Piper's horse to victory, hoping to prove himself to her, her parents, and his own self-doubts. Then a shocking scandal hits the media, implicating both Piper and her parents, and she and Tucker will have to survive the onslaught to find their way to the winner's circle--and each other.

A ROMANCE WORTH THE CHALLENGE

"Readers are going to be delighted by this endearing and adorable romance."--Sarah Monzon, author of the Sewing in SoCal series on The Love Script

About the author:

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and an award-winning Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring God glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novel, In Search of a Prince, won the first ever, Christy Amplify award. Her novels, Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist, Risking Love a 2020 Selah Award finalist, The Truth About Fame a 2021 Holt Medallion finalist, and The Price of Dreams a 2021 Maggie 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.