I hope you all enjoy my point of view for The English proposal by Jenna Brandt! Jenna is offering an ebook version to one of our readers, see how to enter below!

Surrender to destiny: a window to the heart opens, when one door closes.

To follow the heart or the head—torn between two men—which future will Lady Margaret choose? Profoundly romantic and superbly riveting, The English Proposal explores the conflict between fulfilling duties and satiating desires.

The English Proposal (Book 1). Sheltered on her family’s country estate, Lady Margaret, the daughter of an English Earl, is betrothed due to a family promise. Although Henry, the Viscount Rolantry, has been her best friend since childhood and she is expected to marry him, she never felt butterflies until she meets the Duke of Witherton. Against her father’s wishes, Margaret finds herself captivated by the forbidden duke. Caught between family loyalty and her own wishes, Margaret searches for a way to satisfy both her responsibilities and her longings. When tragedy strikes, Margaret finds herself seeking answers at church. But when she finally makes her choice, through her newfound faith, will she be able to live with the repercussions of her decision?

My point of view:

This book was a totally new author for me. I am often asked how I find new authors, and there are actually many ways – I read a lot of Christian Fiction bloggers to get ideas for new reads; I hear about them on different Facebook groups; I subscribe to many of my favorite authors newsletters and they introduce new authors at times;  on a few occasions, an author will reach out to me asking if I would read their newest book, etc. But I must give credit for finding The English Proposal by Jenna Brandt to a dear friend, Kathy Danheim! So, to start with – THANK YOU, KATHY! I have definitely found a new author I intend to keep reading!

Now, as for this amazing historical, we have a great time period set in England that I truly enjoy, a good deal of mystery and suspense, and a beautiful romance between childhood friends. Margaret is one feisty young girl whom I adored from the beginning, and she continues to grow on you throughout the pages. The author takes several twists throughout the story, and once where I was ‘routing’ for one scenario, well, let’s just say it turns out I was cheering on in the wrong direction, lol! The of course, I was so sure I knew who the ‘villain’ was only to be led in another direction again!! Now, I don’t know about you, but I much prefer to be surprised when I am reading – in a good way, of course – than to read a book that I have had all the issues figured out ahead of time, lol!

Best part of the whole story, though? The characters finding their way to becoming true believers in the Lord, this by far was truly beautiful to read, and I am so happy I took a chance on a friend’s recommendation and bout this book! I hope you’ll take a chance on my recommendation and do the same thing and take your own journey into The English Proposal!

About Jenna Brandt    

Thank you all for visiting with us today! To enter to win your own ebook version of The English Proposal, simply comment below and tell us how you like to learn about new authors to read! Winner will be chosen at random and notified via email!

my point of view for Legacy Reclaimed by Robin Patchen

She’ll risk anything to save the company her parents built. He’ll risk anything to save her. Someone will stop at nothing to make sure they both fail. 

Chelsea Hamilton spent her life preparing to run the international clothing business her parents started, but she’s still caught off guard when she learns of her mother’s untimely death. Chelsea returns to New Hampshire, buries her mother, and prepares to take over the floundering business. When a stranger attempts to kill her, she realizes somebody doesn’t want her to inherit her legacy.

Private Investigator Dylan O’Donnell spends his time searching for lost teens. He doesn’t know what to think of the beautiful woman seeking his services. Hers isn’t the kind of case he’s accustomed to handling, and she isn’t the kind of client he quit his steady job to help, but something about the woman pulls at him. She’s in danger, and he can’t turn her away. But if he blows this very public case, his floundering business might not survive.

Together, they dig into her family’s secrets. The closer they get to the truth, the closer they grow to one another. Can Chelsea save the legacy her parents fought to leave her? Can Dylan save Chelsea from the enemies determined to see her dead?

my point of view:

I am so very happy I had the chance to read Robin’s books! She has quickly become one of my go to authors – I highly recommend anything she has written! This story is no exception, lol. I love a good suspense story, with romance worked into it, and Robin always delivers. The setting in a small town in New England is always a favorite of mine as well.

Dylan and Chelsea are two characters that are going to stick with me for a while, they both have such a strong, loving, and caring personality that it was fun to watch how they interacted. Their romantic journey is definitely one that will stay with you, with all the bumps and twists and turns it takes!

But the suspense will have you on the edge of your seat – literally. Just as soon as you figure you know who the ‘bad guy’ is you are changing your mind. Now, to be honest, I like to pride myself on guessing who is the culprit – but at the same time I get disappointed if I do figure it out ahead of time….lol…I know, I confuse myself at times. But seriously, I want that surprise ending where I think WOW, never saw that one coming! I don’t want to give anything away for the story, so I will just say you all need to read it for yourself and see if you have that aha moment too! 

About Robin Patchen      

I am excited to bring you a new to me author, Heather Day Gilbert and her book: Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing! You can enter to win your own copy, see below!

Exotic pet-sitter Belinda Blake is nervous about her new job at the White Pine Wolf Preserve, but it turns out that the care and feeding of wild carnivores may be the least dangerous part of the gig . . .
 
Pet-sitter Belinda Blake is no stranger to dealing with wild animals, but she’s wary when the owner of the Greenwich, Connecticut, preserve asks her to help out with her “fluffy darlings.” Her caution seems justified on her very first day, when she discovers a tour guide—dead, bloodied, and surrounded by wolves in the enclosure.

Was it death by predator or something more sinister? The body count rises, but something’s not adding up. As she gets to know the rescued wolves and wolf-dog hybrids better, Belinda realizes that her human colleagues are not above suspicion. With help from her own “pack”—her pregnant sister, Red the chauffeur/bodyguard, and hunky farmer Jonas—Belinda is hot on the killer’s tail, but if she doesn’t find him soon, he’ll do more than muzzle her to keep the truth from escaping.

my point of view:

Well, as I mentioned above, Heather Day Gilbert is a new to me author, but one I have certainly heard of quite a bit! I was thrilled to see I had actually won a copy of this story! Heather wanted me to make sure I mention that even though she IS a Christian author, this book isn’t Christian fiction, just clean fiction. She does not want anyone to be disappointed there is not a clear Christian message in the story line. 

I know this is book two in the series, but do not let that scare you (leave the scaring to the wolves, lol)! I have never read the first one prior to this and I still loved every moment of it! The story is fun, Belinda is a character all right, she made me smile and laugh out loud at times. I loved her tenacity in following through with her commitments even while everyone around her told he she needed to bail out. I also found the mystery / suspense to be very enticing – I honestly had no clue who or what the killer might be, and was completely shocked at the outcome!

Another author friend of mine warned me I might be looking into a pet wolf by the end of the story, lol, and while I wouldn’t go that far – lol – it did warm me up to wanting a little fur baby again <<grins>>! Now, I do believe I need to go and check out Belinda Blake and the Snake in the Grass no worries I will ever be lured into wanting a pet snake, hahahah!

About Heather Day Gilbert    

You can enter to win your own copy of this amazing book by commenting here! Tell us what the most exotic animal you have ever seen before! One winner will win either an ebook version (International winner) or a paperback version (USA winner)! Contest will remain open for one week after post is published and winner will be notified via email, good luck!

Welcome to my point of view for When I Close My Eyes by Elizabeth Musser and enter below to win your own ebook version of this powerful story!

Could she ever share the secret of The Awful Year?
 
There is one story that novelist Josephine Bourdillon shirked from writing. And now she may never have a chance. Trapped in her memories, she lies in a coma.

The man who put her there is just as paralyzed. Former soldier Henry Hughes failed to complete the kill. What’s more: he never received full payment–funds that would ensure surgery for his son.

As detectives investigate disturbing fan letters, a young but not-so-naïve Paige Bourdillon turns to her mother’s turbulent past for answers. Could The Awful Year be worse than the one they’re living now?

Set against the flaming hills of North Carolina and the peaceful shores of the Mediterranean Sea, When I Close My Eyes tells the story of two families struggling with dysfunction and finding that love is stronger than death.

my point of view:

I received this book as a Christmas gift from a friend. The story took my breath away in so many ways, I hope I can do justice to it in this review. As you all know, I am a huge fan of of christian Fiction – mostly romance, but I do enjoy other genres as well!  I was pleasantly surprised to find there are elements of mystery, suspense, redemption, illness, forgiveness and healing for all of the characters involved and even a little romance.

But the heart of the story deals with a topic most people try to avoid – depression. It affects so many of our lives, but no one wants to openly discuss it. Some people may even shy away from reading about this topic in a fiction story – I mean, most of us read for escapism, right? Who wants to read about afflictions? Well, let me tell you, if you think you are one of those people, I encourage you to take a chance on this story, truly. This novel brings to light the ways depression can touch everyone’s lives, in all ways, not just the individual who suffers from it. I think we can all learn some great lessons in compassion when reading this book.

Beyond the hard hitting topics is the overall atmosphere of the story. The dual settings of North Carolina and France are amazing. Ms. Musser has an obvious love for both locations and it truly comes out in her writing. Makes me want to take a road trip to NC and soon! 

About Elizabeth Musser   

Welcome to my point of view for Belong With Me by Alexa Verde! Alexa is aso sponsoring a $5.00 Amazon gift card giveaway, learn how to enter below!

A third chance or a third strike?

What do a dog, a cat, and a hamster, and a whole lot of fish have in common? The couple of humans taking care of them trying not to fall in love! An opposites-attract, fish-out-of-water romance to warm your heart.

Translator Cassidy Longfellow’s quiet life is turned upside down when she returns to her hometown to care for her niece. Not only must she deal with a lovestruck teen and a dog but also with a neighbor with nephews and a multitude of pets. After having loved and lost twice, her heart is closed to romance. But can the handsome neighbor warm her heart this cold winter enough for a third chance?

A former executive from Boston, Jonathan Hastings, was betrayed too many times to believe romantic love is possible for him. But he adores his nephews and needs all the help he can get, including from a shy lovely woman next door who draws him in. When his past threatens his future, what will he choose?

Welcome to Chapel Cove, Oregon, where life begins at forty.

Stunning coastline, a harbor against life’s storms, and a welcoming community await in Chapel Cove. A place where those hurt by challenges, disappointments, and failures or reminded of their unfulfilled hopes and dreams can make a fresh start. And, if they’re brave enough to accept it, maybe find a second chance at love, if only they’ll allow God to safely anchor them in their hearts’ home?

Discover this small town filled with love, hope, and faith, in Chapel Cove, a series of sweet and clean standalone Christian romances. Join bestselling authors Marion Ueckermann, Alexa Verde, and Autumn Macarthur in Chapel Cove today!

my point of view:

I must say I have been having a wonderful time in Chapel Cove, it has easily become one of my favorite fictional towns! This latest story is no exception! This lovely town is a beautiful setting for this amazing community of folks, who are always there for one another! I have always loved that small town vibe, where everyone knows each other and is willing to lend a hand (or a pastry <grins> as needed) when there is someone in need.

Cassidy reminds me so much of myself – much younger version of myself, of course, lol. Being single in your thirties, having loved and lost – not once, but twice – you begin to believe you are just better off staying alone and caring for others. The heartache she has endured by being in love twice before has certainly made her hesitant to try again. She also has a really hard time saying ‘no’ to anyone, from her sister in need of a caregiver, to a total stranger as a baby sitter of his nephews! Cassidy is a beautiful example of a woman who is willing to be there for her family and others, no matter how much it may interrupt her own life.

Enter neighbor, Jonathan……he, too has been burned by love, in a most dramatic fashion. He wants nothing more than to recoup his business, or start a new one and get on with his financial success. Even so, he agrees to watch his precious nephews and their hoard of pets while his sister and her husband leave for a cruise. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he’d find someone like Cassidy living right next door!

The beautiful faith these people have in God is so wonderful to read, and the outcome is more than I ever expected or dreamed would happen in this amazing story! It literally had me in tears and I am so grateful to have read this story – you will be too!

About Alexa Verde   

Alexa Verde is once again being her oh so generous self and offering a $5.00 Amazon gift card for one of our readers! Comment below and tell us what would be your first choice of a new language to learn to speak fluently if you could! Contest will run until 6pm EST on Feb 21st and winner will be notified via email!

Welcome to my point of view for Her Shining Eyes by Jeanette Morris and enter below to win your own ebook version of this riveting story!

Sometimes Pain Opens the Soul….Fourteen-year old Irina Kotova’s life as a promising violinist collapses in sync with the demise of the Soviet Union. After her father is killed in a bar fight, her ailing mother is hauled off to jail without explanation. Now considered an orphan, Irina is forced to live in a boarding school where Russia’s throwaway kids are abandoned and forgotten. Irina is constantly tormented by Vadim Solokov, a mean-spirited hooligan who takes great pleasure in reminding her that nobody cares about them. Irina is convinced he is right, and the not-so-mysterious theft of her precious violin seals her resolve to escape the school or die trying. Will she find a place to belong before bitterness destroys all her dreams?

my point of view:

What an amazing look into the lives of the people of Russia during a difficult time in their history! I have always held a special place in my heart for all things Russian, and this story took me to a time in Russian I have never read about before. The coming of age for two young teens is so real that I couldn’t help but ache for them both. What a journey these characters all go through, both separately and together, it is heart wrenching and achingly beautiful in the telling of it.

I was so taken by the circumstances and difficulties that the citizens of this country had to endure that it truly made me cry. It is obvious that the author had first hand experience in the lives of the Russian people, and she makes the story so real, I can honestly imagine that these circumstances could actually be more real than fiction. When you are reading the story, you so want to just cry out at the injustices that these people have suffered, but at the same time, you see God at work in all of their lives. I truly feel like this book is a must read for anyone!

About Jeanette Morris        

Ms. Morris is offering one of our readers a free ebook copy of this touching story. Simply comment below and tell us why you’d like to read this story about Russia to enter! Winner will be notified via email, thank you!

A Promise to Keep by Melony Teague

PLUS – enter below to win a $5.00 Amazon gift Card from Melony!

Research librarian Savannah Sanderson wants nothing more than to escape into her happily-ever-after novels with their larger-than-life fictional heroes. But a promise to her late husband has her attending her dreaded twenty-year high school reunion, drinking ghastly punch, and taking desperate measures just to keep her vow, even if she has to hide behind the décor to do it.

Once a reckless troublemaker, Michael McCann fled town after graduation. Now a professional technical rescuer, he’s back for the reunion, but on his trip down memory lane, he soon comes face to face with unresolved issues, namely Savannah.

Before the night is over, a pact between these two old friends will lead them on an adventure into uncharted emotional territory where Michael must confront his past regrets and find the courage to reveal the truth. But can Savannah fly from her sheltered nest and risk her heart on a real-life hero?

my point of view:

This is story really touched me, in several ways. I cannot believe it is Melony’s debut novel! I felt as though she has been writing novels forever, lol! Seriously though, the setting for the story in Upstate New York is always a favorite of mine, as I am from the area and enjoy reading about it through other’s eyes. Then you have the slightly older characters, and by this I mean not your twenty somethings, hahaha, but much more, ahem, mature folks in their mid thirties……you know what I mean, characters that have had some bumps in the road already, maybe bruised hearts, walls that they have erected, and well, faith issues as well.

Now let’s add in second chance at romance – and love – with a couple of old high school friends who have not spoke in, yikes, 20 years! This is definitely one of my favorite genres, I can never get enough of them….but there is a slight twist to this story. Savannah and Michael were actually part of trio friendship in high school, the third being Michael’s best friend and now Savannah’s deceased husband. These two characters want desperately to honor Nick and at the same time restore the closeness they had as friends all those years ago, but Savannah is somewhat afraid of her own shadow these days and Michael is not only an adventure seeking adrenaline ‘junkie’ but it is now his job to face dangerous situations daily to rescue folks in trouble. I honestly did not see how this author was going to be able to pull this together for these two……but you will have to read the story yourself to find out, lol! I encourage you to take this journey with Michael and Savannah and see what God has in store for them! Now, if only I could get away to Upstate NY for a vacation, lol…..

About Melony Teague              

We’d love to hear your comments, and you could win a $5.00 Amazon Gift Card! Tell us what you love most about your hometown to enter! Bonus entry – share this post on your social media to get a second entry to win, just be sure to tag me (Paula Marie) in it for it to count! Contest will run for one week and winner will be notified via email!