Under the Java Moon by Heather B. Moore

 

Based on a true story, this gripping WWII novel captures the resilience, hope, and courage of a Dutch family who is separated during the war when the Japanese occupy the Dutch East Indies.

Java Island, 1941

Six-year-old Rita Vischer cowers in her family’s dug-out bomb shelter, listening to the sirens and waiting for a bomb to fall. Her charmed life on Java—living with other Dutch families—had always been peaceful, but when Holland declares war on Japan and the Japanese army invades Indonesia, Rita’s family is forced to relocate to a POW camp, and Rita must help care for her little brother, Georgie.

Mary Vischer is three months pregnant when she enters the Tjident women’s camp with thousands of other women and children. Her husband, George, is somewhere on the Java Sea with the Dutch Navy, so she must care alone for her young children, Rita and Georgie, and her frail mother. The brutal conditions of the overcrowded camp make starvation, malaria, and dysentery a grim reality. Mary must do everything she can to keep her family alive.

George Vischer survives the bombing of his minesweeper but feels little hope floating on a small dinghy in the Java Sea. Reaching the northern tip of the Thousand Island would be a miracle. Focusing on the love of his life, Mary, and his two children, he battles against the sea and merciless sun. He’ll do whatever it takes to close the divide between him and his family, even if it means risking being captured by the Japanese.

Under the Java Moon highlights a little-known part of WWII history and the impact of war on Indonesia, its people, and the more than 100,000 Dutch men, women, and children who were funneled into prison camps and faced with the ultimate fight for survival.

 * Goodreads * Deseret Book * Amazon *

First, book cover love!!  The cover on this book may just be one of my favorites this year so far.  It's gorgeous and I absolutely love it.  The picture is pretty but the cover in real life is even more beautiful.  

Next, the story.  Wow.  Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and this book is exactly the reason why.  I love learning about events in history told like a story filled with emotion and personal connections.  Author Heather B. Moore knows just how to weave a story that fills my mind with vivid pictures and heartfelt emotion.

I listened to a podcast (All In, April 5th) with Maria Vischer Elliott (Rita) before I read this book.  I was interested because I knew I was going to be reading this book and what a treat to hear her voice and tell bits of this story in her own words.  It really gave me an emotional base and interest before I even started reading.

War is horrible.  What war does to people is horrible.  I wish it never had to happen.  But stories like this are a testament to how resilient people can be, especially when driven by love and hope.  I hadn't even heard the story of the people of the Dutch East Indies during WWII so this was all new to me.  My heart is both saddened and grateful.  The Vischer family is a real family, whose lives were torn apart by war.  They are one of so many.  I'm so glad for authors who tell stories like this so we can honor them and remember.

Content:  war time elements of peril, abuse and violence.  

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

Just Add Mischief (An Everly Falls Novel) by Heather B. Moore

 

New neighbor? No, thank you. Peace and quiet? Yes, please.

Fresh from a broken engagement, the last thing Brandy Kane wants is to deal with her standoffish new neighbor, even if his dog is a sweetheart.

Ian Hudson doesn’t like people, which includes the busybody family who’s apparently moving in the property below his private cabin. A place he thought was abandoned for good. He’s secluded himself for a reason, and he isn’t about to allow his peace to be disturbed.

But when the rest of his teetering world takes a nose dive, his new neighbor might be the only one to get him through. It will just take adding a little mischief.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Aw, what a sweet romance.  I loved the peaceful setting in the woodsy area, the gradual building friendship to romance between Ian and Brandy, the pop of suspense and the cute dog!

This is a sunshine/grump, fake dating troupe with the bonus of a little suspense toward the end to liven things up.  I love a little suspense.  Or a lot.  I like that too.  :)  

It was fun to see Brandy win over Ian with her kindness and understanding.  Both Ian and Brandy have some past (and present) hurts they are trying to work through and I love how they discovered it was better to deal with them together.  They were fun characters and I enjoyed getting to know them through this story.

Content:  mild peril, mild violence.  Kissing.  Mention of infidelity.

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

In the Shadow of a Queen by Heather B. Moore

 

Based on the true story of the free-spirited daughter of Queen Victoria.

Princess Louise’s life is upended after her father’s untimely death. Captive to the queen’s overwhelming mourning, Louise is forbidden to leave her mother’s tight circle of control and is eventually relegated to the position of personal secretary to her mother—the same position each of her sisters held until they were married.

Already an accomplished painter, Louise risks the queen’s wrath by exploring the art of sculpting, an activity viewed as unbefitting a woman. When Louise involves herself in the day’s political matters, including championing the career of a female doctor and communicating with suffragettes, the queen lays down the law to stop her and devotes her full energy to finding an acceptable match for her defiant daughter.

Louise is considered the most beautiful and talented daughter of Queen Victoria, but finding a match for the princess is no easy feat. Protocols are broken, and Louise exerts her own will as she tries to find an open-minded husband who will support her free spirit.

In the Shadow of a Queen is the story of a battle of wills between two women: a daughter determined to forge her own life beyond the shadow of her mother, and a queen resolved to keep the Crown’s reputation unsullied no matter the cost.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

You know the saying, "timing is everything?"  I feel like that applies to the release of this book.  Here we have a book about the British Royals and the beloved queen of England has just passed away.  Of course this sparks all kinds of curiosity about royals and this book is perfect for royal fans and those just curious about Queen Victoria and her family.

I, myself, have British roots.  My grandparents immigrated from England and they loved their queen.  They followed the British royalty from the US and were devoted to them.  

This story follows Princess Louise from childhood to adulthood.  Her personality really shines through as we get to know her and the whole royal family through her.  This is a long book with a long list of secondary characters.  I was, of course, more emotionally invested in Princess Louise than anyone else.  Actually, she was probably the only one I felt that with.  I enjoyed learning about her and her passions.  Her journey to love and a life outside of the confines of the royal palace was satisfying.  I loved how much she wanted to make a difference in the world and most especially in the world of women.

 Did I mention that this book is long?  It is.  It also moves at a very sedate pace without many big pushes in forward momentum.  The whole world of royals is so different from mine, and therefore, so interesting.  I really enjoyed learning about Princess Louise.

Content:  death, kissing

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

The Slow March of Light by Heather B. Moore

 

Sometimes all you have is hope.

In the summer of 1961, a wall of barbed wire goes up quickly in the dead of night, officially dividing Berlin. Aware of the many whose families have been divided, Luisa joins a secret spy network, risking her life to help East Germans escape across the Berlin Wall and into the West.

Bob Inama, a soldier in the US Army, is stationed in West Germany. He’s glad to be fluent in German, especially after meeting Luisa Voigt at a church social. As they spend time together, they form a close connection. But when Bob receives classified orders to leave for undercover work immediately, he doesn’t get the chance to say goodbye.

With a fake identity, Bob’s special assignment is to be a spy embedded in East Germany, identifying possible targets for the US military. But Soviet and East German spies, the secret police, and Stasi informants are everywhere, and the danger of being caught and sent to a brutal East German prison lurks on every corner.

Best-selling author Heather B. Moore masterfully alternates the stories of Bob and Luisa, capturing the human drama unique to Cold War Germany was well as the courage and the resilience of the human spirit.

 * Goodreads * Amazon * Deseret Book *

Can I just say that I love historical fiction?  I know I say it all the time- like, every time I read a good historical fiction book.  It's one of my favorite genres and this book proves, yet again, why I love it.  I know that this book is labeled fiction, and some of it is, but some of it isn't.  It's based on real events that happened to a real person that this author interviewed in preparation to write this book.  It's such an amazing story of an amazing man and courageous, resilient people.  My heart feels changed for the better.  

The world is always in crisis somewhere, over so many things.  For Bob, it was Germany in the 1960's.  It was such a volatile time with so much violence and unrest.  I felt right there in the middle of it as I read.  This book isn't small.  It's a hefty, thick book and I read through the whole story in one day.  I couldn't put it down.  I know I'm going to be thinking of this book for a long time.

Content:  war violence, prisoner of war beatings (not much detail), peril

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

Facebook page for the book: https://www.facebook.com/SlowMarchOfLight 

 

Videos: 

Surviving Prison in the Cold War: https://youtu.be/FHD7-fDgqV8 

The Making of a Spy: https://youtu.be/haUC5-6DeE0 

If you purchase The Slow March of Light this week, you can get this launch bundle free.  Just go to the publisher website and enter your purchase information.

Launch Bundle from Publisher: https://shadowmountain.com/slowmarch/ 

A Seaside Summer by Josi S. Kilpack, Martha Keyes, Heather B. Moore + A Giveaway!!

 

Summer on the seaside . . . a perfect place for romance.

Join us for three novellas in one collection:

The New Countess, by Josi S. Kilpack

Diane knows why the earl asked her to marry him; he needed a mother for his daughter, an heir for his title, and a hostess to assist with his position in Parliament. With two sons of her own, and no security to speak of, she never thought twice about accepting his proposal. Summering at his holiday cottage at the sea was meant to be reward for a busy first year as the new countess, and a time for her to rest before their baby is born. She is expecting lazy days on the beach with the children, simple meals, and keeping her own schedule. When the earl surprises her with a visit, she does her best not to resent the intrusion. When she learns that he came for the sole purpose of being with her and getting to know her better, she realizes that perhaps this marriage can be more than she expected. Is she ready for him to know her and love her and explore this new possibility together? She wants to be, but it is not an easy thing to let go of expectations and open up to an entirely new way of life.

Mishaps and Memories, by Martha Keyes

Judith Jardine’s one chance at a brilliant match is doomed from the start when she is ignored and then mocked by the ton’s most sought-after gentleman. Under a gloomy cloud of failure, Judith is exiled to a seaside cottage to spend the summer helping her sister—and living a life far below the one she experienced for her week in Brighton. When she discovers the man responsible for her misfortune unconscious on the beach, she heeds her better impulses and has him brought to the cottage to be seen to. But James Carlisle has no recollection of who he is, what happened to him, or how he has wronged her, and Judith sees the opportunity to teach him a valuable lesson—unless the deception and her feelings get the best of her first.

Moonlight Summer, by Heather B. Moore

Oscar Rosewell’s life is not lacking in many things even though he lives on the fringes of society due to his father’s ruined reputation. He’s sworn off having any personal relationships with ton members—his only interest lies in keeping his business thriving. He’s content with his day-to-day anonymity, and business keeps his heart from getting exposed. It’s safer that way. Until Oscar meets Miss Dorothea Atkinson. A woman capturing his interest is a rare thing, but Miss Atkinson is nearly engaged to a man of her parents’ choosing. Would it be wrong to wish for something to go terribly wrong between the couple? Soon, Oscar learns that wishing can become a reality, but often, the price is an even heavier thing to pay.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * BARNES & NOBLE *

I would really, really love to be in the setting of these books right now.  A seaside summer in England sounds like just the thing.  Isn't it lovely that books can transport us to all the places as we read?  I love books.

Each of the stories in this book are simply delightful.  I loved each one of them.  They were engaging and the characters made me smile.  Well, Judith probably made me smile the most.  The first story was the most endearing, I think.  The second story, the most amusing and the third story had the sweetest characters.  Oh, and I have to say that I love the cover on this book.  It's beautiful and really set the stage for the movies that played out in my head as I read.

Content:  sweet kisses

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

AUTHOR BIOS

Josi S. Kilpack is the bestselling author of several Proper Romance, Timeless Romance series, and a Cozy Culinary Mystery series. Her books, A Heart Revealed and Lord Fenton's Folly; were Publishers Weekly Best Romance Books of the Year. She and her husband, Lee, are the parents of four children

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

 

Martha Keyes is a Whitney Award winning author born, raised, and educated in Utah—a home she loves dearly but also dearly loves to escape whenever she can by traveling the world. She received a BA in French Studies and a Master of Public Health, both from Brigham Young University.

Word crafting has always fascinated her, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that she considered writing her own stories. When she isn’t writing, she is honing her photography skills, looking for travel deals, and spending time with her family. She lives with her husband and twin boys in Vineyard, Utah.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

 

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestseller and award-winning author of more than seventy publications. She's lived on both the east and west coasts of the United States, including Hawaii, and attended school abroad including the Cairo American College in Egypt, and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. She loves to learn about anything in history and, as an author, is passionate about historical research.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Join the virtual book tour of A SEASIDE SUMMER, a collection of novellas by bestselling authors Josi S. Kilpack, Martha Keyes, and Heather B. Moore, August 23-September 19, 2021. Over twenty-five popular on-line influencers specializing in Regency romance, historical romance, and inspirational fiction will join in the celebration of the release of the 17th book in the bestselling Timeless Regency Romance Collection with a spotlights, exclusive excerpts, and reviews of this new anthology set in Regency England.

 

TOUR SCHEDULE

Aug 23           Austenprose (Review)

Aug 24           My Jane Austen Book Club (Excerpt)

Aug 24           Getting Your Read On (Review)

Aug 25           The Bibliophile Files (Review)

Aug 26           Heidi Reads (Review)

Aug 27           Our Book Confessions (Review)

Aug 30           The Lit Bitch (Spotlight)                           

Aug 30           Wishful Endings (Review)

Sept 01          The Book Diva Reads (Spotlight)

Sept 01          Rosanne E. Lortz (Review)

Sept 02          Laura's Reviews (Review)

Sept 04          Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen (Excerpt)

Sept 07          Probably at the Library (Review)

Sept 08          Gwendalyn's Books (Review)

Sept 09          Books and Socks Rock (Spotlight)

Sept 10          Christian Chick's Thoughts (Review)

Sept 11          Storeybook Reviews (Excerpt)

Sept 13          From Pemberley to Milton (Review)

Sept 13          My Bookish Bliss (Review)

Sept 14          Bookworm Lisa (Review)

Sept 15          Relz Reviewz (Spotlight)

Sept 15          Reading with Emily (Review)

Sept 16          Lu Reviews Books (Review)

Sept 17          Greenish Bookshelf (Spotlight)                          

Sept 17          Austenesque Reviews (Review)

Sept 17          Bringing Up Books (Review)

Sept 18          Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina (Review)

Sept 19          Eli's Novel Reviews (Review)

GIVEAWAY

Mirror Press is pleased to offer one digital copy of any of the 16 previous books in the Timeless Regency Romance Collection to one unique winner at each stop on the tour.

To qualify, please leave a comment with this blog post before 11:59pm, September 26, 2021. Visit each stop on the tour and leave a comment to increase your chance to win a book.

This contest is open internationally. The winner will be drawn randomly from the comments and announced on each blog on September 27, 2021. The winner must claim their prize before October 04, 2021. Good luck to all!

Ace High (Lost Creek Rodeo #6) by Heather B. Moore, Rebecca Connolly, Sophia Summers

 

Sometimes second chances are waiting when you least expect them.

Lars Jackson isn’t purposely hanging around Lost Creek to see Kellie Prosper more. All right, maybe he is. She’s single now, and well, he knows she’s been through a lot. Maybe he can be a listening ear. Something more would be a dream of his, but he’s good at waiting. Before Kellie’s divorce, he’d just kept his focus on his bronc riding career. But now . . .

Kellie Prosper is busier than she’s ever been. Running the Broken Hearts Ranch, bringing on new clients, and balancing all the changes in Lost Creek. At least her brother Ryan is there to help, though when Lars Jackson, one of the Original Six, starts hanging around more, Kellie feels . . . She doesn’t know exactly what she feels. But appreciation is just the beginning.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I think this book is one of my favorites of the series.  That's probably because I've seen Kellie in action in all books of this series and I've been hoping we would get to see her love story. blossom.

One of the things I loved best about this story was that there was no big blowup or misunderstanding.  It was just Lars and Kellie trying to navigate a new relationship.  Lars is the best kind of supporter- quietly there, helping and taking care of things for Kellie.  He's kind and he is generous with both his words and his actions.  I really loved that.  It's that consistency and dependability that help Kellie know it's safe to move on with him.  The natural progression of this relationship felt good and I just really enjoyed it.

As always, it was good to see all the guys in this book.  The family of cowboys.  What a fun series this has been.  I don't think you have to read these books in order but for this one especially, you might be happier if you do.

Content:  kissing, mild swearing

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

Rough Stock (Lost Creek Rodeo #3) by Heather B. Moore

 

Life on the road is good . . . Until he meets her and realizes what he’s missing.

Westin Farr has been focused on one thing. To match his dad’s perfect 100-point record in professional bull riding. It’s getting closer; he can feel it. Although he misses his dad, life is good. Westin spends his days on the road, his nights bull riding, and his free time with his former college rodeo buddies—the Original Six. But when he meets the feisty Silvia Diaz, Westin finds that his lofty goals might not be so important after all.

The last thing Silvia wants to do is ‘work on herself’ at Broken Hearts Ranch in the tiny town of Lost Creek, Texas. And the last thing she needs is a cowboy sweet-talking her into staying. She agrees to give the place one week, one week only, and then she’s returning to normal life. Not even a bull rider who seems to look straight into her heart can change her mind . . . until he does.

Welcome to Lost Creek Rodeo!

Best friends at a small college in Texas, six cowboys rise to become pro-rodeo stars. Follow Ryan, Reid, Westin, Ford, Eric and Lars in these six swoony sports romances.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Are you ready for more cowboys?  Here is book three in the Lost Creek Rodeo series.  I don't think you have to read these books in order, but I think you will be much happier if you do.  These authors take turns writing the books but the characters they write about all interconnect.  In this book, Silvia's brother is from a previous series.  It definitely gives all these books a feeling of continuity, community and family.

Westin is a genuinely nice guy.  He is motivated as a bull rider by his father and his hopes to reach his record and level.  I liked Westin's determination and his kind support of Silvia, even when she wasn't so nice to him.

Silvia is a character I feel I didn't fully understand.  I could feel her frustration with her brother and I get having panic attacks but I didn't altogether buy into her reasons for conflict with Westin.  Silvia was on a journey to self discovery though, finding independence and confidence along the way.  That was satisfying.

This was a nice addition to this ongoing series.  I love reading about these cowboys because they are rough and tough but kind and good as well.  They make great love stories!  I'm looking forward to the next one!

This book (and this series) is available on KU.

- kissing, mild peril

The Paper Daughters of Chinatown by Heather B. Moore

 

Based on true events, The Paper Daughters of Chinatown in a powerful story about a largely unknown chapter in history and the women who emerged as heroes.

In the late nineteenth century, San Francisco is a booming city with a dark side, one in which a powerful underground organization—the criminal tong—buys and sells young Chinese women into prostitution and slavery. These “paper daughters,” so called because fake documents gain them entry to America but leave them without legal identity, generally have no recourse. But the Occidental Mission Home for Girls is one bright spot of hope and help.

Told in alternating chapters, this rich narrative follows the stories of young Donaldina Cameron who works in the mission home, and Mei Lien, a “paper daughter” who thinks she is coming to America for an arranged marriage but instead is sold into a life of shame and despair.

Donaldina, a real-life pioneering advocate for social justice, bravely stands up to corrupt officials and violent gangs, helping to win freedom for thousands of Chinese women. Mei Lien endures heartbreak and betrayal in her search for hope, belonging, and love. Their stories merge in this gripping account of the courage and determination that helped shape a new course of women’s history in America.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

Wow.  If there is anyone out there that doesn't believe that books have the power to change you, they should read this book.  I finished this book enlightened, in awe and also sad.  I feel changed because I now know more.  I'm a girl that loves fluffy romances and entertainment but I also love learning about events in time and people who made a difference.  Historical fiction is a favorite genre of mine and Heather B. Moore is a master crafter, in my opinion.  Her intense research shows as she brings this story to life.

This book is based on Donaldina Cameron who devoted her whole life to saving and caring for the young Chinese girls, stolen and exploited, in San Francisco.  Donaldina (Dolly) started out thinking she would give the position at the mission home one year but that year turned into a lifetime.  Her heart was so invested in saving girls sold into slavery and prostitution.  I am honestly in awe of Dolly and the many people like her, who are so courageous and devoted.  It inspires me to be better and do better.

This book isn't light reading.  It is full of heart wrenching situations and brutal atrocities to young, innocent girls.  I thought the author did a good job of balancing knowledge with details.  She kept things tasteful given the subject matter while still allowing me, as a reader to understand and feel the magnitude of the situations.

While difficult, I am so glad I read this book.  I can't stop thinking about it.  This story is impactful and enlightening.  What I know is that we, as human kind, need to take better care of each other and protect the innocent and helpless.  Awareness is the first step to change.

Content:  abuse in all forms, prostitution is frequently mentioned but no graphic details.  Violence.

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

 

Not Over You (Prosperity Ranch #3) by Heather B. Moore

He left her behind. She’s spent years ignoring him. But some things can never be forgotten.
Knox Prosper knows he can never go back in time and correct his mistakes, so he has to find a way to move forward, and start a new life. Become a better man, and a father, if only for his young daughter. His regrets have taught him to simplify and to focus on what’s real and important. Returning to his hometown to ride in the rodeo gives him a chance to spend time with his daughter and to continue mending bridges with the rest of his family. But what he doesn’t expect is to run into Jana Harris—the first woman he loved—the woman who faded from his life years before because Knox continued to mess up one thing after another. Someone as good and as sweet as Jana is the last person he deserves. Hope is dangerous. And hope can break his heart once again. Yet Jana might be the one person with the power to redeem his past once and for all.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Hello, Knox.  Star of this third book in the Prosperity Ranch series and without a doubt, the person in this family with the most drama swirling around him.  Knox has made a TON of mistakes and he knows it.  Now he is trying to make amends with his family, his community and Jana.  Knox is seeking redemption and forgiveness.  

I've really enjoyed seeing Knox change and grow over the length of the series.  In book one, he really doesn't give you much to hope for.  He's at the bottom of the barrel so to speak but by the end of that book, there is a smidgen of hope.  I love how far Knox comes in this book because now that he's in it for redemption, there's no turning back.  Knox works hard to set wrongs to right and he works hard to gain forgiveness from others and even himself.  Combine that with the second chance at first love with the sweetest Jana and you have yourself a good, satisfying story.  My favorite of the series so far, I think.

I'm enjoying the Prosper family and looking forward to the next book!

Content:  mention of infidelity, sex outside of marriage without any details.  Kissing.

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

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty publications. Her historical novels and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah. Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1344869.Heather_B_Moore

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/37783537691/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/heatherbmoore

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhbmoore/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Heather-B-Moore/e/B007HLYZ6A/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Steal My Heart (Prosperity Ranch #2) by Heather B. Moore

Disaster seems to follow Evie Prosper’s dating life everywhere. A fresh start can only mean leaving Prosper forever, which is what she’s determined to do, until she meets Carson Hunt. He unknowingly saves her from another dating disaster, yet their paths keep crossing. Carson is relocating to Prosper of all places, and if Evie could change that one thing about him, she might rethink their connection.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Characters really make or break a book, right?  Good thing Heather B. Moore really knows how to create characters with definable personalities that draw you in.  I enjoyed Evie and Carson separately and together.  Their relationship had a steady progression that felt natural and healthy.  I really loved the way Carson believed in Evie and stood up for her no matter who that meant he was confronting.  That is such an attractive trait.  The confidence he displayed helped Evie believe her worth and value as well.  Carson was definitely the star of the show in this book.

The Prospers are an interesting family with lots going on.  This is the second book in the series and I would really recommend reading this series in order.  Even though each book's focus is on one particular character, this series is all about family and they all appear throughout each book.  I really like that this family is flawed as all families are but they are willing to work and change, forgive and support.  That's what a family is to me.

Content:  kissing

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

About the Author:

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty publications. Her historical novels and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah. Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1344869.Heather_B_Moore

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/37783537691/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/heatherbmoore

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhbmoore/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Heather-B-Moore/e/B007HLYZ6A/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Breakaway (Northbrook Hockey Elite #5) by Heather B. Moore, Sophia Summers, Rebecca Connolly

He’s trying to keep his position on the team, but everything seems to be working against him. She has one job to do and won’t let anything get in her way. Especially a hockey player.
Pro hockey player Declan Rivera is nicknamed Dice for a reason. His playing is either hot, or cold, just roll the dice. And right now, things aren’t great. He’s on his fourth trade, and once again, his contract is on shaky ground. So he vows to do everything he can to please the Denver Chargers team’s owner, even if it means taking part in the dreaded social media campaign.

Camila Brandon, daughter of the Denver Chargers team owner, is hired to amp up the team’s image and get tickets sold. This is not her first time dealing with a group of pro hockey players and working with them to turn social media into positive exposure for the team. She just has to stick to her rule of never dating a hockey player. Not even a guy like Declan Rivera, who is nothing like she expects, and makes her question her own rule.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

I am loving this series so much.  Each book is individual but connected to the other books and characters from the other books.  It really gives it an overall sense of community and family that I find so attractive as a reader.  There is a feeling of camaraderie between the hockey players even when they are opponents on the ice.

Declan (Dice) is a fantastic character.  I loved how hard he tries to be better and more consistent.  Not just for himself but for his mother as well.  He is a kind and patient son who really cares for his mother (and her cat!).  It's endearing.  Declan is fierce on the ice though and the contrast between that and his off the ice, private personality was interesting.  I loved the steady and gentle build to Declan and Camila's relationship.  It was sweet and easy to fall into.  I enjoyed it!

Content:  clean romance, kissing

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

 

Loving Her Fling (Hidden Hollows #3) by Heather B. Moore

Can her love tame her fling?

Everly King’s life might be on a Plan B track, but she’s perfectly content with her job, her nights out at the movies, and putting her past behind her. She certainly doesn’t need to be reminded over and over that her sister is, well, engaged to Everly’s ex.

Austin Hayes is the architect hired to redesign Everly's beloved theater. As a widower with a young daughter, the last thing he wants is to juggle another relationship.

Thankfully, Austin is only in Hidden Hollows for a few weeks. A fake relationship seems exactly what both need. After all, when it’s just a fling, no one gets hurt. Right?

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I love Heather B. Moore and I loved this book!  I am always drawn to fake to real scenarios.  I really loved the overall feel to this book.  It wasn't over the top or extreme but had a real, down to earth vibe that made me comfortable and happy.  The first meet in the movie theater was cute and really set the stage for the rest of the book.  It was great.

Everly is a fun character, a little quirky, and very sweet.  She seemed to know how to soothe people and help them feel better.  Everly tends to put other people before herself which is a great quality but I also loved when she took a stand and let her voice be heard.  Austin is patient with Everly, especially in the beginning when her emotions come to the front with the injustice she felt over the movie theater.  I love how he listened to her and tried to please her.  

This is the third book in this Hidden Hollows series and I haven't read the others.  Each book in this series is written by a different author and each book can stand alone.  This book is on KU if you have that.

Content:  kissing

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

One Summer Day (Prosperity Ranch #1) by Heather B. Moore

She’s desperate to start over. He represents the past she wants to leave behind. But falling in love is never about logic.

Macie’s divorce has left her at rock-bottom, and she uproots everything and takes her young daughter to visit Prosperity Ranch for the summer. Every kid deserves to know her grandparents, right? Macie hopes for some healing time, even if she is staying at her ex in-laws ranch. What she isn’t expecting is her ex-husband’s brother, Holt Prosper, to fit every ideal she’s ever hoped for in a man.

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I am so excited to have a new series by one of my favorite authors to delve into!  This one is set on a ranch in Texas and I just love a good rancher/cowboy lead character.  Throw in that Texas charm and yup, hello Holt.

Is it weird that Macie falls in love with her ex-husband's brother?  I think it is.  I mean, I think Holt is awesome too, but seriously.  Awkward.  I just kept thinking the whole time how weird it would be to know your wife slept with your brother.  Who is still alive and coming to family dinner.  😳 I don't know.   Don't worry though, I can easily set aside my concern and mostly focus on Holt and Macie who are two great characters deserving of happiness and love.

How could Macie not fall for Holt as she watches him fulfill every hope and wish she had going into a marriage before?  Holt is all that and a bag of cookies.  Chocolate cookies.  I loved how easy it was for Holt to extend kindness, respect and love to both Macie and her daughter.  Both Holt and Macie are ready for love and the attraction is definitely there.  Hummm yumma I love lots of kissing and I sure got it with this book. 

This is a great start to this series and I'm really looking forward to the next book, releasing in March.  One Summer Day is on KU if you have that.

Content:  mention of affairs, kissing

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