To Warm a Wintered Heart by Deborah M. Hathaway

After an uneventful season in Bath, Miss Charlotte Rosebury returns home to Warwickshire, looking forward to a visit from her mother’s friend. Their expected guest, Mrs. Worthington, has promised that her son will be accompanying her, and as Charlotte has only ever heard stories of the gentleman who rarely leaves his Yorkshire estate, she is most pleased to meet him. However, when her warm welcome is returned with a fierce frown from the handsome man, she cannot help but long to be free of him and his blue-eyed glare.

Despite his mother’s protests, Mr. Gabriel Worthington had made the decision long ago to remain unmarried, but when he meets Charlotte, doubts about his decision creep into his fearful mind, and he wishes for nothing more than to flee from the woman and never return.

For weeks, the two are forced to live within the same home, and though they provoke one another with teasing and stolen glances, an unlikely friendship blossoms between them, a friendship that grows stronger than either of them had expected. Will Gabriel concede to the choices binding his heart, or can Charlotte’s warmth be just the thing to strengthen their love and, at last, end their fears?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Deborah Hathaway is a new author for me.  I haven't read any of her books before now and I'm so glad I got the chance!  This book was so good and after finishing it, I went right to Goodreads and Amazon to see what else I could find by her.  I'm excited to read the next book I picked up.  I've already started it!  Yay for finding new authors to follow!

Charlotte is the kind of person I would want to be around.  She is kindness personified.  I love how sincere and good Charlotte is and how hard she tries to give people the benefit of the doubt.  She knows how to stand up for herself but in a classy way.  I really loved that.  Gabriel really tests Charlotte's character on every front but Charlotte is patient and forgiving if she is anything.  

Gabriel is a bit deluded and self absorbed.  He is one ornery man most of the time.  I don't think anyone could walk away from Charlotte unchanged though, so Gabriel is doomed to be wooed to the light eventually.

I loved the gentle way this book flowed.  I was so invested and wrapped up in both Charlotte and Gabriel's stories.  Theirs was a dance of sorts- coming together, drawing apart, sometimes smiling, other times not.  Circling around and around.

If you love regency, you really need to check out this book.  It is worth it.  I enjoyed every moment with this book!

Content:  Clean

- I received a copy of this book from the author.  A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

The Daring One: A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance by Cami Checketts

Summer Anderson has the perfect life—designing toys and traveling the world—until the venture capitalist company, Mumford’s Sons, helps her dad sell his toy company to the highest bidder. Summer loses her designs, her job, and her lifestyle, and is forced to work for a friend in Crested Butte, Colorado.

Chance Judd, owner of Mumford’s Sons, takes a mountain biking trip to Crested Butte and accidentally runs Summer off a running trail. He asks her out repeatedly, but she always has a sarcastic response ready for him. When he finally convinces her to go to dinner, he realizes that he is partly responsible for her losing her job and designs, and knows she’ll hate him if she finds out the truth. He has no choice—he lies. 

But how long can a secret this big stay hidden and will Summer ever forgive him when she finds out the truth?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

This book was yummy!  So, so yummy.  I loved it!  The characters were vibrant, the dialogue was snappy and entertaining and the kissing scenes were toe curling!  Yay!!  I think this one my be my favorite of them all.

If only there was a Chance Judd for everyone in this world.  <sigh>  I'm pretty sure the world would be a happier place.  :)  I like how balanced Chance and Summer were in wits and smarts.  They were well matched and complimented each other well.  The chemistry between them was fantastic.  

It was also fun seeing characters from previous books.  Just a glimpse of them, really but a bit like coming home.  Ooh, and I love the cover!

This Billionaire Bride Pack Romance series is such a fun one.  Maybe a bit unrealistic because how many young, attractive, gentlemanly billionaires are really out there?  I don't know but honestly, I don't really care.  These books provide a fantastic diversion and I so enjoy reading them.  

Cami is one of my favorites in the clean romance writing world.  If you haven't read anything by her, you really, really should check her out.

Oh, and as a little bonus- Cami wrote a short story about Chance's brother, Byron.  We meet Byron in The Daring One and I'm so glad Cami decided to give us this bit about Byron.  He definitely needed a resolution in my mind.  :)  This novella was like a little bit of chocolate after finishing a very satisfying meal.  (I think I'm hungry. . .)

Both of these books are part of the Kindle Unlimited program.  :)

Marissa Yates fell in love with Byron Judd three years ago, but she caught him holding another woman and she ran. She’s built a great life for herself and has kept Byron at arm’s length, only talking to him through phone, email, or text. She knows if she sees him again, he’ll charm his way right back into her heart.

Byron has no clue why Marissa ran from his life, but he does know his only chance to win her back is his brother’s wedding. His brother’s fiancée, Summer, schemes up a Lonely Billionaire Pact to help him be reunited with the only woman who has ever broken up with him in this companion story to the bestselling Billionaire Bride Pact Romances.

* Amazon * Goodreads *

Content:  Clean, some kissing

- I received a copy of both these books from the author.  I was under no obligation to leave a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Movie Review: The Last Descent

The details of the passing of John Jones in Nutty Putty Cave have been well documented, but his story did not end there. Witness the power of love, family, and the Plan of Salvation in this critically acclaimed film that shows that family bonds extend beyond this life.

 * Deseret Book * Amazon *

Ugh.  It's almost impossible to review movies like this one.  It's based on a true story and honestly, it's just sad.  I know it was supposed to inspire me, and I came out of it feeling extraordinarily grateful, but I was just not inspired.  I was sad.

John Jones and his brother decide to go explore the Nutty Putty cave in Utah.  They weren't well equipped and they just shouldn't have gone in that cave as unprepared as they were.  It is well know to be dangerous.  Long story short is John gets stuck.  Wedged in an impossible position, upside down.  It's horrifying.

My gratitude expands for the many, many people who fought so hard to save him.  Emergency crews, rescue crews, the sheriff's department, doctors and so many more, working so hard and trying for so long.  So many people giving their all to try to save this one man from a very dangerous circumstance at personal risk to them all.  That is amazing to me and shows the best part of humanity.

As the movie goes on, we get glimpses into John's past, including the courtship of his wife.  It's a sweet story, but just made the reality of his situation all the more heartbreaking.  John is a champion through it all- so humble and grateful.  But in the end, he still dies.  It's just sad.  The whole deal.  Sad.  

So, if you want a tear jerker story- this is your movie.  If you are into movies based on true stories, then you should check this one out.  If you have a loved one who loves to explore caves, you should NOT watch this movie.  :)

The Lady of the Lakes: The True Love Story of Sir Walter Scott (Historical Proper Romance #2) by Josi S. Kilpack

One is his first love.
The other is his best love.
Which will be Walter’s true love?

Walter Scott has three passions: Scotland, poetry, and Mina Stuart. Though she is young and they are from different stations in society, Walter is certain their love is meant to be. For years, he has courted her through love letters. She is the sunshine of his soul.

Though Mina shares Walter’s love of literature and romantic temperament, it’s hard for her to know if she truly loves him or if she has only been dazzled by his flattery. When she meets the handsome and charming William Forbes, her heart is challenged. Who will she choose?

But as every poet knows, “the course of true love never did run smooth,” and on a windy morning in the lake country, Walter meets Charlotte.

At twenty-six, Charlotte Carpenter believes she will never find love. After all, she is a Catholic-born Frenchwoman living in London with a family history shadowed by scandal. Though quiet, practical, and determined to live a life of independence, her heart longs for someone to love her and a place to call home.

Passion and promises collide as Walter, Mina, and Charlotte must each decide the course for their futures. What are they each willing to risk to find love and be loved in return?

 * Goodreads * Amazon * Deseret Book *

There is something wonderous about this book.  I was so completely enthralled with it and as I sit here thinking about the whole story, I find that outside of two very slow moving romances, there was not really a lot going on.  No danger, no big heart pounding moments of suspense and no heart wrenching scenes of tragedy and dying.  It's a simple tale of a man with a romantic heart, falling in love.  Josi Kilpack has done an amazing job of crafting a story, so simplistic in it's base form, into something I was completely enthralled by.  I really couldn't put it down.

I'll admit I don't know much about Walter Scott.  I've never studied the man or his works.  I know who he is in the most base form and that's it.  I really enjoyed learning more about how his works and writings came to be, and his journey as a man.

The characters in this book are fully developed and I felt like I knew them intimately.  I understood their struggles and felt the tugs of empathy and compassion toward them.  I love when that happens!

This was such an enjoyable book!  From start to finish.  I'm so glad I got to read it.  Josi Kilpack has really refined her craft in her last few books.  I enjoyed her earlier books, but these last few books are really her crowing jewels.  They are full of substance and so rich.  I can't wait to see what comes next!

Content:  Clean

Oh, and I LOVE this gorgeous cover!!

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  A favorable review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

https://www.facebook.com/events/367289370290370/

Learn fun behind-the-scenes facts about the book, chat with fabulous historical romance authors, hear what's coming up next in the Proper Romance Line, and win prizes throughout the party!

Timeline:

12:30- The Party Begins!
12:35- Q&A with author Julie Daines
1:05- Q&A with author Donna Hatch
1:35- Q&A with author Josi S. Kilpack
2:05- Q&A with author/editor Lisa Mangum
2:25- Q&A with Heidi Taylor, manager of the Proper Romance line

The Pursuit (Citizens of Logan Pond #3) by Rebecca Belliston

Let the chase begin . . . 

Six years ago, with the financial collapse of her country and the death of her parents, Carrie Ashworth swore to protect her siblings. She has fought to build a life for them in her illegal clan. Now home and recovering from a government-spread virus, she’s ready to pursue a little happiness of her own. With Greg.

Greg Pierce has no plan to join the growing rebellion or their “Live free or die” mentality. Even after compulsory military service deepened his hatred of President Rigsby’s regime, he wants nothing more than to leave it all behind and start a quiet life with Carrie in Logan Pond. But when word reaches them that Oliver, their patrolman friend and protector, is missing, Carrie and Greg are thrown into a race for survival. Chief Jamansky has discovered Oliver’s little secret and now he wants revenge, forcing their clan to consider abandoning Logan Pond forever.

In this battle for siblings and friends, for homes lost and freedoms stolen, the citizens must ask: How far would you go to pursue happiness?

The stakes are pushed to their boundaries in this highly-anticipated final book in Rebecca Belliston’s Citizens of Logan Pond trilogy, bringing her epic love story to an unforgettable end.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

This is the third book in the Citizens of Logan Pond series and definitely my favorite of them all.  Each book got progressively better and I'm glad I stuck with this series after the first book (which wasn't my favorite).  

In my review of the first book I mention that I don't like Greg at all.  I'm not sure I came out of this series loving him, but he definitely mellowed and became less abrasive in books two and three.  He has many redemptive qualities that came out more in the second and third books.  Thank goodness.

The pacing in this book is fast and constant.  The characters are all fighting for their lives and for the people that they love.  It was easy to get caught up in their plight for freedom.  This book is the climax of the series and it's full on.  The first two books have really built up to this final book and it doesn't disappoint.

Luckily anyone starting this series now, like me, can read the books one right after the other without waiting.  The benefit of coming into a series late, I guess.  😃  

Content:  some violence

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

Announcing The Rise of Miss Notley by Rachael Anderson + $25 Giveaway

 

To escape an undesirable match, Miss Notley must give up her riches for rags. When Miss Coralynn Notley’s father barters her off to the first titled gentleman to come along, she realizes she must flee her home or be forced to wed a despicable man. Driven by desperation, she applies for the position of housekeeper at Tanglewood Manor, the home of the handsome Mr. Jonathan Ludlow. The moment Jonathan sees Miss Notley, he is intrigued. She is far too young and inexperienced for the position, yet there is something about her that that inspires a certain hope within him. Does he dare offer her the position of housekeeper or will doing so result in catastrophe? The Rise of Miss Notley is the delightful tale of a mysterious gentleman and a determined young woman, caught together in a web so tangled it begs the question: Will they ever get out?

Coming February 2017

 

 

A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Website

   

  $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 1/25/17 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Destiny Came Knocking (A Snow Valley Romance) by Cindy Roland Anderson

When Piper Jensen’s dog has a litter of puppies that aren’t anything like their purebred mother, she immediately suspects the culprit responsible for the mishap is her neighbor’s derelict dog. Seeking restitution, Piper confronts the owner, Gabe Wesson, a single father of two children that likes to keep to himself. She isn’t prepared for Gabe to be so handsome, nor so disagreeable, and is irritated by his demands for a paternity test to prove his dog is the sire. As she and Gabe try to work things out, they both fight a growing attraction neither one of them want. But when Piper finds her heart falling in love with his children, it might be the catalyst that tips the scale towards a destiny she never dreamed possible.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I just love reading books by Cindy Anderson!  Isn't the cover so cute on this one?  I love those shoes!  I would die walking in them where I live in the winter, but I love them all the same.  This story is also in the Winter in Snow Valley Anthology but this stand alone version has a bonus epilogue.  Yay!

Piper and Gabe get off to sort of a rocky start but the chemistry between them is crackling and I just couldn't help but be sucked in by it.  First came the dogs, then the handsome dad, then cute kids and puppies!  How can you resist such things?!  I couldn't.  I fell in love with all of it.  :)  I was so impatient for Piper and Gabe to get over the whole fighting the attraction thing!  It made the coming together all the sweeter.

This is a great addition to the Snow Valley Romance collection.  Cindy Roland Anderson is one of my favorites and I'm always so happy to read her books!  

Content:  Clean.  Some kissing and mention of a marital affair.

-I was given a copy of this book by the author.  I was under no obligation to give a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.