The Promise of Home (Hearthfire Scottish Historical) by Michele Paige Holmes

As Katie and Collin MacDonald prepare to embark on the most perilous journey of their lives— crossing the Atlantic to Nova Scotia— an ocean away Collin’s brother Ian is seeing the coast of Virginia for the first time.

After a voyage that would have cost Ian his life, except for the courage and timely aid of Elizabeth Campbell, Ian plans to risk the same returning to Scotland as soon as possible, even if that means stowing away. But as Eliza and Ian form an unlikely friendship, Ian realizes he cannot simply abandon Eliza and their fellow passengers to the cruel fates that await them. At the risk of his own freedom, he decides he must do what he can to help.

After a narrow escape in London, Katie and Collin cross the ocean swiftly, with the smaller ship Cleopatra making good time until she encounters a fierce storm near Sable Island. The tempest threatens both the ship and Katie’s fragile health, and their arrival in Halifax brings little relief, but further proof that the dangers of this new continent will equal or surpass the old.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

I have been anxiously awaiting this book- this final book in this series- for months.  It feels like a lot longer!  ha.  First and foremost, you must read this series in order.  This book will not make sense or feel right if you don't read the others first.  I promise you will be glad if you do.  If you haven't read the first book, now is an excellent time to start as the series is now finished.  No waiting in between books!

It was so good to be back with Katie and Collin again.  I have missed them.  The first two books in this series were SO, so good.  I fell in love with both Katie and Collin there and in this book I was longing for that happily ever after for them.  There were so many sweet moments between them in this book but the road has been so long and so difficult.  Included in this book was the alternate viewpoint of Ian, Collin's brother.  He is an interesting character and it was good to see and feel his take on past events as he tries to reconcile that with the present.   I kind of wish he could have had his own book so his relationships could have developed in a similar way to Katie and Collin's.  But still, it was good.

While I really enjoyed this book, I felt more connected to the first two in the series.  I'm not sure why but this one felt a little different to me.  It was still good and I am completely satisfied by the ending.  This is a series I would love to read again all the way through.

Content:  clean, some danger and peril.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 

A Promise for Tomorrow (Hearthfire Romance) by Michele Paige Holmes + Book Giveaway!

Scottish Highlands, 1700s:

Barely two weeks have passed since Laird Collin MacDonald first darkened Katherine Mercer’s doorstep and married her. Marriage has hardly been what she expected, given their grueling and adventurous days of travel to the Scottish Highlands. Along with the discovery that Collin’s twin Ian would like to see her dead, Katie must now face her own clan, whose chief wants to kill Collin and take her to wife himself. All because Katie possesses the Campbell gift of sight, passed down through centuries of her ancestors.

With little more than faith in her grandfather’s vision and her unique bond with Collin to guide her, Katie steps bravely into an unknown future, where the glimpses afforded her may bring more danger than direction. When the misuse of her gift takes Collin from her side, she is left alone and vulnerable. Help arrives in the most unexpected form as Ian MacDonald makes good on his threat to attack the Campbells and Katie learns that the bond between brothers and love knows no bounds.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I know that technically it hasn't been THAT long since the first book in this series came out but it sure FELT like a long time waiting.  That's what happens when you love a book so much and you know there is more to the story and then you have to wait for the next book.  Waiting is hard to do.

But then the next book comes out!  And it feels glorious.  It's like Christmas.  Seriously.  It was such a happy day.  Then?  I polish it off in one day and then I'm sitting there is some kind of drunken reading stupor, wishing I could read the next book because I need more.  After finishing this book I honestly didn't want to pick up another book.  It's the weirdest feeling when reading is your "thing".  I wasn't ready to let the story go.  I wanted to wallow in it for awhile, I guess.  I didn't pick up another book until the next day.  

I don't know what it is about this series.  I wish I could pinpoint exactly what it is that draws me in so entirely.  But maybe it isn't just one thing but instead an accumulation of many little things.  The characters are fantastic- so well developed, making mistakes, growing, learning.  I love the characters in this book.  I feel them.  I know them.  The author creates a story that is so easy to fall into, to picture in my head, to become invested in.  It really was hard for me to pull myself out of that world.

And now?  I have to wait months for the next book.  Boooooooo.  I'm back to anxious anticipation.  And so the cycle begins again.

Content:  Some kissing, peril and violence.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Tour schedule

Dec 4 - Wishful Endings

Dec 5 - Getting Your Read On / Smiling Book Reviews / LDS Writer Mom

Dec 6 - My Book a Day / Bubble Bath Books

Dec 7 - Heidi Reads / Bookworm Lisa / Empower Moms

Dec 8 - Why Not? Because I Said So / Katie’s Clean Book Collection

The first book in this series, Yesterday's Promise, is on Amazon deals right now for just $1.60.  I am not sure how long this will last, so please check the price before purchasing.  This is an awesome time to snag this book if you haven't already!  

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Find Michele Paige Holmes:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/946017.Michele_Paige_Holmes

Website: http://www.michelepaigeholmes.net/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MichelePHolmes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelePaigeHolmes/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yesterday's Promise by Michele Paige Holmes

New from Michele Paige Holmes, Amazon’s bestselling historical romance author and Whitney Award Winner, comes the Hearthfire Historical Romance, YESTERDAY’S PROMISE.

In the Scottish Highlands, 1761:
Nineteen-year-old artist Katherine Mercer dreams of selling her paintings to help support her struggling family. Before she has the opportunity, Katherine learns she is to be sold—or practically so—given in marriage to a lord she has never met or even heard of. In return, a much-needed settlement will be made upon her mother.

Katherine’s situation goes from frightening to surreal when her husband-to-be Laird Collin MacDonald arrives with an entourage of men, each heavily armed and speaking with a thick brogue. As if leaving all she knows behind and traveling to another country with strangers isn’t bad enough, Katherine soon discovers a Scottish heritage she knew nothing of, a brother-in-law who wants her dead, and far more at stake with her paintings than she had ever imagined. Forced to turn to her reclusive husband for answers, comfort, and even her very survival, Katherine begins to unravel the mysteries of her past and what it is to love and be loved.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Oh.  Oy.  I wasn't quite ready to stop reading this story.  But I had to.  Because it stopped and there was no more left to read.  <sigh>

I was so caught up in this book.  I was pulled right into the story, invested in the characters and my heart was bursting!  Then it ended and I am a bit sad.  I find I am quite reluctant to move on to another book.  Surely reading one book while thinking of another is a bit like cheating, right?  Book cheating.  Is that a thing?  I feel like it is now.  Because I tried to read another book and that's what it felt like.  I'm still wallowing in Scotland and I'm not ready to leave just yet.  I hope I get over it soon.

The next book?  Fall.  Not too far away, but still.  When you are wallowing, it seems like forever away.  

So until book two. . .  Katie and Collin, I will dream of you.  In Scotland.  <grand lovey sigh>

Content:  mild violence, a rape attempt, kissing

Twelve Days in December (A Hearthfire Romance) by Michele Paige Holmes

Five months isn’t enough time to grieve the death of her husband and marry again, but when the unexpected opportunity to take her sister’s place as the bride of wealthy New York businessman, William Vancer, presents itself, twenty-four year-old Charlotte Holbrook agrees. Their marriage of convenience will provide a secure future for her son, while William will be able to claim the inheritance he needs to expand his company westward.

To begin their perfect and perfectly safe arrangement, William allots the last twelve days in December to become acquainted with his new family—a task more easily accomplished than he had imagined. For in Charlotte he finds a tender heart and companion, while stepping into the role of father to her son, brings William a great measure of joy as well. Before the twelve days have passed, he finds himself wishing their marriage of convenience could be something much more.

For Charlotte, every day with William is one of overwhelming gratitude, as he anticipates and provides for her needs, as well as the fondest desires of her heart. More than material comforts, William offers friendship as well, and a loving concern that Charlotte has gone too long without. Guilt ridden, she struggles with her growing attraction and wonders how she can ever remain loyal to her first husband, while allowing herself to love William as he deserves.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I was so excited to read this novella.  After the last book, Marrying Christopher, I really wanted to know what happened to William and Charlotte.  I wanted so badly a happily ever after for them both.

This is a novella in the Hearthfire Romance series.  I really think you need to read the previous books to fully feel and understand these characters, but reading Marrying Christopher is the most important.

I loved the feelings that came shining through so clearly in this book.  The desperation, resignation, insecurities and hope were all so clear and almost tangible.  I found myself chanting in my head, "come on, come on, come on..."  I guess I was almost desperate for them to get that happy ending (or beginning) that I was hoping for.

William is one of the most kind and generous people ever.  He wants to be loved and love in return.  His history has made him insecure but that hope is always there.  It is his consistent friendship and kindness that create a safe place for Charlotte to relax into and work through her guilt and confusion.  I love that.

One of the best moments for me was when Charlotte steps up to protect and defend William and by so doing gives something to William that he couldn't give himself.  It was the turning point for Charlotte and I really felt that.

I loved this little story.  It was so satisfying!  Love, love, loved it.  

Content:  Clean

Marrying Christopher (A Hearthfire Romance #3) by Michele Paige Holmes

Having seen both his sisters Grace and Helen happily married, Christopher Thatcher is free to pursue his dream of life in America. With adventure in his heart and mind, he boards one of the first steamships set to cross the Atlantic in the record breaking time of only twenty-five days. Within the first two of those, his resolve—to avoid women and the complications they often bring to a man’s life—falters when he meets Marsali Abbott, a young woman with a past even more troubling than his own. Whether from years of habit protecting his sisters, or simply because he feels drawn to Marsali, Christopher chooses to help her and becomes her friend. As the truth about what awaits Marsali in America becomes evident, he is faced with a more difficult choice, one that will impact their lives far beyond four weeks together at sea.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I was so excited to finally be able to settle in and read Christopher's story.  He is the last sibling in this series and I've watched him help his sisters find love and care.  I was anxiously awaiting this book so I could watch Christopher find his love because he deserved it.

This has been a fantastic historical romance series.  I've loved each book but I think Christopher may just be my favorite.  This one jerked my emotions all over the place and the last third of the book I seriously felt so desperate- like pulling my hair and yelling AAAHHHHRRRGGGHHHH!

Christopher is leaving his homeland of England to begin a new life in America.  He has dreams of owning his own land and being his own man.  Now that his sister's are both settled with men who adore them, Christopher feels this is his time.  Christopher knows how to take care of people.  His sister's have taught him how to work hard, how to be a gentleman and how to love well.  

If you don't fall in love with Marsali in this book, you are crazy.  She is gentle kindness itself.  But don't think that means she doesn't have a backbone- because she does.  Christopher and Marsali are perfect for each other.  I loved them both.  Together and apart.

I could easily picture the scenes from this book playing out in my head like a movie.  The characters were strong and each one had personality and definition.  This was a fantastic book for me and I really loved it.

Loving Helen (Hearthfire #2) by Michele Paige Holmes

Eighteen-year-old Helen Thatcher grew up under the protection of her older siblings, Grace and Christopher. Living in their shadows and keeping to herself suited Helen just fine—until she met widower Samuel Preston. Watching Mr. Preston care for his young daughter and seeing his concern extend to her own family, Helen felt her reserve slipping away, as she learned first to trust him and then realized she had fallen in love with him. But instead of returning—or even noticing her affection—Mr. Preston developed his own tender, and unrequited feelings, for Grace.

In the midst of each silently nursing their broken hearts, Helen and Samuel are faced with a daunting task—reuniting Grace with her fiancé, Nicholas Sutherland. Now it is Helen who must look out for her sister and sacrifice her own fragile heart, as she and Samuel pretend to be engaged. Helen finds the role surprisingly easy to play, allowing herself to imagine that Samuel’s loving remarks are sincere. As the time for their charade to end draws near Helen must summon her courage and tell Samuel the truth of her feelings, or risk losing him forever.

* Goodreads * Amazon *

This is the second book in the Hearthfire Romance series.  I would say that you really need to read "Saving Grace", the first book in the series, before you read this book or you will probably be really lost.

I enjoyed the cross over from the first book.  We saw some of the same events from "Saving Grace" except they came from Helen's point of view.  Helen is very different from her sister, Grace.  She is reserved but has a keen way of seeing other people and knowing their hearts.  Helen's heart is gentle, soft and full of compassion.  She would do anything to help her sister that protected her and cared for her when she was younger.

Mr. Preston is the man Helen loves.  Unfortunately, Mr. Preston fancies himself in love with Grace.  Not much worse than being in love with a man who is in love with your sister.  Poor Helen.  When she has the chance to play pretend at loving Mr. Preston, it isn't so pretend for Helen.  Her heart breaks almost every day.

This was an enjoyable, sweet and gentle romance.  Helen and Mr. Preston are both kind and easy to like.  It was nice to see another side to the first story and get to know Helen better.  Her journey from the shadows is a good one.  I'm excited to read the next book about Christopher.  It's going to be a fun one!  

Saving Grace by Michele Paige Holmes

After the death of her grandfather, the Duke of Salisbury, Grace Thatcher wants nothing more than to live quietly in the country with her younger siblings. Her father’s debts thwart those plans, and to protect her sister, Helen, Grace must marry a man of her father’s choosing.

As each suitor proves less than desirable, Grace comes up with clever schemes, causing each to reject her. While staying at the mysterious Sutherland Hall, a middle-of-the-night mishap sends Grace into the arms of a stranger, Nicholas Sutherland—and provides inspiration for her grandest plan yet—one that will leave her reputation in tatters yet free both her and Helen from all possibility of marriage.

Too late Grace regrets her rash actions when her father’s last choice, Mr. Samuel Preston, proves to be a gentleman and a friend. But Samuel is the sworn enemy of Nicholas Sutherland, the man responsible for her “ruin.” Now instead of being free, Grace is caught between two men—each with his own agenda.

I'm really glad I had the chance to review this book.  I saw it and immediately knew it was a book that I wanted to read.  Sweet and clean romances are right up my alley.

Michele Holmes does a fantastic job of setting up the time, place and characters in this book.  I loved how friendships and romances developed slowly but never left me feeling bored or anxious.  It was a great book from beginning to end.  Such a great diversion!

Grace is tenacious.  She is a fighter but in a very soft way.  She knows hard work from a hard life but still remains gentle and full of hope and love.  

I loved the play on the title throughout the book.  The cover is gorgeous!  I hope this author continues to write along these lines.  Yay for clean romances!!

 * Goodreads * Amazon *